"Princess… we are truly sorry. We lost Richard." The Hero Party bowed deeply, their faces stiff but their voices steady.
The princess, sitting on a silver throne, raised her head slowly. Her expression tightened.
"This is unfortunate…" she whispered. "All of you were chosen by divine revelation. Each of you carries a unique blessing… and Richard was given a rare power meant to help us defeat the Demon Lord."
Her hands clenched slightly. She didn't cry, but sadness flickered in her eyes. Sacrifices were expected. But losing a chosen one before even reaching the battlefield felt too cruel.
The blonde Hero stepped forward with a proud smile, "Don't worry, Princess. Even without him, we will defeat the Demon King. His death won't change the outcome."
The princess stared at him silently for a moment. His arrogance bothered her, but she forced a polite smile.
"I see… Then I will pray that the world survives until that day." She bowed her head and whispered a short prayer to God.
