"Good evening, Kanata. My apologies for keeping you out so late last night."
"Good evening, Mr. Dihauzer. Not at all, thank you for taking the time for me when you're so busy. Was it alright coming all the way out to the valley today? It's pitch black, and the footing must have been terrible."
"I was the one who requested this meeting, so you don't need to worry about it. Besides, a mountain path and a bit of darkness are no obstacle for a devil. If anything, I feel worse for making you, a human, stay so long in the Underworld."
It was around eight at night. In a valley with almost no light sources, I was meeting with Mr. Dihauzer again. Today, as soon as I woke up, I returned from Agreas to the dragon's nest on Mr. Tannin's back, and the Champion flew off into the sky. Just like the Emperor, I'm incredibly grateful he made time while being so busy. I'll have to give him some good snacks as a thank-you next time. Since I'm just an elementary schooler, I can't exactly buy him alcohol.
After that, since I'll be imposing on them for a while longer, I ended up serving as a playmate for the chibi-dragons. I have to wonder if the parent dragons just think of me as a toy for their kids. But I feel bad for just freeloading, so I'll do it. The fact that I don't find it weird for a human to be playing with dragons just shows how much I've been tainted by the hidden world. I hate this feeling.
After I finished contacting the human world and was done playing for the day, the man appeared right around the time the parent dragons put the chibi-dragons to bed early. Seeing his refreshing greeting and gentle smile, I felt nervous, but the excitement was stronger. Maybe because I wasn't as desperate as yesterday, I was able to face him with a smile.
Still, something about what the Emperor just said bothered me, but I couldn't place what. I puzzled over it for a moment, but figured I'd remember it eventually. For now, guiding Mr. Dihauzer was the priority, so I led him into the fire dragons' nest. Perhaps because Mr. Tannin had told them, several fire dragons were peeking out from the shadows, some of them holding cameras. As expected of the Emperor, he's popular. I felt terrible for Mr. Dihauzer, who just laughed lightly. They only went home after he gave them autographs, making me sigh at how carefree dragons are.
"This is the rest area for humanoid types. I'll get you a drink now, so please wait just a moment."
"Thank you. This is my first time visiting a dragon's nest, so this is quite an interesting experience."
"I'm glad to hear that. Also, I left some fruits I picked in the forest with the young dragons today, so please help yourself."
The fire dragons had been more restless about the Emperor's visit than I was, so they had prepared all sorts of things, which was a big help. He really is treated like a celebrity in the Underworld, even by dragons. I wonder what would happen if a common devil from the Underworld were here. I can't really grasp it, but I'm spending time with an incredible devil. Or maybe it's just that everyone I know is such a big shot that my sense of scale is completely skewed.
That's right, if I think about it, I might never get an experience like this again. For a normal human like me, being with someone who's basically an Underworld Hollywood star is impossible. Crap, now that it's sinking in, my palms are starting to sweat. Since I have the chance, maybe I should ask for an autograph.
"Um, Mr. Dihauzer. If you don't mind, could I possibly get your autograph? Oh, and maybe a photo too...?"
"Ah, I don't mind at all. Right, let me give you my contact information as well. If anything happens, or if you're ever in trouble, just send me a message."
"Huh? 'If anything happens'... but you're so busy, Mr. Dihauzer. I'd feel bad... Besides, I'm just the one who came to you with a request."
"Your wish is one to save Creuserey—no, the House of Belial. You showed me the possibility of a path where I could choose to be both Champion and a brother. You've shown me that much value. More than anything, any friend of my sister's is like family to me."
I asked for an autograph out of mild curiosity and ended up getting his contact info. Why do I keep getting contact info from such absurdly important people? Since coming to Kuoh Town, starting with Mill-tan, then Creuserey, a Maou, and now the Emperor... my contact list has suddenly exploded. ...Calm down and think about this. Am I, perhaps, building an insane network of connections? Thinking about it too hard is starting to make my stomach hurt...
"Um, so. What should we talk about today?"
"Ah, right. I couldn't ask in detail yesterday, but I wanted to hear about Creuserey's condition and the situation with the Church. We will need to negotiate with Yaegaki, after all."
"Oh, that's true. Regarding the Church, I only know what Yaegaki and Mill-tan have told me, so I apologize that I don't know the full details."
"...Mill-tan?"
"Er, my work colleague. A very pure person who's always working hard to become a magical girl. They agreed to help for their friend's sake. They're keeping an eye on Yaegaki's superior, Mr. Shidou Touji."
"I see. It seems we've troubled this young girl as well."
"Eh? I'm pretty sure he's an adult male."
Mr. Dihauzer's expression turned grim, and he pressed his fingers to his temple.
"Mr. Dihauzer? I don't think Mill-tan minds being 'troubled'..."
"No, if we've caused trouble, we must properly thank... however, an adult male?"
"Ah, if that's the case! You have a lot of connections, Mr. Dihauzer. I'm sure he'd be overjoyed if you could just tell him about any leads on how to become a magical girl."
"...I, I see. Thank you for that, Kanata."
"Yes, you're welcome!"
As I accepted the Emperor's thanks with a smile, Mr. Dihauzer nodded with a look of pure clarity, as if he'd reached some understanding. "Well, he is an acquaintance of yours, Kanata..." My acquaintances may be self-paced and free-spirited, but they're all good people. In any case, he's a very dutiful person, wanting to thank him properly. Maybe that kind of consideration is one of the secrets to his popularity.
"According to Yaegaki, it seems only the exorcists stationed in Kuoh Town are on the move. The Church side seems to want to resolve this secretly, so it's highly likely that Heaven and the Church's more extremist factions don't know about it yet."
"Hmm. Judging by their 'persuasion' approach, the war-denial faction must be steering this. In that case, we may need the Baal faction to mediate and have the Belial family prepare some form of compensation. The problem is whether Yaegaki's comrades will accept it."
"Mr. Shidou was trying to persuade Yaegaki over and over. And apparently, he's been agonizing so much over whether to purge him that he's been in and out of the hospital with stomach problems. So I'm sure he'll understand if we just talk to him."
"I see. A devout believer in God, but also a man who cares for his comrades..."
I relayed the Church's internal situation as I'd heard it from Yaegaki and Mill-tan. The Emperor fell silent, folding his arms in thought. Hearing about Mr. Shidou's condition from Mill-tan made my own chest ache. I mean, from what Mill-tan has said, the man's stomach has been wrecked multiple times just since Mill-tan started visiting the church.
Before I decided to help Creuserey and the others, I'd been angry at Mr. Shidou, wondering why he wouldn't accept them. But he had been conflicted this whole time, too. Apparently, his daughter, Irina, is also worried and sometimes brings him stomach-friendly food with Mill-tan. I wondered when they'd met, but then I remembered the church is her home. It was inevitable she'd run into Mill-tan, who goes there to consult daily.
Mill-tan loves kids, so he probably couldn't ignore Irina, who was trying to help her father. Mr. Shidou is busy, so maybe Mill-tan is looking after her. Yep, Mill-tan really is a good person. Being able to provide follow-up care... as expected.
"That's about all I know. Was it helpful?"
"My apologies, thank you for going out of your way. It was in Creuserey's letter, but... is Yaegaki doing well?"
"Yes, he's fine. He's a bit intense, but hearing how Mr. Shidou was suffering so much made him decide to re-evaluate his own situation and Mr. Shidou's, and to think hard about what to do next."
"...I see. He may have to make a painful choice as well."
If he stays with Creuserey, Yaegaki won't be able to remain in the Church. He'll be branded a traitor by his former comrades, and they might hurl the same insults at him that Irina and Xenovia once did at Asia.
Yaegaki told me before I went to see the Emperor that he was prepared for that. He wanted to find his own answer so he could choose the path he wanted, not just leave everything to the devils, but to settle things with the Church—with Mr. Shidou—himself. I was a little worried, but his hand was warm when he smiled gently and patted my head. I want to believe in that.
For Yaegaki, Irina, and Mr. Shidou's sake, I can't let them stain their hands with their comrades' blood like in the original story. Even now, they must be suffering as they think of their friends. I strengthened my resolve and clenched my fists.
"...By the way. A little while after our talk, Lord Beelzebub contacted me secretly."
"What, from Lord Ajuka!?"
"Yes. It seems he will cooperate with this matter. We'll need to make time to hash out the details, but we will handle the problems on the devil side. We cannot burden the next generation with such things. To save Creuserey, and to ensure there are no more victims like her. And as the Champion, I cannot let the eyes of the children who dream of the Rating Game grow dim. That, I'm sure... is the duty I must fulfill."
I'd heard Lord Mephisto would contact him, but hearing the Maou's promise of cooperation from Mr. Dihauzer's own lips made me smile with joy, and I pumped my fist in a small celebration. I'm sure the Maou will consider things on an even deeper level, and the Emperor will make his move as the Champion. It might not be resolved by the time the original story starts, but we still might get to see Rias and Sona enjoy the game with their dreams intact.
The Dihauzer from the original story became a criminal by aiding a terrorist plot, so he probably couldn't participate in the games anymore. Issei said he'd wait "thousands of years," but I'm human. I can't wait that long. But I want to see it, too. I don't know if it will follow the original story, but I want to see how the Gremory, Sitri, and Baal peerages fight the Emperor. What kind of matches will unfold. I might get to see that dream.
Also, Issei said he wanted to get his own peerage and fight the Emperor. And I think Vali Lucifer promised to make a team and fight Issei, too. That means we might even get to see a match between Vali's team and the Emperor someday. Come to think of it, I remember them saying Heaven might be able to participate in the future, too, using their Brave Saints technique to create peerages.
A game between angels and devils... there'd be so many new rules. It would be amazing. Azazel is always game, so I'm sure the Fallen Angels would get involved, too. If that happens, it'll be an incredible festival. And Azazel would definitely cause some trouble. Lord Sirzechs likes a lively atmosphere, too, so I bet he'd entertain everyone (while making Grayfia worry). And maybe the Champion himself would be there, giving the opening oath as the representative of the Rating Game.
That's the kind of future, the kind of dream, they might be able to build.
"...You look happy."
"Ah, sorry. I don't know if it'll come true, but I was just thinking how exciting it would be. If we can create a game that everyone enjoys, we could see all sorts of dreams, right?"
"'A dream,' huh. I also challenged the games with a dream."
"Your dream, Mr. Dihauzer?"
I'd gotten lost in thought, and I scratched my cheek in embarrassment. My word, 'dream,' seemed to make Mr. Dihauzer's eyes narrow, as if looking at something bright. Come to think of it, Rias had the dream of "becoming the top player in the Rating Game," but what kind of dream did Mr. Dihauzer, who already became Champion, have? Has it already come true, or is he still working toward it? I was a little curious. In response to my silent question, he looked down and smiled.
"...Kanata. Why did you... want to stop me from losing my position as Emperor?"
"Why? That's... because you worked so hard to become the Champion, Mr. Dihauzer. And Creuserey would be sad, and I wanted to keep watching your matches..."
"I see. That's right. You're not wrong."
Mr. Dihauzer's words were cryptic, and I frowned.
"Let me say this first: I have no complaints about the plan you devised, and I'm grateful. But at that time, I truly didn't care about giving up the Champion's seat."
"Didn't care... What?"
"I thought if I could use it for Creuserey's sake, then it didn't matter anymore. I did think of the fans in the Underworld. But more than that, I just felt... empty. At that time, I had become disillusioned with the game."
"...Because of the cheating that was going on?"
It was true. If things had continued, Mr. Dihauzer would have been forced to keep playing in a game riddled with corruption. He couldn't allow that, which is why he was willing to give up his seat. He had played seriously, but those around him were using dirty tricks to show their power. It's not surprising he'd feel it was all a joke and want to throw it all away.
"...There's no point in hiding it here, I suppose."
"Mr. Dihauzer?"
"The truth is, Kanata, just as the higher-ups were deceiving the populace, I, too, was deceiving them in a way. I continuously performed to create exciting reversals and close matches. After countless games and victories, I was merely acting to make the matches seem that way. How am I... any different from them?"
The Emperor of the Rating Game, Dihauzer Belial. He was a devil who had never lost a day in his life. Creuserey had bragged endlessly about her cousin's glory, but I also vaguely recalled from the original story that he had confessed something similar during his match with Riser Phoenix.
"I had never lost. I could do anything. Everything I wanted came true. That's why I saw a dream in the Rating Game, where power alone doesn't determine who stands at the top. ...However, in the end, I never lost in this 'game' either, and became the Champion."
"That... was your dream."
"Perhaps I, more than anyone, brought something improper into the game. When I heard about Lord Belphegor and the others, my first thought wasn't anger. It was emptiness. The fact that even the Number Two player couldn't even face me without 'Piece' doping. What I felt for them was... a void, stronger than any rage."
The words Mr. Dihauzer was speaking now were surely ones he had kept bottled up for many, many years. And this incident had forced them out. But if he said this to everyone in the Underworld, it would hinder the effort to save Creuserey. If he said it to another player like Mr. Tannin, they'd probably be speechless, just like Riser was in the original story.
But I had declared myself his fan, and I was a human unrelated to the Underworld. Even if I heard this confession and was disappointed in him, it wouldn't cause any problems. I don't have that kind of power. Still, I wondered what he was thinking, telling me this. I searched for the right words, nodding quietly as the Emperor spoke.
"I know this is an arrogant way of thinking, and that I'm saying something crude. But that is my honest feeling. ...Kanata, I'm happy you became my fan. But in the end, I'm no different from them. I don't have the sincerity to be thought of as a hero."
"...Mr. Dihauzer. Honestly, I don't know why you're telling me this. You're saying difficult things that I don't really get. But... is it okay if I just say what I honestly think?"
The reason he told me. Maybe he wanted me, his fan, to condemn him. Or maybe he wanted comfort, or encouragement. Or maybe something else entirely. I didn't know. But I did have a few thoughts after hearing him out.
Seriously, stop bringing these heavy topics to me. The Kuoh Town incident, the problem of the old devils, the darkness of the Rating Game... I chose to get involved, but this is clearly not something a human kid should be thinking about. I'm a commoner who only knows what I know and what's obvious. I don't have Issei's mysterious power to cause miracles with breasts.
So, I have no choice but to say what I feel. If I'm wrong, so be it. It's his fault for consulting me about something so difficult, so he should go ask Mr. Tannin or Lord Ajuka or someone smart later. I'll even ask with him.
"First, about you and the old devils both deceiving the audience, and 'what's the difference'..."
"Yes..."
"To be blunt... they're completely different, aren't they?"
I wasn't just defending the Emperor; I was genuinely confused. How were they and Dihauzer the same? Sure, he'd deceived the audience by engineering reversals. But his motive was the polar opposite of theirs.
"Those old devils deceived the audience only for their own profit. What you were doing was your job as an entertainer to make the audience happy, right? Sure, you'd be criticized if you said it, but it's like an idol or a celebrity playing a character to not shatter the dream, isn't it?"
"But I was performing for my own sake, too."
"Even so, I loved watching you! The excitement I felt watching your matches, the feelings I had cheering you on... for me, those were completely real. I watched the Emperor's matches and had fun. I watched what theydid and felt furious. From my perspective, you're not the same at all."
One's own feelings are important, but I think actions speak louder. And, sorry to Mr. Dihauzer for thinking this, but I have Issei Hyoudou as a benchmark. A protagonist who charged forward for the selfish goal of "becoming the Harem King." A protagonist who powered up by groping breasts... and ended up saving the entire Underworld. It sounds terrible on paper, and to anyone who doesn't know High School DxD, the cause and effect make no sense.
But he still became a hero. Sure, he was doing it for himself, but that wasn't all he was feeling, and the people watching him understood that. In the end, isn't what matters how the audience felt? And his performance brought joy to the people fascinated by the Emperor's matches. I don't get the complicated stuff, but I think that's fine.
"And about your dream being 'improper' for the game... basically, you're just a battle maniac saying, 'I want to fight strong guys!' right? What's the problem?"
"Hold on a moment, Kanata. That's full of problems, isn't it?"
"Huh? Where?"
In this world, being a battle maniac isn't exactly rare, is it? He'd never lost, could do anything, so he joined the Rating Game looking for a strong opponent. See? No problem. It's just that the current state of the game didn't have any opponents strong enough for him.
Thanks to my original-story knowledge, I know about Vali Lucifer, an extreme battle maniac. So the Emperor's level of thinking seems perfectly normal. I mean, the White Dragon Emperor joined a terrorist organization just because he wanted to fight strong opponents, prioritized his own whims, fought his own allies like Cao Cao and Loki... he was a combat-freak who pursued strength above all else, ignoring everyone else's troubles. Compared to that, the Emperor's battle-lust hasn't inconvenienced anyone. That alone feels peaceful.
...Ugh, what should I do? The original protagonist and his rival are so completely insane that Dihauzer's serious confession just sounds like he's overthinking things. I think you can afford to live a little more freely. I mean, a lot of the serious drama in the later parts of the original story were caused by this exact serious personality of yours. This world is brutal and merciless and full of unknown absurdities. If you think too hard about it, you lose. (Though I'm the one complaining all the time).
"In any case, it's too early to decide 'there are no strong guys, so I quit the game.' Hardcore gamers... 'grognards'... sometimes evolve day by day."
"Kanata, I think you've been playing too many video games... But I have already waited a long time, thinking just as you do. And in the end..."
"Not yet. In fact, isn't it just getting started? From now on, you, the Maou, and all the players are going to change the game, right? Talented devils who were held down by the higher-ups might rise to prominence. Oh, and the Maou have younger siblings, and the Baal and Agares families have devils of the same generation. It's just my guess, but in about ten years, you might see some new sprouts that even you find interesting."
I can say this because it's me, but ten years from now will be an age of upheaval. An age where the old common sense is overturned, where you might even be able to fight angels and the Two Heavenly Dragons in the game. There will be new rules, maybe even new types of games. If Lord Ajuka is put in charge of operations, he'll definitely update the game to make it fun for the players, probably full of hidden secrets.
Plus, if Sona builds her Rating Game school, the game might get even more lively. Devils primarily fight using demonic power, but incorporating magic techniques could open up new elements. Talent might be discovered from devils outside the 72 Pillars. It'll take time, but I just can't help feeling it's too early to give up.
I'm sure my thinking is naive, and I don't fully understand the anguish the Emperor has felt. It's an irresponsible thing to say, since I don't know if his dream will really come true in the future. But all I can say is that it's a waste to give up on a dream. I can't say anything cool. I'll leave that kind of stuff to the adults. It's too much for me.
"The fun part of a game is its evolution, isn't it? You may be the undefeated Emperor of the current game, Mr. Dihauzer, but as it reforms, the balance of the game will change. When new elements are added to a game... players get anxious, but isn't it also just incredibly exciting?"
"...Are you saying that if I want to fulfill my dream, I must broaden the possibilities for the future? You really have a way of throwing these difficult ideas at me so directly."
"Ah... so that's no good after all?"
"No. Strangely, when you say it, I feel like if I just try a little harder, it might just come true. Devils, by their nature, are sensitive to human wishes and emotions. And you, Kanata, are especially expressive and honest. I can tell you believe in such a future from the bottom of your heart."
Mr. Dihauzer shrugged his shoulders and laughed, amused. Was that a compliment, or was he exasperated? He's currentlywarning me, "Don't get tricked by bad people," so I'm pretty sure he's exasperated. Azazel told me I was "easy to trick" when we first met, too. Do I really seem that gullible? I have a feeling if I asked my partner, I'd get an immediate 'yes,' so I won't ask.
"Um, so, are we good with what I said before?"
"Yes, that was more than enough. ...I was wondering if I truly had the right to persuade Lord Belphegor and the others. But perhaps, as you said, I was simply overthinking it."
"If you ask me, I think you're allowed to be a little more selfish, Mr. Dihauzer. This anguish you're feeling is getting twisted because you're agonizing as the 'Champion of the Rating Game.' If you think about it as 'Dihauzer Belial,' a single devil... isn't it much simpler?"
"...Not as the Champion, but as myself. It's been a long time since I've forgotten to think that way."
The Emperor smiled, and he looked much more relieved than when we parted ways yesterday. That smile looked so natural, and it really drove home how much pressure he must always be under as the Champion. Rias said something similar... how she wanted to be seen as Rias Gremory, not just the Maou's sister. The pressure must be insane. I hope he can at least relax at home.
"Incidentally, Kanata. What do you think of Lord Belphegor and Lord Abaddon?"
"What I... think of them?"
"As you said, you don't need to think hard. Just your opinion as a fan who enjoys the Rating Game."
He just casually throws out these questions. Hmm, what I think of those two. I felt this while watching TV with the chibi-dragons, but I don't feel as much strong negativity toward them and the other cheaters as the higher-ups do. Of course, cheating is wrong. But I just couldn't believe that everything about them was a lie.
A big part of that is that the Rating Game isn't decided by power alone. The 'King' Piece is a broken power-up, but a game where only the King is strong is boring. It's a game that demands entertainment, where the peerage members with their various powers support each other.
Roygun and Bividen are certainly Maou-class and stand out. It's true they became top players by using the King Piece, and maybe the higher-ups manipulated things. But still. As a spectator, I was captivated by their matches. I thought they were exciting.
If it had just been a game of them using a cheat to steamroll everyone, I might have felt more repulsed. Of course, I don't think things can stay this way. But... I just couldn't feel the same anger toward them as I did toward the old devils. It was a feeling I honestly didn't know how to put into words.
"...I think this is probably a very selfish thought. I'm disappointed about the cheating, and I know it's wrong. I know that for you, Mr. Dihauzer, and probably for the other players, it's unforgivable. And I know it's something they'll have to atone for. But... as a fan who just enjoys the Rating Game... I'd be sad if I could never see their matches again."
I know it's selfish. I really do. But if the truth about the Pieces is exposed, like in the original story, they'll never be able to stand on that stage again. I think that's unavoidable, and probably necessary for the future of the game. I know it's just desserts. But... I still felt a sense of loss.
"The Rating Game doesn't function with just players and management. It's because we have the support of the fans that the game is exciting, and that we, too, can enjoy it."
"Mr. Dihauzer?"
"I see. The answer is so simple if you just change your perspective. It's not just the players' dreams. If I can't even protect the fans' dreams, what kind of Emperor am I? Righteousness is vital. But if there are no smiles to protect at the end of that pursuit... then to me, it has no value."
I blinked at Mr. Dihauzer's monologue. Honestly, I had no idea what answer he'd found from my words. I didn't remember saying anything that profound... But the Emperor's eyes were looking straight into the future, and his voice held not a single trace of doubt.
A shiver ran down my spine. Perhaps because of my pseudo-senjutsu sense, I could feel his aura swell to an incredible density. My heart hammered in my chest, but it wasn't from fear or anxiety. It was an absolute, overwhelming power, like an unshakable tree trunk you could lean against without a single worry. I was so completely engulfed by his aura that I couldn't even speak.
The Emperor, Dihauzer Belial. Had the old devils just made an enemy of a really dangerous person? The Dihauzer in the original story had lost his family, lost his hope in the game, despaired for the future, and could only express his feelings through revenge, yet he couldn't fully stain himself with evil. Having lost too much, he lost sight of what he should protect, and perhaps all he could do was mechanically perform his duties as Champion.
But this Dihauzer was different. He has his family. He has a reason to live. He has a future. He has found something to protect, and he is serious about not losing it. I never knew that Dihauzer Belial, with all his hesitation gone, was such a massive presence.
"I thank you again, Kanata. Very well. Let them try. Let them see if they can be the ones to give me—who has never known defeat—my first loss. To fulfill Creuserey's dream, Yaegaki's dream, the players' dreams, the fans' dreams, and my own dream... I will challenge this with everything I have. Let's see if the higher-ups can make me kneel, or if I will tear out their throats. ...Let the game begin."
Whoa... he's smiling so brightly, but his presence is so intense he looks like nothing but a devil. Oh, right. He isan Archdevil. He always had a passionate side, but to see it come to the surface and be under his complete control... it's this different. What do I do? My face is twitching, and I can't stop it.
—Did I just awaken something terrifying?
"I'll need to have a long talk with Lord Belphegor and the others. Ah, and I must finalize the plans with Lord Beelzebub. It would be a waste not to use every tool available. I'll ask my peerage to work to their fullest... And it will be crucial to see how far I can push against the Great King Baal, one of the most ancient devils. Fufufu... I shall challenge him head-on, as if borrowing his chest for training."
And so, at this moment, what I would later come to call 'Super Emperor Time'—his endless challenge of "Can you give ME my first loss!?"—had begun.
"Mr... Mr. Dihauzer! If you go too wild, won't that be, um, bad...?"
"It's fine, Kanata. I'll do it without getting caught."
Wait, that's the Azazel & Lord Mephisto theory! No wonder those two are friends.
"Well, thanks to you, I've managed to clear my head of all that."
"Er... that's good, then."
"Yes. So... Kanata. Will you entrust your dream to me, as well?"
"Huh?"
The Emperor's face was different from moments ago, bearing a soft smile.
"I'm going to be the Underworld's hero, right? I learned this when I was a guest on Lady Leviathan's program. Magical girls are strong because they have love, justice, and above all, something to protect. If that's the case, then don't you think a hero also gets stronger the more dreams he has to protect?"
"...Won't you get crushed by the weight?"
"I won't. Because you... you carried the dreams of Creuserey and the others and made it this far, didn't you?"
'A battle is not just about pointing a spear at another. It is also what Creuserey Belial and the others are doing right now.'
...I see. Creuserey and the others trusted me and entrusted their wishes to me. They must be so anxious, even now. Entrusting their futures to a human kid like me... what kind of resolve must that have taken? And yet, they're waiting for my return, believing in me.
Entrusting your wish and waiting is also a form of battle. I softly closed my eyes and took a long, quiet breath. As I did, I could feel the weight of everything I'd been carrying. I was so reckless I hadn't even noticed, but this is what I'd been shouldering this whole time. And I'd managed to run this far. Maybe I'm just dense, or maybe I really was just charging ahead...
I'm anxious. I'm worried. I'm scared. But, taking all of that into account... I feel like I can leave it to this person. To these people. And that's not irresponsible. Because I only made it this far because everyone entrusted their dreams to me. To me, their dreams weren't a burden; they were the courage that fired me up. I was so happy they believed in me.
"Can I be a hero... that you can entrust your dream to?"
"...Yes. Yes, you can. I believe in you, Mr. Dihauzer. I'm entrusting them to you. Please... take care of everyone!"
"Leave it to me. I still can't quite grasp the 'becoming the Underworld's hero' part, but... I wonder why. When I think about becoming your cool hero, Kanata, I find I can accept it naturally."
"My hero..."
A Maou-class Archdevil becoming a hero for a single human. Isn't that just a little too extravagant? I couldn't help but sputter out a laugh, infected by Mr. Dihauzer's amused smile. I felt the sensation of the burden I'd been carrying being passed on, and a wave of relief washed over me.
Because I know... the Emperor and the Maou will definitely change things. I'm sure of it...
"When you return to Kuoh Town, can I count on you to look after Creuserey and the others? She's a kind girl. I'm sure she's worried."
"Understood. Easing their anxiety is what I can do right now. Leave it to me."
"Yes. I'm counting on you, Kanata."
The Underworld's matters are in the hands of the hero and the others. So I'll return to the human world and do what I have to do. That is the final battle left for me.
After that, Mr. Dihauzer and I chatted idly for a while. I saw many sides of him: his shoulders shaking with laughter at Creuserey's embarrassing stories, his exasperation at her "proselytizing," and his genuine worry—"Should we have a talk about her allowance?"—when he heard she owned at least three of every piece of Emperor merchandise (one for use, one for display, one for storage). Sorry, Creuserey. I think I said too much.
He's the Emperor, and he's Creuserey's brother, but... he feels like a big brother to me, too. He's nothing at all like the brother from my past life, but this is the ideal big brother... If we split a popsicle, he's the kind of guy who would give me the bigger half without a second thought. It's a petty example, but my past self stillremembers the anger of my brother always taking the short half, saying, "I'm older." Maybe I'm surprisingly petty...
And so, in the calm before the super-typhoon that was about to hit the Underworld, I savored this quiet time for as long as it would last.
'Today's Magical Girl: The Magical Girl Appears for a Plucky Girl's Wish!!'
"Thank you, Mill-tan. I'm glad I could be of assistance-nyo."
(Note: Lavinia's "-nodesu" translated as "-nyo" to match Mill-tan's verbal tic)
"Nyo! Lavi-tan is such a hard worker-nyo. Today we promised to find things that are good for the pastor's stomach-nyo. I'm glad to have the extra help-nyo."
"That would be the daughter of Mr. Shidou Touji at the church, and her friend, correct? They are such kind children, working hard for their father-nyo."
After hearing Kanata's apologetic report that his Underworld stay was extended by a day, Lavinia readily agreed, but was wondering what to do. She could have focused on her magical girl training, but it felt like a waste to come all the way to Japan and not explore. It was Mill-tan who invited her to go on a walk.
Apparently, alongside his magical girl training, Mill-tan was looking after some children. When Lavinia heard it was the daughter of that Shidou Touji, she was wary at first, but the girl herself was just a plucky child trying her best for her father. Her friend was just a normal childhood friend. It would be bad if Lavinia, the 'Gray Magician,' made contact, so she couldn't meet them directly, but she wanted to help grant the earnest girl's wish.
"Iina-tan and I-tan are searching hard in Kuoh Town-nyo. So, Mill-tan and Lavi-tan will search the area aroundKuoh Town for stomach-friendly things-nyo."
"Stomach-friendly things in Japan... nyo."
"With Mill-tan and Lavi-tan's Fantasy Power, I have a feeling we'll find something today-nyo."
"Find what-nyo?"
Lavinia, who didn't question the existence of this 'Fantasy Power' she'd never heard of, was getting a little excited. Though she was a clear-headed Longinus wielder capable of beating a god to death, she was also a perfectly normal ten-year-old magical girl. Her curiosity was piqued by the unknown quest.
"The legendary Fantasy Ingredient, passed down among magical girls-nyo!"
"...! Such an ingredient exists here in Japan-nyo? The name 'Zipangu, Land of Mystery' was not just for show..."
A conversation between two completely earnest, airheaded (magical) catastrophes. With no one present to play the straight man, their conversation only accelerated. It was a perfect example.
"Let's go, Lavi-tan-nyo! To protect a young girl's dream for her father-nyo!"
"Yes, of course-nyo! For we are magical girls-nyo!"
Raising their magic wands, the battle of the 100%-pure-goodwill magical (catastrophes) began. Along the way, they engaged in a life-or-death struggle with a suddenly-appearing Dark Creature, communicated with the enemy via magic and fists, somehow split the sea and sky, and gained a few new magical girl comrades, but we'll omit those details, "because they are magical girls." And so, they safely obtained the legendary ingredient.
"Papa! Today, everyone went looking for things to make you feel better! Here, this is fish that me and Issei-kun found. Issei-kun's dad told us that low-fat white fish is good for your stomach!"
"Thank you, Irina. You really are an angel... I'll have to thank Issei-kun's father, too."
Having acquired the stomach-friendly ingredients, Shidou Irina ran to her beloved papa with a huge smile. The carefully wrapped fish even had a "Please get well soon" message from the Hyoudou family, and the kindness made Shidou Touji press his hands to his eyes.
"Also, this is the legendary Fantasy Ingredient that Mill-tan and his friend got! They got it after a super-intense, life-or-death battle with a Dark Creature called 'Gelgelmo'! This will fix your stomach for sure, Papa!"
"...It's okay, Irina. Papa will keep doing his best."
Ah, the tears just wouldn't stop. He gave his daughter a firm thumbs-up, but why couldn't he stop crying? First, what isthis object? It's definitely not a Japanese ingredient. Where did they get this?
Still, his beloved daughter's shining smile left Shidou Touji with no option other than "Eat." Because he's Papa. And a papa is a hero to his daughter. He has to protect that smile. Burdened by the heavy dilemma of purging his comrade, the duty of protecting his daughter's smile, and this impossible request from a follower of God (Mill-tan), Shidou Touji endured. His figure was, without a doubt, that of a small hero.
And so, in both the Underworld and the human world, the respective battles for what each held dear... were about to begin.
***
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