Universe L [English]

Ch4 Ep 5 | Melody of a broken heart |

*After the previous chapter, which had ended with such an expression of shock and sadness on Absolia, the culmination of telling her story slowly returned to the present—seeing her with those empty eyes after becoming blind, to the present where she kept her eyes closed all the time. The photo she carried with her at all times was the picture of her and Ruten at their wedding. Looking distressed after telling her story, she refocused on the conversation about Leia and Lyla's problem*

-Absolia: I isolated myself for too long just to accept the fact that I would never see him again... But in the end, I tried to move on with the café, even though I never got to say goodbye to him...

-Lyla: That explains the name of the café...

-Leia: And I'm surprised that after everything you've been through, you don't hold a grudge against humans

-Absolia: That wouldn't be right. Both sides stopped the war after seeing the destruction that could have happened, The peaceful world you see now... everyone thinks the war simply ended, but only I know the truth of who saved the city. Even though he protected everyone, I was left with a void in my heart that nearly drained me of my powers... Sometimes I think... that the love and trust I felt for him blinded me and kept me from realizing what he was planning, I could have tried to save him...

*Despite her calm demeanor, she was never able to let go of the great love she felt, unable to find closure, unable to move on from the death of her beloved. But she kept trying to move forward nonetheless. Then, Absolia turned her gaze toward Lyla*

-Absolia: Dear Lyla, you are so young and yet have gone through something similar, still facing your past, present, and future. Do not make the same mistakes I did, protect those you love, I sense a great strength within you that you yourself do not yet know...

-Lyla: I... I'm not sure about that... It seems that wherever I go, I only bring trouble and suffering to those around me...

-Leia: Hey, take it easy. I know we'll get through this, and for that, I need your help... And speaking of help... Despite your condition, is there any other way you know of to send us home?

*Absolia, seeing herself reflected in Lyla's situation, she smiled with hope, encouraging her alongside Leia, who asked for her help in returning home. Absolia nodded and stood up from her seat, holding that framed photo in her hands. The sound of her footsteps echoed before a distinct noise was heard—the opening of some kind of hidden door: A secret passage beneath the café!*

-Absolia: I will gladly offer my help. Indeed, in my current state I cannot assist you myself, but as I mentioned, I am a collector of knowledge. Please, come in, I surely have something that can help you

*Leia and Lyla peeked into the hidden passage, exchanging glances before beginning to follow Absolia down. They descended countless stairs, walking for several minutes before finally reaching an underground floor—what appeared to be a dungeon worthy of the witch she once was. Endless bookshelves and racks filled the space, so many aisles, decorations, books, books, and more books, no matter where they looked*

-Leia: This is... a bit excessive don't you think? You didn't mention this place in your story

-Absolia: Where do you think I hid after everything that happened? Free time is what I have most in this world. After that day, I took some time before reopening the café—I had to recover all the years of research lost in the war. It also served as a moment of distraction from the loss I had suffered