Chapter 116: Resolved at Once, What... (Patreon)

"Y-yes."

"So, the ones we're talking about are...?"

"The... the missing people you mentioned."

"I see."

Seeing how satisfied Pandora looked, Ailinna carefully ventured, "Then... what's your secret?"

In reply, Pandora pointed to the bag on the table.

"The secret is simple. Eat more fruits and vegetables, and get some vitamins."

As Ailinna stared in disbelief, Pandora pointed at her own eyes.

"And make sure you get enough sleep, and good-quality sleep at that."

"Th-that's all?"

"Yep. You had good foundations to begin with, after all."

Ailinna's feelings had still been tangled, but once she got that affirmation, a genuine warmth of pleasure rose in her. Nobody dislikes being praised, least of all when the praise comes from someone better than themselves.

"I... I understand. Thank you." After thanking her, Ailinna remembered the countless nights she had spent tossing and turning, unable to sleep, and quietly sighed. "I never thought he'd leave behind a curse like that..."

"Oh, right." Just as she was brooding in silent indignation, Pandora suddenly spoke up. "He probably knows already."

"Knows... what?"

"That you gave away his secret."

"Uh..."

It was lucky she didn't have a heart condition. Otherwise, swings this wild would have landed her in a sanatorium.

"Th-then what do I do?"

"Simple." Pandora smiled. "I'll handle it for you, but when the critical moment comes, you'll have to serve as a witness."

"..."

For some reason, Ailinna had the distinct feeling that she'd truly fallen into a trap, one where every link hooked into the next... and that she had jumped in of her own free will.