Chapter 61: The Precious

***Arc 3 The Precious, Chapter 61 The Precious*** Bery let out a sigh as she stroked Krische's cheek, who was sleeping on the bed. Bery sat almost all day in the chair placed right next to her. It had been two days since she returned, but Krische hadn't woken up even once. "...So, haggard." Her white cheeks had lost some of their flesh, and there were deep dark circles around her eyes. She had heard that Krische had been reckless.

She cleaned up her body, fixed her hair, and put her on the bed. Bery spent most of her time by her side, sometimes looking distressed. Krische's fever still hadn't gone down. The doctor determined that she was just overworked and not seriously ill, but that did not bring her any relief. The flesh and blood that handles magic is still just flesh and blood. Even though they were much stronger than normal people, when they die, they will die.

Bery placed a wet cloth on Krische's forehead and adjusted the blanket, which had shifted several times. A knock sounded, and the one who entered was Selene. "Bery, how is Krische?"

"...She is still asleep." 'I see,' Selene said, lowering her eyes and moving closer to the bed. Since Krische came back days she had always spent her time here once she finished her work. Kreschenta was helping her more than ever, and other corps commanders concerned with her were taking the initiative to do her work. She often stayed here long after dark. "It's hot."

"Yes. But still not as bad as when Krische-sama just came back." Selene patted Krische to check her heat and wiped her eyes with her sleeve. She recalled what had happened when Krische came back. Bogan's body was cremated, and a large funeral for Bodan and those that have died were held. By then, Selene had calmed down somewhat.

No matter what, she couldn't just keep crying all the time. She cried herself to sleep at Bogan's side, held the funeral, and gradually regained her composure, and though she had no appetite, she was able to eat. The fact that Bery was by her side all the time to care for her was also big.

The retreat went well under Gallen's leadership, but there was one problem. Krische and her century had not yet returned.

No, that is not accurate. Some had returned with seriously wounded men. Two soldiers for each seriously wounded personnel. But even after a week passed, Krische was still in the mountains. ".... Um, Ojou-sama, is Krische-sama?" Bery asked Selene with a worried face. For the first three days or so, Bery was still able to reassure Selene. 'If it's Krische, then she will be fine,' Bery must have also felt somewhat assured. But after hearing the report from the returning soldier that Krische had a high fever, her anxiety grew stronger day by day.

And so did everyone there. Even though she should have been able to guess it from Selene's face when she returned to her office from outside, Bery still asked. Kreschenta was also restlessly sorting through the papers. "There is no hindrance to the continuation of the mission."

"Is that so?" All of them were concerned about the situation, but there was nothing they could do about it. The Dragon's Maw was under Gildenstein's control. The most they could do was to send a messenger that is familiar with the mountain----but against Selene's order to return, that was Krische's response. "... Um, Selene-sama, I--"

"No, understand your position. You are to stay here."

"but......" Selene patted Kreschenta's head. Kreschenta just kept her face down. She had no grudges.

'Because of the war...' There was no point in regretting that. The war broke out because of her. That doesn't mean that everything that happened there was her fault. It's not like there aren't any other choices. There were countless options to choose from.

However, it was her father who thought of Krische and chose to fight, taking into account everything----feelings and principles, merit and demerit, and he became a martyr as a noble. "Kreschenta, I won't blame you alone. ......you are my dear family, just like my father."

"............"

"No matter what the conclusion was, it was chosen by the whole family. No matter what the outcome, if there was someone responsible for it, everyone should be equally responsible, understand?"

"Yes..." Selene stroked her head. She had already accepted Kreschenta's existence and decided to protect her on that basis. Selene's pride would not allow her to break the pledge she had made to her name. As a noble----as the daughter of a noble hero who was a martyr to his duty, it was unacceptable.

She closed her eyes just a little and spoke. "... I've talked to the corps commanders. Tonight, I'll pick her up."

"That's..."

"It's okay; it's a mountain. There's no problem during the night. I'll take some witty escorts from the Fourth Corps, who are familiar with Bernaich, so it will be fine." The returning soldiers reported that Krische was at her limit. Even if Dagra advised her to withdraw, she did not listen and simply announced that they would continue guarding the rear. 'In order to stop the enemy's pursuit and rebuild the army, we need to continue this, and that's Krische's current role. Krische can't go home until Krische does her job properly.'

This was what Krische had said while staggering; the soldier had reported that to Selene as they were worried about Krische.

They even sent a message in Selene's name, but she ignored it. The reply was that there was no hindrance to the continuation of the mission. It would take two days to get there and back. The message was a waste of time. It was only natural, Selene thought.

The last thing Krische saw was her beloved Selene hitting her cheek.

The worst. She had regretted it many times. But there was no excuse for her to say that she didn't do it on purpose. In fact, Krische was frightened, and that's how she captured it. "I'm asking Anne to prepare the armor right now. Bery, can you make something light?"

"...Understood. Then I'll----" There, a violent knocking sound resounded, and the door opened without waiting for an answer. "Selene-sama! Krische-sama has returned!" The moment she heard that Selene rushed out of the room. Wrapped in a blanket and held in her arms, she looked like a baby, and it was obvious she was suffering. Bery immediately arranged for a doctor while Selene and Kreschenta led Mia, who was holding Chrissie, to Krische's room. She was soaked in so much blood that it even soaked into the blankets; when her clothes were taken off, they could see that her shoulders were swollen.

Compared to the wounded soldiers, it was rather fortunate that it ended with just that. She instructed Anne to bring her hot water, then cleanse her body and lay her down on her bed. Her beloved sword, which was supposed to be made of sturdy steel, had countless chips and nicks. The cloth wrapped around the hilt was hardened with blood, and the skin of her hands was crushed with countless blood blisters.

'I should have somehow made time and gone to pick her up earlier instead of leaving it to the messenger.' Selene regretted so, and she slept by her side.

Since then, Krische had not woken up.

Krische was always desperate. She knew that. She would do the impossible as if it's only natural to live up to expectations. She would use more power than she was capable of.

The standard was always hers, and she accepted nothing but what was natural for her. She fought in the center of the Dragon's Maws, retrieved the sword from Gildanstein, and acted as Selene's representative. She did all of these things without taking a break, but first and foremost, she was worried about Selene and came to check on her and tried to comfort her.

----And yet.

Selene grimaced and hugged Krische. "...Ojou-sama please don't be too hard on yourself."

"But I've done terrible things to her......" Bery stayed silent. It didn't matter what she said.

The office----the fortress, had a somewhat heavy atmosphere. It was only natural that having lost the hero Bogan and the battle in the Dragon's Maw. The place was somewhat suffocating, but the biggest reason for this was anxiety over Krische. If they were even to lose Krische----

Even though they tried not to think about such anxiety, it crept into their heart. "Sele...ne?" The two were surprised and looked at the Krische. Blank and uncertain. But through the gaps in her long silver lashes, a beautiful purple color could be seen peeking out. "Krische!"

"Krische-sama!" Selene brought her face closer, and Krische looked frightened for a moment. "I-I'm so...rry"

Tragically, sadly.

Understanding the meaning of the words Krische had spun, Selene hugged her little body. "Krische, you don't have to apologize... It's all my fault."

"Selene...?"

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hit you...I'm not angry; I also don't hate Krische... I really love you." Krische looked up in confusion and looked at Selene, who hugged her. Then she looked at Bery. Bery quietly wiped away her tears and smiled in relief. "...just like I said. It's impossible for Ojou-sama to hate Krische-sama."

"U-umm..." Krische still seemed troubled. She moves her bandaged hand, hesitating if she should hug Selene. "...But...Selene is...crying. ...she's sad."

"It's called tears of joy. Even when I'm very happy, I still cry. You've been in bed for two days, and I've been so worried about you."

"...tears of joy."

"She's so happy that her beloved Krische-sama has finally woken up." Bery's hand took the wet cloth from her forehead, which had almost fallen off, and patted it on her while avoiding the hair. Krische, still in a daze, hugged Selene. "...Selene, didn't hate Krische?"

"No, no, I didn't. I'm sorry, your cheek hurt, right?" Selene lifted her face and kissed Krische on her cheek. Opening her eyes slightly, Krische gave a relieved look. She put her hand on her cheek and traced it with her thumb as if wiping away a drop of Selene's tears---- "Nn..." Then she raised her body just a little, kissed her on the mouth, and pulled away.

A smile appeared on Krische's face, and Selene also put her hand on Krische's cheek and kissed her mouth. "I really *love *you. From now on and forever."

"...Selene." As if relieved, she relaxed, and her body sank into the bed. "When Krische wake up, Selene won't hate Krische?"

"I won't... I swear by the name Selene, I will never hate Krische. That's why now, just sleep peacefully." Krische nodded. Her breathing was somewhat rough, and she occasionally coughed a little. Selene rubbed her body, and Krische looked at her blankly. "Krische, do you want some water?"

"....want." Selene gently helped Krische up. Bery took a water jug and poured honey into it, and stirred it. She put a cloth on Krische's chin to prevent spills and put the jug in front of her mouth to let her drink a little bit at a time. "Krische-sama, how are you feeling? Would you like something to eat?"

"... eh, umm"

"Please be honest. Do you want to go to bed?" Krische paused for a moment and said that she wanted to go to bed. She probably didn't feel well. She hadn't eaten and must be hungry.

'If Krische who had such a voracious appetite, said so, then that's quite serious', Bery frowned. "I will prepare something easy to eat when Krische-sama wakes up. For now, please rest."

"...Ok"

"Krische-sama will rest starting today until Krische-sama physical condition returns."

"But, Krische''s....job is..."

"Krische is to rest. I beg you, please take a rest." Stared at by Selene, Krische nodded. Bery smiled. "In exchange, we will pamper Krische-sama to the point that Krische-sama will not want to get out of bed. Both Ojou-sama and Kreschenta will spoil you so much that by the time your body recovers, Krische-sama won't be able to work. Krische-sama might end up being too spoiled."

"That's... Krische, will be troubled..." Selene made a wry smile as Krische's cheeks blushed with a different kind of embarrassment. "That's enough for a while... Will you listen to my request?"

"Uuuh...ok." 'Good girl', Krische narrowed her eyes as Selene stroked her head. "If it's Selene's request, Krische, will accept all of it. Krische'll do anything." Krische reached out his hand and stroked Selene's cheek again. "That's why, Krische wants Selene to...... keep liking Krische." ----Just how much did she hurt this little girl by doing that?

Her eyes were clear, like pure jewels, yet they swayed silently, anxiously, frightenedly. She had not woken up for two days, her body was covered with scars, and she had killed countless people.

All for Selene.

Still, that was all she desired.

It won't be strange if she lashed out or cursed at her. It was fine if she screamed like a child, and Selene didn't care if she hit her so hard that her face swelled up. However, Krische had no such feelings at all. She just directed her frighteningly pure heart toward her. Beautiful, without any pretense, transparent (clear) words and love in every and all way.

Selene was speechless. She held back her tears again and pressed her brow against Krische's forehead. She felt her hot body and looked into her eyes. "My requests, it's fine if Krische doesn't listen to them. Even if Krische doesn't push yourself too hard or say you don't like something or be selfish, I will still like Krische. Krische will still be important to me."

"...Selene."

"If Krische is still worried, I'll say the same thing every day until Krische is no longer uneasy...I'll never do that again. I will never betray your trust." ----That's why, please just believe me. Selene said in a quiet, whispery voice, her golden eyelashes wet.

Her long golden hair mingled with the translucent silver on the sheets. Their lips overlapped softly, and the little girl, submerged in silver and gold, smiled. "Yes." She then closed her eyelids and soon begins to sleep quietly, as if she has reached her limit. Selene adjusted the bed and slowly moved away. "Love rival, I wonder if it will really just stop as a joke?"

"Y-you know..."

"Fufu, now Ojou-sama can't make fun of me either..." In a joking tone. Bery chuckled like a little girl, and she smiled merrily----and quickly dropped her face down. She traced her eyes with her thin fingertips and sniffed. "I'm sorry. ...I've caused trouble for you, too." While sitting on the chair, She shook her head. She held her face with both hands. "That's not it. Just a little relieved... that's all." She was supporting Selene. And she was probably holding back so as not to make Krische anxious. She was always watching over them, even though she was not that strong. Selene kneeled down in front of Bery, who was shaking her shoulder and holding her face down, and hugged her. "...Thank you, Bery." Bery shook her red hair again, and Selene laughed. "Fufu, now you can't tease me for being stubborn."

"... I'm not stubborn."

"Let's leave it that way. But" She stroked the red hair and said, "Maybe we're similar... I hate that about myself, but I really like that about you, Bery."

"... I'm not like that."

"You're crying, you know." Laughing wryly and Bery rested her head on Selene's shoulder. Putting up a strong front, being stubborn. Selene and Bery are a bit alike in their inadequacies. But maybe that's why. "I wonder if that's why we see the same thing as beautiful."

Quietly, she whispered.