Master Noah?
　The night before I left for the Land of the Moon, I was in Goddess (Noah)'s space.
　I crept closer to Noah, who was still radiating a divine radiance.
　Next to her was the water goddess in a blue dress, also emitting a dazzling light.

'That was a disaster, Mako.
Oh, my God!　Mako-kun!
　Noah-sama, who was smiling bitterly with his hands on his hips, and Eil-sama, who was waving his arms around, were symmetrical.
　
　Well, it's the one you believe in.

"Noah-sama. It was painful to be exposed as an apostle of an evil god.
　I replied with a bit of a wry smile, as did Noah-sama.

'But the people I've helped so far have stood by me. It's all because of what Mako has done so far.
　Indeed..........
　Even if they found out that he was an apostle of the Evil God, the people of the Sun Order, the Wood Country, and the Fire Country did not flip out.
　It was worth all the hard work they had put in until now.

''Then it's thanks to Noah-sama's guidance.
"Hmmm, yes. More praise.
　Noah-sama is cute when he's slumped over.

'It would be a solution if you became my follower~'
　Ail-sama, who was in a form of ignorance, looked dissatisfied.
''Hmph, keep sulking.''
　I don't know, the water goddess is sulking.

'Eil-sama, what's the big deal?
　I turned to my country's goddess.

'What war, war!　For the Demon King's army to be attacking at this time of the year, it's not at all what we planned!
What?
Really?　Ail.
　Me and Noah-sama said in surprise.
　The meaning of Eir-sama's words, the goddess of water, was heavy.

''At this crucial time, the Goddess of Destiny (Ila) is going away...''
　Oh...?

Is Master Ila not here?
''That's right - at the last meeting of the Seven Goddesses Conference, the Goddess of Fate (Ila) and the Goddess of the Moon (Naiya) were absent....... It's fine for Nia because she's always been there.......but thanks to her, the Sun Goddess (Altena) sister is pissed.
What did you guys discuss at the Goddess Council?
　Master Noah's question intrigued me as well.

''That's right, it's the victory or defeat of this ground war. If the Demon King's side wins, our faith points will be reduced~!　It's a big deal!
　Eir-sama says it seriously but................it doesn't seem to be very serious.

It's a good thing that you're not going to have to worry about a thousand years or so of demons and humans winning or losing, because the holy tribe has an infinite lifespan. At best, it's a game.
Well, no, I don't think so.
　Noah-sama's words, Eir-sama is bashful.
　That's a face that looks like a figurehead.
　Is this just a game to God...?
　But there's something else that bothers me.

Eir-sama. I think I've met the Goddess of Destiny.
What?
　This time, the water goddess opened her mouth.

'No, no, no, no, no. What are you talking about, Mako-kun? There is no way you can meet the Goddess of Destiny (Ila)!
'Maybe, but have you been 'descending' to Esther, the priestess?
'Oh, so that's why your tone was so similar.
　At my words, Noah-sama popped his hand.

''Ha, no way.......if you're going to stay in a miko's body, I wouldn't have noticed.......''
　Master Eil is looking somewhere with his hands in the shape of a tube.
　What's he doing, that?

Makoto, that's the 'all-seeing eye' that Eir has. It's about a hundred million times more powerful than the clairvoyant skill that Mako has.
'I don't know, it's too many orders of magnitude...'
　Really, the goddess's divine power is incomprehensible to humans.

''Ah!
　At that moment, Master Eil's loud voice rang out.

'Nooooo!　There's a goddess of destiny (Ila) in Esther's body!　And it's always descending!　The Sun Goddess (Altena) sister should have forbidden it!
'Is it forbidden for a goddess to descend all the time?'
　It's an emergency, and wouldn't it be more reassuring to have the Goddess near you?
　Unfortunately, I seem to be disliked by the Goddess of Destiny (Ila).

''It's clearly stipulated in the divine world rules that 'the gods shall not directly interfere with the people of the earth'. If we allow constant descent, it's not as if the god race is actually in charge. If even the evil gods race and the Titan gods race started to imitate it, it would develop into a 'divine world war' and the earth would disappear.
Oh....
　It was more important than I thought.
　Goddess of Destiny (Ila), is she going to be okay?

Well, it's okay, right?　He's continuing his descent by misrepresenting his love of interesting things, the God's Eye of Eil. I think you're disguising it well.
'Master Noah, what do you mean by disguise?'
'Normally, when a goddess descends on a priestess, 'divine energy' would leak out, but I didn't feel any 'divine energy' from Esther, the priestess who spoke with Makoto. It looks like she's hiding it well.
There's no way I could hide it that easily...
　At Noah-sama's words, Eir-sama hmmm, holding his head in his hands.
　Then, she quickly raised her head.

''Umm.......I'm still worried, so I'll go talk to Ila-chan!


　-Eil-sama's figure disappeared in a huff.


　It was just me and Noah-sama.

　Noah-sama was staring at me intently.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find a great deal more to say.　

"Hey, Makoto.
　His tone of voice was different than usual, and I was a little confused.

'Nah, what is it?'
　What did I do to embarrass you?

''You're using the 'clear water' skill now. But don't use it at 100%.
'Huh...?　Are we at 100%?
　That's odd.
　I've been trying not to overuse it.

'You're not thinking straight. Maybe it's this guy's fault. I'm afraid somewhere deep inside of me, I'm afraid that I failed in my 'Spiritualization' attempt before and almost got swallowed up. That's why I subconsciously use the 'clearing water' skill at 100%.
　Master Noah snaps his fingers and the bandage on my arm is released.
　A blue glowing right arm is revealed.
　It's the right arm that has been transformed into a spirit.

''........I've gotten used to handling it recently, I thought....
　I feel like I'm getting more and more manageable with my daily practice.
　Was I mistaken?

'Yes, and instead you're slowly wearing out your emotions. When Janet-chan confessed to you, you weren't fazed at all, were you?
　Sadly, Noah-sama looked at me.

''No, no... it's not...''
　There shouldn't be, and I couldn't continue.
　I was surprised at the sudden proposal and horrified at the sight of him arguing with Princess Sophia.
　But I think I was somewhat cold.

''Um........could it be bad?''
''What's the effect of the 100% 'Meikyon-stopper' skill is that you can't even move. That's convenient and reassuring. But if you don't move your heart at all, that's no longer the heart of a human being.
　Noah-sama's serious gaze was enough to make my mind buzz.
　What in the world should I do...?

Well, I'm taking care of you, aren't I?
What?
　Noah-sama placed his hand on the small red bruise on my arm.

''My Divine Qi is stopping the 'Spiritualization' from eroding any further. So, don't be anxious and unleash the 'clearing water' skill on a regular basis. Alright?
　I looked at the small light bruise on my right arm again.

'Is that what Noah-sama's divinity is for?'
'Yes. Instead of my right arm never returning to its original state, it won't be able to become a genie any more. My divine energy keeps my 'right arm only spiritized'.
So.........that's what it was.
　I touched the bruised area with my left hand.
　It was slightly warm and I could feel Noah-sama's compassion.

''Well, as a last resort, I can control Mako through the divine spirit........ I won't do that because if I do that, the holy gods and the evil gods will be attracted to me. I'm not like Ila.
Thank you, Master Noah.
　I bowed my head deeply.　
　After all, the goddess has been a great help to me.

''Hmm, it's fine. You can rely on them more. It's just that you rely on the gods too much.
''No, that's not true, though. Come to think of it, the next battlefield has been sent to the frontier, so I don't think I'll have much of a chance.
　As for me, I said that with a sense of regret.
　But after hearing that, Noah-sama furrowed her eyebrows in a slightly angry manner.

''You can thank the Goddess of Destiny guy for that, though~. If you were sent to the front lines of a war with the Demon King's army or something, Mako would happily rush in, right?
''That's not true. Well, the current Demon King would like to get a glimpse.
　It's nice, Sakurai-kun.
　On the battlefield with the Demon King.
　I'm not sure if Noah-sama heard my heart's voice, but his expression became tense.

I can't do that!　What do you want to see?　You're not a tourist!
'I'm just glancing at it from afar, okay?　Since we are in a different world, don't we want to see the Demon King?
I don't like this guy.
　Master Noah's head was in his hands.
　'I'm sorry, I've embarrassed you.

''Noah-sama. I don't want to see the Demon King. From today onwards, I will venture out in a safe manner.
Liar.
　I was pressed between my eyebrows with a finger by a wide-eyed Noah-sama.

'Well, I guess I should get up now. I'm heading to the land of the moon.
'Yes, you're going to a place far from the main battlefield, so just relax.
　I bowed to Master Noah and woke up.



　◇



　--The journey to Cornet, the dead city of the Moon Country

　We had to head to our destination by carriage.
　Until now, we've often traveled in Fujiyan's airship, so we were a little confused about the speed.
　But this time, we weren't the only party in a small party.

　Looking out the window of the carriage.
　Cavalry, infantry, wizard troops, and supply units were advancing in a row.
　They are all members of the Highland State Army's 'Knights of the Sun (Soleil Knights)'.
　And they are led by.........

'Lord Makoto, I hear this is your first time participating in a march. How do you feel about it?
　The one who spoke to me with a smile was the Commander, Ault.
　He is the leader of the Knights of the Sun and the First Division.
　He is also an acquaintance of mine who fought with me in the Highland's Demon Runaway.
　It seems that it was the consideration of President Ewain and Sakurai-kun that allowed Mr. Orth to be deployed.
　It's very helpful.
　It's hard to talk with strangers when you don't know them!

'It's comfortable. Are you sure?　We're alone in this big carriage....
''What are you talking about, I'm carrying the two brave men and the Red Lotus Witch-sama's daughter. Of course.
　That's the way it seems.
　Mr. Orth went back to the center of the march again, since he was in charge of the army.
　We're sitting across from each other in the larger carriage with Lucy, Sa-san and Friae-san (the black cat on my lap).

'Wow, this is my first time riding in a carriage!'
　Sa-san is shaking his pattering feet like a child.
　
　I have a feeling that no one would believe me if I told that to someone I've never met before.

''Huh?　Is this your first time riding in a carriage, Aya?
Yeah, the only ones I've ridden on this side of the world are the airship and the Pegasus.
Well, I'm not usually able to get on a plane...
　Saasan and Lucy's conversation is noisy.
　It's as if they are going on a field trip.　

''.........''
　Symmetrically, Friae is quiet.
　She doesn't open her mouth at all, but looks out at the scenery.
　She's been in a bad mood ever since I told her where I was going.

''Princess?''
　I called out, worried.
　In fact, before we headed to our destination, I asked, "Will you stay in Highland Castle with Princess Sophia? I also asked him, but he replied, "I don't want to stay in the Land of the Sun.
　Well, I don't want to stay in the Land of the Sun........
　I was captured in the first place.

''........I was in the Land of the Moon as a priestess with many followers of the demon race.
　Friae said pensively.
　When I think of the followers of the demon race, the cult of the snake comes to mind, but in this case it's different.

"Believers" refers to the belief in the goddess of the moon (naia). The Order of the Serpent has nothing to do with it. But when the Highlanders got hold of me, I told my followers to run. Don't look for me.
".........
　Me, Lucy and Saa heard the words quietly.

'But I'm sure they're looking for me. Because I was a priestess of the moon goddess and an idol to them all. Some of my followers are mourning because they think I'm dead. I was just living a carefree life in another country.
Fu-chan.
　Sa-san's voice rang out and me and Lucy couldn't say anything.

'What do I look like when I see you?'
　Friae smiled a small smile to herself.

'Fu-chan, just show her how well you're doing!
　Sa-san's words were simple.

''That's right. It's not like Hooli did anything wrong!
Princess, I'll come with you if you go out.
　Me and Lucy agreed with Sa-san.
　I have a feeling that Ort-san would be able to talk to us and at least give us a little free rein.
　I think they'll be watching us, though.

I'll have to think about it.
　Mr. Furiae laughed in a slightly cheery way.

　From then on, it was mainly Sa-san and Lucy chatting with Friarë-san.
　The inside of the carriage became a little brighter.



　◇



　--that night.

　We have proceeded to the place we had planned and are now encamped.
　So far, the march to the dead city of Cornet is going well.


I can't sleep.
　An unfamiliar carriage ride and a march surrounded by a lot of strangers.
　Also, everyone goes to bed early....
　I'm always training until midnight.

''Zzzz........''
　Lucy and Sa-san are sleeping cramped together in a bed in a small carriage, hugging each other.
　I mean, why are they sleeping in a bed together?
　There's supposed to be one for each of us.
　BFFs.

I'll start training you.
　I used my 'covert' skill to avoid waking the two of them up and got out of the carriage.
　I gave a light bow to the guards of the Order of the Sun.
　I looked for a body of water where I could do my training.

　There was not a cloud in the sky.
　It was almost a full moon, or maybe it was almost a full moon, and the road was bright at night in the moonlight.

(Huh?　(Someone's wandering around.)

　It was Friae, with her long black hair swinging in a white-colored one-piece dress.
　I'm not sure I'm being careless with one.

''Oi, princess.''
　Before I tried to call out to him, he spun around and turned around to me.
　He had noticed this one.

''Hey, my knight.''
　Mr. Furiae folded his hands behind his back and stared at me.
　It wasn't his usual slightly glaring eyes, but a soft stare.

'What's wrong?　The "Princess
　In the moonlight, Friae is like a flower that is so fragile that if you touch it, it will break.
　I wonder if she still has regrets about the believers she left behind in the land of the moon.

''........''
　Mr. Furiae's gaze wanders, not saying anything.
　Is it something that's hard to say?
　I waited a moment for my next words.

"...if...
　Furiae-san opened her mouth.


　Woe to the world that's what I was saying.　
'Do you mind what Esther told me?
　Esther, the Goddess of Destiny's priestess, said that Friae-san was the enemy of the world by name.

　No, the Goddess of Destiny (Ila) is descending now.
　These are the words of the Goddess of Destiny who sees into the future.
　It's strange not to care about it.
　So I tried to cheer her up and said at least cheerfully, "You can change the future, right?

You can change the future, can't you?
It's not that easy to change.
In the first place, even the Goddess of Destiny (Ila) can't see the future of the princess. That's a self-serving assumption.
Well ... yeah ...
　Friae-san is not in good spirits.
　Was it not only the return to the land of the moon, but also the words of the priestess Esther that caused her to lose her energy.......
　It's no good, my guardian knight hasn't been able to.
　



''........If I become the enemy of the world, will you still be my guardian knight?''



　The always high-flying Friae-san asked me anxiously.
　Her moist eyes had the same expression as when she first asked me to become a guardian knight.
　If it's my answer to that question, it's a given.
　I huffed and laughed.



''Then you're with me.



... what?

The princess is an enemy of the world and I'm an apostle of the evil one, so we're enemies of the world. Let's play enemies of the world together.
You are a...
　For me, I thought I was giving a nice response, but Mr. Furiae gave me a look like "I asked for a cold juice, but I got a hot tea".

　Huh?　
　Did I give the wrong answer?
　d*mn, it's still the after-effects of the 'clearing water' skill!
　The price of losing my emotions!

(You don't lose your ability to read the air even if you use "Meikyomei no Sui", do you?
　Oh dear, Master Noah.
　It sounds like I can't read the atmosphere.
(That's what I'm saying...)
　I'm not sure what Master Noah means.
(Kind of...)

Well, okay. I'm sorry for the weird questions.
　Mr. Furiae returned to his usual oblique manner.
　He folded his arms and scowled.

'Well then, my knight. If I become the enemy of the world, you will continue to protect me.''
Okey-dokey, Princess.
　Under the moonlight.
　Me and Friae promised lightly to make small talk.

"Now, now.
　The black cat leaned at Friar's feet.
''Oh, do you want to join us?　Black Cat (Tsui)
　Huriae-san patted the black cat's throat and there was a rumbling sound.
　The black cat (Tsui) is totally Friae-san's cat.

''Is this guy a messenger for me or the princess?''
'Of course you're my knight's errand boy. And you're flirting with me, your master.
...Oh, so that's the pecking order.
　Apparently, even the black cat knows the hierarchical relationship, Friare-san > me.

''Well, I'm going to bed soon, but where's my knight?''
I'll sleep in after a few more hours of training.
Don't be cautious.
　The same thing was said of Master Noah, and Mr. Friae went back to the carriage.


　Then, during the day, he proceeded in the carriage.
　The days of leisurely training at night continued.


　--A few days later, we arrived at the dead city of Cornet.