The Returnee Wants Peace

Chapter 78

Rosha had always thought of Froy’s ability as an illusion, but she had never felt its bone-chilling reality as vividly as this very moment.

‘I thought we’d be transcending space to go somewhere else again...’

Yet this time, it was slightly different.

With wide eyes, she surveyed the vast mansion corridor stretching before her.

Leaving aside its width, where four people with outstretched arms could comfortably walk abreast, or how the opposite end wasn’t visible.

What caught her attention were the arched windows lining the corridor walls.

“How...”

“Whoa, quite an interesting ability indeed.”

Sticking close by her side, Koko peered at the windows showcasing vastly different scenery.

One displayed a bright daytime garden, another a night lake’s reflection. A bit further, one window appeared to be a dead-end wall.

‘Just how did he create such a place?’

Indeed, this grand mansion was a space manifested by Froy’s ability.

No matter how endlessly abilities could evolve, this was an overwhelmingly powerful application, unlike anything she had ever witnessed. While some with spatial abilities existed, she had never seen anything like this before, making her curious about the true extent of Froy’s talents.@@@@

“Well, done sightseeing? Then let’s head this way.”

With a faint smile at Rosha’s astonished expression, the man led her to a nearby room.

A massive white canopied bed, a solid wood table that could seat eight, and a leather sofa large enough to lounge upon.

It was far grander and more luxurious than the room she had occupied in the imperial capital. Moreover, the deep blue forest and star-filled night sky visible through the windows were breathtakingly beautiful.

While she was unable to tear her eyes away from the captivating view and admired the scenery, Froy made a peculiar remark.

“You’ll be staying here for the time being.”

“...For the time being?”

His phrasing seemed rather odd.

As she turned to face him, meeting her gaze, he stated matter-of-factly:

“Yes. I’m the kidnapper, and you’re the abducted victim, are you not? But given my reputation, you’ll have to endure being kidnapped for a few days at least.”

“...But what about the trial?”

“The trial? You’d only be attacked for being the target, so what’s the point?”

With an expression of spouting nonsense, the man gestured towards the diamond mark hovering above her head.

However, Rosha shook her head firmly in response.

“Still, I have to go.”

Though prompted by the blue window’s trickery, the Hardmode she had returned to this world for had ultimately led to the trials unfolding. Hence, she felt a tinge of guilt regarding the trials occurring here.

‘Moreover, I’m the only one who knows the contents of the third trial.’

Of course, from an outsider’s perspective, it couldn’t help but seem foolish.

After attempting to cajole and reason with her for a while, Froy eventually let out a low sigh and muttered,

“...Ah. How did I end up tangled with someone so righteous?”

According to what she had heard so far, this mansion was the embodiment of his ability.

He must have realized divulging such information could expose vulnerabilities in his power, yet the man appeared perfectly serene.

‘...Does he trust me that much?’

A mixture of gratification and warmth washed over her. Apart from her comrades in the previous world, she had never shared such sensitive details about innate abilities before.

Responding to Rosha’s complicated gaze with a faint smile, Froy simply replied:

“We’ve sworn an oath never to betray each other, have we not? Consider this a return gesture for the story you shared when we made that vow.”

“Still...”

“Then why don’t you elaborate more on your own ability?”

Slurp... That was still a bit much for her.

Rosha decided to simply close her mouth for now.

* * *

After confirming she had finished eating, Froy said he would step out briefly to assess the external situation.

In the meantime, Rosha attempted to remove the diamond mark hovering above her head.

It seemed possible with the new power of the ‘Lantern’ she had experienced during the previous trial.

“Alright, let’s give it a try.”

Seated before a full-length mirror, Rosha activated [The Guiding Lantern].

Yet moments later.

“Ugh...”

It had only worked once before, so of course it wouldn’t be that easy now.

After stubbornly glaring at the mark reflected in the mirror, Rosha eventually flopped back and muttered:

“Why won’t it work? Do I need to face death again?”

“Are you crazy? Blame your own shortcomings instead of trying to get yourself killed again?”

Waddling over, Koko began subtly egging her on.

“You’ve made enough effort for now. If it doesn’t work, it doesn’t. Go outside and clear your head instead.”

“But that would be rude.”

Wandering around the mansion would be tantamount to prying into Froy’s ability. Hence, Rosha had voluntarily confined herself to the room until his return.

“But he only said not to leave the mansion, not the room.”

“Hmm...”

“Sheesh! You can’t even use mana in this mansion!”

As Koko gave up on persuading Rosha, struggling to turn the doorknob with her beak and wings, Rosha continued lounging in the room for a while longer.

However, with no word from Froy, she gradually grew bored.

“...”

Eventually, Rosha sprang up and opened the door.