Chapter 60.6: SS6: The Elf and The Snake (5) (2)
Chapter 60.6: SS6: The Elf and The Snake (5) (2)
Like Noel had said, getting a confession from Simone was easy. When the assembled members of Lightning Bite and Sky Winged Knights had surrounded her and confronted her with the truth, she had immediately admitted to her crime in tears. The stolen Skill-books were also found in her apartment, which corroborated the confession. She had been turned over to the military police, so she would probably receive the proper judgment for her crime.
Because she had solved the case, Leisha was treated as agreat detectiveby her allies. In truth, it was thanks to Noel, but considering his feelings, she should probably keep the part that he played in this case quiet. It would only be a nuisance to him if he got mobbed by the members of Lightning Bite and Sky Winged Knights.
A few days later, Irene's funeral was held quietly. Ophelia represented Irenes family at the funeral. As expected, Ophelia was shocked when she learned the truth about Irene. Nevertheless, it seemed that she didnt think that she had been betrayed. She only said, It cant be helped, as she smiled sadly.
Many people attended Irene's funeral and mourned her death. They were Irenes fans for the most part. The landlady, Harris, and Lestrade had also attended. Each of them mourned in their own way, but it seemed certain that Irene was loved.
Moreover, there was also an unexpected attendee. Priscilla.
The moment Leisha and Ophelia saw her in the distance, they had become openly wary, but their worries were unfounded. Priscilla didnt try to cause a disturbance like she had last time, but instead thanked them both tearfully for uncovering the truth.
To Priscilla, Irene was certainly a thorn in her side, but at the same time, she was also a good rival. So when she had heard of Irene's death, she had sworn to find the culprit. She had gone to Lestrades store because she had thought that he was the culprit. She told them that her real goal had been to shake him up and ask leading questions.
And, even though it was for the sake of achieving her goal, she apologized again and again for making statements that were unpleasant to Leisha and Ophelia. Ophelia also apologized for overstepping the mark, and the two of them buried the hatchet.
As she left, Priscilla gave them two concert tickets. It was a present that served as both a thank you and an apology. She said that she would rather they came to the concert, but if they were busy and unable to do so, then they should sell them. It appeared that they could be sold for a fair bit of money as the tickets to her concert were already fully reserved and were difficult to obtain.
The two of them were very appreciative of her gesture. Of course, Ophelia and Leisha promised that they would definitely go. However, after they had parted with Priscilla, Ophelia handed her ticket to Leisha. Leisha thought that perhaps Ophelia still held a grudge, but it seemed like that wasnt the case.
You should go with the person whom youre indebted to
Indebted to, you said?
When Leisha tilted her head, Ophelia smiled.
The real great detective
Ehh, y, you noticed?
Of course I noticed. After all, isnt it unnatural for you to suddenly solve everything? Its you, so I know that its not because you want to take all the credit. That great detective is probably the type that doesnt like to stand out, right?
Well, its not like hes the type that doesnt like to stand out, but I just thought that he would find it annoying to be treated as a great detective
Hmm~, I see
Ophelia nodded understandingly.
To tell the truth, I also wanted to thank that person, but that being the case, it seems better if I dont, doesnt it? I'll just keep my feelings of gratitude inside my heart
Well, if theres an opportunity, Ill introduce him to you
Alright, I'm looking forward to it
She didnt think that they would get along very well, but she supposed that it should be fine if it was just a quick introduction. Noel was also a Seeker. Even if Leisha didnt introduce him to Ophelia, he would become acquainted with her one day.
If she could have one wish, she would wish that they would become friends with each other.
Leisha had two tickets in her hand. After agonizing over it, she decided to invite Noel. Given his personality, she knew that there was a high probability that she would be refused. However, she would be a disgrace to women if she didnt take any action just because she was afraid of being refused.
After all, she wanted to thank him properly. And, if possible, she wanted to get along better with him. It was because she respected him, and there was definitely nothing that she had to feel guilty about.
As a present, she bought a box of chocolates that was famous for being delicious. It was perfect as a gift as it had even been beautifully wrapped. It appeared that people craved sweet things after using their brains, so Noel should like it as well.
The time was 7 am. It was about the time that Noel usually finished his daily run. In the brisk air of the morning, Leisha was humming cheerfully as she made her way to where he was.
Suddenly, someone called out to her from behind.
Leisha
When she stopped and looked back, there stood a beautiful blonde-haired woman in a green robe.
YoureTania?
The identity of the beautiful woman was Tania, a Healer who was a member of Blue Beyond, which was the party that Noel belonged in. Tania ran up to Leisha and suddenly bowed her head.
I'm sorry, Leisha! I heard that our Noel caused you trouble! But he definitely didnt mean any offense!
Huh? Ermm, what are you talking about?
To Leisha, who had tilted her head in confusion, Tania continued talking with her head still bowed.
According to what Noel said, it seems that he had accepted Leisha's request, but the way he speaks and his attitude is bad, so I thought that he must have acted very rudelyand so
Th, that's not true!
Leisha, who had understood the situation, waved her hands in denial. Certainly, Noels attitude and the way he spoke were bad. Because of that, she had only thought of him as a disagreeable guy in the beginning. But as she got to know him, she became able to understand his charm. If anything, she thought favorably of him now.
The case was able to be solved because of Noel, so its preposterous to say that he caused me trouble! For me, itll never be enough, no matter how many times I thank him!
Is, is that so?
When Tania glanced upwards at her, Leisha nodded vigorously.
Yes, thats right! For that reason, can you raise your head?
I see. Thats good
Tania raised her head, placed her hand over her well-rounded chest, and breathed a sigh of relief.
Ive jumped to the wrong conclusion. Im really sorry
Tanias bashful expression was so cute that it seemed capable of captivating even those of the same sex. Among Tanias fans, it seemed that there were those who idolized her as a holy maiden. Just a little, Leisha understood their feelings.
I'm the one who is sorry for willfully asking Noel for help
It was a locked-room murder, wasnt it? I'm glad to hear that it was solved. He's extremely smart, so I can understand the feeling of wanting to ask him for help
Yeah, hes really amazing. Just by listening to my story, he easily uncovered the truth. Hes just like those armchair detectives that appear in the detective novels
She had heard that the intelligence modifier for Talkers was high. However, it merely meant that they were quick-witted, and the extent to which they could utilize it in real life depended on the individual's talent. Taking that point into account, Noels intelligence was outstanding, even considering the fact that he was a Talker.
For you to have such an excellent ally, Blue Beyond is blessed, isnt it? Tania is also proud of him, right?
Yes, that's true. That way of speaking and that attitude are drawbacks though, arent they?
Ahaha, I think so too
It seemed that Tania was also having a hard time with him. Otherwise, she probably wouldn't have come to Leisha to apologize.
But Noel is really amazing. Hell probably make it big as a Seeker, dont you think?
Yes, I think so too. Thats why
Tania paused and narrowed her eyes all of a sudden.
Can you stay away from him from now on?
Huh?
Leisha, to be frank, youre a nuisance
A nuisance, you said
Leisha was flustered by the way Tania had suddenly changed.
I can understand it if its just once. There were circumstances too, werent there? But you're going to approach Noel again, right? That's why youre heading towards where he is. You even have a present prepared
Tania pointed to Leisha's box of chocolates and her expression turned stern.
Please don't bother him. How can someone who isnt even his ally take away Noels precious time? I find it hard to understand
Th, that is
Tania's objection was unreasonable, but she hadnt said anything wrong. Certainly, Noel's time was precious. She knew that very well because she had watched him. That was why Leisha chose her words carefully, making sure that she didnt refute her emotionally.
Ho, hold on, Tania, that's a misunderstanding. Its not that I want to monopolize Noel, I just want to thank him for solving the case. This chocolate is also for that purpose If, if you feel suspicious about me giving it to him directly, how about if you take it instead? There are a lot of them, so please eat them together with Noel and everyone of Blue Beyond. Umm, its fine this way, right?
Leisha tried her best to put on a cheerful face, and then she held the box of chocolates out to Tania.
But
No thank you
Tania slapped the box of chocolates out of her hand roughly.
Ive told you what I needed to say. Goodbye
With that, she turned on her heel and left. Leisha could only watch her back disappear out of sight in stunned amazement. She had never even suspected that Tania was such a quick-tempered woman.
Oh, it got dirty
Leisha picked up the box of chocolates and brushed the dirt off the box with her hand. It could no longer be used as a present.
She could have gotten angry. She could have shouted back at her, What did you do that for!?
But who would that benefit, she wondered.
She was sure that even Noel would be troubled by it. That couldnt be further from Leishas intentions. That was why she could only give up.
I guess Ill eat it myself
Leisha sat down on a nearby bench, tore off the wrapping paper and opened the box of chocolates. She had bought a chocolate assortment, so there were many kinds of bite-sized chocolates in the box. She picked one up with her fingers and tossed it into her mouth.
Wow, it's delicious!
As might be expected from high-grade chocolate, its taste was outstanding.
But she felt, just a littlethat they tasted salty.
Hey, look! It's Snake! It's Wild Tempest!
As Leisha was walking through the city, someone said that excitedly. Soon after, the other pedestrians also noticed their presence, and began talking eagerly about their successes while looking at them with envy and admiration in their eyes.
Wild Tempest had become the clan that drew the most attention nowadays. The street was filled with the cries of the many enthusiastic fans in the crowd, who were cheering their name.
Leisha also stopped and turned to look at them.
The person who had subdued and was leading the familiar faces of Alma, Kouga, Leon, along with their newest member Hugo, was Noel, the leader of Wild Tempest.
I had thought that he would make it big, but he built a huge lead over me in a blink of an eye, didnt he?
It had been a few months since Noel solved the case. Many things had happened during that time, and the old Blue Beyond no longer existed. But Noel never gave up. On the contrary, he was now the clan master of a major clan, and even becoming Regalia was within reach for him.
Even though Leisha was more senior and ranked higher than him until a while ago, before she knew it, he had built such a lead that it would now be laughable to even speak of him as a peer.
With the way things had turned out, she couldn't even feel jealous, but was only utterly overwhelmed.
But Leisha wasnt going to let things end with him holding a lead over her. Since then, Leisha also had a change of heart. She had started to think that, just like Noel, she wanted to aim for greater heights.
Just you wait and see~! I wont lose to you, you hear!?
Leisha thrust her fist towards Noel. Of course, Noel didnt notice. It was a little lonely, but she thought that it was better this way.
He, who had subdued his allies and had kept on marching forward gallantly while paying no heed to others
Hes cool after all
It was, accompanied by admiration, a love that even she was unaware of. For that reason, no matter how much it dazzled Leisha, it was no longer possible for her to take her eyes off Noel
What an amazingly ironic wish it was that Leisha had. Lots of stuff would probably have turned out differently if she had actually introduced them to each other.
Ive never wanted to punch a fictional character as much as I do right now. Leisha~ dont cry~
That ending! Those last few lines! Sob, its kinda sad that theres zero romance in the main story, but perhaps its precisely because of that, that I really loved this story of an innocent love. Its the innocent love of a 34 year old though lol.
With this, the short story has concluded. We'll be back to the main story and the Regalia Arc from the next chapter onwards. Are you excited!? I know I am. It's going to start with a bang! Stay tuned!
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