After a while, Horn-san calmed down...
We returned to Snowlake and parted ways in front of the inn...
Sofia and I went home, were welcomed by Aisha and Snow, and had dinner together with Mom and Dad.
"……"
I returned to my room, lay on the bed, and stared blankly at the ceiling.
What I kept thinking about was Horn-san’s story.
He met Licorice’s friend, Nonoka.
As a token of their friendship, he received the Snow Crystal Sword.
They traveled the world together.
But...
Nonoka was targeted by fairy hunters, and in the end, she lost her life.
Horn-san, overcome with regret, let go of the Snow Crystal Sword.
I slowly sat up and looked at the sheath of the Snow Crystal Sword that I had leaned against the wall nearby.
"…Is it really okay for me to have this?"
The Snow Crystal Sword will be repaired.
That’s for sure.
But what comes after that?
The Snow Crystal Sword is a symbol of the friendship between Horn-san and Nonoka.
Or to put it more dramatically, it’s a bridge between humans and fairies.
"For someone like me to have something that important… Ah, huh?"
While I was deep in thought, there came a knock at the door.
Maybe it was Sofia or Aisha?
Licorice... probably not. She wouldn’t knock.
"Good evening~"
"Huh, Mint?"
The one who appeared—unexpectedly—was Mint.
It was already nighttime, so why was she at my house?
"What’s up?"
"Our bath broke down, so I borrowed yours for a bit."
"Oh, I see."
"And then I thought, maybe I could chat with you, Fate~"
"Sure, that’s fine."
"Thanks~"
Mint smiled warmly and sat on a nearby chair.
I sat up as well, sitting on the bed.
"It feels like it’s been a while since I was in your room~"
"Yeah, it has. I hadn’t come back in over ten years."
"That’s way too long~ Why don’t you come home more often~?"
"Um…"
—I was a slave.
…Of course I couldn’t say that. It would only worry her.
"…I’ve just been kind of busy."
"I see~ Well, if that’s the case, I guess it can’t be helped~"
Mint responded in her usual airy tone.
It didn’t feel like she sensed my real feelings—more like she just didn’t think too much of it.
That’s the kind of girl she is.
"So, so~ Can I ask why you’re making such a gloomy face~?"
"Huh? Am I really making that kind of face?"
I checked the mirror in the room, but I didn’t see anything unusual.
"I look the same as always, right?"
"Not at all~ You look totally different~"
"Really…?"
Maybe Mint is the only one who can tell?
"Um... I’ve been thinking about something lately."
After hesitating, I decided to talk a little about it.
I couldn’t go into detail, since it involved Horn-san and Nonoka’s private matters...
But I thought it would be fine if I spoke vaguely.
"It’s about the Snow Crystal Sword…"
"Did you ask your dad to repair it?"
"Yeah. That sword was made as a token of a certain friendship."
"Wow, what a lovely story~"
"But… I have nothing to do with that friendship."
I looked up at the ceiling.
"I really just happened to get it by chance, but I’m wondering if it’s okay for me to have it..."
"I think it’s fine~"
She easily affirmed it.
But Mint isn’t the kind of person who speaks without thinking.
When we’ve had serious talks before, she always thinks carefully and gives her own answer.
"Why do you think so?"
"Because it just seems like a perfect fit."
"Perfect fit?"
"Fate and the Snow Horizon Sword."
"It’s Crystal, not Horizon."
What does she mean by "perfect fit"?
"Hmm... It’s hard to explain since it’s just my feeling, but the other day, I saw it. Fate, with the sword."
"Yeah."
"And it just looked so natural, like it belonged there. There was no sense of awkwardness… it felt right?"
"Even if you say that…"
"It was so natural, and I didn’t think there was any problem with it. I think the sword probably wants to be with you too."
"...The sword...?"
Her unexpected words left me stunned.
I’d never thought about the sword having feelings.
I always just focused on myself...
"I’m sure it’s fine."
Mint smiled brightly.
Her smile was like a flower, like the sun…
Naturally, I found myself smiling too.
"…Yeah, I guess you’re right. Thanks."
"You’re welcome."
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