Chapter 102
The Last Night in Tori
So, we headed toward the magic stone shop we had visited a few months ago—but—
“Ah…? It should be around here, right?”
“It should be… but… this is strange.”
Relying on our memories, we went to the spot where the shop had been, but we couldn’t find any building that looked like it.
The street scenery shouldn’t have changed, yet it was as if only that shop had completely disappeared.
Leo also looked around with a confused expression.
The furrow in his brow clearly showed he was worried.
“Sorry, but do you happen to know a shop around here that deals in magic stones?”
“A shop that sells magic stones? There’s a general goods store over there, though…”
I asked a man running a nearby stall, but he put his hand to his chin and frowned. His expression seemed as if he didn’t even know such a shop had ever existed.
“No, it was a shop that specialized in magic stones. It had a slightly dark atmosphere.”
“Hmm… was there such a shop?”
“Huh?”
The man’s words were a mixture of confusion and puzzlement. At that moment, a creeping unease spread through me, as if our memories were being twisted.
“Has it… disappeared?”
“I’ve been running a business here for years, but I don’t recall any shop like that.”
“Eh? But we visited it just a few months ago…”
“This magic stone was purchased there.”
Leo showed the magic stone pendant he was wearing even now, glimmering in the sunlight.
“Huh… now that you mention it, maybe there was such a shop… or maybe not… strange, I can’t remember.”
“….”
Looking at the magic stone, the shop owner put his head in his hands, clearly at a loss.
“What does this mean?”
“Hmm…”
Leo and I exchanged glances, our eyes reflecting mutual doubt.
“It’s almost as if some magic erased our memories.”
“Erased our memories…?”
“No, I don’t think anyone in this country could use magic like that.”
“….”
Leo smiled and said, “Just joking,” but behind that smile was deep contemplation. He, too, must sense something unsettling about this strange phenomenon.
Magic that erases people’s memories…
I had read in magical texts that dark magic could do that.
But dark magic is extremely rare, and there are hardly any who can use it. Besides, it should be forbidden in this country.
“Maybe he just doesn’t remember. Back then, we were the only customers, and he didn’t seem to have connections with other shops.”
“…That’s true.”
I nodded at Leo’s words, but my mind continued to ponder the mystery of the vanished shop.
I wanted to go there again… but if it’s gone, there’s nothing to be done.
“So, what should we do? Go to that general store over there?”
“Yes, that sounds good.”
A small unease lingered in my heart, but I decided to set it aside for now and head to the next shop.
That night, our last dinner with everyone from the Third Knight Squad was a heartwarming time.
“I’ll be lonely when you leave, sister-in-law…! Please come visit again soon!!”
“Hehe, yes.”
Did Annika say that because she really liked the meals I made?
Seeing Annika stuffing her cheeks with food next to Lord Markus, I thought how wonderful it would be if I could come again right away.
“Tonight, we’re drinking! Rick, don’t pass out!”
“You’re the one who will!”
Yotti and the others were happily drinking, mingling with the Third Knight Squad, creating a little festive atmosphere.
Seeing this scene, I couldn’t help but smile naturally.
“You’re having fun, Yotti-san.”
“Since it’s our last night in Tori, you should have a drink too, Sibelle-chan!”
“Well then, just one.”
At Yotti’s words, I decided to have just one glass of wine.
Bringing the glass to my lips, the faint tartness and rich fruity aroma spread, warming my heart.
“Ahh… it’s delicious!”
“Sibelle-chan, one more glass.”
“No, if I drink more, I’ll get drunk…”
“It’s okay, it’s fine. The prince is here anyway~”
“Really? Well, just one more then.”
Every time my glass emptied, Yotti immediately refilled it, and I couldn’t help but take another sip.
Before I knew it, the surrounding voices became a little distant, and a pleasant warmth of intoxication wrapped around my body.
“…Sibelle-chan, don’t overdo it, okay?”
“Yes! I’m having a lot of fun too.”
“I see.”
Leo was beside me, giving a gentle smile while looking a bit concerned. Seeing his face made my anxiety fade away.
Around us, the knights laughed happily, their voices highlighting the warmth of this place.
Annika and Lord Markus looked lively too, and seeing the peace of Tori preserved, I felt deep relief.
I’m really glad I came.
From now on, I want to protect the peace of this country together with Leo.
Thinking that strongly, I raised my glass to my lips once again.
