Beast in the Woods, Deep in the Night - Chapter 43.1

Chapter 43.1

After an uncomfortable meal, Christine left the guild’s main building with Edgar and headed to the western hideout where the chimeras were gathering.

Since Edgar wasn’t saying anything, she started talking about things she wasn’t particularly interested in, like the weather or the newly blooming flowers. She had always spoken kindly to him, so she decided it would be better to maintain a similar attitude.

The only thing that changed was that she did not try to sneakily touch him or try to seduce him like before.

‘I still don’t understand why he’s not asking about what happened yesterday.’

He looked even more suspicious than usual, not revealing his intentions at all. She didn’t want to be put in a situation where she had to be wary of him. She had been in sufficient contact with him while she was sick, so she felt like she didn’t need more for the time being.

Above all, she was focused on making sure the chimera’s tears she had been gathering little by little were stashed away safely in her room, so she couldn’t afford to act seductive now.

“Thank you for accompanying me, Edgar.”

Realizing they had reached the house where she was staying, Christine thanked him with a smile. Edgar didn’t give any reaction in particular, which Christine had been expecting.

However, something unexpected happened.

“Miss Christine!”

She turned her head at the familiar voice. She saw Noah, the crybaby chimera, waving his tiny hand while Toma held him in his arms.

Embarrassed that they had interrupted Edgar’s conversation with Christine, Toma smiled while covering Noah’s mouth.

“I’m sorry. This kid really wanted to see Miss Christine.”

“… Me?”

“Yes. He just keeps crying.”

Toma grumbled, saying that his ears were about to bleed. Christine smiled and tried to hold Noah, but Edgar stopped her with a soft voice.

“Get some rest. Don’t forget you collapsed.”

As he said that, the chimeras that had gathered around suddenly came running towards them in surprise. They were the children whose hair Christine had styled before.

The children, who were usually quiet when Edgar was around, started pouring questions with worried eyes.

“Miss Christine… collapsed?”

“Did you take medicine? Are you very sick?”

“Did you hit your head when you fell?”

“How long have you been sick?”

“…”

Christine gazed at the children who were caring for her with affectionate worry.

Looking back, there were only two people in her previous life who were concerned about her physical condition. Her mother and Uncle Allen.

She worked tirelessly to earn the money to pay Duff, so she was unaware of that fact. Her heart sank seeing so many children asking her about her health.

“Yeah, I’m fine now. I also got examined by a doctor. I guess I was just a little tired.”

She tried to sound as cheerful as usual.

She was stealing the tears of the chimera these children were creating, and the children were worrying about her without realizing it. She was overcome with an unspeakable sense of guilt as she was reminded that her very existence was a lie to the children who cared for her with pure hearts.

“Thank you for your concern. Thanks to this man holding me… Edgar?”

While they were talking, Edgar had disappeared somewhere. It was uncomfortable to be with him, so she thought it was a good thing.

“Anyway, I didn’t get hurt because Edgar held me.”

“I’m glad. Oh, go in and rest!”

“I should. Have a good day, everyone.”

Christine gave Noah, who was crying because he missed her, a quick kiss on the cheek and went inside.

The gathered chimeras exchanged meaningful glances and speculated about the relationship between Christine and Edgar.

‘Miss Christine said it was a one-sided love last time, but…!’

‘I guess both of them love each other now?’

‘Mr. Edgar must have been taking care of Miss Christine the whole time.’

‘Are they getting married soon? Noah is the youngest so he should throw the flowers at their wedding.’

The children continued their innocent imagination for a while, then changed the topic to how Toma’s cheeks turned bright red when Christine bent down to kiss Noah.