Failed, but Okay!
After hearing my explanation, Lily held Mr. Rabbit close, looking confused.
...Huh?
You want me to catch you before the sun sets...?
That's right.
Oh, and I'm taking Mr. Rabbit with me too.
M-Mr. Rabbit too?
I gave her a goal and a time limit.
If Lily couldn't say no to the requests that came her way, the training would naturally end in failure.
And without Mr. Rabbit... she'd be left without the one shield she always relied on.
She'd have to rely solely on her own courage to practice saying no.
Mr. Rabbit... What do you mean, that's a great idea...?
...Mr. Rabbit. Are you serious?
If I fail this training...
You're going to leave me...?
Lily murmured as she stared gravely at Mr. Rabbit.
She must really be serious about this training. Serious enough to put her precious Mr. Rabbit on the line...!
...I guess I have no choice.
I'll do it.
Here, Captain. Please take him.
After a long moment of hesitation, Lily finally held out Mr. Rabbit to me.
This time...
I'm going to succeed.
I left the office and went straight to a cafe in the city.
The best place to hide is among people, after all.
Once I changed into a perfect disguise, I sat quietly in the corner of the busiest cafe and kept an eye on the street.
Ugh... Without Mr. Rabbit, everything feels so empty...
But...
I promised I'd do this...!
It's just like what Detective H used to say.
"When searching for a missing person, the most basic step is to ask around...!"
It's clear the Captain went this way. If that's the case...
E-excuse me, have you seen someone wearing a black hoodie pass by...?
No, sorry.
Haha. Sorry, Lily, but I'm one step ahead of you and changed into something else!
Wouldn't be special training if I got caught before it even started.
Ooh... Then I need a more noticeable trait...
Hmm? Is that you, Lily?
If you're not too busy, could you lend me a quick hand?
And come try some of today's fresh fruit too.
Y-you want help?
Um...
I...
Hmm?
Lily stared at the ground, fidgeting, before she finally opened her mouth.
I-I'm sorry! I'm kind of busy today...!
Oh really? That's fine then.
I-I'll help you next time...!
Sure thing! Here, take an apple with you.
You can eat it while you're on your way.
...!
You're not... disappointed?
Disappointed? Why would I be...?
N-no reason...! Thank you!
Seems like the special training is working.
But she still needs more practice.
Since Lily's getting close, I'd better change locations.
This time, I quietly hid on the park's forest path I took daily, waiting for Lily.
Just as expected, it didn't take long before Lily showed up, glancing around.
There's no doubt the Captain came this way.
A person with suspicious clothes holding a stuffed doll...
That's gotta be the Captain.
Ugh...
There's... not much time left.
Mr. Rabbit... were you serious about leaving if I fail...?
...No. I need to focus on the case.
It's like Detective H says...
"People unconsciously tend to head toward places they're familiar with."
If the Captain came from that direction, the most familiar place for him would be this park.
Because he takes walks here all the time.
Which means...
Give me back... my allowance...!
Hehehe. Why should I?
You said...
You said I could become a Savior if I listened to you!
Well, sure. I said if you had what it took, you could register as one.
But you didn't, so tough luck!
But...! You promised!
You promised you'd tell me how to become one if I gave you my money...
Ugh, you're really getting on my nerves.
Yeah, so maybe I bent the truth a little.
But so what? Hehehe. Anyone dumb enough to fall for it has only themselves to blame.
...Lily! Help me!
Huh? You're...
What the—? Lily?
Well, if it isn't miss goody two shoes. Are you really going to butt in, Lily?
Get lost. You caught me off guard back then, but you won't be so lucky this time.
The sun's setting... If I get involved, I won't have enough time to...
...
Oh, right. You're so nice, you always help when someone asks, right?
Oh, kind Lily, please mind your business and scra-
...Stop it.
...Huh?
I said, stop it.
You shouldn't do things that hurt others.
It's like Detective H says...
"A detective's job is to protect those who are powerless and wronged."
So, I'm not going to say no to this request.
Even if I seem weak, I'm a Journey member... I won't be easy to deal with...!
Would you like to try me?
H-huh...? This isn't what I—
...Ahem. I mean, well...
It's not like... I really wanted to fight or anything.
Then give him his money back now.
L-Lily...! Thank you!
...You're welcome. If anyone bothers you again, just come find me!
Ehehe. I'll protect you...!
Okay...!
...The sun...
It already set...
Hngh... Saying no... is so hard...
Mr. Rabbit... are you really going to leave me?
What should I say to the Captain...?
He... must be disappointed. He even planned out special training for me.
I'm not disappointed at all.
C-Captain...? Were you were there all along?
If anything, I'm relieved.
You must never confuse the ability to say no with selfishness.
This training was to help her stop treating her time as less important than everyone else's.
There's no reason to scold Lily, who gave her time to help someone in need.
Really...?
In fact, I'd be disappointed if you hadn't helped.
She may need to find balance, but Lily has already proven she's a true Savior.
I'd never scold someone for being kind. That's missing the point.
But... Mr. Rabbit said...
He said he'd leave me if I failed this training...!
Then why not ask him yourself?
I placed Mr. Rabbit back in Lily's arms.
Mr. Rabbit... I'm sorry... I fail—
...Hmm? Really?
It was a lie?
You said that because if you didn't sound so harsh, I'd just give in again...?
Hngh... I was really worried...!
Lily clutched Mr. Rabbit, grinning with relief.
I don't doubt that Lily's kind nature will continue to land her into difficult situations.
But... that kindness is also what makes her who she is.
If she can keep growing bit by bit like she did today...
Maybe it's okay if saying no stays a little difficult for her.