She pauses and gives it some thought,  “I have not a single idea. The War of Glory lasted for 38 years. This war may be longer or may Saint Rubaine guide us and make it shorter.”

38 years?! “I can’t stay for 38 years. I don’t think I can even stay for one. My aunt will worry for me. And war, I am not equipped for war. I don’t think Aunt Amettie will even allow me to participate in a war. And…And home. I have to go home. I can’t be gone for long. She must be worried-”

“....Hero. Hero.” She was speaking to me. She was calling me. I took a breath and focused everything I had on her. “Time works differently between worlds. By Saint Rubaine’s research on other worlds, we predict that not a second has passed since you left your world. Your aunt will not notice. She will not worry. I have faith in Saint Rubaine.”

Why her? Why not me? I’m the one who’s going to go to war for you. But why does it have to be me?

“Why… Why me? Anyone else is a better choice. I… I’m sorry but I barely understand the ropes of your world. All this talk about evil birds and eating and affinities I just can’t wrap my head around it. Training. I still have to train today right? I’m not physically fit or active so I don’t know how the hell I’m supposed to-I don’t-I don’t know what to do-what to think I-”

“I have faith in Saint Rubaine’s choice. You are here for a reason. And I promise you, as the Princess of Flaris and her descendant, I will return you safely. If you believe you are not equipped to survive or fight through this war, I will fight for you. One of Saint Rubaine’s principles is the Principle of Will. Wanting to do something gives it more power, passion gives it love. And if tomorrow you still decide that you do not want to do this, I understand as someone looking at your position. But as the Princess of the Kingdom… This Empire… Please give it a chance. Be Gemma’s fighting chance. I wish you wellness and life above anything else. But I also wish that for my home.”

Damn it. Why does she have to talk so well?

“It’s very lonely here.” Why is that my response?

“Lonely people need companions. I will be your companion, Hero.”

“I just need to finish this… And then I can go home right?”

“Yes. And it would be like you never left in the first place. You will return the same person as you were.”

That is if I’m not irreparably scarred by the war. I heard wars change people. Aunt Amettie looks out of it sometimes when she sees certain stuff. Even 20 years later, it left its mark on her head… and her body.

“Saint Rubaine theorised that people often forget their lives when they travel to other worlds so I reckon you will be just fine, no matter what becomes of this war. I swear on my title as the Princess of Gemma-Flaris.”

I’ll be just fine.

Hopefully.