After hearing Steve's request, I thought it was a little far-fetched, but it was only natural for him to ask.
Restoring Bucky Barnes's memories wasn't a problem, but extending Peggy Carter's life was something I really couldn't do.
I couldn't exactly borrow the Time Stone from the Ancient One, could I? She definitely wouldn't agree to that.
"Steve, I understand how you feel. Bucky's problem isn't difficult, but I really can't help with Peggy Carter."
Steve's eyes lit up for an instant when he heard Bucky could be saved, but the light quickly faded when he saw Rimuru's regretful expression, snuffed out like a candle in the wind. He lowered his head, his fingers unconsciously tightening around the edge of the table until his knuckles turned white.
The room was so quiet he could hear his own breathing. A long while passed before he raised his head again, his voice a little hoarse.
"I understand... I knew from the start that what I was asking for Peggy... might be too much."
He paused, trying to make his voice sound calmer. "It's just that sometimes, watching the people around me leave one by one while I'm still standing here... it's really hard."
Steve took a deep breath, as though trying to push all his surging emotions back down.
When he spoke again, his voice had regained its usual firmness, though a trace of pain still lingered in his eyes.
"Then please help Bucky first. Sorry for the trouble. As for Peggy... maybe you're right. Some things can't be changed by power alone."
He fell silent for a moment, gazing into the distance as if he could see through the wall to somewhere far away. "All I can do is cherish the time I still have with her and let her know