(The next morning)
I woke up because I felt that someone was waking me up.
My eyes slowly opened, allowing me to see who it was that was trying to wake me.
"Yukito, there's only one hour left before dawn. Are you planning to keep sleeping here?" Luke asked.
Oh, so it was Luke. He was the one who woke me up. But I suppose that's only natural, since all of us had fallen asleep in this room.
I turned my head to look at who was still in the dining room, and there were only five of us left.
Luke, me, Hime, Yuu-chan, and Iris. Forn-san and Loki-san had probably gone out earlier to take care of something.
Considering that they were the leaders of Riruyo, it made sense that they had to go and warn the citizens.
"They both went ahead earlier, to inform everyone in Riruyo to be on guard throughout the day," Luke said.
"Actually, before we woke up, the others and I heard some unpleasant news."
My eyes widened slightly, and I felt like I could somewhat guess what kind of news it was. Even so, my curiosity was still very strong.
"So, what kind of news is it?" I asked, to make sure.
"Well. You know that Riruyo has a lot of settlements, right? Apparently, other troops have been spotted in all of those settlements."
"They seem to be other members of the same force that tried to attack through the main route, which is currently sealed by the barrier."
Wait a second… that means there's only one thing that's going to happen today.
Our party, and all the elves in Riruyo, are being surrounded by troops whose origins are still unknown.
Until the attacking forces are completely defeated, we won't be able to go anywhere other than staying inside our homes or fleeing into the forest.
This barrier won't last much longer, since the magic sustaining it has weakened. And before a new barrier can be created, there's no reason not to assume that Riruyo will be taken over.
If that's the case, should I just stay with Iris? That way, she and I could trust each other more, and our relationship might already feel like a normal romantic one.
But… if I don't help guard near the barrier, what about everyone else?
They're already short on manpower, and with only a few people who can use close-range weapons, they're bound to struggle.
"So, what should we do?" I asked.
"All we can do is endure their attacks until all of their forces are completely wiped out. But Yukito, you're not thinking of joining the battle, are you?" Luke asked.
He really is something… Sometimes, he can perfectly guess what I'm thinking.
I didn't answer his question. I simply stood up in silence and adjusted my clothes and sword.
"Yukito, if you manage to bring out the princess's power, then the battle will end immediately. Everything will be over, and we'll be safe."
"But if you insist on going to the front lines, then what about the princess? She might feel sad and worried, and what if she starts thinking that you won't come back?"
"If that happens, I won't be able to take your place! From the beginning, the princess chose you over me, which is why I can't let you go to the front lines."
"I know… our party might have greater strength because our two mages are heroes. But what about the two of us? You need to conserve your stamina so you don't get exhausted."
"I'll only be working with Loki-san to coordinate our strategy. I can't let you take command. That would be far too dangerous for your life!"
"Please, Yukito. I'm saying this because I want you and the princess to grow closer, so that she can eventually awaken her power."
"If you die, the princess won't be able to awaken her power, and Riruyo will be on the brink of destruction. The homeland of the elven race could disappear from this world."
"The Tree of Life near us would wither and be cut down, turning the land into empty ground. We are the hero's party—we already bear the responsibility to protect everyone, regardless of their background!"
"Loki-san, Forn-san, and I have already decided that the two of you will not participate in the battle, because the barrier issue can only be resolved by the two of you."
…What should I even say right now? But I could feel it clearly in my heart.
I… really want to do this—
"I don't have a high chance of awakening Iris's power, but what if all of you lose and their troops manage to destroy the barrier? That would mean we lose anyway, wouldn't it?" I asked in return.
"There's no point if Iris and I stay together while all of you are defeated and the barrier is destroyed."
"If that happens, then it means we lose either way, right? There's no difference. That's why I'd rather go to the front lines."
——
(Iris side)
Honestly, I didn't want to talk about this. But the truth is, I had already woken up before the Hero was awakened by his companion earlier.
I deliberately pretended to stay asleep, because I felt that something was about to happen between them.
And just as I expected, they were now arguing over what I and the Hero should do.
Yesterday, I had briefly thought about going to the front lines myself, but Father said that my life was extremely important this time, and they couldn't allow me to do that.
The Hero's companion truly wanted me and the Hero to spend more time together and deepen our relationship.
But… even without being told, I could tell that I had feelings for him.
Not feelings of wanting to make the Hero my lover or life partner, but merely as a close friend or companion I had been waiting for for a very long time.
…I don't know. I'm not even sure about my own feelings toward him.
I had always been waiting for the hero's party to arrive, but… in truth, I didn't have to build a romantic relationship with the Hero.
I… needed to step into their conversation and talk about this.
"So then, do you want all of us to keep fighting without thinking about time?! We'll just keep fighting and fighting until all of their forces are defeated!" the Hero's companion said.
"If I don't fight, you'll be overwhelmed due to the lack of members, won't you? This is better than making me and Iris—" the Hero stopped mid-sentence when he realized that I was already standing near them.
"Hero, and your companion, I apologize for listening in on everything you were saying today," I said.
Both of them immediately stopped arguing and waited for what I was about to say.
"I'm sorry, Hero's companion, but… I choose to go to the front lines," I said while staring straight at him.
The Hero's companion immediately panicked and tried to stop me from doing so.
"Princess, your father and mother asked me to make you stay together with Yukito. This is what you want as well, isn't it? Then why?"
Ah, just from his expression, I could see how much he wanted to reunite me and the Hero.
But unfortunately, I had already made up my mind.
"What you said isn't wrong. I do want to spend more time with the Hero. I want to know more about him. I want to know what the Hero likes and what he dislikes," I replied.
I paused for a moment before continuing.
"But I also want to help defend this place. The Hero wants the same thing, so… I want both of us to be allowed to join you!" I said with a slightly firm voice.
"Ck…," the Hero's companion thought for a moment before walking out of the room.
"I'll inform the two of them about your wishes," he said.
He finally left the room, leaving only the Hero and me as the ones who were awake.
For some reason, my head started to feel a little dizzy. Is this the effect of my argument with Luke just now?