Volume 6 Chapter 30 Extra - Courage
Frederica is talking with Lili, who's the chef's daughter.
Lili is risking the chance to become a royal court chef, but she's about to throw it all away.
"I understand how you feel, Lili... but this world still shows discrimination against Beastmen. Even I, when I go out in public, usually hide my ears."
A world where Beastmen are discriminated against just because of their race.
If she becomes a court chef in the royal palace, what will people think of her...
"Almost certainly, they won't have any good feelings toward us."
"Yeah... I feel the same way, Lili..."
No matter what she does, she'll hear, "You're still a Beastman, huh?"──and the terrible treatment from others is obvious.
"Lili... I'm scared. I don't want to go outside. I just want to stay here, in this warm household and work. Is that... really such a bad thing?"
Frederica gently pats Lili's head, who looks like she's about to cry.
The Lili standing before her now... she reminded Frederica of herself back when she was under Transcendent.
She remembers obeying her master's orders, standing in the depths of the dungeon, defending the mansion against intruders whose arrival was uncertain, day after day.
"It's not exactly wrong to say it's not *impossible*. But... is this truly the best place for you?"
"......"
If you truly want to stay there from the bottom of your heart, then by all means, do so.
But... staying just because you're afraid to go outside?
You should stop.
It will only make things more painful.
Way more painful than going out into the world.
That's because Frederica, having tasted overwhelming loneliness and suffering herself, is the one giving that advice.
"Lili. I understand perfectly why you're afraid of the outside. But listen..."
Frederica chuckles softly, with a faint smile.
"You don't need to be so scared. Because... you are recognized by Act Age for your true strength."
Act Age.
The shadow hero who saved the world.
"He's a person you truly respects, more... be proud of yourself. You're more than just... yourself."
"......"
"Or... is master, to Lili, just some unimportant nobody?"
"That's not true! Master is an amazing person!"
"Then let's trust his words. If a great person says he's great, then he must be. ...And if a dark future is ahead, then his eyes see that path and are guiding you."
He, the one who has the magic eye that sees the future... He's saying it'll be okay.
So... the future will be fine.
Frederica just wants to say that. She believes in her master.
"...Okay. Lili...will try it. I'll trust Master!"
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