Volume 4 Chapter 28 It's Like A Watershed Moment, But...
When Karan replied, the pressure Mikage had been emitting subsided.
"Well, I thought you might get angry."
Karan looks surprised, but Mikage calmly replies.
"I'm here just to confirm. I wanted to make sure you really intended to request Yukina-sama to exterminate the bandits."
Exterminating the bandits was a request unfamiliar to Yukina, involving a joint effort with many strangers.
But besides that, there was one crucial difference from Yukina's previous requests.
The target to be exterminated was the same 'human' being.
"Exactly as you say, Silver Flash. If you aim higher than 3rd rank, inevitably, there will come a time when you must face your own kind in battle."
It's different from attacking monsters on instinct.
When human beings who have intelligence and are able to communicate are considered as 'enemies'.
What Karan really wants to determine is whether Yukina can cross that 'final line.'
"Those who have been promoted to 2nd rank have experienced 'killing' in some form, even if the circumstances vary. You are no exception."
"...Yes, that's right."
Mikage replied without much emphasis.
Mercenaries, by nature, make a living from conflicts between humans.
It gradually became treated like odd jobs, such as hunting monsters. However, the essence of being a mercenary has never truly changed.
"I heard a story about Yukina-kun defeating a 'demon' in the previous incident. However, even if they may look similar, demons are not 'human.' While they may seem similar in rationality, when faced with a same kin that needs to be defeated, can he swing his blade without hesitation? That is his watershed moment."
No matter how much talent one may possess, if they want to aim for a higher rank as a mercenary, this is an unavoidable path.
In most cases, those who aspire to be mercenaries do not have a problem. It was recognized as a profession and required mercenaries to maintain a certain discipline, but the majority of them were rough individuals.
Naturally, among them, there are those who have experienced 'that' before becoming mercenaries or before being promoted to the 3rd rank. For some people, it might not even be a passing phase.
But there are some who, despite being considered promising for the future, are extremely afraid of hurting others. Even if they have great abilities, they might not be suited for being mercenaries. Karan had seen several mercenaries like that.
"...However, Yukina-kun is not like that."
Karan said in a grandiose manner, but he wasn't overly worried.
Based on Karan's experiences so far, he didn't believe Yukina was someone who would actively hurt others. However, he also believed that if necessary, Yukina could be someone who could make tough decisions.
Karan sat back in his chair and looked at Mikage.
"That should be about it. Are you satisfied?"
"...Yes. As I mentioned earlier, I came here just to confirm your true intentions."
Mikage's tone indicated that she had no doubt that Yukina could overcome 'that'.
"You seem to trust him quite a bit."
"It is natural for subordinates to trust their lord. And in the unlikely event that Yukina-sama falters, it is my duty to help him with all of my heart and soul."
With a calm tone and without a hint of hesitation, Mikage asserted her role.
In response to her resolute answer that rang like a bell, Karan was briefly at a loss for words, then chuckled amusedly.
"...What's so funny?"
"Oh, nothing. I just think you've changed a lot."
The Mikage Karan used to know always had a sharp aura like a unsheathed blade. She was known for being strict with both herself and others, wielding a sharpness that could cause harm if not careful.
Now, while she may still be strict, the randomness and harshness of the past seemed to have disappeared.
If he was to liken her to a sword, it's like finding the perfect sheath. It stays put when not needed, but when necessary, it's drawn without hesitation.
As for who that 'sheath' is, it's needless to say at this point.
"...Are you complimenting me?"
"At the very least, the staff say they find it easier to talk to you now than before."
"I haven't really felt that myself."
"Things like this are often noticed least by the person themselves."
Also, unbeknownst to Mikage, she had recently begun to gain popularity within the guild.
Naturally beautiful and skilled, despite her reserved demeanor, some mercenaries admired her stoicism.
Since she had found her lord and gained composure, more people began to admire Mikage. Especially when she's with Yukina, many are knocked out by the sudden display of femininity.
--Actually, that may be a problem, but it's not something to discuss here.
"Well then, I'll take my leave."
"I almost forgot to ask, but are you�"
"If Yukina-sama is participating, I'll join the bandit extermination mission as well. Most likely, Aina-sama and Kyunei will do the same. Well then."
Anticipating Karan's question, Mikage left the room.
Please bookmark this series and rate ☆☆☆☆☆ on here!
Donate me
Support Me with USDC
(ERC20)
Support Me with XLM
(Stellar Lumens)