Honestly, I hate the fact of just walking into an obvious trap.
It's easier if I can just blow up Pax and the castle from a distance.
But I know that's impossible.
Orsted bars it, and even if he didn't, Zanoba wouldn't let me.
The castle is the symbol of a nation, and if suddenly destroyed, so goes the kingdom.
It would only entice the enemy from the north to attack.
Basically, it's impossible.
An uneasy future.
All I can do is sigh.
First, let's take care of the audience.
Then we'll figure out what we need to do.
"Rudi."
In the midst of my thought, someone taps on my shoulder.
I turn around to see Roxy standing there.
"Aren't you a little tense there."
"Am I?"
"Yes. How about relaxing a little. You can't be careless, but if you're so stiff, you'll find it hard to move during crucial moments."
Roxy began rubbing my shoulders as she spoke.
With her small, but strong hands.
For a while, I sat there and savour those sensual hands.
Indeed.
I need to be flexible.
Just decide on a target for now, then go with the flow.
At worst, it's fine as long as Zanoba and Roxy live.
Including my own life, that's three.
Let's set that as our baseline.
Then, let's add Ginger on top of that, so four.
The survival of us four, and a safe return.
Can I do it?
"Thank you. I feel a weight taken off of my shoulders because of you."
I turn around after saying that.
Roxy is her usual self, her sleepy eyes.
But somehow gentler than usual.
"No, the usual Rudi would be more playful when relaxed."
"... Like?"
"Like saying, [Roxy, how about massage my front this time, starting here] and ripping your pants off..."
"B-But that's only when we're at home..."
"Yes. At home all Rudi wants to do is dirty stuff."
Roxy said as she caresses my face.
Feel like I'm being reprimanded.
Sexy stuff is no good?
On the eve of the battle, with her around, anyone would want the same.
Not just me.
"Just kidding. Doesn't that help you loosen up?"
"... Ah, yeah. It did."
Indeed, my shoulders have loosened up.
With enough tension to remain right for the situation.
Relaxed, but still focused.
It's just right.
"Well, I'll rest up for the audience tomorrow. Thank you."
"Yes, good night, Rudi."
Do my best.
With only that on my mind, I slept.