Chapter 3.
Iztal Eriez.
He was the person I trusted the most in the world. He was one of the youngest of our group, but physically, he was the strongest. He was a skilled combatant, and he also was blessed with good looks. With his pleasant personality, he was liked by everyone, and therefore, people listened to him.
There was more to him than that; the point was, he knew what to say in times like this. Of course, when we were alone, he could be blunt yet honest.
After he quickly pushed away Manar and his friends, Eriez suggested we go out for some fresh air. I thought he wanted to show me how much progress the guys made on building the new streets, but instead, he took me to a quiet lake near the castle.
He muttered, "Those stupid, weak bastards. If they panic at the first sign of danger… If their trust and belief in Ara can be shaken this easily… How could our nation last?"
"Eri… They are still our brothers, so you shouldn't rebuke them…"