(MTL)For some reason, the villainess who went backwards lost her magical

chapter 67

2-19 Louie's Point of View

　After leaving Marcel Marcel's residence, I put on a robe over my clothes and entered a bar in the back alley of the city without hesitation.
　In the noisy store, when I signaled the owner who was polishing glasses at the counter, I was guided to a private room located deep inside the dimly lit store. When I removed the room from the small glass of the door, the person I was looking for was sitting there with his back to me.
　After confirming my nod, the shopkeeper left a single word, "Slowly", and disappeared into the commotion.

　After knocking, I entered the room without waiting for a reply.

"Is it here after all?"
"... What do you want? Right now, I'm on vacation. By the way, you and I are in the Cold War."

　Theodore frowned sullenly without turning his gaze towards me, and vigorously fanned the mug he held in his hand. With that in mind, I took a seat across from Theodore.

　Looking at the other side, I notice that Theodore has a sunken face like Marcel Marcel.

"So, since you're here, you wanted to obtain some kind of information, right?"
"It's none of your business"
"It's related. A lot.... I was investigating the background of the criminal who attacked Rachel in the Milissie forest..."

　Theodore rested his left arm on the back and squinted his eyes as he rearranged his legs and said, "What if?" He must be looking for the truth.
　Instinctively, I shrugged my shoulders, thinking that I had lost the trust of Theodore in this world.

　This tavern, whose owner is known to some as an informant, was introduced to him by Theodore a long time ago.
　According to the materials I confirmed earlier, it seems that nobles are behind the thieves who attacked Rachel. However, at this stage, we have not reached the black curtain. Perhaps because the opponent is a noble, the speed of the investigation cannot be said to be fast.
　According to Cyril, the relationship between me and Theodore in this world deteriorated after an argument regarding the attack on Rachel.
　In other words, Theodore probably isn't convinced of Rachel's death. just like I am now.

　If it were me, I'd get rid of everyone involved. That's why I can't deny the possibility that Theodore might move in the same way.
　However, I was skeptical whether Theodore would act for Rachel. Because, in the original world, Theodore and Rachel are on friendly terms. However, in this world where Rachel hadn't lost her magical power, it didn't seem like Rachel and Theodore had much of a connection.

　Even so, Theodore is much more thinking of Rachelle than he is in this world. That's why...

"No, thank you."
"What did you say……"

　Theodore's voice trembled in frustration at me, who lowered his eyes and showed a self-deprecating smile.
　I'm sure there's disappointment and disgust in me for letting Rachel die without doing anything.

　However, words of gratitude are my true feelings right now.

"Because I can trust you more than I in this world."
"teeth?"
"... ever since I came here, I've been disappointed in myself.
Did I mourn the absence of Rachel? did you regret it?
……Time passed naturally, and naturally I continued my official duties. That's the only thing that existed in this world."

　I don't know what Rachel in this world was thinking, or what he was thinking when he headed to the monastery. How frightened he was at the moment of his death.
　Did the self of this world think of that? There is no way to know even that.
　

“Louis, I don’t know what you mean.”
"... Ah, I guess."

　Towards me, who was pouring out my feelings, Theodore calmed down the frustration I had until now and turned a concerned gaze towards me.

"What happened?"

　That question sounded like Theodore. However, since I came here, I've had a nasty tension, and it was enough to break down the walls around me to protect it.

　――I guess I was scared.

　I cover my face with my hands to hide my pathetic face and let out a deep sigh.
　
　I might lose Rachel. He may not have been able to protect Rachelle.
　I may not be able to return to my original world.
　Even though I look forward and make up my mind not to give up, that fear still haunts me.

"... I realized my powerlessness and weakness."
"It's rare... no, it's the first time. To show someone that Louis is so weak.
But...well, what a coincidence. Just recently, I was fed up with my own powerlessness."
"you?"
"Ah, this me.... I wondered if people wouldn't be able to notice the unpleasant facts that they were averting their eyes unless the price of their loss was too great."

　Theodor lowered his eyebrows as he pricked the pin with the olive with his index finger.

"So what? It doesn't look like you came here to whine."
"Ah. I'll end the whining at this moment. So... I have a favor to ask of you."

　I'm sure this fear won't go away no matter how hard I try to deceive myself. Even so, it's because I have friends who believe in me, reach out to me, and push me back, that I don't have to stop.
　
　Close your eyes and take a deep breath. With just that, I feel that the water surface of my wavering heart has become a little calmer.
　Then I looked straight at Theodore, who was waiting for my words.

"Theodore, please lend me your strength."

　"That's right," I said, bowing to Theodore.
　Even without looking at my face, I could feel Theodor taking a deep breath. It would also be so. I often asked Theodore for help, but I never did anything like this to show my weakness.

　But, strangely enough, I remember Theodore telling me, 'It's a bad thing to always try to do things alone.'
　I don't know where it was said. But I feel like he made the people he care about sad because he didn't rely on him.
　That's why, in order to break through this situation that I can't do anything about, I expose everything and express my sincere wishes.

　Because the first thing to do to change something would be to change your behavior.