CH 31

The next evening.

Satis paid a visit to the village mayor.

As for Seto, Ryodou invited him over.

He wanted to have a chat with the boy.

Man to man, he said…

As she noted to herself that she would have to ask him for details about it later, Satis had a conversation with the village mayor, Scarlett, in the reception room.

[Regarding that young girl who came here in the middle of the night, she’s currently receiving medical treatment from a mage of our village. …Luckily, her life is not in danger. Her injuries are severe, but she’s surprisingly tough.] (Scarlett)

[…Um, we sincerely apologize for the trouble we’ve caused you. We can’t stay in your village any longer.] (Satis)

The tea she was offered had already cooled down.

The flat surface of the water reflected Satis’ gloomy expression.

Scarlett smiled and comforted her amidst the heavy atmosphere.

She sat next to her and patted her on the back.

[Don’t be so downhearted. Strange things happen all the time in this village. Even that last one was…] (Scarlett)

[That’s not it, mayor. Actually, that girl… is in fact a member of the Hero’s party.] (Satis)

Satis spoke up.

Even if she kept quiet about it here, as long as Hydra was around, the villagers would find out eventually.

[She came here to bring Seto back to their group. I suppose their situation changed after they kicked him out. But… I never thought one of them would come to bring him back so soon.] (Satis)

Satis put her hands on her temples and tried to put up with the pain of her anguish.

Her head felt heavy, as if she had a headache.

[And you, on the other hand, are not a human. …You’re probably a demon who used to be their enemy, yes?] (Scarlett)

[…Eh?] (Satis)

[You don’t have to worry. …I knew from the moment the two of you arrived here that you had your own circumstances. I’ve been the mayor of this village for so long that I can feel at first glance what sort of people they are.] (Scarlett)

At that moment, Scarlett spoke softly, like an academic teacher checking the answers of her student.

There was no hint of contempt or anger in her intonation or in the color of her eyes.

She approached Satis with a certain aura that felt like being enveloped in a gentle sunshine.

Satis was bewildered by that behavior.

After re-adjusting her glasses, which almost slipped off, she turned to face Scarlett.

How did she know that Satis was a demon, and why did she allow her to stay in this village?

[H… How…?] (Satis)

[…The man I loved was also a demon.] (Scarlett)

[…Eh?] (Satis)

[He and I met on the battlefield. And we hated each other. Then one day, as we were fighting each other, our respective helmets came off. At the same time. Can you believe it? …That was the first time we saw each other’s faces. We both froze in the middle of the war… and fell in love at first sight. And even now, I still consider our encounter to be a miracle.] (Scarlett)

Not only was she acquainted with a demon, but she was also in love with him.

Since then, they faced their own complications, leading up to the present day.

A few years prior, the demon who was her husband died of illness.

It appeared that even a demon with a strong body could not win against disease.

[That’s why I was secretly amazed when you two first arrived here. A human child and a demon woman, seemingly tired of life. I was convinced that this was some sort of fate.] (Scarlett)

[So then… You didn’t… think of us as enemies? But I… I used to be with the Demon King’s army.] (Satis)

[Friend or foe, huh… Who knows? I know I wouldn’t.] (Scarlett)

[That’s so haphazard…] (Satis)

[Fufufu, I’m sorry. But if you ever find yourselves in trouble, everyone in the village will lend you a hand. …Besides, I’m not the only one who had an inkling about you two, you know?] (Scarlett)

[What do you mean by that? Was there someone else who knew about us?] (Satis)

Satis’ cold tea rippled for a second.

Her teacup, still on the saucer, was glistening brightly in the candlelight.

As if to represent her current state of mind.

Sensing this, Scarlett sipped her tea, and spoke softly.

[…The whole village did.] (Scarlett)

When she heard those words, Satis subconsciously covered her mouth.

Not only had they all been vaguely aware of the duo’s circumstances, but they had even allowed them to stay in their village.

Satis could hardly believe it, but Scarlett told her the truth as it was.

[Didn’t I tell you? We’re a village of eccentrics. Some of us are heroes, some others are sages. And they’re extraordinarily observant. …Everyone here came to this village for their own reasons. A harbor for poor souls who feel more lonely than others. That’s what Benjamin village is. …Even Ryodou-san recognized both you and Seto-kun. But he told me not to worry. In fact, he even became friends with Seto-kun.] (Scarlett)

[I can’t… believe it… Why…!? Why did you… accept us like that…!?] (Satis)

Satis was incredulous about this village having some sort of magic of miracles. 

But unbeknownst to the duo, all of the villagers had been watching over them.

Tears began to spill from her eyes.

Satis was greatly ashamed of herself for looking down on humans until now.

Tears streamed down her cheeks, and she could not stop sobbing.

Connecting with humans, and receiving their warmth filled her broken heart.

[It’s okay to cry now. Or rather, you should cry. Don’t worry, I know the two of you will be fine from now on. Even a klutz like me has made it this far, after all. …But make sure you smile when you’re in front of that boy.] (Scarlett)

[…I will.] (Satis)

Satis told Scarlett what she and Seto had discussed.

About how they would leave the village tomorrow, and go on another trip.

And how she wanted to show Seto more of the world.

[…I see. That’s too bad. But if you’ve made up your mind, then so be it.] (Scarlett)

[I’m truly sorry about this.] (Satis)

[It’s all right. Be sure to enjoy yourselves. …Oh, and I’ll leave your house as it is instead of tearing it down. That way, you’ll be able to come back whenever you want. …Benjamin village will always welcome you.] (Scarlett)

[Thank you… so much…!] (Satis)

[Oh, I know! We should hold a party with all the other villagers tonight! Yes, that would be great!] (Scarlett)

[We can’t accept-…!] (Satis)

[It’s fine! Going wild every now and then can be good! The villagers never say no to that…!] (Scarlett)

Thus, a farewell party was organized for the duo.

The villagers were far more lively than usual at night, and everyone wished them a safe trip.

In the midst of all this, Hydra, who regained consciousness, was staring blankly into the void in the room prepared for her, listening to the buzzing of the crowd.