Many witnesses come and go at the docks.
　There, you see Xellos and Zavon.
　Xelloss hands Zarbon a leather bag and bows his head with an apologetic look on his face.

"My foolish sister has caused me trouble. I'm really sorry.
No, you have nothing to apologize for. It's because I ...... was a jerk. If only I had realized the true nature of that woman sooner. ...... You're too stupid.
There's nothing so self-deprecating about it. I'm sure you'll agree that it's very important to have faith in people and everyone wants to be loved. It's the same for me.

　Today, Zarbon returns to his home town.
　As if he felt bad, Xelloss gave him a small gift.
　However, I don't think it will heal his heart.
　Being betrayed by the woman he loved must have been very hard for him. Especially if it was his first love. And then there was the theft of his money.
　It's a traumatic situation even for Xelloss, and to be honest, I even feel pity for him.
　But it would be insulting to tell that to Zarbon as he moves forward. Besides, it was Xelloss' own sister who pushed him over the edge.
　Xellos has no right to say anything.

What are you going to do now?
I'll live as a fisherman, like I always have. It's the only thing I know how to do.
I see. I don't think I'll see you again, but good luck.
You too. Thanks for all your help .......

　They shook hands firmly and Zavon walked up the ship's ramp without looking back.
　Xellos could only watch his back.

I hope he stays strong. ......

　He takes out a cigarette and lights it quietly.

"Hey, nii-chan, you can't smoke here, smoke in the smoking area!
Hi!　Excuse me!

　A sailor working on the ship was angry with me.
　Nowadays, anti-smoking campaigns have started here and there. Even if you have a portable ashtray, it's bad manners to smoke at a landing place that is designated as a non-smoking area.
　Xelloss laments, "It's a hard world .......

　A few minutes later, the ship with Pomelo on board set sail and quietly sailed away from the Auras River.


　.


　Xavon was on board, looking out at the Auras River.
　Sharanra was dead. By the hands of a mercenary.
　Not by her brother Xellos, but by a complete stranger, and the reward went to the mercenaries.
　It was Xellos who checked her belongings and gave them all to the mercenaries.
　Honestly, I thought he was a horrible man.
　He knew every move Shallanra would make and set up various strategies to catch her before she knew it.
　Zabon, who is uneducated, does not understand, but he is a very clever man.
　It is hard to believe that such a man is living a farming life, but the fact that he and Sharanra are siblings is more astonishing.
　I'm wondering what Xellos will think now that he's gotten his revenge.

I wonder what that man is going to do now. ......

　I don't know what Xellos is thinking after his revenge.
　The only thing that Zarbon feels is emptiness, and I can't help but wonder if Xellos feels the same way.
　After all, the long feud is over. There is no point in holding a grudge any longer.

What do I do ...... .........?

　The love of my life is false, and Sharanra has taken all the money I have.
　All he has is a boat for fishing and a small house with a few rooms still in disrepair.
　Xavon mutters to himself, "I'll have to clean ...... when I get home.

"Speaking of which, what's in this?

　Xelloss gave me a souvenir.
　It's a small leather bag, but I don't know what's in it.
　However, it feels like a solid object of some kind.
　I was curious, so I untied it and picked up one of the contents.

"............... Huh?

　It was a large piece of jewelry.
　It was not something that Zabon should have. Rather, it was something that was difficult to manage.
　And there are several of them. In addition, inside the bag was a folded piece of paper with the words, "It was mined, so use it as you wish. It's a nuisance fee" was written on it.
　This would only embarrass and confuse good-hearted Zarbon. And sure enough, he went berserk.



Bring back the ship, I can't take this!
Don't push it, kid. Once we set sail, we can't stop until the next town.
Then I'm getting off here!　Swim to land. ......
Auras, jumping into the river is suicide!　Stop!
Get off me!　If I don't get this back, I'm not gonna be able to live with myself!　For God's sake!
Guys, stop that crazy lady!　If you jump in, you'll die!
You'll die if you jump in! 「「「「 Oh!

　The ship with the pomelo on board is flowing down the Great River of Auras.
　The wind carries their noisy voices. .......


　The wind is blowing a racket.


　After seeing Zavon off, he went to report to the Duke of Delsacis, and then went to the church to tell Luceris that he was home now.
　Basically, while Xelloss is away, the children, Cocco, and Luceris are watching over him.
　It is polite to greet them as they are taking care of him. Xellos was very polite in this respect.
　There was no one in the chapel, so I went to the back and found Luceris, Janae, and Iris in the living room, having tea and having a nice conversation.

I'm home.
"Welcome home, Mr. Xelloss.
You're late, aren't you, Uncle?
I went to report to the Duke of Delsacis on my way home, but he was angry with me. "Lord Xellos, ......, are you going to make the cemetery disappear?　Where should I get the money for these repairs?" ......
What are you ...... doing?

　The cleanup was messy.
　The bulletin boards that had been placed throughout the city were not questioned, as they would be useful in informing the residents of various reports in the future. But the destruction of the cemetery was the only thing that could be done.
　Of course, Xellos would have to pay for it.

"Oh no, I'm in debt!
"No, that's not the point, is it?　I gave away a few scales of [Blizzard Kaiser Dragon] for free.
""........."

　Iris, Jahne, and Luceris were in raptures.
　Because they felt that Xellos, who could easily settle even a large debt, was unfathomably insane.
In the event that you have a lot of money, you can use it to pay off your debts. And that's just a few of them, for free.
　The amount of change would be more astounding.

Well, you can never have too much money.
Is that sarcasm?
Uncle ......, how can you say that in front of us who live in extreme poverty?

　It's not sarcasm to Xelloss. For Xelloss, it's not sarcasm, but rather what he really thinks.
　But it was also true that his opinion was incompatible with that of others.

My motto is peace and quiet. I don't have any money over night. It seems to attract hyenas. ......
"What?　What motto is peace and quiet?
Mr. Zeros seems to be making a big deal out of it. ....... Oh, here's some cheap tea.
Thank you.
Uncle Xelloss is always happy to get into trouble. ......

　It's a little sad that he doesn't trust you.

Have there been any more debt collectors?
No, not since I found out I was cheated.
That woman is outrageous. I think I'm going to lose faith in people. ......
Well, she's my uncle's sister.
That's insulting to me.

　I'm not sure what to say, but I'll try. The attitude of a good old man is not cute, to be honest.
　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

"Phew, ...... finally calmed down.
Yes, it is.
We've got a lot of work ahead of us, though.
Yeah, ...... there's been no work lately.

　Jarnais and the rest of the mercenaries are running out of money.
　You can find a lot of people who are looking for a new way of life.
　Mercenaries are necessary to protect the people from demons, but they are not paid well and do not last very long. Few take the initiative to take on cheap work.



I'm not sure what to make of this. I'm sure the nobles will take the lead in buying it, and I hear it's getting booked up pretty fast.
It seems that a lot of dwarves have come to this city.　I don't see any elves.
Well, they can make the frames and the magic engines. The only thing a mage needs to do is carve the plates inside the power unit and the magic formula to activate it, and since they will be made separately, mass production will be quick.
I think it's great that your uncle can do it.
"It's not me, but Mister Delsasis. I wonder how many connections he has. ......

　The Duke of Delsacis is a busy man.
　When he finds something useful, he immediately invests in it, sets up a mass production system and starts selling it. He is so quick to act that it doesn't take long before he makes a commitment to the Kingdom of Isaras.
　He is a very successful businessman and a duke who owns a vast territory. He is a man who works so much that you wonder when he takes a break.

It's a good business deal.
"Yes, it is. It's a good thing. - Yes, it's a good thing. More mages will be hired, and the city will be revitalized.
But that's not what mercenaries are for.
Ugh. ...... The world is in the height of a bubble, and we're still poor. ......
What bubble? ....... Well, I made that busy duke clean up the mess. Ahahahahahaha.
It's no laughing matter. ......

　Damage to public property, destruction of buildings, vandalism of private cemeteries, destruction of corpses. Massive terrorist destruction.
　If it wasn't for the fact that it was in a deserted cemetery, there would have been casualties, so it was a very unfashionable thing to do.
And the reason was, "I did it out of spite. I don't regret it. It's the same thing because he actually lost his temper.
Rather than paying reparations, he settled the matter by offering the dragon's rare materials for free, which, objectively speaking, is malicious.
After all, Zeroth's pockets were not hurt at all.
Well, the Duke of Delsacis also got extra income and a budget to redo the cemetery, so it's a give and take relationship. .......
Both men seem to have personalities that can't just fall down.

I've been nailed, you know?　I've been warned to be a little more lenient in the future.
Of course he did. It would be a shame if the old man were to make a serious move. Well, well, he was very helpful when it came to the collectors. ......
That's right. If it weren't for Mr. Xellos, we'd probably be taking customers at the brothel right now. Thank you very much.
...... But it's your sister who's responsible.
I was going to do something, so it's great that I was able to kill the plot later. Thanks to that, the people behind the scenes were after me. That was exhilarating.

　It was indeed Shallanra who was responsible, but it was Lucerys and the others who had missed the action, and Jahne was beginning to trust them.
　Even the children were wary of her.
　Well, it's hard to blame Jarnais for being an orphan and surviving in such a harsh environment.

As I said to Mr. Zavon, it's a noble thing to believe in people. As I told Mr. Zavon, trusting people is a noble thing, something to be proud of, not something to be blamed. There are those who would trample on it.
"It's good of you to try to believe in people. I've always been suspicious. I've always been skeptical, but I was almost fooled. ......
I was only working under my uncle's orders. If it wasn't for that, I might have been fooled.
That's not to say I'm not cautious, is it?　Huh. ...... I think I need to develop a better eye for people. ......
You're attractive enough as it is.　I think it's pretty cute and not too slutty.
"What about ......?

　In the event that you have any kind of questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.
　The next moment, her face instantly turned red. It was a little silly and cute to see her mouth puckering up, as if she was too embarrassed to speak.

"Calm down, Miss Janae.
What are you saying all of a sudden?　What are you talking about? Are you having fun teasing me?
I don't mean to tease you, but I think you're rather cute, don't you?
Xelloss, you're so clever. I'm not trying to make fun of you, but I really do think you're cute.　It would confuse him.

　Apparently, it's better not to say it to his face.
　However, from the old man's point of view, it was very endearing to see the naive side of a woman of his age. It's really funny to watch.

"What the hell is ...... you talking about all of a sudden? This old man is .......
What's so upsetting about that?
"Jahne is embarrassed. I'm relieved that he's still the same.
You're a bit frivolous, aren't you, Uncle?
Rude. Now let's talk about something serious. Mr. Rousselis, Mr. Jarne, ......".



　He crosses his arms in front of the table, takes a breath, and then speaks with a mysterious look on his face.
　They both knew from the atmosphere that Xelloss was going to talk about something serious, and they both tightened their spirits.

"Yes?
"What?
Will you marry me?
""............"

　The next moment, time stops.
　I was suddenly hit by a huge bomb and my thought processes were blown apart.
　The first person to move time was Iris.

"You're proposing to me!　You're proposing to me, Uncle!　What's wrong with you all of a sudden?
I'm not sure if it's that weird.　I've been thinking about it rather seriously. ....... It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.　And two wives at the same time.
I'm sure you'll agree.　I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.
I'm not sure what to do with it. It's hard to make up my mind. At my current age, there's as much difference between us as between a parent and a child, and if the age difference is bothering me, I might as well rejuvenate myself.
I'm sure you'll be able to find something that works for you. You have it, Uncle?
Not many, though. I didn't make it myself, and it takes a lot of work.

It's a magic potion that was once created by Kanon, a fellow member of the Shiro Annihilator.
　You can adjust the age at which you rejuvenate yourself, but once you've used it, you can't rejuvenate yourself again with the same potion. It was a one-time, disposable item.
　As an aside, she was also the creator of the Potion of Rejuvenation.

Why did she say it when I was there? Don't you usually confess after creating an atmosphere?
No, it takes a lot of courage to confess when you're alone with someone. Besides, you should think about it. I've never even been married before, you know?　Do you really think you can set the mood?
Didn't you have a ...... girlfriend?
He ruined my ...... relationship a long time ago.

　The story was so tragic that Iris cried a little.

...... So, I want you to seriously think about this. How can I help you?
"No, no, ...... that ......... I want to say I'm looking forward to working with you for a long time, but Janae is ......
"Oh, .......

　Jhanet stiffened.
　I don't know if I should say that the proposal ...... came out of nowhere, but the sudden turn of events froze my thoughts, and I froze, blushing.
　At first glance, she looks like a big sister, but she is a pure-hearted and innocent maiden.
　Above all, she was not immune to this kind of talk.

You've completely frozen up. You might want to wait until later to reply. Because I'm pure of heart. ......
"I've always been like this. I've always been like this. I used to listen in on priests talking about their dreams of a white prince and their sweet love stories. I'm still a bit of a dreamer.
You made your decision quickly, didn't you, Luceris?
I trust my eyes and my instincts!　I trust my eyes and my instincts, and if I don't, I'll be late.
But I didn't expect Luceris-san to have a taste for old men.

　It's not that Luceris has a taste for men.
　She has been without parents for as long as she can remember, and has always longed for a family.
　She understood the existence of her mother through the female priests who raised her, but she did not know what a father was.
　The fantasies and desires she had from infancy inevitably led her to prefer older men, but it was not that she was deeply obsessed with them. She will marry a man of her own age or younger, as long as she is satisfied with him.
　Above all, she has shown signs of [love syndrome], and her instincts tell her that she and Xelloss are compatible. She was simply following her instinctive impulses.
　There is no need to hesitate.

You're very bold. ....... I've been thinking about it a lot.
"Women have guts. If you're not sure, you'll end up with the worst possible outcome. ......
"Ah~......

Those who have reached the end of the "love syndrome" will behave strangely.
　If the behavior is a little too much, it's fine, but there are many people who act out in terrible ways that can kill them socially. The only way to prevent this is to be honest with yourself.
　Luceris didn't want to die socially either.

I'm sure Jahne knows that, but he's much more cowardly than his appearance suggests. ......
"It's not cowardice, it's reticence. And yet, Luceris, are you surprisingly carnivorous?
It's not that ......, but Janae is in danger if she continues like this.　Mr. Xelloss, would you please attack Janae?
I'm not sure what to say.

　Despite her saintly appearance, she dropped a terrible bomb.
　It was different in power from Xelloss's bombshell. After all, she is saying, "Please eat your childhood friend.


　They may be thinking about the not-so-distant future, but they are still skipping the steps and forcibly suggesting a male-female relationship.
　Perhaps he is under the influence of some high priest.

Fortunately, he is unconscious at the moment, and I think this is a good time to establish a fact. Besides, if we leave him like this, Janae will be socially ......
Luceris, I know you're worried about me, but you're disrespecting my feelings.
It's okay. I'm not sure what to do, but I'm going to do it.　All you have to do is be prepared. ......
I'm sure you're not the only one.　Well, I understand what you're saying, but won't that be a traumatic experience in your life?
Please be gentle with her. Let your instincts take over.

　Let your instincts take over. In a sense, it is true.
　But humans are not instinctual creatures, we are also influenced by our emotions.

You're letting yourself go. You can't do this now, can you?
"Don't be so timid!　Janae has always been a girl who runs when she's chased.
Why are you trying so hard to get things done?　Mr. Rousselis, ......
There are many things about Jahrne. She's not afraid of men, she's afraid of them. I don't think she's afraid of Mr. Xelloss, but deep down in her consciousness she is. ......
I'm not afraid of men. If so, I'll try to arrange a private meeting with you to discuss it. I'm sure you'll be glad you did.
Are you serious?

　In this world where polygamy and polyandry are accepted, Xellos is going to have two wives. But before that, there seems to be a little problem.
　It also seems that he needs to do something until the time when the [love syndrome] becomes active.
　It is not certain that the old man will be able to woo Janae in the limited time.


　In the darkened ruins, there was a quietness.

　In the dimly lit ruins, countless signs appeared from the silent darkness.
　These beings are drawn together by a homogeneous will, and eventually they will come together and merge into one.

"I hate you. ...... Four Gods. .........
"...I want to go home ...... and suffer ......
Oh......Gather......Vengeance.........Destroy......

　It was negative emotion itself.
　Each one of them has a will, but at the same time they are helpless, and so they seek to merge. And they wished to incarnate.
　The common denominator is anger, hatred, sorrow, longing, and never-ending eternal pain.
　That's why I'm sensitive to sameness and have been called by the will that hovers here.
　The charred ground and the ashes scattered by the wind. It still had its ego.

"Collection ......
"One ...... body ......
"Vengeance is ...... metis...... country......
"Onore......niiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!

　Eventually, the beings combine and use the ashes as a medium to build a fragile body.
　It was a body like a black shadow.
　The countless consciousnesses merge, each with a common thought, but there is one being that is different in this place. It is full of desires.
　Lust for money, greed, honor, laziness, greed, arrogance. And the only emotion it shares with the black wills, anger.
　This being is incompatible with the beings around it, but it accepts them for use.
　The beings that had gathered knew that they were being used, but they accepted it and helped it to incarnate. It could be said that their anger towards this world was so intense.
　The black shadow transformed itself into a humanoid form and began to move its wire-like legs.

"...... Metis......s...... Four Gods......
"Annihilation Bose......
"...power...... motto...... power......
"Satoshi_Yyyy......Yuru......Sanai.........
"...Kae...... Lunda......
"My ...... world ......... destroyed.........

　A being born in an abandoned warehouse has multiple wills to reach Metis Holy Law Kingdom.
　He is still powerless at the moment, but he knows how to become stronger.
　Out of instinct, it sent out a small wave and disappeared into the darkness to join the others of its kind that existed at the moment.
　A few days later, a disreputable mercenary was found dead, his body as dry as a bone, and similar suspicious deaths followed in many places.
　Similar suspicious deaths occurred all over the world. People, animals, and demons alike were found dead, and the investigation became increasingly difficult as the cause was unknown.
　It will be a while before we can find out who it is.

　I'm not sure what to do.



　Time moves on a bit.
　It's been a week since Zavon's pure love ended in the worst possible way.
　He has returned to his family home and has returned to his normal life as a fisherman.
　But an inexplicable sense of emptiness is constantly gnawing at him, and it seems that it will take some time for him to return to his old work ethic.
　That was how deep his love had been, but the repercussions of losing that love were even deeper.
　If he could have held a grudge, it would have given him the strength to live, but he had gone to Santor to find Shalandra.
　And I knew. The true face of the one he loved. .......

"Hey, you still not feeling well?　Well, I know how you feel. ...... I can't say that I'm irresponsible, but cheer up.
You're hurt bad. Leave him alone for now. ....... If I were in your shoes, I wouldn't be able to recover for a while.
It's good that you're doing your job well, but I'm worried that you'll have an accident at some point. I'm afraid you'll have an accident at some point.
Oh, ...... I'm sorry.

　I am grateful for the kindness of my fellow fishermen.
　But the longer I was deceived, the greater the emptiness of the loss.
　Today, I am again reminded of the illusion of happier times, and an inexplicable loneliness blows through my heart. I think it would be easier to die.

"I need to return that thing before I die. ......

　The jewel that Xelloss gave me in exchange for alimony.
　When I had it appraised, it fetched a ridiculous price.
　I'm glad for the goodwill, but it's just too much for a fisherman. Just having it in my possession is enough to scare me.
　I can't help but feel that this fee is too much for a good man at heart.
　And so, today, with a sigh, I go to the usual diner.

"Oh, welcome. Mr. Zavon.
Ah, ......, the usual daily lunch, please.

　When I'm thinking about jewelry, I can forget about the bad things.
　That's a relief, but the question is when to return it.
　But I couldn't bring myself to return the jewel, thinking that if I did, my days of gloom would continue.
　With nothing to distract him, Zarbon is aware that he is living in inertia, disguising the memory of the time when he was tricked by Shallanra by thinking about the jewel.
　She lets out a deep sigh again because she knows she's being a pussy.
　Recently, this has become my daily routine.

"Here's your daily lunch.
"Oh, ......, thank you.

　She brings me a tray of the daily lunch I ordered and serves it to me. Her cheerfulness also helps me.
　She's always looking out for me, and she makes me feel like I can get back on my feet, if only for a little while. However, when I'm alone, I'm still consumed by negative emotions.
　But today, she was different.
　She never left the table where Zavon was sitting.

"......, what's wrong?
"Mr. Zavon ....... I'm an a**h*le. Mr. Zavon is suffering right now, and I'm so happy for him.
What?
Because I hated ...... that woman.
Hate? You never talked to Shala, did you?　Why ......?
"It's called a woman's intuition. I couldn't accept her physiologically. She had all these gestures that men like, and her very existence was fake, and ......
And?
I've always liked you, Zavon!

　It was a sudden confession.
　Her face turned red and she suddenly told Zabon about her feelings for him.
　As a man, I was flattered, but it was so sudden that my thoughts were blown away.
　And all the customers in the diner were looking at them.
　In fact, there were many men who wanted her, and it was a race to see who could win her heart. She was so popular that there was an unspoken agreement that she would not be left out.
　When she confessed her feelings to Zavon, the jealousy in his eyes hurt.
　At that time, Zarbon didn't even know her name.

"No, no, ...... I'm ..........
"Well, let me hear your ...... reply when your heart is healed. I don't think this is fair, and ...... I have to get back to work!

　Her voice trailed off as she ran back into the kitchen.
　The rest of us are just stunned.

「「「「「 this ...... rear aaaaahhhh!!!」」」」」

　After that, he was surrounded by fellow fishermen, and harsh sanctions awaited him.
　And what's more, he hates the popular guys who kidnap him from his love life. Unwillingly, he finds himself in that position, and he can't seem to resist the urge to lash out at the men who rejected him.
　Six months later, Xavon marries her.
　The wedding was a grand and murderous affair that drew the jealous glances of his fellow fishermen.