What Remains
It was early in the morning, and we were discussing our plans for the day when...
Hmm...
Something on your mind?
Oh. It's nothing big. I was just wondering if we could adjust the schedule a bit.
...Oh? You're okay with that?
Then how about a patrol around the outskirts?
There is also a quest up for it...
The pay on that one isn't great.
Don't get me wrong. I'm not like those people who only care about money.
I just like to keep the math straight.
That sounds pretty much the same...
A-anyway! Are we doing it or not?
...And so, that's how Mina and I ended up going on patrol.
It's obvious when you think about it, but... once you're actually out here, nothing really happens.
Well, it'd be a problem if every day were chaotic.
Really? I think this world's pretty chaotic already.
Still, it's more bearable than when I was at [Ground One].
Thinking of settling down here?
Stop joking. I'll be going back soon enough.
But...
I guess I do feel a little regret.
Staying here made me realize there are things I'll miss.
Like what?
Well... I only have to think about the [Journey] here.
No work. No worrying about my sister... None of that.
For a moment, silence fell between us.
I didn't push any further, but from what I'd heard before, I could tell.
Mina's world was clearly not a peaceful one.
...Was it around here?
This is...
It's where we first met.
Back then, I pointed a gun at you without a second thought.
Hard to believe it's already been a year since then.
Still won't apologize for that?
That's cold of you.
Anyone would have reacted the same way if they ran into someone without knowing what was going on.
You looked incredibly suspicious back then.
Then what about now?
Honestly? You still do.
My deepest apologies!
Ahaha...
I've given it some thought, and I'm sure your outfit was the problem.
Here. Take this.
It's...
Mina handed me a neatly wrapped box.
Inside the wrapping was a finely made cloak.
It might not look it, but it was pretty expensive.
It cost a bit more than what I'd saved up, so I had to haggle for it.
That reminded me of Mina working part-time at the cafe.
Was the part-time job for this?
Yeah. Saving up from my daily wages was harder than I thought.
But...
Don't say no. Just take it.
To be honest... At first, everything felt overwhelming.
But because of you, I started to believe I could make it back.
This is my way of saying thanks.
I'm not the type who can live with owing someone.
And I want to leave something behind that proves I was here.
...I'll accept it. Thanks.
Thanks, Captain.
Want to walk a little longer? We still have some time before the patrol's over.
Mina's eyes carefully took in every passing view.
As if she were trying to remember a dream before it faded.