This is a memory of a bygone era.
　A warm memory of the former Demon King who was robbed of everything.

◆


　--When a new Demon King is chosen, the succession ceremony is held in the Demon King's Castle.

　And it is no exception, even when a girl is chosen as the Demon King.

　On that day, the Demon King's Castle/Inheritance Room was filled with demons of the demon race and intelligence.
　The gleaming decorations, the crimson carpet that was laid out, and the lights that shimmered in the large room.
　At the far end of the room where the overflowing demons were gathered, sitting on a throne was a girl.

　A girl who doesn't fit in this place and doesn't even seem to be an adult.
　There may be those who would reckon that, just by looking at her appearance.
　However, there is no one here who can have such feelings when they see her rise up from her throne.

　She has lustrous silver hair that seems to be trapped in a starlight chamber, and golden twin eyes that see everything in the room.
　The jet-black horns that seem to pierce the heavens.
　And crawling across her skin is a reddish crest that proves she is the "Demon King".

　No one can look at her and laugh at her as a child.
　With a few exceptions, all of them gasped at the spirit that rose up from their bodies.

　And by the side of the carpet leading to the throne stood six demons and one dragon.
　They were the highest ranking of the girl's men.
　Among them are those who have been named the Four Heavenly Kings.

　It has already been a few months since the previous Demon King, Scharnarch Van Bernerks, lost his life.
　A battle for the title of the next Demon King had broken out within the Demon King's army.
　And the girl on the throne is the one who has won the title of the "Demon King" by defeating the other fierce opponents.

　The girl stepped away from the throne and stepped forward.
　The demons were buzzed by this gesture.

　There was no one in the Demon King's Castle who didn't know the girl.
　Formerly, the Four Heavenly Kings of the Demon King's Army - "All Demons".

"--My name is Elfiszak Gildegard.

　At those words, the inheritance room fell silent.
　In the painful silence, the girl - Elfiszak continued to speak.

"Until now, I have called myself the Four Heavenly Kings 'All Demons'. But from now on, I will call myself this.

　Showing off the red demon king crests running across his entire body, Elfiszak declared.

''--"Demon King" Elfiszak Van Gildegard,

　At those words, a murmur rises.
　Even those who had been consumed by her spirit could not remain silent when they heard the word Demon King.

　A demon king is the strongest being among the demon race to become.
　It's a tradition that has been going on since the birth of the second Demon King.
　There is no one to complain about the tradition.
　But there were many who were unhappy with Elfiszak's accession to the throne.

...... spoiled little girl. I can't get Lady Sharnak to come to mind.
'Hey, idiot ......! Loud.

　It was when the demon tribe next to him frowned at the one who had openly spilled out his frustration.

''-- Shut up.''

　The room of succession was quieted by the words of one man.
　The one who spoke was one of the demons standing at the side of the passage.
　It was the Four Heavenly Kings "Rain" Feluse Gregoria.

''You are in the presence of the Demon King. You are in the presence of the Demon King.

　"Rain" has been named the Four Heavenly Kings since the previous Demon King.
　His power within the Demon King's army is also very large.
　The demon tribe couldn't help but be silent at his words.

"There are two requirements for a Demon King.

　When it was quiet, Elfiszak opened his mouth.

'One is being the strongest. And the other is that it is necessary for the survival of the demon race. Thus, the fact that the Demon King's crest was placed in my body means that it is recognized that I have fulfilled the conditions set by the first Demon King. And for that I am honored.

　The first demon king - it was once a demon king who had all the demon races at his disposal.
　It is said that Hadeer, the god of fallen light, created the strongest demon race for the first time.
　The first demon king strongly wished for the survival of the demon race, and when he was dying, he developed "psychic magic".
　This is nothing more than a demon king crest - the authority to determine the next demon king and handle the demon king's castle.

It's not just a matter of time before the next generation of demon kings, but also the next generation of demon kings. To live up to the name of the Demon King, I swear on my soul that I too will use my entire body for the Demon Race!

　Filled with supremacy, Elfiszak declared on a high note.
　The six demon clans standing at the side of the succession room chewed their declaration thoughtfully, and one dragon roared in praise of its master.
　The audience applauded, too.

　Elfiszak watched as the applause died down, then

"-- Therefore, in order to fulfill my duty as Demon King, I hereby swear to put an end to the war with humans.

　I told them so.
　The demon clans that were not part of Elfiszak's faction were left speechless by the oath.
　Elfiszak is not confused by their reactions. This is because it was obvious.

''There will be many who will be dissatisfied with this policy. In fact, there are not a few letters of objection that have reached me. I understand that the Demon King's Army is not a monolithic organization. That's why, as the Demon King, I want to listen to everyone's opinions as much as possible.

　After looking down at the bundle of objections that he had received, Elfiszak continued to speak.

''Right now, our Demon King's army and the Demon Race are more exhausted than ever before. Why is that? -- because many of them continue to be wounded and lose their lives in the long-lasting war against humans.

　The war between humans and demons has already been going on for more than a hundred years.
　Although the demons are overwhelmingly superior in terms of individual strength, the humans have far more of them than the demons.
　By changing hands, products, people, and places, the humans are using every possible means to compete with the Demon King's army.

''The previous Demon King, Lord Charnach, also lost his life due to the wounds from the battle. If the battle continues like this, we will be forced to suffer more exhaustion.

　In the battles where Sharnach went to the front lines, the humans were generous in dropping their preserved troops.
　Selectors, S-rank adventurers, Protectorate Mages, and Cathedral Knights.
　All nations joined hands and used every hand they possessed to intercept Sharnak.
　As a result, Sharnak was mortally wounded and the Demon King's army was forced to retreat.

''That's why I am now considering negotiating with the humans and concluding an end-of-war agreement.

　The belligerent demons in the hall naturally did not look good.
　An end-of-war agreement with humans. This is the primary reason why the demon race is dissatisfied with Elfiszak's accession.
　To those who despise humans as an inferior species, Elfiszak's policy is not amusing.

The humans are numerous. Unlike us, they will quickly rebuild even if they are exhausted. I'm sure you'll be pleased with the results. There is also information that those demons have begun negotiations with the humans.

　It is a well-known fact that sub-humans, led by the fairy species (elves), are communicating with humans.
　They will join the armies of humans before long.

Some of you may laugh at me, wondering if I am afraid of subhumans. But I don't think the Demon King's army will be defeated even if humans and subhumans join forces. If we continue to fight, we will surely win. But when will that happen?　After ten years, or a hundred years, or even a thousand years. When you've destroyed the last human, how many demon races will be left?

　The war has been going on for a hundred years.
　There is no way to know when this war will end under the present circumstances.
　If another race joins the war, she is right, it could last for more than a thousand years.

Further battles will only cause more needless damage to each other. It is true that humans are also exhausted. That's why we have to make an end-of-war agreement with the humans now. Faster than the humans can get the sub-humans on their side and build up their forces!
----

　At Elfiszak's words, the hall fell silent.
　The Demon King's army is not monolithic, and it's not that some of them don't want the war to end.
　All those who have become Elfiszak's subordinates are also convinced of her policy and are cooperating with her.

　However, there are still not a few demon races that want the extinction of humans.
　Particularly those who served under the previous Demon King Sharnak have a strong objection to her.
　Many of the people who submitted the letter of objection are probably the former Charnaque demons.

''Negotiating with inferior species, etc. ......''
...... What are you thinking about?
''After all, you shouldn't have handed the position of the Four Heavenly Kings to a newcomer like that .......

　Amidst the murmurs that spread through the hall, the former Charnaque demons complained in a whispered voice.
　They tried to quiet down again, and I restrained Feruse with my hand.

As I said earlier, I'm going to listen to everyone.

　Elfiszak turns his gaze to the whole of the succession interval.

'-- So those who have a grievance can come directly to mine and say. I'll leave the room unlocked at all times.

　The demon clans of the former Sharnak faction awkwardly averted their eyes at Elfiszak, who turned her sharp gaze on them.
　Those who belonged to the factions that were opposed to her also dropped their gazes down one by one.
　None of them were able to look back at Elfiszak's gaze from the front.

　--except for one person.

'It's over .......'

　When he finished looking at all the hall, Elfiszak finished his oath.
　Naturally, a heavy silence hung in the hall.
　In the midst of that, a crackling, small applause echoed.
　As if caught by it, the applause slowly spread.

　Hearing the sparse applause, Elfiszak turned himself around.
　He walked slowly to the exit of the Inheritance Room.

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

　I let out a small breath and remembered the demons in the hall.
　In the silent hall, I knew immediately who was the first one to clap.
　Dazzling silver hair, sharp golden eyes, and jet-black twin horns.

'----'

　In the midst of the demon tribe who were giving a wild look, they didn't open their mouths even once, nor did they look away from the demon king's gaze.
　The demon tribe just staring at you while clapping a small hand.
　That person's name is--.

　--Ortegia Zarefedra, he said.

◆

　After the succession ceremony, Elfiszak, together with Gracia, was taking care of various things afterwards.
　Most of them were dealing with the Four Heavenly Kings who came to greet him, the demon generals who were able to come to the Demon King's Castle, and other powerful demon clans.
　After finishing the conversations with a number of fierce people, Elfiszak and Gracia were finally able to come to the conference room where their friends were waiting.

''Let's go in.''

　Inside the room, her companions had already gathered and were sitting in chairs.
　Also at the back of the room, the Black Flame Dragon (Karth Dragon) was lying sleepily.

''Master Elfiszaak!　Good job!

　As soon as you enter the room, the melodic demon tribe stands up vigorously and gives you a word of thanks for your labor.
　They are twins named Abel and Fay.
　They are similar in appearance, but even more than that, their words and actions are synchronized, and even within the demon king's castle, there are not a few people who mistake them for each other.

''...... master. Welcome back. That was cool.''

　Next, the black flame dragon - Verdia raised her body and opened her large mouth.
　She is a dragon species kept as Elfiszak's pet.
　She has very high intelligence and looks up to Elfiszak as her master.

''Master Elfiszak, please sit down first.

　As he was answering the labored words from his men, Gracia quickly pulled up a chair.

'Ah. 'Thank you, Gracia.'
'What a shame. ......!　Kuh-uh.

　Elfiske sits back in his chair, smiling at Gracia, who cries tears of emotion at his words of thanks.

It's a good thing that you're tired. Since you spoke in front of so many people, even you must have been nervous, right?

　The one who smiles at you is a gentleman of the demon race.
　He is known as Thor, also known as the Four Heavenly Gods of Thunder.

Thor. I'm not sure who you think I am.

　Elfiszak huffed and smiled.

...... I was so nervous,

　He went limp and went straight down to his desk.

Why is it that when you can produce so much dignity, you're somewhat frumpy: ......
Thor!　You must be precious, Master Elfiszak, who is tired and tired!　And you're still so dignified!
''Wow, Gracia's usual routine has begun.
''What's with the usual!''

　Elfiszak let out a heavy breath as his subordinates made a noise.
　As the Four Heavenly Kings, he had experience speaking in front of many subordinates, but this was the first time he had spoken in front of that many demon clans.
　Besides, there was also the concern that a rebellion might break out on that spot.

　Although he was recognized as the Demon King after twisting the demon race in line, Elfiszak would be the first Demon King to talk about 'making an end-of-war agreement with humans' and so on.
　As the letter of objection that arrived shows, there are not a few who are dissatisfied with that policy.
　I'm not sure if it's a good thing or not, but it seems that no one else in the room had the guts to stand up to the "demon king" head on.

"Are you okay?　If you're tired, would you like me to fix you up?
...... please.
Yeah, I'm on it.

　The demon clan, whose bangs hid their eyes, held out a hand to Elfiszak.
　Their palms glowed, and a warm light covered Elfiszak.
　The healing magic erased the fatigue in the blink of an eye.

''Hm. It's much better. That's what I'm talking about, Musubel.
Yeah. If you get tired, you can always tell me.

　His name is Musubel.
　He has the best healing magic skills in the Demon King's army, and there is no one to his right.
　After thanking Musubel, Elfiszak looks up.
　The noisy Gracia and the others shut up in a flash and turned their gaze to Elfiszak.

''You all did a great job today. Somehow, we managed to successfully complete the succession ceremony. There are no few problems that remain, but I believe that we can make it work with you. I ask you to continue to support me in my endeavors.

　For Elfiszak, Thor and the others were the first people he could call 'friends'.
　Until he joined the Demon King's Army, there was no one who could even treat him as an equal, let alone walk the same path.
　That's why I love everyone here.

'You are too humble to be blameless. You have saved me, you are my everything. I swear to you that I will give everything in my body to You.
'We may only be able to fight, but we will do our best to be of service to Master Elfiszaak.

　Gracia prostrates herself, and Abel and Faye speak forcefully of their decision.

'...... I will follow Master all the way.'

　Shaking her large body, Verdia nodded with a coy smile.

'...... yes. I, too, will use this healing power for Elfiszak-sama's sake.''
We've come so close to making you the Demon King. Now that we've come this far, I'm going to make your dream come true.

　Musubel clenched his fists as he said this, and Thor smiled wryly.
　At the words of his friends, Elfiszak's face broke out.

　--You're not laughing.

　The words that were once said to him by ■■ pass through his head.
　I can say with pride that it's different now.
　I'm surrounded by so many friends.

But the hard work begins here.
Yeah.

　Thor is right, Elfiszak has a massive amount of problems.
　It has to negotiate with the humans in order to reach an end of war agreement.
　In doing so, how to deal with the Church State, which will surely reject them.
　And how to restrain the belligerent demons?
　There are many problems.

In the meantime, we must first deal with the ex-Shalnak demons: ......
I'll take care of that.

　The door opened vigorously and a man walked into the conference room.
　The man with the blue and silver hair swinging is the Four Heavenly Kings "Ame" Feluese Gregoria.

You are going to be able to get your hands on some of the most important information. I'm sure you'll be able to help me out, Feruse.

　Elfiszak turns to smile at Gracia, who is about to yell at him for coming in without knocking.

...... demon king, don't make me say it again. Call me 'Rain' or 'Gregoria'."
It would be so dull.
Don't be curt. I'm the Rain. I'm the one to fulfill the appointment entrusted to me by the first Demon King. I'm nothing more, nothing less.

　I don't want to fit in, Gregoria muttered curtly.
　Gracia and Verdia looked uncomfortable when their master was rude to them, but Elfiszak smiled, 'I see,' he said.

''Anyway. Demon Lord, you should focus on negotiating with the humans. You don't have the luxury of worrying about all those people, you know.
Mm. Good luck, Gregoria. Don't bother me.
...... No need to thank me. I don't care what your policy is, as long as it leads to the prosperity of the demon race, I'm fine with it. That's why I'm just going to help you achieve that.

　After saying that, Gregoria looked somewhat resentful.

...... And since you forbid me to fight, it's the least I can do.

　With that spat out, Gregoria left the conference room.

'...... What a mouthful that man has for Lady Elfiszak,'
"I hate .......
'Don't say that. Sure, I have a bad mouth, but I don't have bad roots.

　The blood of the dead heavens, which is said to be the beginning of the Four Heavenly Kings, has died out, leaving behind the Rain.
　"This is because most of the Death Heavens died in the battle between the Holy Light God and the Fallen Light God.
　It is said that the first Demon King entrusted the remaining Death Heavens with the future of the demon race.
　Therefore, since the death of the first Demon King, Ame has been serving the Demon King and protecting them.
　He is only dedicating himself to that mission.

''But that man is as strong as Elfiszak-sama, right?　Are you sure you don't want them to fight?

　"The Rain's power is automatically passed on to the next Rain.
　However, the power can only be used with the permission of the current Demon King.
　Elfiszak did not allow Gregoria to use the power of the rain.

That's why. "That's why Gregoria is too powerful and can't be controlled. "That's why Gregoria is too strong and cannot be adjusted.

　There is no doubt that there are people who will attack us in an attempt to make an end of war agreement.
　If Gregoria comes out there, there will be no other ending than to kill everyone.
　If that happens, the battle will expand, not just the end of the war.

　And it would be the same for the demon race and demon opponents.
　If a rebellion were to break out, he would wield his power without mercy.
　Gregoria kills too much because she puts the prosperity of the demon race first.
　Even though he is loyal to the Demon King, allowing him to use his power is too risky.

''Even ...... can bring the demon race together with that man ......?
I think it's safe to say. "I'm sure there aren't many people who can resist the Rain, the guardian of the Demon Lord's army."

　--with one exception, that is.

"And I have a plan, too. Soon I'll use my charisma to unite the Demon King's army. You trust me, my Demon King Charisma is perfect!
"...... I'm terribly uncomfortable with that plan, so you'll have to outline it to me, won't you?
...... Are you okay?　Dear Elfiszak, you're missing a crucial point: ......
Yeah, .......

　Elfiszak's shoulders slump in disappointment at his anxious subordinate.
　Abel and Fay erupt at the sight of it.
　Gracia blames them, and Berdia comforts her master.

　--This is a memory of a time when there was.

　Looking back at the noisy conference room, she later recalled.

　-- Looking back, maybe my friends were like family to me back then.

　And.

◆.

　The smell of burning meat drifted through the room.
　The savory smell that tickled my nostrils was a diced steak.

'Go to ......,'
'Amm. Mmmm. ......

　Gracia brings the steak to Elfiszak's mouth, unable to move due to the seal.
　Taking a bite of the meat on the end of his fork, Elfiszak let out a blissful breath.

''...... Mmm!　I've heard that hunger is the superior spice to all, but it's still true!　Delicious, Gracia!
'I am honoured. Oh, even the sight of you eating is beautiful: ......!

　There is naturally a reason why the two of them are eating without lifting the seal.

''Master Elfiszak. --I will kill Ortegia and offer you the crown again.''

　After saying this, Gracia spoke of the 'plan to kill Ortegia'.
　According to her, a messenger of the Demon King's army will soon come to this fort.
　Together with that messenger, she will head to the Demon King's Castle and enter Ortegia's bosom.
　To put it simply, Gracia's plan would be like this.

　Naturally, there are many problems.
　First of all, Gracia has been ignoring the order to return for several days after protecting Elfiszak.
　The messengers who come and the deputy demon king, Lefise, will ask her why.
　In some cases, there is a possibility that you will be punished.

''There, I'm thinking of explaining to you that I was trying to convince Elfiszak-sama ......

　After protecting Elfiszak, Gracia convinced him to descend to Ortegia's military gates.
　Now that most of the Five Generals Labyrinth has fallen, the strength of the Demon King's army has been greatly reduced.
　In order to make up for it, he tells Gracia that he wants Elfiszak to return to the Demon King's army - he wants to make Elfiszak return to the Demon King's army.

　The treatment of Elfiszak cannot be decided by a single messenger.
　Therefore, it is necessary to bring Elfiszak and Gracia back to the Demon King's castle in any case.
　The reason why they won't lift the seal is so that Lefise and Lucifina won't find out about it.

　With the blunder going on, Lefise will be wondering what to do with Elfiszak.

'If Lefise approves and is able to infiltrate the Demon King's army, let's take the opportunity to revolt. The humans who can afford it now that the labyrinth is gone will attack in the near future. Then we will take advantage of the chaos and take out Ortegia.
What do you do if they reject ......?
'In that case, I will revolt before Master Elfiszak is sealed. In the past thirty years, I have been accumulating my strength. As I will explain later, if I alone serve in the inner circle, I can take on two of the Four Heavenly Kings. I can even stall Lefise.
That's encouraging.

　In order to revolt against Ortegia, Gracia has made various strategic moves.
　It seems to be possible to use it to reach Ortegia, who is sleeping in the innermost part of the Demon King's Castle.

...... Originally, I was planning to start a rebellion at the time when the humans and the Demon King's army began a full-fledged war. Therefore, although our preparations are not perfect, we should have a good chance to win. If we miss this opportunity, it will be difficult for us to even enter the Demon King's Castle. Therefore, we must take action now.
............
''Besides, there are some of the Four Heavenly Kings that I think I could bring on board through negotiation. I don't think it's a bad fight for a minute...

　--Elphiszak was unable to respond immediately to Gracia's plan.

　First of all, there is a lot of unconfirmed information.
　Gracia seems to have a chance to win, but Ortegia is not a sweetheart opponent.
It's dangerous to fight without the heart returning.　

　And then there's the Rain.
　Her name is Lephee Gregoria.
　Gregoria ...... is the daughter of Faerze Gregoria.
　It's a good idea to never underestimate the "rain" as an opponent.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find out what the difference in strength between you and your enemy is, because Gracia has a tendency to overestimate Elfiszak.

　Besides. There's also the feeling of surprise and delight that the subordinate you thought was dead is still alive.
　Elfiszak, who was fatigued from the battle with Ryuzas, didn't have the time to process all this information at once.
　Hence, he decided to interrupt his meal before making a decision.

'----'

　As they ate, Elfiszak's mind was filled with warm memories of his friends.

'...... Come to think of it, I've had you bring food to my mouth before, haven't I?
'Yes, I'll never forget it. It was when Master Elfiszak was so exhausted from his battle with the Cathedral Knight that he couldn't move.
They're not only persistent but also have a nasty way of fighting ....... That woman who was in command, she used mental magic to surprise me in the back of the room. ...... That too, now I miss it.

　When I think back to those days, my smile naturally overflows.
　Humans are numerous and inventive in their battles.
　Even though we are strong as individuals, there are many times when we have been defeated by the strength of a group.
　But even so, they were able to make it through with their friends.

　--I'm not going to be the only one who can do that.

'...... Elfiszak-sama?　Are you not in a good mood ......?

　Unbeknownst to me, I was gritting my teeth hard.
　Gracia's worried expression brought me back to myself.

'It's nothing. It's okay. ...... Yeah, it is.

　After answering that, Elfiszaak moved her mouth to deceive.
　In rebelling against Ortegia, she had one of her most reliable companions.
　It was all too late to ask about him.

'Wasn't there a human man with me in the Abominable Light Labyrinth?　What happened to him?
Yeah. You're the brave one.

　Gracia smiled and smiled.

Don't worry. That hero was killed by the Four Heavenly Kings.

　Elfiszak froze at the words.

'........................ what?'
'It was shortly after Lady Elfiszak was taken into custody in the Church Country. I have identified the body as his own, and there is no doubt that it is his.

　Gracia doesn't joke around.
　She's serious, and she doesn't skimp on her work.
　In other words, Iori Amagatsuki is.

''Stop ......, didn't you ......?''
'Stop ......?　"You know, the ones who laid a hand on the brave men, me, Amanojaku, and Distortion?
----

　Gracia doesn't notice the frozen Elfiszark.

'Iori, Iori....... How dare you .......
'......?　Oh, yes. Certainly, if he played his cards right, he could have used them to kill Ortegia. However, that man was even more dangerous than that. It's a fortuitous thing that we were able to eliminate him before he turned his blade on Elfiszak-sama.

　Gracia said with a proud, complimenting look on her face.
　Meditating, Elfiszak looked up at the heavens.

'...... What has been done to you?　That man was a slave to kill Ortegia, wasn't he?　But they are human, and they are brave. There's no telling when he might betray you. ......!
----
And now you have me. I don't need that kind of fearlessness anymore.

　Gracia gives a heartfelt look of concern to Elfiszak, who is silent.
　She says that it's okay because she's there, and that there's no need to worry, and she goes on to say the words to support the Lord.

''--Because I will never betray Elfiszak-sama,''

　Elfiszak's throat shakes as Gracia smiles at him.

'...... different.'
......?

　Gracia tilted her head at Elfiszak's sobbing words.

"...... 'Brave', Iori, is not my slave or anything else."
A snore?　At ......, who the hell is that brave man?

　--a mate,

　In a snatched voice, Elfiszak replied.

...... me. I'm sure I'll be able to do it this time with him. I knew that this time I would be able to achieve the unfulfilled dream.
----
I've never been a slave.

　We are different from Thor and his friends who looked up to themselves as masters and followed us.
　We are friends who support each other and can walk together as equals.
　We can call them our accomplices who wanted to take revenge together.

"Master Elfiszak. A companion. Did you call a brave man your companion?
Yes.
'That human being is not a tool, not to be enslaved, but a companion?

　I don't need to think about it, I can answer immediately.

''--Iori is my precious companion.


　----.
　------.
　--------.
　---------- ------,.


-------- ------------------------ Huh?


　Gasp, there was a shock to the back of Elfiszak's head.
　Sparks scattered and her vision turned white for a moment.
　She couldn't understand what had happened, but the shock hit her again.

'I don't understand, Lady Elfiszak. Humans are your friends?　An important companion?　Is that what you said, that that human being could make your dreams come true?

　Gun, gun and a series of shocks.
　A few seconds passed from the first impact, and Elfiszak finally understood.

　--that his own head was being slammed into the wall by Gracia with tremendous force.

'Hey, Grey, Shea ......?'
"Don't tell me that humans are still the equal of demons, Elfiszak-sama is still in a feverish state of mind?　Thirty years after that, I gave you time to cool off in a quiet ward, and you're still confused?

　Like a broken machine, over and over and over and over again, Gracia keeps slamming the Lord into the wall.

...... what,
What do you mean?　That's strange, Master Elfiszak, you are a wise man, you can't fail to understand my thoughts. Oh, you haven't returned to those days, have you?

　It's as if Gracia's words and actions are incomprehensible.
　What the hell are you talking about?

Haha ...... haha ......

　Gracia finally stopped her arms as the wall shattered.
　With a ragged breath, she looked down at Elfiszak.

'When I met you, you never spoke of humans as your friends. If you were Elfiszak-sama when you rescued me when my parents were killed by humans and I was just waiting to die!　Don't you realize this yet?　You have been poisoned!　To those ignorant fools who can't truly understand the thoughts of Lord Elfiszak!

----

Don't tell me you've been poisoned by a hero this time?　What a pity. I don't understand why Master Elfiszak has been in the dark for thirty years!　Instead of killing him outright, I should have made him kneel in front of Master Elfiszak and repent for his folly!　Oh, I could not make the fools repent even then. I am also a fool to repeat the same mistake twice: ......!　But I get it (...)!　Not like those who don't see their own mistakes!

'Gracia ......?　Really, what are you talking about?

　Elfiszak's question finally brought Gracia back to herself.

Oh, ...... Sorry about that. But I'm doing this for your own good. Please forgive my rudeness.
...... What is a fool? Who the hell is this fool you're talking about?　Besides, what the hell does it mean that you don't know what I was warded for?

　Her lips quivered painfully, and yet, when she had to say it, Gracia opened her mouth with a determined look on her face.

'By fools, I mean Thor and the others. Master Elfiszak. Neither Thor, nor Abel, nor Fay, nor Musubel, nor Gregoria, nor Verdia, nor any of them understood you. On the contrary, they were crowds who did not even try to correct you for trying to go in the wrong direction.

----

"You didn't even try to stop Master Elfiszak from trying to negotiate on equal footing with the humans.

----

"-- even though (・・・・) standing (・・・・・) in the same line of sight (・・・・・) with (・・・・・・) inferior species like humans (・・・・・・・・・) can't (・・・・・・) stop (・・・・・・・・・・) war, etc.

　With a pained look on her face, Gracia continues.

'You are very kind. So I thought it would hurt my heart to know this, and so I kept my mouth shut.

......

But ...... is no more good for you than this.

...... Stop, man.

'So let's say. Lady Elfiszak.

No, don't go to ....... Don't say it, Gray--

　As if in pity.





I'm the one who made Ortegia kill Thor and the others.








　Gracia quipped.