"Um... about this?" Ryuto scratched the back of his head awkwardly.

Hmm...

Even if he agreed with himself, Asuka might not agree, and this would further mess up his already chaotic life.

"Please, Ryuto, I'm willing to do anything," Sora emphasized once again, showing her determination.

...

No, it doesn't really matter, there's no need to keep emphasizing it.

"Please, Ryuto."

While looking at him imploringly, tears welled up in Sora's eyes, as if she were about to cry.

Hey, hey, this could easily lead to misunderstandings if other people saw.

"Well... "

Ryuto scratched the back of his head awkwardly once again.

To be honest, it's not up to me, and even if I were to ask, it wouldn't make a difference.

"Well, because I need to consult some people before I can give you an answer."

"Really? Ryuto is considering it seriously."

Sora nodded with a smile.

"Huh? Considering it seriously?"

"Yeah, if you weren't serious about it, you would have either accepted or refused without hesitation. Since Ryuto hasn't clearly answered yet, it means he's seriously considering it. Since that's the case, I feel relieved."

"Is that so..."

Ryuto scratched the back of his head and smiled wryly.

While answering like this, Ryuto couldn't help but think...

Yes, Sora is right. If you weren't prepared to take responsibility from the beginning, you would definitely have accepted or refused without hesitation. Since you weren't ready to take responsibility, it wouldn't matter if you gave an empty promise. But if you were ready to take responsibility from the start, you should consider it seriously. Whether you accept or refuse in the end, you would give your answer after careful consideration. By thinking seriously, you are also taking responsibility for the other person, after all...

One's own actions and words are likely to have a great impact on others, and by taking responsibility for the other person, you are also taking responsibility for those around you.

Maybe this is the gentle side of Sora, even though she knows nothing about it and is always discriminated against for being a slave, she is still so gentle. She always thinks from the other person's perspective, not because she wants anything from them, not because she owes them any favors, and not because she has a good relationship with them. I think even if the other person is a stranger, she would still be this gentle.

This indiscriminate gentleness, this unfounded gentleness, this slightly awkward gentleness, I think, is a unique gentleness of Sora.

Only those who take life seriously would think of this, that's why I didn't realize it...

But his thoughts were quickly interrupted.

"So, Ryuto, what about you? What is your personal opinion? Do you want me to follow you?"

Sora asked with wide eyes.

"Of course, at least that's what I hope for."

"Really? That's great then."

Sora smiled in relief.

"Huh? But I haven't agreed yet."

Why is she so happy?

"No, even so, I'm happy, because... at least I know that Ryuto hopes for this. So, even if it doesn't work out in the end, it's okay, because I already know Ryuto's thoughts, I don't want to put Ryuto in a difficult position."

"Is that so..."

Even just an invisible and intangible verbal statement is more valuable than any other physical item. Surely, this is the happiness unique to Sora. Although it may seem insignificant to others, it is an irreplaceable treasure for Sora, making her feel content enough.