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「I came here today because I wanted to tell the both of you about something」
「…What is it?」
Rather than trying to pry into Rhyn’s identity, Fran decided to listen to her first. There was something about the serious expression that Rhyn wore that made it difficult for her to say no.
「Through water, I can see the cause and effect of the past. And from the vision of the past, I can know the future」
「The future?」
「Yes. There is no such thing as a fixed destiny in this world. But there is an outcome called the future, which is likely to come if we do nothing」
Rhyn seemed to have some kind of psychometric ability. Since she could predict the future, she must have been able to analyze the past in great detail. Moreover, it seemed that she could also predict the future by performing calculations based on past information.
Maybe it was because of that ability that she found out I was not just a simple sword. If she could see Fran’s past, then, of course, she could see me in her past too.
「Of course, this is not a sure thing. It’s just that, as it is now, there’s a high probability that it will come」
「So what does that mean?」
「There’s a tragedy coming for the both of you」
「Tragedy?」
「Yeah. You’ve saved my life before, and I wanted to return that favor」
「Before? What are you trying to say since a while ago?」
「I’m sorry. If I interfere too much, the future I see might change into something completely different. But I’m really worried about you guys… Sword-san. To avoid this tragedy, you’d need to be ready」
Rhyn’s eyes definitely focused on me.
「You must haven’t noticed, the changes in yourself」
『…What do you mean?』
I’d been completely exposed. There was no point in hiding it any longer. I was worried about the tragedy that was coming to Fran too.
「You are, becoming a sword」
『Becoming? I’m already a sword, aren’t I?』
「The body is. But not the inside. You’re still a person inside」
Aah, so that was what she meant. I’m a former human being, so it couldn’t be helped.
「However, you’re becoming less and less of a person. The change is accelerating, from a human spirit to a spirit worthy of the sword」
『Is that bad?』
「In the past, you hesitated in a situation where you would have stopped Fran. Nowadays, you are taking a step back and looking at Fran from behind」
『Well, that is――』
「No, definitely not. You acted like a guardian before. But now, you act like a sword, just like what any sword does」
『Well, it’s because I’m a sword, right…?』
「And you’re starting to feel more comfortable by thinking that way」
『No… I-I’m…!』
I tried to argue with Rhyn and was surprised at how weak my words sounded. What was it? I tried to shout, “No! I’m not just a sword!” but failed.
「You must haven’t noticed the change in Fran too」
『What?』
「Was she frustrated because she couldn’t freely move her body? Did you really think that was the case?」
What do you mean? When I looked at Fran, she laid her ears flat and turned her head down with an indescribable look on her face. She looked apologetic, sad, lonely, and a mixture of other emotions.
「I’m sorry…」
『Why are you apologizing?』
「I had noticed that Master was a little strange. But I was afraid to tell you」
『Fran…』
The uneasiness I was having was making her irritated and agitated…? Because of me?
「You are indeed a sword. But you’re also a person. Don’t forget that」
Right after she told us that, Rhyn’s body started to fade.
『W-wait!』
「You’re her master, aren’t you? Don’t just be a mere bystander. Keep your mind strong. You are Fran’s teacher――」
『Rhyn! Wait! Please tell me more about it!』
It was no good. She had said all she wanted to say and disappeared.
『Fran, can you sense Rhyn’s presence?』
「She is gone」
『I see…』
But, I was becoming a sword? How did that lead to tragedy?
「Master」
『What is it?』
「I prefer Master to remain as my master」
『Fran…』
There was a definite sadness in Fran’s voice. Her eyelashes trembled, and her eyes moistened slightly.
Fran pulled me out of the scabbard and hugged me tightly. I could feel Fran’s warmth and the beating of her heart.
「There are many swords. But Master is my only master」
『I’m…』
Fran was afraid. She was afraid I would turn into a sword. She even shed tears for me.
I was terrified at that moment.
Even though Fran had done so much for me, I wasn’t afraid of the fact that I was becoming more like a sword. If it had been me when I first met Fran, I would have definitely felt sorry and scared.
As Rhyn had said, I was on the verge of becoming a sword. The moment I became very aware of this, I was hit by a terrible chill.
『Guh…』
「Master!?」
It was the first time I felt this way since I became a sword. The next moment, I felt my body tremble with an unfamiliar urge that took over my mind. No, I don’t have a body to tremble though…
『Gha…』
「――!」
Then, I suddenly realized that I had a strong fear of becoming a sword.
This is――.
「――! Master!」
I became blind and couldn’t see my surroundings. I couldn’t even hear Fran’s voice anymore. However, the moment I heard the sorrowful call, I was able to rapidly regain my composure.
『…Fran?』
「Master! Are you okay?」
『A-aah, yes, I’m okay. I’m totally fine. Sorry, I was just a little distraught… Hey, have I been acting weird lately?』
「Just a little. But it is really just a little」
So, it was only a little, huh? Apparently, that was why she couldn’t bring herself to say it. But Fran was clearly relieved.
『Fran』
「Nn?」
『I’m still myself. I’m Fran’s master』
「Nn…」
Just what am I supposed to do? Rhyn told me to be strong-minded. I guess that means we can still do something about it.
『I’ll do my best』
「Nn!」