CH 5

Chapter 5: To the Land of the Demons

“Demon…?!”

I said, and the demon slowly nodded.

His crimson eyes lock onto mine.

“…If you don’t want me to eat you, you better get out of here, human.”

That jogged my memory. This forest borders the land of demons and the land of humans.

However, because there is a deep valley behind this forest, humans cannot easily cross the border, though demons appear to be able to do so because they have greater physical resilience than humans.

Demons and humans have organs that are nearly identical. The adults have tried to instill fear of demons in me, but I know demons do not eat humans. Besides, this demon has just helped me.

Maybe I can put my trust in him.

“W-Will you bring me to your land?”

I had intended to dye my hair with claire berries, then visit the castle town and then the neighboring country. But perhaps I’ll be able to live more freely in the land of demons.

“?! What kind of nonsense are you on about? —Who would allow a human to enter our country?”

“I believe it is worthwhile.”

I then took off the cloth that had been covering my head.

“Black hair…?! —You don’t mean the Saint?!”

“No. As you can see, I have black hair and no magical abilities, but this hair has value.”

I may not be the real Saint, but I still have value as a [fake] Saint.

The man began muttering as soon as I said that.

“Could it be…the Shrine Maiden, a dark-haired woman without the power to destroy us?”

“Um…”

Shrine Maiden? Is a Shrine Maiden the same as a Saint? No, but if that’s the case, I can flee after being taken to the Demon Land. In any case, I must first leave this country.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t know the Shrine Maiden had descended. We will be happy to have you in our country.”

He extended his hand to me with these words.

A gust of wind blew in my face as I took his hand in mine, and I closed my eyes.

The next time I opened my eyes, I was in front of a magnificent castle, not a forest.

“W-What is this place…?”

“I used teleportation magic to transport us.”

Teleportation magic is so advanced that only a few people in the world can use it. This man may not be your average guy.

──I forgot to introduce myself, which was more important.

“Let me introduce myself—my name is Mika—may I ask your name?”

“My name is Yulin, and I am the King of Crystalia’s brother—we welcome you with open arms, Shrine Maiden.”