IF Route 2: Chapter 11: The Promise of Those Who Couldn't Keep It

"Hey Hero-sama, come outside for a bit desu no."

Ai said something like that that I couldn't quite understand when we were getting ready to camp out.

As the name suggests, we're camping outside, and we're already outside...

Well, the fact that Ai called me means that there's something she wants to talk about.

"This is outside..."

"What's wrong?"

Noticing our conversation, Filia came over.

In her hands she holds a small pot and other simple items needed for camping.

Since the three of us started going out more, Filia has been put in charge of cooking.

Since we're camping out, we can only make simple meals, but they taste home-cooked and delicious.

I was immediately hooked.

Regardless, Ai's tone suggests that I shouldn't let Filia notice.

"Filia, I'll go with Ai to get some fish and nuts, so could you please get ready?"

"I understand. Please leave the preparations to me."

It's not uncommon to search for ingredients in this way, so I think I managed to get away with it.

We left the place as if nothing had happened.

•

•

"For now, I'll gather the ingredients."

Since I said I would get them, I'd better gather them first before we talk.

Otherwise, it'll be a problem if the conversation drags on.

So we gathered ingredients more quickly than usual.

"So? What do you want from me?"

Up until now, I think I've been getting along pretty well with Ai.

At first, I was confused because she looked the same as Filia... because they had the same body, but I stopped noticing because Ai's personality was quite different from Filia's.

Ai's words and actions are completely different from Filia's.

I know it's not good to compare them, but Ai is stronger-willed than Filia.

She says what she wants to say clearly and has a somewhat sharp attitude.

Due to this personality trait, I have never identified her with Filia.

Furthermore, she is a sincere and kind person.

Now, Ai calls me her brother-in-law, and I see her as Filia's younger sister.

"It's troublesome, so I'll just get straight to the point... the momentum for a decisive battle is building desu no."

...I felt that firsthand too.

A few months have passed since the three of us started acting together.

Just as the representative said, each country is eager to gain fame by revealing who defeated the Demon King and which country was the most successful.　

Apparently, this was done in anticipation of a world where the demons had disappeared.

After defeating the Demon King and wiping out the demons, the humans begin fighting over interests.

Fame is essential to gain an advantage in the struggle for interests.

Which country is the righteous country that defeats the Demon King will have an impact for hundreds of years to come.

This is why countries are engaged in such political disputes.

Naturally, the Demon King's army isn't that easy either.

I still remember the story of a group of people from a country who decided to specialize in something on their own in an attempt to outdo others, only to be defeated in return.

There are also many stories of countries being destroyed by the Demon King's army, so the situation is quite grim.

However, once something is set in motion, it cannot be stopped.

I guess that's what war is like.

Above all, it's that big.

If we lose, the human race will surely end.

We've come to the point where we can't turn back.

"I guess so."

"That's why I want to ask desu."

"What?"

Ai tells me while staring at me with a piercing gaze.

"Brother-in-law... no, Hero Trust, which do you prioritize, the Demon King's life or your sister's desu?"

"Filia's life."

I answered immediately.

There's no need to hesitate, it's such an easy choice.

It's so ridiculous that it's almost disappointing.

"I feel a little relieved to hear that desu no."

"You didn't call me here just to ask me this..."

It was written on Ai's face that the story wasn't over.

Well, Ai probably knew that I would behave like this.

However...it's an unpleasant feeling to be glared at with the same face as Filia.

It wasn't that unusual since the three of us started hanging out together, but I still can't get used to it.

"...I hate to sound like I'm telling tales, but Onee-sama said she wants you to be happy desu no."

"Yeah, I know. That's what I was told."

"With that in mind, what exactly does happiness mean for you? Is it okay to say that you want to continue living with Onee-sama even after defeating the Demon King desu no?"

My happiness, huh...?

I want to live with Filia forever.

As Ai said, I think the things I want are those kinds of small things.

I would like to do that once I defeat the Demon King and put an end to everything.

"That's right. I want to live with Filia once the war is over."

Without any hesitation, I earnestly affirmed.

Because the enemy is so powerful, even small happiness seems difficult.

But I still want to achieve that future.

"Among them, Ai, you--"

"--Don't be arrogant, Hero!" 

Ai interrupted me and said in an angry voice.

Although it's the same voice as Filia's, it feels like a different person.

I didn't understand why she was treating me like that... No, I understood why Ai was treating me like that.

I was certainly overconfident.

"You are the man who couldn't protect Onee-sama."

"...That's right."

I couldn't protect Filia.

On top of that, I made her choose death.

Even if I say I'll protect her, there's no way I can be trusted.

Ai knows the cause of Filia's death.

She said that she had read it from Filia's memories that had remained in her body.

So she know what I was thinking at that time back in the Nerisford.

"I want her to be happy just as much as she want you to be happy."

It is clear that there is no lie or deceit in those feelings.

Ai cares deeply for Filia.

No, I don't know Ai well enough to know if she was lying or not.

But I want to believe.

"Onee-sama needs you."

If that's the case, I'd be more than happy.

I hope that's the case.

I've had a lot of help so far.

I was saved.

That's why I want to repay Filia for her kindness.

I definitely plan to do that once I've settled things with the Demon King.

"It can't be me. It has to be you."

I don't know why she thinks that.

But I can tell that Ai is serious about it.

"So promise me. You will absolutely protect Onee-sama and make her happy, no matter what the cost."

I couldn't protect Filia.

I couldn't protect just one person.

So many lives...and I'm not strong enough to mix in Ai's life either.

"Even if it means sacrificing me, you must protect Onee-sama at all costs."

This is a warning.

Don't be so optimistic.

She is warning me not to be arrogant and think that I, a weak person, can save everything.

Still, I can't agree.

I can't sacrifice Ai.

"Filia would be sad if you died."

Filia cares deeply for Ai.

Her cares for Ai is stronger than Ai realizes.

She cares about Ai so much that she would be depressed if she died.

They are so close that it's almost like they're real sisters, and it's easy to get jealous.

"Even if I can't no longer move, as long as you're there, Onee-sama will be able to recover."

...no longer move.

I didn't like the way she said it.

It's as if she has no life.

If Filia heard this, she would definitely be angry.

Ai is definitely dead.

A pseudo-personality powered by magical powers, created as a result of removing Filia's soul from her body.

She cannot be called human.

But she is alive.

Filia would say that she has a heart.

I think so too.

"But if you die, Onee-sama will die. That's simple."

...It was an unbelievable story at first.

However, Ai is Filia's body.

Perhaps there is reason to conclude so.

Above all, it was so convincing that it wouldn't be strange for Filia to do something like that.

"And Onee-sama will die easily so that you won't die."

I have to agree with that.

In fact, Filia committed suicide to keep me alive.

It's wrong to say it was easy, but Filia would really do it that way.

"So promise me you will protect Onee-sama and make her happy."

...I guess that's the only option I have.

Because I don't have the strength to choose from so many things.

I couldn't protect the people I wanted to protect.

That pathetic man is me.

"I really want to protect everything."

"..."

"I want to protect Ai"

"..."

"I want to protect everyone I've spoken to."

"……Yeah"

A long time ago, I wanted to protect three girls.

I wanted to protect the world in which they lived.

I wanted them to be happy.

But I ruined their happiness.

All three girls are no longer with me.

All that was left in my hands was an indescribable anger and emptiness, as well as newly found hope.　

That hope... I couldn't protect Filia, the girl who saved me.

I couldn't protect the person most important to me.

That's why I have to decide.

It is an act of arbitrarily deciding the value of life.

Filia and the others.

I have to make a choice, even if it means giving up many important things.

I even have to abandon a friend who have shared the good times and the bad and who care about the same people.

Unless I can show how easy it is, someone like me can't protect anything.

This time, will I protect even just one person who is important to me?

"I promise. No matter what the cost, I will absolutely protect Filia!"

Ai smiled as I said this in a twisted voice.

Her expression should be the same as Filia's, but it's different.

"Don't worry. I also want to spend more time with Onee-sama, so I won't break down so easily."

Ai tries to act tough, but her expression gives the impression that she's forcing herself.

Is it what they call intuition?

It is said that those who are in battle sometimes get a sense that is similar to precognition.

It could also be called the time of death.

"Just think about how you want to live once the battle is over."

Ai said in a bossy manner as she carried the food.

I guess she'll go get praised by Filia like usual.

As I gazed at Ai's back, I said to myself once again.

Don't dismiss Ai's feelings.

I will only protect Filia.

Absolutely, absolutely.

Even if Filia rejected me for my actions, I would still do so.

Yes, I swore.