>>5300696“As an advocate of true gender equality, I don't believe in helping anyone out because of their gender.” you declare to her. “I have no patience for one who talks about female privilege when it suits them, and then complains about someone “not being a man” when it's convenient! I'm not going to put my life on the line just because you're a woman and ask me to.”
However, despite your declaration, your heart tries rebelling against your rational judgment, trying to throw you into danger once more. But you hold strong, and don't give in to her puppy dog eyes.
“I'm not asking you to fight him, just help me recover the divine artifict and send it up to the heavenly realm.” she pleads, clinging to you by the front of your cloak. “I need your help Kazuma, I can't do it alone!”
“Eris can come down and talk with King Cold herself, if it's that important.” you say, Chris's face taking on a pained expression. No doubt from you speaking ill of the goddess she worships. But as she clings to you, you sigh out, and concede a small amount. You're not cruel enough to abandon her to Freeza's “mercy”, after all. “Look, you can stay with us. But I'm not getting involved. I'm sure Darkness wouldn't mind sharing her bed here wi-”
“Thank you!” Eris shouts, leaping up and wrapping her arms around your shoulders to give you a big hug. “Thank you so much Kazuma! I knew I could rely on you!”
“Hey now, I'm not agreeing to help you.” you tell Chris seriously, trying to pry her arms off you despite her hug feeling very welcome. “I'm just agreeing to help you get there, and not get thrown out of the airlock or Death Beam'd or anything. Now c'mon, let's get out of here. Hide in my shadow with Lurk, so no one notices you and we don't have to answer any awkward questions. Got it?”
She doesn't say anything, and quickly fades away into your shadow. You then open the door, stepping out into the hallway. And as you do, you freeze: Emperor Freeza's right there!
“Interesting.” Freeza says, grinning maliciously at you. “Now, how about you tell me where that fifth member of your group you were just speaking with went?”
Well, shit. You're going to have a hell of a time talking your way out of this one.
-Saiyan Conqueror Quest 176 Intermission End-
