"What did you say?"
On a day no different from any other peaceful day, the ancient temple, with its long-standing history.
"Hah...! It's so ridiculous that it's not even funny."
A unique place where the atmosphere feels like the silence could be broken by the sight of plants intertwining like they've been abandoned.
"Do you think I would shed tears and give up on you?"
However, in this peace, a dark voice echoing of doom occasionally rouses my nerves.
I haven't done anything wrong, but the resentment of the goddess makes my shoulders slump unconsciously.
"She really said that about fate?"
I ask for clarification in disbelief, having already affirmed this too many times to remember.
"Yes... according to Goddess Mori One, for some reason, I will be abandoned by the goddess and taken by her."
At this, Eleona grimaced in disgust. From her perspective, how unbelievable must this be?
But considering her feelings, this reaction wasn't all that surprising.
To put it in perspective, the news Eleona was hearing was as if she herself had tearfully begged someone to take away something she cherished. Given this, it made sense for Eleona to be in such a state.
If it were me, Eleona, with her obsessive nature, saying she'd abandon me would've been laughable. But the one saying this was none other than the goddess of fate who oversees the past, present, and future.
That's why I approached Eleona with a somewhat serious demeanor. She initially looked a little flustered upon realizing my state, but her demeanor rapidly shifted to one of resignation.
"From my perspective, I'm well aware that the goddess who said that can't easily let go. The one who said it is Goddess Mori One, and since the other party is her, she can't easily let go."
Just as anyone would be, the advice of a goddess who can see fate still left her feeling bittersweet and she still appeared less than confident.
Of course, my state played a role in Eleona's demeanor, but honestly, the words of Mori One still lingered in my heart, leading me to this downtrodden state.
"It's such an unnecessary worry. In fact, I'm still puzzled by my knight's troubled face."
Upon hearing this, a wound in my heart seemed to deepen, and my mood plummeted further. However, that was momentary as Eleona's mood swiftly changed, and she embraced me.
Gently...
"Goddess...?"
I observe the transformed Eleona as she sinks into my embrace.
Her previous feelings of annoyance had vanished, replaced by fervor, nostalgia, and determination.
"Do you really think I'd abandon my only knight?"
Her voice softened, revealing a hint of unease and worry.
"Goddess?"
"Do you truly believe I would break our vow?"
Just moments ago, she seemed on the verge of exploding in anger, but now she was completely subdued, appearing on the brink of tears as she clung to me.
"You are my only offspring, my knight... Over centuries, you've been my happiness, the salvation that descended upon my life weary from solitude..."
Her voice grew weaker, her head lowered, and the tears that had been hidden in the shadows now sparkled brilliantly in the sunlight.
"To others, you might be just a passerby, but to me, you are irreplaceable."
"Do I really seem like I'd abandon you...?"
Perhaps because she kept seeing my anxiety despite Eleona's insistence to forget Mori One's words, she seemed to get carried a bit away. It must be that constantly having their opinions disregarded by someone they trust more than anyone else has led to a loss of confidence...
"Eleona."
Seeing the rare weakened state of Eleona, I belatedly realize whom I should trust and steel my resolve.
Although it might sound like I was just saying that, my intention was also to comfort the saddened Eleona.
This time, I exchange glances with her, filled with newfound confidence.
"It seems I momentarily forgot who I should place my faith in."
Reading the change in my demeanor, Eleona briefly looks startled but soon offers a relieved smile, wiping the corner of her eyes.
"Of course, the goddess' words are valid, but tragedies often come unexpectedly... Just to clarify, I trust only Eleona's words."
Using the full extent of my vocabulary to sound impressive, she nods in satisfaction, returning to her usual demeanor.
"You truly are worthy of being my knight, and this goddess is ever so happy."
The word 'happy' left a lingering impression, but I didn't pay it much mind.
"Harold, right? Good morning as always."
After my conversation with Eleona, as I head to the guild hall, Erina greets me as usual.
Ever since she heard something from Mori One yesterday, she's been unusually somber, and her drooped demeanor is still evident.
What on earth did Goddess Mori One tell Erina and Miru to make them so downcast? Did her prophecy not involve a connection between Erina and me?
With that thought, and considering my initial goal, it wasn't strange to hear such a thing.
Although she's beautiful, she doesn't quite feel feminine, and I didn't want to form a deep bond with anyone since I'll have to leave eventually.
That incident with Eleona... was inevitable...
From the day I established a relationship with Eleona, her actions have evoked mysterious emotions in me, and there have been moments when unexpected shocks made my heart race.
Now, she gets so close to me that I've somewhat adapted to it, but I still feel a bit embarrassed by it.
"Right, good morning Erina. But... you don't seem to be in the best condition today, do you?"
Comparing her to her usual self, I cautiously ask, noticing her dimmed appearance.
"Uh... Not really..."
However, Erina denies any issue, maintaining her downcast mood.
"Really, what did you hear from Mori One yesterday? You've been down since dinner."
I gently prod, hinting at Mori One as the possible reason for her mood, but she just shakes her head.
"It's not because of Goddess Mori One."
Saying that, she hides her eyes with her hand and starts to ponder. After a moment, she began to shift restlessly.
"Actually... I received a letter."
She places an opened envelope on the table and hands it to me, indicating I should read it.
"Frankly, while yesterday's conversation with Mori One did affect me, this letter is probably the main reason for my mood."
She resumes her silence, creating a heavy atmosphere. I, compelled by the situation, pick up the envelope.
"To Erina Robias..."
I carefully extract the letter and begin to read the opening line.
I suddenly realize that both the paper and the envelope have an elegant design, as if exclusively used by nobility.
In fact, to prove this, the end of the letter features a symbol that seems to represent a family crest, a privilege reserved for those of even higher status than most nobles.
And above all, there's a word that irks me... **Robias**
It was a name I had heard a few times in the game, but I couldn't quite place its origin, which was slightly frustrating.
It was so familiar and somehow evoked a sense of discomfort, so I repeatedly went over the name in my mind...
Wait...?
A chill ran through me, as if I had realized an irrevocable truth.
Then, after rubbing my temples for a brief moment, a game story I had forgotten naturally resurfaced in my mind.
"Erina."
With a sense of urgency in my voice, I called her name. She flinched, as if a child caught by their parents in some mischief.
"Why... why are you calling me?"
She looked at me with desperate eyes, as if begging me not to continue with what I was about to say.
"What was the name you registered as an adventurer?"
I asked confidently, and she replied weakly,
"Erina Bi Heria..."
The surname used by the protagonist in the game I knew, but...
"What's the name on this letter?"
"Erina Robias..."
Hearing her increasingly unsure answer, I rubbed the back of my neck, feeling a headache coming on.
In the game, the protagonist had a hidden truth.
It was a side story that only appeared under specific conditions and couldn't be found in the main narrative.
Why did she receive such a fancy letter? And why was the name on the letter different from the name commonly associated with her?
"Weren't you born in an ordinary household?"
**Robias Family**
According to the setup, the Robias family held power second only to the royal family, tracing their lineage back to the founding of the country. Their businesses were so extensive that there was hardly a village untouched by their influence.
This family name was a central keyword in the game's side story, a revelation that surprised every engaged player.
"I did say that..."
However, since I was more focused on gameplay than story, I had overlooked this detail. I never realized Erina had been hiding such a significant secret.
"The Robias family is one of the most prominent noble families in the country, isn't it?"
I pressed Erina, demanding the truth with an assertive tone.
"Yes... that's right..."
She finally admitted, dropping her head, reminiscent of a criminal confessing to their crimes.
"Erina, are you..."
The shocking truth about the protagonist that astonished countless players, the revelation Erina had been hiding...
"A noble?"
The girl, whom I thought was just an innocent adventurer from the countryside, was actually the eldest daughter of one of the country's most prestigious noble families.
"Yes..."
Like a resigned criminal, she finally confessed everything in a feeble voice. The thought of being entangled in more complicated matters made my head throb.