Chapter 296
And so, after spending a hectic yet relaxing New Year, the end of winter break finally arrived.
Clael was set to leave Eggbell with Reina and return to the royal capital.
"Take care, both of you, and have a safe trip ho."
"Here, I packed you a lunch. Eat it in the carriage, okay?"
"Uwooooooh! Reina-chaaaan, don't leave ee!"
"Hey, old man! Don't cry, seriously. You're embarrassing!"
The people of Eggbell ca to see the two of them off on their departure.
Most of the humans were smiling. A few of Reina's fans were crying their eyes out, unable to bear the farewell.
"Everyone, thank you so much. Thanks to you, we were able to enjoy a peaceful New Year."
"We'll be back for spring break. Please stay well until then!"
Smiling at the townspeople who had co to see them off, Clael and Reina boarded the carriage.
Only the townsfolk ca all the way to the shrine. Lately, there had been almost no tourists visiting the town.
"Please, both of you, travel safelyyyy!"
The one driving away the noisy tourists was, of course, Gieville, who was becoming the guardian god of this shrine.
Gieville, glowing and stark naked, was floating above the shrine, spinning in circles as he drove off the tourists.
"H-Hahaha... Sorry for all the trouble, right up to the end..."
"I am rely fulfilling my duty! There is no need for thanks!"
"I see... well, uh, hang in there..."
Terrifying.
When we return to this town again, what form will this man have taken?
If this is his final evolutionary form, that's fine, but the thought of him becoming sothing even more grotes—no, divine—is horrifying.
"To protect this shrine, I shall beco even stronger, even more magnificent... Yes, like a Power Angel who serves a goddess...!"
"No, seriously, please tone it down. I'm begging you."
After firmly warning the fired-up Gieville, Clael escorted Reina into the carriage.
Once seated, Reina sat down beside him.
It had only been a few months, yet Eggbell had changed.
Tourists were now flocking in, and the townspeople... well, so of them had changed too.
"I'm sure it'll be even more different the next ti we co back."
It was a good thing that the rural town was developing rather than falling into decline.
But... at the sa ti, there was a sense of loneliness.
The scenery of the five years spent with Reina seed to be fading away, and that brought a touch of sadness—even though this wasn't their hotown.
"It's okay, Clael."
"Reina?"
"The things that really matter haven't changed at all."
Reina placed her hand over Clael's and gave him a gentle smile.
A smile like warm sunshine. A soft warmth spread through Clael's chest.
"Even if the town changes, we won't. And of course, neither will the people of the town."
"...I made it all sentintal, didn't I? Sorry about that."
Being consoled by a girl eight years younger than him was a bit embarrassing.
At this rate... who's the adult, and who's the child?
"You're right, Reina. No matter how much the town changes, the bonds between people won't. That was a silly thing for to say."
"Not at all... I'm looking forward to it. To seeing how the town will grow from here."
"Yeah, sa here... It's just a short farewell until spring."
Looking forward to change is what children do. Feeling lonely about it is what adults do.
Before he realized it, Clael had grown older.
"Goodbye, Eggbell."
"Until we et again."
And so, Clael and Reina said farewell to the town they had called ho and set off once more for the royal capital.
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