Neizan was rushed to the medical room to treat his severe injuries. After a while, he began to slowly open his eyes. As he regained consciousness, he saw all his friends waiting for him there, who, upon realizing he was awake, rejoiced and rushed over to embrace him.
Arthur was the first to approach, hugging him tightly as tears streamed down his face, releasing the pent-up sensitivity and stress accumulated during the grueling days of the Gladiator Lion Games.
『Arthur: Neizan! Thank goodness you're alive! 』
『Neizan: Ugh, be quiet… my head hurts. 』
Beside him, Lina was the next to embrace him. She looked into his eyes silently, her hands trembling slightly as she felt the reality of the moment. Neizan's gaze softened, seeing the mix of worry and relief on Lina's face.
『Neizan: See? I told you I'd make it. 』
『Lina: Yes... you did. 』
With a sweet smile and a small tear slipping down her cheek, Lina acknowledged just how challenging it had been for Neizan, who had risked his life time and time again. Lying on the stretcher, Neizan extended his hand to her, and she gently held it, feeling the warmth that reassured her. It was a moment of deep understanding, a reflection of the closeness and support they had given each other throughout their journey.
Miguel stepped forward, nodding with a proud smile.
『Miguel: Congratulations on your victory, Neizan. 』
Looking toward the back of the room, Neizan noticed Meilia sitting with her arms and legs crossed, her usual reserved attitude intact. She seemed serious, though there was a small spark in her eyes that betrayed her relief.
『Neizan: Thank you all. I wouldn't have achieved this without your support. 』
With some effort, Neizan stood and approached Miguel, extending his hand before pulling him into a strong hug. Meilia stood up in silence, watching them from a respectful distance until Neizan looked her way. He smiled, and she raised an eyebrow in response.
『Meilia: You're welcome, idiot. I'm happy for you. 』
『Neizan: Hahaha… Don't you look a bit serious? 』
Arthur, standing nearby, chimed in with a teasing tone:
『Arthur: It's normal. Meilia was really worried. I even saw her crying when she thought you'd died. 』
Arthur's words made Meilia blush immediately, and she glared at him.
『Meilia: What?! Don't be ridiculous, idiot! It was just one tear, and only because I got scared. 』
Arthur shrugged, amused.
『Arthur: Whatever you say... 』
Neizan chuckled at Meilia's reaction and stepped forward to give her a hug, which only made her even more flustered, her blush deepening.
『Meilia: What do you think you're doing, you pervert?! 』
Though she tried to push him away, there was a hidden smile on her face. Neizan stepped back, amused, and gave her a small bow.
『Neizan: Thanks for your help, Meilia. I really appreciate that you were there. Now we're even, so you're free to do as you please. 』
Hearing this, Meilia raised her head, and though she tried to keep her proud attitude, her eyes held a mix of gratitude and restrained affection. Through all the trials, an unbreakable bond had formed between them all—a bond that only grew stronger with each victory and every step they shared on the battlefield.
Meilia had stayed by Neizan and Arthur's side all this time, despite having betrayed their trust in the past. In a moment of desperation, her impulsive actions had led them all to be imprisoned as criminals and accomplices. This betrayal had pushed them to the extreme situation of participating in the brutal coliseum games, where Neizan was forced to repeatedly risk his life, not only for his own freedom but for that of his companions as well.
As a way of redemption, Meilia worked tirelessly to make up for her mistake. She started as a maid in the mansion where Neizan and Arthur lived, a position she accepted with humility and silence. From then on, she dedicated herself to assisting Neizan in each battle, offering strategic advice and healing his wounds after the grueling coliseum fights. Although her efforts were initially met with some coldness, the group began to recognize her genuine dedication, feeling grateful and, in a way, respecting Meilia's internal struggle to overcome her own regret. Nevertheless, Meilia worried particularly about Neizan, as he had shouldered the worst of the consequences from her actions. Despite this, he had found the courage to save her without expecting anything in return. She had never had the courage to thank him… until now.
Lina, on the other hand, still held a grudge. Though she didn't comment on it, she continued to distrust Meilia more than anyone else in the group. She hadn't forgotten the pain and hardship that her betrayal had brought them. However, she chose not to mention anything, respecting the peace that now existed between them and not wanting to ruin the bonds they had fought so hard to build. Despite her resentment, she kept her feelings to herself, watching as the group finally seemed to be at ease, free from the shadows of the past.
In a quiet moment, Meilia, in a barely audible voice, broke the silence.
『Meilia: Hey… 』
Neizan looked at her, puzzled.
『Neizan: …? 』
After taking a deep breath, Meilia looked up.
『Meilia: Thank you for saving me that time… 』
Neizan widened his eyes in surprise. He hadn't expected her to finally speak about it. Meilia's expression showed a mix of worry and regret. He understood that this thanks wasn't just for what he'd done for her but for the burden she'd been carrying ever since, for wanting to become someone they could all trust again.
『Neizan: Don't mention it. 』
As he replied, a sharp pain shot through his head, and he held his forehead. Everyone noticed his pained expression, and Lina couldn't help but move closer.
『Lina: Are you alright? 』
『Neizan: No… my head hurts a lot. 』
Concerned, Meilia tried to guess the cause.
『Meilia: Even though you're fully healed, maybe your body has suffered some lasting effects. You may have exhausted too much of your energy and pushed your limits. 』
However, Neizan slowly shook his head, though he seemed confused.
『Neizan: That's not it… something feels strange. 』
Besides the headache, Neizan felt something odd. It was as if, suddenly, memories filled with emotions that he didn't recognize as his own had appeared in his mind, yet they resonated deeply within him.