This is yesterday's chapter. Another one coming tonight...
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"… In other words, we will be a response force?"
"Yes. Father thought that it's the best position for you. Although it will be a bit risky to face the monsters that pass through the defense line, the risk is less than in the frontlines."
Bloed nodded. To be honest, he was happy with this arrangement. This way, he could try to protect as many civilians as possible.
"You will be behind the defense line in the south of the city with another three teams. Also, although there are teams in the other parts of the city, you must be ready to reinforce them if the situation turns dangerous."
Bloed nodded. "I understand. Don't worry, I know what to do... Young master Gerald, can I ask how is the situation?"
"… Things are not looking good. Yesterday, the demigod of the kingdom went to check the situation and he confirmed that the number of monsters is over fifty thousand… It looks like you were right, Bloed.
"Fortunately, the kingdom sent a particularly strong demigod this time. You will not believe it, but they sent The King's Right Hand himself! With him, I'm sure we will manage to defend against the monster wave. Bloed, are you alright?"
"Huh? Oh no, it's nothing. I was just thinking about something." Bloed smiled wryly and shook his head. Inwardly, though, he was feeling a rush of complicate emotions.
Butler Sebastian, The King's Right Hand.
One of the strongest in the kingdom, the king's confidant, and a powerful martial artist.
And also, one of the people Bloed did not want to meet the most.
"Well, I have to go, Bloed. The monster wave will arrive in four hours. So get ready for then."
Bloed nodded absentmindedly.
When Gerald left, Regina approached Bloed with a concerned look.
"Are you alright, master?"
Bloed smiled bitterly. "I am, don't worry. It's just that I was a bit surprised."
"Bloed, do you know The King's Right Hand?" Liu Ying asked curiously.
Bloed smiled wryly and shook his head. Liu Ying understood his clue and did not ask anymore.
Instead, she got ready for the coming battle.
With a tight-fitted shirt and a short skirt, Liu Ying put on the two fingerless gloves on her hands. The red and amber gloves fitted perfectly in her small hands, as though that was the place they were supposed to be since the start.
[Framover]. Forward.
That was the name Bloed gave the gloves.
Liu Ying caressed them softly. She could feel Bloed's feelings in the gloves. His wish for her to continue forward, no matter the obstacle in her path.
She could not help but feel complicated seeing them. She felt happy, but deeér inside her, she felt sad.
But that was not the only thing Bloed prepared for her. Besides the gloves, he also gave her a set of light armor with [Mana Shield] and [Reduced Impact] enchantments. Bloed said that he had made it in passing, but Liu Ying could see the dedication and care he had put on the armor.
An armor like this was enough to be considered a treasure even for an A-Rank practitioner.
"That idiot…" Liu Ying muttered softly and wore it.
Once she put on the armor, Liu Ying had transformed from a lively-looking young girl into a valiant goddess of war.
Unfortunately, her hair and eyes were disguised by Bloed's magic tool, or she would look even more stunning.
Liu Ying then left the room and went to the courtyard. Bloed and Regina were already there waiting for her.
When Liu Ying saw them, she for the first time got the feeling she did not belong here.
"… It's time to go, huh." Liu Ying smiled bitterly. Unknowingly, she had gotten used to Bloed's smile and Regina's sharp words.
"Liu Ying, you are here." Bloed called out to her.
Liu Ying bit her lips and sighed. "I guess the sooner I get done with this, the better."
"Huh? Did you say something?"
Liu Ying took a deep breath and looked straight to Bloed's eyes.
"… I think it's time for me to go."
Bloed stiffened.
"… I thought you were going to wait until after the battle."
"Better not. I think I will not bear to part if I postpone this." Liu Ying smiled wryly.
Bloed did not know what to say.
In the end, he only managed to sigh.
"… I see."
"I will go to the defense line to do my part and afterward I will leave for the demon empire. Don't worry, I'll be fine. I'm sure there are people in the empire still loyal to my family. They will surely help me." Liu Ying forced out a smile and looked away to hide her red eyes. "Perhaps, you will hear of me when I become an empress."
Liu Ying felt her words getting caught in her throat.
"Then, I'm going. See you later, Bloed, Regina." After these words, Liu Ying turned around and left resolutely.
After a few seconds, Bloed managed to reply.
"… See you later, Liu Ying."
For some reason, Bloed thought that Liu Ying's back seemed incredibly small.
"… Master, if you want, you can ask her to stay."
"Regina?" Bloed was surprised.
"… To be honest, I don't like her. But… I have watched her closely, and even after she learned that you can't use mana, she never looked at you differently. Furthermore, although she is in a position where she needs all the help she can get, she never tried to take advantage of us or asked us to help her, not even when she learned of my true strength or your forging talents."
Bloed fell silent.
"Master, if you want to accomplish your goals, she will be of great help." Regina finished with those words.
"… Thank you, Regina."
"Why? I'm just doing my duty."
Bloed smiled softly. "Well, you are doing a great job."
"Then, about Liu Ying…"
"Let's wait a bit more. I'll feel a bit awkward if I go after her just after she left."
"… That is stupid."
"I know... Just... shut up."
…
In another part of the city.
"Don't worry, Gina. You'll be safe here." Sara patted her little sister's head with a smile.
"… I know, sister. You be careful." Gina replied.
Sara smiled gently. She took something out of her shirt and put it on Gina's hand. "Take this communication crystal with you. If something happens, tell me."
"I understand. Don't worry sister, I'll be safe."
Sara nodded with a frown. For some reason, she felt strangely jittery today.
"Then, I'm going." With a last smile, Sara turned around and left for the battle.
Gina saw her sister go with a smile. Her smile was more beautiful and brighter than ever.
Even when her sister was far away, she was still smiling.
"… It's better like this, sister. It's better like this." Gina whispered.
Gina knew that if she asked her sister to stay, Sara would stay.
However, she did not do so.
… Only one of them was the target of the shadows. Her sister must not come to harm due to her.
"… I wonder if my hero will come for me."
With that last whisper, Gina closed her eyes.
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