第２７５堀：戦いに必要なモノ (Part2)
"He's just an ordinary person. I've been watching Eoid for a long time, so I know. He just admired mages and entered this academy. But because he's an ordinary person, he lacks talent..."
As Amanda said this, tears spilled from her eyes.
Wait, hold on. Where was the part in our conversation that would make Amanda cry?
"Because... because I became a Dragon Knight, Eoid said he would become stronger for my sake. But that made me happy. And when I got carried away with that, I realized reality is very dangerous. I don't think Eoid can handle himself like Yuki-san or Taiki-san can, and I just... I'm so scared that Eoid might d-die."
Ah, so rather than worrying that Eoid is in danger because of our fighting style, she’s fixated on the idea that Eoid might die.
Well, they’ve been together for so long, so this kind of worry is natural.
For better or worse, she knows Eoid.
She knows he’s just a regular person—the kind you can find anywhere.
Hmm, what should I say to put her at ease?
I have a sinking feeling that anything I say will just have the opposite effect.
As I was turning these thoughts over in my mind, the busty little girl on my lap spoke up.
"So, Amanda, are you just going to cry because you think Eoid might die?"
"Eh?"
"I'm different. If Yuki were about to die, I’d trade my own life to save him. Eoid is 'ordinary'? Yuki is the same. He just happens to have a special position, but he still gets hurt when he falls, and the risk of him dying is significantly higher than an ordinary person's because he works as a mercenary."
Amanda froze, surprised by Labyris, who had suddenly barged into the conversation, but Labyris didn't care and kept pressing on.
"Amanda, aren't you misunderstanding something now that you've become a Dragon Knight? Just because you became a Dragon Knight doesn't mean you won't die. If anything, Eris should have taught you that the danger has only increased. And Eris and Deryu have been teaching you various things, taking your feelings into account. You heard it, didn't you? Who Eoid is trying to become stronger for."
"…Th-that is…"
"Eoid decided to stand on that stage to show the results of that effort. To prove to you himself that he will be with you no matter what happens. Certainly, the thought of my beloved dying makes me shudder, too. But Yuki won't stop. He looks like this, but he's a very strong person. So, I’m just going to live alongside him. I won't shed tears, watch his actions from afar, or try to keep him away. I will be by Yuki's side and live with him with all my might."
"La, Labyris-chan?"
Amanda finally spoke Labyris's name, though it sounded like she was trying to confirm her identity.
Well, it’s only natural to be stunned when someone so much younger than you indirectly calls you a fool with cold, hard logic.
"Hey now."
I tapped Labyris on the head.
"Kya. Yuki, that's mean."
Labyris held the spot where I tapped her—even though it didn't hurt—and quieted down.
For now, I had to stop her; if I let her sharp tongue run wild, Amanda might just give up on being with Eoid entirely.
"I'm sorry. But I think Labyris is right."
"Eh?"
"Certainly, it’s scary to imagine your beloved dying. But Eoid is already standing on that stage. Fortunately, the risk of death this time is extremely low. Now, if he were heading to a place where death was almost certain, as you said, Amanda-san, you should stop him—even if you have to tie him up or break his limbs."
"N-no, I, that’s going too far…"
"No, you should do it. If you know he’s going to leave behind a beloved wife and children, you absolutely must."
"B-beloved wife!? Ch-children!?"
"Yes. Eoid has been training desperately until today to grasp that future with you, Amanda-san, and that is why he is standing on that stage. So, what do you think he wants most right now? Is it the worried tears of his beloved girlfriend?"
Once I said that, a look of realization finally spread across Amanda's eyes.
Well, I can understand being worried and crying.
But that’s not what’s needed here.
…There’s a standard for what’s required in battle.
"EOID—!!"
Suddenly, Amanda stood up and let out a beautiful, booming voice that echoed across the arena, which had been buzzing with excitement over the final duel.
The people in the arena fell silent upon hearing her voice.
…Whoa. What kind of volume is that, to silence everyone in one go?