Magical Explorer

CHAPTER 134

Yuika’s POV

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There were two turning points in my life.

I don’t know whether that is too much or too few but I think it’s a lot. I am still a student, I have only lived a short life but I still have two of such moments in my life

One of the big turning points is my mother’s remarriage. That’s where I met Onii-chan and Otou-san(Father). I wouldn’t be who I am today without that event.

The second time is——.

“Alright, are you ready Gabby-san.”

“I’m good. My heart is already prepared.”

“Let’s head to the student council then.”

I renew my view about Gabby-san inside that dungeon. I thought she was just a stupid noble lady but that is not the case. Takioto-san saw her true self from the very beginning. It was through that pervert dungeon that I finally understand her.

I can clearly remember our talk when we were changing our clothes after we got doused in water.

It was Takioto-san who started it.

—

“Gabby, can you tell me the reason why you are so obsessed over the Shikibukai?”

Gabby was really regretful that she get the others caught up in her mistake. Because it was the second that it happened, she was quite depressed.

“Me?”

“Yeah, you were trying to get involved with the Shikibukai through me right. Or should I say that you were trying to get closer to Lord Benito instead.”

Takioto-san asked the depressed Gabby.

“That’s is, it is as you say……but before I talk about it let me apologize to you first, I am really sorry. Yuika-san too. I am sorry.”

“Un, it’s fine. I’m not angry at Gabby in the first place. Well, I do have some grudge against Lord Benito though.”

Saying so, Takioto-san smile. In a time like this Takioto-san is irritatingly an Ikemen.

Well, more importantly, there’s something I must apologize for as well.

“Well, earlier I also said too much too……I’m sorry.”

“No, I think that it is only natural for you to get upset like that.”

Saying so, Gabby turned her eyes away and stared at the dungeon wall. Then she looked down and begins to speak as if she was confessing her sin.

“For a long time…..I have been looking up to Onii-sama. That’s why I wanted to join the Shikibukai and become like him.”

That’s….I kinda knew it.

“The reason I was so irritated at Takioto-sama at first was, I thought that he bought his result with money.”

Takioto-san listens to Gabby’s words with a serious expression.

“Embarrassingly, I do not possess a talent like Onii-sama, Monika-sama or Takioto-sama. My ability is only average. I’ve been working hard to make up for it. Both in study and in magic.”

Gabby only put it lightly but I know that to reach her level of ability it would require a considerable effort. It would be impossible to reach first place without hard work after all.

“I thought that it would be impossible for me to reach the fortieth floor on my own. Without resorting to some underhand methods I think that it would be an impossible task. You did such a thing and happily took the first place. But the thing that made me even more frustrated was how Onii-sama talked about Takioto-sama so happily like that. What kind of hand did Takioto-sama used to achieve that, Onii-sama was having a good time chatting with me about it. Then after that, Takioto-sama joined the Shikibukai.”

Hearing that, I felt something inside of me connected with her.

“I was jealous. It was pure jealousy. Onii-sama acknowledged Takioto-sama and let him join the Shikibukai, I grew even more jealous when that happened. But right now I know why Onii-sama did what he did.”

Vexed, Gabby bites her lip.

“I’m aware that I can’t forgive underhand methods. I love doing things fair and square. I know that what I was doing is bad.”

Aah, I understand her. Perhaps it was Lord Benito who was pulling strings behind the scenes while Takioto-san already knew what was going on and intentionally went along with it.

“That’s why I understand that I am not suitable for the Shikibukai. Even so, I’m still admiring Onii-sama.”

I didn’t know why Takioto-san was so supportive of her but now I do.

It was because he knew that Gabby-san was actually a very serious, hard-working person. That’s why he knew that she wouldn’t be suitable for an organization that continuously receive malicious intent like the Shikibukai.

She wants to become like her brother but it doesn’t suit her, her jealousy toward Takioto-san. The two feelings mixed together so she let it all out on him.

“I do think that it wouldn’t be suitable for you. That’s why it might be better for you to search for another path but I think joining the Shikibukai has its own merit too you know.”

“Takioto-san……you are contradicting yourself you know?”

“I know, but let me say this. I think that both paths are good in their own way. Think about it like this Gabby, do you want to gain more strengths to become stronger or do you want to overcome your weaknesses to become stronger.”

Perhaps Lord Benito didn’t want to say too much. As far as I can tell, Gabby admires Lord Benito very much. That’s why he thought that if he suggests one path over another by mistake, Gabby would take it at face value and won’t be able to make her own choice.

Understanding that, Takioto-san assumed that role for him. That’s the reason why he started this conversation.

Aah, so this is an important turning point for Gabby.

“Gabby, let me tell you one thing. You see, I would support you on whatever choice you choose to make. If you joined the Shikibukai, I think it would prove to be quite a hard time for you but I will be there to help you, Shion-san as well. Everyone is your ally, Gabby.”

Gabby nods.

“But you know, even if you choose not to join the Shikibukai, we would still be your ally. Gabby is an important person to me so whether you choose to join the student council, the public morals committee or the newspaper club, I will continue to support you.”

AAH, so irritating. Irritating, irritating, irritating.

Why, Why are you have to be so cool like that.

“Gabby. This is what you should consider and come up with an answer yourself. It’s time for you to think for yourself.”

Gabby stares at the ground.

Suddenly, a thought came to me. Isn’t it better for Takioto-san to stop talking now? If he supports one choice over another I think Gabby will end up choosing that choice instead.

The important thing here is for Gabby to think for herself right?

“Takioto-san, please let me talk with Gabby alone for a moment.”

Takioto-san stands up with a smile. When he walked passed me, he whispered [She’s in your care] to my ear, and left the room.