Just A Reincarnation Story (Summoning Japan Edition)

Chapter 87: Guinevere Pendragon

Ventusmens 10, 1616 Central Calendar

Magala Familia Central Hospital, Junis District, Runepolis

The moment the cars arrived at the parking lot, Meteos felt an almost physical tug urging him towards the hospital entrance, thus without any second thoughts he decided to humor such impulse and immediately sprinted out of Roderick's car to get to his destination as soon as possible. However, self-control kicked in not long after that and he paused before the looming glass doors, glancing back to catch the silent understanding in his parents' and older siblings' eyes.

Meteos didn't need to be told twice after that. He dashed through the opened entrance, past the security guard, and into the spacious lobby with the rest of the Rogueriders in tow.

Scanning the lobby, his gaze immediately snagged on a pair of distinct heads of silver hair amidst the throng of people. There, just past the reception desk, briskly walked Annette and her father, along with Nadia who in this Third Timeline lived with them in the Pendragon residence.

"There they are...!" Meteos' voice cut through the lobby chatter, delivered loud and distinct enough to cause all three to halt their steps and swivel towards him in recognition.

Meteos felt the earlier surge of frantic energy die down as he neared the three. Taking a deep breath, he willed his pace to a calmer walk and strode up to them.

"Your Grace, Lady Pendragon, and Nadia, we came here as soon as we heard the ne—ah!!"

Seeing the arrival of another one of her cherished friends flooded the younger Pendragon noblewoman with emotions. For a heartbeat, Annette froze as her anxiety was momentarily thrown off balance by the sight of him. Then, in a rush that surprised them both, she launched herself and buried her face in his shoulder. A portion of the pent-up worry of the past year dissolved into a deluge of relief. Not caring how undignified she may look at that moment, Annette basked in the embrace's warmth as she clung tightly to Meteos.

"Sorry, but I'm just so glad...!"

"......I know. There, there. It's okay."

While lending her his shoulder, Meteos gently whispered as his hands returned his quietly sobbing friend's gesture and pondered to himself.

It was all thanks to Astarte's mortal guise's role that this level of unrestrained expression of affection was possible between them. As far as this timeline is concerned, one Meteos Roguerider too has very good reasons for his eagerness in seeing "Guinevere Pendragon" again. The memories, fabricated or not, felt real. The emotions, echoes of a manufactured life, burned true. Stifling a sigh, Meteos tightened his hold on Annette ever so slightly. As usual, questioning the Third Timeline memories and the depth of this incarnation's bond would be a pointless exercise. With the second chance of life and whatnot, probing it like an illusion would be akin to spitting on that gift—a disservice to the only heroic deity of Ars Goetia when the others gladly abandoned this world for getting high on cosmic drugs. How many times he has had to extol Astarte's virtues like that? Well... As many times as he could.

Glancing past Annette, Meteos locked gazes with her father and Nadia. The Good Duke's usually neutral expression was now adorned with a small tired smile in their direction. With a gentle hand on Nadia's shoulder, he ushered her forward to join the silver-haired pair.

Nadia hesitated for a moment, her shyness battling with the joy of seeing Meteos. But the emotion eventually won. Beckoned by her boyfriend, she shuffled closer and reached out, wrapping her arms around the two, turning the hug into a warm group embrace.

Annette's sobs gradually subsided, and she managed to pull back just enough to look up at Meteos and Nadia while brushing stray tears from her cheeks. Her eyes were red-rimmed but filled with gratitude. "Thank you... for being here..."