That night, the breeze was slightly cool. Mine stood alone on the Back Mountain behind Night Raid headquarters, quietly feeling its gentle caress.
As she recalled what the Holy Light Clerics had said that day, thoughts kept swirling through her mind.
"Mine, it's time to go back to bed!" Sheele quietly walked up behind Mine and called to her.
"Sheele, do you think they dislike me because of what I said today?" Mine gazed at the full moon and asked softly.
"You're all sharp words and a soft heart. I don't think Captain Iron Hammer and the others took it personally." Sheele stepped forward and gently embraced Mine, the prickly little girl.
"Do you think that society Captain Iron Hammer described, where everyone is equal, could really exist?" Mine quietly savored the warmth of Sheele's embrace as she asked uncertainly.
"The path they're walking is so much harder than ours. They're facing the strongest power in this world. Perhaps only people like them, who've endured countless hardships and still believe in a bright future, would attempt it! Whether it's possible or not, at least they're truly working toward it." Sheele gently stroked Mine's pink hair and looked up, quietly watching the moon with her.
"Don't question the dream they believe in so firmly next time."
"I wasn't. I was just a little jealous. Jealous that I never met people like them when I was a child, and had to face all those indifferent stares instead." Mine sounded stubborn, but there was a hint of vulnerability in her voice.
"Yes, I know. You're so determined to be strong because you want to protect the vulnerable part of yourself. But you're not alone anymore, Mine. You have all of us now, companions you can depend on!" Sheele said gently with a faint