Sepakai (GXG) (GIRLXGIRL) (GL)

26

Chapter 4
Section 6: Melting Snow, the Story that Begins to Move
The sun rises, illuminating a world of glittering silver. Water drips off the end of each icicle hanging low from every rooftop lining the street. Winter is coming to an end, and spring is on the horizon.

With all my luggage packed away and hanging off my back, I looked back at the Shining Hen where I had been living for the last half year. The view from my window. Will the day ever come where I can look out over town from that angel again? If so, then when?

“Iris. I’ll definitely, absolutely write to you. And if I ever can, is it all right if I come visit?”

Charlie’s tearful voice really didn’t suit her always sunny personality. I kept nodding over and over again.

“Yeah. Yeah. I’ll write to you too. I’ll definitely write. And you can visit anytime. Then it’ll be my turn to show you around town.”

I hugged Charlie tight so that I wouldn’t have to say goodbye. I glanced at the landlady over Charlie’s shoulder while wiping away my tears with a finger.

“Thank you for all your help. Truly, thank you very much.”

As my tears continued to flow, it soon started getting difficult to see in front of me.

“It was nothing. Come again whenever you want. You’ll always be welcome here.”

The landlady was cheerful and continued to laugh until the very end. I was a little embarrassed at having started to cry, but now I think I’ll be okay. I’ve made my decision, but sad things are still sad. It’s moments like this that’ll help me endure in the future like the landlady.

“Hey, hurry it up. You’ve gotta reach the next village before dusk don’t you?”

I looked over my shoulder when somebody patted my back and found Toslin standing there. She had already accepted her next job and was already packed up and ready to move out. And not just Toslin either. Carol and Rose-san were ready to leave town as well.

“U, Uuuu……..everyone………”

My capped off tears suddenly burst once again and started rolling down my cheeks.

“Everyone too………stay well everyone……. I…….I’ll never forget……..what everyone’s done for me…….. I definitely, absolutely won’t forget……..*sob*………*sniff*……….”

I looked at Toslin, then Carol, and finally Rose-san. All three of them were quietly watching me. I was the only one crying. I see, everyone is an adventurer, so they’re used to this kind of thing. This is a little……embarrassing.

And at the same time, it’s a little saddening. For me, everyone is an unforgettable friend, but for them, this parting is just one of many. In that case it can’t be helped if they were to forget one or two people.

“W-Well then…….I, am going to go. S-So……..I……..it was good meeting everyone. I know I’m just one of many for all of you, but still I……I…….”

“Eh? What do you mean? Aren’t Toslin and the others going with you Iris?”

“Huh?”

“Just a…….keep it down Charlie!”

Having been completely silent with a wide grin until now, Carol suddenly got flustered and covered Charlie’s mouth.

“Eh…….What, What is going on?”

Completely stunned, I was barely able to speak to Carol.

“Aah seriously…….after all that work to surprise you.”