Translator:imperfectluckEditor:Kurisu

Im staying behind as well. After a period of silence, Yukari spoke up in a serious tone. I understand that youre worried, Seiji. But, since you can clearly command us to leave, yet youre making us choose instead, doesnt that mean you have expectations of us?

Seiji remained silent.

Youre worried about our safety and want us to leave, but youre not absolutely certain if this is the best for us. Yukari looked directly at him. Thats because danger is also an opportunity for growth You dont want to single-handedly take this chance away from us. In your heart, you still have some expectations that well stay behind, which is why youre letting us choose. No matter whether thats what you really think or not, Im still making the same choice, for the same reason as you: because I want to fight!

Yukari Seiji was unable to say anything in response to her direct words.

Its my honor to fight together with you, Knight #2. Hisashi smiled.

Its my pleasure as well, Knight #1. Yukari responded with a smile as well.

I want to stay behind as well! Mika was the third to speak up. I also want to fight Although it might be really dangerous, I believe that everything will be alright as long as Im together with Seiji.

Mika my power is limited, you know. Seiji tried to tell her this.

The twintailed girl looked directly at him, and wanted to say something, but took it back.

I believe in you and dont want to leave your side. She ended up saying this instead with a resolute expression.

Mika had the feeling that Seiji was far more powerful than he acted.

And even if his power was truly limited, she wouldnt regret staying behind, because she wanted to simply be together with him.

We have yet another teammate for combat. Welcome aboard, Knight #6. Hisashi welcomed Mika.

Please take good care of me, Juumonji-san, Mika responded.

I want to stay behind as well. Hoshi was the fourth to speak up. Although Im personally weak, I can borrow power from Lilith Besides, I dont know what will happen to Lilith if I leave.

That elf girl will be your support, and youre also worried about her, thatif you leave, something might happen to her, is that right? Seiji looked at his junior.

Thats right. Hoshi nodded.

Good luck, then. Seiji stopped looking at Hoshi, and didnt say anything else.

Team Leader Are you angry? Hoshi felt that something was off.

Why would I be angry? A certain person has the protection of a mysterious elf girl, and doesnt need me to look after him. Thats a good thing, Seiji said in a light tone.

Hoshi was rendered speechless.

The beautiful boy felt that something was a little strange, but he couldnt identify what, so Hoshi ended up with a confused expression.

Welcome aboard as well, Knight #4 by the way, your custom-ordered maid attire has been completed already. Its about time that you wore it. Hisashi adjusted his eyeglasses, causing the lens to flash.

Eh Eh!? Hoshi suddenly recalled that there was such a matter still.

I suddenly heard something interesting. Something flashed in Yukaris eyes. Amami-san is going to wear maid attire? When will it be? Please allow me to witness this scene and take pictures!

Yukaris ero artist spirit activated immediately upon imagining how cute Hoshi Amami would be in maid attire.

Id also like to see what Hoshi looks like in maid attire Mayuzumi spoke up as well.

And me. Kazuko also adjusted her eyeglasses.

Me as well. Even Kaede joined in.

Mika mentioned before already that she was interested in seeing this. Kaho was also interested, but she was too embarrassed to say it out loud.

Whats maid attire? Shinobu asked Shika this question.

A type of clothing that female servants wear. Since Mai wasnt currently here, Shika could only explain in such a manner.

Youre quite popular, Knight #4. We might as well have a photography party for you! Hisashi exclaimed.

No Hoshi wanted to refuse.

*Cough, cough!* Seiji coughed loudly to stop the knight order conference from going off topic.

Everyone fell silent yet again.

Since my idiot of an older brother is staying behind, then Im staying behind as well, Kaede spoke up while looking at Hisashi. I need to keep an eye on him.

Thank you for your heartfelt intentions, dear sister of mine. But as your older brother, I request you to leave this place for somewhere far and safe!

Thats just an excuse, idiot. I just want to stay by Seijis side. I dont really care what happens to you.

Ack! Hisashi made a sound and pose as if he had been struck by an arrow.

Seiji understood that the Juumonji Siblings had a close family bond, so he didnt treat Kaedes words as serious. Seiji also knew that he had no way to convince the siblings to leave.

After this knight order conference, the siblings would probably continue chatting or arguing as usual. Whether to stay or leave was something only they could decide.

As for me, even if I leave this city, its highly likely that no, Ill definitely still be affected by the Realm of Cherry Blossoms, Kazuko mentioned, Seiji, since youre staying, I can only stay behind as well.

Im sorry

No need to apologize. Not having a choice means I dont have to choose or think too much about it. The brown-haired girl shrugged.

She had no choice, so she didnt need to think about it.

Kaho agreed with this, even though her circumstances were a bit different.

Im also staying behind Kaho looked directly at Seiji while speaking. As your Spirit-branded Retainer, I shouldnt be leaving while my contractor is in danger.

Fighting for the sake of ones contracted Yin Yang Master was the reason for a Spirit-branded Retainers existence!

It was the same for Shika Kagura. Kaho glanced over at Shika. It was evident without need for words that Shika was staying behind.

Thank you, Kaho Still, I hope that you can reconsider. Seiji gave his thanks while still attempting to convince her otherwise.

Theres no need to reconsider. Ive already made my decision, Kaho stated in a serious tone.

Seiji revealed a helpless expression.

I wanted to consider some more, but seeing how everyone else is staying behind, then Ill stay behind as well. Mayuzumi smiled while saying so.

Seiji speechlessly looked over in the mangakas direction.

Fighting together with companions to protect the city I live in seems just like a plot right out of a manga. As a mangaka, I cant possibly miss this and this will be an excellent reference for my own story! Mayuzumi continued speaking in a sincere tone.

Risking your life for storyline material cant be called good, Peach-sensei. Seiji sighed.

Its precisely because Im risking my life that itll be good, Mayuzumi responded. Perhaps Ill receive some excellent inspiration.

Being willing to sacrifice your life for the sake of your story? Thats so awesome, Peach Goddess! Hisashi added on his comment in a fanatical tone.

Please dont call me that, Juumonji-san. Nor am I sacrificing my life, Im just risking it.

You actually referred to risking your life with the word just! Your amazingness has deeply moved this humble one!!! Please allow me to give my grandest

*Slap!* Like a magician, Kaede brought out a paper fan from nowhere and whacked Hisashi.

Youre being too noisy, idiot.

After Hisashi was suppressed, Seiji glanced over at everyone.

Not a single person chose to leave His wish wasnt granted, but his faint hidden expectations had been fulfilled. Seiji couldnt tell if he was happy or worried.

Yukari had been absolutely correct. Seiji had contradictory feelings about all this. He hoped that all his companions would leave so that they would be safe, but also hoped that they would stay. The former emotion was stronger, while the latter emotion was more hidden.

Seiji viewed their safety as important, but he also wanted them to swiftly grow stronger. These contradictory feelings caused him to come up with the not-so-good idea to tell everyone to leave.

Just as Hisashi said, the best method would have been for him to make the decision for everyone as the knight orders leader, and everyone else would have listened to him. Or, just as Yukari had thought at first, the knight order should have voted as a group to decide whether to leave or stay.

Yet, the better methods might not always be the best At any rate, all his companions had now made their own decisions.

Im truly grateful for everyones heartfelt intentions But as I said earlier, if you stay behind, Ill ask you to reconsider. Over the next few days, please seriously and cautiously think about your decisions. Seiji had a serious expression as he slowly lowered his head towards everyone. Im truly apologetic for doing this to everyone, but I still request that you all use this time to carefully consider and confirm that your own decision was correct.