"Don't you want to become stronger?"
"Don't you want to become better, to earn the right to stay by the side of the one you love?"
The moment Nadula said those words, Merika knew that she could no longer refuse the invitation.
Because by now, she understood very clearly just how extraordinary and special Shien was.
In front of someone like Shien, what was remarkable about an ordinary Elf like her?
Nothing.
If she wanted to remain by Shien's side without being left behind, Merika had to bravely make her own choice and become extraordinary too.
"I won't say that becoming my Blessing Bearer will make you worthy of keeping up with your beloved."
"But I promise you that I will do everything I can to nurture and guide you, making you more outstanding and more exceptional."
"That way, someday in the future, you may be able to stand by his side and help ease his burdens."
Ignoring the protesting look Shien gave her from the side, Nadula spoke to Merika.
"His future certainly won't be peaceful."
"He may even be swept into a terrifying vortex of conspiracies."
"When that happens, do you want to be able to help him, or do you want to watch from afar and wait for him to come home?"
"I hope you think carefully about it, my child."
That was all Nadula had to say.
Merika had no response.
But the panic on her face finally faded completely, gradually replaced by another expression.
It was unease.
It was resolve.
Nadula's words had successfully moved Merika.
And so—
"Merika agreed."
Outside the gates of the temple, Shien explained this clearly and plainly to Sophie and the others.
"...Is that so?"
Sophie fell silent for a while. There was both distraction and disappointment on her face,