The beast tamer exiled from the hero’s party and the cat eared girl from the strongest race meet
First, they gathered the remaining members.
Then, they gave the same explanation as before...
And now, it was time to discuss who would enter Nokia’s heart.
"By the way, I cannot accompany you, as I must use magic from the outside. Naturally, Nokia cannot go either. One cannot enter one’s own heart. So that leaves four people, excluding Nokia and myself."
"Hmm. Can’t we add at least one more person? Surely, Mother could manage that?"
"Don’t be unreasonable. Even with my power, four is the limit."
"And then—?"
"I said no!"
"Alright, alright, this isn’t the time for comedy. We’re here to decide who will go into Nokia’s heart, remember?"
Tania clapped her hands sharply to bring the sidetracked conversation back to the main topic.
"By the way, I’ll be sitting this one out."
"Nyan? Why’s that?"
"There’s no guarantee we won’t be attacked while someone is inside Nokia’s heart… just like with Iris. I’ll be on guard duty."
"Nyaa… You were sulking a little earlier, but now you’re volunteering yourself? Tania, you’ve grown up."
"Hearing that from you, Kanade, somehow makes it irritating."
"If that’s the case, then maybe I’ll be on guard duty too? In the realm of the heart, someone like me, who’s all about physical strength, might not be that useful anyway."
Tania and Kanade both bowed out.
Following their lead, Rifa raised her hand.
"I’ll sit this one out too."
"Can I at least ask why?"
"Just a feeling?"
"Um… okay. If that’s what you want."
"Thanks."
Rifa could be whimsical, but...
Her actions always had some kind of reason behind them.
She probably had her own thoughts this time too.
"What about Sora and Luna?"
"Mufuhn! Surely my power is essential, no?"
"That’s true. It would be good if at least one of Sora or Luna joined…"
"Rejected."
"Ehh!?"
Though Sora and Luna were eager, Al firmly shut them down.
"Why not!?"
"I need both of you to assist me. The magic I’m using is rather difficult to handle, so I’ll need support."
"If that’s the case, then it can’t be helped."
"Muu… I really thought I could be of use this time."
Luna looked a bit disappointed but didn’t argue and accepted it gracefully.
Sora also committed himself to supporting Al.
That left...
"So, the remaining candidates are me, Nina, Tina, Iris, Phinia, Sakura, and Mr. Von?"
"As much as it pains me, I’m just a merchant. I doubt I can be of any help. I can’t do anything…"
Von spoke with a bitter expression.
He hadn’t heard the full story, but…
He clearly cared deeply about Nokia.
"It’s not true that you can’t do anything."
"Huh?"
"Just being by Nokia’s side and cheering her on will help. I’m sure it will give her strength."
"...Mr. Shroud…"
"Um… I’d really like that, actually."
Nokia also wanted Von to stay close to her.
These two are… maybe something more than just friends?
That could wait, though.
Right now, they had to deal with the dark curse.
"There are six people left, so two will still have to stay behind…"
"Mm!"
Nina raised her hand energetically.
"I… want to go!"
"Yeah, I figured."
It was her mother who was in danger.
No child could sit back and do nothing. If there was anything she could do, of course she’d want to help.
"I think it’s a good idea. What does everyone else think?"
Everyone responded with a resounding "Agreed!"
"Alright then, Nina is in."
"Really…?"
"Of course. In fact, there’s no one more suited than you."
"Okay… I’ll do my best!"
Nina nodded firmly, her face full of determination.
She was truly dependable.
Without thinking, I reflexively patted her on the head.
"Nn."
"Ah… sorry. It was a reflex."
"It’s okay? Also… I’d be really happy if you came with me too, Rain…"
"If possible, I was hoping for the same thing… What does everyone else think?"
In a chorus reminiscent of their earlier reaction, everyone shouted "No objections!"
"Alright then, Nina and I are confirmed. That leaves two more..."
"Can I go too? I’m a ghost, so I think I’m good at stuff like entering people’s hearts. I might be useful in other ways too—I'm a real bargain!"
"I see, that makes sense."
Looking to Al, I saw her nod as if to say she agreed that Tina was a perfect fit.
"Then Tina is our third member."
"Alright! Nina, I’ll do my best! We’re definitely gonna cure your mom together!"
"Tha…nk you."
I see.
Tina must’ve been really set on joining because she was thinking of Nina.
The two of them were close, so this outcome made perfect sense.
"W-Walahi will... d-do h-her be-best too...!!!"
"Oof…"
Finia volunteered as well, but she was stiff with nerves.
Since this was a matter involving Nokia’s life, the pressure must’ve been overwhelming.
Sakura gently patted Finia on the shoulder in a way that said, "It's okay, leave it to us."
"Then… fufu, that leaves just me."
"Iris, can I count on you?"
"But of course. Everything I am belongs to you, Lord Rain. If you ask, there is no room for refusal."
"Nyan? Everything…?"
"She belongs to Rain…?"
Kanade and Tania's eyes gleamed mischievously, but Iris continued unfazed.
"Besides… I am now a member of Lord Rain’s party. I want to use my strength for the sake of others."
"Thank you, Iris."
Knowing what Iris was like in the past, her words were surprising.
Who would’ve thought she’d ever say something like this?
I was truly happy to see how much she had changed.
"Then the team going in will be me, Nina, Tina, and Iris. Sound good?"
Again, the answer came back in unison: "No objections!"
And in the midst of it all, Nina took Nokia’s hand.
"Mama… wait for me, okay? I’ll definitely… save you."
"Nina… yes, I’ll be waiting."
Even though Nokia had no memory of her…
The two of them still looked unmistakably like mother and daughter.
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