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Let’s rewind time slightly. Back to the moment Arl made his decision—whether to pursue the Black Knight or confront the Origin.
It was during the immediate aftermath of the Origin’s release, amidst the chaos and destruction. The girls—Prima, Rosetta, and Kirsi—were desperately trying to regroup with their scattered comrades, assess the situation, and above all, find their Master, praying for his safety.
In the midst of that frantic search, all three suddenly froze as a familiar voice echoed directly within their minds.
‘Can you hear me? I’m borrowing the power of the Third Princess’s guard for this telepathy.’
‘There’s no time, so I’ll be direct.’
‘The monster that caused the Great Collapse five years ago—the one called the Origin—has revived.’
‘If this continues, the capital will once again be swallowed by a monster disaster.’
‘The Origin is still only partially unsealed, but it will regain its full power soon. It will likely become capable of summoning hordes of lesser monsters. We still have a chance now, but it’s an incredibly dangerous opponent.’
‘However… I must pursue the one who released the Origin, and the Princess who was abducted.’
‘…Logically, I should abandon the Princess and focus on stopping the Origin.’
‘If the Origin is left unchecked, the capital will fall. The life of one princess cannot compare.’
‘Perhaps… the old me, the knight, would have killed his heart and made that choice.’
‘So… this is my own selfish request.’
‘What I’m about to ask… is tantamount to ordering you into a battle you might not survive.’
‘Still… I need your help.’
‘I need the Three Organizations to cooperate… and stop the Origin.’
‘Facing the Origin alone… none of you can win.’
‘But I believe… if <Fenrir>’s mobility, <Blacksmith>’s firepower, and <Noah>’s magic work together… you can overcome it.’
‘I understand you’ve always been rivals. I know the animosity between you runs deep and can’t be wiped away overnight.’
‘But please.’
‘This isn’t just a request from your Master. It’s a plea from me, Arl, as an individual.’
‘And being able to say this… is thanks to you all.’
‘Prima. Your service healed the exhaustion I’d carried since my knight days.’
‘Rosetta. Seeing you stand your ground taught me the importance of valuing my own life.’
‘Kirsi. Your praise allowed me to finally accept and feel proud of the path I’ve walked.’
‘I want to protect this capital.’
‘So please… lend me your strength.’
—Ah… finally… he said it.
As the telepathic message ended, a shared feeling settled over the three girls: relief.
They had built their organizations, poured their lives into them, all to fulfill a wish their savior had once uttered. The days since Arl’s return, the days spent serving him, had been pure happiness. Yet, a small, persistent anxiety had always lingered.
Is our devotion… just confusing him? Does he find it… annoying?
Their kind Master would never reject their feelings outright. The Master who only knew how to serve others would surely try his best to act like the ideal Master they desired.
But just now… he had asked them. He had asked for their help. He’d used those words before, but this time was different. They weren’t insensitive; they could feel the subtle shift. Arl had, from the bottom of his heart, relied on them to fulfill his own wish. He hadn’t held back out of consideration for them; he had told them what he wanted.
His first truly selfish request. Not words spoken as their Master, but a desire from his own heart. Their Master probably had no idea how much happiness it brought them, simply to have that wish entrusted to them.
Shortly thereafter, the three young women gathered in a ruined section of the Imperial Castle. Behind each stood the assembled forces of her organization. They faced each other, unyielding, the scene reminiscent of the countless standoffs that preceded their usual battles.
But this time, no weapons were drawn. They held each other’s gaze, the tension thick but different.
“…I have a proposal.”
“What a coincidence. So do I.”
“Yes. That makes things easier.”
If their Master wished it, they would accomplish anything. Even if it meant joining forces with the bitter rivals they had fought against time and time again for glory. Though the words they might use to broker cooperation would differ, the core sentiment was identical.
—For our Master alone.
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