Chapter 4: Ms. Minami & Eri

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Ms. Minami's class: Sage

Eri's class: Lance Knight (Cavalier)

C support

"Hyaaa!" 'I need to get stronger!' "Here I go again! Hyaa!"

*Ms. Minami appears* "Woop! If it isn't Miss Ayase…"

"Ah… Greeting, your majesty! I didn't see you coming."

"You looked so focused that I didn't want to interrupt you."

"No. It's all right! I was just training a little."

"In the middle of a battlefield? Sure, I admire your spirit, but what if an enemy sneak behind when you are busy swinging your lance?"

"Oh… I'm sorry for worrying you. I was just thinking that I need to become stronger so I can properly execute my duty as a Knight of Otonokizaka."

*Ms. Minami chuckles* "It's all right! I am glad you are taking your duties so seriously. Just remember to take some rest from time to time, okay?"

"Yes, ma'am! I will!"

"Good! Now that it's settled, how about we join the others? I heard that they are having difficulties fighting against the enemies."

B support

"A-ano… Excuse me, your highness?"

"Ah… Good morning, Miss Ayase! How are you doing today?"

"I am fine! Thank you for asking!" 'The rumors are true as it seems; she might be the queen, but she always cares a lot about her countrymen.'

"Miss Ayase? Is something wrong?"

*Eri jumps from surprise* "S-sorry! I was just thinking about a strategy."

"Is that so?" *Ms. Minami smiles* "You look unwell in my point of view. Did you catch an illness? Let me check you!"

"I-it's all right! I am fine! I was just thinking about Arisa. That's all…" 'Such obvious lie… But not that it was totally a lie. I do miss Arisa. I wonder what she is doing right now.'

"Arisa?"

"She is my younger sister! I haven't seen her in a while though. Our parents passed away few years ago and then I decided to become a knight to assure our living."

"Oh my… You sure are a caring sister! I admire that!"

"Your majesty…"

"Well then, Miss Ayase; we have to do our best in that case. We need to win this war so you will be able to meet your sister as soon as possible."

"Yes, ma'am! I will do my best!"

A support

"Miss Ayase, may I talk to you for a while?"

"Of course, your majesty!"

*Ms. Minami sighs* "You see, talking about your sister made me think about my daughter…"

"You mean the Princess Kotori?"

"Yes! She is still very young and naïve and I worry a lot about her. I know that I won't be able to live forever and she will have to take my place sooner or later. Sure, she is loved by the citizen, but I can't help but to worry. What if she got into the wrong entourage?"

"Your majesty…"

"Ah… Sorry, Miss Ayase; I just ended up rambling about my problems."

"W-well… I think that you did well though."

*Ms. Minami tilts her head*

"You are always caring about the kingdom, seeking for a better solution each time we were facing a crisis. You even took arms and fought alongside us to help putting an end to this war. These are not just your problem only. You can share your doubts with people you believe are worth your trust."

"Miss Ayase…" *Ms. Minami smiles* "Thank you!"

"Also, if I could give my opinion, I think that the young Princess is wise enough to take solid decisions that can benefit everyone. By what I heard, she is a kind and smart person so I do not doubd she will make a great queen one day."

"I see… I got it now! I will believe in her. But I would like to make a request if possible."

"Yes! What is it?"

"I want you to look after Kotori once I won't be able to do so anymore. I want you to be her friend; not someone who serves under her, but someone in which she can count in when she needs support or comfort. Can you do that for your queen? Can you do that for me?"

"Yes, ma'am! I swear in my honor as a knight!"

"I'm so glad!" *Ms. Minami sniffs and cries* "Thank you, Miss Ayase*

Ending

And just as promised, once the war ended, Eri befriended the young princess and the two of them quickly became best friends. Eri was later promoted as a General and alongside her sister moved to live in the knights' quarter of the castle. Her existence was devoted to follow her vow and looked after Kotori once the former queen passed away…and she still swore to look after the next heiress until her last breath.