It took the carriages nearly a day to arrive.
Though, I couldn't really complain.
Clementine had searched tens of other villages and small towns.
The majority were destroyed...
But there were some survivors, and so the two of us gathered everyone and traveled back to Lenice.
In total, we saved 234 people.
In total, the combined number of casualties from all the villages... 29,955.
It was a massacre.
A terrible, terrible massacre.
And now, these few hundred people were left with no home, and only a lucky few still had their families.
When we finally got back to Lenice, the city mayor and the soldiers took care of everything.
As for Clementine and me, we just showed our faces and left.
We headed for the library in silence, and even though it was dark out, it was still open.
So as we stepped inside and reached the front desk, Rio was already there, waiting for us.
"I've heard about what happened. You guys are a lot stronger than you look."
Yeah.
I did feel someone lingering around.
Thankfully, I didn't make my Telekinesis use too obvious.
Clementine also kept her abilities within limits.
Though...
The ravine I made is hard to ignore.
"We just did what we had to do," I said, patting Clementine on the shoulder.
"After all, one of those demons was incredibly powerful. Had either of us held back, we could've been the ones who died."
Rio just stared at us for a moment.
Then, he reached under the desk and pulled out two envelopes before pushing them toward us.
"I know this may be a little sudden, but would you two be interested in joining an organization which deals with such threats on a daily basis?"
He tried to gauge our reaction for a few seconds, and then he continued.
"You could take on these missions whenever you want. You also won't be penalized for not doing missions. Though, the higher your reputation is, the more resources you could get out of our organization."
Honestly?
I was a little surprised.
These people usually went through a couple more assessment tests before coming to a conclusion.
...Is it because I'm already acquainted with Johan?
That's definitely it.
But, since I didn't want to give away too much...
"Could we take some time to think it over?"
Rio's eyes beamed.
"Of course. Take as much time as you need. Err... Actually, make a decision by the end of the week if possible."
I smiled back at him.
"We'll let you know soon—"
"We accept."
...Clementine?
As I turned to her in confusion, I noticed a determined expression on her face.
Hah.
I guess I was stupid for thinking she wasn't shaken by all of this.
But then again, I was too.
Regardless of that, Rio happily passed an envelope to Clementine.
"I'm glad to have you on board, Evangeline."
Ugh...
"I guess I'll accept as well then."
As if on cue, Rio pushed the second envelope toward me.
After that, he gestured at the door.
"You can come back tomorrow in the morning. However, instead of library work, you can start accepting missions from here. Read the envelopes when you get back home, and if you have any questions, feel free to ask me tomorrow."
With that, both Clementine and I nodded at Rio, stashed away our envelopes, and finally left.
Even though it was dark, the city was surprisingly lively.
But as I started heading home, Clementine suddenly tugged at my sleeve.
"Didn't you promise me a delicious dinner?"
"Oh..."
Her brows twitched.
"Did you forget?"
"Not at all. Follow me."
I forgot.
Honestly...
I should've prepared better.
Most of the good restaurants are closed at this time.
But there was one restaurant in particular that was still open.
Roseberry Inn.
Interlocking my fingers with Clementine's, I began leading her.
It was on the other side of the city, but with so many people running around and messing around, the walk was actually kind of entertaining.
When we arrived at the inn, I was pleased to know that aside from two couples, this place was practically empty.
So as the two of us sat down, a waitress soon came up to us and handed us a menu.
"I'll give you two a few minutes. Be back soon~"
"Mhm..."
I glanced over to Clementine.
She read over the menu.
Though, I could tell she couldn't decide what she wanted.
"You know we're rich, right? Order whatever you want."
She stopped reading and turned to me with a pout.
"I'm looking at the food that won't make me fat, okay? Hold on... Brisket... Pork belly..."
"You won't get fat, since we'll be doing a lot of missions from now on."
I rolled my eyes.
"Also, you're drooling."
Clementine wiped away her drool in surprise and, with slightly red cheeks, began memorizing her order.
As for me, I decided to get something light.
So when the waitress came back and it was time to order, Clementine went first.
"Um... Two steaks, strawberry ice cream... French fries, b-brisket, barbecue wings, pork belly..."
I let out a chuckle as she began listing every item on the menu.
Really...
How can she be so effortlessly cute?
"O-Okay. I got it. A-And you, sir?" the waitress asked.
I smiled at her.
"I'll have what she just ordered."
And that was when the waitress turned as pale as a ghost.
She just stood there for a few seconds.
But then, she wobbled away and into the kitchen.
Two plates immediately shattered.
Though a rattling soon followed as the chef got to work.
I don't like jinxing stuff.
But I like this kind of peace.
I wonder if it's possible to make this peace last?
I really hope so...
"What's on your mind?"
Clementine's words snapped me out of it.
"Oh, it's nothing. I was just thinking about how beautiful your eyes are."
A faint smile appeared on her face.
"You don't tell me much, you know?"
What's she getting at?
"You just have so many secrets... I'm trying not to question them all, but I might've overheard your conversation with that demon earlier."
"..."
Well...
It was good while it lasted.
But despite what kind of scenario my mind came up with, she didn't do any of it.
Instead, she leaned in slightly and placed her hand on mine.
"I'm just saying that I hope you put your trust in me more. If we're going to be together all the time, I want you to be able to lean on me as much as I'm trying to lean on you."
Her expression softened.
"Don't try to do everything by yourself... Please?"
Hearing that, I felt my chest becoming warm.
I mean, how couldn't it?
When I'm showered with so much care and affection... How can I not like her?
But can I trust her with the knowledge I have...?
The knowledge of the game, and how I came to possess that knowledge.
Would she abandon me if she knew everything I did?
Would she think what we have now is fake?
I wasn't sure how to feel, and while I could pretend I'm an oracle just like I've done with Evelyn, Clementine was much more special to me.
So I felt like I could take that risk.
I felt like at the very least... even if she abandons me after knowing what I know, she would, at the very least, survive and live a happy life.
Even if I'm not a part of that life.
Just as I started to calm down, Clementine lifted her hand away from mine.
And then, the waitress came by and proceeded to put together a couple dozen tables, so each one was connected.
Finally... I saw a few cooks coming out of the kitchen with tens of plates of food.
They didn't look too happy.
But even so, they placed the food down on our tables and stomped back into the kitchen.
The waitress remained, though.
"U-Um... I'll come back with the bill once you're finished."
With a bow, she left.
I was about to dig in, but Clementine's next words made me halt.
"I'm not forcing you to tell me anything now. I just hope when you think it's time, I'll be someone you tell."
Before I could even reply, she picked up a pork rib.
With a mischievous smirk, she pointed it at me.
"Now then, sir Mikael. Would you do me the honors of dueling me to see who can finish their food the fastest?"
"..."
Seriously...
I felt all my nervousness and restlessness vanish in an instant.
...How can she be so silly and cute?
"Fine. Let's duel, miss Evangeline."