I was able to successfully overcome the trials put out by the elders.

I couldn't possibly get the items I needed to seal and leave the house...

Epic items seem to be tightly controlled and not easy to bring up.

Unseal the multiple seals one by one...

It will take a lot of time.

And they need a lot of procedures.

It's like a bureau job.

When Arios asked me to bring up the 'Shield of Truth', it seems that the opponent was a brave man, and the process around it was also omitted...

Now that you're a normal person, you can't skip it and you have to go through the process for a long time.

And one more thing.

I needed time for Sola and Luna to master the magic to seal Illis.

The coach is Mr. Al.

According to Al's story, it's supposed to take about a month to master...

Sola and Luna said they could master it in a week.

They seem to have that much talent.

So I was to stay in the Spirit for at least a week.

I don't know.

I can't believe I haven't been able to go outside for a week...

What if, while this is happening, Illis resumes his activities?

And what if it's too late?

Thinking about it, I can't stay or not.

"Nyah, Rain"

When I noticed, Canade was nearby.

Until I was called out, it was like I didn't realize its existence.

Looks like he thought too much about it and was caught in a whirlpool of thought.

"Difficult face, you do. Are you thinking about Iris?

"Oh, yeah"

"... that's not the reason, I know that... Mmm, hey Gerathy"

"Yeah?"

"Hey, aren't you in?

Canade waves his hands to the side with warmth.

"You should calm down a little. I'm not in a hurry, and now I just have to wait."

"I know that, but I really..."

"Nah..."

You look like Canade thinks a little...

Then,

"Nah!

No, I've been holding him like that.

"Or Canade?

……

I'm suddenly surprised.

While Canade turns his face bright red...

Whoa, he's hugging me.

That's like quenching my anxiety...

It's like sharing warmth...

I was a little embarrassed, but my mind settled in wonder.

"... what do you think?

"I don't care what they say..."

"Calm down?

"A little."

"Eh heh, good"

Canade laughs nicely.

"I've had my mother do this before. Then I can calm down so much..."

"Really..."

"Uh, um... so! I just want Rayne to calm down and do this, heh, because it doesn't make any weird sense!? There isn't!?

"I know. Because I don't make strange mistakes."

"Mmmm... I don't know if that's too good a way to tell"

What do you want me to do?

"Anyway...... thanks, Canade"

"Ha-ha-ha."

Gently away, I stroked Canade's head.

Canade's tail swayed happily.

But don't keep your happy face going...

Change to a worried look.

"... Hey, Rain"

"Yeah?"

"I don't think I can ask you this from now on... but I really want to make sure. Can I ask you something?

"What?

"What if... what will you do then if you can't do anything about it?

Canade's inquiry pierced deep into my heart.

I can't help it.

That would be about Iris.

Though I'm trying to seal Illis...

And what if it fails?

What if we can't even stop it with strength?

What if I can't even restrain you anymore?

When all means are lost...

What will I do then?

Canade must be asking about it.

"I..."

Close your eyes and think.

What should I do?

What do you want to do with Iris?

What do you want to end up with?

Think, think, think...

Still, my answer remains the same.

It was one from the beginning.

"Still, I'm not giving up."

I opened my eyes and said clear.

"Nyah... Rain"

"I risk this life to try and stop Illis. Choose a choice other than killing Illis and let them grab it. That doesn't give up until the end. Until that time when you can't move, until the last time... I'll make you fight it. I... I want to help Iris. I've been piling up terrible memories, savoring all the despair... how could such a life be too terrible? So... one day, I wish I could see a smile from the heart of Illis. That's my answer."

To put it into words made me wonder and ready.

If I were you, I might have to be prepared to kill you when I have to.

But isn't that an escape?

I should have sworn to help you, but I can't believe you changed your policy in the earthworks... it's not consistent behavior, the core is bluffing.

Don't let that happen...

To be able to pierce this thought...

I've set my mind to clarity now.

In response to my decision like that, Canade...

"Nah, that's Rain."

He laughed happily, as he did about himself.