Case 116: Upon a confession.

A few days flew by quickly.

Before I could realize it, we were back in Visette.

''You're going back to the empire... right?''

''...''

The sun had barely begun rising.

I stood in a daze, unsure of what would happen when I came back. There was even a little bit of fear. After all, I had to confront those four, and my hair was still of an ashen gray color.

Well, it wasn't like I would publicly announce my identity to the world or something. Disguises would be used, just... not in front of them.

I had kept them in the dark for too long. They were patient and kind, and I didn't want to use them for that. Perhaps it was already too late for me to redeem myself... but I wanted to try what I could.

So, I would come back.

''I see...''

Upon hearing my answer, Yuria smiled bitterly. Her gaze on me held some sort of regret, yet ultimately, she respected my choice.

''I'll be here adventuring for a while,'' Yuria said. ''Here, my contact, so if you need something, hit me up. I will help with what I can.''

''Thank you,'' I replied. ''I'll make sure to pay you back for everything.''

''Why, no need. I already considered you a good friend.''

''Is that so?''

This time, Yuria's smile carried genuine goodwill, ''Yeah. So... have a safe trip. Let's meet again someday.''

''...''

After parting ways with Yuria, the cat-kin princess, I crossed the border and entered Libre Empire's soil again. Thankfully, it was still quite early, at least enough for the high-speed train not to be crowded.

I was staring intently at my phone screen.

I thought I would surely lose it when I faced Astaroth, but thanks to Yuria, my stuff was perfectly fine. Aside from some clothes, of course. Those were used as bandages and thrown away earlier.

But my body was now pristine, free of wounds and spotless; not a blemish could be found. Such was the incredible regeneration power of a high succubus, I supposed.

As for the other 'energy' that my body required... it wasn't depleted, but at this rate, I wouldn't be surprised if I started coughing blood soon. Merely recalling the searing pain during those moments... it made me tremble.

Still, there was nothing I could do.

No one could tell me to go murder hundreds of people just to satiate this power for a while. This was the first line that I drew—that I wouldn't dare call myself a human if I resort to such acts.

I also had another problem at this point—I had neglected communicating with my loved ones for a while. Maybe a week.

My inbox was now flooded with messages from those four. Messages asking my whereabouts, asking my situations, my day, etc. I was reluctant to face them before, but now that I saw them like this, it felt rather overwhelming.

''Hah...''

I guessed I had no choice.

[I have something to tell you guys. Can we meet at the riverbank this afternoon?]

And... sent. To all four of them.

I glanced at the clock. It was six in the morning, and today was a Tuesday, so they should be up soon.

As I lightly dozed on the train, replies gradually came. Fortunately, they all agreed to meet me. If either of them didn't... well, I wasn't sure if I would be allowed back into their lives after revealing my secret afterward.

I was prepared to be kicked out. I really was.

Holding my trembling heart, I decided to take a brief nap. Lucy's energy was a bit low after protecting me from Astaroth's wrath, but she should protect me well.

By the time I groggily opened my eyes, it was one in the afternoon. The scenery had changed noticeably, and I began to see silhouettes of Syrus's skyscrapers through the window.

I was back in Syrus again.

After exiting the train, I grabbed myself something to eat and settled at an outdoor coffee shop right by the riverbank. Not many people were here at this time. Merely some kids and some fishers...

Eventually, I thought it was time and snapped a picture of the location.

''...''

But when it was time to send it to them, I hesitated. Was this really the right choice? Telling them my resolve and making them worry for me...

What am I saying? This was clearly better than deceiving them until the end.

Right.

So, I sent it.

Even after I made the decision, doubts lingered in my mind. Somehow, the gentle breeze felt noisier.

And after a short wait, I heard someone calling out to me,

''Cecilia!''

''...Rachael. Long time no see—''

The princess nearly threw herself at me, holding me so tightly as if never letting me go again. Embraced by her scent, feeling her warmth again made my heart throb.

After that, one by one, Penelope and Kiara arrived, both taking turns hugging me. I felt no less shaken, seeing these two so sentimental like this.

And finally...

''Big sis.''

''Lyra.''

My little sister.

We stared at one another without words for a while.

''...Well, why don't you sit?'' I smiled. ''We can talk slowly.''

It was a round table.

They were all looking at me, longing apparent in their eyes. But also anxiousness. I wondered how they would take it.

''Um... so... I was away for a while.'' I timidly said. ''Sorry for not letting you guys know beforehand. Also, I didn't reply to your calls and messages... now that I think about it, that was too much.''

An uncomfortable silence fell as I awkwardly laughed.

No good. The pressure was already too high.

Especially Lyra... I had to finish this quickly before my composure broke, if I even had one that was intact.

''I went to the other side of the continent.''

'''' ...! ''''

All except Lyra showed a stunned expression. I wasn't quite sure how much information they had about me, but no one knew me better than Lyra, that was for sure.

''A little adventuring trip... perhaps.'' I continued. ''I visited the demon stronghold's fortress. I had something to do there, you see.''

''...Is this what you mentioned before? Finishing your lingering fates?'' Rachael asked.

''Yeah. And... I failed.''

I showed a silly smile.

'It was nothing!'

I wished I could say that. But... I failed.

I failed. I failed. I failed.

Before I could realize it, tears were rolling down my cheeks, ''I-I'm sorry. I...''

''Hey, calm down. We're here with you.''

''That's right.''

My lovers immediately comforted me. Only Lyra was sitting there, her expression gloomy. Somehow, it was her that I feared to confront the most.

I found myself unable to meet eyes with her, unable to face those heavy emotions she carried.

Was it because I desperately didn't want her to hate me...?

''Big sis.''

''...!''

I flinched.

I felt Lyra's hand gently caressing my cheek. I felt my tears dampening her skin.

When I gathered the courage to look up... she was smiling,

''I already know everything.''

''...Huh?''

''You shouldn't have done that, big sis.''

If the hazy mess that was my senses worked properly, I was... frightened. By the coldness in her words, by the mind-bendingly thick possessiveness in her eyes.

''You were too arrogant—simple as that. Though I suppose you have learned your lesson now.''

''Um...''

''But bad behavior must be corrected, am I right? For big sis, who has deceived us... a punishment is due.''