Well, I don't have a problem with letting him go.

　I said as I shook the knife in my hand.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find it in the back of your mind.

I'm not going to be able to get it right. Seika-sama.

　As I was retrieving the Gobo no Yoru (Ombonoyas) and breaking the spell of human exorcism, Yuki said suddenly.

'Hmm?'
''To Seika-sama.......it doesn't matter whether or not there is a medium for a curse, does it? It's just a mere human gesture, and that kind of.......
'No way, it's not irrelevant. If you can't use their hair or blood, you're going to be limited in many ways, and...

　I chuckled and said, "It's a bit of a hassle.

"It's just a little bit of a problem.


****


　And so, the second attack by the demon tribe was cleared up without incident.
　Since the last attack, they had prepared for it by thinking of various ways to deal with it, so there was no damage this time. The only thing that happened was that the training ground for the magic practical technique was ruined, and things were done without anyone noticing.

　Their corpses had some remnants that had been charred by molten iron, but after a bit of hesitation, I decided to leave them as they were.
　I had heard rumors that some of the merchants who had been in and out of Rodnea had gone missing. They had probably also been looting several settlements before coming here.
　If the empire wasn't dumb, they should have at least grasped that a party of the demon race had invaded, as expected. Otherwise, they wouldn't set up security in the imperial capital at this time of year. Even if he couldn't capture their location, he would at least follow their footsteps and expect them to have headed to Rodnea. If we find the marks of the struggle and the bodies there I'm sure they'll at least understand that they're dead. Maybe.
　Only the demon one died elsewhere, so it would be convenient if they interpreted it as a split in the group.
　Either way, it's better than having to cancel the class without finding the body again.

　By the way, I undo the cold iron and erase it, but I left the giant worm carcass behind.
　It's just a hindrance, and I wonder if I should have taken care of that one too... As I was walking around thinking about this, I bumped into a small figure at the corner.

'Whoa. Mabel?
Huh...!　Se, Seika?

　Mabel, out of breath and with her eyes rolled back in her head, was looking up at me.
　The gray-haired girl, with an impatient look on her face, approaches me.

"Where is that guy?
"That guy?
We have an assassin!　Seika, you know that, don't you?
It's...
"And he said it was a demon... ogre!　I'm sure they're looking for me right now!　

　Mabel is desperate, insisting to me.

"I-I need to stop her!　I thought that Seika saved you earlier.　And that fog ... if you know where he is, tell me!　If I leave, I don't think everyone will be in any danger, if I leave. Even if I don't win.......so!
Mabel. You need to calm down.

　When I said that and patted her head, Mabel finally stopped talking.
　But there's still not enough room in her expression for that.
　I smile lightly and say, "You're a lucky guy.

"You're lucky.
What...?
'Were you worried about the other students first?　I could have run away myself.
Well, that's because...
'It's not easy to do. It's proof of kindness and courage.
Ugh....
'I'm sorry I didn't notice you. I thought I was completely used to the academy but you've been on your toes the whole time, haven't you?

　The curse of exorcism (magick) is not effective on people with a strong sense of purpose.
　I've been wondering why Mabel is the only one who hasn't come out because all the other students and teachers have retreated to their dorms and schoolhouses.

''By any chance, are you also with your adoptive parents?''
''Because.........those people are known to the Chamber of Commerce........''
'I told you not to worry about it. Although, if it hasn't been a year since then, is that not unreasonable?

　Maybe the reason she was so relaxed at my parents' house was because it was the first place she was allowed to be.
　Far away from the academy and the imperial capital, with a platoon of troops stationed there, the kid finally felt safe.

''It's okay, Mabel. You can live your life normally now.
But that guy, he's...
It wasn't an assassin for you.
What...?

　Mabel makes a pouting expression.

'Yeah, so...?　Then he's.....
'Well well, I don't mind telling you. I've been trying to get at the brave men.
'What!　Amu?

　The color of impatience once again appears on Mabel's face.

I have to do something about it, after all....
'Uh....'

　I stammer a little and say, "It's over.

"I'm done.
What...?
You don't have to worry about them anymore.
Those guys...?　I thought you weren't alone?
Umm ... well, yeah. There were about five of them.
Five?　That means ... all of them were defeated by Seika.
Yeah.
So you're okay?　Five of them like that, that was a tough one...
Uh, no it wasn't like that,
Yeah ... other than the ogre, was it no big deal?
'Ummm...'

　I reply with a slightly annoyed smile.

"I didn't really know who was the strongest and who was the weakest...
Ce....Ceika?

　Mabel stepped back a half-step, as if confused.
　I chuckle and point my index finger at her, holding it up in front of my lips.

"Don't tell anyone, Mabel.