Chapter 731 Crossroads
"I know you're not a bad person, Rey."
As Rey heard this, he prepared himself for what was about to come. It wasn't very difficult to steel his heart and consider the very worst when it came to the current situation with Esme.
In all honesty, he was very tired.
Emotionally speaking, he had exhausted a lot of his energy, and he was practically running on fumes. His expression remained lull, and this carried on throughout his conversation with Esme—or more accurately, Esme's conversation with him.
"You're an amazing person. I've looked up to you for the longest time too. You saved me more times than I can think of, both directly and indirectly, and I owe a lot to you…"
Rey still had his heart steeled despite how soft her words were.
"My… my feelings for you have not changed as well, even though I really wish they would. I don't… hate you or anything, but…" As she went through the right words to say, Rey's thoughts were at a standstill.
He didn't want to think anything, or feel anything.
He just listened.
"... There's just so much going on with me right now. I… I can't even look you in the eye right now. I'm angry, and sad, and disappointed, and a bunch of other things… and most of this confusion is because of you." At this point, she stared at Rey, seeing his unassuming expression and calm reaction towards all she was saying.
Whether it was for the better or worse, his facade prompted her to continue with her train of thought; hence, finishing what she started.
"I need some space, Rey."
"Space…?"
"Yes. Space away from you…" She sighed, rubbing her forehead as she uttered those words. "I don't think I'll be returning to the Western Continent with you and Kara."
Rey listened to this in silence, not leaking out a sound for even a second. He watched Esme's unease as she uttered those words, but he could also see her resolute eyes and determined expression.
He was certain she was very serious in her position, and there was very little he could do to convince her to leave with him.
It wouldn't even be unfair for her.
"I understand…" Was all he had to say after all she told him.
Before she could get another word in, and before he would be tempted to say any more, Rey got up from where he sat and began to walk away.
He could feel her eyes on him, and he could also see her even when he turned it was his back that faced her. Still, he didn't stop until he reached the door and touched the knob.
"Rest well… Esme."
He left afterwards, shutting the door lightly.
It could have been his imagination, but Rey heard silent sobs right as he was about to close the door. He shut his eyes, dulled his senses, and completely shut off the room from his mind. For Esme's sake… and for his sake… this was for the best.
'I…' As soon as he closed the door and took a few steps in the hallway, Rey clutched his chest and felt his racing heart. He had been unable to properly think and feel thanks to his suppression of those aspects of himself, but there was only so much he could do.
His longing was not quenched by the System, and his thoughts were slowly getting unbridled by his mind, allowing them to flow.
'I… also have feelings for you, Esme.' His cheeks were red, and his hand dug deeper into his chest in an attempt to stop its reaction.
Nothing about it stopped though.
He felt a surge of excitement, as well as a pang of pain anytime the image of the Half Elf came to his mind. It was a frustrating experience for Rey—one he wouldn't wish for even his worst enemies.
In all honesty, he was very tempted to run back into the room and embrace her.
He wanted to apologize once again and tell her to give him another chance. He wanted to hug her, and maybe, just maybe…
'No. No, I can't.' He told himself. 'It's a bit too late for that.'
When she revealed her feelings for him, why didn't he tell her he felt the same? Why didn't he hug her or kiss her back? Rey knew the reason well, and Esme was sure to understand it just as certainly.
He still had feelings for Alicia. That was yet to change a single bit.
Never before had he liked two girls this fiercely, feeling conflicted about which side to pick and which to abandon. It seemed Esme did her best to make the decision easy for him.
'My weakness led to this outcome. I feel so useless at this point, it's sickening…' His thoughts flowed as he inhaled and exhaled deeply.
Despite winning the battle for the Elves, even getting everything he came to the Land of the Elves for, Rey didn't feel like a winner.
No, not one bit.
He felt he had lost too many valuable things, and the truth about H'Trae weighed heavily on his heart. All of the things he had faced and experienced stripped off the last aspect of his innocence, forcing him to grow up and confront issues he never wanted to.
The Rey that currently walked down the hallway was different from the one that first arrived.
So much… so much had changed.
**************
[A Few Days Later]
"It's finally time."
Ater's smile broadened widely as he floated above the Capital of the United Human Alliance.
His crimson eyes reflected the City in all its majesty, and his hair danced around with the wind as the rest of his body remained still. Still donning his usual dark suit, he appeared majestic, and while watching the exquisite city from above, he inhaled and exhaled deeply.
"Once I am done, I am sure Master will be very pleased." He cast his gaze on all the players he set on his playground.
There was no need to hold back any longer.