Chapter 173
It was late in the night—–
I was sitting on the edge of the bed as I said my prayers.
(Princess, may the fortunes of war be with you......)
Clutched in my hand is the necklace that Princess Cattleya handed towards on the day I parted ways with her.
Touka, who was already lying down on the bed, called out from behind .
[As I thought, you’re really worried about them huh?]
[Yeah. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t worried about her.
I wryly smile.
[However, the Princess also had the Holy Knights with her. I’m sure that they’ll be able to protect the princess.]
[You really trust them huh.]
[The Princess has her own paths to take—- and I have my own. For now, we just have to trust each other’s paths and move on.]
[......You’ve already finished parting ways with her?]
[Yes. If we hadn’t said our farewells with each other back then...... I don’t know if I would have been as calm as I am now.]
Standing up, I walk towards the door.
[Excuse , I need to use the facilities.]
[You don’t have to give up on one thing just to have another.]
[Fufu, you may be right.]
Leaving behind a wry smile, I left the room.
▽
A few distance down the hallway, I found myself stopping as I gently placed my hand over my chest.
[————————-]
(Princess......)
An intense feeling of being tightened swirled in my chest.
Well...... There was no way I could be at peace.
With the hand held in front of my chest, I could feel the necklace that Cattleya handed to that day.
We have already finished saying our farewells.
That’s what I said to Touka.
However, not only the Bakuos soldiers—- There’s also the Five Dragon Warriors drawing near at that ti.
We don’t even have any ti to be sad that we would be separated for a really long ti—-
(That day......)
The last words that Cattleya said just as she helped escape.
“Isn’t it enough that the days we spent together and the mories of those days are irreplaceable? Well then, I bid you goodbye.”
Even though she’s the one who’s going to stay in a place like this where she might die...
Filled with confidence in her small smile, she said those words to .
However, I could only——
(I couldn’t say goodbye like I wanted to......)
[...........................]
Neia’s army, led by Cattleya herself, is going to enter the war.
When I heard that from Erika, I’m internally feeling upset.
I’ve already expected that they would be demanded to raise an army.
However, I never thought that it would turn into a battle to take back our country......
I didn’t see that coming.
It’s true that the odds weren’t in their favor.
My evaluation on Cattleya shouldn’t be mistaken.
However, that evaluation should only amount to half of what Cattleya should be.
(She also had the audacity to place her bet on sothing that “she doesn’t have any choice but to take”. And of course...... The princess is willing to risk even her own life if she finds it necessary......)
Will Cattleya make it through this war?
Taking Neia back from the hands of Bakuos......
Yes—- This battle is also a once-in-a-lifeti opportunity for Neia.
(On the contrary though, if they were to miss this opportunity, I don’t know when they will get the next one......)
Cattleya must have felt that she doesn’t have any choice but to take this opportunity.
Cattleya and I grew up together as if we were biological sisters.
I wonder if that’s why......
I felt like I could see her thoughts and her determination as if it was placed in the palm of my hand.
(However, I can’t run towards her side. Therefore, please...... Please stay safe......)
I am now the knight devoting my sword to Touka Mimori......
I’ve been entrusted with being the Deputy Leader of the Fly King Squadron.
And I will fulfill this responsibility that was entrusted towards .
(That’s right.....)
I must also make sure that Touka doesn’t suspect a thing.
He’s surprisingly quite perceptive.
(That’s why——)
From now on, I’ll have to be more vigilant in keeping this under wraps.
I don’t want to make him feel any more worried.
I pledged—– that I will devote my life to him.
This life will be used to accomplish his goals.
That’s why this confusion...
This uneasiness...
This... emotions...
I will bury them deep within my heart.
(......Although I did make a mistake once when I let my emotions get the better of .)
However, it was just a one-ti thing.
(Yes, my emotions...... I’ll just convey them after Touka-dono’s journey is finished. Until then, as his faithful knight...... With this sword—–)
I will kill this self.
That’s what it ans to serve soone.
I must not beco a hindrance for his purpose.
Yes, until he accomplish his revenge to the Goddess—–
[.....................]
(The Goddess......)
Was that idea of Neia’s independence suggested by the Goddess?
(Supposing that the Goddess deceived the Princess...... And if sothing were to happen to the Princess as a result of that—–)
I would surely never be able to forgive the Goddess for all my life.
Once again, I could only offer a deep prayer.
[......................]
When Touka accomplishes his goal, if only the both of them were fortunate enough to safely stay alive......
(At that ti—–)
I want to et her again.
The Princess.
When I pledged so within my heart, I found my grip unto my necklace tightening again.
[Seras.]
(Eh......?)
My heart skipped a beat.
Before I knew it, a few distance behind ...
[......Touka-dono.]
Touka was standing there.
[Is there sothing you need assistance with?]
[I was just wondering if you’re alright.]
[...............]
I make sure to compose myself.
In my head, I start assembling the words I need to say.
[You’re checking if I’m alright, is it? I admit that I’m a bit shaken upon hearing that news about Neia. However......]
Slowly, I put away the necklace I held in front of my chest.
[I’m alright now.]
Striving to keep my calm, I said.
[Regardless of the outco of this battle, the Princess will surely take back Neia one day. Moreover...... Didn’t I tell you already? I am now your knight—- a knight who already died once before. I will not look back to my past anymore. Now...... I will use my power all for your sake.]
[All for my sake huh——- Is that really the truth though?]
My lie was seen through.
I realized that.
——-Badump——–
[My...... My apologies. As expected, when I heard of the Holy Kingdom of Neia where I once lived...... I admit that I might be influenced by my past emotions. However, please be relieved...... I will—-]
[That’s enough.]
[Eh, umm...... Touka-dono......?]
I could tell that Touka is approaching based on the sound of his footsteps.
I could also tell that he’s quite irritated.
There’s no lie in his words.
Touka was genuinely irritated.
It was also the first emotion that he ever directed towards .
—–I could feel my heart beating faster.
Touka stops right behind .
[If that’s really the case—–]
I close down my eyes.
[...........................]
[What the heck are you crying for?]
[......,———Eh?]
I just noticed it.
Looking at the floor with my blurry vision, a lot of teardrops have gathered......
When did this happen?
Before I knew it, I’ve already had ——
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