Chapter 59: Speechless
The streets were alive with laughter that night. Children darted between the crowd, their bright voices echoing across the lively marketplace. Vendors lined both sides of the street, selling trinkets, charms, and sizzling snacks that filled the air with warmth and spice.
Roy held Amatsuki Toki's hand as they followed Tsuru through the bustling avenue, surrounded by the carefree joy of people enjoying their evening.
Yet, beneath Tsuru's smile was a quiet awkwardness. She had spent her whole life training and studying under the strict supervision of her base commander. She didn't know how to play, how to relax, or what "fun" really meant. Her life had been filled with orders and discipline—pure, but painfully so.
Toki understood her instantly. She had seen that kind of emptiness before—the kind found in people who'd never known a real childhood. Roy was one of them too.
As they walked, Roy's gaze drifted toward the laughing children. He felt a strange mix of envy and confusion—What's so fun about all this?
Before his rebirth, his parents had buried him in cram schools. If he ever disobeyed, his father's boot would meet his ribs. After graduation came endless overtime, then exhaustion.
And after being reborn? It was survival—learning navigation, clashing wits with nuns, practicing swordsmanship day and night.
Now he was walking down a bright street, guided by a girl who didn't even know what to do with free time.
Tsuru's steps were hesitant. She had invited Roy out, but once they arrived, she didn't know what to buy, eat, or say. Even when she tried to talk, the topic always circled back to the Navy. Roy's responses grew shorter each time.
Still, when Tsuru glanced at him, she realized he wasn't much different.
Roy wasn't interested in the stalls or the crowd—he was simply holding Toki's hand, rubbing it idly between his fingers.
At least he has someone he likes, Tsuru thought with a sigh. I don't even have that.
Her eyes drifted toward a young couple walking arm-in-arm down the street. Their laughter blended perfectly, soft and sweet.
Toki's gaze followed hers, and her grip on Roy's hand tightened.
"..."
"..."
Their eyes met for a brief second before both turned away, cheeks slightly red, hearts slightly envious.
"Roy," Tsuru said quietly, breaking the silence, "will we have a chance to meet again in the future?"
"Maybe." Roy's tone was calm, though his eyes grew distant. He knew he would have to leave this era in two years.
"Where are you going next? Or where can I find you?" she pressed, her curiosity mixed with determination.
She was already imagining her path—graduating from the Naval Academy, climbing the ranks, and someday being stationed near wherever he might end up. All for the sake of her "mission"… or at least, that's what she told herself.
After all, the base commander believed Roy's talent could make him a future Navy Fleet Admiral. Tsuru couldn't let that potential slip away.
"Maybe I'll return to Elbaf with Sister Toki," Roy said with a faint smile. "Inherit the Sheep's House. Take care of the kids."
Toki's face instantly turned pink. She turned her head away in flustered silence.
Tsuru frowned. Such talent… wasted in a small village? With some woman?
"I want to challenge her!" Tsuru blurted, clenching her fists.
"I don't accept~" Toki said with a teasing smile, then leaned close to Roy, pulling his hand toward her and whispering in his ear while looking straight at Tsuru. "Help me bathe tonight."
"???"
Tsuru froze, her face turning crimson.
She was still young and pure, and for a moment her mind couldn't process the words. Why did Sister Toki suddenly go straight into battle mode like that?!
She felt like she'd just been force-fed an entire plate of dog food.
The night outing ended shortly after.
Tsuru walked home dazed, muttering to herself, "How… how can that be possible? He's still so young…"
She stopped halfway, then covered her face. "Pfft… what am I even thinking?"
Her face burned hotter. "Ahhh, Toki, you hateful woman! Why did you say something so awful!"