- I'll give you that – you know how to see the good in people, even in a hopeless situation, - Ayano shook her head. - So, we have something like... Four decent melee fighters, one mage, the rest are complete novices. No ranged fighters, except for me and Edgelord-kun... At least we have a couple of healers. And about half of the squad could cause problems. It's not exactly the baptism by fire I would have liked to see... But we have what we have, - she shrugged. - Did they volunteer, or were they forced? Do they even understand where they're going and the incredible risks involved? To be honest, I'd like to maximize our chances as much as possible, but I don't know anyone else who is skilled and desperate enough to come with us. Does anyone have any acquaintances like that?
🔴: You probably won't believe it, or at least you'll be skeptical, but Bajena is very good with a spear. But should we risk her life? I don't think so. There's Linetta Saturnia Ulysses, a mercenary working for Naria; we could invite her, but she'll probably need to be compensated in some way. Adalard, even though he's an executioner, will probably be quite good in a fight.
- And Bors-san. There was a time when I warned Edgelord-kun that if he died, I would kill him. I would take the sin upon myself and be cursed by the Kami forever, but I would have to do it, no matter what. This applies to you as well – don't think that such a gesture, even if you give it a heroic spin, will win you any favors. Do you understand what I mean? Even if you're tired and ready to close up shop, it's too early for you to retire. So... Although I hate to admit it, I can't deny that your help here would be invaluable. If Kayasa-kocho, after I talk to her, gives her permission, and if you, looking me in the eye, swear not to be reckless, to survive, and to return safe and sound – with a full and sincere intention to keep that oath – then I will add you to the roster. But you won't be fighting on the front lines. And please, whenever you have the opposite thought, remember that your loving woman and Azarina are waiting for you here, and she has a lot to say after all these years. This thought should be so firmly ingrained in your mind that it's almost impossible. It shouldn't leave you for a second – you should go to sleep with this thought, continue to think about it in your dreams, and wake up with it in the morning.
🌸: Well then, you go to Kayasa, Ayano, and Lord and I will help the guys get better equipment?
Lord would clearly have preferred to stay with Ayano, but he didn't object to the idea.