Chapter 283 (Self Edited) Heading East

While bathing in the gentle breeze, Soma and others were riding through the gra.s.slands under the blue sky.

Although the speed was moderate, it felt strangely calm, probably because they were in a state where they were almost doing nothing. Until now, Soma had rarely practiced horseback riding, but it might not be surprising bad. Surprisingly, Soma was enjoying the situation quite a bit while thinking about nothing in particular. However, it wasnt the same as the one riding behind.

Hmm? This is well, isnt the person, who came up with the idea of horseback riding, a genius? To be able to control it unilaterally and to make it follow your order Moreover, Soma has to hold the reins, so I can do whatever I want! (Hildegard)

Im not going to say anything if you dont get in the way, but if you do, Ill throw you right away, alright? (Soma)

He told her so with a sigh, but he didnt get a reply, probably because she didnt hear it. There was just the feeling that there was more force on the arm that was just on the back, and something was pus.h.i.+ng against his back.

He sighed again, saying that she shouldnt do it at all.

Hmm Ive always wondered what kind of relations.h.i.+p you guys have, but youre not lovers, right? (Ingrid)

Does it look that way? (Soma)

No? It doesnt look that way, and thats why Im wondering what kind of relations.h.i.+p both of you have. (Ingrid)

Hmm I wonder what kind of relations.h.i.+p we have (Soma)

Honestly, Soma himself didnt understand well. He didnt really hate Hildegard, but when he asked whether he liked her as a lover, he had no choice but to wonder.

Or rather, that was the same with everyone else. Soma didnt understand his own feelings no, should he say that he didnt get it

It was different before he fell into that world in the previous life. It could be said that it was strange, but at least, he had that feeling like everyone else.

What he didnt understand was probably that he was too absorbed with only one thing in the previous life. At that time, he was really concentrating only on the sword, and perhaps, he was still doing it now.

However, he hadnt had any problems with the feelings, and he thought that it was fine. No was it correct to say that he felt that he would naturally understand when the time came? At the moment, he simply didnt feel the need for that feeling.

The way of saying it might sound bad, but the point was that Soma was busy looking for ways to use magic. He couldnt afford to be involved in anything else.

Actually, he was embarra.s.sed when he was doing it now, but well, it couldnt be helped. It was inevitable. Soma could only solve the current matter as soon as possible and quickly return to his original purpose.

Well, Im sure there will be various things. (Soma)

Yeah, yeah various things (Hildegard)

Im really going to throw you off, you know? (Soma)

Soma couldnt see it, but from the feeling of something pressing on his back, he thought that was her face. Moreover, she sounded happy and that could make him sigh only.

He thought that she was more firm when they met again in this appearance, but he wonder if this former G.o.d had become more and more degraded in the last five years. Or maybe, she was originally putting up a mask to cover her true feelings. It might have come off or she started throwing it away

I see. Surely, there are various things. (Soma)

Soma had no choice but to shrug his shoulders at Ingrid, who smiled wryly.

Suddenly, he remembered what he had wanted to ask.

By the way, I have one question for you, Ingrid. (Soma)

Hmm? Is there anything you want to ask? (Ingrid)

Its about that dagger. Is that the reason why you decided to return to your hometown this time? I wondered why you kept silent about it. Isnt it normal to report that you have found that dagger that seems to be relevant at least? (Soma)

Aah is that it? (Ingrid)

Ingrids expression changed immediately, but it was like a mixture of bitter smile and self-deprecation. It was at that time that he was. .h.i.t by something, telling him that she didnt want to say.

Well, its alright. Theres no need for me to ask that, right? But why didnt you inform me about it at that time? (Soma)

Hmm, to be honest, I was a bit lost. I supposed it wasnt necessary to say it. I was wondering if there was any reason, and I just wondered if I didnt have to pursue the matter at that time. (Soma)

It was clear that there might be some reasons for not reporting it. Even though they just met each other yesterday, he somehow understood Ingrids personality. If there was no reason, Ingrid would definitely have reported.

But she didnt report it for good reason, or it was hard to say to Eleonora. Therefore, Soma asked here because he thought about the possibility of the latter. By the way, he asked for it because of pure curiosity, so he didnt have to know it.

Consequently

I see Well, it is as you have guessed. I kept silent about this because I had to say things that I didnt want to say. Its related to why I thought I had to go back to my hometown when I saw this dagger. (Ingrid)

Hmm what would you do if Eleonora pursued the matter moer? (Soma)

At that time, I well. Perhaps, I would talk. After all, this is just my problem. If I was told to speak, I would have had to speak. (Ingrid)

Is that so? (Soma)

Somehow, she thought that Eleonroa was aware of that. Even if Eleonora could trust Ingrids intuition and trust Ingrid herself, it was impossible to give permission alone. So, it was natural to think that she had guessed something and decided to believe in it.

If she couldnt do that much, she wouldnt be able to be at the highest position of one organization, albeit tentatively. Although it was only a short time since they met, Soma had recognized Eleonora the way she was.

Well, thats why I would appreciate it if you dont pursue the matter any further. Or should I say Im not ready to say it yet. (Ingrid)

Hmm does that mean you will tell us soon? (Soma)

Yes. Thats probably when we go to the village. I will have to talk even if I dont like it. By that time, Ill be ready. When I return to the Holy City, I will tell Eleonora-sama everything, including the apology for keeping it silent.

Hmm if thats the case, I understand. (Soma)

To begin with, he asked only because of curiosity. If he was told that she didnt want to say it, he would accept it.

There was no problem if she was going to explain sooner or later.

Well If Im not good at it, you may guess it almost at the same time when we get to the village. (Ingrid)

Hmm? (Soma)

Was it because of the reaction of the villagers? The person who was a Paladin in the Holy City returned suddenly for the first time in two years.

They would be at least surprised, and in the normal sense, she would be welcomed

Welcome, huh no, at least, that shouldnt be the case. The people of that village wouldnt welcome me. (Ingrid)

With that said, Soma nodded when seeing the appearance of Ingrid, who distorted the mouth with a clear self-mockery. In a sense, it was as expected, but there seemed to be some circ.u.mstances.

Soma squinted ahead, staring in the directions of the village that he still couldnt see its shadow or shape. At the same time, he thought that Hildegard, who kept pus.h.i.+ng her face on his back without joining the conversation, was getting really annoying. He let out a breath, wondering what would happen.