Isekai Mahou wa Okureteru! (LN) Volume 2 Chapter 3

Demon General Rajas (2nd half)

Translators: Shuvi, Skythewood

Editing: Skythewood

Edited by: Someone else (who messed up the formating)

Part 5

 “— Suimei was used as bait!?”

 After Rofuri went out to perform sentry duties against any Mazoku that might follow, Reiji’s roar erupted in the vicinity that turned quiet.

 — No need to worry. Gregory started his long speech with that opening line, stunning Reiji who couldn’t believe what he heard, pressing forward as if he was going to grab him by the collar.

 He didn’t show a shred of respect. This intense expression of the man known as a hero scared Gregory.

 “Is that true!?”

 “Y-Yes! It is just as I said.”

 “Wha…!”

 Reiji was too shocked to say anything. This was no joking matter, and must be the truth.

 As Reiji bit his lips and was about to grab Gregory by his s.h.i.+rt.

 t.i.tania who had been at a loss all this while stepped in to restrain Reiji.

 “P-Please calm down, Reiji-sama!”

 “B-But!”

 “Gregory isn’t done yet, please let him finish his story…”

 “... Understood.”

 t.i.tania had a point. Like she said, Gregory only got to the part about ‘Suimei-dono would be the bait so there shouldn’t be much danger on this end’.

 … Seeing Reiji accept her counsel, t.i.tania patted her chest and sighed in relief. Next, t.i.tania who had always been gentle used an unexpectedly stern gaze and voice to command Gregory:

 “Gregory, tell us everything with not a single bit of falsehood. Can you do that?”

 “... By your will.”

 Gregory knelt as he answered the princess.  Maybe he was intimidated by her piercing gaze as sweat wetted his forehead and he started his tale again.

 “... I heard about this when we met our contact person earlier. According to him, the Mazoku sent an army to the borders of Aster in order to kill the hero. They used Suimei-dono as bait in order to save the hero-dono from that army”

 At this moment, Reiji whose expression was gloomy started questioning Gregory.

 “You mentioned that Suimei is used as bait, how exactly? Did they ask Suimei to act as a decoy…”

 “No. Suimei-dono doesn’t know about this.”

 Everyone already expected Gregory to say that, but to pull this off would be rather difficult in reality. Since Suimei was acting as bait without knowing about it himself, a question arises.

 “... So how did they make Suimei the bait? Wouldn’t Mehter be attacked?”

 “Yes, about that, the plan was enacted to match Suimei-dono’s departure from Mehter…”

 “Match his departure?”

 “Hmm? Hmm? W-Why? Suimei-kun never said he wanted to leave the capital?”

 Yes, when they left the castle, Suimei only told them he wanted to live outside the castle. Mizuki question was only natural, since it contradicted what happened when they left Mehter.

 “A-After we set off from Mehter, there was news about Suimei searching for a caravan escort a.s.signment through the adventurer’s guild.”

 “Suimei visited the adventurer’s guild?”

 “Yes. According to intel, Suimei seemed to have become a member of the Twilight Pavilion. From this, it could be speculated that he planned to leave Mehter all along… The n.o.bles who knew about this and is related to the Demon King subjugation campaign used Suimei to…”

 So he was exploited. But this led to more questions. What was Suimei trying to do, he turned down the journey with Reiji and company for the sake of safety in the first place. But despite that, he registered in the adventurer’s guild and accepted a caravan escort request. He wouldn’t have done that if he didn’t have a plan.

 “Suimei-kun, what happened…? It’s dangerous to leave the city, he should know that.”

 “I don’t know. But I think Suimei must have acted after thinking it through.”

 Seeing that unease was wavering In Mizuki’s eyes, Reiji asked Gregory once again:

 “Forget it. The reason why Suimei could become the bait is clear. But why did the n.o.bles did that? They didn’t need to go out of their way and use Suimei as the decoy.”

 That’s right, with the Mazoku invading with an army and their allies having limited manpower, the only option was to escape. Since running away would be good enough, there wasn’t any reason to use Suimei as bait.

 “Hero-dono, there is a large Mazoku army heading our way. They might be slow because of their scale, but they are still Mazoku after all. No matter how slow they are marching, the area they can cover is on a different level from the march of a human army. In order to avoid the possibility of the hero being captured, Lord Hardias…”

 “So it’s Duke Hardias!?”

 “Yes…”

 Because t.i.tania’s voice was filled with surprise, Gregory lowered his head timidly.

 Who is this Duke Hardias, I think I heard his name a long while ago.

 Reiji tried searching his memories, but came up empty.

 “Sorry Tia, but who is Duke Hardias?”

 “... Duke Hardias is one of the handful of grand n.o.ble in Aster, he had been appointed by father to plan the defence against the Demon King invasion. However…”

 “And the matter of Suimei becoming the bait?”

 In response, t.i.tania nodded heavily even though she didn’t have any proof. Gregory who knew the situation said:

 “...Yes. Like I explained, This is the decision Duke Hardias and some of the n.o.bles made on their own. And of course, they have no doubts about the power of the hero Reiji, but they judged that it was still too early to face the opposing army directly, even with the help of supporting troops. That’s why they came up with this plan.”

 “... But even so, this is not a reason to forcibly make Suimei the bait, isn’t that right?”

 “With regards to that, it still isn’t clear why the Mazoku can sense the existence of the hero. The Mazoku who were captured by Hardias’ men only said they were here to kill the hero, and nothing more, but even so…. Pardon me, but I can’t confirm the reason with you either, maybe Suimei who was also summoned can disrupt the eyes of the enemy more easily… That’s why false information was leaked to the Mazoku, diverting them to target the caravan Suimei-dono was traveling with.”

 This method might be effective too. Their group have not engaged the Mazoku army as of now, which was definitely related to them knowing the existence of the hero, but was unable to pinpoint his location.

 a.s.suming that the Mazoku could sense the summoning of the hero through some means, no matter how accurate that method was, there was value in launching a preemptive attack. They only knew the rough position of the hero and they still eagerly march their army that way. This meant they reckon that they had a good chance of defeating the hero.

 In that case, a piece of information was necessary. That was the timing of the hero summoning.

 “... The truth might have been exposed to the Mazoku when we announced to the whole world about our journey. But from the attacks so far— Is that possible?”

 “That’s right, it’s hard to think of it that way. Like Mizuki said, the Mazoku is moving too fast.”

 Therefore, someone amongst the Mazoku sensed the hero summoning before the news broke out.

 “How did Duke Hardias leak the false information to the Mazoku…? He couldn’t have an acquaintance in the Mazoku right? How did he manage that?”

 “A-According to the contact person, soldiers were sent to Charlotte as messengers to spread the word to those who didn’t know about the Mazoku that the hero was hidden in the caravan heading towards Kurand.”

 “What!?”

 “I-In that case, could it be…”

 Terrible thoughts swirled in her mind as Mizuki’s voice started to tremble. She seemed to have grasped the meaning behind Gregory’s words accurately. The face of the young girl turned pale with unease. Gregory answered with an expression that was a mix of bitterness and regret to the young girl:

 “... If the soldiers who only know the false information were captured, they will be interrogated and spill what their mission was. However, if the soldiers were fed false information from the very start, they will only divulge false information no matter how they much they get interrogated. If the Mazoku fall for it, then the plan would be a success. That’s why the proposal pa.s.sed through in no time…”

 “For such a thing to…”

 “This is too much…”

 This incident shocked the two girls badly. t.i.tania covered her mouth and was dumbstruck, while Mizuki looked as if she was on the verge of tears.

 In front of the two girls, Reiji shouted angrily at Gregory:

 “... Using human like this… I-Isn’t that going overboard!? What do they think lives are!?”

 “T-The life of hero-dono cannot be compared to the life of soldiers. If we lose the hero who can save tens of thousands of people for the sake of a dozen or so soldiers, it would not be worth it.”

 “Has Suimei been sacrificed because of such logic…!”

 “The people in the caravan are also unrelated to this. But…”

 Gregory became quiet as he listened to Reiji lose his temper and shout, and Mizuki groan. He must have his own thoughts about using the lives of soldiers in such a way.

 Reiji calmed down after venting for a while, and tried his best to calm down and said:

 “... Is there no other way?”

 “When I learned about this, the Mazoku army was already halfway across the territory of Charlotte, and pressing on to the mountainous region of the border. It is too late to do anything about it at this point…”

 “Since you already knew, why didn’t you say anything!”

 “T-This can’t be helped! I was ordered not to reveal this before the time comes, as a knight, I don’t have the authority to ignore this order… And when I knew about it, it was already…”

 “T-Then… Suimei-kun is…”

 “... He has probably made contact with the Mazoku. According to the misinformation we spread, we only mentioned that Suimei-dono didn’t have any outstanding features, wore strange clothes, and the approximate position of the caravan. There are no guarantees, but if they search the one who matches such conditions…”

 “B-But! If he ran off somewhere to hide…”

 “That would be difficult. It seems that the claws of the Mazoku even reached the inside of the Neruferian Empire. This means the Mazoku army was really large in scale. Since there already is a specific target zone, I think they will comb the area thoroughly. In that case, the caravan that didn’t know anything will…”

 When they heard Gregory’s speculations, everyone had a complicated expression. They were all dumbstruck, probably because of sadness, depression, or both. Both Mizuki and t.i.tania probably felt that Suimei who didn’t possess any power will be safe. Even Reiji was starting to feel this way.

 At this moment, t.i.tania spoke again.

 “... Our national defence, no, what about the defences for Mehter and Kurand?”

 “That’s right… Now that you mention that!”

 t.i.tania’s words snapped Reiji back to reality. What happened to Suimei filled his entire head, so he didn’t thought about this part. If the Mazoku was targetting Suimei, that meant the country had been invaded by the Mazoku. There was no reason for them to stop their invasion after taking out the caravan. Thinking logically, that meant the city in the vicinity would be exposed to danger.

 “Yes. For the defences of Kurand, the local mecenaries and Mage guild had already started recruiting people who could fight, the adventurer’s guilds are also gathering their elites in secret. As for Mehter, the knights and Mage corps are selecting and gathering trained personnel, and are organizing them into units.”

 “If they could deal with it so smoothly, then why did they use Suimei as bait…”

 “There isn’t enough time to organize the units. To ensure there was time to issue orders and mobilize the units in Kurand, sacrificing Suimei-dono and the caravan was the only way…”

 So there was no other way. In other to save the many, they had to discard the few. The logic was correct, but wasn’t it too much for the people who didn’t want to be sacrificed?

 The idea that Suimei was in the dark about this made Reiji really anxious.

 Mizuki who was beside Reiji was blinking tears away from the corner of her eyes because of this cruel blow.

 “This is too much, this is really too much…”

 Her moan and tears were definitely her true feelings. She had the tenacity to take part in the Demon King subjugation campaign, but she was still a girl... The kingdom summoned them to seek their help, but treated those who didn’t help in such a way. When she heard about this, Mizuki couldn’t help sobbing in sorrow.

 It was the same for t.i.tania. She lowered her head with her face a mixture of regret, pain and depression. This happened right after befriending them.

 Once again, Gregory kneeled onto the ground.

 “My most sincere apologies!”

 What’s the use of apologizing like this. It wouldn’t change the fact that Suimei was in danger. Reiji couldn’t find the words to respond, even his wrath had burnt out. The only thing left was a melancholy he couldn’t shake away. The figure of the middle-age knight with his forehead on the ground was right in front of him. What was he thinking when he made this apology? Was he just making a show of apology with a look of absolute sincerity, but he was actually suppressing a smile in his heart?

 How could he find out his true intentions? As Reiji was thinking about things that made him hate himself.

 Ah—

 Reiji felt inspiration struck like lightning.

 Is that so. Thinking it through calmly, it was easy to understand.

“Reiji-kun?”

 Mizuki looked at Reiji who seemed to have understood something—

 “That’s enough, Gregory-san.”

 “H-Hero-dono?”

 He put his hands on Gregory’s shoulders, ending his long apology. That’s right, there was no need to apologize. Or rather, he should be thankful to Gregory. Because—

 “Gregory-san. When we asked about this, you should have been told not to divulge everything. You must have been ordered to tell us the Mazoku is in the vicinity, and guide us to some other place.”

 t.i.tania and Gregory were dumbstruck, and Mizuki asked immediately:

 “Reiji-kun, what is the matter?”

 “If Gregory-san was really an underling of that n.o.ble Hardias, he wouldn’t need to tell us about Suimei in the first place. Gregory-san just needed to let us keep running away, and not tell us something that would make us distrust him.”

 “Ah…”

 Mizuki’s mutter of comprehension was soft, but it was clearer than any other sound in the vicinity.

 Earning distrust. That’s right, the words did seem strange when she thought about it. If he told them the truth about Suimei’s situation, it would definitely earn their ire. If he understood that, then he wouldn’t have done so. If it was the underlings of the ones who planned this, they would definitely hide the facts about Suimei.

 But Gregory still told them all of this, probably because there was something in his heart that couldn’t be twisted. And because of this sense of justice, he couldn’t hold it in anymore.

 “I am very sorry. I only realize this now. I am truly sorry for shouting at you without thinking properly.”

 “Hero-dono…”

 Gregory’s voice started choking as Reiji lower his head and conveyed his thoughts clearly.

 Seeing him like this, t.i.tania also said:

 “Gregory, my sincere apologies. I didn’t trust you until I heard what Reiji said.”

 Gregory lowered his head deeply when he heard that.

 And as if he was confessing a sin, he slowly said:

 “... I couldn’t do it. Tricking the people who had nothing to do with this world but was summoned to defeat the Demon King, and even accepted this duty. However, pretending not to know anything when their friend is in danger, is inhumane…”

 Gregory who opened his heart to the others lowered his head once more.

 “My deep apologies. I couldn’t do anything.”

 “That’s enough. Enough. Because—”

 That’s right, if anyone was to be blamed, it was all his own fault. Reiji was the only one who was summoned, but his two friends were dragged in. He even ignored his friend’s advice, which led to this. Hence—

 “... Reiji-sama?”

 t.i.tania asked as Reiji got up and turned his back.

 But Reiji didn’t turn back, so t.i.tania called out to him anxiously again.

 “W-Where do you want to go, Reiji-sama?”

 “...Do you even need to ask? I’m going to rescue Suimei now.”

 “How can that be, what do you want to do by going there now!?”

 “H-Hero-dono! I understand how you feel, but you wouldn’t make it even if you go now! There are no horses now either!”

 “There is another horse. Rofuri’s horse.”

 “Y-You are right Reiji, but there’s nothing you can do even if you go now! Even if you make it, there is still an army of Mazoku there. You will just be throwing your life away!”

 Reiji couldn’t refute t.i.tania’s counsel. What she said was true, there was no doubt about it. t.i.tania stopped him again:

 “Reiji-sama, please reconsider this. If anything happened to Reiji-sama, Then who will defeat Nakshatra?”

 “... Ugh!”

 Yes, just like t.i.tania said, Since he accepted their request and came here, that meant he was already the hero. Forgetting that and running amok because of his emotions and losing his life, was in a way betraying them.

 — Even so, there were some things he couldn’t accept.

 “No…”

 “R-Reiji-sama?”

 “I don’t want to abandon Suimei. Suimei is my friend, so…”

 He was gritting his teeth from regret and clenching his fist, but Reiji didn’t give up, he still want to help his friend. Just like Mizuki, Suimei was his irreplaceable friend. That’s why he didn’t want to lose him. It might already be too late, but he didn’t want to just stand idly by.

 t.i.tania looked at him with a worried gaze. From her eyes, it was clear she was in a dilemma between subjugating the Demon King and her own feelings. She probably didn’t know what to do.

 s.h.i.+fting t.i.tania out of his sight, Reiji turned towards Mizuki.

 “... Mizuki.”

 “I-I want to…”

 “Mizuki! Let’s go! To help Suimei!”

Grabbing Mizuki’s shoulders, Reiji urged the young girl. Urging her strongly to help their friend, because he believed that if it was her, she will definitely agree.

 “Ah, ugh…”

 When he noticed, Mizuki was trembling a little.

 “Ah…”

 From her deep black eyes, Reiji could tell that Mizuki was trembling from fear.

 That’s right, this young girl entered the battlefield for the first time just now. Her first fight, facing off against the Mazoku for the first time. Back then, Reiji felt her fear during the battle. If that was the case, was it really fine to force this young girl to take on the Mazoku army with him?

 No, it’s definitely not fine. It’s not fine pus.h.i.+ng such a burden on a trembling young girl at all.

 At this instant, the term ‘being full of oneself’ floated in his mind. Thinking back about how everyone else thought, he looked around him again, and saw doubt in everyone’s faces.

 “... I am sorry, Mizuki.”

 “R-Reiji-kun?”

 He turned his back to the voice calling out to him after apologizing. Even now, he still didn’t want to give up. So—

 “Just me alone would be fine, everyone please wait in a safe place. Rofuri-san!”

 Reiji shouted at Rofuri who was just returning from a patrol some distance away. Rofuri who didn’t know what was happening tilted his head as he rode over.

 “Yes? How may I serve, Reiji-sama?”

 “Lend me your horse.”

 “Hmm? Alright, no problem, what are you…”

 As Rofuri dismounted, the voice of two people echoed out as if they were trying to cut him off.

 “Please wait, Reiji-sama!”

 “Wait, Reiji-kun!”

 The cries came from behind Reiji. At this moment, Reiji—

Part 6

 Suimei who left the caravan to chase after Lefille was walking in the forest as he track the traces of the girl’s magic presence. He couldn’t catch up immediately probably because Lefille left rather swiftly in order to not trouble the caravan. It wasn’t strange for the girl who left according to Galeo’s wishes without any complains to act this way.

 As he strolled in the forest in search of Lefille, Suimei looked up at the forest canopy obscuring his view of the cloudy sky and thought:

 This place is completely untamed. Wild beasts or monsters from a fantasy world will probably show up...

 Suimei stopped for a moment to rest and leaned against the tree before him. He drank about a mouthful of water from his canteen, and sighed. It was a given that there were monsters here. The forest of this different world was obviously much more dangerous than the world he came from.

 I actually entered a place like this by my own will, ara…

 He probably felt that it was strange, or that this was a foolish action. But even if Suimei asked himself that, he couldn’t get an answer anyway as his doubt started to expand in his mind. At this moment, right before he moistened his throat with water again, Suimei asked nonchalantly.

 “— I am sorry for making you so tense, but please spare me from your blade.”

 “——!?”

 These words were directed at the killing intent behind him that was filled with nervousness.

 Suimei’s calm voice echoed in the serene forest. Shortly after, the noise of gra.s.s being trampled could be heard, and a certain familiar voice that was filled with bafflement entered his ears.

 “... Suimei-kun? Why are you here?”

 “Well, as you can see, I came here for you.”

 Looking back, the figure of Lefille with the tip of her sword drooping down was right behind her. Because Suimei had a weak sense of presence, Lefille thought he was a beast that was stalking her, and was planning to cleave him along with the tree he was leaning on in half.

 “You chased after me…? That’s too reckless, it is dangerous to stay with me alright? Why did you do that?”

 “Well, it’s because leaving you alone is too dangerous. I am very concerned.”

 “D-Don’t worry. I can manage on my own. You are just b.u.t.ting into my affairs unnecessarily.”

 “You can deal with the danger by yourself?”

 “Yes.”

 That’s how proud and headstrong Lefille was. Suimei made an accusation with a sarcastic smile:

 “Pardon me for being blunt, but do you have enough food and water?”

“Ugh… Well, that…”

 “Is that so?”

Lefille was dumbstruck as she averted her gaze awkwardly. As the girl before Suimei was being force to admit her defeat, Lefille thought of a retort and turned back to her usual serious expression.

 “But you are not carrying any luggage too right? Someone who didn’t even prepare his own provision is not qualified—”

 “Are you still going to say that after seeing this?”

 As if he was trying to break her serious expression, Suimei said casually as he took out a luggage bag from the briefcase he was carrying, even though it was much larger than the briefcase.

 “... To tell me off…”

 “What was that about being qualified? Are you saying the amount of provision I prepared is not qualified?”

 Before Suimei who seemed rather arrogant, Lefille was shocked.

 The amount was definitely up to standard. Suimei’s student briefcase made use of magic to expand its capacity. Even the combination of Kabbalah and Alchemy could only increase the capacity to that of a 150 litre foreign made luggage bag.

 “... What is this weird magic item?”

“Calling it weird, how mean… Anyway, you can’t say I am an unnecessary busybody now, right?”

 “That might be so… Suimei-kun, do you really think it is fine to stay with me?”

“What can I do if I say I am regretting it very much?”

“Erm… I am sorry.”

 “Not at all. If I will regret it immediately, I wouldn’t have come. Don’t worry about it.”

 Facing Lefille who was lowering her head with a gloomy expression, Suimei answered as if he was joking. That’s right, he wouldn’t be here if he wasn’t worried about how Lefille felt, it was impossible for him to regret this.

 Even though he said that, Lefille still couldn’t accept the way Suimei cut off his retreat path without anything to gain.

 “But I am being targeted by the Mazoku you know?”

 “True.”

 “If that is so…”

 If that is so, how should I put it? Lefille understood she was in the weaker position, and couldn’t make such high handed speech. Looking at Lefille who was caught in anxiety, Suimei spoke:

 “Lefille, you think it would be better if I stayed with the caravan and leave you alone?”

“That is…”

 Suimei raised a different question to Lefille who couldn’t answer. Peering through the forest canopy, the sky was cloudy just like the gloomy atmosphere between them. Suimei said calmly as if he was asking the question to the sky.

 “— Hey, tell me the truth Lefille, which side do you think is better?”

 “What do you mean…”

 “For you, would you rather I come here or stay with the caravan?”

 “D-Do you even need to ask!? Staying with the caravan is better! That’s what you should do!”

 “Really?”

 “R-Really.”

 Lefille made a face that seemed a little angry, and answered as if she was confirming something. Was she angry because she was not believed, or was she just putting on a strong front? Suimei pointed at Lefille and dealt the final blow.

 “Then, can you swear to Alshuna that you are not lying?”

 “What!? That is…”

 “How about it?”

“... You really are a mean man.”

 After Lefille sighed in resignation, Suimei asked again:

 “Well then, how do you feel about it?”

 “Ahhh, it’s great here if you can come. But—”

 “In that case, isn’t it fine?”

 “Huh—”

 “Nothing, there is no need to debate whether this is a wise choice. It’s fine if we feel like it, so let’s stop the topic here. This is the smoother way of dealing with it, right?”

 “Ah…”

 Suimei looked at Lefille who turned silent after hearing something unexpected.

 It’s true. Even if they discuss this further, what could they achieve? The best way of doing things couldn’t be found if you don’t search for it. Just arriving at the answer and saying it out would be enough. No matter how much she argued, the sorrow and pain in her heart wouldn’t fade.

 That’s why he didn’t want to continue arguing about it. No matter how much they argue, the conclusion wouldn’t change. Hence, Suimei interrupted what Lefille wanted to say.

 “... What? You still have some complaints?”

“No. Everything is as you said in the beginning.”

 Her voice was more cheerful than earlier. She didn’t accept it outright, but she still rolled with it.

 Suimei scratched his head and sighed. From the perspective of a third party, his choice right now wasn’t correct. Doing this would only give him disadvantages. But the decision on whether this action was right had to be made by the person himself. If the subject thought that it was correct, it wouldn’t be a big deal even if it wasn’t the best or wisest choice.

 — And brooding too much about the pros and cons at this point would be rather shameful.

 “I’m sorry, Suimei-kun.”

 “Why do you need to apologize?”

 “It’s probably my fault that the Mazoku came. That’s why...”

 “Ahhh, what that bulky Mazoku said? But at that time, it seemed like it was the first time he remembered you though. No matter how I see it, I don’t think he was targeting you from the very beginning.”

 Suimei objected to her apology. That was just excessive self reproach on herself. What Rajas said was fragmented, and there was a part about blaming Lefille that didn’t make sense. The adventurers all blamed her for the appearance of Rajas but, if you think about it carefully, it had no relation to her. The Mazoku came looking for a different person and encountered Lefille coincidentally would be a more convincing story. It just happened that everyone panicked and didn’t recover from the shock of being attacked by the Mazoku, and an easy target to cast the blame on just happened to be nearby. It was a result of a series of unfortunate coincidence.

  Not everyone could keep their cool and judgement, without someone like that around, being forced into a corner will result in this happening most of the time.

 However, Lefille didn’t seem convinced.

 “However, they actually divert some of their forces into Aster when they were still in a standoff with Thoria and various other western nations. That could only mean...”

 “What, you think the Mazoku diverted some of their forces just for you? You seem awfully confident in your own power.”

 “Wa, I’m speaking seriously though? Don’t make fun of me please!”

 “Heh heh, my bad my bad. True, Lefille is strong.”

 Suimei apologized for his joke and flattered Lefille’s strength. But Lefille responded in a sharp tone with an unhappy expression for some reason.

 “... It feels as if I am being toyed around like a fool.”

 “No such thing. Didn’t Lefille cleave the opponent I had a hard time fighting in two easily?”

 That was Suimei’s true feelings in the battle a little ago. But, Lefille still had something on her mind. There was a word or two she wanted to say. But Suimei ignored that and continued what he was saying.

 “So… that’s right,  that tough Mazoku, that thing he said about Lefille being the survivor of Nos.h.i.+as… If I remember right, Nos.h.i.+as was…”

 Only having inquired a bit about the expression, he was cut off by Lefille’s weary voice.

 “...You’re unfamiliar about the culture of this region, yet you know about it.”

 “Ahh… well yeahh…”

 Suimei thought about it a little, and made a vague response. That reminded him about what his background was suppose to be. Being unfamiliar with common knowledge but having knowledge about international affairs, it was only natural if others found him weird.

 Suimei nagged to himself in his head, and Lefille who seemed to have resigned slowly spoke.

 “Ah… that's right, it’s as he said, I’m a survivor of Nos.h.i.+as.”

 Lefille revealed her ident.i.ty she had been hiding all along. She sounded out her confession, and explaining that she was the survivor of the country destroyed by the Mazoku. One couldn’t help empathizing with her when listening to her sorrowful voice.

 “True, that nation lies on the boundary between the realm of humans and the Mazoku territory, so they were the first to be attacked.”

 “You know a lot.”

 “...Well, it was a serious event.”

 It was the reason why Reiji and they were summoned to this world, how could he forget.

 Lefille returned to the topic and affirmed in a forlorn voice.

 “...Ahh, since ancient times, Nos.h.i.+as was the barrier keeping out the Mazoku. But it fell in less than a month.”

 “I heard from someone that it was an army of a million.”

 “A million troops… I don’t know where you heard that but was it true? We haven’t seen that number of living beings, so we can’t be sure.”

 Her response was calm and collected. But that roundabout way of putting it seemed to be implying something.

 To Suimei who couldn’t fully grasp what she said, Lefille’s eyes turned sharp, as if she was watching a black and white film.

 “It was an ocean. From one end of the horizon to the next, the Mazoku was like an ocean, forming an army of uncountable numbers, attacking us from across the border.”

 The look that Lefille just had, that impression. Suimei vaguely imagined that, a swallowing noise ringing out, living things advancing like a tsunami, what in the world could it be? The horizon disappearing, and that side being flooded with by a group without human morals. It would be equal to nature’s wrath, nay, a greater wickedness since individually they all had purpose. If that were to attack, could humans bear it? As that thought rushed in his head, suddenly Lefille…

 “What I saw at the northernmost fortress was, that scene. At that time, I didn’t only experience just that much.”

 “Only that, it was a matter where you were driven with no margin to spare.”

 “Ahh, it’s as you said, we tried with everything we had. We shot at the advancing Mazoku in front of our eyes.”

 “So, did that tough Mazoku at that time…”

 To Suimei’s vague question, Lefille returned a nod of affirmation.

 “Rajas. He was after that. After collecting the survivors and retreating, he was left with the task of fighting. It’s also as you heard previously, He seemed to be one of the seven Demon Generals.”

 “I guess, he was saying something like that.”

 To Lefille’s words, he remembered Rajas’ speech; He said he was one of the beings entrusted with an army by Nakshatra.

 “Seven of them huh”

 “Ahh, that time also, in the midst of the fight, I remember I heard him say that. I also don’t understand in detail but he boasted that the seven armies were divided into three regiments.”

 “Three. And considering that there could be over one million then, if they join together what do we do...”

 It was getting increasingly unpleasant of a talk.

 He hadn’t experienced something like that, but Suimei’s tone hinted that he’d had his share of hards.h.i.+ps. By simply multiplying one million by three, there would be three times the numbers. But if Lefille’s story is to be completely believed, then it can’t be thought of so simply. With such a number and the Mazoku being non-humans, pus.h.i.+ng this burden onto the handful of summoned heroes was asking for the impossible. Suimei himself was also in this world but, as expected if the world was hoping on the heroes to defeat them then the future is doubtful.

 “So, at that time, the me who fought Rajas, my legs and hands couldn’t face his power. The army was also in disarray, and after that, I, at that female Mazoku…”

 There was an unfamiliar word in what Lefille just said. Suimei casually asked concerning that.

 “Female Mazoku? Is there such a thing?”

 “No.. it’s nothing. So then…The reason why Nos.h.i.+as was the first to be targeted, was probably not just because of its geographical location.”

 That was the core of the story hinted at by splitting and coming here with the army. Moreover, without saying so, Suimei who knew a bit about it also had that belief.

 “The spirit right?”

 “Spirit?”

 “Ahh, it’s about the power Lefille has. It’s what they call it from where I’m from. Spirit.”

 “Are there other people who have a power like mine in the east?”

 “Uhh, not quite like Lefille’s, but I guess they are in the same category.”

 “...?”

 Suimei didn’t quite know what to call it himself, but Lefille was even more confused. Of course. Most likely, this world had a different definition of spirits compared to the other world. This world, like the other world, the power of humans were much weaker than that of nature and mysterious origin. First of all, without the foundational knowledge gained from the research of multiple magic, the information this world had of spirits were pitifully limited. Hence, they probably didn’t understand what kind of an existence spirits were.

 Lefille paused, trying to digest and understand what Suimei said, but in the end, without an answer, continued back on topic.

 “I don’t really know what to call it, but it’s as you said, we call upon spirits. My country, since long ago, called upon that power in response to the Mazoku.”

 “That reminds me, you said that your swordsmans.h.i.+p was also handed down over generations, is that also?”

 “Aa. My ancestors were an existence that was born between spirits and humans. In order for humans to resist the Mazoku, the G.o.ddess Alshuna arranged it. This swordsmans.h.i.+p was also born then, and it has helped the heroes who have called on that power as well.”

 “Heroes, seriously?”

 To the unexpected mention of the word in Lefille’s story, Suimei muttered quietly. It couldn’t be, Lefille’s ancestors were the ones who became the power of the called upon heroes long ago. And now, instead of being with the heroes, the descendants were with him, what kind of twisted karma is that? One can’t help but think that some unknown ent.i.ty is toying with them.

 Thereupon, Lefille’s facial expression showed loneliness and sadness.

 “I also thought that I wanted to protect people, to save people. But ultimately, that dream ended. And now I’m in this sorry state.”

 Saying that, Lefille cast her eyes down dejectedly. After running away from her homeland, becoming an adventurer, being constantly slandered, she tasted loneliness. On top of that personal history, her dreary heart called for help. Yearning and yearning for that unfulfilled dream, her last face was one of a girl betrayed by reality. That, was certainly there. The wish to protect, the wish to save others, nothing but pure honest craving, denying any ill will, that unreasonable wish that was s.n.a.t.c.hed away, she had that kind of heartbreaking face.

 She had power. That’s why, she made the best of it. For someone. But, she couldn’t do anything no matter what. Like she was trying to get some kind of recompense. Nay, if she did it, even now she, to that sense...

 “Hey, Lefille. Mazoku… what in the world are they?”

 Despite the look in her eyes saying she wanted to get away from the topic, Lefille suddenly answered the question.

 “Hm huh. To be honest, I don’t really know. Most likely, there’s n.o.body in the world who really knows about them. Aside from the little in stories handed down from since long ago, there’s probably no way to get information about the Mazoku.”

 “And that “little in stories?”“

 “In those olden days, the evil G.o.d that fought with Alshuna… was what was said before. That evil G.o.d who boasted of enormous power, in the end was driven to the dimensional threshold by Alshuna, the elements, and the spirits.”

 “Ah”

 Suimei agreed. It concurred with what he’d learned during a previous trip. In general he remembered the story, most likely her calling it the s.p.a.ce between worlds is what the exterior world is called here, the other world is at the cavity at that threshold, the world’s edge. Seeing Suimei nod in affirmation, Lefille continued.

 “It was said that the Mazoku were the servants of that evil G.o.d. Accepting the evil G.o.d’s divine blessing, in the chaos of just the strife and death, they filled this world.”

 Chaos, an incredible term came up. No, it was already an incredible topic when the evil G.o.d is involved. In the end, the result of the devil wors.h.i.+p, had the same intention as the evil G.o.ds of the outer worlds. Then, next is...

 “You said divine protection but, then the origin of that power of the Mazoku is the evil G.o.d?”

 “Ahh, that reminds me, I have a feeling that that theory does also exist. I also don’t remember well but…”

 “Hmm..”

 “What’s wrong? Suimei-kun”

 “Mazoku… what they are. I have my own theory.”

 “Fumu. Your thinking eh? Interesting.”

 “Do you want to hear it?”

 “Yeah because as it is I do have an interest in it”

 ...is what she said but what he was thinking was pretty admirable. Lefille was laughing with sheer admiration. However, that face was honestly an interest from the heart, and showed her antic.i.p.ation. The possibility that he arrived at the truth was improbable. Anyway, about that.

 Now then, first...

 “Listen, first is, from the definition of the evil G.o.d in your story.”

 Suimei had come into contact with what was known as devils or spirits in his original world. They basically exist in the outer world, a theoretical existence that possessed power similar to that of legends. They could be summoned with spells, given a name and its existence defined. After that, they will appear in the world as devils or spirits.

 The spirits defined in the original world were vague without a fixed appearance, just an information like existence. And G.o.d— the G.o.d here referring to a higher level of existence than spirits— was not just a vague existence like spirits, but a powerful body of information with a will of their own.

 In other words the evil G.o.d is…

 “... The evil G.o.d exists in the gaps between dimensions, which is the outer world, and its goal is to fill the world with chaos. Even now, it is watching this place closely from the outer world, hoping to accomplish its goal. But that thing’s existence is bounded there, and can’t interfere with this world directly like the times of the ancient G.o.ddess war. In its place, the Mazoku that serve the evil G.o.d inherit its will, and are bestowed with the powers of the evil G.o.d they wors.h.i.+p, squirming in the dark to fill the world with chaos.”

 “Muu…”

 “Well… it’s a cliched story but, that’s the script if you think about our earlier conversation. Things started during the beginning of the world, when the seed of future strife was planted… oops”

 Whether everything about the Mazoku was like that, he didn’t know but, noticing his digression, he went back on topic.

 “For practical problems that’s fine but, concerning that puppet Mazoku…