Basilisks could see people through the colors of people’s aura.
Riley thought about what Nara, the last of Basilisks, said. Next to Riley,
“… Looks like we will be heading out the next day morning.”
Andal came next to Riley and also leaned on the wall.
“Well, it looks like Nainiae is happy, so I don’t want to go get in their way… It’s not like her condition will worsen in just a few hours either.”
Just like Riley, Andal was also leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. Smiling leisurely, Andal said the above. Having heard what Andal said, Riley, with a little weary eyes, asked Andal,
“What’s with you all of sudden? Only a moment ago, you were anxious and said you want her to come with you soon.”
“I have a big heart. I only wish for my pupil’s happiness.”
“Oh my, really?”
Andal was already putting on the role of the teacher. Finding it to be ludicrous, Riley clicked his tongue and then turned his gaze toward Nainiae who looked happy in the kitchen.
“It’s delicious, isn’t it? How is it, Nainiae? It’s good, right?”
“Yes… It’s so delicious.”
“Ugh? Nainiae, are you crying again?”
“Did you use too much of spicy sauce?”
“No, Ms. Willa! I even tasted it myself to check it.”
“No, that’s not why. I’m just so happy… and it is so delicious, so that’s why…”
All this time, Nainiae’s heart was burdened with the thought of wanting to die. Now, she have laid it down and shouted out her true wish, that she desperately wanted to live.
Riley watched Nainiae being truly happy while being surrounded by the people. Riley was able to confirm that Nainiae was definitely walking on a different path from his own from his past life.
‘… It’s good now.’
Riley, without realizing, had a satisfied smile on his face.
Riley suddenly thought about a possibility.
‘How would I have looked if I could smile like that in my past?’
Riley thought that.
“Riley.”
“Um?”
“… No, it’s nothing.”
Andal, who was vacantly staring at Riley, called Riley, smiled and shook his head.
“What is it all of sudden? You are acting like a human being?”
“How should I put it, I’m slowly starting to understand the existence called human beings? I just thought that.”
“You crazy runt…”
Andal was boasting about himself. Riley, finding it to be foolish, stared at him with a look. He heard steps coming closer from the kitchen, so Riley turned his head.
“… Young Master, Young Master!”
It was Nainiae.
“What?”
Perhaps she used her right eye. As soon as she got out of the kitchen, she found Riley leaning on the corridor’s wall. She had gleaming eyes, turned her head to the side and asked,
“Young Master, does this… look good on me?”
As she waited for Riley's response, Nainiae showed him the ribbon on the back of her head and explained that it was a gift from Sera.
“… Not bad?”
Riley was not able to tell what changed, so he avoided her gaze and roughly answered.
“Really? Then, what about this one?”
Not just the ribbon that Sera gave her, but Nainiae was wearing various gifts that other servants gave her. She was showing Riley all of them as she asked if they looked good on her again.
“Well, it looks pretty good.”
“How about this one?”
“Not bad.”
“Then, then, how about this one?”
Looking at Nainiae, who was asking the same question over and over, Riley wiggled his eyebrows. Before she could ask the same question again, Riley complimented her by saying,
“Ah, they all look good on you, so that’s enough.”
“… Okay.”
Before she realized, Riley’s voice was elevated. Having realized this late, Nainiae knew now that she was just scolded. However… she had a blissful smile on her face.
* * *