Chapter 78
"Yukari, I understand how you feel, but..."
"I know what you're going to say. I'm fully aware of the danger. Even so, I want to do something for my husband. Please—let me help."
Yukari's pleading gaze left no room for refusal. Unable to dismiss her outright, I decided to consult Lord Albert.
"...This isn't my call to make. Let me discuss it with Lord Albert first."
"Thank you."
What to do? Reporting to him was inevitable, but the idea of dragging her into battle sat poorly with me. Yet forbidding her entirely felt just as cruel. Wrestling with the dilemma, I relayed the situation to Lord Albert—
"Hmm. Yukari is technically our guest—involving her seems questionable. That said, telling a woman whose husband was harmed to 'sit quietly' would be equally heartless. I'll speak with her myself. Yuka, summon her to the study."
"Understood."
I guided Yukari to the study. Her resolve was already unshakable; dissuading her would be near impossible.
"Pardon me. I've brought Yukari."
"Send her in."
"Excuse me."
"Yukari. Yuka's informed me. I'll be blunt: Are you prepared to fight—to kill? The war with the Supreme Demon Cult will only intensify. Is that still acceptable?"
"Yes. I'm resolved. I'll never forgive them for what they did to my husband."
Her eyes burned with fury. Even alone, she'd likely fight to her last breath.
"I see. Very well. From this moment, Yukari, you're our comrade. We're counting on you."
"Thank you. I'll fight with everything I have."
Lord Albert nodded, his expression complicated—as if he'd sensed the depth of her rage.
After Yukari left, I turned to him.
"Was it wise to involve her?"
"I hesitated too. But judging by her demeanor, she'd have charged the Cult alone if we'd refused. Better to have her as an ally."
I nodded. I'd sensed the same recklessness.
"Besides, even with Mina, we've been short on frontline fighters. You've trained hard and surpass average demons, Yuka, but Archdemons like us inherently lack physical prowess. My sister and I can engage in melee, but magic remains our strength. Outside Mina, our party leans rear-guard. Another vanguard is a welcome addition."
"Ah, true. But does Yukari even have combat experience? Thrusting an untrained person into the frontlines seems... harsh."
"That concerned me as well. Did you glean anything, Yuka?"
"No, nothing."
"A shame. We should've asked. I'll inquire this afternoon."
"Shall I handle the assessment?"
"Please. If she's inexperienced, we'll train her first—then pit her against lower-tier monsters. You, Lil, and I will supervise. If things go awry, we intervene, and Lil can heal any injuries. Agreeable?"
"Yes. Real combat is the best training."
"Then it's settled."
And so, Yukari officially joined our party.
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