Published at 26th of December 2025 7:44 am

Chapter 550: "Dancing Footsteps"

This chapter is updated by JustRead.pl

For a while after that, there was a subtle air of awkwardness between us, Alexis, and Gonzo. Understanding, accepting, and being tolerant may seem similar at a glance, but in truth, theyre entirely different. It couldnt be helped, though. Forcing our own circumstances onto others would have been nothing short of selfishness.

But those days didnt last long. Thats because Rouge continued treating me and Allen just the same as always. Watching the way she interacted with us, the distance between us and Alexiss group steadily shrank until, within less than half a month, we were able to rejoin our old party.

Did Rouge consider all this in her own way? Was it part of some calculated plan? Honestly, I couldnt read into her motivations that deeply. But that didnt matter at all to meI had grown so fond of Rouge that it didnt bother me. Of course, on the surface, we still bickered a lot, but it was the kind of playful banter close friends share. Every day was so much fun that half a year passed before I even realized it.

Are you sure this is the place?

Yes, thank you, Gonzo.

In the depths of a forest far from any human settlement, I spoke to my companions. Beyond here lies an elven village, but only elves or those with special reasons are allowed to enter, I explained.

Of course, that was an outright lie. But I am undoubtedlyor rather, probablyan elf. And everyone already knew that Allen was special. That was enough for them to accept what I told them without pressing for details.

Well, not everyone was entirely convinced. I had told them they didnt need to accompany us past the previous town, yet here they all were, having followed us all the way to this forest.

Hey, Allen. Are you sure you want to go? If youre willing, you could always stay with me

Give it a rest, Rouge. Everyone has their own reasons for doing things, you know.

I know that! But letting Allen go here of all places is such a waste! Hes improved so much in his etiquette lessons, too

I thought youd lose interest eventually, but I was wrong. You really did stick with Allen all the way to the end. While were on the topic, why were you so dedicated to him? Dont tell me youve fallen for him?

With a grin, Gonzo teased Rouge, prompting her to leap up and smack the shiny top of his bald head.

Of course not! What, do you think Im some kind of pervert whod lust after a child!?

Not at all, but the way you doted on him was far from ordinary. It was like you were caring for your own little brother.

Eh Was it really like that?

Rouge looked surprised, and the rest of us nodded in unison. Even though Allen didnt seem to notice, Id always wondered why Rouge went out of her way to look after him so much.

So, why were you so attached to Allen?

Well now that you mention it, I dont really know myself. It just felt like hmm, how should I put it? Like, This time, I wont let them go. That sort of feeling.

This time? Does that mean youve been in a similar situation before?

No, of course not! Thats why I said I dont know, okay!? Also I just cant stand the idea of leaving Allen in your care!

Wait, what!? Why do you care so much, Rouge? Hes my companion in the first place.

Because! Just because!

Eh?

As Rouge vented her inexplicable frustration, I couldnt help but feel perplexed. What did she mean by just because? And why did she feel so strongly about Allen or dislike me so much?

Hah I get it. But, Rouge, you of all people know that just because isnt a good enough reason for this. Let it go already.

Ugh fine. Whatever. But, Allen?

Yes, Rouge onee-chan?

With a disgruntled expression, Rouge reluctantly nodded at Alexiss words. Then, crouching slightly to match Allens eye level, she placed her hands on his shoulders and spoke.

If you ever get tired of that elf over there, youre always welcome to come back to me. Ill make you my attendant anytime!

Um thank you?

Thats right; be grateful! Its a huge honor for someone like me to care this much about anyone. Theres no one else no one else Id ever do this for

Eh, Rouge!?

Suddenly, tears spilled from Rouges eyes. Alarmed, I raised my voice in surprise, but Rouge merely looked back at me with a puzzled expression.

? Whats the matter?

What do you mean whats the matter!? Why are you crying!?

Crying? Me? Huh, why?

Watching Rouge rub her eyes in confusion made my chest tighten painfully. And then, Allen reached out and gently patted her head.

Dont cry, Rouge onee-chan.

Im fine, Allen. Thank you.

Hey, Rouge? If you want to stay with us that badly, we could well, we could stay together a little longer

Nope, no need. Im all cleared up now.

Before I could finish, Rouge interrupted me with a refreshingly cheerful expression. Then, after staring intently at Allens face one last time, she gave a small smile and stepped back.

I see. So thats it. Youre very similar, but youre not him.

Rouge onee-chan?

Heh, dont worry about it. Just talking to myself. Anyway, Im leaving this boy in your care! But Im not taking back what I saidAllen is always welcome to come to me if he wants. So, if you dont want that to happen, youd better take good care of him.

Of course I will, but whats with you all of a sudden?

Rouges sudden change in attitude left me completely bewildered. Her emotions seemed to be shifting rapidly, yet she alone seemed entirely at peace, as if everything made sense to her Well, its natural for Rouge to understand her own feelings, but still, I cant shake the feeling of being one-sidedly dragged around hmm.

Alright, alright! Off you go already!

Alright Everyone, thank you for seeing us off. It was a short journey, but it was a wonderful one!

Haha, it wasnt boring, thats for sure. Take care, you two. If you run into trouble I cant promise help, but Ill at least hear you out.

Yeah. If my muscles can be of use, Ill lend you my strength anytime!

Thank you, Alexis, Gonzo. Stay safe, you two Alright, lets go, Allen.

Yeah. Bye, everyone.

As everyone waved us off, I took Allens hand, ready to enter the depths of the forest. That was when Rouge called out in her usual loud voice.

Allen! If youre going to leave me behind, then live life to the fullest and have as much fun as possible! And Tia!

What?

Turning back toward her, I saw Rouge wearing the most challenging yet beautiful smile Id ever seen.

Im never going to lose to you! Remember that!

Heh, fine. Im not planning on losing to you either! See you someday.

People from a world I cant return to, I shouldnt be able to meet again. Yet, those words left my lips. Maybe someday, Id understand what this strange feeling meant. If a miracle were ever to happen it would surely be a joyful one.

Onee-chan?

Its nothing. Lets go backto the place where we first met.

Walking deeper into the forest, hand in hand, Allen and I headed toward the familiar white world we called home.

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