"Furthermore"

As my mind filled with thoughts, Fujiwara's voice echoed once again, capturing my attention. Turning my gaze back to Fujiwara, I noticed that she was staring intensely at the masked figure in the middle. Her lips held a nervous and anxious smile.

"This guy is the real challenge. Even if the girls and I confronted him head-on, we would still be destined for defeat"

Fujiwara stated, her voice laden with concern, as she turned towards me.

"That's exactly why we'll leave him to you, Makoto"

From Fujiwara's words, I could clearly discern that the situation wasn't favorable for us. And the reason for me thinking so was evident due to one of Fujiwara's abilities. With that in mind, I asked.

"Can you see what his ability is?"

Hearing my question, Fujiwara let out a discreet laugh and replied.

"Apparently, he can control gravity"

Fujiwara affirmed, her smile carrying both anxiety and concern. I can't say I didn't expect a power like that. As I mentioned before, my senses always signaled danger when I looked at that man. However, Fujiwara, Ana, Saemi, Aoi, and Sylvia all looked at me with worried expressions on their faces.

"Well, we'll figure it out, we've always managed"

I declared, giving the girls a reassuring look as a smile formed on my face. Even briefly, I noticed their expressions soften a bit. As a leader and also a lover, it was my duty to keep the girls hopeful, even if our circumstances weren't exactly favorable.

While these thoughts flowed through my mind, Sylvia's whispering voice reached my ears, so gently that even my keen senses struggled to catch her words.

"I understand now why they hold such affection for you"

Sylvia commented. Turning towards her, I asked.

"Did you say something?"

Sylvia seemed surprised for a moment upon hearing my question, but her expression soon turned into a smile.

"No, it was nothing"

Sylvia replied with a smile on her lips, dispelling any trace of her previous apprehension. Although I wasn't exactly sure what was going on, I chose to set that matter aside for now, as there was something more pressing that demanded my full attention at the moment.

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"Girls, are you ready?"

I asked, my gaze fixed on the masked figure in the middle. Despite the mask that concealed his face, it seemed like his eyes were fixed on me. However, he showed no intention of leaving that spot on his own.

"Well, not really, but I guess we don't have much choice"

Fujiwara said, letting out a laugh. Even though spirits weren't at their highest, her words had the effect of eliciting discreet laughter from the other girls as well.

"Yeah, I guess you're right"

Agreed Saemi, shifting her once nervous gaze into a determined expression. With a gentle smile on my face, my attention turned to Ana, who held a part of my overcoat.

"Ma-kun... be careful"

Ana said, her eyes fixed on me. Honestly, this was the first time I saw Ana with such a concerned look; normally, she displayed an unconcerned demeanor towards everything around her.

"Of course, I promise we'll be enjoying a delicious meal soon"

I affirmed, turning towards the masked man. This time, he was definitely staring at me. I could tell by the fact that his face was directed my way. However, it seemed like he had no intention whatsoever to get up from where he was sitting.

(I feel like he probably thinks I'm not worthy of his time... well, I'll make him rethink that)

While this thought echoed in my mind, Sylvia's voice resonated with a melancholic tone.

"I apologize, everyone. I just confirmed a little while ago that they're after my life. I'm almost certain they were hired by one of my brothers. I'm really sorry for putting you in this situation"

Facing Sylvia's words, I turned toward her and found her looking at the ground, a somber expression on her face. Before I could react, Aoi's voice echoed.

"Please don't worry about it, Sylvia. We're already friends, so of course, we'll help you"

Aoi declared, her lips curved in a gentle smile, her eyes displaying unwavering determination as they fixed on Sylvia.

"Besides, you didn't hire us to protect you in situations like this?"

Fujiwara said with a mischievous smile on his face. While it might not have been the most serious response to the situation, Sylvia didn't seem to mind.

"Friends? That's the first time someone called me that... but I guess you're right. Even though I may be inexperienced, I hope we can get along as friends from now on"

Sylvia said, surprisingly formal in her manner. With these words, we prepared to start the battle. However, before that, there was something I needed to ask Sylvia.

"By the way"

I suddenly mentioned, capturing not only Sylvia's attention but also the other girls.

"You told us that your brothers want to kill you, right? Are all of them wishing for your death?"

Upon hearing my words, Sylvia delved into deep thoughts, keeping her eyes closed. When she finally opened them, she began to speak.

"While I can't say for certain about my older sister and older brother, I'm certain my twin brother doesn't wish for my survival. He's always made his desire for the throne clear"

Sylvia stated, her eyes expressing doubt.

"But why this question?"

Hearing Sylvia's question, a mysterious smile formed on my lips, and my response came without delay.

"Well, it's nothing really, it was just a curiosity I had. By the way, if this brother of yours were to die, you'd be the next in line for the throne, wouldn't you?"

I asked, observing Sylvia closely. Upon hearing my question, she nodded her head and answered.

"I believe so. Although my older brother and sister also have a claim. Both have attempted meetings to resolve this matter. However, my twin brother always declined such a meeting, insisting that only he could be the king of Arclight"

Sylvia sighed, revealing that even in another world, people faced family problems.