Sunlight spilled onto the street, yet it brought no warmth. Under the curious stares of passersby, Mikoto let tears stream down her face as she ran desperately. She no longer wished to think. Whether it was about Haruhime or the boy—if only this were all a nightmare. The wind howled.
To Mikoto's surprise, Bell caught up.
"Mikoto-san, please hear me out."
"No... After staying silent all this time, what's the point of speaking now?!"
Mikoto quickened her pace. Though both were Level 2, the boy's speed far surpassed hers. Bell kept an eye on the distance between them and the surrounding people. After ensuring no one could hear, he drew near Mikoto and whispered:
"In one month, Haruhime-san will likely face death."
". . . ?!"
Mikoto froze in shock.
Death?
Who?
Haruhime-dono?
The cruel words struck like icy seawater, instantly dousing the grief and anger burning within her heart. She halted, staring blankly at the boy.
"What did you just say...?"
"It's not convenient to discuss this out here. Let's find somewhere else to talk."
Originally, Bell had no intention of telling anyone about his suspicions regarding Haruhime. But given Mikoto's straightforward nature, she would likely continue seeking out Haruhime at the brothel. Only by warning her beforehand could he prevent her from causing trouble.
...
Not long after, they arrived at the base of the Takemikazuchi Familia. Bell gazed at the black-haired girl before him and spoke softly:
"Mikoto-san, perhaps you should rise first?"
Ever since explaining the entire situation, Mikoto had remained kneeling on the ground. Her head was pressed against the floor, bowed as low as it could go.
"I spoke to Bell-dono without discerning right from wrong! I am truly, deeply sorry!"
Mikoto's gaze remained fixed on the floor, her black side ponytail hanging limply. No matter how many times she repeated it, she could never fully express the remorse and guilt in her heart.
"I've already forgiven you. It was just a misunderstanding. Please get up?" Bell urged again.
"No! It was all my foolishness! To insult Bell-dono in front of so many people... I must be punished!"
Mikoto tensed her body. Her unreasonable outburst had caused trouble for the young man and wounded his sincere heart. Bell had clearly wanted to help Haruhime, yet through Mikoto's words, it had become the spark for tragedy.
If she accepted his kindness now, brushed it off as a misunderstanding, and laughed it away... Mikoto would never forgive herself.
"..." Bell gazed at the black-haired girl kneeling with perfect posture and sighed softly.
Mikoto was simply too upright for her own good. At the brothel, Bell had deliberately remained silent, guiding Mikoto's thoughts to prevent Haruhime's secret from being exposed. Strictly speaking, Bell bore some responsibility for that situation. Yet no matter what he said, Mikoto remained kneeling, not moving an inch.
"Just asking—is this how you apologize in your hometown, Mikoto-san?" Bell decided to try a different approach to comfort the young woman.
"Yes, I will remain in this kneeling position, without food or water for twenty-four hours!" Mikoto declared the punishment she believed she deserved.
"...." Bell sensed her resolve.
But really, it didn't have to come to this, did it? For him, there was no real loss. Bell had already seen Haruhime and Aisha, letting them know he was safe and sound. In the end, his purpose for visiting the brothel had been achieved, and he'd unexpectedly learned of Haruhime and Mikoto's relationship.
Even if Mikoto cursed Bell a few times, in the eyes of others, the one whose reputation suffered should be Mikoto, who came to "catch them in the act." The prostitutes might even spread the story, cementing Mikoto's status as his "wife."
"Prostrate apology... I think I've heard that term before. But if I recall correctly, a truly sincere apology should involve taking off your clothes, right?!" Bell declared with deadpan seriousness.
"Huh...?! N-no, that's not how it works?!" Mikoto faltered momentarily, her kneeling posture visibly slackening.
"Hmm... But when apologizing, removing your clothes and baring your skin shows greater sincerity, doesn't it?" Bell teased.
"Gulp... Bell-dono, that's utterly heretical!" Mikoto desperately steadied herself, masking her waver. The very thought of undressing to atone made her face flush crimson.
"Well then, how about this alternative apology? Since Mikoto feels guilty for insulting me, how about repeating 'I like you' a few times here, and we'll call it even?" Bell slowly proposed another method of atonement.
".....?" Mikoto blinked, momentarily forgetting to respond. The harsh words spoken in the brothel still burned vividly in her memory.
"I detest you, Bell-dono!" Now she was supposed to replace 'detest' with "love"? Logically, it seemed perfectly reasonable... But this was just too bizarre?!
"I... I'm afraid I simply cannot comply!" Mikoto's standard deep bow was shattered by embarrassment, her crimson ears betraying her true feelings. Her feelings toward the boy were like a ball with no resistance. The harder she fell, the fiercer she bounced back. Mikoto knew she harbored a certain fondness for the boy—something distinct from friendship or familial affection. Though faint, if she voiced her affection, Mikoto would surely blush herself into the ground.
"Hmm..." Bell feigned contemplation before speaking. "If this punishment won't do, then might Mikoto tell me about her past?"
"Well... Bell-dono, I'd be happy to share, but is this truly considered a punishment?" Mikoto asked, puzzled.
"Hmm, as my grandfather used to say, a girl's past and future are both treasures. Or perhaps, Mikoto-san prefers the earlier punishment methods?" Bell chuckled softly. Persuading this upright young lady would prove quite the challenge.
"I believe this is sufficient!" Mikoto hastily replied.
"Very well. Please stand, Mikoto-san, and speak. Whether it's about your dark past or matters involving Haruhime-san, everything must be shared."
Bell extended his right hand.
"I understand..."
Mikoto lifted her head, staring blankly for a moment. It was a hand hardened by countless battles. It had once saved her from peril, yet it had been pushed away by her own ignorance and pride. The faint flush on its palm seemed to carry the weight of Mikoto's merciless rejection, yet it also held the warmth and comfort of the young man.
This time, Mikoto chose neither evasion nor rejection. Though her face burned with embarrassment, she grasped his right hand. Warmth spread through her palm, surging from her heart.
Mikoto slowly stood up, glancing at Bell for a brief moment before quickly averting her gaze.
"Bell-sama, my past is hardly a treasure. It may disappoint you."
"I wouldn't say so. After all, Mikoto-san cherishes that memory deeply. That's why you were so impulsive in the Pleasure District, isn't it?" Bell responded softly.
"Indeed..."
Mikoto gazed out the window, lost in the peaceful solitude of the moment. Her thoughts slowly drifted toward the Far East.