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Chapter 122 The Winged Pair
After Rugolf spilled the beans, Taltus and his henchmen's misdeeds were officially revealed. Leah and the others promptly reported everything to the now sane King Seatham. It seems the revelation of Taltus, the king's own son and heir, conspiring against him was quite a shock, and our audience with the king is postponed to another day. But, as one would expect from a man who has ruled a country for so many years, he was not just shocked and saddened.
He gathered the ministers, who were also being manipulated, to assess the current situation. Then, discussions about succession and the heirs, including the second prince, took place. It seems they're taking various actions. It's not a matter that concerns me much, though.
As the saviors of the country in crisis, we are being accommodated in the castle. There doesn't seem to be any demand for repair costs for the courtyard and the damaged castle. I currently hold the Hero Gift Sphere, which is quite a dangerous item. It's something that needs careful consideration and I want to be very careful about leaving it in any other country. I had no choice but to return it to Paradis.
In no time, evening arrived. In the room I have been given, I am absentmindedly gazing out of the window.
This room, although spacious with a large bed, lacks artwork and has plain furniture. It was somewhat plain and simple.
"...!!"
"We did it! It's done!"
Spread out on the table were tools and materials, and Beato and Mel-chan, who had been working secretly, were now holding hands in joy. Whatever they've been making for a while seems to be finally complete. I wonder why Mel-chan is here in our room, though.
By the way, the reason I was looking out the window is this. They didn't want me to see their work.
"All that's left is to hand it over! Since a romantic situation is a must for this, do your best to invite her out!"
"...!"
Putting something into her pocket, Beato stood up. Taking a deep breath with both hands in front of her chest, she then smoothly moved the pen over the parchment. After that, she walked toward me and spread the paper in front of me, with a shy expression and tightly closed eyes.
'Would you like to go see the sunset on the castle's rooftop?'
Written on the paper.
"...Sure, I had some free time."
"...!"
Suddenly, her expression changed, as if flowers had bloomed, into a bright smile. What is it that she's handing me? Uncharacteristically, my heart started pounding.
○○○
The sun was setting over the wilderness spreading to the west. The wind blew through the dry, uninhabited land. Being on the rooftop, I directly feel the wind, and despite it being spring, it's a bit chilly.
"The wind is a bit strong. Be careful not to trip."
"..."
Stopping my gaze from wandering across the scenery, I faced Beato. She was fidgeting, seemingly holding something from her pocket. If she's going to hand it over, she should do it soon. I'm getting nervous too...
"..."
She reached out, then withdrew her hand, and shook her head.
"..."
After hesitating for a moment, she extended her hand decisively, gently opening her fingers.
"...Is this a hair ornament?"
"..."
On the palm of her hand was a wing-shaped hair ornament. It was almost the same design as the one Claire made for me, and Beato is now wearing it. Almost, because there's a difference.
While Claire's wing on the hair ornament faces left, this one is right-facing and symmetrical. Additionally, there's a small base attached at the base of the wing to insert a small bead. Probably a hole to insert the Gift Sphere.
"Beato, did you make this?"
"..."
Beato nodded energetically, her hair swaying in the evening breeze.
"The hair accessory Claire made for me matches, huh? Why is the orientation reversed?"
"... ..."
"Beato?"
She froze; maybe it was a bad question. Oh no, she's turning so red steam might come out of her head. Okay, let's change the topic.
"This hole is for inserting the Hero Gift Sphere, right? Did you make it for that?"
"...!"
『I made it to be easily worn and taken off. I can't make something as splendid as Toka's necklace, but I wanted to make it because it's something you would wear, Kyrie-san.』
Come to think of it, she started making this when we were in Paradis. Right, she made it for me.
『Please try putting it on. Since Toka-san helped me, I think it's okay, but if it doesn't fit, I'll make it again.』
That's right; I need to make sure. I took the offered hair accessory and retrieved the sphere of the 【Water God】 from my pocket. Aligning it with the indentation at the base of the wing and pressing lightly, it made a satisfying click, fitting perfectly. I gave it a gentle shake to confirm it was securely attached.
"Yeah, it's fine."
Now, I just have to tie back my bangs, but...
"...Hey, could you put it on for me?"
"...!"
Without a mirror, it would be challenging to put it on properly. When I asked Beato, she seemed a bit surprised at first but nodded. She took the hair accessory and skillfully secured my bangs.
"...How does it look? Does it suit me?"
"...!"
『It matches! It's the same design as Claire-san's, so it shouldn't not match! It also looks familiar.』
"Ah, now that you mention it. After meeting Beato, you've been wearing it all the time."
In fact, it might have felt strange for her not to have it. Perhaps that reason is also included in why she made it. Regardless of the reason, the fact that Beato handmade it for me makes me really happy.
"Thank you, Beato. I'll treasure it."
"...!? ..."
Huh? Beato looks really surprised now. Her round eyes become even rounder as she covers her mouth with her hand, staring at my face.
"..."
"What's wrong? Could it be that it didn't suit me after all..."
"..."
She shakes her head vigorously, then smoothly runs the pen across the paper.
『Kyrie-san, you seemed to have smiled just a little.』
"...Did I? Me? Are you sure you're not mistaken?"
『I don't think so... Just a little, the corners of your mouth relaxed.』
Oh, really. I'm not aware of it at all, but Beato seems so happy. It must be true.
Thinking that maybe I'm getting better at naturally smiling, I consciously try to make a smiling face.
"...!?"
『Is there something you want to say? Did I mess up the healing?』
"...It's nothing, forget it."
Even though she was really worried, what kind of expression did I have? It seems like I still can't smile properly.
Oh, I'm so embarrassed; I'm breaking into a weird sweat. The sun has completely set, the wind is strong, and I'm getting cold; I might catch a cold. I want to check the hair accessory properly in the mirror and get back to the room soon.
"Shall we go back to the room?"
"...?"
Beato came to my side, blushing, and gently took my hand. Her soft and slender fingers intertwined with mine, and a different sense of embarrassment is now surging compared to just moments ago.
"Let's go, Beato."
"... ...!?"
As I took a step forward, Beato's foot got tangled, and her body swayed.
"Beato!?"
I quickly pulled her and held her as if she were about to collapse. Beato in my arms felt feverish, and she's breathing heavily, and she was limp without responding to my calls.
"Beato, stay with me, Beato!!"
○○○
The reason why the hair accessories I made for Claire and the one I intended to give to Kyrie have opposite orientations. When Kyrie asked me directly, I couldn't answer.
A bird can't fly with only one wing, right? I'm sure I only have one wing. For me, Kyrie is the other wing I need so that we can fly.
I hope Kyrie feels the same way about me. Thinking that, I made the hair accessories with opposite wings.
I can't say this, can I? It's almost like a confession. So, I'll keep it in my heart. I hope I can say it someday.
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Seems kinda gay
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