97 Good evening.

I asked Ecdysium to cast an invisibility spell on me so that I could move around the city.

While mental interference and recovery spells involve your own magic power, this spell seems to have an effect where the magic power produced dissolves the pigment of the material into the surroundings, and the magic power that is used and adheres to your body is gradually consumed.

I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it's a good idea.

Now that you've left the castle without permission, I'm sure they'll be looking for you before too long.

Yes, I'm sure my compatriots have noticed that there are some knights of Mejlis among the soldiers in the castle.

Seriously, they were there?

You mean you didn't notice them, but you were aware of them?

Yeah.

He's known to be a coward, and you never know when he might run away.

He is known to be a coward and you never know when he might run away.

It's not like Pope Eupharo is going to let his guard down because he has him in his castle.

I thought he was hiding his surveillance in the dark, but I guess he's in disguise.

I don't think I've seen him before.

At this rate, there might be surveillance lurking in the city.

If possible, I'd like you to use a ward to get rid of them, but if a skilled person can detect them from the outside, they'll be more likely to let you know where they are.

They won't go near the Purple Demon Lord's lodgings, but I'll assume that there will be some guards in the wealthy areas.

In addition, they may have a prediction of where you'll be heading first.

Hmm, but given the nature of Pope Eupharo, would he try to prevent the exodus first?

There's no point in acting with certainty, we'll have to consider both possibilities.

Fortunately, we have a professional cloak-and-dagger named Ecdysius, and although the Mejis have their own underworld, the fact that they've been keeping a close watch on us in disguise makes it unlikely that they have one.

It wouldn't be good for diplomatic relations to bring in the same people who did it to us in Tarz.

Even if there are, we already know their habits.

Instead of moving cautiously, let's take advantage of our head start and move quickly.

If they find us, we'll leave it to Exoik.

"Here we are.

The first destination was the Iliad House, to which I had returned for the first time in days.

It's not like we're going to challenge the Purple Demon King without a plan.

There are certain preparations that must be made in order to find a way to win.

Now, the key--is it locked?

Unlock the door with a duplicate key and sneak inside.

There is no one on the first floor, and everyone seems to have gone back to their rooms and fallen asleep.

Okay, this is it.

"What are you doing like a thief?

Out of the darkness, Ilias emerged in his loungewear.

He has a sword in his hand, and it seems that his intrusion has been discovered.

It's funny, he's supposed to be invisible because of the invisibility spell he cast on me.

How did you know? It could have been bandits.

What kind of bandit would use a duplicate key to get in?

That's true.

The footsteps haven't disappeared at all. Why don't you take a look at Ecdysium, who's probably nearby?

Don't be absurd.

The light in the room is turned on, somewhat dazzling due to the effects of acting in the dark.

Ecdysium, please break the spell for once.

Yeah.

What the hell's wrong with your face?

Marith hit me.

His Majesty?　What did he do to you?

Uh, well, I'll explain.

Oh, shit. You look terrible.

Well, look who it is. It's you. Pfft! What's with the face?

"Master Shosho is back?　Wow, you look better than usual.

The others seemed to have sensed his presence and came down, even Lakra, who was usually asleep, was awake.

However, I'll have to question him about that last line later.

At any rate, I promised Ilias that I would not hide anything from him, and I explained the situation honestly. It was really embarrassing to report my mistake in the presence of the rest of the gallery.

I see, you did what I should have done first. If I were you, I would have done the same.

If Ilias hit me, I wouldn't just break my teeth, I'd break my neck.

If you think about it, maybe Marito was the right choice.

Marito didn't dare to say anything and just let it go, saying, 'I can prove to Pope Eupharo that I had nothing to do with it, so don't worry about it, do what you want.

The Yugoslavs are able to see through their lies, and if it turns out that Marito was involved, then the relationship between Taze and Mejlis will be in trouble.

I'm sure you're aware of this, but I'm not sure if you're willing to take all the blame.

So what are you going to do?

I'm going to the Purple Demon Lord to finish the game.

And what brings you back here?

I forgot something. I need someone who can seriously compete with the Purple Demon King.

...... Oh, okay.

Ilias was convinced, and apparently there was no blame to go around for now.

Then I'll say what I have to say and ask him to follow me.

"So follow me, the Golden Demon Lord.

"What?

What?

"What?

The three of them looked at each other, the Golden Demon King was understandable, but why was Ilias looking like that too?

"Mistress?

"Yes, I need your help. Here we go.

"Well, it's a good woman to answer a call!

Wait a minute.

As I'm walking away from the Golden Witch, Ilias grabs me by the shoulders, which hurts more than it has in a long time.

"What is it?

Isn't this the part where you ask me for help?

No, the Iliad is Tarzan's knight. Isn't it bad to rely on you?

...... That's right, but if you're not relying on me, then who are you relying on?

Iliad is a knight of Taze.

Ilias is Taze's knight, Lakra is Yugra's priest, and Ulfe is Ilias's protector .

Ilias is a knight of Taze, Lakra is a priest of Yuggra, and Ilias is a protector of Wolfe. The only people who can help Taze and Mejis without causing trouble are the Golden Demon King and Ecdysius.

So Gladona's here, too. Thanks, Ilias.

Wait a minute.

I've got to get out of here. I've got to get out of here before they come after me. My shoulder hurts.

This is the part where you rely on me, right?

"...... Yes.

It's been a long time since I've seen a smile that sent chills down my spine.

I'm not sure what to do, but I'm sure I'm not the only one.

Eckdruk said he could handle it if we stabbed each other, but I can't let that happen.

It would be safer to stand around and try to avoid a fight.

But Ilias was proud of himself for saying that.

"Then it's even more convenient, I've already taken one from Lord Raggedy.

"Seriously?

Really.

I can't believe that Lord Ragdoll would ...... lie to me, but I don't think Ilias would lie to me either.

But it's only one bottle, right?

"Sir Raggedy-doo has my blade completely memorized and read. And that's just one.

"Well, that's great progress. But you know what?

You've already escaped the scrutiny of Taze and Mejlis, so it won't make any difference who you bother now.

You say that, but won't the Iliad be punished when this is over?

Don't worry, I was just seduced by your clever storytelling. I didn't hear anything about you running away.

You've become quite a cunning knight, haven't you?

Let's just say I've become more flexible.

--I'm glad the Iliad is here, though.

No, we're going to do everything in our power to finish off the Purple Demon King, there's no amount of strength we can get.

All right, I'll rely on you.

Shishou, Wolfe is coming too!

Wolfe is going to ...... take Gladna with him this time, so he'd better stay behind.

I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to do this, but I'm sure I'll be able to do it.

"Gladna-sensei is sleeping at Van-san's place.

Seriously?

Seriously.

"Gradna-san injured his back during training with Wolfe today and is resting.

What a bad timing, I wanted to wait until tomorrow, even if it was shattered.

"Don't worry, the Wolfe is getting stronger!　Now you can even huff Kara-nii!

"Don't shake, don't shake.

Hmmm, with this much confidence, I'm sure he's not bluffing.

What about the lower levels of the Great Demons, or the higher demons who have been given the Mask of the Pawn?

"Take him. If you lose, you'll never see him again. If you lose, you'll never see him again. If this is the last time, Wolfe will be sorry.

"You could say that, Iliad. ......

Look into the eyes of the wolfe, the wolfe is always in earnest.

Normally, the glint in her eyes is so bright that I block it out with a pat on the head, but I can't turn away any longer.

All right, do what you want, Wolfe.

"Yes!

Wulfe replied cheerfully, while Ilias nodded enthusiastically behind her.

Ilias nodded his head.

In the midst of all this, Lakra raises her hand fearfully in the back. 　

"Um, Shosho-sama. You don't need me to go, do you?

I wasn't going to take you if Ilias and Wolfe didn't show up, but now you're here, come on.

Don't you think that's a bit harsh?

"Then I need your help, Lakra. I need your help.

Ugh, ......, I can feel the resistance to that.

Shut up, you don't have a problem with being expelled from Yugoslavia!

I have a problem!　How am I supposed to eat?

I'll take that much responsibility. Let's go.

...... I have no choice but to go with you.

I wanted to stay out of it if I could, but it seems that my relationship with these three people is unbreakable.

I'm honestly glad that they're cooperating with us in this way, whether they're worried about us or trust us.

I don't have much time, so hurry up and get ready. If you don't mind wearing your nightgown or loungewear, I'll take you with me, and you can leave Lakra alone.

I'll get dressed.

I'd better hurry.

I don't want to go to the purple in my nightgown, either.

Then I'll get my armor.

Ilias, there is one thing you must do before you prepare.

He stops Ilias as the others go upstairs to get ready.

One of the reasons I'm here is to retrieve the Golden Demon King, but there's another.

What? The armor takes a long time to put on.

I need a favor first, permission to use it.

The thing is, of course, comprehension behavior, a way of analyzing the other person, putting yourself in the other person's position, and predicting their behavior.

In the process, you need to pretend that you don't exist and have no value, and it's one of the few things I'm good at that the Iliad forbade me to use, saying that I can't tolerate actions that disrespect myself.

It's .......

I'm not going to spare any expense when I'm seriously fighting the Purple Demon King.

...... I don't agree, even if it's the most likely way for you to win, that's no reason to belittle yourself.

"I don't despise her. My understanding of her is not for plotting against her. I want to use it to understand her mind, and at the same time, I want to face her myself.

If you can put yourself in the other person's shoes, you can trap them.

But in order to face her, you need to add yourself to it.

If you are serious about competing with each other, it is essential to know your opponent well in order to win.

...... is fine, but if I deem it too much, I will protect your dignity first, even if it means letting you win. You can only use it once, and you have to promise me that you won't use it on anyone other than the Purple Demon Lord.

"Oh, okay.

I'm almost ready for the present. I don't know about Gladona anymore.

Each of us made our preparations quickly, and I asked Ecdysius to use his invisibility spell again, and we left the Iliad.

The road is quiet, no sign of a search going on... oh, I can faintly see the light of a flare stone moving in the distance.

If they're searching around so openly, they must be members of the Order.

Watching their movements, I proceeded to avoid encountering them.

When you arrive at the wealthy area, you feel that there is a bit more searching going on around you.

The Knights of Taze are searching the entire area, and the Holy Knights of Mejis are also on the move, concerned about contact with the Purple Demon King.

I can't read the movements of the Holy Knights of Mejis very well, but they are not familiar with the Tarz of this night either.

As they continued on their way through the alleyways, Ecdysius stopped them all.

Wait, compatriot, there's someone here.

If you look carefully, you will see that there is indeed someone standing in the alleyway without a light.

"-Mix-Taze?

Before I could make a decision, Exoik gave me the answer, and sure enough, it was Mix.

"What do we do?

We'll just have to walk through quietly. Can't you muffle footsteps?

Yes, we can. Wait a minute.

He touched his hand to the invisible spell that each of the Exarchs was using, and after a moment, he released it.

Move one step.　

I check it, and take a step forward, not hearing any footsteps.

You're really good with your hands.

Don't be too sure. If you make too much noise, people will notice.

Got it.

I stifle a breath and try to walk past the mix, but...

"Right there!

The mix jumped at me with precision.

What's the point of jumping when you can just grab it?

The gorilla knight Iliad's vise isn't as strong as Mixu's, but the earthling can't escape it either.

Seriously, how do you know that?

Don't underestimate an adventurer, he can smell your friend's blood!

What are you, a dog?

I can do wolfe!

Don't compete with me.

We have no choice but to confront Mikus.

But this is probably Marito's arrangement. That's what this is about.

Marith sent you?

Yes, my brother sent me to find your friend and not let him escape.

All right, well, I'll go with you.

"Yes?　What do you mean?

Marito may have told you not to let him go, but he didn't tell you to go get him, so there's no problem if you work together. I'm sure that's why Marito sent you.

I didn't know if Ilias would be willing to go along with us, and if so, he would have been reluctant to take out Wolfe and Lakra.

In that case, he would be alone with Ecdysium.

He must have sent the mix as insurance against that.

Oh, so that's what you meant. I thought something didn't feel right about that.

Maybe Pope Euphro was there, or maybe he's related to the Yugoslavs.

As you can see, it's the former.

I was able to get a rough idea of what was going on in the castle from Mikus, and it seems that Marito is in charge of the domestic scene, which is why it's so thin.

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I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one who's a bit of a jerk.

I'm sure that's why your friend is so important to you.

So you'll follow me?

Of course I'm coming with you!

Well, then, once again, I need your help, Mix.

Yes, sir!　I'd love to!

We're getting a lot of men.

We're not going to get any more. If Nora comes out, we'll have to turn her away.

"Nora is already asleep.

Finally, we reached our destination, the Purple Demon Lord's Inn.

It's dark, and even the streetlights are not lit, probably because the Great Demons, who don't like light, intentionally disabled them.

The area around this place has been temporarily evacuated by Marito, who has prepared an excuse for ground investigation.

No one is going to complain about the lighting.

As you approach the door, a figure emerges from the shadows, Duvraeoli.

What brings you out this late, human?

I slept till past noon. Isn't the Purple Demon Lord still awake?

I asked you a question.

Tell him I'm here to settle this. Tell him, 'Let's play one last game.