Great Cursed Realm: Mynoghra Palace.
Here,Anterize,city governor of Dragontan,and Atou,acting leader of Mynoghra,were already holding an urgent council regarding the matter of Vittorio's actions.
In one of the conference rooms marked with a "Do Not Enter" sign,the two daughters were holding their heads in their hands as they consulted each other with complaints about the difficult situation.
"To be honest,I think it would be better to deal with this sooner rather than later,Atou..."
The one who broke the silence was Anterize.
That problem child—namely,Vittorio—could not be left unattended.
The uncertainty about what he was thinking,his unknowable objectives,combined with the conviction that he would definitely cause some kind of trouble,drove her to make this consultation that resembled a formal recommendation to Atou. However,the person in question was merely holding her aching head,and the conversation wasn't progressing at all.
"He's likely still in the preparation stage. He'll probably move to his true objective after the number of followers swells to a certain point. If we want to manage the situation,there's still time. If it grows any larger,even Mynoghra will find it a formidable task to intervene,you know?"
"Yes,I know. I know,but..."
While Atou's obvious distress was somewhat understandable,Anterize deliberately hardened her stance and made her report.
The one currently leading Mynoghra was the woman before her. The future of all its citizens rested on her shoulders.
It was clear that in this critical juncture—where one misstep could greatly dictate the nation's future—no leniency could be allowed.
That said,Anterize also found it slightly strange.
It was obvious that Vittorio was a problem child causing chaos for Mynoghra. From what he'd said,it was also true that he was no easy person to handle.
Yet,Atou's attitude felt somewhat peculiar.
No,more than that... ever since coming to the Great Cursed Realm,the very headquarters of Mynoghra,she had sensed a strange,tense atmosphere.
It was just... an alien atmosphere she wouldn't normally feel.
"Come to think of it,Atou. Isn't the air a bit tense? Like,how should I put it... everyone seems on the verge of anger..."
"The truth is..."
Bitterly, the reasons were laid out.
Anterize, who had asked without thinking so deeply, would later deeply regret her rash remark.
...
...
"Ugh..."
After hearing the gist of the matter, that was the word that escaped her lips, utterly lacking in feminine decorum.
But there was no helping it.
The deeds of Vittorio, which Atou had related with a mix of complaint, were something that roughly... to put it plainly, would make an enemy of every resident of the Great Cursed Realm.
"Given this sequence of events, we are currently throwing ourselves into our duties with single-minded focus. Yes, it's to the point where if we weren't working, our anger might explode..."
If that was the case, then Atou's terrifying demeanor made sense to Anterize.
Just how much harassment had they endured? Atou, for all his usual frankness, hadn't gone into individual cases, so the specifics remained unknown. Even so, the fury of the Dark Elves was self-evident.
By immersing themselves in their work, they seemed to be barely managing to keep their composure, but it was clear that once that balance tipped, they would explode in an instant.
What a minefield he was leaving behind, Anterize thought with a gloomy heart.
"Ah, ahaha. That's... I guess it was good I didn't carelessly bring up Vittorio's name after all—"
"Please refrain from mentioning that name in front of me as well."
"Eek! Y-yes..."
It should also be added that Atou, too, was in a similar situation, desperately holding back an anger that seemed ready to explode.
Receiving his fierce, glaring gaze, Anterize shrive up like a frog frozen by a snake.
Though she trembled like a small animal under the hero's wrath, perhaps her pathetic appearance drained some of his venom. Atou let out a sigh and continued the conversation.
"Let's get back on topic. Our homeland... and Mynoghra's policy is to prioritize intelligence gathering and domestic affairs for now. Since we don't understand *that one's* thinking, making a clumsy move could lead to us accidentally undermining each other without realizing it. Either way, until some resolution is seen regarding the issue with Takuto, it's difficult to make any moves..."
"Are we to simply wait and see for the time being?"
"Yes. Unfortunately, it is difficult to honestly say we are in a position to make any proactive decisions."
Vittorio had been summoned and only a scant few days had passed since then.
Under such circumstances, Atou's ability as a leader was not high enough to manage swift and decisive action.
At best, he could focus on gathering intelligence and perhaps give orders for the domestic development that had been neglected since Takuto's attack by the tabletop RPG faction. That was the limit of his capabilities.
No... to dismiss Atou's abilities as insufficient would be somewhat unfair.
After all, Vittorio's actions and their eccentricity had unfolded with great speed...
"I understand. However, as the mayor of Dragontan, I would honestly like to receive a general guideline on the course we should take. As communication between cities relies on fast horses, well... if a problem arises with that person in question, we risk a delayed response."
"That is certainly true..."
Atou pondered for a moment with a hum.
While the nation as a whole had chosen to wait and see for now, it was an impossible choice to leave Vittorio entirely unchecked with a free hand.
They were lagging in every aspect and behind that hero in terms of initiative, but that naturally was no reason to take absolutely no action.
At some point, a decision had to be made and steps taken.
"I do not believe he will deign to return here, so we will need to go to him directly and question his purpose. Based on that, we will determine Dragontan city's policy."
"That would be a great help. Honestly, the burden is too heavy for me to bear alone..."
"I imagine so... Sigh, I already feel the weight of this."
"Ha... haha..."
Their discussion, filled with sighs, continued with detailed exchanges afterwards.
In the latter half, they invited Old Mortar and other figures responsible for domestic affairs to finalize Dragontan's basic policies, including practical matters. However, given the current status and a reaffirmation of their previous talk, nothing particularly noteworthy was settled.
...
……
…
Thus concluded the council that yielded little result aside from Atou's momentous decision. Anterize began preparations to return to Dragontan. As she did so, seeing Atou off, she asked as if the thought had just occurred to her.
"Still, you mentioned you would visit Dragontan directly to inquire about his true intentions. But will he—will that man respond to your request, Atou? Won't he just keep running?"
"If he hasn't produced results, then anything goes. He has a surprisingly serious side beneath that personality of his. After making such a grand declaration, if he's still just playing around without achieving his goal, I won't let him complain."
"Results... you say?"
"Yes, results. No matter how clever the theories or schemes, they are worthless without tangible outcomes. At least, that is true regarding Master Takuto's recovery. As long as I and Vittorio have not produced results, our positions are equally worthless."
With a snort, Atou spoke fiercely. Anterize responded with a vague "I see." In Atou's calm assertion of her own ineptitude, Anterize glimpsed the absolute loyalty to her king, Takuto Ira, and the iron confidence beneath it. Yet... somehow, regarding those words Atou had just stated... Anterize felt a familiar, unpleasant premonition swell within her once more.
◇ ◇ ◇
Because they are heroes, because they are witches... the notion that their minds are therefore as resilient as their bodies is somewhat mistaken.
They, too, are beings with hearts, just like any other. Of course, there are parts of them possessing a mentality isolated from others, but they are not entirely self-contained, flawless beings without a single crack. This remained true even for the hero called the Heroine of Filth, Atou.
"Master Takuto... how are you feeling today?"
Since the day she returned to Mynoghra with Takuto, she had made a habit of finding spare moments to visit her master's resting quarters, just like this.
Partly because she couldn't feel at ease without seeing Takuto's face, but more fundamentally, she was a staunch Takuto-first ideologue and had always stayed by his side even when he was still healthy.
Of course, Takuto currently had lost memories and his consciousness remained uncertain.
Yet she had shaken off her initial composure... and now, with her mind vexed by the mountain of problems that had sprung up, checking on Takuto's condition seemed to serve another purpose beyond mere reassurance.
"Aaah~... I don't want to do work, Takuto-samaaa. Jobs that make you think are so tiring! You're always coming up with wonderful strategies, Takuto, you're truly amazing~"
She dove onto Takuto's bed, rolling around luxuriantly.
Being the king's bed, its immense size, exceeding king-size, was a blessing.
Unlike a standard single bed, even if a girl threw herself about, it wouldn't disturb her resting master.
Ordinarily, of course, she would never contemplate such impudent behavior.
But with Takuto's memories and awareness clouded, Atou had grown a little bolder.
Yes, under the pretense of checking on Takuto's condition, she was indulging freely in her precious "Takuto essence" without anyone to catch her.
"Still, that swindler! What in the world is he thinking... Praising a religion for Takuto is all well and good, but there are more pressing matters first."
What all the heroes of—no, every being living in Mynoghra should be focusing on above all else was contributing to Takuto's revival.
Even Atou was desperately trying to think if there was anything she could do herself.
Vittorio's actions, their purpose unclear, seemed to have their priorities utterly twisted.
"The thought that I'll have to interrogate him soon is just too depressing. I guess I have no choice but to top up my Takuto reserves to suppress this anger. Sniff... ahhh. Mmm, Takuto's scent is calming. I could almost fall asleep right here like this..."
Since no one—not even Takuto himself—was watching, Atou did as she pleased.
She buried her face in the bed sheets, taking a deep breath and savoring her master's lingering scent.
She was just about to drift into the world of dreams, mumbling softly for a few minutes, when she suddenly sat up as if struck by a thought, lifting her face from the sheets with a start.
"But that won't do! Without me, Mynoghra will be destroyed as it is! Worse, that perverted swindler will reshape it at his whim, siphoning away the kingdom and turning it into some strange, incomprehensible, merry nation! The only one who can stop that is me, Atou, Takuto's true confidante!"
She puffed up her cheeks with determination, spitting out spirit and berating herself.
There was still much to be done. Her peaceful moment with Takuto had provided ample rest.
Now came the time for relentless effort. Mynoghra's situation was far from optimistic, and her struggle was the very guide to the future.
Shifting her focus, Atou turned to Takuto, determined to etch her beloved lord's face into her memory one last time.
"Everything hinges on my efforts. That's right, isn't it, Lord Takuto~!"
However...
"Y-Yeah... that's right, Atou."
"Eh?"
Their eyes met, and Takuto wore a complicated, faint smile.
"Ah, eh? Wait, um, w-what..."
Confusion and bewilderment overwhelmed Atou.
It was no mistake of sight, no figment of imagination. Neither her delusion nor a hallucination.
Those eyes, brimming with will and intellect, were undeniably Takuto's. And the sight of him looking down at her, indulging in sloth upon her own bed with that slightly troubled expression, was precisely what she had always wished for.
"Good morning. Sorry to worry you."
At those words, Atou finally recalled her earlier display and flushed bright red.
She began to stammer a frantic excuse, but then, her face lit up with joy upon realizing Takuto's consciousness had truly returned.
And finally—
Her eyes welled with tears until they spilled over...
"Vittorio keeps bullying meeee!"
"A-Ahahaha..."
As if the tension she had been holding onto finally shattered, she collapsed into tears against Takuto.
When subjected to too much hardship, one hears the mind regresses into an infantile state to protect itself, and judging by Atou's current behavior, she seems to have fallen into a similar condition.
Even for Takuto, there was nothing he could say.
Having him return to consciousness only to find her like this would only deepen his own confusion.
-- Takuto could do nothing but watch with an indescribable expression as Atou, this un-heroic avatar of Mynoghra, fussed over him, unable to suppress a smile.
………
……
…
He coaxed and humored the fretful Atou, managing to soothe her mood.
The decision to summon Vittorio, though meant for Takuto's sake, had been an unbearable burden for her.
While comforting her, Takuto's own expression remained one of troubled uncertainty throughout, yet amidst it all, the clear emotion of joy at reuniting with Atou was plainly visible.
Perhaps only a few minutes passed? Finally, her composure returning, Atou seemed to remember something and turned to Takuto to confirm.
"Lord Takuto! Is your health now satisfactory? I… I was fearful you might fall back into a similar state as before…"
In her initial joy of reunion, she had momentarily forgotten, but the most critical matter for Mynoghra right now was Takuto's condition.
He had regained his full memory and currently appeared energetic.
However, Atou still harbored the fear that he might suddenly forget her once more.
The cause of Takuto's memory loss remained unknown, as did the reason for its return.
Concerned for her sovereign's well-being was only natural as his retainer, and it was the aspect she valued most.
"Yes, rest assured. That part is fine now. Well, some issues remain, but I don't think I'll end up like that again. More importantly, could you tell me what happened while my memory was gone?"
"…I see. Understood. Then, I shall report everything that has occurred up to this point, my King."
Though she had a few lingering concerns, Atou suppressed the feeling and decided to give the requested report as asked.
Normally Takuto comes across as gentle, but he’s stubborn as a mule when it counts. If he’s already said it’ll be fine, pestering him further would only get you brushed off.
Something was definitely going on, but Atou and Takuto had a long history—old partners in every sense of the word. They had that kind of relationship where certain things didn’t need to be said aloud to be understood.
So Atou set aside her own worries for the moment, and carefully, with utmost attention to leaving nothing out, began recounting everything in her mind.
Everything that had happened to her and Mynoghra so far.
First, Takuto’s actions after he’d lost his memory.
Then, a summary of events from Vittorio’s summoning up to his sudden departure from home.
She spoke with a calm expression, adopting a slightly more serious tone only for the final part… Takuto listened to Atou’s story the entire time. He occasionally glanced away, appearing to think, but it was mostly the same attitude he wore when devising strategies.
Before long, he slowly rose from the bed, stretched with a long “hmm,” loosening his body, and began to speak.
“Still though. So, that’s how it was… Vittorio, huh. I suppose that lines up with what I expected.”
With those words, Atou understood everything.
That the current situation was already within Takuto’s grasp, and that Vittorio’s summoning was not only foreseen by him, but part of the plan.
“Y-You mean to say you foresaw me seeking aid from Vittorio!?”
“Yeah, it was one of several possible plans I’d considered. It must have been an incredibly difficult decision for you, Atou. Thank you.”
“N-No, not at all!”
She waved both hands frantically, hurriedly responding.
“Thank you.”—Just that single phrase was enough for Atou to feel that all her hardships up to now had been rewarded.
There had never been days filled with so much irritation and mental strain. But now, all of it was merely a spice that highlighted her happiness and joy.
The respect and admiration Atou felt for Takuto swelled within her more than ever before.
Her own resolute decision, and Vittorio’s actions she had questioned so deeply—all of it had been calculated.
The results spoke for themselves.
The undeniable result of Takuto's revival.
Exactly what methods Vittorio used remained unknown in the current situation.
At the end of a complex tangle of stratagems beyond his own ability to even speculate, Takuto must have achieved his revival.
It was frustrating, but Vittorio's intellect in performing that miracle was genuine.
But above all else... the sheer brilliance of Takuto's sagacity, which even ensnared that incarnation of profound scheming and devilish cunning—the dark charlatan—within his own design!
Atou's feelings surged higher and higher, reaching a climax of joy, happiness, and excitement.
Victory was now assured.
All that remained was to summon that willful charlatan here and have Takuto harshly reprimand him for all his past insolence.
Imagining himself laughing triumphantly alongside Takuto as the charlatan received his scolding, Atou rejoiced that everything was proceeding exactly as Takuto had planned.
(It feels like a lie that I was worried just a while ago about the ridiculous religion *that* person made! The name was too much, so officially we went with 'Heretic Sect Ira', but... perhaps that wasn't even necessary... No! Could it be that even *that* was within Takuto's palm!?)
Atou was bubbling over with excitement.
Her eyes sparkled, and she bounced around on the spot like a child, overcome with joy.
Everything was just one of the countless strategies floating through Takuto's mind, the man standing before her, and under his masterful, artistic command, all matters were being steered smoothly.
"As expected of Takuto! Takuto, you are incredible! To have already laid the groundwork for a revival from that situation! It was beyond even this Atou's imagination! The true strength of the number one ranked player in 'Eternal Nations'—this Atou is thoroughly impressed!"
"Ha ha ha, you flatter me too much, Atou. It really was a close call, though. ...And it even meant borrowing Vittorio's hand."
"But even that was part of Takuto's plan, wasn't it? He's an irritating charlatan, but to see him dance so beautifully within Takuto's palm is almost comical! When he held those suspicious rituals day and night, creating something like the 'Super Awesome Sect Praising the Super Awesome Takuto, Who is a Great God', I was truly anxious... but for even that to be within the stratagem!"
She blurted out her words rapidly in her excitement. Thinking it was Takuto, she assumed he would nod naturally, as Vittorio's actions must have been within the expected range.
But...
"Huh? Wait a minute. What is he doing?"
"...Huh!?"
Takuto's deadpan expression left no room for joking.
Though momentarily startled, Atou hesitated over how to interpret his words. Yet seeing Takuto—who rarely showed agitation even in matters of strategy—form an awkward smile confirmed her suspicion.
"The, um, 'Incredibly Awesome Religion Praising Takuto, the Incredibly Awesome Great Deity,' sir..."
"You're serious..."
"..."
"..."
The silence gave both of them ample time to calmly reconsider the implications. Even so...
( (Could this actually be becoming a serious problem...?) )
Atou and Takuto. Having finally reunited after a long separation and through countless hardships, the same thought flashed through their minds...
As of yet, no one knew what stratagem Vittorio had employed.