76. Enlightenment

... (Sighs)

Can I trust that, from now on, you'll continue working with us, with Teslovik, to the benefit of both parties? Or... could it be that our goals no longer align?

(My goal is to rescue Rayna. This won't change. Still...)

Ah. I see someone's already here.

Oh hey, Stara... Are you here to do some simulated training?

Uh... Yeah, pretty much. What are YOU doing here?

I needed a quiet place to think... so I ended up here. That's pretty much it.

...Oh. May I sit down next to you?

Huh? Of course.

...

...

...Lady Guinevere, please just do it. I do not wish to taint the name of the church any longer. Please, just slay me... It's what a monster like me deserves.

Vivi! You're not a weapon... nor do you belong to anyone! There's no reason for you to give up your life!

Please live... Please live on, as my friend!

(Even now, I do not regret saying that to Vivi.)

(But Eriri does have her point...)

...Ugh, I can't make sense of all this.

Sorry, Stara. You're here to train... I'm probably in your way. I guess I'll get going...

Hey, wait! I'm not in a hurry. If you need to vent, I'll happily listen.

I appreciate it. It's a long story, though...

Let me guess... you're regretting something you did in the past again, aren't you?

Uh, not exactly... The future is what I'm worried about.

(I can't just tell Stara that I'm puzzling over my future actions in Teslovik!)

Is that so? That's a relief.

What do you mean?

Uh... nothing. Just mumbling to myself. Oh, right, since we're in the training room anyway, let's get movin'. Who knows, maybe that will give you some inspiration.

Uh, but...

Ready or not, here I come!

Whoa...

Well done!

Come on, you can't just charge at people like that all of a sudden! You almost gave me a heart attack!

Ahaha, you've improved lots since the last time we met! All those battles must have helped.

Uh... you flatter me.

Um, I have some advice for you... Just my personal opinion, of course.

We can't change the past. The future, however, is fair game. Take you for example. You've improved lots during the short period since we first met.

So, if what's bothering you is something to come in the future... I don't think you need to come to a conclusion so quickly. There will likely be many paths for you to choose from.

I see, Stara. Thank you.

Heh. You sure are easy to read. Not that I mind, though.