On that day, several Cathedral Knights rushed to Marcus' mansion.
　This is because those living nearby had reported a series of suspicious sounds coming from the mansion.

　The knights knocked on the door, but there was no response.
　Suspiciously, the knights entered and saw Leo, the deputy captain, and Kirie, who belonged to the Order.
　They were both injured and were immediately transported to the hospital.

　And the ensuing investigation revealed all the evil that Marx had been doing.

　A large number of women were held captive in the dungeons.
　The inhumane deeds that had been carried out and the large quantities of illegal drugs that had been hidden.
　Documents were also found that linked George to Lily, who was recently wanted.

　Many of the rescued women are addicted to the drug and are being treated urgently.
　It can take a long time to break free from addiction.
　During treatment, it became clear that these women matched the victims of a recent spate of missing persons cases.

　Marx's men, who would have been involved in this crime, had collapsed in the basement.
　Somehow, they had all been knocked unconscious.
　So far, it was thought that Marx had cut them down to make bait.

　The key to the story is that Marx was never found and was soon put on the wanted list.
　However, in secret.
　If this case was known to the outside world, the authority of the Cathedral Knights would be greatly diminished.
　On the contrary, even the prestige of "Holy Light God" Melt could fade.

　A gag order has been kept hushed up among the people involved, and it is strictly forbidden to speak about it.　
　Because of this, though, rumors are slowly spreading in the Holy City.

　The treatment of Leo and Killier, who had revealed Marcus's misdeeds, was greatly divided between the Order and the Knights.
　However, he is the only user of mental magic in the Order and the only user of holy chanting magic.
　Both are irreplaceable human resources and cannot be treated roughly.
　Although not outwardly, it has been decided that a reward will be sent to the two men in secret.

　This incident has severely curtailed the momentum of the sub-human exclusionist group.
　This is because one of the Exclusionist's banners was Marx.
　A major change is about to occur not only within the Order, but also within the Order.

　Whether it will be for the better or for the worse, only God knows.

　That's what happened in this case.



　A few days later, after I had successfully pushed the Knights to deal with the aftermath, a few days later, Leo arrived at the inn where I was staying.
　A few days later, Leo arrived at the inn where I was staying.
　The same as before, all the while keeping out of sight so that no one would notice.

"You were the ones who delivered the letter to me, weren't you?
...... What are you talking about?
...... And you guys were the ones who gave first aid to me and Killier when he was down, weren't you?

　Laughing at my blurting out, Leo said.

'You don't have to answer. There's something going on between you guys, isn't there?
............
I don't care what the circumstances are. I just want to thank you guys for what you did for me.

　I'm sure they didn't leave any evidence at the scene, but it seems that they couldn't hide it from Leo, as far as I can tell.
　Indeed, we did the letter and the first aid.
　After we crushed Marcus' crotch, we cast a healing spell on Leo and the others.
　It's only a first aid measure, though, so we left it up to our real job, the healing magician, to make them completely healed.

Thank you. I've been able to save Kirie, thanks to you guys. I can't thank you enough.

　Leo bowed deeply to us and thanked us.

'I don't know what you're talking about, but ......'

　Good opportunity.
　I blurted out, but then I said something.

"If you're grateful, would you mind doing me a few favors?
If I can do it, I'll take care of it.

　I was quite reckless, but I guess Leo is a righteous man when he accepted the job.
　As expected, though, he had a reluctant expression on his face.
　This should make it easier to do many things in the future.

　And so, after Leo heard my 'request', he left the inn.

◆

　The day after Leo came to the inn.

　In the evening, me and Elfi were eating food at a restaurant in the Holy City.
　Compared to other countries, the Church State has stronger agricultural produce.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find out what's going on in the world.

　Out of the four loaves of bread I asked for, Elfi took three of them.
　I could only eat one of them because he gave me a sad look when I tried to reach for the bread.

...... So.

　As I finished my fourth loaf of bread lightly, I asked Elfie what I'd been wondering.

'Why did you even bother to suggest calling Leo then?'

　--On the way to Marcus' mansion, on the way to

　At Elfie's suggestion, I've decided to deliver a letter to Leo describing what happened.　
　I'm going to use Leo to get him to clean up after Marx.
　I didn't expect Leo to arrive before me because I spent so much time trapping him.

　Well, it was a good thing Leo came early as a result.
　Otherwise, Kirie wouldn't have been safe.

''Hm?　I've explained why. It's to force you to clean up after yourself.

　There's nothing funny about Elfi's explanation.

　To force Leo to clean up after himself.
　In fact, thanks to Leo and his team, the rescue of the victims and so on was running smoothly.

　The other is insurance.
　If Ryusas interfered in some way and we were embarrassed.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to turn the tide of the war around if Leo, a knight in the hall and renowned for his ability to use psychic magic, comes to your aid.

Is that really all you have to offer?

　But I was stuck on one thing Elfie said.

　--a little frustrated with the way things are going. I can't stand it, so stick with me for a minute.

　Before I went to send a letter to Leo, Elfi had said this.

'Mu......'

　Elfie looked a little awkward and sipped the hot milk he'd asked for with the bread.
　It was hot, and with tears in his eyes, Elfie replied awkwardly.

'...... I couldn't bear to see those two in such a frustrating love affair,'

　'I wanted to do something about the misunderstanding,' said Elfie, a slight blush creeping across his cheeks.

'...... That's why?'

　I rolled my eyes at Elfie's unusual words.
　I didn't expect the word "love" to come out of Elfi's mouth.

'Well, you don't have to look so surprised!　When you see a man and a woman on the verge of a tragic love affair, it's normal to want to do something about it!

　Is that so?
　I'm sure there are some people who think that way, but it's not just that, it's that they are uncomfortable with what Elfi says.
　It's more bite than s*x appeal, this guy is not .......

'Well, you've lived a long time, too. Have you experienced a love affair or two?
...... Huh?　Oh, yeah. Yeah, of course you do, right?　I'm a hundred battle-hardened love lord!
............

　Well, let's not say everyone.
　After all, Elfi was Elfi.

You mean, there is such a thing as an Iori?　It's a good idea. I'm not a fan of the ...... experience of being in love.

　I don't know if she noticed my cold gaze, but Elfi turned the point of view towards me as if to deceive me.
　I'm not sure I've ever been in a relationship before.

...... Well, it's not like I don't have one.

　My memory is so worn out I can barely remember it, but I seem to remember falling in love with my classmates a few times on Earth.
　I can't remember his face or his name anymore, though.

　But it seems like a long time ago, doesn't it?
　When was the last time I felt love or infatuation or anything like that?
　The last time was probably ...... thirty years ago.

　...... Oh, I feel nauseous.

"...... Hmmm. I see.

　Elfie gave me a boring look and gave me a reasonable reply.
　He's asking for additional bread again.

You were the one who asked me. You were the one who asked me.
Nothing?　Iori was a great romantic hero too, right?　Nothing?　I don't feel anything, okay?
At least he's definitely not a great romantic hero.

　What's with the headache-inducing title?
　I told you I'm done being brave.

"............
............

　Mute.
　He occasionally glances at me as he eats the bread that has been brought to him.
　What the hell is this guy?

'...... kohon.'

　As if impatient with me and my dumbfounded expression, Elfie opened his mouth to mend things.

'...... I saw a man and a woman traveling a long time ago. I just thought of those two and a little bit of overlap.

　I see.
　I'm sure Elfie has many reasons.
　It's a good thing that you are a demon, but you also love human beings, perhaps because of some past circumstances.

The only thing that matters is that I am also a woman of many loves.
Really?
Hmm. Not many men are as good-looking and intelligent as I am. Many men have courted you, don't they?

　I guess even the demon race has a concept of being popular.
　I thought that if you're strong, you'll be popular, or so I thought.

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

　As I'm thinking about this, Elfi gives me a jittery look.

'Don't you want to hear more about ......?'
Why?
...... separately.

　...... I'm not sure about this guy.

　I found out after the cleanup that Leo and Killier were to be made the flag bearers of the sub-human pandering faction.
　I heard that some people are saying that Leo will be the next captain of the second squad.
　It seems that they are going to be involved in all kinds of trouble.

　What will happen to the two of them?
　When I muttered about this, I was told

Still, I'm sure they'll do well.

　Unusually, I was impressed with Elfie who said it like that.

◆

　We finish our meal and head home.
　Perhaps because of the rumors circulating about Marx's case, the number of people on the street has decreased compared to a few days ago.
　Even so, the streets were still crowded with people like us who had come from other places.

'You're getting hungry after walking.
Just a few minutes ago, you were eating bread like a fool.
Mm, I'm not stupid.

　We passed through a crowded street and a back alley.
　This one was less crowded and more secluded.
　It is said that many of those kidnapped have disappeared in the back alleys, so everyone must be avoiding the stones.

'...... style'

　I let out a small sigh as I walked away.


"-- Don't look at (・・・・・) forever (・・・・・・・・), scumbag (・・・・).


　I clawed at the space in front of me.
　A cracking sound resounded and the sensation of something shattering could be felt.

''--Ku. Haha, what is it? You've noticed.''

　A hoarse, familiar voice.
　The grating humor of Riusas echoed through the back alley.

　But no one passing through the front of the house would recognize the voice.
　It was as if this was the only place where they felt cut off from the world.

'Take revenge on Marx and help the unfortunate people who were also held captive ----. Ha. That's my hero, Sam. That's great. It's not just revenge, it's the fact that you took the trouble to protect a bunch of bogus women.

　It's probably the magic of farsightedness.
　Considering that I didn't show any rags during my previous surveillance, I wonder if they deliberately set me up to be noticed.

'Isn't that what happened with George and the others?　They say you have to kill your clones with overwhelming psychic magic to save the children. I've been told that you need to die to be cured, but it looks like you weren't cured even if you died. I'm sorry?　Heroic Amatsu-san.

　I was warned, but Liuzas continued to speak with a mocking smile.

''It's hard for the demon tribe there, isn't it?　He doesn't seem to understand that he was killed because of his hypocrisy.　It must be annoying to be swayed by all that stupid self-indulgence, isn't it?'

　Elfi doesn't respond.
　With his arms crossed and his magic eye open, he remained silent, not even worth talking to.
　A small, clucking sound of tongues could be heard from the other side.

'The ...... is. Oh well. I'm going to kill you both anyway. Your stupid heroics will end here...
Hey, Liuzas.

　He interrupted the grating and opened his mouth.

'You're quite obsessed with heroes, aren't you?
"Oh, ......?

　Liuzas's sneer stopped.

'How many times do you have to say the word "heroic" to make me feel better?'

　There was a pause of a few seconds, and then Liuzas' voice echoed again.

You're the one who's obsessed with ....... You still remember that stupid promise you made to Lucifina, don't you?　You can't help it.
Promise?　I forget, that's not what I'm doing. I'm just doing what I want to do.
Is this what you call playing the hero?
You're a hero. You're very persistent, Liuzas. Did you become a bit of an idiot?
"............

　I've long since stopped being a hero or a brave man or anything like that.
　f*ck you.

I get goosebumps when the word 'hero' comes out of the mouth of a scum like you. Hostage taking, surprise attack, revenge. You can only use other people's lives from behind, so what kind of heroism are you trying to talk about?

　I'm having a hard time holding back my laughter, so stop it.
　I'm laughing so hard I feel like I'm going to throw up.

'You're the one who said on the journey that you were going to 'fight for the people you care about', right?　Your sister, was it?　What would your sister think if she saw you doing that?　You're a rotten man, and you wouldn't want to face him.

　Then I remembered.
　That "sister" was just a lie to lull me into trusting you.
　Lucifina and Dionysus had prepared a lie that was nothing but a beautiful lie.

　It's funny to remember what Dionysus said when he killed her.
　I can't wait to be able to laugh at the falsehoods of Lucidus and Lucifina too.

''That important person was a lie too, wasn't it? When you think about it, there was no way a piece of crap like you would have fought for someone else. I'm sure you would have figured it out if you'd kept your cool. ...... I'm disappointed in myself for not realizing that.

　--Butch.

　In the next moment, any sign of Liuzas disappeared from the back alley.
　Instantly, the hustle and bustle of the front is transmitted to us.

''There's no surveillance magic. It looks like they've completely cut off their path with us.
...... What is that guy?

　I thought he was going to make a lot of noise, with his gruff, grating voice.

'Oh well,'

　I had a hunch.
　I knew that he would come for me next.

And when I do, I will end it all.

　It was fun, I remember those days.
　Really, it was fun to travel with those guys.
　Rüzas made a lot of noise, Dionysus was dumbfounded, and Lucifina laughed at it in a fun way.

　It's because those days are burned into my brain.

　How much fun would it be to destroy everything in Rüzas--


Ha-ha.


　I laughed as I looked up at the moon in the night sky.