Ch. 22: Melania

While checking the revolver's bullets, I said, "One out of six. One bullet was fired by the girl, and the other by me. Two bullets were used. In that case, the remaining three were used by the girl during their adventure?

"If there is one bullet left, I can only fire one. After that I need to reload which is where money is needed. How do I get money? The Adventurer's Guild isn't really economically helpful. It was more like gambling. It's lucky if I successfully complete the quest, otherwise... I don't get any money or mora, and.

"Where my life is at stake. Bullets, too, have an unreasonable price for sure... considering it's one of the advanced technologies in Teyvat."

After talking to myself for a long time, I slowly saw the hordes of Treasure Hoarders, the boss's henchmen who patrolled while holding sharp weapons, such as spears and swords.

They were wary when they saw a figure approaching, pointing their spears and swords at me.

However, seeing that it was me and not a suspicious person. I'm not suspicious, am I? They pulled back their weapons and continued patrolling.

Not greeting me at all... how arrogant. If I were stronger than all of you, I would make you realise your position!

While fantasising about the impossible, I decided to go see that girl first.

I had intended to meet the boss. But there was no need to rush. After all, I'm sure it was the boss who told them to patrol.

I wouldn't be surprised if one of them was given orders to report to him if they saw me. I mean, the boss's actions show how much he doesn't trust me in the slightest... whether this is prejudice or not. However, I've really felt that since I first became a member.

Exhaling. I really wasn't trusted...

On top of the fallen tree trunk, I saw that figure, the girl who owned the revolver. She looked down, covered in wool. Her body was shivering and trembling.

The girl, looking at me. Her skin was pale and cloudy, her lips dry and slightly bluish. Even the bottom of her eyes had bags, a panda eye.

Has she not rested for several days?

Don't tell me since yesterday... they did it brutally.

Letting out a long breath. I'm sure she can't last much longer if she continues in that state.

Sitting beside her, I fell silent for an instant.

I didn't know what to say to her. Guilt... apologise, perhaps?

I shook my head. Then, I picked up and ate the Fontaine speciality food I'd bought. It tasted good, but it was also bland. This was awkward.

My mouth won't speak. While my eyes didn't want to look her directly in the eye.

However, even so I felt her looking me up and down, before fixing her gaze on the food I was holding.

"Do you want some?" I asked softly.

She once again looked at the food I handed over. Then, she looked at my face from the side again. Her lips trembled for a moment.

"Pretending to be kind? I don't need your sympathy."

I sighed. "So you don't want to?"

She bit her lip hard. Then, her hand took the food hesitantly.

She then glanced at me sarcastically. "You mixed poison into it huh."

"Then I'm dead now. You saw me eat it earlier, didn't you?"

She was still looking at me doubtfully. Was she that suspicious of me?

However, she slowly ate the food carefully. Her gaze was still directed at me.

Seeing her eat it with enthusiasm, I opened my mouth. "What's your name?"

"Melania. You?"

I leaned closer and whispered right next to her ear. "Charles."

I saw her head snap back in an instant. Probably out of reflex. However, when I made sure I wasn't doing anything weird. She sighed.

After that, I placed my index finger in front of my lips. "You're probably the only one who knows my real name here."

Her eyes widened. She came closer to me and whispered as well. "You use a pseudonym?"

I nodded once. "Yes."

I put on a smile.

Slowly, the atmosphere became quieter and quieter. I was transfixed, looking down. I was actually a bit sleepy. However, it feels rude to fall asleep here.

What happened last night?

The memory was so blurry... Split Personality. I was reading that skill when the menu appeared in the corner of my eyes. It floated.

SPLIT PERSONALITY!

I remember! I have that skill! Perhaps... is that what happened to me last night?

Did my other personality take control of my body and make a promise, a promise that Charlotte had referred to earlier? Did they do something without my knowing?

Man, this is creepy. I don't know what thoughts my other personalities have...

This jerk is really making me over-think!

With all those thoughts I covered my face with both hands. I was a mess.

"Are you okay?" Melania asked.

How ironic. I should be the one asking you that. You're even worse off than I am. I sighed.

"I'm fine. Just a little dizzy."

"Thank goodness. I thought it was because I ate your food." She giggled. "I haven't talked like this in a long time."

"Sorry," I said, looking at her.

"For?" Her eyes were completely dead when we looked at each other.

I looked away and froze. Then, I shook my head.

"I'll be here later."

Melania nodded once. Then, her lips trembled again.

"My revolver... do you still have it?"

I nodded.

"I see."

Her voice slowly lowered. It was like her feelings were slowly disappearing.

"I hope that when you come here again, you can share a story."

I turned my head towards her dead eyes. "What story do you want to hear?"

"Anything, your story, or the story you heard from your mum, your dad, or maybe word of mouth."

Does... she, Melania, like stories?

"Okay. Do you want to make a promise?"

Melania shook her head.

I exhaled. "Okay, it's fine if you don't want to promise... but I hope you'll stick around until the moment I tell you the story. I'll bring you some food too. What kind of food do you want?"

"Anything. Something sweet."

As she said the last sentence, I saw her smiling a beautiful, gentle smile with dead eyes. I felt a yandere feeling. However, it was a little different.

I knew this wasn't really a yandere, she wasn't that kind of girl after all... this one was more special. And I was,

Stunned by her.

***

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