Chapter 284: This is a little……

A few days after Yasu Tomohiro’s departure————- the time had come for us, the Fly King Squadron to depart.

[N- Nyaki…… is looking forward to seeing everyone safely again nya……! Also, also, when Master-san and the others have finished your journey……]

Nyaki would remain here in the Faraway Country.

Hearing her words, I got down on one knee and looked at her on eye-level……

[Yeah. I’ll have you meet up with Liz then.]

[Yes nya!]

[We’ll have to go tell Neenya and your younger sisters that Nyaki is safe after all.]

[Yes nya!]

Nyantan Kikeepat.

I’ve conveyed Nyantan’s description towards Mira.

She’s the family of my comrade.

Thus, I told them that if there comes a time when they would have to fight her, they are not to kill her.

However————- Even though I say they are not to kill her.

It would be difficult for them to be completely thorough.

Just as I’m unable to hide the existence of the Fly King in that previous battle……

There are no absolutes.

However, I hope they can do what they can.

Despite the circumstances, as long as Nyantan is one of Vysis’ apostles——– there’s no guarantee that everything will end happily.

[Of course, if I see her on the way, I’ll be sure to let her know.]

[Thank you very much nya! But, but……]

[Hmm?]

Nyaki still had a smile on her face.

However, squeezing her eyes shut, there were beads of tears in the corner of her eyes.

[Nyaki understands nya. As long as Neenya is on Goddess-sama’s side, there’s no guarantee that you will be able to meet her peacefully nya. Of course, Nyaki would be happy if I will be able to safely meet Neenya again…… But I feel apologetic if I cause trouble to Master-san and the others nya……]

I inwardly let out a sigh.

It’s because she says these things……

It’s because she can be this objective……

It’s because she prioritizes others before herself……

That it makes me want to give Nyaki what she desires even more.

[……You’re right. There’s no guarantee that could happen. However, I’ll do my best———- you’re not just a stranger to us after all.]

[Master-san…… Saying that just for Nyaki…… Nyaki is…… Nyaki is……]

Whether it’s Liz or Nyaki……

They’ve already been through enough.

The two of them——— just like the “former me”……

If I don’t save them properly, I won’t be satisfied.

Who stands to gain if the two of them were saved?

It would be me.

If I can get them a future where both of them can smile……

I’ll feel a little better.

If the two of them can have a bright future……

Just for a little bit——— I feel like I can say it to my own parents……

Right back at you!

[Well, don’t worry about it. If it’s good for Nyaki, it’s good for me as well.]

[Honya?]

Seras, who was watching from the side, bent forward and smiled at Nyaki.

[Nyaki-dono, Milord just wants you to be happy. As I can see through lies, I can assure you that everything he said up to this point is his true intentions.]

[Seras-san……]

[Also, Nyaki, I think you misunderstood me…… It isn’t like we won’t see each other again until we finish our journey.]

[Funya?]

Vysis’ headquarters is in Alion, in the East.

When traveling from western Mira to the eastern Alion, we would have to stop by the Faraway Country along the way.

[We might stop by here once we’re done with the Forbidden Curse in Mira.]

[I- Is that so nya?]

[Well, I can’t say for sure. It still depends on the situation.]

[I——— I understand nya!]

[They too…… will be sad to part ways with Nyaki after all.]

[Pinyuu~~! Poyooooon!]

[Pakyuu~~!]

Pigimaru, who leaped out of my robe, and Slei ran to Nyaki.

Just like that, Pigimaru and Slei clung to her.

[Pyurii~~……]

[Pakyuuu~~……]

Standing up, I looked at such a scene.

Since we arrived in the Faraway Country, they’ve become especially close to each other.

……Perhaps, it would be better if I let them see each other at least one more time before the decisive battle.

[Pigimaru-san and Slei-san too…… Nyaki is looking forward to meeting you again nya! Y- You two…… are my friends after all!]

[Pigiii?]

[Pakyuu?]

Looking at the three of them like that, Seras silently leaned in close and whispered in my ear.

[Let’s also do our best to make sure they can meet each other again safely.]

Hearing what she said though, I snorted.

[That’s just obvious.]

▽

[———–Well then, I’m counting on you.]

Standing on the very front of everyone, Liese said.

In front of the door, the entryway to the Faraway Country————

A few days back, we were the ones sending people off.

Today, it would be the one being sent off.

There were more people than I expected that had sent us off.

All of the Seven Warlights were here.

The Cerberus Roa is here too.

Moreover, there were the soldiers of each army corps……

There are also many monsters.

Whether it’s the Kobolds who warily met us when we first arrived.

Giant wolves.

There are many monsters that fought with us in the previous battle.

Looking at them like this, I feel like my acquaintances have increased.

At that moment, King Zect held both of my hands.

[My incompetence had got you in trouble…… I’m sorry, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.]

[I would also like to thank you.]

As the King took a step back, Gratora stepped forward and bowed.

[Now, I already trust you. Not because the King trusts you, but that I myself trusts you…… Please be safe.]

After I nodded in response, the Four Warlights stepped forward next.

[I have faith in your abilities…… So I’m counting on you, Fly King. With you in my sight…… I will strive to be wiser and stronger.]

[Yeah, do your best.]

[Umu! Niko will do her best! ———Ah, no…… Erhem! I hope you make it back safely.]

The next person to come out after Niko was Qir.

[Qir-sama here had suddenly become something like a military strategist…… I need to learn more about strategies and tactics. I wish I could have learned more from you though, Seras-kun.]

[My apologies, Qir-dono.]

Hearing Qir’s grumbles, Seras chuckled.

In response, Qir smiled and shrugged her shoulders.

[Geez~~ You really are too serious. However, when you come back and have some free time, please teach me a lot about them, okay?]

[Yes.]

[Fufu, in exchange…… Onee-san here will teach you a looooooot of stuff?. Stuff that would make Fly King-kun delighted~~]

[Hahaha……]

[Geez! I knew Seras-kun would have a face like that! You’re too predictable!]

As Qir’s words caused everyone to burst into laughter, the mood relaxed.

At that moment, Armia went close enough to talk in private.

[Those two sure have a good compatibility, unnn.]

[I don’t think our compatibility is bad either.]

[Unnn, I won’t deny it.]

This Lamia Knight is surprisingly good at objective observation.

As the humble Seras was being surrounded by Qir and the others, Armia gazed at them.

[I’m grateful to you for accompanying Munin-dono this time. It’s just, well…… We’ll have to be strong on our own. We can’t keep relying on you guys to get through situations. We have to make our own decisions and manage our own country. Our situation has become quite an unplanned burden on your journey, hasn’t it?]

Seras, Munin and Slei were saying their goodbyes one after another.

Watching them from afar……

[I took it on for personal reasons, but if I were to speak of my true intentions…… I guess I don’t really know. Perhaps, I really might just be a kind softie.]

[Fufufufu……. I don’t know if you’re a good or a bad person, but that’s probably part of your charm.]

[Well, it might be better if you and Gio support Liese in diplomatic relations for the time being. Both of you were quick-witted even to those areas.]

[Putting me aside…… I think Gio-dono is prone to being hotblooded, unnn.]

[You can just put your strengths to your advantage. If they have too many people, you can just fight them “that way”.]

[I can hear you, Armia.]

Stepping forward from Armia’ side was Gio Shadowblade.

Coming with him is his spouse, Yerma.

[Ohh, if it isn’t Gio-dono! Oh my? You heard me, what could you be talking about!?]

[……You’re doing that on purpose, snake woman.]

[Geez, Gio! As Armia-san pointed out, aren’t you already getting hotblooded?]

Yerma scolded.

Hearing his wife, Gio clicked his tongue and scratched his head, before turning his attention to me.

[My bad. Even though you helping us with the fight the other day was enough already…… In this case, we’ve practically forced the diplomacy with Mira to you.]

[The diplomat is Munin though.]

[I don’t think that extremely neat-looking Emperor thinks so though.]

This black-furred Leopardkin seriously has a keen sense of insight.

[It’s just as I said earlier. I’m just that much of a softie.]

[……We’ll keep our fangs sharpened. If you ever need our help in the future, don’t hesitate to tell us.]

[Yeah, I’ll rely on you when the time comes.]

I can actually count on Gio and the Leopard Light Army’s strength.

Having such an exchange between us———– The time for us to leave finally drew near.

I called out to Munin, who had finished her greetings.

[Have you finished saying your goodbyes to the other members of the Kurosaga?]

[Yes. In the first place, we had some time before we left, so I’ve already taken care of things that could happen after my departure and said my goodbyes.]

[I see.]

[Munin.]

[Ara, Fugi.]

A silver-haired girl pinched the sleeve of Munin’s dress and called out to her.

Slender body.

Short hair.

Eyes that are a bit cat-like.

She’s someone you could say is a beauty.

However, her expression doesn’t change much.

Looking up towards Munin……

[Be careful out there.]

Fugi emotionlessly said, to which Munin hugged her.

[Don’t worry. The very strong Fly King-san and his group is with me after all.]

[I’ll be waiting.]

Fugi then looks at me.

[Please look after Munin.]

[Yeah.]

The other day, I met Fugi when I visited Kurosaga’s village.

She’s the other person capable of using the Forbidden Curses.

Thereupon, Munin gently put her hand on Fugi’s cheek.

[You’ll be fine without me, right?]

[I’ll do my best.]

[Fufu, you’re the Fugi I’m so proud of after all.]

[I’m proud of you too, Munin.]

To the onlookers, they look like a mother and daughter.

However, they aren’t related by blood.

So to speak, Munin is her foster parent.

Fugi’s parents died of illness when she was young.

So, Munin has been taking care of Fugi since she was very young.

Even though they aren’t blood related though, I consider them as “mother and daughter”.

Blood ties aren’t the only thing that makes a family.

From my own experience———- I know that all too well.

[……………………..]

Just a bit……

Looking at them, just for a little bit……

It made me want to see my uncle and aunt.

For a moment, such a thought crossed my mind.

At that moment though……

[……Belzegia.]

Liese timidly called out to me.

[I’m going to do my best to completely finalize the negotiations with Mira.]

[Also, as for the Great Treasury’s———-]

[I know.]

Mira’s Great Treasury.

Liese and the others also had some things they wanted in it too.

[Errr…… Sorry. It should have been me who’s going……]

In the beginning, Liese was very enthusiastic about the idea of “going there too”.

However, now that the decision to form an alliance has been made and the negotiations were moving forward————

For things to proceed forward domestically, a mountain of work awaits her.

Looking ahead to the future, the Faraway Country must lay as much groundwork as possible.

[The people left here also had things they had to do. It’s not that you can just slack off. It was just that I’ve assigned you to the role more fitting for you.]

[I- I know that but……]

[As I said, we have to go to Mira for other reasons anyway. If we can deal with that while we’re there, that’s better.]

[……You’re right. It’s indeed as you said.]

Letting out an exhausted smile, Liese lets out a sigh and slumps her shoulders.

[In times like these, rationality must take precedence over emotions, right?]

[The Mad Emperor also seemed like a troublesome opponent to deal with.]

Her eyebrows furrowed, before she smiled bitterly, as if admitting defeat.

[You’re right…… It’s frustrating, but I don’t think the current me would have been able to compete with someone like you.

[……Somehow, you’ve become really honest, haven’t you?]

[Ughh!? I- Is that bad!?]

[The opposite.]

[Well thanks! ……Geez, the heck is your problem! Seriously, you really are———]

As I watched Liese squeal this and that with her blushing to her ears……

[I’m sure it would have been fun traveling with Liese.]

[————But well! I suppose that part of you! is something I a- acknowledge———- ……Hmm? What did you just say?]

Though I say that……

[No, I didn’t say anything important.]

Putting aside Munin, who joined the Fly King’s Squadron for revenge……

Just like Nyaki———— this journey of revenge isn’t suitable for Liese.

[Now then.]

I looked towards the door.

Nyaki, the key, was already waiting next to it.

Well, how should I say this……

[I think it’s about time we depart.]

For me whose sole purpose is revenge————– This feels a little too warm.

<Author’s Notes>

The 26th Chapter of the manga is now available for free at Comic Gardo. The story’s around that time with Eve and Duke Zuan. The contrast between Eve’s stubborn goodness and Duke Zuan’s trashiness is very well expressed in this chapter. Though it may be hidden behind a paywall, the next chapter, Chapter 27, is already available, and it’s a chapter depicting the White Coin.

The next chapter will be from Sogou Ayaka’s POV.

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