Chapter 314: Deal With A Demon
-----Fabian's POV
I honestly didn't expect to see Ilfa and Kaede to suddenly team up against whatever that massive ball of light was, but I have to say that I'm quite happy with this outcome. Kaede being here only confirms my theory of Kaede simply being friends with Ellen. Otherwise what would be the point coming here?
Black Figure: "Mmm..."
On the opposite side of the room, the black figure begins to shift some of the debris off of them, seeming to finally regain consciousness. Rina on the other hand is still asleep in bed, and fearing about the black figure trying to do something again, I stand up next to the bed, shielding Rina if they dare try and pull another stunt like that.
But it was then that Ilfa and Kaede returned, entering through the massive hole in the wall that I was viewing their battle from earlier. Seeing both Ilfa and Kaede together like this does soothe my heart, knowing that this might all be over soon. However I'm still hearing a bunch of explosions off in the distance.
Ilfa: "So this one here is one of yours?"
Kaede: "Yes."
Black Figure: "K-Kaede?"
It was then that Kaede went over to the black figure while Ilfa watches the two of them.
Black Figure: "What's going on?"
Kaede: "Change of plans. I don't feel like killing her is the right move."
Black Figure: "What?!"
Kaede: "Listen-"
Black Figure: "You do realize that we came here because of the threat that these, monsters bring."
I would've agreed back before when I was trapped here. But after learning how everyone here operates, I don't think it's necessary. I feel like the monsters and humans are just misunderstanding one another.
Ilfa: "I can say the same for you humans. You're the ones that think it's okay to do as you want, murdering everyone else and justifying it simply because we're "monsters." You're the ones here invading us to begin with."
Black Figure: "And you're the ones that resort to violence at any given opportunity, instead of trying to communicate. You took Inasdale out for that reason, did you not?"
I can see where both of them are coming from and that only makes me feel like everyone just misunderstands each other.
Kaede: "I don't care! We're talking things out now, aren't we? Neri. I know we came here to take back Inasdale, but I think talking things out will be for the better."
So this black figure finally has a name, huh.
Neri: "...The others won't like that."
Kaede: "I know."
Neri: "But you'll do it anyway?"
Kaede: "Yes."
Neri: "...Hah~"
Conceding, Neri takes Kaede's hand as Kaede pulls her up to her feet, away from the broken down table and chairs. The three of them move closer to me as Ilfa simply smiles my way, causing my heart to flutter for just a moment.
Ilfa: "Right then. So what do you propose for dealing with Fabian?"
Fabian: "Huh?!"
Deal? That's such a vague question.
Kaede: "Like I said before, I'd like to take him back with me. Along with a dark elf."
I notice Kaede's bright, scarlet red eyes lock onto Rina who's laying down next to me. Why do I feel like she has something sinister planned for Rina?
Ilfa: "Personally, I'd like it if Fabian were to remain here, but I know I did take him by force."
Kaede: "So then-"
Ilfa: "Why don't we let Fabian himself decide?"
Their focus comes back to me as I now have the spotlight. Me deciding? The old me would be thrilled to get the chance to get out of here, but now I feel torn... If it was anyone else besides Kaede here, then I'd be more inclined to stay here. But since Kaede's here, I know for fact that Ellen would be wherever Kaede just came from. So in other words, I'd be reuniting with my family after so long. But then I'd also be saying goodbye to Ilfa, and Rina...
Fabian: "..."
I notice Kaede's eyes opening wide as if she's shocked that I'm taking so long to answer, but it really is a hard decision...
Fabian: "...Do I really need to choose between one or the other?"
In contrast to Kaede's shocked expression, Ilfa looked happy, almost too happy as her smile shone brightly, taking over my focus.
Ilfa: "I'm glad you feel that way, Fabian."
Fabian: "S-so... Is there a way for me to visit here again if I choose to go back with you, Kaede?"
Kaede: "I..."
Neri: "It will prove to be problematic. The queen apparently has plans for you, so I'm unsure if you could return here."
Fabian: "Queen?
Neri: "I can't disclose too much at this given moment."
Right... From their perspective, revealing where they've come from might put them in a shit situation.
Fabian: "Well I don't want to say goodbye to Ilfa, or Rina. So if you're saying I have to in order to go back. Then-"
Mai: "Fine!~"
Suddenly, Kaede's familiar appears in the room, cutting me off in the process.
Mai: "I can act as your transport to and from Inasdale. Would that be okay?"
Fabian: "Transport?"
Kaede: "She means by teleporting."
Ilfa: "Oh my~ You're quite the interesting one."
Mai: "I can say the same about you."
Weird... For a second I feel like Ilfa and Mai almost knew each other.
Ilfa: "In either case, I'd like for Fabian to remain here until things are settled. I'm sorry, but I don't trust that you lot will bring him back."
Kaede: "So what do you suggest?"
Ilfa: "I'd like to meet your queen that you mentioned. Only then will I agree to this deal."
Neri: "That's absurd!"
Ilfa: "If you don't like it, then we can just go back to fighting."
Kaede: "No, no. I don't want that. Fine. We'll accept your deal."
Neri: "Kaede-"
Kaede: "But only if I can take back that dark elf there."
Fabian: "What?!"
She said that before, but now she's saying it again. Just what the hell could she possibly need Rina for?
Ilfa: "I'm guessing she'll be as insurance?"
Kaede: "I guess you can call it that."
Fabian: "Wait! What do you plan on using Rina for?"
Kaede: "Rina? So that's her name? Well, I don't plan on doing anything cruel if that's what you're wondering. I just need a favor from her."
Fabian: "...What's this favor then?"
Kaede: "...I just... Need her help with something."
Kaede casts her eyes down as a pained expression slowly forms on her face. I was initially angry about the idea of letting Kaede take Rina away, but I can tell that something is definitely wrong here.
Fabian: "...If you promise not to harm Rina, then-"
Rina: "F-Fabian?"
Suddenly, the person in question wakes up as I feel Rina's hand tugging at my sleeve. I stop what I was about to say and immediately go to hug her right as she sits up. I feel her hands wrap around mine, albeit weakly with little to no strength.
Ilfa: "Well isn't this perfect timing."
Rina: "What's happening?"
We break away from the hug, but I stick close to Rina's side.
Ilfa: "Kaede here would like you to help her with something. In exchange I'll be meeting with their queen."
Rina: "H-huh?"
Kaede: "Rina-"
It was then that Kaede bent down in front of Rina, taking both of us by surprise.
Kaede: "Please. I need your help."
Rina: "I uhm..."
Rina looks at me as if she's asking for more details on the matter. I've already accepted Kaede's idea, as I feel like I can trust her not to harm Rina. But I'm glad that Rina woke up when she did as I'd hate for her to wake up and be in a completely different city. Plus, it's her decision at the end of the day. I'd prefer her to have a say in this matter as well.
Fabian: "It's okay. Kaede is a friend of mine."
Rina: "Kaede..."
Kaede: "Please."
She bows her head as she now faces the ground. Whatever this favor Kaede needs from Rina, it must be pretty important.
Rina: "Will I be back after I do this?"
Kaede: "Yes. I'll do everything I can."
Rina: "...Can't Fabian come with me?"
Ilfa: "I'm afraid I can't bring myself to trust the humans. It's why I asked for a meeting with their queen. I'd hate for Fabian to be trapped over there."
It's funny that she says it like that. Technically, I'm the one trapped here, yet I fully understand what Ilfa means. I also don't want to be trapped outside of here, away from Ilfa.
Rina: "How long will it take?"
Kaede: "Not long... Hopefully. I'd like to get this done as soon as possible."
Rina: "...Well-"
It was then that Rina grabbed hold of Kaede's hand as Kaede then lifts her head up from the floor.
Rina: "If you're Fabian's friend, then I'd like to help. I'll come with you."
Kaede: "Th-thank you!"
Surprisingly, Kaede was the one to jump into a hug, wrapping her arms tightly around Rina. Rina looked at me in confusion for a moment before we both ended up chuckling as Rina eventually accepted the hug.
Ilfa: "Alright. Then I take it the deal has been made?"
Neri: "I guess."
Ilfa: "I guess we'll call back our forces then."
Neri: "Yeah... About that-"
From how Neri just said those words, I don't feel like everything is smooth sailing just yet. I'm confident that Ilfa can stop her forces, but I know humans well. They're probably too absorbed in fighting monsters to even think about stopping...
Kaede: "I'll sort them out."
Ilfa: "Okay."
Kaede: "Neri. Notify the captain."
Neri: "Y-yeah."
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