From every corner, white smoke rose, accompanied by a scent that stung the nostrils, as if something had burned. If one were to describe it in a single word, it would be the entire city of Travis.

From the high ground that served as a shelter and clinic, one could overlook the ravaged city of Travis below. It was a scene that could bring tears to one’s eyes just by looking at it.

Nevertheless, Erica kept her lips tightly sealed, engraving the sight into her eyes.

This was a reality she couldn’t protect with her own power. And if it weren’t for Harold and her companions, Sumeragi might have met the same fate as Travis. She etched that fact deeply into her heart.

“Erica.” -Leafa

“…Is it time for a shift change, Leafa-san[1]?” -Erica

“Hmm, I could use a break too.” -Leada

With her small body stretching as far as it could, Leafa stood next to Erica. Both of their gazes were directed toward the burned-out Travis.

“It’s really a terrible sight, isn’t it?” -Leafa

“Yes…” -Erica

“…To tell you the truth, I keep wondering if there was something else we could have done.” -Leafa

“I feel the same way. I keenly felt my own powerlessness…” -Erica

A few days ago, a sudden attack occurred by a wave of monsters. The number of monsters was greater than those discovered in the Sumeragi territory, and the Knights, who had received prior information and reinforced their defenses, launched a two-pronged strategy to stop the monsters while evacuating the people of the city by sea and land.

Ultimately, they were able to save many lives, but the city was devastated, and there were, of course, lives they couldn’t save, the number of which was not insignificant.

Therefore, not only Erica, but also Leafa, their other companions, and surely the Knights, all must be thinking the same thing.

There must have been a way to save more lives.

“But… that would be presumptuous, wouldn’t it?” -Erica

She hesitated for a moment before uttering those words. Leafa accepted them without denial.

“Yeah. We’re not heroes or gods from a story. It’s impossible for us to save everyone right in front of us.” -Leafa

“And if we’re just filled with regret, we might end up overlooking the feelings of those who were saved and grateful to us.” -Erica

Among the people who were saved, many had suffered serious injuries. If left untreated, most of them would have died.

For that reason, Erica and Leafa, who could use healing magic, worked tirelessly for more than two days without sleep, treating the injured even after the attack had ended. Thanks to their efforts, they were able to save those who had suffered injuries severe enough to require healing magic.

Additionally, it was thanks to Elu, a traveling merchant they had encountered several times during their journey, who proposed the triage method of categorizing the injured, that they were able to efficiently treat the severely wounded. Elu claimed to have learned it from an acquaintance, and once the situation settled, Erica planned to ask for further instruction.

For now, they had reached a state of relative stability, where the need for healing magic was not urgent. They were engaged in various tasks at the evacuation center, starting with providing cooked meals to the displaced individuals.

Everyone understood the urgency of the situation, yet they couldn’t overlook the scene unfolding before them. The women were busy with food distribution, while the men diligently searched the city, ensuring no one was left behind.

Though they knew this effort couldn’t be sustained for long, that’s precisely why they were putting in their utmost effort. Ventos and Lilium, who had requested to accompany them until they found Harold, were no exception.

Undoubtedly, they too had their own thoughts and feelings. They had been working tirelessly, more energetically than anyone else.

“I’ll get back to work now. Leafa-san, take your time—” -Erica

“Wait a moment! Just spend a little more time with me during my break.” -Leafa

“Huh? Uh, yes, of course…” -Erica

Although it wasn’t a particularly sturdy bench, it was still enough to sit on. Leafa and Erica took a seat together on the adequately prepared stone. It couldn’t be called comfortable by any means. However, even so, it brought a sense of relief after such a long time.

Perhaps they had been on edge for such a prolonged period. Leafa seemed to have discerned Erica’s inner thoughts as she spoke up.

“Lately, there’s been a lot going on, and none of us have had a moment to truly relax.” -Leafa

“That’s true. Given the pressing issues, it can’t be helped…” -Erica

“Well, that’s why we should take this opportunity to rest.” -Leafa

As soon as she spoke, Leafa laid down and rested her head on Erica’s lap. It was the classic position of a lap pillow

“Ah~, as I expected, the perfect sleeping position…” -Leafa

“Le-Leafa? What made you suddenly…” -Erica

“I wanted to enjoy Erica’s lap pillow. Well, it’s good that you finally called me Leafa.” -Leafa

“Huh?” -Erica

“Leafa, that is. Lately, you’ve been calling me Leafa-san all the time.” -Leafa

“I-I mean…” -Erica

“I’m not blaming you, you know? I think Erica has had a change of heart or something.”

The phrase “change of heart” unsettled Erica’s emotions. That day, she realized that she wasn’t qualified to stand by Harold’s side. It was the moment she understood that everything she had built up until then was meaningless.

Erica felt her heart wrenching inside. And Leafa seemed to somehow grasp Erica’s state of mind. She looked into Erica’s eyes intently while wearing a gentle smile.

“But, that aside, Erica, you’re too serious.” -Leafa

“…Is that so?” -Erica

“It is. Well, that in of itself is a virtue, but when it comes to love, isn’t it okay to be a bit more selfish?” -Leafa

Erica understood what Leafa was trying to say. To express her feelings openly and honestly as an individual, without being bound by roles or barriers.

Harold assuredly wouldn’t want that. With that thought, Erica had kept her affection hidden, convincing herself that it was for Harold’s sake.

But deep down, she was simply afraid of confessing her feelings and being unequivocally rejected. The notion of Harold not desiring her was just a convenient excuse.

“I don’t have the confidence nor the courage…” -Erica

“Huh, are you teasing me?” -Leafa

“I-I’m not! I never intended to tease you!” -Erica

“Well, if even Erica can’t muster confidence in herself, who can…?” -Leafa

While saying such things, Leafa furrowed her brow, still resting her head on Erica’s lap, lost in thought.

The sight somehow reminded Erica of a cat, prompting her to stroke her hair. Despite the fact that they were supposed to be discussing something important, the presence of Leafa seemed to ease the normally tense atmosphere.

It felt like a leisurely moment, detached from the grim reality. Leafa, who had been quietly stroked for a while, suddenly spoke up, as if she had come up with a clever idea.

“How about continually confessing until Harold nods yes?” -Leafa

“What do you mean?” -Erica

Leafa was undoubtedly a talented girl, deserving of the title of prodigy. Although they hadn’t spent a long time together, Erica had witnessed her intellectual side on numerous occasions. Leafa’s proficiency in the field of science often led her to unconventional ideas that Erika would not have considered, yet when thoroughly examined, they were based on rational judgments grounded in knowledge.

Was there perhaps some profound meaning behind this statement that sounded so forceful?

“You’re scared because you think it’ll be over if he rejects you once. You should approach this with the mindset of confessing to him as many times as it takes until he says ‘yes’!.” -Leafa

It seemed that there was more to it than initially thought.

While the approach of trial and error until success might be very scientific, Erica couldn’t help but voice her concerns, “That might be… bothersome for Harold and cause him trouble…”

“It’s fiiiiine~.” -Leafa

Rising to her feet, Leafa stood before Erika and gently held her cheeks with both hands. She looked directly into Erika’s eyes.

“『You are beautiful, like a flower dancing in the moonlight. 』” -Leafa

“Why are you suddenly…?” -Erica

“This is a charm passed down in my village for girls in love. It’s my first time doing it and although they call it a charm, it feels more like a confession,” Leafa mischievously smiled.

Releasing her hands from Erika’s cheeks, Leafa continued, “But this should give you confidence and courage, right?”

“…Why are you pushing me so far? You’re also fond of Harold-sama.” -Erica

“I think I’m just attracted to him. Not to the extent of being able to say it clearly like you, though.” -Leafa

“Then why?” -Erica

“Because I also like you, Erica,” Leafa confidently declared, without hesitation or a trace of embarrassment. Although she understood the different context, it made Erica feel more self-conscious than ever before.

“To be honest, I don’t know if pushing you like this is the right choice. If I truly care about you and Harold, perhaps remaining passive and observing would be the correct approach,” Leafa’s face slightly darkened. It seemed she had her own worries to bear. Her expression resembled someone making a difficult decision.

“But I don’t want that after all. I don’t want to regret not taking action, even if it turns out to be a mistake! I want to dream of a future where everyone, the people I love, can genuinely laugh together!” -Leafa

“Leafa…” -Erica

“Even if someone resents me or hates me as a result, I don’t mind. This feeling is the essence of Leafa Goodridge.” -Leafa

How much determination lay hidden within those words? Erica couldn’t fathom it.

Yet surely, it was a sentiment worthy enough to shape Leafa’s way of life. Erica couldn’t help but feel a sincere envy for that path of existence that seemed to somehow overlap with Harold’s.

“…I must express my respect for you once again, Leafa.” -Erica

“It’s I who should say that. Because I can sincerely say it here, I think that’s why I came to like Erica as well.” -Leafa

“?” -Erica

Baffled by the meaning of those words, Erica tilted her head.

Observing Erica’s perplexed expression, Leafa wore a slightly exasperated look.

“Even my encouragement can be regarded with suspicion by some people, you know?” -Leafa

“Suspicion… you say?” -Erica

“Thinking that I’m trying to stir up a rival in love, making Harold reject you.” -Leafa

Startled by the remark, Erica had an epiphany. Indeed, if viewed from a different perspective, such an interpretation could be made. It was a viewpoint that Erica had completely overlooked.

If Erica were to be rejected by Harold, it would reduce the number of rivals for Leafa. While pretending to be sympathetic, in reality, it would create a scenario where she could kick her enemies down.

“Leafa… You might be suited for politics as well.” -Erica

“Is that a compliment?” -Leafa

“Yes, of course.” -Erica

As they sat face to face for a moment, Leafa burst into laughter, and their faces met, chuckling softly.

Erica realized that she had finally managed to display a smile without a trace of shadow—a genuine smile.

Meeting Leafa and becoming close friends would undoubtedly be a significant asset for Erica.

It might not be easy right away. But not for Harold’s sake, rather for Erica’s own desire to be of benefit to Harold. Slowly, step by step, she would change her perspective towards Harold.

(What needs to be done for that is not a question with an easy answer, but at least by the end of this journey…)

Determined, Erica returned to her tasks with a slightly brighter heart.

She felt that she could change, not hastily, but steadily. She truly felt it.

The following morning, Yuno brought her a report of a monster attack in the quaint town of Baston, resembling the events that had unfolded in Travis, and that, Harold, entangled in the chaos, had gone missing.

Note from the author:

Part 5 comes to its conclusion for now.

TL Note(s):

[1] “Lifa/Liefa” changed to “Leafa”