hat’s good.

In that case, should my identities merge?

TLN: In the raw, literally written as “Do I become Raidou = Misumi”?

I’ll eventually meet Hibiki-senpai, the hero of the kingdom, in some form or another.

That might be a chance for me, too.

「I’m glad you didn’t refuse. I’m going to go rest now, okay?」(Makoto)

Somehow, it’s become embarrassing to make eye contact with these three now.

As if running away, I turn my back on the room and leave.

◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆

The outskirts of Asora.

Shiki is lying on the floor, out cold, and the whites of his eyes are visible.

As proof that a fierce battle has taken place here, there are numerous signs of destruction left across the field.

Tomoe and Mio are sitting on the remains of a huge tree that has been felled magnificently.

Shiki twitches occasionally at the side of the tree, and there is a blanket over him, but the two of them show no concern towards him at all.

「Say, Mio. Why did you make that poor excuse? In that state, I think Waka would have accepted you.」(Tomoe)

「Hmph... Have you not had enough? What about you, making fun of me in such a horrible way?」(Mio)

「I am asking why you chose to throw away the opportunity of granting your heart’s desire, to share a bed with Waka. He did consume a considerable amount of alcohol, but I think he was sufficiently conscious, no?」(Tomoe)

The two of them look in the same direction, towards the horizon and the night sky.

「...」(Mio)

「From my point of view, it seems Waka has grown considerably as a person in the past few days. The previous master might have simply offered to assist in the restoration of the imperial capital of Limia. At the very least, we did not end up having to attack Kaleneon by ourselves.」(Tomoe)

「...」(Mio)

「He was even firm in his resolution when dealing with the dragon slayer. I do not think it would be bad for him to learn the warmth of a woman at this point. If that woman is to be you, I would ignore my usual course of action and encourage you.」(Tomoe)

「... But duty and gratitude. Because he says such things, I just thought it would be wrong to join my body with Waka-sama’s.」(Mio)

Mio opens her mouth, breaking her silence.

「Hooh?」(Tomoe)

「I! ... Rather than because of my own feelings. I just realized that I wanted to join our bodies with him being the one to desire me. Things like “well done” or “thank you”. It occurred to me that those are the wrong reasons.」(Mio)

From his true facial expression, she was able to understand how he felt.

Therefore, before this truth became affirmed, she discarded the opportunity of her own accord.

「You want Waka to tell you that he wants you.」(Tomoe)

Tomoe simply nods as she speaks, not even looking at Mio.

A few moments later, Mio also nods.

「But you are aware that that would be difficult? Waka is beginning to think of us as his family. Rather than being lovers, you could take him as someone who feels close to you, but it would be a love that is quite different from passion.」(Tomoe)

「I know that.」(Mio)

「Is that fine for you? You are aware that your feelings might be unrequited?」(Tomoe)

historical

「Even so. Even so, I want to truly serve him, to be devoted to him. For now, I want to live with these feelings, this devotion.」(Mio)

「I see... It is even more unlikely for Waka to desire my body than for him to desire yours, so I will at least encourage you. Though it may be meaningless.」(Tomoe)

「He has not said that there is another woman that he loves. There is no hurry. One day.」(Mio)

「... Human lives are short, after all. In another few years, it is possible that he will have one or two lovers that he will be married to for life, you know?」(Tomoe)

「If it is a woman that I deem worthy, then I can endure~desu wa. I absolutely cannot acknowledge a woman who is unable to cook. And I will have him embrace me just as much as her.」(Mio)

「Are you his mother-in-law? No, you are even worse. In that case, it will be a long time before we see Waka’s child.」(Tomoe)

These two old, loyal followers spend the night talking to each other.