TWCT 34

Chapter 34

Beyond the forest lay a small village. Wooden houses lined up neatly, and the fields were filled with vegetables glistening with morning dew. The clucking of chickens mixed with the laughter of children carried on the wind.

“…It’s quiet here.”

I—Yuto Takamiya—exhaled and relaxed my shoulders. Far from the bustle of the royal capital and my classmates, only a calm, peaceful air stretched out before me.

◇

“If it’s here, we might finally be able to relax a little,” Rine said with a smile. Her silver hair swayed as she looked around, letting out a sigh of relief.

“The inn seems to be over there… Let’s take it easy today, Yuto.”

“…Yeah.”

After so many battles, a rare sense of relief seeped into my body.

◇

In one of the inn’s rooms. Sitting down in a room smelling of wood, Rine opened a basket.

“I bought this at the market. It’s simple, but…”

Bread and soup, cheese and fruit. It was an ordinary meal, but to me, it felt warm.

“…Sorry for the trouble.”

“Hehe, something this simple is nothing for me,” Rine said, smiling shyly. Watching her, I couldn’t help but chuckle.

(…Even though I just parted ways with my classmates. This feels strange.)

◇

After finishing the meal, I looked out the window. The evening sky was dyed red, and the distant forest cast long shadows.

“…Yuto,” Rine sat beside me, lowering her voice.

“Do you think… you’ll meet them again?”

“…Who knows. But I can’t avoid it. The royal capital won’t just leave me alone.”

Rine nodded quietly at that, a mix of unease and determination on her face.

◇

Night fell. The inn’s lights dimmed, and silence settled. I lay on the bed, closing my eyes.

(…A brief rest, huh. But how long will this kind of time last—)

At that moment:

“…Reporting. Yuto Takamiya, survival confirmed.”

A low voice drifted on the wind from outside the inn. Shadows of multiple figures lurked in the bushes, and the emblem of the kingdom gleamed on their chests.

“Subordinate skill… Leaving him be is dangerous. Capture immediately.”

Without my knowledge, the shadows were already in motion.

◇

Late at night. The faint chirping of insects could be heard outside the window. Rine sat at the edge of the bed, staring absentmindedly at the lamp’s flame.

“…What’s wrong?” I asked.

She shook her head slightly.

“Nothing… just thinking.”

“About your classmates?”

“…Perhaps,” she admitted, pausing for a moment and biting her lip.

“They were afraid of you… But there were also those who trusted you.”

“…You mean Misaki,” I said instinctively. Rine’s shoulders trembled slightly at that, but she quickly smiled gently.

“…Yes. She’s brave.”

Her voice carried a subtle complexity. I pretended not to notice and stared at the ceiling.

◇

The next morning. We shared a peaceful breakfast prepared by the villagers.

“This is wonderful… I haven’t had such a warm meal in a long time,” Rine said, bowing her head.

The elderly woman smiled.

“It’s the village’s duty to feed traveling youngsters well.”

“…Thank you,” I said briefly. Even a short moment like this eased the heart.

(…Which is why I can’t shake this uneasy feeling.)

Since last night, a small unease had stirred deep in my chest. Perhaps it was nothing. But after continuous battles, my instincts refused to rest.

◇

Meanwhile…

“…Continue the pursuit.”

Deep in the forest, men bearing the kingdom’s emblem lurked in the darkness. After receiving the earlier report, more reinforcements were gathered.

“The target is a ‘Subordinate Skill holder.’ Capture alive is the top priority. If they resist, immobilize by any means necessary—even if it means cutting off limbs.”

The cold command echoed, and the shadows moved in unison.

Soon—their footsteps crept toward the quiet village.

◇

Afterword

Thank you for reading this far! Episode 34 depicts “Rine’s inner thoughts,” “small daily life in the village,” and “the kingdom’s serious pursuit.” By contrasting a brief moment of peace with creeping shadows, it sets the stage for the next confrontation.

Next time, we finally see a direct encounter with pursuers in the village. How Yuto and Rine will respond—look forward to it!