Chapter 813: Freabell Nidzveld ② (2/2)

[……Hey, my comrade? The choice of ”compromising” should have been available for you. The choice of ”giving up” should also have existed. Of course, I know that there are times when running away isn't always an option. However, such a thing should be close to nonexistent.]

[………………….]

[You could have settled with moderate results. No one would have blamed you if you had given up and ran away. The things that have happened to you have been too great a challenge for a mortal to face.]

Hearing the things Frea-san had said, I would be lying if I said that there wasn't anything that came to my mind. For example, when I met Isis-san for the first time, no one would have blamed me for running away because of fear.

There were many times when I could have escaped if I had wanted to, and many times when I could have compromised or given up if I wanted.

However, I……

[……However, comrade didn't stop. You wanted the best result, so you vigorously opposed your own frightened heart. That is why comrade has gained a lot of people by your side. That is why comrade had seized great results.]

[Frea-san……]

Thereupon, Frea-san turned her gaze from the sky back to me and stared at my eyes.

[My comrade, you are not great because you have achieved victory. It was because ”you had faced the challenge that you were great. I admire your courage more than anything, your proud heart that reached out for the best. You can be proud of what you achieved. You have succeeded in your challenge because it was you who did it…… It’s a great deed that no one else could ever duplicate.]

The words we had exchanged so far had at least conveyed to me that Frea-san was a straightforward person. That’s why I felt a little embarrassed when I understood that these words of praise were Frea-san’s true intentions, holding not a single hint of falsehood.

[That is why, the great challenge that such a comrade is facing…… If I could help you in any way, that would be something I would be most proud of. And seeing my comrade achieve victory brings me incomparable joy. That is why I want to thank you. For allowing me to take part in that really great battle.]

Seeing such a Frea-san telling me that with a smile, I couldn’t help but smile too. It’s not because I achieved a great result that I’m great. It’s the fact that I reached out to achieve such a great result that makes me great…… The words of praise Frea-san for the courage I mustered, holding not a hint of deceit in it…… really makes me happy.

<Afterword>

Serious-senpai : [……Since her appearance, her Affection Meters are just too high.]

? ? ? : [She has been praising Kaito-san from beginning to end after all…… Speaking of which, Serious-senpai, why are you drinking black coffee as if it’s a matter of course? Also, why do I feel like there are so many things here in the Afterword than before……]

Serious-senpai : [Makina gave me a lot of stuff. Even though she had some personality problems, her logistics ability is truly divine.]

? ? ? : [I was worried about whether it would be alright if she were to take my role for the moment, but it seemed like you’ve gotten along surprisingly well…… Well, for the time being, here’s some sugar for your coffee.]

Serious-senpai : [Why are you smoothly harassing me!?]