It was as soon as he could remember that Curtis realized that he was special.

　Of course, special doesn't mean good.
　Special in the sense that even though you have the blood of the emperor, you will not be recognized as a member of the royal family.

　Moreover, they should have treated me as a mere commoner, but they didn't do so either.
　You can't be a prince, but you can't be a commoner, either, a halfway house.
　That was a boy named Curtis Harnes Victor.

　To put it bluntly, it is a foreign body, and a foreign body is something to be removed.
　But things are things, and things can't be excluded, and Curtis has lived his entire life, shunned and oppressed.

　It might have been different if he had a mother, but Curtis doesn't even know her face.
　People said that Curtis died soon after he was born, that he sold himself for a lot of money and ran away, but the fact remains that he isn't there.
　It didn't matter why, Curtis was going to have a shitty childhood with no protection from his mother or neglect from his father.

　A turning point in Curtis' life came when he attended a party.
　It was the birthday party of a member of the royal family, who is Curtis' aunt by blood.

　Although he was not recognized as a member of the royal family, for some reason Curtis was rarely invited to such parties.
　But I knew why, no one told me.

　When he saw himself, the cloudy light of joy in his eyes.
　It was so obvious that even a child's mind could see, in short, that they got relief and a sense of superiority from seeing Curtis below them.

　And it wasn't just Curtis, there were others.
　Most of them were children their own age ...... and there she was, too.

　Henriette Leubland.
　She was the only daughter of the Marquess of Leubland, the best of her generation, and even a child prodigy.

　In the Empire, things like levels and gifts are less important.
　After all, we believe that results are everything.
　Even if your level is low and your gifts are not great, as long as you produce results, you will be recognized.

　But Henriette has produced a little too many results.
　She made the emperor say that while she couldn't give details, she was certain to make the history of the empire.
　It was also sort of natural that she would be disliked more than she was given credit for.

　And the truth is, Curtis was on the side of the underdog at first.
　I was jealous, and it's fair to say I hated him.
　There was nothing positive about any of the stories I heard ...... until I met him that day.

　It's not that there was anything special about it.
　It's just that he reached out to me.
　He just called out to me when I was crouching down on my knees from the silent abuse from others.

　It was just a matter of being given the kindness and the smile that surely everyone has taken for granted: ...... Curtis had never experienced anything like it before.
　That was just too much.

　Perhaps it wasn't too long in time.
　But still, it was more than enough time for Curtis to call her his sister, and it didn't matter if he never saw her again.

　Because Curtis had already made up his mind then.

　But he wasn't clearly aware of it at that point.
　But there was a kind of impatience to do something, and then Curtis learned a lot of things.

　How to get to the top, how to get power.
　How can I, who is neither royal nor common, just an afterthought, how to--

...... ......!　Chocomico ......!

　You'll be able to manipulate the darkness from within your own mind and strike at the fleeing Allen.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make use of the ...... power of this place.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work.

　Or maybe that's just how powerful his attacks are, Curtis reminds himself.
　After all, what Curtis was controlling could only be described as literal darkness.
　It has no mass, no substance to begin with, and basically bypasses everything it touches.

　But that's when you don't specify anything.
　Aim at the target and wrap it in darkness, and it's as if the darkness has eaten it all away.
　No one can prevent that from happening, and to demonstrate that fact, Curtis has often fed the floor and the bars.

　The reason why Allen is on the run is because even he can't do anything in front of this darkness.
　It was the next moment when, convinced of this, he lifted his mouth and narrowed his eyes and nodded his head in understanding.

It seems that demon power isn't an exaggeration. So it really is a demonic power.
"Haha ......, how can you say that now?　Didn't I tell you so in the beginning?

　Yes, the power Curtis is using is definitely the power of the devil.
　It's natural, since it was taken from the devil.

...... Sure, that sounds like demonic power, but why would Curtis do that?
Now, that's something you'll have to ask him: ...... But still, one thing I do know is that it was not at least Curtis who assassinated the Emperor. At least it wasn't Curtis who assassinated the Emperor.
....... Ha, ha, that's exactly what you should do now. Of course, why would I be the emperor--
"What. Are you still trying to fool me?　How did we get to this point in time, and by all accounts, Curtis has been involved from there?
"......!

　That was a fact.
　Certainly Curtis was involved in the assassination of the Emperor.

　It was Curtis who had invited the demon to the capital.

　It was about two years ago that Curtis was approached by the demon.
　It was around two years ago when Curtis realized that no matter how hard he tried, there was nothing he could do.

　At that time, the vague idea of what you wanted to do began to take shape and you began to realize ...... but that made it all the more impossible to do.
　I'm not going to be able to say that I'm not going to be able to do that.

　--You're going to have to get rid of the emperor if you want to get what you want.

...... Well, so far we're pretty sure that Curtis was involved in the emperor's assassination. I just don't see why ...... would do such a thing, to be honest. Is that how you want to become an emperor?　I don't think an emperor is that good: ......


"...... Yeah.
"What is ......, Allen?　That voice and eyes are ...... something you want to say to Henriette?
No, I just think that this Park Nenin is really bad, you know?
What do you mean by "Bo, what does Park Nenin mean ......!
"What does that mean?　Because--
"-- Shut up, shut up, don't open your mouth any more ......!

　I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make your life easier, but I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make your life easier.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find the right one for you.
　It's a good idea to be able to have a good time with them.

　...... That's right, perhaps that's what Allen was trying to say.
　I said that to Henriette, but the truth is that Curtis doesn't care about the position of the emperor.

　He just wants Henriette.
　I just want Henriette.

　But in order to do so, he had to become emperor, so he wanted to become emperor, even with the help of the devil, and that's just what happened.
　After that, though, nothing happened that wasn't planned until he assassinated the emperor.

　What I didn't expect was this power.
　Kill a demon and harness its power.
　I never thought I'd be able to do that.

...... So how do you know I didn't assassinate the emperor?　With this power, you could easily kill an emperor?
Hmmm, I can't be sure exactly how the emperor was assassinated, since I haven't heard anything about how he was assassinated: ...... Well, the reason is a simple one: "Curtis, you obviously don't know how to use your powers. Curtis, you clearly don't know how to use your powers.
"......!

　It's true, too.
　Curtis clearly didn't have this power.

　But that's just as well.
　Like I said, I never thought I'd be able to kill a demon and take this power.

　It was just a coincidence that Curtis ended up killing the demon in the first place.
　No, ...... or should I say it was a spontaneous, seizure-like occurrence.

　As evidenced by the fact that the demon's power is not available here, Curtis has brought demons here before.
　But that was to sneak the demon to the emperor.

　This is what Curtis discovered by accident, but this dungeon is actually connected to the outside.
　Perhaps that's how Allen showed up: ...... That day, Curtis also took the demon and led him here.

　How he later assassinated the emperor, we don't know.
　Curtis had made up his mind and made a plan two years ago at the suggestion of the demon, but he never asked for details about the key assassination method because the demon said it was possible.
　Maybe I didn't ask because I thought that if I failed, I'd be fine with it then and there.
　That's how much I was willing to give up halfway through the process at the time ......, but I succeeded.

　While I was waiting here, the devil appeared with the emperor's head and told me so.

　So Curtis asked the question, "Why?
　I asked him why he was holding ...... a fresh head.
　I'm sure there was no meaning to it, just a genuine question.

　That's probably why the devil answered without warning.
　I only brought this to show that the assassination was successful and that there was no need for it anymore, but it doesn't seem to work well here.

　In that moment, Curtis had an epiphany.
　I don't know why he thought that.
　I don't know, but I thought I could kill the demon here ...... and take it away.

　And the next thing I knew, Curtis had accidentally stabbed the demon with the knife he was carrying.
　As he watched the demon's eyes widen in astonishment, his body spontaneously moved, slit his throat, and stabbed him over and over again until he lay motionless.

　The strange thing happened the next second the demon stopped moving, and the demon's body crumbled like a frayed thread, and when it broke apart, it became a mass of darkness.
　For some reason, Curtis realized that he had captured the power of the demon immediately after ...... that the darkness had been sucked directly into Curtis.

　You're going to be able to find out if you're going to be able to get the best out of it.
　I thought that if I used this darkness better, I could do many things, but I still couldn't use it as much as I wanted.

　Moreover, my mind often becomes hazy when I use it.
　Suddenly I remembered scenes from the past and the same thing happened just now.

　Even in the middle of a battle, for some reason I remembered how I wanted to have Henriette.

And by the way - Curtis, you're about to be swallowed up by that, aren't you?
"............ what, stupid ......!　I certainly don't know how to use this. But I'm not going to be swallowed up, etc. ......!
Maybe that's why Curtis's values and so forth are slightly shaken up. ......　Don't you realize?　For example, ...... tries to get by killing someone who should have been more important than anything else.
"......?

　Instantly, Curtis was astonished.
　He reflexively turned his gaze to Henriette and then to his arms.

　I didn't realize that until you told me.
　Surely that was impossible.

　And now that I think about it, didn't I rather desire the emperor's throne?
　It was only a means to an end. ...... When did it become an end?

I'm not really sure what that means,...... but it's probably something that will allow you to use your opponent's abilities and so on. It's not just a matter of time. It's just that they don't know how to use it, so they're unconsciously confused.　If you keep it up, you could become a cripple, and I think it's best to give up now, don't you think?
...... it, or at least track me down and then tell me ......!
Ah, ...... well, sure. Well, I think it's time to go to ....... I've got most of the information.
A lousy bullshitter. ......!　In you, this power--



　The moment I tried to manipulate the darkness, a light flashed across my vision.
　It was the result of the darkness that was right in front of me was slashed.

　It's not just a simple matter of time before you get to the point where you'll be able to get your hands on it.

"--This power ...... what?
"B, stupid ......!　My power is ...... demon power is ......!
I think you've been swallowed up when you call it a demonic power. But, if I say so, but frankly, I don't care what happens to you. I'm going to ask you to step aside to help Henriette.
"Shut up ......!　Sis, you don't need ......!

　As he screamed, darkness flooded the place as if the fetters had been loosened.

　But the next moment, it all disappears without a trace.
　In front of you is a bluish-blue boy standing there with a face as if this is a normal part of life.

......!

　But I did not want to give it up, I did not want to give it away.
　With my overflowing thoughts intact, I slammed it in front of me.












　A scene that was a complete change from just before was unfolding in front of me.

　Darkness overflows, but it's all being cut apart in an instant.
　It's clear that the darkness is being pushed, and yet it's probably because of the location that it's not over.

　Because of the small size of the place, if you do too much, the attack will reach the prison.
　So naturally, you are forced to narrow your attack, while the darkness fills in again.

　It's a good idea to be able to have a good idea of what you're going to be doing.

I'm not going to be able to get it right.　What is it like to be here. Thy Lord seems to be in quite a crisis situation?

　At those words, the person next to her - Lisette - frowned in disgust.
　You're not going to be able to get a good idea of what you're looking for.

　You're not going to be able to get a good deal more than just a few minutes of your time.

...... There's no way you can jump into that place. It's a good thing that you're in the way, because it's just a hindrance to you.
"Huh. ...... That's for sure. I'm not sure I'm the right person to say that. I've been thinking about what I could do to help, but ...... it seems that I've been in the way too.

　Then he shrugged his shoulders ...... and suddenly felt a glance from next to him.
　When I turned my head, I saw a surprising expression on Lisette's face.

What is wrong?
"No. ...... What's going on?　I feel like the atmosphere has changed a little bit in the short time I've been away.
"I don't think it's really ...... or if you feel that way, maybe it's because you've been blown away.
"Because I blew it, you know?
"Yeah. . thanks to him.

　While saying that, staring at Allen's back, eyes narrowed.

　Perhaps he would say that's not true.
　But the reason why Celia was able to break through is because ...... he was definitely the reason why she didn't give up her knightly self.

　You will be able to get a good idea of what you're looking for, and you'll be able to get a good idea of what you're looking for.

...... that's right. I'm glad to hear that.
"...... Phew!
"...... what?　I don't have anything funny to say myself, though?
No, I'm sorry. I'm sorry ... I just thought you had a cute little side to you, that's all.
"Huh ......!　Who's sulking?　I'm not sulking. ......?
You seem to be aware of the fact that you're being honest there?　That's what you're saying, right?　I suffered for three years and still can't be saved, but it's not fair that I, less than half a year ago, can be saved," he said.
"Shit, that's not ......!
"No, ...... that was mean of me. I'm sorry, your reaction was really too cute.
Nuh-uh ......!

　I'm sure you'll be able to see her moaning and pouting, and her mouth naturally loosens up at the sight of her turning away.
　However, the smile immediately retracted and became a straight face, because I thought that this cute figure was her true nature, and also because I thought of her current situation, which I had not been able to see such a figure until now.

　Lizette Behrwald.
　A living miracle that has remained alive in the Kuro Wolf Knights until now, while violating the greatest abomination in the history of the Empire three years ago.
　A great sinner who violated the prohibition against resurrecting the dead, who once became dead and came back as the living.

　Therefore, she will not be saved.
　She would only be disposed of immediately outside the Empire if her existence violated the prohibitions of this world.

　But her presence in the empire will not release her until her death in the Kuro Wolf Order.
　In the end, it was impossible for Lisette to be saved.

Well, when this is over, why don't you talk to him?
"Yes?　Talk about ...... what?
"It's simple. --Just say, "Please help me," and he'll help you. That's all you have to do, and he'll help you without saying a word.
...... It's impossible. I'm just a little acquainted with the man. And he's an enemy. There's no reason to help you.


"So I'm telling you, right?　That's not true.
"How can you be so sure about ......?
Because you don't need a reason to help someone.

　I remember his face as he said this.

　Why would he go to such lengths to help Henriette, when he wasn't even asked to help her?
　I said to myself that it was arrogant to try to save or help someone, and after a moment's thought, he said so.

　For some reason, he replied with a strong smile, as if he was convinced, as if he remembered that he was.

...... That's not a reason. In the end, if people don't want to help you, that's the end of it. It just makes you more miserable.
"Huh. ...... That might be true. But then what do we do?　Are we going to get run down?　Let me tell you, unfortunately I don't have the power to help you, okay?　I'm not proud to say that.
...... I don't expect anything special, and I don't know what the future holds for ....... You know, Celia hasn't actually solved anything.
Well, that's for sure.

　It's as if Celia has snuck out of the Kuro Wolf Order on her own.
　It's not surprising that she was punished for her crimes.

　But.

Still, I'm sure it will work out surprisingly well.
...... How can you be so optimistic? It's just that things have changed. It wasn't that bad before.
It's just that we were too pessimistic before. ...... We should be more proud of ourselves.
"......?

　You may not understand the meaning of the muttering, but you can shrug your shoulders at Lysette, who gives you a quizzical look, and return it with a shrug of her shoulders.
　It's not something to say, and it wasn't worth saying.

　No, it's nothing.

　It's just that I found the demon on patrol, got into a battle, and narrowly won, and found a child of about five years old with the ...... demon.
　It's just that the child was frightened, unwilling and powerless to fight, and they discussed what to do with the child, and eventually decided to let it go ...... which was a felony that was equivalent to the death penalty under imperial law.

　I'm sure you'll be able to find out more about the fact that you'll be able to get a lot more information about this.
　I'm not sure if I have any regrets or not, but I didn't have confidence in the decision I made at that time.

　I asked myself over and over again if we had made a wrong decision.
　He was a child, albeit a demon, but he would never forget that his parents had been killed.
　What if he grows up and gains strength and his people are killed in revenge?
　That is why it is a felony in the empire ...... to expect such a thing in the first place, but I felt saved by Allen's words.

　That is the time for such things.
　Such a thing is not limited to the devil.
　Someone you helped might hurt someone else ...... but surely someone you helped just as much could also help someone else.

　So Celia will no longer regret her decision.
　In fact, I think we can say it proudly.
　It was the right decision at the time.

　I'm sure my colleagues who look uncomfortable whenever they see each other are probably thinking the same thing, so next time I see them, I'll tell them.
　We didn't make a mistake and there's nothing wrong with it.

　I mean, that's all there was to it.

"I think there's something I've always wanted to do.
"What, again, out of the blue?

　While saying that, he smiles at Lisette, who listens to him.
　I'm sure this girl is really a good kid at heart.
　You'll be able to see that you've been in the Kuro Wolf Knights for three years, and although people continue to malign you, you haven't really lost sight of yourself.

　It's a good idea to be able to have a good time with your friends and family.

　I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make the most out of the situation.

There is a limit to what one person can do," he says. No matter how powerful you are, you can't beat the country. After all, the world only works for the convenience of a few higher-ups, right?
"...... That's not what it says. What's wrong with that?
"Yeah. I always thought so ...... and now I think it might be different. There may be people in the world who can easily do things that would never be possible, never be possible. And that's what people say about such people.

　--Hero, I guess you'd call it.

　I was too embarrassed to say it out loud, so I didn't finish the sentence, but it seems that Lisette got the gist of it.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make the most out of your time at ...... while giving me a sideways glance that includes a hint of disgust, but what I've put into words is something completely different.

...... well, that's it.
Hmm?
I don't know what's going to happen next, but ......, if I get a chance, I might at least try to talk to you about it.
"...... Phew, I see.

　After saying that and smiling in profile, Celia turned her gaze back to the battle in front of her, which cannot be called a battle.
　It seems that the resolution was close to being reached.

...... d*mn it, why ......!　Why ...... me, I can ...... my sister!
I'm really impressed with your persistence. I wonder what I did wrong: ......

　There seemed to be something in Allen's eyes that could not be described as pity or sadness, as he turned with a murmur.

　But I guess that didn't sit well with him.
　Curtis roars with rage.



Don't be fooled, ......!　I am ......!
"No, I'm not really trying to be an idiot, but ....... --Anyway, it's over. --. but whatever it is, it's over.

　As a contrast to Curtis, Allen remained clad in silence.
　It's not just a good idea to have a good time, but it's also a good idea to have a good time.

　I'm sure you'll be able to find out what's going on.

I'm not going to be able to get to know you.　

　Curtis, his defenseless body exposed, stretches out his arms as if trying to grab something, and Allen takes the last step.
　And then .

."--Allen!

　At the end, Henriette screams as if to say something, and Allen chuckles as if to say that he knows.
　It's a good thing that you're able to have a good time with your friends and family.