kscans

Chapter 216 - Episode 12: Part 2, Calmness is Key in Negotiations

She's on my side... Mine... alone... No, that's enough.

"Ricardo-kun? You're making such a scary face. Is something wrong?"

Alfina looked at me anxiously. Huh, what was I just thinking about? Right. That I can't let Alfina overexert herself.

"N-no. I do think this information is important. But, using the crystal will be a burden on you... That's not it. There's one thing about the magic generated by the crystal that we cannot ignore."

Calm down. Stay calm. I explained the possibility that the purple magic emanating from the crystal could attract the Magic Insects.

"I see... The possibility of luring a calamity to the Royal Capital..."

Alfina looked troubled for a moment, but she quickly raised her head.

"Then what if we wait until it's colder? According to your hypothesis, Ricardo-kun, the Magic Insects will be in their Pupa stage during the winter and unable to move. Right?"

Hmph... That is logical. But it goes against my objective.

"A-actually, there's a possibility we will use the crystal itself to counter the Magic Insects. That's why I want to use it for that purpose, not for prophecies."

I explained that the core of our strategy was to build a device that uses the purple magic to lure the swarm of Magic Insects.

"I see, so you'll lure the swarm somewhere uninhabited. That is just like you, Ricardo-kun. I believe I could help with that research."

That was exactly what I had been worried she would say. If Alfina becomes indispensable for generating the purple magic, I could be cornered. Not just for the research, but in the final battle itself. In other words, it would mean putting her in direct danger. What's more, by my estimates, it will take longer than a year.

"You must not. That would be too much of a burden on you, Alfina-sama."

I had raised my voice without thinking.

"Ricardo-kun..."

Startled, I looked at Alfina. She was staring at me, surprised and confused. Dammit, I was trying to stay calm. What am I doing getting so flustered?

"Ricardo-kun. The scale of the calamity you and the others have uncovered matches what I have seen. Just as you say, there is a high probability it will become a truly grave disaster."

"Yes..."

"And we have so little time."

"That... is true."

Alfina spoke as if she were reasoning with a child. I nodded reluctantly.

"And I have Clau and Luiza properly helping me when I approach the crystal. The burden isn't that great."

Alfina said, glancing back at the two women behind her. They both nodded. It was true, her legs seemed steady when she ran up to me, and her arms were strong when she hugged me. Still, there was no way she could be exposed to such dense magic without any strain.

"But that means there is some burden."

"Of course. But no one can do their job without getting tired at all, can they?"

"No, it's dangerous to think about that magic on such a level. You should not be doing this."

"Ricardo-kun..."

Alfina looked at me intently. I felt overwhelmed by her direct gaze.

"You have been acting a little strange for a while now, Ricardo-kun. Considering the magnitude of the danger you are predicting, and the importance of preventing it, isn't it only natural that I do everything I can?" Alfina said.

"W-well, that's, um. I am also considering methods based on choosing a battlefield and long-term strategy. I have the lab members and everyone from the Central Garden. I can also get help from Maytyl-dono of the Empire. So..."

How can I convince her? My eyes darted around as I thought. This is bad, I can't think of anything. Until now, I've been using the scale of the calamity to persuade the king and the others. Now the roles are completely reversed.

"A-anyway, I'll figure something out, so you, Alfina-sama..."

The words that came out of my mouth were completely irrational. Alfina looked at me sadly.

"And you will go near something dangerous again, Ricardo-kun?"

Alfina spoke quietly. She looked at me with an expression of someone enduring pain.

"That's... No, well, I won't get close to the Magic Insects anymore..."

I couldn't promise that I wouldn't. I would at least have to be present for the final battle. I have all these confusing titles, and regardless of them, this concerns the future construction of the Central Garden. It would be impossible for me not to be there. But Alfina doesn't need to be there too. That's unacceptable.

"Even so, Alfina... Alfina-sama... Alfina-sama just needs to do as I say."

"Ricardo-kun?"

"Ah, huh?"

I realized I was speaking like a spoiled child, offering no basis or logic. Not only that, I was ordering Alfina around.

"Ricardo-kun. Once more..."

"Alfina-sama."

From behind, Luiza cut Alfina off. Luiza looked at me. This is bad. After hearing their mistress spoken to like this, even these two will...

"Hmm. It's not necessarily a bad tendency. But you should probably calm down a bit."

Luiza said. Wait, she's not angry? And what does she mean, not a bad tendency?

"She is right, Alfina-sama. Ricardo seems tired, too. Perhaps you should speak again after some time has passed."

Even Claudia said something that seemed to back me up. Why are you looking at me with such lukewarm eyes? I admit I lost my cool just now and it was pathetic.

No, wait. Do they even understand what we are talking about? I'm talking about Alfina's safety.