>>6167443“Me too,” you reply, taking off your visor. You blink, trying to keep the glare at bay. Your eyes are already starting to sting. You turn to see the other three discussing, while the Asterite is casting her net of black lines, with Rubida instructing her to do something and Willow on the prowl, walking back and forth, looking for threats. “I would have preferred to stay in my homeland with my vineyard and my vintner duties.” You detach your upper armour, setting it aside like you did last time. “At first I used to believe just caring about your own vineyard would have been enough to hold back evil, but then evil strutted right in. Peace is built on the back of people like us. Remember the town of the festival?” Its name has slipped your mind, but Soralisa immediately nods.
“Yes — why are you taking off your armour?”
“Unlike that one, every town and every village and every city in my homeland has thick, heavy walls. They are all surrounded, protected, all at the ready — the Holy Land has known peace for hundreds of years, and I am glad I was called to protect that peace, before my family is allowed to take part in it. But it’s all the same.”
“I just don’t want you to get hurt because of me,” Soralisa whispers. “Like it happened before.” She weakly grinds her hands together. “I had never wanted to come here. I want you to stay safe. A-And Rubida as well! And Soralisa, even if I know she can take care of herself.”
<span class="mu-i">She can take care of threats that hold a sword against her</span>, of that much you are sure. As for all the other threats…
“I know. That’s why I think Rubida had a fantastic idea. I would need your help and guidance.”
“What for? We already trained Sanctioning. Do you—”
[cont.]
