53. Disciples of the wise
Lakkarai Perspective
Is that so? I can't believe you were banished from the brave party, just like me. "
Ariake across the table said bluntly.
We were in a village at the foot of the mountain now. This is a small shop (cafe).
Mr. Ariake said he was traveling with someone named Colette, but he is now out of his seat because of something else.
"Yes, yes. Having said that, I was banished from 'incompetence' and 'lack of coverage'. It's completely different from someone as amazing as Mr. Ariake."
Ariake helped me in that mountain and finally found someone to follow me.
I will definitely make you an apprentice! What?
(But if you think about it carefully, you won't make me an apprentice....)
Because...
"I don't understand the reason for expelling someone as capable as Mr. Ariake... But the reason for banishing people like me from the brave party is simply incompetence. The brave men clearly told me time and time again that he was incompetent and useless."
I felt very sad when I said that.
Not at all, but I can't tell you that I want to be an apprentice to Mr. Ariake.
I want to be an apprentice and stay with you forever. But that's why incompetence like mine is not qualified to say such a thing. That's how it hurts.
However, for some reason, Mr. Ariake's expression was faint in my words.
And then...
"Lakkarai, what is your incompetence?
That's how I tilted my neck.
What?
On the other hand, I'm surprised that such a reaction won't come back.
"Bo, I'm glad you saw my incompetence in that mountain...!
I raised my voice unexpectedly.
"I could barely swing my spear, and I was surrounded by bandits. With Ariake's advice, I managed to defeat one of them... However, it happens occasionally. I'm no different from being an incompetent with no clumsy means of attack...!
Polori, and. Drops fell from my eyes.
I'm really embarrassed.
The shame of complaining about your incompetence has spilled into your tears.
Above all, Mr. Ariake will hate you for saying this.
That was the scariest part.
This is the only time I go back to being a girl.
But, uh...
First of all, you didn't run.
Heh?
Suddenly, Mr. Ariake said. I don't know what you're talking about.
"Sometimes the qualities of a warrior don't escape. That means you never betray your people. You didn't leave me behind when you were surrounded by bandits. [M] In a situation where my life was in danger, I didn't make that gesture at all."
"Well, that's only natural....."
As a member of the Kelburg family, I will not abandon my people, no matter what!
But when Ariake smiles gently,
"Lakkarai, that's not natural."
That's how I put my hand on my head.
"That's exactly what it takes to be a warrior, and it's the ultimate 'qualities'. Because you can only trust your back with friends who never betray you. This is really important, isn't it? Lakkarai, if you party, you'll see."
At first, I didn't understand the meaning of Mr. Ariake's words.
But somehow I couldn't breathe. My heart is ringing an early bell.
And just like before, tears were spilling out before I knew it.
But that's not from the shame.
I was first recognized as a warrior by a man.
Mr. Ariake told me that I had the qualities of a companion who could protect my back, who had been alone since I was chosen by the spear.
I was so moved that I stopped breathing.
Really. Really, Mr. Ariake is amazing.
He saved my heart, not just from the bandits.
"Ah, thank you. Ariake-san... uhh... hiku..."
I accidentally leaked my swallow.
In the meantime, Mr. Ariake stroked my head with a big hand.
... oh, I think this is my hand.
I'm very relieved to be wrapped in this big hand.
It makes me feel warm, and I don't want to leave. Your heart bells fast and you can't think of anything.
"Well, Elgar would have to be able to say this..."
While stroking my head, Mr Ariake said astonished.
"It's nice to be proud of your defenses, but I've taught you many times that the true role of a warrior... is really to protect the bonds of fellow men. Ha ~"
"What do you mean?
"Defense Essentials The true role of the warrior Tank is to be the spiritual pillar of the party. Even when the party is in trouble, the warrior can hold it physically and mentally by stepping on it and scolding and encouraging everyone. Stops the final party collapse. That is the role that is truly required. The defense is strong, but Gatai is good at what the rushing warrior Tank says. If you keep saying that right now, you're really not learning anything....."
"... no, Elgar has always said what kind of defense and what kind of muscle...?
"Hah... that idiot hasn't grown yet..."
Mr Ariake took a breath because he was deeper.
It's about that brave party. You must have had a lot of trouble.
Above all, I felt very sorry for Elgar, who was unable to grow up while receiving Ariake's teachings.
But anyway, thanks to Mr. Ariake, I was able to heal the sad feelings and loneliness that were nesting in my heart.
That's why I thank you sincerely again.
"Thank you very much, Mr. Ariake. Find out I'm proud of myself!
Having said that, it's been a long time since I smiled.
But Ariake smiled a little bit.
"Hey, I told you. 'First of all, you didn't run away.' Lakarai, you still have a lot of talent."
I told him to say yes.
As expected, I shook my neck aside in a hurry.
"Eh, no... That's why I don't have so many other talents."
Say so and deny it.
But, uh...
"No, I do.... but it would be quicker for you to actually try this and experience it yourself."
Heh?
Feelings?
Ariake said, and put the glass he was drinking back on the table.
"Lakkarai, if you don't mind, I'll give you a little special training. How about now?
That's how I look out.
"What? Huh?
It was sudden.
I'm not entirely on top of the early deployment.
But, uh...
(But I'm glad...)
I'm happy.
Because it was like I was really a disciple.
I nodded so as to suppress my feelings, and I left the store chasing Ariake's back.