Next chapter on the 19th of July.
"I can't use healing magic." He admits, "I am not someone who can heal your wounds when you get hurt." The mage says, squeezing the princess' hand lightly in his. She is looking up at him sadly, blood still sticking to her face and right eye squinting.
"Still. I would ask that you take me with you." His voice sounds too quiet, not quite right.
It was only a few days ago that he was still being loud, playing at fun and happiness. A part of him longs for that even though it was often a lie.
The princess frowns at him, voice fatigued as she speaks.
"Fai-san. Whether or not you can use magic. Whether or not you can help me. You're still Fai-san." She says.
Even though the words aren't there he knows that it's a yes, that she wants him around. Fai can't help the edge of a smile which finds its way onto his lips.
Gently he lifts her hand. It's fragile and delicate in his, skin thin and soft despite the scratches and grazes from retrieving the witch's price. He kisses the back of it.
"You are my one and only princess." He says. The words are childish in some ways but he knows that no one here will understand the dead language except perhaps the witch. There's no reason why she would tell.
With those words he pledges his life to hers and hopes that it can make up, at least a little, for the pain he's caused them all and the misfortune he will bring upon them.
"Mokona wants to travel with everyone again too!" Cries the small creature, tears in their eyes as they stare up at their creator, "Kurogane-san- surely you want to travel with everyone too?" Mokona asks, voice pitched high.
The warrior nods, looking only at the witch.
"I'm going back to my world. That hasn't changed." He says.
Fai thinks it will be the end of that but after a moment the man keeps talking. He can feel his red eyes on him the whole time.
"But some things have." The man pauses again, "That's okay. I can keep more than one promise at a time."
Fai feels Sakura shift beside him, can read the shock on her face.
"Kurogane-san…" She whispers. It almost feels like betrayal.
The other man shrugs.
"Besides, I can meet the person I'm looking for this way."