He had never wanted to hold her hand as much as he did just then. He would be able to hear all of her thoughts if he touched her hand. But it was more respectful of him to wait to hear it from her herself. He restrained his desire.
âHowever, if we go to the Western Continent like this, we may never be able to return to the Eastern Continent.â
The two continents were far apart. The only land connecting the two was a thin stretch of ground called âFinnelyâs Legâ which could be crossed only once a month.
Now was just the right time period when Finnelyâs Leg could be crossed safely. They could not be sure that they would be able to return from somewhere that was so difficult to reach.
That was what he was implying. He wanted her to know that she may not be able to return. Did she truly want to leave this place? Was it really okay for her to come with him to a foreign land?
âThe Western Continent⊠is very different to the Eastern Continent. As Iâm sure you know,â he said slowly. The words were reluctant to come out.
Come with me. Letâs be together forever. Just like the wish I made when I was younger. I want to be with you always.
The people of the Western Continent, who had known him as the Western Kingdomsâ young tyrant, would have been shocked to see him now.
âThe Western Continent is huge,â Nabel went on, finally stifling his desires. âBecause itâs big, the monsters there are also large and vicious. Itâs dangerous. The people of the Western Continent also do not know much about people from the Eastern Continent. A lot of things will be uncomfortable for you. More than anything, that pink hair of yours is a color you can only see on the Eastern Continent.â
You will probably be the most brightly shining person on the continent, though.
âI donât want you to do anything that will be difficult for you. If you want to remain on the Eastern Continent, you can,â Nabel finished quietly.
Nabelâs mouth fell shut at her words. His gaze flickered towards the window. The Rieda Manor was not so far off and was still vaguely visible. âIt should⊠be scarier than that place.â
âMore than anything, I just donât want to be alone again.
âThat was why I had already decided to get out of there. If you hadnât come, I would have escaped.â
In which case, it must certainly have been dangerous⊠Nabel inhaled deeply and then exhaled. He let out a restless huff of breath that showed he was still restraining himself.
âLetâs go, then.â
To the Western Continent. To the place I have spent ten years preparing for you.
âYou have given your permission,â he finished in a very small voice.
Inside his mind, the last remaining thread of rationality broke.