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[If I had more time, I’d really like to stay up talking with you until morning comes though.]
Tears welled up at the corners of Seras’ eyes.
[—-Princess.]
I turn my back on the two of them.
[We’re going out—- Please take your time.]
Leaving those words behind, I went out of the camp.
And the Holy Knights, including Machia, also came out along with me.
I guess they also wanted to leave those two alone for now.
When I stepped outside, it was already completely dark.
Many bonfires have been lit inside and outside the camps.
As I walked out of the camp, the current leader of the Holy Knights called out to me.
[Is there a reason you can’t reveal your identity?]
I hid my face and changed my voice.
It would be natural for them to think so.
[Yeah. I have a lot of circumstances.]
I don’t have the transformation ability that Seras and Eve have.
And currently, I don’t want the 2-C bunch to find out that I’m Mimori Touka.
I can try deceiving them by acting, but once I expose my face, there wouldn’t be anything deceiving them.
[Do you mind if I ask you some questions regarding your background?]
[…I can’t promise that I’ll answer it though.]
[Are you—- human?]
[I see… So, you think I’m hiding my identity because I’m a Demi-Human?]
[That isn’t it. You see, Seras-sama is a High Elf, right?]
[?]
I don’t really know what she’s trying to say nor what she’s trying to point out.
The current leader of the Holy Knight sighs.
[You do know that it’s hard to have children between a human and a High Elf, right? If you’re a human, you’re going to have a rough time… is what I’m thinking.]
[………]
She’s thinking of something that isn’t that necessary.
[Well, I know that you’re not a bad man though.]
[Hoh? Is that something you can figure out in such a short time?]
“Fuuunn…” Machia looks away.
[Since we’ve left the camp, you’re been trying to match your strides with me.]
Machia is small and petite, so there’s quite a difference between our strides.
So, inevitably, I had to slow down my walking speed or she wouldn’t be able to catch up by just walking after me.
Looking up at me, Machia adorably pursed her lips.
[I’d like to thank you as well. I didn’t think I’d get to see Seras-sama again.]
[Seras was really well-liked, wasn’t she?]
[That person is the one that we Holy Knights have been longing for. She’s strong, beautiful, elegant, and kind… However, I felt like Seras-sama has changed a little bit now.]
[You think so?]
[I feel like she has been showing more emotions in her face than before. It used to be much less expressive and she would have a solemn atmosphere around her. I guess that’s also why there was some kind of divinity around her.]
Stopping in her tracks, Machia’s gaze drops down to the tip of her shoes.
[About Seras-sama… Can I leave her to you?]
[I at least don’t plan on disrespecting her. She’s very important to me after all.]
With a prim look on her face, Machia brushed aside her hair that was hanging down on her cheek.
[I would be glad if that were the case.]
The other two Holy Knights are already gone, but Machia has been following me the whole time.
Likely, she’s also acting as a watchdog.
And then…
[You’re finally returned, Milord.]
Eve, standing a few distances away from the camp, approached us.
Slei—- was also with her.
It seems that she had already been briefed by the Holy Knight on the wreckage of the magical chariot.
[What about Astaria?]
[For now, she’s spending some time with Princess Cattleya before we leave.]
[Fumu… I see. By the way Milord, why do you have that little child with you?]
Machia’s brows wrinkled and her temple twitched.
[She’s the current leader of the Holy Knights of Neia, Machia Renaufia…]
[Mhmm, my apologies. Umu… it seems that you’re a really capable child eh?]
[How rude! Even if I look like this, I’m older than Seras-sama!]
[U- Umu… I ask for your apology again. My name is Astarva. The Second Oath who has sworn her sword for Milord Belzegia.]
Eve glances at me as she said that.
“This is what I should be calling you, right?”
I replied with a nod of my head.
Astarva is Eve’s pseudonym.
I also borrowed this from the legend of the Fly King.
[Are you just like your lord, someone who can’t reveal his true identity? Seeing as you have Seras-sama in your group… Don’t tell me that you’re actually Eve Speed who was said to have disappeared somewhere in the Demon Zone?]
[M- Mhmm!?]
Eve looks troubled with Machia’s wild guess.
…No, you can’t just let that slide.
Eve’s reaction looks like she has really shot through the bull’s eye.
Or rather, Machia—-
“Eh? I was just guessing, but don’t tell me I actually hit the mark…?”
—was reacting like so.
[Astarva.]
[Wh… What is it, Milord?]
[This is quite unexpected. But, why don’t you take off your mask and let them see your face?]
[What?]
In the next moment…
Eve seems to thought up with the same idea.
That’s right—– She’s now in her human appearance.
If she’s acting suspicious like that, I think it would be better if you just take off the mask.
Show them not your Leopardkin appearance—- but “that face”.
Eve takes off her mask.
I looked at Eve as her twintails swung from side to side.
[…Looking like that, I guess you’re really not that Leopardkin.]
Machia takes a deep breath.
It seems that all of her doubts have completely disappeared.
I spoke to Machia.
[If I could recruit that renowned Eve Speed, I would have really like to do so but…]
She’s actually right next to us though, as one of our companions.
As if she’s feeling better, Eve’s slit eyes and cheeks relaxed.
[Fuuuuu… As expected, it’s more comfortable to have this off… Hmm?]
As the soldiers move back and forth their ranks, they suddenly stopped in their tracks.
Everyone is looking at Eve.
Eve began looking around restlessly in confusion.
[W- What in the world is going on…?}
All of them were staring at Eve in fascination.
Initially, they were just probably curious to see the Fly Knight take off her mask.
However, when her true face popped out from inside the mask, they seemed to be attracted to her in a different way.
[Milord.]
[Hmm?]
[There’s something terribly different from their reactions… Is there something wrong with me right now?]
[They’re probably just curious about you.]
[Hmm~?]
Eve tilts her head like a child.
[I’m not really sure.]
[I don’t think you need to know about it right now though.]
[Fumu… Understood.]
She seems to have been convinced for the time being.
[Well then… Milord, what are we going to do—–]
Then…
[Machia-sama.]
One of the soldiers trotted toward u
s.
[What is it?]
[That is—-]
The soldiers glanced at me and Eve.
[Ayaka Sogou-dono is here to see you, Belzegia-dono.]
Chapter 191
Sogou Ayaka
Sogou huh.
…I wonder what I should do?
When she has already left earlier…
“Yeah… See you later.”
I did say that but…
Should I meet her?
[………]
After Sogou slashed that Confidant from behind…
“I’d like to thank you again later.”
–is what she said.
I was only responding to that request.
There’s nothing unnatural about it.
On the contrary—– Wouldn’t it be more unnatural for me if I were to refuse to meet them?
The Heroes from 2-C may become obstacles from now on.
Considering that, I’d like to acquire information on the other Heroes here as well.
At the moment, it can be said that the raw information from the Heroes themselves was really valuable.
Moreover, they weren’t hostile right now.
Or rather, they’re considering me as their benefactor who saved them from this crisis.
That means—– this will be a great opportunity.
It’s just that…
I asked the soldier who told me that Sogou was coming.
[Should I expect that all of those rumored high ranking Heroes have come to see me?]
[Ah—- No, it seems like it’s only Ayaka Sogou-dono who is an S-Rank in here. Or rather, I think the rest of them were B-Rank? I’ve heard that there are only the lower-ranking Heroes other than them…]
I see.
Sogou is the only S-Rank here huh.
From what I heard from Zweikzeed back when he’s backed to the corner…
“The highest S-Rank is no longer able to participate in the battlefield! By our emperor’s estimation, if this Zweikzeed can just hold off this S-Rank, we should have been able to easily bring down this place!”
“If he can hold off Sogou Ayaka, the only S-Rank Hero in this place, they can win.”
That’s what Zweikzeed was roaring out.
That must mean that information was accurate.
In that case… The Takao Sisters aren’t here.
If it’s just Sogou in here, I think I could deceive them by my acting.
As for Kashima—– Well, it would be fine whether she’s here or not.
However…
The rest of them are below B-Rank?
Takao Itsuki is acting as a set together with her sister, so it wouldn’t be a wonder if she’s not here.
However, even Oyamada and Yasu aren’t here?
After a few seconds of thinking, I spoke.
[I understand. Well then, I’ll be seeing them now. Please guide us to them. Current Holy Knight Leader, would that be alright with you?]
[It’s alright for me. Of course, I would also be following you.]
[Yes, of course, you can.]
I make the motion of beckoning Eve with my finger.
[Mhmm, I’m also going too? Understood.]
The Takao Sisters who Eve encountered in the Demon Zone weren’t here.
I don’t have to worry about them finding out that she’s Eve Speed.
Approaching Eve, I brought the mouth of my mask closer to her ear.
[Basically, don’t speak a word there.]
Eve flinched for a moment at my whisper, but she immediately nodded her head.
[Acknowledged.]
I think she sensed that I had my own intentions.
The Takao sisters may not be there, but Kashima could be there.
Kashima has also made contact with Eve in the Demon Zone.
Her voice may have changed…
But I don’t want the slightest nuance in her speech to be found out by any chance.
Moreover, Eve’s also hiding her true identity for the time being…
If there’s anything else I’m concerned about though, it would be Ikusaba Asagi but—
[…………]
When I finally saw Sogou and the others, my concern was put to rest for the moment.
I can’t see Ikusaba Asagi nearby.
Kashima isn’t here either.
As for the faces that I could see here…
I could see the ones Kirihara used to hang out with and some other people that they’ve also been hanging out.
Though, I could see a faint fear through the faces of some of my classmates.
This Fly King’s mask and attire probably look eerie for them.
These people are more likely unfamiliar with this appearance than the people from this world who knows about the legend of the Fly King.
Taking that into consideration, I guess I could understand their reactions.
[Ah——-]
When Sogou noticed me, it seems like she tried to say something.
However, I felt like the words were stuck behind her throat.
I think she was trying to call my name.
I respectfully bowed to them.
[My name is Belzegia. I’m the current leader of the Fly King Squadron, which was formerly known as Ashinto. It’s truly my honor to meet the Heroes from Another World, this world’s saviors.]
[N- No, that isn’t the case at all! Rather than that, I’m the one who got saved today…]
Sogou thanked me.
Sogou was using something that looks like crutches.
I can’t seem to see any wounds in her body but…
I wonder if she got sprains from her fight?
[Errr… Let me introduce myself again. I’m Sogou Aya—– no, I’m Ayaka Sogou. For saving us in that perilous situation, thank you very much.]
Rather than being polite towards me…
I’d say it’s just like Sogou acts as before.
[Being thankful… You’ve fought quite a lot this time, didn’t you? Errr… You’ve been fighting around with that silver weapon that changes in size, right? —–Is that weapon a magical tool? That weapon contains are really interesting ability, don’t you think?]
[Ah, no… That’s an Inherent Skill of a Hero—-]
It’s probably because I’m acting like I’m curious about it.
Sogou kindly explained the information about what she had comprehended about her inherent skill.
Nodding my head in interest several times, I let out a sigh of admiration.
[I see… That’s quite a tremendous ability, that inherent skill is.]
Alright.
I have somehow understood Sogou’s inherent skill for now.
[I’m sure that even the other Heroes, especially those high ranking Heroes have tremendous inherent skills. Fumu… Quite interesting it is…]
Pretending to be a scholar with an intellectual inquisitiveness about all things, I groaned.
[Ayaka-dono, do you know the inherent skills of the other Heroes as well?]
Looking at “her life’s savior”, the Class President…
[Umm, if it’s just from what I know, I could tell you—–]
The plan got through.
Sogou spoke about the inherent skills of the high ranking Heroes, other than herself.
Two S-Ranks—— Kirihara Takuot and Takao Hijiri.
Three A-Ranks—— Oyamada Shougo, Yasu Tomohiro and Takao Itsuki.
However, the information she had about the Takao Sisters’ inherent skills were quite lacking.
[……]
Cloudiness appeared on Sogou’s face just as she was speaking about Oyamada and Yasu’s skills.
Thereupon, Sogou started to talk about how the two of them weren’t here.
[——And so, I got separated from Oyamada-kun and Yasu-kun… I still haven’t found out where they are. All the military search parties were looking for them but…]
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In other words, both of them are missing and their survival is still unknown as of the moment.
Being careful not to sound inappropriate…
[I will also pray that they’re alive.]
Murmuring so, I nodded.
[However—- I see. I guess the abilities of the Heroes are acting in a different rule compared to this world’s techniques and spells. It’s also different from the sorcery I’m using… That’s quite an intriguing conversation we had. Thank you very much, Ayaka-dono.]
[N- No! Once again, I’d like to thank you for saving our lives in that perilous situation… Umm, thanks to Berzegia-san—-]
Sogou turns her head behind her.
[I think everyone here has been able to survive.]
The 2-C bunch lined up behind Sogou.
From the looks of it, there are hardly any girls among them.
…Kirihara and the Takao Sisters should be on the Eastern battlefront.
In that case—- Ikusaba Asagi, Kashima and most of the other girls are on the west?
That’s only if most of the Heroes that were annexed int the Southern Army is here.
Even so…
[Thank you very much! Thanks to you, we’ve managed to avoid dying!]
[Sorcery is amazing, isn’t it?]
[If you hadn’t arrived, we would have died.]
[U- Umm, can I ask who that beauty is? Is that, by any chance, Seras Ashrain?]
No matter who it is—– all of their faces have changed into a beautiful one.
I’m not just talking about the relatively faint-hearted group that has been trying their best to hide at the time when I was being disposed of.
Suou Kayako, Minamino Moe, and some others have certainly changed as well.
However, it wasn’t the normally quiet group that bothered me.
It’s the ones who looked down on me with an evil grin when I was being disposed of.
Back when I’m being disposed of…
Where’s that triumphant look on their faces they had when they were being stirred up by the Goddess?
[………]
The point is.
These guys were just grass boats floating on the river.
Generally speaking—- they’re the type that easily gets carried away by the currents.
Without creating a current of their own.
Without even going against the current themselves.
Following their emotions and intuition, they would easily get caught up in the currents of the moment.
Moreover, they were probably—- doing it unconsciously.
I’m not thinking it’s disgusting or wrong to get swept away though.
