‘The remaining troops will guard the perimeter of the lake.’
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We must consider if Alaysia’s plan is to force all the elites inside.
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If the castle itself is a trap, she’ll certainly try to make a move outside the lake as well.
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“How long will it take for his injuries to heal?”
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“Around an hour.”
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Theresa, who was treating Hegrion, answered.
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Her stern gaze was fixed on Hegrion’s blood-soaked bandages.
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“Go and prepare. I’ll make it like he was never injured in the first place.”
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“Yes.”
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Vera bowed his head, then turned his back as he spoke.
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All the Apostles that came with him were there, as well as all those who were classified as great souls except for Albrecht.
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“No need to delay. We’ll depart right away after an hour.”
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A heavy atmosphere hung in the air.
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In that environment, those present dispersed to make their preparations.
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However, one person remained.
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It was none other than Aisha.
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Vera and Aisha’s eyes met.
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Then, Aisha spoke.
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“I...”
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Her words hesitated and she faltered, her gaze momentarily dropping to the floor.
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It made Vera wonder if she was scared.
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After all, it wouldn’t be strange if she was.
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She was just a fifteen-year old girl.
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She was being thrown into a place that even experienced knights couldn’t get through, so it was understandable if she was scared.
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If you’re scared and resent me, I will gladly accept it.
✦ ✦ ✦
Such thoughts came to Vera, but then Aisha continued.
✦ ✦ ✦
“...If I become a hindrance inside, you can abandon me.”
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Aisha’s eyes pierced through Vera.
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It stopped his breath for a moment.
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“What...?”
✦ ✦ ✦
“If I get in the way, just leave me behind. This is an important mission, right? If we can’t stop them here, everyone will be in trouble.”
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Determination was clearly visible in Aisha’s eyes.
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Vera didn’t know what to say to his disciple, who told him to leave her behind if he thought she would be a hindrance, and to such a young hero displaying this kind of resolve at such a young age.
✦ ✦ ✦
He pondered for a while at what to say to the child who had been forced to mature far too early, and then took a deep breath before responding.
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“...No one will be left behind.”
✦ ✦ ✦
“What?”
✦ ✦ ✦
“Don’t say nonsense. There are no knights who will abandon their comrades just because they’re struggling.”
✦ ✦ ✦
It was his resolve.
✦ ✦ ✦
The words he offered to the girl who aspired to become a knight were something he had only come to understand through a lifetime of experience.
✦ ✦ ✦
“There is no great cause that can be achieved through a selfish sacrifice. A great cause is something you earn at the end of a difficult path, and if a comrade falls behind on that path, it’s only right to adjust your pace to theirs.”
✦ ✦ ✦
Aisha’s eyes glistened.
✦ ✦ ✦
For the first time since they met, she had received words from Vera that put her on an equal footing.
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“Stop talking nonsense and finish your preparations.”
✦ ✦ ✦
As Vera left the medical tent, Aisha fidgeted her fingertips and then walked out of the tent.
✦ ✦ ✦
Her steps were noticeably lighter than before she entered.