Part 258: Lissa A

Maribelle! Maribelle, are you all right?! How bad is it? Let me see! Does it hurt?!

Darling, you're raving like a madwoman! ...Or, gods forbid, a lowborn.

It's my fault! He was swinging for me, and you jumped in the way!

Yes, and here I stand, still right as rain! I told you, I'm far too clever to suffer harm at the hands of some barbarian.

W-well, as long as you're all right... Thank you, Maribelle.

It's my pleasure, darling.

But... Maribelle? Why are you so determined to protect me? Is it because of what things were like before you joined the Shepherds?

Wh-whatever makes you think-

That's it. Isn't it?

*Sigh* I suppose there's no sense in denying it.

As I'm sure you're aware, Lissa, I can sometimes be... difficult. I never had much in the way of friends. ...Never had any friends, in truth. The other children whispered about me... At court I was always alone... Until you.

You were the only one willing to give me a chance. You... saved me, Lissa.

And I swore to do the same.

But that was years ago! I'd forgotten all about it until just now.

But I have never forgotten! How could I? I was alone in the dark, and you offered me your kindness. You shone as bright as the sun, Lissa, and burned twice as warm.

But I didn't do anything special! I just... I just wanted to be friends.

With a pariah? With the butt of every malicious rumor and cruel jape?

I didn't care what those jerks thought! I choose my own friends! And you're a wonderful person... You didn't deserve any of that.

Ha ha! Oh, my darling, you are the most incurably soft-hearted woman in all Ylisse.

And that is precisely why I care for you and would defend you with my life.

Aw, Maribelle... Thanks. But I don't want to be some fragile teacup that has to be protected at all times. From here on, I'll be jumping in front of axes for you, too!

And the same goes for tea. Next time, we're drinking what YOU want to drink! Though I'm not sure where I'll find an adult male grizzly... But whatever!

True friendship is a road that runs in two directions, right?

Ha ha! Yes, I suppose it is. ...I did mention the bear blood was only a jape, correct?