Chapter 98 A Brief Meal and a Crooked Heart
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
Sanai was alive! They were stunned—but even more shocking was his confession: he had killed Sada.
Surprise, fear, pity for both the killer and the victim—their emotions tumbled in all directions. But the one they grieved for most was Ms. Mineyama.
They knew how hard she had worked to keep her classmates safe from harm. Yet Sada betrayed her, tried to force himself upon her. As women, they could never forgive him. To leave such deep scars on Sanai and Ms. Mineyama both—it was unbearably cruel.
They could not say it was right that Sanai killed Sada. And yet, selfish as it was, they were relieved. Relieved that Sanai was still here, alive.
”Alright… trap complete, containment circle set. Sada secured.”
Sanai… they knew him. Beneath that icy exterior, he was not heartless. They still remembered, in the garden bed… the day he helped rescue that tortoiseshell cat.
* * *
”Mr. Sashima… you’re kind,” Sanai had murmured one day in the garden, his voice flat, almost mechanical. He sat on the bench, the mottled cat curled on his lap, his hand moving over its fur.
”Am I?” asked Sashima. “I only stopped because this little one rubbed against me. Really, Sanai, you’re the one who took the lead in helping it. When I think about it… I haven’t done anything for this cat at all.” His words fell heavy, shaded with quiet pain.
”Not true,” Sanai replied without shifting his expression. “There are people who, instead of helping, abuse abandoned cats and dogs just to satisfy their own desires. People brimming with malice, who kill without hesitation. Compared to them, you’re kind. You’re a good person. And good people are always more precious than the cruel ones. Someone like you—your presence alone has value. There’s no need to belittle yourself.”
Sashima had been deeply moved. No one had ever told her that—someone like her, plain and timid, could have value simply by being there.
”Alright… that should do it.”
While he had been lost in that memory, Sanai had already portioned out soup from a large iron pan into mismatched containers and passed them around. Ms. Misa took a cautious sip and her eyes flew wide.
”This is delicious!” she exclaimed.
Encouraged, the rest of them tasted it too.
”I’m glad,” Sanai said, taking a sip himself. “I managed to get some fresh river fish. First I sautéed onions—or something close to them—in butter, then simmered it with wine, raw milk, vegetables, and herbs. Fricassée, jarred for storage.”
It wasn’t bad. In fact, though he would never admit it, it was good.
He had prepared several days’ worth of rations, thinking he would return to the Birene Mine Tunnel again and again. But the place had proven far more dangerous than expected. It was clear this would be the last visit. So he had chosen to lighten his pack by sharing the jars. Judging by their reactions, his cooking had been a success. At least it helped ease the tension.
When everyone had finished their meal, tearing bread to go with the soup, Ayumu rinsed the dishes with the enchanted waterskin and dismantled the magic circle and traps. Meanwhile, Tokihara and the others took turns wiping down their sweat-soaked bodies with cloths dipped in heated water.
At one point, Tokihara whirled on Sanai, her face burning red.
”Hey! Sanai! Don’t you dare look this way!”
Accused, he sulked. “That’s cruel…”
But Sashima came to his defense, speaking softly. “No, Sanai wouldn’t do something like that, Ms. Misa.”
Guilt pricked at him.
The truth was, his thoughts had strayed—strayed toward Ootori, to the soft curves of her chest. Forgive me, Sashima. A wicked thought had taken root. After all, he was a boy. Boys thought about these things.
Ayumu apologized silently in his heart.
Notes:
• Sada – A bullied student with a dark and arrogant personality, who awakens as a Dark Knight.
• Mineyama – Vice class rep, serious and disciplined.
• Sashima – Family name of Hiyori. A quiet, caring girl from the library committee, empathetic toward Sanai. She followed as a Barrier Technique Adept.
• Tokihara – Family name of Misaki. One of Hiyori Sashima’s closest friends, alongside Ootori Fuuka.
• Ootori – First appears in Chapter 49 of the story. One of Hiyori Sashima’s best friends, alongside Tokihara Misaki. Fuuka is currently experiencing menstrual pain, which slows her down and causes her discomfort, but she persists in moving forward with her friends. Her blessing makes her a target for those with ill intent, so she relies on Misaki’s combat skills and Hiyori’s barrier abilities for protection.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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