Chapter 149: From now on
{TL: By Creed}
"Thank you for keeping the promise we made back then."
As the conversation about the past ends, Sofia smiles warmly.
Her smile is so beautiful... no matter how many times I see it, it still makes my heart race, and I find myself looking away, a bit embarrassed.
"There's no need to thank me. It was something I wanted to do... though I must admit, things got a bit risky."
If Sofia hadn’t saved me when I was tricked and enslaved, I would probably still be living as a slave.
So, I didn’t really do anything. I somehow managed to keep our promise, but... it was all thanks to Sofia.
"No, that’s not true."
Sofia easily dismisses my thoughts.
"Even if you were enslaved, you never gave up, did you, Fate? You kept thinking of me the whole time, didn’t you?"
"Yeah, I did."
"I think not giving up was the most important thing. If you had given up along the way, I probably never would have met you, and we’d still be separated."
"Really? I don’t think that’s..."
I try to say "not true," but no words come out.
Not giving up.
It’s such a simple thing to say, but when it comes down to doing it, it’s one of the hardest things in the world.
Whether it’s like me, who aimed to become an adventurer to keep a promise to Sofia, or someone aspiring to be an artist, or even a top merchant—
Everyone has dreams and carries in their hearts something they want to achieve. But, countless times, they’ll hit walls, sometimes facing unfair setbacks.
In those moments, refusing to give up is no easy feat, is it?
"Fate, you didn’t give up for years. I think that’s really amazing. At the very least, I could never do the same."
"That’s not true. I’m sure you’d do even better than me, Sofia..."
"Fate, you’re being way too hard on yourself."
Sofia puffs her cheeks in a slight pout, signaling, I'm mad, you know.
"After being enslaved, suffering mistreatment for years... to still not give up, to keep such a resilient spirit—it’s truly incredible, don’t you think?"
"Is it?"
"It is. To endure physical burdens for years is impressive, but to maintain an unbroken spirit is even more remarkable. Most people... even those considered great in history, would have had their spirits crushed under such trials. Emotional wounds are just that unbearable."
Her words strike me with understanding.
Physical pain or injuries, once you get used to them, are endurable. To some extent, pain can be managed.
But the heart doesn’t work that way. Because it’s invisible, you can’t control it... it can break in an instant, or even be shattered without you realizing it.
"That’s why... thank you, for enduring."
"...Sofia..."
"I’m truly grateful that you kept our promise."
"Well, because... yes. I did it for you, Sofia."
I promised to meet again.
I promised that we would go on adventures together.
That’s why I could keep going.
Sofia is my driving force.
"Yes, thank you very much."
Sofia smiled shyly, looking very happy.
"My favorite boy says he will do this for me... As a woman, there's nothing that makes me happier."
"Uh, um..."
"Hehe, what’s wrong? Are you perhaps embarrassed?"
"...A little."
I find myself looking away from Sofia, who is teasing me.
That kind of look is unfair.
It steals my gaze... and my heart.
"Hey, Fate."
"Yeah?"
"How about making a new promise?"
"A new one?"
"Thanks to you, Fate, I was able to fulfill our old promise. So... I want to make a new promise. By doing so, it feels like we can create a stronger connection, or rather, that I want that connection… that kind of feeling."
I genuinely think it’s a good idea.
But a new promise… hmm.
"What kind of promise would be good?"
"If possible, I’d like it to be something that includes not just us but also Aisha and Licorice. Something like that."
"That makes sense. Right now, it’s not just the two of us... yeah, we’re all together."
Aisha is a precious daughter.
Licorice is a valued companion. Or should I say, family?
I want a promise that connects the four of us.
"...One day, I hope..."
"Yes?"
"That we can buy a house somewhere and spend time together, relaxed... I was thinking about that. The direction might be a bit different, but how about making that our promise?"
"Then... it would mean we’ll work hard to live together, right?"
"Yeah, something like that."
It feels more like a wish than a promise.
A gentle dream where everyone can spend time smiling together.
Yeah.
To make that happen, I’ll do my best, even more than before.
"We have to work hard, huh?"
"That’s right. But... before that, we need to establish a proof of our vow."
"Proof?"
"Yes, proof."
Sofia blushes and gently brings her face closer...
"...Mm..."
The distance between us becomes zero.
"...Huh?"
"This... is the proof."
"Um... huh?"
"Well, um... I just remembered that I have something to do, so I’ll head home first. See you!"
With her cheeks flushed red, Sofia hurriedly left the scene.
Meanwhile, I stood there in a daze...
Staring blankly, my fingertips gently tracing my lips.
"That... was a kiss, right?"
After about a minute, I finally grasped that fact...
And I found myself overwhelmed with embarrassment, joy, and surprise
TL Note: Wasn't able to post chapters due to Festival.
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