“…… I have only one command, don't die. ”

The wood is already in the boat, and I have to tell seriously.

"Yes, master. Unless it is an emergency to protect your life, your subordinates will definitely save this life to the end and serve you always! The strong man nodded heavily, and there was no confusion in his eyes.

The latter is the kind of character that is as stubborn as a cow and cannot be changed once a decision is made. Seeing this, I had to leave him for the time being.

Besides, I haven't figured out the intention of the girl and Ios's sudden speech, so I can only remain silent at the moment, so as not to affect the follow-up plan.

…………

"Alright, so we'll have four people......" I thought as I glanced at the faces of the three standing in front of me.

"No, master. Your subordinates are only your servants, and they are not qualified to be ranked with you and your companions. Buck reminded from the sidelines.

“…… Then, there are four people who can be used as combat power here. "Suppressing the irritability of wanting to dismiss, I changed my words for a moment.

This time, Barker's lips moved slightly, but in the end he didn't speak.

"The team down the hill wants to kill us, and we can't afford to sit still. Be sure to make full use of the terrain and personnel to fight a beautiful counterattack. So ......"

As I spoke, I looked at the tall blonde girl in the middle of the three.

When it comes to tactical arrangements, none of us can catch up with the girl who is the knight king.

Twelve battles, the complete defeat of the strong Saxons, the record of unifying the whole of Britain is enough to speak for itself.

…………

"Lord Commander, Knight Artoria is here, at your disposal!"

However, the girl was the first to speak.

Looking at the latter's beautiful but awe-inspiring face, I couldn't help but be stunned for a moment.

"Artoria, you're ......!"

"Shirou, at this moment, I am just your knight. Just arrange me as you wish! ”

Probably in response to my stunnedness, the girl's expression slowed slightly, and there was a hint of softness in her voice.

Hearing this, I opened my mouth wide.

Is this an intention to hand over the reins to me and let me command the entire battle?!

No, absolutely not!!

It's just usual, this kind of life-and-death moment absolutely can't tolerate a trace of sloppiness!

…………

"Commander...... Sounds pretty handsome. Ios leaned back exaggeratedly, his index fingers facing me one after the other.

"Ios, you don't think I have that kind of ability. Tell Artoria! If nothing else, even if you are in command, it is much better than me. "I seemed to see a glimmer of hope and rushed to arrest Ios as a lifesaver.

"Huh? Who said that Shirou, your leadership charisma is obvious, and you are much better than me, okay? Ios's thin fist thumped lightly on my shoulder, "Besides, since Knight Ji has made it clear that he will not participate in the command, there is no better candidate here than you." If Shirou doesn't become this commander, I'm afraid the gods of the whole world will come to condemn you! ”

With a sigh, I looked at the strong man one last time.

"Buck, what about you?"

The reason why I saved him for the end was because I knew what his answer would be without asking.

"The master's order is absolute, no matter what your status, your subordinates will absolutely obey your arrangement!"

Yes...... Really.

…………

"Shirou, I'll just get to the point. This battle can only be commanded by you. The tactics I've been learning all along, it's about getting the most out of the least cost. But no matter how small the price is, it will still be a price, and at least one of the four of us will pay with their lives! The girl's eyes were blazing, and she looked into my eyes.

“……”

"I ask you, if you had to give up one of the three of us, who would you choose? You can't choose yourself, because if you have an accident, I won't live alone! The girl chased after her.

I looked up blankly and looked at the three vivid faces in front of me.

One is a girl who has vowed to protect with her life, one is the best friend who lives and dies together, and the other is a companion who has just sworn allegiance to me.

Either way, there's no way I'm going to give up.

In my mind's eye, there is no such thing as the option of who to give up.

…………

"Shirou, just look at your expression and know what you think. Are you still insisting that I command this battle? No problem, as long as you pre-arrange the person to be sacrificed, I can kill the future offender in no time! ”

As she spoke, the girl simply drew her sword and stared it straight into my eyes.

"But even so, it's up to me...... It's going to kill everyone......"

Covering his eyes in pain.

…………

Shouldn't the commander be a better person?

I just want to help the girl I love.

As long as you can see the bright smile of the girl from the heart, it is enough, and that is what is worth fighting for with your life.

Other than that, I've already given up.

I don't want to take the lives of the most important people in my life so rashly......

…………

The back of the hand is attached to the warm touch.

The darkness created by covering the eyes with his hands is dispelled little by little.

Subconsciously opened my eyes, and the next moment I saw-

…………

“……！”

A girl who gently separates my hands, tilts her head, and smiles softly.

That smile has the power to break all uneasiness.

"Shirou's words, I don't know, because Shirou is gentler than anyone else. I'm sure as long as it's Shirou, everyone will survive. The girl's white and delicate hands were folded on her chest, so pure that they could not be fatal.

"......" opened his mouth, but all he spit out was air.

"It's Shirou's responsibility, so don't be pressured and just do what you want!"

After speaking, the girl's face slowly approached.

Slightly on tiptoe, soft and small lips, gently imprinted on the side of my face.

…………

The beautiful touch flickered, and the girl turned back to the middle of Ios and Buck.

If it weren't for the two shallow blush on the girl's face, everything just now would be no different from a dream.

"Really, Shirou, you're too frank, aren't you? Do you have to have an old bridge where you are strong because of love? Beside the girl, Ios pouted, "Besides, you underestimate my strength too much." Later, you will directly let me release a meteor shower from the top of the mountain, whether it is thousands or tens of thousands of enemies, you have to obediently raise your hands and surrender! ”

Buck was much more honest, just touching his head and smiling at me.