Sword of the Philosopher

The place Sophia was talking about was certainly a good place to keep an eye on and often overlook the town. I lean against the installed wooden fence and look out over town.

"Your heart is washed."

"Right...... just now, do you care?

"No, it's okay."

Her side, speaking with a bitter smile, was silver-haired by the wind.

I look back at the town. We hear leaf rubbing from the trees around us, and silence arises between us. But it's never uncomfortable. Rather, it was enough to feel like I wanted to be like this.

Eventually it was Sophia who opened her mouth first.

"Master Luon."

"Hmm?"

"After this battle, what will you do?

"That's another long story."

"But I think it's important"

After I turn my gaze to her, I turn my back on the town and keep my back on the fence.

"... Honestly, I'm not thinking about what to do. Are we going home, or are we going to continue our journey... there are as many answers as there are. Just."

And I shrug my shoulders.

"I can somehow imagine not letting it go around more than being treated like a hero"

"Dear Luon..."

"Oh, I'm not saying I don't like that"

Reply to her with a wave - at the same time, I remember thinking deep down.

"... one"

"Yes."

"There's only one thing I'm thinking about. But I don't know how to do that."

Sophia tilting her neck. I guess the way you put it was abstract.

"Can I say it?

"... Yes, go ahead. What do you do?

"I wanted to repay the people I met. You can fight this way because it's not just me, it's everybody's fault."

"Give back, is it?"

"Well, they'll give it back to you, including Sophia, that you don't have to."

"I think so. That's how I answer that."

"I guess."

We laugh at each other...... but let's just say this.

"But, Sophia"

"Yes."

"I will definitely repay you for Sophia in some way. I think it's my duty."

Silence arose. She just looks back at me...... no, put aside a moment,

"Master Luon, it's..."

"I was saved my life. So come on...... is that what the response looks like?

"Yes, it is. There's no place for Master Luon to worry."

"But this is what I'm deciding to do when it's all over. It's a long story... but I'm going to give Sophia something back."

She shakes her head. I laugh when I see you like that.

"Nothing has to be so stubborn..."

"Well, I'm glad you cared. But it is also my will that we travel together as squire in this way. There is no need to return the favor."

You kind of don't give in to either side. Well, I was expecting this conversation somehow.

"... Dear Luon, can you promise me just one thing?

"Hmm? What?

"I think the battle will intensify in the future... because if the opponent is a literal 'God', I think he is even more powerful than the Demon King or Fallen Angel"

"Right."

"Sometimes you need to be impotent. It may even come out. But can you promise me that you won't just throw your own life out?

"I promise. I don't want to die either."

Eyes on Sophia. Tell her she has an anxious face somewhere, this one is "okay".

"Besides, after all the battles, we have to give Sophia back properly."

"That's... I've told you many times, you don't have to"

"If I were to work in the kingdom of Barks, I wonder what form it would take"

"Um, Master Luon?

"Let's talk to the King about that once we're back on the continent... what do you think?

To the question, Sophia silenced again. It's just not the same kind as before, something mixed with confusion.

"To your father, is it?

"It would be difficult from where I stand to hire you as a soldier, and I think you should confirm it directly."

"Just like me, I think your father says you need it."

"I guess so. But even then, I want to do something."

"... and Master Luon"

Sophia, as somewhere frightened,

"It's a lot, isn't it?"

"Did you get Sophia's?

"What do you think...... why are you thinking of doing that?

- I think she asked questions in the course of the conversation. But if they ask you why, you have to answer.

Why would I try to do that? The answer was one.

"It's..."

Sophia seems to have noticed, trying to answer. Suddenly I saw my face strengthen and I almost blew it out unexpectedly.

"... you know, Sophia"

"Yes, sir"

"Something similar has happened before."

"Oh, was I?

"Look, I've been upset before like that"

In the land of dragons, when I met Anastasia.

Looks like it's the same this time.

"... excuse me"

"I don't need to apologize..."

I answer with my head on.

"Why, is there a reason to stop?

Although a conversation without a subject continues... Sophia understands and leans down properly.

The atmosphere is that I don't want to talk about it... somehow, but I understand the situation.

She is a person in a position to carry the country in the future. So even if I tell you everything on this occasion, I have several walls to cross as a princess. So I can't honestly shake my head vertically...... is that the place?

I might think that if I were the one who defeated the Demon King and became a hero - but I can't be honest without some other element, and I don't want you to say it now - I guess.

There is only one way to remedy it - namely:

"Sophia, sooner or later we have to rethink this journey"

"Huh...?

"I'm not talking about leaving Sophia behind. It is not clear how long this long journey will last. So Sofia has to go back to the country during the journey, and I think it might come out."

"It's..."

"I wonder if I should consult King Barks, including around there"

Sophia used to tie her mouth, but eventually nodded small.

"Right. You have to think about it, including the rumors."

"That's settled. Nevertheless, starting tomorrow, let's focus on the Fallen Angel Crusade. If we leave the battle of this continent alone, we don't know what will happen to our continent."

"Yes."

Sophia snorts with determination - both of us have known each other for a long time what they think. But between the two, it's still like a wall... psychological, but that kind of obstacle exists.

But it's not Sophia's intention to force you to destroy it. As far as I'm concerned, I'd like to talk to the king face to face. I just don't know what would happen if the king said "ask for my daughter" himself there...

Can't you think about this now?

"Sophia, the day is high, but it's time to go home?

"Right, let's go back to town... when the battle is over, shall we come and see the sunset this time"

"Right. That would be a nice view too...... let's go"

"Yes."

Walk out side by side. At the same time, one thought arose in my head - I decided to put it inside my chest and keep it until the time I came.