"Once again, thank you."
After ensuring safety by moving further into the depths of the forest just to be sure, Lyra bowed her head slightly.
"Licorice, please."
"Alrighty~"
Licorice floated up gently and fluttered around Lyra.
As she did, something resembling fine scales drifted from her wings—glowing like fireflies.
"Yep, no invisible injuries or anything. I checked with my super Licorice-chan eye, so it's for sure."
"That light just now...?"
"It's like a fairy's blessing, or something like that. It helps with fatigue recovery and calms the mind."
"Wait, you could do that?"
"Of course! I'm the all-powerful, invincible fairy Licorice-chan!"
Licorice puffed out her chest proudly.
But if she could do something like that, she should’ve done it earlier—like when they were fighting Doctor.
As I gave her a skeptical look, Licorice hurriedly explained.
"I-It’s not like I can do it anytime, okay? I have to fly in a precise pattern, so it's impossible in the middle of a fight!"
"I'll take your word for it."
"Take my word for it!? What’s that supposed to mean!?"
Setting aside Licorice for now...
"Lyra, please stay hidden here for a while. The city is too dangerous."
"I only really know my own house, but… wait, don’t tell me the whole city is like that?"
"…Yes."
"Seriously?"
Lyra let out a weak sigh, tilting her head toward the sky.
She had always been single-minded about her research, rarely paying attention to anything else.
But even she must have been shaken by this situation.
"I just hope my research materials haven't been destroyed..."
Correction.
No matter the situation, Lyra was still Lyra.
In a way, that resilience was admirable.
I couldn't help but feel a little envious of how she carried herself.
"So, what do you plan to do?"
"I'm heading back to the city. We need to take down as many of the rioters as possible."
Ideally, we could wipe them all out in one go, but that was unrealistic.
We had no choice but to take them down one by one.
"Hmm..."
"What's wrong? You look troubled."
"Well, someone must have caused all this, right? I was just wondering what their goal is."
"…Their goal…?"
"I don't think this is just the work of some thrill-seeker. That… what was it, the Dawn Alliance? If the cursed sword is the cause, then they’re behind it, right? But from what you told me, they don’t seem like the type to stir up chaos just for fun. There must be a bigger reason behind all this."
"Now that you mention it…"
Lyra was right.
The Dawn Alliance… Lena… wouldn't do something like this without a reason.
She might seem reckless at times, but she's also extremely calculating.
Causing chaos in the city was likely just a preliminary step.
Her real objective must be hidden beyond this turmoil.
That said, I had no clue what that objective might be.
"Suppressing the rioters is important, but wouldn't uncovering the enemy's goal be just as crucial? If we're not careful, it might be too late before we figure it out."
"That’s…"
"Well, not that I can do much, so I probably shouldn't be talking big. Haha."
Lyra laughed, perhaps trying to lighten the mood.
But she had a point.
If we didn’t see through Lena’s true intentions, we might be too late.
Should we prioritize taking down the rioters and restoring order?
Or should we work with Sofia to strike at the root of the problem
"…I'll do what I can."
I can't say there's no hesitation.
Hearing that conversation just now made me waver a little.
But in the end, there's nothing else I can do.
Besides...
If there's someone struggling right in front of me, I don't want to abandon them.
I know it's important to look at things from a broader perspective, but I refuse to dismiss those being attacked as merely insignificant details before the bigger picture.
That's my answer.
"Yeah, I think that’s just fine."
Lyra smiled warmly, as if cheering me on.
"You know, after saying all that myself, I really do think this suits you. It’s very much like you."
"Thank you."
"Since I was the one who pushed you forward, I suppose I have to help out too."
"Huh? But…"
"It's fine. I was panicked earlier because it all happened so suddenly, and I had no escape route... But believe it or not, I do know a bit of magic. Supporting you should be no problem."
She means… she’s coming with me, right?
But that…
"Also, to be honest, being left alone is way scarier. Ahaha…"
"If that's the case."
Given the situation, even if the forest is safe now, it might become dangerous later.
Just like with Aisha and Snow, it’s better if we stick together.
"Alright then, I’m counting on you. But whatever happens, don’t push yourself too hard. If it gets dangerous, run right away. Aisha, that goes for you too, okay?"
I'm not the same person I was when I was a slave.
I've gained strength…
And I’ve found things I want to protect.
I have to step up.
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