The Saintess in the Birdcage Knew Love, and Then She Fell Into Madness

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Chapter 10: The Outside World

Until now, I had never felt even a slight fear towards women. However, entangled by magical threads and being strongly embraced, I found myself utterly unable to escape from Aria-san, no matter how much I struggled. Actually, even before considering the magic, it was simply her overwhelming strength.

“Um… Aria-san?”

“What is it?”

“…!”

When she peered closely at me, I felt like I saw an abyss in the depths of her eyes… so deep and dark, it seemed like if I were to get lost in them, I would never find my way out. However, more than that fear, my senses were captivated by the softness gently touching my face, dispelling my fear in an instant.

“Laurent-kun, why didn’t you come yesterday?”

“Well…”

“Why didn’t you?”

Her expression shifted between a smile and a blank look, leaning more towards the latter as Aria-san tilted her head inquisitively.

The fear returned, but then I remembered the reason and began to explain: I couldn’t come due to the rage of monsters, and today I was delayed because of the aftermath. Hearing this, Aria-san let out a relieved sigh.

“So, you didn’t lose your desire to come here?”

“Of course not. On the contrary, I felt terribly sorry that I couldn’t meet you.”

“Ah… really?”

“Yes. And today, I was worried because I was late…”

There was not a single lie in my words.

Aria-san pondered over what I had said, finally releasing me from her embrace, both her arms and the magical threads loosening their hold. Now free, she took my hand and led me to the chair where we usually sat.

“…Fufu, I really do enjoy sitting face to face with you, Laurent-kun.”

“Do you?”

“Yes. I’m sorry I don’t have many topics to offer.”

“No, no, not at all!”

I quickly countered, feeling a bit flustered.

But, I suppose from Aria-san’s perspective, she might feel that way… However, that’s due to her circumstances, and there’s no reason for Aria-san to feel sorry about anything.

“Aria-san!”

“W-What is it!?”

“Let’s do something fun!”

I blurted out those words, hoping to dispel the slight gloom that had settled over me.

Although this suggestion stemmed from my own somber thoughts, it was indeed quite spontaneous.

Unsure of what I was getting at, Aria-san gave an enthusiastic nod and quickly sat down beside me.

“Something fun… Yes, let’s! What shall we do?”

“…Hmm.”

Now that it came down to it, I was at a loss.

Naturally, leaving this place wasn’t an option, and there were no playthings or games here… The more I thought about it, the more apparent it became that there was nothing to do here, and I couldn’t help but think that I would go mad if I stayed for too many days.

“Laurent-kun?”

“…”

Damn it… I had just resolved to stop thinking dark thoughts, but here I am, looking down again.

Aria-san… Aria-san is truly alone.

Spending her time in this empty place all by herself, unable to leave, without having had a conversation with anyone until now… Honestly, if I were in her place, I would feel desperate.

“Aria-san.”

“What is it?”

“Aria-san… Is it really impossible for you to leave this place?”

“I can’t leave. It’s my fate, after all.”

Fate, huh? I wish Aria-san wouldn’t say it with such a casual expression, as if it’s nothing significant. No, wait, maybe that’s how she copes with this fate… Either way.

“But it’s okay.”

“Eh?”

“Because you come to visit me.”

“…”

Faced with her beautiful smile, I couldn’t help but blush noticeably.

Fortunately, Aria-san didn’t seem to understand why I was blushing… If she did, considering she’s like an older sister, she might tease me endlessly about it.

(Well, that might be fun in its own way.)

But… this place truly is calming.

“Aria-san is… sort of like an older sister. Not that I have much experience interacting with women, but I haven’t talked with my mother for a long time.”

“Laurent-kun…”

“That’s why I feel a different kind of comfort and reassurance with you than with my colleagues I usually spend time with.”

Putting it into words, this might be exactly how I felt.

Well, maybe Aria-san might find it troubling that I suddenly started talking about such things, but I just blurted it out, influenced by the aura she exuded.

Aria-san looked surprised for a moment, then smiled warmly and said,

“Thank you, Laurent-kun. I’m really happy to have met you like this—come here.”

“…Come here?”

Hmm? What does she mean by ‘come here’?

“Do you want to feel embraced? Then, come on, jump into my arms. Doesn’t that make you happy?”

“It does… but…”

I mean, it’s great, but isn’t that a bit difficult for me to initiate…!?

However, it seems that in these past few days, Aria-san has learned to tease, and that’s what she was doing just now.

“…Sigh.”

“I’m sorry, I just couldn’t help it.”

It’s hard to say anything back when she apologizes with a smile like that.

So, as time passed while chatting happily with Aria-san, the moment to return to work approached.

Today, Aria-san seemed particularly sad, making me wish I could stay here longer… Perhaps because of that, Aria-san did something unexpected.

“I’ve never thought of leaving this place… But maybe I do want to follow you, Laurent-kun.”

Saying that, Aria-san approached the door.

Wait, really…? Although I was surprised, Aria-san seemed resigned as she opened the door… but couldn’t move any further forward.

“…No, it’s no use after all.”

The door was open, but her feet wouldn’t move. It was as if her body had its own will, preventing her from moving any further… I see, so this is what it means.

“It’s okay, Aria-san, I’ll keep coming here.”

“Really? Can I believe that?”

“Yes!”

Of course!

But… what exactly prevents Aria-san from leaving, and why am I able to enter here? I really don’t understand… Hmm.

“Maybe it’s just me who can perceive and enter this place… Aria-san, could you try holding my hand?”

“Hold your hand? Sure.”

“And… if you feel anything unusual, let go immediately.”

“Ah, I see what you mean. Understood.”

Well, if it were that easy to leave, it wouldn’t be much of a problem, would it?

Thinking lightly but ready to respond quickly if needed, I took a step forward, driven by curiosity.

“…Huh?”