Chapter 97: What Can Be Done and What Cannot Be Done

Let's go back in time a little.

"Are you going?" Ryuto looked at Hiyori and asked.

On Ryuto's balcony, Hiyori adjusted her miko outfit and equipment. After all, she could only wear her school uniform at school.

"Yes, Lord Ryuto. I have a rough idea of the location. Although I'm not sure about the exact address, knowing the direction and distance is enough," Hiyori replied.

Is this some kind of radar? This is pretty awesome.

"Well, if I'm not mistaken, it should be there. Considering that it's a place where no one usually goes and it's relatively hidden, the only place that fits the criteria is the underground storage in the hospital. After all, many people live there because it's a hospital," Ryuto explained.

"Um, what about Miss Asuka?" Hiyori asked.

"Asuka is probably asleep. She has to go to school tomorrow, and how can a top student stay up late? Well, even if she doesn't go to school, it doesn't really matter for her in terms of exams. That's the difference between a top student and an underachiever. Hmm..." Ryuto paused.

"Well?" Hiyori hesitated.

"What's wrong? Are you unsure? Even if I go, I won't be much help," Ryuto said.

"No, maybe...," Hiyori said as she shook her head and seemed to want to get rid of something. Then she slowly approached the edge of the balcony, raised her hand, and looked up at the night sky.

Since I met Lord Ryuto, I realized how weak I am. No, maybe I already knew it before, but I kept avoiding it and refused to admit it. Just like Seto's incident this time, I couldn't be of any help at all. No matter how hard I try, I can never solve things perfectly like Lord Ryuto. That's an unchangeable fact.

There was a slight pause.

"And... I don't even know Lord Ryuto's past or what he usually thinks about. But even so, I always believe, I believe that Lord Ryuto can accomplish it. It's not because Lord Ryuto has the ability to solve everything. It's just because he is Lord Ryuto. That's all. I believe in Lord Ryuto himself, not his abilities. Because... I was saved by Lord Ryuto, the way he is." Hiyori took a deep breath and continued speaking after her meaningful pause.

"Although I can't fully explain it yet, Lord Ryuto seems to have an incredible power... And everyone has things they can and cannot do. So there's no need to regret for things I cannot do. I just need to do what I can do. Lord Ryuto made me understand this. So even if I'm so useless, there are things I can accomplish. Doing my best to protect, that's what I can do now."

As she spoke, Hiyori shifted her gaze. Her eyes were filled with unwavering conviction and an indescribable sense of enlightenment.

...Why do I suddenly feel like her image has become more towering? This... Is this still the ignorant Hiyori? But...

"That's good. Then I have nothing to worry about. I'll wait with peace of mind," Ryuto said.

"Yes, Lord Ryuto. I will definitely come back safely because it is also my duty."

Saying that, Hiyori jumped straight off the balcony and quickly disappeared into the dark night.

"Work? You keep emphasizing it so much, it's really putting a lot of pressure on me as someone who is both a shut-in and currently unemployed. And besides..."

Looking up at the night sky filled with stars, Ryuto sighed helplessly.

"It's not as perfect as you make it sound, Hiyori. I... "

There was a hint of self-deprecation in his tone, as if there was something he wanted to say, but in the end, he couldn't bring himself to say it.

Afterwards, Ryuto let out a long yawn, which had been rare for him lately.

"Ah... it's because of Asuka that I had severe sleep deprivation yesterday. Let me rest for a while."

Saying that, Ryuto entered his own room and quickly collapsed onto the bed.