Editing Hagure Yuusha no Aesthetica:Volume 7 Chapter 1 (section)

===Part 7===
 
"The thing you asked......?"
 
Miu wasn't there and had no idea what Listy was talking about. All she could do was stare blankly at her and ask about it.
 
Once she perceived the seriousness in the atmosphere, Miu no longer pressed the issue. It also seemed that Listy had no intention of repeating herself.
 
The three girls faces became very serious.
 
While silently waiting for their answers, Miu turned her gaze towards the three in question who all had serious expressions on their faces.
 
"-- Ousawa-san, after you left the room to get the drinks, Listy-san asked us something."  
 
On behalf of the other two girls, Kuzuha explained the situation to Miu.
 
"After leaving Alayzard and coming to live in this world with you and Ousawa-kun -- Listy-san doesn't want her existence to become a burden to the both of you. In the end she wants to enhance her power, or her being here will become a liability. And--"
 
Kuzuha paused for a moment.
 
"If she is only going to be a burden, she won't hesitate to return to Alayzard....."
 
"H-how could you think of doing that!"
 
Miu watched as Listy panicked and turn away from her.
 
"......"
 
Listy remained silent as she dropped her head down with an unusually serious face. Miu fully understood that this was not a joke.  
 
Ah......could it be that.....
 
Miu suddenly thought back to the conversation they had in the hallway.
 
It seemed like Listy muttered something like "time to conclude things" before they returned to the room. At the time she thought she misheard her, but apparently that wasn't the case.
 
However, Ousawa Miu still didn't understand.
 
"How could you say such a thing? In the park just the other day, didn't we agree from now on to be together forever? And at that time Listy-san agreed, right?"
 
"Yes, at the time when Miu-chan said that to me...... to be honest, I was really moved. Akatsuki brought me to this world and you were willing to accept me ..... But--"
 
Listy looked up.
 
"Because Akatsuki and Miu-chan are too close to me......you may be biased. So I wanted to hear the objective opinions of these three."
 
"There was no need to go through the trouble......whether it is Chikage-san, Class Rep, or Haruka-san we all hope that you stay!"
 
Miu couldn't help but raise her voice.
 
"I thought that's how you'd feel....... emotionally that is, but that's not the answer I want."
 
Listy showed a lonely smile.
 
"I don't want a sentimental answer, rather I want everyone to judge if my strength will be any help. In short, when you balance it on a scale -- to which side will it tilt?"
 
"It's not like --"
 
Listy didn't have to be concerned about this issue as long as she continued to be near Akatsuki's side. Just like himself -- however, there was not enough time to finish, before Listy cut in.
 
"I just didn't want to be a burden to everyone."
 
Listy sighed.
 
"My coming to this world should have been detected by Babel. If I am unable to explain my presence here, won't it lead to exposing Miu-chan's true identity? It won't just be me who will have to pay the price. I fear that not only will Akatsuki and Miu-chan, but the others will also be in danger. In that case, I might as well--"
 
"It might be better......if you just go back to Alayzard?"
 
Miu asked the question with a look of blank amazement, Listy nodded as to say "Yes".
 
"I already know that creating a hole in the dimension is a way to travel between different worlds. Moreover I'm the same as Miu-chan, as in we are both from Alayzard and our very nature points back there. Just like how everyone came to Alayzard in order to prevent war using the same method I alone can go back to Alayzard."
 
"It is so, but ......!"
 
Miu understood her feelings of not wanting to trouble Akatsuki.
 
And in theory, it won't be impossible for her to go back to Alayzard alone.
 
But ......
 
"I'm not going to promise......to let Listy-san return to Alayzard alone."
 
Ousawa Miu was adamant, and was not going to compromise.
 
On that day, when the both of them went downtown shopping with Akatsuki, on their way back they stopped off at a park and Listy cried. She snuggled up to Miu's chest, her shoulders were trembling and tears were streaming down her cheeks.
 
At that time, I said something to Listy.
 
It was something like, "There is nothing to worry about, because that person is with us -- you will never have to leave".
 
That's right, I'm certain I said that.
 
That wasn't said just because it was a spur of the moment kind of thing, absolutely not. Those words were in no way half-hearted.
 
So......
 
"......What does everyone else think......?"
 
Miu looked at Chikage, Kuzuha, and Haruka. The trust in them could be seen in her eyes.
 
Even if they thought Listy would only become a burden to everyone –-
 
She would never leave her.
 
The first of the three to change her expression was Chikage. Her serious look transformed into a relaxed smile.
 
"Listy-san, because you asked us so seriously.......and to not be rude, we each considered it seriously for a long time. And then we also exchanged our views with each other, but --"
 
She paused for a moment.
 
"-- I'm sorry."
 
"......"
 
When she heard Chikage say that, Listy bowed in silence.
 
"How can......"
 
It was unbelievable what she just heard. Miu let out a heartbreaking voice.
 
It was at that time --
 
...... Ah ......
 
A small hand grabbed Miu's palms. The small hand didn't come from Listy who was next to her -- but from the person sitting opposite of her, Kuzuha. Looking up, Kuzuha gave her a quiet smile. And the warmth that passed through her hand told her --there was nothing to worry about.
 
Miu decided to remain silent and leave this matter to her trusted friends.
 
So ......
 
"-- Yes, I'm quite sorry."
 
Haruka said with a stiff face.
 
"That I worried Listy-san so much, I was waiting until it was all over before telling you..... when we got back Ousawa Akatsuki came to me so we could decide together how to report your presence to Babel. This was my fault."
 
"I, I didn't mean ... ... I was just afraid that everyone was over straining themselves for me."
 
Listy was somewhat flustered as she tried to refute Haruka's opinion.
 
"There's no difference, you felt uneasy and thought you were causing us all trouble. I was one who made you feel that way. It was all because of my incompetence you were so distressed."
 
"No, you can't say that. The problem was all because of me in the first place."
 
"If you say that, then isn't it Akatsuki's fault since he brought Miu to this world to begin with? No, it's better to blame Akatsuki for being summoned to Alayzard?"
 
"Ousawa-kun was born into this world, maybe that itself was the mistake."
 
"Haha, you're right.......that really was the biggest problem."
 
Kuzuha's malicious teasing amused Chikage enough to laugh.
 
"Hey -- Listy-san, do you think the root cause of all the trouble is because you and Miu met Akatsuki? or is the root cause his very existence?
 
"I, I......"
 
Confronted with Chikage inquiry, Listy was confused and looked at Miu.
 
It was not like she didn't want to express her thoughts, it was just that she didn't want to take responsibility in the matter.
 
Chikage shed her wry smile for a serious one.
 
"You know Listy-san ......everyone here has helped or burden someone else in some shape or way -- that is, the pluses and minuses on the scales vary depending on each situation. We might be able to help Akatsuki and Miu sometimes, and other times we might become a burden to them. The anxiety that you're feeling doesn't just belong to Listy-san alone. We also feel the same way. Even so, we still want to stay together with each other, contributing as much as possible to Akatsuki and to Miu. We will do whatever we can. I believe Listy-san basically has the same idea ... ... Or am I thinking too much?"
 
"......No."
 
Listy shook her head, Chikage suddenly showed a satisfied smile, "that was easy".
 
"I thought that's how it was. Say, Listy-san in your view you considered yourself a burden and wanted everyone to abandon you. If that's the case then if someone else ever becomes a burden should we abandon them once again? I don't think that's right. Although, under certain circumstances I think it is a necessary evil to cut ties --"
 
Chikage face was very serious.
 
"-- However, for Listy-san to completely cut ties on behalf of Miu so she can have a place in this world, and to assist Akatsuki in his ideals. I'm afraid that we need to make the whole world our enemy. This is going to be a daunting task, and will take enormous resolution and awareness. I believe that it is possible for Akatsuki, since I have decide to fight alongside him. For that, absolute trust is necessary."
 
"Yes......I think so too."
 
Haruka also nodded and:
 
"If I continue to stay in Student Council, then I should be able to safely obtain various pieces of useful information. However, this practice of being a double agent really would be impossible with my personality and I feel that I owe the student council more than that. When that time comes I can't guarantee that I won't become a burden to everyone --"
 
After a short pause ......
 
"So tomorrow, I have decided to turn in my resignation -- to resolve any doubts in my mind. With that, I will no longer be able to gather information from the Student Council. Admittedly my action is will be detrimental to us, however now I can fight side by side with everyone without any misgivings. I'm sure that I can become a big addition to the team."
 
"In fact.....you also don't have to worry so much, we figured you would do that."
 
Kuzuha continued.
 
"Listy-san is our friend and we want you to stay here with us..... It's that simple. After all, you want to stay with us even if that means becoming an enemy of the entire world, if you can't cherish a person like that than who? Those are the kind of people I want to be friends with, and fight shoulder to shoulder with. This should be a very natural way of thinking."
 
Then, she turned to look at an empty space, as if remembering a past memory.
 
"--Ousawa-kun once said 'When a woman wants to cry but is not able to cry, the world is simply wrong'. By the same token, we would find it impossible to smile, if Ousawa-kun and Listy-san cannot smile from the bottom of their hearts in this world. Something must have gone wrong. If Listy-san ends up deciding to return to Alayzard it will undoubtedly take away everyone's smile."
 
Wasn't that it?
 
"Because we can't forget the sacrifices Listy-san made for us......"
 
"But, if......"
 
"Listy-san intends to temporarily return to Alayzard until Akatsuki and Miu in solve their problems in this world, and then come back?"
 
Listy tried to rebut Kuzuha's claim, but Chikage saw through her thinking first.
 
"That certainly might be a way, but so is Listy-san staying with us to support Akatsuki and Miu even if only a little. If we become discouraged or likely to give up, we should all encourage each other, and forge ahead together through any future challenges. Don't you want to do that also?
 
Chikage continued with a calm smile.
 
"Listy-san wants us to put emotion aside for the time being, in fact we are eager to confirm your feelings, and not just for Akatsuki's sake. We must know if we are willing to put our lives on the line for each other. I at least can't always hide under Akatsuki's protective umbrella. If Listy-san wishes to stay, and if one of us has a crisis, surely together we can help to alleviate the burden on Akatsuki. There is the possibility of extra points for all of us."
 
".......I should stay? Is that really okay?"
 
Listy said with a disbelieving tone.
 
"I can't think of anything better. Even if Listy-san went back to Alayzard, Ousawa-kun would soon bring you back again. Even if he needs to use unscrupulous means, he won't hesitate."
 
Kuzuha shrugged.
 
"Once he decides to do something, no one can change his mind. Listy-san......you should also know his personality, right?"
 
She said while smiling wryly because:
 
"I believe this is also the reason why you can't help but fall in love with Ousawa-kun."
 
".......uh, yeah......!"
 
Listy nodded while exposing a face that went from crying to smiling.
 
Upon seeing how fast things got off track, Chikage let out a long sigh.
 
"-- Ah. Umm, this is our conclusion. What do you think, Miu?"
 
She responded with a gentle smile.
 
So ......
 
"Yeah, thank you ......you guys really are good people."
 
Miu thanked all three of them from the bottom of her heart.
 
Then she turned around to Listy sitting next to her, and gently hugged her.
 
"Miu-chan.....?"
 
Listy was taken aback.
 
"I'd like to say it again... ... No, I'll say it a few times, it doesn't matter."
 
Ousawa Miu's tone was serious.
 
"Everything will be all right for Listy-san and myself. The same for Chikage-san, Class Rep, Haruka-san -- also that person, because we are all together."
 
See?
 
"No matter when, no matter where, we will always be together."
 
"...... Ah, yes ......together forever ...... sorry ...... I'm sorry ......"
 
Miu embraced her tighter while gently patting her back. Listy returned the hug.
 
"Sniff, don't cry so much Listy-san, otherwise --"
 
Her statement was interrupted by a sudden knock on the door.
 
"...... Huh?"
 
They were all surprised.
 
"Ohhh... ... sorry, didn't mean to interrupt."
 
Akatsuki's voice came through the door.
 
Miu and the others instinctively looked at each other.
 
"Uh, is something the matter.....?"
 
Miu responded on behalf of the others, wanting him to answer from outside the room.
 
"Ah, it's probably just me being paranoid.....but I feel like someone is crying."
 
It was just as Miu imagined -– strictly speaking, this should not have come as a surprise.
 
"-!"
 
Everyone in the room unintentionally laughed very loudly.
 
Even Listy who had tears until just a second ago was no exception.
 
...... Ah.
 
This was exactly why everyone liked Akatsuki.
 
Ousawa Miu thought, at this moment, we all are together.
 
'You're laughing too much, you guys......or is it just my misconception after all?'
 
Akatsuki said "good night" and was about to leave:
 
"Not at all......thank you for worrying."
 
While Miu gently wiped away the tears in the corner of her eyes with a smile, they all spoke at the same time:
 
"...... Good night."
 
Miu raised her voice.
 
At the same time, she added in her heart -- I love you.