46 I was entrusted with it for the time being.

Eventually, Parshero fell to the ground and breathed his last. It's an amazing story that he survived this long even though his heart was removed.

Gilista lost both of his arms, and Exarch could barely stand due to the damage to his entire body. More than that, though, both of them have completely lost their will to fight.

Well then, let's put the finishing touches on this. Ilias came running up to me, and I approached him.

"What the hell is going on?

Ignoring Ilias, who was about to say something, I put my hands between his cheeks and stared at him.

"What are you doing?

Stare at him. Look into his eyes, look into his eyes, and keep staring into his eyes.

"......

Breathe in, breathe out. --Good, that's a good transition. I want to end up with a neutral thought.

"Well, Gillista and Exdoik. You're not going to fight any more, are you?

I'm not sure what to do. I'm not sure what to do.

I'm not sure what to make of it. If you want to escape, you should aim for the moment when we join you.

What are you doing?

What are you doing? - But I need you to accept the terms I'm about to give you, even if it's just a promise. If you can't do that, we won't stop the Iliad.

Exoik and Gillista looked at each other, then turned to face us again.

"Let's hear your terms.

The first is that you will no longer be a threat to us. The first is that you are not to be a threat to us any longer. I trust you with Ecdysium because of the story you told me later, but Gillista, we have to deal with your fighting spirit.

"Don't worry about that, it will take some time for me to be able to wield a big sword like I used to even after my arm is healed.

"I can't let you off the hook if you're going to bare your fangs again once your arm is healed and you can wield a weapon again. There is always the possibility that he will learn another way to fight.

All right, I'll leave you alone.

Gillista, don't do that. I'm ending this negotiation.

We're not going to fall for that.

"...... is not a threat. Is that okay?

"Oh, thank you. Secondly, you need to get rid of Raheit.

No problem. He's in no position to show his face after his failure.

I'll accept your terms as long as they serve my purpose.

The two of them will keep their promise. It's not clear if these two will keep their promise, but they have made it.

The fact that Lakra doesn't interfere at this point suggests that he sincerely agrees with them, and now their safety is secured. Depending on the future developments, he may renege on his promise. In that case, there is no need to hesitate.

"Wait a minute!　Do you have any idea what you're doing?

Ilias intervened just as the conversation was getting underway.

"What? You're just trying to let them off the hook. Gilista simply wanted to kill each other with a strong man, and Exoik wanted to redeem the honor of his father who raised him. Both of those things can be solved, can't they?

But they kidnapped you and tried to kill you?

That's right. So I don't see why you should have any problem deciding to let them go.

It's...

Pershero's goal is to rebel against the powers that be. That's why he appointed Pope Euphro. This could have repercussions on our side, so we've taken care of it.

"Isn't the same true of Gillista's murderous impulses, which could lead to further casualties unseen?

It's easy to imagine the scene. But when you get to that point, you're just another person. He slaps his face and switches.

"Gurista, how long until your arms are fully healed?

"Well, if it's just a matter of patching them up, it'll be quick, but if it's going to be the same as before, it'll take at least a month.

"Then you'll have to put up with killing people for that long. During that time, I'll find a way to suppress your impulses. If that doesn't work, Ilias, then you'll have to lead them away.

"Fine, I can put up with a little if you promise me a rematch, but can you trust me?

Yeah, I can.

...... Well, I'll do my best to protect you.

Ilias looks at Lakra. Lacra nodded her head.

Ilias looks at Lacla, who nods curiously. "Then let's break up. I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.

And so the matter was concluded. Parshlo is dead, and Gillista and Ecdysique have fled. Parshero's body, his gauntlets, and the greatsword that Girista had left behind were taken back to the castle.

The knights pursued the fugitives, but could find no trace of them, nor could they catch the shadow of the Dark Ones. Despite some unsettling rumors, the Harvest Festival resumed and the final day arrived without incident.

Afterwards, I was summoned by Marito to the guest room. The other guests were Ilias, Lakra, Pope Eupharo and Archbishop Uca. I explained to them the sequence of events.

Lahti, you're going after the Pope like he's your friend!

"Don't make a fuss, Ucka. But it's a good thing the damage was minimal. Parshero was a disciple of Gladona the Fist. I'm glad he survived.

I'm not sure what to make of this.　I'm not surprised, since he was almost an even match for the Iliad.

"But why did you let the other two escape? It's more likely that they will become enemies again.

"Given Raheit's nature, I doubt he'd send the same person. At least, if he is Raheit's assassin, he has been dealt with. If you want me to give you another reason, it's to get information.

With that, he looked at Archbishop Ucka.

"Well, what about me?

I am grateful to Archbishop Ucka for his assistance in extracting information from you. The information was not very important, but it was still useful for us to know about Raheit. For the same reason, I decided to let them go. Those two are not manipulated. They are not manipulated, but they are in contact with Raheit in his true state, so they should be able to see a different side of him.

The difference between the way they treated the person who used brainwashing magic and the way they treated him in their normal state will bring out the person Raheit in three dimensions.

Of course, the best way is to contact him directly, but it is unlikely that Raheit himself will appear in front of you.

I'm sure you're right, but do you really think they're going to just give up the information?

I'm sure of it. I'm planning to meet up with Ecdysium later at the cave where the bandits are holed up and exchange information. As a condition of your cooperation, I want you to take care of Lakra.

"You mean me?

I'll tell you what Exoik is up to here. Raised by a demon, Ecdysium hates those who abandoned him and respects the demon who raised him. After Lakra defeated his father, he turned his attention to Lakra. However, she's frustrated that Lakra is not highly regarded due to her usual clumsiness.

Not only among humans, but even among demons, Lakra's reputation is low. His self-esteem is torn apart by the fact that he is the son of a demon who lost to such a demon.

So, to satisfy him, all you have to do is raise Lakra's rating.

But isn't ...... that a tremendous challenge?

Pope?

Yes, it's nauseating to be honest.

Your Holiness?

But not without a way. Lakra's reputation among humans is inexplicable, but among demons, it's a different story. We just need to show that we are a threat to the demons.

In fact, the main reason why Exdoik accepted this idea was because he knew Lakra's power. As a result, Exoik was completely defeated by Lakra without even a scratch. In addition, he did not want to kill her, and she took it easy on him. His opinion of Lakra must have risen considerably. To be honest, it would be better if he just focused on that.

"So, I should send Lakra to the demon world?

That's not good!

"I hope so, but even if we don't go that far, it will be enough to send him to the front where he can show off his abilities. Why did you keep Lakra away from the front line, when she has proven herself many times in defeating demons?

It was a perfectly natural question to ask. Lakra's fighting skills were actually highly regarded. And when others say no, it's as if they're asking to be used on the front line. The only person who can answer that is his immediate superior, Archbishop Ucka.

You'll be able to find a lot more information on this at .......

......

They all looked at Lakra.

I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but it's a good idea.

You should at least talk about the fear and emptiness of fighting.

Oh, there you go.

......

This guy was destroying his own opportunity to show his talent, for his own peace of mind. But it is true that the front lines of war are harsh. Your life is in danger, and you cannot lead a satisfactory life. In a sense, Lakra is a great man for leaving the front line, caring only about his standard of living.

"Okay, I'll leave Lakra in your hands. I'm sure you'll be able to turn her around!

"Wait, don't let the chief executive push the issue and run!

If Pope Eupharo decides to do that, there's no one who can stand against the Yugoslavs. That's not fair. I was prepared for a certain amount of interference, but I can't have people's entire lives thrown at me.

No, I'm not running away. We couldn't get the best out of Lakra. I'm sure you'll lead her to become a great priestess!　That's what I've decided to believe!

That's the last thing you want to hear.

"Then by order of the Pope, I entrust you with the future of Lakra.

It's lame. I know it's lame. But it's too much. It's terrible that you're using your power so blatantly. Are you still a superior?

Wait! No, no, no, Pope!　Lakra is not a thing, it has the right to choose its own path!

If this happens, I'll preach humanity and nail Lakra's position to the Pope's side!　I'm sure you can do it. Turn your thought process as fast as you can!

"Hmm, you have a point. Well, I'll ask Lakra herself. Lakra, I will respect your wishes to the utmost, which side do you wish to surrender to in the future?

"Me? ......

I'll tell you what, when I'm in charge, I'll be relentless. Don't expect your life to last, okay?

Ugh, that's why the Pope is ......

By the way, I'm going to send you to the demon world today.

Shosho-sama, please!

Zulu! Isn't it too much for the Pope to threaten me?

Threaten?　What are you talking about? Isn't this a way to make the best use of her ability? You said earlier that you wanted me to do the same.

Well, so do I.

You'll need his permission to enter the demon world adjacent to his territory. How can a human being allow a promising young man to be sent to his death?

Remember what you just said?

"Remember what you said just before! If you want to challenge him to a war of words, you'd better be prepared or you won't be able to win by improvising. There is too much difference in our positions. He can do whatever he wants, and we can only do what we can do.

It's not just that I want to impose a nuisance on them. Archbishop Maja had told me about it. He told me that you were finding work for Lakra to do.

That's .......

"It was obvious to us, but we could not see it. That's why we let Lakra's talent be buried in vain. We are too hard-headed. That's why I sincerely wanted to entrust it to you, a man of flexible ideas.

If you say that, I'll have something to say... of course I will!　What are you trying to make a good story out of this?　What are you trying to do?

"And so, King Taze, I ask you to do the same. "That's why I'd like to ask you to do the same, King Taze, for the sake of friendship between Taze and Mejlis.

"That being said, ......, I'm sorry, my friend.

Marito, you too!

There is no way that a common man's plea will be accepted in the face of two great powers, the King and the Pope. Rakhra Sarf became a resident of the Iliad, both in name and reality.

--------------------------------------

I'm not sure if you've heard of it or not, but I have. It is a terrible thing that people push each other around.

I am aware that it is my own fault and that they perceive me as a troublesome person. But of course, anyone would hate to be treated like that.

I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one.

"Huh. ......

"Shoushou-sama, don't sigh so much. I've been treated worse than you!

I can only imagine what you would say if I told you this. "You deserve what you get," or "You're the collateral damage.

"You're the second person after Wolfe to have your life taken from you!

Oh, no, sir. You can usually predict what the Shosho-sama is going to say, but sometimes it's not what you expect.

I envy Shosho-sama's doting love for Wolfe. I guess it's partly because of her direct loyalty to Shosho-sama, but I'm sure it's not the only reason.

"If you treat me like Wolfe, I'll be motivated. ......

My self-defeating nature is not something I can change so easily. I can't change my self-defeating nature too quickly, because I haven't changed much in the past twenty-five years.

I'm not going to treat you the same. How can your character change so easily?

You are right. I just want to live freely and comfortably. Whenever I start to think about things, I always end up doing terrible things and end up causing trouble for those around me.

I'd rather work as a demon hunter than as an honest man. Well, even this exorcism is not nearly as attractive as a life of self-abuse.

If you think it won't change, you should just give up on it. ...... You'll never get better.

You know, even if you don't change your roots, you can change your environment. You can create a way to make the most of your life without changing it.

Isn't that too much work?

That's why you're sighing, because you know the hardships you'll face in the future.

...... This is it. Why doesn't Master Shosho just give up on me? You've already figured out my true nature. Normally I try to keep up appearances, but lately I don't even do that anymore. And yet, he just makes a disgusted face, but in the end, he doesn't abandon you.

You don't have to go through all that trouble with me. I just want to have fun too.

When it's time to abandon me, I'll abandon you. If you don't do it now, it's because there's still something you can do.

If that doesn't work, you'll abandon me, right? It's hard enough for me to go along with it.

"Don't be so pessimistic. You may not have changed, but the way people look at you is slowly changing.

It's just that Mr. Shosho understands me and is making me useful. It's true that I'm a little bit glad that I'm able to get some work done, even if it's a hassle. .......

I think there is a limit. It seems to me that it would be impossible for you to be satisfied.

I seem to have killed the demon that raised him. I feel very little guilt. So that's it. I guess it was just a bad time.

He seems to be angry that I'm not worthy of avenging my father. It's really annoying. Mr. Shosho said that he would be satisfied if I became famous, but I have not changed much.

I'm a self-defeating priest, and that won't change. I'm not going to be serious or brave.

I'll have a hard time with the way things are. But people are not immutable. If you stay the same but people look at you differently, a small change on the inside will make a big difference on the outside.

I don't think you'll change.

I'll stick with you until you do.

...... I can't help it. You can't deny that you have a proven track record, and more importantly, if you say so sincerely, there's no way you can pull me away. I'm not going to change, but let's at least try to be together.

Does that mean you'll take care of me for the rest of my life?

Eventually I'll physically alter you. Would you rather have a claw or a sword on your arm?

I don't like that change.

He's not very nice and he treats me badly, but I don't know of any other place where I feel so comfortable being who I am. So for the time being, I'll be under his care.