273 That's why I pick up weeds.

I had a sister. Oralia-Zentry, my sister, and I've never forgotten her.

My real parents were murdered by night thieves and I was left an orphan. But I was taken in by a curious old couple and given the name of Ritual-Zentry. Oralia was also one of the orphans taken in by the old couple.

"From now on, I'm your big sister. And you're my brother. So say hello, Ritual!

Oralia was not a ladylike person, but she was a very strong person with a strong core. And above all, she had a natural talent that I could call my own. Yes, she was also the bastard child of Yugra, and possessed transcendent power.

Her ears could distinguish even the emotions in the other person's voice, as if she were reading their mind. That's why I've never been able to keep a secret from Oralia.

But because of her, my talents as a bastard were never made to stand out, and I was able to embrace my talents.

I was blessed. I was blessed, for a bastard who had no idea where he would be born was miraculously able to meet and recognize each other in this way.

"You have beautiful eyes, Ritual. They're the treasure I'm most proud of. Oh, I'm sorry, that was a weird thing to say, even though it's not mine!

I didn't respond to her words, but inwardly I thought it was okay. I'm yours, and if I can be your proudest treasure, then I'll be the happiest. Someone who, even through my own eyes, I could feel absolutely safe with. Oralia was also an invaluable treasure to me.

Eventually, the old couple passed away and we grew up. We began to work together as adventurers, making use of our individual talents.

"You've got a fight with Gladna. You're always asking me to marry you, but I told you I'm not serious. What, you can't stand that he's not serious? You're more of a girl than me, aren't you, Ritual? ....... But I'm flattered, yes.

The person my eyes find is trustworthy, competent, and has a good personality. There were some who lacked common sense, like Gladna, but I had no regrets about choosing them as people with whom I could laugh and enjoy their different personalities.

Before we knew it, we had made a name for ourselves as some of the most respected adventurers in the world. Although we were increasingly jealous and ostracized, we were confident that we were recognized.

As a human being, he was aware that this power was unorthodox, but if he used it correctly, he would be fine. He was relieved to know that he could live a safe life.

'...... Oralia? What is this a joke?

Oralia, who had always smiled at me, died surprisingly quickly.

Escorting a merchant's carriage. From our point of view, it was an easy assignment, nothing to worry about, and people like me and Gladna were on another dangerous mission.

But it wasn't the bandits who were the problem. The wagon's cargo contained a highly flammable magic stone that even the merchant did not know about. A flaming arrow fired by the bandit caused the magic stone to explode, and Oralia was caught in the explosion.

There were many unnatural points. The merchant who had commissioned Oralia had been entrusted with an unannounced package, and the bandit who wanted to steal the package was shooting arrows at the carriage.

The background was easily revealed by catching the thief and questioning him appropriately. A powerful nobleman and the bandit were connected, and the nobleman had trapped Oralia.

The nobleman was in league with the bandit, and was doing cunning deeds that benefited only the merchants who obeyed him. And Oralia was in the process of investigating that nobleman's affairs.

"If she didn't have the talent of a monster, she could have lived a quiet life.

The nobleman spat at the end. It wasn't him who was to blame, but the one who had the talent to find out who he really was.

I vomited more at the ugliness of his thought than at the smell of blood and guts. Those who do not have unorthodox talents fear those who do and seek to eliminate them.

This is how the world has been from the beginning. This ugly world had only been hidden from my eyes by the light of Oralia, and I had not seen it properly.

I had turned away and pretended not to notice. I had avoided looking directly at it, because it would have clouded my eyes, which she was so proud of.

"Sir, Ritual?

I opened my eyes to find Morari peering anxiously into my face. It seems I was dreaming. This is the only dream I've had since that day, and I need to be at peace with myself if I'm going to avoid this dream.

"Sorry. I must have been asleep for a while.

"No, it's your injury. ....... I'm sure you'll be able to understand why I'm here. ......

After moving around a lot, I finally came across a knight with an antidote. The knight gave the antidote without saying a word and left the place. He must have fallen asleep while checking the effects of the antidote.

I don't feel the toxin in my body anymore. Apparently, it was real. The people of Yugra are still naive. If we had broken our promise here, we could have surely destroyed the possibility of the birth of a new Demon Lord.

I guess I should be grateful they let me live. Thanks to you, there's always next time.

Nektokhar's signal came before they passed through Serende. The reanimation spell has been perfected and the magic stone that records the method is hidden in the ruins. There is a great chance that it will be discovered and taken away, but the important thing is that it could be completed.

I already have the knowledge of its completion in my mind. Even without Nektokhar, if I can get a good person to take over, I should be able to complete the resurrection spell before too long.

...... Does Lord Ritual still want reanimation magic?

The world doesn't need us, even if we wanted it to. In order for the world to recognize the value of us bastards, it will need beings who can demonstrate that value.

As long as the bastard is needed by the world, the world will continue to protect the existence of the bastard. Then we will be able to face our talents properly and continue to live proudly.

If I make someone who understands, or if I become a demon lord myself, I will be able to achieve that goal.

"...... Is that just for you, Oralia?

Did you hear that from Gladna or Ban?

Yugra's star people have Gladna and Ban as their friends. If only I had that man's wisdom, he could have guessed my purpose and the reason for it. Even so, he couldn't hide his dismay at the mention of her name in Morari's mouth.

"I'm sorry to ...... all this from someone who calls herself Van.

"I guess that's what I get in exchange for letting you guys keep me away. Don't worry about it, it's something I've been meaning to tell you.

Is that really so? Then why have I lived my life without telling anyone about this feeling? I'm not sure if you really believe that I should be able to handle this all by myself and that I don't need to burden these kids with it.

...... No, I'm sure Mr. Littoral didn't tell us until the end. I'm sure he didn't tell us until the end, because he's lost the ability to truly trust anyone.

"Is that what that man put you up to?

The usual Morari would not have spoken such words. The only person I can think of is that man, the people of the planet Yugra.

"Yes. Yes, but I'm convinced of it myself. Not just for me, but for Jastet.

I shift my gaze to Jastet. Jastet was quietly watching me and Morari. There was a determination in his eyes. He was determined to watch Morari tell me something, without interrupting her until the end.

"...... I see. I'm not going to ...... deny it. I'm not sure what to make of that. ...... You're a terrible man.

The means and the end are reversed. My purpose is not to protect the future of bastards like these kids. And yet, I'm throwing them away. .......

There were tears in Morari's eyes. Is the reason for her tears because she spoke disrespectfully to me? No, not exactly.

It's not that bad! It's true that we were saved by Lord Lityal! We were willingly prepared to be your pawns!

"I led you to do so. That's what my eyes can do.

And yet! It must have been a sincere desire! It was definitely you who guided us, Ritual! All we want is to be needed by Lord Rituals, who saved us and guided us!

This is ...... Yes, I've seen these eyes somewhere before . Yes, these are the eyes of my past, seen through the eyes of Oralia. They are the eyes that looked at Olalia, at her as the light, the eyes that wanted to believe in people.

"My wish will never change. My wish will never change, and all I can do is continue to use you until the end. ...... It's very hard. Both for you and for me.

I'm sure Oralia would have noticed. Her ears would have been able to distinguish the dangerous magic stones in the cargo on the wagon. But even so, Olalia probably believed the merchant in front of her. A good merchant who, like Oralia, had been eliminated as a hindrance.

But her faith led to that end. I was ostracized and eliminated along with him. So I stopped trusting anyone with my heart. In the end I tried to take it all on myself. I hated myself until now, but I was willing to go through with it.

I guess I was already broken as a person. Ever since I lost the light that day.

"I don't care! I don't care! As long as I can be the cornerstone of the world that you have idealized, that's fine! I'm the kind of person who would be okay with that.

That's why I--

I'm saying it's fine! My heart belongs to you, so let me carry what you are carrying!

These are the words of the people of Yugra, and they came out because of their insinuations. But they are also words that undoubtedly come from Morari's own heart.

Are you trying to say that the quality of your feelings will not change even if you are lured by someone else's words, Yugra's people?

"So, Morari, let me ask you one last question. What do you want, and for what price?

If you answer this question with everything you have and nothing you ask, then Morari does not deserve to be with me. No, I don't deserve to be with her.

I led her to this, and I gave her nothing else. I've already paid for saving her life by making her disposable.

I don't deserve free love anymore.

I'll give you everything I have. So give me ...... the rest of your life.

That was the first price that Morari demanded from me. And yet, it's the most valuable thing I have. Here she was, declaring that she wanted to be my equal.

I couldn't help but let out a small laugh. Never before had I been asked such a reverent and brazen request.

"That's going to be a bit of a problem. If I give you everything I have, Morari, what can I give to the others?

"I don't know, sir. I don't know. Just give them whatever weeds are growing there. Jastet will be satisfied with that.

"Do you, idiot?

Yastet, who always pauses for a beat and chooses his words carefully, made his comment without pause. Both Morari and I couldn't help but stare at Yastet.

You're able to speak your mind now?

"I don't have to choose my words anymore. I'm willing to give my life for yours, Lord Lytiar. But I will ask for a price. Think seriously about what I would be happy to receive. And look at us with all your heart.

"...... Yes. I promise.

There was only one way that I could choose to change all of this on my own. But if the girls would walk with me, if I could be aware of it, ...... then maybe I could see a new path or two.

"Jastet! It's the weed that Litiar picked for you! How can you not be pleased?

"Lord Ritual, please give this stupid sister some of your common sense first. Honestly, I'm having a hard time just watching her.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. You always keep stomach medicine on hand.

These two were picked up and raised at the same time. From Jastet's point of view, Morari is like a little sister to him. He knows that he has always watched over her from the shadows. However, Morari also treats him like a younger brother.

And ...... when Tudori wakes up, please.

"Yes, of course.

I gently stroked the head of Tsdooris, who was sleeping beside me. I have forced her to live in a way that she would not hesitate to give up her life for me. She, too, has made up for the relief I gave her by standing in a place of death. If you are going to walk with me from now on, you will have to pay for it first.

"Lord Lytely! And my head, too!

Get your head fixed before I pet it, you idiot.

You're getting sloppy all of a sudden, aren't you?

It's still difficult to trust others, but I'm sure I can trust these kids I've led. If they can see the same way I did in the past...