Editing Hagure Yuusha no Aesthetica:Volume 7 Chapter 3 (section)

===Part 7===
 
"......"
 
Haruka after receiving such a serious question from Miu, meditated for a while.
 
Ousawa Akatsuki and Hikami Kyoya.
 
Haruka knew both of them, but who on earth is stronger?
 
For Akatsuki there is no lack of material to base his strength on.
 
First, outside of the Kubota's workshop she witnessed Akatsuki control Sleipnir beyond the speed of sound.
 
Then fought one on one with Zahhaku as well as a series of battles in Alayzard.
 
Akatsuki has demonstrated a tremendous ability to fight.
 
Haruka has also actually fought with Akatsuki.
 
They first fought as soon as they met in the student council room, and then on the first night of the ranking tournament. He can't use magic, but his strength is still undeniable.  
 
In addition to hand to hand combat, the level of his swordsmanship is no laughing matter either.
 
--As for Kyoya?
 
Haruka has also witness Kyoya fight on several occasions. During combat training along with the other members of the student council, and during a few ranking tournaments. However, he never went all out. Since he is a member of the COCOON he must be really talented, and is basically an unknown.
 
......Even so, his power was overwhelming.
 
From those glimpses she can only guess at his true strength.
 
Haruka tries to imagine the fight between Akatsuki and Kyoya. However they are very different from each other, and can't really be compared. So before making a conclusion, she first put forth her thoughts.
 
"There are many factors affecting the outcome of a fight. For example the location or time of day will cause different results. Based on what I have seen from Ousawa Akatsuki's past fights, losing really is hard to imagine. But--"
 
Haruka concluded:
 
"--If you only compared them in strength, President Hikami is slightly above."
 
"......"
 
"......"
 
After hearing Haruka's answer, Miu and Listy fell silent and slightly lowered their heads.
 
However to Miu's question "Can that person win against the President?" Haruka didn't properly answer it.
 
Miu didn't feel that she was wrong and comparing them in terms of pure strength it is a simple way to exclude her emotions.
 
Then Miu slowly raised her head, and looked Haruka in the eyes.
 
"I understand, Haruka-san. Take me to see the student council President."
 
"--Miu-chan？"
 
Listy sitting on the other end of the sofa couldn't help but shout.
 
Then she stood up from the couch.
 
"......!"
 
But she couldn't say anything, because she also understands.
 
She doesn't know Kyoya's end game, and perhaps he merely wants to hear what happened during the ranking tournament. Therefore, if that's the case, it wouldn't be a problem as long as Miu goes.
 
But if she refuses the appointment, Kyoya is bound to be suspicious. In that case he will perform an in-depth investigation, and it will inevitablely lead to Akatsuki and Kyoya fighting. Moreover, and it won't be an official duel.
 
It will be a life-and-death fight, meaning the losing side would die.
 
It won't necessarily just be Akatsuki, who would be killed.
 
So Miu has no choice. She slowly got up while smiling.
 
"Listy-san, continue to stay hidden in the house. Unless that person or I come back, do not come out. Just to be safe, it is best to stay away from the windows."
 
Haruka stared at Listy, who was biting her lower lip.
 
Miu came to this world ahead of Listy, and has gradually built up place she feels she belongs. But it is different for Listy.
 
Of course, Akatsuki and Haruka have already proposed to Listy on how to explain her existence to Babel, while keeping her true identity hidden. Chikage and Kuzuha have also been informed and theoretically it should be sound.
 
However, the reason why the president wants to interview Miu remains a mystery thus far. The timing of this situation, and Listy's arrival may be the reason.
 
Haruka couldn't help thinking -- Listy would definitely feel a certain sense of chagrin and regret in her heart.
 
-- When they left Alayzard to come to this world the dimensional shift would have been detected by JPN Babel and recorded on the "Apocalypse" server.
 
Miu and Listy are the same as they both are from another world, however Listy's presence here stands out more than Miu's.  
 
Since they don't know Kyoya's end game and Akatsuki is not here, there is no way anyone can say that Listy's presence was not exposed.
 
And ......
 
If she decides to stay inside to stall for time, they aids on standing outside will break ins, and then will find Listy here.
 
Akatsuki would be forced into a no-win situation.
 
In order to protect Listy, also in order to protect Akatsuki, Miu doesn't have any other choice.
 
"......"
 
That's all Haruka's could figure out, and suddenly was sullen and speechless.
 
"Wait a minute, I want to change my clothes. Not into the old uniform, but the new uniforms I got from you last night."
 
Miu looked at Haruka.
 
"Okay then, the new uniform has been designed to be relatively handy. "
 
The new uniforms can change according to the users will automatically to combat clothes.
 
At that time regardless of a fight or escape, there would be a much higher success rate.
 
Miu then left the living room.
 
Haruka and Listy waited in the living room in silence.
 
But ......
 
"-- Umm!"
 
After hesitating for a while, Haruka suddenly spoke up.
 
Miu called out half way down the stairs:
 
"Wait, I want to here the question too."
 
After Miu came back to, Haruka continue to say:
 
"--Why do think I was going to ask a question? "
 
It was like a boulder was putting pressure on her heart when she was asked the question.
 
Her heart was pounding, resulting in a sense of distance from the others.
 
"I am part of the student council like Hikami. Maybe I'm just using your concern for Ousawa Akatsuki, and this is all a trick in order to get you to get you there... ... aren't you at least a little skeptical?"
 
Miu was dumbfounded for a moment, then revealed a gentle smile.
 
"If that is so, then why would you expose your scheme?"
 
"This was a desperate move, intended to win your complete trust."
 
"It is not necessary to say any more, after all, you made your point and now I feel uneasy."
 
"......"
 
Miu's face was very clam, but Haruka's face was covered with a layer of haze.
 
Haruka could not understand, how Miu could readily trust her so much.
 
Then ......
 
"Haruka-san...... You are really kind-hearted."
 
Miu slowly approached her.
 
After she stood in front of Haruka, her lightly put her hands on Haruka's cheek.
 
"It is best to take advantage of this opportunity to make one thing clear."
 
Miu intently stared into Haruka's eyes.
 
"Nanase Haruka, I completely understand you."
 
She said in firm and clear tone.
 
"You believe in yourself more than anyone, you adhere to your own justice, and always carry through to the end. There is no way you would be easily compromised. Even during the situation in Alayzard, you believed in us and fought with all you had. After returning to this world, you dedicated yourself to protecting my new home with all of your heart.  And now you are standing in a place I can't even imagine because of Listy and me. Honestly, I can't find any reason to doubt you. So ... ... Please keep this in mind, and never forget."
 
She paused for a moment.
 
 
 
"No matter what happens, we will always believe in you."
 
 
 
Miu gently embraced Haruka in her arms.
 
As if trying to convey her thoughts through body warmth --
 
I will always believe in you.
 
"......!"
 
Miu clearly had unconditional trust in her, Haruka can not help but slightly tremble.
 
Tears almost burst forth from her eyes.
 
Adhere to your own justice, and choose your own path ......
 
It really is correct.
 
How to respond to this should go without saying.
 
Haruka shouldn't be apprehensive to Miu's words.
 
And respond to Miu's trust in her--that should be good.
 
Her tightly wrapped her hands around Miu, and she looked straight ahead at void.
 
Nanase Haruka must show her resolution.
 
"Then, I will also protect you."
 
Her voice was filled with strength.
 
"-- At any cost."