Chapter 25

Novels

After Rose gave the report that the Maous army was approaching, she led me back to the Rescue Squads lodgings .

I momentarily returned back to my own room and after taking a short break, I headed to Roses .

The Leaders room was on the second floor .

I had never visited the room yet but other than training times, she would always be there .

Before entering, I knocked three times .

Excuse me, its Usato .

Enter .

Pardon me .

After hearing that voice coming from inside, I opened the door and entered .

Looking around, it was several times cleaner than I had imagined . The bookshelves were lined up with various books while there seemed to be documents piled on top of one desk .

Leaning on that desk with their elbow and sitting on a chair was Rose .

It seemed like her hair was wet too, she probably had a shower after we came back . Well, she was covered in dust after all .

Sit down .

Alright .

With Roses prompt, I sat down on the chair in front of the desk . It felt similar to an interview where it was difficult to settle down .

… . I should ask just to be sure but, you do remember what your own role is, right?

Erm, be in the vanguard like Leader and healed the injured when I can?

Looks like you really do remember . Then, lets talk about the specifics regarding that… To start with, we wont enter the vanguard yet when the battle begins . Thats the first stage .

Meaning in the first stage, we wont be moving at all it seems . Although I had some doubts regarding this, I should first hear what Rose has to say .

During that time, Tong and them will move out . Today you also met with Orga and Uluru for the letter errand I sent you . Along with those two, the four of us will set-up a base point where we will begin treating the wounded that get brought back .

Why is it that we dont move out at first?

What are you going to with your healing magic when theres no one injured in the beginning? You would just throw the vanguard in disorder while being an easy mark for the enemy, right?

Ah, thats true .

I didnt think that far ahead . Certainly, there wouldnt be many wounded in the beginning . It could be said that we have no role unless theres people in need of treatment .

Which is why we should leave it to Tong and the others in the beginning . Well be in the rear treating anyone that gets brought back as the frontline advances .

Next, theres an important thing you need to be aware of before entering the vanguard .

Important thing?

Aah, its important . Im the one saying this but… Dont make a mistake as to who you help .

… . . Is it this? Dont save the enemy or something?

I wonder why you were mentioning something that was obvious . There was no meaning in saving the opponent who was trying to take you down without reason .

Ah, I guess you would interpret it like that . What I meant was to not carelessly heal the injured .

Basically… What you mean is?

For example, theres a soldier trying to fight despite having a minor illness . If you were to help them and let them re-join the fight, what would happen?

… . . They would become a burden for the others fighting in the war, right?

Thats the reason . What it means is that while youre on the front, you dont heal everyone .

I see, while making sure our allies didnt become burdens, I should also support the ones I could . It made sense .

With this, the first topic is now finished . The next one is about you .

Me?

Wasnt the previous conversation related to me?

However, somehow it felt like it wasnt the usual Rose . It was like this just before we entered the castle as well . It seemed like she didnt have her usual thorns or spiteful words . Just what kind of change has occurred inside her? Or was it that she was about to reveal some kind of strategy…

Nn? Something was flying towards me—

Uwa!

Thats the Rescue Squads uniform . Try putting it on .

Eh… . . ?

What was thrown to me was clothing similar to a white robe-like coat . The Rescue Squads symbol, a red flower, was embroidered on the right portion of the chest area . In addition, the cloth used seems to be of fine quality as it was very smooth and firm . It was the same as what Rose always wore .

This was prepared to stand out on the chaotic battlefield as an exclusive uniform . Its very durable and water-proof . Im giving it to you .

T-thank you very much .

These clothes mustve been really expensive . I shouldnt ask about what kind of materials were used to make it .

… . Somehow, I was a little happy . I passed my arms through the uniform and fastened the snaps . I had just put it on but my impression was that it was easy to move in . It also felt comfortable to wear .

… . . Hooh, it looks quite nice doesnt it? The results of tempering your body are effective .

Uu… .

Before I knew it, this person came this close to me… I couldnt even hear their footsteps .

Rose was about an arms length away from me . As she approached me, she reached for my cheek with her hand . My body couldnt move as if paralyzed .

This wasnt fear .

It felt more like it was because of a sense of duty as I restrained my own body and ignored my own will .

Tong and them are black, while the Fleur siblings are grey . And now youre wearing the same white as me, do you know the meaning of it? Incidentally, this was originally made for someone else but things didnt go as planned .

Eh, why?

Fuu, its still too early for you to know .

Hah?

After a moment, I felt an impact on the back of my neck as I felt my whole body spin one revolution .

As expected, Rose was Rose .

As my conscious gradually faded, for some reason, she had her eyes closed and it felt like she was relieved that she had met me .

*

… . As expected, Rose is cruel!

Uwa!?

… . Wait, huh?

Regaining my conscious, I was on my bed . On the other bed was Tong who was sleeping and snoring .

On the wall there… that was the coat I received from Rose… Well, the other squads clothes were hanging there too .

… . Was Rose was the one who brought me back here and hung it there?

Gu-nu-nu, that person, either theyre a tsundere or not… I dont know… Which reminds me, I think I heard a voice other than mine just a moment ago…

If I recall, it was Uwa!? and it was a males voice that I heard .

U-Usato~

I could hear a voice coming from the window… This was the second floor .

There was no way a person would come—

Notice already~

Kazuki!?

I couldnt help it and exclaimed .

Thinking that I was still half-asleep, I rubbed my eyes to see…

Re-examining it, I could still see that it was Kazukis figure that was clinging onto the windows grip on the second floor .

For now, I should open the window and jump down .

F-for the time being, lets talk on the ground .

Y-yeah!

I couldnt let Kazuki in the room as Tong was still here . In addition, if Rose knew that I was still up at this time, it would be too late to regret it .

Descending down with Kazuki, we moved away from the house . With the moons light, we could easily move without having to worry about our surroundings .

Then, what are you up to when its this late? D-dont tell me… I dont have that kind of preference!!

… . What are you saying, Usato?

Sorry, my mind is just rotten .

You were just too pure . To the point that it was vastly different from Inukami-senpai .

We moved to the spot where I usually trained and we sat down as I waited for Kazuki to talk .

Hahaha, youre a weird fellow~ Senpai had the same response, you know?

Inukami-senpai eh .

I could guess what she was thinking . But Kazuki, you werent the weird one here . It was just that Inukami-senpai and I had corrupted minds so you shouldnt mind it .

… . Oops, we already derailed from the original topic .

In the end, what did you come here for?

… . In the evening, I heard from the King that the war with the Maous army would be beginning .

Ah .

The Maou… The King was fast in telling the news . Leaving Inukami-senpai aside, Kazuki feeling uneasy couldnt be helped .

Senpai was a little perplexed but immediately got energetic again… But I kept thinking about the fight ahead… I couldnt sleep at night… Before I noticed it, I slipped out of the castle… . And for some reason, Im now paying a visit to you here .

……

I look calm but, here I am, running away… . . Usato… . Im…

Looking at me was Kazuki whose face was being illuminated by the moonlight . It the usual gallant and handsome-looking expression but somehow it looked frail .

Scared of fighting .

For the time being, I should let him say what was on his mind .

Why was he consulting with me and not Inukami-senpai… . ?