The Saintess in the Birdcage Knew Love, and Then She Fell Into Madness - Chapter 17: To Step Outside
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- Chapter 17: To Step Outside
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Chapter 17: To Step Outside
“Hmm…? Why are you―”
“Hey there, Darren-san.”
On my day off, I visited the castle, and Darren-san greeted me with surprise.
It was understandable, as I was off duty and normally had no business at the castle.
“What brings you here? I heard you were off today.”
“Ahaha… just had some free time.”
Well, coming to the royal castle just because I was bored might seem odd, but Darren-san approached me with a wry smile.
“Maybe you’re so used to working that you ended up here by habit? Anyway, off-duty soldiers can enter and exit, but don’t go to places like the King’s chamber, alright?”
“I know.”
…I knew that, but it was good enough.
Waving his hand lightly, Darren-san walked away, and I too made my way deeper into the castle.
“…”
Come to think of it, I usually enter the castle only for work.
Though I’ve lived a modest life as a soldier, the impression of being a competent worker I’ve built up seems to hold true; no one questions my presence here, even when I shouldn’t be.
(Well… maybe it’s just because I don’t stand out much.)
That’s a bit sad in its own way.
I thought it might be inappropriate to come in casual clothes, so I’m dressed as a soldier. Let’s stick with that reasoning!
Without anyone calling out to me, I finally reached Aria-san’s room… As expected, there’s no one else here.
“Didn’t the squad leader mention something similar? As soldiers, there’s so little to do here that many of us contemplate requesting transfers to more engaging positions.”
I probably would have done the same if Aria-san wasn’t here.
While it’s true that I can slack off here, spending every day just standing around is almost like hell.
In that sense, how long I can continue working here is often a topic among my colleagues.
“…Well, time to go in.”
When I knocked and entered, Aria-san was there, as usual.
“…Eh?”
“Ahaha, hello Aria-san.”
I had told her that I was off today… so Aria-san must have thought she wouldn’t see me all day.
Perhaps that’s why she rushed over to me immediately.
“Whoa!”
“Laurent-kun!”
And for a while, I basked in the warmth of Aria-san’s presence.
Now, why did I come here on my day off? Aria-san seemed curious, and I explained, a bit embarrassed.
“Well… I didn’t like the idea of being bored alone, so I thought I’d come to see Aria-san.”
“… You really are something.”
I stepped away from Aria-san and offered her the sweets I’d bought today.
The moment she saw the sweets, her eyes lit up. Lately, just seeing her reaction like this makes me happy.
“Truly… there really are so many different foods outside. They’re so delicious… it’s like a dream.”
“…”
It’s not just sweets, Aria-san.
Outside, there’s a wide array of foods and dishes, each country with its unique flavors… and I still have so many tastes to discover.
“Aria-san,”
“What is it?”
Of course, there’s much more I want her to know.
There are so many things she can’t experience in this closed-off place. I want her to see and feel them… that’s why I wanted to make this suggestion, even if she might refuse.
“Why don’t you come and see the outside world with me?”
“Outside… Do you mean just to take a brief look again?”
“No―How about living in the outside world?”
“…”
Well, this is certainly something that needs careful consideration.
We can’t just do this immediately, and it would be too disrespectful to the country we’ve lived in all our lives.
But… I wanted to hear Aria-san’s thoughts.
I can’t promise we can make it happen… but if it’s her wish, I think I can strive for it.
“I… “
“…”
“… Honestly, I am curious about the outside, but that’s about it―desires always come and go… that’s all they are.”
Does that mean… Aria-san doesn’t long for the outside?
That’s what I thought, but Aria-san continued,
“But that’s if I were alone. If you, Laurent-kun, are by my side, then I want to change my present. I wonder if that’s selfish of me…”
If I’m there… her words seemed to give me the final push I needed.
Since I was young, I’ve heard about the philosophy of this country―that every citizen is a valued individual.
Their efforts, struggles, and existence must be recognized.
So, shouldn’t Aria-san’s contributions also be acknowledged?
“Aria-san… I too want to see the outside world with you. The landscapes I’ve seen so far, and now, unexpectedly, with you whom I met by chance.”
The reason I can think this far… well, maybe that’s not important now.
For the time being, I need to consider what I can do next―fortunately, I have someone I can consult with… if I can meet them.