Chapter 67 - The Girl Wants to Be M*rdered
# Chapter 67: Errare humanum est --- ** The metallic screech echoed violently. “Why does the world refuse to leave that child alone?” “...You!?” Soft flesh and hard metal clashed. The unexpected consequence of these two opposing substances clashing was the sword's blade crumpling like paper. The dark aura rising from Saeli's hand effortlessly crushed Remi Akaia's approaching sword as if it were mere foil. In disbelief at the extraordinary outcome, Remi Akaia, who had not intended to harm with full force, could only stare dumbfounded at Saeli. Even without murderous intent, she had never imagined her efforts would be so casually thwarted. The sword shattered, fragments sprinkled onto the ground. The grating noise of metal breaking filled the alley we stood in. "The child has barely managed to grasp some semblance of peace now." “...What...” I felt immensely relieved that both were somehow holding onto the last threads of rationality and that Remi Akaia hadn’t crossed the line. Had she stabbed with intent to kill or if Saeli had deemed her death not a threat but a help to Alice’s safety, there might already be a cold body on this alley floor. Although I recognized that this was only the first of many tremors to come, the fact that the initial crisis had been averted was truly a point of relief. No one had died, after all. I could breathe a sigh of relief knowing I wouldn’t have to intervene directly. *Swoosh.* “.........” The half-drawn sword made a slight sound as I intentionally coughed and slipped it back into my coat. The situation showed no signs of taking a positive turn. The two were still glaring at each other with palpable hostility, and I couldn’t find a single clue on where to begin unraveling this tangled mess. As I observed their confrontation, I frantically sought a way to turn things around. Though, an easy solution didn’t present itself. “Alice is already doing well with me. There is no place for you between us.” Saeli declared firmly. Her certainty was devoid of “ifs” or “maybes,” just like a straight line, her words were harsh and heavy with finality. Because of its simple bluntness, it became the sharpest weapon capable of striking her opponent's heart. If you truly wish for Alice’s happiness, abandon any thoughts of associating with us further. Your presence only interferes. Look. Even now, you’re only displaying this disgraceful behavior. Essentially, it was a notification that she was unfit to take Alice away. “You bastard—?!” Just because the weapon was broken, or that there was nothing left to rely on, Remi Akaia wasn’t saintly enough to let someone take Alice right in front of her eyes without protest. Letting go of the now-useless sword handle, she balled her fist and swung it at Saeli’s face. However, she misunderstood one crucial point. Saeli was neither weak enough nor kind-hearted enough to docilely accept a blow from someone not in the proper stance. *Boom!* Dust scattered. "...Do you...think...I...would...allow...that...?" “...Your permission is irrelevant. What matters is that Alice wants me. As long as she wishes it, I will not leave Alice's side—unlike you.” “...Eat...dirt...” The swinging punch was effortlessly caught by Saeli's hand. In the alleyway, the two seemed to dance as they locked hands and spun, but the result was brutal. Using Remi Akaia's own attack against her, Saeli swung her into the wall and began to slowly apply pressure to her slender neck with her arm, still gripping her wrist. Remi Akaia, however, wouldn’t accept defeat so easily, flailing like a trapped beast against the wall. But overpowering someone overwhelming in a cramped, uncomfortable position was unfathomable, even if she fought from a proper stance. All Remi Akaia could do was grit her teeth and provoke her opponent. Yet, provoking the cold-hearted Saeli, who viewed people as mere disposable insects, wouldn’t work— *Crunch!* “.........” “...Ugh-khk?!” ...Or, maybe it did...? Did it work...? She wasn’t listening before, was she? Maintaining her impassive expression, Saeli’s aura seemed to grow darker and stronger. Was she really angry? Reflecting on how she got along with Alice, it appeared she became more human day by day. Spending a year together while I was away, growing closer, naturally made her more human. So why have I always been given the same treatment, I wonder? I don't know. In any case, with the outcome mostly decided and their battle showing no sign of de-escalation, I knew I had to intervene somehow. Remi Akaia's face was turning from red to a deathly white, making it seem like if things continued any longer, someone might actually die. However, neither seemed ready to back down. If I disrupted the tension with a poorly-timed joke, they might become frustrated enough to simply leave. Sure, it might end with me taking a few hits, but playing the punching bag isn't new to me. *Sigh...* I dusted off my clothes and prepared to stand up. Until I heard Saeli's words. "Alice will be with me forever. I'll ensure she sees only a happy world, free from sorrow." Startled, I froze in my half-standing position. The words that shouldn't have come from Saeli's lips rendered me speechless. I was so taken aback that I just stared at her in disbelief. I couldn't believe those words came from Saeli's mouth. It was hard to reconcile with the image of my long-time friend, enough to feel a hint of betrayal. "Aris is...my...sister—!!!" “—Do not call Alice by that name.” Quietly, I rose to my feet. With determination, I grasped the hilt that was concealed beneath my clothes, ensuring it wouldn’t slip. The silver light reflecting off the blade glinted, illuminating the moss-covered ground. "My...sister, she is—!!!" “You mean lost one, right?” Saeli continued to press on Remi Akaia's throat with force. That once intimidating figure now seemed oddly pathetic. I couldn’t bear to watch her continue down this path. I closed the distance, stepping behind her back. And then— “What?” “Well, I’ve watched enough, and this is just too much.” I pointed my sword at her neck. --- There was once a child who adored a monster that saved her life, treating it as if it were her true parent. The monster, with its frozen heart, was melted by the child's warmth, and once it acknowledged its feelings, the monster couldn't bear the thought of letting go. So the monster... The woman... To keep the child by her side, concocted the pretense that everything was for “protecting” the child from flying away, and placed her inside a cage. “What are you—” “—Have you forgotten?” “.........” Where is that person who, in tears of blood, confessed that her own desires had wounded the child she cared so much for? Have you forgotten the conversation we had that night? Do you intend to repeat the same mistake? Directing the sword towards her heart, I asked. Honestly, my actions might not be so different from Saeli's. Someone might call me a hypocrite. Even though Alice is desperately searching for her past, I deliberately withhold the truth about her history, which is likely filled with betrayal and pain. If anyone showed the slightest potential for harm, I would not hesitate to push them aside, showing Alice only what's good and bright—yet I criticize Saeli's actions. I may not have the right to denounce Saeli. But, even trash like me knows— "That's not right." "........" That's just not right.