Chapter 65: Deceiving Oneself
"So where shall we go next~"
After leaving the Margherita restaurant, Aeron and Cartethyia walked along the streets of Ragunna.
Just as she had said, today belonged to Cartethyia, and Aeron had no reason not to accompany her.
But before enjoying this time, there was something else weighing on Aeron's mind.
"Don't just casually brush off what happened back in the restaurant like it's nothing!"
"Well... what can I do about it? Do your best?"
"Is this something that can be solved by just 'doing my best,' may I ask?"
While he was happy to see his junior who got both a promotion and a raise, Phoebe's reaction earlier was clearly off!
"Well... doesn't the problem clearly lie with you?"
"Why, may I ask?"
Hearing Aeron's words, Cartethyia momentarily struggled to explain.
"Sigh, after all, you've been together for so long, and Phoebe has reached that age. It's normal for her to overthink things."
"You saying this while looking like that has absolutely no persuasiveness, you know?"
"But the years I've lived are genuinely longer than yours! I count as your elder!"
However, thinking about what Aeron and Phoebe had done back when he was still with Montelli, Cartethyia began to have some idea.
"...As an adult, if you've done that kind of thing, you should take responsibility properly."
"Leaving aside how you reached that conclusion, could you first wipe that expression off your face?"
Seeing Cartethyia's expression that looked like she was staring at a paroled criminal, though Aeron didn't know what "that kind of thing" referred to, he was certain the Blessed Maiden was thinking about something very rude.
Aeron let out a long sigh but ultimately gave up pursuing it further. After all, Phoebe was his precious junior—how could she possibly do anything excessive to him?
...Probably.
Anyway, overthinking was useless. What Aeron needed to do now was prepare for Carnevale and not let Phoebe's—and everyone else's—efforts go to waste.
"Alright, alright. Since I'm here with you now, don't think so much~"
Facing Cartethyia's invitation, Aeron didn't answer directly but instead showed a relaxed smile.
He had to admit, it had been a long time since he'd lived so leisurely.
Before, he was either dealing with Fractsidus and Threnodian—people Rover should have handled—or fulfilling duties. It was nice to enjoy himself for once.
Moreover, with Little Carte around, Aeron could steal some time to observe Ragunna's current situation. It was good to see what changes had occurred.
"How have you been feeling staying in Ragunna lately? Are you happy?"
With a probing purpose, Aeron initiated the question to Cartethyia.
"Definitely much better compared to a certain son-in-law of the Fisalia Family~"
"...It's just a title. No need to keep bringing it up."
"To be honest, I'm starting to wonder why that family head chose you."
"Didn't I tell you that identity was more about cooperation? And, don't you think it's possible that my personal charm is simply working wonders?"
"Ugh, you really never miss a chance to praise yourself, do you?"
Amid their usual banter, Cartethyia and Aeron stepped onto the streets of Ragunna.
With Carnevale just a week away, the festive atmosphere already permeated the city. Watching people prepare for this long-awaited celebration once again reshaped Aeron's understanding of Carnevale.
Clergy from the Order, members of Montelli, and ordinary citizens stood side by side, each fulfilling their roles in preparing the Carnevale venues.
The people of Ragunna, regardless of status or background, were all working toward the same goal.
Walking beside Aeron, Cartethyia glanced at his expression and felt slightly relieved, though her mood soon sank again.
"It seems this Carnevale will be quite eventful."
"...After all, this is the most important occasion for the people of Ragunna."
Though she said this to Aeron, Cartethyia's thoughts inevitably drifted back to when she was chosen by the Order as the Blessed Maiden.
The girl who completed her pilgrimage alone, playful and unbound, became the knight recognized and admired by all. Receiving divine favor, she was crowned as the Blessed Maiden by the Order.
Afterward, she became Fleurdelys, taking up her sword and marching to the battlefield.
As "Fleurdelys," she strived to fulfill people's wishes, suppressing the tides that eroded human hearts.
For those who sought her help, "Fleurdelys" waded into the tides, time and again cleaving through the waves and battling the giant fish lurking within.
To confront the Threnodian, Fleurdelys separated the part of herself she wished to preserve, becoming the present Cartethyia.
As Cartethyia reflected on "her own" memories, she gradually realized the Order was not without flaws. The self-proclaimed devout clergy adhered only to doctrines, turning a blind eye to people's suffering. And gradually, she discovered him.
Noticing Cartethyia's subdued mood, Aeron could guess what she was thinking.
Unfortunately, he wouldn't utter a word about Cartethyia's past.
The reason was simple: now was not the time to reveal the truth. Aeron still "knew nothing," and when the right moment came, he would tell her himself.
However, Aeron wasn't so heartless as to watch the lovely girl who had accompanied him for so long sink into sorrow alone.
"I'm here with you, Little Carte. This Carnevale definitely won't disappoint."
Rather than offering direct comfort, Aeron shifted the topic to the festival, and Cartethyia understood his intention.
After all, she was the one who brought him out—how could she show such vulnerability in front of him?
"...The selection for Blessed Maiden is very rigorous, you know?"
"Then I'll have to strive even harder."
Hearing Aeron's response, Cartethyia's mood lightened somewhat, and she reverted to her earlier tone.
"You say that, but when the time comes, you'll probably wander off somewhere on your own again."
Aeron merely smiled faintly at Cartethyia's remark.
"Oh wow, you read people so well!"
Of course, it would be better to reply with something that could put her more at ease.
"You can't say that, Blessed Maiden. From the moment we met, I was determined to stay with you till the very end."
Cartethyia's footsteps halted.
She began to marvel at how easily she was swayed.
Even though Aeron had said something similar to her before, that strange warmth was creeping up on her again.
Stay with you till the very end.
Stay with you.
Till the very end.
"Hmph, no wonder Phoebe ended up like that because of you. You really are a pervert!"
"Hey, don't say things like that in public. Besides, what I just said was the truth."
For a brief moment, Cartethyia seemed to understand why Phoebe had developed such feelings for Aeron.
He totally deserved it!
At the very least, Cartethyia herself would never fall for his tricks!
Cartethyia turned her slightly flushed face away, quickened her pace to walk ahead, and deliberately made her voice sound light and cheerful.
"...Smooth talker. You must have said things like this to Carlotta and the others too, right?"
"Huh? I've only ever said this to you."
Cartethyia crouched down, covering her face with both hands.
How can you say something like that in such a calm tone?!
Cartethyia didn't voice those words. Only after she had calmed down a bit did she slowly walk back to stand in front of Aeron.
"L-Let's call it a day for today…"
"Huh? What's wrong? It's only noon."
"I-I'm tired, is that not allowed?!"
After defending herself, Cartethyia finally settled down.
"...Besides, you have things to do later, right?"
"You figured that out too?"
"Well, I have spent quite some time with you, after all~"
Cartethyia puffed out her chest with a hint of pride, then continued,
"Make sure you remember everything that happened today, okay?"
"Got it."
Then, Cartethyia released her grip on Aeron's hand. She took a step back, clasped her hands behind her, and tilted her head slightly as she looked at him. "Thank you for spending time with me today. I had a lot of fun."
She didn't ask where Aeron was going next or what he was going to do. She simply felt that today should end here.
It was a gesture of consideration, and a small effort to maintain her own pride and composure.
"See you in Montelli~" She waved one last time, and without waiting for his reply, she turned and jogged off in the direction of the Montelli district.
After watching Cartethyia leave, Aeron couldn't help but sigh to himself.
So, even athletes get tired?
Well, it's about time to get down to business.
Thinking this, Aeron took out his terminal and sent a message to that familiar contact.
"Zani, are you free now?"
***
T/N: I forgot Margherita's name, so in the previous chapters, I translated Margherita as Margaret. Sorry for that. When I get some free time, I'll rectify those mistranslations.