Overpowered Reincarnation Perks! - Chapter 14.2
I knew the castle’s leadership was rotten, but it seemed to be even worse than I thought.
I wonder if they can properly establish countermeasures to defend against monster attacks. I doubt they’re even thinking about protecting the people inside the castle.
“Thank you, Callion. For listening to my request.”
“…So it was indeed you, Ju-in.”
When Callion saved me, I was wearing the magic stone glasses, so he couldn’t recognize me. It seemed to bother him, as he kept trying to look at my face while walking, barely watching where he was going.
His expression was like that of a child looking back, afraid that his following mother might disappear. My conscience was mercilessly pricked by those kind and sorrowful eyes.
Strange. I sold my conscience earlier. Why is it still here?
“We seem to have arrived.”
We arrived at Arvan’s house after passing through the alleyway. I had left in such a hurry that I left the fence gate open, but fortunately, there were no signs of intrusion. Though the fence was low enough that anyone could have entered if they wanted to, even if the gate had been locked.
It’s natural for the lights to be off in Arvan’s house since only Arvan and I stay there.
But the fact that the lights are off in the neighboring house too…
“Callion. The carpenter uncle…”
“He injured his leg and was taken to Lord Welga’s house at the intersection across the street. The wound wasn’t deep, so he should be resting after receiving first aid.”
Thank goodness he’s alive. A sigh of relief escaped me involuntarily.
Among the seventeen bodies the commander mentioned, there are no faces I don’t know. But if there were someone particularly close to me among them, it would be even more heartbreaking.
At least I hoped that the people I shared my daily life with were safe. It was a selfish thought, but it was all I could hope for.
“If he’s injured, he’ll need treatment. Ju-in, go inside the house.”
“Um, then…”
“Silver-haired brother, come with me. You led the survivors out, right? Tell me about their condition.”
Arvan pushed me inside the fence gate and turned around.
Whether they properly understood my plea not to fight, or their hearts had calmed a bit during the walk here, Callion stood silently by the roadside.
He didn’t respond to Arvan’s words and only looked at me.
‘Ah. That’s the expression of wanting to talk to me.’
It was understandable. I hadn’t explained anything yet about how I survived the cliff and came to the castle, or why I had to pretend not to know Callion and avoid him.
“Arvan. I want to go too.”
“No, Ju-in, you rest. I’m enough on my own.”
He seems to have judged that assistance isn’t necessary since it’s not a major injury. No, if it were a major injury, he’d probably try even harder to leave me behind.
He said there were no major injuries among those who safely escaped to this place. Everyone must be extremely tired now, so it might be better to let them rest and gather tomorrow morning to establish a plan.
Since the lord of the castle is dead, the castle soldiers who should prioritize resolving the emergency situation are very unlikely to rush here as soon as day breaks.
“…Then leave Callion here. I want to talk.”
“Ju-in, no.”
“Everyone returned safely to the village, right? They must be very tired, and if an unfamiliar monster hunter visits, they’ll be tense. So, Callion stays here.”
“Ju-in. I’m saying I can’t leave you alone with this man.”
“Huh?”
“What about him do you trust? He pushed you away while resenting you, he’s physically strong, and he even has a weapon.”
“Callion won’t hurt me!”
If you’ve noticed what kind of relationship Callion and I have, how rude to say that in front of the person concerned.
It’s understandable for Arvan to be wary of Callion since his life was threatened, but it’s an exaggeration to think he might harm me.
“Well. I wonder. Looking at the killing intent he’s directing at me, he seems emotionally immature. I’m not sure how he’ll react once he finds a target to vent his anger on.”
“Arvan!”
I slapped his hand away.
If I let him continue talking, it seemed like the whale fight from earlier would have a second round. I decided to be firm.
“Don’t talk about Callion like that.”
Arvan looked at me with surprised eyes. I flinched momentarily at his expression, but I didn’t back down.
Did my action just now seem like I was taking Callion’s side and pushing Arvan away? But this wasn’t because I favored Callion.
It’s not just saying words of concern for me, but speaking ill of Callion in front of me is immature behavior. So this time, Arvan is in the wrong.
‘…But which one is the adult here?’
Suddenly finding it difficult to gauge the ages of the two, I looked at Callion, who bowed his head politely.
“I have no intention whatsoever of harming Ju-in.”
“That’s why I can’t trust words alone.”
“Arvan. You said you trusted me. Listen to me.”
I gently pleaded while tugging at Arvan’s clothes. His sharp expression softened a bit.
“Ju-in. I’m worried about you.”
“I know. I’m saying that worry is unnecessary.”
“……”
“As much as you trust me, I trust Callion. So please, okay?”
I don’t like wielding emotional superiority as a weapon, but I had no other way to persuade Arvan.
“Alright. I’ll go by myself.”
“Ah, no. The conversation will end soon, so wait.”
“Anyway, with fewer people, it won’t take long to assess the situation.”
He meant he would finish quickly without wasting time. It was a painful thing to hear, but I wasn’t the one who had the right to show sadness.
I greeted Arvan with apology and gratitude.
“But Arvan, will others recognize your enlarged form? It’s my first time seeing it.”
“Ah, that’s right. There’s no need to hide my appearance anymore.”
Arvan lightly spun around while holding the hem of his robe, and after a sparkling light appeared around him, he returned to his usual size.
He’s still about half a head taller than me, but since his previous form was so large, he felt relatively smaller now.
How does Arvan grow and shrink his body? Is he really a dark wizard?
“How do you change your appearance, Arvan?”
“Want to come with me if you’re curious?”
“…I’ll hear about it next time.”
“Haha!”
Arvan laughed good-naturedly and turned around.
“I’ll be back, Ju-in. Call me if it gets dangerous.”
“There won’t be any need to call.”
“Of course, that’s how it should be.”
My firm answer seemed to reassure him, and Arvan left with a light expression, soon disappearing around the corner.
The night street became quiet again.
Callion was still standing there as if frozen, looking at me.
Not with the fierce gaze he had when looking at Arvan, but with an expression of holding back tears that seemed about to overflow.
“Callion.”
“…Ju-in.”
He couldn’t approach me. His hand hovered in the air as if wanting to touch, but his legs seemed to refuse to move.
He knows I’m alive and is probably glad to see me again, but the feeling of resentment must still be strong.
I climbed over the neighbor’s fence. I felt bad about entering someone’s house while they were absent due to injury, but it would have been worse to bring Callion into Arvan’s house, so I had no choice.
“It’s a bit awkward to talk standing up. Let’s go in.”
