章節 68: Worry.

…

Liliruca Arde. I knew very little about the Pallum. However, if she was taught by Hikigaya, I had little reason to doubt her skill in combat. Hikigaya's awareness of weaknesses and propensity towards stacking the odds in his favor was perhaps the best method to approach the Dungeon. A simple, brutal strategy for a simple, brutal situation.

However, Arde lacked something that Hikigaya took for granted, which in the end made her an incapable leader. Perhaps Hikigaya knew this, perhaps he didn't, but nonetheless the evidence was right before my eyes.

The Pallum sat straight and was completely composed on the chair she sat upon, but I've seen that look many times before in the Hostess of Fertility, of those who made a mistake and resorted to inebriation. I knew that the Pallum wouldn't resort to such methods, if only because of her respect for her teacher, however… stress had ways of breaking people down.

I knew that fact very well.

Of course, seeing oneself as an incapable leader and a failure to the person who they trusted the most, would send anyone into turmoil. She had claimed seniority, commanded the most respect, and yet one of their number has joined their current enemy.

"…" I remembered Orimoto's words. About how Hikigaya sometimes forgot to take some simpler things into account, even if they were simply right before his eyes. Then, what if the problem in question was being deliberately hidden? I had a feeling that he missed this particular problem completely. I didn't have to say anything, especially as I didn't personally know the girl… but, I had stated that I would help Hikigaya regardless whether he knew of my actions or not. I would be a liar if I didn't intercede. " …Arde, may I sit next to you?"

"Ah?" Arde was startled, as anyone would be if they were lost to their own thoughts. I noticed that, out of her usual clothes, she was a very small individual. Small and frail. Almost too tiny for a Level 3. There was tiredness in her eyes. "Oh, Lyon-san." She dipped her head, even as a flash of indecision appeared in her eyes. "Sure. Nelly and Erisuis are both preparing to leave, feel free to stay here until we're finished taking account of our supplies, we should be leaving in-."

"I didn't ask for a report on your progress." I shook my head, both to convey my disinterest and mask some of my building pity. Arde would not accept pity. I would not in her place either. Not after everything she's accomplished, despite her terrible circumstances. I mulled over what to say in the silence that ensued. I didn't know what to do. I supposed, for now, all I could do was be present and think. "I am asking if you would mind my company."

"…No." Arde stared at me for a moment. The Pallum blinked rapidly for a few moments and shook her head. Some of the fugue that suffused her faded away and she immediately became more focused. Good. "Of course not."

What had Syr done for me that day she found me? After I had spent myself to the point I was dying of exhaustion? What were the words that allowed me to accept her help, such a long time ago?

"…would you care to share a meal with me?" I found a smile working its way onto my lips for a moment. I wondered if my own face had the same, sudden look of surprise as was on Arde's. "I've found myself to be quite hungry and eating alone, especially in such a strange place, is less than appealing."

I didn't have much practice in being kind or considerate, but I supposed that it would be remiss of me to not do my best to pass on what had been given to me by one of my closest friends for the sake of another.

...