I followed that room and headed to the courtyard with that leg.
After knocking at the door that separates the courtyard from the building, a white flower garden appears on one side.
In the middle of it, Sophia was on her way to making something.
"Sophia, what are you doing?
"... I have one question before that"
Sophia keeps telling me over her back in a slightly angry tone.
"Lazareth, don't you think anything? Scared or not wanting to go, nothing..."
"... right. I don't want to go, and I'm scared. But I can't change my mind."
"... ugh."
... from her, I guess she doesn't care what I say.
But this is for real. It's not as strong as it ever was.
"Then it's our turn. Just one question."
"... it's sloppy. Didn't you just do that?"
"I forgot. And you didn't answer me."
She groans dissatisfied 'Don't you remember' but decides not to dare care here.
If I'm stuck with that word, I don't know when I'll be able to cut it out.
"Will Sophia join the war, even if I'm gone?
"Yes.... because that's the brave one"
"Are you the one who's not afraid?
"That's scary, of course. But if I run away, there will be more people..."
She turns away like she's frightened, and her hand, which is making something, stops too.
Now I think she's gotten really emotional.... No, I guess this is the original girlfriend.
Besides, the mindset was abominably consistent with some distant fool.
"Hey, Sophia. I just want you to remember this."
"... Huh?
"The people you're trying to protect, it's fine with anyone who can actually protect them. Nothing is more convenient than being in charge and saving us."
"I don't...!
"I do. I'm sure you will be watched by many people when you go to war. But I'm sure you won't be alone in worrying or fighting with someone with a weapon."
"... so I want you to live for what you truly believe"
This wasn't hard to say, I meant it.
Whatever you have to believe. Lovers, family, others, myself, whatever this flower garden is.
This is the last word I'll send to her. Then let's say I give you a word made of pure courtesy.
As time flowed as if frozen, Sophia opened her mouth as if to break that ice.
"... you asked twice, it's sloppy"
"Ah, oh. Uh, sorry?
"Well, it's a punishment game"
Sophia pulled me to grab my neck forcefully and my lips and hers overlapped as they were.
Moment after moment, it was instantly incomprehensible that this act was so-called 'kissing'.
"... Huh?
"I said a punishment game. If you come to this, don't lie."
That said, she turns away and dyes bright red to her ears.
... Why, kiss?
A kiss is something that favored people do to each other...
I don't understand.
What can I say?
What emotions should I have?
"... uh, thanks, huh?
"I don't want to thank you for the punishment game."
That's what I say, she smiles.
That's when I had feelings I couldn't tell her.
As of today, she seems bigger and better.
I panicked and looked around to see if anyone was watching me, but now it's time for no one.
... I'd rather feel embarrassed without anyone.
"Then it's a promise at the end. Be sure to come back, Lazareth."
"... oh. Okay."
I get up from the flower garden, and when I try to get back to my room, I accidentally get something on her from behind.
There, a crown made of flowers here, hung on his neck.
... or because it's too big. It's almost like a necklace through your head, this.
"It's a sign I promised. I'll give you this, so never forget it."
"Okay. Then I'll take this."
... I'm sure Dad would forgive me.
I wear a floral crown and put the pendant around her neck.
"I don't have a hand right now, so take this"
"Huh? But this is important..."
"It's okay, because there's more to it than that."
... Though the rest is only about daggers.
But if it's going to be just an accessory in the land of witches, you should have it for her.
I'll be back, as a token.
"... then I'll go. Sofia."
"Yes. Be sure to come back"
I turn my back on her this time and start walking into my room.
... That's when I heard her screaming from behind.
"I will fight, believe you! So never forget!
... Forget it.
When I tried to put it in my voice, my tears got in the way and I couldn't shout back at the answer.
So I raise the crown and signal her.
As it turns out, her voice can no longer reach me.
A week after that day, I was driving with Manica on a Mentila carriage to the location of Witch Country on a rocky mountain.
Of course, I haven't forgotten anything. On a dagger, change of clothes or money. And a floral crown.
I decided to spell it in the diary Bettenburg gave me so I wouldn't forget my memories with her one by one.