Chapter 48

Hand in hand, we marched towards the battleground, prepared for the imminent clash. Little did we know, the scene we expected to witness had vanished into thin air by the time we arrived. Surprisingly, this news brought a wave of relief over me, for it meant we could finally find respite and indulge in a meal at this restaurant. However, as I glanced at my companion's countenance, a sense of sorrow clouded her features, prompting me to swiftly adjust my own expression.

"I apologize for my excitement," I murmured, realizing the weight of my previous elation. "Now that I have what I desired, should I succumb to a breakdown?" It dawned on me that the confident demeanor she had worn was merely a facade, a shield to ward off the tormentors that plagued her. Beneath that facade lay a wounded soul.

Observing her crestfallen expression when she discovered the girl had vanished without a word, I sensed her longing for a confrontation with her. She settled into the vacant space beside her, invi