The meeting with the Emperor, conducted under the pretense of sharing drinks with Tannin—the attempt itself had gone smoothly. We'd managed to have a proper conversation with him and even settle on a general course of action. But somehow, in the end, I got the feeling both of them just drank as much as they wanted without holding back... Do dragons really love alcohol that much? Poor Diehauser got dragged into it big time.
Halfway through, when Tannin started ranting—"That third son of mine, Bova, wandering around like some kind of hoodlum. Young people these days...!"—I caused a disaster by spitting out my juice in shock at this first-time revelation that Tannin was married and actually had sons. That pretty much ended the gathering. We also got so absorbed in conversation that we ran over schedule, making for a rather hectic finish. Still, it really seemed like Tannin just wanted to drink... Well, not that it matters. He did help me out plenty.
Mephisto said he'd contact Ajuka, but I'm a bit worried whether the Maou will approve of this plan. It's a method that causes an enormous amount of trouble, after all. In the original story, he did say they had some countermeasures in place regarding the game, but this is sudden and happened ten years early... But I hate that binary choice, and the Maou said he didn't want to abandon anyone either. At this point, all I can do is pray.
"Haah... it's over..."
I let out a deep breath. Yes, because everything I needed to do was now complete. There's nothing more I can do about this matter. Mephisto, Tannin, Azazel-sensei, Ajuka, Diehauser—entrusting my wishes entirely to everyone was the best I could manage. I knew from the start I couldn't resolve this with my own hands. Now I can only believe that Cleria and the others will be saved, and wait for everyone's results.
I'd succeeded in my original objective of asking the Emperor for help. This was only possible because I had connections on the devil side. But I don't have a single connection to the Church, so there's nothing I can do behind the scenes on that front. If the Gray Magician's intervention were exposed, it would be bad, so I can't negotiate with the Church. That's why I have no choice but to have the devil side approach the Church. There's simply nothing more I can find to do.
Really, I want to see this through to the end. I keep thinking—isn't there something else I can do? I started this, yet in the end I'm just throwing it to others and asking them to handle it. I feel truly apologetic about that. Even so... I think this is my limit. Beyond this point isn't a place a human like me should be trampling into uninvited.
I'm a human from the Gray Magicians. As I told Mephisto from the start, my organization and I only move behind the scenes—we must never appear in public. I'm someone who shouldn't be here in the first place. If word gets out that a magician who's supposed to have no involvement in Underworld affairs is present, there'll be an uproar about Mephisto's political interference and it'll become a huge mess. If the Church finds out, it'll get even more troublesome. In other words, once I managed to negotiate with the Emperor, my role was finished. From here on, it's a battle for those in the "public" sphere. There's nothing more I can do from the "shadows."
"Tannin, should I just return to the human world and report to everyone while I wait?"
"Haah... yes, that's right. You've more than fulfilled your role."
When I asked about my next steps for confirmation, it seemed Tannin shared my view. Indeed, there's no point in me staying in the Underworld, and things are about to get noisy around the Emperor. There might be things I could help with, but the risk of my presence being exposed is higher. Returning to the human world is definitely the right call.
"Um, Tannin. Is there still something I could help with?"
"Personally, I'd like you to just stay put now... What's wrong?"
"Well, I'm wondering if I really... did everything properly enough not to have regrets. I mean, I'm not sure..."
"...Even after dragging all of us around like that, you're still as timid as ever, huh?"
The Dragon King let out a huge sigh. And I pouted a little too. Because even if he says that, what makes me anxious makes me anxious—I can't help it. I decided to do everything I could. So I wouldn't regret being unable to do anything, I'd work hard at what I could do.
Because I had a goal to aim for, I was able to run straight toward it until now. But now that I've completed it, anxiety keeps bubbling up about whether this was really okay. If I left even one thing undone, I'd regret it beyond recovery. If because of that, Cleria and the others die like in the original story... I probably wouldn't be able to recover.
"But I only asked everyone for help. I didn't really do anything impressive..."
"You stirred up multiple Maou-class devils and incited a strike, yet you claim you didn't do anything? Kukukuku... can I bonk your head for a second?"
"Huh?"
Um, Tannin. Are you actually drunk? When I gave him a confused look at this sudden head-bonking declaration, he started ordering more alcohol to-go via magical communication with the shop staff. Dragon-sama, you just drank a ton. And Emperor, please don't raise your hand along with him saying "I'll take one to-go too." Are you both planning to keep drinking?
Honestly, I think this concern of mine is probably just me worrying too much. And it's not that I don't trust everyone. I know I'm just being cowardly. Even so, I don't want to live a life regretting what I couldn't do and continuing to lament it, like Shidou in the original story. I want to keep laughing together with everyone.
"Good grief, Kanata Kuramoto. It's like this—"
"Kanata. Could we talk tomorrow night?"
"Huh?"
"...Emperor?"
While I was struggling with my doubts, Diehauser called out to me with a somewhat hesitant air. His expression was rather dark as he'd been thinking about Roygun and Bidleid, whom we'd discuss in three days. Even so, the voice directed at me carried a straightforward earnestness.
"I'll make time. If I ask my peerage for cooperation, I should be able to leave Agreas while deceiving the surveillance. Just for a little while—could I talk with you?"
"Is there really something worth talking about with me that requires taking such risks to make time?"
"...Probably not. But I also think it's necessary for both of us."
I tilted my head at the Emperor's vague words. I'd told Diehauser everything—about Cleria, about the King pieces, about what comes next. I can't think of anything more to tell him. I can't think of what the Emperor would tell me either. My role is finished, so... maybe it's a message for Cleria? But somehow, those words about it being necessary for both of us felt strangely convincing.
If he wants to talk, I don't mind. Anyway, all I have left to do is return to the human world, report, and wait. If my return is delayed by one day, it should be manageable. I just need to contact Lavinia—I'll have to ask Mephisto about that. I'll apologize to her later.
I'd thought Lavinia would feel uncomfortable staying at the Kuramoto house without me there. So tonight, after placing suggestions on my house, I'd arranged for her to stay at the Milky Magicians' place. Since she's the princess at the top of my organization, they'd treat her properly. Apart from their Milky obsession, they're actually good people. Though I really, desperately wish they'd stop trying to recruit people.
If we're meeting tomorrow night, I'll be back late. I need to ask them to let Lavinia stay another day. I feel bad asking both Lavinia who came all this way and Mephisto for more favors... But I'm reluctant to refuse when the Emperor is asking this much. And truthfully, I did want to talk with him myself.
"Haah... fine. Emperor, I'm entrusting this fool to you. He's at one of my peerage's nests. I'll send instructions."
"Thank you, Tannin-dono. ...My attitude probably contributed to making him anxious. And more than anything, I myself want to talk with someone who says he's my fan."
"Hmph, will that let you settle things?"
"...I will. I can't afford to have doubts in the battles ahead."
Perhaps thanks to their drinking session together, they'd grown familiar enough to exchange words easily. Still, what does he mean by wanting to hear from me as a fan? It's true that thanks to Cleria's evangelizing and actually watching games, I became a fan despite being a casual one. Even so, I'm human, so I don't think I'd be much help.
My questions ended up being postponed until tomorrow. Outside the window, befitting a tourist spot, it's bright, but the sky above is still completely dark and murky. Compared to the human world's sky, it feels more oppressive. As time pressed on, Diehauser used magic to carefully transfer two letters and some documents, then stood from his chair with alcohol in hand. As he spread his tawny mantle, I hastily stood and bowed.
"Diehauser, um, thank you very much."
"Ah, I'm the one who should thank you. Thank you for arranging this time for us."
"No, I only asked everyone for help."
It's not modesty or restraint—I really just asked people around me. The Emperor smiled slightly at my response and somehow shrugged his shoulders. Next, after bowing to Tannin with words of thanks, perhaps because time was pressing, he headed straight for the room's exit. I quietly saw him off, and as the sound of the closing door reached my ears, I let out a big breath. I guess I really was tense—fatigue came crashing down on me all at once.
Come to think of it, this was like talking directly with a Hollywood star you'd seen on TV or in movies. Especially since Cleria had shown me tons of footage, making me weirdly knowledgeable about Underworld gossip despite being human. I wonder how many magazines featuring the Emperor she had. I remember Luciana's distant look when she told me there were dozens of times more at the Belial family's main house in the Underworld. The terror of evangelism really hit home.
Now, with this important event finished, my body suddenly feels heavy and drowsiness is hitting me. It's probably almost the end of the day, and combined with fatigue, I'm getting sleepy. We did talk longer than planned... I need to really focus my eyes or my consciousness will slip away.
Originally we were supposed to finish earlier, so I was going to stay the night at the Fire Dragon's nest after this meeting. Tannin will be busy tomorrow too, and I can't impose on him any more. I desperately shake my head side to side to chase away sleepiness, but this is getting tough. Would it be okay to wash my face?
"Partner, can't you blow away this drowsiness? It's going to be rough getting back to the dragon's nest like this."
"...No, there's no point forcing it. We're staying in Agreas tonight."
"Huh, Tannin? I'm fine, I can still go on!"
"Ah—well, you see. To fly carrying a person, the visibility is bad in this darkness. ...So you don't need to worry about it."
When I hastily protested that I couldn't impose that much, Tannin hesitated briefly before telling me nonchalantly. I thought I'd cause trouble with lodging fees and finding accommodations, but if it's dangerous to fly, I guess there's no choice. This darkness really would make flying risky. The Underworld's night is pitch black without stars, even darker than the human world—I can't see anything either. I followed behind the dragon flapping his small wings, making sure not to fall behind.
At that moment, red light flashed through my mind from my partner. When I directed my consciousness toward it wondering what was wrong, a warm thought directed at Tannin floated up. Is this... gratitude? He has been looking after us.
"Tannin. My partner just sent you something like... gratitude?"
"What, ...from the Sacred Gear?"
"Uh, yes."
"...I see. Well, I have sons too, so it's easier for me to give in to stubborn fools. Tell it not to worry about it."
"...What do you mean?"
"Who knows. No point thinking with a brain that won't work. Just sleep and clear your head."
When I mentioned the gratitude from my partner, Tannin furrowed his brow and spoke suspiciously. Then he told me something I didn't quite understand, making me tilt my head. I try focusing on my partner, but I get a vague "don't worry about it" feeling. What is this—am I just too dumb to understand? That stings a bit.
As Tannin says, it's true I can't concentrate very well. Tannin seems to understand why my partner is expressing gratitude. Aaah—I guess I really am getting too tired to think. Anyway, it's decided we're staying in Agreas, so I'll follow Tannin's advice and get refreshed after sleeping. Seriously, today was exhausting.
So I desperately followed behind Tannin through the city bustling with tourists. Despite it being late at night, I could feel liveliness from various places. In that sense, it's no different from tourist spots in the human world. Rather, since they're devils, they seem more energetic at night. They seem to base their lifestyle on humans', but with more stamina they can party all night. I'm a bit envious of that physical endurance. I hid yet another yawn behind my hand as I trudged through the night streets.
"Kanata Kuramoto."
"Ah, yes."
After walking for a while, with my partner dispelling my drowsiness several times, a rather high-grade hotel came into view. Are we staying here? Tannin really doesn't compromise on food or lodging. As expected of royalty. This commoner born and raised is going to have his sense of money warped.
As I was overwhelmed, Tannin called out to me. When I hastily straightened up, he turned his dignified voice and the round eyes of a mini dragon toward me. This situation where I'm tense but simultaneously soothed. No good—if I think weird things, the perceptive Tannin will smack me. Since he's mini-sized, he mercilessly whaps my head with his tail.
"You're thinking something weird again."
"...Just for a few seconds, so please let it slide."
"You did think for a few seconds. ...Well, fine. About earlier—I'm leaving it to the Emperor, but I'll teach you one thing."
"Something to teach me..."
Somehow, it feels like Mephisto pushes me from behind, Azazel-sensei teaches me various things from the side, and Tannin pulls me forward from the front. The Dragon-sama who points out exactly what I'm lacking and quietly watches over me. I watched his small back and waited for his lesson.
"Battle doesn't only mean directly pointing weapons at each other. Like how Cleria Belial and the others are now."
"How Cleria and the others are... now?"
"Figure out the rest yourself. If you shoulder more than you can bear, you'll be the one who gets crushed."
Unlike usual, I was given a rather abstract assignment. After glancing at me racking my brain, Tannin went straight into the luxurious-looking lodging facility. We weren't planning to stay, so we don't have reservations—will it be okay?
I was worried whether we could suddenly get a room at night, but this is the supreme-class devil and former Dragon King. VIP treatment really is different. Though unavoidable, I feel bad about only being able to pay for one person's fee. I'll sleep modestly on the sofa. If I let royalty sleep anywhere but a bed, other dragons will incinerate me.
Once we reached the room, I collapsed onto the fluffy sofa, and my consciousness immediately began to fade. Honestly, I don't want to experience something this nerve-wracking again. I miss peaceful, easygoing everyday life. I'm absolutely not cut out to be some bigwig. Though I was glad to meet Diehauser, I deeply realized I'm a small-time citizen. I might have pathetically lost years of my life from too much tension.
Still, those words Tannin said about shouldering too much... I think I understand with my head, but I'm different from everyone—I have knowledge. I know about Cleria and Yaegaki's deaths. That's what's truly frightening. Knowing the flow of the world—I'm just now realizing what a huge thing that is.
Until now, I had the big goal of meeting the Emperor, so I didn't have to think about other things. Even my discussion with the Maou—in a way, I managed it on momentum thanks to being resigned. Even so, if I stopped, I might not be able to stay with everyone anymore. That was what drove my actions.
But now I'm in a position where I can stop. I'm happy I accomplished the goal I'd been aiming for. But at the same time, concerns have arisen. I feel like I've become lost, not knowing what to do.
"...Can I settle things properly too?"
As if responding to my murmured voice, I felt a thought from my partner. To the host getting sentimental, something merciless like "just sleep already"... Yes yes, understood. Even if I overthink things, I'll just get negative anyway. I'm grateful but it's harsh enough to make me sulk.
I mean, that's where you're supposed to comfort me, right? Where's that cool aura from when we headed to the stray devil warehouse, like "I'm with you!"? Hasn't he been getting really rough with me lately?
Come to think of it, how old is my partner anyway? The Red Dragon Emperor's Ddraig had hosts who came and went, so my partner probably supported someone before me too. So I thought he'd be older, but if he came into being when I was born, we might be the same age. Or if it was when I awakened my Sacred Gear, maybe around five years old? Is he actually going through a rebellious phase?
Alright, as I told Diehauser, I'll try honestly conveying my feelings to my partner. Communication through discussion is important. Hey, partner. Are you listening? Your host desires gentleness from you!
After that, I apparently lost consciousness. Whether I fell asleep or—since I saw a flash of red light for a moment—maybe something else, I decided not to think about for my mental health's sake. Anyway, I did apologize to my partner for getting carried away.
***
Today's Magical Girl: Incidents Happen at Sleepovers! Lavinia!
"Everyone, thank you for having me tonight. I look forward to it."
"Ah, we can prepare simple meals. And during dinner TV, we'll watch Milky anime together. Leave the commentary to me."
"We have several changes of clothes in your size, Princess, so feel free to change. They're all proper magical girl attire, so we'd like to take photos later if you wear them."
"Since it's a special occasion, Miltan will enjoy the sleepover nyo. Come to think of it, Lavitan can use magic nyo. Why not study Milky Magic with Miltan nyo?"
Lavinia bowed politely, warmly welcomed by the three. Being the princess of their top leader's place, they're trying to be considerate in their own way, but Milky elements naturally slip in. For them it's normal operation, so they don't question it. Lavinia smiled cheerfully, wondering if this was the Japanese-style way of welcoming—clearly gaining mistaken knowledge.
Basically, Lavinia is sensitive to malice but extremely tolerant of goodwill. Originally a laid-back, go-at-her-own-pace girl who doesn't deny others' values or ways of thinking. When she gets angry, it's usually for others' sake, and even Vali Lucifer becomes flustered and can't stand up to her. Therefore, she naturally accepted these 100% goodwill Milky believers.
"Miltan, are you learning magic?"
"That's right nyo. Miltan invited Kanatan too, and we're learning from a magician nyo. But Kanatan can't make time often, so we can only do a little, which is unfortunate nyo."
"Kana is very occupied with his friend's matters right now... That's right, once this is resolved, I'll go learn together with Kana too. As a magician, I'm interested in new magic."
The true magical girl and the catastrophic magical girl conversing warmly, both with 100% goodwill and zero malice. Kanata has been making excuses to escape the magical girl lectures, but unaware of this, Lavinia keeps unconsciously blocking escape routes, determined to work hard with her friend. Kanata's decision not to tell her details about Milky has backfired. Rest in peace.
"By the way, what kind of magic is Milky Magic?"
"We're learning from a magician and borrowing materials about magic nyo. Want to look, Lavitan nyo?"
"...! What high-level formulas this magic uses! Such complex equations, yet designed for ease of use. When casting magic, using set words as a key to activate the circuit loops. Plus, special formula processing on the costume for further efficiency. And above all, deliberately using shapes like hearts and stars that would make opponents let their guard down to reduce enemy wariness. Then mercilessly hitting them with unexpected destructive power. I never knew Milky Magic was such advanced, combat-specialized magic...!"
Lavinia, a Japanese magical girl, was shocked to learn that magic she'd only heard about in anime was actually incredible. Incidentally, this Milky Magic had naturally been improved and refined by Maou Shoujo-sama through hundreds of pages of documentation—it's genuine Maou Shoujo Magic. The magic Maou Shoujo-sama uses when obliterating mountains in her show. Therefore, despite its cute appearance, it's ultra-offensive specialized, which goes without saying.
The true magical girl, being a real magician, understood this magic's terror. Japanese magical girls—formidable indeed. Never imagining that Underworld-produced Maou Shoujo was involved, Lavinia's understanding of magical girls got somewhat blown away by the impact—which can't be helped. Nobody's at fault. It was just coincidence and timing matching up divinely.
Lavinia's diligent, serious side as an exemplary magician caught fire with magical girl spirit. What kind of magician would disregard such mysteries? The once laid-back girl's eyes now gazed straight ahead as if accepting a challenge. Her hand gripping the materials tensed as she renewed her determination.
"Let's do our best, Miltan! I'll work hard together with you. This Milky Thunder Crasher's homing performance that reaches even fast opponents, and Milky Spiral Bomb's heat-based secondary effects and power—all first-rate magic. When casting these spells, you must strike set poses and say lines, but for magic of this caliber, having conditions and restrictions is only natural."
"Miltan has already mastered the poses and lines nyo. Miltan can teach you that part nyo."
"I see. Miltan, that outfit you're wearing—you wear it to handle this magical girl magic more efficiently, don't you... Such a sincere attitude toward magic deserves respect as a fellow magician. Miltan, I look forward to working with you and Kana from now on!"
A miraculous harmony born from proceeding at their own pace despite not matching at all, both accepting without correcting each other. Lavinia respected Miltan's attitude toward magical girl (magic), and Miltan could devote herself further to magic training with companions. Though completely mismatched, they built a mutually win-win relationship. Kanata getting casually dragged in is just standard, so don't worry about it. Kanata, who decided to live peacefully in the human world—will he manage to recover in various senses? Lance-san will probably give up first.
And so, the magical girl (catastrophe) kept building flags without his knowledge.
***
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[10 Advanced Chs] [7 Chapters/week]