MCFATTKM

155

Griffith touched Lelia's hand again. A warmth passed through his fingertips.

"Because we lived for you, we can't erase our feelings for you in an instant."

"..."

"But if we fight over you, we will all suffer together. So, I think we can be at peace this way."

"..."

"If you marry one of us, what do you think will happen to the rest?"

Lelia didn't answer. She couldn't even guess because she had never imagined it. But Griffith spoke confidently, as if the results were being painted right in front of her eyes. It was a frightening idea.

"Obviously, our relationship will be distorted. It's going to be messy and complicated. Pointing swords at each other, we'll never be able to remember our childhood memories again. We'll only hate each other..."

It even sounded terrible... Hearing his words, Lelia's expression was distorted.

Griffith returned with a fresh voice, as if he had never scared her. "Of course, Lelia, everything is your choice and your decision. I will never force you."

"..."

"But there could be a better way... I don't know," Griffith whispered sweetly.

It was a tone that seemed to be only for Lelia. The strength in her hand gripped tighter on the hem of her robe. Griffith says it's only her own choice and her decision...

[As Griffith said, could there be a better way than this?]

No matter how much she thought about it, she couldn't think of one. Lelia hesitated for a moment, then she looked at Griffith.

"But you didn't want to come to the temple. Why are you here now?"

"... Yes, of course, for you."

"..."

"As I said before, as long as you are prosperous, everything will be at peace. It doesn't matter if it's not for me. Even if I had to go back to my home country and kneel before my family, I could do it."

At Griffith's words, Lelia bit her lips tightly. She knew Griffith was extremely reluctant to bind himself to the temple. If he's successful, his home country will do anything to take advantage of him. Yet, Griffith entered the temple on his own feet. Only for Lelia. Lelia felt like Griffith had sacrificed something big for her.

She felt sorry for Griffith, who was casually dressed in a white robe that he hated so much. However... Why was she being so anxious? Maybe it's a trap. There is no choice that has only advantages. Griffith's attitude was so friendly, and she felt that he had nothing to do with it, which made her suspicious and anxious. It was rather strange that it was put together so well.

Griffith asked affectionately if he had noticed her anxiousness, "If you have any other questions, feel free to ask."

"It's just... hard to believe. It's impossible to have such advantages."

At that, Griffith smiled lightly.

"Well, of course... It's going to bother you a bit. You will have to read the Bible, worship, and pray without believing in God."

Is it just that? Lelia asked Griffith with her anxious eyes, "... How long do I have to stay in the neutral zone?"

"Well... About four or five months a year?"

Lelia bowed her head and fiddled with her fingertips. If Griffith's words were true, it meant she could return to the Superion territory and stay there for the rest of the year. Gradually, she leaned toward agreeing with Griffith. But there still was an important problem.