Though I couldn’t protect those 4, I saved her life.
I’m sure that’s what she wants to tell me. I’m minding the death of those 4 too much. Those words come because she’s worried for me. Those words so were gentle, and warm that I ended up smiling naturally.
And then breathed a sigh. This won’t do. I’m being worried for by a child. I fail as an adult. I ended up smiling wryly.
What did she think as she saw me like that, Aya smiled like a mischievous child. It was not the fascinating smile like before, it was more of a smile that suited a girl her age.
“Don’t cry, alright?”(aya)
“I won’t.”
She started giggling.
I heard similar words at a very different place once. From a very different voice.
One year ago—-the place I last cried.
“Yeah, I promised Ermenhilde after all.”
That’s why, I won’t cry.
Even if my comrades die, no matter who dies, no matter what I lose.
—–because I promised so.