As the sun was setting, I went to the roof. There was no sign of Iris in the room, and there was no mention of her going outside.
If that's the case, she must be here.
When I opened the door, I saw Iris looking outside. ...... She is looking at the view from the roof with a gloomy expression.
It's hard to say that I'm okay.
"Sir, .......
When Iris sees me, she bites her lip. She seems to have something to say, but she seems to be holding it back.
I continue to stand beside Iris and look at the scenery.
The whole town was already lit up by the lights, and it was becoming like a beautiful night scene. It's a view not often seen from the rooftops of the 《School》.
Iris also moved her eyes to the night view again. Some time passed in silence between them.
It was I who spoke first.
"About Aria...
What?
The mere mention of her name causes Iris to shiver.
She seemed to be scared of what kind of decision I would make. I'm not sure what to do, but I'm sure I'll be able to do it. ...... I don't mean to scare her in the slightest.
I'm not going to scare her, but I think she's under a lot of pressure right now.
Don't worry, I agree with Iris. We'll get Aria back, I promise.
I know that, I know that. I want to bring Aria back, too.
Iris turns to me. I know that," she continued, looking as if she was about to burst into tears.
But ...... I don't understand. I never thought I'd have to fight Aria. I didn't mean to stray, but I couldn't ...... really face the fight with Aria.
So that's why you couldn't bring Aria back?
I'm sure that for Aria, she'd be able to kill without hesitation ...... for the sake of someone she cares about. I'm sure there is someone out there that is important to Aria, and that's why she can fight me. When I thought about it, I didn't know what to do. ......
I'm sure Iris wants to bring Aria back.
I'm not sure what kind of communication I had with Aria, but I'm sure she said something that could be considered a farewell. The reason why Aria is working with the Shadow Apostle is because of that "important person".
It's hard to say who Aria's "important person" is without asking her. But for Aria, at least, Iris must be an important person, too.
...... How can you be so sure?
I think you know that better than I do. If you didn't take it seriously, you might have been injured more seriously by now. At least, if Aria was serious, too.
It's .......
Hearing my words, Iris choked on her words.
In my opinion, there is no significant difference in ability between Iris and Aria. There is not much difference in ability between Iris and Aria, as far as I can tell. At least, as far as Iris' condition is concerned, she is far from her best - she was probably the same way when she faced Aria.
If the current Iris were to confront Aria in earnest, it would not be impossible to kill her.
I'm sure you'll be able to find something that works for you.
I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one.
Oh! If that's the case, then Aria probably didn't intend to fight either. Regardless of the reason, Aria is on the side of the enemy. I'm not sure what to make of this, but I think it's a good idea.
......! Then, Aria is ......?
You and Aria must be worried about each other. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for and how to get there.
Iris had a look of surprise on her face. Maybe there's something that comes to mind.
The clear objective of the Shadow Apostle is to assassinate Aena. And beyond that is the war between the kingdom and the empire. ...... I guess they see value in that.
If Aria wanted to keep Iris away from this matter, it makes sense that she went to the trouble of telling her that she was on the enemy side.
For an assassin, revealing one's own identity can be fatal. Especially since Aria's skills are known to Iris and me.
If you really want to fight, it would be right to hide your true identity.
I feel a little saved by your words, .......
It's too early to feel saved.
I'm sorry. I'm sorry, I'm so weak in front of ...... you.
That's okay, you can just think of me as the reason.
"You're not so childish after all, are you?
Haha, I'm often told that.
But thank you very much. In any case, I knew what I had to do from the beginning. I'll bring Aria back, I promise.
Clenching her fists, Iris declares clearly.
The expression on her face was different from the previous one, this time it was full of determination.
As long as she didn't have any doubts, she would be fine - the problem would be Aria.
Now that Iris' doubts are gone, there's something I have to tell her.