74. An Ordinary Girl

Lady Guinevere, what you said... I heard all of it. So, I caused all of this?

You're awake. Yes, you may not have willed it, but it was done by your own hand... It's worse than if you had done it intentionally.

I... I'm sorry, maybe you're right. As long as I can lose control or be controlled, everyone will be in danger of disaster.

Control spells are single-use! She doesn't have a way to control you anymore! Vivi, don't let them mislead you!

...Senko, thanks for wanting to protect me. But... it seems what I need to protect isn't here anymore.

Th-the Holy Lady's awake?! Won't she attack us again?!

That's a demon in the guise of the Holy Lady! Or... the Church always saw us as a burden it could free itself of any time?!

Ooh, God, please banish the shadow haunting the Holy Lady!

The people I once wanted to protect now see me as a monster needing to be slain... And I can't argue, because it's a fact.

...

So... Lady Guinevere, I ask of you, slay me like a monster so I don't tarnish the Church's name.

...

I promise... I'm sorry, you really are a saint, but you shouldn't make me your enemy right now.

...No.

Please step aside. She requested it herself this time. What right do you have to stop a martyr from giving their life for their ideals?

She's no martyr, she was just set on the road to ruin. Indeed, whether it's me, you, or her, we'll all hit rock bottom at some point.

...Awakener?

Vivi, you asked me if I was your friend before, right?

Why... would you ask me this now...

I am your friend. And as your friend, I'll lift you up when you're down. It's not about identity or position, it's just... what I expect from you.

Vivi! You're not a weapon or a puppet, there's no reason for you to give up your life! Keep living and continue being my friend!!!

...I... can really keep living?

Yes?

...But I've made so many mistakes and caused a lot of trouble for a lot of people.

None of that matters.

...Idiot, why would you wait until now to admit that I'm your friend?

Because I'm an idiot, and I never knew for sure until now. Just like me, you're an ordinary human who doesn't want to die under any circumstances, right?

You win... Awakener, can you protect me for a while? I need to find a way out of this mess.

Leave it to me.

...It looks like you've already made your decision.

Even if it's just me, I'll still protect her. So, I won't let you succeed.

What are you talking about, Awakener? We'll always be here for you.

I've never broken a promise before, Captain. We'll do whatever you decide.

That's right. Come, God Eaters, face the consequences of your decisions.

...Fine. Gryph, Nightingale, fight with me against all obstacles that stand in the way of our ideals.

Thank you all for buying me some time!

I already released the barrier sealing the square, outside reinforcements should be coming soon. Miss Guinevere, are you sure you want to waste time on a deathmatch with us?

...Gryph?

Guinevere, we don't have a chance of winning if we're surrounded, the most I can do is take you away with me.

...Guinevere, we've already achieved our goal. Eliminating Vivi is simply an additional mission, the opportune moment has already passed.

Fine... you win. But let's be clear about one thing, this is only the beginning. There will be plenty of time for us to fight later.

The Church's lackeys, Teslovik's brats... I won't go easy on you next time.

...Looks like they used light magic to cover their escape route. Vivi?... Huh? Is she passing out?!

Even though Vivi had more magic power, she's completely used it up. Let's get out of here, shall we?

Huh? Wait a minute, just who are we to the Empire now?

If we're not wanted by the God Eaters, we'll be wanted by the Church.

...Everyone here should be safe, dangerous people like us should get going!