NOVEL WEB Chapter 109.2
Chapter 109.2. In the Beginning, Everyone
“…I’m exhausted.”
They kept walking, finally leaving the Hartmann estate.
Katia, relieved, leaned against him.
Supporting her, Hermes spoke kindly.
“…You did a remarkable job. Even I can see it──those two are beyond saving now.”
“Yes, and with Sara under our protection, Illumina’s tyranny will soon be exposed. It was worth the effort.”
Saying that, Katia stepped away from Hermes. She turned to Sara, who was looking down, and spoke again.
“Sara, I have a message from your father, the Baron. ‘I regret not having the courage to stand against my wife and do anything for you. …If you’re trying to change, then follow that path. Leave the rest to us’.”
“!”
Hearing those words, Sara trembled──tears fell from her downcast face.
“…I’m sorry…”
In a frail voice, she began to apologize.
“…I couldn’t do anything. …I wanted to be like you two, I gathered all my courage, and I tried my best… but nothing worked. In the end, I couldn’t change anything…”
“The opponent was too much to handle.”
“…Even so. …It’s selfish, but… I still want to do something for those two. I know how my mother and Clyde ended up this way. And knowing that, I can’t help but want to do something…”
“…Sara.”
“…”
…Among the words Aster and Clyde used to describe her.
Most of them were way off, but… there was one undeniable truth.
She is──too kind for her own good.
No one could deny that.
It was her kindness that allowed Hermes to be here now. Many in Class B have likely been saved by that same kindness. So, there is no denying it.
“…You two are amazing. You have a clear sense of self and a goal, and you can… ‘let go’ to achieve it. I’m not there yet. I’m still caught in the middle, and today, I only managed to say something…”
“──Of course. You’ve only just started your journey.”
Katia cut off Sara’s negative words, firmly yet gently.
“I was lucky to have Herm, so I was able to move forward a little sooner than you. …And of course, when I first made up my mind, I was a mess. I don’t know about Herm, but I was the same way at the start.”
“I was too. …If you ask Master, I’m sure she’d have plenty of embarrassing stories.”
Rose would likely share them with glee. Hermes, not wanting to be around for that, looked away and then turned back to Sara.
“I told you when we first met. ──The power of your feelings is much stronger than you think. And today, you showed that.”
“Yes, take pride in that. …Anything you’re lacking, we’ll help you with.”
Their unwavering encouragement was the reward for her kindness.
Sara blinked a few times, then finally, as if the realization had hit her.
“…Yes.”
She smiled apologetically, humbly, but with more joy than either.
…Who knows how she will confront her feelings and reality from now on.
But that’s something to worry about later. It’s a matter she should take her time to figure out.
Understanding that, Katia spoke in a tone that suggested a change of subject.
“Still, I’m really exhausted. I think I outdid myself today, even more than Herm. …Right, Herm?”
A little bashfully, but with a hint of desire, she took Sara’s arm and looked at him.
…By now, Hermes knew her well enough to understand exactly what she wanted.
“What can I do for you?”
“Let’s go back to our original plan. Shopping and dinner. I want something sweet too. …Just for today, I’ll allow you to treat Sara the same way you treat me.”
“Eh?”
“Understood, my ladies.”
Even in such moments, she didn’t forget to care for her friend. Cheerleading Sara was likely the main goal.
Understanding that, Hermes nodded and switched from bodyguard to attendant.
Noticing something in Hermes’s eyes, Katia gave Sara a heads-up.
“…Brace yourself, Sara.”
“Eh?”
“When Herm… probably because of his master… decides to spoil someone, he’s ridiculously good at it. …You should really prepare yourself.”
“Huh? Um… what?”
Sara blushed in confusion at those strangely ominous words, while Hermes began to escort the two girls without hesitation.
And so, they returned to the peaceful holiday they had been looking forward to.