Chapter 57: Borrow something from you

After Simon finished explaining everything, Lila finally came to a realization.

So this little thing was Simon’s lucky encounter?

It could even use magic on its own… it really did seem impressive.

Lila reached out a finger, wanting to poke the smug little creature that was basking in Simon’s praise. But the moment Rebo sensed her approach, she flapped her wings and swiftly darted away, letting out a small huff as she did so.

Lila withdrew her hand helplessly. Was she really being disliked just because she had called her “a thing”?

This little creature had quite the temper.

So… was she a thing or not?

Not a thing, well, that didn’t sound right either. Anyway, she was a fairy.

“Congratulations, Simon. You found yourself a great partner.”

She turned to him, a gentle smile forming on her lips.

“It’s just that this little one is willing to trust me.”

Simon looked up at Rebo hovering above him, a faint smile appearing on his face.

“Don’t worry! You’re the one I chose. Whether it’s a tournament, challenge match, promotion round, or elimination match, with my help you’ll definitely win!”

Rebo puffed out her chest confidently, blue sparks falling from her wings.

“…There aren’t that many matches,” Simon said, rubbing his forehead.

Even so, it only meant three basic spells. Compared to before, he had only gone from completely powerless to barely able to fight.

Still, it was enough to stand against a beginner mage.

But the risk remained high.

Lila frowned slightly, concern flashing through her golden eyes.

“Simon… I’m still a bit worried.”

But beneath that concern, she was thinking about how to give him the sword.

Simon saw the worry on her face and felt warmth rise in his chest.

“Even if the chances are slim, with Rebo’s help… I still want to try.”

If he could fight using other magic on the stage… maybe he could prove that he wasn’t someone who brought disaster. That he wasn’t different.

That his life could return from negative to zero… and begin again.

Lila looked at him and saw the determination burning in his black eyes.

She pretended to think for a moment, then suddenly clapped her hands.

“I remember something!”

“What is it?”

Both Simon and Rebo looked at her at once.

“Hey, you silly white fluff, why are you acting all dramatic?”

Rebo clicked her tongue.

“Hey! What kind of nickname is that?!”

Lila almost forgot what she was about to say.

She took a breath, reminding herself, just a nickname. She was a gentle shopkeeper now, no need to argue with a childish fairy.

So she ignored it and turned back to Simon.

“A friend of mine left something with me before going on a trip. I think it’s exactly what you need.”

“Wait here.”

She said that and walked to the office, opening a sealed safe and taking out a wooden box she had prepared earlier.

She placed it in front of Simon.

“My friend is a swordsman, so I thought… maybe you could use this.”

She blinked at him, signaling him to open it.

Simon froze. His heart skipped a beat, not because of the box, but because of that playful wink.

Before he could get lost in it, a sharp knock hit the back of his head.

Definitely Rebo.

“…Thanks,” Simon muttered quietly.

Then he opened the box.

He was stunned.

A black blade, smooth like glass, lay inside. At the center of the hilt, a green gem glowed faintly. A chilling aura seemed to drift along the edge of the blade.

Even a glance was enough to tell, it was both a deadly weapon and a beautiful artifact.

“This is too valuable. I can’t accept it.”

Simon immediately refused.

“Who said I’m giving it to you?”

Lila tilted her head.

Simon blinked, completely confused.

Lila couldn’t hold back a laugh.

“I said it’s being stored with me. Of course I can’t just give it away.”

Then she continued, dragging out her tone slightly.

“But… since no one’s using it right now, instead of letting it gather dust, I can lend it to someone who needs it.”

“You can borrow it, Simon.”

“All lies,” she thought quietly.

“…Really?”

Simon couldn’t believe it.

He gently held the hilt, then looked at Lila again.

“You can.”

She nodded.

He lifted the sword. It was lighter, and heavier, than he expected.

Perfectly balanced. As if it had been made just for him.

“Simon, don’t keep thinking about how much you owe. I’m not giving it to you, just lending it. Return it after you’re done. That’s not a debt.”

Lila said it without thinking.

“Thank you, Boss! I’ll make the most of this chance!”

Simon said sincerely.

Lila didn’t need gratitude.

What she needed was hatred, resentment, anger, things to fill the emptiness of her future.

And yet…

A faint, almost imperceptible sense of satisfaction rose in her heart.

Simon carefully placed the sword back into the box.

“Hey! Silly white fluff, why does your place smell so nice?”

Rebo suddenly spoke up again.

Lila smiled, though a vein faintly pulsed on her forehead.

“I don’t like that nickname. Call me by my name, or ‘Boss’ is fine.”

“White fluff, white fluff, white fluff.”

Rebo circled around her, chanting endlessly.

“You fluttering moth, be quiet!”

“White fluff!”

“Moth!”

It turned into a childish argument.

Then suddenly…

Lila sniffed.

A faint burnt smell.

Her eyes widened.

“Oh no-!”

“My cookies!”

She dashed toward the kitchen, leaving Simon and Rebo staring at each other.