The day before departure.
It came.
I was in the hallway, heading to the toilet after spending some intimate time with Sylphie, when I was about to go to bed.
Suddenly, Leo started barking frantically.
A moment later, Eris burst out of the room, murder in her eyes.
What was going on?
"We're under attack!"
"Huh!?"
Someone was storming the mansion?
I rushed back to the room, grabbed my staff and lantern, and glanced out the window.
Standing in front of the gate, in the darkness of night, was a figure I recognized.
"Eris, that's not an enemy."
"……………Right."
Eris peered out the window at the figure as well, then said with a sour face.
I set down my staff and headed into the hallway.
I pushed my family members—who had all come out to see what was happening—back into the room and made my way to the entrance.
I opened the front door.
Orsted was there.
He was being assaulted by Beet, who had wrapped around the gate pillar. Tentacle play.
"Sorry for the late hour."
"It's fine…Beet, let go of him."
"Something has come up that I need to convey immediately. Give me a little time."
"Oh, sure."
Orsted peeled off the clinging Beet with a series of pops and vanished into the dark night road.
I cast healing magic on Beet, said a few words to Eris, who was standing guard at the entrance like a sentinel, then chased after him.
When I said "talk," there weren't exactly any 24-hour establishments in this town.
The spot he'd chosen was a nearby vacant lot.
A moonless night.
The lantern I'd brought from home illuminated the empty clearing.
Come to think of it, whenever Orsted and I talked privately, it always seemed to be somewhere dark.
Having a conversation with Orsted in a dark place made me feel like we were scheming something nefarious.
Maybe I should increase the lighting around the office…
"So, what's this about?"
"About the pieces Hitogami is likely to have prepared this time."
I'd already given Orsted the information about Ginger.
Since she wasn't there when I visited, I'd left a written report.
"I'll share my predictions and countermeasures based on the information from Ginger York."
Predictions.
I wish I'd had more time to gather intelligence.
Should I restrain Zanoba now and tighten up reconnaissance? But then if the time came and Zanoba didn't trust me, that would be a problem too.
Difficult.
"First, regarding the ten knights—nine of them are probably nothing to worry about."
"Right."
"The remaining one, a man with a skull-like face, looks familiar."
The man who's always standing beside Pax. That guy.
"A knight of the Dragon Kingdom with a skull-like face who's skilled in combat. There's only one such person."
"Who is he?"
Orsted looked at me with a piercing gaze and said:
"Seventh Order of the Seven Great Powers, Fifth Position—the 'Death God,' Randolph Marianne."
The Seven Great Powers.
The Fifth Position. "Death God."
Those three pieces of information churned in my mind.
So the rumors were true…
"He's the Dragon Kingdom's trump card."
"…If he's their trump card, why is he participating in another country's coup?"
"I don't know, but it's reasonable to assume Hitogami orchestrated it."
Well, that was the obvious conclusion.
I'd asked a pointless question.
"It's hard to imagine the Dragon Kingdom would release their 'Death God.'
I'd considered it might be someone else…
But I can't think of any other pieces that could kill you or me.
Let's assume it's the 'Death God' for now, and I'll tell you about him."
It was possible the skull-faced man wasn't actually the "Death God." But he was the most dangerous opponent who might appear, and it was better to be prepared.
"The 'Death God' Randolph—he has no fixed school of combat. He's a self-taught warrior."
"Self-taught?"
"Correct. He has no established patterns. He uses everything at his disposal to secure victory."
So, something like Ruijerd, then?
I wasn't great at fighting opponents like that.
"However, he does have a signature technique. It's called 'Phantom Sword.'"
Phantom Sword.
I could imagine what that meant from the name alone.
It might be something like the Crescent Moon Battle Style.
"The 'Phantom Sword' has two forms—'Lure Sword' and 'Bewilder Sword.'"
"What kind of techniques are they respectively?"
"The 'Lure Sword' baits the opponent into thinking they should attack, then counters. The 'Bewilder Sword' makes the opponent think they shouldn't attack, allowing him to escape a pinch."
Hmm?
I didn't quite get it.
"During combat, he guides his opponent's thinking. When you think it's time to attack, don't. When you think it's time to defend, don't. When you think 'now is the moment,' you'll always be wrong. Be prepared."
"From what you're saying, it sounds like I can't do anything at all."
"When you think it's time to defend, attack. When you think it's time to attack, defend. But when it truly is time to defend, defend. And when it truly is time to attack, attack…"
It was like a Zen riddle.
My head was spinning.
"Don't be fooled by his act. Overwhelm him."
If it came to that, couldn't Orsted just beat him for me?
That selfish thought flickered through my mind for an instant, but I quickly brushed it away.
Orsted was heading to the Dragon Kingdom.
"Could I even beat him…"
"He's Fifth Position in the Seven Great Powers, naturally at master-class skill, and he possesses many spells to counter magic. He's a formidable opponent—but he's been away from combat for a long time. By now, he's likely far below the leaders of the Three Great Styles. If you know the intent behind his Phantom Sword, understand the mechanics, and shut down his schemes, you should be able to hold your own."
Really?
Honestly, I still didn't feel confident against a god-tier opponent at all.
But I'd fought the North God Auberrle to some extent. Maybe I could manage.
"From what you're describing, this Death God fights in a style similar to the North God Style."
"He was once considered a candidate for the North God position, after all."
Oh, really?
So he'd been a candidate—which meant he wasn't the North God, couldn't become the North God.
And yet his rank was higher than the current North God?
The North God was seventh and the Death God was fifth, if I remembered right.
"How did such a man become the 'Death God'…"
At that question, Orsted told me the details of the Death God's story.
Randolph Marianne.
Grandson of the Second North God.
From shortly after his birth, he trained under the Second North God alongside the current Third North God.
However, around the time he reached adulthood, he had a falling-out with the Second.
He left the Second North God's side and honed his skills on his own.
The result: he successfully defeated one of the Seven Great Powers on the Demon Continent.
Randolph took the defeated power's title and began calling himself the "Death God."
However, from that day on, challengers seeking to seize his seat among the Seven Great Powers came at him one after another.
Battle after battle.
An endless battle with those who could find value in nothing but fighting.
After continuing such battles for about ten years, Randolph reportedly grew sick of the fighting life.
He had a change of heart.
He returned to his birthplace, the Dragon Kingdom, learned to cook, and became a chef.
He even took over a relative's failing diner.
This was the opening act of the new Death God legend.
But that legend was short-lived.
The diner closed due to financial difficulties.
Though a genius as a warrior, he had no talent as a chef.
Drowning in debt and on the streets, he was picked up by a Dragon Kingdom general and became a knight.
I didn't know how old he was now, but that was the life story of the Death God Randolph.
It sounded like quite an enjoyable life.
"If you don't fight the wrong way, he's not a bad matchup for you.
But if the 'Death God' Randolph appears, avoid close combat.
Fight at a distance. Just like when you fought me."
"Understood."
The Death God, Randolph.
I engraved this new enemy's name into my heart and bowed to Orsted.
"Well then…come back alive."
"Thank you very much."
I now knew the details of a powerful enemy I might face.
Departure was tomorrow.
Time to steel myself.
---
Departure day.
I was seen off by my family at the entrance.
Sylphie holding Lala, Eris, Aisha, Norn, Lillia, Zenis, Lucy, Leo, and Julie.
"Take care, Rudeus. I'm sure you'll be fine, but don't let your guard down, and come home safe…"
"Sylphie, I'm counting on you with everyone."
"Okay. Leave it to me."
A hug with Sylphie.
And a pat on her rear for good measure.
I wouldn't be seeing this small, cute rear end for a while.
"Eris, until the baby comes, ease up on the intense workouts."
"I know."
"Also, if the baby's a girl, give her a proper feminine name."
I made sure to give Eris this warning.
In her case, even if a girl was born, she might insist it was a boy.
A girl raised as a boy despite being female.
It was a common trope in stories, but honestly, it was sad, so I didn't want that happening in my family.
"Okay, big brother. Do your best. When you come back, I'll have the mercenary company all grown up."
"Sure, but don't get into anything too shady, okay?"
"Sure, sure."
I gave Aisha a word of caution too.
The mercenary company was finding its footing, but I couldn't forget it was a band of roughnecks. One wrong move in steering it and it would become nothing more than a gang of delinquents.
I should aim for as clean an organization as possible.
"Brother, I owe a great deal to Prince Zanoba during our time at the academy. If possible, I'm counting on you to make sure it doesn't end unhappily."
"Leave it to me."
"And please, be careful yourself."
"Norn, do your best with the student council and everything."
Norn had come specifically on departure day, which was a bit stiff of her.
She'd become student council president, and things were about to get tough for her.
"Well then, sir, may you have great fortune in battle."
"Yes, I'll return safely once again this time."
Lillia gave me a pep talk.
She'd settled completely into her retired lifestyle.
I thought that she was still young, but I kept it to myself and bowed my head.
"……"
Zenis patted my head.
Since Zenis was in this state, Lillia couldn't really do much else either.
I felt like my household had stolen Lillia's life away from her.
Well, I supposed it was a path Lillia had chosen, though.
"Come on, Lucy, say 'Papa, have a safe trip.'"
"…………Have a safe trip."
"I'm off. Lucy."
Lucy had been fidgeting at Sylphie's feet.
I was wondering if she had something to say when, as if mustering her resolve, she stepped forward and looked up at me.
"…Papa, carry me."
"! There we go. There, there, you be a good girl!"
"……………………Mm."
It was rare for her to be this affectionate, so I picked her up and rubbed my cheek against hers.
Maybe it was because I'd shaved properly this time, but she didn't fuss about it.
After thoroughly savoring the moment, I set her down.
Then I spoke to Julie, standing at the edge of the family group.
"Julie."
"Yes, Grand Master."
"You're a slave, but you're Zanoba's guest and my disciple.
There's not a single person in this house who'll treat you as a slave.
Make yourself at home and stay as long as you like."
"Yes. I'll do my best not to cause any trouble for anyone."
I gave Julie some reassuring words.
Julie had become quite fluent in human speech and well-mannered—something I reflected on once more.
Come to think of it, it had been five or six years since I bought her.
She hadn't changed much in height, but Ginger had trained her well, and she'd already started her period.
She was practically an adult now.
I supposed it was only natural she'd developed this much.
"Um…please take care of the Master."
"Of course. Leave it to me."
Julie was worried about Zanoba.
She had every right to be.
I was worried too.
That's why I was going with him.
"Leo, as always, I'm counting on you. Not just Lala—protect the rest of the family too."
"Woof!"
Finally, I entrusted the house to Guard Dog Number Two.
"Well then, I'm off."
"Have a safe trip."
I shouldered my bags and departed from the entrance.
With Roxy, who was saying her own farewells to the family in the same way.
---
After that, Zanoba and I met up at the town gate.
Since most of the luggage had already been transported to the Shirone Kingdom last time, both of us were traveling light.
All we carried was a change of clothes.
Incidentally, Roxy's luggage was in my care.
Inside it were about seven items that could serve as divine artifacts.
They had to be transported with utmost care.
Cliff had also come to see us off at the town gate.
"I'm sorry, Rudeus…honestly, I want to go too, but…"
Cliff had apparently wanted to come along as well, but he had a family.
He had his position.
He couldn't just run off recklessly the way I'd dropped out of school.
"Cliff…if anything happens to my family, I'm counting on you."
"Right. Rudeus, take care of Zanoba."
"You can count on me."
After saying that, Cliff turned to Zanoba.
"Zanoba. I deeply admire your patriotism."
"Well, I wouldn't exactly call it patriotism…"
"…But listen, Zanoba. Lady Millis once said—"
And then Cliff launched into a long-winded Millis-style sermon directed at Zanoba.
I supposed it was less a lecture and more of a sermon.
I'd been on the receiving end plenty of times myself.
This time it was about cherishing your life, that sort of thing.
Zanoba listened with a wry smile.
It was like reciting prayers to a horse's ears.
While letting that wash over me, I happened to glance over and noticed Elinalise talking with Roxy.
"Roxy. Take care of Rudeus, will you? That boy is awfully vulnerable at critical moments…"
"Needless to say."
She was worried about me?
When Lala had cried, I'd felt anxious, but I wanted to believe that nothing would happen to me personally.
"If he gets depressed again, just pin him down like last time and make him forget about it."
"That's…well, I doubt Rudeus would make the same mistake twice…"
"Oh, that reminds me. You could also train a second one on the road. She's probably at the right stage for milking right about now, isn't she? A different body than usual paired with a different kind of play…now that would be hot!"
"Rudeus would enjoy that, but I would not."
I felt Roxy's trust in my recovery, but…
Sorry, I was exactly the type to repeat the same mistake.
But if Zanoba died, I had to make sure I wouldn't spiral into self-destruction. Let me remind myself of that.
Elinalise was trying to put Roxy at ease.
Yes, that had to be it.
Still, Elinalise was exactly the same even after having children.
Open her mouth and nothing but lewd topics came out.
It was hardly appropriate for raising kids.
"Well then, we're off."
"Come back in one piece."
At any rate, we set off with their send-off.
---
Half a day's travel took us to the fortress ruins, where we entered the floating fortress.
Roxy had been allowed into the floating fortress without issue.
Almanfi had shown an unpleasant attitude when handing Roxy the teleportation item, and right after we materialized, along with Silvareil, two of Orsted's subordinates were standing around the magic circle.
An imposing guard detail for just one Roxy.
"Lord Rudeus. Allowing a Demon Race member into this fortress—without Lord Perugius's magnanimity, this would never…"
"Yes, I'm grateful."
"……"
I offered my thanks, and Roxy bowed silently in acknowledgment.
It was one of the conditions.
While inside the fortress, Roxy was forbidden from speaking.
In addition, acting alone, touching anything in the fortress, requesting an audience with Perugius—all of it was prohibited.
Well, we were just passing through, so it didn't matter.
Roxy had agreed to all of this.
"…………"
Still, even Roxy had been captivated by the magnificence of the floating fortress.
She gazed up at the towering castle like a country bumpkin, tugging gently at the hem of my robe.
But I, too, was forbidden from giving Roxy a tour of the interior.
I could only pat her shoulder through my robe.
Roxy looked up at me from beneath the shadow of her hat brim, her face flushing slightly.
Perhaps she was embarrassed by her unsophisticated reaction.
"Ahem."
We got a pointed cough from Silvareil for our little display.
We weren't talking, so what was the problem?
If I neglected Roxy too much, Perugius might be magnanimous, but his subordinates were petty. Rumors would spread.
And the ones spreading those rumors would be my own subordinate—a dog and a cat.
"This way, please."
Led by Silvareil, flanked on both sides by other subordinates, we made our way underground.
It was practically an escort, but there was nothing to be done about it. I'd asked for this.
To bring a Demon Race member into a fortress that Perugius despised.
I didn't fully grasp the significance of this, but the only reason I'd gotten my way was because of Zanoba.
Perugius wanted Zanoba to survive too.
"…Silvareil."
"Yes?"
"Please convey my thanks to Lord Perugius again at a later date."
"Of course."
The answer was what you'd expect: *obviously*.
In the magic circle chamber, Nanahoshi was waiting.
She stood rigid beside the already-activated magic circle.
Come to think of it, I didn't think I'd told her anything about this.
She must have heard about it from somewhere and come to see us off.
"Zanoba…I heard you're going back…"
Nanahoshi had heard about the situation but didn't seem to know what to say.
She stood with her arms folded in front of her, looking uncomfortable.
Zanoba approached her slowly.
"Yes. Lady Nanahoshi. I'll be returning to my homeland ahead of you."
"……"
Nanahoshi wore a complicated expression.
Envious. Sad. Something like that.
"A day will surely come when Lady Nanahoshi returns to her homeland as well."
Zanoba said this without reading the room.
It must have been a painful thing to hear for Nanahoshi, who couldn't go back even if she wanted to.
"I hope so…"
"If Lady Nanahoshi does not give up, the day will come. So long as your homeland has not vanished."
Zanoba said this, wrapped an arm around Nanahoshi's back, and gave her a gentle pat.
"Even though I'll be far away, I pray for your safe return, Lady Nanahoshi."
It was the kind of hug that could be considered sexual harassment in modern-day Japan.
But Nanahoshi didn't resist. Flustered as she was, she wrapped her arms around Zanoba's back as well.
A glimmer had gathered in the corners of her eyes.
"Um…thank you…for everything…Zanoba…Your Highness…"
"Don't be so formal. The days of research I spent with you and Cliff were irreplaceable to me as well. There's no need for thanks. If anything, I should be the one expressing gratitude."
Come to think of it, Zanoba and Cliff had grown closer after the Nanahoshi incident, hadn't they?
Working together on Nanahoshi's research had deepened their bond.
How nostalgic.
"It's I who should thank you…Without Your Highness Zanoba, my research would surely never have reached its current stage."
"Mm. And without Lady Nanahoshi, I never would have met Lord Perugius, nor would I be able to return home in one leap like this. We're even! Ha ha ha!"
Zanoba laughed as he stepped away from Nanahoshi.
"Well then, Lady Nanahoshi. We probably won't meet again, but…take care."
"Y-Yes…"
Nanahoshi looked at me with an anxious expression.
(This guy is talking like it's a final farewell, but there's a teleportation circle—so he'll come back, right?)
That was the look on her face.
Of course, this wasn't going to be a final goodbye.
Zanoba was just going home for a visit.
So I gave her a firm nod.
"Then, Master, let's go."
At Zanoba's words, we stepped onto the magic circle.
---
On the other side of the circle were ruins.
A teleportation ruin, similar to the ones I was used to.
This ruin was located in a forest at the far eastern edge of the Shirone Kingdom.
It was about five days from the capital.
"Phew…"
Roxy had been freed from her silence restriction and let out a sigh of relief.
She looked down at the magic circle beneath her feet with curiosity.
"No matter how many times I experience it, teleportation magic circles are truly fascinating…"
"I'm used to them by now."
"Even I might be able to draw one if I learned the format of the magic circle."
"…You'd memorize it?"
I asked reflexively, and Roxy shook her head.
"No. Lord Perugius's reluctance to allow Demon Race members into the fortress likely includes the concern that if Laplace were revived, a Demon Race member who could operate teleportation circles would be troublesome. If I learned it, I'd surely be killed."
Could that be the case?
It probably wasn't the main reason, but it might play a part.
Then again, Laplace himself seemed to know about teleportation circles, so it probably didn't matter much.
"Enough chatter. Let's be off. First, we collect our luggage."
At Zanoba's words, we left the ruins.
We stopped at a cabin outside the forest where we retrieved the luggage we'd prepared in advance.
Off toward the royal capital.
---
We arrived at Rattakia, the royal capital of the Shirone Kingdom, just before sunset.
Zanoba had a deeply emotional look on his face as we passed through the town gate.
It had been a while since I'd last visited this town too.
The scenery wasn't so different from what I remembered.
There were plenty of adventurers here to explore the labyrinth, just as before.
But something was off.
It felt more rough than before, somehow. Dirtier streets, perhaps.
There seemed to be more people who looked less like adventurers and more like thugs.
"Hmm, in the time I've been away, the number of mercenaries has grown considerably. It does suggest that the scent of war grows ever stronger."
Zanoba spoke in a tone that could almost be read as pleased.
Why would he sound so happy upon hearing that war was approaching?
It didn't seem like false bravado, though.
"You seem pretty happy about it."
"Master. Regardless of the reason, battle is something that quickens the heart."
"Is it?"
"Indeed it is. Any man worth his salt would feel the same."
I couldn't really relate.
Was it like the excitement of seeing a robot?
At any rate, we made our way to the inn that Ginger had prepared for us in advance.
We'd stay here tonight, then change clothes tomorrow and report the return along with an audience with the king.
Since we hadn't crossed the border, we might draw some suspicion, but I'd already cooked up an excuse.
If no one asked, then no one asked.
"Well then, Prince Zanoba. With your permission, I'll stay behind in town to gather intelligence, just in case."
Ginger said this and moved to leave the inn.
Zanoba stopped him.
"Oh? Ginger. You're a knight. Shouldn't you return to the castle with me and report my homecoming to His Majesty first?"
"No, sir. While I am a knight, I serve as your personal guard. Besides, I sense something unsavory hanging over the town."
"I see. Then go."
"Understood!"
Ginger bowed and gave me a meaningful look.
*Please watch over Prince Zanoba*, he was saying.
I returned a nod.
Now, the real thing began.
The audience with Pax would be just Zanoba and me.
There, I'd get some idea of Hitogami's schemes.
Or there was even a chance we'd end up fighting the "Death God" right there on the spot.
If that happened, I'd grab Zanoba and flee the castle.
I'd get support from Roxy, who'd be waiting outside, and retreat beyond the town.
I'd equip the Magic Armor and either fight the "Death God" or continue the retreat.
Per Orsted's advice, if I did fight, I'd attack from long range.
Even against the Phantom Sword, wearing the Magic Armor and keeping my distance should let me hold my own.
If there was no battle.
Zanoba would most likely head straight to the battlefield.
The war with the northern country. I didn't know what form it would take, but…
Separately from that, I also needed to satisfy Zanoba somehow.
How could I get Zanoba to come home with me?
What could I say to persuade him?
If Pax openly tried to kill Zanoba, would Zanoba reconsider?
Well, I'd think about that after the audience.
Honestly, walking into a place I knew was a trap made me uneasy.
It would be easier to blast Pax along with the castle from a distance.
Of course, I knew I couldn't do that.
Orsted had told me not to, and even if he hadn't, Zanoba would never forgive me.
A castle might not be the sole symbol of a nation, but if it suddenly vanished, the country would descend into chaos.
The enemy to the north would seize the moment and attack.
No matter how you sliced it, it wasn't possible.
I was anxious about how this would play out.
A sigh escaped me.
For now, let me just get through the audience.
Once that was done, things would surely become clearer.
"Rudeus."
As I was lost in thought, someone tapped my shoulder.
I turned around. Roxy was standing there.
"Are your shoulders a bit too tense?"
"Do you think so?"
"Yes. Relax them a little more. You can't let your guard down, obviously, but if you're this stiff, you might not move properly when the time comes."
Roxy said this while kneading my shoulders.
Small hands, but strong.
I sat there for a while, savoring the feeling of her touch.
She was right.
Keep things flexible.
Decide on a direction for now, then go with the flow.
The worst case: as long as Zanoba and Roxy survived, that would be enough for me.
Better yet, the three of us—including me—all survived.
Let that be the minimum.
Oh, and add Ginger for four.
Four people surviving and making it home safely.
That should be doable.
"Thanks. That really loosened things up."
Saying that, I turned back around.
Roxy had her usual sleepy eyes.
But she looked gentler than usual.
"No. The real Rudeus, if he'd truly relaxed, would have said something far more outrageous."
"…Like what?"
"Like, 'Roxy, how about massaging from the front this time? Right here,' and then taking off his pants…"
"That—th-that's only when I'm at home…"
"That's right. Rudeus at home is a pervert, after all."
Roxy said this while poking at my cheeks.
It felt like I was being teased.
But was being a pervert really so bad?
If you ended up in that situation with that person at night, anyone would say something like that.
It wasn't just me.
"Just kidding. There—that tension in your shoulders is gone now, right?"
"…Yeah. Right."
My shoulders had indeed loosened.
But I was left with just the right amount of tension.
Relaxed, yet focused.
A perfect balance.
"I'll turn in early to prepare for tomorrow's audience. Thanks."
"Good night, Rudeus."
Let's do this.
Holding that thought, I lay down and went to sleep.