Turning Thoughts Into Strength

On the way back to the others, Sheila looked at Claushezade’s back as he walked in front of her.

In the heat of the moment, she conveyed her feelings.

It wasn’t a good situation to be thinking about being embarrassed or ashamed, but Sheila couldn’t control her mind.

She tried to remain calm, but her eyes kept following Clauschezade. Even then, she wanted to run away when she made eye contact with him. It was really out of control. At least she hoped it didn’t show on her face.

‘Not good. I’ve got to get a grip….’

For Sheila, who had never seen a demon in real life, even though she understood in her mind that it was a dire situation, she might be a little far from realizing it.

In picture books and stories, she had seen a scene where a huge dragon breathes fire and destroys a whole country. But that scene, as one would expect, was probably fictional.

‘O-Of course, it won’t be like that, right?’

Could it be possible? Was that why Zechs and Cody both had such expressions of near despair?

“Sorry, we’re late.”

Jornwerner greeted them with his usual smile and lighthearted words.

“Welcome back. Have you been successfully persuaded by your cute student?”

“Rather than that, I didn’t want to spend all my time arguing. The easiest way to protect a person who won’t move, even with levers[1], is to give him what he wants and then stay with him.”

Was the person being talked about her? Sheila countered in frustration.

“I’m sure I’d move if I had a lever, though?”

“It’s a metaphor, you idiot.”

As usual, he responded curtly, but inwardly Sheila was relieved. She seemed to be able to have a conversation with him without being too conscious of it.

Cody and Zechs walked over while supporting the wounded man from both sides.

“Now that he’s healed, we’re going back. We need to inform everyone about this situation as soon as possible. What should we do about the horses?”

“If possible, please bring it back too. I’m worried something might happen to it.”

Cody’s brow furrowed a little, but he nodded clearly.

“Don’t worry, I’ll take it back safely….. Don’t be too reckless, okay?”

“Got it. Cody and Zechs stay safe, too.”

“That’s our line. Really, be careful.”

She smiled awkwardly back at Cody, who chuckled. Sheila noticed that Zechs wouldn’t meet her gaze, but she didn’t say anything.

After saying their goodbyes, Clauschezade stepped forward as if to replace her.

“Whatever you do, it’ll probably be best to head towards the Patrol Corps first. You may use my name if you wish.”

“I understand, Clauschezade-sensei.”

Cody listened to his advice with a sincere expression. Zechs, who had been quietly watching the exchange, suddenly stepped forward.

“Clauschezade-sensei. If I’m going to be away from the front lines, I’d at least like to help the Patrol Corps.”

“Oh, in that case, I would like to help too.”

Cody nodded repeatedly in agreement as if following Zechs. Clauschezade frowned as if his head hurt.

“Don’t let Sheila Danau make fools of you too. There is no need for all of you to take risks.”

“I can at least help with the evacuation. It’s more painful to wait and do nothing.”

Confronting Clauschezade head-on, Zechs responded in a calm and collected tone. He didn’t seem to be distracted by his emotions, nor did he seem to be losing his composure.

After a few moments, Clauschezade slowly looked away.

“…. All right. But it’s at your own risk. If you can’t at least protect yourself, you’ll be a liability to the corps.”

“Yes!”

Clauschezade had them take out their swords, to which they responded with fervor. The blade of the swords seemed to glow as he chanted something.

“I’ve strengthened your weapons. An ordinary sword won’t be able to take it and soon become useless. Keep it for self-defense in case the line of defense is breached.”

If the line of defense was breached, it meant that Sheila and her team were defeated. Of course, they wouldn’t let it come to that.

Zechs and Cody looked at each other for a moment but didn’t say anything back. They received their swords quietly.

The two men reassumed their hold on the border patrol man and wished them all well before leaving.

As Sheila watched them go, a displeased voice rose from behind her.

“So? I suppose you have an explanation for me, too?”

“…. Leidyrune-senpai.”

“Both Clauschezade-sensei and Jornwerner seem to agree about you staying. That means they already know what you can do that I don’t.”

Was it just her imagination that she sensed a somewhat sarcastic tone from him? Leidyrune had an unusually beautiful smile on his face, but even the thick-skinned Sheila could tell that it was tinged with coldness.

If they were going to fight together, she would have to convince him. Sheila confirmed this with a glance at Clauschezade, and he gave her a small nod of affirmation.

Felix had forbidden her to tell anyone.

But how could Sheila not trust Leidyrune, who had accepted her being a woman and even supported her? It didn’t take long for her to make up her mind.

“――O Spirit of the Wind.”

Just like when she revealed it to Jornwerner, Sheila let out a gentle breeze.

Leidyrune’s glossy black hair swayed softly. His wide-open eyes were glued to the palm of Sheila’s hand as she released her spirit arts.

“This is my power, spirit arts. I won’t go into details now, but I can use the attributes of the four elements without any problems, and unlike magic, they won’t run out. There’s also no magic essence in my blood, so I don’t have to worry about being targeted by demons.”

Leidyrune pressed his temples in shock.

“Spirit arts, you say? A technique that can be used without magic essence? What a terrific…. how in the world…. No, now is not the time to be discussing such things. You won’t run out of mana and won’t be targeted by demons. Is that all I need to know?”

“Thank you for understanding so quickly.”

“Once everything is over, I’ll ask you for a detailed explanation.”

He stared at her in a daze, and Sheila gave him a small smile. He was probably confused, but he didn’t try to ask any more questions. She appreciated his consideration of the situation.

“So, Clauschezade-sensei. How much time do you think we have?”

Clauschezade responded to the question posed by Sheila, who had regained her composure, with a resounding “I don’t know.”

“If it’s true that there were no flying creatures and that the guard had been riding his horses without a break, then we should have a little more time.”

“Is that because demons are slow?”

“Demons are often faithful to their desires. Even if there are species that are faster than horses, they probably won’t reach the royal capital yet, considering the possibility that they’re probably asleep. We can take our time in preparing to intercept them…. Hopefully, the evacuation will be completed in the meantime.”

Clauschezade continued to gaze in the direction of the royal capital thoughtfully. Was it the safety of his master, Felix, or the confusion of the people of the capital that he was thinking about?

Sheila, on the other hand, thought she saw a glimmer of light in his words.

Once the nobles and residents had been evacuated, the knights and patrols would soon be on their way. Perhaps reinforcements could be expected before they clashed with the demons.

“Come to think of it, there is an emergency shelter in the basement of each aristocratic mansion, isn’t there? If all the people with magic powers go in there, won’t the demons be unable to touch them?”

“Unfortunately, the presence of their magic essence will never disappear, so taking refuge underground doesn’t guarantee their survival. Perhaps the nobles will be too selfish to let go of their knights, too.”

Sheila was optimistic, but she stiffened at his remarks.

“What, so no help is coming?”

“It will take a while before they come, as the evacuation of the residents and nobles and the strengthening of the defensive walls surrounding the royal city will be the top priority. By that time, I expect the situation will have been settled.”

“So, there’s a possibility that we will end up in a crushing defeat…?”

Sheila hadn’t considered the possibility of no help at all. She nodded in disappointment, wondering if she had been too reckless.

“――Do you think such a thing could happen?”

Clauschezade’s indifferent voice descended over her head. She looked up involuntarily at the unchanged tone and was confronted by a pair of peacock-colored eyes that shone with a brilliant light.

“There’s no way you can lose with me. It is futile to imagine any future other than victory.”

Clauschezade stared intensely at his surroundings. His aura overwhelmed all of them.

It took everyone’s breath away and they all couldn’t help but be captivated. Even Leidyrune and Jornwerner, who was working on something.

“No matter how difficult it is, if we can face it undaunted, we have a chance to win. Don’t doubt yourself for a second. We can definitely do it. We will win.”

“――Yes!”

Clauschezade smiled faintly at Sheila’s brave reply. Before she knew it, the others were also smiling fearlessly.

Sheila could feel their hearts unite as if in response to each other.

Translator Notes:

1. No matter what happens, they won’t change their determination or beliefs. Once they decide to do something, they never change their mind. ↵