Chapter 474. The Day of the Massacre, The Time of Subjugation
Unable to do anything about Priscilla... Hikigaya Hachiman could only heave a sigh.
Ultimately, his agreement to give Priscilla a "chance for partiality" was actually a way to restrain her, ensuring she wouldn't kill people on a whim from then on.
Considering that two other worlds had already been broadcast, Hachiman made a bold guess: there might be a third or fourth world in the future.
In those worlds, there might appear individuals who commit great mistakes in the future and are quite loathsome, but who are currently just ordinary people with a decent nature—people who could avoid such fates if properly guided.
For such people, he would have enough kindness and patience to lead them, but Priscilla certainly wouldn't.
She would likely use her "Strong Luck" to slaughter them the moment the worlds began to merge.
Hachiman didn't want Priscilla to do that; if she killed too many people like that, he couldn't guarantee he wouldn't hold a grudge against her.
But Hachiman knew that while he hadn't fallen in love with Priscilla, he already had a fair amount of affection for her, though it was a bit strange... regardless, he didn't want to walk a path divergent from hers.
To avoid that situation, he had to properly constrain her.
While this non-contractual transaction had no legal force, a person as proud as Priscilla wouldn't violate it once she had agreed.
Hachiman knew this was for Priscilla's own good, so in a way, it was already a form of partiality toward her alone. But he also felt...
His thoughts weren't deliberately disguised, so how could Priscilla—whose intellect was not inferior to Anastasia's—not see through them?
"Is this also your partiality toward me, Priscilla?"
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「Moving a grand army requires considering many factors, such as grain supplies, weather conditions, and the stamina of the soldiers.」
「Because no one knew she was going there to commit a massacre, the Second Princess Norn wasn't at all worried about the residents of Buranikka taking precautions or fleeing. At the same time, she wanted to be able to start the battle immediately upon arrival.」
「Combining these two factors, her marching speed wasn't fast.」
「By contrast, Ayanokouji Kiyotaka, with his elite squad of seven, moved freely and arrived at Buranikka well ahead of the Kingdom's army.」
「The city lived up to its reputation; in the streets and alleys, humans and demons lived in harmony, helping each other. It was like a utopia, completely out of place in a world with the morals and concepts of the Middle Ages.」
「Setsuna and Kureha were pleasantly surprised and found it very novel, acting quite amazed. The Ultimate Four, however, remained upright and didn't look astray, defending the Earth Emperor as his guards and status symbols.」
「Ayanokouji Kiyotaka didn't plan to go to the City Lord at the start to tell him the Kingdom was coming to raze the city.」
「Only after the residents here were easily slaughtered by half would the survivors understand the strength of the Earth Emperor, realize the necessity of a savior, and be truly grateful.」
「He simply strolled through the city and soon found a talent.」
「It was a man named Karman, who ran a shop selling weapons and potions.」
「At first glance, Ayanokouji confirmed that this man was the same type as Otto—talented, not evil, but possessing the cunning of a merchant. Once subdued, he would be so loyal that even the die-hards couldn't compare.」
「In this generally low-intelligence world, finding such a talent was quite good.」
「As Ayanokouji's influence spread further, he, as the Earth Emperor, couldn't handle every affair himself, and the die-hards' abilities weren't enough. Thus, subduing Karman and making him work for him wholeheartedly was vital.」
「Ayanokouji did nothing during the day, just glanced at Karman a few times, then returned to the inn.」
「That night, the Ultimate Four—who understood their lord's heart—set out immediately and soon bagged Karman for their Earth Emperor.」
「"Mmph... cough cough, it's you? The customers who just looked and didn't buy today?" Emerging from the bag, Karman was stunned. "What do you want?"」
「Ayanokouji Kiyotaka said slowly: "Submit to me."」
「"That's ridiculous, impossible!" Karman glared. The next second, he screamed as his arm was completely crushed.」
「Ayanokouji continued: "Submit to me."」
「"Keep dreaming!" Karman remained stubborn. The next second, he wailed again as his leg was torn from his body.」
「This process continued over a dozen times. Ayanokouji would heal Karman after each beating; the latter refused to compromise, so the severed parts became "hot rods."」
「Karman fainted from pain multiple times, only to be immediately healed and woken by Ayanokouji.」
「Seeing him so stubborn, Ayanokouji beckoned, and the Ultimate Four stepped forward in unison, their "fanboy" aura thick enough to be visible to the naked eye. Karman understood what was about to happen to him, but he grit his teeth, still refusing to compromise.」
「Ayanokouji burst into laughter: "Hahahahaha! Good! At last, not a waste-of-space pig or dog. I like things like you."」
「Karman spat out harsh words: "No matter what, I will never work for you."」
「Ayanokouji was neither annoyed nor angry; instead, he smiled proudly: "I have never failed to get something I want. Since you suit my appetite, I'll give you a chance. Just wait for the day you change your tune. I hope you can still be this stubborn then to provide me with entertainment~"」
「The Earth Emperor's confidence and poise were on full display; he wouldn't withhold his "gentleness" from something he appreciated.」
「Then, Ayanokouji waved his hand, letting the Ultimate Four carry Karman down to the dungeon. He didn't intend to let them defile Karman.」
「Against Karman, his violent methods had failed. In this world, he had always relied on his brain, his drive, and his power; now, it seemed that to subdue this man, it was time to "win his heart."」
「However, the "heart-winning" he had in mind was far more cruel than Hikigaya Hachiman's, and not nearly as soft.」
「Already able to envision Karman kneeling and begging him, Ayanokouji Kiyotaka, the Earth Emperor, laughed loudly.」
「He was already looking forward to the Second Princess Norn's swift arrival.」
「The day the Kingdom's army massacres the city will be the time he subdues Karman!」
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