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Volume 3 Chapter 10-3: Eve Before Deployment

 

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They cried out and clinked their glasses together.

Then several surprised voices echoed out.

「Un, it’s really good!」

The maple syrup had a smooth and delicious taste, while the cranberries gave it some sourness, and was supported by the purified mountain water. Those flavors combined and spread through your mouth.

It was something you felt like you could keep drinking.

「Cyril this sake is great. It has a really smooth taste. I feel relieved just drinking it.」

I looked around and smiled.

The friends and family of the Nettle members were gathered around them laughing, crying, and talking.

For example Kuu…

Around her were many Fire Foxes and some elves that were getting along well as they chatted.

Yukino…

She was talking with Kemin and Kurone as they held back their tears and showed a smile.

Roleau…

He was talking dirty with the men of the guard squad as they laughed and bumped fists.

「They’re all looking to the future…」

The members of Nettle didn’t seem tragic in the least. They held a strong will to return and a fierce spirit that wished to defend their home.

Before I realized it, I had also been surrounded by a crowd of people.

Many of them were people I had saved when acting as doctor, people I had made my subordinates, girls who admired me, and my friends.

I could feel once more that…I was loved. That I had to return here no matter what.

Then, the time for the send-off drew to a close.

I spoke some parting words.

「We Nettle, will surely obtain victory and return. So please greet us with smiles and drink with us when we arrive. Each and every one of us without exception.」

That was my vow. To win and not let anyone die.

If we were able to deal a heavy blow to the Empire this time, then they would settle down for a short time. If they wished to do a follow up attack afterwards they would have to remove soldiers from other fronts that were defending against other kingdoms and I was certain that they were unable to do so.

Besides, as we achieved victory I would set up several things as well. It was possible to create a situation where the Empire was unable to take time and deal with Erucy.

As the party ended I sent everyone off with a bottle of Erucy Wine. I’m sure that those who hadn’t had enough would enjoy themselves with their loved ones.

Of course, I intended to do so as well. I would spend the day with Lucy and Kuu. I would convey my feelings properly and show it definitely.

As the rest finished leaving I saw that Kemin and Kurone had stayed. Yukino had been whisked away by the other Fire Foxes back to the warehouse for a Fire Fox only send off party.

「What’s wrong girls? Don’t you have to get back with the others?」
「No, we’re fine.」
「Rather than that, Kuro and Kemin have to have an important talk with Cyril-niisama.」

The two of them spoke with great seriousness.

Then the two of them bowed low and spoke.

「Cyril-niisama…please. Please protect Yukino.」
「Kuro asks this too. Yukino is trying too hard and it’s scary. Please stop her if she tries to do something too dangerous. You’re the only one that can save her if she goes off by herself.」

I see…the three of them were always together so they had seen danger signs in Yukino’s behavior and couldn’t help but worry.

「Alright…don’t worry I’ll protect Yukino and everyone else as well. I said it before, I won’t be letting them die.」

The both looked at each other and nodded.

「Then that’s a promise Cyril-niisama. You’ll protect Yukino properly…」
「If you keep your promise properly then we’ll give you our most important thing.」

The both of them grasped my hands tightly and I could feel them shaking a bit.

「Yes, I promise. I’ll protect her. Plus, to me she is my cute little sister so of course I’ll protect her. So don’t worry, I don’t need any kind of reward for that.」

I said confidently, but the two of them shook their heads.

「That’s no good. We can’t let go of a promise so easily. Kuro will give my precious thing.」
「Me too Cyril-niisama.」

They wouldn’t budge. That’s what their eyes said. If they went this far then it would be unkind and rude to refuse.

「I understand. I’ll protect Yukino properly so get your gift ready by the time I return.」
「Thank you very much Cyril-niisama.」
「Kuro loves nii-sama~」

They finally seemed to be put at ease as they hugged me.

However, I couldn’t help wonder what they were actually planning to gift me….

I thought about it a bit as I headed back to my home.

In a certain way I was getting worked up along the way back.

I messed with the final product rings I had made after trial and error. These were the three that I had made to my standard.

Chapter 10 End

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