--Wow!
　--Master Ila!
　--Look at me!

　The crowd cheered angrily.
　The ground is shaking as the excited crowd jumps up and down.
　I look next to them and see that Fujiyan and Peter are also shouting at the top of their lungs.

'Lord Tuckey!　It's a goddess, a living goddess this close!
Wow!　The goddess who descended I'm glad to be alive!　Hey, brother!
Uh, yeah...
　I see them rather casually.
　It's not usually easy to meet them.....

　Esther, the goddess of fate (Ila) descended, is singing and dancing in the middle of the stage.

　I just wonder.
　I have a sense of déjà vu.
　I feel like I often see this kind of scene.


I hope everyone is having fun~~~?


　--Wo-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o.


　Ila-sama gives a kyapirou wink, and a cheer goes up.
　Ugh.........

　A perfect smile.
　An adorable gesture.
　And a miniskirt that doesn't show her underwear no matter how much she moves around.

(Ah........I'm with Noah-sama.)
Excuse me!　(I'm prettier than that!)
　She asked me.　

(Ila, you're so aware of Noah, aren't you?)
　Really?　Lady Eil.
(Yes, she doesn't like the fact that Noah is called the most beautiful goddess of the divine world.)
(Humph!　(Well, my number one is unshakable!)
　Heh.........

　On the stage, where the spotlights and lights are dazzling, Esther-san (Ila-sama) in a fluttery dress is singing a radio-wave song.

''Is it a little too mocking........''
　I muttered softly and got a guileless glare from next to me.

'Tacky-dono?　You're not going to say anything bad about Master Ila, are you?　I'm a merchant apprentice, and since I saw Ila descend in the land of commerce when I didn't have time to sleep, I've been keeping my heart in mind, and I don't think you would say anything bad about the perfect and lucky Ila.
I'm not going to say anything bad about Ila........" "Brother........ Brother Ila is my heart and soul. Even though he's the son of a mafia, he's not very good at fighting, and he's not very smart because he's a beastman. Even though he is compared to his brother, who is a brilliant man, Ila-sama's heart is purified when I look at him. A brother (brother) would never speak ill of that perfect and lucky Ila-sama!
　Both of them speak very fast.

........or it's great to meet the perfect and lucky Ila-sama.
"Mm!
　Scary.
　So this is the fanatic.

　I cheered for them just enough so that people wouldn't know I wasn't a believer (fan).
　The concert was a great success.


　◇


　Fujiyan and Peter saw the show together and seemed to hit it off completely.
　They went out for a drink together.
　At this rate, I'm sure Fujiyan will become a brother in the near future.

　I was invited to join him and stayed with him for a while, but I refrained from the after party.
　I couldn't keep up with the groove.

　I looked up at the sky.
　It's not even the evening yet.
　So, what should I do?

　I came to the mansion where the Goddess of Destiny's priestess (Esther), who I have visited only once before, is located on a spur of the moment basis.
　The purpose is to discuss the matter of Sakurai-kun's prediction.
　But there are many security guards in front of the mansion of a great nobleman in a country of commerce, so I didn't feel like I could just wander in alone.
　Besides........it's right after the live show and I'm sure they're tired.
　I was wondering if this timing was impossible.

"Huh?　Isn't that Mako, the hero of Roses, there?
Janet?
　I was approached by Janet, the captain of the Pegasus unit, who was dressed in white armor.

''As I recall, hospitalization.......seemed unnecessary to begin with.
　They giggled at me.
　Janet had also come to visit me in my hospital room a few times.
　Every time, though, she was dismayed that I was practicing water magic.

''So what is Mako, who has become the guardian knight of the Great Sage Master, even though he won't accept my engagement, what are you doing here?''
　Janet with a slightly thorny tone.

''Well, I'm here to see the Goddess of Destiny's priestess (Esther).
Hmm?　...You have an appointment, don't you?
No?
'What?　You don't have an appointment?
I don't think so.
What's the point?
　He sighed heavily at Janet.
　She didn't have any common sense.

''Esther-sama has just finished descending from the Goddess just now. For the time being, no one will be able to visit her....
''Is Takatsuki Makoto-sama, the brave man of the Water Country, here!''
　As if to interrupt Janet's words, her name was called out loudly.
　Hmm?

Yes, I'm here.
　I held up my hand to let him know.

'Master Esther wants to see you!　Please enter the mansion!
"...and...
　Me and Janet looked at each other.

'You didn't make any promises...?'
Yes, I just wandered in.
You've been summoned...
'Well....'
'Come on!　Go ahead!　Bring your people along!
　The butler-like person rushes me.

'Shall we go, Miss Janet?'
Oh, me too?
I don't feel safe being alone...
Well I guess I don't have a choice.
　I was reckless, if I do say so myself, but Janet came with me.


　The room we were let through was a reception room for visitors.
　Inside, Esther, who had changed into an elegant dress that was completely different from the fluttery dress she wore earlier, was sitting.
　The knights, who looked like guards, were lined up in a row around her.


''Welcome, brave Roses. And there's also the eldest daughter of the Ballantine family.
I'm sorry for my unexpected visit.

....
　I almost accidentally said "Master Ila" to Esther, "Hey! He stared at me.

　Esther then ordered her guards to stay back, and the three of them were alone in the room.


'Then let's hear your business, shall we?
How did you know we were coming?
You ... who do you think I am?
　A priestess of the "Goddess of Destiny" who can see into the future.
　I see, she knows we're coming, right?
　But, Ila-sama, you missed the prediction in the Demon King battle.

.........forget about the Demon King battle blunder.
Yes, sir.
Um ... isn't there something wrong with the conversation?
　Ila-sama reads my mind without permission and continues to talk, so this is definitely a strange conversation.
　Well, that's okay.
　Let's cover it up by continuing the story.

To tell you the truth, it's Sakurai-kun, the brave man of light.
Oh, I see.
　So take the liberty of reading my mind and answering, because the conversation is going to get weird!
　Janet next to me said, "? That's why you're looking at me.


'Do you have any magical tools or magic methods that would 'prevent the future from dying after the resurrection of the Great Demon King' or 'survive even if you're about to die'?
No, sir.
I see.....
　In response to my question, Esther-san assured me.
　Apparently, there are no divine artifacts or magic lying around conveniently enough for a dead person to 'come back to life'.

In the decisive battle against the Great Demon King, we'll have no choice but to put her on the side of the Hero of Light.
Is that all there is to it...?
　It's the way Friae said it before.
　Even though it's Ila-sama, she doesn't seem to have a perfect workaround.
　Ha ha ha....

''The Apostle of the Evil God, Makoto. You've gone too far with your words.
　d*mn it, I'm sorry.
"Sorry.
''Um...Esther-sama, Makoto, what were you doing before...''　
　Oh no, Janet-san is confused.
　I wonder if Estelle-san (Ila-sama) thought the same thing, hmmm, and gave a small sigh


　--Patin.


　I snapped my fingers.
　At that moment, the air in the room turned into a strange, viscous space.

'Miss Janet?'
　Janet-san next to me didn't even blink as if she was still.
　This is........?

The 'Isolation Wards'. It's a hassle, so I've created a space that only you and I can recognize.
　I'll say it plainly, but that's supposed to be holy class magic........

The first time I saw it, I knew I was going to be able to do it.
　My tone changed.
　Esther-san (Ila-sama) who is approaching us while glaring at Guillory.
　Ugh, you're angry.
　Oh no, I have to say something!

Hey, that was a great show back there!
　Ila-sama's feet snapped to a halt.

'You ..................' ...You're there?
Yes, I was there with a friend.
Hmmm... so how did it go?
　The anger fades from his eyes.

'Oh, the dancing and the singing were great!　My two friends were crying, for God's sake!
　It's not a lie because it's true that Fujiyan and Peter were crying!

Oh my God you're so obedient. I like children who are honest.
　Esther's (Ila-sama) eyes glowed suspiciously gold and she put her hand on my cheek.
　That's a 'mesmerizing' eye!


Wait a minute!　(Don't try to seduce my mako!
Noah's God's Eye can't be prevented by the Holy Grade Wards.
(No, Ila-chan. I had my eye on Mako-kun before you did.
'Sister Eil, you're here too...'
　Noah-sama and Eir-sama interrupted the conversation.
　It's all a bit loud all of a sudden.

''Back to the topic at hand, is Sakurai-kun's 'future of death' inevitable?'''
'For now ... well, for now. I thought the future would change after we defeated the King of Beasts (Zagan) last time, but it's no use. We'll just have to deal with the resurrected King of Demons. The Sun Priestess (Noel), who can use the "revive" function, must be on hand at all times.
　I see.........

''But even if you say you're going to use Princess Noel's 'resurrection' magic, you can't join the war, right?
''The Great Demon King battle is different. Only the Great Demon King (Eveleth) can't win if we don't hit him with an all-out war. All the priestesses will be included in the war as well.
What?　Princess Sophia too?
　Will I be okay...?

(Yes, yes, so you have to protect her, Sophia!)
Okay, I understand.
　Anyway, when will the Great Demon King return?
　They've been saying for a while that it's coming back, that it's coming back, but it's not going to happen at all, is it?

Ten days.
What?
　Esther (Ila-sama) said without hesitation.
　And 10 days later...

Soon......
　At last.........Grand Demon King Eveleth.
　What does he look like?

'This next mission won't be like the last. I've already crushed the snake cult.
　Estelle-san (Ila-sama) said a little awkwardly.
　Yes, if the snake cult wasn't there, the accuracy of the future prediction would increase.
　So next time........will it be okay?

I'm sorry to disappoint you. Is there anything else you need?
　Esther (Ila-sama) with her arms folded asks.
　Something else.............
　Yes, there was something important left to talk about!

Freyae... about the Moon Priestess.
Hmm?
　The story is fast.
　But Esther-san (Ila-sama) made a troublesome face.

''No........?''
'Hmmm, since the moon maiden ruined me a thousand years ago I don't know what I'll do.
　A priestess of the moon from a thousand years ago - a witch of misfortune.
　A traitor who said she had turned to the side of the Great Demon King.
　But it has nothing to do with Friae, does it?

(Ila, I think it's time to let bygones be bygones about the millennia ago.)
　Yay, Lady Ail is kind!

(Oh yeah, and while we're at it, we should let bygones be bygones about me, right?　(I wish I had a lot of followers.)
(Noah)
(Duh!)
　Um, why?
　I was going to ask you to take care of Master Noah while I was at it!

'The priestess of the goddess of the moon (Nia) the witch of disaster was just running amok on her own, so certainly this generation's moon priestess is irrelevant. But Noah's followers, Noah was telling them what to do, for sure!　A thousand years ago, your apostle killed a brave man who was a goddess of destiny!
But things are different now than they were a thousand years ago, aren't they?
But you'd do anything Noah told you, wouldn't you?
Well, mostly.
'Then no. The Moon Goddess (Naia) is harmless because she leaves her followers alone, but Noah is dangerous to Noah's followers because he pretends to be a laissez-faire..............................and 'incites' them to be strong. So you can't increase the number of Noah's followers.
　Huh I see.
　I thought we could do a lot with more friends.

By the way, who are you going to invite if you're going to increase the number of Noah's followers?　
　Ila-sama asked, knowing the answer.

'For now, Lucy and Sa-san, Fujiyan, right?
''The Red Lotus Witch's daughter, the nationally recognized hero of the Fire Nation, the greatest merchant of the Water Nation... no.''
(That's ... yeah, let's not do that.)
　Ew!　Master Eil!

(Stingy!)
　Noah-sama's voice echoed.

(But I feel sorry for the moon maiden and the demon race, it's about time we treated them equally.)
'Really?　Master Eil.
　That's great.

But it has to be decided by Sister Sun Goddess (Althena).
Mako-kun, I'll ask Sister Altena about it with Ila next time.
Thank you!
　Thank goodness.
　I hope this will save Freyae and the other demon tribe members in the Land of the Moon (Raphiloig)....　

''Then is the story over?''
'Well...'
　The other thing I had left to say was................................oh, yeah.

'Ila-sama is a totally different character in public than she usually is, isn't she?
Hey.... I'll be happy to do it.
　Ila-sama reacted excessively to my words.

(Ila-chan, you're making too much of a character!)
It's about time you stopped.
'No!　Leave me alone, Sister Eil!　Also, I don't want Noah to tell me what to do!

(I'm just passing for a more sedate goddess, okay?)
　Do you think so?

　Anyway, Goddess (Ila) of Fate.
　I had a bit more of a stern image.　

(Hey, hey, Mako-kun. Take a look at the soul book.
'Master Eil?　Is it a soul book?
(That skill description is written by Ila.)
What?
　I hurriedly looked through the skills section of the soul book.


''Water Wizard: Elementary'' ... a skill that allows you to use elementary water magic techniques. Since the amount of magic you possess is small, it can't be helped that it's a beginner level!　Good luck with your training!


Did you write this........did Ila-sama write this?
'Yeah do you have a problem with that?　It's written in the Soul Book.
　It's true..........
　It says, in small letters, "From the Goddess of Destiny (Ila)"........
　I see, the character of Goddess of Destiny-sama was a general rule of thumb.
　The Esther-san in front of me has a rather ladylike appearance.

''Alright, it's time to undo the wards.
　Ila-sama, arms folded, huffed and turned to the side.

'Yes, thank you for everything you taught me, Ila-sama.
　I knelt down and thanked her.
　'Always be that humble,' said Esther, and with a 'clink,' she snapped her fingers.


'Oh, hello?　What the hell am I...?
　Janet blinked with a crackle.

'I'm done talking to Esther. Miss Janet, shall we go home?
'What?　Huh?　.... when did that happen?
　I tug on Janet's confused hand.
　'I'm sorry I brought you here.

'So, Miss Estelle. Please give my regards to Ila-sama. 'Thank you.'
　As I said before, I thanked him again.

''I don't know what will happen to the Moon Priestess. Well you can count on me if you need any help.
Excuse me, Miss Estelle.
I'll be back.
　Esther (Ila-sama) waving her hand flutteringly.
　Me and Janet-san left the room.


　◇


Well....Takatsuki Makoto. Aren't you and Esther-sama getting along quite well?
'Really?　It's been like this for a while.
''I don't think so but you, Great Sage, Sister Noel, General Talisker, the Red Lotus Witch you are surprisingly good at getting into power.
　Is that a compliment?

'You seem to think of me as nothing more than a useful woman.
　He stared at me.
　I'm angry.

"Meh, let's get dinner!　Food.
　I changed the subject to cover up the conversation.

'Mm ... well, I don't mind,'
'I've got a great place!　This way.
　But it's run by Fujiyan, though.

　When in doubt, ask Fujiya!
　Oh, but I think I'm going out for a drink with Peter now.
　Oh, well.
　The food at that place was good.

　The food is great.

Welcome, Satsuki. Always a favorite........you're Janet Ballantine!
　Nina's ears perked up with a surprised look on her face.
　Ah, come to think of it, Janet was a nice lady of a good family.　
　Should I have mentioned that beforehand?

'You don't have to worry about me.
Hi I'm sorry to trouble you for your little shop but please enjoy the rest of the day.
　Nina greeted me briefly and quickly came to my side.

'Takatsuki-sama!　Why do you always bring royalty and great lords with you?　And without any reservations!
　I was pissed.
'Suimasen by the way, Nina, why do you have to guard the store every time?　You don't have to do it, do you?
　Nina-san is Fujiyan's wife, so there's no need to force her to work.　

It's better for you to move your body than to imitate a nobleman. I'll keep this a secret from Sasaki-sama and Lucy-sama.
　He winked at me in dismay.
　No, it's not like that....

'What's wrong?'
'No, no!　It's nothing!　Lady Janet!
What can I do for you, Janet?
　Me and Nina turned to Janet in a hurry.

　We ordered a light aperitif and a few recommended dishes.
　Fujiyan's is a commonplace diner in an aristocratic district.
　Janet is scurrying around, which is unusual for her.

''It's an unusual restaurant for the third ward district where the aristocracy lives. Easy to enter.''
Right?　It's run by a friend of mine.
'Your go-to, you mean. I'll keep that in mind.
　Smiling, Janet-san seems to be in a good mood.
　I hope I was able to return the amount I forced her to take to Estelle's mansion.

'What kind of place do you usually eat at, Janet-san?
'I spend a lot of time with the guys in my unit. I haven't been to my parents' house lately because it's so formal... and my parents are fussy about getting married and being married (blah blah blah).
'What?　I didn't catch the second half, though.
'It's okay!　I can't hear you.
Huh....
　We had been chatting and enjoying dinner for a while.


'Hey, are you free?'
Welcome! Have a seat wherever you want to be!
　A loud customer came in.
　The gold-plated armor and gnarly blonde hair.
　I was looking blankly at him with my drunken head, thinking that he was a flamboyant knight.......when a gold-plated knight with a sharp look in his eyes glanced over to me.

(.........hmm?)

Hey, you're a brave man of Roses. Why are you with my sister?
Hey, brother...
The "th.
　A closer look.

　Standing there was Gerald, the leader of the Northern Heavenly Knights and a lightning hero.