The abused merchant’s daughter – 64 | Sousaku – 創作

Chapter 2, Episode 18: My Own Will

"……Haa."

In his room, Farne closed the book and sighed.
Recently, Riese had been going out with Kyle a lot, while Farne stayed in his room.
The room next to Riese's was plain and only had a few books in it.
Since he had been looking after Riese since she woke up, he had only used his room to sleep, so there were hardly any personal belongings in it.
Why did Lars say something like that?

It wasn't that I didn't have any idea.

Over 500 years ago. There was an incident in which a priest harmed a saint because of a love affair between the two.
For this reason, it was forbidden for priests and saints to be in love.
A saint by nature is a being loved by the sacred tree.
In some areas, it is forbidden for saints to be in love at all.

The only reason Farne and Riese were allowed to go on like this was because of Kardiana's will.

Ever since I looked into Riese's memories, I've been aware that I've been taking her side more than I should.
She was able to convey how much she loved him.
Always believing in him.
It was impossible not to love Riese, who always thought of him with pure feelings of love.
Having betrayed her once, he sincerely hoped that he would never betray her again.

However――

Riese loved Farne only because he was the first person to show her kindness after being abused.
The world of Riese will continue to expand.
She, who had only seen herself, will experience the world, come into contact with it, and come to know the warmth of other people.
At that time, it was not clear whether Farne would be able to stay with her.
At times―― There may be times when she will feel distant.

That's probably why Lars told him to take a step back.

As things stood, it was impossible to tell whether Riese was dependent on Farne, or whether Farne was dependent on Riese.

Perhaps he was worried that Riese's feelings would turn to someone other than Farne.

Farne smiled wryly at himself, as he found himself naturally looking for Riese's figure even when he was alone.
He couldn't help worrying about Riese while they were apart.
He remembered the spiritual world. There was no way he would break his vow to love her.
However, if he were to become dependent on that love, he would not be able to protect Riese.
To have the strength to love her no matter what path she takes.
The calmness to be able to watch over and advise no matter what happens.

Drowning in affection and lacking in composure, he would not be able to protect her.

Farne sighed again, savoring the free time he had not had in a long time.

His dream was to make the seeds of Kardiana sprout and turn even the wilderness into a verdant land.
However, according to Kardiana, that fruit was produced when the Saint and the Sacred Tree used their powers, and it seemed impossible to turn the land green just by sprouting those seeds.
Therefore―― Farne currently had no dreams or goals.

That's why Lars may have interpreted it as him being dependent on Riese.

I have to take care of myself.

Farne looked out of his room and muttered to himself.