Chapter 26 - Egido Purification (Middle) (1/2)

Violet-colored eyes gazed directly at Syltina.

The child who Akari had picked up the previous day called himself ‘Mars’ kept looking at Syltina ever since Akari decided to take care of him.

“Did I do something?”

“Well, won’t you have a bad impression if the first words you hear are ‘put it back’?”

“Eh!? Could it be that you’re glaring at me? Do you hate me?”

“Or more precisely, I’m being cautious.”

“Cautious… Hey… I don’t like it when you stare like that. Cut it out.”

A violet color that shines brightly under the sun.

Absolutely pure, genuine, honest, and lovely eyes that do not know betrayal, deception, or falsehood.

Such a pure heart.

“I wonder how he sees the world?”

“Beats me. We were surely like him at that age, but, I couldn’t even remember how I was before.”

I don’t think it’s ‘dirty’. But, we do ‘know’ a lot. We simply had no choice but to change accordingly.

ーーー

ー

Syltina remembered the exchange she had that morning as she cut the demons down while protecting the child behind her.

Beautiful, violet eyes that turned toward me.

I hate those eyes so much that I couldn’t stand it.

It was something I threw a long time ago.

When in fact, I didn’t have to throw it at all.

A heart that believed anyone unconditionally, the beauty of grasping an extended hand without doubting anything; I truly had everything back then. I should have been able to live with it.

“…..It’s a practical joke, after all.”

Syltina, who laughed to herself, cuts down the last demon and breathes.

During the time I was betrayed, I became aware of the scheme behind those outstretched hands.

I was aware of it, so I could not stay pure.

And so, I chose where I am now.

I have no regrets with where I am presently, nor do I have any lingering attachments to my innocent, past self.

“I had no intention of helping you, you know.”

“……Eh!?”

Syltina frowned as she looked down at the sobbing child.

“Although you’re powerless, what did you come here for? Did you think someone would help you? You’re just like the Saintess. I’m sorry to say this, but this world isn’t that indulgent. The weak die if there’s nobody to protect them.”

“……”

Teary, violet eyes looked up at Syltina.

Syltina met his gaze and glowered further.

“I hate those eyes of yours. I hate those pretty, genuine, untainted, absolutely honest eyes that shine in the light. Just looking at them makes me sick. Whenever I catch you looking at me, I keep wanting to gouge them out.”

Syltina gritted her teeth audibly.

The magic flowing from her body shook Syltina’s hair as her emotions rose.

“Don’t cry, stand up!!”