What it means to be Fallen is that a mage’s world has been turned upside down. So for Linmel, who isn’t a mage, to have Fallen is impossible. At ten years old, I’ve never once seen someone awaken to magic at that age.
‘…Was I mistaken?’
I looked at Linmel’s face as she grinned broadly. But something was clearly different. I couldn’t exactly put my finger on it, but I could feel that peculiar sense of release that belongs to those who have fallen.
It was just a feeling. But since my existence is what it is, my feelings aren’t something I can simply brush aside. After mulling it over, I carefully asked Linmel a question.
“Linmel, did something strange happen to you recently?”
“Huh? Like what?”
“Just anything that’s felt different from usual since we came down to this underground city. Anything at all. Whether your mood has gotten worse, or something became physically harder for you.”
“Uh, um…”
Linmel tilted her head, then her face became slightly gloomy as she answered.
“…After we came down here, I was a little sad.”
“Why? What was the problem?”
“I-It’s not really a problem. It just… felt like my reason for being here was gone.”
At my somewhat urgent question, she quickly corrected herself.
“Becoming a knight was partly because I could do it, but actually… I wanted to protect you, Jern.”
“…Me?”