Isekai Maou to Shoukan Shoujo Dorei Majutsu - Volume 2 - Chapter 2

Chapter 2: Trying to Avoid a War 

That evening— 

Diablo and the others returned to the large room they were renting out at the “Peace of Mind Inn - Twilight.” He was pretty drained, feeling like the kind of exhaustion he retained after using his MP. It wasn’t as bad as if he had used it all, but it still might have been a bit careless of him when they may be fighting against the Elves at almost any second. 

Though you could tell the wall broken by the attackers had gone through repairs, the hole had been closed up tight. It was a shock something like that was fixed in only a single day. It might have been some kind of Earth-elemental magic; that, or the construction techniques of this world were just that good. 

Diablo placed his war scythe near the bed. This was something he decide to keep out of his pouch, just in case of any more attackers. 

He sat himself down on the bed. Rem sat next to him. 

“...I feel particularly exhausted today, for some reason.” 

“Hm.” 

She had been stressed out and nervous since this morning, so it was no wonder she would feel that way. 

Taking a quick glance, Diablo could see Alicia standing in the doorway. She looked like some kind of bodyguard. 

Then there was Shera, who was standing stock-still. 

“......” 

“What’s the matter, Miss Shera? Are you not feeling well?” 

Just a little while ago, Diablo had poured his magic energy into Shera, as well as saw the magic energy that constructed her enslavement collar. 

—I wonder if all that is starting to affect her now, Diablo worried. 

Shera shook her head. 

“No, I’m all right. Actually, I’m raring to go! But, it’s just... When I think how much trouble everyone here has been through because of me... I’m so sorry...” 

Rem immediately denied the sentiment. 

“...You truly are a fool, aren’t you. The cause of this strife is due to the Kingdom of Greenwood’s arrogant demands, not because of you, Shera.” 

“Are you really sure...?” 

“...While it may be true that the princess has run away from home, having the country she ran away from insinuate a declaration of war demonstrates a complete and utter lack of common sense. I cannot fathom Greenwood as that of a decent country after what they have done.” 

Alicia nodded in agreement. 

“In my personal assessment, I must declare that I find the Kingdom of Greenwood’s conduct to be strikingly disrespectful. They should understand that this situation causes Miss Shera to suffer.” 

Diablo felt the same. But if only he could properly express himself on delicate issues like this, then he wouldn’t have so much trouble communicating with others. 

He remained silent. 

—You know, the more people there are, the less of a presence I feel I have here... 

He shook the negative thought from his head. There was one thing that Diablo could do for Shera— 

—I will avoid this war. 

They were getting help from all kinds of people to do just that. 

“Alicia, where will you be sleeping tonight?” Rem asked. 

Rem, Shera, and Diablo were all staying in this room together. The room was big, but the bed was more than a bit cramped with three people in it. Four people would be just plain impossible. Depending on where he put his hands... “accidents” could also occur. 

“I will be using the room next door, so there is no need to worry about me.” 

Rem had a disappointed expression on her face. 

“...I see.” 

—They seem to be getting along better after Shera and I left them alone at the slave emporium. Rem doesn’t seem to have a lot of friends, so that’s a good thing. 

Alicia placed a hand on the doorknob. 

“I was just thinking everyone would need some time in private. My role is to act as His Majesty’s eyes, and if necessary, as someone who conveys the thoughts of the Kingdom of Lyferia. I have no intention of observing what happens in your personal lives.” 

Diablo felt a bit relieved on the inside. If there ended up being three girls in the bed, it would probably be time for him to start sleeping on the floor. 

On the surface, he calmly nodded. 

“Do as you wish.” 

“Thank you very much. Then, if you will excuse—” 

As she spoke, the haunting melody of a flute overlapped with her words. 

† 

The sound of a high-pitched whistle, like the sound a pipe would make, could be heard. 

Though it gave the impression the player was musically skilled, the noise unpleasantly coiled and snaked its way through Diablo’s ears. 

The sound was getting louder, and closer. 

It came right next to them. Even Diablo could clearly tell it was coming from the other side of the door. 

It was right in front of their room. 

Alicia, who was closest to the door, exchanged glances with Diablo as if she were asking, “What should we do?” 

Diablo stood up, war scythe in hand. 

“Open it.” 

Alicia opened the door.

There, an Elven youth was playing a fife. He had a handsome face, and was about the same height as Diablo. He was much more slender, though, giving him a gangly appearance. His hair looked as if it was made out of molten gold, and his feminine features presented an air of beauty. The corners of his eyes hung downwards, giving him an almost gleeful countenance. 

But the vulgar smile he wore on his face put all his “good looks” to waste. 

—Maybe it’s because he’s an Elf, too, but doesn’t he look kind of similar to her? 

Diablo looked at Shera; an expression of shock on her face, she unsteadily backed away. 

“Wh-Why... Why are you here!?” 

The Elf took the fife from his lips and put it into the sash around his waist. 

“Heh heh... Your head is as empty as ever, I see... Why, you ask? I came to get you, of course.” 

“And that’s why I’m asking! Why did you come all the way here by yourself, big brother!?” 

—Big brother!? This guy is Shera’s brother!? Then that means— 

The Elven boy gave an elegant bow. 

“Greetings and salutations. I am Keera L. Greenwood: Shera’s brother, and royal prince of the sovereign Kingdom of Greenwood. Remember this well, you ignorant peasants.” 

The expression on his face was stained with scorn and contempt. 

“How did you find out I was here!?” Shera shouted. 

“Hah! Did you actually think you were hiding yourself? Come now, just try thinking about it— I heard it from the Adventurers. The amount I put out for your bounty was quite the sum, after all. Everyone has at the very least investigated your whereabouts. All I had to do was show a little cash to persuade them with the information.” 

He said it as if it were nothing. 

—Is this guy really the prince? 

Just by looking at Shera’s reaction, it didn’t seem like there was any room for doubt... But having the prince of a nation come by himself, into the country he declared war on no less, was definitely strange. 

—Would he actually take a risk like this? Or is it possible he’s an imposter that even Shera couldn’t tell apart from the real deal? 

Keera looked at Diablo, a sneer on his face. 

“Hm-hmm? So, you’re the one who’s turned her into a slave, are you? I bet she was easy to fool, wasn’t she. Her head is as empty as the sky is blue, after all.” 

“I have not made her my slave.” Diablo shook his head. 

“Hmm? Is that right? But, you know... Unless she was a slave, there isn’t any way she would be with the likes of some Demon with horns growing out of his head. It’s repulsive.” 

The prince spat onto the floor. 

—What the hell does he think he’s doing in a room that we’re renting!? 

He wanted to let his anger take over, but held fast and resisted. He still didn’t have enough information. 

If this truly was the Prince of Greenwood, then it was Diablo’s job to make Keera think that fighting against him was a bad idea. If he could do that, he could avoid the war. 

Though Diablo was taken aback by his actions, in the end he was just a stupid prince. 

—To think he would actually come by himself into enemy territory! I’m gonna threaten him so bad he’ll piss himself. 

“Heh heh heh... Very interesting, you Elf brat. I am the Demon Lord Diablo! I will turn you to cinders where you stand!” 

“Hmm? Well if that’s what you want, then that’s fine by me,” Keera said, repugnantly. “But if I don’t return by a certain time... then a great number of Humans will die.” 

Rem leaned forward. 

“What did you do!?” 

“How about you try actually thinking about how I made it this far. Is everything above your neck just empty space? Even though this is a Human town, Elves are allowed in, too.” 

It was true there were tons of Demis in this town... And that included Elves. 

“Of course that would happen, Elves and Humans are friends!” Shera answered back. “That’s why you—” 

“This town is soft, soft, soft! It’s way too soft! Greenwood has basically declared war, and just when I expected that they would start restraining all the Elves, they let me through the gate with only a light baggage inspection! And in a town where I could get my hands on all sorts of weaponry!” 

“Ngh...” 

“Listen up, Demon. I’ll only say this once, so carve it into that empty skull of yours! Just try putting so much as a scratch on me. If you do, the Elves spread throughout this town will start indiscriminately attacking every Human in Faltra!” 

The rage Diablo felt inside of him was almost enough to boil his insides. These weren’t the words of a representative of an entire nation— 

They were the words of a criminal. 

He had finally realized why Galford was so wary of the Elves, even after calling them a small faction. There was just no way to fight with all the Elves hiding in town. 

Keera thought his safety was all but guaranteed thanks to his underhanded tactics. That’s why he had the audacity to come by himself. 

—What should I do? 

If Diablo didn’t strike back here, then they would be completely on Keera’s terms; they wouldn’t even be able to negotiate. Not only would he snatch Shera away, he might make even more lofty demands. 

—If I give in to his threats, I lose! 

Diablo took up his war scythe.

“You’re going to kill the Humans of this town? Hmph... What about it?”

“What was that!?” 

Keera’s eyes flew open. 

Rem and Shera gave voice to their shock, while Alicia seemed disturbed by his announcement. 

Diablo had completely committed himself to his Demon Lord act. 

“I am the Demon Lord Diablo... Did you think that the lives of the masses would stay my hand?” 

“Are you being serious!?” 

Keera started to back away. 

War scythe at the ready, Diablo took a step forward. 

“You have made a grave mistake... You may have thought you could use the lives of mere Humans to give yourself an advantage over me, but that is not so.” 

“A-Are you planning on going to war with the Elves!?” 

“Just what are you saying? It’s already started, hasn’t it. Do you not call sending soldiers to an enemy country with the intent to kill a war?” 

“Not yet! It hasn’t started yet! If I can get back to the specified location by 8 PM, then that acts as a signal for all the Elves not to attack!” 

“So I see... It looks like you narrowly avoided death. If you started killing townspeople blindly, I would have headed to the Kingdom of Greenwood to kill Elves in the same manner. This town is my territory. I would have to give a fitting punishment to those who would commit barbarous acts of violence here.” 

“Ha... Haha... We have the greatest elite squadrons of Elves gathered at the Kingdom of Greenwood, and countless treasures at our disposal. As if a single Demon like you could...” 

Rem sighed. 

“...I’m shocked. You haven’t even looked into the person you’re trying to negotiate with.” 

“What did you say, you Pantherian witch!?” 

“...Just the other day, Diablo took out an entire army of one hundred Fallen at the Bridge of Ulug. Are you telling us you have some kind of plan that could protect your country from a Sorcerer like him?” 

“At least make up a more believable story if you’re trying to bluff,” Keera snorted. “As if I’d believe that overblown farce.” 

“It’s true, big brother. I saw it with my own two eyes. He made everything disappear in a flash of white light!” 

Alicia nodded as well. 

“It is precisely because he is such a capable person that Sir Galford has allowed Princess Shera to remain at this inn, rather than having her stay at his mansion. He recognizes Diablo’s true power.” 

“...Tch.” 

Keera clicked his tongue, then shrugged his shoulders with a sigh. 

“All right, all right, I got it. Then how about we settle this all peaceful-like, hm? I’m actually not planning on starting a war. I mean, that’s just stupid— Why should I have to go to war when I’m asking for something that’s already mine to simply be returned to me? That would be such a pain in the ass. Father doesn’t want to go through with it either— That’s why I came here to confirm something, but I got all heated up instead... How embarrassing.” 

“Oh hoh? And what would that be?” Diablo asked back. “Speak.” 

An irritable expression crossed Keera’s face. He had probably never been talked down to like this before. 

“...Damn Demon, acting like he owns the place... I came to confirm Shera’s intentions.” 

“That seems surprisingly reasonable of you.” 

“The reason Father doesn’t want to go through with this is because he thinks Shera left home of her own accord. Geez, how could you get any stupider. You left home because you were confused, and now you can’t come back because you got turned into a slave. That’s all there is to it, right? Shera is my property, after all. She should be returned to her rightful owner.” 

“I now understand how you think.” 

“That so? Then let’s just check how she really feels. Of course she’s going to want to come back, so I’ll be taking her home.” 

Diablo had gone past feeling angry; he was purely stunned now. 

—With a brother like this, I can see why Shera left home. 

I just want to punch him in his stupid face... 

But right now, I need to negotiate. 

The fact that the townspeople were still in danger remained unchanged. 

“Hmph... You seem fairly confident; but what will you do if Shera says she does not want to return?” 

Keera spread his arms wide. 

“Then I’ll give up! Did you not understand anything I just said!? You really are all idiots here! Don’t ask me, that’s just embarrassing.” 

—This is weird... Does he actually think Shera is going to say she wants to go back? 

Of course she wouldn’t say it. 

She left because she wanted to be free. Not only that, but she wasn’t alone anymore; she had called Rem, and even Diablo her “comrades.” 

—There’s no way she would say she wants to go back. 

Or it might have been that this journey changed Shera. In the past, she might not have been able to oppose her brother if he had made demands like this. 

Wouldn’t that explain why she’s been seeking power? 

—Shera is different now. 

“Very well, then listen carefully as you hear it with your own ears: how your little sister truly feels!” Diablo declared confidently. 

Shera nodded. 

“Keera! I’m—” 

“Whoa, now!” Keera cut her off. “Just hold on there for a second!” 

Shera had a look of uncertainty on her face. 

“W-What?” 

“The collar on your neck, that’s what! We’re on the brink of war here, you know. I’ve got an army acting on my orders right now. This is a big deal, something that’s going to affect the relationship between our countries from here on! Don’t you think it should be obvious to hear Shera’s answer under fair circumstances?” 

—And what’s “fair” about any of the stuff you’ve been doing, Princey. It’s not only unfair, it’s wrong. 

“The collar has nothing to do with it!” Shera shot back. 

“Your head is as empty as ever, I see. You have an ‘Enslavement Collar’ on, and the owner of that collar is—shocker—right over there. Anyone would think that every answer you gave was being forced in a situation like this.” 

“Diablo doesn’t give me orders, unlike you and Father!” 

“Shut your damn mouth, Shera. You want me to hit you!?” 

She flinched, obviously terrified. 

Without thinking, Diablo was on the verge of physically attacking Keera. He grabbed and held down his right arm with his left hand. If Rem hadn’t been holding on to the fringe of his cape, he might have lunged at the prince. 

“...And what would you consider to be fair circumstances? You’re not thinking to say that you want to bring her back to the Kingdom of Greenwood and ask her there, are you?” Rem asked. 

Keera shrugged his shoulders, palms raised. 

“Of course I wouldn’t, geez. At the very least, being in a place with other people around is a no-go.” 

Alicia raised her hand. 

“I will prepare another room. As an Imperial Knight, I would like to ascertain the details of this meeting in person, so may I have your permission to be present as well?” 

“Are you stupid? Imperial Knights are basically the swords of the Lyferian King. No matter how you think of it, having a Human stay next to the princess of Greenwood gives you an advantage. There’s not an ounce of fairness to that!” 

“But leaving the two of you alone would be...” 

“Hey, now. I came into your territory all on my lonesome. And why do you think I did that? To solve this all peacefully, of course! Once I hear how Shera truly feels, then no matter what she says, the war will be avoided. That’s why I’ve gone through all this trouble.” 

“Ngh...” Alicia grimaced. 

He was certainly being aggressive with his insistence, but it was true there was a chance the war could be avoided.... 

Only as long as he kept his promise that he would leave after Shera turned him down, that is. 

Keera gave a deep sigh. 

“Oh, for the love of— All right, fine. I’ll compromise, just for you... Give me five minutes. That should be fine, right?” 

“You... What exactly is your aim here?” 

“I came prepared with all sorts of things to convince Shera, but if I can just try out one thing, then that should be enough. Once she hears me play my flute, then she’ll definitely get homesick and say she wants to go back.” 

The reason Shera had fled her hometown wasn’t for something that simple enough where her mind would change over a little flute concert. 

Diablo was curious as to whether or not there was a reason for this. 

“Are you trying to say the repulsive sound of that flute is your secret weapon?” 

Even if he was trying to be moderate about it, “repulsive” was the only word fitting enough for the fife. If that was able to change Shera’s mind, he would start doubting her sensibility. 

“Ha! So you don’t even understand the sound of this instrument. Demons really are a race of uncivilized savages, aren’t they,” Keera spat out. 

—Is it really because I’m a Demon that I can’t understand it? 

Looking around the room... 

Rem, Alicia, and even Shera tilted their heads, looking confused. 

—The sound that flute thing makes isn’t good after all. Keera is just talking it up by himself. 

There was no “flute” item in Cross Reverie that could affect your opponent. Diablo had a grasp on all the equipment implemented in the game, but no matter how much he dredged through his memories, there wasn’t anything he could remember that looked similar to Keera’s flute. 

—If that’s true, then his chances of winning are so low it’s practically disgusting. If this is the only condition he’s putting up, I guess I’ll give it to him. 

“What do you want to do?” 

Not just Diablo— Rem and Alicia were looking at Shera. 

He could tell that she was afraid. This was probably terrifying for her... 

But still, she nodded. 

“I’ll do my best! Even if it’s just the two of us, I’m going to tell my brother how I feel!” 

“Are you sure?” 

“Yeah... I’m scared of being alone with him, but if I can say it... If I can just say it, then there won’t be any war. I promised I would do my best to stop it!” 

Diablo nodded. 

“...If he lays even a finger on you, scream. I will destroy him in an instant.” 

“Yeah. I’ll be counting on you, Diablo. But it’ll be all right... Despite how he is, we’re family.” 

Rem and Alicia offered words of encouragement as well. 

Keera waved his hands to clear them out afterwards. 

“All right, that’s settled then! Go on now, out go the pests. Geez, it was starting to reek of the uncivilized in here.” 

“I will say this now, Keera: the only things allowed are talking and your little musical performance. If you raise so much as one finger against her, I will reduce you to ash.” 

“Yeah, yeah, I’ll keep my promise. I’ll even swear on my pride as an Elf. Of course, if Shera says she wants to go back, you take off that enslavement collar, got it?” 

Diablo shook his head. 

“Impossible. I cannot remove it.” 

“Are you screwing with me?” 

“Keera, it’s true. We just looked into it again today, and not even slave traders or the Mage’s Association could get it off...” Shera said painfully. 

“Tch... What a bunch of useless idiots, incapable of undoing their own magic... But whatever. I’m sure we’ll be able to do something using one of our treasures back home. At least make sure to remove any commands you have on her, then!” 

“I have not given her any commands. She is not a slave.” 

“What? You were actually serious? I can’t even begin to fathom how stupid you are... Aha, I get it. Shera’s head is pretty much full of air, so you don’t even need to use magic to give her orders. Well, congratulations one and all, your idiocy has surpassed my wildest expectations.” 

Diablo opened his mouth, lacing every word with the anger he appreciated today: 

“And you. Give your word that if Shera says she will not return, you will pull out your troops and never interfere again.” 

A sneer on his face, Keera nodded. 

“Fine by me. If she says no, I’ll withdraw my troops tomorrow and we’ll head home.” 

“It’ll be over in a flash!” Shera said, smiling. 

Diablo was uneasy, but he decided to put his faith in Shera. He was doubtful that he could trust the verbal promise Keera made... 

But unfortunately, if he resorted to force, then he wouldn’t be able to protect the people of this town. 

For these negotiations— 

Diablo had to line up cards Keera wouldn’t like; not let him call their bluff; and make him fold. That’s all there was to do. 

Diablo left the room, taking Rem and Alicia with him. Leaving the two siblings behind, he shut the door. 

† 

The dining hall of the inn— 

A lively place bustling with Demis who came to get dinner. 

Diablo, Rem, and Alicia were sitting down, not ordering anything. 

They had promised him five minutes. 

Five, and only five minutes. 

The sound of a flute could be heard. 

—So he is forcing her to listen to him play... It’s such a creepy song; is he really that confident about it? 

It had looked like Shera reacted negatively to it as well. 

Diablo found the music pouring into his ears to be extremely unpleasant. 

And then, while still having not one single clue as to how this could sound good to anyone, it stopped. 

“Alicia, how much time left?” 

“Ten more seconds,” she said, squinting at a pocket watch emblazoned with the Imperial Knights insignia. 

It was an exceptionally high-class item in this world. Everything about it was handmade from scratch, down to every last minute detail and cog. It was worth its own weight in gold. 

They heard the sound of feet descending the stairs— 

Keera appeared. As usual, he had a smug smile plastered across his face. 

Shera was nowhere to be seen. 

Diablo confronted Keera. 

“What happened with Shera?” 

“You’re asking me what happened? If she’s not here, she must be in the room, duh. You don’t have to think too hard to figure that one out, do you?” 

“...If you are not together, I can only assume she must have said she isn’t going back?” Rem asked. 

“Ask her yourself. If I told you she said as such, would you believe me? Are you stupid?” 

“...That is true... I lost my composure there.” 

—So that was the only thing she was really worried about. 

Passing by Keera, Rem climbed up the stairs, Alicia following behind her. 

Diablo glared at Keera. 

“You will keep your promise, then.” 

“You’re like a broken record, you know that? But, Demon— Diablo, was it? There’s something I want to say to you.” 

“What?” 

“The most important thing is for us to respect Shera’s intentions, yes? I just want to make sure you know that. If Shera has a change of heart, no matter how much you may not like it, no complaining or moaning about it, got it? If she says she wants to go back home, you could force her to stay using that enslavement collar, so let’s make that off-limits.” 

“That should be obvious.” 

“All right, you said it yourself. Then I guess I’ll take my leave. If I get lost and don’t make it back by eight, then this town would be in trouble, wouldn’t it?” 

“If you try anything, I’ll make you regret it as you burn alive.” 

“Haha, I won’t, I won’t. Oh, that’s right... Shera still seems to be wondering what to do, but she should realize how she really feels soon enough. When that happens, make sure you get all her stuff together, will you?” 

“You promised you would take your forces and leave. Are you planning on going back on your word?” 

Keera shrugged his shoulders. 

“Unlike you, I was actually raised properly. I’ll keep my promise; I’ll pull out my troops tomorrow... Though when that happens, Shera will probably be with me, too.” 

—Shera must have said she wasn’t going back... But then why is he acting like this? 

With a triumphant sneer on his face, Keera left the inn. 

† 

Diablo returned to their room. 

Shera was there, as they had hoped, sitting on the bed with Rem. Alicia remained standing in the doorway. 

—Is she trying to be a bodyguard or something? 

Even though she seemed exhausted, Shera was smiling. 

“Welcome back, Diablo.” 

“Hm.” 

Rem sighed. 

“...I didn’t believe he would actually try to give a performance with that appalling flute.” 

“Right? I wonder what was up with that song he played? It made my head feel all itchy, I hated it!” 

“...Did you talk with him at all?” 

“Just a little... We talked about the past. He’s not here anymore, but we talked about our older brother... and what’s going to happen from now on. He told me that if I don’t go back now, I’ll never be able to again.” 

“...That’s...” 

Rem grimaced. 

—So he made her choose between going back or throwing away her hometown. 

She must still have friends and family there, other than her brother and father. It had to have been a tough decision to leave them behind... 

Despite this, another smile came over Shera’s face. 

“It’s fine! I decided I wasn’t going back ever since I left home!” 

“...Are you sure you’re all right with that?” 

“Yeah, I am. I feel so much better when I think about how I won’t have to worry about being chased anymore, and how I won’t cause trouble just by being here.” 

Her voice sounded cheerful... But something about it felt different than usual. 

—She might be depressed after all. That, or she’s still worrying about something. 

“Thinking back to it,” Alicia spoke up, “our meal earlier was too late to be lunch, and too early to be dinner... Are you hungry at all?” 

Shera stepped down, off the bed. 

“Now that you mention it, I’m starving!” 

Rem smiled. 

“...I feel a bit hungry as well.” 

“Ahaha, let’s go eat something! I want something nice and crunchy, with nuts!” 

“...It has to be meat.” 

“Thank you, Rem. And thanks to you, too, Diablo and Alicia! For some reason, I’m really hungry all of a sudden. I’m gonna eat even more than usual today!” 

“...Just don’t eat so much you get fat.” 

“Hm? No matter how much I eat, I don’t seem to get fat, though.” 

“...Stupid high-fatty Shera.” 

“That’s mean!!” 

Rem left the room, with Shera chasing after her. 

Alicia gave a wry smile. 

“Hehe... It’s nice having it be so lively, isn’t it.” 

“I don’t like having things this noisy,” Diablo replied, just like a true Demon Lord would— 

But he couldn’t hold back his smile as he said it. 

It finally felt like things had gone back to normal around here. 

† 

Late that night— 

Diablo felt like it was only his consciousness that was awake; but not like he was actually up. Even though his body was exhausted, he was still awake— That was the kind of feeling he was getting. 

The Faltra region had a warm climate, so he wasn’t cold. 

He peered out of half-opened eyes. The room was almost completely pitch-black. 

—What time is it right now? 

They didn’t have a clock; if there was sunlight streaming through the small window of their room, then that meant it was time to get up. But right now, the room was still dark. 

Suddenly, he noticed Shera, standing near the window. She looked to be lost in thought, staring up at the sky. The moonlight made her golden hair sparkle. 

It was an almost holy image. He felt like he now knew why Elves were considered the race closest to Celestials. 

—I wonder what she could be thinking about? 

Diablo couldn’t find the words to call out to her, and just stared. 

He could hear Rem’s voice. 

“...Having trouble sleeping?” 

Rem swung her legs over the side of the bed, sitting on the edge. 

Shera was slightly surprised. 

“You can’t sleep either, Rem?” 

“...I do not trust Prince Keera at all. I stayed awake in preparation for a surprise attack.” 

“Ahaha... No one seems to trust my brother. Well, I can certainly see why though...” 

They both thought Diablo was asleep, so they kept their voices down. 

“...What were you doing?” Rem asked again. 

“Mm... Thinking about lots of things, I guess? I was remembering a bunch of stuff, like my memories back home, and about all that’s happened on my travels. Things like that.” 

“...So you were feeling sentimental?” 

“Yeah, that! That’s what I wanted to say!” 

“...Don’t talk so loud. You’re going to wake Diablo up.” 

“Oh, sorry.” 

Shera covered her mouth with both hands. 

—I’m already awake, though. 

He didn’t know how to call out to the girls. It would be hard to jump into the conversation now, so he stayed quiet; but that turned into him eavesdropping on them. He didn’t want to be rude, so he was planning on going back to sleep... But now that he was all nervous because of this weird situation, he didn’t feel sleepy at all, even though he was indeed tired. 

The two of them continued their conversation. 

“...What are you going to do from now on, Shera?” 

“From now on?” 

“You shouldn’t be chased after by the Elves anymore, so I see no reason for you to continue your work as an Adventurer. Do you not have some kind of dream or goal in mind?” 

“Hmm... Do I really not have a reason to keep being an Adventurer?” 

“...If you’re doing it simply because you want to then I won’t make you stop, but being an Adventurer is dangerous work. If the only reason you wanted to become stronger was because you did not want to be forcibly taken back home, then I would think there isn’t any reason for you to continue.” 

“Oh, I see your point.” 

“...If you are going to keep being an Adventurer, then in that case, I will look after you as your senior.” 

“Really!?” 

“...But this isn’t something that you can do forever, so it would be a good idea to think of another way to make a living once you retire from being an Adventurer. You do have a future after all, Shera.” 

“Haha, you have a future as well though, don’t you Rem?” 

“...That... That is true.” 

Rem had become an Adventurer because she wanted to expel Krebskulm’s soul from her body and destroy it. 

It was an almost insurmountable task. Because of that, she probably hadn’t been thinking about her own future. 

—But I’ll defeat the Demon Lord Krebskulm! 

That was the promise he made. 

Not privy to this information, Shera cocked her head to the side. 

“You sure are weird, Rem! Then, um, you’re asking about what I want to try doing, right?” 

“...I feel like you are misunderstanding something here... But yes, let’s go with that.” 

“Then I want to try running a café!” 

“...A café?” 

Rem’s voice was a little incredulous. 

Shera gave a vigorous nod. 

“Aren’t cafés amazing? You can drink coffee, get a bite to eat, and everyone has so much fun there!” 

“...That is a very lax image you have.” 

“That’s because I haven’t been to one yet! You won’t find any of them unless you go the Royal Capital, right?” 

“...There are also some in Faltra. They were built recently.” 

“What! There are!? Where!?” 

“...You’re being too loud... I have never been there myself, but they should be in the Central District. Places like the governor’s mansion have them.” 

“Woo, let’s go there next time! Actually, let’s go tomorrow!” 

“...You sure seem hasty. We don’t even know where they are, specifically. I plan on telling Celes what happened at the slave emporium tomorrow, so I will ask her where the cafés are located after that.” 

“Yay!” 

Shera gripped her fists, looking truly ecstatic. 

Rem chuckled, a smile playing on her face. 

“...I’m sure it won’t be a cheap place, but it will be my treat tomorrow. We shall celebrate your decision to be free.” 

“Aha, thank you! That’s another step closer to my dream!” 

“...I see.” 

“And then, and then! Once I open the café, I would be the owner; Rem, you’d be a waitress; and Diablo would be the guy who cleans the cups!” 

“...Why are Diablo and I getting mixed up in your dream?” 

“It’s fine! It’ll be fun if all three of us are doing it!” 

“...I have my own plans for the future.” 

“Then your kids can come work in my café! How about it? Doesn’t it sound amazing?” 

“...Why are you obsessing over me so much?” 

“Because you’re the first friend I made after leaving home!” Shera said matter-of-factly. 

“...Your first... friend...?” 

Rem’s voice shook slightly. 

“That’s right! I can’t go back home anymore... But if you and Diablo are here, then the café will be my new place I want to come back to.” 

“...Shera, are you sure won’t regret this?” 

“Yup. I’m sure, I’m sure! Believe me, I made my decision not to go back, and I’m sticking with it. Though I may just be a teensy bit sad... But as long as you and Diablo are here, I’ll be fine! Okay?” 

“...Okay. I will believe you.” 

“I really am glad that I met everyone. If you and Diablo weren’t around for me... I’m sure I would’ve been dragged back home. You two aren’t just my saviors; you’re my friends. You’re more like family than my actual family.” 

Shera scratched her cheek, embarrassed. 

Rem cast her eyes downwards. 

“...When you say it like that... Um... It’s embarrassing, but... I will not deny that.” 

“Hehe!” 

“...But I’m sorry to say that I cannot be a part of your plans for the future.” 

“O-Oh...” 

Shera’s shoulders slumped. 

Standing up, Rem walked over to Shera. 

“...Please, listen very carefully.” 

“What?” 

Diablo was shocked. 

—Is she planning on telling Shera her secret!? 

“...I have a certain problem I’m dealing with right now. As long as this problem remains unsolved, I don’t have the luxury of thinking about the future. Not only that, but this issue is extremely difficult to handle... Almost despairingly so.” 

Rem said each word slowly and deliberately. 

“I-Is there anything I can do?” 

“...I do not know.” 

“Then we have Diablo for that!” 

“...That is true, Diablo may be able to do something about it. If he lends me his power, I think there is a possibility. That’s why...” 

Rem faltered. 

Shera tilted her neck. 

“That’s why...?” 

“...That’s why, if you will still accept me, even after my problem is solved... I might be all right working a café with you.” 

Her cheeks flushed red. 

Shera jumped towards her, wrapping her arms around Rem and falling onto the bed with her. 

“Reeeeem!!” 

“Hyah!?” 

The two of them dove on top of Diablo, landing on him with an audible thud. 

—Heblegh— 

If Diablo didn’t have his level 150 body, he probably would have made a sound like a frog that was getting crushed. 

“Wh-What are you thinking!? Are you trying to wake Diablo up!?” Rem protested. 

“Ah, sorry...! But, I was just so happy!” 

—I think there’s something wrong with you if you didn’t think I’d wake up from that. 

Diablo managed to get by by pretending he was still asleep. 

While still on top of him, they continued talking. 

“...Happy?” 

“I mean, I bet Diablo will solve your problem in a flash!” 

“...You make it sound so easy.” 

“I have to do my fair share, too! Starting up a café is gonna take some money, so I’m gonna keep on being an Adventurer!” 

“...Very well. I think you’re more suited to use a bow, but if you still want to be a Summoner, then I will assist you in acquiring your first Summon.” 

“But Diablo is already my Summon!” 

“......What?” 

“If you don’t hurry up and get a Summon as strong as my Diablo, you’re going to end up losing to me, Rem!” 

“...I just cannot fathom this. When exactly did Diablo become your Summon? Explain to me clearly and precisely the contractual link between you two, and prove to me when you and Diablo mutually agreed to and decided upon said arrangement.” 

“Um, well... Today... Everything got kinda fuzzy when I was with him, so I think that settles it.” 

“...Are you an optimist, or just that dumb?” 

“I wonder?” 

“...Just go to sleep. I have to be up early tomorrow as well.” 

With a yawn, Rem returned to her original position in the bed, lying down on Diablo’s right side. 

However, Shera was still clinging to her. 

“Noooo way!” 

“...You should be on the left. We already decided that your place was on Diablo’s left side,” Rem said, annoyed. 

This was the first time Diablo had heard about this agreement. 

But Shera still would not let go. 

“No! I’m gonna sleep while cuddling you, Rem!” 

“...You’re being annoying.” 

“Well! If you’re going to say that... then I’ll do this!” 

“Ah!? G-Grabbing someone’s ears like this, ngh... What are you thinking!?” 

“I’ve always wanted to try touching them!” 

—I totally know how you feel. 

Rem’s body shuddered. 

“Hahn!? N-No... even though... Diablo was the only one... to do this to me!” 

“What!? He did? Like this? He was touching me today, too....” 

“What!? Ah! Back at the slave emporium!?” 

“Yup, that’s right. And then, he went to my stomach, just like this...” 

“Hng!? Why are you using my stomach to reenact it!?” 

“And then, we take magic energy...” 

“Magic energy!?” 

“Then, hmm... Even though I can see it, I’ve never tried putting magic energy into anyone. How about... Maybe like this?” 

“S-Stop! Stop this— Mm! Hnnnng!!” 

“Yup, that’s totally the voice you make when it feels good!” 

“Ngh... Stupid Sheraaaaa! Nhaaaaa!?” 

“Oh, so this is what it means to put magic energy into someone! Makes you feel all warm and tingly below your stomach, right? And now, the main event...” 

Rem’s body was trembling. She was touching Diablo’s shoulder, so he could feel her shaking as well. 

There was no way Diablo was going to be able to sleep now. 

After screaming, Rem passed out as if she had fainted. And once Shera had fallen asleep from fatigue after releasing her MP— 

Diablo lay awake in silent anguish, unable to sleep even after morning came. 

† 

The next morning— 

After eating breakfast, Diablo and the others split up to do their own things. They were all taking care of their reports of what had happened: 

Rem said she was going to the Adventurer’s Guild to talk to Sylvie, and then make her report to Celes, while Alicia was heading to see the governor. It seemed they would both be back before noon.

Diablo would only end up coercing those he talked to, so he stayed behind at the inn. Shera was with him as well, the official reason being she was “probably tired.” 

They still hadn’t confirmed whether or not Keera had actually made his retreat. It would be stupid of him to let Shera get kidnapped because he had left her by herself. 

That said, he couldn’t afford to spend his time lazing about the room. He had managed to avoid a war this time, but if he neglected being prepared now, it would just lead to unease later. As Diablo didn’t have a stockpile of potions on hand, and since he was still using the Demon Lord’s Ring, this was a problem just waiting to happen. 

With a heavy thud, Diablo sat himself down on the floor. He had really wanted to do this at a desk, but there wasn’t any other furniture in this room besides the bed. 

Plunging his hand into his pouch, he tried imagining what he wanted to take out— 

First up was a potion flask. Keeping an image of it in mind, his fingers hit something hard, which he grabbed and pulled out. A small metallic test tube, longer than the pouch itself, came sliding out. 

—Putting things in and taking things out doesn’t seem to be a problem, at least. 

He had experimented with it multiple times, and had even used it to store Tenma’s Staff, so he would be in trouble if something happened now. 

He took out a few more items: “forest poppy leaves” and “fresh spring water”, as well as the “Combiner set” he had first received when choosing his sub-class. It was a pestle and mortar, though it was his first time actually seeing one. The pestle was a rounded rod, and also ceramic. It had a cylindrical shape for the most part, while the tip was kept thick and round to crush ingredients. 

—So I just grind it all up, and all should be good as gravy... 

But will it really? 

Does it become a potion if I just crush it like that? If it’s that easy, is there even any point to picking the Combiner subclass? 

Diablo pondered things over, staring at his tools and ingredients.

“Di~a~blo? Whatcha doing?” 

Shera was crouching opposite of Diablo, peering at him curiously. 

—How should I answer that? 

If he was confident that he was going to succeed, he would just be honest and say he was going to combine things together to make potions—but failure was still a possibility here. At the very least, Diablo had no knowledge of medicine in Medieval times. 

He decided to try and give himself some insurance, so that even if he did mess up, it would still be all right. 

“I was thinking about trying to recreate the potions I had in my world.” 

“Oh, you’re making potions?” 

“Yes. However, these ingredients look similar to what I had in my world, but actually are not. This is an experiment to see what kind of results I can get from them.” 

—That’s a big fat lie. 

He was planning on using it as an excuse to say: “Yep, these ingredients are different from the ones in my world. If they’re different, they won’t work. Yep,” in case he failed. 

—Putting that aside, how do I make this? 

He had the ingredients— 

He had the tools— 

He had the motivation— 

He just didn’t know how. 

Shera got down on all fours, staring at his hands. 

“Hey, aren’t you going to make it?” 

“...I’m concentrating right now.” 

“Wow, you look like you’re gonna make something amazing! I promise I’ll be quiet, so it’s okay if I watch, right?” 

“O-Of course.” 

He knew she meant no harm, but he felt like it was putting more pressure on him, and he was being driven into a corner, mentally. 

He grabbed some of the forest poppy leaves. 

—Do I just put this in the mortar and mash it up? Or does it need some kind of extra step? 

I was hoping that if I just focused, the knowledge would come flowing to me... 

But, unfortunately, nothing happened. 

Shera was looking at him like a curious kid; but the one part of her that definitely wasn’t childish was swaying slightly. As she leaned over across from him, it looked like he could almost see the tips of her chest. 

—Is this for real!? 

Who the hell cares about the potion anymore. I’d rather have some lotion right now, actually... I have no idea what I’m saying anymore. Super! Amazing! Boobs!! 

“Ah!” Shera exclaimed loudly. 

“Hm!? Ah, no, you see... I-I was just looking at one of the buttons on your clothes—” 

“That’s amazing! I can’t believe you can make it that fast! That’s my Diablo for you!” 

“Hm?” 

—What is she talking about? 

Diablo looked at his hands. The forest poppy leaves he should have been holding had suddenly turned into a potion flask. Not only that, but it was stopped off with a cork; and judging by its weight, it was filled to the brim. 

“Oh?” 

“I’ve seen potion-makers before, but none of them were this fast!” Shera exclaimed excitedly. 

“Wh-What part... was fast about it?” 

“Mmm, everything!” 

“Try saying some of the steps you saw me go through.” 

What he really wanted to say: “Please tell me, what the hell did I just do?” 

“It was so fast that I don’t really know myself,” Shera said as she started to explain. Apparently, he had first removed parts of the poppy leaves, then put the remaining bits into the mortar and mashed them up with the pestle. Then, he added small amounts of the fresh spring water, doing so about ten times while starting to add the other parts of the leaves he had put aside earlier, little by little. 

—In that short amount of time? In the time for her boobs to bounce three times? 

There’s no way I can do that again, even if she explains it to me... 

I don’t even know what parts of the leaves I removed, or even the right time to add them in... 

It sounded like the work of a true craftsman. 

—Basically, that means when I make a conscious effort to move my hands, they’re the hands of someone who doesn’t know anything about making potions... 

But if I’m focused on something else, my hands move unconsciously; they become the hands of an experienced “Combiner”. 

So I just have to distract myself, then? 

“Are you not going to make any more?” Shera tilted her head curiously. 

“Oh, uh... I am, but... Ahem! Shera, watch carefully. If you are an Adventurer, then it would be for the best if you are able to make this, too. So watch only my hands! And closely!” 

“Yeah! I’m watching!” 

Eyes still sparkling, Shera stared at Diablo’s hands. And as for him— 

He stared at her chest. 

White. 

Round. 

Her soft-looking chest would change shape slightly as she moved her body. 

—This is truly a dangerous foe... 

Have to make sure I don’t start panting. 

Just a little more, and I can see the tip... 

The tip!! 

With a short gasp, Diablo looked at his hands: there were nine potion flasks rolling around on the ground. 

—Hell yeah, nice job Mr. Expert Combiner! 

“That’s amazing!” Shera cheered, clapping her hands. 

To be honest, he had felt a hint of regret at the way he’d gone about it, but at least he learned he could create potions in this world. 

“Well... I still need to test it out.” 

“Test what?” 

“If this potion can actually be put to use or not. I had planned on this being something to recover one’s health, but...” 

“Want me to try drinking it?” 

“No, there’s no point in making you drink it if you aren’t wounded. I’ll try it out the next time someone gets hurt. With the ingredients I used, even if this ends up being a dud, it at least won’t be able to poison you.” 

Even if it was a success, it wouldn’t even heal one percent of Diablo’s total HP. It wasn’t exactly something he could rely on in battle. Once he could get his hands on some rarer ingredients and make an MP potion, that’s when he would try using it on himself. There was no longer any pressing situation that might require potions, but it was still best to be prepared. 

He had managed to avoid a war, and according to Shera, Keera should be pulling out his troops and returning home today. 

—If he keeps his promise, that is. 

Keera couldn’t be trusted, which is why Diablo still couldn’t afford to let his guard down now.

A flute’s whistle—

Diablo had heard this repulsive melody before. 

—Keera’s flute. 

Not only has he not retreated yet, but he actually came back into town... He didn’t have any intention of keeping his promise after all. 

Diablo swiftly packed up his potion-making materials, shoving them into his pouch. Grabbing his war scythe, he stood up and went to the window to survey what was going on outside: 

There was an exceedingly fancy carriage parked outside the inn, out of place for this area of town— 

But he couldn’t see anyone who was holding a flute. 

Then, all of a sudden, the music stopped. 

—Did he leave? 

Keera was still nowhere to be seen, so Diablo returned to where he had been in the room. 

Shera was still crouched over, frozen in the same position as she was before. The sound of that flute may have reminded her of the painful choice she made yesterday. 

Diablo checked to see how she was doing. Shera had a thousand-yard stare, as if she were not looking at anything in particular. Her lips were moving ever so slightly as she mumbled indistinctly under her breath. 

Diablo became worried. 

“Hey, Shera! What’s wrong!? Get ahold of yourself!” 

Shera looked at him. 

“Oh, Diablo.... What’s up?” 

She was the same as always. It looked like she had been shaken up for a moment, but now she was back to normal. 

“Are you all right?” 

“What do you mean?” 

“Well... If you’re all right, then it’s fine.” 

“Oh yeah, that’s right... Um, you know what? I have something I need to tell you Diablo, is that okay?” 

It was an abrupt request. 

“What is it?” 

“Well, I have to tell you...” 

Her gaze wandered. Diablo couldn’t even begin to guess what she was going to say, so all he could do was wait. She stared at Diablo with an ambiguous expression on her face, as if she were on the verge of either crying or laughing. 

While fidgeting around, pressing her fingers together, she opened her mouth:

“I’m going back to the Kingdom of Greenwood.”

—What... did she just say? 

He couldn’t comprehend what she had said. Had he misheard? 

As Diablo remained silent, Shera continued to speak: 

“U-Um, you see... I have to go back. The Kingdom of Greenwood is my home, after all. If I don’t make a successor with my brother, then the royal line will die out. Keeping the royal family going is much more important than my own freedom.” 

“That can’t... be.” 

“Oh, but this isn’t like a sense of duty on my part or anything. When I thought about it more, it’s kind of because of how much I respect my brother... and if I go back home, I don’t have to keep doing dangerous work as an Adventurer. Throwing away a stable lifestyle for the sake of freedom is just stupid, right?” 

“I... suppose you could think about it that way.” 

—What...? What is going on!? 

Shera should have turned down Keera’s proposal. Diablo had learned how much Shera wanted to stay in Faltra after her talk with Rem last night. So why did it turn out like this all of a sudden? 

—What is this sudden change of heart? Is it even possible to change your mind this fast? 

Had she been hiding how she really felt while talking with Rem? Is Shera even capable of doing something like that? 

“Ah, gotta get my things together... But I guess I didn’t really have much with me, anyways.” 

Shera began packing her things into a leather bag. As Diablo watched her, a flurry of thoughts ran through his mind. 

—Did I do something to hurt her feelings? 

He began to feel like he had. He was bad at picking up on how others felt, and he was fully aware that he was a good-for-nothing person. If he was actually good at connecting with other people, then he wouldn’t have spent all his time playing games by himself. Had he ended up stepping on one of Shera’s personal landmines because of this? 

—I don’t know. 

He couldn’t even begin to know what Shera was thinking. 

—I don’t know... 

Is it because I did something wrong? 

I just don’t know... 

Now finished with packing her things, Shera stood up. 

“See you, Diablo.” 

Diablo’s mind was in disarray. 

“Well, um... I will at least see you off.” 

“Thanks.”

All the while, Shera had kept that ambiguous expression on her face.

They had left the room. Still bewildered at the turn of events, Diablo followed after Shera as they descended the stairs, walking to the entrance of the inn. 

“Are you not going to say goodbye to Rem?” Diablo asked. 

“Never mind that, I have to hurry it up and return home with my big brother.” 

—She won’t even say her goodbyes to Rem!? 

And just when they were getting along so well together. 

—What is with this sudden change of heart? Or was it an act all along...? Would there even a point to that? 

Diablo couldn’t believe it. 

Without hesitation, and without even looking back, Shera left the inn. A carriage was waiting just outside, the same one Diablo had seen from the window. He started to hear the straining notes from that grotesque flute as the door to the carriage slowly opened. 

—It was him after all. 

Fife in hand, with a look of scorn and contempt plastered across his face— It was Keera. 

“Hurry up and get in, Shera, before the stink of Demon gets on me... Or should I say, the smell of a loser!” 

It was as if Keera had expected this to happen all along. 

Shera climbed into the carriage. 

“Heh heh...” Keera gave a throaty laugh. “You understand, don’t you, Demon? The most important thing for us is to respect Shera’s intentions, right? Make sure you keep your promise: no complaining if she says she wants to go back home.” 

Diablo couldn’t say anything back as Keera’s sneer washed over him. 

The carriage door slammed shut: Shera didn’t even look back outside. In fact, it didn’t seem like she was looking anywhere. She resembled a statue the way she had stiffened up. 

The carriage began to move— 

And just like that, Shera disappeared from Diablo’s side. 

† 

He stood there until the carriage was no longer visible. The people around him passed by, staring at him for a second before moving on. 

—What... just happened? 

I really don’t know. 

A whirlwind of thoughts swirled around in his head before disappearing, leaving almost as fast as they came. He stood there frozen like that for who knows how long. 

Rem and Alicia called out to him; apparently, they had returned. 

“...I never thought you would actually come out to greet us,” Rem said, tilting her head. “Were you worried that we were taking too long to come back? Call Shera so we can have lunch together... You haven’t eaten yet, have you?” 

“After going through what she has, it would be nice if eating a bit earlier helped her regain some of her energy,” Alicia said, a gentle smile on her lips. 

“...Well, that is true.” 

A whirlpool of questions still going through his head, he gave a mechanical reply. 

“Shera... went back to the Kingdom of Greenwood...” 

Rem and Alicia’s eyes widened: 

“...!?” 

“What...!?” 

They seemed to have been at a loss for words, as they were unable to say anything. It must have been quite the shock for them. 

The look on Alicia’s face was particularly solemn. 

“I do not mean to doubt your words, but is that the truth? I find it very hard to believe.” 

“Yes... It is... I have no idea what changed in her head either. I just watched her leave.” 

He looked in the direction the carriage had disappeared. 

Rem drew closer to Diablo. 

“Did you say something to Shera!? Something that, um... something that would make her leave!?” 

“I didn’t... All I did today was make some potions. But there must have been something she didn’t like about me... It happens all the time...” 

“Of course this doesn’t happen all the time! W-We have to catch up with her!” 

“We can’t. She left by carriage. Keera was here waiting for her, just like they had planned it or something... Maybe she was planning to do this ever since they had that private talk with each other. Not that I’d know, though...” 

These didn’t sound like things Diablo would say— But he didn’t have the energy to care. 

Turning his back on the two of them, he headed towards the inn. 

“...What are you going to do?” Rem asked. 

“Sleep.” 

He went back inside the inn. He could hear Rem’s voice coming from behind him— 

Ignoring her, Diablo returned to the room. 

† 

Throwing himself on the bed, Diablo stared at the ceiling. 

—I feel like this always happens... 

He had misjudged her. 

—I think I’ve actually gotten close to someone... 

I think they might feel the same way about me— 

But it’s all just a mistake on my part. 

They would let it be known they thought of him as worthless, hurting him as they pleased. 

—It had only seemed like Shera was connecting with everyone else... 

She had never seemed like the kind of person skillful enough to pull off a lie like that... But even that was just an act. From the very beginning, had she just been hanging around with us on a whim? 

No, our bond with Shera was the real thing... 

But that could just be another wrong assumption on my part... 

A never-ending thought cycle. 

He heard a knock on the door. The sound pulled Diablo out of the murky swamp of thoughts in his head— 

He didn’t respond. 

The one knocking entered the room: 

Rem. 

“...No matter how you look at it, I find Shera’s actions to be impossible for her.” 

She wasn’t criticizing her; she was probably announcing the result of her thinking this over rationally. 

Diablo stayed silent. 

“...That dumb Elf isn’t capable of putting on an act like this,” Rem continued. “If she could, then she would have gotten straight to the point and tried to make things more profitable for herself. She’s not that bright, and has a terrible memory... In the beginning, she had tried to hide the fact she was royalty, remember? But even so, she still went out of her to say the name ‘Greenwood’ when she introduced herself. That’s how much a fool she is. She isn’t capable of lying.” 

—That’s true... 

If Shera really wanted to hide the fact she was royalty, she could have just made up some fake name. 

But Shera hadn’t done that. Even though there weren’t any advantages to not doing it. 

“...It has to be some kind of magic,” Rem declared. “There are spells that can manipulate someone’s will, after all.”

Diablo had thought of this possibility as well. 

“But... It didn’t look like she was being controlled at all. At the very least, there’s no magic I know of that lets you force someone to say something that clearly.” 

“It didn’t seem as awkward or as forced as before.” 

When they had first met, Diablo had given Rem and Shera an “order” without intending to: “Make peace by shaking hands... and with a smile!” And at that time, the two of them had exchanged handshakes, smiles on their faces. 

But even then the two of them still complained while doing it, and the smiles on their faces clearly showed they weren’t enjoying it. Even though they were forced to shake hands, it didn’t change how they felt about it. 

After thinking for a short while in silence, Rem offered a rebuttal: 

“...Last night, I had a conversation with Shera. A conversation about what her dreams were... and what our future together would be like.” 

“She probably thought talking about that would make you happy or something.” 

“...But what would be the point of that? Not to mention she left without so much as a word to me.” 

“The more friendly you are with someone, the harder it is to say goodbye, right?” 

“...Did it seem like she felt that way?” 

“......... No...” 

Diablo thought back to his conversation with Shera—

“Are you not going to say goodbye to Rem?” 

“Never mind that, I have to hurry it up and get home with my big brother.”

—“Never mind that”? 

Something— No, some things had felt out of place about her. He would run out of fingers if he tried to count them all on both hands... But the number of times he had grown distant with others without noticing was still greater. 

“At any rate, it just isn’t possible...” Rem repeated. “I can only think that someone used some kind of magic on her.” 

“Maybe something happened that she didn’t like.” 

As he stayed lying down, Rem came at Diablo with more questions. 

“Are you sure there wasn’t something off about the way Shera spoke? Can you say with absolute certainty that she wasn’t under the control of some kind of spell?” 

He couldn’t; but that kind of magic shouldn’t exist in the first place. He had already memorized all the spells and treasures implemented in Cross Reverie, and even cleared all the story quests as well. 

“There was a treasure.... that could give you control over other people.” 

“What!?” Rem bolted upright. 

“But it wasn’t a flute... And it was obvious to see which NPCs were being controlled. They would talk in a stilted, stiff way...” 

“...What are you talking about?” 

“For there to be something in this world that could make the person under control talk so normally...” 

“...Doesn’t that mean it is possible something like that could exist? The Elves have inherited a majority of treasures from the Celestials. And at the risk of sounding rude... Well, it wouldn’t be strange for them to have things that even you are not aware of, Diablo.” 

“That’s just cheating...” 

—Cheating? 

It would break the game if it actually existed. Players would definitely bash it as a crap quest. 

—But this world is different from the game. Can I definitively say something like that doesn’t exist? 

Shera really was being controlled by magic— Coming to that conclusion made all his past mistakes come rushing back to him, making him feel a pain in his chest.

(A convenient perversion of the truth.) 

(The miserable delusions of someone who has been abandoned.) 

(Unrelenting, lingering regret.)

—Disgusting. 

These things were already ingrained in his body, to an almost sickening degree. 

—It would have been better if I wasn’t summoned with just the looks and abilities of a Demon Lord, but if I had become the “Demon Lord, Diablo” down to the very core of my being— not just an act... 

I was rejected once. I’m tired of chasing after others just to be rejected again. 

...But the energy to get himself up never came. 

“I... I will respect her will.” 

Rem let out a sigh. 

—I disappointed her... That’s fine, too. I’m sure Rem would have distanced herself from me someday, might as well be now. 

Rem stood up from the bed. 

“...I believe in Shera. Even if it isn’t magic, it must be some kind of lapse in judgment on her part.” 

—Why are you going that far? You could get rejected again, making the pain even worse. 

It was a mystery to him. 

Rem stared at him intently. Then, she spoke deliberately:

“It’s because I’m her friend.”

Her voice penetrated deep inside him. 

He swallowed the negative comments he had been on the verge of saying as Rem headed towards the doorway. 

—Friend... 

I feel like Shera was the first one to say it like that... 

He took a deep breath— It was a strange feeling, like it was the first time in a long while he had gotten some fresh air into his lungs. 

“Wait, Rem.” 

“...Are you going to stop me?” She turned to look at him with a stern expression. 

“You aren’t thinking about trying to get into the Elf encampment by yourself... Are you?” 

A bold smile crept onto Diablo’s face. 

“...W-Well...” Rem looked at the ground. “If I was only there to see Shera, I would think they would not get in my way.” 

“Are you sure about that?” 

“...No. I already know that they will try and interfere... and I know that I may not come back alive. According to my intuition, Shera is being controlled by some kind of magic. If that is true, Prince Keera will most certainly try to stop me.” 

“What will you do if they get in your way?” 

“...I will not give up until I meet with Shera. I am an Adventurer who is trying to defeat a Demon Lord. I do not give up so easily.” 

Her voice was determined. 

Still smiling, Diablo got off the bed. 

“You amuse me. You would go through all that trouble to meet with someone who left at their own will?” 

“...Yes.” 

Diablo picked up the war scythe that was laid on the floor. It had felt heavy the first time he had held it; but right now, it felt lighter than ever. 

He spread both his arms wide. 

“To you, Rem Galleu, one of the beings who has summoned me... I ask you—” 

Diablo unleashed the ultimate line, befitting of a Demon Lord:

“—Do you desire power? Do you yearn for the power of a Demon Lord!?”

Rem gave a wholehearted nod. 

“Yes! I need your power, Demon Lord Diablo!” 

“Very well; then you shall have it! To fulfill your desire, I shall bestow you with a glimpse of this overwhelming power of mine!” 

† 

When they had left the room, Alicia was waiting for them in the hallway. The war scythe resting on his shoulder, along with Tenma’s Staff and the potions he had made earlier stuffed inside his pouch, Diablo attempted to step around her. 

“Sir Diablo, though it may seem rude, I heard your conversation just now.” Alicia’s voice was firm. 

“And?” 

“I understand how you feel. However, Princess Shera has made her intentions clear and left Faltra of her own accord. Even if it is just to see her, we are talking about the princess of another country... This could serve as a trigger for war!” 

“Oh hoh, simply by me going to visit her?” 

“There is the possibility that your actions could cause you to be treated as a criminal by both the Human and Elven countries!” 

Alicia’s voice was desperate. 

At this rate, Diablo and Rem would be labeled as criminals. Perhaps Alicia had put forth the idea in an attempt to deter them from going ahead with their plans. 

And yet, Diablo still shook his head. 

“Shera could be under the influence of magic, you see.” 

“Th-That’s... If you could prove that... then even if the perpetrator was the leader of a country, they would not be able to avoid the ramifications. But even then, there is no guarantee that you would not be charged with some sort of crime...!!” 

“That isn’t the case, Alicia.” 

“What?” 

“If Shera is under the influence of magic, there’s someone here who wants to free her from that.” 

Alicia looked at Rem. Keeping her mouth drawn tight, Rem nodded. 

“...I’m sorry, but I’m going to go and make Shera come to her senses.” 

“Y-You can’t! Are you planning on making Humans and Elves— No, the entire world your enemy!?” Alicia’s voice was laced with panic. 

A fiendish smile came onto Diablo’s face. 

“Alicia, who do you think I am? I go wherever I want, do whatever I please... and no one will be able to stop me.” 

“But if you are to head out to meet the Elves, the governor is sure to notice! If he feels that what you are doing is ill-advised, I would think there is a high possibility he will send the army to stop you.” 

—Oh yeah, the governor had sent “Observers” to follow us around, huh. 

Diablo hadn’t been able to detect their presence whatsoever. Just through their superior surveillance skills, he could tell that Galford’s soldiers were extremely well-trained. 

But Diablo’s feelings were firm. 

“Hmph... If they try to get in my way, then that means I will have to raze the governor’s soldiers first.” 

“I don’t believe it...” Alicia said, staggering backwards. 

“Miss Rem, are you truly all right with this!? You will lose not only your achievements as an Adventurer, but your life in this town as well!” 

“...I simply do not feel right without confirming Shera’s true feelings myself. I do not think what she said to me was a lie... If her words are being distorted by magic, then I want to save her. And, um... Having no one to save you is truly painful.” 

“We are going. If you are going to try and stop us, I have no qualms fighting you. However, we are in a hurry, so don’t expect me to go easy on you.” 

Leaving Alicia behind, Diablo and Rem continued down the hallway. 

Alicia circled around, standing in front of them. 

—Is she actually planning on fighting us!? 

“If that is the case... will you please allow me to accompany you?” 

“What? Are you actually insane?” 

In a panic, Rem attempted to stop her. 

“What are you saying, Alicia!? Our situations are completely different than yours! From the beginning, we were Adventurers who never relied on the country for anything; but you are an Imperial Knight! It is unthinkable for you to abandon your position like this!” 

From here on out, Diablo and Rem could end up becoming criminals. That was because they thought of Shera as their friend; that’s what they believed. But Alicia was someone they had just met. They had no bonds that held them together, and she owed them no favors. 

“It was not like I wanted to become an Imperial Knight,” Alicia said, shaking her head. “Rather, I wanted to be able to help those who needed it. I am still not convinced about what happened with Miss Shera. Not only that, but I cannot leave you alone either, Miss Rem.” 

“...You said that before, didn’t you. But I do not think it is worth throwing away your position as an Imperial Knight.” 

“If you put it that way, then I could say the same for you throwing away your life as an Adventurer.” 

“...I see. Then I have nothing I can say in response to that. If Diablo says it is all right, then I cannot stop you.” 

He was conflicted. Being an Adventurer meant living life on a day-by-day basis, where you could end up spending who knows how many days in a dungeon. But on the other hand, was it okay to get Alicia, an Imperial Knight who barely knew Shera, involved as well? 

—Well, I guess it’s up to the person themselves to decide the value of something. 

If she said she wanted to prioritize saving Shera over her own position as an Imperial Knight, then Diablo and Rem couldn’t change how she felt about that. In fact, he appreciated it. 

“Alicia, are you positive you will not end up regretting this?” 

An earnest expression on her face, she nodded. 

“Of course. Not to mention, though it may seem rude, it would probably take the two of you a decent amount of time to locate the Elf encampment. I have already asked about the specific location of Prince Keera and his soldiers.” 

“Oh hoh? From the governor?” 

“Yes. What do you say? I don’t think there is any harm in bringing me along, do you?” 

It’s true, she would be useful. 

Diablo couldn’t care less about Keera, but wherever he was, Shera was probably there, too. Walking around the forest near the Eastern Lakefront looking for them would be rough. Also, since Shera might be there as well, he couldn’t just start firing off his most powerful spells there, either. Having Shera taken back to the Kingdom of Greenwood afterwards just because they had taken too much time would only lead to even more trouble. 

Judging from what he had seen of Keera’s personality, he should show himself if Diablo taunted him openly— Is what he had been thinking, but if they knew where the troops were located, that made everything a whole lot easier. 

“Hmph... Even though I said you do not have to try and be useful... You seem to like making things hard on yourself, don’t you?” 

“Yes, I’m told that a lot.” 

Rem took Alicia’s hand. 

“Alicia, thank you!” 

“Not at all. Let’s do our best to save Shera. She must be under the control of some kind of magic, and suffering because of it.” 

† 

The ?Eastern Lakefront Forest?— 

A forest found on the eastern side of Seplia Lake, it was located to the southeast of the city of Faltra. The dark green foliage of the trees grew thick there. 

Following Alicia’s directions carefully, the group made their way through this ominous place. 

In Cross Reverie, monsters would appear with relative frequency in the Eastern Lakefront Forest. Diablo remembered that the forest itself was always crawling with vicious beasts. 

In game terms, though, this was still one of the beginning areas. The recommended level for this area was around 40. It was a place for players who had made their way to Faltra to grind levels and gain experience before heading to the Demon Lord’s Domain. But Diablo couldn’t sense any living creature around them; wild beasts were more sensitive to danger than the other races, so they probably noticed that the Elves were here and ran off. 

It didn’t exist in this world, but in the game, there was a radar that showed the map of the area and all living things around you. However, those using “Stealth” skills wouldn’t appear on the radar. “Sensing a presence” in this world could be the equivalent of having the radar from the game. In that regard, it felt like the Elves were close, but he couldn’t actually sense their presence.

It was just past noon, and right when Diablo was starting to think they should have brought some lunch or something— 

Alicia suddenly stopped. She was staring intently at the multitude of tall tree trunks in front of them. 

Diablo followed her gaze to where she was looking. The trees looked fuzzy and out of focus, with nothing about them standing out in particular. All he could make out of them was triangular shapes with a line down the middle, as if they had been cut out with a knife. 

Turning around, Alicia spoke in a whisper: 

“It seems like this is the place.” 

“...What should we do?” Rem whispered back. “I would think trying to sneak past the Elves and reaching Shera without them noticing would be quite difficult.” 

“Hmph...” Diablo snorted. “What are you saying? Why must we stand about whispering like this when we have merely come to pay Shera a visit?” 

“...But will they actually let us see her?” 

Rem was expecting the Elves to not let them see Shera; Diablo felt the same. 

But if they wouldn’t allow the group to see her, then on top of Shera’s sudden change of heart, the Elves were basically saying, “She is being controlled by magic.” It was a bit of reckless reasoning on their part—but it was enough to make them give it their all. 

Not only that, but there was no time to spare. Elves specialized in Sneak skills, while Diablo’s group did not. Even if they tried to move forward while staying hidden, they would be found out. If that was the case— 

Taking a deep breath, Diablo shouted out: 

“Attention, Elves! We know you’re there! If you do not come out of that forest, I’ll burn you out!” 

The surrounding trees started to sway. And then— 

Far away, ten Elves dropped out of the treetops, bows on their backs. 

But that wasn’t all. One after the other, Elves came pouring out of the forest. 

—Twenty, thirty, forty, fifty... 

They all wore green clothing that blended in with the trees. To be honest, Diablo wasn’t confident that he could count them all accurately—but there were over one hundred of them at the very least. Maybe even two hundred. There were far more than the governor had predicted. If this were Cross Reverie, having this many characters on screen at once would be enough to make the game lag hard. Diablo had never taken on this many opponents at once before. 

Keeping Rem and Alicia behind him, Diablo glared at the Elf army. He recognized one of the Elves standing at the vanguard of the troops: he was a young man who had been part of the elite Elf squad that had laid in wait in the Man-Eating Forest to try and take Shera back home. 

If I remember right— 

“Your name is Celsior, is it not?” 

“Y-Yes... I’m honored you remembered.” A nervous expression on his face, Celsior stepped forward. 

“I want to meet with Shera. Lead me to her.” 

Diablo had made his demand clear. 

“I cannot do that. Prince Keera has ordered us not to let anyone through here.” 

—As I thought. 

Celsior’s words served as the evidence needed to support their theory. Shera was being controlled by some kind of magic unknown to Diablo. 

Rem’s breath caught in her throat. 

“Unforgivable,” Alicia muttered. 

Diablo asked another question; he didn’t feel like wasting any more time. 

“Shera is being controlled by magic, then. Is it that flute?” 

Celsior had an anguished expression on his face, and yet— 

“I cannot answer that!” An adamant refusal. 

He looked like the type of person who would never lie; judging by his expression, tone of voice, and his eye contact, he was telling the truth. 

Diablo made his rage known. 

“You know, and yet you still follow his orders!? Do you truly believe that fool becoming king is for the good of your country, even though you realize he is controlling Shera with magic!?” 

“The future of the Elves will be decided by our king! Our king-to-be, Prince Keera, has decided upon having a child with Princess Shera for the benefit of our country. All we have to do is believe in the prosperity the future will bring and follow our king... Otherwise, our country will be torn apart!”

“Using their position as an excuse to throw away your ability to differentiate between good and evil is nothing short of being a slave, you imbecile!” Diablo roared.

“Th-This is for the sake of our country!” 

Celsior readied his bow; one after the other, the rest of the Elves did the same. 

Diablo heard the sound of countless bowstrings being drawn taut— Two hundred arrowheads were pointed towards him all at once. 

“Stay behind me,” Diablo told Rem and Alicia. 

“Sir Diablo, there is no way to guard against so many arrows!” 

“...Do not worry, just let him handle it. I may be scared right now... but even more than that, I believe in Diablo.” 

Diablo raised his war scythe. 

“For the sake of your country, you say... You have made a grave mistake, Celsior! It is not the prince’s wrath you should worry of; it is mine!” 

“Fire!!” Celsior yelled. 

Two hundred arrows blotted out the sky, pouring down like black rain. 

Diablo held his left hand aloft as he cast his spell: 

“?Volcanic Wall?!” 

The earth in front of him erupted, spewing flames that reached heights beyond that of the trees in the forest, almost seeming to reach the sky itself. 

The Elves screamed in horror as their arrows disintegrated to ash in the face of a spell reminiscent of a natural disaster. The surrounding trees were lit aflame, and everything was blown away. The area of forest in front of Diablo and the others that had once blocked their vision was now transformed to scorched rock and earth. 

—Hmm... This spell does quite a lot of damage to the terrain itself. 

It was a level 80 Earth and Fire-type magic that caused a wall of fire to erupt from the ground. It activated quickly, and was easy to use as a shield of sorts. The attack headed straight upwards, so its effective area was smaller than Diablo had expected. 

As the air shimmered with heat waves, Celsior’s face was contorted in terror. 

“...It can’t be... Impossible!” 

“I have even more powerful spells that could have burned you all to ash, but the risk of losing my guides to show me the way to Shera would just end up being troublesome for me.” 

“Ngh... It’s true, you may be strong... but don’t underestimate the Elves!” 

“Hm?” 

“Behind you!” Rem shouted, while Alicia drew her sword. 

—From behind!? 

The Elves within the forest displayed extremely prominent Stealth skills. For a Demon Sorcerer such as Diablo, detecting traps or people lying in ambush wasn’t his forte. Because of this, he hadn’t been able to sense the enemies who were sneaking up directly behind him. 

An Elf Warrior rushed in wielding a dagger, but Alicia caught it, deflecting it with her sword. 

“I will not let you approach Sir Diablo!” 

“Grk!?” 

Blood splattered everywhere as she slashed into the Elf’s shoulder. 

At the same time, Rem threw out her crystals. 

“Come forth, Asulau and Stoneman!” 

A gigantic bull with three horns on its head came into existence. In addition, an enormous stone statue appeared as well. Though there was no face or eyes to be found on its square-shaped head, it felt like it was glaring at the Elves. 

Though Rem may have been a Summoner, she was also a Pantherian who could fight in close-quarters using her natural agility. Though this only meant their three-on-two hundred brawl had turned into a five-on-two hundred skirmish... 

Diablo’s group had more shields now. When fighting against opponents like these, where Diablo’s group didn’t know where their next attacks would be coming from, this was their boon. 

—Summons are more useful than I imagined. 

Diablo forged ahead. With every step he took forward, the more the Elves moved one back. He had already burnt any trees the Elves could have hidden themselves to a crisp. 

“Hmph... If you wish to throw your lives away for the sake of a foolish prince, then come face me!” 

Several of the Elves ran away on the spot, but there were still several Elves who came charging at him, however. 

It was hard to restrain himself knowing that Shera was just ahead of him.