Chapter 02 pt 02

Posted by : Unknown Monday, 21 May 2018

―The young man who suddenly intruded in Hastumi's room went on to defeat a large number of soldiers, Gaius and Selphy. And then, with a person who she assumed to be his companion, he vanished from the palace grounds into the darkness of the night.

After that, Hatsumi had nothing she could do herself, and returned to her bedroom on her own. From her window, she could see the mana lamps and fire sconces illuminating the courtyard as palace guards and government officials restlessly moved around on high alert. It was an unheard of situation where over half of the palace guards were knocked out by an intruder while still being unable to prevent him from escaping. From top to bottom, everything was turbulent, even now she could hear angry roars from her window.

They had to replenish the fallen guards and engage in the pursuit and search of the intruder. They were likely all going to stay up all night to do so. After the escape, Gaius and Selphy quickly regained consciousness and received magic treatment. It seemed that there was nothing serious. However, it seemed both of their hearts―or more appropriately their self-respect took considerable damage. The instant he was healed, Gaius ran off despite it being the middle of the night while bluntly saying he was going to go train. As for Selphy, after witnessing the difference between the pride she always held and the results born of reality, she seemed to have lost a large portion of her self confidence as she remained still with a disappointed expression for a long while.

As for Weitzer who got away safely, he went to report to Miazen's king about what had happened. The king was famous for being a gentle person, but as one would expect even he held quite the sense of an impending crisis at the uproar this time around. He severely reprimanded the one in charge of the palace's security and gave out a strict order to strengthen all of their defences even more.

An hour had passed since then, but there were still no reports that the intruder had been located. However, that was probably not all that unreasonable. For someone who infiltrated the strictly guarded palace and possessed an ability that could be put into a completely different dimension from Selphy's, if he was trying to run away then there was no way they would find him. And even if they did it was almost impossible they would be able to capture him.

From what she heard from Weitzer, that young man evaluated the palace guards before him as simple humans. At the worst, if she and the others didn't move, it wouldn't even be a battle. But―

“A person from the same world...”

He had certainly said so. That the relationship between him and herself was that of childhood friends. That would make him a person from the same world. That would make him one of the people lying beyond the horizon of her memories. That would make him one of the people that she was absolutely unable to remember. She couldn't tell if he really was one of those people. She had her doubts, however, he knew her name. He knew her sword style. He knew names that she herself didn't know as he admonished her with strict eyes.

And he conveyed all of that in a tone that seemed somehow nostalgic. But right now, she had no way of verifying any of it.

“...”

Hatsumi threw herself backwards onto her bed. Honestly speaking, she couldn't remember the time she was summoned very well. When she came to, she was lying down on top of her bed as she was now, surrounded by furniture she had never seen before in an unknown room.

On that day, as she lay there with a head in a daze in an unfamiliar place, the door to the room opened, and Selphy walked in. At that time she began to explain right away, that she was the one to summon her, that Hatsumi was a person summoned to this world from a different one.

But even after listening to all that, the haze inside her head would not clear away. Just who was she, what kind of person was she? Unable to answer even those simple questions about herself, the only thing that she managed to remember was her own name.

Unable to remember anything but her name, at that time, she greatly lost her composure. Weitzer was also present with Selphy at the time, but she could remember Selphy making a calm expression and feeling concern for her.

After that, she wasn't left with any particular impressions. After hearing she couldn't return, other than the times she had meals with the royal family and talked to Selphy, she was always in her room. After that had gone on for a while, news of the demons invading came to the palace.

Looking at the ceiling, she recalled what happened that day. On that morning, Weitzer visited her room. He came to greet her every day. Since he had his own schedule, the time he did so wasn't predetermined, but on that day he came in the morning and talked to her about something absurd. After that talk finished, she remembered what Weitzer asked her quite clearly.

“―Hero-dono, are there an inconveniences to your livelihood?”

Sitting on a chair, Weitzer showed his concern as Hatsumi laughed and replied.

“It's alright. The housemaids are all doing well after all, there are no inconveniences.”

“I see. However, if anything happens, please let me know immediately. Hero-dono is a state guest. There is no need to be reserved.”

“Then I'd like you to stop calling me Hero-dono.”

“Eh...?”

He likely never thought this would be the first thing she wished for. Weitzer showed her an astonished expression.

“That's... Um...”

That way of calling her was likely a title of great honour to him. As royalty, he was able to throw out formalities with most people, but having said that he was unable to show disrespect to a hero. Thus he would call her so. Feeling like it was a bit mean to continue, she dropped the subject.

“Got it. I'll let you think about it.”

“As you will.”

Towards her vague suggestion, Weitzer lightly bowed down his head. As opposed to behaving modestly, his attitude was more one of respect. Not knowing who she herself was, Hastumi could not take on an attitude like she was a hero unconditionally. It just didn't sit well with her. And then, she suddenly asked him something else.

“Hey. Is it really true, that I'm a hero?”

It was a question with no significance. But even so, he replied with a composed expression.

“Yes. Under the supervision of the Salvation Church, by holding the ceremony of the hero summoning ritual deep within the palace grounds, Hero-dono was summoned. There is no mistaking it.”

“Even if you say that...”

Even if they called her a hero, it was too abstract. Certainly she was able to grasp that she was summoned with the goal of defeating the demons, but even after being told that she couldn't just nod. Weitzer then spoke.

“I've heard that the hero summoned by the summoning ritual receive divine protection from the Goddess.”

“Even if you call it divine protection... What is it specifically?”

“From the legends, it is a power that cannot be reached by human intellect. There are probably exaggerated portions, but there should be some change to your body.”

“U....n”

“Is there nothing?”

“I can't make any comparisons to how I was before. But―”

“As expected, there is something?”

“It's only a guess, put I feel like I can move around better than other people. Also, I feel like I'm strong.”

Saying this, she stuck out her hand to Weitzer like she was asking for a handshake. Following along with her action, Weitzer grasped her hand, and she squeezed back.

“... This is....”

Weitzer showed a surprised expression from the unexpected strength she squeezed his hand with. He was likely surprised because it wasn't the grip strength that a normal girl could produce. However, he immediately made a comprehending expression because he likely found this to be proof that she was a hero.

“This is likely a boon from the power of the Goddess' divine blessing.”

“Honestly I have mixed feelings.”

“To us it is something to be delighted about.”

That's because she was a hero. To them, she was probably like a saint sent by the heavens, but her own mental state was delicate. While thinking of that, Weitzer made an expression like he he was considering something.

“―It's just, personally, I am somewhat disinclined to have someone like you head to the battlefield.”

“... Un.”

Sensing it from her expression, it seemed that in his own way he was taking her into consideration. In the end she wasn't able to give him a pleasant response. Weitzer's expression became rather tense. This was the face he made before going in the direction of official business.

“Hero-dono. I must apologize for today, but I would like to have you inspect the training of the soldiers.”

“That's what you were talking about yesterday right?”

“Yes. The officers and men who are the pride of our army would like to show Hero-dono the state of their training without fail.”

Of course, it wasn't just to show her their training. There was the purpose of inspiring the soldiers, but more than just showing her, they were aiming to trigger something in her as the hero. The king seemed to have no interest, but apparently he was pestered into this inspection by his surroundings, or so Selphy said. However―

(... Are they saying they want to show that to a woman?)

It would be better to show that to a male hero, it was difficult to think that seeing that would trigger something in a woman. Because she had no will to fight, it could be said to be their last resort, but it still seemed like their line of thinking was off. By any chance, it could simply be that they wanted to show off their cool side to her though.

“What about Selphy?”

“She has other business to take care of, though it may be presumptuous, I will accompany you.”

This was unexpected. Normally Selphy would be the one accompanying her, but today it would be him.

“Is it fine to do that? You're a prince after all, don't you have something else to do?”

She was wondering about his official duties. Yet Weitzer shook his head at that question.

“This is what I should be doing. It is far too great an honour to serve as Hero-dono's escort―Of course, I do not do it only out of obligation.”

He was likely being considerate. It's not like it was his responsibility to do so, but he had integrity.

“Thank you, Weitzer.”

“There is no need to express your gratitude. I will do something of this level as many times as you want. If it is for Hero-dono's sake I would follow your commands without regret.”

“That's saying too much.”

“No, that's not really―”

Just as he tried to speak, restless footsteps could be heard outside the room in the hallway. They footsteps steadily got closer until they stopped right in front of the door.

“I wonder what's wrong?”

“... It's taboo to run in the palace unless it is an emergency. Which means...”

“Something urgent happened?”

Weitzer nodded with a grim expression and headed towards the door. Just as he did, a knock came on the door. Following right after it, the voice of the guard outside the room could be heard. Following those words, Weitzer opened the door and talked to the guard while whispering... Eventually, his conversation had ended and the guard left. He then fell to his knee before Hatsumi.

“Hero-dono. I apologize it is so sudden, but I will have to excuse myself for a moment.”

“Did something happen?”

“No, it is nothing that Hero-dono needs to be concerned about.”

“... I see.”

Though he said that, it was certain that something had happened. She was interested, but she didn't really want to pry and saw Weitzer off just like that. However, the guard's grim expression weighed heavily on her mind, and she took chase after Weitzer after he left.

While asking the housemaids where Weitzer went, she followed after him. And the destination she arrive at―was the audience chamber. After lightly greeting the guards in front of the door, suddenly an angry voice could be heard...

It seemed someone was yelling loudly, but due to the door she couldn't hear them clearly. However, she could at least here that the inside of the chamber was in an uproar. She decided to ask the guard what was going on.

“This is?”

“That's, we can't really say it ourselves...”

The guard showed her a troubled expression. Seeing that the guard had no intention of getting to the point, Hatsumi stepped forwards.

“Open it.”

“B-but right now is!?”

“Please.”

The guards ended up opening the door look it couldn't be helped. As one would expect, he did not seem to be able to refuse the request of a hero. After passing her gratitude and apologizing for being unreasonable to the two door guards, she entered the audience chamber. Inside, a dark-skinned muscular man was frantically appealing to Miazen's king.

“―While we sit here and do nothing, Larsheem is being assault!”

“I understand. However, even if you tell us to deploy the army right away, there is no way I would just say yes.”

“That's why I came here bowing my head to you!”

The man was full of vigour like he was ready to lunge at any moment. The situation must have been just that much of an impending crisis to him. He was speaking quite disrespectfully to a nation's ruler, but perhaps because they understood his circumstances, nobody there said anything. Even the king had a troubled expression, but even so he took on the strict attitude befitting a king as he replied.

“Forvan-dono. I sympathize with you sentiments. However, do calm down a bit.”

“Then!”

The man seemed to be asking for something, but the king did not nod. But even so the man did not withdraw, and continued pleading with the king. Among the officials and generals, Hatsumi spotted Selphy's figure and quietly headed towards her.

“Hatsumi!? Why are you here!?” “Weitzer had to leave my room because of some unavoidable circumstances, so it caught my interest.”

After giving her the gist of the situation, while Selphy was still gripped by surprise, Hatsumi asked her about the situation.

“So, what's going on Selphy?”

“... It seems that the demons have invaded Larsheem's territory.”

“The demons...”

To the north of the Alliance, there was an empty belt of land that was neither demon or human territory. They were invading Larsheem which lied at the north end of the Alliance, but the demons were supposed to have shown no signs of movement after invading Noshias.

“It seems they were pretending to be docile while moving their troops all the way to the Alliance.”

“And, who is that?”

“He's one of the officers from Larsheem. With just the soldiers from Larsheem and the neighbouring countries, they won't make it, so he came here looking for reinforcements.”

“But, it looks like the king isn't giving him a favourable reply.”

Selphy returned a nod. The man earnestly made his request repeatedly. The reason the king told him to calm down was likely just to distract him. However, was it really alright not to send reinforcements?

“The Saadias Alliance was formed by the countries in the north to cooperate with each other, in other words, a collective community. Is it really alright not to send help at a time like this?”

“It's just as you say. In the case that another country falls into a crisis, they must go and help. However, an army isn't something that can be moved that quickly.”

“I see...”

She was implying that Miazen wasn't any different. Because what had to be moved was a large organized armed force, their movements would be rather slow... However, even so, the man still yelled as he appealed to the king. Weitzer was also in the audience chamber. In contrast to that voice which was like a roar, he thrust forward a composed tone at that man.

The man was begging them to save them by lending a hand. He was covered in injuries. He had bandages wrapped all over his body. Right before coming here he was likely fighting.

“Ah...”

Suddenly, the king and officials turned towards Hatsumi. She felt like the reason they looked at her was because they were hoping to cling to her, but they immediately looked away. Because they knew of her circumstances, they likely concluded that she was unreliable. The man continued to appeal to the king. The palace guard attempted to stop him, but due to the large difference in size and muscularity, they were unable to make him withdraw.

“Uu...”

His angry roar jolted her head. It was as if he was yelling directly inside her head. It resounded heavily and reverberated like a an enormous temple bell. This was the exact time that she had a vision.

“Eh...?”

As if she had vertigo, Hatsumi's field of vision shook and all she could see was an image of a grey backdrop engulfed by a black sandstorm. Before she noticed, she lost her sense of peripheral vision and could only see what was in front of her. Before long, the television like sandstorm stopped, and her sight was restored.

What she saw wasn't the scene of angry roars flying around the audience chamber, but what looked like a funeral service in another location. She was unable to move. While in that state where she could only move her eyes, she watched the situation before her unfold.

Every single person was wearing black clothing and had a depressed and meek attitude. The funeral service was being held in a western style. Many people of Japanese and foreign descent were there, and many people were loathe to part with the deceased. Even now, Hatsumi did not know who that was.

However, one thing that stood out to her was the person reading a memorial address before many people. It was an older version of the boy she saw many times in her dreams. Parting from that person should have been more painful for him than anyone else. While he read the memorial address, she could hear the word 'father', and 'only family,' from his mouth. In that case, he must have been in the throes of grief. The pain of losing all his blood relatives at that age could not be expressed plainly.

But even so, that person looked forward. Since he would be walking forwards alone from here on out, he could not hang his head in shame. Even that memorial address showed no signs of being interrupted by any sobbing and weeping due to sadness. Looking at the grey and cloudy weather, were a pair of resolute black eyes. It was just, after everything ended, in the living room of some house, that person muttered these words in his sleep.

―I, must keep going forward, in order to find the dream father preached to me, without fail. If I stop, it will end right there. That's why, I have to go save them.

Perhaps this was why he did not show an ounce of weakness in that place of mourning filled with sorrow. He looked forward, and walked resolutely. After making his resolve, he quietly feel back into a deep slumber. The funeral, the service, making the rounds of all the people who came to mourn the deceased, all these things happening in a chain must have tired him out. Peering at that peaceful sleeping face, she could spot a single tear going down his cheek...

Now was this flashback one of the memories that she should possess? After another vision of that black sandstorm, all sound eventually returned to her. She could hear the angry roar of the man who came from Larsheem, and she could see the figure of Weitzer forcing his way through. It was the same audience chamber as before.

“Ah...”

“Are you alright Hatsumi? What's the matter?”

“Y-yeah. Un... I'm alright.”

Probably because Hatsumi had lost track of her surroundings, Selphy raised a concerned voice towards her. However, from the exchange between Weitzer and that man, she could tell that the time she spent watching an image of another world all happened within a second. But even within that one second, Hatsumi had made her resolve. Splitting up from Selphy, she stepped forward and walked up to Weitzer and that man.

“―I will go.”

“Ah? Who the hell are you?”

The man was showing a puzzled expression to the woman who suddenly cut in on his conversation. And then, without even having the chance to name herself, Weitzer let out her identity in a surprised voice.

“Hero-dono!?”

“Ah? Hero-dono you say?”

“Yeah. My name is Kuchiba Hatsumi. I seem to be the hero summoned by the Alliance.”

As she said this, the man's expression turned grim and he snorted like he was making light of her.

“Fuu? If I remember right, that summoned hero was a coward who wouldn't move a tick after being summoned right?”

“Bastard! Watch your manners in front of Hero-dono!”

“Ha! It's the truth ain't it? If it wasn't then there's no way she would be here during this kind of crisis right?”

“Th-that's, Hero-dono has certain circumstances...”

Weitzer's tone weakened significantly from the point that man made.

“Cowardice... huh.”

It was certainly just as he said. Even if she was placed in an unreasonable situation, even though there was something that she should be doing, she didn't do anything. She stayed in a safe place and did nothing but wait for all the unpleasant things to just end. Even though that person was different. Even though that person stood firm and faced forwards. In that case, if that person saw her right now, he would conclude simply that she was gutless. Facing the man's gaze, an irritated tone came back at her.

“What? You got a complaint?”

“Yes, of course. Whether I can fight or not, would you like to test it right now?”

“Hatsumi!?”

“Hero-dono!?”

“You punk...”

On one hand Selphy and Weitzer raised their voices in surprise, on the other the man bared his teeth. After coming here straight from the battlefield and flaring up at the king, he seemed to be quite stimulated.

The man shook off the palace guard around him forcefully. From the beginning they were insufficient to pin him down at all and they were flicked off with ease. Hatsumi started to walk towards that man at a generous pace―and drew the sword hanging at Weitzer's waist. She slowly got in stance in front of that man before her. It was a stance where she pointed the tip of his sword at her opponent's eyes. Just with that, the way to swing a sword, to use one, was revived within Hatsumi's head.

“Wha―!? My sword is...”

And belatedly, she could hear Weitzer's voice. After seeing the light from the mana lamps reflecting off the sword, he finally realized that his sword was taken from him. Even he was unable to realize how, while walking slowly, she quietly and quickly drew his sword.

He couldn't stop her. The man before her, from that event that happened in an instant, was also completely bewildered. Seeing that he had no intention to get in a stance, she leaped forwards towards his chest in a single step. Having closed the distance in an instant, the man's eyes opened wide in surprise.

However, the blade she swung to the side did not catch the man, it only cut the air. That's because after jumping in towards the man's chest, she stepped further forwards past his right side.

“Is this fine?”

As she asked, the man ground his teeth from being unable to see through those continuous actions.

“You're saying I would have died from that just now? As expected of a hero, but―”

Was he trying to give her some candid advice? In the middle of speaking, a heavy sound resounded behind him. To his back, the stone pillars that were put up to hold the decorative flags near the entrance to the audience chamber, were split clean in half as they crumbled to the ground. And then, the name of that skill came back to her mind.

“―The Phantom Sword of the Kurikara Dharani, the Long Sword of the Morning Sun.”

Everyone in the chamber was at a loss for words from that delayed sound. The stone pillars that were well outside her range were cut clean in half without ever touching her blade after all. It was only reasonable to be surprised.

“Th-the pillars!”

“Impossible, from that one swing...!?”

She could hear their voices of disbelief as they held in their breath. Hatsumi then casually questioned that surprised audience who were all misunderstanding what happened.

“Those are the monsters that I must defeat correct?”

Just then, the sound of stone collapsing filled the audience chamber. When they turned to look once more in that direction―there was a single grotesque figure that was cut to pieces. It had an ugly form practically right out of a tale of demons and ogres, a living being. It had horns, its skin was red, however the blood flowing out of it was also red. It's white eyes were peeled back, it was dead.

“A demon!?”

“To think they would have spies all the way over here...”

Weitzer yelled out in surprise while the man looked bitterly at his own negligence. Eventually, Weitzer spoke.

“When did you realize?”

“I knew once I took hold of the sword. Weitzer's sense also sharpen once you hold onto a sword right?”

“That's true, but...”

Even so it was a little extreme. While Weitzer was still gripped by bewilderment, she turned to the man and questioned him.

“So with this, are you still unsatisfied with my abilities?”

“... No. As one would expect of Hero-sama. I'm amazed. I completely take back everything I said earlier.”

All the hostility he was carrying with him vanished with a sigh. And so, Hatsumi turned to Weitzer, who was still standing there in a daze, and turned the hilt of his sword back towards him while showing him an apologetic expression.

“Sorry for drawing it without asking.”

“No, Hero-dono! It was a magnificent skill, no, divine skill! I am completely humbled!”

“Saying divine skill is going a little too far...”

“That is not the case! Without using magic, to be able to cut such a large stone pillar with a single ordinary swing is not something that can be done no matter what one does.”

Weitzer was unusually extremely excited as Hatsumi just started talking on reflex.

“What are you saying? A swordsman who can only cut things within their range is...”

“...?”

“Eh? Ah...!”

Before she realized it, her mouth was just moving on its own. If she continued, she felt it would probably be quite bad. After she started speaking but abruptly stopped halfway, Weitzer looked at her curiously.

“Is something the matter?”

“U-uun. It's nothing. Setting that aside.”

Stopping again, Hatsumi began to contemplate things. Was it really alright for her to step into this battle of her own accord? Did she have any regrets? She began questioning herself in her own mind. And then, remembering those words she heard in her dream, she spoke once more.

“―So, where are those people that need to be saved?”

On that day, those words echoed across the audience chamber which was silenced by shock... That was, the beginning of the fighting for she who had lost her past― Kuchiba Hatsumi.

After remembering those words that came out during her dream, she began to walk forwards. So that the next time she meets with that person, she would have nothing to be ashamed of. It was absolutely necessary that she advance. Just like that person did. Suddenly at that time, she realized a certain truth.

“... I see. Those words.”

What she remembered was the young man who intruded into her room that day. The reason she felt somewhat nostalgic from his tone of voice, was because the way he spoke was exactly the same as the one who spoke in her dream.

★

―Currently, Suimei and the others were gathered for a light meal at a restaurant that was like a tea house. That being said, not everyone was present. It was only Suimei, Felmenia and Lefille. Liliana was running late for the predetermined meeting time and was not yet there. Suimei then spoke to Felmenia who was sitting next to him.

“So, how is it on Menia's end?”

“... There was not any particularly useful information.”

“Thought so. Well, after spending only two or three days on it I guess I can't help but call that obvious...”

Hearing this, Lefille also knit her brows as she joined in on the conversation.

“I also didn't hear anything about an insurgent infiltrating the palace. It's the same regarding the hero, everyone just talks about the same things.”

The day after Suimei went to Miazen's palace, he had Felmenia and the others help him with gathering information regarding not only Hatsumi, but also regarding affairs in Miazen in general. To confirm Hatsumi's situation, it was already a done deal that Suimei would once more infiltrate the palace, but before doing so he wanted to finish doing what he could. Most importantly, he was concerned about her circumstances.

That evening, she had mentioned her amnesia during their conversation. Suimei concluded that it was necessary to investigate why that had happened and if it really was amnesia. They had spent two or three days investigating and gathering information, but in the end, they couldn't find anything useful.

It was almost like there was a gag order surrounding information involving the hero, everyone they asked could only say that she was a beauty or other simple facts, none of it was of any use. Suimei limply put his chin on the table making a dejected expression.

“But to think we wouldn't hear anything at all...”

“Seriously. In general there should at least be someone with something at the level of gossip but...”

It was strange. To this world's citizens, the heroes were the saviours who would save the world, they were individuals who should spark great interest in them. For that reason, almost everyone should be trying to gather information about the hero, but just as Felmenia said, there wasn't even gossip about her.

It was the same as news regarding the infiltration of the palace. It seemed that the information control around it was tight. The people of the city didn't seem to know about it at all. It was a scandal where an insurgent was permitted to not only infiltrate the palace, but even get away safely. They probably didn't want news to spread of that. The number of soldiers patrolling the city did increase exceptionally though.

While Suimei and the others were in the middle of talking about this, the tea house's doorbell rang. The three of them all turned towards the tea house's entrance, but there was nobody there. Following the presence they could sense, they were able to establish the identity of who opened the door. Just as they focused on their eyes on the presence, the sound of a chair being pulled out could be heard, and Liliana took her seat.

“So you're back.”

“Yes. Just now. Also, the notebook Suimei gave me, was very useful.”

The emotions showing on her face were faint, but Liliana was both surprised and in admiration. Before they split up to gather information, Suimei handed each of them a notebook filled with white paper, it seemed that it came in handy.

“How was it for you three?”

After Liliana asked, everyone answered in turn.

“I didn't manage to find anything beneficial. In the end today was also no good at all.”

“Same for me.”

“I did get some people to talk to me, but... It was mostly nothing but rumours with poor credibility and stories which were erratically dramatized. Getting information from the Salvation Church was my last ray of hope, but the information there was also pretty poor, I had to give up on it”

Every last response was unfavourable. However, it seemed like Liliana was able to produce some results.

“I also didn't hear to much, but I have a bit.”

“Really?”

“Yes, I've gathered, all that was necessary.”

After Suimei asked her, Liliana gave a simple nod. After answering without any concern showing in her expression, she stiffened up and took out her notebook and began relaying the information she gathered.

“―As expected, there isn't much information going around town about the hero Hatsumi Kuchiba. I'm sure all of you got that feeling too though...”

“It's strange isn't it?”

“Yes. Just as Suimei said, the fact that no information about the hero is going around is baffling. It is possible that the citizens have information but are unwilling to share it, but it is very improbable that the church has no information about the hero. In general, most heroes have a person from the church attached to them, in the case where they aren't, someone with deep relations to the church will follow them and report their activities to the church in detail. Because of this, the Salvation Church holds a lot of information regarding the heroes. There is Reiji-san's circumstance which is a bit of an exception, but I believe in this case, the royal family of Miazen is monopolizing information regarding Hatsumi Kuchiba.”

“The country is?”

“It's probable that they don't want the church to interfere while they raise their achievements as quickly as they can. Miazen's motives are transparent huh.”

This would explain why Felmenia, who usually brought back solid information, came back empty handed. Setting that aside, Suimei found that Liliana was talking unusually smoothly today. Normally she spoke like she was tottering along, but perhaps this was normal when she was giving a work related report.

“Then moving on to Hatsumi Kuchiba, she seems to be someone who in unable to use magic, though I believe Suimei know this, she seems to possess quite a substantial amount of skill with a sword. Her sword style was... the Phantom Sword of the Kuru-ri-ku-kara, Dhara... rarara?”

Unable to find the words, Liliana was frowning while making an odd face and wrenched her neck two or three times while going 'Un? Un?'

“The Phantom Sword of the Kurikara Dharani.”

“That's it. Also, just as Suimei said, I also believe Hatsumi Kuchiba doesn't have amnesia.”

“Did you catch what was behind it?”

“It seems that the soldiers who fought alongside her often heard her show concern about her memories to her companions. It's no mistake that there is a problem with her memories. Just as Suimei said, it may be best to look at the possibility that she is being brainwashed, but it is difficult to imagine how someone could use magic to brainwash the hero which received the Goddess' divine protection.”

“I bet it is. To do something using magic against the hero who was given power on a higher order than magic would be impossible if you think about it properly.”

Liliana returned a single big nod. Suimei then casually let out something that he doubted.

“At any rate, I'm surprised the soldiers talked to you.”

“I heard the heroic tales the soldiers were telling about how they defeated the demons. Fundamentally, the ones who want to talk about that are anywhere you look, once they start getting heated up talking about it, they'll start to talk about other things more easily after all.”

“I see. They talked after being stirred up.”

“They're also less vigilant towards someone my age. I had to be tolerant of them reeking of liquor though.”

Liliana declared this with a composed face. To use her own physical appearance like this, it seemed she was already completely a first rate spy. She was quite the terrifying little girl. Thinking that this was more than enough on that front, Suimei thanked her and she moved on to the next point.

“Then, next is the information regarding each of Hatsumi Kuchiba's companions. First off is the martial artist from Larsheem, Gaius Forvan. From the beginning, his name was already quite well known, I'll leave his abilities for later. A little while ago, when the demons invaded Larsheem, he went to Miazen's palace to directly appeal to the king to dispatch troops. At that time, the king did not give him a favourable reply, but Hatsumi Kuchiba offered her support, and ever since then I heard he was a good companion of hers. The second one is the mage from the self governed states, Selphy Fittney. There are many mysteries surrounding that woman. She was the mage called over from the self governed states to summon Hatsumi Kuchiba. Her specialty is wind and ice magic and was given the second name 'Snowstorm' in the self governed states. Also, this is my own personal opinion, but from the fragments of information I procured, I believe she may be a half elf. The way I distinguished between an elf and a half elf is based on the Colonel's style, but I'm not completely certain on this fact.”

“...”

There really was a whole lot of information pouring down in large drops from her. Or rather, in this case, it would be more appropriate to say that investigation was her specialty. At any rate, Suimei, Felmenia and Lefille all had their mouths open in astonishment and were unable to say anything.

“―The third person, and the last of her companions, is Weitzer Ryerzen. He's the first prince of Miazen and the first in line to succeed the throne. He is one of the Seven Swords and given the second name of 'Cloud of Death.' At last year's Seven Sword King Festival, he is famous for being the swordsman to defeat her Highness Titania Root Astel in a fierce battle. According to the rumours, he was charmed by Hatsumi Kuchiba's skill with the sword and has been following her around like an attendant.”

Suimei was surprised that Liliana had gone as far as investigating information about Hatsumi's companions.

“... So you even investigated things like this?”

“I believed it to be necessary.”

It was something he already knew, but it really was as one would expect of someone formerly associated to the intelligence branch. Though it was a little late, he was beginning to understand the reason why she was named one of the Elite Twelve.

“That's about it right...”

“Sound about right.”

Suimei and Felmenia thought that was all the information she was able to gather and were tying things up, but Liliana shyly raised her voice once more.

“No, um, there's still more but...”

“Ah, is that so? But what kind of information is it?”

“Yes. It's about the state of affairs of the palace's security.”

“Ha...?”

“EH!?”

Felmenia made a surprised voice, and Suimei made some weird noise in shock. On the other hand, Lefille was half astonished while making a difficult face towards Liliana's tremendous abilities.

“... L-Lily, you even gathered that kind of information?”

“...? Isn't this the most important information?”

“... Th-that's right. That's certainly right.”

Lefille, at the very least, did agree with her. But everyone was at a loss for words. They had assumed it wouldn't be information they would be able to get and planned to just tie things up, but to think she would really investigate it.

“As expected, after Suimei entered the palace the other day, security was tightened. During the day, every location's guards were increased by two. In the evening it is increased by three and they change shifts frequently. It's a countermeasure to prevent a suspicious person from mixing in with the guards. The patrols around the palace were also increased. At night, it seems they deployed quite the number of skilled swordsmen and mages. Though I think they are all worthless to Suimei though...”

“Well, I'll manage one way other regarding that.”

“Yes. And then there's the information regarding Hatsumi Kuchiba's personal security. Ever since then, it seems she is being escorted at all times.”

Both Felmenia and Lefille nodded as it was pretty much what they were expecting. It was something predictable after that night's failure.

“It's become a bit troublesome huh.”

“Hasn't it?”

Suimei let out a groan and Felmenia shared the same opinion. If she had bodyguards attached to her then they couldn't let their guard down. Suimei only wanted to go have a talk, but because the other side was treating him like an enemy, there was a possibility that he would be attacked immediately on sight. Suimei didn't really want to resort to violent methods, so it could be said that the degree of difficulty to hold a conversation had gone up considerably. And then, as if to emphasis that the next point was the most important, she narrowed her amber left eye.

“It's just that, I don't know the reason for it, but for some time now, it seems that Hatsumi Kuchiba ends up on her own late at night.”

“Is that seriously true?”

“At least from what I've heard, if you go along those line, would it not be possible to encounter her without anyone around?”

“That could be it...”

Certainly, in the case, he could safely begin a conversation upon meeting her. Of course it was possible that she herself would end up resisting, but the probability that it would end in a fight would definitely be lower like this. But even so―

“...”

“... Is something wrong?”

Finding Suimei just staring right at her to be rather strange, Liliana asked for the reason he was doing so. However, it was Suimei who wanted to ask the questions. He was clueless as to how she even managed to get this kind of information.

“No, I was just thinking that it is just as one would expect from a professional.”

After giving her a compliment, Felmenia chimed in as well.

“From now on should we leave this kind of thing to Lily?”

“Sounds good. Liliana, do you want a drink?

“Yes. It's been a while since I talked a lot, so my throat is rather dry...”

She really did talk a lot more today than usual. Not only from talking to Suimei and the others, but having to gather so much information, she was probably quite tired. While Suimei called the shop assistant over and ordered some honey water, Liliana questioned Suimei in a mild-mannered fashion.

“Umm, Suimei, was I helpful?”

“Yeah, it was way more than we could ask for. Thank you.”

“Thank, goodness.”

While Liliana expressed her happiness, her honey water arrived. After Suimei and the others spent some time relaxing within the shop, they dealt with the bill and left. As they left, the sky was dyed in red and the setting sun shined intensely down on them. And then, they began returning to their lodgings before the day was completely over, while chatting pleasantly and walking down the street, they suddenly spotted two familiar faces.

Lined up side by side in front of them, was a feline therianthrope woman dressed in religious clothing with pink hair, and a girl, about the height of Liliana and Lefille when she was tiny, with bright blue hair and a line running from her cheek down to the scruff of her neck that looked like a tattoo.

“Eh?”

“Oh my?”

Suimei and the therianthrope nun's eyes met. And at the same time, they let out a strange voice at the completely unexpected coincidental encounter. One woman was the sister he met at the Salvation Church in the Empire, Clarissa and the other was the dwarf, Jillbert Griga.

“Well if it isn't Clarissa-san.”

“Well well Suimei-sama. What a coincidence to meet you in a place like this.”

“It has been a long time.”

After Suimei gave her a light bow and a polite greeting, he looked to her side.

“And the little... I mean, Jillbert is with you huh?”

“Hey, oi, you devious pedophile punk. Were you in the middle of saying something else huh? And what's with dropping the formalities with me? Aaaah?”

Being quite displeased with Suimei's manner of speaking, Jillbert began to glare at him. Acting like he was sensitive to her smoking, Suimei waved his hand in front of him.

“Yeah yeah, shut up, shut up.”

“Isn't your interaction with Clarissa way different?”

“It's cause you go about calling someone a pervert all the time. So? What are you doing all the way out here?”

“It ain't any of your business. The hell are YOU doing here?”

“Aah?”

“Ooh?”

Suimei and Jillbert began staring daggers at each other. Setting aside their little scuffle, Felmenia greeted Clarissa.

“It has been a long time, Sister. You were of great help the other day.”

After thanking Clarissa for helping with the arbitration she provided back at the Twilight Pavilion in the Empire, Clarissa replied gracefully.

“Not at all. It really has been a long time as well, silver haired one.”

“I am called Felmenia Stingray. Sister Clarissa. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

In stark contrast to the two who were continuing to glare at each other, this side was the very definition of a peaceful exchange. And then, Suimei wondered what was suddenly wrong as Jillbert's eyes became perfect circles. Her gaze seemed to be pointed at something behind Suimei―

“Le... fille?”

“... U-un. It has been a while, Jill.”

Lefille greeted Jillbert with an awkward smile. Now that Suimei thought of it, they didn't actually meet these two since a little before the incident in the Empire was over. Clarissa also noticed and cocked her head to the side like she saw something mysterious.

“Oh my? My oh my oh my?”

“It's been a while. Sister.”

After Lefille greeted Clarissa, Jillbert yelled in disarray at the shocking truth thrust before her.

“Y-you're really Lefille after all!? What does this mean!? When did you become so big?”

“U-um, you see...”

“Lefille-chan. In the short while I haven't seen you, you've grown quite a lot huh.”

“No, Sister, it's not really like that you see...”

Clarissa was playing the fool as she clapped her hands and rejoiced over Lefille's growth. Lefille was troubled on how to deal with her while Jillbert cut in with a quip.

“You stupid cat! This ain't a matter of just growing right!? No matter how you look at it she's gotten way too big dammit! Or rather, Lefille, just what is this...”

“There were certain circumstances behind this... Or rather, Jill, I think I talked to you about it a couple times before?”

“Hm? Hmm... Aah! Now that you mention it you said something about your original form or something like that right? I thought it was just a child's nonsense and ignored it though...”

Remembering what she heard from Lefille, Jillbert trailed off with a blank look. Ignoring it entirely was quite appropriate, but seeing her nonchalant attitude without a hint of timidity, as expected, Lefille dropped her shoulders while crestfallen.

“You're also quite cruel huh...”

“Don't worry about it! Isn't it a good thing that you returned to your original form...!? Well, from my perspective I'm a little worried about Lefille becoming bigger though...”

Jillbert went from a cheerful attitude to a frankly despondent one in an instant.

“Why is that?”

“Haa... I mean, my cute Lefille has become bigger than me you know...? To think I won't be able to savour that inexplicable sensation of holding you...”

“Despite calling others a pervert you end up saying that kind of thing...”

Suimei quipped at her in an astonished voice. Ever since they met, she had been flagging him falsely as a pedophile, but to think that she was blind to her own wicked desires. Jillbert's face then changed to something like a Hannya mask.

“Shut up you big pervert! It's fine if it's me. My heart isn't tainted like yours is after all... Besides, Lefille! Become tiny like you were right now! And then hug me tightly!”

“Jill! Don't be unreasonable!”

“It's not unreasonable! Just do it already!”

“J-Jill...”

As Jill was raising a fuss while making an unreasonable demand, Lefille let out a voice like she was going to cry and seemed quite exhausted. It was rather pitiful. On the other hand, Liliana, who was hiding behind Suimei, looked at her like it wasn't her problem at all.

“Lefille, has it quite bad huh...”

As she did, it seemed that Clarissa noticed her presence and cocked her head to the side as she peeked at her.

“Oh? Is that not...”

“Ah, umm, she is...”

Suimei couldn't find something clever to say right away and was at a loss for words. Since she also spent time living in the Empire, he was having problems coming up with an excuse, but unexpectedly, Clarissa already seemed to be familiar with her.

“Your are the daughter of Colonel Rogue from the Imperial army correct?”

Seeing that she guessed right, Liliana opened her eye wide.

“Do you, know me?”

“Your father always came to pray with a serious look, so I am aware of you.”

“Colonel did...?”

It seemed that Liliana also did not know about his prayers. Now that Suimei thought of it, when he first went to the church in the Empire with Lefille, he remembered seeing Rogue's figure there. So she likely knew because of that relation but―

It seemed that Jillbert also knew about Liliana and the incident. Seeing that Liliana was troubled by what was going on, she talked to her with consideration.

“Aah, how do I put it, the incident was quite the misfortune huh.”

“No...”

“I also lived in the Empire after all. If I can be of any help, just ask me frankly.”

“... Thank you very much.”

Perhaps Jillbert sympathized with her. After she slapped her shoulder, Liliana showed her gratitude with a light bow. After the somewhat awkward exchange ended, Jillbert looked up at Suimei.

“So? Why are you guys in the Alliance?”

“We're sightseeing. Since the incidents calmed down, we ended up all going out to relax.”

“Heeh? It's quite admirable for a proposal coming from you.”

“Every single time you talk...”

Jillbert raised the corner of her mouth like she was making light of Suimei, and he returned that look with irritation as his forehead twitched. He was thinking that this woman had quite the forked tongue with everything she said. Lefille then joined the conversation.

“Why are Sister and Jill here in the Alliance?”

“We have work on top of sightseeing.”

“Me and Clara have been close since a while back. I have dwarf acquaintances in the weapons store district, so we ended making rounds to greet them.”

“I have an inspection to do of the Salvation Churches in the Alliance, so since our circumstances lined up, we came to visit Miazen together.”

“Is that so...”

Hearing their explanation, Lefille let out a breath of admiration. After some idle chatter at the roadside, the two of them parted with Suimei's group and headed north. Seeing them off as they walked away into the evening, Suimei showed a surprised expression to the others.

“Well... That was quite the strange coincidence huh.”

“Wasn't it? I couldn't possibly think that we were fated to meet the two of them in Miazen.”

Felmenia gave a nod to Suimei's statement. As she did, Lefille looked up at the eastern sky which began to darken.

“We should also be heading back. It's already dusk.”

“Okay.”

Right after Liliana's reply, Suimei and the others hurried back to the lodging house before it was completely dark.

★

After separating from Suimei and the others, Clarissa and Jillbert went deep within the weapons store district where scrap metal was being temporarily stored and were now in a vacant plot of land far away from the streets.

When they separated from Suimei, the sun was already setting, so it was now twilight when they arrived. It was right on the boundary of whether lights were still on from within the buildings and when the mana lamps outside were sporadically turning on here and there.

Feeling an indescribable sense of nostalgia while looking up at the obscured indigo night sky, Jillbert climbed up onto an empty box which smelled of iron and took a seat.

“Hup!”

Finding a good place to calm down, Jillbert let out a smile in a good mood. Without thinking of anything, she gazed at the black smoke gushing out from the chimneys of the smithies. Eventually, she shifted her gaze over to Clarissa, who for some reason, twisted her face into a gloomy expression.

“... This place is not very comfortable.”

“Is that so? I really like it though? You can hear the sound of metal being struck and of the bellows after all.”

“I'm sure that this is a place that you are familiar with, but that is not the case for me.”

Saying that, Clarissa covered her ears and curled up her tail. The sound coming out of the smithies as they struck metal constantly must have been far too noisy for the good ears of a therianthrope. Witnessing the rare scene of Clarissa curling up her tail, Jillbert giggled lightly before showing her a relieved face.

“I'm glad about the Lonely Figure's daughter.”

“... Yes, you're right.”

“Earlier you suddenly started pretending to only suddenly notice her, you noticed her right from the beginning and were playing dumb weren't you?”

“Naturally. Please to not underestimate the eyes of a therianthrope. However, I'm a little relieved to see her being somewhat cheerful.”

After Jillbert happily talked about Liliana's safety, Clarissa showed a surprised expression for an instant before smiling back with relief. As she did, Jillbert's happy smile turned into a wicked one.

“What's that? Were you feeling guilty?”

“Like you should be talking, earlier when you were talking to the darkness―to Liliana Zandyke, you were talking like you were trying to atone weren't you?”

“Fuu. We caused her trouble due to our carelessness, and in the end we didn't do anything about it. I'll at least do that much...”

Jilbert cast her eyes down timidly. Originally, during Romeon's case, Liliana was never meant to go through that kind of suffering. In a way, the two of them could be suitably blamed for that happening. It was somewhat convenient to only talk about the sins the were carrying after all this time, but that was about all they could do. Clarissa then returned Jillbert a nod.

“Certainly. However, our concern is probably just needless anxiety now.”

“Oi, are you maybe saying that because she's together with that punk?”

“Yes.”

As Clarissa pleasantly nodded at her, Jillbert glared back like she just remembered something.

“Or rather, why is the Lonely Figure's daughter together with that asshole? Did you do something behind the scenes?”

“No, I did not do anything.”

“So why?”

“According to the Lonely Figure-dono, Suimei-sama was the one to strike down Romeon.”

“Ah? That guy? That's a joke right? That kind of punk that you can find absolutely anywhere did?”

“Yes.”

Clarissa replied back without hesitation. Like she found it absolutely unbelievable, Jillbert made an enormous frown. A voice suddenly came out of nowhere towards them.

“―Hou? You met the human who brought an end to that uproar?”

The voice was that of a young man. When they looked towards the source of it, a dragonnewt was standing at the entrance to the vacant plot. His bright green long hair was blowing in the gentle breeze. Behind his ears were two silver horns. He was wearing white clothing that looked like traditional Japanese attire and his arms were hidden within his long sleeves.

“You always just show up out of nowhere huh. But setting that aside, you're late.”

As Jillbert looked at him critically, Eanru cheerfully laughed like he wasn't feeling sorry about it at all.

“Aah sorry sorry. I had some minor business is all―So about what you were just talking about.”

“About that punk?”

“Just as Clarissa said, I'm sure the Lonely Figure said the man from that case was named Suimei... or something like that, right?”

“Dragonkin. Is that really true?”

Jillbert narrowed her eyes and looked at him at full attention. Eanru nodded back to her.

“If it is as the Lonely Figure says, then yes. From what he said, it seems that man saw through all of Romeon's spells and called down the stars from the heavens to defeat him and the darkness covering him. The Lonely Figure didn't talk about any more details than that though... It's a shame I was unable to participate in your fortunate chance meeting with him.”

After hearing the abridged explanation of what happened, Jillbert's admiration showed on her face.

“Hoou... That punk defeated Romeon when he went berserk you say? Just from his appearance he looks totally unreliable though.”

“That is not true, Jill. Even back at the Twilight Pavilion in the Empire, when Suimei-sama confronted the hero from El Meide, he completely overwhelmed that hero after all.”

“He did that to the hero from El Meide? That hero, if I remember right, he was quite capable wasn't he? Wasn't there talks that right from the beginning he was fighting and beating up those damn demons?”

Remembering Elliot's prowess on the battlefield the moment he was summoned, Jillbert looked at Clarissa like she couldn't believe her at all.

“Oh my, Jill, are you doubting my eyes?”

“The hero has the divine protection from the summoning ritual right? There's no way there would be people who have power which surpasses that.”

“Oh? In that case what does that make us?”

“Exceptions.”

“In that case it isn't that strange for there to be other exceptions correct?”

“...”

Jillbert grimaced at her sophistry while still refusing to believe her. Clarissa then shook her head and continued.

“The mana filling Suimei-sama's body far exceeds what the hero from El Meide possesses. There is no mistaking the fact that the power he possess exceeds that of the hero from El Meide.”

Clarissa asserted this with a unwavering gaze. Thinking that her words sounded like she was somehow praising Suimei, Jillbert suddenly realized something.

“Hey, Clara. Could it be, that's the guy you were thinking of pulling in as a companion earlier?”

“Yes.”

As Clarissa nodded telling her she was right on the mark, Jillbert pressed her hand to her face.

“Oi... Really, that punk...?”

“Having defeated Romeon who was taken in by the power of darkness, do you not think that there are no problems with his capabilities?”

“That's... I don't have any objections with that, but...”

“I don't mind at all if it's a strong guy.”

Eanru was a simpleton, but Jillbert was still not convinced. Her expression was still quite grim. She was making a face like something was stuck in the back of her teeth. Looking at her make that expression, Clarissa continued talking.

“Jill, do you hate him that much?”

“It's not really to that extent, but he gets along well with Lefille and right now he's taking care of the Lonely Figure's daughter right? If something happens, I would feel sorry for those guys.”

“Oh my, you're quite kind aren't you?”

“Th-that's not really how it is.”

As Clarissa smiled and pointed that out, Jill was in a fluster as she banged on the crate she was sitting on and looked away while turning red. And then, in a complete turn, she made a restless and doubtful expression before questioning Clarissa.

“But Clara, why do you recommend that punk so strongly? To do what we must do, just strength isn't...”

“Of course, I first had my eyes on him after the matter with El Meide's hero, but my recommendation was also based on other factors. Just as Jill just heard, it was Romeon's incident. In the end, I only learned this after the incident had concluded.”

Using that as a preface, Clarissa went on to explain her reasoning.

“When Suimei-sama first got involved in that incident, it was to protect the small Lefille-san from the inexplicable expectations of the Goddess. For that purpose, everything would have ended cleanly if all he did was capture the culprit behind the incidents, Liliana Zandyke. But Suimei-sama was not seduced by the short-term benefits and did not lose sight of his own sense of justice. He gazed at what he should be doing, regardless of the path of suffering that he would have to endure, and saved that girl who was also a victim. Honestly speaking, I was surprised that kind of method even existed in this world.”

“Well, certainly I do find that quite admirable but...”

“Are you saying that seriously?”

Clarissa's chilling tone caused Jillbert to hesitate to continue. The cold words she threw before Jill were implying that she had holes in her eyes.

“Jill. Did you not feel it? When Suimei-sama and the others were walking straight towards us, they all had a gentle appearance. Lefille-san, Stingray-san and Liliana Zandyke were all smiling. When I saw the way they were, it looked dazzling to me.”

“That's...”

That impression contrasted completely from Jill's first impression of that man. However, exactly because there was such a contrast, there were certainly parts that she empathized with. Earlier, Suimei and the others were walking together while having a pleasant conversation. Because they were only talking about trifling matters, it was as if they were living a completely peaceful life.

That casual scene could be said to be anywhere one looks. However, after all the suffering they faced in the Empire, could it definitively be said that it was a result that could be brought about? Jill was not one who would just nod thoughtlessly after being asked such a question.

Within that circle of smiles, there was a young girl who should have been tormented by darkness. From what she heard, that young girl had spent her time since infancy in a way where it wouldn't be strange for her to be completely swallowed by darkness at any moment. Then just why was she able to smile the way she did at that time?

The smile they saw from her was one that she could not possibly make unless she was at peace at the very root of her heart. It was something that was impossible as long as darkness lurked within her body, a smile which saved the heart.

It was probable that her smile lied at the end of a single thread of hope among the many lines of fate buried underneath the darkness. Without exaggeration, all other threads should have lead only to despair. However, that man reached that thread of hope as he struggled. He won a victory over the Goddess which could be comparable to a miracle.

They were completely ignorant of the technique he used to accomplish such a feat. However, the reason why she was so entranced by that man, was because she thought his back as he walked into the evening sun appeared much more dazzling and priceless than the sun itself.

“... But even so, I still don't think it's a good fit.”

“Even after understanding fully?”

“It's because I do, Clara. I understand that that punk is not someone who really acts in the open. I also get that he is like us in that he's a guy who resides on the other side. But you know, that he has a part that is fundamentally different from us. He's too dazzling. If we're the darkness of the world, then he is the light within the darkness. Because he is in the darkness, he shines even brighter, an extremely dazzling light. How can you say someone that you and me feel that way about is the same as us? That punk, is standing somewhere that should never mix with people like us.”

“That... Certainly may be the case.”

The reason she agreed, we likely because she shared the same premonition in no small amount. As if pouring water on their little exchange, Eanru cut into the conversation.

“There may be no need to worry about it so much you two. Those who are strong mesh well together. Having been involved with you two and having defeated Romeon, he may already be rolled up in it all.”

“Don't say that kind of crap, dragonkin. You really can't read the atmosphere huh.”

“I only spoke of the possibility.”

“That's what I'm saying is crap.”

“In that case should I just not talk?”

“Don't go to such an extreme dammit.”

One was dead serious and the other was exasperated while they had a small exchange. Clarissa then cut in as if to push them on to the main issue.

“By the way Eanru. How is that matter we talked about?”

“Hm? Aah, now that you mention it, we've been ignoring her.”

“Ah?”

“The one right behind me is the hero who was summoned in Thoria. Red Pain brought her along this morning and handed them over to the Lonely Figure.”

After a brief explanation, Eanru took a step to the side. As he did, a woman shallowly wearing a light brown robe appeared behind him. It seemed that she was standing there the whole time. Matching up with what Eanru said, her appearance matched the characteristics of the hero summoned in Thoria. Seeing this, Jillbert spoke up playfully.

“That damn Red Pain, doing this kind of crap behind the scenes. Did you not hear about it, Clara?”

“I was told of it just before we left the Empire.”

It seems she was a little irked about not being told beforehand. Looking back at Clarissa reply to her obediently, she jumped off the box and took a look at the fourth hero's face.

“Disregarding their actual intent, bring in all the heroes huh... So, which one is this?”

After Jillbert asked whether she came along willingly, Eanru gave a brief reply.

“This woman refused, so it seems she is one who had her consciousness stolen.”

“I see. You're quite unfortunate huh.”

Jillbert looked at Thoria's hero with pity. However, because the hero's actions were all under control, she remained completely silent. Sensing that it was meaningless to try and talk to her, Jillbert let out a dissatisfied idle complaint.

“But you know, if we're going to be doing stuff like this, I'd prefer to be told beforehand. We just happened to have two heroes together back in the Empire right? It would have been faster to do something about them first... But I guess it was possible to make more powerful enemies other than just the two heroes...”

“But in the end it all worked out didn't it? I hear the man who defeated Romeon is a very close friend of Astel's hero. If the hero summoned from another world and that man were dutifully bound together, we would probably end up coming into conflict with that man―Personally that would be exactly what I want though.”

“Yeah yeah, I get it.”

Jillbert averted her gaze as she apathetically agreed with Eanru. But he did at least have a point. Of course, this was not about wanting to face off against those three. Both Clarrisa and Jillbert thought that following their strategy in the Empire would have become quite difficult if Suimei decided to help Reiji out. Naturally, they wanted to avoid coming into conflict with the many powers surrounding those two heroes at the time.

“Well, even without telling you two it seems like you'll make a move anyways.”

“Is that sarcasm?”

“I'm saying you're quite skilled. If it was such a trifling matter, you two would accomplish it with ease right?”

“Well now that you say it, I can't deny the possibility.”

Clarissa also agreed with Eanru's opinion. Securing the heroes would be a small sacrifice to the two of them towards a great cause. If they could, they would rather accomplish this tidily and innocuously though. Eanru then spoke up like he suddenly remembered something.

“There's also one more report from the Lonely Figure. Astel's hero departed for the self governed states.”

Jillbert then raised her voice hysterically.

“Haa!? Wasn't that hero supposed to stay put in the Empire?”

“That was supposed to be the case, but it seems he began to move. It looks like something beyond our expectations occurred.”

“Is that really okay?”

Jillbert was grimacing, but Clarissa was not affected the same way.

“On the grand scheme of things it likely will not be a problem. At that level, I believe it is well within the margin for error.”

“Or is it that, Jillbert? Do you not believe in that person?”

Seeing Eanru poke fun at her, Jillbert looked back at him uncomfortably.

“That's not what I mean...”

“That person finds it troubling to explain things to others. His head is made entirely different from our thoughtless selves―No, it may be better to say it is from an entirely different dimension.”

“I get it. You don't have to say that after all this time.”

“If so, that is fine―So, Clarissa, I'll leave this woman to you.”

“Eanru, where are you headed to?”

“Next is the Alliance's hero after all, I need to go get ready.”

Leaving behind Thoria's hero, Eanru left the vacant lot in the weapons store district.

★

Beyond the mountains where human territory ends, even further north than the precipice to the north which is so tall it could pierce the heavens, in the rugged polar regions, there was a castle which could not possibly be built by human hands.

It had an outrageously enormous and majestic appearance. It was made with sensitivity and filled with details that would be impossible for humanity no matter what they did. Something thick was surrounding the area around the structure as it wriggled and wrapped around it. Currently in that place, was the current Demons Lord. It was the castle that served as Nakshatra's main headquarters. Within a single room of the Demon Lord's castle, crowded around a single square table, several living beings made of heterogeneous parts shaped like humans were holding a meeting.

At the head of the table, looking down at all those gathered there, was a young girl's figure wearing pompous clothing with black hair and dark brown skin. Standing at her back, was a man with golden forelocks hanging over his face. And then around the table in order. There was a man with long white hair, red eyes and a slender contour. A blooming young woman with jet black bat-like wings growing from her back. Perhaps unable to sit in a chair, an object like a lump of flesh large enough to monopolize the entire width of the table with arms and legs sprouting out of it. And seated opposite of it was a darkness clad in a robe in the shape of a tall human figure. Finally, the black haired young girl sitting at the head of the table opened her mouth with arrogance.

“―It seems Mauhario was defeated, Vuishta?”

Vuishta was the darkness wearing a robe seated opposite of the lump of flesh. Hearing her question, that form that didn't look like it was made of any substance turned the portion of darkness where its face should be towards her and answered.

“Ha. It is exactly as Nakshatra-sama says. Mauhario-dono died in action in the recent fight against the Alliance's hero. Only my own and Moolah-dono's armies remain within Alliance territory.”

A young man's voice came from within the robe. The voice reported their defeat to the young girl―Nakshatra, but what followed that was a fearless tone which did not give off any feeling that he was even thinking of the companion who was just defeated.

“However, please be completely at ease your Majesty. I have already arrived at a method of defeating the Alliance's hero. Soon, thanks to my plan, I will definitely be able to deliver the head of that hero to you.”

“I see. If you have a plan then it is fine. We will leave that matter to Moolah and yourself.”

“Ha.”

Perhaps intending to bow down to Nakshtra, the upper portion of the robe inclined forward. Because confidence could be heard in Vuishta's voice, a doubtful voice rang in the air suspecting he was overestimating himself.

“But will it really go that well I wonder?”

“... Lishbaum-dono. What do you mean by that?”

Vuishta turned towards the man standing behind Nakshatra, Lishbaum who replied back to him.

“No, it is just that there was the case of his Excellency Rajas, I just remembered something to be anxious about. In the current situation where there are four heroes, we don't know where we'll have the carpet pulled out from underneath us.”

“I am absolutely sure of my plan. Using Moolah-dono's large army as a diversion, we will attract their main forces and pull in the hero and her companions when they split off, then annihilate them.”

“But will the hero get caught by that scheme so easily?”

The one to asked was the lump of flesh. After it asked of the credibility of his plan in a grating voice, Vuishta fired back with a voice filled with self-confidence.

“The hero and the soldiers of the Alliance are likely so happy from annihilating one of our armies that they cannot keep their feet on the ground. I'm one hundred percent sure they will fall for my trick.”

“I see. Do you mean to say that while the enemy is making merry, you will make use of that vigour?”

“That is exactly what I am saying. Lishbaum-dono.”

After Vuishta confirmed his intentions, the white haired man with red eyes―Ilzarl spoke with contempt.

“To use the dead Mauhario... is it? No, Vuishta you bastard, did you use Mauhario as bait?”

Hearing those words that were meant to criticize him, Vuishta leaked out a joyous stifled laughter like his plan was being praised.

“Don't be absurd. All I did was relay Mauhario-dono's desire to fight the hero in personal combat over to Moolah-dono.”

“I see. So that's how that damn Mauhario ended up as a good sacrificial stone.”

“His Excellency's desire was granted after all, I'm sure he was satisfied to fulfill that role.”

“I bet.”

Ilzarl replied in a flat tone. On the other hand, listening to their exchange, Nakshatra looked at Ilzarl with a cold gaze.

“Fumu? Ilzarl, it couldn't be, do you have a complaint about Mauhario's fate?”

“Myself? That is indeed impossible, Nakshatra. Mauhario lost because he was weak. There is nothing more than that. Just what were you trying to confirm with that question?”

“Fuu, then it is fine. We were just a little flustered that you may have been carried away by some damned emotions.”

“Simply impossible.”

Ilzarl snorted like he wasn't amused at all. While the master and servant were having such a meaningless conversation, the woman with bat wings growing out of her back looked at Vuishta doubtfully.

“I understand what you're planning Vuishta, but in the end, how are you planning to defeat the Alliance's hero?”

“Are you belittling my power, Latora?”

“The Alliancess hero is a woman isn't she? If it was me I could do something amusing you see? Was it Noshias? Just like the little cutie from there. Mmm~fufuu~”

Saying this, Latora suddenly showed a lewd smile. On the other hand, perhaps because he was reacting to what she was talking about, the lump of flesh opposite of Vuishta's spat back at her with a grating voice.

“The Shrine Maiden of Spirits? It would have been fine to kill her right away.”

“That's no fun right? Aaah, Rajas was so open minded about things like this~. He had the belief that an enemy's heart should be smashed to pieces before killing them.”

Latora spoke with disappointment, but the lump of flesh sank into silence and had nothing to say back to her. Cutting into their conversation, Vuishta turned to Latora.

“There is no problem. The hero's attacks will not work on me. Hehehe, not on me who has stolen Lishbaum-dono's technique.”

Perhaps because that laughing voice rubbed it the wrong way, or perhaps it was the way Vuishta was speaking, the lump of flesh gave its candid advice to him.

“You sure can bark about a technique you're borrowing.”

“Well it is indeed borrowed, but I have sublimated the technique and succeeded in making it something powerful. In that case is it not my own technique?”

“Fuu.”

Finding his words impudent, the lump of flesh let out a noise like it was snorting and sent out a metal shard flying from its body. But Vuishta did not take any action to dodge the metal shard. It looked like the shard struck him, but it kept flying out behind him.

“Hehehe...”

Setting aside Vuishta who had been letting out a creepy laugh, the lump of flesh turned to Lishbaum.

“Lishbaum, are you fine with this?”

“I don't particularly mind. If it is helpful for his Excellency, then it is just as I desire.”

Lishbaum bowed to Vuishta. His expression was hidden by his forelocks, but he seemed to be pleased. Vuishta's creepy laughter only grew strong as he saw this. Eventually, Vuishta decided to bring an end to this conversation, and turned to Lishbaum.

“That is everything about my plan. Lishbaum-dono. Are you more convinced of it now?”

“All is as you will, your Excellency. I thank you deeply for the compassion of putting to rest my needless anxieties. Well then, your Majesty.”

“We're done with this topic right? Then Vuishta, go.”

Hearing Nakshatra's command, Vuishta bowed down deeply as he stepped back and vanished into the darkness. Nakshatra then moved on to the next topic of conversation.

“Now then, we will give you bastards our orders from here on out. Latora, Grallajearus, you two will link up with Striga. And was it called Nelferia? You will open a path up to there. Vuishta and Moolah's armies are in the Alliance, so getting that far should be a simple matter.”

“Yay~. The summoned hero of the country on the way there was a woman right? I'm looking forward to it~. Just how should I torment her I wonder~?”

“All is as you will. Please look forward to a favourable report.”

One replied with their canines showing and a delightful voice, while the other replied quietly in a grating one. Latora and Grallajearus excused themselves from the table and vanished into the darkness. And then, there was only one left who had yet to receive any orders, and he raised his voice suspiciously.

“Oi Nakshatra, what about me?”

As Ilzarl questioned her with doubt, Lishbaum was the one to answer him.

“My apologies. Your Excellency Ilzarl will be handling another matter.”

“You're planning to have me take on independent action to fulfill your damn scheme?”

“Yes. Your Excellency, from here I would like you to head to the self governed states, and retrieve the weapon left behind by a hero.”

“A weapon? Isn't it fine to leave something like that alone? The ones who received divine protection from the Goddess are one thing, but whatever they are holding on to aren't really a threat.”

“Ilzarl. This is Lishbaum's request, and it has our authorization.”

Hearing Nakshatra's words, Ilzarl's eyebrow twitched. And then, he steadily faced Lishbaum.

“... It's an unusual request. Is it that much of a threat?”

“It is an object called a reality phenomenon armament. Its main purpose is used for something else entirely, but it is likely that it is one part of a means for a human to directly oppose our God Zekaraia.”

“Hou? Now that is interesting. Fine then. I will go along with your damn scheme.”

“My humble thanks.”

Lishbaum bowed down respectfully. However, Ilzarl could sense that there was no feeling behind his words and that he was simply being flattered as he let out a snort. And then, as he was on his way out of the room, he stopped walking.

“Your Excellency?”

“―Lishbaum. I just remembered that I had one thing I wanted to ask you.”

“What could that be?”

“What kind of person defeated Rajas?”

When Lishbaum heard this question, a faint smile floated up on his face.

“Among the humans, it is said that the hero from Astel defeated him right?”

“That's wrong.”

“Why do you think so?”

“Intuition.”

“You jest.”

Lishbaum replied to that question in a way that could be considered as not an answer at all while still maintaining his smile. Ilzarl then continued speaking while oozing out a serious aura.

“... For someone like Rajas who received so much of Zekaraia's divine protection, there's no way he would lose to a hero who was just summoned and had yet to become familiar with the Goddess' power.”

“If it was someone who already possessed a significant power, then I do not think it would be impossible?”

“There's no way.”

“Why can you declare that?”

“From experience. From the heroes who fought against Zekaraia's will up until now, it takes a certain amount of time before they can fight on the level of you bastards after all.”

“So that's why it is strange for his Excellency Rajas to be defeated by the hero?”

“That's right. No matter how you put it, it's too quick.”

“But even so, there's no point in asking me... Oh dear, how troublesome.”

So he said, but Lishbaum did not actually look troubled at all. Even though there was an existence out there that was capable of defeating a powerful demon general, his appearance did not give a single hint that he considered it a dangerous situation. Or rather it seemed like he was wearing a clown's mask while speaking of the situation.

“You sure are composed. As I expected, don't you know who the guy who defeated Rajas is?”

“Impossible. It is currently under investigation.”

“With that kind of faint smile? You're the one who should be keeping your jokes in check.”

Lishbaum's sycophantic attitude still did not break and Ilzarl glared at him with a cold gaze. Seeing that he had no intention of averting that gaze, Lishbaum let out a sigh like he was giving in, and peeled back his fool's skin. As he did, the temperature in the room dropped. As the room became cold enough to freeze anything and everything, a sound like something was cracking began to fill the air. In the brief moment when this unusual phenomenon happened, an atmosphere spread around the room which would leave even a demon feeling unpleasant.

―What was being spread in the atmosphere of that room in the Demon Lord's castle, was none another than the spirit type cold fired off by magicians.

“Pardon my words your Excellency, is it not reasonable that the one who defeated his Excellency Rajas was the hero after all? From what your Excellency said before, even if it was someone who possessed a substantial amount of power beforehand, his Excellency Rajas would be impossible to defeat. Also, a hero who received the divine protection from the Goddess would be unable to do so.”

“Therefore... Fumu, certainly that is implying a hero would be unable to defeat him at all.”

“―That is correct your Excellency. It is a bit of a inconsistency.”

“... Then, I withdraw my words from before. Even without the Goddess' power, there are means to defeat him.”

Those were the words Lishbaum wanted to hear. He made an ominous smile that Ilzarl had never seen before, and gave him the reply he wanted.

“―The name of the one who defeated his Excellency Rajas, is Yakagi Suimei. He is a modern magician affiliated to the Magician's Society revived by the magician king Nestahaim. His rank is classed as high grade. Among the magicians, the magic systems that he can uses covers a fairly wide range. Among those, he can use holy lightning which comes from divinity which exists on the same plane as our god Zekaraia, a blue cleansing blade which can kill what is called an apparition of the apocalypse in a single strike, a golden shield which has endured the roar of a red dragon, and magic which calls forth falling stars to blow away anything and everything without a trace. With these four great magics filled with astounding power, he has defeated numerous magicians. The magic which defeated his Excellency Rajas was without a doubt the holy lightning holding the power of a sacred guardian angel. Against us, that is the most effective.”

“... You bastard.”

“Along the way, do be careful if you happen to meet that man. If it is your Excellency, then your affinity against him is quite good, but that man is one who will stand up as many times as he has to so long as his dreams are not shattered. Unless the merciless reality that he can never return is made apparent to him, he will only be repeating my failures.”

Within those words Lishbaum fired out were feelings that he recalled of his extraordinary destiny. It wasn't just resentment, and was not just anger. It wasn't quite admiration, but had some joy. After his voice filled with a flood of emotions went silent, the remaining demon general vanished into the darkness and melted away.

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