"Welcome to Cultivator, War Hero, and Gourmet Hero Phytis. Welcome, my name is Rostam. "I am the king of this country and I hold the title of 'The King of Heroes'."

　There was a man with the air of a champion.
　He had brown skin and jet-black hair, and a smile on his face that showed absolute confidence in his own existence.

　When we arrived at the castle, he led us to a meeting place.
　You're going to be able to find out the best way to get to know each other.

It's good to see you, Rostam. Let's just say that you did a great job invading our country the other day.

Such skirmishes, it's business as usual. More importantly, we heard that you might have been captured by the Demon King's army. I was just trying to get it back before the warrior's country was captured by the Demon King's territory.

But, well, that's okay. I'll include it this time, because you'll have to ask for a lot of wabi, you know.

　With that, Amanes took her seat unabashedly, and I, Fitis, and Helu followed her gaze.

"First, we want to talk about that hostage you have.

"Hostages?

　The first topic of Amanes' conversation, the emperor and hero blurts out, wondering what he is talking about.
　This guy, no matter how much he fancies himself as an emperor, was a bit annoyed with this attitude as well.

Don't play dumb with me!　That's Lily you're holding!

　The next thing you know, I'm leaning forward to voice my opinion to the emperor in front of me.
　The emperor just glances at me quietly in response to my anger.
　The moment you are fascinated by those too cold eyes, you feel your anger freeze in an instant, and as if the emperor saw through it, he lets out a slight giggle.

Oh, you mean the beastman hero. Oh, you mean the beastman hero. She is one of our heroes. She is one of our heroes.... and we have no intention of holding her captive. I will let you see her at once if you wish.

　I felt like I'd been let off the hook by the emperor's announcement of liberation, which was so simple.

What are the conditions?　You're not going to let them go for free, are you?

This is yet another suspicion. I don't want to do business with you. I just want to have a dialogue.

"Dialogue?

"I'll just say it bluntly. You will be my men.

"No!

We decline.

"But I refuse.

　All of us reject the suggestion from the Imperial hero.
　You are able to get a good deal more information about the company.

I see. Well, if you ask to join someone when you meet them, then so be it. Well, I'm going to make some conditions for you.

　I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make your life easier. I was filled with an interesting emotion.

If you're willing to work for me, I'll give you all three World Tree seeds.

　It was literally an unbeatable condition that meant the achievement of my goal.
　It's a good thing that you're able to get the best out of it.

That's nice to know, but it's also nice to be under someone else's thumb. ....... I'm sure you called me for the seeds of the World Tree, right?

　At least the letter was written in a way that made it sound like he was interested in our three species.
　But Rostam smiles somewhat strangely at that.

Well, it's certainly easier to manage when you have it, but as far as it goes, it doesn't matter where it is. It doesn't matter where it is, because in the end it's going to be exactly what I want it to be.

　?　What does that mean?

"Then, pending your answer, as for the brave men and women of war, we grant you our protection by submitting to our cause. As for the battle against the demon king's army, you may use our forces without reservation. of course, you may keep your lands as well. Don't you think that's an unbeatable offer?

"No. I'm not going to work for anyone. I have no intention of joining anyone. I don't like the idea of being ruled by you even if my land remains intact. And we have a truce with the Demon King's army for a while. There's no reason to fight with them now.

"I see. . that's a shame.

　The expression on Rostam's face as he said this was not about his proposal being kicked out, but about the ceasefire being signed with the demon king's army, and he seemed to be twisting his face.

"So, Fitis. In the end, I don't need to say anything about you.

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

　So when the imperial hero calls out to Fitis, there is something subtle in the air.
　I'm not sure if they are acquainted with each other.　And the moment I thought that, it was a shocking statement that proved to be true.

"After all, you're my fiancé.

　Yes?　Fiancee?
　You know what I mean when I say "fiancé," isn't that right?


　While I was alone and confused, the person concerned, Fitis, gave me a clear answer.

I told you before that I had no intention of doing that. I have no intention of taking sides other than those I recognize.

　Phytis entwines her arm with mine to show off her attitude.
　Seeing that, the emperor's gaze shifts from Phytis to me again.

I see. That proud man would serve someone. Surprisingly, that person has that much value, something that attracts others.

　You'll be able to find a lot more information on this topic.
　It's not a look that looks down on me, it's simply a look of interest and observation of me, and a look that wants to find out what's behind it.

"Hmm. But it's certainly interesting to see you in person. I wasn't going to do that yet, but I'm curious to see how someone like you rises above the despair.

　I don't know what it is, but I'm not happy about it.
　I don't know what the hell he's talking about, but he's not happy about it. He's the kind of guy who would say, "I like you, I'm going to kill you last," and then happily give you an ordeal in the name of despair.
　I don't like that!

"So, since that means the negotiations are over, what's next?

　You will be able to find a lot more information on this topic, and you will be able to find out more about how to make the most out of your time with us.

It's a good idea. I'm sure you're going to be able to find a way to make the most of your time with us, but I've changed my mind.

　The atmosphere of the emperor brave changes.
　The atmosphere of the king who had been sitting meaningfully on the throne changes to that of the all-consuming emperor.

Now, from this moment on, let the war begin. I want all of you. So I'll do everything in my power to take it. It's as simple as that.

　It was too abrupt a declaration of war and a signal for war to begin at the same time.
　But one of them acted far ahead of the emperor who called for the war.

"Then let me drop you here and now.

　"Amanes, the war hero.
　With a preemptive action that can be called a lightning strike, countless weapons are created from her surroundings at the moment when she immediately touches the floor.
　A number of high quality weapons made from the marble of this place, and they instantly go towards the emperor's hero without giving you time to take your breath away.

　The response is too quick. You can find a number of different types of weapons that are made from marble.

But yes.

　A moment later, a gust of wind knocked down all of Amanes' lightning-quick weapons.
　The figure knocks down the weapons and crushes the sword in his hand as if it were a piece of glass, while I and Amarnes are taken aback.
　As soon as I saw this "person," my heart, or rather our hearts, instantly froze.

"About that 'prisoner' you just mentioned, there are no 'prisoners of war' here. If you wish, I will arrange to meet with them right away. However--

　I should have known.
　No, if it's true, somewhere in the back of my mind I knew. You should have known.
　That this was a possibility.

Whether or not she would come back to you is another story.

　Standing there was a girl who reminded me of a golden beast.
　It was our companion - "Beast Man Warrior" Lily.