Volume 2 Chapter 35 I'm Hopelessly Timid
*Returning to Ryuuji's first-person perspective.
<hr>
"So you couldn't turn down Duke's personal request, huh?"
"I couldn't refuse, and I'm sorry about that..."
Minori chuckled wryly, while Suzu still looked blank, not knowing what to think, but I was hanging my head in shame.
Right now, my large frame must look small in comparison.
After returning from shopping, Belle and I were discussing with Minori and Suzu about Duke Hoffman's request for us to join the fight against the stampede.
We also had Lene join us for a breather from work.
"Well, I'm not against joining the fight. I just want to make sure the reward is good."
"Yeah, the reward is important."
At Minori's words, Suzu nodded gravely in agreement.
It seems the sisters aren't opposed to joining the fight itself.
They've really grown strong.
Am I just being overly protective?
However, the elf sitting next to me doesn't seem to feel the same way, drooping her ears sadly.
"So, you guys are joining the fight to stop the stampede... I'm worried..."
"...Well, you might think my self-assessment is too high, but having me there or not will make a big difference in our fighting strength."
"An enchanter who can fight on the front lines is a rare asset."
As expected, Minori, who fights on the front lines, understands what I'm trying to say.
The presence or absence of enchantments can mean the difference between life and death for the warriors.
A temporary enhancement like physically strengthening oneself is pretty basic but it's really effective.
But typically, applying a temporary enhancement requires touching your target.
That's why even enchanters need the ability to fight on the front lines.
"...The 〈Magic Stone of Elmusca〉 I used for the first time the other day lets you bypass that, but that's an exception.
"If you have 〈Sharpness〉, you can quickly take down your enemies, and if you have 〈Repair〉, you can prolong your armor's durability. To be honest, I wouldn't expect Big Bro Ryuuji to miss out on this."
"Yeah, I was planning on going."
Minori didn't have to say it, but I was already planning on going.
Besides, it wouldn't be right for me to sit out when my sisters are joining the fight.
...I guess that's what they mean by overprotective.
* * *
With Lene hard at work in the workshop, making gunpowder, I got to work on making the 〈Magic Stone of Great Absolute〉 for my sisters.
Belle is currently preparing lunch.
Her cooking is surprisingly good.
"Hmm... I can make 2 〈Great Magic Stone of Diamond〉s... Who knows what kind of monsters will show up, but I need to make them strong enough so my sisters can come back safe and sound."
Muttering to myself, I took the necessary materials from the shelf.
Lene is busy working right now, so I can't afford to make a mistake and have to recreate the materials with Alchemy.
"Hehehe, Mr. Ryuuji is really a siscon, isn't he?"
"...Lene told me that."
Just then, Lene seemed to have finished her work and stopped giggling.
I must look like I'm biting sand right now.
"Relax, it's a lie. Mr. Ryuuji isn't that kind, really, I'm sure of it."
"I wonder..."
I got played.
I'm trying to be gentle, and if that's the result, then I guess it's a good thing.
"Hey, Mr. Ryuuji"
"...Hm? What is it, Lene?"
Noticing something different about Lene, I stopped what I was doing to look at her.
She was staring at me with a slightly shadowed expression.
"Still... you can't give me an answer...?"
An answer.
I know what answer she's waiting for.
Even though Lene has confessed to me, I still haven't given her a clear response.
It's easy to say "I like you too."
If I just ignore my feelings.
"........."
"So, you really won't answer me, huh?"
Lene let out a small sigh.
Clearly, I could see the disappointment in her eyes.
It's easy to say the words.
But I'm afraid that after I do, I'll end up betraying her.
Especially since she's a long-lived elf.
Throwing myself into battles at breakneck speed, if I were to become an unspeaking entity, I would end up betraying her.
That's what scares me.
"......I'm..."
"A coward"
Lene covered up my trembling, excuse-laden voice with a scowl and turned her back to me, seemingly ready to resume her work.
For a moment, I saw a glimmer of tears at the edge of her eyes.
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