Hawke, a former resident of the Crossmaria slums who called Murphy and Frodo his big brother and big sister, now lives within the walls with his sister.
Looking at this room with creaking wooden boards, it seems that there is no grand residence to be found.
However, compared to the slums back then, the conditions now are much better.
Ever since Murphy had his own room in the fortress in the Free City, he had often visited Hawke's residence.
Although the people living in the fortress cannot be said to be murderous, they always feel that there is an atmosphere of tension around them.
It’s not that that’s a bad thing. Rather, it’s a very happy thing that the people guarding the fortress always maintain a sense of tension.
But if it continues like this, it will make people who stay there feel suffocated.
Therefore, compared to that narrow fortress, Murphy would rather deal with Hawke and gentle people like his sister Adeline.
Whenever Murphy talked with the Hawke siblings, she would feel calm, as if her bones had been given a good rest.
That was why he often came here, bringing them some local specialties as gifts.
But today, an uninvited guest appeared here, that is the lady sitting in front of him across the table - Vlado Volgograd.
"Although your case has not yet been concluded, it is inevitable, isn't it? Murphy, what are you going to do in the future? Yes, I'm talking about those three characters."
Frodo said this while opening her hand of cards on the round table.
After comparing the points in his hand, Murphy couldn't help but frowned, tilted his head slightly, and said.
"Character...ah, are you talking about the last lynching?"
Murphy said this in a sharp voice, as if imitating Filia who was not there, and threw the cheese she brought as a gift in front of Frodo.
That way, there was nothing left to gamble with, even though that was food that had been intended for Hawke and Adeline.
However, since it was taken away as gambling money, it cannot be said that there is no problem at all, and it still feels a bit awkward.
"It's not good for others to hear that they're calling it a lynching. It's clearly all legitimate behavior, and as a result, it makes things seem simpler, doesn't it?"
This should be the claim of the perpetrator. I really hope that the victim's feelings can be considered a little.
Looking at Frodo with a slight smile on her lips while speaking, Murphy couldn't help but think so.
On the other side, there was an inexplicable light shining in Frodo's black eyes as she looked at Murphy.
The radiance in his eyes complemented his black hair, grabbing the attention of everyone present.
Looking back, ever since we started working together, Frodo would occasionally show an expression and a gleam in her eyes that no one else had.
Perhaps, this is a special kind of charming charm that only she possesses.
In the room that fell into silence for a short time, the sweet smell of wine passed through Murphy's nostrils.
"You understand, right? Neither the Church of Heraldry nor Gasalia have any intention of giving up on you. Fortunately, the Church of Heraldry and Gasalia have made peace for now, but sooner or later, someone will definitely ask, 'Whose side are you on?'"
As she said this, Frodo narrowed her eyes.
"Well, rather than saying that you're being pursued by two forces, it's more accurate to say it's the leaders of those forces."
The emotion that emerged in Frodo's black pupils came from nowhere. It seemed a little happy, but also contained a hint of anxiety. It was really hard to describe.
"Then, in the end it all depends on Brother Murphy himself."
Hawke, who was sitting next to him, opened his thick lips and put the fried beans into his mouth and chewed them.
Although there was also chicken brought by Frodo on the table, I always felt that Hawke liked the beans more.
No... since it was him, he might have wanted to leave the chicken and soft bread for his sister.
Frodo shook her combed black hair and squinted her eyes as if looking into the distance.
Murphy also threw a fried bean spread on the table into her mouth.
For some reason, even though the beans had been coated with salt, he felt that they had no taste at all, and only a slight numbness appeared on his tongue.
"Then, Murphy, what will you do? Everyone will ask you to make a decision and ask you to be prepared. You should have realized it by now, right? That is your responsibility."
After hearing what Frodo said, Murphy did not respond, but just moistened her lips slightly with the wine poured into the pottery.
The taste is quite bland...
As for Hawke, who was sitting next to her, he listened to Frodo's words with his eyes wide open, not quite understanding what she was saying.
"Maybe it's a luxury, but right now you really should write your name somewhere, like unfolding a script."
Frodo's black eyes, which seemed to exude a charming aura, stared straight at Murphy.
His figure was clearly reflected in the black pupils.
Unable to bear the pressure from those eyes, Murphy subconsciously opened her lips and said "Ah?" in a perfunctory manner.
In fact, Murphy understood that Frodo did not say such words to force herself, nor did she deliberately gossip to ignore her.
However, for some reason, whenever Frodo's words struck his earlobe, he would feel a sense of stiffness deep down in his heart.
Looking at his reflection in Frodo's eyes, Murphy couldn't help but hold his breath and slowly choose his words.
"But, anyway, I'll never show the ugly side of running away again. After all, even if I run away, the consequences will be..."
The result afterwards will be the same as the previous journey, with only a future where nothing is in your hands and only the thought of giving up leaving a burn mark on your chest.
Only that end is waiting for me.
Alas, I really can’t mention that one. That must be the biggest emotion that drives me forward now.
Perhaps it can be said that it is the bitterness of the past itself that forces one's feet to move.
"Not bad." Frodo shrugged somewhat exaggeratedly, then put her face close to Murphy and said.
"—So, you think you're moving forward, but you're just running away aimlessly. Be careful not to do such foolish things, Murphy."
Noticing Frodo's pretty face right next to her, Murphy couldn't help but open her eyes wide and lean back.
There is a numb and jumping feeling in his heart.
Murphy thought that her face must be distorted and twitching.
On the contrary, Frodo, who was standing right next to her, looked quite relaxed.
This is too strange. At least, in the communication of this era, I think it is more common for Frodo to be shaken by her own words.
Thinking of this, Murphy couldn't help but swallow his saliva, and the voice of Frodo, who was close to him, echoed in his mind.
"I can't forcefully explain this to you like Filia, Madia, and Eldis did. I know exactly how difficult and torturous it would be. It's an attempt to tear your body apart."
That calm voice was not filled with emotion, nor was it spoken for others to hear. It was just like a declaration of fact.
"It's not easy to become strong. Even ordinary things are not easy. At least that's how I feel. I know that if you try to show your weakness, the end result will be the exploitation of your soul."
The black pupils that shone with strong light were slightly shrouded in a layer of haze.
Although Murphy could not understand the past behind this sentence, she could understand the meaning of it.
As for me, who made her say such words, should I feel sad? Or should I feel grateful? Or should I say, this is a shame.
No, I still can’t open my lips.
Because now, as long as you make the slightest sound, the torrent of emotions will burst out like a wave.
"I feel like I'm a little confused. Sorry, I haven't figured it out yet. Anyway—"
Frodo licked her lips as if a little embarrassed and continued her words.
"—As for me, no matter what choice you make, I will stand by you, so don't worry, that's all... And if you wish to become strong and become a hero—I will definitely turn you into true gold."
It is so beautiful. Looking directly at her black pupils, she has an unquestionable beauty.
The pair of eyes so close to her attracted Murphy's full attention.
Murphy thought that she should respond to this.
It doesn't matter if it's a thank you or an apology, there has to be a response.
But my chest was still blocked, my throat could hardly make any sound, and I couldn't speak at all.
So, Murphy didn't answer anything about what Frodo whispered in her ear, but just listened.
——And, if you want to escape, don't worry. I will always create a place for you to escape to.
The words that came out of Frodo's lips were very sweet, and they lingered deep in her ears.
Chapter 14 Everything is in your hands (2500)
On the eve of the joint ceremony between the Church of Heraldry and Gasalia, darkness enveloped Crossmaria, and the world was immersed in a peaceful silence.
However, even so, it seems that not everyone can immerse themselves in this comfortable tranquility.
Murphy stood atop the great wall of Crossmaria and glanced at the ground.
The soldiers and carpenters were running around without even a moment to catch their breath. They were probably forced to work overtime to prepare for tomorrow's ceremony.
Although we can't see the ceremony venue yet, since we are proceeding according to the instructions assigned by Large An, it should be completed by tomorrow morning.
Sitting on the city wall, Murphy watched people running around busily.
He was not doing anything, nor was he thinking about anything. He was simply emptying his mind and greedily enjoying the passing time.
Perhaps it was because there was no moon today, he always felt that his vision was inexplicably dim.
"You're so relaxed, you little bastard. What's wrong? Are you starting to yearn for birds? But please don't make any moves to jump off."
Silver light flashed across the night.
Filia's footsteps made clattering sounds as she stood on the city wall, looking down at Murphy who was sitting on the ground. Her expression looked relaxed, with a hint of a smile on her face.
"Is it relaxing? Although I'm still not as good as you."
Murphy retorted sarcastically, and as a result, he was hit lightly on the forehead by Filia's fist.
"If nothing else, I think you'd better go to bed. You won't be as peaceful as you are now during the ceremony tomorrow."
Filia sat next to Murphy and whispered: Because you are no longer in a position of being left aside.
This guy is someone who can easily touch upon things that others want to forget. Murphy couldn't help but think so.
He had already heard part of what would happen at tomorrow's ceremony from Madia.
Murphy still remembered that Mattia looked into her eyes and said: That's inevitable.
So, just as Filia said, I won't be able to spend tomorrow leisurely. Maybe I won't even have time to breathe. Thinking of this, it is better to go to bed early.
However, deep in Murphy's heart, there was still some hesitation, as if there was something worrying in his chest.
He was always filled with an inexplicable restlessness, and whenever he lay down in bed, the restlessness would cause him strange pain.
For this reason, Murphy had to relax in a place like this with the night breeze.
He grumbled to Filia, who was watching him, shaking his lips and muttering, "Hey, everyone has this feeling of unease."
Filia opened her eyes wide for a moment, then narrowed them as if she was thinking.
"Murphy, to be honest, I don't quite understand your anxiety. If your heart is wavering in anticipation, I can understand."
Leaning lightly on Murphy's shoulder, Filia's lips moved, but she seemed to feel no weight at all.
Filia seemed to be selecting words one by one, closing her lips from time to time and slowly making sounds.
"I was taught from a young age that grasping glory is happiness. Glory is proof of power. Holding onto glory will not lead to anxiety or worry. That's what I believe."
"That's why I don't understand why you're hesitating," Filia repeated.
I see. Filia is indeed a very strong woman, a very, very strong woman.
For her, it was impossible for her to be burned by the radiance of glory.
There has probably never been a time when I felt guilty about receiving applause from others.
She can carry the expectations of others on her narrow back, never give in, and keep moving forward. Indeed, Filia is a good woman.
Because of this, it is understandable that she would not quite understand the overly petty feelings she harbors.
It's so sad, what a sad topic, so useless. To Filia, it's just some insignificant feelings, but I am tormented by those feelings.
Filia pursed her lips and stared at Murphy with her silver eyes.
In Filia's opinion, it is better to go to bed early than to spend time worrying about stupid things. She is such a woman and it suits what she says.
But I don’t know what kind of wind is blowing today.
"As for me, I feel a little—no, a great pity—that I can't understand your anxiety."
You'll Also Like
-
An ordinary profession creates the world's strongest
Chapter 860 36 minute ago -
Equipment Printing School Mage
Chapter 478 36 minute ago -
1932: Playing with the Japanese Communist Party with a doll
Chapter 711 36 minute ago -
Ikari Shinji's Harem Comedy Daily Life
Chapter 122 36 minute ago -
Connect to Yuan Tiejue's chat group
Chapter 69 36 minute ago -
As a commander, I will never meet a heavy female ship girl
Chapter 290 36 minute ago -
Why wasn't I the one who got the male lead's script?
Chapter 189 36 minute ago -
This second dimension is too immortal
Chapter 580 36 minute ago -
Terra Succubus Development System, but calm office workers
Chapter 101 36 minute ago -
I'm collecting in the Pokémon world
Chapter 377 36 minute ago