For me, my own strength has been my best asset so far. How far that strength can take me in the Milis order, it's something I would like to know as well.... A chair made for me by someone else's hands, I don't want to sit in it."
Cliff clenched his fist as he said that.
I can understand.
It's the same as the people who challenged me to a duel earlier.
It's the desire to test one's own ability.
It's the part of Cliff which is still a boy.
"As a result, once I stand at the top of the Milis order, I will become your associate."
Hmmmm.
Cliff wants to stand at the top, but in this situation it seems I won't be able to help.
Just falling from power is fine.
I should just find another inroad to the Milis Order, and Cliff, he could even just become the exclusive helmet craftsman.
I'm reluctant to put him in a position where he will be murdered.
I really don't want a dead friend.
Or, since Cliff wants to be challenged, should I just let it slide.
"And so, Cliff, you intend to go alone in a year? What about your family?"
Zanoba spoke instead of me.
If that's so, Elinalize and Clive, I wonder what they will do.
Cliff has a hard face.
Rather, it's a troubled face, it doesn't seem apologetic, but it's a face full of decision.
"I'll leave them."
"... For how long?"
"At least until I'm full-fledged."
Full-fledged.
You mean, in short, you don't know how long.
Looking over at Elinalize, she is still with her arms folded at her stomach, and her eyes are closed.
Is that acknowledgement?
But what good does that do?
Also, wouldn't it be better if Elinalize is near Cliff and can watch over and support him?
A version of Cliff's magic tool that will do more than ease her curse is still years away.
No, there is nothing for me to say here.
Cliff discussed this with Elinalize and came to this decision.
This might be a big turning point for Cliff.
"I understand."
If I respect Cliff's wishes, there is a risk.
If Cliff dies because I let him slip out of my reach, I will lose my connection to the Holy Milis Kingdom.
I will also lose the person who is best at studying curses.
But, there is also the possibility for a return.
By struggling alone, Cliff may also slightly grow.
After he joins up with us, Cliff who has grown should be someone who can be relied upon more than now.
I don't know how it weighs against the risk, but there should be a benefit.
If I think about it like that, there shouldn't be a problem.
Cliff has decided his path, Elinalize has acknowledged it.
Then, I think I should respect their opinion.
"Then, in one year, thank you."
"Ah, you're welcome."
Saying so, Cliff holds out his hand.
Grasping his hand, I nodded significantly.
However, considering nothing will happen until Cliff becomes full-fledged, it might be more then three years from now before he joins us.
Then at that time, I'll employ Cliff. I need to draw the distinction.
Yeah... First, we can go ahead and get in touch with Ariel's side.
Doll sales with Zanoba have just begun, and I must work to increase our mercenary force as well.
Speaking of which, I also want to foray into the Asura kingdom.
For one year, I think, we can work towards the capture of the Asura area and then decide on our future plans.
It'll be busy.
... But before that.
Why don't we just celebrate the graduation today?
"Alright, Cliff-senpai, let's put an end to this difficult talk. Today, let's go someplace and make merry."
"... That's right!"
In this way, the graduation ceremony of Zanoba and Cliff came to an end.