Crack—!!
“Why can’t the world just leave that child alone?”
“…..You!?”
Soft skin and strong metal.
The clash of those two opposing substances resulted in a shocking outcome, as the blade crumpled like paper.
Saelli’s hand, shrouded in black mist, easily crumpled Remi Akaia’s sword as if it were aluminum foil.
In this absurd turn of events, Remi Akaia, who had no intention of mortally wounding anyone, was left staring blankly at Saelli, unable to believe she was rendered so helpless.
Sword shards fell like dust, creating a horrible noise that filled the alley we stood in.
“Finally, the child was able to grasp peace.”
“…..What…..”
I was grateful that the two were managing to hold onto their sanity and that Remi Akaia hadn’t crossed the line.
If she had even slightly intended to harm during that thrust,
and if Saelli had deemed that killing her would not endanger Alice but help her instead,
there would have been a cold body lying on this street by now.
Of course, I knew this clash was only the first tremor in many earthquakes to come, but still, passing this first hurdle was worth celebrating.
No one was dead, after all.
I could relax, knowing I didn’t have to intervene.
Swish.
“………”
With a slight sound, the sword that had been half-drawn slipped from its sheath.
I covertly stuffed it into my clothes while pretending to clear my throat.
There was still no sign that the situation was turning for the better.
They were still glaring at each other as if ready to kill, tangled in a knot with no clues on where to begin unraveling.
I watched them and pondered possible ways to turn this situation around,
though none came easily.
“Alice is already getting along well with me. There’s no room for you to step in.”
Saelli stated firmly.
Her declaration, devoid of any ‘if’ or ‘perhaps,’ carried an undeniable gravity.
Her straightforward words served as the sharpest weapon that pierced through the opponent’s heart.
“If you truly wish for Alice’s happiness, abandon any thought of being involved with us.
You are nothing but an obstacle.”
“Look.
Even now, you only show this disgraceful side of yourself.”
How could someone who was so weak to be swayed by her own sister protect Alice?
It was akin to a declaration that she had no right to take Alice.
“This bastard—?!”
Of course, Remi Akaia wasn’t the type to calmly let someone calmly suggest taking Alice away, simply because her weapon was broken,
or because she had nothing to lean on in her hands.
She dropped the useless sword handle and swung a fist made by curling her five fingers at Saelli’s face.
However, one thing she misjudged was that Saelli wasn’t weak or kind enough to take a punch without proper stance.
Boom!
Dust whirled through the air.
“…I…I can’t…let you….!”
“Your permission means nothing. What matters is that Alice wants me. As long as she wishes for that, I’ll never leave her ㅡ unlike you.”
“…..Eat….this…..!!”
The swinging fist was easily caught by Saelli’s hand.
In the alley, the two appeared to be dancing as they clashed, but the results of their actions were rather brutal.
Saelli used Remi Akaia’s attack to throw her against the wall and began to slowly tighten her grip around Remi’s thin neck.
Of course, Remi Akaia was not the type to just accept defeat quietly; she writhed like a beast and struggled with all her might.
But the fact that she could even push an opponent she questioned her ability to defeat into an uncomfortable position pinned against the wall was absurd.
All she could do was emit small whimpers, trying to provoke her opponent.
But that cheap provocation would not work on the cold-hearted Saelli, who treated people like mere insects to be controlled—
Crunch!
“………”
“Cough, cough?!”
…Oh, was it not…?
Did it actually have meaning…?
She didn’t seem to hear a word I said.
Though still maintaining an expressionless face, the black energy emanating from her arm seemed to intensify….?
Huh? Was she really mad? For real?
Now that I think about it, seeing her spend time with Alice seemed to be making her more human every day.
They had spent a year together, being cozy, so maybe it was inevitable she had become more human-like than before.
But why was I still being treated the same as before?
I don’t get it.
Anyway, the outcome of the fight had essentially been decided.
Seeing their struggle grow more violent without signs of stopping, I thought I had to at least intervene.
Looking at Remi Akaia’s face going pale, it seemed one of them might actually die if this kept up.
Besides, it didn’t seem like either of them would back down.
If I made a stupid joke on the side, they’d probably leave, saying I ruined the mood.
Well, I’d be the only one to suffer from it, but maybe I could just take a few hits and end it.
I’m used to being treated like a punching bag.
“Sigh…”
I shook off my clothes and stood up.
Until I heard Saelli’s words.
“ㅡAlice will be with me forever. I’ll make sure she only sees a happy world, so she never has to think sad thoughts.”
I stopped mid-rise, dumbfoundedly staring at Saelli’s face, my mouth agape.
I couldn’t believe those words came from her.
I couldn’t believe she said that.
I felt a slight sense of betrayal towards a long-time friend.
“Aris is…my…k-kuk!”
“ㅡDon’t call Alice by that name.”
I silently stood up.
Gripping the small, curved sword hilt tightly behind my back, to make sure it wouldn’t slip away.
The silver light reflected in the sun illuminated the moss blooming on the floor.
“My…sister, story—!!!”
“You’ve lost her, haven’t you?”
Saelli firmly pressed down on Remi Akaia’s neck.
That previously intimidating figure somehow looked shabby to me.
I couldn’t bear to see her disgraceful state anymore.
I quietly moved closer behind her.
And then, I—
“ㅡHuh?”
“…..You kept asking to see me, and this is all I get?”
I aimed the sword at her back.
