"Can you help me?" asked Lina, putting up of a brave face.
"Yes, I can, but why do you need my help?"
"For me to stand up against myself."
"You want to stand against yourself?" asked James in a confused tone.
"Yes."
"Why?"
"I have been doing whatever they told me to & a part of me is just used to it. It feels like I just can't say no & the result is this. Always causing problems for others."
James nodded, saying nothing as it was mostly true & judging from her background, it was not strange for her to not be able to say no.
"So, I want you to stand behind me so my family won't be able to force me to do things."
"Just me standing."
"Your name is more than enough." replied Lina, matching his gaze. The Esper's name carried far more importance than any other thing in the entire empire standing beside the royal family. They were one of many few people who wrote the very law that governed this country, so the authority & responsibility came with it.
