Maou no Ore ga Dorei Elf vol 6 ch3

Chapter III: Those Who Live at the Bottom of the Sea Really Aren’t Honest with Themselves
“I see. You need a siren to guide you through the ocean,” Zagan muttered those words to himself in admiration. It had been two days since he had decided to travel to the conference.

The ocean capital, Atlastia, was a metropolis at the bottom of the ocean far away from the continent where the Continental Interracial Elders Conference was being held. In fact, it was even far enough that a boat from Kianoides would have taken over a week to get there, but luckily, sirens could manipulate water currents. Using that power, it was possible to get there in a single day.

I only have four days until my date... In the end, Zagan never got a chance to buy new clothes. And at most, he had two free days to get ready. He had to hurry. That was why he looked at his surroundings in a panic. Since they were supposedly at the bottom of the ocean, there were countless fish swimming about above them. However, his field of vision was poor, so anything beyond ten paces appeared hazy. He was apparently at a depth where the light from the sun couldn’t reach them, but mysteriously enough, it was bright as day around him. It was different from how sorcerers used sorcery to see in the dark. Having said that, it wasn’t like there was a clear light source around. It was like the air... or rather, the water itself was shining.

It wasn’t grass growing beneath his feet, but seaweed and coral. There wasn’t any air around them at all, just ocean water. The reason he could breathe despite that seemed to be the power of the sirens. This was apparently the entrance to a city or country, so he could spot something akin to a man-made temple in the distance. The stones sticking out around it seemed to have lights within them, and a closer inspection revealed windows and entrances. Thought, for the time being, Zagan couldn’t spot anybody present other than the fish.

“This is quite a mysterious place, isn’t it?” Nephy asked in an entranced voice as her hand gripped Zagan’s like a vice. Aside from her, only Foll, who also had to have the curse removed, and Selphy, who served as their guide, were accompanying Zagan. And since they were heading to the conference, Nephy was wearing a formal dress instead of her usual maid uniform.

Incidentally, Zagan and Foll had their usual clothes on for when they returned to their original forms. Though, it wasn’t like they were wearing them underneath their current clothes or anything. Instead, they were using sorcery to fold space itself and have it cloaked around them, which almost made it seem like they were wearing invisible clothes.

Raphael and Kimaris stayed behind to watch the castle. There’s no way I can let my subordinates find out about this form, so they’d better keep them occupied...

It wasn’t like there were any among them that would start a revolt over such a thing, but being treated like a child was far too painful. Sure, they had no ill will, but it was still rather annoying.

“It’s like being above the water and inside it at the same time. Feels weird,” Foll said as she gave him a small nod. They were walking around normally, and it didn’t feel like their clothes were wet at all. Or so they thought, but Selphy was swimming about in the air. In a way, it was like they were walking through a thick, lingering fog, which probably meant there was a barrier set up in the area. However, if there was, it was terrifyingly enormous.

“It’s not sorcery, but it’s also different from a dragon’s power... If I had to compare it to something, elven mysticism seems like the best fit.”

Is this one of the lost powers that reside in Liucaon? This conference was closer to Liucaon than the continent. It was said that a power different from sorcery remained in that island nation, which filled Zagan with hope.

“It does feel similar, doesn’t it? I sense something like the power of spirits that shouldn’t be in the water here. Perhaps they’re borrowing power from such beings?” Nephy muttered while observing her surroundings.

“Seems it’s, like, the power of some Holy Treasure that’s been passed down through the royal family,” Selphy replied in a rather indifferent tone.

“...Is it fine for you to reveal that to outsiders?”

“Huh, aren’t we all, like, family?”

“I’ve heard that servants are just like family, so you are,” Foll nodded her head and gave that reply in Zagan’s place as he was too embarrassed to answer Selphy.

“Wow! You’re saying we’re, like, really close, right!?” Selphy exclaimed, clearly seeming quite happy. Zagan didn’t understand why she would ever be pleased by Foll’s statement, but he didn’t bother mentioning it because he didn’t really care.

“Anyway, this is my kingdom. Though, there’s only, like, a few hundred people living here, so it’s totally more of a small village.”

Like the elves and dragons, sirens were an endangered species. And since only several hundred residents lived in this kingdom, it was hard to imagine them surviving the next hundred years. Luckily, its existence was a closely guarded secret. If sorcerers ever managed to sniff it out, sirens would go extinct overnight.

“Is that conference or whatever always held here?”

“Dunno. But, like, this is the first time I’ve seen it myself, so they probably move it around, right?”

“I’m surprised you can call yourself royalty when you know so little.”

“Haha... I mean, isn’t it, like, hard to remember things you aren’t interested in?”

“Now that I think of it, what races are coming?” Nephy turned to Selphy and asked her that question. However, Selphy simply cocked her head to the side as if she’d never even given the matter any thought, which made total sense.

“Let’s see. I don’t know how many races gather for this conference, but the rarer ones are dragons like Foll, as well as elves like Nephy or Nephteros,” Zagan cut in to answer Nephy’s question. Then, he stuck out his fingers as he began counting them down by saying, “Other than that, there are fomorians like Gremory, leonins like Kimaris, tabaxi like Kuroka... Oh, and I’ve heard there are fairies too. Though, the term fairies encompasses a lot. Elves and cait sith are included in that category.”

“Are tabaxi and cait sith different races?” Nephy tilted her head to the side as she asked that question.

“For the time being. Having said that, it’s only a matter of whether their human or cat portions are more prominent, so they’re largely considered the same. However, the quality of their mana is clearly different, so sorcerers definitely note the difference.”

“Yup! Also, I’ve heard that cait siths possess a similar amount of mana to sirens and succubi! The three of them are, like, quite special in Liucaon!” Selphy exclaimed as she thrust her right hand into the air.

“I see. You’re quite knowledgeable, aren’t you?” Nephy replied.

“Hehehe. I’m a siren, too. Those old geezers would totally have, like, yelled at me if I didn’t learn this much,” Selphy explained. Unfortunately, it likely took all the effort said geezers could muster to force just that little information into her head.

“Those are all of the rarer species. Avians like Manuela, lycans, canuses, and dwarves can be found anywhere you look. Other than that...” Zagan trailed off as he thought of other races. Then, a certain name suddenly came to mind, so he said, Hm... I don’t know if they’d be included among the continent’s races, but... the Night Clan. There are a lot who go by that name.”

It was likely Nephy’s first time hearing that name, as her ears quivered, which showed her interest in the matter.

“What are they like?”

“To put it simply, they’re undead. However, they’re fundamentally different from the zombies and skeletons sorcerers create. They can survive without being supplied mana, and they can’t be killed. Though, you can apparently break them into small enough pieces to stop them from taking any kind of action,” Zagan replied. He was unsure if even Heaven’s Phosphor was powerful enough to finish them off, since their constitution was rather unique. Having said that, Zagan had never met one.

“Wow, there’s someone that scary here, huh!? I wonder if they’ll listen to me sing?” Selphy let out a thoughtless laugh as she said that, seemingly not noticing Nephy turn pale next to her.

“Who knows? Well, the church has their eyes on them, so you’ll never see them on the continent. Anyway, they’re strong, which about sums them up.”

From the way Selphy was speaking, it seemed the Night Clan had nothing to do with the conference.

And, as they were talking about such things, they arrived at the temple. It was an old building made of a strange material that was neither metal nor stone. He didn’t know what wear and tear was like under the sea, but still, based on the thick seaweed and sediment stuck to it, he guessed it had been around for at least two hundred years. There were several lights set up around it, and it seemed like something was there, but...

“Zagan. Someone’s coming,” Foll raised her voice in alarm while Zagan was taking in his new surroundings. Then, she pointed at a girl who was running toward them, yelling something and waving about her hand with all her might.

“Oh! Isn’t that Lilith!? Heeey, Lilith! It’s me! The siren, Selphooomph!?” Selphy shouted out in joy upon seeing her and swam toward the girl, but she was cut off by a merciless slap.

“You big dummy! Why are you acting so casual about all this!? No princess from of one of the three great royal families has ever run away from home, you know!? Don’t you realize you’re in for a huge scolding!? And hey, how come you didn’t even try contacting me at all!”

Her final sentence seemed unconnected to all the rest, but it did make it apparent that she was Selphy’s friend. Selphy was drifting in the air with her eyes spinning about, but soon enough, she regained her consciousness and started laughing without an ounce of timidness in her voice.

“Ahahah, sorry about that. But listen, if I got in touch, those old geezers would’ve totally found me. I’m, like, really sorry, so don’t cry, Lilith.”

“I-I’m not crying you dummy! What you’re doing out there has nothing to do with me!”

Before they knew it, the girl who slapped Selphy hugged her with tears in her eyes. Apparently, in contrast to her sharp tongue, she was a good person on the inside.

“...Gremory would jump for joy if she saw this,” Zagan stated in a monotonous voice.

“...You’re right. Not bringing her was a good choice,” Foll readily agreed.

And with that, the girl looked over to Zagan’s group, having finally noticed them.

She looked to be about the same age as Selphy, at 15 or 16 years old. Her vivid crimson hair was tied up at both sides of her face, and she had horns growing out of her head. She looked almost like Gremory, but the bat-like wings on her back were a rather obvious difference.

A succubus, huh? They were a race who could apparently traverse the world of dreams. This was Zagan’s first time meeting one, and she appeared to be someone of high standing, since she was wearing a frilly one-piece dress and had a nice necktie draped over her back.

“And who are you? Some spoiled little brat?” Lilith wiped away her tears, then aimed a glare at Zagan as she asked that question.

Well, I guess this is Selphy’s home... It wasn’t all that unusual to find others like her around the area.

“Oh, this is my lord, Mister Zagan. And, the ones behind him are, like, his... wife? Fiancee? Well, that’s Miss Nephy and their daughter, Foll. Guys, this girl is my childhood friend, Lilith.”

“Um, daughter...? What’s that supposed to mean? And how does he have a fiancee at his age? Is he someone important?”

“It’ll take, like, way too long to explain! I’ll tell you all about it later.”

“When have you ever said that and properly explained things?”

Ugh, this is so annoying. I just want to ask around about the curse and get out of here... Perhaps having noticed Zagan’s irritation, Nephy let go of his hand and faced Lilith.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you. I am Nephelia, Master Zagan’s disciple, maid... and recently, I’ve become his lover.”

“Hm...? Wait, hold on... I feel like... I’ve heard the name Zagan before...?” Lilith cocked her head to the side in confusion as she said that.

“Why don’t you introduce yourself as well?” Nephy asked with a flat smile on her face. Her voice had a somewhat cold ring to it, which made the succubus involuntarily gulp.

“Uh, right... My name, huh? Very well. Clean out your ears and listen carefully. I am Lilithiera Fauna Hypnoel, first princess of the succubi and descendant of the proud Silver-Eyed King. I am a member of the three great royal families, so do remember to pay your respect!”

“Is that so? Well, Miss Lilithiera, though it is rather presumptuous of me to say this, allow me to give you a single piece of advice,” Nephy said that as she clasped the girl’s shoulder with a thud, then put on a refreshing smile and continued, “I am not so gentle that I will continue to just smile when someone is ridiculing my lord.”

The atmosphere froze over instantly.

Crap, this is bad. Nephy’s mad... She was a girl who never let her anger show on the surface, but it seemed she was overly sensitive due to Zagan’s transformation.

“Sh-Sh-Sh-Shorry...” Lilith stumbled over her apology as she began trembling and tears welled up in her eyes. She was scared enough to faint at any moment, so even Zagan sympathized with her.

“It’s fine, Nephy. Don’t get so mad. A brat should be disciplined by their parents, right?” Zagan requested she just leave it at that, and Nephy obliged with a dissatisfied expression on her face. After being freed from that pressure, Lilith weakly sank to her knees.

“Nephy, you got too mad. Bad children should be scolded, not hurt,” Foll claimed as she turned to Nephy with a look of pity for Lilith in her eyes.

“Oh... You’re... right. My apologies, Miss Lilithiera, I went too far,” Nephy bowed as she said that, having finally returned to her senses.

“You okay?” Foll asked as she held her hand out to Lilith.

“H-Hmph! This is nothing... Wait, what!?” Lilith let out a scream.

“What’s wrong?”

“Wh-What’s wrong? Wh-What... What are you? Why does something like this exist in the world...?”

Hm? Has she noticed that Foll’s a dragon? The succubi were a rare species, but they had little in the way of actual strength, especially when compared to dragons. That was why her reaction was perfectly...

“Ohhh, Lilith, your tits still haven’t, like, grown at all, huh?” Selphy unleashed that cruel statement in a casual manner, which made Lilith pin down her flat chest bitterly. She had been hit with those words right after being scolded by Nephy, which just made the whole thing too much for a girl in her teens. Lilith fell to her knees once more, going silent as her face twisted due to the humiliation of it all.

“Why did you get so mad? Usually, you would try to teach a bad child to act better,” Foll turned to Nephy and asked her that question due to the immense feeling of pity that was welling up within her.

“That’s... Master Zagan suffered through a harsh childhood, just like I did, but unlike me, he’s working hard to move past it. That’s why I took it as a personal insult, since that would make me even worse...”

“I see. That’s what set you off, huh?” Zagan said, ruffling his hair as he came to an understanding. Unlike what she claimed, her reaction seemed to give away the fact that she was angry about someone she loved being insulted in front of her.

Perhaps Nephy’s memories have taken on a new meaning... Her change in expression and displays of emotion were things he believed she carried back from the hidden elven village. Initially, he assumed it had only happened because she had been turned into a child, but maybe visiting her old home triggered a change instead...

“Hear me, Nephy. The truly strong are not affected by such trivial heckling. Do not lower yourself to her level,” Zagan ordered.

“Master Zagan...” Nephy mumbled as she crouched before Zagan, then replied in a dignified voice, “People are constantly wounded by thoughtless words. Not feeling anything when faced with them is a sign that your heart has frozen over. That’s why it’s best to get angry when you’re insulted.”

Zagan couldn’t believe he had forgotten something that simple. And so, he shot a glare over at Lilith, since he blamed her for Nephy scolding him.

“I see... You really are the one at fault here!”

“What’s with this brat!?” Lilith roared out those words as tears ran down her cheeks, leaving Foll and Selphy dumbfounded.

“That’s so petty, Zagan...”

“This is, like, the first time I’ve seen Mister Zagan be such a big, fat jerk...”

Well, it’s true that I wouldn’t normally make such a lame excuse in front of Nephy... Zagan thought as he groaned in the face of their reproachful stares. However, luckily, Nephy had a pleasant smile on her face, which cheered him right up.

“Master Zagan is cute when he’s childish,” Nephy claimed. His reaction seemed to satisfy her. And upon seeing her rare happy expression, he felt himself go weak in the knees. However, Foll seemed to have her own thoughts on the matter.

“This Zagan is different from when he’s an adult? Isn’t the only difference between a child and adult their power?” Foll, whose body only grew bigger, asked, as she was seemingly unable to understand the differences between adults and children. Feeling sorry for her, Zagan stretched his hand out to Foll’s head.

“...Zagan, what are you doing?”

He was stretching out his hand to pat his daughter’s head, but he couldn’t get anywhere close to it in his current form.

“I can’t reach. Lower your head.”

“Like this?” Foll asked as she lowered down with reservation, which finally let Zagan brush her head.

“Hear me, Foll. People accumulate intelligence as they grow up. And I believe intelligence is not just knowledge, but the ability to understand.”

“The ability to understand...?”

“That’s right. Listen, Foll, you may have attained the body of an adult, but you’ve yet to accumulate such intelligence. You’ll never learn the true difference between an adult and a child unless you look past the surface level.”

“That’s hard to understand,” Foll claimed as she folded her arms and puzzled over the idea for a while.

“I may look young now, but I’m still your parent. I’ll be strict with you when I have to.”

“Are you saying Lilith is still a child?” Foll asked as she shifted her gaze over to Lilith.

“...It’s good to see that you at least understand that much.”

“Hey, you lot! Don’t think you’ll get off lightly after making a fool of the next head of the succubi! I’ll put in a formal complaint to the church!” Lilith roared as she turned bright red due to Zagan and Foll’s comments. However, upon hearing the word church, everyone aside from her cocked their heads to the side.

“What does the church have to do with anything?”

“What? I mean, you people... don’t seem to be from the church... Huh? Wait, who are you?” Lilith inquired. It seemed she had misread them entirely up to that point.

“Huh? Lilith, didn’t you, like, come to greet us?”

“I didn’t. This is your home, so there’s no need for me to guide you, right? I came here to—” Lilith cut herself off as she felt someone approaching them.

“Hello there. Is this the location of the Continental Interracial Elders Conference?”

It was none other than Archangel Chastille Lillqvist.

◇

Why is Chastille here? Zagan’s body stiffened upon hearing that familiar voice. And upon looking behind her, he noticed that Nephteros and Kuroka were accompanying her. There were several other Angelic Knights as well, but perhaps out of good fortune, the three idiots weren’t among them.

As he wondered why she was there, Zagan recalled Raphael’s words from earlier. “The representative for the humans is selected from the church, after all.”

He did mention that Chastille would be their most likely choice, but Zagan hadn’t really been expecting to see her. And so, he hid behind Nephy in a fluster.

“Nephy? Wait, why are you here?” Chastille asked as her eyes widened in surprise.

“Chastille? Um, well, that’s rather hard to answer...” Nephy trailed off as she tried to think up an excuse. Zagan had wanted his situation to be kept secret, but she wasn’t very good at lying, so she just looked troubled as she spoke with her head cocked to the side.

“Hm...? Hold on... Uh, I don’t think it’s possible, but is the one over there... Foll?” Chastille asked, clearly confused as she looked over to Foll.

“Yeah. It’s me. You got it despite not being a sorcerer. How admirable, Horse Head,” Foll replied.

“What happened? Also, is it just you two? I don’t see Zagan anywhere... Does he know you two are here?” Chastille inquired as she began to massage her brow as if she was getting a headache.

“That’s, um...”

Crap. Chastille’s in her work mode... She was usually a huge crybaby, and a total wreck, but that all changed when she was on duty. That made her extremely reliable as an ally, but that wasn’t what Zagan needed at the moment.

“What are you saying, Lady Chastille? Isn’t he standing right there?” Kuroka said as she pointed straight at Zagan, her triangular ears twitching curiously.

“Huh?”

Right. She distinguishes people by their scent and presence, doesn’t she? Zagan may have shrunk, but nothing else about him had really changed. And so, it seemed Kuroka’s perception of Zagan hadn’t been altered either.

“Wait a minute... What’s going on?” Nephteros asked, seemingly bewildered.

“H-Hold on... Who is that kid? Why does he look so much like Zagan? Don’t tell me...!” Chastille’s eyes shot open as if she’d just realized the truth before she continued, “Is he Nephy and Zagan’s illegitimate child!?”

I see she’s back to her usual self now... It seemed that despite being in work mode, the shock of it all had made her revert to her normal state. Sensing that continuing to keep quiet would only cause further problems, Zagan reluctantly stepped forward.

“You reacted the exact same way when you first saw Foll.”

“Huh!? If you know that, then... No way, are you really Zagan?”

“If you want to laugh, then go right ahead. I ended up like this after failing some sorcery.”

“...I won’t laugh. How did a sorcerer of your level end up like this?” Chastille asked that question, hoping to hear a response, but...

“HAHAHAHAHAHA! You serious? You’re really Zagan!?”

Damn it. How’d I forget? If Chastille is here, then so’s that idiot... Zagan facepalmed as a gloomy man suddenly crept out of the shadow at Chastille’s feet. It was Barbatos.

“HAHAHAHAHAHA! I can’t believe it! This dumb kid is Zagan? Guess it’s time to get some payback. I’ll finish you off and become an ArchdAMPH!”

Zagan’s fist sank right into Barbatos’ cheek before he finished speaking. He instantly broke through his molars, then drove him down to the stone floor of the sea. Eventually, the bedrock caved in, and Barbatos’ face vanished into it.

Chastille put her hand to her head, looking almost embarrassed, while Kuroka seemed to be deeply moved, since she was clapping her hands. Foll and Nephteros, on the other hand, didn’t seem to care at all, while Nephy formed a strained smile as if it was a common sight. The clear outliers were Selphy and Lilith, who were trembling as they hugged each other.

“Hm... I meant to kill him with that, but it seems this form is limiting me,” Zagan claimed as he looked down at the hand he used to strike Barbatos. The number of circuits he could construct at once hadn’t been reduced, but it seemed there was now a limit to how much he could increase his strength. He was unable to bring out even twenty percent of his full power.

This is a huge problem... He had to fix it before they got into any trouble. By that point, Kuroka also seemed to have noticed something was amiss, so she stepped forward while knitting her brows.

“Um... Mister, are you... crouching?” Kuroka asked, likely judging Zagan’s height based on where his voice was coming from. However, it seemed she hadn’t discerned that he turned into a child yet.

Well, the cat’s already out of the bag, so I shouldn’t leave her out... Zagan took Kuroka’s hand and placed it against his own face. He had heard before that the blind could grasp the shape of people’s faces by touching them.

“U-Um... No, wait, huh?” Kuroka’s eyes shot open in astonishment as she began trembling.

“Do you get it now? This is my current form,” Zagan stated.

“Oh... I see...” Kuroka replied. It seemed she may have hated touching people’s faces, since her hand was still shaking.

“Oops, my bad,” Zagan said as he released her hand. And once he did, she shrank back extremely fast.

“Kuroka, what’s wrong?” Nephteros asked as she shifted over to her companion.

“Oh, it’s just... my hands... are dirty... so touching someone’s face is a little...” Kuroka trailed off, but it was obvious that she was feeling rather embarrassed. It seemed Nephteros and Kuroka had grown quite close while living at the church, which pleased Zagan immensely.

“Huh... Kuroka? Just now... you said Kuroka, right?” Lilith asked as she gulped audibly.

“Hm? They don’t look dirty to me. Did you touch something filthy recently?” Nephteros knit her brows and asked that question without paying Lilith any mind at all.

“Um, uh, yes! I don’t really know what it was, but it felt squishy!”

“Seriously...? Hey, siren, are you a local? Is there some place she can wash her hands?”

However, before Selphy could answer, Lilith raised her desperate voice.

“Hey! Are you... Kuroka? The one from house Adelhide!?”

“Huh...? Yes. That’s me,” Kuroka nodded despite her confusion.

“It’s me! The succubus Lilithiera! You played with me and Selphy a lot, right!?” Lilith exclaimed as tears began to well up in her eyes.

“You’re... Lilith?” Kuroka muttered as her eyes widened in surprise. And upon hearing that, Lilith threw her arms around Kuroka.

“WAAAAAAAAAH! I was so worried! You could have at least let us know you were still alive, you big dummy!”

“Sorry. Um... a lot of things happened.”

They know each other... Kuroka was a therianthrope from Liucaon, Lilith was royalty there, and Selphy was a resident of the ocean that tied it to the continent. It wasn’t all that strange that they were connected in some way. Plus, they were all close in age, so it made sense that they were childhood friends.

“Wow! What a coincidence! Kuroka, can you, like, tell who I am?” Selphy asked as she joined in on their hug.

“You’re the same as ever, I see. I remember you,” Kuroka replied. She was being jostled around by the unruly pair, but looked considerably happy regardless.

“So, like, how are Aunty and Uncle doing?” Selphy asked. Unfortunately, it seemed she had not managed to read the air.

“I see. Now that I think of it, you ran away from home before it happened...” Lilith muttered as her face stiffened.

“Huh? What do you mean?” Selphy asked as she cocked her head to the side. However, it seemed a little cruel to make Kuroka explain it herself, so Zagan stepped forward.

“Kuroka’s people have perished. She’s currently being sheltered by the church. Right, Chastille?”

It was about time for Chastille to recover from her shock. And as he shifted the focus over to her, Chastille returned an firm nod.

“Yeah. Pastor Kuroka is doing splendid work at the church, and is currently serving as my advisor. She’s been a big help.”

“Then, is that also why your eyes...?” Selphy’s sense of endless optimism seemed to fade as she asked that question.

“Yes. Like I said... a lot has happened...” Kuroka replied with a troubled smile, which made Selphy droop her shoulders and hang her head.

“I didn’t know at all... Sorry...”

“You’ve got no reason to apologize. Besides, someone saved me, so I’ve got no regrets,” Kuroka claimed as she looked toward Zagan.

“I don’t know what you mean. Honestly, you should be thanking Raphael. It had nothing to do with me,” Zagan replied as he shrugged his shoulders.

“I see... Even you get embarrassed, huh, Mister?”

Kuroka said before slapping Lilith on the back and asking, “Come on, aren’t you here because of your duties?”
“...I-I-I know that.”

Having finally remembered why she was there, Lilith turned bright red and took her distance. And even though her eyes were still red and swollen, the succubus lifted the hems of her frilly skirt and curtsied before them.

“I apologize for my late introduction. My name is Lilithiera Fauna Hypnoel. I’ve been sent to guide the representatives from the church. Would it be correct to assume that you are the envoys?”

It seemed Lilith had been sent to serve as the guide for Chastille’s group. Her declaration made the entire church group stand to attention.

“Archangel Chastille Lillqvist. It seems that Pastor Kuroka requires no introduction, but this is my personal friend, Nephteros. And the others are my subordinates. We’ll be in your care.”

“...And who’s that?” Lilith asked as she pointed at Barbatos, who was still buried headfirst in the ground.

“An ally... probably?” Chastille replied hesitantly. She probably still disliked the idea of calling such a heinous sorcerer a friend, which was only natural, but...

Did something happen? Zagan felt something other than simple disgust in Chastille’s words. And while he stood around, trying to piece things together, Chastille walked over to Lilith.

“He’ll join us eventually, so just leave him be for now.”

“Is that so...? Well, whatever. The ocean capital is protected by the sirens’ Holy Treasure, so an ordinary sorcerer is no real threat.”

Selphy had mentioned it before, but it seemed there really was a Holy Treasure here. And it was a weapon on par with the Sacred Swords.

“Speaking of Holy Treasures, is it similar to the one enshrined in Liucaon? I’m interested in it as a wielder of a Sacred Sword.”

“That’s just a replica, so I doubt it has much power. As for the original...” Lilith glanced over to Kuroka. And perhaps noticing her gaze, Kuroka returned a nod.

“Liucaon’s Holy Treasure is known as the Moonless Sky. It consists of a pair of opposing swords.”

“Huh, a pair of swords? You can’t mean...” Chastille’s face stiffened as her words trailed off.

“Yes. My people were the ones who enshrined the Moonless Sky,” Kuroka stated as she drew her blades. That really surprised Zagan and Nephteros.

Is that why those shortswords reacted to celestial mysticism? If that were the case, the Holy Treasures were likely related to the Sacred Swords and the elves.

“Selphy’s house Neptuna, Kuroka’s house Adelhide, and my house Hypnoel are the three great royal families who’ve inherited the Holy Treasures of Liucaon,” Lilith stated as she proudly puffed out her chest.

In other words, there are only three Holy Treasures... Kuroka’s shortswords were as strong as a Sacred Sword. The idea that a small island nation like Liucaon had three such artifacts in their possession was quite terrifying. Still, that meant there was a possibility that one of them could cure him.

“Now then, dear guests. We don’t know if the last invitees are even coming, so you’re probably the last ones,” Lilith said as she pointed toward the temple.

“My apologies for being late... Wait, who’s missing?”

“The new Archdemon. He never sent a reply, so he probably won’t be coming.”

“Huh? By Archdemon, you mean...” Chastille looked over to Zagan, but he held his finger to his lips to urge her to stay silent.

I don’t give a damn about this conference. I’m just here to find a way to regain my true form... He really didn’t have time to speak to strangers.

“You’re tagging along, aren’t you, Kuroka? Do you have time to talk?”

“Yes. Let’s catch up, Lilith.”

Selphy said nothing as she watched her two childhood friends walk away. And after a short while, Zagan roughly slapped her back.

“That hurt, Mister Zagan...”

“Like I care. Listen, you’re too noisy, so you make us stand out. Get lost.”

“By that, you mean, I should... like, go with Lilith and the others?” Selphy asked as she stared back at Zagan in surprise.

“...I don’t care where you go. Do whatever you want.”

“Thanks. I’ll, like, totally never forget this debt, or what you did for Kuroka!” Selphy pat Zagan’s head with sparkles in her eyes as she said that.

“Whatever. Just get going already, you damn nuisance.”

After Zagan cruelly thrust her away, Selphy waved her arm about in the air so vigorously that it felt like it would tear off at any moment before running after her friends.

◇

“Why must they always exaggerate,” Zagan said as he let out a snort.

“I don’t believe that’s the case,” Nephy refuted before continuing, “Even if you claim it was no big deal, you saved all those girls. That’s why I believe you should honestly accept their gratitude.”

“Hm...”

For whatever reason, Nephy seemed a lot more strict when Zagan was in this form. Or wait, was kind a more fitting word? Either way, her reactions were quite different from usual, which troubled Zagan.

Gratitude huh? He didn’t really care about receiving gratitude, but he knew he was very bad at expressing it. Honestly, he had barely ever done it.

This is bad... Zagan thought as he cleared out his throat with a cough.

“Then, Nephy...” Zagan stretched out his hand, but he couldn’t reach Nephy’s head in his current form. However, he managed to touch Nephy’s bangs when he stood on his toes. And as he did, Nephy sensed what he was trying to do and lightly lowered her head.

“Is this fine?”

“Y-Yes,” Zagan said as he began awkwardly brushing Nephy’s head.

“Nephy, thanks for getting angry on my behalf earlier. Still, there’s no need to force yourself. I prefer... the usual you.”

Was Zagan able to properly convey his feelings? It wasn’t hard to tell, since the tips of Nephy’s ears turned bright red.

“That’s not fair, Master Zagan. Saying such things at a time like this is...” Nephy trailed off, then placed her own hand atop Zagan’s hand. She didn’t say anything more, but she didn’t let his hand go, either. They simply remained like that for a while before Foll interrupted them.

“Zagan, Nephteros is coming back.”

“What!?” Zagan and Nephy exclaimed as they separated from each other in a fluster. Perhaps due to good fortune, visibility was poor, so Nephteros didn’t seem to really suspect anything as she walked up to Zagan’s group. There was a young Angelic Knight following her, but his face didn’t look familiar.

“Please wait, Lady Nephteros. It’s dangerous for you to walk about on your own.”

“Shouldn’t you be escorting Chastille? There’s no need to follow me.”

“You are also someone I’ve sworn to protect. I shall remain by your side.”

It seemed that he was there to keep an eye on Nephteros, or guard her, or whatever.

His strength... is somewhere near the top, huh? He was at least an equal match for the three idiots. However, he was nowhere close to Chastille or Kuroka.

“What’s wrong? Shouldn’t you be with Chastille?”

“Um, Kuroka and the others are there, so they should be fine. More importantly...” Nephteros trailed off and averted her gaze. The tips of her pointy ears then quivered as she gathered her resolve and said, “You’re troubled by this turn of events, right? I’ll lend you a hand.”

Even her dark skin turned bright red as she said that.

I see... She’s probably been practicing those lines this entire time, huh? Zagan was charmed by that and squinted his eyes. If his sister-in-law was trying this hard, there was no point turning her down. And so, he decided to accept her offer.

“Sure. Thanks. I’m not even sure what I need right now, but I’ll be relying on you.”

“Th-That’s a little hard to handle. You shouldn’t pressure me like that!” Nephteros turned her face away in a huff, though Zagan didn’t overlook the faint smile that rose to her face.

“You’re so cute, Nephteros!” Foll exclaimed.

“Huh...? Wait, you’re... Foll, right? Does you becoming bigger have something to do with this?”

“Yeah. But before that... welcome back, Nephteros,” Foll said as she hugged her tightly.

Foll was really worried about Nephteros...

“...I’m back,” Nephteros replied in an earnest tone. And after that, her gaze naturally shifted to Nephy.

“...”

A heavy silence fell over them.

This is bad... In truth, this was their first real meeting since the incident atop Bifrons’ ship. They did meet at the hidden elven village, but Nephteros wasn’t exactly in a calm state of mind back then, so they only exchanged a few short, polite words. And by the time night came, Nephy had been turned into a child.

Plus, although Zagan had mentioned who was sheltering her, he had never informed Nephy that he had accepted her as a sister-in-law, which was tied directly to her growth. That was why he continued to nervously watch over the two elves. And, as he worried about what to do, one of them spoke up.

“It has been quite a while, Miss Nephteros. I’ve heard that you are currently staying with Chastille. Do you find it to be inconvenient in any way?”

“...Not really. That girl is irritatingly attentive, and the people of the church are also very kind.”

“That’s a relief. Still, please let me know if you’re ever troubled by anything. I’ll do whatever I can to help.”

Nephy’s trying to probe their distance... Zagan was completely astonished by that fact. If she acted overly familiar, Nephteros would reject. But having said that, if she acted too reserved and treated her coldly, the distance between them would only increase. Despite the fine line, Nephy was somehow managing to walk that tightrope.

“Do you not... resent me at all?” Nephteros asked as she hung her head.

“Huh? Why would I?” Nephy asked as she stood there with a confused look on her face.

“Why? I mean, I deserve your scorn, don’t I? Um, I attacked you, and pretended to be you... There’s... a lot I’ve done...”

I see. Nephteros must feel extremely guilty... I hadn’t expected that. It made sense that she regretted her actions, but Zagan had just assumed she would try to justify her actions instead of accepting all the blame.

It seems Chastille really did save this girl... Zagan honestly admired her change in character.

“There’s no way I can just stay angry forever,” Nephy replied with a somewhat bitter smile on her face. And those words seemed to set Nephteros off, as her expression shifted to one of indignation.

“What’s with that? Quit trying to act like the bigger person!”

“No, that’s not what I’m doing...” Nephy muttered. And, in an usual turn, she folded her arms together and began thinking before eventually replying, “You didn’t do anything like crush a little songbird that’s been my friend for years before my very eyes, or ignore me for a full sixteen years despite living in the same house, or say, ‘You shouldn’t even be allowed to live,’ right? Well, that means you haven’t done enough to make me truly hate you.”

Nephy formed a bitter smile again after saying all that.

“Personally, those are the kind of memories I consider painful. I hated the things you did, Miss Nephteros, but they weren’t bad enough to make me hold a grudge...”

“Haven’t you... had a much harder life than me?” Nephteros inquired as she began to find it difficult to speak.

“I wonder? In my opinion, painful memories differ between people. For example, Master Zagan has gone through much more painful ordeals than I have, but he treats them like they’re no big deal.”

“No, really, my case wasn’t all that serious. It’s just stuff like my first memory being that of a rat-infested sewer I called home, or the times I got beaten to the verge of death for trying to steal food or money. Honestly, I had it pretty good,” Zagan answered, panicking as the conversation turned to him. There was the young man who shared his bread with him, the young girl who read him a picture book, and so many other people he loosely considered friends, which meant he had not truly suffered.

In his mind, true suffering was loneliness. Loneliness was an unbearable pain to those who once knew the warmth of others, but also a poisonous worm that ate away at human emotions if they didn’t. Or well, that was how it affected Zagan, at any rate. No matter what he did, he couldn’t find any meaning in life, and he felt absolutely nothing. However, he disliked the idea of dying miserably more than anything else, so he simply continued to accumulate power.

“You guys had it hard...” Foll said with a light groan.

“This is the first time I’ve realized my own powerlessness since joining the Angelic Knights...” Richard, the young Angelic Knight who had remained silent so far, started to tear up. And perhaps because his grief was infectious, Nephteros also let out a depressing sigh.

“...It would be foolish to even try to compete,” Nephteros mumbled as she brushed back her hair and continued, “I will continue to call you Nephelia. I know I’ve been told you’re my elder sister, but it’s hard to accept that right away.”

“Yes. I do not min— Huh? Elder sister...?” Nephy’s pointy ears stiffened as she lost her train of thought. Then, she aimed her bewildered gaze at Zagan.

“Oh... Um, well, that’s just how it is. Nephteros is actually your little sister, so... I’ve decided to accept her as my sister-in-law.”

“Huh? You didn’t tell her?” Nephteros seemed to doubt her ears, which made Zagan avert his gaze.

I can’t tell her I forgot because my mind got so caught up on planning our date... Naturally, there was also the fact that he couldn’t mention Nephteros’ upbringing, but still, he could have at least mentioned it indirectly.

“P-Please wait a moment. There were no other white-haired elves in that village. And if there were, they would have suffered much like I did, so a little sister would be...” Nephy remarked in a bewildered tone.

“O-Oh. That’s also something I meant to tell you. You see, Nephteros wasn’t born in that village, and neither were you. You were just entrusted to them because your mother was worried about you being targeted if you remained among other high elves.”

Nephy stumbled around upon hearing that stunning revelation.

“Nephelia!” Nephteros cried as she moved to support her. Unfortunately, Zagan’s childish arms were far too short to reach her.

Why won’t my body listen to me! Zagan bit down on his lip in frustration at his powerlessness.

“...Come on. Keep it together. This should be no sweat. You just said nothing I did even fazed you, remember?” Nephteros spoke in a blunt tone. Her words sounded almost scornful, but Zagan could tell that was just her way of encouraging people. Nephy surely understood that as well, since before long, she stood up on her own two feet.

“My apologies. I was just... a little surprised,” Nephy claimed before gripping Nephteros’ hand and saying, “I was... never truly alone. This feeling is probably... happiness... I think?”

“I-I see,” Nephteros replied as her ears quivered.

“Then, Miss Nephteros, do you know anything about our mother?”

“Um, I’ve only met her once, so not really... Still, she’s alive.”

“Is that so...” Nephy’s tone made it clear that she felt both relieved and hurt at the same time.

“Are you happy? Or do you resent her?”

“I wonder...? This is all too sudden, so I’m not quite sure how I feel...”

“...Well, that’s understandable.”

Even Nephteros was still in the middle of putting her feelings in order, so Nephy’s confusion made total sense.

“Anyway, stop calling me Miss Nephteros. I’ve been using just your first name this whole time.”

“You have, haven’t you? Understood... Nephteros.”

This indescribably awkward moment was when the two of them finally recognized each other as sisters.

◇

Zagan went over their predicament again once Nephteros joined up with them.

“So you’re here to find something other than sorcery that can fix your issue?”

“I’m ashamed to admit it, but yes.”

“Even Archdemon Orias threw in the towel, so there’s really nothing for you to be ashamed of,” Nephteros commented, then folded her arms and said, “I understand the situation, but in that case, wouldn’t it be better to actually attend the conference? Surely the elders would be your best bet.”

“Why would I go there when they’re debating the fate of strangers? I don’t care about any of that, and if I go to ask them for help, they’ll attach troublesome conditions.”

“Yeah, you definitely don’t care at all...” Nephteros said as she rolled her eyes.

“What are you trying to say?” Zagan asked.

“Well, it’s a little hard to believe that when you helped Kuroka and I after speaking to us only once or twice,” Nephteros replied. And in response, Zagan simply cocked his head to the side as he mulled over his actions.

“It’s certainly true that if Master Zagan met them, he would try to shoulder all their burdens himself. We should wait for the conference to end before doing anything,” Nephy said with an air of delight in her voice.

Even Nephy’s saying that? Hearing his bride reiterate Nephteros’ point made Zagan squat down and cover his face. He was shocked that he had failed at playing the part of an arrogant Archdemon.

“In that case, can’t we just go kidnap someone?” Barbatos inquired.

“That’s a viable option, but this is their domain. As I am now, that would be a dangerous choice, so it should be our last resort,” Zagan responded. They possessed treasures that were on par with Sacred Swords and had power that was neither sorcery nor mysticism, which made them a very real threat.

“Wait, really? Tch... You’re right. My shadows won’t open properly.”

Everyone present cocked their heads upon hearing that. And, after turning around, they finally noticed that Barbatos had recovered and joined in on their conversation.

“When the hell did you wake up?”

“Huh? Somewhere around ‘I prefer the usual you,’ I think?”

“Wait, Zagan. The handyman’s pretty handy. It’d be a waste to kill him now,” Foll said as she quickly scooped Zagan up and stopped him before he finished Barbatos off. Then, she turned to Barbatos and stated, “Hey, watch your words. Zagan isn’t feeling too tolerant right now.”

“Oh please. Do you know how many times he’s almost killed me?” Barbatos casually replied. In a certain sense, it was impressive that he never thought of changing his attitude despite all that. However, Nephteros curiously tilted her head to the side, confused by the turn of events.

“Why are you so angry? Because he listened in on your conversation? But what’s so bad about that? Both of you seemed to be having a lot of fun when you were brushing Nephelia’s head...” Nephteros inquired. And that, in turn, made Zagan and Nephy cover their faces and collapse on the spot.

“Lady Nephteros, it would be better if you did not talk of such things in front of the people in question,” Richard, the young Angelic Knight, spoke up to correct her.

“Huh? Why? Is it immoral?”

“Um, no, not exactly, but, um...” Richard stumbled over his words. He didn’t seem like a bad person, but his common sense was clearly ineffective when faced with dragons, elves, and sorcerers. And sensing that, Foll decided to step in.

“Zagan and Nephy are shy. They’re embarrassed that other people saw all that, so you can’t point it out.”

“Hm... I see. I’ll keep it in mind.”

Unfortunately, having their daughter thoroughly explain the situation only served to cause both of them more mental trauma.

“Are you interested in the things they’re doing?” Foll asked.

“A little. I kind of want to know what it’s like,” Nephteros responded with those words and an honest nod as she gazed at Zagan and Nephy.

Cut it out! At that point, Zagan wanted to just curl up into a ball and die.

“You’re trying to speak more like an adult now, aren’t you?” Nephteros asked as she cast a searching gaze over at Foll.

“Mhm. I’m the big sister now, so I have to!” Foll exclaimed. Zagan found the way his daughter thrust out her chest in pride extremely childish. However, Nephteros didn’t seem to question it at all. Instead, she merely cupped her hands in front of her body in a pensive manner.

“You mean the mind grows alongside the body? That doesn’t really seem to be the case with me, though...”

“Nope. That’s wrong. Zagan said that adults think things through from different perspectives, which probably means we’re supposed to see things from other points of view. Zagan obviously can’t do that anymore, since he just did that with Nephy out of the blue, so I need to step up in his place.”

“Urgh...” Zagan groaned as his consciousness faded because of her relentless barrage. He knew she had no ill will, but it was still a tough pill to swallow.

“I see. It really does seem like I have a lot left to learn,” Nephteros muttered helplessly.

“A-Anyway! If what Selphy said is true, there should be people living here. Let’s start by asking around,” Zagan said as he used sorcery to improve his vision and spotted several structures near the temple. That was likely where the sirens lived.

“Zagan. We stand out a lot. We’ll look suspicious,” Foll pointed out.

“There’s no need to worry. The conference is a perfect excuse. There should be plenty of outsiders here, so it won’t look strange if we’re wandering around,” Zagan stated as he shook his head with an air of composure.

“This whole thinking from other perspectives thing is... really hard,” Foll claimed as her shoulders drooped in disappointment.

“No, it’s important to think of potential risk as well. You made a good point.”

“Really?” Foll asked as her cheeks flushed despite his rather blunt words.

“Yes, really,” Zagan answered. And after that, he said, “Well then, it’s decided. Let’s explore this place. Are you fine with that, Nephteros?”

Nephteros was Zagan’s sister-in-law, not his subordinate, so he had no right to order her around.

“Got it, Zag...”

“What?”

“Now that I think of it, what should I call you?” Nephteros wondered, clearly confused. To her, Zagan was a sorcerer of a higher rank, a former enemy, a current guardian, and a brother-in-law. She was likely confused by all that conflicting information.

“Call me whatever you want. But as I said before, spare me any formalities.”

“Then... Big Bro.”

When she said that, everyone present was shocked to their core. They stared at her in wonder, trying to desperately unravel her thought process.

“...What?”

“No, um... Well, whatever. I suppose that’s fine.”

What is this? I’m getting the exact same strange feeling I do when Foll calls me daddy... At any rate, it definitely wasn’t unpleasant, so Zagan simply nodded back at her despite how embarrassed he felt.

◇

“So... why are you tagging along, Barbatos?” Zagan inquired. He followed them as they set off for the siren town, so their party currently consisted of Zagan, Nephy, Foll, Nephteros, her escort Richard, and Barbatos.

I need to return to my original body before my date with Nephy... Zagan didn’t believe that Barbatos would be of any use, so he wanted him gone. And he felt especially strongly about it, since this could’ve been a family trip of sorts if not for his intrusion.

“That cat lady’s over there, so it’ll be fine. Actually, I can’t even get close to Chastille when she’s around, so I’ve got no choice but to kill time over with you,” Barbatos stated as he let out a laugh and brushed back his unkempt hair.

“Hm...? Well, whatever.”

Barbatos was speaking in an irritated tone, but Zagan couldn’t really tell if he just hated Kuroka, or if he was mad he couldn’t be by Chastille’s side.

No, wait... Can’t it be both? Zagan began to think something had changed about Barbatos. And based on their interaction earlier, Chastille didn’t seem wholly dissatisfied with him, so what could it all mean? He was rather curious, but he knew he had to put his own romance first.

As they closed in on a road that was still some distance from the temple, the party came across an area covered in something that appeared to be green snow.

It looked to be a bronzed green color. And, of course, it wasn’t really snow, but actually fragments of green moss-like debris that was scattered about in the area. Upon stepping into it they left a footprint behind and scattered the debris into the air. It truly resembled snow more than anything else.

Since sirens simply swam around, the clumps of debris always remained as they were. And so, though there was no debris near the buildings, there was plenty of it at their feet.

This is... sand? No, it’s the remains of living beings... Zagan thought as he tried scooping some up in his hand. There was no smell of rot, but the irregular fragments looked more like fragmented bones than grains of sand. And, at the same time, he could see that they weren’t in fact green, but white. Zagan looked up overhead, and though it was faint, some sunlight streamed coming down. It seemed the color of light that could reach them was limited, so at that depth, they largely only had green light, which was what tricked them into thinking the debris was green.

The houses around them were likely originally constructed using processed stones, but now they were covered in debris, barnacles, and seaweed, and the individual stones could no longer be distinguished. A faint light came out from the openings in the hundreds of dome-shaped buildings that were spread out before him. It was a fantastical sight that made one think countless glowing fish were floating about.

“Hm... It’s unexpectedly beautiful, isn’t it?” Zagan mumbled to himself.

“Yes. I think so as well,” Nephy added as she nodded along, seemingly in a good mood.

If taking a walk through a special place is considered a date, then this may be one... Though, there were several others around them, which kind of ruined the mood. Still, Zagan was honestly happy as long as it pleased Nephy. And, as they gazed at that scenery, he suddenly heard Barbatos’ voice.

“Hey, Zagan.”

His voice wasn’t resonating in the air. Instead, it felt more like it was ringing inside his head. And so, Zagan squinted his eyes for a moment, but immediately realized its nature and replied.

“Telepathic communication? When exactly did you learn this, Barbatos?”

It was sorcery that allowed people to communicate with another via thought. However, it wasn’t as simple as it sounded. Though imperfect, it meant meddling with the thoughts of another person. If the gap in power was too large, or if the sorcerer didn’t specialize in the field, it wouldn’t even activate. And as a result, Zagan was unable to use it himself.

However, Barbatos failed at both those conditions, yet somehow succeeded in communicating telepathically with Zagan. Such a feat would have been impossible a mere half a year ago, so it seemed he was building up strength in his own way.

The fact that he’s going out of his way to use it means he doesn’t want the others overhearing us, right? Zagan realized his intent and awaited his reply quietly.

“Who cares. Listen, there’s something I want to check. It’s about Bifrons,” Barbatos relayed that message in an irritated voice. In a surprising turn, it appeared Barbatos was using telepathy out of consideration for Nephteros. Bifrons was no longer able to appear before Nephteros because Zagan cast sorcery on that Archdemon to force them into a covenant. Considering the fact that Bifrons was also an Archdemon, it may have been possible for them to eventually break it, but there were no signs of that occurring thus far.

“What about Bifrons?”

“...Were you serious about what you said in the end?”

Zagan knit his brows. He didn’t remember saying anything all that strange at the time, but it seemed Barbatos thought differently.

“I’m talking about how Bifrons fell in love with Nephteros. Is a monster like that capable of human emotions?”

The only one who witnessed the conclusion to Zagan’s confrontation with Bifrons was Barbatos. And his doubts regarding that matter weren’t entirely unfounded. If Bifrons didn’t love Nephteros, then the punishment Zagan bestowed upon the Archdemon wouldn’t have been a punishment at all. And yet, Zagan started to reply instantly, as if it weren’t all that big a deal.

“Those words were a simple poison. When people have something pointed out to them, they start seeing it more.”

“Huh? Then, that was all a bluff? You a fucking idiot or something?” Barbatos exclaimed as he began to chastise Zagan in an angry tone before getting cut off.

“Nope. Bifrons is in love with Nephteros. However, if they weren’t aware of that fact, it wouldn’t have been much of a punishment. That’s what I mean by my words being a poison.”

“I don’t really think that’s the case, though...” Barbatos insisted that it was completely worthless, which irritated Zagan.

“I granted Nephteros sorcery that could kill Bifrons. Having said that, it was something I threw together on the spot, so that Archdemon could have easily dismantled it.”

It used a simplified Heaven’s Scale to send Bifrons’ head flying, but it wasn’t enough to kill them. Still, it wasn’t like Bifrons didn’t experience the pain.

“And yet, Bifrons remained quiet and simply took it. I’m guessing that seeing Nephteros delighted over accomplishing something she thought impossible made Bifrons happy, so they allowed it.”

“And that’s why you think Bifrons is in love? Isn’t that a stretch?”

“You may be right. However, the reason I’m so confident is because after Nephteros found out about the truth, Bifrons never tried to kill her directly.”

“Yeah, killing someone you’re in love with would be pretty messed up...” Barbatos mumbled. The fact that he truly believed that showed that he may have actually been a good person at heart.

“Bifrons could have ended Nephteros’ life at any moment, yet they never even tried. Or rather, Bifrons couldn’t. I’d guess that Bifrons was trying to get Nephteros to return after cornering her. But unfortunately, she ended up running away all the way into my domain.”

It wasn’t clear whether Bifrons was aware of any of their own conduct back then, but even that Archdemon should have understood that it wasn’t worth making an enemy out of Zagan.

“Are there any idiots out there who would pick a fight with someone they couldn’t defeat in their own domain? Bifrons dared to challenge me in my domain after losing on the boat, which meant they had no other choice.”

That was because Bifrons knew he would try to save Nephteros. And if that happened, Bifrons would never get her back. That was why they could only desperately struggle to eke out a victory.

“Bifrons had no time, no hands to play, no chance at victory, and paid no attention to their own appearance while attempting to reclaim her. No one would ever do all that for a mere tool. I’m certain that was only possible because deep down, Bifrons felt she was the most important thing in their life.”

That was why Zagan was convinced Bifrons was in love with Nephteros. And, since Bifrons wasn’t even aware of that, he used poisonous words to harm the Archdemon.

“A crazy asshole can fall in love with someone...” Barbatos seemed to almost sound scared of believing him.

“It’s not all that strange, is it? The longer you live alone, the lonelier you feel. Bifrons was always alone, so after experiencing the comfort of someone’s company for the first time, it was only natural that they fell in love.”

And yet, despite being fully aware of that fact, Zagan stole Nephteros. An Archdemon’s retribution was truly cruel.

“...” Barbatos didn’t say anything more, but oddly enough, Zagan couldn’t sense any sort of denial from him. And just like that, he closed the telepathic link between them. When Zagan glanced over to Barbatos, who was right behind him, he saw him scratching his head in a conflicted manner.

That reaction... Is he really...? Zagan faintly believed it to be the case already, but it seemed Barbatos was now aware of it as well.

“Is something wrong, Master Zagan?” Nephy asked as she noticed the mix of sympathy and bewilderment on Zagan’s face.

Zagan lowered his voice and whispered in reply.

“Oh... Um, last time, he asked me for some advice with his love life, so I was just thinking of how to reply,” Zagan lowered his voice and whispered in reply.

“My... Lord Barbatos really is the serious type in that regard,” Nephy muttered even as the tips of her ears turning slightly red.

Seems everyone knows your secret already, Barbatos...

Just this once, Zagan cheered on his undesirable friend.

◇

Though they were walking around in the middle of town, perhaps because of Barbatos’ appearance, they were unable to find a single person.

It doesn’t seem like away... Speaking of rustling clothes seemed strange underwater, but Zagan could hear people stirring about and breathing from within the houses. However, they all seemed to be on guard and were only watching from a distance. It may have been that sirens were a very cautious race. Zagan stood around, clearly troubled over how to ask for help when he suddenly heard a suspicious voice.

“Heeheeheehee... How surprising. This is truly surprising. To think the day would come where I would meet you once more.”

Behind me? Zagan turned around to confront the intruder.

“Hello, Silver-Eyed King.”

However, the one standing before him was a small girl. She looked to be about the same age as Zagan’s current form, if not a little older. At most, she was twelve or thirteen. She was likely the daughter of one of the participants at the conference, since she had two feet, which meant she wasn’t a siren. Additionally, her golden hair was tied up on both sides, and her eyes were like a golden moon. She also wore a black dress that was covered in frills, and she carried an eccentric looking stuffed toy in her thin arms.

Her hair and her clothes gave off an impression that reminded him of Lilith. However, the stuffed toy in her arms was the most eye-catching thing about her. It looked almost... undead. There were thick threads intentionally hanging off it, revealing the areas where it had been patched up. In a way, it was unique, though creepy felt like the more appropriate term. In any case, Zagan didn’t recognize the girl at all.

“What do you want?” Zagan asked. It would have been fine to ignore her, but he stopped because she was the first person he’d managed to meet in the area.

Silver-Eyed King... I think Lilith mentioned that name just earlier... Zagan’s eyes were also supposedly silver, though probably closer to blue or gray. Either way, it wasn’t proof of him belonging to some special species. Sure, it was rare, but it didn’t have any value the way elves or dragons did. In any case, this girl may have been someone who possessed power, which meant there was the possibility that she could assist in dispelling Zagan’s curse.

“Heeheehee, just like this child, your eyes are like lovely shells,” the young girl claimed as she stretched her hand out toward Zagan in a longing manner. Upon closer inspection, it became clear that the stuffed toy’s eyes were made of shells that were shaped like big buttons.

“What are you talking about? I don’t know you.”

Feeling somewhat creeped out, Zagan took a step back. However, the young girl paid no mind to that at all, and drew in even closer.

“Even so, I know you... How nostalgic. How very, very nostalgic. Why, it’s so nostalgic that I feel like indulging myself and sucking you up right here.”

That was when Zagan realized the young girl who was forming an unbecoming suspicious smile had two fangs sticking out of her mouth.

“You’re... part of the Night Clan?”

Vampires, No Life Kings, Nosferatu. They were inhuman existences who had all sorts of detestable names. They were once human, but due to some unknown reason, they became detached from the circle of life and death. They were the most abominable beings in the world. And, at the same time, they were the very personification of the aspiration of all sorcerers, immortality. That was why sorcerers referred to them with respect as the Night Clan.

However, because they were even more heretical than sorcerers, the church thoroughly oppressed them. And since there weren’t all that many of them to begin with, they practically vanished from the continent entirely. It seemed they had also escaped to Liucaon to survive... though it wasn’t clear if that term was one fitting for those who knew naught of the concepts of life and death.

She isn’t actually as young as she looks, huh?

“Oh, so you’ve finally remembered me, Silver-Eyed King,” the girl of the Night Clan’s bright red lips twisted into a smile as she said that.

“...No, I’m telling you that you have the wrong person. My name is—”

“I’m fully aware of that. You are he who inherited Marchosias’ sigil, the new Archdemon, Lord Zagan,” the girl said that, then readjusted the position of the stuffed toy in her arm and lifted up the hem of her skirt with her other hand to curtsy.

Is she just being a buffoon despite knowing all that? Zagan raised his guard as he mulled over such thoughts.

“In that case, why are you calling me Silver-Eyed King or whatev—!?” Zagan started questioning her, but the girl vanished from in front of his eyes.

She’s gone? Zagan hadn’t been careless, and yet, he lost sight of her entirely. That was a terrifying thought.

“Master Zagan!” Nephy screamed. And the moment he heard her voice, he felt a cold and wet sensation along his neck.

“But even so, the taste of your blood, your smell, and the color of your eyes are all the same...” the girl claimed. She had circled around directly behind Zagan instantaneously. And then, she began licking his neck with her bright red tongue.

Is she planning to suck my blood!? There were anecdotes that the Night Clan needed to suck the blood of others to maintain their existence. Zagan tried to shake her off, but her fingers were tightly clasped onto his shoulder, preventing any form of escape.

“Zagan doesn’t like it. Stop!” Foll exclaimed as she grabbed the girl’s head. Unfortunately, that just made the vampire gaze at Foll with her moon-like eyes.

“Oh my, I thought you were just a child with a large body, but it seems you’re a proper babysitter. Good girl, good girl.”

“...I feel like you’re dangerous, so don’t touch Zagan again,” Foll ordered as she put more strength into her arm and tried to crush the girl’s head. However, the girl’s body crumbled away before she could.

“Heeheehee, how scary. I see. Even a young dragon is a threat. I’m starting to fear for my life,” the girl stated as her body broke down into a countless number of bats, then reconstructed itself in the air.

“Then, you should just die,” Foll said as she stood in front of the newly released Zagan. And then, she swung her arm and wove countless magic circles in its path. Upon seeing those magic circles, Zagan suddenly turned pale.

Hold on... What’s with this number of circuits!? Zagan, who possessed the ability to devour sorcery, could see through the number of circuits woven into sorcery in an instant. Each magic circle Foll wove together had nearly ten thousand circuits within them, which was ridiculous. Heaven’s Phosphor, which Zagan was reluctant to teach to Foll, had a little less than ten thousand circuits, but here she was putting together tens of thousands of circuits in an instant.

In her current form, Foll could easily manipulate the Dragon Form and the Five Fold Grand Flower.

Before long, the magic circles piled up into three locations. They looked just like the frame of an enormous cannon. And in truth, that was exactly what they were.

“Vanish.” Foll muttered. And as she did, the three piles of magic circles let loose three distinct vivid lights. One let loose a severe heat ray that boiled the water and even burned the steam into nothing. One was a Borealis that froze over even the burned atmosphere itself and smashed it to bits. And the last was a hammer of lightning that could change the shape of a mountain.

Each one was a bundle of destruction that far surpassed what Foll’s breath could normally manage, yet all three of them were being used along a precise single line that didn’t even let a single small electrical discharge escape. They advanced, then eventually swallowed the vampire, but...

“Heeheeheehee, how violent. Dragons should show more restraint,” the girl stated as she floated about casually.

She didn’t dodge it... Did she block... No, that’s impossible, which means... Zagan let his thoughts run wild before arriving at the answer.

“I see. Members of the Night Clan are both here and not here at the same time.”

It was much like how the moon would not break because someone threw a pebble at its reflection in a lake. Zagan’s group was only witnessing a mirage, so there was no purpose in destroying it.

An Archdemon from a certain age referred to them as calamities with a will. Even if someone managed to destroy their bodies, they would not die, for they possessed no concept of death. Additionally, if one stabbed a stake through their heart and burned them to less than ash, they would only cease existing in the world for but a mere moment. Given time, they would appear again.

Preparing for a calamity could help minimize damages, but it could never actually prevent it, and the same could be said of the Night Clan.

“Oh my. Your silver eyes see through everything, but I can’t really admire someone who’s revealing a lady’s secret,” the girl confirmed what he said without showing any signs of hiding it, but Foll didn’t seem to understand the meaning of her words.

“What a weird power... I don’t know what it is, but is this enough to kill you?” Foll inquired. She appeared to be getting worked up by the vampire’s provocative behavior. And so, she opened her mouth and took in a huge breath.

“Stop that, Foll! If you unleash your breath now, you’ll blow away the town!”

“...” Foll remained silent. However, she surely noticed that fact herself.

Foll can’t control her power right now... She had suddenly acquired the body and power of an adult. At first, she faltered at the simple task of just walking around, so there was no way she could control her mana like that. The triplex sorcery she used just now was splendidly accurate, but that was because she didn’t even bring out half of her power. If she were to go all out, especially using her dragon’s breath, it was plain as day what would happen.

And so, Foll reluctantly withdrew the breath that she was preparing to unleash. It seemed the girl from the Night Clan foresaw that Zagan would stop her, as she didn’t show any signs at all of being perturbed.

“Could you not get so angry? All I did was come here to give you a small warning, since you’ve traveled so far to get here.”

“Does that mean you’re a participant of the elder’s conference?” Zagan asked, probing for the meaning behind her words.

“It is fine for you to believe so.”

“Huh? She’s part of the Night Clan, right? Why would someone who doesn’t even have to worry about surviving care about the extinction of other races?” Barbatos chimed in, sounding rather confused.

“...Oh my, that vulgar, perishable, sack of meat can speak?” the young girl replied as she stared at him with a vexed look in her eyes.

“You picking a fight!?” Barbatos roared in anger.

“Stop it, Barbatos. You were in the wrong there,” Zagan said as he let out a sigh. Members of the Night Clan still had feelings, after all. Even Zagan could tell that Barbatos’ little remark would touch a nerve.

“So? I’m certain you didn’t approach me to anger Foll, so what’s your business here?” Zagan inquired with a tired look in his eyes.

“Hm, I wonder... I am one who is disconnected from the cycle of life and death. A simple onlooker. I can do naught to those who possess life,” the girl claimed as she laughed evasively, then muttered, “...Even a thousand years ago, all I did was watch.”

“A thousand years ago...?”

What exactly did those words imply?

Raphael’s been dreaming of something from back then as well... What happened during that time period?

“Oh, that’s right. A warning. I came to give you a warning. I apologize. This has been so nostalgic and fun that I unintentionally forgot about it.”

“A warning?”

“Yes. If you wish to be rewarded, you should first listen to the demands of others.”

And, as if that were a signal, he heard the sound of loud footsteps drawing closer.

“Hang on! What’s with this uproar!?” Lilith ran straight up to them and started demanding answers. It seemed that she came to check on the town after hearing that trouble was brewing.

Well, they could probably see Foll’s sorcery from the temple... And that was when Zagan finally realized the truth. The vampire girl had caused this uproar to draw Lilith here. She just had to provoke them and make one of Zagan’s companions go wild to draw her attention. And, if that still weren’t enough, she just needed to talk in a roundabout manner to buy time. It was a brilliant plan, which had already worked before Zagan even realized her intentions.

“Hey, the rich brat over there. What’s going on here?” Lilith asked as she faced Zagan.

“...You know who that is, don’t you?” Zagan asked as he pointed to the girl who was floating above them.

“Huh? What are y— Eeek! Lady Alshiera! Why are you here!?” Lilith shrieked, going completely stiff as she turned toward the vampire.

Her strong-willed face was dyed with terror, and the girl named Alshiera simply laughed as if she found her response strange.

“Oh my, if it isn’t my cute little fawn. I see that you’ve come all the way out here just to meet me. Should I be giving you a reward?”

“Th-Th-Th-Th-Th-Th-That would be unthinkable! I c-c-can’t receive a reward from such an awe-inspiring ally!” Lilith responded in a meek manner as she was trembling so vigorously that it was pitiful.

Guess she’s also involved with this woman... Well, she was a monster who went unscathed after being attacked by Foll. Lilith wasn’t even a sorcerer, so it was no wonder that the poor succubus didn’t dare to oppose her. And, since her personality was so easy to understand, it was clear that Lilith was a victim who was dragged here on the vampire’s whim.

“Hey, does this girl really know that much?” Zagan asked as he clicked his tongue and stood in front of Lilith.

“Heehee, I’m so happy that you catch on quick. My cute little fawn here is quite clever. This child possesses the answer to your question, and if she can’t answer you, then you won’t find your answer here,” the vampire stated that with a laugh, as if enjoying the beginning of a fun play. And Zagan, in turn, looked back at her with a plainly displeased expression.

You want me to ask this annoying girl...? He hated the idea, but oddly enough, he didn’t feel like the vampire was lying... Well, having said that, it also didn’t sound like she was telling the truth, either.

“Well, fine. I’ll believe you, but there’s one thing I don’t get. What the hell do you have to gain from this?”

“Hey, calm down! You can’t talk to her like that! You’ll experience something worse than death if you don’t stop!” Lilith exclaimed. And after Zagan pushed back Lilith, who tugged at his clothes with a pale face, the vampire let out another playful laugh.

“Isn’t it human nature to want to make something fun even more amusing?”

Zagan was astonished and dumbfounded by the fact that a being who was undead could talk about human nature.

“Well then, I shall bid you adieu, my beloved Silver-Eyed King, and... Azazel.”

“What!?” Lilith exclaimed, clearly confused by her choice of words.

“Azazel...” Zagan muttered. Why did she mention that name? He wanted to know more, but unfortunately, the girl turned into a colony of bats and flew off.

She had just mentioned the name of the Thirteenth Sacred Sword Zagan was looking into. Though, he’d also discovered that it was the name of the dark side of the church. And yet, the vampire just used it like the name of a person even though the only member of Azazel in the area was Kuroka, who wasn’t even present. Nothing made any sense.

“...Tch, the hell was she?” Zagan asked as he clicked his tongue in irritation.

“That’s no good! If you get involved with that person... with Lady Alshiera, you’ll get some unreasonable demand forced on you, and if you don’t carry it out to the letter, you’ll go through hell...”

It seemed she was Lilith’s boss... or rather, someone of higher status than her. Though, based on her reaction, it was clearly not something that could be summed up that simply.

But... Lilithiera... Alshiera... On top of their names being similar, even their clothing and hairstyles matched. Zagan didn’t believe a haughty girl like Lilith would copy the looks of someone she detested, so...

“Isn’t she one of your allies?”

“Give me a break! That person just enjoys watching us squirm... Oh, I don’t think she hates us or anything, though...”

What’s with this? I’m being reminded of Gremory and Manuela here... Lilith’s reaction was similar to that of the girls those two teased into submission. That was why Zagan could tell that Lilith was someone unfortunate that Alshiera was interested in. And in that case...

“Was she referring to you when she said Azazel?”

“Huh? She wasn’t... I think. That person always speak in riddles, so it’s better not to worry about. I mean, she even called you the Silver-Eyed King... Wait...” Lilith suddenly trailed off and peered in at Zagan’s face.

“Hold on... Are your eyes maybe... silver?”

Zagan was wondering how she hadn’t noticed already, but then he realized they were at the bottom of the ocean. Colors were all muddled to non-sorcerers down here, so it wouldn’t have been odd if she didn’t notice.

“You have a problem with that?” Zagan asked as he brushed Lilith aside with a grimace. Thinking back, he realized that during his childhood, when he performed highway robbery, his fellow waifs kept their distance from him because they found his eyes creepy. And so, he didn’t like it when others focused on that aspect of him.

“You’re kidding... Why would Lady Alshiera call this kid by that name...? Hey, wait. Zagan... was it? Why are you even here?” Lilith started questioning his motives as she shrank back in shock.

Zagan knew she would refuse to answer his questions if he didn’t respond, so he let out a sigh of resignation and relented.

“You should at least remember the names of the guests you’ve invited. I’m Archdemon Zagan, Marchosias’ successor.”

Upon hearing that, Lilith froze on the spot for a short while, then turned completely pale and collapsed with a thud.

◇

“So after that, you ended up coming here?”

Unable to just leave Lilith as she was after she collapsed, Zagan’s group ended up reluctantly heading over to the temple where the elder’s conference was being held, then proceeded to what appeared to be a waiting room within the temple. Unlike the outside, the room was fully furnished, and more importantly, it was filled with air instead of water. There wasn’t anything like a bed, but the space was large enough to fit a few dozen people and even had sofas from the surface. There were several bright lamps set up around the room, which meant there wasn’t a blue shade cast over everything for once. This was likely done out of consideration for all the other races. Even if they could breathe, those who lived on the surface would feel more at ease when in a place filled with air.

Zagan’s group of six, as well as Chastille’s group of Angelic Knights, sat around. Further in the corner were Kuroka, Selphy, and Lilith, who was still quite pale in the face. And, when Chastille spoke, seemingly out of pity for the poor girl, Zagan replied with a sour look.

“...It seems nothing is going my way anymore. Is this form to blame?” Zagan inquired.

“Well, if it is, isn’t this a good opportunity to get some help from Nephy and the others? Normally, you’re too strong, so they never get the chance to assist you,” Chastille replied. Upon getting scolded by Chastille of all people, Zagan grimaced.

“That’s none of your business. The idea that I’ll grow by being saved is silly, and something only the helpless would ever believe,” Zagan reflexively responded in a strong tone, which made Chastille look down with a sad gaze. Zagan was aware that he was irritatingly venting his anger, but he believed it was that vampire Alshiera’s fault for messing with him earlier.

My mind might be getting influenced by my body’s transformation... That was what had happened in Nephy’s case, anyway. Back when Zagan was ten years old, he hated everything in the world, and he made that clear to any observers.

“Lord Archdemon. Lady Chastille was only saying that out of consideration. That is one of her virtues. Please choose your words more wisely,” Richard cut into the conversation, unable to let Zagan’s words fly. He surely had no ill intent either. However, his words still grated Zagan’s nerves. And, as Zagan tried to open his mouth to speak, he was suddenly embraced from behind.

“It’s alright. Master Zagan is simply bad at expressing himself. I assure you, he isn’t making light of Chastille,” Nephy stated. It seemed she was the one who had embraced him. And even while hugging Zagan lovingly, she continued, “But, if we are to choose our words more wisely, then you should as well. Please don’t speak of ‘virtues,’ Sir Angelic Knight. One person’s virtues... can be another’s curse. For example, if someone decided to act and hurt a ‘cursed child’ because ‘there’s a child here who’s been afflicted by her poison...’”

There were those who acted innocent, hurt others, then tried to save them to appear ‘virtuous.’ Such people let their delusions run wild to the point where they tried to impose their wills on others and oppress them. And the most dreadful part was that they truly believed they were doing a good thing. They didn’t doubt that for a second. That was why Zagan hated selfish and irresponsible people who prattled on about their virtues or being virtuous.

“I’ve experienced such things in the past, and I believe Master Zagan has suffered even more, so please don’t speak of virtues in a relaxed manner,” Nephy stated flatly. She had been oppressed in the hidden elven village for sixteen years. She saw such repulsive things there that she had lost her emotions. That was exactly why she could understand Zagan’s pain. And, perhaps because she got through to him, Richard bit down on his lips and bowed his head.

“I was out of line. Please forgive me.”

“...Sorry, I made you say something unpleasant,” Zagan said as he looked over to Nephy with a pained expression on his face.

“Don’t be. I assure you, you’re as wonderful in this form as ever, Master Zagan.”

“Well, it’s certainly true that there are people I can rely on here,” Zagan muttered as he scratched his cheek. It seemed he could no longer remain offended by the idea of accepting help.

“Please don’t forget that I’m also someone who’s more than willing to assist you,” Chastille proclaimed as she smiled at him in relief.

“Well, I think that goes for most people here...” Nephteros added on. Zagan simply shrugged his shoulders when he heard his sister-in-law’s words. And as he did, Lilith finally recovered and stood up.

“Lilith, are you alright?” Kuroka called out to her in a worried voice.

“I’m fine. There’s no way a Hypnoel would go into shock over something like this!” Lilith replied. Her knees were still trembling with a clatter, but the succubus puffed out her chest even as her face spasmed. Then, she looked over to Zagan and asked, “So, are you really an Archdemon?”

“I may look small right now, but that is what they call me.”

Lilith grimaced as if she wasn’t fully convinced, but nobody else was denying it, so she couldn’t do anything but accept reality. And eventually giving up, she kneeled on the spot.

“Then, newly crowned and esteemed Archdemon, allow me to ask you this as the succubus Lilithiera who represents the elders. Why did you not meet the elders despite being here?”

“There’s no need to be so polite. I’ve never bothered with courtesy, so I don’t expect it from anyone else,” Zagan said. Some of those present were making a ‘Huh, really?’ face, but that didn’t really matter.

“Then... I’ll take you up on that offer, but I still want an answer. Are you the same as Lord Marchosias? Or not?” Lilith looked somewhat troubled by his words, but she still stood back up as she asked that question.

Marchosias...? Zagan raised his brow when he heard that. His name didn’t seem to come up because Zagan had inherited his sigil. Did that Archdemon do something in these lands?

“The answer to that is clear. I’m different from Marchosias. To be honest, I’ve never even met him, so I know nothing of what he did to you.”

Zagan had inherited his Sigil of the Archdemon from Marchosias, but he certainly didn’t want anyone to blame him for his actions.

“It looks like you’re misunderstanding something here. Lord Marchosias was a great person. He was the one who sheltered us races who were on the path to extinction,” Lilith explained as she stared at him with a blank look on her face.

“Sheltered...? An Archdemon helped? Are you sure you’re talking about an Archdemon, the most heinous of sorcerers?” Zagan asked. That was a valid question. Most races were on the verge of extinction because of sorcerers, so the worse of the lot helping them was unheard of.

Why was Marchosias’ name following him around when Zagan was running about trying to find a way to dispel his curse? Nothing in his legacy had to do with dispelling curses...

“Are you different? I haven’t heard the full details yet, but didn’t you save Kuroka and Selphy?” Lilith inquired as she cocked her head to the side. It seemed she was informed of some details by her friends.

Ugh, why did they mention that... Zagan averted his gaze from Lilith out of embarrassment.

“I was just concerned about Kuroka because she’s a relative of one of my subordinates, and Selphy just happened to meet Nephy. Do I look like some softhearted fool who would save total strangers?” Zagan said haughtily, but Selphy sprang to her feet in an instant and raised her hand.

“Objection! Mister Zagan saved me when it looked like I was about to get eaten by a monster! On top of that, he got, like, really hurt and didn’t even say a thing!”

“I also have an objection. He saved me from slavers before even knowing I was related to Lord Raphael. There was nothing in it for him at the time.”

Both Selphy and Kuroka objected, and eventually, even Chastille and Nephteros joined the bandwagon.

“Then, I’ll also object. Leaving an Angelic Knight of the church like me alive should have been nothing but a hindrance, yet Zagan has saved me several times over.”

“Me too... Um, where do I even start? I can’t even list it all...”

I’m begging you guys to keep quiet! Zagan wanted to yell at them all, but his voice had been killed by the shame. And, as he covered his face, Foll couldn’t help it anymore and spoke in his stead.

“Zagan is shy. Don’t say anymore,” Foll interjected to make that statement. His daughter’s response was needlessly painful, and it only managed to make Lilith laugh.

“Well, it certainly does look like you’re different from Lord Marchosias. This is the first time I’ve seen someone who’s the exact opposite of Selphy.”

“You’re, like, totally right. It’s like I’m looking at you, Lilith.”

“Erk...” Lilith groaned. Her thoughtless comment was mercilessly thrown right back at her, which made Lilith pin down her flat chest as she writhed in agony. Sensing nothing would progress at this rate, Zagan mustered his willpower and lifted his face, at which point he noticed something.

Lilith is... trembling? Lilith’s fists, which were down at her sides, were trembling slightly. She was likely terrified now that she knew Zagan was an Archdemon. Looks be damned, there was no way she wasn’t scared. And yet, she still wished to speak. That fact filled Zagan with interest.

“...Hmm. You’re free to think whatever you like, but what is it you want of me?” Zagan inquired.

“It’s about our pact with Lord Marchosias... I’d like you to succeed it,” Lilith answered after she got her breathing in order.

“Hmm... I don’t really get it. Marchosias wasn’t an Archdemon who indulged in meaningless slaughter, but I’m certain he wasn’t a philanthropist either, so why did he end up protecting races like yours?”

It seemed like the answer to his question would be rather long, so Zagan snapped his fingers and used sorcery to pull in one of the chairs around them. Lilith was the only one who was standing. She stared at the chair unexpectedly for a moment, but plunked down into the seat.

“Let’s see... It’s a rather long explanation. Is that alright?”

“I don’t mind,” Zagan firmly stated. And as if on cue, Lilith straightened herself out, then began speaking.

“First I think I should talk about the Silver-Eyed King. According to legends, about a thousand years ago, the world was on the verge of destruction due to a battle with a Grotesque God. And the one who saved us from that was the Silver-Eyed King. He used a tremendous amount of mana and ancient arms to slay the Grotesque God.”

After saying that, Lilith suddenly pulled out something that looked like a small shield.

No... is that a mirror? It snugly fit in both her hands, and though it was made of metal, it was polished to such a fine degree that it reflected one’s face perfectly. Mirrors were often used as tools in sorcery as well. Nowadays, it was common to use a film of tin or mercury on a glass sheet, but in the past they used polished metals or gems. Compared to glass, these were far more sturdy, and even now they remained useful.

“The Holy Treasures passed down in my house of Hypnoel, Kuroka’s house of Adelhide, and Selphy’s house of Neptunia, were the arms wielded by the Silver-Eyed King. It is said that our three great lines are his direct descendants.”

“Hmm. Well, it’s quite common for legacies to be passed down through one’s bloodline...” Zagan mumbled. And on that topic, it was also natural for one’s family to split into branches over a thousand year span.

Based on how spread out their races are, the Silver-Eyed King took in members of multiple races, huh? If it was something that involved their ancestors, then they couldn’t just laugh off Alshiera’s profound words.

“Lord Marchosias was a sworn friend of the Silver-Eyed King who fought by his side. That was why he protected Liucaon, the country of his descendants. It is said that we succubi and sirens have only managed to survive because we have the protection of an Archdemon,” Lilith explained as she traced her finger along the surface of the mirror. Her focus seemed to be on Kuroka, who was sitting behind her. When Kuroka’s people were attacked, Marchosias was still alive. In all likelihood, the sorcerers who attacked them received retribution. They were surely long dead, but nevertheless, the attack itself couldn’t be prevented. It may have been that Marchosias was growing weak at the time.

Sworn friend... was that also the time Wise Dragon Orobas and Marchosias became sworn friends? Zagan thought as he shifted his gaze over to Foll. That was likely why they stood side by side in battle half a year ago. However, the problem was what exactly it was they fought against.

“As for records from a thousand years ago, there are few documents left even on the continent. In that case, some sort of incident that surpassed the differences between sorcerers, the church, and our races likely occurred,” Zagan muttered to himself in an attempt to put his thoughts in order.

For example... the invasion of the Demon Lord... It felt like several threads were finally coming together.

“I don’t know how it was passed down on the continent, but it’s said that it was a tremendous battle that destroyed many countries and races. The Silver-Eyed King took the races who dwindled in that fight to Liucaon, and protected them with his Holy Treasures,” Lilith expanded on her earlier words, then looked over to Selphy and said, “The continent has yet to tread into Liucaon because the sirens use their Holy Treasure to manipulate the ocean currents.”

“Huh? Our Holy Treasure’s, like, something that amazing?” Selphy, who was supposedly a princess, seemed surprised. It was almost like that was the first time she’d ever heard that fact.

“I see... Then isn’t there no need for an Archdemon’s protection?” Zagan commented with a nod.

“We are not so arrogant as to believe we can protect our country and all its people with just three Holy Treasures. If that was possible, Kuroka’s people would not have perished...” Lilith replied, then looked straight into Zagan’s eyes and stated, “We require a stronger power to ensure our survival. It’s been said that you passed judgment on two other Archdemons, so we’re willing to do anything to ensure your protection.”

I see... They’ve decided this after analyzing the whole situation... Zagan’s eyes widened when he came to that conclusion. It seemed he was thought of as a special existence even among the Archdemons thanks to his battles with Bifrons and Orias, so there weren’t any sorcerers out there who would risk incurring his wrath. And that was exactly why Lilith made that request of him in such a straightforward manner.

She also knows of loneliness... He felt like he understood why she was willing to go so far despite her fear. One of her two childhood friends fled their home and her whereabouts were unknown, and the other was believed to be dead. What sort of turbulent emotions could she have been feeling this whole time? Honestly, even Zagan couldn’t begin to guess. And so, he decided he had to confirm something.

“Well, I understand what you’re saying. By the way, under whose order were you assigned this role for negotiations?”

“Um, I wasn’t... ordered by anyone... To be honest... the elders were supposed to ask you directly...” Lilith jumped with a start, and mumbled those words in response.

“In other words, you decided to speak sharply to me, an Archdemon, of your own accord?”

“I-I mean... you’re saying you won’t meet with the elders, and if I let you go here, we might never meet again, so...” Lilith’s voice trailed off weakly as she started to feel like she did something she shouldn’t have. And yet, Zagan replied with a smile.

“Very well. I like that. I’ll take on your damn request.”

“R-Really!?” Lilith exclaimed, her expression brightening up in an instant.

“However, I will not succeeded Marchosias’ pledge. You’ve piqued my interest, so I’ll be taking you along under my wing. I don’t intend to protect total strangers.”

“Th-That’s no good! The others will be in danger if you don’t agree to help!”

“What are you saying? I said I would take on your damn request. I’ll lend you my name, so I won’t complain no matter who you decide to protect with it.”

“Uhhh...?” Lilith muttered. She couldn’t follow his words, so Kuroka cut in to clear her bewilderment.

“In the end, it’s all the same. If you and the others protect Liucaon, it’ll be just like he is.”

And finally coming to an understanding, Lilith let out a sigh of relief.

“I thank you for your consideration, Archdemon... but why do you have to say it in such a roundabout way?”

“Well, Mister Zagan’s, like, all shy and stuff, just like you!”

This dumb fish... Should I just roast her for dinner? Zagan glared at Selphy spitefully, but the siren simply smiled and waved back at him like she didn’t understand anything at all. Lilith was also glaring at Selphy in irritation, but she immediately calmed down and faced Zagan once more.

“Then, what would you have us give you to bind this pledge?”

Zagan was finally getting a chance to talk about what he came here for, so calmed down and nodded. Then, he glanced over at Nephy, who also nodded as if to cheer him on.

To think I’d be relieved by such a simple act...

“Me and my daughter are currently under the effects of a troublesome curse. I want the power and knowledge of Liucaon to dispel it,” Zagan explained as he pointed over to Foll. That was the only reason he traveled to Atlastia. And upon hearing that request, Lilith’s face stiffened up completely.

“Why do you think we can dispel a curse that an Archdemon can’t?”

“You have those Holy Treasures or whatever, right? And even if it’s only but a fragment, haven’t you all inherited the powers of that Silver-Eyed King?”

“...Got it. I’ll get the cooperation of the elders and we’ll try everything in our power, but... don’t expect too much from us, okay?” Lilith said after she hung her head down in thought for a while. And, leaving them with that, she ran off in a hurry.

Well, with this, I’ve finally accomplished my first goal... Zagan though as he sank back into the sofa. It would have been great if Lilith brought back some sort of clue with her.

“You did great today, Master Zagan,” Nephy called out to him in a voice laden with admiration.

“Well, I’m sure everyone’s worn out from it.”

“Perhaps, but you’ve worked extremely hard. Good job.”

Realizing that he was getting used to being treated like a child, Zagan became flustered on the inside. He then noticed that Foll had become quiet. His daughter was a person of few words, but the last conversation was focused on her, so she should’ve chimed in. However, she was simply staring up at the ceiling in a daze.

“Is something wrong, Foll?”

“...It’s nothing.”

Based on her reaction, Zagan had doubts, but he didn’t prod because he was worried about annoying her. And so, he lost the opportunity to do so. Perhaps it was because he was in the body of the child. Or perhaps he was just worn out like Nephy implied. Either way, after relaxing, Zagan was overwhelmed by a sense of drowsiness, and fell asleep before he even knew it.

◇

“Is Zagan asleep?”

The sirens had bedrooms prepared for their conference guests, so after Zagan fell asleep, Nephy laid him down in a bed. And, when she exited the room, she found Foll waiting for her.

“Yes. He was likely tired from the long trip. I must say, his sleeping face was so adorable...”

“...Nephy, you look happy.”

“Th-That’s not true!” Nephy shook her head in a fluster when her daughter teased her. Then, she admitted, “No, I may actually be happy.”

“Nephy?” Foll tilted her head to the side, clearly confused.

“With Master Zagan as he is now, there’s much we can do for him. He’s finally relying on me, and you as well, Foll...” Nephy stated with a strained smile before saying, “...No. That’s no good. Even though Master Zagan is troubled by this transformation, I’m saying I’m happy about his troubles.”

“No... I get it...” Foll said as she crouched down in front of the door quietly and hugged her knees.

“Zagan told me he wanted me to stay a child. I feel like I get that just a bit now. If Zagan were an adult, he wouldn’t get all angry or act spoiled like that.”

The person in question had no intention of acting spoiled, but at times like when Nephy and Foll were overbearingly feeding him food, he told them what he wanted next. That was in part because Nephy and the others were pushing childish behavior onto him, but they were happy that he accepted that and acted to fit the part.

“Zagan and Nephy... You guys didn’t have a time like that, but you can’t turn back the clock. Right now, Zagan only looks like a child,” Foll said in a sad voice, then let out a sigh and continued, “That’s why he gave me what I wanted, since he knew I’d learn a lesson.”

“In truth, you already knew that and didn’t like it, right?” Nephy asked as she sat down next to her daughter.

“Yeah...” Foll replied as she buried her face into her knees. Then, she added, “Still, I was happy too. Really happy.”

“It’s alright. People have to go through things like this to become proper adults,” Nephy explained as she began brushing her daughter’s head. That was also the case for Nephy. Thinking about her past experiences and the lessons she’d learned because of them was painful, so she lived without feeling anything at all. However, upon meeting Zagan, she experienced more things that put her life into a greater perspective, acquired a daughter in Foll, and had many residents come to the castle. And yet, despite all that, she still felt herself lacking in the life experience department.

In the end, Nephy didn’t believe herself to truly be an adult, but still, she felt like she was on the path to becoming one because of the many lessons she’d learned.

“Even though I’ve grown bigger, I’m still a child...” Foll muttered in a somewhat unconvinced tone.

“Yes. And I am one as well.”

“You are?” Foll asked as she stared back at Nephy in wonder.

“Yes. For the longest time, all I did was cower without trying to learn a thing... But now, I can’t remain a child...” Nephy explained. In the past, she let the elves in her village who oppressed her get slaughtered, and for some reason, she was the only one who survived.

It may have been better to save them... However, if she did that, her life would have remained the same, and she would never have met Zagan. That was why she never once thought of wanting to undo her decision. Even if she were faced with that instant once more, she would simply allow them to be slaughtered again. It may have been possible to save them, but the village wouldn’t have remained if she did. And without the village, they would have eventually been discovered by humans, which would have resulted in the exact same outcome.

Nephy had decided to live while carrying that burden of the past. Without running away, she accepted it, carried it, properly faced forward, and marched on. That was the answer she arrived at after looking at her destroyed village. And, as a result, she couldn’t just remain a child any longer. That was all there was to it.

“Then, was Zagan also forced to become an adult?” Foll cocked her head to the side as she asked that question.

“Yes. I’m sure that’s the case... However, Master Zagan’s situation was even more pressing...”

What Nephy and Zagan had in common was that they both had nobody who would save them. They were both utterly alone. Of course, there were those who loved loneliness. For example, people who desired solitude when exhausted by the crowds. However, that was different from what Nephy and Zagan experienced. What they felt was a pain called ‘loneliness.’ And when faced with it, Nephy decided to shut her heart entirely, while Zagan chose to grow strong. If he hadn’t made that decision, he would have died. But unfortunately, he grew strong enough to fend off any and all distress without any effort, like a sword strong enough to cut straight through its own scabbard. Nephy believed this to be a truly saddening strength, which was why she wanted to become his scabbard. She wanted to become strong to help keep Zagan’s strength in check so he could live a more normal life.

In that sense, I can truly understand Foll’s feelings...

“I wonder... which I am... right now...” Foll muttered as she pinned down her own chest.

“Foll...” Nephy tried to call out to her when footsteps suddenly began approaching them from the hallway. She turned toward them and said, “Miss Lilith?”

It was the succubus. And, as Nephy called her name, she jumped up with a start.

Now that I think of it, I ended up threatening her earlier... The girl did seem rather arrogant, but that didn’t excuse the fact that she treated her rather poorly.

“Oh, um, you’re... Zagan’s... lover? And daughter... right?” Lilith spoke to them as she began backing off timidly. Nephy became bashful upon being called his lover, and as she unintentionally covered her face, Lilith continued, “U-Um, I made the appeal... t-to have the curse investigated... The elders promised t-to pour their h-hearts into cooperating, s-so I think a response should c-come... soon...”

“Th-Thank you very much. Um, shorr... sorry about earlier.”

“Are you pretending to be babies?”

Foll called them out despondently as she took in their constant stuttering.
“Um, I’ll apologize if I’m wrong, but you’re the daughter... right?” Lilith asked as she looked at Foll with a clear sense of confusion in her eyes.

“Mm. Zagan’s my daddy.”

“Y-You don’t mean that in some indecent way, do you?”

“How could it be indecent?”

“You can use the word ‘daddy’ in an indecent manner?”

Foll stared back at Lilith blankly, and even Nephy didn’t understand what she was saying either, so she cocked her head to the side.

“I-I-I-I-I-It’s nothing!” Lilith exclaimed as she sealed her mouth in a fluster.

“If you say so... We talked about the curse earlier, correct? Foll was originally about the same age as Master Zagan appears now,” Nephy answered that question that Lilith didn’t even ask.

“Well, I heard that, but you’re not human, are you? If you’re his daughter despite being of a different race, does that mean you’re adopted?”

“Yeah... I was left all alone after Father died, so Zagan became my daddy,” Foll explained that with a nod in response to Lilith’s puzzlement.

“You must be quite the rare species if an Archdemon has adopted you...”

“Yeah, I’m a dragon.”

“Huh...?” Lilith froze up for a few moments, then continued, “Huh, a dragon? The ones who think of all living beings as prey and stand at the summit of all predators? The terrors of the sky who even send demons running? Those monsters on par with gods who can easily slaughter anything and everything? You mean that dragon?”

That description was ridiculous. Just what were dragons in this girl’s mind? Foll then stood up and raised both her hands.

“Rawr, I’ll eat youuu!” Foll roared as she stood up and raised both her hands.

“EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK!” Lilith screamed, trembled violently, and tumbled down behind Nephy in response. And, after watching that reaction, Nephy looked over to Foll in wonder.

“Come now, Foll. Don’t you feel sorry for teasing her?”

“I didn’t think she would be so scared...” Foll mumbled. Lilith was still shuddering intensely behind Nephy.

“It’s okay. Right now, I’m not hungry. I won’t eat anyone.”

“Th-There’s something wrong with the way you put that!” Lilith screamed yet again, but she didn’t seriously think that Foll was her enemy, so she peaked out nervously from behind Nephy’s back.

“What kind of legends about dragons are passed down in Liucaon?” Nephy inquired.

“Let’s see... For us, it’s mainly the battle between Wise Dragon Orobas and Black Dragon Marbas. It was one of the stories written about in the Silver-Eyed King’s adventures, but the greatness and the terror of dragons were passed along with that legend,” Lilith explained as she raised her guard.

“I want to hear that one!” Foll demanded as she bent over in excitement upon hearing her father’s name. At that, Lilith puffed out her chest with pride and pulled a small lyre out of nowhere.

“I-I suppose I have no other choice! Consider this an honor! My song is usually reserved for royalty!” Lilith proclaimed. Her attitude made it unclear whether she was doing this unwillingly or out of pure joy.

“Some time after the Silver-Eyed King defeated the Grotesque God, Black Dragon Marbas trampled over the lands of Liucaon. And so, our Silver-Eyed King set out to subjugate the beast. During his journey, he fluttered over ten mountains and strode over a hundred rivers, chasing the Black Dragon for a thousand miles. Eventually, he caught up, but by then his journey had lasted over a year.”

Lilith’s song wasn’t so much a song as a tale accompanied by the melody of her lyre. It was a form of art that was starting to fade, much like Nephy’s celestial mysticism and Selphy’s singing.

Is this the reason Miss Alshiera told us to ask Miss Lilith about this matter? Regardless of the reason, Foll was listening to her attentively with sparkles in her eyes, which was good enough.

“And having reached the Black Dragon Marbas, our king grieved, ‘Oooh, why Marbas!? Why would you, who fought valiantly by my side through many a battle, massacre innocents!?’ For you see, the Silver-Eyed King and Black Dragon Marbas were sworn friends who fought the Grotesque God together.”

The Black Dragon didn’t reply, so they fought then and there. According to her song, the Silver-Eyed King tried to stop him, but Marbas was incredibly powerful, and the Silver-Eyed King could not bring himself to injure his former ally. The battle raged on for three days and three nights, ending in the Silver-Eyed King’s defeat. However, Lilith’s song did not end there.

“And so, the Black Dragon spoke, ‘Oh, Silver Eyes. Your figure has become that of an unsightly beast. You’ll do well to live on, trapped in that pitiful figure of yours. Poor, poor, Silver Eyes!’ The Black Dragon cast a curse upon the king, and the king was transformed into a monster.”

A curse that transforms one’s figure... Nephy was startled upon hearing the word curse, but soon enough, gears started to turn in her head. Could that have been a clue on how to solve Zagan and Foll’s issue?

“And thus, the one the king turned to was Wise Dragon Orobas. With the figure of a beast, the king was unable to descend upon human habitats, and his journey went on another three years.”

It seemed it was finally time for Orobas’ appearance. That knowledge made Foll straighten herself out and nod repeatedly.

“So the Wise Dragon spoke, ‘Oh Silver Eyes, the only thing that can dispel thy curse is the kiss of a maiden who knows naught of impurity.’ Alas, the king’s figure was that of an unsightly beast! Who would love him as he was?”

After that, the Silver-Eyed King moved in accordance with Orobas’ advice, and requested a kiss from a blind girl he saved and nurtured. However, when they drew close, she discovered that he was a beast. Luckily, the girl believed in the Silver-Eyed King and they exchanged a kiss, returning the king to his human form. Following that, he once more challenged Black Dragon Marbas alongside Wise Dragon Orobas.

“Straddling the back of the Wise Dragon, the king continued his struggle for seven days and seven nights. The two new allies found themselves heavily wounded, and just as their willpower waned, Orobas’ fangs finally pierced into Marbas’ neck!”

Even as the battle reached its conclusion, Black Dragon Marbas remained alive. The Silver-Eyed King tried to save his life, but Marbas used the last of his power to launch an attack, so the king was forced to deliver the finishing blow with his sword. It was said that Marbas could no longer feel joy when moving from battle to battle, so he turned to committing atrocities to find new forms of pleasure. And when the Silver-Eyed King ended his reign of terror, Black Dragon Marbas thanked him as he breathed his last. The Silver-Eyed King came to fully realize that a stern hand was needed to guide his people, and the story ended with the king aspiring to be a leader who was both kind and strict.

It’s a rather sad story... Even though the Silver-Eyed King and Black Dragon Marbas were the closest of friends, he was had to murder him.

“Phew... H-How was that?” Lilith wiped away the sweat from her brow and smiled ear to ear as she finished her song.

“Wow... Father was cool.”

“Huh? Father? What do you mean?” Lilith asked as she cocked her head to the side.

“Foll’s father was the esteemed Wise Dragon Orobas who was in that song,” Nephy replied with a strained smile.

“WHAT!?” Lilith jumped up in surprise, but Nephy didn’t notice as she began absentmindedly staring off into the distance.

“Can a kiss... truly dispel a curse?”

“Well, it’s quite a common occurrence in stories... There’s also one about a prince who was turned into a frog returning to normal thanks to a kiss, and one about a sleeping beauty who was awoken by a kiss...”

“Zagan said that kisses are very special in sorcery,” Foll added with a nod.

“I see... Unfortunately, I’m not very familiar with such stories.”

“What a waste! Though, I’m also jealous!” Lilith exclaimed as she shook her head vigorously in grief.

“You’re jealous of me?”

“Yeah! You get to enjoy the stories without any prior knowledge. Stories are more fun when you don’t know the ending. There’s nothing better than that.”

I see. That’s an interesting though. It’s not one I would’ve had from my perspective, at least... Nephy swore to think of everything in an optimistic light, but it felt like her inexperience was being thrust before her.

If by some chance, a kiss can dispel a curse... Nephy tried touching her own lips as she had that thought. Then, she imagined Zagan’s lips locking with hers.

How bold! Would Master Zagan... permit such an act...? Nephy’s heart was beating like a drum. And noticing that, Lilith tilted her head to the side.

“Are you okay? Your ears are bright red.”

“I-I’m fine!”

Logically, there was no way a curse that two Archdemon gave up on dispelling could be solved with a single kiss. If it was that easy, Zagan would have tested it out right away. And so, Nephy drove her wild delusions out of her head in a fluster.

“You are quite knowledgeable, Miss Lilith. Are most succubi very familiar with such songs?” Nephy questioned the girl to try and change the subject, but Lilith looked back at her with a somewhat bitter expression on her face.

“The songs of the succubi aren’t all that special. Selphy’s singing is far better, but...”

“Um, if it’s something I should not pry into, then please forget I even asked,” Nephy moved to withdraw her question when she felt the tension in the air, but Lilith shook her head.

“No. It’s fine. How do I put it... It’s because it’s something Lady Alshiera taught me...”

Both Foll and Nephy stared at her in surprise upon hearing that.

“By Lady Alshiera, you mean the one from earlier?”

“Yeah. When both Selphy and Kuroka disappeared, she comforted me by teaching me to sing. That was the only time she ever did something for me without asking for any form of compensation.”

If that was the case, then who exactly was that girl they just met?

She... seemed kind of lonely...

She was just like Zagan when Nephy first met him, just like Nephy herself when she decided to kill her emotions. And so, several days flowed by without them ever getting the chance to meet her again.