Arios, Lean, and Mina were visiting a mansion located in a forest on the western edge of the central continent.
　It was surrounded by tall trees and even in the daytime, the interior was dimly lit.

　There was nothing popular about it.
　However, the inside of the mansion was cleaned up.

''Is this...?''
It's a gorgeous house, but it's kind of dark.
Monica. What are you doing here?

　Arios looked quizzically at Monica, who was standing at the back of the line.
　However, there is no hostile kind of emotion in his eyes.
　The only question is that I don't know why I was brought to this place.

''First of all, please come this way,''

　Monica led the way and led Arios and the others into the guest room.
　There were sofas and tables and other reception sets in place, plus tea and sweets.

''It's a delicate time right now, so we're only serving tea, but if you're hungry, we can prepare a meal for you as well,''
No, I'm not.
I'm okay with it. I'm not hungry.
'I ... would you mind telling me a story, too ... or better yet, talking to me?　Monica said that if we come here, we'll have enough strength to stand up as brave men again...
If that's true, it's very gratifying. It's just that you haven't explained to me how it's done at all. I'm not doubting Monica, but when she's rushed to this point, I'm curious.
'I'm sorry. I'm sorry, but there are some special circumstances that I kept under wraps until the last minute to prevent the information from getting out. But you don't need to do that anymore. I'll tell you everything.

　Arios and the others sit on the couch and Monica sits down facing them.

'The way Arios-sama and the others gain power it's simple, make an alliance with my Lord.
'Lord?　Alliance?
To tell you the truth, I am in the service of a certain person whose orders I have been assisting Arios-sama and the others. I would like you to form an alliance with him. That way, my Lord will be more than willing to help and Arios and the others will gain even more power.
Hmm....

　Interesting story, Arios wondered if he should form an alliance or something.

　Arios had been expecting Monica to take orders from someone for some time.
　He was too good with his hand on many things, including when he was saved and when he told her about Aggus' betrayal.
　Either he had a collaborator, or someone higher up to tell Monica what to do.
　Arios stared at that, as he wasn't stupid either.

''Well for now, can we meet with Monica's master?　We may or may not join forces, then.
'Arios, are you sure?　It's as if we don't know what kind of person he is, you know?
'If you believe Monica's story, she's someone who's done a lot for us. At least he's not the enemy.
I think I'll go with Arios for this one. I don't mind hearing about it, and I'm interested in hearing about how it can make us stronger.
''Well I understand. We need the power to fulfill our mission. For now, let's trust Monica.

　The brave men's qualifications have already been revoked, but Mina still speaks the word mission.
　No matter what position they are in, they believe that what they have to do will not change....
　Or are you escaping by not looking at reality and assuming that.

'Thank you. I'm relieved that Arios-sama and the others told me so.

　Monica smiles happily at having gained unanimity.
　There is not an ounce of evil in her, she feels relieved that she was able to do her duty.

　It's a good idea to have a good time with them.
　It sounds good to say that he trusts Monica that much, but.......
　In fact, he's just giving up his thoughts.

　It's natural for Monica to cooperate with her brave self.
　There's no way she's going to cheat a brave man.

　I've been thinking like that.

　The first thing you need to do is to get your hands dirty.
　He took it for granted that the glory was still going on.

'So, what's this thing with your Lord?'
Yes, I'll get him for you. Please hold.

　Monica bowed and left the room.
　Arios, Leanne and Mina were left in the room.

'I wonder what kind of person Monica's master is?　I knew you were a knight?
'I don't know. It's not out of the realm of possibility, but I'm thinking of someone much different.
What does that look like?
'Well...'

　The abominable thing is that they have become rebels against their country.
　There is no such thing as a knight who would cooperate with us.
　If there is, it will be limited to those who, like Monica, have been "pretending to be knights".

　I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to find a way to make it work.
　Are you a criminal?
　No, the power it has is huge for that.
　We could set up a mansion like this one, build a huge information network....
　It's not something that can usually be done.

　Then what possibilities are left?
　A nobleman with power to rival the king?
　Or the most powerful species.
　

　
　He thought about this and that, but lacked the information to make a decision.

'Well, I'll see you soon. I can't help but speculate about this and that.
That too, I suppose.
Oh, he's here.

　The door opened and all three of their gazes focused on it.
　First, Monica appeared to lead the way... and then Reese.

''Huh?''

　Arios, Lean and Mina look in amazement.

　Rhys was dressed in a gorgeous dress and adorned himself with a floral hair ornament, but it was impossible for him to hide the black magic that flowed from his body.
　However, it's impossible to hide the black magic that flows from her body.
　It's a good thing that you can't get away with it.

　Arios and the others are not so out of the loop that they don't realize that.......
　At first glance, I noticed that Rhys was a demon, and my face stiffened as I realized that he was a demon.

　Rhys smiled as he enjoyed the reaction of Arios and the others.

''It's nice to meet you. I am Reese, the Lord of Monika. Nice to meet you thereafter.
I didn't expect a demon.

　Arios says with a bitter look on his face.

　He had thought about the possibility of being an outsider.
　But, of all things, a demon race?

　Seemingly unsure of how to react, Arios and the others close their mouths.
　However, as if they had expected such a reaction, Rhys does not panic and continues to talk at his own pace.

''Arios-san and the others are a brave party. I understand that. Even if I, as a demon race, offer to help them, it's normal for them to be confused and have suspicions that there is a backstory.''
"...You're quite imposing, aren't you?　Do you think the demon tribe will show up in front of us and stay safe?
''We're in a discussion right now, you know. I trust that Arios-san and the others won't be so rude as to suddenly slash at us.

　Humans and demons were natural enemies, and it was unlikely that they would ever discuss it.
　Even if they suddenly slashed at each other, that would be enough to make self-defense work.

　However, it was also true that I would feel somewhat hesitant if I was told this from the front.
　It's normal to feel hesitant and unable to be ruthless at some point against someone whose words can be understood.

''........Fine. Let's listen to the story first.
'Arios!　This could be a trap....
What, just for real?　Are you sure?　He's a demon, okay?

　Mina and Lean are surprised, but Arios calmly admonishes them.

'If you called it a trap, you wouldn't be going around like this. If she hadn't helped us, she could have just killed us. I can't say for certain what her intentions are yet but at least it's worth listening to.
You're very good, Mr. Arios.
Hmmm ... well, I hope Arios says so.

　Lean seemed somewhat trapped, but in the end, he decided to leave it up to Arios to decide.

''........I understand.''

　Mina seems to feel the tug at her more than Leanne does.
　She doesn't say much, just one word, she tells him so.

　Still, agreement is agreement.
　With the approval of his friends, Arios proceeds to talk.

I have heard from Monica that you can help us, what is this about?　You want us to join the demon race?　To me, a brave man?
''No. I don't want you to be a demon race, I want you to be on my side.
"Hmm?
Right now, I'm in a state of rebellion, having broken away from the main forces of the demon race.
Are you breaking ranks?
I have no problem with that perception.

　Afterwards, Rhys told Arios and the others about their situation.

　Recently, a change has occurred among the demon race.
　Instead of following the demon king who destroys humans, some are choosing the path of coexistence with humans.
　Reese is one of them.

　Of course, it's not an easy path.
　Not only will the humans not believe him, but his fellow demons will also try to kill him as a traitor.

　It's frustrating, but without power, he can't realize his ideals.
　For that reason, I want Arios to join me.
　We will lend our strength to each other to achieve our mutual goals.

　Rhys explained that.

It's hard to believe that, but........
But it's true.
All right, I believe you.

　After thinking for a while, Arios accepted Reese's words.

　However, it didn't mean that he completely believed what he just said.
　If Reese's story is true, and humans and demonkind coexist in harmony, then I can be a key player in that and become a hero again.
　Even if it's a lie, as long as you have a use for it, you can use it.

　You can use them, he thought.

'Thank you, Mr. Arios,'
So, I guess from today, we're all comrades in arms?
Yeah, it's nice to meet you.

　Arios and Rhys shook hands and smiled together.

　Behind them, Monica laughed.
　She was smiling a terribly distorted smile while bowing so that no one could see her.