Chapter 53: Reunion

So… you've grown used to that power now, haven't you?

Trapped within a sanctuary I created… I suppose this is a first.

Please, Goddess… that's enough!

They… they're like family to me!

….

Why can't you understand?

Bedivere, everything I've done… it's all for your sake.

I know. I know what you're worried about too.

But even so… I want to keep going.

I don't want this to be goodbye.

Even after losing your precious arm… You still haven't come to your senses.

They only survived out of sheer luck.

I showed you, didn't I?

What became of someone once called a hero.

….

The princess you long to protect… the so-called Swordbringer… they'll meet the same end.

Ethan will find another way. I believe in that with all my heart.

And how can you be so certain?

Because… he came back for me.

That's just who he is.

Even when things looked hopeless, Ethan always found a way forward.

Even after what happened? Even though you nearly died because of that man?

I don't blame Ethan for what happened that day.

Even if I had the chance to go back… I'd still make the same choice.

…I don't understand. Why would you go so far?

This time, it won't just be your arm. You WILL die.

…..

I am Bedivere, knight of Britannia…

And the sworn protector of Princess Elizabeth.

As a knight, it's my duty to protect my liege, no matter what!

......

Humans… fairies… How are you all so utterly foolish?

...It seems I'll have to show you myself.

Just how blind and reckless the path you've chosen truly is.

Where did that confidence go?

Falling already… do you really think you can protect your comrades like this?

It's not… over yet.

I can still fight!

......

No matter how I think about it… I still don't understand.

You fought so hard to stay alive… And now you're throwing your life away again?

......

Because I made a promise.

We promised we'd go home together!

Now that I finally have the strength to protect everyone…

I can't just leave them behind!

......!

So now you want to protect us?

What kind of nonsense is that, Bedivere?

You've been protecting us from the very start.

Ethan?! How did you get in here...?

Just broke in.

Took longer than I expected, honestly.

Elizabeth and Morgana should be right behind me, so you're not alone anymore.

Swordbringer… always so reckless...

Hey, you. You sound pretty important.

Thanks for saving Bedivere and all, but was locking her up really necessary?

She wants to come with us. So how about you let her go?

I'm not sure who's the savior and who's the villain anymore.

Very well.

If you want to take her… prove it.

Swordbringer. Why do you fight so desperately?

Do I need a reason to save my friends?

You don't belong to this world.

You may be a hero of the Alliance now…

But your true goal was always to go home, wasn't it?

Taking Bedivere with you won't bring you any closer to that.

You have plenty of capable allies.

Or… have you fallen in love?

......

You're right. At first, all I wanted was to go home.

But not anymore.

Maybe I started out just following a path someone else laid out for me…

But I've made it this far through my own choices, and the trust of my friends.

Our journey isn't over.

And no one could ever replace Bedivere.

Do you think you have the right to say that now?

If she meant so much to you… why didn't you protect her?

...You're not wrong. I understand how you feel.

It's hard to trust someone who already failed once. But I won't make the same mistake again.

If that's what it takes, I'll swear it right here and now.

No matter what dangers lie ahead,

I'll protect the people who matter to me.

......

Can you swear that?

Even if fate forces you into an impossible choice?

Even if you're asked to give up something precious?

Will you still hold to that vow?

I don't know what kind of future you're imagining…

But no matter how many times you ask, my answer won't change.

I'll see my mission through as the Swordbringer.

And I'll go home, with my head held high.

I'm not giving up on anything. Not my dreams… and not my hope.

......

…Pfft.

Ahahahaha!!!

You won't give up on anything? What a mess you are!

So idealistic. So greedy. No real plan.

......

…Still. You're far more dependable than that "fool" ever was.

The spirits… they've vanished?

Just this once… I'll let it slide.

But don't get cocky.

Break your vow...

And I'll come for you myself.

......

Is it… over?

The Goddess's presence is gone.

She must have returned to the World Tree.

......

Bedivere.

Yes, Ethan?

...I'm sorry.

Because of me, you went through something so awful, mgh?!

You don't need to apologize, Ethan.

What happened that day… was my choice.

It wasn't your fault.

......

So please…

Just welcome me back like always, with a smile!

......

Snnf... Bedivere!!!

I'm sorry… I'm so sorry, Bedivere...

If only I'd been stronger…

That wouldn't have happened…!

Hehe… I said you didn't have to apologize.

But I get the feeling… you want me to blame you.

Well, tough luck. No matter how much you want it… I won't.

In fact… the more you want to carry the guilt, the more I'll work to forgive you.

Back then, on that starry meadow…

You comforted me just like this, remember?