C55
I responded, looking at Terence in the tree.
"No, I heard it."
"Then why?"
"Can't you just come down and talk?"
It's frustrating because I can't see his face. I couldn't understand with what kind of expression or emotion he was treating me right now.
"It's not possible."
"Why?"
"... I'd like to be alone now. I'll leave after a while, so go back first."
"It doesn't hurt much, does it?"
"It's fine."
His voice and way of speaking certainly didn't sound like those of a patient. That's good.
"You just want to be alone?"
"That's right."
Why does he suddenly want to be alone? This was the first time something like this happened since I met Terence.
Honestly, I was curious about the reason. But you shouldn't ask about those things one by one. Everyone has moments when they want to be alone for their own reasons.
It wasn't polite to inquire about such personal circumstances. Although we've become quite close lately, it's not like we have secrets between us.
Let's respect his feelings here and take a step back.
"All right. I'll leave now."
"......"
"Oh. Still, I'll report this. The trial ended as expected. Although it's not the real end, it can't be helped."
"......"
"Everything is thanks to Tay for bringing the head butler here. Thank you."
"... No."
"You finally responded. I apologize for bothering you during your break. When the head butler told me that Tay seemed sick, I couldn't stay still."
In the end, it was a useless fuss.
"Were you... worried?"
It was a cautious question.
"Of course, I was worried. I heard that you were sick. Besides, you're my comrade."
He remained silent for a moment and then opened his mouth.
"You're very kind at times like this. Sometimes, you're also cruel."
"What? Me?"
"I made a mistake. Please pretend you didn't hear that."
No, how can I pretend I didn't hear that? I just heard a word that really bothered me.
"Are you, by any chance, angry with me?"
"That's not it."
"Or did I do something bad to Tay?"
"He has never done something like that."
It didn't sound like an angry voice to my ears. He doesn't seem angry... What is it? He felt uncomfortable.
I searched my memory. Now that I think about it, Terence's voice was low when he first asked me why I had come, but it wasn't filled with anger.
Instead of saying he's angry, what should I say?
"... Are you really upset?"
"Absolutely not."
A too firm response. There's a saying like this. What does a strong denial mean? Something positive.
"Oh, you're upset."
"Definitely not."
In fact, if you ask someone who is upset if they are upset, they will probably hate it. Let's change the expression.
"Well, this is just my guess. Have I ever upset Tay by being rude in the past?"
"... It has never happened."
In terms of nuance, it definitely was there.
"Did that really happen? When? Why?"
I did my best, but no memory came to mind.
Terence was a friend I wanted to get along with, and even if he wasn't, I had a good human attitude towards him, so I had no choice but to always treat him well. Consciously or unconsciously.
"But assuming it ever happened, it makes sense."
There was a moment when I felt his attitude was a bit strange. He quickly returned to normal, and I thought it was my mistake, but it wasn't.
"When exactly was that? It was a few days ago."
Terence sighed lightly.
"That's why I asked you to go back first. I'm sorry. As expected, forget what I said earlier."
"If you told me why you're upset."
"I have no intention of doing that."
"I see."
If Terence wanted to be alone for personal reasons, I would be willing to step aside, but if it was because of his feelings towards me, resolving it was a priority.
"I think we shouldn't neglect the sediment and solve it at the right time. This is a lesson I learned from my marriage that broke down after repeated evasions."
Terence remained silent for a moment.
My neck hurt from looking up, so I sat down and leaned against the tree trunk.
When I sat down as if I wasn't going to leave, Terence finally broke the silence.
"You really don't have to worry. I'm normally like this."
"Like what?"
"... Sometimes I say silly things after using my powers. Yes, nothing more than silly things."
"Is it because you're tired?"
"One could say that."
Well, to sum it up in one word.
"Isn't it because you don't have the power to cover or hide it that your true feelings come to light?"
"..."
Phew, did I hit the nail on the head?
"Haha. I just thought about it. If that's the case, I'm glad."
"You're glad? What do you mean?"
"Because I learned Tay's true feelings. I would have regretted it if I hadn't known that Tay had those feelings."