Chapter 87

Michalis remained perplexed, unsure of how to respond to Celty's inquiries. He stayed silent for a while, processing her words. "Aren't you the same age as me or even younger?" Michalis finally replied, his voice tinged with curiosity.

"I am older by a month," Celty replied, her tone suggesting a hint of pride. Michalis raised an eyebrow, still not entirely convinced of the situation. "What do you want?" he dismissively asked.

"That's not a nice way to speak to a lady," Celty huffed, her indignation evident. "Anyway, I and the other girls were going to take a bath here, but it seems to be occupied. It also seems like you are carrying quite the baggage to say that you hate yourself," Celty added, her words laced with both concern and interest.

"You can use it, I was leaving anyway," Michalis replied, conceding to Celty's request. He turned to leave, hoping to put an end to the interaction. But his attempt at departing was halted as Celty spoke up once again.

"Hey, why don't we talk for a while? It might help clear your mind. The others wouldn't be here for a while," Celty enticed, her words both persuasive and compassionate. "I also feel that I shouldn't leave you alone right now," she added, walking over and grabbing Michalis' arm.

Michalis, unsure of what to do, gave up and sat down on a nearby rock, dipping his legs into the water alongside Celty. He knew he couldn't escape the grip of a level 4, but he couldn't help but find this particular elf peculiar.

Elves were known for their reservations and were not typically touchy-feely with people, especially those they hadn't known for long. As they sat there in silence, Michalis couldn't help but wonder what Celty had in mind.

Breaking the silence, Celty finally spoke up. "So, do you want to tell me what's on your mind, or should I talk about myself first?" she asked, her tone gentle and understanding.

Michalis didn't respond immediately. It wasn't that he couldn't share, but rather that it wasn't easy for him to talk about such personal matters with someone other than his family. Though he had known the members of the Astraea familia for a while now, he didn't believe that they were close enough to share things in such an intimate manner.

"Sigh, I will go first," Celty said, breaking Michalis out of his thoughts. She paused for a moment, gathering her thoughts, then continued speaking.

"Well, I was born in the Yanite Forest, like most elves. I was also called many titles from a young age: smart, genius, intelligent, and, well, I really was," Celty said, her voice holding a touch of nostalgia. She glanced at Michalis, who was now sneakily listening, his interest piqued.

"Like most elves in my forest, we had an obsession with knowledge. After witnessing the lengths my fellow villagers were willing to go to sate their thirst for knowledge, I began to see them as monsters and feared that I, too, would become like them," Celty paused for a moment, staring intently at Michalis, who was fully engaged in her story now.

"So I ran away and somehow ended up joining the Astraea familia, which I am glad that I did. I got to see the world from a different perspective and meet new people, although I still have a strong interest in learning new things. It is no longer an obsession, but rather a passion. Well, that's basically a summary of my life story. Now it's your turn to share," Celty said, her tone inviting and encouraging.

Michalis sat there, a bit dumbfounded by the whole series of events that led to this moment. But he realized that it wouldn't be fair if he didn't share as well. Perhaps, he thought, this was Celty's plan from the start.

"Ugh, fine. I will talk," Michalis replied reluctantly. Celty's smile grew wider as Michalis began to narrate the series of events that led to his current condition. As he spoke, Celty listened intently, her expression a mix of curiosity and sympathy.

After listening to the full recount of the events that led Michalis to his current state, Celty had a pondering expression on her face. The weight of his words sinking in, she realized the depth of Michalis' pain and the struggle he had been enduring. She knew at that moment that their encounter by the river was no mere coincidence. Maybe she was meant to lend an ear, to offer support and understanding. And in doing so, she hoped that she could help him find solace and healing.

Celty was deep in thought as she pondered how to alleviate Michalis's burden of self-blame over Clair's tragic demise. Lost in her contemplation, she failed to notice the arrival of Lyra, Kaguya, and Neze, who discreetly hid nearby, unintentionally eavesdropping on their conversation.

Celty broke the silence, her tone filled with empathy and wisdom. "Michalis," she began, her voice gentle yet assured, "I understand that you bear a heavy burden of guilt for what happened to Clair, but it's important to remember that no one person holds all the blame in such situations."

Michalis looked up, his eyes filled with sorrow and self-doubt. "But Celty, I was the one who made the decision. I chose wrongly, and now Clair is gone because of me."

Celty reached out, placing a comforting hand on Michalis's shoulder. "I know it may seem that way, but it's crucial to recognize that we all make choices based on the knowledge and circumstances we have at the time. Hindsight can be cruel, but it doesn't diminish the intentions you had when making that decision."

She paused, allowing her words to sink in before continuing. "Guilt and self-blame are natural responses to tragedy. However, carrying the weight of responsibility solely on your shoulders will not serve anyone, especially yourself. It is essential to forgive yourself and learn from the mistakes we make."

"Michalis, I want you to remember the person Clair was. She cared about you deeply and would want nothing more than to see you find peace and happiness in your life. It's understandable to feel guilt, but it's also essential to channel that energy into something positive."

She leaned in closer, her soothing voice comforting Michalis. "I want you to focus on the good memories you shared with Clair. Celebrate her life by carrying on her legacy, by living a life she would be proud of. Find solace in knowing that she was a part of your journey, and her love and presence will always remain within you."

As Celty spoke, Michalis's expression gradually softened. The weight he carried started to shift as he let go of some of the self-imposed blame. He realized that Celty's words held truth and wisdom.

She continued, "Clair's death was a tragedy, but it is by learning and growing from these experiences that we honor her memory. Focus not on dwelling in regret but on ensuring that we make better choices in the future."

Celty's words resonated deeply within Michalis, as he began to see a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness that had consumed him. He looked into Celty's eyes, grateful for her guidance and understanding.

"Thank you, Celty," he whispered, his voice filled with gratitude. "I needed someone to remind me that it's not all my fault and that I still have the power to make a positive impact."

Celty smiled gently, her presence offering solace and support. "You're welcome, Michalis. We all make mistakes, but it is through forgiveness and growth that we find true healing."

Michalis and Celty then locked eyes, their gazes filled with an unspoken connection. In that moment, time seemed to stand still, as if the whole world had faded away and they were the only two people in existence. Michalis held Celty's gaze, his eyes filled with a mixture of admiration, curiosity, and something more.

Celty couldn't help but feel a flutter of uncertainty as she met Michalis' intense stare. She had offered him advice, hoping to help him navigate a challenging situation, but now she couldn't help but wonder what thoughts were swirling within his mind. Did he appreciate her guidance? Was he frustrated? Or perhaps something else entirely?

Silently, they continued to exchange glances, the air between them heavy with unspoken words. A wordless understanding seemed to pass between Michalis and Celty - a shared understanding that some conversations were best had in silence. In this fleeting moment, their hearts danced to an unspoken rhythm, as if they were connected by an invisible thread of fate.

Ahem !!!

But just as the intensity of their silent exchange reached its peak, their moment was abruptly interrupted by a gentle cough from nearby. The spell was broken, and reality came rushing back in. They blinked, breaking their locked gaze, and turned their attention to the source of the sound. It was Lyra, Kaguya and Neze.

A/N: And with this I will end all the Michalis crap. If you ship Michalis X Celty feel free to leave a like and comment.