Chapter: 270
“Hey, there, Miss Witch. Who gave you the right to step in? I can’t allow that.”
Martina stepped in to stop Scarlet, who was ready to sacrifice herself.
Caught off guard by Martina’s objection, Scarlet stammered, “Huh…? But…”
“But what? You’ve got someone to protect? I can’t believe I’m asking this, but you’re not talking about Yoon Si-woo, are you?”
“Ah… well, yes, it’s Yoon Si-woo, but there are others too…”
As Scarlet stumbled over her words, Martina let out a chuckle and muttered.
“Then it’s an absolute no. I heard the story, you know? Yoon Si-woo tried to shield you and ended up like this.”
Martina frowned, remembering Yoon Si-woo in a state of unconsciousness.
Sure, Martina could be rough around the edges, but she was way more caring and responsible than she appeared. Naturally, she was worried about her former subordinate being in such a state.
After all, she knew exactly why Yoon Si-woo became that way.
“I get that you feel indebted to Yoon Si-woo and want to sacrifice yourself for him, but when he wakes up and sees you dead because you were trying to protect him, all his efforts would be for nothing.”
“W-well…”
Scarlet’s face showed she hadn’t considered it that way, and Martina shook her head.
Seeing Yoon Si-woo suffer for crushing on someone like her was something she sympathized with.
At least this was the least she could do for her former subordinate.
“I won’t allow the tragic sacrifice of my subordinate to be in vain.”
“Ugh…”
She let someone live after they should have died, and here they were, looking like they were about to apologize.
For some reason, an immense frustration boiled up inside Martina, and she approached Scarlet, giving her a playful hit on the head.
“Eh…? What was that?”
“Why did I hit you? Because you were being cheeky, that’s why.”
Scarlet was hardly hurt, but she was so surprised by the sudden hit that she was in shock, and Martina spoke to her in a scolding tone.
In truth, Martina was already quite angry with Scarlet from the start.
Not for any particular reason, though.
“Where do you get off trying to make me sacrifice my kid? The kid should stay put. This is something for adults to handle.”
It was simply because Scarlet was still a young student, whether she was a witch or not.
Adults shouldn’t make kids sacrifice themselves just to survive.
Martina said this like it was the most obvious thing in the world, and Eve and Leon, who were watching from the side, seemed to share her thoughts, motioning for Scarlet to back off.
“Listen to her, Evande. Leave this to us.”
“Thanks for the sentiment.”
“…Alright.”
Realizing they weren’t going to allow her to sacrifice herself, Scarlet had no choice but to step back.
With Scarlet out of the way, Martina stepped forward, as if to say things would proceed now.
“Well then, I’ll clear the way. After all, at my age, there’s no one who would mourn for an old maid like me.”
“Hey!”
“Yikes, I might’ve had one. Anyway, that means I’m the one doing this, right? There’s no one else fit for the job.”
Martina played off her words, lightly shaking her hand as an apology to Kanna, the deputy commander, who seemed outraged at her self-pity.
Of course, she thought this was what had to be done.
“Who says you’re the only one fit? Martina, I’ll do it. You stay behind.”
“…What are you talking about now?”
But this time, Natalia stepped forward to stop Martina.
Martina glared with fiery eyes at Natalia, who was volunteering for a mission likely to end in death.
“Are you crazy? Just because Leon had no other suitable candidates doesn’t mean you should, you’ve got a family to think about! What about your daughter?!”
The reason Martina was so angry was because, unlike her, Natalia actually had family.
Her husband, Lucas, was already in a coma from an enemy attack, and if she would go too, what would become of their daughter, Marin?
Martina was expressing her anger with a purpose.
But then,
“I know.”
“What…?”
“I know. That’s why I’m saying I’m going.”
Natalia’s answer was entirely unexpected for Martina.
She’d thought Natalia was eccentric at times, but was she completely off her rocker now?
Martina couldn’t help but be taken aback, as Natalia calmly smiled at her.
“Martina. Martina Ivanova. You’ve always been my rival since our school days. Sure, I graduated and got married much quicker than you.”
“Damn it, are you making fun of me—”
“Martina. I’ve always been trying to beat you, so I know better than anyone that you’re an outstanding mage.”
Though Martina erupted in anger at what felt like mockery, Natalia interrupted, mumbling under her breath.
There was something strange in her voice that compelled Martina to shut her mouth.
“You see, Martina. I might have beat you on those fronts, but there’s one thing I truly believe I can never surpass you in.”
Martina had no choice but to be shocked by Natalia’s words.
It wasn’t about graduation or marriage; it was about something she had thought Natalia had always tried to beat her at.
Something she had never expected to hear, leaving her speechless.
“What is it?”
Natalia answered with a bittersweet smile.
“…It’s the part where you’re a better hero than I am. It’s frustrating, but it’s the truth. As a hero, Natalia Eloise doesn’t measure up to Martina Ivanova. Unfortunately, that’s reality.”
“…What the hell are you going on about?”
Martina couldn’t comprehend Natalia’s words.
As rivals, she knew how remarkable Natalia was.
She was a talented leader, not one to be outdone.
Why would Natalia say something like that? However,
“I can’t repair broken magic circles.”
Then, she couldn’t help but bite her lip.
Natalia continued with a face full of frustration.
“I can’t purify miasma or teleport, either. I can just manipulate water and use it effectively in battle, but even my combat skills don’t surpass yours.”
Back in school, they had always squabbled over which was better: magic or psychic abilities.
Whenever that topic came up, Martina always said, “Hey! You can’t do this or that.”
Natalia would reply, “You want to prove magic is better? How about we settle it in a duel?”
They always ended up in a draw.
Martina would always be annoyed by the draw, and Natalia, too, would be just as irritated.
She knew that the draw wasn’t truly a draw.
And through this conversation, Martina realized that Natalia had lived with her own sense of inferiority.
But knowing this was not something she could sympathize with, Martina remained silent, listening to Natalia.
Then, Natalia continued speaking.
“Martina. Let’s say we successfully seal that witch. Even if we succeed, the city will lose a lot of its strength. There’s bound to be a lot more difficulty in maintaining the city afterwards with the remaining survivors.”
It was unavoidable.
Right now, the number of people sacrificing themselves for the seal included two top-tier heroes, Eve and Leon.
If they had to fill the strength gap created by losing members, it would undoubtedly increase the burden immensely.
Martina knew this, and she also knew Natalia knew it.
That’s why she said it.
“Martina.”
“…Why?”
“I have a family that’s more important to me than anyone else.”
“…I know.”
“To protect that precious family and the city they live in.”
Natalia said with a frustrated smile.
“A skilled mage is more needed than a psychic mom who can just manipulate water.”
That’s the best way to protect her family.
Martina recognized there was a point in her words, but accepting it wasn’t easy.
“Why… why are you doing this to me? If you keep putting this pressure on me…”
That’s why Martina couldn’t simply agree.
Natalia then spoke softly.
“Martina.”
“…What now?”
“When we used to bet, you always followed whatever punishment without complaint, remember?”
She nodded, remembering.
When they once wagered over who could get a boyfriend first, the loser had to run three laps around the playground in just a swimsuit.
Even to this day, she recalled it well enough to kick her blanket at night out of embarrassment. Yet, she had gone through with that punishment without a word.
There were so many humiliating punishments, but she’d never spurned Natalia.
She felt that refusing would mean losing to Natalia.
And it was only possible because Natalia felt the same way.
Their relationship was sincere, with no deception or pretense.
Though sometimes it made her want to kill Natalia, they were always genuine rivals.
And then her rival smiled and asked.
“Do you remember that time you asked me to cover for you while you were rescuing your subordinate during the holidays? You promised to grant me any favor later. You haven’t made that request yet, have you?”
At her question, Martina’s expression hardened.
She remembered.
When Yoon Si-woo went to rescue Scarlet, she’d made that promise.
And she had a feeling she knew what favor Natalia was going to ask of her.
Martina’s face slowly twisted in remorse.
“Please don’t…”
She silently pleaded.
Her rival had always put her in tricky situations, and she sensed it again now.
“Martina.”
Natalia called her name.
With a smile.
Frustrated yet smiling, as if saying she wished she could be as great as Martina, filled with mixed feelings of regret and disappointment.
And at the moment their eyes met, Martina saw it.
Beyond those feelings of regret and disappointment,
A heavy trust that sent shivers down her spine, a trust that believed in her completely.
Her lifelong rival smiled and asked her.
“I’ll go. You stay.”
“…Yeah, damn it.”
*
Before departing, Leon and Natalia were given a very brief moment.
As time pressed on, the witch would recover her strength, making successful sealing less likely; thus, this moment was a short farewell.
“…Dad.”
“…Leonor.”
In that fleeting moment, Leon Lionelle struggled to think of the last words he wanted to say to his daughter, Leonor.
Yet, no matter how hard he tried, nothing good seemed to come to mind.
Honey, I’m sorry. I should have listened when you told me to read more books.
As he smiled wryly, staring blankly at his daughter’s face, Leonor embraced him tightly.
“…You can’t think of anything to say, can you?”
“…Haha.”
“If you can’t think of something, there’s no need to force it out. Just holding me tight is enough.”
Holding her head up, Leonor flashed a smile.
Yet she could not hide her slightly reddened eyes.
She was attempting to conceal her tears, knowing that if she showed her sadness, it would break his heart.
Seeing that made Leon think once again that she truly was their daughter.
Not because she resembled him in skin color or hair color.
It was her small, considerate actions that reflected those of his beloved wife.
Therefore, she wasn’t just his daughter; she was their daughter.
Ah, a thought struck him.
“Leonor, you’ve grown up well. Really… you’ve grown up well.”
“…Is that something you’re just now realizing?”
“Having lost your mother, and having barely spent time with you, seeing you so mature…”
As he spoke, Leon lamented how his duties as a hero had prevented him from spending more time with his daughter.
“I’m sorry… I’ve been a lackluster father, haven’t I? I should have worked harder to make up for your mother.”
And to those words from Leon,
“No, you haven’t.”
Leonor shook her head.
Releasing the embrace, she held his shoulder and said,
“I’ve never thought of you as a lackluster father. To me, you’ve always been the most proud and wonderful dad in the world. That’s how I’ll remember you, just as you’ve been until now, and for all time to come.”
Leonor’s golden eyes shone brightly.
There was no wavering in her gaze, clearly showing her sincerity filled Leon’s heart with emotion.
“…Really?”
“Yes.”
“Are you sure?”
“Of course.”
As if tears were about to burst from his eyes, Leon held them back.
He wanted to be remembered as a strong father until the end.
So, with a bright smile, Leon embraced Leonor, saying,
“I love you, Leonor. Just as I have until now, and for all time.”
“I love you too, Dad.”
*
Meanwhile, a conversation taking place not too far away between Natalia and Marin held a different atmosphere.
“Listen up, our daughter. Since I won’t be able to train you anymore, you’ll have to put in extra effort, alright? In the end, only your skills can protect you.”
“…Got it.”
“And take good care of your dad. He’s a bit of a softie, so he might faint when he wakes up and learns I’m gone.”
“Okay, I get it! It’s our last moment together, do you have to keep nagging?”
“I’m nagging because it’s the last time. Ugh, I’m just worried…”
Natalia watched Marin’s irritation as she exhaled with puffed cheeks.
It was supposed to be an emotional farewell, but all they shared were lectures.
But this atmosphere was all part of Natalia’s plan.
As she thought that, Marin asked sulkily.
“Am I that untrustworthy? Is that why you only keep nagging me on our last moment?”
Oh dear, it seemed like Marin might be getting upset, somehow.
Natalia shook her head, determined to lighten her daughter’s mood.
“Not at all. Your mom believes in you. You’re the second most trusted person in the world.”
“…Who’s the first?”
“Your dad. And the outcome turned out to be you because I was a little careless. When I asked ‘Do you trust me?’ things just spiraled.”
“…Are you serious?”
“Actually, I intended for this to happen. Dad didn’t know and freaked out when he thought it was a mistake. He was sweating like crazy.”
“Pfft…”
Marin burst into laughter at that, unable to hold it in.
Seeing her daughter relax made Natalia smile in return.
“Mom must have really loved Dad, looking how far you went for that.”
Natalia responded with a chuckle, “Of course. Second most in the whole world.”
That made Marin smile wider.
But then,
“Ah… geez. I really wasn’t trying to cry.”
In the end, she couldn’t help but let the tears flow.
Natalia gently embraced her daughter, the most cherished person in her life, as she began to sob.
“I love you… I love you, Mom. The very first in the world, I love you…”
Though she nearly said, “Let’s give the first place to Dad now,” she couldn’t manage to voice it.
Tears had begun to flow for Natalia as well.
She knew that once she saw Marin crying, she wouldn’t be able to hold back her own tears, so she aimed to prevent such an atmosphere but failed miserably.
But, thanks to that, she discovered an urgent truth: The strength of her special abilities allowed her to avoid ruining her face due to tears.
*
“…Have we finished saying goodbye?”
“Yes, this should be enough.”
Eve asked, and Leon responded.
Natalia couldn’t say anything.
She hadn’t fully gathered herself yet.
Eve chuckled slightly at Natalia’s state, her eyes sparkling with unshed tears.
Yes, how could one not feel sadness?
Farewells were always filled with sorrow.
Especially when they arose from someone’s death.
That’s why Eve felt the urge to express her sympathy, but she refrained from verbalizing it.
Saying sorry would be a disrespect to their resolve.
Yet, sensing her feelings, Leon spoke up.
“Teacher, do you think we might end up in the history books someday?”
To this absurd question, Eve chuckled and replied.
“We won’t just be in them; we’re guaranteed to be there, as heroes who once saved the world.”
“Well, I can at least leave some pride for Leonor.”
Leon said, sharing a smile.
Natalia wiped her tears and chuckled along.
So, they would be heading out.
To protect the world and those dear to them within it.
For that purpose, they were willing to face death.
“Shall we go?”
““Yes.””
Leon Lionelle, the captain of Astrape 1st Squad and the father of Leonor.
Natalia Eloise, the captain of Astrape 3rd Squad and the mother of Marin.
Eve, the envious witch and teacher at Aegis Academy.
The three individuals headed out for their mission.
Parents to protect their children.
Teachers to protect their students.
The three adults embark on a journey with no return.
My site has received a lot of DMCA notices, lol. From now on, I will update the MTL on https://darkmtl.com/.
The site is fast and lightweight because there are no ads yet. However, the theme is different from Cybor-TL, so take some time to familiarize yourself.
Support me by donating at least $10, and you'll have the right to request any novel from Novelpia (excluding 19+ content) using a newly developed tool.