The return journey home was a commonplace forest. We should have been looking forward to seeing the sights in town, but we found ourselves walking down this road again.

　To my right, Nem is toddling along in a slight sulk.
　On my left, Toa looks apologetic, and is only looking ahead to the path I'm on.
　Diagonally behind him is Sufilia, whose expression is the same as usual.

''Let's go again tomorrow. I'm sure Lisa-san will forgive me tomorrow.

　That said, I didn't know anything about the situation except that it was getting complicated.
　I understand that the appearance of that group called the Ninagawa tribe is a problem.
　So what was the problem?　Is it because they are Chastain's demons?
　Since someone from another country had invaded the country without permission, that would certainly be a problem. But even so, Lisa-san's atmosphere was somewhat calm.
　At least she didn't seem confused........

　That was when I was thinking about that.
　A fork in the road leading to the lake appeared in front of us.
　And as if they had been waiting, there were three people dressed in white standing there, the ones from earlier, dressed in white.

''That's........''

　She was called Maricias or something like that, as I recall. The ones on the left and right are Emo and Doma. That's what they were called.

　By the time I noticed, Toa and the other three seemed to have noticed them as well, so I tried to figure out what I should do.
　Do you want to say hello?　But stopping is a pain in the ass, and I don't want to get involved if possible.
　Let's just go back to the Demon King's Castle without making too much eye contact here. It would be best for the Toa to do the same.
　But after all, that wasn't possible.

"Toatrica-sama.

　Maricias walked up to us.
　The Toa stopped and we were forced to stop as well.
　And at that timing I sensed that besides this guy, there were a few other magic forces here and there in the surrounding forest - surrounded by them.

'I apologize for not greeting you earlier. My name is Maricias of Chastain.

　"I'm sorry," she says, "but we haven't heard anything.
　But she's not talking to us. She is speaking only to the Toa. I figured that out.

"Could you please clear the way?　If you need me, you'll have to go through Miss Lisa.

　If Lisa was here, this would not be a good thing.

'Don't talk to me so casually as a human!

　It's a polite (...) greeting. His voice echoed through the surrounding forest, and my words were scattered.

"One cat tribe and two humans.......Toatrica-sama?　Why do you, the princess of the demon race, share actions with such people?　If it's just the cats, they're still an inferior species, you know?

Who's that?

　But Toa looked puzzled by the words. In other words, Toa has no acquaintance.
　Now what is to be done but what is to be done is decided.

''I'm sorry to interrupt you on the part of a human, but I've been told by Lucius-san to protect the Toa, so I'm going to step in between.

What?　The demon king ... you?

Did I say that?

"Masamune.

　I wondered if I had a bad feeling about the tense conversation, but Toa was staring at me with a worried look on his face.

'I won't make a scene,'

　Just to be sure, I'll tell the three of you what I intend to do.

I'm not sure that the Demon King, Lucius, would ever ask a person like you for a favor.　Cut the bullshit!

'I didn't ask you to trust me. In the meantime, will you do something about the people hiding in the woods?　Don't tell me you're going to take Toa?

"Well if that's the case, what the hell does that have to do with you?　This is a demon race problem. There's no room for humans to sneak in.

'I don't care if there's room or not, it doesn't matter. It's not just the Toa. If you put your hands on us I won't be quiet, will I?

'Huh-ha-ha!　Is that supposed to be a threat?　d*mn it!　This is why people are so stupid!　It's as if you don't understand the situation.

　We didn't know if Maricias had given any signals at that time, but from the forest, the white-clad people who should have been in town earlier appeared all at once.
　And when they appeared, we were surrounded.

'Why is this happening? .....

　A question spilled out, but even Toa didn't seem to understand it.

'Come with us, Lady Toatrica, to Chastain. You will be the next king of our country. Those are the last words of the late Lord Cassandra.

　Did he ever have any last words for me?
　Cassandra hadn't even heard the will when Toa had cut her down without hesitation and killed her then.
　She wouldn't have been in a position to say such a thing.

'The Toa will not go. You must go back to your country now, too.

　They don't seem to be the kind of people who will listen to you by saying so nicely.
　If you look closely, all of them have the same eyes as the Xiaon that I saw in the dungeon sometime ago.
　They said they were the Ninagawa tribe, but what do they have to do with the snake people?　She looks like a normal human female, but her eyes are completely serpentine. And in turn, from the one who started the threat, you can also see the fangs from her mouth.

We have no interest in you in the first place. All I need is Lady Toatrica.

　I was going to wait until I said the usual line that you guys are going to die here - or something like that.
　In the meantime, I was going to think about how to deal with it, and about my magic choices - but they didn't give me any time, and they jumped on me all at once without a signal.

''Masamune-sama!''

　Sufilia asks me what to do with an impatient expression.
　I flip my unique skill 《God Speed》 in my head to 《Fatiguing Fallen Person》. And I immediately used it.

　Immediately after that, everyone else - except me - was hit with the illusion that time had stopped.
　The Ninagawa tribe jumped around us all at once and stopped their movement in mid-air.
　But this actually only makes it appear to stop. Slightly, time continues to move.

　But this skill also had a weakness. It would also slow down the movements of Toa, Nem and Sufilia.
　They all live in a different time than I do.

　In the midst of the slow moving time, I was looking at the girls and wondering how I should handle them.
　I'm unwilling to kill them. I don't know if they are beastmen or demons, I don't know what they are, except that they are the Ninagawa tribe, but since they are not human, I am unwilling to do so.

　Even if they were an enemy to the Toa, killing them would not be good for this world. So what should we do? ...........

　When I was thinking about this, I noticed a shadow spilling out of my right hand as I usually do when I use abyssal magic (........).
　It's a red-black, iron sand-like shadow.
　It spills upward (,) upward as if it were scraped from my right hand, and then disappears.

"........what is this?

　This is the first time I've used my skills to get this shadow. But this time there was something different about this sensation than usual.
　Something ... if I were to use a metaphor, this is a 'sense of loss'. I have a faint sensation that something is being lost, as if something is being lost.

　I guess we should hurry........

　I don't know what it is, but it seems I can't use this skill for too long. That's what I could sense.

　I made a spontaneous shadow appear and gave a swing of my right hand, and lightly swept the surrounding girls away from Toa for now with the shadow.
　Immediately after, I deactivate the skill.

''Gwaaaaah!''

　As soon as it was released, the shadows became like a cloak of unsuitable size for my body size, and I looked up at my surroundings and briskly dispatched the girls.
　A scream echoed through the forest. I hadn't meant to swing out that hard, but apparently it was a little too strong. A few of them disappeared into the forest.
　Maybe they weren't as strong as I thought they were. Their tone of voice was strong, though.

　Since they were demon race, I tried to add a little more strength to them than I would have against a human.
　But come to think of it, unless you're a dungeon creature, you need to add or subtract, otherwise, maybe I should be a little more aware that I have enough power to easily kill them.

''A torrent of deadly poison (shafault)!

　At that time, when I heard a voice chanting magic, I saw Maricias' figure ahead of me.
　This guy was the only one who didn't seem to go down (,,,,,) surprisingly.
　However, just behind Maricias, two figures could be seen, Emo and Doma. They also seem to have endured.

　I caught Maricias with my eyes, and at the same time, I noticed that I could sense her emotions - strong feelings for my fellow man. Is this love?
　If you translate it, it's a feeling of wanting to protect.
　Do you think I'm going to chase after you?
　But judging from Maricias' expression, my analysis didn't seem to be so wrong.

　Perhaps he understood at least a part of my competence in the current blow. So I'm in a hurry.

　Maricius started with his hands in front of him and pointed a dark purple magic circle at me. It's a good idea to be able to have a good time with them.
　I'm not sure if it's a good idea for me to say that it's sludgy, but it's my subjective opinion.
　It's not such an easy magic, like a lightly popped sludge. It's not just a matter of time before you get to the point where you'll be able to get your hands on it.
　I'm not going to be able to get it right. That kind of magic........

　There's even a Toa behind me that you guys are supposed to be looking for, but this guy released it without hesitation.
　He is not calm. Apparently my emotions have been disturbed by impatience.

''【Magic Style Destruction (Soul Break)!

　However, I lightly unleash my magic when I confirm that the roar (,) is right in front of me.
　Immediately after, the roar of the poisonous liquid that dissolves even wood suddenly stops moving and begins to contract as if sucked inward. It's the same as always.
　And from the front, they are cleanly gone, and at the end, the magic circle that Maricias was holding up shattered like broken glass.

''........''

　Maricius just opens his mouth and is stunned, not understanding what has happened, unable to comprehend this current situation.

We just want to go back to the castle. Stop the attack. Your friends who flew into the forest seem to have escaped long ago.　You can go back to your country now.

　Of the ones who were dispatched by the shadows earlier, those who were sent into the forest apparently escaped.
　These three are the only ones left.

''Hi ... we need ... we need a king!

　I should have been upset to the point of being speechless, but Maricias still glares at me. They're a disgusting bunch.

'Then why don't you be king?　Cassandra is dead. You don't have to abduct a princess from another country to be strong. Just go home.

'You don't understand ... you don't know anything!　Lady Cassandra was not given a princess. She was killed by the human adventurer Nito in the last battle, and there are only a few princes left. But a man cannot serve as king...

Not good enough?　I have no idea what you're talking about. What does it have to do with us in the first place?　That's your country, right?　It's none of Toa's business either.

　It's relevant. I'm the one who killed Cassandra. Technically, Toa killed her, but Toa won't remember, and the world thinks I killed her, so, well, that's fine with me anyway.

　The color of Maricias' eyes doesn't change.
　But my words should be the right thing to say in this situation.
　This guy doesn't know that I'm Nito. He doesn't know that I'm just a person hiding in the woods.
　But the color of his eyes has not changed, and he is still glancing at Toa. The same goes for the two people behind them.
　My words didn't reach them.

　At that moment, a shadow of someone suddenly appeared in my vision.
　It appeared with a quick movement from my left side and approached Maricias as it was, and in the next moment, Maricias was gone.

　But I could tell that Maricias hadn't disappeared by the light dust and dust cloud, the sound of light gouging of the ground and the accompanying sound of impact - Maricias had been sent flying by the impact.

'A bad hand and that lying mouth that deceives with impunity. As usual, you still don't seem to have recovered from it, do you?　Maricias.....

　--It was Lisa.
　Although I wasn't surprised because I had detected the magic power beforehand, but that was a moderate move.
　
　For a moment, my magic power exploded.
　I couldn't help but recall the events of that moment, when Cassandra had appeared from above me.

''Are you guys planning to wage war on Lucius-sama?

....

　Lisa is furious. But Maricias doesn't answer.
　On the other hand, the question is directed at the remaining Emo and Doma, but they seemed to leave it up to Maricias, what can I say?

You do understand, don't you?　You are doing this knowingly, right?　Since that time, Lucius-sama and I, and even Electra-sama understand that. You Chastaines will stop at nothing to achieve your goals. Whatever you want, you will always get it you are Cassandra's mental slave with that dirty woman's ideology taking root.

'Say it again!　That tongue--

What's wrong with your tongue?　I won't say it again, okay?　Your Ninagawa tribe does not listen to people. To such a person there is nothing more I can say.

...Lissana.

　Maricias stared at Lisa-san with his sharp snake eyes.
　Lisa, on the other hand, turned her eyes downward.

'Do you remember, Maricias?　You've been that way since then.

　What is it?　Suddenly Lisa's mood changed.

''Give me Toatrica-sama. It will be for the good of this great forest and the entire demon kingdom.

　Maricias ignores Lisa's question and only asks for the Toa behind me.

'I've been struggling to master my magic and forge my own sword. You spent all that time herding with the crappy ones, finding suitable things to get high and playing (,) in the shadows, didn't you?

'I'm not going to talk about the old days. Give me Lady Toatrica.

'I'm not talking about the old days. I'm saying that you haven't changed one iota now or in the past. Despite being a descendant of the snake people, even your prized sword skills are inferior to mine from the cat race. Since I was a student, your sword has never reached me. Isn't that the best proof of all?　You spent all of your days looking down on others and oppressing those who seemed beneath you.

A youthful indiscretion...

　Maricias stands up there. The two men behind him see the situation and stand up, following suit.

'So I'm saying it's the same now. I have warned you many times, haven't I?'

"You, who have been blessed with the title of Rickman and have always been the center of everyone's attention, cannot understand the wrath of our Ninagawa tribe. Don't talk so casually you can't understand.

Those days were the last time I showed understanding to you. No one wants to save you, who are always hating the demons. Now that Cassandra is dead, there won't be anyone who understands you. Of course, there is no one in Ursula. But this is your own doing, isn't it?　That time you didn't take my hand. That was the end of it.

'You're a persistent guy I don't like your eyes. It's always been that way. You're a hypocrite you think you can save me somewhere. You are an arrogant woman. You're the one who condescends to her, aren't you?　I don't know what it's for, but you're not a demon race, you're not a beast, you're not a beast and you're not a human. Who would listen to your words like that........ You hide behind the title of Rickman. Rescuing you and bringing you back was the only mistake the great Master Lucius ever made. And the single greatest mistake of all - a disgrace.

　At that moment, a red-burning magic circle appeared at Lisa's feet, and a faint flame lit up her right hand, which was unprotected and lowered.

''I will not allow you to insult Lucius-sama.

　Even before Lisa said that, Maricias' eyes turn to fear and agitation.

''Ha ... ha ... ha ... are you trying to kill me?''

"We spent time together in the same school. And most of all....

　Then, for some reason, Lisa stops talking and is suddenly silent. But she immediately turns to Maricias again.

"I will not allow you to insult Ursula!　Maricias?　I've told you so many times that things aren't what they used to be. But you didn't listen to me, and instead you continued to hang out with those who wore the same skins, and on top of it all, you gave me the same look. When you realized that it was impossible, you immediately chose to run away, and to this day, you do not face others, but only continue to resent them. And today is the result of that.

You.....

　Maricias glares at him in a form of anger, suppressing his fear.
　This guy is afraid of Lisa.
　Does that mean this snake's eye is a bluff?

　This is the country of these people, and it's only natural that the problems that occur should be solved by these people themselves, but do we need to stop this?　
　The fact that he came to kidnap Toa is a problem. It is a problem.........

Pta Stitute.........

　At that moment, a thread-like flame that became a thin line of flame spiraled up from the faintly burning flame in Lisa's right hand. Slowly.
　And then it stopped just diagonally above Lisa-san's head, and like a spider wrapping its food with a thread, the thread of flame wrapped around the empty air (,,,,,,). Then a beautiful flaming sphere was created.

　It gradually enlarged and then stopped moving as it grew to the size of Lisa's three small heads.

''What the........''

　--What is this magic?

　I was asking myself that question.
　Why would this man be able to use this kind of magic? --I'm not sure how much I know about magic, of course.
　It's not that hard to learn, even back then when I was a student at Heilkwaite. I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make the most of your time in the forbidden room.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work.

　It's just like the abyss.........

-- 'What?　It's been a while since you've burned it?

....

　When I heard that voice, I was startled enough to realize that my heart rate had increased.
　Even the voice in my mind was silent. So much so that I was speechless, albeit for a moment.
　--The flames, speaking.
　A hollowed out, pointed eye appeared in the sphere of fire. But there was no eyeball. It was hollow inside.
　Underneath, a ripped mouth with jagged, tooth-like protrusions exposed. But there are no teeth, and it's still hollow inside.

''It's time to .............................kill it.

　Lisa's eyes are fixed. After all, this person is not a maid.

''Huh, the magic of the Rickman clan... hahahahahahahahahaha!　Look!　I told you!　That magic of yours is itself proof that you've been living under the title of Rickman!　You've had it!　That's why you just didn't end up like me!　To you, who didn't even realize it was that simple and misunderstood and disrespected my kindness!　You don't deserve to blame me!

'Is it snake meat for lunch?　I'm going to roast you so you don't get burned...

　What's that fire?　It's as if the fire has a will.
　I was remembering Vel in the corner of my mind.
　No way.........Lisa-san.......

'It's self-defense. I will not allow anyone to do harm to this country in the name of Lysana Rickman!　I will execute you!

'Pfft, pfft!

　Fear and anger mix together, and Maricias seems to be going crazy.
　The two behind her have a completely frightened look on their faces.
　To the girls, Lisa must have been that much of a presence for them.
　If so, why did she speak so outspokenly........

　Lisa-san raised the tamed, flaming monster with a single red thread (...) transmitted from her right hand and approached Maricias and the others step by step.
　No killing intent is visible in his eyes, and his heart is equally calm.

　"Lisa, the maid who always listens to me" - Toa had told me that several times.
　But the one in front of me is a ruthless beastman. He has no hesitation in killing.

　And without a word, Lisa waved her willful fire at them -
　-- but that was when it happened.
　Suddenly, from the forest, a large amount of water flowing through the trees and in the air, undulating like a snake, appeared.
　It instantly enveloped Lisa and easily drowned out the willful fire that was in her hand.
　And just like when it appeared, the water swirled in the air and disappeared into the forest.
　Is it in the direction of the lake?　Somehow I felt that way.

　The one left in front of me was a soaking wet Lisa. And--

What are you doing?

　As if to get between Lisa-san and Maricias and the others, there was the figure of the Demon King - Lucius-san.

''........Lucius-sama.

　Lisa didn't even brush her wet hair and stared at her without looking away from the Demon King in front of her.

''Father........''

　And Toa also notices his father's appearance.
　How did this happen when he was only supposed to return to the castle....