When I Cleared the Death Game World, I Reincarnated as a Villainous Noble Even if They Talk About Doom Flags, I'm Actually Immortal. - Chapter 46

In the center of the town where Lior was staying, a grand fountain stood.

Water gushed from the fountain, large enough to resemble a small pool, spilling over in a steady cascade.

Yet, what drew the eye more than the flowing water was the sword embedded in its center.

A single blade rested within the fountain’s heart, as if veiled and protected by the curtain of water.

(What is that? Some kind of unusual decoration…? It looks like it would rust, yet the blade is gleaming…)

It was a truly peculiar fountain.

Perhaps the townspeople knew its origins.

Lior glanced at Luna, who was walking ahead.

(If I ask Luna… No, she’s hard to talk to, so I’ll pass…)

Luna walked slightly ahead, keeping an awkward distance from Lior.

And with good reason.

Though they had met several times, their conversations had always been minimal.

To put it bluntly, they were barely acquaintances—acquaintances of acquaintances at best.

It wasn’t easy to strike up a casual conversation, but ignoring her entirely would be equally awkward.

They were caught in that uncomfortable in-between.

Lior had been asked by Ren to escort Luna.

At the moment, they were out shopping.

A basket filled with groceries hung from Luna’s arm.

“Oh, these are cheap… Excuse me, I’d like a bag of these potatoes.”

“Sure thing. They’re heavy, though—are you alright carrying them?”

“Yes, I’ll be fine.”

Luna stopped in front of a street vendor and ordered a sack of potatoes.

Apparently, they were on sale in bulk.

The sack was about the size of an infant, weighing heavily in her arms. With one hand occupied, her movements became unsteady.

“Luna, do you want me to carry that for you?”

“No, don’t worry about it. I’m used to this.”

“O-Okay…”

Did she dislike relying on him?

Luna shook her head at Lior’s outstretched hand and resumed walking.

(…Is she really okay? I guess I’ll just stay close and keep an eye on her.)

Luna wobbled under the weight of the sack, her view obstructed by it, making her steps precarious.

As Lior followed closely behind, it happened, just as he feared—

“Ah!”

“Whoa—”

She tripped over a protruding cobblestone.

Lior instinctively reached out, catching her in his arms.

Luna looked up at him in surprise, eyes wide.

“Th-Thank you…”

“Don’t worry about it. But seriously, let me carry that for you.”

“…I’m sorry. Please—Ah, you’re hurt!”

As Lior reached for the sack, Luna’s gaze landed on the back of his hand, where a small cut had formed.

He must have scraped it when catching her.

It wasn’t a serious injury.

“Oh, you’re right. It’s nothing, really—don’t worry about it.”

“No… You got hurt because of me. Please, sit over there—I’ll heal it.”

She pointed to a bench at the edge of the square.

Having no reason to refuse, Lior obediently sat down.

Luna placed the sack beside her and gently took Lior’s injured hand.

A soft glow emanated from her fingertips, and the wound vanished in a gentle shimmer.

“Is this healing magic?”

“Yes. I started practicing it because… my sister often comes home injured.”

“I see… For Ren’s sake, huh?”

Healing magic existed across all elemental attributes, capable of mending wounds.

However, it required a unique talent, and very few could wield it effectively in practical situations.

Considering she was self-taught and had only recently begun practicing, even being able to heal minor cuts was impressive.

“…I’m sorry. My stubbornness ended up getting you hurt.”

“Don’t worry about it. It’s only natural for you to be cautious around me.”

“No… You saved me when I was kidnapped. It was rude of me…”

As Lior’s wound closed, Luna withdrew her hands and cast her gaze downward.

“I think… I’ve been jealous of you, Lior.”

“Huh? Is there something about me worth envying…?”

“Somehow, I feel like my sister trusts you more. You were there with her when you came to rescue me…”

“Well, isn’t it natural that she trusts her own family more?”

“…No, she doesn’t trust me. She doesn’t rely on me. My sister… always makes decisions on her own, taking reckless risks without ever consulting me.”

It was clear that Luna and Ren shared a close bond as sisters.

But to Ren, Luna was someone to be protected.

It was only natural that she wouldn’t drag her sister into danger by seeking her help.

“The same thing happened when she became an adventurer to support us. She never talked to me about it—one day, she just did it.”

“So, you’re angry that she doesn’t consult you?”

“Not angry, exactly… I just wish she wouldn’t carry everything alone. I want her to talk to me more. I may still be a child, but I want to help. If she keeps bearing everything by herself, I feel like something terrible will happen one day…”

It was the kind of misunderstanding that only close siblings could have.

Ren, as the older sister, took everything upon herself to protect Luna.

Meanwhile, Luna, seeing her sister’s struggles, felt frustrated at being left out.

It was a conflict born from their deep care for each other.

“I see… You two must be really close.”

“Do you think so?”

“Yeah. You care about each other—that’s why your feelings are getting tangled. Maybe if you talk to her openly, she’ll start relying on you more.”

“…You might be right.”

Luna let out a soft sigh and looked up at the sky.

A refreshed smile spread across her face.

“…Lior, is there any dish you particularly like? I’ll cook for you today.”

“Huh? Anything you make is delicious, Luna.”

“Hehe, then I’ll make my specialty.”

Luna smiled brightly.

Lior felt as if they had grown just a little bit closer.