Ch.184184. Sweet Struggle

[You understand, right? First of all, I’m your senior.]

[Yes, senior.]

[…Why do I feel like the junior when I’m being called senior?]

“It’s probably your behavior.”

As I interject into the conversation between the two souls talking around me, the Dark Spiritmaster immediately pops forward.

[Shouldn’t you be taking my side? I’ve been with you longer.]

“Stop acting like a child.”

[…How annoying.]

[Senior, come here. I’m on your side.]

[This is because of you! Why are you still awake instead of going back to sleep?!]

“Sigh.”

Definitely one soul.

Since Stella had a quiet personality, I thought nothing much would change even if she woke up.

But surprisingly, with just one more person, it’s already so noisy my ears are ringing.

Especially the Dark Spiritmaster, who seems to feel threatened by Stella’s presence and has been keeping her in check since last time.

Suddenly, horns sprout from Stella’s forehead as she’s dealing with the Dark Spiritmaster’s grumbling.

[Hey! Don’t treat our Stella so rudely!]

[S-see that! She’s showing her true nature!]

“That’s Vellica.”

With just that one comment from me, the horns disappear. Stella blushes, covering her mouth with her hand in embarrassment.

[I’m sorry.]

[Ah…]

The Dark Spiritmaster’s shoulders slump, seemingly feeling defeated by that innocent display.

[I don’t like Saintesses.]

“Bear with it. You’ll be getting a lot of help from Stella from now on.”

Stella had declared she wouldn’t go back to sleep and would stay with me.

With four Greater Demons dying in a single day, the eyes of other Greater Demons would be on me, and to keep them in check, I needed to clearly show that Stella was with me.

The existence of the Holy Grail had been revealed, and just having Stella by my side would greatly restrict the actions of the Greater Demons.

“Hoo.”

I exhale calmly and look outside.

From the moment Magan died, the Republic’s command structure had already collapsed, and all three of their vaunted superhumans had died as well.

One was Oscov, who died in the first explosion as the Republic posed as a victim.

The second was defeated externally by Aria, Findenai, and Erika.

And the third was the secretary who accompanied Magan.

Baktus Nikolai, the director of the weapons development department who developed the shield and belonged to Dante, had already fled.

With all their leadership eliminated, the Republic’s soldiers had no choice but to surrender.

Several days had passed since then, and now the diplomatic departments of each country that had attended the banquet were sitting at one table, fiercely dividing up the Republic of Clark.

Since the Griffin Kingdom was the only one that survived intact, there were rumors from other countries suggesting it might have been Griffin’s scheme, but…

After showing evidence about the Republic’s Greater Demons, I heard from Elenoa that Griffin had actually gained the upper hand in negotiations.

Normally, I should have already returned to Norsweden by now.

The only reason I was still staying in Clarkwork, the capital of the Republic of Clark, was one thing.

[Are you contemplating your farewell?]

Stella approaches me gently with a soft smile. Behind her, the Dark Spiritmaster stands with her arms crossed, watching with apparent disapproval.

“I won’t deny it.”

The future ahead of Findenai will be quite a fierce struggle. Various powers will try to devour the Republic of Clark, and in the midst of that, she’ll fight for her people’s rights.

Though they’ve gained independence, they’ll have to struggle not to wear another collar.

Findenai had to leave me to fight for this land.

And I was here, regretting the farewell with her.

[Would you like some help?]

“……”

Stella stands quietly beside me.

Seeing that she wanted to take in the view of Clarkwork outside, I wipe away the condensation on the window.

With her hands clasped in front of her, Stella looks out the window and speaks calmly.

[It’s a situation where you shouldn’t say what you want to say.]

That’s accurate.

I want to take Findenai with me, but telling her to come with me would only leave her with lingering attachments.

So what I’m pondering is…

[How to ensure she doesn’t harbor any lingering feelings for you?]

“…You’re precise.”

[I was a Saintess after all. I’ve done quite a bit of counseling.]

She adds that she didn’t just fight demons.

As I converse with her, I feel my mind easing. Though none of my concerns have been resolved, she has the ability to make others comfortable just by talking with them.

[May I hear what you were thinking?]

When she asks if I have any farewell words in mind, I hesitate briefly before opening up.

“I was thinking of hurting her deliberately…”

Thump.

Stella’s mana momentarily strikes my shoulder. She sighs with an expression of clear disapproval.

[No matter how faint your emotions might be, aren’t you disregarding others’ feelings too much?]

“But without this, there’s no way for Findenai to let go of me quickly without lingering attachments.”

[So you’re thinking about the most efficient outcome? That’s terrible.]

“You’re harsh.”

Honestly, I knew it wasn’t a good approach.

But with Stella being so blunt about it, I felt I needed to reconsider.

[Deus, I was a Saintess. I was someone who gave people kind words, beautiful words, hopeful words.]

“Yes.”

[But I couldn’t always do that. Sometimes praise can act as poison.]

That’s true.

I knew many people like that.

People who couldn’t distinguish between confidence and arrogance were surprisingly common.

[To be cold about it, the farewell you desire is impossible.]

“……”

I unconsciously turn my head to meet Stella’s eyes.

She receives my gaze gently with a soft smile.

[Don’t be greedy. Farewells are always pitiful, regretful, and sad.]

“……”

[That’s why reunions are joyful.]

Stella approaches me slowly. Carefully taking my hand, she holds it firmly between both of hers and brings it to her chest as if in prayer.

She retained warmth and tactile sensation that shouldn’t be possible for a soul.

Perhaps that’s why she was called a great woman.

Even while connected to me as a spiritmaster, her skill in handling the mana contained in souls was exceptional.

[Just as I rejoiced in our reunion when I awoke from my sleep.]

“…I see.”

[Farewells are sad. So don’t speak of farewells.]

Stella’s warmth naturally began to spread within me. I felt like I had found the answer through this conversation.

[Speak of reunion. Share with a smile about that time when, one day, after everything is over, you’ll finally be together again.]

Stella slowly releases my hand.

With a smile that seems to gently push me on my way, I nod and put on my coat.

“I’ll be back shortly.”

[Yes, take care.]

As Stella waves goodbye, the Dark Spiritmaster, who had been standing beside her with her arms crossed in annoyance, hastily speaks up.

[F-Findenai is stupid enough that she might just say she’ll follow you anyway, don’t you think?]

“……”

[…Senior, just talk with me.]

[Huh? Huh?]

Stella seems to have many questions for the Dark Spiritmaster and gently leads her away.

Even as she’s being pulled along, the Dark Spiritmaster keeps glancing back at me.

* * *

At the public cemetery in Clarkwork.

In front of a massive tombstone erected for compatriots who died for freedom.

Members of the Resistance gathered to chat about the newly found freedom.

Since they no longer needed to hide, not just the Junk Shop but numerous Resistance members had gathered here, shedding tears and pouring out drinks, but…

“What the hell is this, you bastards.”

Findenai looks down at a small, almost joke-like tombstone erected next to the massive one.

Not in her maid outfit but wearing a yellowish coat, white shirt, and casual black pants.

That alone showed what path she had chosen.

“It’s a bit creepy.”

“I said we shouldn’t do it.”

“But isn’t it somewhat monumental?”

The Junk Shop members were already quite tipsy, having had several drinks.

Perhaps that’s why they played such a prank.

“My tombstone?”

A tombstone with Findenai’s name on it. Even if it was just a wooden board with her name hastily written on it and stuck in the ground…

Placing a living person’s tombstone in a cemetery seemed to cross a line.

“You guys have been too comfortable lately, haven’t you?”

Crack.

Just as Findenai was about to discipline them before continuing their new struggle…

The Junk Shop members wiped the alcohol from their lips and became serious. None of those present had lived easy enough lives to get drunk after just a few drinks.

“No, you died today.”

“……”

Betrayal?

She had never even considered it.

This would be the worst possible situation for betrayal anyway.

So Findenai crosses her arms and listens quietly to what they have to say.

“Findenai, the leader of the Junk Shop, closed her eyes after restoring freedom to the people.”

“Only Findenai, the maid of the spiritmaster from the Griffin Kingdom, remains.”

“…Don’t talk nonsense.”

Grind.

Grinding her teeth, Findenai glares at them with genuine anger.

“You’re telling me to abandon you, you crazy bastards. I won’t abandon you.”

“Captain, you’ve fought enough. No, you’ve fought too much. It’s time to step back.”

“We’ll take care of what’s left. It’s not like we’re fighting desperately anymore, and we have reinforcements.”

“The spiritmaster from the Griffin Kingdom said they’ll support us as much as possible. He told us not to worry.”

“……”

She hadn’t realized that Deus had intervened with the Junk Shop without her knowledge.

Seeing Findenai’s expression gradually soften, the members smile and offer her a drink.

But she doesn’t accept it.

She still couldn’t accept this.

“Even so, I have no reason to leave.”

Despite her firm answer, the members continue to chuckle.

“That’s true. You have no reason to leave. But that’s precisely why you must abandon the name of the Junk Shop.”

“Because you need to carry out a mission that only you can do, not these fools.”

“It’s the most important one!”

“Mission…?”

She wondered what they were talking about.

At that moment, leaders of other Resistance groups approached. She thought she would be working with them to open up the future, but…

They spoke to Findenai with quite serious expressions.

“Griffin Kingdom’s support is a great opportunity for us. But how long will it last?”

“What?”

It seemed like a nonsensical question.

As long as Deus Verdi remained firmly in his position as spiritmaster, the support would obviously continue.

But that was Findenai’s perspective.

The other Resistance leaders didn’t see it that way.

“The cooperation essentially stems from Spiritmaster Deus Verdi’s influence. If his heart changes, it’s over.”

“That won’t happen.”

“No, you never know what’s in someone’s heart. We need Griffin’s cooperation, but we don’t have the decision-making power.”

If Deus suddenly changed his mind and said he didn’t want to help anymore, that would be the end.

It showed how heavy a burden rested on those words.

“The spiritmaster is very close to the royal family, with deep relationships with both the king and princess. And you were his closest confidant.”

“…Are you saying…”

Findenai growled, asking if they were telling her to spy on him.

Showing her determination never to betray that man, even if it cost her life.

Suddenly, all the Resistance members started laughing. Even the leaders of other groups who had been explaining the situation to her with serious expressions just moments ago.

“No! You don’t need to relay any information. Just stay by his side and please him, that’s all.”

“…Huh?”

Now Findenai realized what they were trying to tell her.

“Go and win Deus Verdi’s heart. Just make sure the support for us doesn’t stop.”

“You… crazy bastards.”

It was an excuse.

A very flimsy one at that.

She finally realized their intention to send her away under the pretense of a mission.

Findenai tried to say something, but she couldn’t get the words out.

The members around her slowly knelt on one knee.

A sign of reverence.

A resting place prepared for the woman who had fought solely for freedom, never letting go of her axe for even a moment.

‘Killing me means throwing yourself back into a struggle with no end in sight.’

Suddenly, she remembered the last words of the Greater Demon Valkyria, whose neck she had cut.

The ongoing struggle.

Knowing this, she had still cut down the Greater Demon’s neck and tried to take responsibility.

It was a cycle she could never stop with her own strength.

But…

“Without you, we would never have had this day to pour drinks for our fallen comrades.”

If there was one thing Valkyria hadn’t anticipated…

“We give you one final mission, after you’ve continued the struggle with noble sacrifice and unyielding tenacity.”

It was that Findenai’s struggle wasn’t watched by Valkyria alone.

All the lives she had saved, led, and given hope to had gathered here.

“Go and find love. That is the greatest struggle you can do for us from now on.”

The end of the struggle, which she thought she could never escape, had somehow reached her feet.

“Captain.”

The Junk Shop members slowly approach Findenai.

They offer her a drink once more.

“Let’s get drunk for once.”

* * *

I came looking for Findenai after hearing she was at the cemetery.

I had planned to speak of reunion as a way to say farewell, but…

“Kyaaa! Captain! Your husband is here!”

“Wooooo! It’s our brother-in-law!”

“Please take good care of our captain!”

“I’ll sing the wedding song! Dry land! Beyond there! Where we are going!”

“……”

I didn’t say anything else. They deserved to drink after finding the freedom they had longed for.

Silently watching the Resistance members having a drinking party in front of the cemetery, I slowly look for Findenai.

Findenai, who was blowing into a large liquor bottle like a horn at the center of the party, spots me and staggers over.

“Massssterrr! They said I should follow youuuu! They said bearing your child is patriotic!”

“……”

“Findenai is dying heeere! From now on, call me Ai!”

“Hm.”

I subtly turn my body to avoid Findenai as she approaches.

I didn’t expect to say this, but…

“For once, the Dark Spiritmaster was right.”

Clicking my tongue, I immediately left the place, leaving Findenai behind.