CH 127.2

Then let’s talk about it. But I can’t give you a clear explanation, so you’ll have to forgive me for that.

In the first place, besides me, the other four, that is, the other four heroes in the top five ranks, all wear slave collars. The reason, of course, is to prevent [demonization]. However, Asahina, the leader, is different. He is holding back the [Demon King].

I don’t really know how we got into that situation…except for Asahina. After all, it was he who made us like this.

He served us one meal, and the next day, when we were fast asleep, we had collars on us.

I immediately asked him why he did it, after all, when we got together in the cafeteria in the morning, he was so excited that he said he did it.

So, the fourth place guy thought he was lying and took the collar off once…[Demonization] started.

While everyone else was stunned, Asahina was the only one who remained calm and put the collar back on. Then it went away.

“We’ve got great power,” he said, “and we should be more happy. Those were his words.

But that’s not what I wanted to hear, that was the cause of the [Demon Transformation][Demonization]. When we defeated the Demon King, he died without incident. Well, it was pretty close.

At that time, I was the only one who saw it. When Asahina struck the Demon King with the final blow, something was sucked into his sword. I think that was probably what caused it.

I don’t know how he did it, but…no, it was a characteristic of the holy sword. I think they were experimenting with it. That’s why they needed the tax. To build an absolutely indestructible research facility and testing ground. So Asahina somehow established the means to grant the skills of [Demon Transformation] and [Demonization]. We are the guinea pigs for the experiment.

Asahina was also the master of the collar. I couldn’t disobey him. But the others were obedient to him, so I guess they didn’t think anything of it. 

Why did I disobey him? Well, I would rather be ordered to do something than to be obedient on my own. I was supremely pissed off.

You can guess the rest. I had no intention of intervening, but the orders compelled me to do so.

***

When I finished telling her about the effects of [Demonization], Mika asked me in horror, 

“Why did you do that? Asahina-kun…”

“Well…[because he is necessary] is all he said. But that [demonization] is a skill. Maybe he’s further improving it… well, here’s what I’m saying.”

The fact that every Hero in the top five is in such a state sends shivers down my spine. If such people were to make a move. The world would perish without any way to fight back. It is natural to think so.

“Hey, can I ask you something?”

“Yes?”

La Veil pointed at Aidle.

“My Lord ate a candy ball made from the [demonization] skill from Hinomoto, didn’t she? So, doesn’t the Lord have the [Demonization] skill now? She is now like this by the effect of [Limited Young Girl], but if she goes back to her original state, she will be in trouble, won’t she?”

“…I think she can handle it. Is it too soon to say?”

“No, well…I think the Lord would be able to handle it.”

“Yes, I think Aidle will be fine.”

I have no proof, but I have known her long enough to believe unconditionally that it is not impossible, since she boasts of being untouchable and invincible even now.

“Quad, what does Milord think?”

“I think so, too. I think it’s quite possible with Miss Aidle as she is now.”

Quad, an expert in [Fairy Magic], assures me that she could do that easily.

“Father, this fact is…”

“I’ll hide it. Thank you for telling me, Hinomoto-sama. Right, La Veil. Cielo told me about it. This is a letter to Her Imperial Highness Forna of Ladaria, please deliver it.”

“I respectfully accept. I will make sure it gets there.”

Aidle’s objective was now accomplished without his knowledge. From now on, if he starts trade with Galania and La Veil Radd, Ladaria will be further restored.