Sisyphe

"With the black storm comes the army of the devil.

　Led by the Dark Knight of Evil.
　A brave man of light challenges you.
　Defeated by the Dark Knight.
　But the Goddess of Light is coming
　The Dark Knight flees before the majesty of the Goddess of Light.
　Then the city of men will be saved.
　A bard is singing in front of the temple of Lord Raina, the goddess of wisdom and victory.
　The worshippers are listening to it.
　Three days after the Black Storm, a lot of people have come to the temple every day to thank Goddess Raina.
　I've been coming here every day since the incident ended.
　I prayed for her just a few minutes ago.
　Even so, the wait was long.

Sisyphe~
"Sister Kayna.

　My sister Kayna comes in from across the street.

'You're here again, aren't you?'

　Sister Kayna says with a dumbfounded look on her face.

'Of course, sister Kayna. I can't thank Lady Raina enough for all the help she's given me.'

　Sister Kayna stopped coming after one visit with me.
　I think I should be a little more grateful to Lady Raina.
　I think back to the Black Storm incident.
　The demon army that came with the Black Storm.
　That army was led by an evil dark knight riding a giant dragon.
　That dark knight was incredibly strong.
　He easily defeated the brave Lord of Light, Rage-sama, who defeated the most powerful King Damon (Lord).
　The scene would be seen by many people in magical images.
　I look at the city walls.
　There is a huge hole in it.
　The Dark Knight easily broke the strong castle wall made of dwarves. Once again, I feel the fearfulness of the dark knight.
　That dark knight pushed Master Rage away with the force of breaking through the city walls.
　Even now, the stone pavement in the plaza in front of the temple is largely broken.
　He then pressed the fallen Rage-sama to put a stop to it.
　The victorious demons covered the skies of the Ariadia Republic.
　The people of Ariadia were overwhelmed with despair at the demons' victorious voices.
　I, too, thought it was all over, so I fell to my knees and almost cried.
　It was then. Goddess Raina descended with a group of angels.
　Suddenly, the beautiful, shiny goddess appeared, and we were transfixed.
　And when Goddess Raina appeared, her majesty caused the dark knight to bend forward and begin to suffer.
　It was a very moving sight, as we watched in the magical images.
　The dark knight had no choice but to bend forward and retreat in agony, and thus we were saved.
　It seems that other people felt the same way about that moving scene, so they decided to make a mural of it for posterity.
　The mural depicts the Dark Knight bent forward in front of Lady Raina, and it will be passed on to the people of the Republic of Ariadia for all time.
　The people who see the mural will also be reminded of Lady Renna's greatness.

Well, that's certainly true ....... But looking at this crowd, it is indeed impossible to pray again and again!
ze ......

　My sister Kayna looks at the crowd of people and says in exasperation.
　Very crowded. It's like a festival.
　Despite the size of the temple of Lord Rena, we couldn't get inside, and even the square in front of it was crowded with people.
　It took me a long time to visit the temple, too.
　Leiria, the priest of Lord Raina's temple, is also busy dealing with the people coming to pray.

''Well, let's at least thank them from here, sister Keina.

　In fact, I think sister Kayna should go inside and pray to the statue of Lady Raina. However, standing in line for hours seems to be a painful experience for sister Kayna, who is not very good at patience.

'Well, at least that's the case: ......

　Then my sister Kayna prays.
　I pray the same thing.
　Lady Raina. Thank you for saving us.










　Chiyuki.

　Many people have gathered in a temporary theater built outside the city walls.
　The play is a special lecture dedicated to the goddess Raina.
　There is a great deal of praise for the goddess Raina, who drove away the "Black Storm", as it is commonly known, when the demons attacked the country.
　She is played on stage by Shenna in costume.
　The lead actor returns and the donkey ears seem to have decided to give a lecture.
　The stage is "Alferia" as planned.
　Incidentally, the goddess Raina is supposed to appear in this play.
　At the end of the play, when Princess Alferia was about to be defeated by a witch, Reena appeared and saved the princess.
　There are many other plays in which Raina appears at the end besides this "Alfelia".
　Of course, all of them are as a deus ex machina who resolves a confusing situation and brings the story to a close.
　The "Black Storm" incident that struck the Republic of Ariadia was also resolved by Raina in the end.
　Just like this story.

"That's beautiful, Chiyuki-san.

　Nao, who is watching with me next to me, says to me as she looks at Sienna.
　Shenna was so beautiful as she danced in the center of the stage.
　Shenna had been at Regena's house with his childhood friend from Silone while she was missing.
　They said she wasn't treated badly. He was rather kind to her, she said.
　He saved my life and didn't kill Rage again, so he must not be a bad person at all.
　Then why is he following the demon king?
　It's probably because of the silvery white witch Kuna who was with them.
　It seems that she is the daughter of that demon king, after all.
　It's surprising that that ugly demon king had such a beautiful daughter.
　According to Ligeena's story, she came to tour Ariadia with her dark knight.
　But I can't take that as a word.
　She is definitely involved with the ghouls and the demons of the underground waterways.
　After all, she was the one who told us to come to the underground canals.
　It sounds like she was mostly in Nargol, but even if she wasn't there herself, she could use her underlings and it wouldn't be a problem.
　However, I've also heard that the White Silver Witch helped Shenna help her brother, Decius.
　These two aspects of the situation are unavoidable.
　However, as long as King Damon's (Lord) Urbald was at the back of the underground canal, there's no doubt that the Demon King was trying to bring disaster to this country.

''It really is. See, Syrone-san, look at it too. It's so beautiful.
'Yes. ....... Chiyuki.

　The opposite of a reply is not seeing the play at all. It's like he's not even in his mind.
　He can't forgive his childhood friend for defending the silver witch.

You can't forgive him for defending the silver witch. You'll be able to find out if you've got a good idea of what to expect. Isn't that right, Lino-san?

　I ask Reno, who is watching the play with me, to agree.

'Yeah, I think he probably does. It's like he was affected by Raina's mental magic. I think she was probably under a powerful mesmerizing spell.

　Reno says that at that time, Raina used a spell to break the spirit magic.
　I'm not sure what the magic that was cast on him is, by the way, although there are other types of mental magic such as fascination and oblivion, but Reno doesn't know what it is.
　But in a normal sense, he must have been cast a charm spell.
　It's a very good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.
　The silver witch was a beautiful woman, comparable to Raina.
　If a beautiful woman like that used her mesmerizing magic, she would be a hit.

You're right. But there is hope. I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work. There's a chance to get him back.

　I said, encouraging Shirone to do so.

'Yeah, I know, Chiyuki-san,'

　Syrone replies without effort.

"By the way, one thing I've been wondering, is it possible that you're not really under a spell and are just lost and deceived by the scent of the silvery white witch?

　There is a possibility that what Nao says is possible.
　This is what Kaya said in the first place.
　Kaya is back in the St. Renaria Republic with Kyoka.
　Apparently there's some unfinished business on everything.

''Hmmm. It's true that Kuroki isn't popular with girls. If a beautiful girl like that makes a move on you, there's certainly a chance you'll be cheated out of your mind. If Kuroki didn't fall under the spell, but was just hit by the s*x appeal, I'll have to sanction him with an iron fist.

　Cyrone makes a clenched fist and laughs, "Hmmm.

'Well ....... Be gentle with me.

　I stop Silone in a small way.
　I was a little afraid of Syrone's face.

'That's the thing, Sirone. Your childhood friend isn't a bad looking guy, and he seems to have a kind personality, so why aren't the girls getting you?

　Reno says curiously.
　That certainly bothered me too. He usually looks like he could have a girlfriend.

''Oh, Kroki gets really nasty eyes when he sees a pretty girl. Probably everyone else is going to look at you like that too.
That's right: ......

　Reno's face strengthens a bit.

'I'm telling her that she shouldn't look at me like that, but she just can't help but look at me like that. I'm sure you're aware of the fact that you're being hated, so you're trying not to look at it, but you can't help it. ...... And also he doesn't want to make you feel uncomfortable, so he's trying to avoid getting close to you.

　Sirone says, holding her forehead.

'Then maybe they're watching you, Sirone?

　Reno asks, pulling back a little.

'Yeah, I get very uncomfortable looking at you too when I go to Kroki's room wearing a miniskirt or something. But, well, you don't have the nerve to attack me, and besides, I've known you for a long time, so I'm used to it.
Yes. ......

　What can I say?

'Hmmm, as expected, Reno is fine, but some kids might find it disgusting.
That's true.

　The two men look at each other.

'But that doesn't mean we can't get him back and do things together. ......

　As you can imagine, I'm not comfortable with being subjected to s*xual gazes at all hours of the day.
　We will have to ask him to stay home.
　We watch the play from then on, avoiding the subject of him.
　The scene is set on the stage where the princess, played by Shenna, defeats the witch.
　The woman playing the witch was originally supposed to be played by Ainoe.
　However, Ainoe is said to have escaped with Lesser Damon.
　Instead, a masked understudy plays the witch. It's a moderately good performance for an understudy.
　Soon the play is over and the actors return to the backstage.

Chiyuki-dono. I heard you were here.

　When the stage is over and I'm about to leave, I'm called out to him.

'Sir Decius. What have you done?

　It was Decius who came in. He was supposed to be busy cleaning up the Black Storm incident. I wonder what's going on.

I've come to report that the cleanup of the incident has been settled. Come to think of it, you don't seem to be able to find Reiji-dono and Kyouka-dono?　I want to thank you for funding our recovery: ......

　Decius says, looking around.
　Rage paid half of the funds for the reconstruction of the Republic of Ariadia that was requested.
　Well, actually, it's Kyoka and Kaya's money. That's what they're paying out in Rage's name.
　The only thing that bothers me is that Regina also funded it separately from Kyouka. The source of that money is a bit of a mystery.

You're not going to be able to find out what's going on in the world," he said, "Reigi-kun is recuperating with Sahoko-san. His wounds are fine, but he's lost most of his magic power. That's why he's resting now.

　Rage is recuperating. And Sahoko is with him.
　He's not in mortal danger, but it seems that the fight with him consumed most of his magic power.
　Even though Rage, who has a huge amount of magic power, could not win even if he used up all his magic power. Once again, he was reminded of his strength as a dark knight.
　And when his magic power is depleted, his regenerative ability and resistance drops, so his injuries are harder to heal and he becomes more likely to get sick.
　Also, it's not like his body is injured, so he can't recover from it with healing magic.
　There is a potion that restores magic power, but there isn't enough in this country to restore Rage's vast amount of magic power. It seems that there are some in Elyos, but it seems that the stuff that can restore rage is rare even in Elyos.
　And since it will recover if you rest, there's no need to bother to use a rare item.
　That's why right now Rage is in a special sleep to recover his magic power. Well, he'll wake up sooner or later.

''I see. It can't be helped if you're not there. Well then, I'm happy to report that the demons that escaped have gone to the labyrinth and have taken over the area.
'Well, I'll take the labyrinth: ......

　The labyrinth is a place that was once ruled by the evil god Lavrus.
　According to Decius' report, it seems that this time it has been replaced by a land ruled by the Demon King.
　However, I didn't feel like attacking it again.

''And then there's the damage. I don't know if I should say we were lucky, but it seems that no civilians have died. However, it seems that some of the freedom fighters who entered the underground canal never came back.

　Decius says with a somber look on his face.
　There were so many Ratmen in the underground canals that a lot of damage was done to the freedom fighters.
　If Shenna hadn't blown the whistle, there would have been more damage to the freedom fighters.
　The person who had turned into a Ratman was turned back into a person by Sahoko's magic. They should be recuperating by now.
　However, they don't know if they were able to turn all the Ratmen back to normal.
　If anyone is deaf or lame, they can't be lured back to earth.
　The flute again, but Shenna seems to have returned the flute to him, the dark knight, along with the sword. So now the flute is not in the country.

And Ainoe-dono, I've heard that his whereabouts are unknown. The witch-hunters were chagrined.

　Witch Hunters are people who hunt human beings who have made a contract with Damon or evil gods.
　Volunteers belonging to the Order of Odis, the Order of Felia and the Order of Raina created the witch hunters because they saw the existence of witches as dangerous.
　The founders, I'm told, are priests and university professors from Odis.
　They are not formally recognized by the Order of Odis and others, but they operate with impunity.
　Their pursuits are strict and they are said to torture.
　They are also not afraid of the witches because they don't hesitate to involve people around them who are not involved in the hunt for them.
　If Ainoe is also found, she will be tortured badly.

''Ha, enough about her whereabouts. She didn't seem to know anything important: ....... And even if I found her, I wouldn't be willing to hand her over to the witch-hunters.

　None of us care about her.
　And even if I find it, I'm not going to hand it over to the witch hunter. You can't torture them, as expected.

''You're right. The witch-hunters are a bit much. They even suspected my sister, Shenna.

　Decius says with a slightly angry look on his face.
　He felt bad that his sister was suspected of being a witch.
　Shenna hadn't made a deal with Damon. The interrogation made that clear, but the witch hunter didn't seem to be convinced.
　That's why I assured him that Shenna was not a witch.
　The witch hunter also backed down because I assured him that I was one of the brave ones. Otherwise, they would have tortured Shenna.

'Well, anyway, we have more things to think about over here. I don't have time to think about Mr. Ainoe right now.

　I shake my head and reply.
　For now, I'll have to find out about the silvery white witch.
　I think about the girl with the silver hair.




◆Shenna.

"Shenna!　What was that performance?　I could have done better than that!

　We drop into the tent backstage and when we're alone, Eira takes off her mask and complains about it.
　It's like her face has changed at all, but her personality hasn't changed.
　Eira's face is not her real face. She is changing her face with magic.
　So she doesn't need to wear a mask.
　But if someone with high magic power sees it, they'll know it's changing her face with magic.
　If they find out what she is, the witch hunter will come.
　I don't want to do that.
　That's why I'm having her put on a mask and put on a play.
　I remember when I was interrogated by the witch hunter.
　He suspected that I was holding a sword entrusted to me by that person and that I had made a deal with Damon.
　Of course not.
　Of course not, because those people are not Damon, but a higher being.
　That's why they didn't make a contract with Damon.
　But a witch hunter who can't use lie detection can't understand that.
　If it weren't for my brother and the other heroes, he would have been tortured.
　It's a dangerous place.
　And I returned the sword and flute to her through Regina. I'm just glad it was before the witch hunter interrogated me.
　If they had found them, they would have confiscated them.

'Yes, yes, thank you for your guidance. Aino...... Eira.

　I almost call her by her real name.
　There is no longer a woman named Ainoe. In her place, a woman named Eira was born.
　The reason why she is here is because I asked that one to do it.
　When I think about it, there is no one to replace her in this troupe.
　That's why I asked her to come back.
　Only Commander Midas and I knew of this.
　Commander Midas doesn't much care if she is a witch or not, as long as she can continue with the play.
　She, of course, agreed to return.
　There was no way she could abandon the play in the first place.
　If she had asked Lesser Damon to help her, she would have had an easier way to flourish.
　But she didn't.
　Ainoe......, now Eira, loved the theater in her own way, I guess.
　So she jumped at my suggestion.
　Thus, she is on stage again.
　But of course I will not give up the lead role.
　There was also the possibility that she would try to take my life, but for one reason or another, I decided that it was unlikely.

''Are they fighting again?''

　Someone comes into our waiting room.

'Mr. Regina!
Lady Regina!

　Me and Eira stop arguing.
　Mr. Ligeena is supposed to be our patron. So it's not surprising that she came to us.

'Please don't quarrel with me. Your husband has asked for you guys.

　Miss Ligeena looks troubled.

'I don't like it, Lord Churchill. There's nothing to fight about. ......'

　Eira smiles affectionately.

'Miss Eira. Ms. Shenna is the one your husband is sponsoring. If you're going to harm her, you should be prepared to do so accordingly.'

　Rigena is smiling, but her eyes are not smiling.
　Eira's face is tinged with fear. That would be scary. Ligeena-san is the apostle of the Dark Knight who terrorized Ariadia. She can use the same power, albeit only slightly. If she wanted to, she could win against dozens of excellent human warriors.
　And to Regina, her will is absolute. If Eira tries to harm me, I'll be in no place to continue the play.
　Therefore, he would not make an attempt on my life.
　And thanks to Regina's connection to the Brave Souls of Light, the witch hunter is unable to investigate us.
　Thanks to that, we are saved.

''Um, Regena-sama. ''If you can, that's about it.''

　Suddenly, someone comes out from behind Mr. Ligeena.
　It's a Lesser Damon Zeal with a black goat's head. He was probably hiding his appearance.

''You too, Mr. Zeal. You were allowed to return to Nargol thanks to the Master. You must not do anything against your master's will.
'Yes, I understand. I can't thank you enough, sir.

　Regena-san says and Zeal bows his head.
　This Lesser Damon called Zeal is surprisingly feeble. I thought demons were more frightening, but that was not the case.
　Zeal is currently working in the labyrinth. The reason he is here must be to check on Ainoe.
　Not long ago, I heard how Zeal and Ainoe first met.
　I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that he was unable to return to Nargol and was drunk with his human form, having betrayed the demon king.
　He met Ainoe, who was also dancing in the tavern.
　It seems that Zeal felt something when he saw Ainoe and offered her his help.
　Nevertheless, this matter has changed my view of demons.
　The people of this country think that that dark knight is a scary existence.
　However, looking at his dirty face when I'm performing the dance, I don't think he is that scary.
　He seems to think that he doesn't notice me, but it's obvious.
　Of course, I can't tell my brother about this. Because in a way I can say I'm a witch too.
　Unlike the gods of law, Odis-sama and Feria-sama, the doctrine of Ishtia-sama, the god of love, says to love freely without being bound by anything.
　So it should be okay to love even if it's a dark knight.
　It seems that that dark knight has returned to the Demon King in Nargol.
　I wonder what he's doing now?




URBALD

　I prostrate myself in the audience chamber of the Demon King's Castle.

'Lord Urvald. Sir Urvald, I name you the Keeper of the Labyrinth.

　His Majesty the Demon King's order is given.
　The labyrinth is located quite far from the Demon King's Castle, a place ruled by an evil god.
　To me, who was an aide to His Majesty the Glorious Demon King, it's the same thing as a left turn.
　However, I have no choice but to accept it.

''Yes. I humbly accept.''

　I fall even lower on my face.
　I can see Mullenus and Givryus here, looking at me with cold eyes.
　It's frustrating, but I have to endure it.
　This is still quite a warm-hearted measure. It seems that His Excellency told them to make light of their sins, no matter what.
　So we have no choice but to go to the labyrinth far from the Demon King's Castle.
　Even so, I didn't expect His Excellency to be so strong.
　I look at Morna-sama next to His Majesty the Demon King.
　Lady Morna has a cool look on her face.
　I was secretly ordered to make His Excellency a deceased person, but it will no longer be possible to fulfill the order.
　His Excellency is too strong. He should not be an enemy.
　Lady Morna should also give up.
　Lanfeld, who is under house arrest, said he was no match for you.
　He said that his lordship will be given a fiefdom and will relax there.
　His lordship seems to be content with that.
　Once again, he thought that he shouldn't anger the docile dragon.




　Kroki.

'Thank you, Kroki. Thanks to you, Sir, Lord Llanfeld was spared.

　Modes returns from the audience room and thanks himself.
　Lanfeld is under house arrest for his selfishness.
　It may be a lenient punishment, but there is no one to replace Llanfeld.
　He could not be punished any more.

'No, I don't mind, Modes. 'No, that's all right, Modes, but Lord Llanfeld is what Nargol needs. I won't let him get away with it. I'm more concerned about the evil gods. ......

　Right now, there are only myself and Modes in this room in the Demon King's Castle.
　That's why we call each other by name.
　It's a sight the low-level people can't see.

'I know. It's about Deirdre and the others.

　I nodded at Modes' words.
　Diadna, Queen of the Serpent, is the third force opposed to the gods of Modes and Elyos.
　And it looks like she's trying to do something in the shadows.

'Yes, she is. I'm wondering what she's up to.

　I take out the flute that Shenna gave me from my waist.
　It is said that this flute can be used to control certain demons.
　According to Modes, a merman in the Caird Inner Sea has a similar flute.
　There may be a connection between the two.

'We're investigating that. 'I can't just leave it to Sir. Leave the investigation to others and rest.

　Deirdre is building up her power on the western continent, opposite of Nargol.
　It looks like Modes is sending his men there.

Thank you. 'Thanks, but if you need anything else, just give me a call. We'll be ready to move at a moment's notice.

　With that, I turn to leave the room myself.

'By the way, it's Kuroki,'

　Modes stops me.

'What is it Modes?'
What's going on with you and Raina?
Ugh!

　The moment I hear Raina's name, I bend forward.
　How dare you!
　You just reminded me of what happened in the Kingdom of Roxx!
　Raina used a time spell. They stretched out the time around us.
　They were together for about two weeks. At the end of it all, they remember falling down, both of them losing their minds.
　How could I really have forgotten something so amazing?
　Now it's completely burned into my brain and won't go away.
　I've managed to relegate it to the back of my memory and try not to remind myself of it, though. Suddenly I'm reminded of Raina's nice buddy.
　When that happens, it doesn't subside easily.

'What's the matter, is there still something wrong with you?
No, I'm fine. It's nothing to do with Raina.

　In truth, there was something going on, but in case you're wondering, Raina is an enemy of Modes.
　I can't tell you about this.

'Are you sure you're okay, Kroki?　You look like you're in some kind of pain.

　Modes, seeing his condition, is worried.

'No, it's nothing. It's no problem. So, here we go: ......

　I left the room looking miserable.




Kuna.

　He sits on the throne of the castle of candy that has become Coona's castle.
　The candy castle throne is small enough to fit Coona's body.
　There is a cushion filled with cotton candy, so it's not uncomfortable to sit on.
　There is no Kroki in this castle right now. That's because I've been called to the Demon King's castle.

"How is your new body, Xand?

　I ask the clown in front of me.

Thank you, Kuna-sama. I am a wooden doll, so a wooden doll's body suits me.

　Xand dances. It's a ridiculous dance compared to Shenna's.
　Well, it's appropriate for this guy.
　I gave Xand the body of a wooden doll so he could act. We don't have many hands on Kuna.
　We need him to be useful.
　He's got a clown mask on so he doesn't have to look at me weird.

'You'll be useful to Kroki and Kuna, too. You will destroy Kroki's enemies.
Hello, Lady Kuna.

　Kroki is a little too kind.
　He doesn't mind forgiving those who have tried to take his own life.
　That's why Kuna is going to be cruel.
　He touches the ring on Kuna's hand.
　This ring is not only a bond with Kroki, it binds Kuna at the same time.
　That's why we need someone to move in its place.

"In the meantime, keep an eye on the heroes. "In the meantime, you will keep an eye on the heroes. "Do not let them see you, Xand.
Yes?

　With that, Zand disappears. Zand, who can get in and out of the wards unnoticed, is supposed to be useful for intelligence.
　Now, it's time for Kroki to return. Now, Kroki will be back and we'll have to greet him.
　I walked to the costume room.

'Well, what should I wear today?'

　Shenna has taught me a lot. I'm sure Kroki will be pleased.
　My lower abdomen heats up when I think about it.
　Kroki is Kuna's. I won't give it to anyone.
　And, of course, to Raina, the goddess of wisdom and victory who appeared at that time.

'But who was that goddess, anyway? Why are you the same as Kuna?





Raina.

"Lady Raina. You shouldn't be too reckless: ......

　Nia is worried about me.
　Nia knows I'm pregnant. But I don't even know who the father of this child is.
　I'm pregnant and must rest.
　But I had to move.

'I know, Nia. I'll rest this time.

　As soon as I withdrew Kroki and the others, I returned to Elyos. Let's rest this time.

'Absolutely, Lady Raina. Then I'll leave you to it, and if anything happens, please call one of your side.

　Nia walks out of the room.

'Well, now we need to rest this time. Besides, I'll have to make an excuse not to leave the room.

　I touch my belly.
　It's a secret that I'm pregnant. Very few people know about it, and very few are willing to talk.
　If they find out, it will send Toles into a tizzy. I don't want to do that.
　You're not going to be able to leave your room without getting even bigger.
　If they see her belly, they will know she is pregnant.
　Therefore, I need to think of a reason not to leave the room.
　For the moment, I'll decide to lock myself in my room, heartbroken that Rage, who is mistakenly thought to be my favorite, has been defeated.

'Totally, why do I have to go through all this hassle? You'll have to make this up to me, Kroki: .......

　I laughed as I remembered how Kroki had looked at that time.