Chapter 63

When I got home, everyone was already gathered, and the meal was almost ready.

While feeling guilty for keeping them waiting, I greeted everyone and apologized for being late.

"It's work, right? It can't be helped."

Tisha smiled and took her seat after finishing her preparations.

We enjoyed the warm meal and chatted animatedly.

"I heard the news. How is the defense situation? Is Liz in danger?"

Ast, who is involved in the village's defense, seems to be exempt from the gag order.

He explained the current situation to the extent he could.

"Going to the battlefield..."

He muttered, his face filled with anguish.

No parent wants to send their child to war. Feeling guilty, his head naturally bowed.

"Ever since she decided to become an adventurer, she's been prepared. I wish I could protect her."

Her sincere eyes pierced through me. I found myself nodding.

"I will protect her with my life."

I replied with genuine sincerity.

"No, you can't. Both of you must come back together. That's absolute."

Tisha retorted.

However, the atmosphere softened.

We continued the meal in a pleasant mood.

After finishing the meal, I went out to the garden.

While recalling the recent movements of the central guard, I tried to think of ways to maneuver without relying too much on magic.

I visualized the enemy's movements, making them more complex, and adjusted my actions accordingly.

I transformed the centrifugal force and the momentum of thrusts into the power of circles, linking them continuously.

Feints and fatal strikes. I also visualized the tightening of muscles when thrusting and the cutting motion.

I was told to protect her.

I deflected a slash from my feet to my upper body.

I am powerless. I can't return without being hurt.

I swept the raised blade horizontally and stopped it. Using centrifugal force, I swept it widely.

So.

I raised it to a high position and swung it down to my feet with all my might.

"I will bring her back alive."

I stopped the slashing attack at my feet and then deflected it diagonally upward.

"That's... what I've decided!!"

I straightened the upward slash and swung it diagonally.

I exhaled sharply, my whole body creaking and my joints aching.

"That's what I've decided."

Amidst my heavy breathing, my chin lifted, and I looked up at the sky. The moon was shining.

I continued to gaze at its light while catching my breath.

I continued training. Since there would be group training tomorrow, it was fine to be a bit fatigued.

Thinking this, I repeated the slashing motions, longer than usual, as long as possible.

"Hiro..."

The upward deflection from the slash. Ideally, I would use the pommel for feints, but once the current modifications are complete, the pommel won't be usable.

"Hiro!"

I was startled by the loud voice near my ear. I realized Liz was there, looking slightly angry.

"Huh? Sorry, I didn't notice."

I must have been quite focused. I didn't even notice her approach.

"Ugh. I called you many times!"

Ah, she's quite upset.

"I was so captivated by your adorable voice."

"I don't want to hear your excuses."

My charm tactics didn't work.

"Thinking about the future, I just couldn't sit still. I might have been too focused, sorry."

"Ugh... That's so unfair. I can't say anything."

"Thank you for worrying about me."

I lightly kissed her cheek.

"It's a good time, shall I prepare the bath?"

"It's already ready. It'll get cold."

"Sorry. Thank you."

I stroked her head and returned to the room to clean my body.

While washing in the tub, I thought about Liz.

I've decided to protect her. But what if I can't?

Negative emotions that I didn't feel while focused began to surface from the depths of my heart.

Feeling restless, I finished the laundry and got dressed.

I heard a knock, and Liz entered the room.

"Hehe. Let's go to bed."

I embraced her as she approached.

Feeling her presence, I told myself that I would protect her, that I could protect her.

Is this some kind of dependency?

I heard a voice asking in the back of my mind, but I ignored it.

Believing in her warmth and softness, the sure touch, I slipped into bed.

I will protect her. I will live and spend time with Liz.