Nina-chan leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with determination as she spoke.
"...I want to go too, Itsuki's dad. Please, let me come along!"
However, my father responded firmly and without hesitation.
"...No. I can't allow that. I don't know your capabilities, and it would be too dangerous."
It was such a blunt, matter-of-fact statement that even I, who usually understood his reasoning, felt like saying, "Come on, give her a chance." But despite how cold it sounded, I knew it was the truth. My father always prioritized safety, especially when it came to matters involving dangerous magic or monsters.
However, I felt like I owed Nina-chan something. She had spent countless afternoons helping me practice magic and refine my skills. She had been patient, supportive, and, most importantly, kept her promise to assist me. Now, it was my turn to help her.
"But, Dad, you took me with you, right?" I asked, trying to reason with him.