"You want to WHAT?"
Yes, I had decided. I was going to go regardless of the queen's wishesー I had to. Someone had to do something! I meant it, I knew a thing or two about the woods.  I don't know. Maybe I was just being selfish. Maybe I was doing this for myself. I didn't want to be the person that sat back and waited for something to happen. I had to go... I had to.
Rione was looking at me with widened eyes. "Haru, are you crazy? You, alone in the forest? You know I can't let you do that."
My face hardened seriously. "I know it sounds crazy, but you're going to have to trust me. I need to do this."

"Haruka. I don't think that's a good idea..."

"Whether you're with me or against me, I have to go."

I gave him a determined look, readjusting my backpack on my shoulders. I knew he'd be against it... But it couldn't be helped. Someone needed to know where I was going... I could've told Miss Risa, but I had a feeling that rather than solely be against it, she might have tried to stop me. Rione made a face. "Haru..."
I tried to reassure him with a smile. "I'll be fine. You know that."
I had started to turn to head out, but Rionne stopped me, grasping my wrist. I turned back in surprise. "Rionne...?"

".... If you really must go.... Then take me with you."

I blinked. "You... Huh?"

"I'm a castle guard, remember? I can keep you safe."

"Well... I don't know..."

"Please, Haruka. I would really feel much more at ease if I could go with you."

I felt a bit bad dragging my childhood friend into this, too... But... I couldn't say no when he looked at me like that. Those pleading green eyes of his...
He was so sweet.
I smiled gently. "Then... I would really appreciate your company, Rione."
He beamed. "Right!"