The beast tamer exiled from the hero’s party and the cat eared girl from the strongest race meet

Chapter 360: I hope it's a dream

(TL:By Rafael,valhallatls.blogspot.com)

Chiffon, Mille-feuille, and Chocolat appeared.

The three were fully armed, radiating an aura so intense it was almost visible.

"...Rain-kun."

"What?"

Chiffon spoke on behalf of the three. She didn't seem to be controlled, but something felt off. That was the impression Rain got.

"Rain-kun, are you trying to end this dream?"

"Chiffon? Your memory...?"

"Yes. Right now, I'm normal... there’s no particular problem."

Chiffon smiled. It was a terribly sad smile, just looking at it made Rain’s chest tighten.

"I remember being chosen as the new hero, meeting you, and requesting you to fix the Comet Sword... and then coming to Kagune. I remember everything."

"Then... why are you blocking our path?"

Without answering his question, Chiffon continued.

"I remember one more thing. Reuniting with my mother and father here."

"That is..."

"My hometown was destroyed by monsters. My father, mother, siblings, friends... everyone died... I could never see them again."

"..."

"But... here, I can see them again. I can spend time with them again."

"So, you accepted Alpha’s dream... is that it?"

"Yes."

The answer came immediately. If possible, Rain wanted her to show some hesitation or to say she couldn't answer. Or perhaps, to pretend to deceive Alpha. But there was no such feeling. Although there was no hostility from the three, there was a battle aura. They were in combat mode, determined not to let them pass.

"Why are you doing this...?"

"That's my line."

Chiffon spoke with a sad, lonely expression.

"Rain-kun, why don't you accept the dream? I... I know."

"Know what?"

"That your hometown was also destroyed by monsters."

"That's..."

"That's why I understand your feelings. Having your hometown destroyed... I understand how painful, how hard, how sad it is. You don't want to accept such a reality, you want to abandon it... isn't that right?"

"...Yes."

Rain didn't deny Chiffon's words. He thought he had come to terms with his hometown, but that was a lie. He had only pretended to move on by looking away from his heart. Even now, it was stuck deep inside him. Because he lost his hometown. Without any preparation, without any mental readiness. His kind father and mother were killed. The neighbors, his friends, the animals he played with... everyone was killed. There's no way he could forget. No way he could come to terms with it. Time is said to heal all wounds, but that isn’t always true.

"Indeed, I haven't completely gotten over it. I still think about it sometimes."

"Then, let’s accept the dream together? That way, you won't have to feel pain. You won't have to be hurt anymore."

"I understand how you feel, Chiffon. Do Mille-feuille and Chocolat feel the same way?"

"Well... I have my own thoughts, but... my role is to help Chiffon-chan."

"I will support whatever Chiffon wants to do."

It seemed Mille-feuille and Chocolat were not deeply trapped in the dream. However, their loyalty to Chiffon was absolute, and there was no sign they would easily step aside.

In the end, it seemed Rain would have to do something about Chiffon.

"...Rain-sama, what will you do?"

Iris asked in a small voice.

"If possible, I want to resolve this with words."

"...It doesn't seem like that's possible, does it?"

"...No, it doesn’t."

Chiffon says she isn't trapped in a dream right now, but her heart is still captive, unable to see reality.

...No. It's not that she can't see it, she's choosing to look away.

In such a state, my words won't reach her. In that case...

"...It might get rough, but we'll have to use force."

"...Oh my. For Rain-sama, that's quite a drastic measure."

"...Given the situation, we can't afford to be picky."

We need to repair the Comet Sword as quickly as possible. The third faction is likely a group trying to obstruct us... If we waste time here, who knows what could happen. It might be too late already, but we need to avoid further delays as much as possible.

"...Iris, can you handle Mille-feuille and Chocolat? They're both quite skilled, but can you manage...?"

"...Oh my. Who do you think I am? I am the strongest of the strong... a celestial being, fufu."

"...That's incredibly reassuring."

When I faced her in the past, I trembled at her overwhelming power... But now that she's on my side, she's unbelievably dependable. Even though everyone else isn't here... With Iris by my side, I feel we can manage.

Iris and I prepare ourselves. Seeing this, Chiffon and the others also get ready.

"You're not going to step aside, are you...?"

"I have no reason to."

I can understand Chiffon's feelings. Seeing dreams of my own parents, my heart wavered a bit too. It would be a lie to say I didn't feel any hesitation at all.

But even so...

Regarding this situation. Regarding what Alpha-san is trying to do, I can confidently say it's wrong. That's why I have to stop it.

"I'll wake you up now."

"I don't want that...!"

Chiffon shouted, and the battle began.

――――――――――

"Our opponent is... you? What a cute one."

"Mille-feuille, don't underestimate her. She's a celestial being."

Mille-feuille opened her magic book, and Chocolat stepped forward with her shield. Despite their delicate appearances, an intense battle aura raged around them. Any ordinary person would faint just from being exposed to it. The name of the New Hero Party isn't just for show.

However, Iris is an even more formidable existence. Created by the gods to fight against evil, she is the ultimate combat specialist. Celestial beings surpass all other creatures.

"Fufu... Since Rain-sama entrusted me with this, you'll have to dance with me. I'll hold back somewhat... but don't disappoint me, alright?"

Rain intended for her to buy time, but Iris seemed quite eager and was smiling joyfully. Iris might have a bit of a battle maniac side herself.

"It's as if... you're implying we aren't a match for you, isn't it?"

"Let's change that perception."

To the two who were full of fighting spirit, Iris responded with a calm and confident smile.

"Fufu... It's been a while since I've had such a challenging opponent. I'm looking forward to this."

Iris transitioned into battle mode, spreading her eight wings wide.

TL Note- Iris had 8 wings?

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