Next Phase

-----Kaede's POV

After a painfully long wait, a knock finally arrived at the door as I immediately went to open it, revealing Yui, Iris, Natalie and... Who's that? They look quite unique with such bright green eyes, almost unnatural for a human, and their jet black hair really emphasizes her eyes a lot more. But what stumped me was that their presence felt strangely familiar.

Yui: "Hello~"

Kaede: "How was the meeting?"

Yui: "...Chaos."

Kaede: "Pfft. Glad I wasn't there then."

Iris: "Actually, it might've been better if you did come with us, Kaede."

Kaede: "Hmm?"

We then moved inside as we sat down on the couches in the living room. Mell ended up sitting next to me, which of course sparked a whole new curiosity among Yui and the others.

Yui: "That's Mell, right?"

Mell: "..."

Mell now garnering the attention of everyone here, now shies away, bringing her body closer to my side as if she's trying to hide as much of her body away from everyone as she could. I understand the pain she's going through, but I can only imagine what going on inside her head. But I try my best to comfort her, letting her find comfort in me as I gently pat her on the head, which seems to be soothing her somewhat.

Kaede: "Yeah. Her situation's a bit sensitive, so-"

Iris: "My apologies. We'll refrain from talking more about it."

Kaede: "Thank you."

Thankfully, it doesn't seem like we'll be continuing this topic for now. Mell also poked her head out of my side, timidly looking at everyone as they all give soft smiles back.

Kaede: "So what were you saying about me being in that meeting?"

Yui: "Right, sorry. Uhm"

The look on her face told me all that I needed to know that whatever was about to be said isn't a pleasing topic.

Iris: "The queen is asking you whether you'd be interested in joining the fight at Inasdale."

Wait. That doesn't seem all that bad. Yui made it seem like such a serious thing, but the queen is simply asking this?

Kaede: "The way you word it makes it seem like I have a choice?"

Iris: "Correct. This decision lies on you... Sorry, the both of you."

She looks over at Yui who's sitting beside her as Yui still remains to be a little uncomfortable about this topic. It was then that Yui locked eyes with me before slowly opening her mouth.

Yui: "What do you think?"

Kaede: "Hmmm. What will happen if I say no?"

Iris: "The attack will likely not happen, and we'll probably have to schedule another meeting at some point."

Phew. That makes my decision a lot less stressful. If Yarene were to battle all the way back in Inasdale, I'd want to be there and make sure they're safe. I'm grateful to the queen for allowing me stay here with my family, so it's only logical for me to repay her. But after Mai warned me about the possibility of there being a demon king there, a being that can rival Lucien and possibly even kill me, it is quite scary just letting them fester there and gaining more and more strength in numbers. I guess I can talk to Mai a bit more about this later, but as of right now, I know what my decision is for now.

Kaede: "As long as Yarene doesn't plan on attacking Inasdale, then I'll stay."

Yui's eyes lit up when I said that as a smile quickly grew on her face. Yeah, there's also Yui and my family here. If I were to go out to war, I'd be leaving them behind and causing them a whole lot of worries. I also promised Mell that I'd do better and properly raise her as my daughter, so going off to fight in some war would only stain that promise. Mell ends up snuggling closer to my side upon hearing my response as a smile also quickly grew on my own face.

Stranger: "I feel like a response like that would be taken advantage of."

Iris: "Mmm. I agree. If the queen heard that response, I feel like she'd continue on with the attack."

It was then that Yui's smile quickly vanished at the possibility of that happening. I would like to think that the queen wouldn't trick me in that way, but I can't argue that it is indeed a possibility.

Kaede: "Well the queen has done a lot for me to be here, supporting me and everyone else. If she plans to go off to war, then I'd like to repay her and give my support as-"

Yui: "No!"

Cutting me off, Yui stood up from the couch so quick it almost seemed like she could've rocketed herself head first into the ceiling. The look on her face now is a face filled with anxiety as I can even start to see tears building up in the corner of her eye.

Kaede: "Yui-"

Yui: "You're not going."

Everyone else kept silent as Yui took to the stage, with her eyes entirely focused on me alone.

Kaede: "Your brother is there, isn't he? If the queen plans to mount an attack on Inasdale, then I'd like to be there and make sure he's back."

Yui: "That's too dangerous! What if you get yourself killed?!"

Kaede: "...I don't plan on letting that happen."

This sudden, tense atmosphere between Yui and I made Mell cling back next to me, especially after Yui mentioned the possibility of me being killed.

Yui: "But that CAN happen!"

Kaede: "I won't argue that... But if it weren't for the queen, I'd likely be stuck back there in Inasdale. She saved me, so that's why I'd like to help."

There's also the fact that I am desperate in helping mom. Wait, now that I think about it... If what Lillian said is correct, then I'd like to steal a dark elf if I can. And after hearing that dark elves are in Inasdale, and hearing that the possibility of going to war there, it's just too tempting of an offer to decline. But it seems like Yui is hard pressed against me going through with this as she stand there with her fists now clenched.

Kaede: "...Yui-"

Yui: "Why? Why do you feel obligated to do that? Like what mom said, it's YOUR choice! Just cause' the queen wants to go to war herself, doesn't mean you need to throw yourself forward like this."

Don't get me wrong, I feel happy knowing that Yui cares for me this much. It's making my chest feel tight as I keep trying to sway her mind. I do want to just say to her that I'll stay here no matter what. But with me going there, I can make sure that many lives will be saved, including her brother and my mom; that's if this dark elf plan works. It's an opportunity too good to pass up.

Kaede: "I promise that I'll be safe."

Yui: "...Now you're sounding like you're all for this war."

Kaede: "...A little."

Yui: "Even after everything I've said?!"

Kaede: "...Yes."

I end up casting my eyes down at the table. I feel ashamed that I'm putting Yui through this pain, but now every part of my body tells me that this is the right move. It was then that I saw a single tear drop hit the table as I end up looking back up to Yui who looked both pissed and sad at the same time. But before I could say anything more, she stormed off, quickly exiting the house before anyone could catch her, leaving me sitting down on the couch, wondering if this was the right decision. Natalie quickly chased after her, leaving the door open. Honestly, I thought about getting up and doing the same, but maybe Natalie would be better suited. I have a feeling that she just needs time, away from me that is.

Iris: "Kaede..."

Kaede: "Hahh~ I'm sorry."

Iris: "Don't be. My daughter cares a lot about you. It's evident to me, especially now."

Kaede: "..."

Iris: "Just give her time. She figured this might happen, but I guess she was still hoping you'd decline."

Kaede: "I was going to, but-"

Iris: "I understand. But do think about it some more. I won't talk to the queen about this just yet."

Kaede: "Thank you. I will."

Mell: "You're going back there?"

With Yui having ran off, Mell now voices her concerns to me. I felt like Mell would react in the same way, but surprisingly, she looked a bit more calm compared to Yui. I'm not sure if it's because Mell thinks I'm unstoppable and can't die, or if she's less attached to me than Yui... Probably the former.

Kaede: "Probably."

Mell: "...And I can't come with you?"

Kaede: "Probably not."

Mell: "...Okay."

I end up bringing Mell into a little hug as I can only wish I could've done this for Yui earlier. Maybe Natalie's hugging Yui right now as we speak.

Iris: "Well, sorry about all of this. Please do come over tomorrow after you've thought about it."

Kaede: "Mhmm. I'll do that."

Iris: "Good. Then alright, Neri. Let's catch up to those two."

Neri: "Mm."

Wait... That's Neri? With Iris saying their name, their familiar presence finally makes sense as I watch the two of them exit the house. But my mind can't focus on Neri right now. Right now all I want is to hold Yui in my arms like what I'm doing for Mell... Tomorrow, huh?

Mell: "Yui looked sad."

Kaede: "Yeah. I'll apologize tomorrow."

Mell: "Why not now?"

Kaede: "Heh. Now won't be a good time."

Mell's still unfamiliar with these sort of things which does get a laugh out of me. But she'll pick up on these things in due time.

Kaede: "Yui just needs time to process everything. Same goes for me."

Mell: "So you two will still be together?"

Kaede: "Of course, hehe. This is just a little disagreement is all. I know she cares about me. I didn't need Iris to tell me that. But this is something I need to do."

Mell: "I see. I'm glad."

Kaede: "Hmm?"

Mell: "You're always happy to see Yui. When you come back from hanging out with her, you're always in a good mood, mom."

Kaede: "Hehe. Yeah. I guess that's what happens when you love someone."

Mell: "Then, I love you too!"

Kaede: "Mhmm! I love you too, Mell."

We end up hugging with fresh smiles on our faces, but my mind quickly goes back to thinking about Yui. Can I even wait until tomorrow to go see her? I have a feeling this'll be the longest night of my life.