The moment Lucrezia's gaze slid away from mine, I knew I wasn't going to like what she was planning to say.
That didn't matter though. I needed to know regardless. Even now, Priya's words rang in my ears.
"It... wasn't anything important. You don't need to worry about it, Ryuuko."
I narrowed my eyes. That was fucking suspicious.
"I think it's better if you tell me, Lucrezia. Honestly, Antenora's been acting weird ever since that day and I'd really appreciate it if you could shed some light on that."
There was a long pause before Lucrezia finally responded.
"We spoke about... what to do with you after we returned home."
"Yeah?"
"You became a part of my family, but... You're still a human. Something like this hasn't happened before. Ever. I mean, as far as I know, we've always been at war with the western nations."
"So what'd the two of you decide?"
"We... thought it was best for her to treat you as if you were simply a shurai who entered into the Zaltsel clan to normalize the situation. Which means..."
Another pause. I really didn't like where this was going.
I sighed. "Lucrezia. If you two were planning on ditching me after reaching the Fissure, you don't need to beat around the bush."
To my surprise, Lucrezia's eyes widened in shock and horror. That certainly wasn't the expression that I was expecting.
I thought she'd get a lot more relaxed after I was the one who finally said it. I mean, that's how it worked back on Earth.
People would pretend to be your friends just to use you and then leave. It was the natural cycle of relationships.
No one fucking cared.
You were simply a tool for others to advance in life, and even a piece of trash like me still had some skills people found useful.
Friends? Don't give me that bullshit.
Earth was all about give and take. It was all about making "friends" with people who could benefit you the most at the time and then tossing them aside once you were down.
Relationships weren't this give and take or carrot and stick style bullshit, but maybe I've just been too blinded by all the stories I've read back then.
I even thought that it would be different here, but just because I—
I felt Lucrezia's hand on mine, interrupting all those familiar dark thoughts in my head. A concerned frown was on her face.
"Ryuuko, I'm not sure what made you think that, but that's certainly not something I'd do. We're family, after all."
Family, huh? I still don't think I fully understand what that means, but at least she seems earnest.
But none of this explained Antenora's motives in giving Lucrezia a headache (if she really did), nor did it explain Priya's behavior.
"It's fine. I was just reminded of something in the past."
I tried to gently pry my hand away from Lucrezia's, but her grip tightened. My gaze met hers, and for a split-second, my heart wavered.
But I could tell that this wasn't that kind of moment.
There was something she had resolved to tell me, and I could see that determination in her eyes. I nodded slightly, as if to give her permission.
"A foreign shurai entering the Zaltsel clan as a result of..." She paused here as she attempted to consider her words. The pink shade that dominated her cheeks told me enough. "...As a result of a union like ours must enter into a trial of combat with the guardian of the... union's initiator. Which would be me."
"...So you're saying that I've gotta fight your dad."
Lucrezia simply nodded.
"It's not a battle to the death, is it?"
"Of course not! That would make all... similar unions be rather tragic. I know you're strong Ryuuko, but right now, I don't think you'd be able to win..."
Ah, yeah. The eastern tribes valued strength the most, didn't they? And since all I've been doing lately is dicking around and helping everyone train, I haven't really had the chance to strengthen myself...
"I'll manage. There's still quite a bit before we'll reach the clan even after rescuing Aurelia. Thanks for worrying, Lucrezia."
I gave Lucrezia a pat on the head and grinned. I wish I could simply let this end on such a comfy vibe, but there was still one last thing in my head that was nagging me ceaselessly.
"Speaking of worrying, what happened after Priya and I entered Juryez? I know you were dizzy at the time, but you seemed fine when we returned."
"Hm? Nothing, really. Antenora and I just made small talk while I rested. The dizziness abated pretty quickly though so I wanted to go look around like Priya suggested, but Antenora insisted that I stayed and rested."
"Did she say why?"
Lucrezia shook her head. "No, but she was really pushy about it. I haven't seen her act like that in a long time... Oh! I remember she said that I'd die if we went to investigate, though..."
The fuck? This... genuinely makes no sense. This just sounds like Antenora's being way overprotective, isn't she? But I guess there's one way to make sure whether or not I can trust her.
"Well, I guess she's just keeping you safe then." I shrugged.
"Mhm! She's always been doing that ever since I was a kid, ahaha! But hey, why're you suddenly so interested in Antenora, huh?"
I shook my head and smiled. "I guess I was just being overly suspicious for no reason. Her change in attitude toward me the past few days was pretty damn awkward."
I turned toward the campfire, casually catching Antenora's back in my gaze. She was still hunched over a log that we were using as a table earlier, sifting through the deciphered documents to see if she could glean any more useful information.
She was one hell of a hard worker, I'll give her that.
Sorry Antenora.
[Complete Analysis]!
My eyes widened in shock and horror.
Lucrezia was speaking right next to me, but I couldn't hear a single word of what she was saying.
The entirety of my attention was fixed on the screen in front of me, my eyes riveted on its pale blue surface.
[Error: Complete Analysis has been blocked.]
Then, Antenora's head whirled around, and her eyes met mine.
Her gaze bore into mine, and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't wrench my eyes away.
This was the absolute worst scenario. Countless thoughts ran through my head.
Who the hell is she? Is she an enemy? Was she hiding her strength all this time? How did she know I used [Complete Analysis] on her? What kind of abilities does she have? Are we going to fight?
But none of these questions were as important—or as terrifying—as the one that was on the forefront of my mind.
Is she a Transmigrator?
"You finally saw, didn't you? Ryuuko."