The Second Son of The Marquis Runs Away from Home ~ Lacking Talent, He Abandons Everything and Becomes an Adventurer ~ - 57

Chapter 57: The Essence

“Hinowa, I thought you were with Aria and the others.”

“Aria-san is with Setsura-san, who started a drinking contest. I happened to see you return, so… may I sit next to you?”

Without a word, I gestured for her to sit, and Hinowa took a seat beside me, carrying a bottle of alcohol.

“Can you drink?”

“No… but since you’re drinking, I thought I’d join you.”

The drink poured into the cup was clear, unlike doburoku. When I sipped it, the unfamiliar taste was more to my liking than doburoku.

“It’s good.”

“It’s called Daiginjo. My father used to enjoy it, so I’m glad it suits your taste.”

“I see, Kunou’s…”

I looked at the empty cup, lost in thought. Hinowa silently watched me.

“What’s the matter?”

“Oh… sorry. You just remind me of someone.”

“Remind you of someone?”

“Yes, my father and my grandmother.”

Hinowa then explained the reason.

“My grandmother was the previous bearer of Tsukuyo. She was the one who trained my mother and me in the ways of a sorceress… a very strong-willed woman.”

As she spoke, Hinowa touched the magatama hanging around her neck. Though old, it hadn’t lost its shine, likely because it was well cared for.

“When I first met you, I was surprised by your strong-willed gaze… but now, you remind me more of my father.”

“Me?”

“Yes, after a battle, my father would drink while gazing at the moon, with a look just like the one you have now.”

Hinowa looked at me with a nostalgic, almost tearful expression.

“You’re a mysterious person, Berg-san. Even though I know you’re different, I find myself seeing someone else in your presence and demeanor.”

“…Kunou and I are different. While I find joy in battle, Kunou never enjoyed it, not even once.”

As long as I find pleasure in battle, no matter how much I use Kunou’s techniques, I can never live like him.

“You shouldn’t compare me to Kunou. I respect his way of life, but I can’t be as kind as he was.”

When I said this, Hinowa shook her head and looked at me.

“A person without kindness wouldn’t mourn their enemies.”

“…”

“It’s only been a short time, but I think I’m starting to understand. Berg-san, you’re not just someone strong.”

“What do you think you understand?”

“Well… you speak coldly, pushing others away, but deep down, I think your words are for their sake. And here you are, listening to me instead of sending me away, which shows your kindness.”

Hinowa smiled as she spoke. Feeling awkward, I took a drink to cover it up.

“It’s just hidden beneath your strength and intensity, but I feel the same kindness in you as in my father. Now, I think I understand why Aria and the others are drawn to you.”

I turned my face away at Hinowa’s words. I wasn’t used to being spoken to like this, even from Aria and the others.

“…Is there any more sake?”

“Yes, I have another bottle.”

Hinowa placed the empty bottle down and opened the other one, pouring it for me. The scent was different from the last drink, which I noticed as I took a sip.

“A different kind of alcohol?”

“Yes, this is something Ruskdite-san gave me to share with you.”

By the time I understood Hinowa’s words, the drink was already down my throat…

—

The next morning, when I woke up, I found Hinowa lying naked next to me.