I turn around to head towards the place where we’ll meet.
But then I stop.
(…I just realized something. The first time around, this was the last time I talked to these two.)
This could be the last time I see them.
When this thought crosses my mind…
“…Mister Sirius, Miss Reina.”
I start to speak.
“Thank you for taking care of me all this time.”
“…C-Chrom?”
They look at each other, both perplexed.
They don’t know what’s about to happen, so to them it just seems out of the blue.
Still, there was a time when I couldn’t tell them this, so I want to say this now.
They’ve given me more than I could ever repay, and the first time around I never even thanked them for it… Before they died in the calamity.
I’ve always regretted it, but now, here, I can finally say it.
“…I’m very glad it was the two of you who took me in. Even though we are not related by blood, you welcomed me with warm food on the table, taught me the magic and sword skills I needed to survive, taught me warmth, kindness, happiness… You have given me more than I can give back. No matter how much time passes, I will always be in your debt.”
Why did it take me so long to say something so simple?
After I finish talking, Miss Reina and Mister Sirius don’t move for a while, and just look at me with surprised expressions.
“…W-w-w-w-what’s that all of a sudden? Did something happen? Chrom, are you dying?”
Mister Sirius is usually very cool-headed, but he’s really flustered.
Miss Reina on the other hand usually talks a lot, but is now frozen with her mouth open.
Well… I guess that reaction is to be expected.
“No, I just want you to know how thankful I am.”
I say with an awkward smile, before turning my back to them again.
“Now I’m really going.”
I say as I’m about to start walking.
“…You are coming back, right?”
Asks Miss Reina, sounding uneasy.
“Eh?”
I quickly stop and turn around.
“No… Oh dear, what am I saying? It’s just… It feels like you are going somehwere very far away.”
Miss Reina tilts her head, looking confused.
Maybe she’s sensing something on an instinctual level.
“Of course I am.”
“…Then it’s fine.”
I smile like nothing is happening, and it seems that calms Miss Reina,
“Don’t be too late. I’m making a special birthday dinner.”
“Yes. I can’t wait.”
“Well then…”
Miss Reina and Mister Sirius wave goodbye.
“See you later Chrom.”
“Take care.”
It’s the same thing I heard that day.
The first time around, this was the last time we talked.
But that won’t be the case this time.
“Yes, I’ll be going.”
I say with determination in my heart.
Now let’s put an end to the future brought about by the calamity.