Arc 7, Chapter 54 "The Ideal World of Chaos Flame"
"Ugh, uggh, ow......."
"Oh, oh, you're crying through your nose, you're in trouble."
Subaru sobbed incessantly, sniffling. With it stuck to his back, Olbart shrugged his shoulders and scratched his cheeks with his fingers in a handless manner.
--It was a terrific, terrific experience.
How many "deaths" did Subaru have to experience in order to reach the ten seconds of despair that happened to him, and the eleven seconds that followed after he overcame them?
It's a miracle that his despairing, broken and worn out soul didn't disappear.
But after such a hellish experience, he arrived at the end.
"Awh-"
It was Louis who groaned as she clung to Subaru's sobbing arms.
Although she did not have the same experience as Subaru, through trial and error that he repeated more times than he could count, Louis suffered the same fate as Subaru many times and lost his life.
It was not without her that he had jumped on Olbart's back and pulled off his accusatory victory.
"I really don't understand you......."
"Uh-"
"But I couldn't have done it without you. Thank you......."
Subaru's mind was already a jumbled mess.
He knows what Louis has done, and he knows what kind of fate she has in store for Subaru. Even though he knows, he is filled with gratitude.
And it wasn't just Subaru's gratitude that overflowed.
"Ah, ugh......"
"Louis?"
The breakup was sudden and unexpected.
When Louis heard Subaru's faltering words of thanks, tears slowly appeared in her large, round eyes, and they quickly flowed down her cheeks.
Tears are falling down Louis' cheeks, and they don't seem to know how to stop.
"Louis, you're crying and crying because......"
"Uhh-, uhh-!"
Louis, too, does not try to stop or wipe away the flowing tears, though she probably knows that she is crying. All the while, she clung to Subaru's arm, looking desperate, as if she thought he would disappear while she wiped her tears.
"Wipe your face, you idiot. You idiot......"
Seeing Louis's tears, Subaru, who had been trying to calm down a little bit, also started to feel uncomfortable. The tears he shed and the sobs he spilled were too many to count.
He was afraid that he and Louis would never stop crying for a long, long time.
"Well done, you two."
"Oh......."
"It doesn't matter how much you cry. I, the empress of this demon city, will forgive you."
A long arm stretched out from behind gently embraced Subaru and Louis.
Subaru's eyes widened in surprise at the warmth and softness of the words spoken to him, and he was mesmerized by the beautiful profile right beside him. The long eyelashes, vermilion lips, and shining blue eyes were all clear and majestic, seeming to absorb any worries or pain.
He already knows what kind of personality the owner of those eyes has.
So he knows that the words and the warmth are kindness with nothing to hide.
He knows that he will be forgiven if he gives it all up.
"Ugh...... guh, ah, ah."
"Awh...... ughhh, ah, uh, ugh......!"
"Good girl. ......Children have the privilege of crying and clinging to the breasts of adults. If my breasts are good enough for you, you may weep and wet yourself."
Subaru looks up and tears start to flow again. Louis is clinging to Subaru.
Yorna gently embraces them and pats them on their small backs. The moment at the end of such a battle unfolds in the keep of the Red Lapis Castle--
"I don't know what I'm supposed to look like with all this on my back."
"I can't shut up."
And the tactless old monster's tea was being silenced by the Lord of the Demon City.
△▼△▼△▼△
"So, what does Master Olbart have to say for himself?"
"Apologize? Did I have any excuse? It was you, fox girl, who attacked me in your own mood, wasn't it?"
"----"
After a few moments of Subaru's loud crying, he thought they were going to have a calm discussion this time, but the keep was suddenly engulfed in a sweltering atmosphere.
The cause, needless to say, was the aloof and unapologetic Olbart.
He sat with his ass on the roof, scratching his ear canal with his pinky finger.
"I did what I was told, didn't I? Well, I did try to use a few loopholes, but there you go, you and your boy."
"Ugh......, but it's......."
"Well, well, it's in your best interest to listen, kid. --Because I'm the one who'll benefit the most if you make it sound like anything goes. Kakakakka!"
Subaru stammered as Olbart opened his big mouth and smiled broadly.
In fact, what Olbart says is right. There is probably no way to break through the Shinobi's Olbart if they start talking about Olbart's misuse of the rules here, and the result is a situation where anything goes, ignoring the rules.
Olbart has a number of hidden techniques and does not hesitate to involve others. Since coming to the Empire, Subaru has learned the hard way that such opponents are the toughest.
"I feel like you're a lot like a scary guy I know, Mr. Olbart......"
"Are you sure? If that's the case, you should definitely kill it. It's not a good guy and it's going to be a real pain in the ass."
"In that case, you'll have to agree to our idea of stopping Master Olbart here."
"Oh, man, they hate me so much. Of course they do."
The air was tense, but this was due to the one-sided hostility that Yorna had unleashed.
Olbart, the one who is being pointed at, is already completely out of his battle stance. It's a sham, of course, and the switch can be made in an instant.
Nevertheless, it was natural for Yorna to be angry, and Subaru also felt very strong anger towards Olbart. However, there was a big reason why he could not move in anger.
He's talking about these shrunken limbs and a head that doesn't work.
"Mr. Olbart, about the spiritual art that's done on us......"
"Oh, yeah. You can't solve it if I'm dead. No, there may be another way, but I've never seen anyone solve it."
"I knew it......!"
"Well, it's kind of an insurance policy. It's supposed to be a secret technique in my village, so we basically dispose of the dead bodies without a trace so that they can't be found."
Olbart, who says things in a matter-of-fact and non-threatening manner.
At the same time, Subaru congratulated himself for walking a really dangerous tightrope.
Even if Yorna had defeated Olbart, if Olbart had died, the "infantilization" of Subaru and the others would have remained unresolved. They would be in the state of Nachuki Shubuwu forever.
He shudders to think of it.
"I don't know the details, but I've heard that you've treated these children badly."
Yorna looks at Olbart as he puts a cigarette in his mouth and fills his lungs with purple smoke.
When asking for her cooperation, Subaru gave her as much honest information as possible, but left out the messy circumstances. This included the fact that Subaru was shrinking under the influence of Olbart's technique.
Once the "infantilization" is released by Olbart, Subaru will return to his original body.
When that happens, he is going to do his best to apologize and ask Yorna to forgive him. --He doesn't think that will be enough to turn the whole thing upside down.
He'd like to think that Yorna is the kind of person who would understand him if he told her.
"Master Olbart, you have conceded the previous game."
"Oh, I admit it, I admit it, I've been beaten like that. You're lucky you didn't die in defeat. But even if you lose, it's unexpected."
"Unexpected, is it?"
"I thought it would be the monks' masters who would give me a run for my money."
Yorna and Olbart proceeded with their conversation, leaving Subaru's concerns aside. In response to Olbart's words, Yorna muttered a small "Boss" and gently placed her hand on the chest of her kimono.
"The sender of the letter, I see. I was looking forward to meeting you at......."
Suddenly, Yorna interrupted her words and narrowed her eyes at Olbart.
The sharpness of his gaze made Olbart tilt his head, "What?"
"There's nothing more frightening than having a beautiful woman staring at you. What do you want?"
"There's nothing to be done about it. I've sent word to Tanza to tell the messengers to come to the castle. --Where did Tanza go?"
The air quickly chilled to the point where I felt like I was going to choke.
Yorna's anger is always exposed when a city dweller or a child is harmed. This is especially true for Tanza, who fulfills the two conditions of city dwellers and children.
Nevertheless, there is a suspicion that Tanza conspired with Olbart to prevent Subaru and the others from meeting Yorna. He would have to be careful how he interacted with them.
However--
"I also thought Tanza was with Mr. Olbart. But she's not...... right? Or hiding under a tile or something......"
"The castle is as good as my inner sanctum. There is no way to miss what has entered or what is hidden."
"Oh, I see. That's great, Yorna's technique......."
Hearing Yorna's confident answer, Subaru also flinched at her substandard nature.
What he realized after he faltered was the fact that Subaru and Louis had entered the Red Lapis Castle through a transfer and were soon discovered by Yorna.
At that time, Yorna said something like she was walking in the castle and found them by accident, but that was probably just a formality. In reality, she noticed that Subaru and Louis had suddenly appeared in the castle, and moved to catch the intruders.
Perhaps the reason why she didn't do so right away and treated Subaru and the others as Tanza's friends was because she couldn't decide how to treat the two of them, Subaru and Louis, who were so young.
After all, from the very beginning of their encounter, Yorna had been protecting me.
"----"
The more he was touched by Yorna's personality, the more he wondered if he should involve her in the great battle of the Vollachian Empire, and such a feeling was born in Subaru.
The same goes for the feelings of the people who live in the Chaos Flame, the people called the horned people, who blocked the path of Subaru and the others on the way.
He wants to protect the safe haven he'd finally found after so much suffering and exclusion.
What can we blame them for wanting to continue their peaceful lives? Especially when there is a lord there who cares for them.
--What was the difference between that and the world that the girl Subaru loved wanted to be a part of?
"----"
In silence, Subaru looked down from the castle tower at the messy streets of the demon city.
A city where everything is chaotic, intricate, messy, and without a sense of unity. When he first came to this city, he was bewildered by the chaos.
But even if it was only for a short time, Subaru thinks that he saw the people of this city and Yorna.
There is freedom here.
There is a freedom here where you are not bound by anyone and you don't have to keep yourself small. That's why this city is full of miscellaneous things where you can express yourself as you want and no one will deny it.
It's free, equal, and fair.
It seems to him that there is a kind of ideal picture of such a future here.
Is it really the right thing to do, to take Yorna away from such a place?
"Come on, old man, answer me. Where is she, Tanza?"
While Subaru was struggling, the questioning of Olbart continued.
There is no Tanza in the castle. I'd like to think that Olbart doesn't even have the skill to keep a small human in his pocket.
"Don't look so frightened, I'll tell you as usual. The only reason I joined forces with that deer girl was because I had just the right conditions for a match."
"Where are you, sir?"
Yorna's repeated questioning pierced Olbart, saying that there was no need for unnecessary talk.
In response, Olbart tilted his head and turned his gaze toward the castle grounds, the magical city that offered a spectacular view.
"It's not that hard. I'm an outsider, you know. There's only so many places I can hide my girl."
He replied that he would.
△▼△▼△▼△
--Shortly before that, Olbart interrupted Yorna's questioning.
It is a traveling inn located in the Demon City of Chaos Flame.
An ordinary inn, not very big and not very ornate. --In fact, the walls and interior of the building are so sturdy that not even the slightest sound can penetrate them.
The only place with a different atmosphere in Chaos Flame is the accommodation for dignitaries, prepared for an impossible eventuality.
The room in which the story takes place is a spacious one, with walls removed for interior decoration and three rooms joined together. However, only a handful of people who use the inn are allowed to stay in the spacious room.
There are no fancy furnishings, no works of art to please the eye, and no fine drinks to soothe the palate, because most of the visitors are utilitarian.
In this sense, the way this travel inn is located is different from the others in Chaos Flame.
The Demon City, a symbol of "freedom," is known as a lawless zone. Despite its chaotic state, the inhabitants of the Chaos Flame are surprisingly unified in their will under Yorna, the ruler of the Demon City.
People with a kind of shared fantasy have a spirit of mercy for the sorrow within and no mercy for the enemy without, which is why they don't need preparations such as this travel inn.
Exactly--
"The emperor's people will be strong, and the city will be a demon city that defies its principles."
"Ah......."
"We leave some policy to the city leaders. But there must be limits to that. --Is it because they do not know the limits that they have done this?"
When the man with crossed arms asked her about it, the small girl stiffened her cheeks and became silent.
The man who asked the question was Abel, dressed in a black and red outfit with a demon mask covering his face, and facing him was Tanza, a subhuman girl wearing a beautiful kimono and antlers.
It was a face-to-face meeting between two people who were presumed to be enemies in this city.
--No, to be precise, it wasn't just Abel and Tanza who came face to face.
"Did you come here knowing what kind of place you're walking into......!"
"----"
"Answer me! If you answer, you'll be left with no bones!"
Yes, the man whose sallow skin is red with rage, the second general of the empire, Kafma Irulux, shouts at Abel and his companions, a boy and a girl, as they enter a room in a traveling inn.
He has nothing in his outstretched hands, but he has no need for weapons. Any armament is literally nestled within Kafma's own body.
It's not a threat, it's just a fact.
--This is the true value of Kafma Irulux, the "Mushroom General".
"Come on, Abel, you can't be serious."
In the face of Kafma's spirit, it was the masked boy, Al, who let out a tense voice in strong alarm. Abel glanced at the boy, who was carrying a Seiryuu sword that he could not use.
"How many times do I have to ask you that question before you make up your mind?"
"I'm asking you again and again because I'm still undecided. I mean, that's insane! I'm not sure why I even followed you......!"
"I'll tell you what. --You're too much of a coward to be alone right now."
"......."
Al's voice choked, and he couldn't find the words to continue. It was a reaction that showed at a glance that he had been right on target, but the fact that he couldn't refute it was proof that he was aware of what he was doing.
For some reason, Al couldn't seem to keep his composure just walking down the street right now.
"Abel-chin."
In place of Al, whose words had been silenced, it was another companion, Medium, who called Abel to protest.
Medium, who had worked hard with Abel to traverse the road to this point while protecting Al, who was no longer useful, had a strong element of gloom in her expression.
This was all because of Subaru and Louis, who had left in the middle of the race.
"I don't think that's a very nice thing to say."
"Do you think this is the time to use evasive language and deepen our understanding of each other? You and your clowns should be aware of the situation. You and your clowns should be aware of the situation. One wrong move and you will be left with no bones, as you have declared."
"So! You can't talk to me like that!"
"----"
"Because Abel said it that way, Subaru and Louis also......"
Once he rebutted with a strong voice, the rest of his words became butt-ugly.
It was in the nature of Medium to do so. Even though she wanted to blame Abel for all the problems that happened, she couldn't do it because she was too compassionate.
She could see that her own attitude and gaze, as well as other factors, had driven Subaru and the others away. This is probably the result of her brother's education.
In any case, both Al and Medium are dysfunctional.
"Therefore, I will not fight you either. Put down your arms, Kafma Irulux."
"Are you...... insane? You don't answer my questions, you just try to do what you want. You think you're a king?"
"--. It's not far off. You're not far off the mark."
"You--!"
With bloodshot eyes and a high sense of loyalty to the emperor, Kafma's anger approaches its limits.
The truth of Abel's true identity was unintentionally revealed, but Kafma was still halfway to the truth. It is the strength of the demon mask obtained in Shudrak's village and its "cognitive inhibition" effect.
Only those who are willing to reveal themselves and those who are certain of the identity of the wearer can go beyond the effects of this mask.
I mean...
"I can't deal with this farce with children any longer! No matter what happened yesterday......"
"--Quiet, Kafma Irulux."
Kafma's strength was building up in his arms, making the patterns of the tattoos on his arms stir. His impulse was stopped by a voice from behind him.
Kafma's eyes widened and she turned to see a beautiful, dark-haired woman sitting comfortably in an easy chair at the back of the room.
Her black hair, black eyes, and her dignified and exceptionally well-groomed face were as clear as if she could see everything, and she never wavered even in the face of uninvited visitors.
Abel was also impressed by the fact that it was a very well-made mask.
With Abel's admiration aside, the handsome man in the back of the room looked at each of Abel and the three others.
"I have no animosity towards them. At least, not in this situation."
"But, my lord! This thing is an insolent insolent person who has never shown his face before Your Honor, much less any sign of respect! And with a child in tow......"
"What's the matter with you and the kid?"
"No, being with a child didn't make too much sense to me......!"
Kafma, who can't hide his dark bewilderment, is fighting his anguish as he rubs his eyes.
Originally, this Kafma guy had a bad habit of taking things too seriously. There is a difference between taking things seriously and giving yourself more room to worry.
He even voluntarily resigned his position as the Nine Divine Generals because of his earnestness and unsuitability. --Therefore, apart from his character, he is as powerful as the Nine Divine Generals.
Even if no one had fallen prey to Olbart's poison and Taritta had been present, it would have been impossible to fight a straight fight against Kafma.
In this respect, the battle was in Abel's favor. After all...
"I apologize for disturbing your sleeping quarters, but my business is with the girl. I have no intention of dealing with you at this time."
"It's......."
"Oh. You are talking very grandly in front of me. I'm sure you recognize this face and this voice. Especially if you are related to the messenger I met at the castle tower yesterday."
"Pfft."
Sniffling, Abel touched the chin of the demon face and glared at his opponent - Vincent, the disguised Chisha Gold, whom Subaru called the false emperor and whose identity was already known.
Al and Medium, right beside Abel, are wearing complicated reluctant faces, proof that to the two of them, who are outside the effects of "cognitive inhibition," the conversation with Vincent sounds like the exact same exchange of voices.
Chisha's transformation as the White Spider is perfect.
There are no two people in the world who can do it as well as Chisha Gold, with her voice, her behavior, and her ability to take the place of Vincent Vollachia.
I even have a contradictory feeling that he is more like Vincent than Abel.
But...
"I have been told that my men have greeted you on the matter. For a harsh emperor of Vollachia, he was quite generous in forgiving the impudence of a rude woman."
"I am not so drunk as to deal with people who do not know their place, but if I recognize the worth of the person I am dealing with, I will treat him or her accordingly. After all..."
Vincent responded to Abel's sarcasm, and when there was a pause in his words, their gazes met in midair and their lips moved simultaneously.
"The emperor's people are strong."
Yes, that is the philosophy and symbolic way of being of the Holy Vollachian Empire.
As the emperor of Vollachia, he answered that he had dealt with those who showed the will to resist in an appropriate manner, and I must say that this was a very impressive answer.
Even if it was Abel who was told the same thing, he would give the same answer.
Regardless of how you feel about it.
"Kafma, that's my girl."
"Well. Old man Olbart asked me to take care of him here at the inn...... But the important thing is that he left for the city and has not returned."
"I see."
Kafma's response, an awkward look on his face, and Vincent's chin relaxed at the answer, and his gaze now turned to Tanza.
The girl, who had become small in the corner of the room and was at least trying to do her duty as a sheltered person, shook her shoulders as she looked down from the top of the empire and let out a gasp.
Vincent accepted Tanza's reaction, which was neither fear nor trepidation, as inevitable.
"Olbart's involvement and yesterday's agreement with Yorna Mishigure. In addition to that, since the one related to yesterday's messenger showed up looking for you, we know roughly what's going on."
"Wow, I'm......"
"No need for an apology. But I will let Olbart Dunkelkenn tell you the truth: I am not your master. And I am not your enemy."
"Ah......"
"Once you have begun a battle, fight it hard until it is over. Decide whether it will burn your chosen fate to the ground or not."
Nonchalantly, Vincent declared to Tanza that he would not give her any more protection.
But whether it gave Tanza a sense of abandonment and despair was a mistake.
"----"
What dwelt in Tanza's round eyes was probably the same light, the same flame of determination that had dwelt in them when she had decided to fight this battle, to challenge this resistance.
It was easy for Abel to imagine that the life of Tanza, an arboreal race, had not been smooth or bright. In addition, if you are a Chaosflame Deerperson, you are also the root cause of the rebellion that Yorna Mishigure started earlier.
Or Tanza herself, though I wouldn't be surprised if she was related to that victim.
"I apologize for the inconvenience, Master Vincent. But this whole thing was orchestrated by me, without the knowledge of my Lord, Yorna."
"As I said before, there is no need for an apology. I will ask Yorna Mishigure what the facts are. I will retain your intention to speak for yourself."
"Yes. Thank you."
Tanza, who had straightened up, sat upright and bowed to Vincent with a deep bow. Then he looked up and his gaze turned to Abel and the others.
Unlike the one he had directed at Vincent, his gaze was clearly hostile.
"--tk"
The girl's spirit made Al, who was waiting behind her, clear his throat slightly.
It was cowardice at its finest, but it was also true that she had the guts to be pressured like that. And I can imagine the background of this girl's determination to do so.
It's all about--
"Please don't drag Yorna into the fray. She is a kind person, and I am sure she will fight, get hurt, and wear out for the sake of many weak people. I will not overlook such a thing. Yorna-sama is everything to me."
"Ah......."
"Please, please, please......."
Medium's eyes widened at Tanza's pleading words, her voice trembling slightly.
To Al and Medium, Tanza's motives were a bit unexpected. Generally speaking, the goal of the inhabitants who attacked them along the way was to maintain the position of the horned men.
If he loses the protection of Yorna Mishigure, he will lose the safe haven of the Demon City of Chaos Flame, and the long, harsh days of walking through the wilderness will resume. He said that he was afraid of that.
Surely, more than a few of the residents of the Demon city are feeling the same way.
But on the other hand, it was within the realm of Abel's imagination that the feelings of most of the inhabitants of the magical city would be more towards Tanza.
He was convinced of this because of the existence of the "Soul Marriage Technique" that has permeated the people of the city.
That is a secret technique that cannot be achieved by one-sided feelings alone.
The karakuri that connected it with a huge number of opponents, who were originally willing to go crazy, itself has not seen any confirmation in Abel, but in any case.
"The decision will be made by Yorna Mishigure. Hanging your head in my face will not change things."
"--tsk. You..."
For some reason, Kafma's anger increased when Abel answered that with his arms crossed.
He may not have any relationship with Tanza, but he has a certain affection for her simply because she is young. In this respect, he is a man who can be roughly described as a member of the same race as Yorna.
And when it comes to the nature of the magical city, Tanza can see what Kafma cannot. Hence, she kept her head down and continued.
"No, it's not. It's not up to you, Yorna-sama, but you."
"----"
"Yorna's heart is wide and deep, and she is kind...... And she has a dream that is so far away that we cannot help her. You must have a way to make it come true."
"......Yorna Mishigure's letter of intent, have you learned its contents?"
"No."
Shaking her head, Tanza denied Abel's suspicion. However, Tanza stopped shaking his head in front of him and turned over with a terribly fragile expression on his face.
"But I understand. --It was the first time I've ever seen you with such a maiden-like face, Yorna-sama."
"A maiden's face?"
"Master Yorna will respond to the love that has been shown to her. However, the way she pines for someone from her own heart is not...... as the answer is in that letter."
"Yorna Mishigure will not refuse, you have decided. So."
"--Yes. I plotted everything."
Deeply sinking his head, Tanza confesses his plan.
All is not quite right. Undoubtedly, Olbart had a hand in Tanza's scheme and distorted it into something more vicious.
However, Tanza is trying to take responsibility for his own actions, including Olbart's involvement, saying that he started it and his own will made him do it.
It's too--
"It's beautiful."
And so theinarticulate voice formed in his mouth, unheard by anyone else.
Of course, it didn't reach anyone's ears, not even Tanza's, who bowed her head, Abel and Medium, who were bracing themselves, Kafma, who was holding in her anger, and Vincent, who was holding his cheek.
"I'm aware of your involvement. But what do we do about it?"
"--. How do you mean?"
"You can continue the situation if you want to, even if you have to reveal your innermost thoughts like this. Even if your head falls off, you can continue to make the residents of the demon city target us. --No, if your head falls off in the first place, you won't be able to take Yorna Mishigure's hand."
"----"
"Or are you planning to have your own head cut off?"
A faint tension ran down Tanza's neck as he turned his head. Abel saw it and was convinced that Tanza had left even his own death in the back of his mind.
I've thought about it enough. --Although there are few things I can think of until I put it into action.
"You mean you were going to die...... You're a hell of a girl."
"No! I won't let you! You won't let it happen, will you, Abel?"
Knowing that Tanza was ready for this, Al exclaimed, and Medium looked at Abel.
If Abel were to say something against his will here, Medium's attitude would be one of consideration, but it would be pointless.
"I told you so. If even your own death is part of the plan, then taking your life will mean the fulfillment of this girl's plan. Unfortunately, I have no intention of going along with such a scheme."
"Abel-chin......!"
"People deserve to die more efficiently."
"Abel-chin......"
A pawn that does not follow the plan is a nuisance, whether it is in its own camp or in the enemy's camp.
In light of this, the existence of Tanza is a poison that is too much to hold. But if you are not prepared to drink that poison, you cannot take in a greater poison.
Abel looked at Tanza, who was sitting on the floor.
"I have no intention of taking your life. However, I will ask you to back off the order you gave to my people."
"......So, my earlier request..."
"Don't bring Yorna Mishigure into the fray, huh? --That's impossible."
"--tsk"
Tanza's throat choked as he heard Abel's clear assertion.
From her point of view, it is a prophecy of a situation that she wanted to stop even at the cost of her own life. But Tanza is mistaken. And it's a desperate mistake.
Because--
"Even if I don't come, Yorna Mishigure will be swallowed up in the whirlpool of war. That is the position it has chosen and the way it will inevitably be."
"What the hell are you looking at......?"
"I'm not going to tell anyone what I see, but as long as it can happen, I'll deal with it. No matter what it looks like to those around me."
Abel's gaze unexpectedly left the girl as he responded to Tanza's trembling eyes and voice.
Instead, his dark eyes turned to the mute Vincent standing in the back of the room. Vincent Vollachian,who now sits on the throne of the emperor and claims the throne falsely.
Regardless of what kind of intentions led you to exclude yourself from this.
"I'm the same as I've always been. There is no way to change it. My path is burned and there is only one way out. --Let it be burned into your soul."
"I'll leave it at that."
Vincent replied quietly to Abel's words.
With just that, the air in the room was scorching, even giving the illusion of increased heat. In fact, everyone except Abel and Vincent had sweat beading up on their foreheads.
"Little girl, Tanza, look up."
After the standoff between the new and old emperors, Abel calls out to the girl who regrets her lack of power. Abel breathes out to the girl, who looks up loosely and has tears in her eyes, and said,
"Originally, I did not call you with the intention of using you up. "I'm not calling you here to use you up," he said. "How to use you will require careful consideration, but you are a valuable asset, and you will be used optimally. --Because a man should die efficiently."
"...... Are you sure you want to believe that?"
"Don't believe me, but it doesn't change what I do."
Tanza tries to cling to her budding hope, but the answer is not kind.
But after some hesitation, Tanza nodded his head, while Al put his hand on his forehead behind him and Medium sighed.
"I understand. Please...... Lady Yorna."
"In order to respond to that, you must do something about it. At this rate, you won't be able to walk around the city at all."
"Oh, right. That's why you came here in the first place, isn't it?"
Al said with a hint of color when he heard the conditions Abel had presented.
This is a matter of life and death for Al, who is currently terrified of everything. It was imperative that he follow Tanza's call and get the people chasing Abel and the others to back off.
"But how did you know I was here?"
"This is what I would have done if I were Olbart. I also considered the possibility that he might be hidden in the castle, but the placement of his pursuers and the distance between us made it a priority."
"--ah"
"Most importantly, there are many of us whose lives are in danger if you don't let us go."
Taritta is being chased by a hundred people, and Subaru and Louis end up going their separate ways.
Both of them have no guarantee of life as long as they continue to be pursued by many. Of course, Al, who is no longer in the group, and Abel, who is in the middle of all of this, is no exception.
In order to continue the game with Olbart, the capture of Tanza was a top priority.
"......I lose, I guess."
"That's already known. But there is no need to be ashamed."
"Huh......?"
Abel only responded to Tanza's muttered words and turned his back.
When he didn't hear the answer, Tanza's round eyes fluttered. A voice behind Tanza's back said, "Little girl.#
"Master, Vincent......."
"Whatever was said is correct, there's no need to be ashamed."
"B-, but I'm......."
"I lost. I lost, but that means I tried. --That's how I want it to be."
"----"
Tanza's eyes widened at Vincent's words as she looked slightly into the distance with her cheekbones. But slowly, tears pooled in her corner of her eyes and she turned her head.
She turned her head and let the tears fall, gently and quietly letting the drops fall.
"Master Yorna, I'm sorry...... I was inexperienced......."
He apologized to his beloved master with tears in his voice.
△▼△▼△▼△
And so, with a tearful Tanza behind him--
"Can we just assume that this will keep the attackers at bay?"
"That's what I think. Of course, there is the line that Tanza shed tears to plot against us......"
"No, I don't. There's no way!"
Puffing out his cheeks, Medium, standing on his knees, snapped at Abel's concern.
Abel closed one eye at the swordplay, tracing his finger across the demon face's forehead.
"So, your situation doesn't seem to be getting any better, does it?"
"Guh......"
"If you are useless, I have no choice but to discard you without mercy. If you are Priscilla's clown, don't think that excuses you. Keep that in mind."
"I, know...... I don't want to be like this forever, either."
Al, who is glared at and ruthlessly condemned, responds with gritted teeth.
There was no strength in his voice to retort, and Al's fear had not disappeared. But no matter what Al's physical and mental condition was, he would now be able to walk in the traffic.
"Well, now all we have to do is resume the search for Grandpa...... Umm, or better yet, find Taritta? Or......"
"If the goal is to join up, it's a bad idea to make a move. Taritta's eyes will find us much faster than we can. You can find out more about those idiots at......."
"Uh, yeah......."
"I don't know. In any case, they should stick to their policy of looking for Olbart. So we should be able to find him in the process of searching for Olbart. If we can find the abyss with the best view."
Crossing his arms, Abel muttered, and Medium rolled her eyes, "What?"
"Maybe you figured out where Grandpa is hiding, Abel?"
"At least we have a good idea where the second hiding place is. It's the Red Lapis Castle."
"Hey, how can you be so sure? I mean, that castle?"
"That was Tanza's reaction. Her eyes swam when I brought up the subject of the castle. Tanza himself hid in a traveling inn, but he must have known where Olbart was hiding. I don't know if she has any idea where the third one is, though."
As for the procedure, Olbart and Tanza team up, and after Tanza's message, Olbart challenges Abel and the others to a match. Then, after the first discovery of the hiding place, Olbart goes out and joins Tanza at the inn.
Of course, it's possible that Olbart made Tanza swallow the false information, knowing that Tanza would be taken into custody.
"Hiding in the castle is also something that Olbart would like."
"......Yeah, okay. Then we'd better get to the castle quickly."
"Yeah. I'm sure you'll be fine...... Once his body is back, he should be fine. And then my brother and the little guy will be okay."
Clenching his fists tightly, Al cursed and prayed as he spilled.
As his own body shrinks, Al is losing his mental capacity, and he is very hostile to the relationship between Subaru and Louis, which has disappeared.
He probably wants Subaru to get back to normal as soon as possible so that he can make a normal decision about Louis. However, Abel is doubtful that Natsuki Subaru will be able to make a normal decision once he is back in his original body, but even before that.
"Whatever your thoughts, I will not let you easily undo the art of Olbart."
"Huh?"
"What?"
"To be precise, you and Medium are fine. However, I often do not intend to let Natsuki Subaru's spiritual art be released. It's in your best interest to keep him in that state for a while longer."
When they heard about Abel's policy, they were astonished with their eyes and mouths open.
Then, after a beat.
"No, no! What the fuck is going on? I didn't hear you!"
Fiercely, Al, his voice trembling with anger, grabs Abel's chest - his height prevents him from reaching, so he grabs the belly of Abel's clothes and taunts him.
But without changing his expression at the impotent threat, Abel replied, "You heard him."
"You will remain in your infant form for a while longer."
"You bastard......."
"Does that have anything to do with bullying Subaru-chin?"
Al leans forward more firmly, and Medium grabs his shoulders from behind, staring at Abel as he asks.
Abel exhaled quietly when he was asked this question.
"I don't remember doing anything so low as bullying you."
"You can say it any way you want! It's just that Abel was trying to scare Subaru into saying something the whole time! Is it because of that?"
"----"
"That's not fair! If there's something you want to hear, just ask me like normal and I'll tell you! So that's what......"
"I'm afraid that's not going to happen."
Hearing the quiet, tranquil emotion in his voice, Medium couldn't help but choke on her words, "What?"
With Medium's surprise at her side, Abel easily dispatched Al's grabbing arm.
"My thoughts have nothing to do with Medium's evil thoughts. It's just necessary to be done."
"Necessary!? What the hell? Why only my brothers...... me and my sister Medium!"
"That doesn't fit the bill. You have one arm, and Medium is the color of your hair and eyes."
"Oh......?"
It was a statement that made no sense, and Al's anger was growing. Medium, too, was left with a look of surprise on his face, not knowing what Abel really meant.
And the important thing is that Abel--
"The situation remains the same, but the pieces are falling into place. So..."
Through the demon mask, Abel stared out the window of his room at the inn and saw the Red Lapis Castle in his eyes.
It was a gesture to stare at something more symbolic than the castle itself, and in fact, Abel reached straight out with his hand, as if grasping something unreachable, and said,
"You will accompany me, Natsuki Subaru. Into the midst of war, where the irresistible wind blows."
△▼△▼△▼△
"That's why the deer girl is with you, my lord."
"----"
Olbart answered flatly with his short arms crossed while sitting on his knees. Hearing his surprising answer, Subaru was stunned anyway.
The reason he was so dismayed was not because it was completely out of his imagination.
"If it wasn't a castle, it would be our own inn......"
"Oh, you thought so. Then you've got a very bad personality, kid. You've got some serious Vollachian blood in you, don't you?"
"Don't do that, it's really creeping me out......"
Well, it seems it's the Olbart way of joking, but none of his jokes are really funny. As usual, he is in a good mood, and laughed out "Kakakakka!" It seems like that's the secret of his long life.
Laugh a lot without worrying about others and without stress. It's a good example.
"There's a saying in my hometown, 'Haters gonna hate'."
"Oh, it's a proverb, isn't it? What does it mean?"
"It's like the more people hate you, the longer you live......"
"Kakakakka! There's no excuse for that. Ow!"
"Awh!"
Louis's angry fist strikes Olbart, who is laughing hysterically at the origin of the saying. It was little more than a tap on the shoulder, but the effort of just touching it was worth it.
Probably, if this was a kind of hostility or murderous intent, Olbart would respond in any way he could as the strongest member of the Empire.
In that sense, it was right that Subaru's move in Louis's transition was not an attack, but a touch of tag. Yes, he'll give himself credit for that.
"Anyway, I've found out where Tanza is. I've heard that the inhabitants of...... our town have been very rude to the Lord and others, and I apologize for that."
"Oh, come on, Yorna! You have nothing to apologize for!"
"Ugh-!"
Subaru was flustered when Yorna bent her knees on the spot and bowed with gratitude. The meaning of making Yorna bow was so serious that even Louis jumped up unconsciously.
In fact, Yorna listened to me seriously, didn't take a step back even against Olbart, and tried to help Subaru over and over again, and so--
"Ugh......."
"--? What's the matter, kid? Your face is so red."
"No, well, I just remembered something......"
As the situation calmed down and the pain and suffering that had descended like a nightmare became more distant, he remembered how many times he had kissed Yorna in that repetitive process.
That memory was not left in Yorna, and Subaru was not in a position to remember the feeling of the kiss itself, so he could only remember it as something that happened.
Still, he had to admit that he admires and likes Yorna very much, as she was willing to kiss him to make him like her in order to save a dying child.
That's why--
"I don't want to get involved."
The resistance to involving Yorna in the battle and bringing her to a battlefield that would shake the entire empire was rising strongly and strongly within Subaru.
Subaru doesn't know if this is another problem with him being so young, or if it's something that will make him think differently once he's back in his proper body.
But even if Subaru who had returned to his original body would think differently, what Subaru in this young body felt and thought, he didn't think it was wrong either.
Because if that's the case--
"Awh?"
"I don't want to be left to answer to you, even if that person is my larger self."
The treatment of Louis, the girl who held his hand, is an unanswerable question in Subaru's mind.
If they were going to join up with Abel and the others, that was definitely a topic that could not be avoided. However, there was one thing that Subaru felt beyond those ten seconds of despair.
--That he didn't want Louis to kill him or let Louis die, that much was clear.
"We'll fix the castle later. We have to go get Tanza first."
"Oh...... Yorna, about, uh, Tanza..."
From Subaru's point of view, it was hard to say, "Don't blame her too much."
Even though he thought she had her own arguments and thoughts, Subaru didn't hear those arguments. It's just that--
"I don't want to scold her outright without being told. If she had been overzealous, I would have been responsible for that as well."
Even if Subaru didn't worry about it, the empress of this demon city knew what she had to do.
It is because of this that she is loved by many people in the city, including Tanza.
If possible, he hopes she doesn't suddenly become cold when Subaru is back to normal.
"I might cry if that happens......"
It was a rather serious and heartbreaking imagination. He sincerely hopes it doesn't come to that.
Anyway, if Yorna could persuade Tanza, the residents who had been chasing Subaru and the others would back off. This is where Subaru's second moment of truth comes in.
But...
"There's nothing scarier than dying."
He told himself that after such a horrible experience, he would be fine.
On top of that, Subaru also wanted to get out of the castle with Yorna--
"Wait, wait, wait, kid. Why don't you go back? Or do you like yourself better now? I don't mind if you do."
"Oh, sorry, no, no, no. I'll be back, I'll be back. No, I'm getting used to this situation, but I think I'm going to have trouble finding something to wear."
"Kakakakka! He's got a big heart."
When Olbart stopped him at the back, Subaru stepped on a roof tile and turned around.
In fact, it had only been a few hours since he had shrunk, but even if he hadn't, his body had lived and died more times than all the other times he had died.
He doesn't want to say it's because of that, but he feels like a small body is bad luck, so if he can go back, he wants to go back as soon as possible.
The only thing he's afraid of is the possibility that his current thoughts will suddenly change, but...
"It's okay, Louis. This time, I'll face you properly."
"I'll go to......."
She looked down at Subaru's words and then nodded her head. Pressing her forehead with his finger, Subaru leaned her body towards Yorna.
Yorna took Louis head on as she bumped into her back.
"Kid, as Master Olbart would have it......"
"Well, I don't fully trust you, but I'd like to think that you barely have enough humanity left to at least follow the logic of winning and losing."
"Hey, I can hear you."
"You know what I'm saying."
Subaru smiles in response to Olbart's teasing. At Subaru's answer, Yorna narrowed her eyes as she hugged Louis tightly.
"If you know that, then there is nothing for me to say. I haven't heard what will happen, but I and the boy will watch over the child."
"Uh!"
"Hmm, okay. Well, you'll have to be nice to me after this, Yorna."
"--? The child is a worrier, isn't it?"
With Yorna smiling slightly and Louis's healthy face, Subaru went underneath Olbart. Standing up, Olbart tapped his own hip.
"There you go ragging on me again. Oh, get it over with, will you?"
"Yes...... Um, does it hurt?"
"Did it hurt when it shrunk? That's the answer, man!"
In response to Subaru's fearful question, Olbart's outstretched hand gently touched Subaru's pigeon tail.
Abel's prediction was that Olbart's "infantilization" technique would interfere with the Od, but the Od might be around the heart.
At the same time, the memory came back to him that he had indeed taken a painless shot at Olbart yesterday when he was fleeing from the keep at this foot of the mountain.
That was the trigger for Subaru's "infantilization" due to Odo's interference.
It may have only been a few hours since his body shrunk, but it was the biggest predicament he's been in since he came to the Empire. In the first place, he's been in a lot of predicaments in the Empire.
Those ten seconds of despair were one of the greatest, not including the Empire.
"Oh, by the way."
Suddenly, he remembered something he had been trying not to think about.
Those ten seconds of desperation, the repetition of death and resumption that seemed like an interminable hell, were distinctly different from the "return by death" that Subaru knew.
What was that all about, and what happened to the power of "return by death" that resided in Subaru?
"--I found you."
△▼△▼△▼△
--A moment later, the full perception of what had happened was difficult even for everyone present.
"Nuh"
He let out a squeal and quickly retracted his right hand that was extended by Olbart.
But it was too late. Olbart's wrinkled right hand, from the wrist to the tip, dissipated and disappeared.
And...
"Kid--"
"Awh!"
Yorna's eyes peeled open and she pulled Louis in her arms, jumping back wide with the girl in her arms as she flailed and tried to jump out of the way.
Immediately afterwards, blackness filled Yorna and Louis's vision, engulfing the castle keep, the upper part of the castle, and the central part of the castle, all at once, which was known for its beautiful and vivid colors.
And...
"Sir! That's......."
"----"
In the distance, he sees the scene outside the window, and feel the worms in his body all get scared at once as Kafma stands beside the emperor with a sharp will to fight and protect.
In the meantime, Vincent stood up and turned his keen gaze to the blackened castle, and began to run his deep and reckless thoughts tranquilly.
And...
"Oh no, the castle is...... Lady Yorna......."
"Ah, ahhh, ahhhhhh--!!"
"Al-chin!?"
Stunned, the young ones are wide-eyed and astonished at what has happened.
Tanza feared for the Lord who remained in the castle, and Al screamed harder than anyone else in the city - or the world, for that matter - at the damage that had been done.
Medium rushed over and supported Al's shoulder. She, too, looked at Abel as if she were clinging to an incomprehensible situation.
And...
"Oh, my goodness...... this may not be the part I'm composing."
"You're..."
The brown-skinned Shudrak, Taritta, who was confronting him, gritted her teeth as she listened to Ubilk, who had formed a shelter with his hands, murmur lazily while looking at the collapsing city in the distance, engulfed by the black shadow.
As you can't decide whether it is the shadow in the distance or the man in front of you that you should pay attention to.
And...
"So this is what you've been carrying around inside of you."
Abel muttered as he saw the same thing as the fake emperor and the crying infants.
He clenched his fists tightly, hid his bloodied lips behind his demon mask, and distorted his expression to the point that his horrible face looked as if it were a mask, and Abel glared at the jet black.
And...
△▼△▼△▼△
--I love you.
--I love you. I love you. I love you.
--I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you.
--I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you.
It is a cursed love that transcends all possible dimensions, painting over the existence of Natsuki Subaru and never wanting to leave.
He knew a hellish, loveless world.
Natsuki Subaru knew that he was still loved.
But at the same time, he should know that not all "love" is to be affirmed.
There is a reward for not knowing.
It was because he didn't know why it was feared and avoided by everyone.
--They become black shadows, swallowing and destroying everything in their path, cheering.
They applaud the reunion, the confluence, the embrace, the bondage, the fate, the striving.
They applaud confession, regret, suspicion, mystery, exaltation, single-mindedness.
He knew a hellish, loveless world.
Then, what kind of hell will come to a loving world?
Subaru has no idea. Nothing, he doesn't know.
The only thing Ihecan say is that no one knows anything about the situation.
Chaos Flame, a demon city, is an ideal world for those who have been excluded from it.
--The collapse of the ideal world was brought about by the cause and effect of Natsuki Subaru.
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"Ugh, uggh, ow......."
"Oh, oh, you're crying through your nose, you're in trouble."
Subaru sobbed incessantly, sniffling. With it stuck to his back, Olbart shrugged his shoulders and scratched his cheeks with his fingers in a handless manner.
--It was a terrific, terrific experience.
How many "deaths" did Subaru have to experience in order to reach the ten seconds of despair that happened to him, and the eleven seconds that followed after he overcame them?
It's a miracle that his despairing, broken and worn out soul didn't disappear.
But after such a hellish experience, he arrived at the end.
"Awh-"
It was Louis who groaned as she clung to Subaru's sobbing arms.
Although she did not have the same experience as Subaru, through trial and error that he repeated more times than he could count, Louis suffered the same fate as Subaru many times and lost his life.
It was not without her that he had jumped on Olbart's back and pulled off his accusatory victory.
"I really don't understand you......."
"Uh-"
"But I couldn't have done it without you. Thank you......."
Subaru's mind was already a jumbled mess.
He knows what Louis has done, and he knows what kind of fate she has in store for Subaru. Even though he knows, he is filled with gratitude.
And it wasn't just Subaru's gratitude that overflowed.
"Ah, ugh......"
"Louis?"
The breakup was sudden and unexpected.
When Louis heard Subaru's faltering words of thanks, tears slowly appeared in her large, round eyes, and they quickly flowed down her cheeks.
Tears are falling down Louis' cheeks, and they don't seem to know how to stop.
"Louis, you're crying and crying because......"
"Uhh-, uhh-!"
Louis, too, does not try to stop or wipe away the flowing tears, though she probably knows that she is crying. All the while, she clung to Subaru's arm, looking desperate, as if she thought he would disappear while she wiped her tears.
"Wipe your face, you idiot. You idiot......"
Seeing Louis's tears, Subaru, who had been trying to calm down a little bit, also started to feel uncomfortable. The tears he shed and the sobs he spilled were too many to count.
He was afraid that he and Louis would never stop crying for a long, long time.
"Well done, you two."
"Oh......."
"It doesn't matter how much you cry. I, the empress of this demon city, will forgive you."
A long arm stretched out from behind gently embraced Subaru and Louis.
Subaru's eyes widened in surprise at the warmth and softness of the words spoken to him, and he was mesmerized by the beautiful profile right beside him. The long eyelashes, vermilion lips, and shining blue eyes were all clear and majestic, seeming to absorb any worries or pain.
He already knows what kind of personality the owner of those eyes has.
So he knows that the words and the warmth are kindness with nothing to hide.
He knows that he will be forgiven if he gives it all up.
"Ugh...... guh, ah, ah."
"Awh...... ughhh, ah, uh, ugh......!"
"Good girl. ......Children have the privilege of crying and clinging to the breasts of adults. If my breasts are good enough for you, you may weep and wet yourself."
Subaru looks up and tears start to flow again. Louis is clinging to Subaru.
Yorna gently embraces them and pats them on their small backs. The moment at the end of such a battle unfolds in the keep of the Red Lapis Castle--
"I don't know what I'm supposed to look like with all this on my back."
"I can't shut up."
And the tactless old monster's tea was being silenced by the Lord of the Demon City.
△▼△▼△▼△
"So, what does Master Olbart have to say for himself?"
"Apologize? Did I have any excuse? It was you, fox girl, who attacked me in your own mood, wasn't it?"
"----"
After a few moments of Subaru's loud crying, he thought they were going to have a calm discussion this time, but the keep was suddenly engulfed in a sweltering atmosphere.
The cause, needless to say, was the aloof and unapologetic Olbart.
He sat with his ass on the roof, scratching his ear canal with his pinky finger.
"I did what I was told, didn't I? Well, I did try to use a few loopholes, but there you go, you and your boy."
"Ugh......, but it's......."
"Well, well, it's in your best interest to listen, kid. --Because I'm the one who'll benefit the most if you make it sound like anything goes. Kakakakka!"
Subaru stammered as Olbart opened his big mouth and smiled broadly.
In fact, what Olbart says is right. There is probably no way to break through the Shinobi's Olbart if they start talking about Olbart's misuse of the rules here, and the result is a situation where anything goes, ignoring the rules.
Olbart has a number of hidden techniques and does not hesitate to involve others. Since coming to the Empire, Subaru has learned the hard way that such opponents are the toughest.
"I feel like you're a lot like a scary guy I know, Mr. Olbart......"
"Are you sure? If that's the case, you should definitely kill it. It's not a good guy and it's going to be a real pain in the ass."
"In that case, you'll have to agree to our idea of stopping Master Olbart here."
"Oh, man, they hate me so much. Of course they do."
The air was tense, but this was due to the one-sided hostility that Yorna had unleashed.
Olbart, the one who is being pointed at, is already completely out of his battle stance. It's a sham, of course, and the switch can be made in an instant.
Nevertheless, it was natural for Yorna to be angry, and Subaru also felt very strong anger towards Olbart. However, there was a big reason why he could not move in anger.
He's talking about these shrunken limbs and a head that doesn't work.
"Mr. Olbart, about the spiritual art that's done on us......"
"Oh, yeah. You can't solve it if I'm dead. No, there may be another way, but I've never seen anyone solve it."
"I knew it......!"
"Well, it's kind of an insurance policy. It's supposed to be a secret technique in my village, so we basically dispose of the dead bodies without a trace so that they can't be found."
Olbart, who says things in a matter-of-fact and non-threatening manner.
At the same time, Subaru congratulated himself for walking a really dangerous tightrope.
Even if Yorna had defeated Olbart, if Olbart had died, the "infantilization" of Subaru and the others would have remained unresolved. They would be in the state of Nachuki Shubuwu forever.
He shudders to think of it.
"I don't know the details, but I've heard that you've treated these children badly."
Yorna looks at Olbart as he puts a cigarette in his mouth and fills his lungs with purple smoke.
When asking for her cooperation, Subaru gave her as much honest information as possible, but left out the messy circumstances. This included the fact that Subaru was shrinking under the influence of Olbart's technique.
Once the "infantilization" is released by Olbart, Subaru will return to his original body.
When that happens, he is going to do his best to apologize and ask Yorna to forgive him. --He doesn't think that will be enough to turn the whole thing upside down.
He'd like to think that Yorna is the kind of person who would understand him if he told her.
"Master Olbart, you have conceded the previous game."
"Oh, I admit it, I admit it, I've been beaten like that. You're lucky you didn't die in defeat. But even if you lose, it's unexpected."
"Unexpected, is it?"
"I thought it would be the monks' masters who would give me a run for my money."
Yorna and Olbart proceeded with their conversation, leaving Subaru's concerns aside. In response to Olbart's words, Yorna muttered a small "Boss" and gently placed her hand on the chest of her kimono.
"The sender of the letter, I see. I was looking forward to meeting you at......."
Suddenly, Yorna interrupted her words and narrowed her eyes at Olbart.
The sharpness of his gaze made Olbart tilt his head, "What?"
"There's nothing more frightening than having a beautiful woman staring at you. What do you want?"
"There's nothing to be done about it. I've sent word to Tanza to tell the messengers to come to the castle. --Where did Tanza go?"
The air quickly chilled to the point where I felt like I was going to choke.
Yorna's anger is always exposed when a city dweller or a child is harmed. This is especially true for Tanza, who fulfills the two conditions of city dwellers and children.
Nevertheless, there is a suspicion that Tanza conspired with Olbart to prevent Subaru and the others from meeting Yorna. He would have to be careful how he interacted with them.
However--
"I also thought Tanza was with Mr. Olbart. But she's not...... right? Or hiding under a tile or something......"
"The castle is as good as my inner sanctum. There is no way to miss what has entered or what is hidden."
"Oh, I see. That's great, Yorna's technique......."
Hearing Yorna's confident answer, Subaru also flinched at her substandard nature.
What he realized after he faltered was the fact that Subaru and Louis had entered the Red Lapis Castle through a transfer and were soon discovered by Yorna.
At that time, Yorna said something like she was walking in the castle and found them by accident, but that was probably just a formality. In reality, she noticed that Subaru and Louis had suddenly appeared in the castle, and moved to catch the intruders.
Perhaps the reason why she didn't do so right away and treated Subaru and the others as Tanza's friends was because she couldn't decide how to treat the two of them, Subaru and Louis, who were so young.
After all, from the very beginning of their encounter, Yorna had been protecting me.
"----"
The more he was touched by Yorna's personality, the more he wondered if he should involve her in the great battle of the Vollachian Empire, and such a feeling was born in Subaru.
The same goes for the feelings of the people who live in the Chaos Flame, the people called the horned people, who blocked the path of Subaru and the others on the way.
He wants to protect the safe haven he'd finally found after so much suffering and exclusion.
What can we blame them for wanting to continue their peaceful lives? Especially when there is a lord there who cares for them.
--What was the difference between that and the world that the girl Subaru loved wanted to be a part of?
"----"
In silence, Subaru looked down from the castle tower at the messy streets of the demon city.
A city where everything is chaotic, intricate, messy, and without a sense of unity. When he first came to this city, he was bewildered by the chaos.
But even if it was only for a short time, Subaru thinks that he saw the people of this city and Yorna.
There is freedom here.
There is a freedom here where you are not bound by anyone and you don't have to keep yourself small. That's why this city is full of miscellaneous things where you can express yourself as you want and no one will deny it.
It's free, equal, and fair.
It seems to him that there is a kind of ideal picture of such a future here.
Is it really the right thing to do, to take Yorna away from such a place?
"Come on, old man, answer me. Where is she, Tanza?"
While Subaru was struggling, the questioning of Olbart continued.
There is no Tanza in the castle. I'd like to think that Olbart doesn't even have the skill to keep a small human in his pocket.
"Don't look so frightened, I'll tell you as usual. The only reason I joined forces with that deer girl was because I had just the right conditions for a match."
"Where are you, sir?"
Yorna's repeated questioning pierced Olbart, saying that there was no need for unnecessary talk.
In response, Olbart tilted his head and turned his gaze toward the castle grounds, the magical city that offered a spectacular view.
"It's not that hard. I'm an outsider, you know. There's only so many places I can hide my girl."
He replied that he would.
△▼△▼△▼△
--Shortly before that, Olbart interrupted Yorna's questioning.
It is a traveling inn located in the Demon City of Chaos Flame.
An ordinary inn, not very big and not very ornate. --In fact, the walls and interior of the building are so sturdy that not even the slightest sound can penetrate them.
The only place with a different atmosphere in Chaos Flame is the accommodation for dignitaries, prepared for an impossible eventuality.
The room in which the story takes place is a spacious one, with walls removed for interior decoration and three rooms joined together. However, only a handful of people who use the inn are allowed to stay in the spacious room.
There are no fancy furnishings, no works of art to please the eye, and no fine drinks to soothe the palate, because most of the visitors are utilitarian.
In this sense, the way this travel inn is located is different from the others in Chaos Flame.
The Demon City, a symbol of "freedom," is known as a lawless zone. Despite its chaotic state, the inhabitants of the Chaos Flame are surprisingly unified in their will under Yorna, the ruler of the Demon City.
People with a kind of shared fantasy have a spirit of mercy for the sorrow within and no mercy for the enemy without, which is why they don't need preparations such as this travel inn.
Exactly--
"The emperor's people will be strong, and the city will be a demon city that defies its principles."
"Ah......."
"We leave some policy to the city leaders. But there must be limits to that. --Is it because they do not know the limits that they have done this?"
When the man with crossed arms asked her about it, the small girl stiffened her cheeks and became silent.
The man who asked the question was Abel, dressed in a black and red outfit with a demon mask covering his face, and facing him was Tanza, a subhuman girl wearing a beautiful kimono and antlers.
It was a face-to-face meeting between two people who were presumed to be enemies in this city.
--No, to be precise, it wasn't just Abel and Tanza who came face to face.
"Did you come here knowing what kind of place you're walking into......!"
"----"
"Answer me! If you answer, you'll be left with no bones!"
Yes, the man whose sallow skin is red with rage, the second general of the empire, Kafma Irulux, shouts at Abel and his companions, a boy and a girl, as they enter a room in a traveling inn.
He has nothing in his outstretched hands, but he has no need for weapons. Any armament is literally nestled within Kafma's own body.
It's not a threat, it's just a fact.
--This is the true value of Kafma Irulux, the "Mushroom General".
"Come on, Abel, you can't be serious."
In the face of Kafma's spirit, it was the masked boy, Al, who let out a tense voice in strong alarm. Abel glanced at the boy, who was carrying a Seiryuu sword that he could not use.
"How many times do I have to ask you that question before you make up your mind?"
"I'm asking you again and again because I'm still undecided. I mean, that's insane! I'm not sure why I even followed you......!"
"I'll tell you what. --You're too much of a coward to be alone right now."
"......."
Al's voice choked, and he couldn't find the words to continue. It was a reaction that showed at a glance that he had been right on target, but the fact that he couldn't refute it was proof that he was aware of what he was doing.
For some reason, Al couldn't seem to keep his composure just walking down the street right now.
"Abel-chin."
In place of Al, whose words had been silenced, it was another companion, Medium, who called Abel to protest.
Medium, who had worked hard with Abel to traverse the road to this point while protecting Al, who was no longer useful, had a strong element of gloom in her expression.
This was all because of Subaru and Louis, who had left in the middle of the race.
"I don't think that's a very nice thing to say."
"Do you think this is the time to use evasive language and deepen our understanding of each other? You and your clowns should be aware of the situation. You and your clowns should be aware of the situation. One wrong move and you will be left with no bones, as you have declared."
"So! You can't talk to me like that!"
"----"
"Because Abel said it that way, Subaru and Louis also......"
Once he rebutted with a strong voice, the rest of his words became butt-ugly.
It was in the nature of Medium to do so. Even though she wanted to blame Abel for all the problems that happened, she couldn't do it because she was too compassionate.
She could see that her own attitude and gaze, as well as other factors, had driven Subaru and the others away. This is probably the result of her brother's education.
In any case, both Al and Medium are dysfunctional.
"Therefore, I will not fight you either. Put down your arms, Kafma Irulux."
"Are you...... insane? You don't answer my questions, you just try to do what you want. You think you're a king?"
"--. It's not far off. You're not far off the mark."
"You--!"
With bloodshot eyes and a high sense of loyalty to the emperor, Kafma's anger approaches its limits.
The truth of Abel's true identity was unintentionally revealed, but Kafma was still halfway to the truth. It is the strength of the demon mask obtained in Shudrak's village and its "cognitive inhibition" effect.
Only those who are willing to reveal themselves and those who are certain of the identity of the wearer can go beyond the effects of this mask.
I mean...
"I can't deal with this farce with children any longer! No matter what happened yesterday......"
"--Quiet, Kafma Irulux."
Kafma's strength was building up in his arms, making the patterns of the tattoos on his arms stir. His impulse was stopped by a voice from behind him.
Kafma's eyes widened and she turned to see a beautiful, dark-haired woman sitting comfortably in an easy chair at the back of the room.
Her black hair, black eyes, and her dignified and exceptionally well-groomed face were as clear as if she could see everything, and she never wavered even in the face of uninvited visitors.
Abel was also impressed by the fact that it was a very well-made mask.
With Abel's admiration aside, the handsome man in the back of the room looked at each of Abel and the three others.
"I have no animosity towards them. At least, not in this situation."
"But, my lord! This thing is an insolent insolent person who has never shown his face before Your Honor, much less any sign of respect! And with a child in tow......"
"What's the matter with you and the kid?"
"No, being with a child didn't make too much sense to me......!"
Kafma, who can't hide his dark bewilderment, is fighting his anguish as he rubs his eyes.
Originally, this Kafma guy had a bad habit of taking things too seriously. There is a difference between taking things seriously and giving yourself more room to worry.
He even voluntarily resigned his position as the Nine Divine Generals because of his earnestness and unsuitability. --Therefore, apart from his character, he is as powerful as the Nine Divine Generals.
Even if no one had fallen prey to Olbart's poison and Taritta had been present, it would have been impossible to fight a straight fight against Kafma.
In this respect, the battle was in Abel's favor. After all...
"I apologize for disturbing your sleeping quarters, but my business is with the girl. I have no intention of dealing with you at this time."
"It's......."
"Oh. You are talking very grandly in front of me. I'm sure you recognize this face and this voice. Especially if you are related to the messenger I met at the castle tower yesterday."
"Pfft."
Sniffling, Abel touched the chin of the demon face and glared at his opponent - Vincent, the disguised Chisha Gold, whom Subaru called the false emperor and whose identity was already known.
Al and Medium, right beside Abel, are wearing complicated reluctant faces, proof that to the two of them, who are outside the effects of "cognitive inhibition," the conversation with Vincent sounds like the exact same exchange of voices.
Chisha's transformation as the White Spider is perfect.
There are no two people in the world who can do it as well as Chisha Gold, with her voice, her behavior, and her ability to take the place of Vincent Vollachia.
I even have a contradictory feeling that he is more like Vincent than Abel.
But...
"I have been told that my men have greeted you on the matter. For a harsh emperor of Vollachia, he was quite generous in forgiving the impudence of a rude woman."
"I am not so drunk as to deal with people who do not know their place, but if I recognize the worth of the person I am dealing with, I will treat him or her accordingly. After all..."
Vincent responded to Abel's sarcasm, and when there was a pause in his words, their gazes met in midair and their lips moved simultaneously.
"The emperor's people are strong."
Yes, that is the philosophy and symbolic way of being of the Holy Vollachian Empire.
As the emperor of Vollachia, he answered that he had dealt with those who showed the will to resist in an appropriate manner, and I must say that this was a very impressive answer.
Even if it was Abel who was told the same thing, he would give the same answer.
Regardless of how you feel about it.
"Kafma, that's my girl."
"Well. Old man Olbart asked me to take care of him here at the inn...... But the important thing is that he left for the city and has not returned."
"I see."
Kafma's response, an awkward look on his face, and Vincent's chin relaxed at the answer, and his gaze now turned to Tanza.
The girl, who had become small in the corner of the room and was at least trying to do her duty as a sheltered person, shook her shoulders as she looked down from the top of the empire and let out a gasp.
Vincent accepted Tanza's reaction, which was neither fear nor trepidation, as inevitable.
"Olbart's involvement and yesterday's agreement with Yorna Mishigure. In addition to that, since the one related to yesterday's messenger showed up looking for you, we know roughly what's going on."
"Wow, I'm......"
"No need for an apology. But I will let Olbart Dunkelkenn tell you the truth: I am not your master. And I am not your enemy."
"Ah......"
"Once you have begun a battle, fight it hard until it is over. Decide whether it will burn your chosen fate to the ground or not."
Nonchalantly, Vincent declared to Tanza that he would not give her any more protection.
But whether it gave Tanza a sense of abandonment and despair was a mistake.
"----"
What dwelt in Tanza's round eyes was probably the same light, the same flame of determination that had dwelt in them when she had decided to fight this battle, to challenge this resistance.
It was easy for Abel to imagine that the life of Tanza, an arboreal race, had not been smooth or bright. In addition, if you are a Chaosflame Deerperson, you are also the root cause of the rebellion that Yorna Mishigure started earlier.
Or Tanza herself, though I wouldn't be surprised if she was related to that victim.
"I apologize for the inconvenience, Master Vincent. But this whole thing was orchestrated by me, without the knowledge of my Lord, Yorna."
"As I said before, there is no need for an apology. I will ask Yorna Mishigure what the facts are. I will retain your intention to speak for yourself."
"Yes. Thank you."
Tanza, who had straightened up, sat upright and bowed to Vincent with a deep bow. Then he looked up and his gaze turned to Abel and the others.
Unlike the one he had directed at Vincent, his gaze was clearly hostile.
"--tk"
The girl's spirit made Al, who was waiting behind her, clear his throat slightly.
It was cowardice at its finest, but it was also true that she had the guts to be pressured like that. And I can imagine the background of this girl's determination to do so.
It's all about--
"Please don't drag Yorna into the fray. She is a kind person, and I am sure she will fight, get hurt, and wear out for the sake of many weak people. I will not overlook such a thing. Yorna-sama is everything to me."
"Ah......."
"Please, please, please......."
Medium's eyes widened at Tanza's pleading words, her voice trembling slightly.
To Al and Medium, Tanza's motives were a bit unexpected. Generally speaking, the goal of the inhabitants who attacked them along the way was to maintain the position of the horned men.
If he loses the protection of Yorna Mishigure, he will lose the safe haven of the Demon City of Chaos Flame, and the long, harsh days of walking through the wilderness will resume. He said that he was afraid of that.
Surely, more than a few of the residents of the Demon city are feeling the same way.
But on the other hand, it was within the realm of Abel's imagination that the feelings of most of the inhabitants of the magical city would be more towards Tanza.
He was convinced of this because of the existence of the "Soul Marriage Technique" that has permeated the people of the city.
That is a secret technique that cannot be achieved by one-sided feelings alone.
The karakuri that connected it with a huge number of opponents, who were originally willing to go crazy, itself has not seen any confirmation in Abel, but in any case.
"The decision will be made by Yorna Mishigure. Hanging your head in my face will not change things."
"--tsk. You..."
For some reason, Kafma's anger increased when Abel answered that with his arms crossed.
He may not have any relationship with Tanza, but he has a certain affection for her simply because she is young. In this respect, he is a man who can be roughly described as a member of the same race as Yorna.
And when it comes to the nature of the magical city, Tanza can see what Kafma cannot. Hence, she kept her head down and continued.
"No, it's not. It's not up to you, Yorna-sama, but you."
"----"
"Yorna's heart is wide and deep, and she is kind...... And she has a dream that is so far away that we cannot help her. You must have a way to make it come true."
"......Yorna Mishigure's letter of intent, have you learned its contents?"
"No."
Shaking her head, Tanza denied Abel's suspicion. However, Tanza stopped shaking his head in front of him and turned over with a terribly fragile expression on his face.
"But I understand. --It was the first time I've ever seen you with such a maiden-like face, Yorna-sama."
"A maiden's face?"
"Master Yorna will respond to the love that has been shown to her. However, the way she pines for someone from her own heart is not...... as the answer is in that letter."
"Yorna Mishigure will not refuse, you have decided. So."
"--Yes. I plotted everything."
Deeply sinking his head, Tanza confesses his plan.
All is not quite right. Undoubtedly, Olbart had a hand in Tanza's scheme and distorted it into something more vicious.
However, Tanza is trying to take responsibility for his own actions, including Olbart's involvement, saying that he started it and his own will made him do it.
It's too--
"It's beautiful."
And so theinarticulate voice formed in his mouth, unheard by anyone else.
Of course, it didn't reach anyone's ears, not even Tanza's, who bowed her head, Abel and Medium, who were bracing themselves, Kafma, who was holding in her anger, and Vincent, who was holding his cheek.
"I'm aware of your involvement. But what do we do about it?"
"--. How do you mean?"
"You can continue the situation if you want to, even if you have to reveal your innermost thoughts like this. Even if your head falls off, you can continue to make the residents of the demon city target us. --No, if your head falls off in the first place, you won't be able to take Yorna Mishigure's hand."
"----"
"Or are you planning to have your own head cut off?"
A faint tension ran down Tanza's neck as he turned his head. Abel saw it and was convinced that Tanza had left even his own death in the back of his mind.
I've thought about it enough. --Although there are few things I can think of until I put it into action.
"You mean you were going to die...... You're a hell of a girl."
"No! I won't let you! You won't let it happen, will you, Abel?"
Knowing that Tanza was ready for this, Al exclaimed, and Medium looked at Abel.
If Abel were to say something against his will here, Medium's attitude would be one of consideration, but it would be pointless.
"I told you so. If even your own death is part of the plan, then taking your life will mean the fulfillment of this girl's plan. Unfortunately, I have no intention of going along with such a scheme."
"Abel-chin......!"
"People deserve to die more efficiently."
"Abel-chin......"
A pawn that does not follow the plan is a nuisance, whether it is in its own camp or in the enemy's camp.
In light of this, the existence of Tanza is a poison that is too much to hold. But if you are not prepared to drink that poison, you cannot take in a greater poison.
Abel looked at Tanza, who was sitting on the floor.
"I have no intention of taking your life. However, I will ask you to back off the order you gave to my people."
"......So, my earlier request..."
"Don't bring Yorna Mishigure into the fray, huh? --That's impossible."
"--tsk"
Tanza's throat choked as he heard Abel's clear assertion.
From her point of view, it is a prophecy of a situation that she wanted to stop even at the cost of her own life. But Tanza is mistaken. And it's a desperate mistake.
Because--
"Even if I don't come, Yorna Mishigure will be swallowed up in the whirlpool of war. That is the position it has chosen and the way it will inevitably be."
"What the hell are you looking at......?"
"I'm not going to tell anyone what I see, but as long as it can happen, I'll deal with it. No matter what it looks like to those around me."
Abel's gaze unexpectedly left the girl as he responded to Tanza's trembling eyes and voice.
Instead, his dark eyes turned to the mute Vincent standing in the back of the room. Vincent Vollachian,who now sits on the throne of the emperor and claims the throne falsely.
Regardless of what kind of intentions led you to exclude yourself from this.
"I'm the same as I've always been. There is no way to change it. My path is burned and there is only one way out. --Let it be burned into your soul."
"I'll leave it at that."
Vincent replied quietly to Abel's words.
With just that, the air in the room was scorching, even giving the illusion of increased heat. In fact, everyone except Abel and Vincent had sweat beading up on their foreheads.
"Little girl, Tanza, look up."
After the standoff between the new and old emperors, Abel calls out to the girl who regrets her lack of power. Abel breathes out to the girl, who looks up loosely and has tears in her eyes, and said,
"Originally, I did not call you with the intention of using you up. "I'm not calling you here to use you up," he said. "How to use you will require careful consideration, but you are a valuable asset, and you will be used optimally. --Because a man should die efficiently."
"...... Are you sure you want to believe that?"
"Don't believe me, but it doesn't change what I do."
Tanza tries to cling to her budding hope, but the answer is not kind.
But after some hesitation, Tanza nodded his head, while Al put his hand on his forehead behind him and Medium sighed.
"I understand. Please...... Lady Yorna."
"In order to respond to that, you must do something about it. At this rate, you won't be able to walk around the city at all."
"Oh, right. That's why you came here in the first place, isn't it?"
Al said with a hint of color when he heard the conditions Abel had presented.
This is a matter of life and death for Al, who is currently terrified of everything. It was imperative that he follow Tanza's call and get the people chasing Abel and the others to back off.
"But how did you know I was here?"
"This is what I would have done if I were Olbart. I also considered the possibility that he might be hidden in the castle, but the placement of his pursuers and the distance between us made it a priority."
"--ah"
"Most importantly, there are many of us whose lives are in danger if you don't let us go."
Taritta is being chased by a hundred people, and Subaru and Louis end up going their separate ways.
Both of them have no guarantee of life as long as they continue to be pursued by many. Of course, Al, who is no longer in the group, and Abel, who is in the middle of all of this, is no exception.
In order to continue the game with Olbart, the capture of Tanza was a top priority.
"......I lose, I guess."
"That's already known. But there is no need to be ashamed."
"Huh......?"
Abel only responded to Tanza's muttered words and turned his back.
When he didn't hear the answer, Tanza's round eyes fluttered. A voice behind Tanza's back said, "Little girl.#
"Master, Vincent......."
"Whatever was said is correct, there's no need to be ashamed."
"B-, but I'm......."
"I lost. I lost, but that means I tried. --That's how I want it to be."
"----"
Tanza's eyes widened at Vincent's words as she looked slightly into the distance with her cheekbones. But slowly, tears pooled in her corner of her eyes and she turned her head.
She turned her head and let the tears fall, gently and quietly letting the drops fall.
"Master Yorna, I'm sorry...... I was inexperienced......."
He apologized to his beloved master with tears in his voice.
△▼△▼△▼△
And so, with a tearful Tanza behind him--
"Can we just assume that this will keep the attackers at bay?"
"That's what I think. Of course, there is the line that Tanza shed tears to plot against us......"
"No, I don't. There's no way!"
Puffing out his cheeks, Medium, standing on his knees, snapped at Abel's concern.
Abel closed one eye at the swordplay, tracing his finger across the demon face's forehead.
"So, your situation doesn't seem to be getting any better, does it?"
"Guh......"
"If you are useless, I have no choice but to discard you without mercy. If you are Priscilla's clown, don't think that excuses you. Keep that in mind."
"I, know...... I don't want to be like this forever, either."
Al, who is glared at and ruthlessly condemned, responds with gritted teeth.
There was no strength in his voice to retort, and Al's fear had not disappeared. But no matter what Al's physical and mental condition was, he would now be able to walk in the traffic.
"Well, now all we have to do is resume the search for Grandpa...... Umm, or better yet, find Taritta? Or......"
"If the goal is to join up, it's a bad idea to make a move. Taritta's eyes will find us much faster than we can. You can find out more about those idiots at......."
"Uh, yeah......."
"I don't know. In any case, they should stick to their policy of looking for Olbart. So we should be able to find him in the process of searching for Olbart. If we can find the abyss with the best view."
Crossing his arms, Abel muttered, and Medium rolled her eyes, "What?"
"Maybe you figured out where Grandpa is hiding, Abel?"
"At least we have a good idea where the second hiding place is. It's the Red Lapis Castle."
"Hey, how can you be so sure? I mean, that castle?"
"That was Tanza's reaction. Her eyes swam when I brought up the subject of the castle. Tanza himself hid in a traveling inn, but he must have known where Olbart was hiding. I don't know if she has any idea where the third one is, though."
As for the procedure, Olbart and Tanza team up, and after Tanza's message, Olbart challenges Abel and the others to a match. Then, after the first discovery of the hiding place, Olbart goes out and joins Tanza at the inn.
Of course, it's possible that Olbart made Tanza swallow the false information, knowing that Tanza would be taken into custody.
"Hiding in the castle is also something that Olbart would like."
"......Yeah, okay. Then we'd better get to the castle quickly."
"Yeah. I'm sure you'll be fine...... Once his body is back, he should be fine. And then my brother and the little guy will be okay."
Clenching his fists tightly, Al cursed and prayed as he spilled.
As his own body shrinks, Al is losing his mental capacity, and he is very hostile to the relationship between Subaru and Louis, which has disappeared.
He probably wants Subaru to get back to normal as soon as possible so that he can make a normal decision about Louis. However, Abel is doubtful that Natsuki Subaru will be able to make a normal decision once he is back in his original body, but even before that.
"Whatever your thoughts, I will not let you easily undo the art of Olbart."
"Huh?"
"What?"
"To be precise, you and Medium are fine. However, I often do not intend to let Natsuki Subaru's spiritual art be released. It's in your best interest to keep him in that state for a while longer."
When they heard about Abel's policy, they were astonished with their eyes and mouths open.
Then, after a beat.
"No, no! What the fuck is going on? I didn't hear you!"
Fiercely, Al, his voice trembling with anger, grabs Abel's chest - his height prevents him from reaching, so he grabs the belly of Abel's clothes and taunts him.
But without changing his expression at the impotent threat, Abel replied, "You heard him."
"You will remain in your infant form for a while longer."
"You bastard......."
"Does that have anything to do with bullying Subaru-chin?"
Al leans forward more firmly, and Medium grabs his shoulders from behind, staring at Abel as he asks.
Abel exhaled quietly when he was asked this question.
"I don't remember doing anything so low as bullying you."
"You can say it any way you want! It's just that Abel was trying to scare Subaru into saying something the whole time! Is it because of that?"
"----"
"That's not fair! If there's something you want to hear, just ask me like normal and I'll tell you! So that's what......"
"I'm afraid that's not going to happen."
Hearing the quiet, tranquil emotion in his voice, Medium couldn't help but choke on her words, "What?"
With Medium's surprise at her side, Abel easily dispatched Al's grabbing arm.
"My thoughts have nothing to do with Medium's evil thoughts. It's just necessary to be done."
"Necessary!? What the hell? Why only my brothers...... me and my sister Medium!"
"That doesn't fit the bill. You have one arm, and Medium is the color of your hair and eyes."
"Oh......?"
It was a statement that made no sense, and Al's anger was growing. Medium, too, was left with a look of surprise on his face, not knowing what Abel really meant.
And the important thing is that Abel--
"The situation remains the same, but the pieces are falling into place. So..."
Through the demon mask, Abel stared out the window of his room at the inn and saw the Red Lapis Castle in his eyes.
It was a gesture to stare at something more symbolic than the castle itself, and in fact, Abel reached straight out with his hand, as if grasping something unreachable, and said,
"You will accompany me, Natsuki Subaru. Into the midst of war, where the irresistible wind blows."
△▼△▼△▼△
"That's why the deer girl is with you, my lord."
"----"
Olbart answered flatly with his short arms crossed while sitting on his knees. Hearing his surprising answer, Subaru was stunned anyway.
The reason he was so dismayed was not because it was completely out of his imagination.
"If it wasn't a castle, it would be our own inn......"
"Oh, you thought so. Then you've got a very bad personality, kid. You've got some serious Vollachian blood in you, don't you?"
"Don't do that, it's really creeping me out......"
Well, it seems it's the Olbart way of joking, but none of his jokes are really funny. As usual, he is in a good mood, and laughed out "Kakakakka!" It seems like that's the secret of his long life.
Laugh a lot without worrying about others and without stress. It's a good example.
"There's a saying in my hometown, 'Haters gonna hate'."
"Oh, it's a proverb, isn't it? What does it mean?"
"It's like the more people hate you, the longer you live......"
"Kakakakka! There's no excuse for that. Ow!"
"Awh!"
Louis's angry fist strikes Olbart, who is laughing hysterically at the origin of the saying. It was little more than a tap on the shoulder, but the effort of just touching it was worth it.
Probably, if this was a kind of hostility or murderous intent, Olbart would respond in any way he could as the strongest member of the Empire.
In that sense, it was right that Subaru's move in Louis's transition was not an attack, but a touch of tag. Yes, he'll give himself credit for that.
"Anyway, I've found out where Tanza is. I've heard that the inhabitants of...... our town have been very rude to the Lord and others, and I apologize for that."
"Oh, come on, Yorna! You have nothing to apologize for!"
"Ugh-!"
Subaru was flustered when Yorna bent her knees on the spot and bowed with gratitude. The meaning of making Yorna bow was so serious that even Louis jumped up unconsciously.
In fact, Yorna listened to me seriously, didn't take a step back even against Olbart, and tried to help Subaru over and over again, and so--
"Ugh......."
"--? What's the matter, kid? Your face is so red."
"No, well, I just remembered something......"
As the situation calmed down and the pain and suffering that had descended like a nightmare became more distant, he remembered how many times he had kissed Yorna in that repetitive process.
That memory was not left in Yorna, and Subaru was not in a position to remember the feeling of the kiss itself, so he could only remember it as something that happened.
Still, he had to admit that he admires and likes Yorna very much, as she was willing to kiss him to make him like her in order to save a dying child.
That's why--
"I don't want to get involved."
The resistance to involving Yorna in the battle and bringing her to a battlefield that would shake the entire empire was rising strongly and strongly within Subaru.
Subaru doesn't know if this is another problem with him being so young, or if it's something that will make him think differently once he's back in his proper body.
But even if Subaru who had returned to his original body would think differently, what Subaru in this young body felt and thought, he didn't think it was wrong either.
Because if that's the case--
"Awh?"
"I don't want to be left to answer to you, even if that person is my larger self."
The treatment of Louis, the girl who held his hand, is an unanswerable question in Subaru's mind.
If they were going to join up with Abel and the others, that was definitely a topic that could not be avoided. However, there was one thing that Subaru felt beyond those ten seconds of despair.
--That he didn't want Louis to kill him or let Louis die, that much was clear.
"We'll fix the castle later. We have to go get Tanza first."
"Oh...... Yorna, about, uh, Tanza..."
From Subaru's point of view, it was hard to say, "Don't blame her too much."
Even though he thought she had her own arguments and thoughts, Subaru didn't hear those arguments. It's just that--
"I don't want to scold her outright without being told. If she had been overzealous, I would have been responsible for that as well."
Even if Subaru didn't worry about it, the empress of this demon city knew what she had to do.
It is because of this that she is loved by many people in the city, including Tanza.
If possible, he hopes she doesn't suddenly become cold when Subaru is back to normal.
"I might cry if that happens......"
It was a rather serious and heartbreaking imagination. He sincerely hopes it doesn't come to that.
Anyway, if Yorna could persuade Tanza, the residents who had been chasing Subaru and the others would back off. This is where Subaru's second moment of truth comes in.
But...
"There's nothing scarier than dying."
He told himself that after such a horrible experience, he would be fine.
On top of that, Subaru also wanted to get out of the castle with Yorna--
"Wait, wait, wait, kid. Why don't you go back? Or do you like yourself better now? I don't mind if you do."
"Oh, sorry, no, no, no. I'll be back, I'll be back. No, I'm getting used to this situation, but I think I'm going to have trouble finding something to wear."
"Kakakakka! He's got a big heart."
When Olbart stopped him at the back, Subaru stepped on a roof tile and turned around.
In fact, it had only been a few hours since he had shrunk, but even if he hadn't, his body had lived and died more times than all the other times he had died.
He doesn't want to say it's because of that, but he feels like a small body is bad luck, so if he can go back, he wants to go back as soon as possible.
The only thing he's afraid of is the possibility that his current thoughts will suddenly change, but...
"It's okay, Louis. This time, I'll face you properly."
"I'll go to......."
She looked down at Subaru's words and then nodded her head. Pressing her forehead with his finger, Subaru leaned her body towards Yorna.
Yorna took Louis head on as she bumped into her back.
"Kid, as Master Olbart would have it......"
"Well, I don't fully trust you, but I'd like to think that you barely have enough humanity left to at least follow the logic of winning and losing."
"Hey, I can hear you."
"You know what I'm saying."
Subaru smiles in response to Olbart's teasing. At Subaru's answer, Yorna narrowed her eyes as she hugged Louis tightly.
"If you know that, then there is nothing for me to say. I haven't heard what will happen, but I and the boy will watch over the child."
"Uh!"
"Hmm, okay. Well, you'll have to be nice to me after this, Yorna."
"--? The child is a worrier, isn't it?"
With Yorna smiling slightly and Louis's healthy face, Subaru went underneath Olbart. Standing up, Olbart tapped his own hip.
"There you go ragging on me again. Oh, get it over with, will you?"
"Yes...... Um, does it hurt?"
"Did it hurt when it shrunk? That's the answer, man!"
In response to Subaru's fearful question, Olbart's outstretched hand gently touched Subaru's pigeon tail.
Abel's prediction was that Olbart's "infantilization" technique would interfere with the Od, but the Od might be around the heart.
At the same time, the memory came back to him that he had indeed taken a painless shot at Olbart yesterday when he was fleeing from the keep at this foot of the mountain.
That was the trigger for Subaru's "infantilization" due to Odo's interference.
It may have only been a few hours since his body shrunk, but it was the biggest predicament he's been in since he came to the Empire. In the first place, he's been in a lot of predicaments in the Empire.
Those ten seconds of despair were one of the greatest, not including the Empire.
"Oh, by the way."
Suddenly, he remembered something he had been trying not to think about.
Those ten seconds of desperation, the repetition of death and resumption that seemed like an interminable hell, were distinctly different from the "return by death" that Subaru knew.
What was that all about, and what happened to the power of "return by death" that resided in Subaru?
"--I found you."
△▼△▼△▼△
--A moment later, the full perception of what had happened was difficult even for everyone present.
"Nuh"
He let out a squeal and quickly retracted his right hand that was extended by Olbart.
But it was too late. Olbart's wrinkled right hand, from the wrist to the tip, dissipated and disappeared.
And...
"Kid--"
"Awh!"
Yorna's eyes peeled open and she pulled Louis in her arms, jumping back wide with the girl in her arms as she flailed and tried to jump out of the way.
Immediately afterwards, blackness filled Yorna and Louis's vision, engulfing the castle keep, the upper part of the castle, and the central part of the castle, all at once, which was known for its beautiful and vivid colors.
And...
"Sir! That's......."
"----"
In the distance, he sees the scene outside the window, and feel the worms in his body all get scared at once as Kafma stands beside the emperor with a sharp will to fight and protect.
In the meantime, Vincent stood up and turned his keen gaze to the blackened castle, and began to run his deep and reckless thoughts tranquilly.
And...
"Oh no, the castle is...... Lady Yorna......."
"Ah, ahhh, ahhhhhh--!!"
"Al-chin!?"
Stunned, the young ones are wide-eyed and astonished at what has happened.
Tanza feared for the Lord who remained in the castle, and Al screamed harder than anyone else in the city - or the world, for that matter - at the damage that had been done.
Medium rushed over and supported Al's shoulder. She, too, looked at Abel as if she were clinging to an incomprehensible situation.
And...
"Oh, my goodness...... this may not be the part I'm composing."
"You're..."
The brown-skinned Shudrak, Taritta, who was confronting him, gritted her teeth as she listened to Ubilk, who had formed a shelter with his hands, murmur lazily while looking at the collapsing city in the distance, engulfed by the black shadow.
As you can't decide whether it is the shadow in the distance or the man in front of you that you should pay attention to.
And...
"So this is what you've been carrying around inside of you."
Abel muttered as he saw the same thing as the fake emperor and the crying infants.
He clenched his fists tightly, hid his bloodied lips behind his demon mask, and distorted his expression to the point that his horrible face looked as if it were a mask, and Abel glared at the jet black.
And...
△▼△▼△▼△
--I love you.
--I love you. I love you. I love you.
--I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you.
--I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you.
It is a cursed love that transcends all possible dimensions, painting over the existence of Natsuki Subaru and never wanting to leave.
He knew a hellish, loveless world.
Natsuki Subaru knew that he was still loved.
But at the same time, he should know that not all "love" is to be affirmed.
There is a reward for not knowing.
It was because he didn't know why it was feared and avoided by everyone.
--They become black shadows, swallowing and destroying everything in their path, cheering.
They applaud the reunion, the confluence, the embrace, the bondage, the fate, the striving.
They applaud confession, regret, suspicion, mystery, exaltation, single-mindedness.
He knew a hellish, loveless world.
Then, what kind of hell will come to a loving world?
Subaru has no idea. Nothing, he doesn't know.
The only thing Ihecan say is that no one knows anything about the situation.
Chaos Flame, a demon city, is an ideal world for those who have been excluded from it.
--The collapse of the ideal world was brought about by the cause and effect of Natsuki Subaru.
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