Chapter 48

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<hr class="wp-block-separator">\nI checked my body’s condition and took a glance towards Russell.\n

.\n

…Black Eagle Saint Russell. A Russell I don’t know.\n

He’s such a gentle boy and I fell for him.\n

He’s been always there for me even in the smallest things to help in my times of need with this always pleasant air around him.\n

He’s always looking out for everybody in some ways more than Jannet.\n

.\n

In the few days we weren’t together, Russell became someone else.\n

.\n

The golden embroidery feels like it was originally meant for that darkish color giving this super expensive feeling… They said it’s the color of the black eagle.\n

But what changed in Russell more than his robe is his slightly upturned eyes.\n

His face didn’t change that much but… His expressions and choice of words almost feel like from somebody else.\n

.\n

And that new Russell is—\n

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–no no no. Hold on. Isn’t he like super cooler now!?\n

.\n

It’s kind of cliché how I fell for him from the very beginning and even I think it’s too dull but… my feelings are things I can’t hold back or control.\n

The cool Russell is just so fine. He became more handsome and I just can’t help but fall in love all over again.\n

.\n

You’re such a feeble woman, Emmy.\n

But, in the first place, isn’t it alright since I was always the simplest minded one in the party?\n

Tehehe.\n

.\n

Russell has switched into the darkness but he isn’t that negative looming type but instead that cool and bold person who just moves forward.\n

What’s more, he became more confident but – I feel a little ache inside my heart.\n

.\n

I’m sure the very reason that made Russell fall into the darkness was because of our party. And the cause of it… Was me.\n

The gentle warm boy I knew is now gone and gave birth to a silent young man. But, there’s only one reason why that man did not look back to what happened in the past.\n

.\n

Sybilla-san.\n

.\n

She’s a really beautiful girl taller and I think, as a fellow girl, is at least three times cuter than me. She’s that cool type beauty and one of the most pretty.\n

Katie-san falls into the prettiest category too but if I have to choose who I admire between the two, it’s definitely Sybilla-san.\n

.\n

And the relationship between that Sybilla-san and Russell is definitely close.\n

They’re so close that they aren’t reserved about anything between each other and they give me a feeling like they’re brother and sister.\n

When we fight, it feels like they can read what each other’s going to do. Like just now, Syblla-san just glanced and called ‘Russell!’ then he immediately casted Wind Barrier.\n

.\n

I, Jannet, or Vince, did not get the chance to have Russell use his magic just by calling his name even once.\n

We use our own recovery magic for ourselves so there’s no need for us to call him.\n

But now I know that the lower recovery magic that we’ve learned and thought that will get us through the lower levels is just plain arrogance.\n

.\n

[N? What’s the matter, Emmy-chan? Are you not feeling well?]\n

[Eh!? N-no! There is nothing to worry about!]\n

[Really? Russell has so much mana so you don’t have to hold yourself back if you need to recover. Emmy-chan’s strength and braveness helps Russell too, you know~]\n

[Yeah, naturally. Having a vanguard is really a great help, after all… Rather, if it’s just two mages holding their own swords standing in front, reaching this far feels so impossible…]\n

[Ah, uhm… T-thanks.]\n

.\n

Sybilla-san just saw me feeling a bit down and it ended up like this. She gives off a feeling of a reliable onee-san giving me comfort and compliments without any sign of malice.\n

The time Sybilla-san spent with Russell is shorter compared to mine. But even so, she calls herself my rival (romantically), and even if she wants him all for herself, she still gives way for me to talk with him.\n

.\n

Unlike Katie-san who’s really polite with her words but has this weird barrier that makes it hard to understand, Sybilla-san just looks indifferent but is actually attentive and is very open as she talks about what she thinks.\n

They’re the exact opposite.\n

And towards Sybilla-san… Towards this onee-san who actually cares for me, I can’t help but feel envy to this girl always standing beside Russell.\n

.\n

…Ah-ahh if I keep on thinking like this then my dream to be a cute princess would just forever remain as a dream.\n

.\n

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We’ve kept on beating down monsters after that.\n

The levels of monsters here in the third dungeon are really high. We’re just in the fifth floor but the monsters feel like they’re already on par with the ones in the middle levels in Hammond.\n

.\n

That might be the case but I find it way easier now compared to back then.\n

It’s basically what Sybilla-san has explained but first of all is this shield.\n

Who would have guessed that those materials from the fire dragon were hunted by Russell? Sybilla-san mainly focus on fire attribute so this means it’s just Russell who defeated it. Isn’t he just too cool?\n

I wonder how many times I said Russell is ‘cool’ just for today. I want to say it a hundred times more.\n

Anyway, one of the reasons is this shield.\n

The other one is…\n

.\n

[…What’s up? <Extra Heal>. This should remove your fatigue. Don’t push yourself too much, okay?]\n

[Wa..! Thanks! This is amazing!]\n

.\n

The moment Russell used his recovery magic, every bit of tiredness inside me was gone and had me fully recovered.\n

Russell’s <Extra Heal> isn’t just for wounds. I haven’t been seriously injured before so I never had the chance to experience it.\n

.\n

[We should have noticed this already back then in the party but… there’s really no information about the [Holy Maiden]’s magic.] (Russell)\n

.\n

The information about the Holy Maiden’s magic is hidden and it kinda makes you curious why, right? Like what if, the previous generation’s Hero isn’t really that strong and the Holy Knight isn’t really that tough but just barely makes it due to the Holy Maiden?\n

I’m the Holy Knight right now though. But what if they purposely hid the Holy Maiden’s power?\n

.\n

[Besides… I like the way I am right now.]\n

[un, un! It suits you!]\n

[I see.]\n

.\n

I just casually replied but Russell slightly smiled.\n

His lips just curled a little and really slight smile.\n

.\n

But with just that, mouuu!!!!!!! It was enough for my heart to jump sooo faast!\n

Unlike when he was a child who just happily grins, the Russell right now has sharper eyes and tighter lips.\n

So the young man Russell’s smile is really rare which gives this little smile more destructive powers.\n

It’s a smile imbued with dark magic capable of piercing even the Holy Knights defenses making its way straight into my heart.\n

My childhood friend is just so cool. Ah, I said it again.\n

.\n

…But, well.\n

In short, the current me just needs to think of Russell to activate a skill that repel attacks coming from monsters.\n

Just what’s up with this embarrassing skill. Sure, the ‘Power of Love’ is the best thing about the stories of the heroes but it’s really troublesome as it looks like I’m not fighting seriously, you know!? Oh Sun Goddess, are you really just fangirling? Do you like love stories?\n

Thanks to you it’s really convenient to activate though! It’s really easy for me to think of Russell for a whole day so it’s really convenient to activate though!\n

.\n

[Emmy-chan’s really amazing, isn’t she? She’s taking it easy even here in the fifth floor. It looks like she’ll be fine even taking on three gigantos.]\n

[Ahaha, even I am surprised myself.]\n

.\n

If I hadn’t joined this two, I feel I’ll worry knowing how would two mages challenge this dungeon together.\n

However, I’m able to play an active role so I’m glad.\n

.\n

[Oh, the next ones are coming, Emmy-chan.]\n

[Leave it to me!—eh? Eh…?]\n

.\n

When I looked back, the giganto that I had blown off is coming to get us from behind!\n

We’re going to get pincered!\n

.\n

As I’m panicking how I’ll be able to protect Russell from two directions, Russell had drawn his sword from his waist.\n

.\n

[Russell] (Emmy)\n

[Sure. Looks like the first team is on the lower floor anyway so I shall allow it.]\n

[Yosh. <Enchant Darkness>]\n

.\n

At the moment Russell’s words ended… The sword changed its color.\n

It looks like a mysterious bluish color sucking up the light around it. The color of dusk.\n

That’s… the power of [Dusk Magi].\n

.\n

Russell held his sword using his two hands as he walks toward the giganto.\n

.\n

[Emmy-chan, let’s deal with the one in front first.]\n

[Ye-yes! You….!]\n

.\n

I swing my sword and hold my shield with anger towards the giganto that had appeared and caused this pincer.\n

I’ve really gotten used to it now. As it swing it’s large club its holding with one hand, I aim for the opening under its arm and slashed.\n

This sword made of the dragon’s fang is strong too. Even if I can’t really kill the giganto with just one attack, it’s enough to get its arm a fatal wound.\n

.\n

The monster let out a roar from the damage it got from my sword which gave Sybilla-san an opening.\n

.\n

[OooOoOOOoo!]\n

[Its right arm is now completely useless, eh~ Well then, <Flare Sword>!]\n

.\n

Sybilla san’s high-level magic went through the monster’s chest. With this, the monster in front is taken care of.\n

But I don’t have the time to see it go down.\n

.\n

[Russell!]\n

[No problem.]\n

.\n

When I turn around… I can see Russell single handedly playing with the giganto.\n

It already lost both of its arms with its body riddled with holes.\n

.\n

[Done.]\n

.\n

Russell said so light heartedly as he stabs his sword towards the center of the giganto’s chest.\n

The monster lost all its strength as it falls down.\n

.\n

…Uwaa. Russell can now really fight.\n

The Mage Russell overwhelming a giant with a sword is just so cool…\n

.\n

As I let my thoughts wonder I – I immediately regret not going to his side right away.\n

.\n

[ah…]\n

At the end, Russell let out a small sound like he’s in pain… Then, I can feel my face drained all of its blood and immediately rushed towards him.\n

.\n

[Are you alright!? Where did you get hit!?]\n

[No, I’m alright. I just got hit by the pieces of the broken club and I’ve already used recovery magic so it’s fine.]\n

[…I’m so sorry for letting you get hurt, Russell…]\n

[Rather, there’s nothing really frightening that had happened because of you, Emmy. Thank you.]\n

.\n

Russell talked to me with a little smile on his face but it did not help because even though it removed my worries, the blood returned suddenly on to my face and it immediately got redder and hotter. But still, I still feel a bit guilty about what happened.\n

Even though I’m the Holy Knight… even though I’ve sworn to protect Russell from everything…\n

.\n

–and all this time, Sybilla-san is looking at me.\n

.\n

.\n

It’s still the upper levels so there’s no floor boss even we’re in the fifth floor.\n

There’s just a really a wide space and we decided to use it to rest.\n

.\n

Russell only rested for a bit before saying he’d like to practice his magic.\n

Sybilla-san is outside and invited me to investigate the rest of the fifth floor.\n

.\n

We’re now alone when Sybilla-san turned around and stood in front of me.\n

Looks like she has something she wants to say.\n

.\n

[Emmy-chan… You’re really innocently cute, aren’t you?]\n

[Eh? Uhm, thank you so much.]\n

.\n

That was a compliment… right?\n

.\n

[I know you’re worried about Russell. But-]\n

.\n

Sybilla-san then crosses her arms as her gaze becomes sharper.\n

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[But getting weirdly work up about it is bad. I know Emmy-chan wants to protect Russell from anything that can cause him pain to the point you’re blaming yourself and I understand as well that you still feel guilty about what happened between you. But you see, if you let yourself got hurt, the one who’ll be the most in pain would be Russell.]\n

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–I didn’t understand what she meant for a moment.\n

.\n

It slowly started to come up to me then… our eyes met and I can’t help but get shocked as I hold my breath now that I understood what are those words’ meaning.\n

Sybilla-san isn’t someone like Jannet who spent a lot of time with me yet… My feelings, even my frustrations, have been easily noticed…!\n

.\n

[You see, during the time that you aren’t opening your eyes, Russell had used all of his recovery magic on you twice. Of which, all are double cast so he tried to use all of his recovery magic on you for four times. That’s how agitated he was.]\n

[…eh? Russell, did?]\n

[Ofcourse. The magic Russell used <Resurrection> is similar to the miracle used by the Holy Maiden. It won’t work unless he has feelings to the partner in question like how the skill on Emmy-chan’s shield works. If that didn’t work then there’s no other way of saving you.]\n

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I—I see. Back then, as long as it’s for Russell, I’d be more than happy on dying…\n

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I remembered how I felt back then when suddenly the sound of my cheeks resounded. Sybilla-san slapped both of my cheeks.\n

It’s not the one that’s filled with hate, but the one that’s filled with encouragement.\n

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[For Russell, it’s just like how he is for you, Emmy-chan. You have to remember that your life isn’t something that is yours alone.]\n

[Sybilla….-san.]\n

[Besides… I’d come to like you more now, so Emmy-chan just recklessly abandoning herself is something I don’t want to happen too, you know? Being the one left behind has its own hardships like all of those times… I’ve been ‘left behind’ by a lot of people after all…]\n

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I see… it’s because Sybilla-san is a Goddess.\n

Those farewells will always be hard no matter how many times it happened or how many people have reached out to use dark magic.\n

.\n

[That’s why.]\n

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Sybilla then started to pat my head.\n

.\n

[So put more faith on Russell, okay? And when Russell felt you believe in him then he will be giving his faith to you too. You’re strong, kind, and a very hard-working child. Even if you’re not perfect, you’ll always be the most important for him… See?]\n

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— Even if you’re not perfect, you’ll always be the most important for him\n

Those words just made its way into the softest place of my heart.\n

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…Ah, what to do.\n

I know that this person is really kind but… She’s really really more caring than I thought…\n

She’s the person Russell opened up after all… I just didn’t expect that my heart will open up to hers this fast too…\n

.\n

[…Uh….*hics*… Showiieee, Sybilla-san…]\n

[Un, un. Now that’s better. You’re really such a cutie, Emmy-chan~ as expected of Russell’s childhood friend!]\n

.\n

I felt the warmness as she embraced me and I realized how grateful I am to be able to join this party while I can feel tears gradually fall behind me.\n

For her to accept me who has a wretched heart and treat with this much kindness…\n

Against this Goddess who changed Russell, I don’t feel like winning against her at all…\n

.\n

There’s also Russell who’s looking out for me.\n

For me to be given all of this is just… I’m just so happy.\n

.\n

I’m feeling so happy I’m starting to feel guilty about what I did last time.\n

.\n

Jannet… I’ve got to apologize to her when we see again each other…\n

I’m getting worried but I can only send her letters…\n

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I wonder what she’s doing right now…\n

<hr class="wp-block-separator">\nTranslator Note:\n

<ol>Sending my appreciation to D. Palacios for the cups of coffee! Man, you’ve been supportive as always. Really, thank you.To my fellow citizens of the corrupted world, I need your empathy as the feelings of the person I am currently translating and impersonating feels so far away from me. Love? Is that edible? What is love. My gosh. This torment was surreal. Release 1/3! 2 more to go for this weekend! <3</ol>\n<hr class="wp-block-separator">\nAppreciate the post? Maybe you can buy me a cup of coffee?~\n

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