None of that changes what I have to do. Just like Izekiel wants to protect something, so do I.
Isolte forgave us for being selfish, Nero scolded Iris, and Till believed in Iris.
Everyone has their thoughts, their feelings, and beliefs.
We just pass off our selfishness as a nice story.
It must be terrible for the people who have to put up with that. Nero for example was made out to be the bad guy completely.
Still, I have to stick to that selfishness of mine. All to let the people of Minerva smile.
Because of something I did, Sephilia was kidnapped despite being innocent.
What for me is something that’s in the past and doesn’t matter, is something unforgettable for others. I’ve created circumstances like these without realizing it.
It’s shocking. It makes me angry at myself, but I’m not going to change the past now.
All I can do is try to make the future better.
If Izekiel is really going to try to kill us, all I can do is resist with all I have.
I grab my staff strongly with my right hand, and turn around.
My eyes meet Iris’.
“Iris, I know this isn’t the time, but I have something to tell you.”
“So do I.”
We practically speak at the same time.
Sephilia hears this, steps away from Iris, and starts fighting the zombies around us.
“Miss Iris, Mister Loyd. I will take them on, so take your time.”
She says, and we nod. We’re still relying on Sephilia, even in a situation like this.
I really haven’t gotten any better about that.
As I feel exasperated about myself, we use the time Sephilia is giving us.
I approach Iris until I’m right in front of her, and it looks like she has something to say too.
I guess I’ll go first.
“Let me apologize first. This is coming a little late.”
“As a representative of the goddess of order Emeraude, your indiscretion is forgiven.”
“Fufu, there’s still some saintess in you.”
“I will have you know I am kind of the saintess of Minerva now.”
Protests Iris while puffing her cheeks.
Even that angry look is cute.
“Iris. I remember when you got mad at all those knights in the capital for my sake. I was kind of scared, because it was the first time I saw you actually mad.”
“Hahaha… It really was not like me.”
Iris scratches her cheek looking kind of embarrassed.
“But I was more happy than scared. It’s like I felt the kindness I had forgotten until then.
A lot of people played a part in changing me, but one stood above the others. Someone who acted for my sake. You, Iris.”
I finish by saying the name of the girl I love the most in the world.
When she hears that, tears well up in the corners of her eyes.
They start streaming down her face, and turn into drops that fall on the ground.
“Mister Loyd. I was happy too. That you were with this useless saintess.
I’m still too scared to do anything, but everyone was really kind and warm, and accepted me. I’m really happy I met you all. I could die of happiness right now.”
I hear how Iris feels, and hold her.
Iris really is the kindest girl in the world.
And I’m the happiest guy, because I get to be the closest to Iris like this.
I want to protect her smile, and I feel that more strongly now than ever.
I swear it in my soul, that I will make her happy.
I won’t die, I won’t be defeated, I won’t lose anyone.
No matter how tough it gets or how strong my opponent is, I’ll get over any despair.
That’s the mage’s soul, I’m transmitting to Iris.
Join my patreon to support me and read ahead.
