Dark Knight Kroki

　What is the situation with this?
　Rage is right in front of me.
　I'm sure I would look dumb as I suddenly appeared.
　The brave man of light and I, the dark knight, have bumped into each other.
　I'm not going to let him get away with it.

''Awwww!

　A panicked voice comes out.

'Are you the messenger of Cornes?'

　Rage says with a wry smile.
　And that's where I notice the discomfort.
　Huh? Something is wrong.

'Hmm, what is it?　Do you have something on my face?

　Rage, who looked at me quizzically as I didn't say anything myself, said.

'Um, do you recognize your face?'
No?　I don't know.

　Rage says, sounding a little irritated.
　That statement confirms it.

　I couldn't remember his face: ------ ！！！！！！！！

　Come to think of it, I don't think I've ever shown my face properly.
　It helped, but there was something untenable about it.

'What?'　What are you doing on all fours all of a sudden?

　I can hear Rage say curiously.
　I suppose it doesn't matter what a man's face is to Rage.
　Well, I didn't want them to remember me or anything at all, so there's no problem.
　It's more convenient to be treated as someone who doesn't exist.
　Yeah. So, I don't care.

"Yikes!　No!　It's nothing!　No, really~!　It's nothing!

　I say with an effort.

'Really? You're weird.

　Rage nods his head.
　I'm sorry for being so weird!
　More importantly, why is Rage here?
　That's when I realized that.
　Apparently, Rage and the others have also noticed that Ainoe is bewitching.
　If that's the case, it's probably the end for Ainoe.
　And if Rage and the others are there, it will be difficult to contact them. I decide to leave here in a hurry.

''I'm just feeling a little sick!　Now, please take this to Master Ainoe!

　He pressed the bouquet of flowers to Rage and forced a smile on his face.
　Maybe her face was drawn up. Rage is looking at him with a surprised expression. But it doesn't matter anymore.

'Whoa?　Oh? Okay.

　Rage nodded as he accepted the bouquet of flowers.
　Then he himself hurried back the way he had come and left the place.





◆Silone, the maiden of the sword

　There's a delicious looking cheesecake and a nice smelling tea in front of me.

''Wow~ Looks delicious. That's as good as Sahoko-san!

　I look at Sahoko and praise her.

'Hehe, thank you, Sirone.'
And this tea is a mentee?
Yeah. It's Sirone's childhood friend's favorite tea.

　Sahoko is right, Menty said Kroki used to drink well at Nargol.
　I just don't know if he really likes this. Because there's nothing else out there, so maybe he drinks this all the time.
　I'm going to look for a cup of tea that Kroki might like.

'I'm back, guys,'

　Just as I was saying this, Reiji-kun came back.

'Welcome back, Mr. Rage. What was he like?

　I ask Rage-kun.
　'Rage-kun must have been answering the person who came to visit Mr. Ainoe.

'It's hard to answer what kind of guy he was. But I had a feeling he was a strange guy.

　Rage-kun replies with a serious face.
　I nod my head at that. It's rare to see him make this kind of face.
　Rage always has a relaxed expression on his face.
　No matter what kind of hardship he's going through, he doesn't mind getting over it. What could have happened to him?

Weird?　I'm curious.

　Chiyuki asks Reigi.

'I don't know. I just haven't stopped shaking since I met him.

　With that, Rage-kun held out his right hand. He was trembling a little.

''What's wrong, Mr. Rage. You look like you're frightened.''

　Reno says with concern.

'Scared?　You think I'm scared?

　Rage, you are looking at your right hand with an expression of disbelief.
　I can't believe it either. Chiyuki, Sahoko, Reno, and Nao also look at him with a look of disbelief on their faces.
　More than anything else, it seems that Reiji himself is unbelievable.

It's hard to believe that he's frightened. Who the hell is this guy who came to visit you?

　Rage-kun shook his head.

'I don't know, Chiyuki. He seemed like an unimportant guy who could be anywhere.

　The air is a little heavy.

"Haha, what's going on with you guys? It's just my imagination!

　Nao, the mood-maker, makes a cheerful noise.

'Well, maybe it's just my imagination. ...... For that matter, Rage, what's that flower you're holding in your right hand?

　Chiyuki says, looking at the flower that Reige is holding.

'Ah, so this is it,'

　Then he holds a flower in his hand and puts it in front of us.

'It's a beautiful flower, Mr. Ray.'

　Sahoko says, looking at the flowers.
　The flower is pretty, with a light purple color.

The guy who came to visit Ainoe brought these flowers. He gave me one when he gave Ainoe a bouquet of flowers. You'll be able to get a better idea of what this flower smells like, Chiyuki.

　After saying that, Reigi gives the flower to Chiyuki-san.
　Chiyuki-san smells the flowers.

'Is this a mentee?'
Yeah, yeah. From the smell, it must be Menty.

　We are all surprised by what Mr. Rage said.
　It's because we've seen mentees as tea, but this is the first time we've seen an actual flower.

'Huh?　Isn't the mentee the flower that blooms in Nargol?
You're right, Reno. As I recall, Menty is the flower of Nargol.

　Reno and Nao are right. The mentee is the flower of Nargol.

'Silone, I believe the person who brought that flower to you claimed to be a messenger for Senator Cornes, right?

　I nodded at Chiyuki's words.

''That flower was brought to me by a messenger of Cornes ....... If that's the case, then it's safe to assume that Lord Cornes is related to the Demon King worshippers.

　Sir Decius nodded and said.

'Yeah, and then that guy seemed to know me. Well, I'm famous, so maybe it's only natural that he knows.

　Mr. Rage says with a grim face.
　Perhaps he is remembering the messenger of Cornes.
　It's not just a simple matter to make a face like this for Rage-kun.

The actuality of this is that there is a possibility that Cornes-dono will know that we are suspicious of Ainoe.
'Sir Decius is right. We might as well hurry up and check on Cornes. After we eat this, we'll head to Cornes' mansion.

　Everyone nodded at Chiyuki's words.




◆Dancer Shenna.

　Grabbing the sword that was entrusted to him by the Dark Knight earlier, he hides from a little distance and watches the theater from a distance.
　Then I check my surroundings from time to time.
　My body trembles at the thought that whoever did that to Marcias might attack me.
　When I pulled out my sword a little, I could see the black blade. I thought I could see black flames from that black sword blade.
　It's definitely a magical weapon.
　This sword seems to have been made by a dark knight.
　That dark knight has amazing sword skills, but it's amazing that he can also make magical weapons.
　This reminds me of the morning.
　The dark knight wielding a wooden sword. It seems that the dark knight forges his sword every day.
　He swings his sword very slowly, taking his time to swing it once.
　He continues to do that many times.
　I tried to imitate it too, but just by doing it once, I started to sweat.
　The dark knight says it's because I used muscles I don't normally use.
　The dark knight swung his sword as if to check his movements one by one, leaving me tired.
　His movements were beautiful.
　The Moonlight Goddess was also imitating beside me, but this one was awkward.
　That dark knight is definitely strong. And since he's going to patronize me, I shouldn't have to be afraid of anything.
　I put my sword back on and look at the theater.
　Then the Dark Knight comes back by himself.
　Something is wrong.

''Um, what's going on?''

　The Dark Knight shakes his head as I ask.

'I kind of lost my strength. ...... And I'm sorry, Shenna. You can't meet Ainoe. The brave men will be watching over you.

　The Dark Knight bows to me.

'What?　Is that so?
Yeah. But I don't know how I got to Ainoe.

　The Dark Knight ponders.
　Why are the brave men ...... to sister Ainoe? No wait, maybe the flute I gave to my brother was a clue to the investigation into the theater company.
　When I left my brother for the last time, he said he would investigate the case with the brave men.
　I tell the Dark Knight about it.

'I see, flute to my brother.
'Yes, I believe that's where the play was investigated.
'Right. But that's not going to get us anywhere near the playhouse: ....... Let's see if we can't get some information on Rage and the others somehow.

　The Dark Knight is troubled.
　I think about it too.
　My brother said he was going to investigate with the brave men. If that's the case, then maybe my brother Decius is in that theater.
　I think of Marcius. There is a very dangerous man behind sister Ainoe.
　Could it be that my brother is in harm's way?
　If that's the case, we'll have to do something about it.

'Huh? I think we've gotten a call.

　It was when I was thinking about my brother.
　The Dark Knight speaks up.

'Um?　What's going on?

　But the Dark Knight doesn't respond.
　It's like he's having a conversation with someone who isn't here.

'I'm sorry, Shenna. I have someplace to go. Why don't you go on back? Tell Coona I'm going to the labyrinth to see Llanfeld.

　The dark knight left me alone and hurriedly went away.






◆?

　This place is heaven.
　After all, there's plenty of good food here.
　It's a far cry from the western desert where I was born and raised.
　I thank the chief for inviting me here.
　I walk through the mansion.
　Children with their eyes covered are spinning happily.
　I am happy to see them.
　I love children. It makes me happy just to see them.
　The children were out at night, and the sand man brought them to me.
　The sand man is a follower of the God of Sleep, the son of the God of Death whom I serve.
　The sand man spreads a potion called "sand" throughout the city, giving humans happy dreams.
　However, if he continued to use the sand, he would be unable to wake up from his slumber and would become a resident of the dreamland.
　Then he becomes a follower of the God of Sleep.
　What a hilarious story, isn't it?
　I get hungry too.
　All the kids are blindfolded because they don't have to open their eyes.
　I enjoy watching the children playing happily.
　Is it because they are having fun? A glowing butterfly appears and spins happily together.

'Oh?'

　That's where I find myself.
　A girl is walking away from the circle of children.
　A beautiful girl with silvery white hair.
　But the girl isn't covering her eyes.

"Wait.

　I hold the girl back.
　The girl turns around.

"What?

　You don't look very happy.

Why do you keep your eyes open? You're a bad boy. You'll have to meditate on that too. Come on, let's have some pleasant dreams with everyone.

　I say, pointing to the kids who are having fun going around.

'The only time Kuna has pleasant dreams is when she's with Kroki. She never sleeps here.

　I hear the girl's words and I wonder.
　Strange. I'm sure none of the kids I brought with me had silver hair.
　I realize what's going on.

"Intruder!　Everyone come!

　I call my people.

'What's going on!

　They're gathering around.

'Hmph!　I don't have time for you guys. Kuna goes first.

　The glowing butterflies gather around the girl and go.
　And when they cover the whole body, the girl disappears.
　It's as if the girl from earlier was an illusion.
　But if it wasn't, it's bad news.

'Oh my God!　Everyone look for the intruder!





Xand, god of sleep and dreams

　The dark underground altar is meant to worship my father, the god of death.
　I feel like I haven't seen my father in a long time before his body collapsed.
　I turn around and see someone prostrate in front of me.
　It's an ugly one. But it's usable.
　I'm pretty sure his name is Cornes now.
　Cornes is said to be one of the highest-ranking human beings. I don't care how high he ranks in the human race.
　Atranaqua does not know the true identity of this Kornes.
　I'm not sure if it's because Atranaqua and I didn't get along very well with each other.
　That's why I didn't tell them about him.

'That's a pretty good altar,' he said. It looks like you're making a lot of money, don't you think?
"Yes, it is all in your power, Lord Zand. We thank you for bringing us, the people of the desert, to this land.

　Cornes bows to me again.

'By the way, Master Xand. What can I do for you today?
'Yeah, there's a kid in this neighborhood I'd like to get a hold of. I just came to check on him.
Is that so? You are a lucky girl to be loved by the God of Sleep. I'm sure you'll have good dreams.

　Kornes is right. I suppose I should say I'm lucky to be loved.
　I am the God of Sleep. I'm a conduit to dreamland.
　I have a fascination for making dreams come true.
　My goddess would be happy to see me.
　And my goddess is in the mansion where the Dark Knight has a stronghold.
　The problem is, how do I get my hands on her?
　I've been told that the silver and white goddess is quite strong, even if not as strong as the dark knight. If I'm a small god, I won't be able to win a head-to-head battle.
　The only thing I can do is to find an opening. What is a good way to do it?
　I've only ever dealt with weak guys. I've tried to keep myself in a safe place as much as possible.
　But I want the head of the silver goddess.
　I want to cut off the goddess' head.
　I've never seen this happen before. I think I may have fallen in love.
　There is no better time than when that goddess is here.
　I was thinking about this when I heard the words.
　Kornes' men come into the room with this altar.
　As he approaches Kornes, his men whisper in his ear.

'How absurd!　Are you sure you're not mistaken?!

　Cornes shouts out.

'What's wrong with you?'
'Master Xand. My men tell me that it looks like there's been a break-in. I don't believe that's possible, but I'm going to take a look.

　Kornes bows his head and walks away.
　I think about it after Kornes leaves.
　An intruder, you say? That's ridiculous?
　The mansion is warded. It should be impossible to enter without being noticed.
　We have to deal with anyone who enters by disappearing at the entrance.
　What's happening?
　A glowing butterfly crosses in front of me as I'm struggling with it.
　Again, this is the second time I've seen this butterfly.
　Not even a single insect is supposed to be able to enter this basement. What's the meaning of this?
　If you look closely, you can see many glowing white butterflies flying around the room.

'What?!　What the hell is going on here?!

　I look around.
　And that's when I looked behind me.
　There was a goddess standing there with a scythe at the ready.




The black-haired wise man Chiyuki.

　The Republic of Ariadia is a fan-shaped country centered at the mouth of the Kish River.
　There are three walls, and the Kapilino district is located on the west side of the second wall.
　The Kapirino district is located on a slightly hilly terrain and enjoys good sunshine.
　This is where most of the wealthy people live and work.
　In this Kapirino area, there are myself, Reigi, Nao, Lino and Decius.
　By the way, Shirone and Sahoko are not here. They are staying home to keep an eye on Ainoe.

'Is that the Kornes residence?　It's a pretty big house.

　I say, looking at the Cornes mansion from a little distance. Despite the fact that real estate in this area is expensive, Senator Cornes' mansion is quite large.
　There are many people with weapons inside that Cornes mansion.
　It's not unusual for senators and others to have private armies for protection, but there are a few too many of them.
　Wouldn't it be difficult for citizens to go and petition the government if they were this stuffy?
　A member of the Senate is the equivalent of an aristocrat in other countries.
　The house of a nobleman is usually open to the citizens as much as possible. They have a duty to ensure that the opinions of the citizens who come to petition them are reflected in society.
　But the gates of the Cornes house are tightly shut.
　This may be the reason why the councilor Kornes has a bad reputation.
　And there's more to the Cornes mansion than that.
　His mansion is surrounded by strong wards. Isn't he after all doing something wrong?

That's right, Lord Chiyuki. It's a mystery to me how Lord Cornes managed to acquire such a large mansion.

　My question Decius answers.

'Mystery?　What do you mean by that?

　Nao asks Decius.

'The House of Cornes is a prominent family in Ariadia, but that was a long time ago. Lord Cornes was on the verge of falling into debt until three years ago. That has suddenly turned into a feather in his cap.'
You've gone from strength to strength? I doubt it.

　Mr. Rage makes a grim face.
''Yes. It is said that he may have profited from the sale of 'sand' of all things.
Sand?　What's that~

　Reno is right. I don't know what it means to make money selling sand.

''Sand'' is a powder. It's called that because it's as dry as sand.

　Decius explains.

"'Sand', huh? What's that medicine? Sir Decius?
A sleeping potion, Lord Chiyuki. They say it gives you good dreams.

　We frown at that explanation.

There's something blatantly fishy about it: ......
That's right, Nao.

　Nao and Reno are right, it's too suspicious. Obviously too suspicious. Isn't that 'sand' a drug?

'Sir Decius. Is that 'sand' not harmful to the human body?
'Yes. I was curious, so I got the Sand and asked the priest of Phanakea to examine it, but all he could tell me was that it was a powerful magic potion. But I have heard that some of those who have used the Sand have stopped waking up.
'Obviously it's not dangerous!　Why aren't you enforcing it?!

　I almost scream.

'The 'sand' is mainly available in the outer city. It's mainly non-citizens who use it, too. Citizens seem to be using it as well, but no damage has been reported yet. If there is no damage to the citizens, the Senate won't take action.

　It makes my head hurt.
　What does it matter if the heavyweights of this country are not citizens?

So you're saying that Cornes is the one supplying the 'sand'?
'Yes, my brave lord. It seems to be the case. It seems that the "Sand Man," the "Sand" dealer, has been in and out of the Cornes residence. ......

　Decius explains 'The Sand Man'.
　The man who carries a bag and sells the "sand". Moreover, this Man of Sand is suspected of abducting children.
　Recently, there are even rumors that the Man of Sand is coming to visit you if you don't sleep early.
　The Man of the Sand has been coming in and out of the Kornes residence.
　The evidence is there, but the citizens are not harmed and nothing can be done about it because he is a senator.
　Maybe Decius is also irritated.
　But still, "Sand" and "Sand Man". You might want to check that too.

''Chiyuki-san. There seems to be something noisy at the Cornes residence.''

　Nao was right.
　A shout could be heard coming from the Kornes mansion.

'We'll have to go,'

　Rage paces forward.

'Yes, Mr. Rage. Lord Decius, you can do this if it's a voluntary investigation rather than a mandatory one, can't you?　It's fine if you're willing to talk to Senator Cornes voluntarily, right?

　I ask as I walk behind Rage.

'Yes, Lord Sage. As long as it's not forced, there's no problem.

　I nod.
　Then we head to the Cornes Mansion.




◆Kuna, the silvery white witch.

'Ouch ....... It hurts. ....... Dear Kuna. Please don't do it again .......

　The ugly six-eyed rat that's stomping around grunts.
　But now it's probably not a rat, it's probably a maggot. After all, I've cut off all of this guy's limbs.
　The maggot is saying something, but it won't stop stepping on it.
　It seems that this maggot is on the edge of the divine race, but I could easily take him down by surprise from behind.
　Since it's not Kuroki, it's only natural that you can easily defeat it if you are caught by surprise.

''Squeaky and May. Shut up for a minute.

　I stomp my foot hard.
　The worms scream more. It's really deafening.
　It's not just this guy. I need to give that Urvald guy a good beating, too, or I won't feel good about it.

'I've told you everything!　So forgive me!

　The worm is crying.
　I'm certainly tired of stepping on it. Let's stop stepping on it after this.

'Well, all right. I'm going to stop you now.

　The maggot smiles sneeringly as Coona says this.

'Then I'll have my head cut off.

　Coona raises his scythe.

'Why?!　You will forgive me!
Yeah?　I'm not saying I'm going to forgive you. You are going to be this. You will rejoice.

　Take out the dried heads from space.
　It is the dried heads of those who were once ogres. These heads are alive and can teach Kuna many things.
　This is a trick I learned from the great witch of the swamps to the west of the Demon King's Castle.
　I'll do the same for this maggot.
　This is the first time I've gotten the head of the divine race, so I'm a little excited.

''Hi!　Dried heads!　I won't be happy if you just chopped off my head!　How could you do such a terrible thing!

　The maggot cries out, but he won't listen.
　This maggot should be grateful for the usefulness of Kuna.
　Now that's enough.
　I'm going to swing the scythe and cut off his head.

"Well, now we're going to have to be brave.

　I look up, stepping over the quieted-out worms.