Unrequited Love, Lost for the Better - Chapter 25

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※ This work contains depictions of coercive relationships, explicit language, and other graphic content. Reader discretion is advised.

Still no sign of Somerset after coming this far… Did he really not get dragged in like us?

If so, that was a relief. If Meliano had woken up alone somewhere, he surely wouldn’t have survived.

The squad members they found while moving through the area were in poor condition. Since Commander Valerian and Ronald Woodrow were together in one place, those in other areas had barely managed to survive the Shadow Puppeteer—their state was understandably dire. Hearing that several had been swallowed by the beast and their bodies couldn’t even be recovered made her throat tighten.

All Collette could do was distribute emergency supplies and cast very basic healing magic. Even during her Academy days, she had never improved at poison treatment magic. She was only confident in fine mana manipulation—which was why she had become a researcher and focused on artifact development.

If I’d known this would happen, I should have worked on my weaknesses instead of only honing my strengths.

Collette couldn’t shake the cold feeling in her chest.

They’re starting to prepare for return… Where is Valen?

Watching 2nd Team Leader Woodrow and his team take out the Labyrinth compass she had made, Collette looked for Valen. She assumed he would also be preparing for their return.

There he is.

Valen stood with his sword sheathed. His mana sparks had calmed compared to when they were moving—thankfully.

Unlike Woodrow, he hadn’t taken out his compass yet. But he seemed unusually upset.

Was it because of the wounded among his team members? She supposed so. Even she would feel terrible seeing injured colleagues.

Still, once we return, they’ll get proper treatment. They’ll be fine.

Yes. When we return…

When we return, I’ll have to look at it. The list of potential fiancés Valen—Valerian—had shown her. That was the price for not returning immediately and insisting on finding Meliano.

“……”

Her eyelids trembled. Her nose stung. Afraid tears might come, Collette looked up at the Galaxy Stones above her head. The faintly shimmering view was both beautiful and eerie. If those fell on her, would it hurt? Or would she feel nothing at all?

…I hope Somerset is outside.

Praying that Meliano was safely outside the Labyrinth, pacing anxiously, Collette took a step toward Valerian.

Just then.

[…Hey.]

A voice pierced her ear.

[Over here.]

It was muffled, like hearing underwater, yet ticklish as if whispered right into her ear. It felt as though the voice was beckoning to her.

[This way…….]

A hazy feeling rose from her toes. It climbed up her calves, past her navel and chest, over her shoulders, and created star dust before her eyes—like afterimages of the Galaxy Stones.

[Yes……. Come here…….]

Somehow, the thought filled her mind that if she followed that voice, all her worries and sorrows would disappear. Just like outside the Labyrinth, when she had unconsciously drawn close to the safety line.

[Yes. Right here…….]

“…ol?”

[Good…… girl…….]

That voice—it felt like it would grant her deepest wish……

“…Collette!”

Someone pulled her back from behind. Warmth and the familiar scent of cedarwood enveloped her. Snapping back to her senses, Collette realized the arms gripping her wore Valerian’s leather gloves.

Valerian was holding her from behind.

“…Valen?”

Backlit, she couldn’t see his expression. But she could feel his arms trembling.

Why… is he shaking so much?

As if he were frightened. Just as Collette was about to call him again, Valerian lifted his head.

“What were you thinking—that was dangerous!”

Valerian’s face was pale as he shouted. His ragged breath made Collette flinch.

“Why are you angry?”

“Should I not be? Look where you were going!”

Valerian pointed ahead with the arm that had been holding her. Only then did Collette properly see.

“…Huh?”

A dark cave entrance was right before her. If she had taken even a few more steps, no one could have stopped a Shadow Puppeteer from leaping out of that darkness and grabbing her.

“Why did I…?”

Valerian had every right to be angry. She had been about to walk into darkness on her own. The chill of that pitch-black void made Collette shudder.

“Wh-What happened?”

“That researcher suddenly walked toward the dark area…!”