Mesugaki Tank Enters The Academy-Chapter 706: Ordinary conversation (3)

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When Fabi woke up, she rubbed her eyes and looked out at the dimming sky.

When had I fallen asleep? The last thing I remember is commanding the restoration of the ruined Sanctuary... I must have lost consciousness right there.

I really can’t do anything right. The young lady had left to reunite with her mother, and I should have taken her place to fulfill her duties.

With a sigh, Fabi tried to get up but felt a hand firmly pressing on her shoulder.

"Rest for a bit. There’s no rush."

Fabi quickly turned her head and softened her guard at the warmth of the voice.

"Young Lady. Have you completed your reunion with the great deity, and the mother you’ve longed for?"

"...I see you’re not surprised? I thought you’d be more over the top."

"Well, for anyone else, maybe. But for you, Young Lady, it’s perfectly believable that you’d inherit the deity’s legacy."

Everyone who had participated in the battle at the Sanctuary knew by now that Lucy was Armadi’s child.

The miraculous reunion that took place at the site of the miracle made even the most oblivious person aware of the nature of their relationship.

People were shocked to learn that the apostle of the deity was actually a demigod, but their shock didn’t last long.

Lucy had always shown her exceptional nature to everyone.

She had accomplished feats that no ordinary human could ever achieve, as if it was nothing.

For someone like Lucy, it was easy to believe she had the status of a demigod.

"I’ve always treated you almost like a deity. Why would I be surprised?"

"I’ll warn you now, though. If you come running at me like a fanatic, crying your eyes out, I’ll just run away."

"Heh. Don’t worry, Young Lady. Didn’t you tell me that no matter who you are, Lucy Alrn’s essence will never change?"

Even though it had now been revealed that Lucy was a demigod, for Fabi, nothing had changed.

It was undoubtedly amazing that the Young Lady possessed the status of a god.

However, the reason I like her isn’t because of her extraordinary nature.

I like the nobility and kindness she’s shown all along.

I may have misunderstood that in the past, but after many mistakes, I understand now.

"Young Lady is my precious friend. No matter what happens, that won’t change."

I want to stay by her side. Not just reverently praying from afar, but spending time with her, by her side.

So, I will not be her disciple. I’ll be her friend.

Just as I have been all this time.

Unlike the time when I had decided to do something for Lucy, the smile Fabi showed now was soft.

As she faced Fabi’s smile, Lucy lightly chuckled and crossed her arms.

"Then you won’t even pray for me?"

"That’s a different matter."

"What’s different about it?"

"As the face of the Deity Church, I have to offer worship to the deity and the apostle. I can’t make excuses in a position where I must be a role model for everyone."

"Is that so?"

"It may be a bit of a strange thing to say now, but to those who have already stood on the battlefield, Young Lady is an object of worship."

Fabi honestly relayed what she had witnessed.

The people crying as they prayed.

The knights who passed all the glory of victory to Lucy.

The mercenaries who rejoiced at standing on the battlefield with the gods.

The people who wailed about losing the jewelry that depicted Lucy.

"Perhaps it would be best to prepare your heart in advance. No matter where you go, you’ll be met with cheers."

"That’s truly a horrifying thing to say."

"Once you get used to it, it’s really not bad. It’s actually a great thing when people approach you with goodwill."

"I hate it! I really hate it! I feel like I’m going to have perverted apostles flocking to me!"

"...Hmm."

Though Fabi usually liked to say that things would turn out well, she couldn’t bring herself to say that now.

The likelihood of Lucy’s concerns coming true was far too high.

Even among those who had stood on the battlefield, there were many who seemed dangerous. This was something that couldn’t be avoided; it was an inevitable disaster.

"I need to ruin my reputation. No matter what it takes, I have to destroy my dignity!"

"I think it would be easier to fight Agras again."

"Can’t you just say something nice for once?! You’re good at that kind of thing, Fabi!"

"But I can’t lie to Young Lady."

"I’ll allow it, so just tell a harmless white lie!"

Lucy, looking like she was on the verge of tears, made Fabi feel certain that her curse had been broken.

Even after gaining freedom in her expression, Young Lady still carried an unnatural confidence.

However, now that wasn’t the case. Lucy, like any ordinary girl her age, was now showing lively expressions.

How could someone who had been unable to express herself be so candid and vibrant?

How difficult must it have been? How painful must it have been? How much heartache did she suffer when she lost even her last understanding person?

"Ah, fine. I’ll just worry about this later. I don’t want to think about it right now. Thinking about it won’t change anything, will it?"

"That’s true."

"So, I’ll point out what’s bothering me right now. Fabi. How long are you going to keep calling me ‘Young Lady’?"

"...Huh?"

"We’re friends, right? Why do you keep using such formal titles?"

"Well..."

Fabi’s eyes trembled slightly at Lucy’s remark.

Is it really okay for me to call her by her name like this?

I’ve decided to stand by her side, but it doesn’t feel quite right to be so informal with Lucy.

"What? You call Joy by her name, but I can’t do the same? Aha? So, you’re saying we’re not really friends after all?"

"No! That’s not it! I’ve always...!"

"Fine. Just saying it isn’t enough. Oh, right. The pathetic fool in front of me couldn’t even do that, huh?"

"Am I supposed to say it?"

...

Calm down, Fabi. You’ve done this before.

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with it. It’s really foolish to be nervous over something so simple!

I’ve faced Agras, so this shouldn’t be an issue!

"Or are you trying to make me angry on purpose? Did you enjoy being tormented like that? Should I use the chair again?"

"I’ll do it! I’ll do it! I can do it!"

"Really? Then do it. You said you could, right?"

"Ughhh..."

With her face turning red and her hands hidden beneath, Fabi took a deep breath, and after a moment, she lifted her head.

"Lu. Lu. Lu. Lucy."

"Huh? What did you say? I can’t hear you, it’s too small."

"Lu. Lucy!"

"Say it one more time."

"Lucy! Lucy! Lucy! Is this good enough!?"

"Heh. Haha. Yeah, you did well. You fool."

Lucy chuckled as she approached Fabi, who was unsure of what to do, and casually sat next to her.

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"Fabi. You don’t have to worry about duties and obligations anymore. Our fool of a mama will be here for the time being. So just relax. You’ve been living in a rush all this time."

Then, with her small hand, Lucy grabbed Fabi’s hand.

Though her hand looked delicate, it showed the traces of hardship, and her sincere concern was evident.

"Many people have lost their ordinary childhoods, not just me, Fabi. You’re the same. We’ve both suffered because of our incompetent mama. Now, I want to help you get that childhood back."

Young Lady...

No, Lucy has been thinking this.

She sees herself as a victim too.

Someone who lost the happiness she should have felt as a child.

So now, she wants to be happy. She wants to help me shake off the burdens we’ve carried.

"I don’t think Lucy knows everything about me."

"Hah. What don’t I know?"

"I’ve already been rewarded."

Lucy and I are different.

Lucy spent her childhood amid others' scorn, while I lived smiling under the name of the Saint.

I wouldn’t say that I didn’t go through hardships.

I wouldn’t say that the misfortunes that filled my childhood were light.

But I have received the proper rewards for those hardships.

From the time I lived in the Deity’s Church to now, I’ve been living in more happiness than I could deserve.

"So, I will continue to work as a Saint of the Deity’s Church. To repay what I’ve been given."

I’m not saying that I dislike living an ordinary life.

Spending time laughing and chatting with my friends is something I would enjoy, even in my dreams.

But even so, I cannot abandon my duty.

I am one of the chosen agents of the great Deity.

I am a believer who wishes for this land, saved by Lucy, to be filled with happiness.

I am a Saint who started with lies but became real. I am someone chosen by Lucy, by Armadi.

I will never abandon the expectations that have been placed on me.

When Fabi said this firmly, Lucy narrowed her eyes.

"I knew this was how you’d turn out."

"Huh? Did you know?"

"Of course. You never compromise on matters like this."

"Haha. Looks like I can't surpass you, Lucy."

"So, I’ve prepared my answer too."

"I'm curious. What’s your answer to try and convince me?"

"If you don’t rest, I won’t either."

"...Huh?"

"If you want me to enjoy my life, don’t do anything."

Fabi was stunned for a moment, thinking Lucy had gone too far, but then realized that Lucy was simply teasing her.

The playful side of Lucy was shining through in her words.

Lucy wasn’t just the serious, strong leader that everyone saw. She had her light moments too.

Fabi smiled softly at that realization, as if accepting the challenge.

"Well, then. I guess I’ll take a break. But if you keep bugging me, I’ll chase you around the continent, Lucy!"

Lucy laughed softly, the sound warm and inviting.

"Don’t go that far. But yes, take it easy. We’ve both been through a lot."

As Lucy sat beside Fabi, she placed a gentle hand on hers, a silent promise that they would support each other no matter what.

"Thank you for always being by my side. I can’t tell you how much it means to me."

Fabi felt her heart swell with affection and nodded.

"I feel the same, Lucy. Without you, I wouldn’t be here."

"Well, then I’ll go now. Sleep well."

"And next time we meet, I’ll think of ways to tone down the praises I’ve been singing for you."

"Hehe, good. I hope you come up with something."

With that, Lucy vanished in a flurry of fairy wings, leaving Fabi alone in the room. Fabi instinctively went to gather her hands but paused and instead laid back in her bed.

There's no need to pray today.

Even the gods need their time to relax.