Zeigarnik's Letter
Even after our conversation at the cafe, the [Journey] continued without any issues.
I didn't bring up the matter again.
Neither Hilde's circumstances nor her attitude were things that could be changed with mere words.
As those days passed...
Ah, Captain! You came!
Haha, as you can see, I'm perfectly fine.
You two are my lifesavers. Thank you so much.
Oh, that. Well, it's true I was terrified when the rocks came crashing down over my head, but...
Later, the doctor told me something.
Apparently, if I arrived any later, there was nothing they could've done.
Really...?
In the end, that's what saved me.
So I hope your [Journey] succeeds too.
That way, more people like me will be saved.
I was on my way back after seeing the discharged explorer off.
By chance, my gaze wandered to the distant sky, where a white silhouette caught my eye.
Perched atop a bell tower overlooking the city, on a gentle slope, was...
Hilde...?
...Mm?
Captain. Fancy meeting you in a place like this.
Nothing in particular.
In this world, I don't work for a [company], and I'm not responsible for anyone.
There's not even anyone around to nag me for slacking off.
Not really. It's just a way to kill time.
I neither like it nor dislike it.
Everything wears down and disappears with time.
Interest and enjoyment are no different.
Is there any need to painstakingly prove something everyone already knows?
...That depends on where you're standing.
Take mercenaries, for example.
In that line of work, you never know who will turn on whom, and even when.
So naturally, everyone keeps a certain distance from each other.
That said, I still don't understand people who hand out goodwill to every woman they see, like you.
You make me sound like some sleazy womanizer...
Well, at least you're less shameless than someone I know.
More importantly, what brings you to this area?
I haven't seen you around here since the [Journey] began.
...It's fine. I already received my thanks as payment.
The conversation fell silent.
As I quietly followed Hilde's gaze, I saw the ruined district.
The scar carved into the sky cast an ominous light over it.
Those monsters you call Voidborns...
They'll appear again soon.
Let me give you one piece of advice.
In your position, it's not wise to place too much trust in that [Witch].
It's not about being stabbed in the back.
Doing your best doesn't guarantee results. That only happens in fairy tales.
If you intend to carry the dreams of others on your shoulders...
Then at the very least, make your judgments yourself.
There was something lonely about her profile as she spoke.
It hinted at a life spent repeating nothing but failure.
...What's with that pitying look?
Oh? I give you some friendly advice, and you pick a fight?
If you want to throw down, go ahead. I never turn down a fight that comes to me.
...After that, the conversation drifted into trivial topics.
Truly pointless, trivial talk.