232 That's why I tease you.

Marya's mental state has begun to calm down to a certain degree. Her face is still frightened and she is not letting down her guard, but she has stopped crying and screaming, unable to accept the situation.

This is ...... me .......

A few years for a young person is a big change, mentally and physically. For Marya now, the image she sees in front of the mirror will not resemble the image she has seen in the past.

"Your mind has been reverted to a past state by the enemy's attack. I'm not saying you should lower your guard against us. But I'm ready to answer any questions you have.

"...... Yes.

Compared to the Marya of the past, she has a much weaker heart, and I don't feel like I can rely on her at all. It's no wonder she's a young girl inside, but I can't help but admire her for being able to be so strong.

"My name is Ecdysius, Ecdysius Sarf. You can call me whatever you want.

"...... Brother Ecdysiac. I'm a holy knight now?

Marya's gaze was fixed on the place where her equipment was placed. I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but I think it's a good idea.

"Ah. You've become a great holy knight. You may be a novice, but you work hard and have a strong sense of justice. You saved my mother's life, too.

"...... have you become a holy knight like your sister?

I'm sure you're not the only one. I can assure you that you are second to none.

"Does big brother Ekduik know about your sister?

I hadn't planned to avoid it, but when you touch me like this, my mouth feels heavy to open. But I think I should be clear about this. I'm ready to take as much punishment as I can take, even if it means that Marya will hate me for it.

"Yeah, I'm--

"Hey, sorry to bother you, Exduk. Oh, I see you're awake too, Marya.

The door opens, revealing his compatriot. Even though he was not alerted to his surroundings, he could have at least noticed the footsteps if they were approaching the room. This means that my compatriot has been standing at the door for a while, listening to this story.

"Oh, um, ......, who's your brother?

I don't care who he is. He's just an explanatory guy who showed up because we were talking about something he was a little interested in.

I coughed at my compatriot's greeting. How could my compatriot, who usually skips explanations, say such a thing?

"Compatriot, I'll tell you what--

"Are you trying to explain to me what you think Marya is going through? I don't want to make you feel bad for your own satisfaction, do I?

That's .......

"Well, after 'I' explain it, you can add to it as you like, right?

The compatriot chuckled softly and sat down on the bed where Marya was lying. Marya reacted slightly, but became slightly more alert when she sensed that her compatriot was not approaching her any more.

"Um, ......, and .......

"First of all, just to confirm, how long has your sister been gone?

"Same--

As if anticipating my attempt to interrupt, my compatriot pointed his hand in my direction and stopped me. But there is a limit to the amount of hesitation you can have in suddenly asking such a thing to the current Marya.

"...... about a year.

"I see. Marya, you are very smart. I'm sure you're aware of the fact that I've been a holy knight like my father and sister, instead of the profession I originally dreamed of. Your sister never came back.

"....... ......

You can cry if you want. But let's move on. The one who took your sister's life was a demon from the Mejis demon world, a demon named Beguragud.

"Begura ...... Güd ......

I'm not sure what to make of this. It was a demon from the Mejis demon world that had taken her sister's life and her father's life, of course. Maybe it's not hard to hold a grudge.

No need to hold a grudge. Beguragud is long dead. Exoik's sister there killed him quickly.

Exoik's brother?

That's not all. Exoik there took the power that Vegragudo had and fought against the demons for the sake of Mejis and left behind a great achievement. By the way, that's when you and Ecdysius met.

The words of my people do not lie. But it's obvious he's trying to make a good impression on me. That's not good enough. It's because of me that Lacia was captured by the demon.

So ...... is it. ......

"Exequip is a human who was taken by this Vegragudo. He was forced to live a horrible life by Vegragudo, who wanted him to kill people. And as part of his education, he met your sister.

Your sister?

Yeah. To teach Ecdysium common sense. And when she was no longer needed, she was killed.

......

My compatriot looks at me with a look that says, 'You're not going to complain about this, are you? The compatriot looks at me with an expression that says, "You have no problem with this? Yeah, that's good. Marya has a right to know and to hate me for it.

"The way I see it, your sister was just used by the devil to kill you. But the will that your sister carved into the exdike at that time is still protecting you today.

"...... What do you mean?

Your sister's will has come full circle. Your sister's will went around and helped you and your country. You should be proud of that. Your sister has sprouted the seeds of a feat that no ordinary holy knight could have accomplished.

"Your sister is ......

You should be proud of yourself. You've defeated many of the great demons of the Mejis demon world and even saved Quama and Garne.

That's a bit of an exaggeration. Rather, most of them were the accomplishments of my people, and I was just helping them. And while what Laceia taught me has certainly had an impact on my life, in the end I've become an underworld dweller who is used by Lahite and hired to kill people.

And well, that's not my view. It's how the future you feels about Exoik.

My feelings?

Yes. That's how the future Marya Pentes feels when she finds out about Exoik's life there. ...... Oh yeah, I forgot. I was going to bring you some snacks, but I can't carry the drinks by myself. Ecdyke, follow me for a moment.

My compatriot stood up and walked out of the room with me. Marya remained in the kitchen with her compatriot, looking as if she was thinking. She was in the kitchen with her compatriot, quietly preparing some snacks, when she couldn't take it anymore and opened her mouth.

"What the hell is this, compatriot?

"I told you. I told you, I don't want to give Marya a bad impression for your own satisfaction. Impressions can be changed by the way you explain them. What you were trying to do was deliberately create a bad impression so that Marya would resent you, right?

"Not on purpose. It's the truth.

I'm not lying about what I said. It's the truth. I was just trying to make sure she didn't feel uncomfortable, to protect the honor of the sister she cares about most. The way you were talking, were you trying to discredit how unfairly Lacia died?

...... Maybe if I hadn't been there, Raythea wouldn't have died. I was going to tell Marya that it was my fault that she died. But if I did that, what would happen to the honor of Leixia, the most important person to Marya? The more I tell her that she's a bad person, the more worthless her death becomes.

...... I see. No wonder you call me complacent.

I'm not sure what you need to do right now to make Marya angry and hateful by confronting her with the truth. What you should be doing right now is not to make Marya angry and hateful by confronting her with the truth, but concentrate on relieving her anxiety and letting her return to her normal state of calm.

...... Oh. By the way, as I was saying, ......, your current compatriot should have no memory of Marya.

The future me is meticulous. The future me is meticulous. I keep track of the relationships between strangers. One of them was an analysis of how Marya felt about you. It's not that much, but it's enough to lead me to believe that what I just told you is true.

"...... I see.

Marya had not only forgiven me, but had also acknowledged that my relationship with Lacia had been a good one, that I had been guided correctly by the will she had left behind. After we started working together in Trinh, I felt that she was being too kind to me. ...... Did she see in me the will of her sister?

I'm sure that's not half of what you're thinking right now, though, is it?

No, it's not. ......

You're going to have to work on answering that one. It's bad for the rest of us if you're too insensitive, right?

I'll try. ....... Anyway, didn't you come here for something?

Yeah, I wanted to talk to you about the next mission. You're going to have to go through a bit of a rough patch, so I wanted to make sure you were prepared for it.

That's a stupid question. I'm not going to argue with a plan my people have made. I'm not going to argue with the plan my people have made, but it's a good way to pay for what we've done.

I almost made Marya suffer in the past because of my self-indulgence. I owe her a lot for saving me from that. I don't think I'll be able to repay it with just this next one.

"Good answer. No problem then. I'm going to go see Harkdock. You'll talk to Marya, right? Like reading your heroic tale to a child, there has to be an element of suspense.

You want me to talk about myself as a hero, ......?

Yes, I do. Because you are a hero to Marya. You're a hero to Marya because you're a hero to her, and there's no better lullaby than the story of a hero raised by Marya's sister.

Hey, wait, I'm supposed to carry it by myself.

That chain's all-powerful, right? Good luck.

My compatriot left with a look of amusement on his face. It's true that with the chains, it's no problem to carry two people's tools, but ...... it's no use.

When I returned to my room, Marya greeted me with a surprised look. It's not every day you see a man carrying tea with a chain floating in the air.

My compatriot has remembered something urgent. If it bothers you, I'll leave immediately.

"No. No, it's not.

I see.

With a chain, he moved the table closer to the bed and set down his tools. Marya watched him with interest.

"You're really good at magic, big brother Ecdysius!

"He's more skilled than most. He's more versatile than most, but he's not as good a cook as you or Laceia.

I see. ....... So, you're an adventurer, are you?

...... Yeah, he is.

What kind of adventures have you been on?

What kind of adventures have you had? But yes, I've had quite a few memorable experiences since I met my compatriot who was just here. Do you listen to ......?

"Yes!

Marya's fear of me is already gone. She's the spirit of a young child, but has she already gotten over the death of her sister? No, she's probably trying hard to get away from her grief by showing interest in other things.

He sits on his bed like his compatriots and thinks about his past memories. I've never consciously tried to speak in a way that would please anyone, but I guess I don't need to think about it too much. I began to talk about the past I had told Marya, as if it were a brighter, better memory.

I'll tell you what.

Since the man's past state, Lakra and Mixu's expressions have been very grim. He's always been a bit of a jerk, but he's always been very caring. But now they just look at me like I'm a freak.

"Oh, the Blue Demon King. You're here?

"...... What?

Speak of the devil, the man has shown himself. I don't feel that strange now, but it's pretty weird that you don't call me "Ao". It's not that I'm happy to be called Ao, but...

I'm not here for you. I'm looking for Harkdock. If you're here, that means there's no Harkdock, right?

Yeah. I'm sorry to occupy your living room, but I don't think you'd like it if I paid you any mind.

I've had conversations with Harcudok a few times. Of course, it was through a door. He's not very talkative, but he's more caring and easier to get along with than Exoik. So I'm inclined to give him a certain amount of attention back, and the other two guys who enjoy fainting when they see him are crazy.

"I still find Harkdock's behavior a little hard to read. I need to fix that.

You. ....... Can't you do something about your attitude towards Mixu and Lakra?

Exduk is taking care of Marya right now, and they seem to be getting along pretty well.

"What about ......? What are you talking about?

Why are you suddenly talking about Exoik and Marya there? Well, I have a lot of thoughts about Marya, but the situation is what it is right now. .......

I'm sure you'll be able to understand that I'm not the only one who has a problem with this. That's just the way it is, my dearest love.

...... What are you trying to say?

I know you're uncomfortable right now. You've just stepped into the relationship between you and Exdoik. Well, I'm just returning the favor for what you just said.

"So...

I'm telling you, if you're going to be too much of a b*tc*, I'm going to stir things up so that this becomes a reality.

This man warned me with a look of amusement on his face. I don't know how serious it is, but this guy can do it. Just the thought of it made my body move reflexively, and I grabbed Munagura and slammed him against the wall.

You've been alive for hundreds of years, but you're very emotional, aren't you?

"Don't get me wrong. Don't get me wrong, the others are following you in the future, but I'm just helping them. So I won't hesitate to inflict a pain or two on you. I can do anything to you with my strength.

"Isn't it you who's mistaken? I'm much weaker than the people in this world. I'm well aware of that. But there's one person I can threaten with brute force.

What are you trying to say?

Just one name and your life may be over.

"What?

I let go of his hand and move away. You'll be able to find a lot more than just a few of them in the market. It's the same thing I was thinking earlier, and I've come to realize that this man can do it.

I'm not sure what to make of this.

"......, stop playing games or I'll kill you for real.

Kill him? I guess it depends on your luck which one is faster, but whichever one comes first, your future is over, okay?

He looked as if he was unfazed by the killing intent. It's not that he's bold, it's just that he's enjoying the situation.

If we kill this guy here, ...... we'll be on bad terms with the other kings, and we won't be able to be with Lakra. Ecdysium might come with us, but I'm sure .......

You don't think I'm going to be sincere with the guy who killed my benefactor, do you? That's a good idea. But it's a false premise, isn't it? What power do you have?

I have the power of annihilation, the power to bind the souls of the dead and use them as undead. But it's already been proven that necromancy alone can be used by people other than me. If this man were to become undead at the hands of someone else, it would be enough to get my name out there.

That's a very crude way of threatening me. It's not like you.

You think you're brilliant when you pull weeds?

Who's a weed?

You're not my enemy, but you're not a reliable ally, either. You are not my enemy, but you are not my trusted ally. If the present me feels that you are in my way, I can eliminate you at my discretion. I'm just trying to keep my hands off the people the future me is trying to take care of, you know?

Oh, this guy. He's really something else, isn't he? He said that his relationship with Lakra and Mixu had nothing to do with him right now, and that he wouldn't hesitate to get rid of me and Exdoik if they got in his way.

It's still terrible, but how could it be any better?

"We both are, aren't we? No, I hear you've changed a lot, though, haven't you?

It's still annoying when things go back to the way they were! But if things get any worse, I'm afraid I'm going to turn into a serious enemy. I don't want this guy and I to end up killing each other in a situation where there's a lot going on. It's not that I don't like it, but I don't want it to be my fault.

I don't want it to be my fault. "......", that's enough. Suit yourself. If it were Harkdock, he'd be dragged off by Barastos to clean out the storeroom.

If you'd said that from the start, I wouldn't have been so uptight. Maybe that's why you can't deliver a love interest or two to Ecdysium cleanly.

"I'm trying to end this, but you're still going on!

I'm not sure what to make of this, but I've already gotten the impression from this guy that he's back to where he started, and he doesn't seem to be interested in answering any questions.

This is just meddling. When Marya's memories come back and she learns what has happened, her relationship with Ecdysium will become even deeper. That's when the order of events will be reversed, without me having to stir the pot.

...... Whose side are you rooting for, anyway?

I'm not interested in you or Marya. I'm not interested in you or Marya. I'm just interested in making things a little better for Exoik.

What are you saying, that the current environment is bad? I'm not sure what to say, but I'm sure you'll understand.

It's okay to have a relationship like this.

How can you ever be satisfied with being second best?

...... Second best? What, are you in the mix?

I wonder if this guy has a taste for that kind of thing? If so, then it makes sense that he would be so curt with Mix and Lakra. I'm sure you're not the only one.

I hope you don't mix them up. I'm sure you'll be able to figure out what's going on. It's not easy to surpass the deceased.

Oh, really? Oh, yeah. But maybe so. I'm sure you'll be able to find a lot more information on this in the future. It's a good idea to take a look at the website and see if you can find anything you like.

I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.

"Maybe not. But Ecdysiac prefers the older type who can lead him, you know?

"...... Oh, really?

I didn't feel that way at all. I'm sure you'll find a lot of older women around you. I'm sure you'll find a lot of people who'd like to know more about this. ...... I'm sad to say it myself.

And that's not including the Demon Lord's age fraud.

I'm not going to let you beat me into a corner.

I'm just trying to get back at you for slamming me against the wall. I'm sure you'll be fine.

I'm not sure what to make of this. You'll never grow up to be a good person! You're not! You're right.