STGAAB Novel MTL - Chapter 779
Chapter 779: 13th Month (6)
Erwen’s little sister was nothing like what I had imagined. Well, both the eldest, Daria, and the second sister, Erwen, had long and slender figures, so I naturally assumed the third would be similar too……
‘…She’s small.’
She was around 150cm tall. She seemed to be about the same height as Raven, or perhaps even shorter, but the atmosphere around her was entirely different from Raven’s colder impression. She didn’t appear chubby, but her face… No, to be precise, her baby fat hadn’t completely disappeared yet.
‘…She looks soft and squishy, but she’d probably get mad if I tried to poke her, right?’
In any case, my first impression of Erwen’s little sister was that she was a tiny girl who didn’t look anywhere near 21 years old—.
“Your stare… is unpleasant.”
I flinched involuntarily.
‘…Is she a tsundere-type with that appearance?’
I couldn’t help but think how rare of a trait to encounter in real life, but now wasn’t the time to think about that.
“……How could you say that? Well, let’s start with some introductions, shall we?”
At Erwen’s coaxing words, the small and cute elf revealed her name with a somewhat pouty expression.
“…May Powyn di Tersia.”
“I’m Bjorn, son of Yandel. Nice to meet you, May.”
“……”
I thought for a moment that she might be upset I called her by name, but thankfully, May didn’t seem to mind. Perhaps she was being polite because I was her sister’s comrade? I couldn’t tell for sure, but as the adult and senior explorer, I decided to steer the conversation forward.
“May, how many times have you entered the labyrinth?”
“…Four times. After that, the labyrinth was closed, so I couldn’t go back in.”
“That must have been frustrating.”
“Not really… What’s so great about going into the labyrinth anyway?”
“……Huh?”
That was an unexpected response. I had assumed that someone her age would naturally be interested in exploration, so I thought starting the conversation that way would be a good idea. And it wasn’t as if she had said it like a child throwing a tantrum, but more like she genuinely meant it, both in tone and expression.
“By any chance… May, do you not want to become an explorer?”
“No.”
“Why not?”
“Isn’t it obvious? You have to sleep in dirty, cold, and hard places every day. The food’s bad, and you have to live with people whether you like it or not…”
Well… she wasn’t wrong. Now that I think about it, unless you need a lot of money or have a specific goal, there’s no real reason to become an explorer. That’s why there are so few explorers from noble families in the first place—.
“And the labyrinth always takes things away…”
“……”
“It would’ve been better if the labyrinth never existed.”
Knowing Erwen’s family history in detail, I couldn’t find anything to say in response to this tiny girl’s grumbling.
“…Haha, but still, someone has to go in, right? After all, it’s thanks to the magic stones we retrieve from the labyrinth that we can eat, sleep, wear clothes, and live……”
“I know that too.”
“……”
At May’s cold words, even Erwen looked flustered and unsure of what to do. It seemed that, perhaps because she felt guilty, Erwen was having a hard time handling this little sister. But, all conversation is based on experience.
‘I’m used to handling kids like this.’
So, my plan was to first pique her interest. If I talked about something too distant, there was a high chance she wouldn’t care, so I decided to bring up something she’d likely be curious about…
“Ah, Erwen. Have you ever told May the story of how we first met?”
“Huh? Oh, just briefly. You know, when you… uh, when Mr. Yandel helped me out in a difficult situation……”
“……Mr. Yandel?”
“Haha… W-why, What’s wrong? Mr. Yandel?”
Erwen looked at me with an awkward laugh.
It didn’t take long to understand the situation.
‘So… She’s shy in front of her little sister.’
Well, it feels like a nickname now. Besides, since this was a situation to show I wasn’t some strange person, calling me ‘Mister’ might have been a bit much.
“……Is there a story I don’t know about?”
At that moment, May spoke up, directing a question to me. It seemed her curiosity was piqued at the thought there might be parts of the story she hadn’t been told.
“Well, I’m not sure how much you’ve heard… but do you want to hear it?”
“……”
“I’ll tell you.”
From that point on, the conversation flowed smoothly. I started with how I first met Erwen and continued, telling May about the various adventures we’d been through in the most entertaining order I could think of. However, I wondered if she noticed the gaps in the story.
“……What about the Goblin Forest?”
May asked, bringing up that particular episode. While many things happened in the Goblin Forest, what May was curious about must be the incident where her eldest sister, Daria, died.
“…You can tell me. I more or less know what happened already.”
I glanced at Erwen to check if it was fine, and she signaled that it was fine. So, I began telling that story too, recounting it calmly. It was the longest and most detailed story of them all, but it could be summarized in just one sentence.
‘Daria sacrificed herself to save her younger sister, Erwen, and died in her place.’
That was where the Barbarian storytelling session came to an end. May stayed silent for a long time after the story ended, and both Erwen and I waited quietly, giving her the space she needed.
“If there was no labyrinth… My sister would still be here with me……”
It was only after a significant amount of time had passed that May finally spoke. I simply acknowledged her words.
“Perhaps, that could be the case.”
If Daria hadn’t become an explorer, maybe she wouldn’t have died. But then again, she wouldn’t have been there to save Erwen when she was in danger either.
“Why is everyone so obsessed with the labyrinth……”
In response to May’s question, I answered without hesitation.
“Because it’s no different from the city.”
“……?”
“People go into the labyrinth because they’re tired of losing. This city is always taking something from them.”
Daria and Erwen knew that all too well. That’s why they became explorers. To stop losing things and to protect what was precious to them.
“Even though you hate it, isn’t that why you became an explorer too?”
May didn’t respond to my question. Her expression showed that she somewhat understood, but at the same time, didn’t want to accept it.
‘Well, at that age, it’s hard to understand exactly what your feelings are.’
That thought crossed my mind, but honestly, I wasn’t in a position to talk. Even I didn’t fully understand my own feelings.
I smiled slightly and gave May one piece of advice.
“May Powyn di Tersia.”
“……”
“The labyrinth will open again soon. You should go back inside. You’ll see that not everything that happens in the labyrinth is bad.”
This time, her reply came after a long pause.
“Do you really… think so……?”
Without a moment of hesitation, I answered.
“I’m sure of it.”
Because that’s how it was for me too.
***
After spending more time talking with Erwen and May, I started to get a clearer picture of the relationship between the two sisters.
“Should I bring more snacks? There’s some from a famous bakery in the city that—.”
“No, I’m fine, sister.”
Whenever Erwen tried to offer something or do even the smallest favor, May would subtly resist, trying not to accept anything. Their dynamic was clear. Far from what you’d call a warm, close-knit family.
‘…It’s frustrating.’
It’s obvious that they care for each other, but why do act more like strangers than family? It was suffocating for me to watch, but there wasn’t much I could do. I lacked the experience to give any advice on family relationships.
‘Well, let’s not stir up trouble and just observe.’
So, I maintained that stance, continuing a pleasant conversation, and time passed by.
Knock-knock-knock.
A visitor arrived.
“May, are you in there?”
A soft, familiar male voice came from outside.
“Oh, uncle……!”
The moment she heard the voice, May quickly stood up and rushed to open the door. Erwen, meanwhile, gave an awkward smile. Of course, she must know too. The difference in May’s reaction compared to how she treated her was stark.
“May, have you been well?”
“Hey, how long has it been since you left to say such things?”
“Haha… Even if it’s only been a few hours, I still want to make sure you’re okay.”
The elf man, smiling warmly, gently patted May’s head and then turned toward me with a greeting.
“It’s been a while, Baron Yandel.”
Coincidentally, it was someone I was familiar with.
“It’s been a while. Beleg Shucia di Tersia.”
A renowned explorer, revered as a hero among the elves, and Erwen’s maternal uncle. I had briefly met him before during the Races Summit.
“By the way… I heard you came with Erwen… Indeed, you were here.”
“Did you come looking for me?”
“I would have come even if it wasn’t for the Baron. My precious niece has come home after a long time. Erwen, has everything been okay lately?”
“Yes……”
“That’s good to hear. May I sit down?”
“Do as you like. It’s not my house.”
I shrugged, and Beleg smiled before sitting across from me.
And……
“I heard about what happened in the village on my way here.”
Having been involved in that event, I couldn’t help but flinch at his words. After all, this man was Erwen’s uncle.
“I understand why you did what you did…… but did you have to do it that way?”
“……I have nothing to say.”
“Uncle, I said I was fine… No, I even said I was grateful.”
As I hung my head, Erwen stepped in to shield me. It was a strange feeling, being protected by someone else. It was something I hadn’t experienced much as a tank Barbarian.
“…What happened?”
May looked at us with widened eyes, but none of us dared to answer. And perhaps she didn’t like that.
“I’m going out for a bit. You all can talk.”
With that, May left the house, giving us space to continue our conversation.
“…She’s a good kid.”
“She seems to be. She follows her sister well too.”
“I was referring to Erwen, not May.”
“Oh……?”
“So please, treat her well. No matter how much you try to explain or clear things up, once a marriage path is closed, it won’t open again. Take responsibility—.”
“U-Uncle……! What are you talking about? That’s……!”
“Erwen, regardless of how you feel, I am your and May’s guardian. It’s my duty to say what needs to be said. Isn’t that right?”
I had nothing to say. Truly, there was nothing else I could say.
“…Y-Yes, that’s right.”
“May I assume that what I intended to say has been properly conveyed?”
“O-Of course.”
“Then that’s a relief. Please don’t take it the wrong way and just think of it as the concern of someone who cares for Erwen.”
Once again, I could only nod without a word, and thankfully, Beleg didn’t push me any further. After that, the conversation shifted to more normal topics.
“Beleg, since we’re talking, there’s something I’d like to ask. Since Erwen left after taking the Pureblood, has public opinion been bad?”
“…I wouldn’t say it has been good, even as a polite exaggeration. Especially judging from what some of the elders have been saying.”
“You must have put in a lot of effort. Thank you.”
“I only did what I had to do.”
“From now on, I’d like to help as well. Could you explain more about the power structure of the elves?”
“Hmm… Alright, I suppose I can’t exactly consider you an outsider anymore, Baron.”
“……”
There were a few pointed words here and there, but overall, the conversation with Beleg was quite beneficial. I started getting a rough idea of how I could help improve Erwen’s standing. Once I return home, I can start working out a detailed plan—.
“Erwen, could you step outside for a moment?”
……Huh?
“I need to discuss something privately with the Baron. It won’t take long.”
“Okay……”
Just as the conversation seemed to be winding down, Beleg sent Erwen out of the room.
I couldn’t help but feel tense. This man, who didn’t hesitate to confront me about taking responsibility right in front of Erwen, was now asking her to leave before speaking to me. What could he possibly want to say that required sending Erwen out?
“…Go ahead. What do you want to talk about?”
I asked cautiously and after hesitating for a moment, Beleg spoke straight to the point.
“Baron, I’ve heard that you possess a Stone of Revival.”
…It was a topic I hadn’t expected at all.
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