No matter how hard Tsukiko tries to suppress her emotions, her anger is clearly trembling in her voice.
But it's obvious that it's weird for a university student like me to be here, especially when I'm not revealing my true identity. But why is Tsukiko so angry?
Lisha, trembling in the face of Tsukiko's intensity, answers.
"Um, like I said at the beginning, he helped me when I collapsed. Afterward, we lived together for a while, and it seems that he has a good compatibility with my magic power. Being together with him accelerates my magic power recovery."
To be honest, even listening to this explanation is painful. But without revealing my true identity, we had no choice but to come up with such a reason for why I'm here. That's why I'm here.
"I-it seems to be something like that."
"..."
Uh-oh, the light is disappearing from Tsukiko's eyes as I followed.
I haven't done anything wrong, but I feel a prickling sensation on my neck. This is the sensation I get when facing a formidable opponent. If I choose my words wrong...
Kagami-san, who is glancing at Tsukiko's demeanor, says calmly.
"Um, I understand the situation. There's certainly a theory that contact between people can accelerate magic power recovery. But then, do you want to continue living with Yuusuke-kun?"
"Yes, because magic power recovery is the top priority in the God-Demon War. Fortunately, Yuusuke-san has agreed to cooperate――"
"Rejected."
Interrupting Lisha's words, Tsukiko firmly states her position.
Hey, why isn't she averting her gaze from me at all? My forehead is about to sprout holes.
Finally, Kagami-san, who should be Tsukiko's superior, speaks because Tsukiko's attitude is too much for her to bear.
"But, Tsukiko..."
"I said no. There's no way Yuusuke, who has no powers, should get involved in such a dangerous battle. Lisha-san, you should spend your time in the room prepared by the Anti-Demon Special Forces, where it should be less dangerous."
Ignoring Kagami-san, her superior, Tsukiko continues with a stubborn tone. And Lisha answered.
"However, from the perspective of magic power recovery..."
"You said earlier that the outcome of the battle doesn't concern the people in this world. If that's the case, Yuusuke shouldn't be involved either."
"That's... true, but..."
Oh no, Lisha is being pushed back. It can't be helped; I'll lend a hand here.
"Wait, Tsukiko. I also..."
"Yuusuke, stay quiet."
"Yes, I'm sorry."
Hang in there, Lisha. The only hope right now is you. I can't win against Tsukiko.
"Besides, why does Yuusuke even know about magic? Well, I don't know what you're thinking, but our world isn't a place where people without fighting abilities should recklessly stick their necks out."
"Yes..."
That's right, that's exactly it. So please stop looking at me with those cold eyes. It's getting to me.
My futile thoughts aside, Tsukiko's lecture gains momentum.
"Helping people is all well and good, but if you endanger yourself in the process, it's counterproductive. Stop being foolish and forget everything that's happened so far."
That's――,
"I'm sorry, but I can't do that."
"What are you saying?"
With a strained expression, I manage to force the words out.
"Tsukiko is right, and while I do think that way, if I start deciding to act based on whether I can do it or not, I believe that's the end."
"...!"
I do think Tsukiko's words make sense. It's pointless to risk yourself to help someone. But if I start deciding whether to act based on whether I can do it or not, I'll never accomplish anything.
Then Tsukiko's pale face turns bright red.
And...
"Then do as you please!"
With a loud slam, Tsukiko stands up and grabs her bag. Without even looking in our direction, she storms out of the café. She quickly leaves her share of the bill on the way out. Very typical of her.
Anyway, I've managed to anger her in the end. Even I can see that Tsukiko was genuinely concerned about my well-being.
I thought I had a chance to mend things between us, but life rarely goes as planned.
As I followed Tsukiko's departure, I shifted my gaze back to Kagami-san, who cleared her throat.
"Ah, well, I'm sorry about that. She has her reasons."
"No, it's okay. Even if I were in her shoes, I'd probably do the same."
"It's good to hear you say that. Now, Yamamoto Yuusuke-kun."
"Yes?"
Kagami-san looked at me earnestly once again. In her eyes, I could still see the sincere concern for my well-being. Just like with Lisha earlier, she's a genuinely kind person.
"Are you sure about this? Tsukiko mentioned the danger to your life."
"Yes, I've already made up my mind. If I were to die doing this, it would be my responsibility."
"Even if it's your responsibility, don't forget that there are people who will grieve if something happens to you."
...This person really understands the significance of risking one's life.
No matter how you choose to use your own life, it's your prerogative, but a person's life is never solely their own. You only truly understand that when you're the one left behind.
"Even so, I believe my family would understand and forgive me if I were to stick to my own choice."
"...You seem quite confident."
"Don't you know? I was missing for a while, albeit briefly. My family had already prepared themselves during that time."
"I see... I'm sorry, I do know about that. Perhaps you getting involved in this battle is also due to such connections."
"Does that mean..."
Kagami-san smiled in resignation.
"I'll do what I can to help you both. It's a unique situation where living together makes sense, and it would be convenient for Lisha-san to attend university. As for the magic power recovery, it's better if you two win than those demons. Leave the support to us, and we'll ensure no harm comes to the people in the city."
"Thank you very much."
"T-Thank you very much."
Both Lisha and I lowered our heads.
With this, our current objective has been achieved.
I've taken quite a beating, but we managed to achieve a good outcome. The price paid was substantial, though!
Through this process, a unique cooperation between us from another world group and the Anti-Demon Special Forces was established.
We haven't yet detected the signs of the next battle, but just as we've prepared, the footsteps of war were steadily approaching.
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