291 That's why?

I don't understand. He must know my thoughts. My despair, my rage, my resolve. So how can I betray him when I'm supposed to be doing this?

"If it was only to help me get revenge, I wouldn't have hesitated to help you. But this is too much.

It's not too much. We've all been betrayed. And everything was taken from us. So we have to let the world know this despair, this rage.

"I agree with you on those terms alone. But there has to be an end to the act of letting people know. Look back at the path you've taken. Who has known your anger and moved on?

Don't play games with me. They don't need to be ahead of us. If they know our wrath, their only course of action is to end their lives. Who's going to give them a chance to reflect?

When everyone is gone, the world is gone. I've prepared a path for you because I want you to live. If you're headed for the end, I have to stop you.

So you cut off my path. You give me life, you give me power, you give me opportunity, and then you take it away again.

"I'm sorry. But I'm going to put you back on the right path. So, just for a little while, ...... good night.

My vision becomes cloudy. I can't feel my body anymore, and the liquid clouded by my blood is enveloping everything. I tried various methods in my unconsciousness, but there was no way to get rid of this demon.

An unconscious demon that decomposes magic and eats magic power. It was just like him, merciless and unrelenting. .......

"Aah! ...... Narya!

◇

It's been a while since I had a dream.

It's been a while since I've had that dream. I've been dreaming of the faint magic of the Kuro Demon Lord inhabiting my body, and the fragments of her memories it reveals. I'm not sure if this is a good idea or not, but I think it's a good idea.

(...... doesn't matter. I'm not sure what to make of it.

So far, the only real damage has been an increase in night sweats. I don't scream in my sleep yet. I'm not complaining because I'm recovering my strength even though I'm not waking up well.

What I need to think more about is my current mental state. Just because I can analyze and understand others does not mean that I know myself perfectly well. If Wolfe hadn't pointed it out to me, I might not have even tried to be aware of it.

(Well, ...... I think there's still a lot of room for improvement.

I understand the mental toll this is taking on you. Most of the people you're up against are worse than soldiers with heavy weapons. I can't count the number of times I've imagined that the next second I'd have my head on a pike before I could react.

But I can count on my friends more than that. We should be more relieved that there won't be any more enemies than Iliad and Wolfe.

--But is that really the case? If I want to kill you, I can think of many ways to do it, even without an extraordinary being like the Iliad, just by combining the right people.

(I told you to get rid of the negative image. That's exactly what I'm saying, be careful yourself.

You should avoid crossing dangerous bridges. If you have to cross it, be prepared for it to collapse while you're crossing it.

Ecdysium and the others are already on their way. We have many friends we can count on. You'll need all the help you can get, and they'll always complain that it's not enough. You don't have to worry about that.

You'll be thanked for your work. You can do things that I can't do, but it's mutual. You can express your gratitude in a way that I can.

(But I'm still aware of the difference. ......)

There are few situations in which I can risk my life for my friends who risk theirs. Perhaps it is because I understand the importance of life that I feel impatient with this difference. That's why he has to do what he can by himself, and he is seen as forcing himself on Wolfe.

Wolfe has seen my own weakness in the village of the Kuro Wolves. I still regret that I cried unbearably when I understood Wolfe's situation. If I were to tell anyone about it, they would probably just reply, "They like you because you cried. .......

When I heard a rumor in my head, Wolfe came out of the door of the hospital room. He must have woken up early to take a look around.

"Good morning, Shishou! Ecdysius and the others have arrived!

"Oh, yeah. How's Harkdock doing?

Strapped to the bed, no questions asked! It's so annoying that we've decided to keep him completely restrained for three days!

Oh, yeah. I'll wrap some fruit for the staff who will take care of him. ......

It seems that the idiot was doing too much housework and stuff before the wound was fully healed, and every time he did it, the wound would open up. But this is not right. The opening of the wounds could lead to death, so Harkdock's instincts should have warned him.

Was it because he ignored his instinctual warning when he fought Ritual, or did his sensors go crazy? I'll have to see if I can get him checked out along with the others when his wounds are healed.

"Shishou. Are you feeling all right?

No, I just had a bad dream. I'm a little thirsty from the night sweats. Could you fetch me some water, please?

"Yes!

Wolfe looked a little happy as he ran out. The fact that you can feel the change and be happy about something like this makes me realize how much I usually look like I'm hoarding. I'm going to rely on others for a while, to the point of getting carried away.

So, what was the bad dream?

There you are, Iliad.

There's no reason for me to leave your side when you're so clearly the enemy. You seemed to be struggling silently for a little while after you woke up. ...... Is this the memory of the Kuro Demon Lord you were talking about before?

Yeah. I'm not sure what to make of it. I'm really glad I wasn't eaten by a demon eater.

That fantastic forest was created by a demon eater who absorbed the Kuro Demon Lord's magic power. It was probably just an ordinary forest at the time the Kuro Demon King was eaten.

Ilias looked at me reluctantly, as if he had imagined the content of the dream I had described.

A dream in which you are being eaten ...... is not a good feeling.

The only person who would be happy to be eaten is the Buddha.

Oshaka?

I'll tell you next time I'm free.

As I was getting ready, Yox in his armor came into our partition. Lyrisa is next to him.

Looks like we're in for a real treat.

Well. Are you done with that? I heard it takes a little longer to heal.

I've recovered enough to be able to take it easy. I'm going back to Mejis to recuperate. I'm going to go back to Mejis and recuperate there. The head of the Holy Order is going to cross the border, and it's not going to look good if he's dressed like a wounded man.

So you're saying that you're going to leave the country with an open mind so that you won't be licked by Selende. I guess he also wants to show his people that he is fine when he returns to Medis.

I heard Medis is having a hard time in Medis.

Yeah. The Pope's increased acceptance of you is causing a lot of movement among those who disagree with him. Perhaps there is a danger of the Yugra religion splitting up.

I've heard from Ecdysium that I don't have a good reputation in Mejis. I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it's a good idea. We should be grateful to Pope Euphro for not telling us to kill him unanimously.

Religion can also be an instigator that appeals to the heart. The longer the history, the stronger the unity and power of action. After the incident in Serendet, I'll go back to Taiz.

I guess I'll give up on sightseeing in Mejlis. ....... Well, I'll just tell the Pope to come back to Taiz when he gets a chance.

Yeah. I'm sorry I couldn't be more helpful.

I've had enough work done on the Raheit case.

What we're facing now is a problem between us and Selende. I'm not sure if it's the priestly Lakra, Masetta, or the holy knight recruit Marya, but if the leader of the holy knight order, Jokus, moves openly, it could become a problem between countries. Well, I don't intend to let Lakra and the others act openly either.

I waved to Yox and the others and left the hospital room. I'm not completely healed, but I'm safely out of the hospital. From now on, our base of operations would be the empty house that Washekht had arranged for us.

When I arrived at the entrance of the facility, I saw Ecdique and the others. Ms. Masetta seemed to be talking to the attendant, probably for Harkdock's admission procedure.

"You look like you're recovering well, compadre. You're taking it easy, aren't you?

"I'm afraid I'm not recovered enough to take it easy. I'm gonna have to rely on you guys for the time being.

That's good. No, that's good. We're only friends if we make up for what we can't do.

Ecdysium is as straight as ever. No, it's just that his words are a little less strident. I guess he's learned something during this vacation.

"Listen up, Mr. Representative! That Harkdock guy, he was bleeding the moment he said, 'Let's go clean up the base! The moment he said that, he started bleeding! I'm sure his head is a bit damaged from his injuries!

He's a hard man to get rid of. It's a good idea to have someone from the demon king's group take care of him.

I'm not sure if ...... is a good idea. Can I ask you to negotiate?

Oh, yeah, .......

Mr. Masetta's eyes are serious. I can see that she's been on edge all vacation, and her exasperation is building up. Should I follow up on this later? .......

Well, ...... I'm sure that Purple will listen to you, but I'm sure that I'll be the one who's in trouble. Then there's Ao. ...... I'll ask him via Exdoik.

"So, compatriots, what are we going to do once we get to the base? We're always ready to move.

"Oh, then I want you to split into teams and work on gathering information. You'll need as much information as you can get your hands on in each route. The first thing we need to do is get to know this country called Serende.

To uncover the darkness of the princes, we must speculate on their motives for acquiring it. The power that they had to obtain in order to reach the top of the land. It's definitely something that you can find glimpses of by getting to know this country.

Hmmm, ......, how do we divide up the teams?

"The intelligence-gathering group will consist of Ecdysiac and Mikus, each of whom will take an available leader. I'll take Ilias and Wolfe to organize the base.

Before we know how bloodthirsty the princes and their people are, it's best to avoid the less popular places. If Ilias and Wolfe are around, there won't be a problem, but if we fail to start a skirmish, they'll probably get serious.

I understand, but ...... don't you want your people to decide who to send?

It's fine to be flexible. Just don't split up the team. They're already on your radar and you never know what they'll do to you if you're alone.

"...... I see. I'll be careful.

The two adventurers in this group, Ecdysium and Mix, are capable of handling rough stuff. If these two are keeping a close eye on you, they won't be able to pull any tricks on you.

Are you including me and Duvraeori in this?

No, I want you to stay in your base and defend it. In the house, the demon can be placed in the shadows.

It's no big deal to put it in every crevice of the board, right?

You don't have to go that far, though. ....... I don't need to go that far, though. ...... - And Duvraioli and ...... Bellard, right?

When I called out their names, a female-shaped demon emerged from the shadows of the Exarch. It's not a demon, but more of a succubus. Purple said that there is no such thing as a succubus in this world. The reason is that demons are hostile to humans, so it's better to kill them directly.

Bellard continued to look at me silently, and then made a gesture as if he was thinking about something.

I see. You're certainly no better than an average human. Even a normal human being would be on the verge of dying from his magic, but his blood color is so good that it's almost eerie. If it were a highly intelligent demon, I would almost suspect that it had something to hide. It's a good thing that you're not the only one who has a problem with this. ......

I've got a pretty good idea of your character too. You're as weak as you look, so there's no need to be wary.

That's impossible. I've heard all about your achievements from Exoik. I have to be wary of someone who can do that with such weakness.

I'm the type of person who's pretty easily disregarded by newcomers. This must have been a lot of enthusiasm for the 'I' story of Exoik. It's embarrassing.

You can observe him closely enough not to make me uncomfortable. So, Duvvreoris and Bellard, there's something else I'd like you two to look into.

I don't mind. I don't mind, but Duvraeori is the Purple Demon Lord's personal bodyguard, right?

I don't have a problem with that, as long as the Lord stays in the castle and doesn't leave his base.

I'm not sure if you've heard of it or not. In fact, Duvraeoli himself may not like it, but he understands that the purple will ignore his intentions.

"Sorry. But this job is a little too human for me. I thought I could leave it to the Butler Army, but I really wanted Duvraeus to be around to notice the little things.

What's the reason for my inclusion in ......?

You'll see.

...... All right. Let's see what you can do.

If I say it here, there is a possibility that Bellard will be offended. But it's necessary, so I really need you two to work together. I'm sure Duvraioli will be able to do the job.

Each of us went to work immediately, and we too went to the base to pack up our things. According to Washekht, they had already prepared a certain amount of food and daily necessities.

Even if you exclude the demons, ten people in one house is still too small. They rented two houses next to each other, using one as a base and the other for lodging.

There's nothing unusual about that, is there? Just a few too many daily necessities?

"I guess Washekht took care of that so we wouldn't have to waste time shopping. I guess Washekht took care of that so we wouldn't have to waste money.

Thanks to the Butler Army, the transfer of the luggage was completed in no time, and the next step was to check the interior of the base. The possibility of Washekht being a collaborator of Lahayt and the others was not completely ruled out, so we had to be careful. Well, the Purple Demons had blended into every nook and cranny of the house, and it was immediately apparent that nothing was amiss.

Aside from a few oddly shaped stone statues, everything is fine, right?

"Washekht ......

I understand that they're souvenirs from the ruins, but I wonder if you're trying to show your love for the ruins here as well. Purple said he would look into it thoroughly, but he probably won't find anything. When I went to the entrance, I found Ilias and Wolfe standing in front of the door, looking a little alarmed.

"What's going on?

"There's someone outside the door. There's someone outside the door.

Are you sure it's not Washekht's messenger?

No, I've felt this presence before...

As if to interrupt Ilias' voice, a light knocking sounded from the other side of the door. There was no doubt that it was a visitor, but there was something strange about the reaction of Ilias and the others. Ilias makes eye contact with Wolfe, and then gently opens the door.

There was a knight there. He has the Serende coat of arms, but his appearance is different from the soldiers around Noufsa's house and the Chisanthe guards.

She had long golden hair similar to Ilias's, but her eyes were a reddish orange in contrast. I thought he might be an elf because of his facial features, but the shape of his ears suggests that he is a normal human.

The gender is ...... male, as the larynx is slightly visible. If Ilias is a woman who would look good dressed as a man, this one looks like a man who would look good dressed as a woman.

The man took one look at Ilias and Wolfe, then turned his gaze to me. He opened his eyes slightly, as if he was surprised by something, and spoke to them in a gentle voice with a gentle smile.

"Oh, it's good to see you.

"Ilias. This man is Princess Hilmera's--

Yes. I am Princess Hilmera's bodyguard and messenger, my name is Murscht.

I'm an errand boy. ....... More importantly, Mursht, I remember that name. It is said that he was the guard of Hilmera, who came to see him while he was in the hospital, and that he was aware of us through the door.

Her voice is very neutral, and to the casual observer she looks like a woman. Her gestures and aura are much more feminine than Iliad's. Oh, this is the kind of thing that would make me angry if I said it out loud.

"What on earth do you want?

"The other day, Master Hilmera told me to keep a discreet eye on the angel. But I didn't know what to do. So I decided to greet him like this.

"Oh, hey, .......

Hilmera is a fine princess. It's natural for her to have some sort of weapon to keep up with the other princes. So there was a good chance that she would try to spy on me as I tried to uncover the secrets of the princes.

But I didn't expect him to send his own direct subordinate so directly. Was this within Hilmera's expectation, or was this Murscht the type who could only throw fastballs?

"Well, I've heard about you verbally from Master Hilmera, but you're even better than I imagined!

Murscht smiles and holds out his right hand to you. His tone of voice is broken, but not overly familiar. While maintaining a distance that does not make me uncomfortable, I feel something different from what I normally feel. No, it's a feeling that I'm feeling, but it's strange that it's coming from this person.

Ilias is just looking at me, but he doesn't seem to be moving. I can tell that he is not hostile. Let's shake hands for now.

When I shook his hand, Murscht wrapped his other hand tightly around my hand and grasped it back. There is no pain, but I can clearly feel the strength.

"Well, uh, ...... you're being very aggressive, .......

It's true, of course! It's love at first sight!

Ilias and Wolfe looked amazing behind Mourshut, but I'm sure I looked just as good.