Olivia Eliesteel was dead.
　Her entire body was devoured by tooth bugs, and she died in despair, crying out in her agony.
　All that remained in the cage was a large amount of blood and Olivia's clothes and ornaments scattered about.

　After witnessing Olivia's death, we went around and erased all traces of our presence here.

　Olivia had been conducting fearless experiments with demons.
　Many of the villagers died as a result of her experiments.
　Ultimately, Olivia was eaten by the demon in an accident during the experiment and died.

　Perhaps that's how the plot would play out.
　The rest of the story is to be settled by Karen.
　Olivia was screaming for recognition, etc., but if she keeps this up, she's going to be known to the world as the worst offender.

...... gash.

　I searched the basement, but Gash's remains were nowhere to be found.
　They must have already disposed of it.
　Why did that good man have to die like this?
　It was disgusting to remember what Olivia had told him with glee.

'f*ck ......'

　...... Will Karen be able to accept the death of her parents?
　Thanks to Elfie's quick thinking, he wouldn't have heard that story.
　Still, he would have been able to tell that his father was dead.

　Just like his father, Karen was doing her best to think about the people of her domain.
　It was wrong to think that this was the kind of ending that awaited him.

'd*mn you ......!'

　As I searched, I was able to find a few bloodstains and body parts that seemed to belong to other lords before they were disposed of, but I was able to find only a few.
　Just like that guy said, many people must have been sacrificed.

　If they died, though, the living would be left to their own devices.
　I hope that the hapless and horrible end that the woman met will be of some comfort to them.
　It's the only thing I can do.

　In my search, I also discovered the brainwashing magic report that Olivia had put together.

　I can make her obey simple orders (orders) even for a short period of time.
　If you take the time to brainwash them, you can make them do complicated things, like you did to Jean.

　It seems that Olivia couldn't keep multiple orders (orders) at the same time on her own, so she had the help of the ring.
　It looks like this ring is also self-explanatory.
　Also, besides brainwashing, depending on the amount of magic, it seems to be able to mess with an opponent's senses.

...... Brainwashing, you can make your opponent's senses go astray, huh?

　I have a rough understanding of the overview of brainwashing magic.
　I received it directly from Olivia, and I have a general idea of how to use it.
　It looks like we can use it for revenge.

...... This is the third one.

　Merwin Johannes.
　Bertoga.
　Olivia Eliezersteel.

　He has exacted vengeance on the traitors who have lived their lives in peace on their own.
　I have reduced them to despair, made them regret their deeds, apologized to them, and killed them.　

　But it's not over yet.
　There are still a number of traitors out there.
　I can't stop here.

　And so I was about to leave the basement, completely erasing all traces of my presence.

''--Who's that!''

　Suddenly, I felt a gaze from behind me and turned around vigorously.
　There should be no one in the basement.
　Had someone come down from the mansion to the basement?

　That question was quickly realized to be a mistake when I looked back and saw what was there.

'--......'

　A corner of the room.
　A single eyeball floats in the darkness of the dimly lit basement.
　It is made up of water, with the occasional popping bubble forming inside the eyeball.

　The eyeball and my gaze met.

　An inorganic eyeball made of water.
　The moment our gazes crossed, it was a squishy moment.
　The moment they crossed gazes, they were distorted into a terrifying smile.

----

　The next moment, the eyeball disappeared as a blister popped.

'............'

　It's witchcraft.
　Somebody made those eyes and was watching me.
　Who the hell is ......?

　I'm going to examine the place where the eyeball was earlier, but there's no residue of magic.

　I don't know what it is, but I need to be on guard.
　Feeling something unpleasant, I left the basement where no one was left.

◆

　By the time we returned to Karen's mansion, the sun was starting to set.
　Considering that he had ridden into Olivia's in the middle of the night, more than half a day had passed.
　I hadn't felt anything until then, but when I found out about the elapsed time, I was instantly overwhelmed with fatigue.

'You're too late,'

　In front of the mansion, Elfi was waiting for me.

'Oh ......'
How'd you do?
I took care of it. It's more than enough to merit it.
...... did you kill him normally?
'Yeah, I didn't do anything unusual. I rather used a sustained potion to make it less painful.
...... You continue to come up with some pretty nasty stuff.

　Frowning as he came to an understanding and imagined the scene, Elfie nodded, "It's certainly a fitting end for that woman.
　Then I explained about the water eyeball I saw in the basement.

'It looks like someone was monitoring the happenings in that basement with a remote system of magic.
"Or 'you or my actions,'

　Or both.

It's not possible for anyone to do such a trick as flying their eyeballs and looking into the distance. If it was me or the higher demon race of Ortegia, I'm sure they could do that with their alter egos.
''Either a high ranking demon or a skilled sorcerer: ......

　The assassins of the Demon King's army have been watching our movements.
　Or is it the work of the "selector" - the magician of the kingdom?

"Either way, it must be a troublesome opponent, just be on the lookout for it.
Yes, sir. I'll keep an eye out for spotters.

　They've already stepped through two labyrinths.
　So far, they haven't encountered a single pursuer, but it wouldn't be surprising if they were attacked at any time.
　It's only a matter of time before the area around Ryuzas shows up and says, "Yo, Amatki-kun!" if they continue to operate like this.

So, ...... how has the house been going since then?　Are the brainwashed people OK?
There's nothing wrong with it. That man Jean and the rest of the servants are normal.

　Apparently, the brainwashing of Jean and the others had been lifted at the same time as the ring was deactivated.

Doesn't seem to have any aftereffects?
Yes. I've checked the situation with my magical eye and no one has had any brain or magic problems.
'Yeah. Well, that's good to hear.
A few of us have vague memories of the last few days, but that's about it.

　Other than that, there doesn't seem to be any after-effects.
　I guess we can say that the brainwashing is over for now.
　The problem is Karen.

"How's Karen?

　After everything that's happened, you'd think she'd be distraught.
　It's not surprising that she is distraught.

　But Elfie said with a grim expression on his face.

'She woke up about two hours after we knocked her out, and she doesn't look ...... any different.
"No sign of life. ......?

　His parents are dead.

He didn't sleep a wink. He was up all this time checking on the servants and making arrangements to clean up after them.
It's .......

　It's not that Karen is not particularly strong in spirit.
　We know that from the incident at the imperial castle.
　She's just an ordinary woman who's acting stoutly.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make the most of it.

You're going to have to go into the mansion for now. I'll know the girl's condition when I see her in person.
...... Yeah, yeah.

　He opened the door and entered the mansion.
　As soon as I entered, I was approached by a servant.

''Welcome back, Iori-sama. Karen-sama is waiting for you.''

　It seems that Karen has told me to come to my room.
　I responded and headed straight to Karen's room.

　The servants who seem to have been brainwashed seem to be taking a rest just in case, and it was quiet inside.
　There were only a few people working, including the servant from earlier.

　I walked down the quiet corridor and came to the front of Karen's room.
　She seemed to be still awake, and I could hear the sound of brushes running from inside.

'...... Karen-san. We're back.

　I called out to her and the noise stopped.
　Karen replied and the door immediately opened.

''Iori-san!　Are you hurt?!

　Karen, who came out, had changed into loose-fitting clothes that looked like loungewear.
　As soon as she saw my face, she called out to me to consider me.
　The tone of her voice, appearance and expression are just as Elfi said, and she certainly seems to have the same atmosphere as she did before.

''It's ...... okay,''
I'm glad you're okay ......!

　Karen looked relieved when I showed her that she wasn't hurt.

''I heard from Elfi-san about what happened after that. I heard that the two of you rescued me after I was attacked by a demon and passed out ....... When I heard that Iori-san was left alone, I was worried.

　She and Elfie talk back and forth, and Karen is supposed to have fainted because of the demon.
　I don't want to let Karen know about that narrative of Olivia's.

''Yes. I've taken care of the demon on my end. It's just that ...... Olivia's brainwashing magic must have failed. She was attacked by the demon she was controlling .......
Yeah?

　Although his expression darkened slightly for that moment, Karen quickly returned to her normal expression.

''Then I have to ...... report the events of this time to His Majesty. I have to go check on the situation regarding the labyrinth as well ....... We need to get on with it right away.
...... right now?
Oh ...... I'm sorry. We'll make sure Iori and the others are well compensated.

　I haven't forgotten you ......! Karen smiles mischievously, "I'm not.
　...... different.

'I hear you haven't slept a wink since then. Why don't you get some rest, Karen-san?

　Karen shook her head at those words and replied.

I have a lot of work to do. There is no time to rest at a time like this.
.......
I'm fine. More importantly, Iori-san fought a demon, didn't she?　Iori-san is the one who needs to rest.

　I'm fine, Karen never nodded.
　So the conversation was cut short and Karen went back to her room.
　Me and Elfie were told to ask the servants if they had any problems, and we had to leave.

'I don't think there's anything more to be said. ...... now we'll have to leave you alone.
...... Yeah, yeah.
Well ...... that girl has a point. Iori must be a little tired, right?　Why don't you take a break?

　I definitely feel tired.
　I've made it possible for me to be active without sleeping for long periods of time, but should I rest when I can?

　After asking the servants to take a light meal, I returned to my room with Elfi.
　I rolled onto the bed and looked up at the ceiling.
　What comes to mind is Karen's expression as usual.

'As usual ......'

　There's no way I'm going to stay calm.

............

　A lot of sacrifices were made by Olivia.
　People will be sad to know that.
　I'm sure a lot of people will cry.
　I'm sure even Karen would want to do the same. ......

　--a lot of crying.

"--

　A noise ran through my vision.
　Someone was standing in the middle of a dust storm that was spreading all over the place.

'...... ku,'

　The testimony of bravery on his right arm radiates heat.
　I suppress the back of my hand and endure its heat.

''...... Iori?''

　How many seconds have passed?
　The questioning voice of Elfi, sitting on the bed next to him, brought him back to consciousness.
　My vision returns to normal and the fever in my testimony subsides.

'What's wrong?'
'No, it's nothing.'

　...... Are you feeling tired?
　Do you want to take a break for now?

　I decided to do so and meditate.
　The consciousness smoothly rolled off and I quickly fell asleep.

◆

　Suddenly, I woke up.
　When I looked through the curtains, it was dark outside.
　It was already night.

　Even though it was night, the lights in my room were shimmering.
　Come to think of it, while I was staying in this mansion, I felt like the light was always on when I woke up in the morning.
　It must be Elfi's doing.

'Soooo ...... soo ......'

　Elfie is asleep in the bed next to me, breathing in his sleep.

'Totally. ......'

　He picked himself up and turned off the lights in the room.
　It's not electricity, it consumes magic power to turn on the lights.
　If you leave it on, the magic power you consume will not be foolish.
　He said something like, "Don't turn off the lights," but that's not going to happen.

　My body is fine, but my head is a little fluffy.
　Maybe I'm more mentally tired than physically, I guess.
　I'm still sleepy, and I think I'm going to get another night's sleep.

　I yawn and lie down on the bed.
　It was time to try to fall asleep again in the darkened room.

'----!'

　With a gulp, Elfie sat up vigorously.
　Exhaling roughly, he looked around on the bed.
　Then, trembling, he held his body in his hands.

'I don't want to ...... hate it. I don't want to be ...... dark anymore.
...... Elfie?
.......... please don't leave me alone.

　I got up from the bed and Elfie turned to me.
　Something is wrong.

'Ori...... Iori.'

　At the sound of faint Elfie's voice, I also raise myself from the bed.

''Iorii .......''
...... What's up?

　I hear Elfie let out a breath of relief as he replies.
　Then Elfie turns on the light again.

'...... I told you not to turn off the lights,'

　Elfi sat on the edge of my bed and glared at me.

'...... are you afraid of the dark?'

　Come to think of it, I've been trying to keep the campfire going every night during the trip, and I think I've seen that pretense in Merwin's basement.

'No. I just don't like being alone in a dark and quiet place.

　...... That's not what you call fear of the dark.

'I've told you before ....... That it was pitch black inside the seal and there was no sound or light.
...... Yeah.
'Since I've been out of the seal, ...... I can't stay alone in a quiet, dark place anymore. My body would shake and my breathing would be labored.
You ......, so give me a light .......
...... I'm sorry I didn't explain it properly.

　Elfie said as he lowered his eyes and mocked himself.
　'I'm sorry,' he said, 'but don't put out the lights.

'...... sorry. I didn't notice it either.

　We've been together for a good amount of time and it's pathetic.

'Good. But if you feel ...... bad about it, don't turn out the lights ...... and talk to me about something until I fall asleep. I'm awake.
Okay.

　For the next hour or so, I exchanged a few words with Elfi.
　They chatted about the future, brainwashing magic, the labyrinth, and the last part of the conversation.
　After an hour, Elfie fell asleep again.

'............'

　With the light on, I meditate on the eyes I'm lying on too.
　Elfi's sleepy breaths make me sleepy.

'...... Speaking of which,'

　Just before I fall asleep - right before I fall asleep.

　Before I knew it, I'd be able to sleep with Elfie next to me without alarm.

　Such thoughts passed through my mind.