(Old Rad's experiences have nothing to do with this timeline. Please don't bring Old Rad's suffering into the main story. The main story has a happy outcome.)
Aboard the ship bound for the Begaritt Continent, Paul leaned against the rail and watched another ship recede across the sea until it became a tiny black dot, a trace of melancholy on his face.
"We only just reunited, and now we're splitting up again!"
"Wasn't this your own choice?"
Beside him, Vira folded her arms and pointed that out without mercy.
"True enough!"
Paul scratched his head and gave a wry laugh.
"I hope everything goes smoothly!"
He turned toward the Begaritt Continent, the sea breeze ruffling his hair, and silently hoped he could find Zenith without any trouble and bring his family back to those warm, happy days.
"Next, we'll wait for Roxy, Elinalise, and Talhand, then head to the labyrinth city of Rapan!"
"Don't worry too much, Paul!"
Geese had also boarded Paul's ship, planning to travel to the labyrinth city with him.
Before this, he had contacted Roxy and the others, who were about to leave the Demon Continent, to arrange a meeting along the way.
"Thanks, Geese!"
Paul glanced at Geese, who knew the dangers ahead yet had followed him without a word of objection, and felt a jumble of emotions.
Whenever he thought of what he had done back then, regret kept welling up inside him.
I'm an absolute scumbag!
Paul opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but when the words reached his lips, he did not know how to begin.
An apology? That was nowhere near enough.
But what could he do besides apologize?
After hesitating for quite a while, Paul took a deep breath, his gaze gradually growing firm.
This was something he had