Balance of the World

Episode 47 In front of the bonfire*

“…Linaria! Are you okay!”

　A shake on my shoulder woke me up.

"...Agen-sama"

　I think I fell asleep at some point. Get up and sneeze.

"I'm sorry, I was asleep."

"I was worried... I picked up a branch, so let's light the fire right away."

　Combine dried branches and set them on fire with magic.

　The crackling fire exploded, and after confirming that it had started to burn firmly, Agen put a branch with blue leaves in it.

　Smoke soon begins to rise.

“With this much smoke, it looks like you can see it from far away. I hope help comes soon…”

"I agree"

　Agen looks up at the sky where the smoke is rising.

"...But you often followed me alone. Didn't you stop His Highness and Spinel?"

"Because I jumped off a cliff before I was stopped."

"You're going to be unreasonable..."

　He said with a troubled face. It's hard to say because I am indebted to him for helping me, but if it's true, I'd be surprised. It's an action that a normal lady wouldn't do in the first place.

"I did it because I thought I could help you....But everyone must be angry, so please apologize when you get home."

　The teacher will scold me, but Spinel is 100% angry and definitely a sermon course.

　His Highness is probably angry too... Just imagining it makes me depressed.

　Agen nods mysteriously to me who sighs.

"Okay... It's my responsibility too."

　… Responsibility? This guy has a strong sense of responsibility. I'm a knight.

　I ask Agen.

"Did you fall into the river to save Aragona-sama?"

"... Well, I wouldn't care if I was dying instead."

"is that so"

　Thinking that Agen might get hurt, I dared to push him away.

　The will itself is very admirable. Any knight would want to protect his comrades, especially women. I think it's amazing to be able to do it on the fly.

　However, I also wondered what it would be like to be a person standing at the top. Even though Agen is the eldest son of a duke.

“…Streng was chasing you.

　I know how Streng feels. He wants to help the Lord even if it costs his life. I would have done the same if I were in Streng's shoes.

　The reason I helped Agen was because I wanted to save the life in front of me, but it was also partly because I sympathized with Streng.

　…I didn't want Streng to experience the despair of losing a master like I did.

　That's why I don't praise Agen for putting himself in danger. I have no intention of comforting you.

"...Strength is loyal."

"yes"

　He is undoubtedly loyal. That's why I don't hate strength. The other side doesn't seem to like me very much though.

　Agen looks a little depressed.

　...was a bit pathetic.

“Well, as a result, Master Aragona was saved, and wouldn’t it be nice if everyone was safe?”