However, Ruth wasn't the one struck by a fist. Elexis was. A fist from out of his line of sight struck his cheek.
Having taken a direct hit, Elexis collapsed. At the same time, he lost strength in the hand holding onto Ruth and she regained her freedom. As she turned and looked at the person who had punched Elexis, Ruth's eyes suddenly sparkled.
“Satomi-sama!?”
“Yo, Ruth-san. Your voice reached me.”
Koutarou had been the one to punch Elexis. After hearing the situation from Clan, he had gone out looking for Ruth.
You were a big help, Clan...
Since Koutarou's bracelet was connected to Clan's Cradle and Hazy Moon, he couldn't access Ruth and Theia's location. However, thanks to Ruth using various communication methods, Clan's unmanned observation device managed to determine her location. Clan then conveyed that to Koutarou and led him to the park. Koutarou had only been able to find her because Ruth had refused to give up until the end.
“So Ruth-san, what is going on?”
Koutarou glared at Elexis without letting his guard down and clenched his fists. Elexis had taken some damage from the blow, but he was still conscious. And after lightly shaking his head, he slowly stood up.
“Satomi-sama...”
Seeing Koutarou step in between her and Elexis, Ruth was filled with a deep sense of security.
Ah... he really is the one... As long as he is with me, I will be okay no matter what... He will definitely be able to save her highness...
The crisis hadn't been resolved, and she had no grounds for her beliefs, but Ruth felt relieved and believed that everything would be okay now. She believed in Koutarou, and after wiping away tears from her eyes, she converted those feelings into words.
“Please, lend me your strength, Satomi-sama! I want to save her highness! From all kinds of enemies! And from all kinds of hardships!”
That was the future that would make Ruth the happiest, and it was also her wish.
She no longer had any doubts.
“As you wish, my lady!”
Koutarou responded without any hesitation.
He was able to do so because he had made his resolution a long time ago.