The beast tamer exiled from the hero’s party and the cat eared girl from the strongest race meet
"Well then, get going already."
Gray waved his hand, as if to shoo me away.
But there was no way I could just leave after being told that.
"No way. I can’t leave you behind, Gray."
"You… were you even listening to what I said?"
"I was. I understand that having you stay behind gives us the best chance."
"Then—"
"But that doesn’t mean I can accept it!!!"
I understood it in my head.
But my heart refused to accept it.
"There’s no reason you have to be the one to sacrifice yourself…"
"There is."
"…!"
I tried to keep arguing, but he cut me off sharply—
as if even a second spent talking was a waste.
"Look at the situation—we’re surrounded. There’s no way out. Someone has to stay behind."
"But I…!"
"Man, you really are too soft."
He tapped me lightly on the head again.
It didn’t hurt at all.
It didn’t feel like he was scolding me—
more like he was telling me to pull myself together.
"From the moment I met you, I thought you were soft and naive… and I was right. No, maybe you’re even softer than I thought. How the hell are you supposed to lead a party like that?"
"Ugh…"
He hit me where it hurt, and I had no words.
He was right. I am soft.
That softness has clouded my judgment before,
and it’s made me regret things later.
I’m aware of it…
but I don’t change.
No—I don’t want to change.
Because that softness… is who I am.
"You know what? That’s fine."
"…Gray…"
"We need people like you. If we didn’t have a few softhearted fools around, this world would be too damn cruel. So stay that way. And… if I can be selfish, use that kindness and strength of yours to protect the young master."
It sounded like… a last will.
No—not like one.
It was one.
That’s not fair.
If you say something like that, what can I even say back?
I can’t stop you,
I can’t take your place,
I can’t do anything.
If I tried, I’d only be trampling on his resolve and his pride.
That would be the same as insulting him.
"…Alright. I’ll accept your request."
"Yeah. Thanks."
"But I have one too."
"Hm?"
"Don’t give up."
I knew full well it was unreasonable…
but I had to say it.
Because if I didn’t hold onto even a shred of hope,
I’d break.
"Don’t give up until the end. Don’t just die stopping them—beat every last one and come back to us."
"Hey, hey, that’s asking a lot."
"I don’t care if it’s reckless. Just… promise me you’ll try. Please…"
"Jeez… you really are too soft. But maybe that’s what makes you who you are."
He reached out and roughly ruffled my hair, like an adult comforting a child.
"Sorry, but I’m a realist. I can’t promise something impossible. But… I’ll do my best. Is that good enough?"
"…Yeah. That’s enough."
Gray and I exchanged small smiles—
and bumped our fists together.
That was our final farewell.
"Young master."
"…Yeah."
Yuki was remarkably calm.
There was a trace of sadness in his expression,
but that was all.
He didn’t panic like I did,
didn’t throw a tantrum—
just quietly watched Gray go.
"I’ve got a lot I’d like to say, but… there’s no time. So I’ll keep it short."
"What is it?"
"Serving you has been a blessing. Thank you for letting me live such a good life."
"…"
Yuki lowered his head.
His shoulders trembled slightly.
But he didn’t cry.
Not a sound escaped him.
After a short pause, Yuki lifted his face.
His expression was clear and bright.
"No, thank you. You’ve saved me so many times, taught me so much… yeah. If it weren’t for you, Gray, I probably wouldn’t even be here."
"That’s an exaggeration, don’t you think?"
"Not at all. Don’t you underestimate yourself, Gray? There aren’t many people as capable as you."
"That’s quite the compliment, sir."
Gray laughed, and Yuki laughed with him.
Between them, I could feel a strong bond—
far greater and deeper than I had imagined.
It was powerful, unshakable.
"Still, I think I’ll be selfish too, just this once."
"Young master?"
"I’m not going to say goodbye."
"…"
"See you later."
Yuki reached out his hand for a handshake.
Gray blinked in mild surprise—
"Yeah, see you later."
He smiled helplessly and grasped Yuki’s hand.
"…"
"…"
In that moment, no one could intrude.
Time belonged only to Yuki and Gray.
"Alright."
After a short pause, Gray let go—
then drew his greatsword and tightened his grip.
"Well then, I’ll be off."
"Yeah. See you soon."
Turning his back to us, Gray started walking forward without hesitation.
He raised one hand and waved it lightly—
That simple gesture… was his final farewell.
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