I Became a Raid Boss-Chapter 61: Advent (4)

Today marked the start of the Descent Festival, honoring the descent of the god Edel.

The streets of the Sacred Nation of Sedes were filled with a lively, festive atmosphere.

“Mom, I want that!”

“That? Hmm... Alright. But just for today, okay?”

“Yes! You’re the best, Mom!”

“Oh, I’m only the best when it suits you, huh?”

“Hehe.”

A mother, usually stern, opened her wallet with a helpless smile, giving in to her child’s pleas.

“Oh! I didn’t mean to... I’m so sorry.”

“It’s alright. It’s just clothes, and they can be washed. I wasn’t paying attention either, so let’s just forget it.”

Even when a passerby spilled their drink on someone else, they were quick to brush it off, embodying the virtues of Edel’s teachings on mercy.

“Look, honey. How about this?”

“...”

“Why? You don’t like it?”

“No. It’s just... you look so stunning I was speechless.”

“Oh, stop it, you’re embarrassing me...”

“Sir, if you’re not buying anything, would you mind moving along?”

Of course, in a crowded place like this, there were always a few troublemakers.

But even their antics seemed harmless in the eyes of people swept up in the joyful atmosphere of the festival.

It felt like nothing could break the smiles and laughter illuminating everyone’s faces.

That is, until a young girl and a woman appeared on the street.

Neither looked particularly intimidating or threatening.

In fact, their appearances were striking enough to capture the attention of passersby.

First, there was the woman with mid-length black hair.

With sharp eyes, tall stature, and a lean figure, she radiated an attractive aura, turning the heads of many men as she passed by.

But the moment people noticed the young girl walking beside her, the woman faded into the background.

How could someone be so adorable?

Her round face, petite features, and innocent pink eyes were enough to make people want to pinch her cheeks.

Every blink seemed to emit an irresistible charm that tugged at the hearts of everyone around.

Though her expression was stoic, her face was so enchanting that it only added to her mystique.

This chapt𝓮r is updat𝒆d by ƒreeωebnovel.ƈom.

She was a girl who made everyone want to hug and protect her.

Though she looked adorable now, it was clear she would grow into one of the most beautiful women on the continent someday.

Yet, despite her sweetness, there was an unmistakable chill surrounding the two of them.

“Are they fighting?”

“If a kid like that were my sister, I’d let her win every time. Why not just give in?”

“They don’t look like real siblings. If they were, it wouldn’t be like this, right?”

The subtle tension radiating from them made it hard for people to approach, so they simply watched from afar.

The two moved through the crowd like a wedge, creating a path as they walked.

They were like a miracle, parting the sea of people as they moved along.

After wandering for a while, the woman with mid-length hair, Journey, suddenly clutched her head and yelled.

“This isn’t the festival I wanted!”

“Oh, you startled me!”

“Ugh, no wonder she’s fighting with her sister.”

People assumed Journey was some troublemaker who’d had a spat with her younger sister, and it drove her mad.

Not only was she clueless about why Kana was upset, but she was also on the verge of losing her altogether, and now strangers were clicking their tongues at her.

She couldn’t exactly go around explaining, “Ha-ha, it’s not like that. You’re misunderstanding,” to random strangers, so she had no choice but to swallow her frustration.

Instead of wasting energy on them, Journey decided to focus on talking to Kana.

“Is there anything you want to eat? I heard from the nuns that there are a lot of delicious things during the festival that you can’t usually find. Even if you’re not hungry, there are plenty of fascinating things around. Just let me know if anything catches your eye!”

She had plenty of money!

Granted, it was technically Kana’s money, earned by selling the carcasses of the ogres Kana had defeated. Kana had handed it all over, saying she didn’t need it.

Journey, feeling a bit guilty, was more than happy to spend it on something Kana might like.

“Nothing.”

“Hmm, can’t think of anything? How about chocolate? You like chocolate, don’t you?”

“No.”

“...Alright, how about some meat? I saw a stall selling grilled orc skewers earlier. Judging by the line, it must be pretty good.”

“Not hungry.”

Kana’s answers were curt, no matter what Journey suggested.

‘Fine, I’ll go along with you, but don’t get any ideas.’

That’s what her responses seemed to imply.

Phew—

Journey let out a small sigh, careful not to let Kana hear it.

...This isn’t easy.

It was true she didn’t want to part ways with Kana.

There’s nothing sadder than an abrupt and unexplained goodbye.

But she also had another reason for clinging to Kana now.

“...Alright! Then how about we just wander around for a while? We might find something interesting.”

“Do what you want.”

With a cheery shout, Journey grabbed Kana’s small hand.

Thankfully, Kana didn’t immediately whip out a sword this time.

She quietly followed Journey, not letting go of her hand.

‘...’

Journey watched her for a moment before shaking her head.

Unwanted farewells always bring regret and lingering sadness.

Even if this ends with them parting ways, she wanted to make the most of it so there wouldn’t be any regrets.

Journey brushed away the sad thoughts, put on a bright face, and walked around the bustling streets.

What am I even doing?

That thought crept in as Journey led me through the streets of the Sacred Nation.

I didn’t really want to go along with her.

She said she didn’t make any other plans because she wanted to spend time with me...

I can’t be sure, but it’s probably not a lie.

But what does it matter to me?

We live in different worlds.

To her, and to everyone else here, I’m just an NPC in a game.

If we’re destined to be on parallel paths that can never meet, then cutting things off here is better for both of us.

“....”

So why did I agree?

I was going to refuse, but then I noticed the scar that still stretched across Journey’s cheek, and I accepted her offer without thinking.

If Edel is right, it’s not even a real scar.

As I struggled to make sense of it, the answer finally came to me.

‘...Because this is the last time.’

Even if I’m going to end things without giving her a real explanation, I should at least show her this much courtesy.

That’s why I agreed.

...Yeah, that must be it.

Even after deciding this, my heart felt as heavy as a stone weighing me down.

As I wandered in my sea of thoughts, Journey was busily exploring the streets.

Sometimes she’d stop by a stall selling sweet treats, and other times she’d check out a vendor with monster meat.

Now she was admiring flowers at a merchant’s stall.

“Wow—these flowers are beautiful.”

“They only bloom in the Great Forest. Because they bloom just once a year, they’re called ‘Edel’s Footsteps.’”

“Edel’s Footsteps... what a romantic name. Do you know what they symbolize?”

“They represent the anticipation of new encounters and the longing for those who have left. Here—take one.”

“Huh? Are you just giving this to me? Is it okay for me to just take it?”

“I’m giving it to you because you’re with your cute little sister, so don’t worry about it.”

The merchant, who had been speaking with Journey, glanced at me and lowered his voice.

“Make sure you make up with her. When dealing with kids that age, it’s best to take the first step, even if you didn’t do anything wrong.”

“Ah, haha... Thanks for the advice.”

Journey straightened up, and they parted ways with a wave.

“Thanks! I’ll be sure to come back next time and buy something!”

We—or rather, Journey—continued exploring the festival.

With every small thing that caught her eye, she’d run over to me, ask a question, look disappointed, and return to wandering.

The sun, which had been sinking slowly, eventually disappeared, giving way to night.

Where normally only a few scattered lights would illuminate the streets, now they were bright with festive lights.

Journey moved to the edge of the street, away from the crowd.

“Thanks, Kana. I had fun.”

“...Yeah.”

Could it have really been fun, dragging around a stone-faced companion?

I squinted, studying her face, but found no hint of deceit.

For a moment, we both stood there, gazing at each other under the streetlights.

Like when I first met the Apostles, I couldn’t sense her presence or see her face clearly due to Edel’s influence.

Though, if I tried hard enough, I could make out her features.

I hadn’t really tried to look at her face since meeting her.

But somewhere along the way, I caught myself searching for her face.

There she stood, a cat-eyed beauty, looking back at me with an expression I couldn’t read.

She could probably see me without any effort, unlike me.

Even in small moments like these, I felt the distance between us.

“Kana, did you enjoy spending time with me?”

“...Yeah.”

“...I’m glad to hear that.”

Journey gave a faint smile.

“There’s one last place I want to go. Will you come with me?”

I nodded silently.

We’d spent so much time together today; one more moment wouldn’t hurt.

Journey let go of my hand and started walking toward a small hill.

After a while, we reached the top, where we could take in the whole view.

“So this is it?”

“Yeah. Celine told me the view of the Descent Festival from up here is stunning.”

“....”

Though it wasn’t a tall hill, the view from the top was expansive.

Despite the darkness of the night, the streets below were bustling as if it were still daytime.

As if by some unspoken agreement, we both stood in silence, gazing down at the city.

Eventually, Journey spoke.

“You know?”

“When I was little, I never could have imagined climbing a hill like this. I was always sick... So sick that even the priests didn’t know if I would survive.”