【”Wha-What is this…?”】
【”This is where the real thing begins. Everyone, pull out your weapons.”】
【”Hey, Harold, wait. You’re thinking of going in there?”】
【”That’s right. Our destination is at the center. That’s where the machine is installed.”】
Harold’s excessively brutish strategy was to keep killing the monsters around the center of the pit until Lifa was done. Although this would ordinarily be considered to be reckless, the thing was that this team was not exactly ordinary.
【”I’ll create a path through them first, and you’ll follow me after that.”】
Harold pulled out his two swords and turned off his “Switch”. He had already readied himself from long before to face off alone against a large group of monsters here. This fight would serve as the perfect practice for him, in case he would be met with the worst-case scenario in later events.
【”Well, that would be fine… but, Liner. How about you show me how much you’ve grown, bastard.”】
【”Oh? Well, you’re on! Let’s see which one us can beat the most of them.”】
【”You idiot. This isn’t a contest.”】
【”Erica.”】
【”―― Yes.”】
【”Among the spells you can use, which one is the most powerful?”】
【”Well,『Meteor Blast』, I guess.”】
【”……”】
【”Fire one shot straight towards the center.”】
【”Certainly.”】
【”『Meteor blast』”】
【”Let’s go, Liner.”】
【”Huh? ….Ah, yes!”】
【”Is this already enough? I can still use the spell…”】
【”…Save your mana.”】
If that ridiculously powerful spell was used, Harold wouldn’t have any chance to measure the capabilities of not only Liner, but also of the other members of the team. But well, now there was no doubt that the monster extermination would go smoothly as the team could leave everything to Erica in the worst case.
◇
【”I can’t agree with this! Why didn’t you put Harold’s name?!”】
【”Because I told him it’s not necessary.”】
【”Why would you do that?!”】
【”You absolute moron, is there any sign of a brain left in your head? Although I’m not happy about it, I work under Justus. What am I supposed to do if people start talking about how I came in the way of something that is a part of his plans?”】
【”Then just leave that guy.”】
【”Idiot. I told you before that I have something to do that requires me to keep my position.”】
【”But isn’t it dangerous to stay around Justus? You don’t have to go this far…”】
【”That’s none of your business.”】
No matter how much Liner kept holding on, Harold showed no signs of accepting his request. That made Liner lose his temper and heat up out of anger.
【”It is my business! Last time we met, you saved me, and also, when Colette was ―― Mmm!”】
【”That’s enough of you. It looks like I’m gonna have to teach your empty head a few things.”】
【”Mmm?!”】
【”Well, leaving those two alone, Colette, after this you guys will continue your journey, right?”】
【”Yes. It’s just like what Liner said.”】
【”If so, is it okay if I accompany you, too?”】
Lifa proposed to travel together with Colette’s group on their journey.
【”Huh? You want to accompany us, Lifa-chan?”】
【”There is no way I’m letting you go by yourselves.”】
【”I’m glad! I’m looking forward to it!”】
【”Mhm, then, I’ll come too.”】
【”That’s precisely why I’ll come with you. I can’t forgive those thieves you’re pursuing, but above that, I absolutely cannot forgive Justus for the disorder he’s bringing. This man is tormenting the nation’s people, as a bearer of royal blood, I have to capture him at all costs.”】
【”You’re being real rude here!”】
【”But then, why do you want to come with us, Lifa?”】
【”His goal?”】
Lending her strength to Harold here was likely the only occasion Erica would get to return his favors ever so lightly. She did not know to what extent she would be able to help, but if she could support Harold’s goals, even if only a little, then there was no reason to hesitate.
【”Colette-san.”】
【”What is it, Erica-san?”】
【”Would you allow me to come with you, too?”】
【”E-E-Erican-san?! You want to come, too?! Oh god, what should I do…!”】
【”Erica….”】
【”Father, brother, please don’t stop me. This is what the Sumeragi family… No, this is what I ought to do.”】
Erica did not avert her gaze, she looked straight in the eyes of her father and brother; and looking like they were beaten by her persistence, each of the two of them let out a small breath.
【”This is a request from Erica who seldom ever asks for anything selfish. Let’s listen to her, dad.”】
【”….Yes. Even if I try to stop her, she won’t. I can see that from her eyes.”】
【”Thank you very much.”】
【”Uh, hmm….. Then, you’re coming for real?”】
【”Yes. I look forward to working alongside you, Colette-san.”】
【”What should we do, Liner?! This is a huge responsibility for us!”】
【”Lifa-san, I look forward to working with you, too.”】
【”Yeah. Likewise, tomboy lady.”】
【”Hehe, this is the first time I’ve ever been called that”】
【”I thinks we’re gonna have a hard time on this journey…”】
【”Well, that can’t be helped. He’s a selfish man after all.”】
【”He sure is.”】
Anyway, I hope you’ll have a great day, see you next week ?
