'Kid?'
The youkai sword's inquiry went unanswered as I clutched the hilt so tightly that my knuckles turned white.
What a self-centered convenience, such a childish whim. So many problems could be resolved by just allowing one possibility, but I couldn't bring myself to make that choice.
What does it mean to be a Hero, dammit?
The fear in Hinata's eyes still haunted my thoughts.
I gritted my teeth. Rational arguments couldn't overcome the turmoil in my heart. My weakness continued to resist the righteousness of my choices.
In my frustration, I realized that the room's door had opened unnoticed, and two figures had entered.
"Yuusuke-san, what's wrong?"
Lisha, with teary eyes, and Kanami, with a blank expression, looked at me.
* * *
For a moment, I wondered why Lisha had such a worried expression.
But it was me who looked terrible.
However, I had no idea how to put on my usual expression, so I avoided looking at them as much as possible.
Presumably, Kanami had noticed the surge of magic power earlier and had come to check on me. I hadn't even considered that possibility.
"I'm sorry; I was just dealing with something Kuroi-san bought, and it took longer than I expected."
I lied, trying to maintain a calm facade.
Lisha walked over, and sat in front of me. She placed both her hands on my hands holding the sword. I suddenly realized that my hands had turned cold.
"What's wrong?"
"It's not 'what's wrong.' Why are you lying?"
Lisha gazed straight into me with earnestness.
She had figured it out, after all.
"I'm not lying. I'm just trying to decide what to do with this blade."
"That may be true, but is that what you're really struggling with, Yuusuke-san?"
Huh?
"How do you know that?"
She is a sheltered girl, who always recklessly intruded into people's hearts and had never left the church. What could she possibly understand after listening to my story?
As these thoughts swelled within me, words spilled out of my mouth without consideration.
"No, it's none of Lisha's business anyway."
I said that, and then I regretted it. The words I had spoken were stronger than I had intended, and I watched foolishly as her eyes widened in surprise.
Lisha had listened to me out of concern, and I had vented my frustration selfishly.
Words of apology surfaced in my mind, but they withered away before reaching my lips.
Lisha was the first to speak.
"It's true that I might not be able to help."
She said, her eyes flickering with uncertainty but her voice steady.
"But I'm still willing to listen. I'll be there to support you. Whatever you're struggling with, Yuusuke-san."
Huh?
I didn't know what to say. My heart swayed, and I couldn't find the right words.
Her words were so direct, pure, and heartwarming, despite her trembling eyes.
"..."
I was speechless. My heart trembled, and I couldn't respond properly.
Kanami nodded behind Lisha, her silent support reinforcing Lisha's words.
"Of course, I support Yuusuke-sama's decision, whatever it may be. Please leave the rest to us."
"Kanami..."
Their words settled into my troubled heart, and I took a deep breath before turning to the youkai sword.
"Hey, is there still strong magic power approaching your brother's location?"
'Hm? Well, it's close, but it seems to have stopped for now.'
"Understood."
I had expected as much. If there were Anti-Demon officers nearby, they wouldn't approach at night. That meant I still had time.
From here on out, it was entirely my selfishness. But if I was allowed to be selfish...
"Thank you, both of you. I have one proposal, though. Would you be willing to hear it?"
By then, my heart had made up its mind.
I don't know if this is truly the right choice. But I don't want to regret doing nothing. I don't want to blame Lisha and the others for not going after something happened.
So, there's no choice but to act. Even if it's selfish or arrogant, I have to give it my all to achieve the best possible outcome. That's how I justify it to myself.
Both Lisha and Kanami listened silently to my words.
The situation would take a significant turn tomorrow. Whether we were aware of the impending upheaval or not, the night passed quietly around us.
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