Dolce-san was initially startled and frightened upon hearing that we had defeated the chimera, and she nearly closed herself off again. But when we gave her the Stollen we’d saved for dessert, she opened up once more.
「This is so delicious, it’s so… mmm… Oh no, is there no more…?」
Wait, isn’t she more resilient than I thought?
Well, as long as she’s happy, that’s what matters.
「It’s pretty dense, so eating too much might not be good for your weakened stomach. Could you settle for just one more slice?」
「Yayyyyyy! Thank you so much! Sweet things… I haven’t had sugar since my grandpa and grandma were still alive!」
「That’s… a heavy review.」
She said it so casually, but hearing it made my chest ache. What kind of life has she been living? …Maybe you need a certain level of resilience to survive through that.
「Phew… I’m so full. Thank you. This is the first time I’ve eaten something so delicious, and the first time in a long while that I’ve been this full.」
Dolce-san said, sounding satisfied, before slumping over and leaning against Chocola. Uh-oh… Chocola’s looking at her like, ‘Is she done yet?’
「Let her lean on you for a bit longer, okay?」
「Bark.」
With a short bark, Chocola laid down, generously allowing Dolce-san to rest on him.
Rick-san watched this with a warm smile before tightening his expression and speaking.
「Dolce-san, I’m sorry to bring this up right after you’ve eaten, but we need to talk about what comes next.」
「What comes next…?」
「Yes. The village of Athenak isn’t in the ‘Void Forest’ anymore, right? I mean, aside from this place.」
Naturally, feeding a hungry child a good meal doesn’t mean everything is solved and happily ever after.
The problems are still piled up, and each one is more tangled than the last. There are still many mysteries left unsolved. In fact, the real challenge starts now.
「Another place… I don’t think there is one.」
First, the issue of the Athenak village.
Dolce-san answered this quickly.
「Originally, this was the only place that could really be called a village. They probably had small outposts scattered around for ‘Crucible Breaking’, but I think they all pulled out at once, including the people stationed there. They had a strong sense of solidarity.」
And yet, Dolce-san had been cast out from that ‘solidarity’.
The way she spoke about it as if it were someone else’s problem made it clear how she had been treated. It was hard to hear, but there was no point in dwelling on each detail right now.
「So, the entire clan abandoned their ‘duty’ and ran away. Let’s set aside the right or wrong of that for now. If they crossed the western mountains, it’s unlikely they’ve migrated to Sidera…」
As Rick-san muttered to himself, I added my thoughts.
「Judging by how they lived, I think they regularly went to Sidera to get supplies. I’ve heard elves are rarely seen there, though…」
「Hmm, we’re just a race with long ears. We don’t have distinct physical traits like dwarves with their stature and build. If we hide our ears, no one would notice.」
「Yes, Sidera does have a steady flow of merchants and travelers.」
Karen and Noemi-san joined the conversation.
Rick-san nodded at our exchange, then turned back to Dolce-san.
「You have a choice.」
「A choice…?」
「You can either stay here or come with us.」
Lowering himself to her level, he looked her straight in the eyes.
「…You’ve been hiding in this village for almost a year, right? If you’ve survived this long, that means you’ve managed to get by somehow. If you want to stay here, we’ll respect your decision. That monster… the ‘rare existence’ is gone. You shouldn’t have to live in fear anymore.」
But then.
After a pause, Rick-san continued.
「However, if you’re willing, you can come with us. Live in Sidera. There are a lot of issues, like Athenak’s responsibilities and whatever the Elf Kingdom of Alfheim has planned… But we can deal with that later.」
「Oh no, it’s fine. Bringing someone like Dolce along would just be a burden.」
「…What?」
Her response was unexpectedly quick, curt, and apologetic, leaving Rick-san stunned.
I was a little taken aback myself. I didn’t expect her to turn us down here. What is this girl planning to do?
…Or maybe she’s not planning anything at all. She’s survived on her own this long, so she might think she can continue doing so. Perhaps she doesn’t even realize how unfortunate her situation is, which is why she’s choosing to stay as she is.
An awkward silence filled the air.
It was Noemi-san, one half of the Ejetia siblings, who finally spoke up.
「…Honestly. It’s not like that, right, niisan?」
With a heavy sigh, she placed a hand on Rick’s shoulder and gently nudged him aside.
Then, crouching in front of Dolce-san, she spoke firmly.
「Sorry, but what my niisan said earlier was a lie. You don’t actually have a choice. You’re coming with us.」
「Huh? No, but…」
「There are no buts. Listen, we can’t just leave you here alone. We won’t. This has nothing to do with Athenak’s duties or the will of the Elf Kingdom Alfheim.」
「Dolce isn’t worth that much…」
「Value doesn’t matter. That’s not what this is about.」
Dolce-san remained stubborn, but Noemi-san wasn’t frustrated or angry.
Instead, she simply smiled, gentle and unwavering.
「We don’t want to leave you here. A girl who cries because something Sui-san made was so delicious… a girl who looks so happy just from the warmth of a dog… we can’t leave someone like you alone. Neither us nor Sui-san, nor the master outside—Schnei-san and the others.」
She reached out and gently ruffled Dolce’s hair, which was matted with dust, dirt, and sweat, without hesitation, her touch soft and kind.
「When we leave here, you’ll get hungry again, won’t you? The nights will get cold, and you’ll long for warmth. If you even think a little about wanting to eat a good meal again, or to sleep warmly, then come with us.」
「I’m sorry. I chose my words poorly. But my sister is right. Don’t worry—we’re on your side. You’re one of us, child of Athenak.」
With the same kind, familiar smile, Rick nodded, his face mirroring Noemi’s.
「……me….one?」
Dolce mumbled softly, her round eyes downcast, her voice quiet and full of uncertainty as she asked, almost pleading.
「Can I really come with you? Does Dolce…… not have to live alone anymore?」
Noemi didn’t hesitate.
She pulled Dolce into a warm embrace, like gently tugging her from the covers, and stroked her back.
「Of course. You’re not alone anymore. We won’t let you be alone.」
※※※
Dolce buried her face in Noemi’s chest, sobbing quietly, while Noemi comforted her. Rick watched them, his expression gentle, and I couldn’t help but feel a little surprised.
When we first met, I thought they were all high-strung, arrogant, and full of themselves. But deep down, they’re kind and genuine. They can show this kind of softness, too.
「Hmm, they weren’t bad people to begin with.」
「Yeah, I guess so.」
I replied to the proudly smiling Karen as I stood up.
「Alright, let’s change our plans and ask Ji Liz to take us back.」
Before Dolce gets hungry again, I want her to enjoy something more special this time—not just camp stew, but maybe something like Tomoe-san’s cake.
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