ocean-life Book 5: Chapter 9-2: The Boundary that Protects One’s Humanity
Book 5: Chapter 9-2: The Boundary that Protects One’s Humanity
Book 5: Chapter 9-2: The Boundary that Protects One’s Humanity
I had planned to spend thirty minutes, but I ended up spending about an hour with Yukino in the workshop. After parting with Yukino, I headed for my and Lucy’s home.
As I arrived at the house, I called out as I entered.
「I'm home, Lucy.」
I felt a strong sense of nostalgia, even stronger than when I arrived in Erucy. The moment I stepped into the house, I was comforted by Lucy's scent. I realized at that moment that I'd always been surrounded by this scent.
「Welcome back, Cyril.」
Lucy came to the entrance to greet me. Then came a gentle embrace. Compared to the hug I got from Yukino, this one was a calm, lover's hug. Lucy rose onto her tiptoes and looked up; our lips met naturally in a kiss. After a few seconds, our lips parted.
「I only feel like I've truly come home when I see you, Lucy.」
「What's that?」
Lucy chuckled, amused.
「It's just that Erucy might be where I'm from, but you're where my heart is.」
「Cyril, that line is a bit cheesy.」
Lucy complained, but her tone was playful.
「Being cheesy is just the usual for me, right?」
「That’s true... So, was it worth going to see the Empire?」
「It was. They're seriously planning to attack.」
「...So, it’s war again.」
「It's unfortunate, but unavoidable.」
The counterfeit bonds would destabilize the economy, and the hoarding would exacerbate the food shortage. Caught in this turmoil, people will succumb to the allure of the narcotics, spiraling into addiction and ruin.
It was an inhumane strategy; I was fully aware of that. But we wouldn't be able to win unless we went to such lengths. That was what it meant to fight a High Elf and an Empire bent on annihilating us.
I was still uneasy. Was there anything else that could be done?... Contaminate all the rivers connected to the Empire with poison... Now that I thought about it, poison gas would be more effective used in a town rather than in battle... Or we could distribute blankets soaked with the smallpox virus in the slums... If I called that guy with [Samsara Recursion], I could use his unique magic to change blood into poison, if we vaccinated the people of Erucy in advance... Sure, it would also affect neighboring countries, but do we had the luxury to worry about that?
「Cyril, you're making a scary face.」
「Haha, looks like I got a bit too fired up.」
Lucy's voice brought me back to my senses. My thoughts had definitely become too extreme. It was clearly overkill.
「Hey, Cyril. You can take it easy today, right?」
「Yes, I'll begin working on the new plans tomorrow.」
「In that case, all housework and work are absolutely forbidden today. Your job today is to rest. Okay?」
Lucy held up her finger and pressed the point without room for argument. I found myself nodding almost involuntarily.
「Excellent, I'll prepare a feast for today. Also, let's take a bath together. And tonight... it's been a while, so we should...」
While blushing, Lucy was smiling happily. Seeing that, I realized something. Because she was here for me, I stopped short of becoming an inhuman monster.
「Lucy, thank you.」
Those words left my mouth unimpeded.
The reason I could stand up, continue fighting, and stay sane—it was all because she was here with me. That's why I had to express my gratitude, no matter what.
「You're welcome. And also, thank you too.」
The Lucy who said those words was so beautiful, it left me at a loss for words. As long as she was with me, I could be myself and accomplish anything. I truly believed that from the bottom of my heart.