Though I seriously hate that statue and how high-quality it is, they view it as more precious than their lives, so I have yet to get them to let it go. Threatening to destroy it was super effective though.
“You will obey my orders, right?” I ask and get an immediate affirmative.
I thought that settled it until Lex whispers in my ear. “Lady Mizuha, I suggest permitting just Miss Iris to join our unit.”
“Are you serious? It’s a given she’ll try something funny.”
“But her superhuman strength is invaluable. I assure you it will come in handy.”
Iris has absurd physical strength—she might even best Lex. Maybe we will come across a situation that could use her.
“My goddess is staring at me…”
I’m extremely concerned this isn’t going to work out when just glancing her way overexcites her, but beggars can’t be choosers.
“Uh...will you join me on the detached unit, Iris?”
“May I?”
“Yeah. Only if you want to, since it’ll be dangerous.”
“I want to! I’m absolutely coming if you allow it!” Iris snorts, her eyes gleaming dangerously.
I didn’t think she would decline, but…I’m seriously doubting my decision to invite her after seeing her extreme reaction.
“Oh my Goddess! Why is only Sister Iris allowed?!”
“If she’s going, then so am I!”
“No, I’ll go! I’ll watch the Goddess’s back!”
The other fanatics are protesting my decision, which I expected to happen. Iris arrogantly puffs out her chest in front of them.
“You mustn’t cause problems for our goddess. Accept her divine decision making—her decision to choose Iris.”
She’s only provoking them, as evidenced by the other fanatics’ vengeful growling and groaning. If I let them go like this, they’ll only become deadweight for the main force. I’m going to have to step out of character for a moment.
“Everyone, please hear me out!” I say in my best endearing voice. “I am in charge of this operation, so I will be super-duper sad if it fails. Won’t you pretty please help me out? If you all cooperate, it will make me, well, the happiest girl in the world.”
“Anything for you, Goddess!”
They instantly agreed. For a moment, I wonder if that was a little too easy, but I’ve decided to shelve that thought after seeing the dopey smiles on their faces.
“I’ll be damned, Boss Lady is a sinful woman,” someone teases. I follow the laughter to Rosso.
“Don’t give me a bad name. G-Granted, I also think I might’ve gone a little too far just now…”
“Being self-aware means you’ve got what it takes to become a femme fatale.”
He can call me that all he likes—I know I’m far from becoming a femme fatale. After all, how can I ensnare men when I haven’t even dated before? He’s only distorting the definition of the word by using it on me.
“Anyway, I’m late to the party, but I, Rosso, am here to join your unit, Boss Lady, Boss Man!”
“Let us protect Lady Mizuha together, Sir Rosso,” Lex says, shaking his hand.
“Thanks for coming, Rosso. I’m glad to have you.”
“I did promise to help out. Hehe...” Rosso sheepishly scratches the tip of his nose.
Our first encounter was as bad as they come, but now, Rosso is a friend I can trust. It’s really reassuring to have him on the team.
“I guess that’s everyone for our unit,” I say, looking over our members.
The detached force consists of me, Lex, Rosso, and ten soldiers. Add in the last-minute addition of Iris, and that makes fourteen in total. Though our numbers are paltry compared to the main force, our unit is made up of the best of the best. Iris is a potential loose cannon, but I’m positive it will turn out okay—I hope.
The Lucors exit the city gate next. Their unit is made up of thirty men, including Theos, the commanding officer. Each of them is leading a small, pony-like horse. Nothing is overpowering or impressive about them at a glance, but I know how skilled they are with the bow.
I approach them and sweep into a deep bow. “Thank you very much for participating in this operation, Theos.”
“Please raise your head, Holy Priestess. We Lucor owe you a debt. We will follow wherever you go with the battle flag raised.”
The other Lucors nod and sound off in agreement with Theos. Honestly, traveling all over a medieval world purifying zombies is no easy job. I don’t expect anyone to return the favor, but it does make me happy to see my efforts pay off in this way.
That said, there’s a part of me that isn’t happy. Nady, who I thought just might be with the Lucor unit, isn’t there. I haven’t held a decent conversation with her since she asked me to give her space. I had hoped to speak with her before this operation started, but it looks like I won’t get the chance to.
“Mizuha!”
The voice I wanted to hear most right now shatters my doubts. I look toward the gate—a tall Lucor girl is running toward me, leading a horse behind her. There’s no mistake—that’s Nady.
“…Nady? How come you’re here? …And why are you dressed like that?”
“Please add me to your detached force, Mizuha.”
She has a bow and quiver like the other Lucors. It seems she really intends to fight. Truthfully, I would love to take this journey together. But I also have reservations about bringing her when she doesn’t like to fight.
Theos steps in when I’m fumbling for an answer. “Having an archer incapable of using their bow will only hinder their unit.”
“You don’t have to word it that way,” I say.
“Forgive me, Holy Priestess, but this is a matter between Lucors.”
Theos’s face is so callous, I flinch. He’s the only person I’ve met who’s as intimidating as Sir Oden—his height does nothing to lessen the effect. Anyone would cringe before his stony face. Nady, however, faces off with him without recoiling.
“As you said, Father—Chieftain, I still have much growing to do. However, I still wish to partake in this battle to protect my dear friend.”
“Wanting to fight is different from being capable of doing it. Let me ask you once more: are you capable of fighting? Can you shoot an arrow into that dragon?”
“…Yes, Chieftain. This time I will, without fail.”
His question was not directed at his daughter but to a warrior. And Nady answered not to her father, but her Chieftain.
“Then I free you to choose your own path. However, you will be accountable to the punishment for tarnishing the Lucor name.”
“Yes, I will relinquish the Lucor name should I fail.” A commotion erupts among the other Lucors. They never expected Nady to agree to that. Nor did I, honestly.
Theos coolly nods and takes the Lucor unit to join the main force. Left behind, Nady directs an awkward smile at me.
“I’m sorry this is all so abrupt, Mizuha.”
“N-Nah, it’s all good. But are you sure this is what you want? Relinquishing the Lucor name…”
“That is the only way I can prove my resolve.”
I’m flattered she’s willing to risk it all for me, but it’s worrying. Though I’m not going to talk her out of something she has already set her mind to. The only thing I should be doing right now is trust in my friend and the decision she made.
“You don’t mind, right, Lex?”
“I was deeply impressed by her skill with the bow, m’lady. She will surely aid our cause.” In other words, he’s okay with it.
“Welcome to the team, Nady.”
“Thanks. I’ll do my best.”
We take hold of each other’s hand and shake on it. Nady’s hands are big. It’s been so long since we last touched, she feels warmer than usual.
“We should depart soon, Lady Mizuha.”
“Okay!”
Urged to leave by Lex, I turn my back on Grantz’s royal capital.
“Big Sister!” Only one person calls me that.
I turn and see Cia running up to me. She outruns her knights and lunges into my arms.