Chapter 138 - 2-20 Louis's Perspective
"Huh? Are you... really Louis?"
"I am."
"How can your aura and personality change this much in the three months since I last saw you?"
Theodore's eyes were wide with shock as I lowered my head. I slowly looked up at his stunned murmur.
"It hasn't been three months. It's been three years."
"What are you talking about?"
Theodore frowned and tilted his head, a faint, confused smile on his lips. I clenched my fists and made my decision.
"There is a clear divergence between the world I know and this one, starting three years ago. And in my true world, Rachel is... Rachel is alive."
"What? ...Even for me, that makes absolutely no sense."
After a long silence between us, I began to tell Theodore about the events of the last three years. Unlike when I spoke to Cyril, this was the second time, so I was able to speak more calmly. Perhaps because of that, Theodore's initial skepticism gradually faded. He leaned in, focusing on my story, occasionally murmuring, "I see..." as he thought.
When the topic turned to the contract with the Spirit of Darkness and the blessing from the Dark Spirit King, Theodore's eyes sparkled with a faint light despite his surprise.
When I finished by asking for his help to return to my original world, Theodore placed a hand on his forehead and let out a long, slow sigh.
"I understand your story, Louis. And the reason for your sudden change."
"If you know anything about why two worlds exist, or why I am in this one... please tell me."
"...Right. I didn't know about the existence of dark spirits, but if we look into that, we might find something. I can't make any promises, though."
At Theodore's words—'might find something'—I nearly shouted. "Truly!" But Theodore silently shook his head at my obvious joy.
"We don't know anything yet. Including whether I'll even help you."
"Ah... right. Of course."
Seeing my shoulders slump, Theodore's expression softened.
"Calm down. I still have a lot of things I want to ask and think about."
"Yes, forgive me for rushing you."
His point hit home. I realized how narrow my vision had become. It was true that I was impatient. My desire to get back to Rachel as soon as possible was overriding my logic, and I was losing my composure.
"I get how you feel, Louis. You want to get back to your world immediately. But if I'm going to help... I have a question."
Theodore paused for a moment before speaking softly. In the quiet private room, his voice seemed to ring out.
"The Rachel in that world... is she living happily?"
"Yes... she's alive. I can't say for sure if she's happy, only Rachel knows that... but I hope she is, every single day. But yes, she smiles often."
"I see. ...I see. So that kind of future existed."
Theodore relaxed his shoulders and let out a small laugh, his eyes crinkling.
"Ah. It feels like I've been shown a hope I thought was impossible. I feel the tension leaving me."
Despite the color returning to his cheeks, Theodore tapped his index finger against the table with a hint of irritation, betraying his complex emotions.
It must be complicated. If it were me, how would I feel knowing that something I failed to protect was happy in a world I didn't know? Most of it would be relief and joy. But the sense of loss wouldn't vanish. The fact that I failed to protect her wouldn't change.
Thinking that, I naturally wondered what Theodore was to Rachel.
"It's thanks to you as well. When Rachel lost her magic, when she was in danger... it galls me to admit it, but you saved her many times."
"...I did?"
"Yes. If you hadn't been there, she might not have contracted with the Spirit of Darkness. We might not have known about the danger. So, I am truly grateful."
"Ah, the 'me' over there. So that version of me kept his promise. ...Haha, my emotions are a mess, but I'm actually kind of jealous."
Theodore leaned his elbow on the table and rested his head in his hand, staring at the glass in front of me. The water in the glass, illuminated by the dim overhead light, clinked as a large ice cube melted. Thinking he might want some time to think alone, I told him I'd go get some wine and left the room.
I went to the counter and asked the master for wine and two glasses. I didn't take them back to the room immediately. Instead, I poured a single glass and took my time drinking it.
When I felt enough time had passed, I returned to the room. As I opened the door, Theodore spoke, his eyes still downcast.
"If there's a future where the girl I couldn't protect is living happily, then I have to at least protect that, don't I?"
I pretended not to hear his quiet murmur. As I took my seat, Theodore looked up. His face showed he had already made his decision.
If I can't get Theodore's help here...
I straightened my posture, pushing aside the flicker of anxiety. Theodore, as if reading my mind, let the corner of his mouth curl up.
"Fine. I'll help."
"R-really...? Thank you, Theodore! I can't thank you enough."
"It's rare for you to ask for a favor. Besides, it's fun seeing you so desperate."
Theodore's smirk was familiar, and the wall I'd felt between us since we met seemed to vanish.
"Now then, let's move somewhere else to talk in detail. ...Should Cyril be involved? If so, let's head to the castle."
While I let out a sigh of relief, Theodore stood up and headed for the door. He looked back and jerked his chin at me, urging me to move.
"Of course. ...But before that, may I ask one question?"
"What is it?"
"Your relationship with Rachel. You took a long leave from the Order of Mages to investigate the truth behind her attack..."
Were you that close? I wanted to ask, but the words wouldn't come out. Theodore seemed to understand what I was getting at without me saying it.
"It's a secret. Feel free to agonize over it."
Theodore gave a mischievous grin. "Man, teasing you is still the best," he muttered, walking ahead in high spirits. I opened my mouth to protest the lack of a real answer, but seeing him so cheerful, I simply sighed. I hurried to catch up with him.