novelVolume 2, (2B)
| ← Ch.11 | Ch.13 → |
Volume 2, Chapter 2 (2)
Part 5
"Treating it as though it never happened, just what do you mean by that, Sumika-san?"
Elfiena asked Sumika's true intention in confusion.
On the other hand, Sumika, she replied with a strong expression and slow speaking tone.
"It's exactly as I said.... I think Elfiena-san has understood already, but unfortunately the human society won't accept you fairies that are demons. The dread carved inside mankind against the demons is just that deeply rooted. I think that Elfiena-san, who knows about Typhon and Jambure's barbarity, can imagine just how much that dread is."
"......"
"Even if you can temporarily win over an alliance in this negotiation, mankind won't tolerate the existence of the demons.
There is no doubt that first, there will be an uprising of movement that try to remove the fairies with violence.
... It's an impossible talk in the first place, something like an alliance between demons and humans.
Mankind will never tolerate the existence of demons that are thinking of migrating to earth by any means.
But, if it's right now then it's still not too late, the humans that know about Elfiena-san's existence are only the people here.
That's why if we all just forget everything, then this encounter can be made to never exist.
Elfiena-san can safely return home to the demon world. Isn't that... the most beneficial compromise for both human and fairy at this point of time?"
―This thinking of Sumika was correct.
Even if, for argument's sake, Elfiena could talk down the three representatives of the ~United World Government~ here, the humans who had their parents, child, lover, killed at ~Walpurgis Night~ were all over this world in great number.
They, the general public wouldn't tolerate the existence of Elfiena and the fairies.
... It would become a tragic event without fail.
Such outcome was clearly visible.
That was why Sumika thought.
The very best outcome to come out from this place. The method so that no harm would come to Elfiena.
That method, there was nothing else but to make this encounter between human and fairy to never exist in the first place.
But, naturally Joseph and Tairon snapped at this.
"Do, don't shit with me! You gonna let a demon get away right under your nose!?"
"I firmly object! To let go a clue of ~Enchant~ slip away from our hands, that's idiotic! Besides even though this girl has the appearance of a human at a glance, but she is a demon, a monster! There is no human that will say any complaint at handling her violently, they will even sing our praise instead!"
It was the obvious reaction.
~Enchant~ was a technique that could control mankind's destiny.
To let go of such unique chance that could solve this problem by their own hands, it was absurd.
It was unthinkable for these two who took a stance closer to mankind's side to just let go of Elfiena. However―
"―I am in favour of Hoshikawa-san's idea."
There was just one person among the ~United World Government~ that agreed to Sumika's idea, it was Kinugasa.
"Kinugasa, you bastard... !"
"Are you saying that you are betraying mankind, you!"
"I don't have such an intention.... Just even in the case that the other party is a demon, but to capture an unresisting emissary and dissect her, no matter who will forgive such an action, I myself won't forgive myself. If I do such a thing, the girl's death will become a bitter memory that will torment me forever. To have a nightmare every night, that's something that I want to avoid."
Kinugasa calmly, but firmly declared that with a voice filled with resolve.
There was no lie in those words.
There was no lie but― he supported Sumika's idea in this place was not only because of the beautiful excuse that he had just said.
If Elfiena was captured here and the technique of ~Enchant~ was established in the future, the national power of the ~Five Great Leaders~ which was already higher to begin with would leave behind the other countries including Japan more and more.
If that happened, then the obstruction of the ~One Year Plan~ would become extremely difficult.
It was a decision made from including such a calculation too.
But, no matter what kind of thinking he had in his heart, a support was still a support.
For the opinion of the people of the ~United World Government~ to be split, was a support that Sumika was extremely thankful to.
What was left was―
"Homura-san, what do you think?"
If she could make Homura as her ally here, then they would be able to overcome this situation.
This happening might be taken up as a problem in the future, but if they could just suppress this place and returned Elfiena home back to the demon world quickly, at the very least her life would be saved.
(It's fine to think of what might happen in the future later on. )
Anyway, if they couldn't overcome this place, they wouldn't be able to save Elfiena.
That was why Sumika looked straight at Homura's eyes who was standing behind Kinugasa and asked.
Surely if it was Homura who was kinder than anyone else, she believed that he wouldn't participate in Tairon and Joseph's plan to capture Elfiena and dissect her.
However―
"...... That's no good."
Her expectation was betrayed.
Part 6
"Wha-"
"Ma, Master!?"
This answer of Homura made not only Sumika, but also Chikori who was beside her raise a voice that sounded like a scream.
The girls didn't even imagine this.
For that gentle Homura to oppose this proposition.
"Then Homura-san, are you saying that it's fine for Elfiena-san to be captured and dissected!?"
Sumika pressed her question at Homura with a trembling voice that didn't hide her agitation.
But in contrast to Sumika who was being that agitated, Homura returned his words with an expression that was completely calm.
"I ain't saying that."
Of course, Homura noticed Sumika's motive that tried to return Elfiena back to the demon world safely.
To stand up desperately for the sake of a demon that was supposed to be her enemy, such thinking was really like this girl who was worried for him who was the ~Evil God User~ that was hated by the world, Homura even felt admiration.
But at the same time, Homura also understood that her thinking was just a pipe dream.
As for the reason,
"But Sumika, your idea just won't go through. After all, Elfiena herself ain't planning to draw back from this."
"Eh..."
Getting that pointed out by Homura, Sumika once again turned her eyes to Elfiena... and noticed.
That Elfiena was glaring at her with a threatening gaze.
As if, right, it was as if,
―As if Elfiena was enraged saying, don't say anything unnecessary, at Sumika with her gaze.
And then as if to prove that premonition,
"Sumika-san. My apologies but, I cannot accept Sumika-san's proposition."
Elfiena said out a decisive sentence.
"I am still not giving up on forming an alliance with the human race yet."
"Tha, that's-! Elfiena-san! Do you still not understand!? No matter how attractive your proposal is, there is no place in mankind's mind that can accept demons... ! Even if you persistently force yourself here, you will only die a dog's death in the future!"
There was only ruin awaiting Elfiena at the end of her choice.
Sumika knew that so she tried to persuade her with all her might.
However―
"No. It's not impossible."
Elfiena declared so.
With a certain confidence― with an expression that made one feel some sort of determination.
Just from where in the world could she get that kind of confidence?
Elfiena added her words towards the confused Sumika.
"Because, I still have a resource left that can persuade all of you humans."
"What d'you say?"
Tairon narrowed his eyes from these words of Elfiena.
Was this girl bluffing, Tairon was trying to ascertain that.
But, Elfiena's expression and tone, there was no falsehood in them.
The girl really did have something like that.
A material that was even more beneficial for this negotiation.
"... In truth, I don't want to do this kind of negotiation. This is a topic that I was thinking of dealing with together after the alliance is formed. But if the human's animosity is deeply rooted until this much, then it can't be helped."
"What are you doing putting on airs? Talk quickly!"
Against that hurrying of Tairon, until the end Elfiena moved at her own pace.
And then after taking a deep breath... she took out her last ace for this negotiation.
"―I think I have talked about the current situation of the demon world before this.
That currently, the demon world is thrust into a warring states era due to the powerful clans.
However, this information is already a little obsolete.
The war situation has advanced, many powerful clans were eliminated and absorbed by the victor, such process was repeated many times until now, where there are four great forces moving the war situation into an extermination war.
These four great forces are each a robust army led by the best demon kings of the demon world, where the battle was in a stalemate for a long period.... However the other day, finally, one of the four great forces was dropping out from this struggle for hegemony."
"That's why, what's that got to do with anything huh? It ain't our problem whatever happened in the demon world."
"Can you still say that, even after hearing that this strong army of the demon world that has dropped out from the war is now aiming for the human world just like Typhon and Jambure?"
"Wha... WHATT!?"
Being told so suddenly of that worst situation, shudders ran at the expression of all people present in that place except Homura.
"You are saying, that ~Demon King class~ is going to attack again!? Even though Jambure has just come here the other day!?"
The atmosphere became coldly tense.
Inside that tense atmosphere, Elfiena stroked her long ears and detached the gem that was attached on her earlobe's piercing.
And then she put that gem on top of the table and filled it with magic power.
Thereupon, above the table... a three dimensional hologram was projected from the gem.
"Thi, this is...... -!"
"This is the image that I filmed at the dimensional boundary before coming to the human world."
What was projected in the filmed image was a wasteland where there was not even a single grass growing.
There an army of demons was lining up in a size to the degree that they completely covered the horizon.
In the scene, not to mention ~Soldier class~ and ~Knight class~, ~General class~ demons starting from baphomet were taking position with three giant humanoids as the center.
"What is, this number... -"
Chikori spoke tremblingly with a pale face.
But it was only natural.
Even the army that Jambure previously led was a threat that was enough to make mankind fall into despair.
Yet despite so, what was projected right now was an army on the scale that could possibly be several thousand more than that.
They understood just from a glance.
The force of the enemy far surpassed mankind's ability to deal with it.
But―the threat of this army was not in this army,
"They are one of the four great forces, the ~Giant Army~. These remnants numbering one million in total are led by three ~Demon Kings~ that are ~Gyges~ ~Kottos~ ~Aegaeon~, a large army of the demon world's best."
"Th, three demon kings you said... -!?"
Correct. standing in the center of the army, there were three bodies of humanoid devil with robust physiques so big that their heads pierced the clouds. That was exactly the true threat.
Each of them had a size that rivaled Typhon and Jambure...
No, that was because they were ~Demon King class~ demons that possessed power far exceeding even the previous two.
"Is, is it really true that these guys are trying to come to the human world!?"
"Yes. The place that they are currently deploying their troops at is a place that is called the ~Field of Interstice~ in the demon world, it's a place that is like the entrance to the human world. By using dimensional teleportation sorcery in that place, we demons are able to come to the human world. Saying it in reverse, there is no reason for them to come to that place other than to come to the human world. ―Most of all, because the ~Giant Army~ is a large household, it will take time for them to invoke the teleportation sorcery though. But it's really only a matter of time, there is no change to the reality that they are going to appear in the human world. Calculating it in this side's measuring... after seventy two hours of earth time, I guess they will manifest all at once on the Australian continent of earth."
Elfiena indifferently answered the question of Joseph who was asking with a pale face only with fact.
The sight in front of their eyes was a reality.
They would appear on earth in a few days.
And then―
"And then, if the ~Giant Army~ manifest on earth, surely the human race will perish for sure this time."
It was the only fact.
"You really said it huh. So even I cannot win against them then."
Elfiena nodded without any hesitation towards Homura's question.
"Yes. I am informed that ~Evil God User~-sama is possessing an overwhelming power even against Typhon and Jambure, but even so you cannot win. They who were nothing more than the head of a small force even though they were the same ~Demon King~, compared to the strength of ~Gyges~ ~Kottos~ ~Aegaeon~―they the ~Hecatoncheires~ who is one of the full-fledged four great forces that divided the demon world into four, the dimension of their strength is different."
"Well, I can understand that even just from seeing this projection."
"Besides, most of all... they are possessing an extremely peculiar body structure."
"Peculiar structure?"
"I expressed that vaguely but, please think of it as them possessing an extremely powerful [immortality]. They, the demon kings of three bodies, no matter what kind of attack they receive, they are able to immediately recover their damage. As long as they are not attacked using a certain method, they cannot be damaged at all."
"―Something like that is certainly troublesome. Honestly, the small fries under their feet ain't a big threat no matter how many billion there are, but for something this gigantic to have immortality on top of that, it might be too much for me to take them on even with ~Evil God~."
Joseph snarled as if screaming at Homura who was murmuring those words with a small voice.
"Wh, what are you doing saying something weak like that! Against something like those, yo, you are not troubled at all aren't you!"
But in contrast with Joseph who was in panic, with a cool expression Homura was,
"Well, just calm down. What I just said is only in the case that I got no information about these three demon kings at all. If I just understand about that certain particular method, I'll kill them surely.... And then, the one that broached this story in this place is ―Elfiena. You know it right. These three demon kings... ~Hecatoncheires~' weakness."
Homura calmed down Joseph while directing the question at Elfiena.
Correct. Elfiena had said that.
That she had a material that could persuade the human race.
And that led to this talk. ―Then, the material that the fairy race's side was going to present was,
There was only one that could be thought of.
This assumption of Homura, was correct.
"It helps me that you quickly understand. It's exactly as you said."
Elfiena strongly nodded and then she gazed at the three people of the ~United World Government~ lining in front of her, and said.
"We of the [Fairy race] are thinking to put this information on the table of the negotiation for an alliance. Based on that term, I wish to ask all of you one more time to consider your acceptance of the [Fairy race]."
Indeed, certainly, this information had a really great value for mankind.
No, it was something that they had to obtain no matter what.
There was nothing more valuable than this as a negotiation term.
―But, simultaneously with that,
"You bastard... are you planning to use the lives of us humans as a shield to advance the negotiation-!"
Exactly as what Joseph was being indignant about, Elfiena was aggressively negotiating by taking hostage the life of the other party.
Naturally, the atmosphere of the place turned dangerous drastically.
But even sensing that atmosphere,
"I don't mind if you perceive it like that."
Elfiena didn't draw back.
That fact distorted Sumika's expression.
She understood.
(There is, no taking it back anymore... )
Right now in this moment, Elfiena had already stepped over a line that she mustn't cross.
As expected―
"DON'T SHIT WITH ME YOU BITCHHHHH!!!!"
Tairon threw away the table put between the two parties in rage.
"Three days... in just three days you said-! You're full of shit! It ain't the time for this kind of farce anymore! We are tying this woman right now and make her spit out the information! Don't tell me that there are anymore idiots thats gonna protest this, now that it has reached this point, aaaah!?"
In regard to this, even Kinugasa who supported Sumika's proposition before this also nodded.
"... I guess. Certainly, after listening to this kind of story... my apologies, but there is no way we can let you go back to the demon world anymore.
The card that you put out right now is too excessive.
If you just didn't do that, we could make this encounter today to have never happened.
Yet, your unnecessary words cut off your own escape route.
We, mankind cannot let you go back to the demon world safely anymore.
Whether what you are saying is true or just a bluff for negotiation, it makes us have to take away that information by all possible means. No matter what kind of inhumane method that we have to use."
Correct. This method of defeating the demon king might just be a bluff of Elfiena.
But, it couldn't be overlooked just because of that.
The three people here were not in a position that could do that.
They had to obtain that information no matter what even if they had to use inhumane methods.
They, the ~United World Government~ were shouldering a responsibility towards the sake of mankind.
Therefore, Kinugasa's words were like a death sentence for Elfiena.
But, even now after hearing those words―
"I don't mind. Because I too, don't have any intention of returning back to the demon world."
The girl's dignified stance didn't crumble, she stared straight into the eyes of the three people in front of her.
Sumika and Chikori could only be perplexed towards that truly imposing behavior.
"Tha, that's no good, something like that-! If that's happens then El-san will... !"
"Elfiena-san, why..."
She should have understood already.
That mankind wouldn't respond to a negotiation with the demons.
That even profitable negotiation terms were useless, that just by showing it made her fall into danger.
If the negotiation table was kicked flying and she was threatened by violence, Elfiena who was just alone couldn't do anything.
She could only get trampled down at someone's mercy.
Even though all of that were something understandable if one just thought about it a little, yet why―
"Just why are you being this reckless..."
... Towards Sumika and Chikori who were in such a confusion... Elfiena suddenly turned her gaze to them.
And then, she showed a bright― a smiling face so bright that it looked out of place with the current situation.
"―Sumika-san, Chikori-san. Thank you very much.
To worry about I who is your enemy, a demon, until that much.
I feel really happy from your kind feeling.
But― I'm sorry.
Just like these gentlemen here, who shoulder the responsibility towards the human race, I too have the responsibility towards all two million of the fairy race's― no, even towards more in the future, the life of those who will be born from now on too.
Even now, in this moment, my comrades, in their fear where they don't even know when they will be eaten in the demon world that has been turned into hell, they are waiting for me believing that I will return after ensuring a new place to belong to for us in this world.
Failure cannot be forgiven.
For that reason, I must use this card.
I understand, that if I use this card all of you will come to capture me.
I don't think of that as cruel. After all, in their position I would also do the same thing.
But, I think that's fine.
The reason for that is because I will never speak of this information by any means even if I am to receive any kind of humiliation or pain.
If I do that, with each day that passed the situation will became even more beneficial for the [Fairy race(us)] in this negotiation.
It's a matter of course. The time remaining for the humans is not much.
Because just as I expressed before this, the demon army will appear in this world without fail in three more days.
... Before long you will have no choice but to fold.
You will become unable to not answer my wish.
Then, to be captured is not that bad of a choice for us. Isn't that right?"
―That was Elfiena's thinking.
The girl was not challenging the humans with this reckless negotiation thoughtlessly.
From the start, even before she had arrived in the human world, she had already seen through this development.
For that reason, she didn't even bring a single escort with her.
From the beginning, she was planning to be captured.
She made mankind to stand in a dilemma, because she understood that if she didn't corner them until barely the limit, then there was no way a negotiation between demon and human could be established.
"It's not our wish to let this negotiation breakdown peacefully.
If we are sent away with a gentle smile, then we will remain in the seat of negotiation even if we have to cling at it. I have such a responsibility. The responsibility of all the lives of the fairy race that is entrusted to me.
Do you now understand?
Before this you said that I cut my own escape with my unnecessary words, but that is mistaken.
I, in this negotiation, didn't prepare any escape since the beginning.
I have no intention at all to go back home to the demon world with empty hands.
―I came crossing over to this human world with the intent to die."
"""... ―――–"""
Those words that could even be taken as Elfiena's demonstration of determination made most of the people present in that place swallow their breath.
Even the hard-faced Tairon.
They were overpowered by the feeling that this girl wagered on this negotiation.
And then at the same time Sumika also understood.
She had misread this demon girl.
"... I, understand. It seems that I have willfully underestimated your existence as the ~Fairy race's Queen~, seeing you as nothing more than a girl of my age based from your appearance. Forgive me for my impertinent behavior. If Elfiena-san has resolved yourself until that far then... there is nothing more that I can say."
This was not something where she who didn't have any resolve could say anything.
If Elfiena had said that she had resolved herself even for death, then her wanting to bring back the girl without harm to the demon world was nothing more than meddlesomeness.
Sumika withdrew herself after understanding that.
"Thank you."
Elfiena expressed her thanks toward Sumika who respected her will.
"We, the [Fairy race] are also an oppressed race. We know very well about fear and hatred towards the oppressor. Therefore, I also understand just how hard a decision it is that all of you human are being pressed with. That's why, I don't think that I can receive the answer for this alliance that simply. By all means, until all of you of the human race can understand, please make use of all means at your disposal. I'll cooperate with all of that."
Declaring that, Elfiena offered both her hands in front of Tairon.
A gesture that was asking for a handcuff. A message that she wouldn't resist.
Towards this,
"... Uu, guh... !"
Tairon's face sweated and warped in a way that was never seen before.
(This girl, is no good... !)
Tairon who was a pro in violence understood.
These strong green eyes, staring at him straightforwardly, without the least bit of hesitation in it.
The strength of will that resided in it.
A person with this kind of eye, wouldn't break under violence.
It was not the eye of a person that would yield from fear and pain.
No matter how much severe torture she would be put under, this girl would never give out the information that they needed.
Even if she had to exhaust her life to the end.
No matter what kind of act was done towards this girl, it would only end as wasted effort.
Tairon was convinced of that. ―But,
"Br, bring it on! Let's make sure whether your face can still look that prim when I drag out your intestine-!"
But the current them couldn't acquiesce to a demon's demand just because of that.
Since they couldn't do that, even while knowing that it was Elfiena's tactic, they couldn't do anything except taking such action knowing that it was meaningless.
While grinding his teeth from indignation and frustration, Tairon grasped Elfiena's arm...
"―Wait a sec."
But at that moment, just when Tairon's thick arm was going to catch Elfiena's slender arm.
The ~Evil God User~ Kamishiro Homura who until now didn't say anything unless being asked from him, actively let out his voice for the first time in this place.
Part 7
Homura who made Tairon freeze with that calm but sharp voice, asked once more.
"In other words, it's fine for me to consider that as the decision of the ~United World Government~ right?"
"What is it you bastard... Don't tell me that you got a complaint with this."
"No. It's just like Joseph said after all, I got no right at all in regards to mankind yeah. I don't have any plan to nitpick on you guys' decision. You don't see me cutting in even once in the middle of this meeting right? I know of my position in that area. Besides, it ain't like your decision to capture Elfiena here is a decision that is that bad as human."
Correct, this was not a mistaken decision.
If they were going to carry out their responsibility as the representatives of mankind, there was nothing else that could be done except making this decision.
"That's why I got no plan to criticize or blame you guys."
"Then just shut up! We're busy here!"
"You telling me to shut up means this is really you guys' decision then?"
The one who returned an answer to Homura's repeated question was Kinugasa.
"―Unfortunately, we cannot say anything else but that this is how it is. We understand the reason why the [Fairy race] cannot pull back, but as [mankind] with destruction approaching right before our eyes, there is no way we can be picky about our methods here."
Hearing that answer,
"Okay. Then there ain't any other way to compromise except this one thing."
Homura murmured that before snapping his fingers audibly. Instantly―
"Guaa―"
Tairon screamed and got toppled over from his spot.
He was blown away.
At the same time with Homura snapping his finger, a circle shaped magic barrierprotection appeared as if to protect Elfiena.
"Thi, this is ~protection barrier~-!"
No element third grade. It was a defensive sorcery that protected the target with a barrier that reacted towards both sorcery and physical force.
And then, there was only one human in this place that invoked this sorcery in this kind of timing―
"Wh, what are your intentions Kamishiroooo-!"
Naturally Tairon stood up while screaming in rage.
But Homura didn't even glance at him and asked Elfiena.
"Elfiena. The majority of the [Fairy race] is not as big as the average human like you, but only around the size that can be put on top of your palm right? And then usually they are living by merging into nature as spirit body, that's what you said."
"Eh, ah, yes. Correct, that's right, is something wrong?"
"A land around the size of Hachijo island is gonna be sufficient enough for two million fairies like that I think. That place is also quiet separated from [Tokyo life sphere], and since [Walpurgis Night] it was left alone all this time and became like a forest of trees now, so it's just right to be lived at I guess."
"Wha, Ho, Homura-san!? Please wait! What do you mean by that-!?"
Listening to Homura who progressed the talk as he pleased, Kinugasa couldn't bear it and interrupted him with a pale face.
"Do, don't tell me, are you going to make these fairies migrate into Japan!? That's impossible! If a government consented to something like that, a riot might occur inside the life sphere!"
"I got that. After all telling the current humans to get along with the demons is an unreasonable demand."
"Then, what are you talking about since just now..."
"It ain't like I'm telling Japan or the world government to accept Elfiena and the others here."
"......... Don't tell me―"
Suddenly, Kinugasa's eyes opened wide.
He noticed already. Just what it was that Homura was thinking of right now.
And then, Homura who guessed that Kinugasa had understood what it was he was thinking about, showed a powerful smile at Kinugasa.
"It's something like that. I'm hijacking Hachijo Island that has been left alone since ~Walpurgis Night~ from Japan's government. And then I'm going to invite the [Fairy race] to that land by my arbitrary decision. Like this it's fine for the world government to not worry about the people's sentiment. After all this is the arbitrary decision of the notorious ~Evil God User~. Looking at it like that it's a done deal already right? And, as compensation for that you gotta teach me the information about the three demon kings. After all from the beginning only I can deal with ~Demon King class~ anyway. It's fine if only I know it."
""――........." "
Listening to Homura's proposition, Joseph and even Tairon who was being that agitated fell quiet.
And then they started to think of something with a pensive look.
They noticed it.
Homura's proposition... had no demerit at all for them.
They were completely reluctant to invite the [Fairy race] to earth, but they were not recognizing the migration as the ~United World Government~, the story was greatly different if this was an arbitrary decision of the ~Evil God User~.
Perhaps they were going to be criticized as unable to control the ~Evil God User~ from running wild, but they could write that off with the overwhelming bad impression that the perpetrator who invited the demons, Homura himself, would get in return― no, they might get relatively even more in return. Because of the extermination of the demon king Jambure recently, tendency of people reevaluating their opinion of Homura could be seen appearing here and there bit by bit all over the world. By making use of the fairies to greatly drop Homura's evaluation was not really that bad of a choice for the ~United World Government~.
"Well most of all, this is only if Elfiena is fine with that though. How about it? [Fairy race]'s wish to migrate will come true. [Mankind] will be saved from the threat of the ~Giant Army~. ―There ain't any loss for the both sides, I think it's the most valid compromise for the current situation."
"Ah, ye, yes-! It will be a great help if we can migrate to the human world-!"
Elfiena had no reason to not accept this proposition.
She could accomplish her absolute objective in migrating to the human world with this, most of all, she who was a resident of another world didn't know about the circumstance of the complex relationship that Homura had with the world government. She didn't know at all, about what kind of position Homura would be cornered into with the realization of this proposition.
That was why she nodded without hesitation.
"Then that's good. And how about the side of the ~United World Government~?"
The one who opened his mouth towards Homura who was pressing for an answer, was Joseph.
"... Yes. You are arbitrarily inviting the [Fairy race], further if you say that you are going to bear responsibility of taking care of the ~Giant Army~, even for the ~United World Government~ it's fine for us to overlook the hijacking of a single island."
"Just leave that one to me. From the beginning killing demon kings is my domain. Prime Minister Kinugasa, you also don't mind?"
Kinugasa's expression bitterly darkened from Homura's confirmation.
He was different from Joseph and Tairon, he had a favorable sentiment for Homura.
That was why, in reality―he felt a reluctance to get aboard this proposition that would bring harm to Homura alone.
However― even so he was a capable politician.
He couldn't get caught in personal feeling when calculating loss and profit in a matter.
"... It's not like I don't have any objection, but in the current situation, that's the very best method that we can possibly obtain. ―I understand. Japan's government will resign the territorial right of Hachijo island. Originally this is something that cannot be decided arbitrarily by me, but if the one who asked to hand it over was the ~Evil God User~, then surely there will be no complain. After all this is not an opponent that we can even oppose against."
"It helps that you quickly understand."
Like this Homura's proposition obtained the support of both sides of [fairy] and [mankind] in the blink of an eye.
And then the curtain of the negotiation between [fairy] and [mankind] was lowered down―
"SOMETHING LIKE THAT IS JUST NO GOOD–!!!!"
Instantly, a piercing scream forced its way through the mutual understanding that Homura mediated.
Part 8
The eyes of all the people present in that place opened wide in surprise from the voice that shrilly resounded in the board chairman's room.
And then,
"Sumika, san... ?"
With Elfiena whose face was still shocked as the first, the gazes of all people were directed at the source of the voice.
Correct. That screaming voice was Hoshikawa Sumika's.
"... Something like that, is absolutely, no good... !"
While receiving the stares of everyone, Sumika's shoulders shook and she stared at Homura with an expression of rage.
Sumika knew.
That the man in front of her eyes, Kamishiro Homura was this kind of human.
This was the same with the dispute that happened with the ~Special Missionary~ Alfaro at the afternoon of today.
He peacefully settled the trouble while undertaking all the loss.
As the result, just how much he would be hated, how much he would be shunned―
Because he possessed the strength and power to shoulder all that loss.
... Sumika hated that way of life of Homura.
However at the same time this wise girl also understood that she didn't have the qualifications to say anything in regards to his way of life.
Because she was powerless.
Because she didn't have the ability to solve the problem in a way more skillful than him.
Correct, certainly this way he proposed could really be called as the best.
Both for [fairy] and also for the [government], there was nothing better than this plan of Homura.
In the current situation, nobody could refute that there was no better way than this plan to resolve the problem.
Then, rejecting that plan was nothing more than selfishness. It was no different than a kid's whining.
In truth it was only silliness, a stupid act that only spouted out emotion that couldn't produce anything.
That was why at that time with Alfaro, Sumika only grimaced her face but didn't stop Homura.
However, even so―
Even so... the matter this time, it exceeded the tolerance where she could overlook it and stay quiet.
If asked why,
"Do you understand the meaning of what you are going to do? You the ~Evil God User~ that is rumored to conspire with demons, if the news about how you invited the fairies that are demons to live on earth spread all over the world... Homura-san cannot, anymore... you will really become unable to return to the world of people anymore! You will really become the enemy of the human race, really become a traitor for real you know-!?"
Correct. This was not just a mere loss.
This plan of Homura would decisively corner Homura himself.
Into a position where he would be unable to go back anymore.
The people that hated demons would never forgive Homura.
He would be misunderstood forever.
―But, what constricted her heart most of all was the fact, that even being loathed like that forever, Homura would surely still continue to protect all humans that regarded him as the enemy.
Being forever misunderstood and unrewarded, even so he wouldn't let out a single complaint.
Dragging along his wound-riddled body, until the very last moment... he would live as the slave of the world.
Surely he would go through all that in satisfaction without expressing a single regret.
She could easily imagine such a picture of Homura.
Something like that... Sumika simply couldn't tolerate it.
"This compromise is not all that appropriate-!"
And then that complaint of Sumika―
"Sumika-san. What do you mean by that?"
Made Elfiena harbor a doubt towards Homura's relationship with mankind.
"Is ~Evil God User~-sama not the hero that repelled the demon kings that attacked the human world twice already so far?"
Elfiena asked with a taken aback expression.
In regard to this, the one who gave the answer was Shiori who was leaning against the wall.
"Humans are a hopelessly weak living being you know.
Weak, cowardly, and greedy. Truly a hopeless living being.
That's why they extremely feared those with [power] greater than themselves.
They will shun such being, fearing that their own life and privileges will be violated.
Yes, even if that [power] had already saved their life.
... For some reason it seems that you are thinking of Homura-kun as the hero of mankind, however, that's mistaken. He is not extolled as a hero or anything. Rather it's far from that... while he saved mankind, he is feared as no different than all of you demons and is ostracized."
"――-!"
Elfiena's expression froze from that fact she was told for the first time.
She too finally guessed it.
The meaning of a human in that kind of position... inviting demons onto earth.
Such thing would invite a really fatal solitude.
(All this time, I was only thinking that ~Evil God User~-sama is holding a great authority among the humans. )
That it was because of that he could do this kind of arbitrary decision, she thought.
That he was ostracized by the other two was also because of such authority, she thought.
But that was wrong.
He was going to pay a great sacrifice, in order to save them, the fairies.
For the sake of they the [Fairy race] with whom he had no relation with whatsoever.
―Certainly something like this, was not a compromise at all.
If she didn't reject this.
It was fine if she became a sacrifice. But, to sacrifice other people, such salvation was mistaken.
(But, however-)
"I'm sorry... But even so, I... -"
Elfiena was... the ~Fairy Queen~.
She had the position where she was shouldering the life of all the [Fairy race].
This plan of Homura would save the life of the two million [Fairy race], it was something that she mustn't let go no matter what.
That was why Elfiena, even while making a distorted face from the violent guilt that she felt,
"~Evil God User~-sama.... Please, save, us... !"
She swallowed the word of refusal, grasped the fringe of Homura's clothes, and hanged on to him with a weeping voice.
While understanding what result her act would bring about for him.
(... I'm, the worst... )
She couldn't lift her face.
She couldn't see Homura's face.
There was no instance where she hated her powerlessness more than this.
But, towards this mortifying decision of Elfiena,
"That's a good reply."
Homura returned back a smile as if it was nothing and patted the head of the looking down girl.
It was a gentle and affectionate hand.
"~Evil God User~-sama..."
"You really hanged in there well. It's fine already. If you rely on me, then no matter if it's demons or humans, I'll protect you all from anything that will try to hurt you. That's why―you can stop enduring now."
"...... !"
She could stop enduring.
Homura told those words while combing Elfiena's emerald blonde hair.
The instant she heard those words, Elfiena's eyes opened wide in shock.
But that shock quickly permeated her and shook her eyes damply,
"A, u, -~aaaaaaaaaaa—!!!!"
She burst.
Elfiena suddenly clung at Homura's chest and started weeping like a child.
"Elfiena, san... ?"
Elfiena's wail that came out of nowhere made all people present in that place dumbfounded.
That was because it was an act that was far removed from this girl's image from before when she took hostage the life of mankind and pressed them with a negotiation that was like extortion.
But― in the end, was that really the true Elfiena?
Absolutely wrong.
Only Homura understood that from all the people in this place.
"Sumika. Just now you said that you behaved impertinently right? But, there ain't any such thing. There ain't any such guy that gonna be okay if they knew they are going to meet a terrible experience. Coming to the human world with the intention to die or whatever, that's obviously a bluff. Thing like the resolve to die, only some guy that is not right in their head can do that."
Yes, this girl should have feel scared all this time.
She should be frightened.
Because if she understood how deep the hatred humans held for the demons, it was a trivial thing to imagine just what kind of hell was awaiting her after being captured by the humans.
"But, even so Elfiena came to the human world. Shouldering the life and future of her comrades by herself, she went alone to a battlefield where she was isolated and helpless."
And then she fought [mankind].
Something like a resolve was not just a convenient emotion that was like desperation.
It was mustering out all the courage that you had, while desperately stifling the seething anxiety and shivers of your body.
"It ain't something that just anybody can do. ―She is an amazing girl."
Homura noticed that. Only Homura, noticed that. For that reason―
"... Certainly, just like what Sumika is being uneasy for, if the news that I shelter demons spreads out, then surely there'll be a great uproar. There will be a lot of guys cursing at me saying [You see that?] about me. But you see... I ain't minding something like that. For me, rather than the words of bunches like that― the voice of Elfiena seeking help, is several thousand times heavier."
"Homura, san..."
Homura's words made Sumika unable to form any more words.
The true heart of Elfiena that she wrote off as resolve and comprehended it just like that.
Elfiena's true feeling that even the fairies in her village extolled as just bravery.
Homura understood that correctly.
What the cowardly Elfiena possessed, something far more precious than even bravery, a true courage.
It was the only thing that made her marched into the human world by her lonesome.
And then, he anticipated the breakdown of the negotiation and from the start was waiting for the time where he could immediately propose his compromise.
Everything was... for the sake of saving Elfiena in the true meaning.
(What... an amazing person... )
Even though he was that strong.
Even though he was an overwhelming existence that no enemy or ally could catch up with.
Yet he was always sympathizing with the heart of weak people.
That was truly a noble way of living.
But that cornered him into a loneliness that was really hopeless.
Against that reality, Sumika hung her head down and just bit her lips. But―
"Besides, you know. ―Because it seems there is someone who understands about me at my side. Just that is enough. Being something like a hero liked by fellows all over the world, something gross like that just ain't for me."
"... !"
Sumika gasped in surprise and rasied her face from those next words of Homura.
Those were the words that Sumika herself said to Homura after that matter with Alfaro this afternoon.
(...... What an unfair person. )
She couldn't say any complaint anymore with her words brought up like that.
That was why Sumika,
"That's right! I properly understood so, please don't get conceited that you are being hated by everyone or anything-!"
She hollered at Homura while tears of frustration were gathering at the corners of her eyes.
And then she faced aside sulkily with a huff.
That was also Sumika's way to express her intention in her own style that she wouldn't complain anymore no matter whatever was Homura's decision.
Then, the moment when the talk ended like that―
"It seems that the talk has been concluded before my arrival."
Along with a withered voice, the door of the board chairman's room was opened with a creaking sound.
The one who stood there was an aged body like a dead tree with a long white beard growing out on his face.
―One of the ~Five Great Leaders~, Innocentius XVII.
Part 9
"Th, this is, your grace! I heard that today you were staying in Shanghai life sphere, but I never imagined you were coming here right from Shanghai-!?"
Innocentius' sudden entrance made Kinugasa expose his surprise.
On the other hand Innocentius gave him a single glance,
"It's because this matter of a demon bringing negotiations to us is something that has never happened until now. I came to take a look at the situation wondering whether all of you can handle this well. Well, though it seems doing that is unnecessary."
He entered inside the board chairman's room while replying with a voice that reverberated lowly.
Onjouji Kai who was standing beside the door asked after hearing those words.
"Based from your grace's appearance, does this mean you are informed of the progress of the events until now?"
"I comprehend the general story from the transmission with Joseph."
"Sorry. For some reason it seems that I forget to turn off my phone."
Joseph pointed at the cell phone in his breast pocket without even any guilt.
Onjouji knitted his eyebrows a little from that behavior.
This board chairman's room was a space that was furnished with the newest counterespionage equipment that Japan currently possessed.
Originally it shouldn't allow any transmission to the outside, but as expected America had slight superiority in electronic transmission technology. Today the talk that they had was not something bad even if it got heard, but if something like this could possibly happen, then they shouldn't trust too much in the counterespionage equipment of the board chairman's room.
While Onjouji was thinking about that kind of matter,
"There is no particular complaint from the ~United World Government~ toward the indirect understanding mediated by the ~Evil God User~. But there are three points. ~Evil God User~―I'll give you three conditions."
Innocentious who entered the room glared at Homura and began that kind of talk.
"Conditions?"
Just why did he need to accept such things?
―As for Homura he could also reject them.
In the first place this decision was something that Homura handled not as a human on the side of [mankind].
The ~Five Great Leaders~ that were the representative of [mankind] didn't have any cause to direct his actions in this or that.
But―
"Anyway just try to say what kind of conditions those are first. I'll think about it after that."
Homura showed that he was listening.
It was because he decided that he should not make waves imprudently with [mankind] because the [fairy] would live on earth from now on.
Innocentius nodded a little toward this reply and said out the conditions one by one.
"First, carry this out behind closed doors so as not to let the populace know about the fairy's migration. Of course, the existence of the ~Fairy Queen~ must also not get leaked out to people other than those in this room by any means."
(Hm... ?)
"Oi oi. What the hell with that―"
The one who snapped at the condition that Innocentius presented was not Homura, but Tairon.
Tairon agreed with Homura's plan was in order to completely broadcast the fatal infamy of Homura towards the hearts of the people with the news of [~Evil God User~ is sheltering demons].
But, Innocentius was saying to keep secret the existence of the fairies from the start.
"Like that, won't we become unable to lower the evaluation of this shitty brat?"
"Doesn't matter. It's more important to avoid chaos rather than something like that."
Innocentius didn't change his opinion even from Tairon's objection.
"Since you invited demons to earth, this is only the natural condition. I'll have you agree to this, ~Evil God User~."
"Hmph... Just when I thought that you're gonna give me some condition that is more like pestering, that's a rare respectable opinion from you. ―Fine. From the start that was my intention anyway. If you guys are saying that you gonna stay quiet, then that's saved the trouble."
"But of course. After all we are ruler. We won't do anything that hurts the stability of the world by ourselves."
"...... Chih!"
Even with Tairon clicking his tongue in a dissatisfied expression, Innocentius ignored him and continued his words.
"Next the second condition, you concluded the meeting willfully before my arrival. Take responsibility to accomplish dealing with the ~Giant Army~ by yourself alone."
"That ain't a problem cause that's my intention from the beginning anyway."
Homura returned an instant answer to this but,
"Wa, wait a second Master!"
This time it was Chikori who argued.
"That's really strange! Even though this is everyone's problem―"
"Please wait, Chikori-san."
However, Sumika obstructed Chikori's words in the middle.
"Leader?"
Chikori looked dissatisfied why she was stopped, but Sumika talked to her with a face that was slightly sad.
"I understood really well from the time we fought Jambure. We are still unable to accompany Homura-san in fighting ~Demon King class~. Even if we are beside Homura-san, it's frustrating but we will only be a burden for him.... Isn't that right, Homura-san?"
"... Well, I don't plan to go as far as calling you burden, but if you asked me, it's true that it's easier like that."
Sumika was watching Homura get injured from the ~Divine Breath~ of Jambure from nearby.
Moreover, looking from the flow of the battle, even that injury was obtained from covering for Sumika.
Sumika stopping Chikori was also from that guilt.
In reality, this follow up of Sumika was a big help for Homura.
"Uu...... well, if Leader and Master said so..."
Chikori herself also really understood deep in her bones, just how dangerous an existence of someone that was only being a burden to other people was from her own experience.
Chikori obediently withdrew from Sumika's words.
After looking at that Homura once again returned his gaze at Innocentius,
"And? What is the other one?"
He inquired about the last condition.
"Right. The third is, until you finish dealing with the ~Giant Army~, the personage of the ~Fairy Queen~ is to be confined in Tokyo's life sphere's state guest house."
This time Homura didn't give a quick reply towards this condition.
That was because thinking from the current situation of the [Fairy race], it should be better the earlier the migration could be done.
That was why Homura returned a question.
"... What's the reason?"
Innocentius' answer was also quickly given to Homura who was reluctant to delay the migration and demanded for a justified reason.
"This is a measure taking into account the possibility that the [Fairy race] and ~Giant Army~ are colluding with each other. A proof that they are not teaching us false information to further send a large number of their pawns to perform destruction maneuvering in the human world, currently doesn't exist. The migration is only after the coming demon kings are exterminated just as the information that the ~Fairy Queen~ brought to us, that's when the innocence of the [Fairy race] can be proved. This is the minimum condition to manage the risk."
"I see... well, indeed there is truth in that."
Homura didn't know if Innocentius lied or not, but his opinion was logical.
That was why Homura,
"Elfiena. Seems like the migration will be postponed a little, you don't mind?"
He entrusted the decision to Elfiena.
Elfiena separated her body from Homura's chest hearing that question, and nodded.
"Yes-. At any rate it will take time to move two million [Fairy race], most of all it was our side that made this information as negotiation material. I will hold the proper responsibility of my own words.
Tears still hadn't dried from her face, but she replied dignifiedly.
Innocentius who heard that reply,
"―Very well. Then I too will swear under the name of our great lord, as long as the [Fairy race] doesn't bring harm to mankind, we won't do anything to interfere."
Guaranteed Elfiena's safety by swearing to his own god.
And then, with this oath of Innoncentius, the first conference between mankind and demon had its curtains lowered down.
Part 10
After the end of the conference between mankind and fairy. Innocentius rode a courtesy car possessed by the church and he quickly took communication with a certain place.
The place that he contacted was located in a part inside Tokyo life sphere, a white structure.
Among the built office buildings, was a building of ~Japan Holy Path Church~ that stood tall while releasing a solemnity that felt out of place. A room inside it was the office of a special missionary.
Everything about the meeting was told to the ~Special Missionary~ staying in Japan, Alfaro, right from the beginning to end by the same mouth that was saying the promise of not letting anyone know about the fairy other than anyone in that place.
"In addition to the three ~Demon King class~ that are newly scheming to invade here, there is also the [Fairy race] that plot to migrate to the human world is it.... Hohoho. It became something truly dreadful just in one day hasn't it-"
Alfaro who finished hearing everything shrugged his shoulders in amazement while reclining on a sofa.
"Furthermore to invite true demons to this holy star that our great god bestowed to us mankind. The ~Evil God User~ is truly a man that is beyond help. As I thought, the existence of that young man cannot possibly be for the sake of mankind."
{Exactly as you said. Truly this will also make our lord grief. }
"However... your grace. I wonder if this is fine?"
{About what?}
"About how your grace is telling me about the contents of that meeting.
Just as your grace also knows, I, Alfaro, am a ~Special Missionary~.
And then―the role of ~Special Missionary~, just as that title implies is not only for religious proclamation.
We are also the agents of divine punishment, who get rid of the pagan that stained the name of god and the demons by means of force.
That is us, the ~Special Missionary~.
With I who is like that... I wonder if your grace thinks that I can possibly tolerate something like a demon running rampant above this earth?"
As usual, it was hard to read the expression of Alfaro with his eyes that made people associate it with the face of a Buddha statue, still in its narrow shape of a thin smile.
However, a savage echo that was similar with the growl of a beast was seeping into his voice.
That was exactly the true nature of this man.
And then―
{―Of course, I contacted you exactly because you are that kind of person. }
Innocentius was telling everything to him exactly because of that.
"Oh ho? But I heard that your grace had sworn under the name of god yourself to not interfere towards the fairy? To break an oath promised under the name of god, I wonder if we won't become a shame for our god like that?"
{The great lord is tolerant. He will pardon no matter what kind of cowardice towards those heathen. That is something that has been proved in history. No matter how many heathen we killed, raped, and plundered, the history of us the ~Holy Path Church~ is always overflowing with light. That means this is something that is expected from us. The great lord doesn't wish for the reformation of those heathens, but their cries of agony. }
There was not a single doubt in the answering voice of Innocentius.
Correct. From the very beginning, he didn't have any intention of protecting his promise towards Elfiena.
{To say nothing of how the other party this time is a demon. How could there be any problem. }
"Hohoho... ! So there is no problem at all then."
These words of Innocentius made Alfaro express his approval by smiling wickedly where one could peek at his canines from his mouth.
{That's fine. It's already decided that after seventy two hours, the ~Evil God User~ Homura Kamishiro will meet the ~Giant Army~ at the Australian continent. In other words, that man will not guard the ~Fairy Queen~.
Based from their agreement to not talk about the fairy other than with the people in that place, the protection of the ~Fairy Queen~ will be at best... the S-rank Magician ~Grim Bullet~ Sumika Hoshikawa and the girl's trainee platoon.
And then the step daughter of Onjouji, her fighting strength as an Operator is meager.
One other girl too, based from what could be seen from the battle with Jambure, it seemed that she was fairly useful but... she is not on the level that can contend with you who is a ~Special Missionary~.
―Can you do it, Alfaro?}
"Of course your grace. Everything is for the sake of our god's glory. And then for the sake of us mankind who has been chosen by god. I'll show how I make those disgraces perish from this star."
{I'll leave it to you. I'll arrange reinforcements of ~Holy Path KnightPaladin~ from this side too. ―Aah, also, that adopted daughter of Onjouji, that ~experiment body~, don't kill her. After all that thing still has a role left. }
"I understand. I'll take my leave."
With those words as the last, the transmission from Innocentius was ended.
Alfaro returned the phone to the receiver on the table, and pondered.
"Now then, how should I go about this."
What he should do had been already decided.
As a ~Special Missionary~, he would destroy the evil demon. That was all.
However, there was a hindrance to that.
The battle power protecting Elfiena that he was told from Innocentius.
Innocentius talked about it like it was nothing, but
"... ~Grim Bullet~ is a little troublesome even with the power I have."
He had to think of a method to remove her somehow.
That was why Alfaro ruminated for a while―
"――Aah, there is also that hand. Hohoho."
Smiling as if he had thought about a good idea, he took the phone by hand and called to a certain place.
The destination of the call was― the orphanage that he went to this afternoon.
"Good day Miss Nagashima. It has been a half day isn't it? Hohoho. I wonder if sister Lily is still in your institution? She is? So she is reading a book for the children you say. That's great, that's great. My apologies, but I wonder if I can trouble you to tell her to return to the church urgently? ―There is a really important work, something that no one but she can do."
Part 11
On the other side, almost at the same time it was not only Innocentius that was showing a movement.
After the conference ended, Elfiena who collapsed from the relieved feeling of passing through a mountain of large problems and from the exhaustion that had kept piling up until now, she was then made to sleep in another room, after that
"That geezer really said―[under the name of the great lord] huh. Just how much blood has been spilled under that name until now I wonder. I get the feeling that a guy wearing protective armor of full protection saying [I'm not scared of anything] is still more believable than this."
Homura sat on the sofa that Elfiena was sitting at until just now while spouting out words with a sarcastic tone.
From the beginning he didn't even think that Innocentius would do anything like protecting his promise.
"... Well, putting aside the ~United World Government~, for the ~Holy Path Church~ to tolerate Elfiena-san's existence is something really unthinkable."
"Tha, that's so!? Even though they promised!?"
Chikori who was the only one that honestly believed that promise was feeling indignant, but the reaction of the other members were cold.
Everyone understood.
That there was no way the ~Holy Path Church~ would keep a promise with a demon.
"I guess if they are going to try something it will be in three days when Homura sets out. If we plan to protect the ~Fairy Queen~, we have to think of a countermeasure. Most of all, with our stand point that has to keep the matter of the fairy a secret, we cannot prepare a sufficient security, even if we temporarily break the promise and try to mobilize security, but there is no one strange enough that they will lend their hands in order to help a demon. If we are careless we will only increase our enemy."
Homura was also of the same opinion as Onjouji's calm analysis.
"How about if we shelter Elfiena not in the state guest house but in another place from the start?"
However Kinugasa shook his head towards this idea of Homura.
"The other side is also not an idiot. They must be thoroughly observing that kind of movement. It will be hard to deceive them with only the number of hands here. If it's Homura-san's ~Teleport~ then possibly... we can make it work somehow but..."
"Something like that is also quiet hard for me. It's fine if it's just me alone but with Elfiena together, also it's a technique that is a little risky to use with ~Aureole~ still binding me."
Anyway, the fifth grade sorcery ~Teleport~ was a sorcery that disintegrated oneself once and then reconstructed the body at the designated coordinates. If it failed than the reconstruction wouldn't go well and the user's very existence would vanish. With Homura still shackled by the limitations on his magic power and thinking ability due to ~Aureole~, even Homura wanted to restrain from using it to someone other than himself.
(On the other hand, if ~Aureole~ is forcibly broken then it will be exposed all the same. )
Homura heaved a deep sigh in this situation where it was hard to do anything.
But, towards that Homura,
"Then, we are going to accompany El-san and protect her! Those guys that break promise and try to do something awful to El-san, I'm going to take them all out!"
Chikori suggested with a loud voice.
Sumika also agreed to this.
"It's just as Chikori-san said. While Homura-san is absent, we, the 101st platoon will take responsibility and protect Elfiena-san. There will be no problem at all."
(...... )
However, Homura only stayed quiet in reluctance.
Because he knew.
Just what kind of existence the ~Special Missionary~ was.
And also― the existence of the unique power that they possessed.
Honestly, he was not inclined to let them fight in a place where his eyes didn't reach.
That was why,
"Sumika―"
Homura tried to stop her― but,
"I'll have you let me do this much. We are a team.... Besides, it's not only just Homura-san who has the feeling of wanting to protect Elfiena-san."
Sumika flatly interrupted his words.
Her tone was filled with a definite will that expressed her intentions of not yielding in this.
... Most likely Sumika and Chikori wouldn't hear any of it even if he told them here not to do anything.
Besides―
(I'm not the only one who wants to protect Elfiena, huh. )
Being told that, he couldn't even say no.
"... Got it. I'll leave the house-sitting to you guys. Do it properly y'all."
"Yes-"
"Leave it to us!"
Both of them answered with a loud voice from good feeling and then they hurriedly headed to Elfiena's room.
While seeing off those two,
"... Shiori. Just in case, I'll rely on you okay."
Homura told Shiori who was standing still while leaning her back on the wall.
And Shiori, she brushed up her long hair that hung on her ear and,
"I know even without you telling me. After all, I'm the ~Operator~ of the 101st platoon."
She returned back reliable words to him.
Translator's Notes and References
| ← Ch. 11 | Ch. 13 → |