I wasn't looking at Maria. I didn't know what kind of expression she would have, and I was somewhat nervous about it.
"Jared. If this is the best route to take... then take it."
"I know that, but—"
"You're worried that you won't be able to save everyone. You're frightened about the effects of your actions. You fear the enemy might use this against you." Maria was spot-on.
I nodded at her every word.
"But... the thing is... it's the only option that guarantees the best results. If you feel inadequate, then train more or create a better countermeasure against whatever the enemy might utilize against the current plan."
I understood her answer, but—
"Jared."
>WHAP!<
Both of her hands smacked my cheeks, and before I knew it, they were turning my face in her direction, and I found myself looking into her eyes.
It was... beautiful.
"Jared, I know you want to win. I know you'll do whatever you can to secure the best results. I know you'll think of every possible solution."
Her glimmering blue eyes sent fireworks coursing through my body. I couldn't explain it, even if I tried.
"But you have done all of those already. If this is what you've chosen, then forget about the other plans. Make a choice and stick to it. Come what may, you'll know you did everything you possibly could."
Her answer was simplistic, but something about her words resonated within my heart. Was she right? Was she wrong?
I had no idea.
However...
"Everyone believes in you, Jared. We wouldn't be here if it weren't for that fact. Even Ana does. Why else would she agree with your plan to send her to Jane?"
'She... does?!'
"The Allied Nations rely on your judgement. I know that makes you feel more worried about what will happen if you end up being wrong, but... it simply shows how none of them could do a better job."
"A-ah..." I was left speechless.
"I'm not trying to appeal to your ego, Jared. And I'm not trying to make you feel better. I'm just being as realistic as I can. Everyone follows your plan partly because they trust you, but it's also because they can't do any better."
My eyes widened even more.
"Even if the plan fails and we lose... why would they blame you for something they couldn't do any better in?"
Something within me instantly sparked, and my memories returned to the time when I was revealed to be Inept in my first life.
When I returned to my town and lashed out at everyone as a result of my insecurities. How I raised my voice in fear of the mockery that was bound to come as a result of my humiliating failure.
However—
"Well, it was a shame you didn't end up being the genius magic user you proclaimed you would become… but, why would we make fun of you for not achieving something we couldn't either?"
—The words they responded to me with, were enough to shatter my preconceived expectations
"A-ah... So that's it."
Perhaps I was overthinking too much. Was I being overly worried, shackling myself with expectations and consequences that simply weren't present?
Perhaps that was it.
"Thank you, Maria." I suddenly broke into a smile, staring at her usual expressionless face.
Something about the girl's clear outlook made me appreciate her company.
"It's nothing, really." She shrugged.
Even with her words, I found myself unable to look away. It was the same for her, apparently.
The both of us just kept staring at each other, unmoving.
Why?
Why couldn't I move?
I simply couldn't help but remain stationary as my heart raced with unexpected urges, and the heat within slowly burned brighter.
'I... what do I...'
Suddenly, I found myself moving.
My body slowly tilted forward, moving in the direction of the girl in front of me. I couldn't explain it—or perhaps I could.
Something about her clear eyes, her glossy lips, and her alluring presence kept me moving forward.
I was lost... too lost in the moment... to show any form of restraint any longer.
"Maria..." I whispered, my face now mere inches from hers.
"... Thank you."
And then, it happened.
I kissed Maria.
For the very first time... I kissed her. My lips touched hers, and I felt the succulent softness of her tongue on mine.
It was awkward, considering I had been the one to initiate this moment, but... it wasn't so bad either.
Our hands touched, and I could feel the comfort in the chill of her skin. It contrasted my body's heat.
'Truly, Maria... thank you.'
As our fingers intertwined with one another, so did our lips. I had no idea for how long, but we were lost in ecstasy, under the night's watch.
***********
"Well, isn't this interesting..." A voice echoed within an incomprehensibly vast room.
The room had a huge table, with six seats on the right side, and another six on the left side.
The forefront had a throne-like seat, and the entire structure demonstrated order.
The room was exquisite, its walls painted with murals, and the chandeliers, alongside the tiles, drapes, and carpets. depicted luxury.
This was the headquarters of the Nether Cult, and the man who just spoke was their leader.
He was seated on his superior chair, and before him were the cult's remaining members, who were a measly number of four.
The First Seat, the Third Seat, the Fifth Seat, and the Sixth Seat.
Other than the four, the other members were absent—most of them already dead.
"Beruel switched sides, while the others are dead. It's amazing how our numbers dropped so swiftly. Even Kido is..." Karlia, the Succubus glanced to her side and was met with an empty chair.
"Miss him already?" A teasing tone rang from Legris Damien of the Sixth Seat.
He had a stupid grin on his face that made light of the situation, a sharp contrast to the younger boy who sat beside him.
"Shut up." The crimson-toned Demon replied, gritting her teeth in disgust.
Her current apparel was that of a lab coat, and she had glasses on. It was clear she had been in the middle of a certain scientific procedure before the start of the meeting.
The First Seat was silent, simply waiting for their leader to divulge whatever information he wanted to.
As for the Fifth Seat... his expression was grave.
"We now have a total of six people left at the helm of our organization. Four Seats, along with her and myself." The Cult Leader glanced at the female subordinate beside him for a moment, before returning his focus to everyone else.
"We should start the meeting now."
*
*
*
[A/N]
We're slowly coming to the conclusion of this Arc... or so you would think.
