After the dragon’s death was announced, Enkalton’s residents began city restoration en masse.
After such a fierce battle, we should be resting……
“Lord Ouga……”
“Ouga-kun…… let us too.”
With Alice’s and Reina’s pleading looks — we must.
Can’t refuse! I want to look cool for those who love me!
Aah…… closer to [Saint] again……
Building up [Saint]-deeds and betraying acceptance from others.
No need to weigh them.
So I’d helped clear rubble until just now.
The inn we’d used was safe; same room.
Settled, things come up to discuss.
This time too brought changes.
Mashiro sat beside me and gently stroked my right arm.
…… Unfortunately, sensation is gone; I can’t feel her gentle touch.
But no regrets. [Dragon-Slay Fist · Kai] protected the four from the dragon.
”…… Your arm really changed, Ouga.”
“Mashiro, prefer the old one?”
“Ahaha, no way. Even if you became fully mechanical, I’d love you.”
”…… Sorry. Asked something painful.”
“No. I want to remove all your anxieties. Because I love you.”
”…… Thanks.”
I stroked her head with my right hand.
She rubbed her cheek against the hand, hugged it lovingly.
“Not just Mashiro-san, Ouga-kun.”
“Even if your arm changed, you’re you.”
“Yes. Our love doesn’t change.”
…… Bad. I might cry.
If I drop guard even slightly, tears come.
I closed my eyes, exhaled deeply, suppressed the heat, then broached the main topic.
“This kind of thing could happen. Honestly, one arm is cheap.”
I showed the prosthetic right arm.
This is reality.
If any of them averted eyes, I’d arrange future support and dissolve the relationship. To keep them out of battles.
The resolve I’m forcing — that’s my circumstance.
If they can’t accept the right arm, being with me — who could bring further misfortune — would only hurt them.
I don’t want that.
Because I love them, I want them to choose paths to their own happiness.
“But if you’re fine with this——”
Memories with everyone flashed.
Mashiro’s brightness-colored days.
The day Karen, stunned, got engaged with me.
Reina’s life-staking warmth.
Alice’s tears freed from past chains.
And…… their faces when they gave me love.
“——Marry me.”
The lifelong-asking words came out easier than expected.
“I’ll make all happy” or “dedicate eternal love”…… I’d planned cooler lines, but my honest feeling slid out.
Looking at them, I don’t regret.
I wanted this. The faces I most want to see.
“I love you too, Ouga!”
“Ouga…… thank you. So much happiness.”
“My life — I decided to dedicate to you, Ouga-kun, since that day.”
“From now on…… as family too…… don’t ever leave my side, Lord Ouga.”
Joy burst out, replacing the tears I’d suppressed.
I spread my arms wide and hugged all four.
Mashiro, Karen, Reina, Alice……
“I love you all……!”
This day will be irreplaceable in my life.
I’d promised marriage to the four most-loved.