Chapter 9: Love Interests vs. Love Interests

Chapter 9:
Love Interests vs. Love Interests

 

AS THE ENORMOUS, remodeled luxury ship rocked back and forth, Louise wrapped her arms around herself. “Why won’t you leave me alone? All I want is to be by my little brother’s side,” she murmured.

Leon had infiltrated the ship. She’d never dreamed he would do something this rash. Louise’s personal maids stood nearby, all clutching weapons even as they quivered in fear.

The door flew open. Serge stood on the threshold. The moment the maids saw him, they visibly relaxed. As for Louise, his face was the last one she wanted to see.

“What do you want?” she snapped. “Leave. I don’t want to look at you.”

“Don’t gotta be so cold. I’m here to protect you.”

“You are?” She eyed him suspiciously, sure she had to have misheard him.

Serge’s lips curled into an off-putting smile as he declared, “I’m going to crush that kid, the one who looks just like your little bro, and I’m gonna to do it right in front of you. Should give me some entertainment at least.”

The mental image made Louise shudder. “Y-you…really are complete human garbage. This is exactly why I hate you.”

Serge’s expression sobered. “Oh yeah? Well, not like I give a crap. They’re coming after you, so I’m just here to wait for ’em.”

“And what about everyone else?” Louise asked. Her intention was to nudge him into leaving guard duty to one of the others, but sadly, they were all otherwise preoccupied.

“They took the troops on board and went to pay a visit to our intruders. Figured I could leave the small fries to them.” Serge plopped down on a chair and leaned back.

Louise closed her eyes. Leon, please don’t bother me. I am begging you. Don’t do anything dangerous.

 

***

 

“Ah, it’s you!” I gasped.

“Eeeeek!”

After annihilating all the people who had come to face me, I spotted a soldier on the ground who looked familiar. He was one of the men who’d boarded the Einhorn when I first came to the republic, claiming it was an “inspection.” He’d looked down his nose at me and taken a real shitty tone.

I shot him with a rubber bullet, and as he writhed on the floor in agony, I stomped over and slammed my foot down on his gut.

“I was so hoping to see you again! I’ve been anxious to show my gratitude for your stellar treatment upon my arrival.”

“N-noooo! Somebody save meeee!”

“What’s this? I thought you were a captain, but now you’re only a commander? I’m so curious, what could possibly have earned you such a demotion? Why don’t you tell me, hm?” I aimed the barrel of my gun at his head. He was so overcome with fear that he started foaming at the mouth and passed out. “Aw, we were only getting started. Oh well. I’m busy, so it’s not like I have time to waste on you.”

If Luxion were here, he would probably say something like, “In that case, why did you bother threatening him at all? You only wasted more time that way.”

Ugh! For some reason, I kinda miss the never-ending sarcasm parade.

“I really need to look for Miss Louise, but I wonder if those idiots are doing all right? Guess I shouldn’t worry too much. They’re like cockroaches; you couldn’t kill them if you tried.”

Nevertheless, I couldn’t help worrying about those bozos.

 

***

 

“Here we go! Take this!” Greg howled as he hefted his machine gun, bravely firing at the enemy. With a belt of ammunition hanging from one shoulder, he looked like a movie star, taking down each enemy as they charged toward him.

Jilk was unimpressed, eyeing his companion coldly. They had rendezvoused and were supposed to be fighting together, but Greg was almost entirely naked.

“Greg, don’t you feel ashamed, looking like that?” Jilk was using a sniper rifle with a scope attached. However, since Greg was mowing down the path ahead, most of what he saw through that scope was a close-up of Greg’s rear end. His trigger finger itched something fierce.

“Yeah, sorry ’bout this. I am kinda embarrassed.”

“Then please put some clothes on.” Jilk’s momentary relief was short-lived.

“I don’t have nearly enough muscles on my back yet.”

Jilk was at a loss for words.

D-does he seriously think his lack of muscles is more shameful than nudity? Is he actually that stupid?!

Jilk paused and stared up at the ceiling, his thoughts wandering to the members of the group who weren’t currently with them.

I hope at least Chris…no, he’s beyond salvation. Even Brad can’t be considered sane anymore. I wish I could have accompanied His Highness instead. Honestly, why did things have to turn out like this?

Since all the enemies in the area had been wiped out, Greg started to move on. “Hey, Jilk, how long are you gonna stare into space? Get your head on straight, would you? This is a battlefield. Seriously, guys like you are hopeless; no common sense.”

Jilk’s finger moved to the trigger. Surely no one could blame me for firing on him from behind, could they?

 

***

 

At about the same time, Chris and Brad also rendezvoused and began wiping out enemy soldiers. The former was clad only in his trademark loincloth as he brandished his wooden sword, taking out soldier after soldier.

The enemy troops screamed, “Urgh! This guy is dressed like a clown, but he’s so strong!”

“This is hardly the garb of a clown!” Chris protested, bringing his sword slamming down on the man who’d mocked him, thereby rendering him unconscious.

Brad slowly followed him from behind with a group of men in ostentatious armor trailing at his rear, orchestra equipment in hand.

The moment the enemy spotted them, they began their retreat, realizing victory was beyond their capabilities.

“There’s too many! Call for reinforcements!”

“This must be the main unit!”

“Dammit! Stupid kingdom barbarians!”

Brad watched them scramble away and sighed. In the same instant, the troops behind him disappeared with a poof. “What a shame. I was about to begin my performance, but this audience doesn’t seem to have any patience. Oh, Chris, nicely done on the opening act.”

Brad’s flippant attitude prompted Chris to bash him over the head with his wooden sword.

“Ouch! Wh-what was that for?!” Brad demanded.

“Stop making me do all the fighting and pitch in.”

Brad shook his head. “You really don’t get it, do you? The lead actor must always arrive fashionably late.”

“And since when have you been the lead? It’s blindingly obvious that Bartfort holds that role. He suggested we do this to begin with, and the person we’re rescuing is his acquaintance. From where I’m standing, you’re nothing more than a side character.”

Brad frowned. “I-I’m the lead actor of my own story. That means I’m always the protagonist.”

“Yeah? How wonderful for you. Now hurry up and get a move on. It’ll be a pain if those men come back with reinforcements.”

“Hey, wait up!”

As Chris barreled on ahead, Brad hurried after him.

 

***

 

“Grr! I didn’t think I would be left behind to watch the ship.” Julius mumbled from within his cockpit as he guarded the Einhorn. Everyone else had infiltrated the enemy vessel while he’d been left outside to keep watch. He was vexed; he wanted to fight.

“Julius, make sure to keep a close eye out!” Marie commanded from the Einhorn’s bridge. Angelica, Olivia, and Noelle were there with her as well. They were also accompanied by Kyle and Carla—the whole gang was here.

Julius exhaled. “Well, when I think about how important it is to protect Marie, I don’t resent being left behind so much.” Although he’d been muttering complaints up until now, Marie’s voice coaxed some motivation out of him. “And it looks like the enemy has come.”

Armors bearing the House Barielle flag approached the Einhorn. There were other armed troops without suits that were trying to board and infiltrate the Einhorn as well.

“As if I’d let you get past me!” Julius bellowed, firing a warning shot. The boarding troops paused, but the Armors went on the attack.

Julius dodged out of the way, pulling out his sword. He sliced right through an enemy suit’s legs, severing them as if cutting through butter. The enemy lost their balance, slamming into one of their own ships. After that, they were motionless.

“This Armor is incredible. So this is the power Bartfort holds in his hands?”

Julius had faced Leon in a duel, but he had never before realized his opponent’s lethality in battle. That was a terrifying thought in and of itself, but he also realized Leon had held back against them, which was sobering in the worst way. It was infuriating, but at the same time, Julius realized that however tactless Leon had been, he’d shown consideration in not risking their lives. It was hard to believe someone as annoying as Leon had been looking out for them.

“If I can’t fulfill my role after borrowing an Armor this strong, Leon won’t let me hear the end of it. That’s one thing I can’t stomach.”

Imagining Leon’s snicker motivated Julius all the more.

When the next opponent flew in, Julius cleaved right through their arms, leaving them incapacitated. In the face of others who threatened to follow, he shouted, “If you have a death wish, feel free to come at me!”

A single Armor drifted forward. “In that case, you can face me.” The voice belonged to Loic. He charged straight at Julius.

Julius dodged out of his trajectory. “Are you trying to throw your life away?!”

Loic maneuvered like a suicidal maniac, making it difficult for Julius, who on principle tried his best to avoid taking lives as long as he could help it. Loic, however, had nothing to lose.

“I’ve heard your voice,” Loic said. “Aren’t you…the kingdom’s prince?”

“And what of it?” Julius asked.

“Nothing. I just realized something is all. If you want Louise that bad, you’ll have to kill me first!”

“Tch!”

Beating Loic would be easy enough, but if Julius wasn’t careful when he aimed his attacks, Loic would die. This battle was becoming difficult.

 

***

 

On board the ship where Louise was kept, Hughes led a group of Druille soldiers and knights.

“Hurry up and take them down!” he snapped at his men.

“W-we’re trying! B-but the enemy is too strong.”

Hughes found himself facing the combined power of Greg and Jilk. The former, who was mostly naked and carrying a machine gun, was hiding behind a corner as he discussed tactics with his companion.

“Jilk, I’m counting on you to cover me from behind.”

“You’re going to charge in there naked? Did you hit your head or something?”

Greg pulled a device out from his shorts and showed it to Jilk. “As long as I have this, naked or not, the bullets shouldn’t hit me. That’s what Luxion said, anyhow.”

“Where did you just pull that thing from? Please keep it away from me.”

Greg stuffed the device back into his shorts and held his machine gun at the ready. “Jilk, I’m trusting you to watch my back. I’m going in!” As he charged, the enemy was thrown into disarray.

“Why is he naked?!”

“I-It’s no good! Our bullets aren’t hitting him!”

“Then I’ll use my magi—bwah!” No sooner had one of the knights tried to cast a spell than Jilk sniped them from afar.

After seeing one of his men taken out by a rubber bullet, Hughes threw his right hand up. “Do you savages from the kingdom truly think you can—”

“Eat this!” Greg had accumulated enough experience to realize the Sacred Tree’s divine protection would be nothing but trouble, which was precisely why he’d prepared a counter for it. He slammed his foot into Hughes, sending the man reeling through the air.

“H-how dare—” Hughes struggled back to his feet, but Greg’s gun was already trained on his forehead.

“Checkmate. Simplest way to combat your Sacred Tree’s power is to take you out before you can use it. Piece of cake.” Greg spoke as if he was clever for spotting their weakness, but it was really a pretty brute force solution.

Jilk approached from behind and took out a handgun, firing it at Hughes.

“Yeooooowch!” Hughes held his hands over his injured face and thrashed on the floor.

Jilk watched dispassionately, taking out a pair of handcuffs. “What are you doing, bragging to the enemy? You’ve no reason to monologue; you should have just shot him. Now hurry up and restrain him.”

Luxion had prepared the cuffs beforehand, and they wouldn’t break easily. Even someone bearing a crest from one of the Six Great Houses wouldn’t escape.

Hughes continued to resist even after his arms were tied and his cheek was swelling an ugly red. “You don’t know who you’re messing with! Only a complete fool would do something like this. I don’t know if your purpose is really saving Louise, but if you do, the republic won’t stand for it. And I won’t forget your faces. I’ll ensure you pay!”

Greg and Jilk exchanged glances, laughing.

“Hear that?” Greg motioned over his shoulder with a thumb. “He’s got a point. Bartfort really hasn’t thought this through, has he?”

“Well, he is an idiot. Both in a good way and in a bad way. Which is precisely why it would be pointless to listen to whatever threats this fellow may have in mind—assuming he really has any.”

They left Hughes behind and started forward.

“H-hey! Wait just a minute! Are you really going to leave me tied up here? I-I’m a man of the Six Great Houses, you know! My name is Hughes! Haven’t you heard of me?!”

Greg glanced at him. “Like we give a crap. If you really wanna introduce yourself that bad, save it for later. Though if we’re doing this, the name’s Greg.”

“And mine is Jilk.” Jilk gave a slight wave. “I hope we can share some tea in the future.”

Hughes was dumbfounded. “Wh-what…?”

 

***

 

As I took down enemy after enemy and proceeded down a corridor, I spotted a young man in front of me. I lifted my gun and pointed it at him, but he smiled bitterly and lifted both hands in defeat.

“I surrender,” he said.

“That was a little too easy. You planning something?”

I recognized him as Emile. I’d seen him a number of times, but this was our first time actually speaking to each other.

Embarrassed, Emile scratched his cheek. “I’m not so fond of scary or painful things, see. I already ordered Pleven’s men to fall back. If you’re looking for Louise, you’ll find her this way.”

It didn’t seem like he was lying. I lowered my weapon, still wary as I tried to slip past him.

“I don’t see the Raults’ troops anywhere,” he said. “The Raults were the only ones who didn’t deploy their Armors either. Could it be you’re colluding?”

I paused and glanced at Emile, smiling. From that, he surmised my answer, and his face lit up.

“I knew it! The timing of your attack, the positioning, it all seemed so suspicious. I was certain someone had to be feeding you information.”

It was true that the Raults were providing support. They’d been more than happy to do so, in fact.

“It’d be wiser not to run your mouth in front of the enemy,” I said. “Can’t blame me if you get yourself killed.”

“You wouldn’t do something like that. Moreover, Serge is up ahead waiting for you. Take my word for it, he’s a strong opponent.”

“Something to look forward to then! The most fulfilling thing in the world is knocking cocky guys down a peg. Even so, he’s just icing on the cake. My real objective is to rescue Miss Louise.”

Not long after parting with Emile, I spotted a door up ahead.

 

***

 

Serge lifted himself out of his seat and began stretching. Meanwhile, Louise’s maids squealed every time the ship rocked as the battle raged outside. Announcements played over the intercom system, alerting those on board that the intruders had breached sector after sector. Louise knew they would soon reach her room, whether she liked it or not.

As the maids sobbed, footsteps echoed outside the door.

Serge reached for his handgun. “You lot, stay out of this.” In the next instant, he pulled the trigger and unloaded on the door. The shots echoed through the room, empty shells clattering to the floor. A tendril of smoke rose from the barrel of Serge’s gun. He threw it aside and picked up his spear. “Come on out.”

The door was riddled with bullet holes, and the intruder kicked it down before entering. He carried a machine gun in his hands.

“I’ve come to play,” Leon said with an enormous grin. He turned his gun on Serge and fired.

Guns that could rapidly fire so many rounds were nonstandard in the republic, which made the weapon all the more terrifying. Serge, however, threw his hand out and created a magical barrier. It repelled the rubber bullets, which bounced uselessly to the ground.

Serge glanced at them and scoffed, “You’re too soft. At least bring some real ammunition to the fight. I came here ready to take you down, no holds barred.” Leon’s choice of nonlethal rounds was disappointing, to say the least.

Leon discarded his gun in favor of unsheathing his sword. “Perfect. I love crushing insufferable jerks like you! I hated your guts from the moment I saw your ugly mug.” He played the villain role well as he charged forward, swinging his blade.

The corner of Serge’s lips curled as he parried the blow. “Your attacks have no power. I thought you kingdom boys were supposed to be made of tougher…stuff!” He punctuated his words with a kick, sending Leon flailing backward.

Leon rolled across the floor, skillfully curling his body in such a way that he could quickly leap to his feet. Once he was up, he wiped his mouth with the back of his hand.

Serge had engaged him long enough to evaluate his skill level. “Not terrible, but there’s no way you can win.”

Leon’s expression soured.

 

***

 

Meanwhile, the troops Narcisse led were engaging Chris and Brad. As Brad took aim, Narcisse threw both hands up in the air, surrendering.

“What? No fight left in you, huh?” Brad wrinkled his forehead, puzzled.

“To tell the truth,” Narcisse said, “Louise is both an acquaintance and a former pupil, so I’m not keen on sacrificing her in the first place. Part of me was relieved when you guys showed up to steal her away.”

Brad lowered his gun. “Guess there’s some common sense among you Six Great Houses fellows after all, then. That’s a relief. I assumed you were all like Pierre.”

“Pierre is one of a kind. That said, if you plan to continue farther in, I would advise you to be cautious.”

Chris glared. “You think we would be caught unawares?”

“I know you’re strong, but you don’t understand—Serge is terrifying.”

“Terrifying, you say?”

Narcisse had ventured into a dungeon with Leon and the Holfort boys once before. He had seen their power first-hand, but in his opinion, Serge was in an entirely different league.

“Serge is unbelievably powerful. A few years ago, he managed to beat a monster with his bare hands without using the Sacred Tree’s divine protection. It was no small beast either. It stood a full two meters tall.”

If this had been a few years ago, Serge had been about fifteen at the time. If he really had beat a monster with his bare fists at that age, then he was surely an even more dangerous opponent now.

Brad, however, was not impressed. “How inspiring. Hey, Chris, do you have some handcuffs on you?”

“I do.”

Chris slipped them out from his loincloth, prompting Brad to pull a face.

“Why would you keep them there of all places? I don’t even want to touch them now. You’re going to have to handle this.”

Chris shook his head. “I suppose I have no choice. The downside of this loincloth is that it doesn’t have any pockets. It’s completely perfect in all other ways… Hm? Looks like Bartfort is close to our target.” The device attached to his ear fed him this information.

Since neither boy cared to heed Narcisse’s warning, he grew indignant. “Will you listen to me?! I’m telling you, Serge is guarding Louise. And he’s really, really strong! No… No, ‘strong’ doesn’t do him justice. Your chances against him are abysmal. But if you don’t get in there and do something, Leon’s a dead man.”

Brad stared at him and sighed. “You’re Narcisse, right? You’re totally clueless.”

“Huh?”

Chris slapped the cuffs on Narcisse, and the latter tried his best to ignore how strangely warm they were. Best not to give it too much thought, he reasoned.

Chris said, “I have no clue what strange ideas you’re entertaining, but Bartfort is a genuine hero. He would never lose to brute strength alone. The fact that sheer power can’t overwhelm him is exactly what makes him such a pain to fight.”

Brad nodded in agreement. “You said it. He’ll likely beat that poor Serge guy bloody. Bartfort hates his sort more than anything. And you know what else? Of all the people in the world, Bartfort’s the last one I’d ever want to face in a serious fight.”

“I feel the same. A match would be doable, but if we were in actual battle, I would do everything I could to run away.”

As Narcisse listened to them avow their trust in Leon’s abilities, he found himself wondering, Are they on good terms with Leon? Or do they actually hate him?

 

***

 

At around the same time that Leon reached Louise’s room, Julius was locked in battle with Loic outside.

“Does he seriously have a death wish?!” Julius was feeling the pressure.

Loic charged toward Julius for a tackle, but Julius dodged out of the way and used that opening to break Loic’s left arm. Loic’s Armor was barely holding together, and he had no weapon to fight with either. Julius was doing his best not to kill Loic, which was why he had yet to land a finishing blow.

“It’s hard holding back,” Julius muttered. “Your name is Loic, right? If you keep this up, you’ll end up killing yourself!”

Julius said this for Loic’s benefit, but the other man seemed unbothered. “What of it?”

“Sorry?”

“I’m basically a dead man anyway. I have nothing left to live for. Not a single damn thing!” Loic roared as he charged again.

Julius caught Loic and threw him down onto the Einhorn’s deck. There, he grabbed the enemy’s cockpit hatch and pried it open, revealing Loic inside, his eyes bloodshot. The last time Julius had seen Loic, he’d looked like a proper nobleman, but now he was a shadow of his former self. His eyes were sharper, but his cheeks were hollow. He’d lost a considerable amount of weight as well; his life had evidently been far rougher since the scandal.

Loic managed to climb out of his cockpit, wielding a sword. He took a stance against Julius, even though the latter was still in his Armor.

“Y-you fool!”

“I told you, I have nothing,” Loic said. “My family told me to die on this mission. I have nowhere left to go.”

Julius could easily picture Loic’s straits. His family wanted him gone. It was hard seeing him in this state. He cracked open the hatch to his own cockpit, grabbing a sword as he hopped out.

If he finds it too shameful to keep on living, then I suppose I’ll have to end it for him.

Julius’s actions weren’t motivated by hate; he actually sympathized with Loic and only thought ending Loic’s life would be the kindest thing he could do.

When Julius left his Armor, Loic’s face brightened—he realized Julius had resolved to fight him to the death.

“You have my thanks, prince of the kingdom, for giving me a place to die. I’m grateful that you’ve given my final moments some meaning.”

Until this point, Loic had been unable to take his life and unable to find anyone willing to do it for him. He hung in limbo, waiting for his family to dispose of him. Finally, this battle had granted him purpose.

“I’ll end it for you,” Julius said.

Both men readied their weapons.

Then Noelle ran out from the bridge. She huffed and puffed as she stumbled outside. Her pace slowed, but she was intent on stopping this fight.

“Noelle, go back inside!” Julius commanded even as she made her way over to him.

As Loic’s eyes landed on her, his face contorted. He focused his gaze on Julius instead. “Noelle! I… I really did love you. That’s the honest truth.”

“Loic, enough of this. There’s no reason to go this far. I don’t want to see Louise sacrifice her life. I don’t want her to die! But the same goes for you. There’s no reason for you to die!”

“I’m dead already! My life is hollow. Meaningless.” Tears welled in Loic’s eyes as he dropped his gaze, lowering his sword as well. “No one cares for a noble who has lost the Sacred Tree’s protection. My life is worthless. The clock is ticking; I’ll be killed sooner or later, my death passed off as illness. I’d rather end it in battle.” If Loic’s life was forfeit, he at least hoped for a meaningful death.

Julius continued holding his sword at the ready, but he made no move to attack, affording the pair time to say what needed to be said.

“Then just leave this place!” Noelle reasoned. “You can live without the tree’s protection. You don’t have to be Loic of the Six Great Houses. You can just be normal, ordinary Loic.”

Loic continued crying as he laughed. “That’s not it. That’s not it at all.”

“Loic?”

“For so long, I claimed that I loved you, but I was completely ignorant. I didn’t even try to open my eyes! I shackled you to me and made you suffer. Hurt you. That’s why my life is worthless now.”

Loic yearned for death because of the scars he’d left on Noelle’s heart. After their separation, he’d finally been able to take an objective look at himself. He discarded his blade and threw his arms wide open. “Prince Julius, I honestly don’t have an ounce of fight left in me. I know it’s selfish to ask this, but please end it in one swing.”

Julius adjusted his grip on the hilt of his sword and retook his stance. “Very well. Do you have any last words?”

Loic smiled, looking genuinely at peace. “Noelle, I’m so sorry. I know I’ve caused you trouble as well, Your Highness. I only wish I could apologize to the earl too. Make sure to tell him I’m sorry.”

“I will make sure he receives your message.” Julius lunged forward, lifting his sword. Before he could bring it down, a figure came flying at Loic from the side.

“I’ve had just about enough of your crap, you spoiled brat!”

Loic tumbled across the deck, hacking and coughing all the way. Julius froze in place and lowered his weapon.

“Marie? Uh, um… I thought we were going to grant Loic’s wish?” Her sudden entrance had left Julius puzzled.

Noelle was similarly gobsmacked. “Um, Rie? Uh… Loic just went flying…?” She’d never imagined Marie’s fists could pack such power since she was so petite, but Julius knew better; he’d experienced her blows first-hand.

Marie’s fist is about as heavy as a giant boulder.

No joke. She really could send someone twice her size reeling with a single punch.

Marie cracked her knuckles and stomped toward Loic. Grabbing a fistful of his hair, she yanked him up and slapped him across the face and then, for good measure, backhanded him as well.

“I-I’m sorry… Please, no more…” Loic pleaded as Marie continued whaling on him. Both of his cheeks were swollen.

Marie paused to compose herself before leaning in, bringing her face close to his. “What’s this crap I hear about wanting to die, huh? You think life isn’t worth living? Sure, you might have a broken heart, but you think that gives you license to act like the heroine of some tragedy? You disgust me.”

“B-buht I…” Loic tried to speak, but his face was so swollen that the words didn’t come out right. Marie’s glare silenced him before he could get anywhere with his excuses. Her intensity was overwhelming.

“See? This is exactly why Noelle didn’t want to be with you. If your first love was a flop, you search for the next. Did you seriously plan to cling to your heartbreak and throw away your life like a little baby? Are you trying to make fools out of us? Huh?!”

“Eep!”

Marie gave the trembling boy a shove, letting him tumble across the deck. “There are people out there who desperately want to live whose lives are cruelly ripped away,” she chided. “If you actually died for something this ridiculous, I’d curse you to your grave.”

“B-but—”

“No ‘buts’! Now you listen to me. From the moment you’re born into this world, you have to keep fighting to stay alive. You’ve got plenty going for you: you’re young, healthy, and fit. But you still want to die because your first love turned you down? Quit acting like a baby! What, you think people would see you in a better light if you died here? Do you have any brain cells to rub together?”

As much as Marie laid into him, her eyes were dead serious. Even Julius found something convincing in her argument.

But why is she trying to persuade him to keep living?

Marie had no connection to Loic, at least as far as Julius knew. Maybe she simply couldn’t stand to see a self-destructive spiral this pronounced.

“You know what’ll actually make you look good? Staying alive ’til the very end. The coolest people in the world are those who fight tooth and nail to keep living and survive. Right now, you just look like a pathetic, spoiled brat. There’s nothing attractive about you. I can see why Noelle hates your guts.”

Loic’s eyes fell to the ground. “How could you ever understand? As a noble, I’ve lost everything. What could you know about wanting to die?”

“Nothing! But you’re sure arrogant, wanting other people to sympathize with you when you’ve never once stopped to consider Noelle’s feelings. If you’re really a man, then pick yourself up and crawl out of the pit you’ve fallen into. You keep mentioning how you lost the Sacred Tree’s divine protection, but, hello? None of us had it to begin with, and we’re still alive. As for me? I don’t have any noble status either. All I’ve got is a bunch of debt.” Marie reached down and grabbed Loic, forcing him to his feet. She gave his stomach a light smack. “Anyone who says they’re willing to give up their life that easily is a weakling. Those who are really at the bottom of the barrel don’t have the luxury of choosing how they live. Before you start spouting off that kinda crap, give living a fighting chance. You still have plenty of time to start over, however many times it takes.”

“R-right.” Loic continued sobbing, and Marie wrapped her arms around him.

Julius, who had listened to the entire exchange, didn’t think it would be so simple for Loic to turn things around. But since Marie seemed to have convinced him, Julius couldn’t very well cut in with his jaded opinion. He returned to the cockpit of his Armor and scanned the area.

So the republic fleet isn’t going to attack the Einhorn, huh? Is it because they’re terrified of Bartfort? Or is it because Bartfort holds the Guardian’s Crest?

Since the Einhorn was flying a pirate flag, Julius and the crew could hardly complain if they were attacked. Yet, for whatever reason, Fernand wasn’t sending his ships on the offensive.

All that’s left now, I guess, is for Bartfort to extract Louise.