CH 41

[Maaaan~! That was truly a great fight! I haven’t been this fired up in ages!] (Osiris)

Osiris was enjoying some tea with Seto and Satis in his office.

He looked so full of energy, it was as if that fight earlier never happened.

[So, hey… That armor that lets you fly in the sky, where did you buy it?] (Seto)

[Oh, it’s not sold anywhere. It’s a custom-made article I had a group of magicians craft for me. It’s the best possible armor to fully complement my power and righteousness.] (Osiris)

[…Say, Satis.] (Seto)

[No.] (Satis)

[But I haven’t said anything yet…] (Seto)

[You were about to ask me to make you something similar, weren’t you? I’m not wasting my mana making something so pointless!] (Satis)

[Ugh…] (Seto)

Satis silently took a sip of tea while Seto, whose request was denied, was hanging his head down as if in a stump.

Looking at them like this, they were like your average pair of siblings.

Osiris smiled as he watched them interact.

Because it was the sort of scene that he had always wanted to protect.

However, in the midst of this harmony, Osiris broached the subject of Seto’s business with him.

He let them in his office once again precisely because the boy had something to discuss with him.

[Ahh, right. Sorry. This is a very important topic for us as well.] (Seto)

[Tell me.] (Osiris)

[…I was wondering how the monsters were doing at the moment. I mean, you’re now fully aware of our situation, right? I want to remain with Satis. But if monsters or anything else ever came to attack this city, then…] (Seto)

Instead of mentioning the contents of his letter, Seto asked him a question related to it.

He thought that Osiris, being a soldier, might be able to give him intel on the current war situation and the movement of the monsters, which could give them a better handle on things in the future.

[…I see. Come to think of it, you guys are basically ordinary travelers now, albeit special ones. I understand the reason for your concern. But I’m not allowed to disclose that sort of military information to tourists.] (Osiris)

[Well, I guess…] (Seto)

[Hahaha! But fret not! It’s not everything, but as a reward for your victory, I’ll make an exception and tell you!] (Osiris)

As soon as he said that, Osiris took out a map, spread it on the table, and gave a brief summary.

[The Demon King’s army has gone from being outmatched to… let’s say, regaining enough momentum to put up a good fight. However, it should be difficult for them to turn the tables on humanity. Ostensibly, their control over the situation has been falling apart ever since one of their generals left. …That general is you, Satis.] (Osiris)

[M-Me? How so? Do you mean that the overwhelming might of the Demon King’s army alone is not enough for them to turn the tide?] (Satis)

[They’re suffering defeat at the hands of every national army. …Seriously, they had someone with actual brains, and this is how they treated her? That’s the problem with barbaric monsters… Oh, sorry. Anyway, if things go on like this, it’ll only be a matter of time before the Demon King’s army is destroyed. I thought I would be summoned to the front lines as well, but the way things are, they probably won’t need me there. And as for Seto’s concern that they might come to attack this city, you guys have nothing to worry about. The lookouts haven’t reported any monster sightings.] (Osiris)

[I… see…] (Satis)

[Although, if I went all out, I could take out even the likes of the Demon King’s army in a heartbeat! HAHAHAHAHA!] (Osiris)

Osiris was laughing with a carefree look on his face.

Even if their earlier fight was a match and he had lowered the lethal power of his weapon, it was not the sort of line someone who had lost to Seto could spout.

It was neither a bluff nor bravado, but genuine self-confidence.

Seto’s power was still immeasurable, but Osiris’ power might have actually defied imagination as well.

I wonder if this is the case for all magic swordsmen. (Satis)

While feeling slightly astounded at the potential of magic swordsmen, she listened to Osiris and analyzed what he said on Seto’s behalf.

Next to her, the boy also repeatedly considered all the questions he could think of, and asked them to Osiris.

[──── Well, I’ve told you all this, but one thing’s for sure, you’ll be safe here. Even the Demon King wouldn’t be stupid enough to try. Unless he’s lost his mind or something, that is. …But you guys are tourists now! Feel free to take your time and relax.] (Osiris)

‘Unless he’s lost his mind,’ huh… Meaning that if he’s gone insane, then they may invade. Well… we should be good for now, right? (Seto)

[Hmm… The Demon King may indeed have a short temper, but he’s not one to make pointless decisions. …And you’re right. We are tourists now. We aspire to a peaceful life, free of war and any other conflicts.] (Satis)

Satis herself had no idea how the Demon King was doing as of late.

Indeed, it was hard for her to guess in detail what he thought about the progress of the war and such.

To begin with, she no longer had to think about such things anymore, nor did she even want to.

The only thing I want to think about… is how to spend every day with Seto. That’s my only wish… (Satis)

Satis was secretly falling in love with Seto.

His duel earlier had left her in a cold sweat, but the thought of being able to spend relaxing time with him again made her heart flutter a bit.

[Thank you, Osiris. I’ve learned a lot thanks to you.] (Seto)

[It’s the least I can do. If you ever run into trouble in this city, you can count on us.] (Osiris)

After finishing their discussion, Seto and Satis left the facility and headed out into the city.

In a sense, becoming friends with Osiris had been a fortuitous event.

If they ever ran into trouble, he would be there to help.

[Osiris… He was a good guy.] (Seto)

[…Seto, do you actually find people like him to be cool, by any chance?] (Satis)

[Eh? Of course he’s cool! Did you see his flying armor and magic sword!? And most of all, his poses! There was something about them that really moved my heart! Don’t you get it!?] (Seto)

[Hmm… I’m sorry, but I’m not sure I do.] (Satis)

[I see. But that’s okay. I’m sure you’ll come to understand too, someday.] (Seto)

[Uhhh…] (Satis)

As they walked through the city, they were holding each other’s hands so they would not stray from each other.

It then dawned on Seto that it had been a while since the two of them had walked hand in hand like this.

He had a feeling that they held hands on a regular basis back in the city of Clay Shut, but not on their way here from Benjamin village.

[Say! We still have time before lunch, so what do you say we go for a stroll?] (Seto)

[Oh? I’m surprised you still have this much energy after a fight like that.] (Satis)

[I’m fine. I just want to enjoy myself with you , Satis.] (Seto)

Satis breathed a sigh of relief at Seto’s words.

Their hands reflexively tightened their grip on each other.

[Say, let’s go up there! It looks like a great spot to see the ocean and the mountains!] (Seto)

[Well, aren’t you full of energy. Okay, then. Let’s go.] (Satis)

The hills of the city offered a great view, and were famous scenic spots.

For the time being, the duo headed there.

They would take their time to think about what to do next afterwards.