The Level 99 Villainess and her caring Partner

                                    

                                          
The pre-battle air was heavy with anticipation. The Demon King's castle loomed in the distance, its spires cutting sharply against the crimson sky. Alicia and the rest of the demon-slaying party stood clustered together, their animated discussion creating a contrast to the oppressive silence that blanketed the barren battlefield. Yumiella kept her distance, leaning against the gnarled trunk of a tree, her black eyes fixed on the horizon.
It wasn't that they didn't trust her power, they did. Perhaps too much. To them, she was their ultimate weapon, a failsafe for the fight ahead. But trust didn't equal camaraderie. She had never been part of their group. And that suited her just fine. Or so she told herself.
"Yumiella," came Patrick's familiar voice, breaking her train of thought. She turned her head to see him approaching from the contingent preparing to hold off the demon king's army. His usual calm demeanor was there, but his green eyes held a flicker of concern.
"What is it?" she asked, straightening up.
He stopped a step too close, his hand reaching into his pocket. "Are you still wearing the amulet I gave you?"
"Yes," she replied, her hand brushing against the small charm hidden beneath her school uniform. It had been his gift, something imbued with a minor protection spell. A bit redundant, given her overwhelming power, but she didn't have the heart to tell him that.
Patrick studied her as if trying to confirm her honesty. "Good. I don't want you taking any chances out there."
Yumiella tilted her head, a faint smirk tugging at her lips. "You sound like an overprotective parent."
"I'm not your parent," he replied, deadpan, but his lips twitched with amusement.
Before she could retort, his expression turned serious. "Are you sure I shouldn't come with you? I could-"
"No," she cut him off firmly. "Your strength lies in fighting alongside others. You'd be wasted by my side."
Patrick hesitated but nodded. He knew she was right, but that didn't stop the worry etched into his features.
Their exchange caught the attention of a nearby classmate, a noble who had always looked down on Yumiella. He approached, his tone dripping with feigned casualness. "You know, Patrick, it's impressive how close you've gotten to her. Some might say it's strategic, keeping the kingdom's strongest asset at your side." His smirk widened. "It must be convenient, having a weapon like her wrapped around your finger."
Yumiella didn't flinch. The barb slid off her like rain on armor. She had heard worse before. Instead, she studied Patrick out of the corner of her eye, curious how he'd respond.
Patrick's jaw tightened. "She's not a weapon," he said sharply, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade. "She's Yumiella. Someone who's kind, even when she doesn't realize it. She's brave, even when everyone doubts her. And she's the person I care about most in this world. If you can't see that, then you're blind."
The noble blinked, taken aback by the raw emotion in Patrick's voice. For once, he had nothing to say, retreating with a muttered excuse.
Patrick exhaled, his shoulders relaxing slightly. "Sorry about that."
Yumiella shook her head. "It's fine." Her voice was even, but something warm stirred in her chest.
A call rang out from the demon army group, signaling that they needed to move. Patrick glanced back, his resolve hardening. "That's my cue." He gave her a small smile. "Stay safe, okay?"
She nodded. "You too."
As he turned to leave, Yumiella found herself watching his retreating back. It was strange. She had spent most of her life alone, and it had never bothered her. But now... the idea of him not being by her side felt oddly painful.