It’s none other than Nero who stands in front of Iris and blocks her path.
He treats her like she’s his daughter, so it makes sense to want to stop her when she’s trying to go to a battlefield.
Iris is really shaken by his strong words, and looks flustered and unsure.
“Hey Loyd!”
“What is it?”
“What do you mean what is it? Are you insane? How are you going to take responsibility if Iris dies?”
If Iris dies? Before, I would’ve thought about how to respond to that again and again, but current me could very well respond with a simple ‘shut up’.
My priority is saving Sephilia. If Iris dies in the process, I don’t plan on taking any responsibility.
Of course, I’ll do my best to protect her…
“I’m ready to get punched in the face at full force.”
“Being hit won’t cut it, I’ll kill you.”
“W-why are you saying something so frightening!? Mister Loyd is braving danger to save Sephilia. And Sephilia is part of my family! What’s wrong with risking yourself for family!?”
Iris sounds furious while she grabs Nero’s collar.
Meanwhile, Nero shows no sign of responding in kind. He instead responds with a cold expression.
“Then Iris, can you use magic like Loyd’s?”
“…!?”
“You’re not going there to fight some monster. You’re up against a real monstrosity that even the swordmaster that’s said to be the strongest in Roland couldn’t beat. Can you fight a monstrosity like that on equal terms?”
“Uu… My magic falls short, but my holy power…”
“Is not some all-powerful thing you can use in battle.”
“Uguh!?”
“I’ll tell you upfront. You’re just going to get in Loyd’s way. It’s more effective for him to go alone.”
“Ah, uu…”
Iris doesn’t have anything to say back to Nero.
She keeps opening and closing her mouth, but she can’t find the right words, and in the end, large tears fall from her face.
She’s aware of her weakness, and the fact that she has to accept it makes her feel useless and hurts her.
Iris definitely doesn’t have a flair for combat. She has the power to cast highest rank magic, but if you can’t make use of it, it’s no exaggeration to say you’re actually on par with a beginner rank.
I don’t think her magic would work on an alraune queen either, so she might really just get in the way.
If I can’t guarantee I’ll be able to protect Iris’ life, I can’t say Nero is wrong.
But at the same time, he doesn’t have the right to stop her.
“Iris, let me just say one thing.”
“…”
Iris is still facing down and her shoulders are trembling, and she doesn’t respond to me.
What I’m about to say might be seen as bad advice, but I don’t regret it. I myself accept it.
“All Nero and I can do is offer advice. We can’t force you to do anything, so you’re the one who gets to decide in the end, right?”
“But I… Really am weak… I don’t think… I can do anything…”
“It’s your life, so you choose.”
I say it clearly, so it gets to her, and she raises her head.
Her face is full of those sad tears, but her eyes show surprise.
I smile, and speak in a joking tone.
“We’re going to save the princess, saintess of justice.”
That day when we first met, she triumphantly introduced herself like that.
Her hollow eyes now have light in them.
“Nero.”
“Hn?”
“I’m going to save Sephilia.”
“Ah!? Are you listening to me!? You’re just going to get in the way.”
“I don’t care if I get in Loyd’s way. I’d be really sad if he died, but I also put wanting to save Sephilia first. Mister Loyd, won’t you die for me?”
She’s saying that like it can’t be helped, but can you stop assuming I’ll die?
“Ugugu, do what you want! I don’t care if you die! Dammit!”
Nero leaves the cafe angry.
Iris sees him off with a smile, and there’s no fear in her anymore.
“W-what crazy things you said, Iris.”
“But it was really cool how you didn’t mince words.”
Lela is taken aback, and Mars is moved for some reason.
And since Mars was influenced by her, he raises his hand.
“Sensei! I’m going too! I don’t think I can help, but I want to see you do your thing up close!”
“Eeh!? Hey hey hey, stop playing. You don’t have to come. Iris will be enough of a burden, don’t make it worse.”
“Thank you for having me, Iris!”
“Hey, are you listening?”
Mars ignores me and high fives Iris.
“I-if Mars is going, so is the number one pupil!”
“You too Lela… Talk some sense into Mars.”
“Hehehe, sorry. You know how hard it is to stop him when he gets like this.”
I let out a big sigh.
Isn’t it wrong to face a myth rank monster with a party where I’m the only one who intends to fight?
What kind of party…
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