Part 257: Lissa B

Phew... Today's battle must have been the fiercest yet! You're not hurt, are you, darling?

No, I'm fine. What about you?

I also appear to have escaped injury, thank you.

Good! That's... good... .

....

Why, whatever is wrong, darling? ...Are you hurt after all?! Why, when I find the dastard responsible, I'll gouge out his-

No, no! It's nothing like that. I'm just wondering how long this is going to continue. All the injuries... All the death... It's all just so awful. If I stop to think about it, I get too scared to move.

There's no need for fear! I will lay my life down for yours without hesitation.

That doesn't help at all! I don't want YOU getting hurt either!

Don't worry, darling. I'm far too clever to allow that to happen.

Yeah, but... didn't you get kidnapped by those guys from Plegia?

Th-that was... There were extenuating circumstances! In any case, my mind is quite made up.

Keeping you safe is my utmost priority.

I don't understand why you always put me first. Even when we have tea, we always drink the kind I like.

You need to take care of yourself too, Maribelle. Don't deprive yourself of the things you enjoy, and don't you dare get hurt!

Oh, my darling Lissa... I appreciate that, I really do, but please don't let it trouble you. I AM doing what I enjoy, you see? All that I do, I do because I want to.

That's not what I meant, and you know it!

Don't make that face, darling. It will give you the most terrible wrinkles later. You know what I think we both need? A nice warm bath. I feel as if I'm made of nothing but dust and sweat! Let's go to the bath. (Maribelle leaves)

H-hey, wait! Maribelle!