Chapter 343 – And Then, After Waking Up……

We continued our march and finally met up with Mira’s main army near the border.

And then————-

The mixed army that they had been glaring at across the border was now retreating.

The messenger we sent Cattleya Stramius the other day sent a reply in the form of a magical war pigeon.

The content was a declaration indicating that they had no intention to surrender.

However……

“This is written using a code that only I and Cattleya-sama can understand. I used exactly the same technique to convey my true intention when I wrote her way too. Just to be sure, it seems that they too had also used this technique.”

As a result, Cattleya’s persuasion was successful.

The retreat of the mixed forces was due to her instructions.

This being the case, we’ll continue east through Urza and Neia to Alion.

[You look happy…… Are you relieved that the Queen agreed to your persuasion?]

[Yes…… ———-No, I believed that Cattleya-sama would agree to it. However, I’m glad she believed me.]

[The Queen had placed her bet on us. We must win this battle at all costs.]

Her grip on the reins of her horse becoming stronger, Seras nodded with a smile.

[Yes.]

[I do feel bad getting you involved in my revenge———- but it’s great to have more forces on the battlefield.]

With the increase in allies, the number of enemies also decreases.

Thereupon, Seras glanced behind us and looked anxiously at the carriage in the rear.

[……………….]

[She’d wake up when it was time to wake up. Are you that bothered about her?]

[Ah, I’m sorry…… You’re right……]

Three days ago, Sogou Ayaka regained consciousness.

When she woke up, Hijiri was by her side.

Now then, as for Sogou————- It seems that her mental state is not very good.

Since she woke up, Hijiri has been attending to her “treatment” almost continuously.

The moment she regained consciousness, Sogou seemed to be somewhat disoriented.

She was beating herself up with words of self-blame.

Her self that felt cornered.

Her self that had been driven to the corner and broken down.

Her self that went on a rampage.

Her self that had participated in the war against Mira.

Her self that had lost touch with the words of her precious classmates.

From time to time, I could hear Sogou’s emotional voice outside the carriage.

There were times when I wondered if she was clinging to Hijiri in tears.

I also told Kashima that she was awake.

However————- she said she will leave meeting her for later.

The classmates she had left behind in Alion.

Sogou seemed to be very worried about them.

Although she left the message to Suou Kayako.

Under the Goddess’ presence, she doesn’t know what will happen to them.

“I want you to let me go to Alion’s Royal Capital right now.”

Sogou said.

Somehow, Hijiri had managed to calm her down.

First of all, Sogou Ayaka is officially being treated as missing.

That being the case, her classmates would have no value as hostages now.

Of course, it isn’t that there’s no danger that they’re disposed of now that they’re no longer needed……

Looking at it the other way though, it seems pointless to deliberately dispose of them.

More than anything else————

Mira’s spies are working to get them out of Alion’s Royal Capital.

However, if Sogou carelessly moves, that operation may fail.

When she was told that, Sogou herself had no choice but to hold herself back.

[Ah———–]

Seras let out a sound.

Hijiri came out from her carriage.

She then straddles her horse which was being pulled by nearby Mira soldiers, before riding it next to mine.

[After I wiped her body, she fell asleep.]

[Sorry, leaving her to you.]

[Don’t mind it. For me, this is some kind of atonement.]

Within the long time they have together, Hijiri seems to have had a long conversation with Sogou.

A long conversation with someone mentally unstable.

However, she doesn’t seem to be tired.

……Though it’s possible that she’s just trying not to show it.

[How’s her condition?]

[Compared to the day when she just regained consciousness, I think she’s doing much better. Immediately after she woke up, all sorts of emotions and information must have come flooding into her mind at once, making her confused.]

[……I see. Do you think she’d be alright meeting Kashima and the others?]

[I’m not sure…… It feels like she didn’t have any face to show to Kashima-san, Asagi-san and the others.]

[Even now?]

Hijiri seemed to ponder about my question for a moment……

[If it’s Kashima-san, having her meet Sogou-san might have a positive effect…… but there’s still some things I’m undecided about.]

Saying this, Hijiri glanced toward the carriage Sogou is in……

[Since around last night, I became able to have a relatively calm conversation, so while being watchful, I asked Sogou-san about various things———–]

Hijiri sighed.

[The methods of the Goddess are similar to typical mind control techniques. For example, after they returned from the north, where they headed to defeat the Great Demon Emperor, it seems that she was hardly allowed to have contact with the other Heroes. Cutting off contact with close third parties and isolating them———– That is one of the typical methods.]

I had also heard that somewhere before.

[In addition to that…… she continuously bombarded Sogou-san with information that violently shook her emotions. A method that deprives one of the opportunity to think calmly and robs them of their cognitive abilities. It’s a technique that was also used by salesmen and scammers as well. Also…… She was pushed into a state of anxiety, inducing insomnia, and dulling her judgment due to the lack of sleep. Furthermore, even though Vysis is actually manipulating her actions, she’s making it seem as if Sogou-san herself had made all her decisions and choices…… By doing this, Sogou-san is mentally cornered, thinking that “It’s because of her own decision”…… Provide salvation or a goal to her in that situation———— and the brainwashing is complete. If she isn’t provided with that release, she will break down…… The list goes on, but long story short, I could see glimpses of such methods being used.]

[How should I say this…… You sure are informed about this.]

[Though perhaps, it may have been partly due to Sogou-san’s own nature that she was pushed so hard and went out of control. Also, I do have some interest in the subject, but I’m informed about this because my maternal side of the family has knowledge in this field.]

[……………………]

I wonder if that maternal side of the family has an unexpectedly large impact on the character formation of the Takao sisters.

[She also said she wanted to apologize to you.]

[If apologizing is the only way she can sort out her emotions, then of course, I’ll accept it. However, I don’t really think it’s any wonder that she couldn’t trust me……]

To Sogou Ayaka, who had tried to protect Touka Mimori just before he was discarded……

I kept the fact that I was still alive hidden.

Even though we had met again once during the Anti-Demon White Castle……

[In terms of whether I have the qualifications to be trusted, even I am in a delicate position. Depending on how you look at it, even I might look like I’m trying to re-brainwash Sogou-san myself.]

[You care about Sogou, don’t you? Vysis, on the other hand, does not———– No matter how you think about it. Takao Hijiri and Vysis are completely different.]

“You think so?”, Hijiri said, seemingly still in doubt.

[Well, I do care for Sogou-san more than Vysis but……]

[Right?]

[In any case, it’s true that Sogou-san is getting better little by little. It’s just…… I might be a little inadequate when it comes to being someone who can truly uplift her. You see———- I’m not very good at expressing my emotions.]

[I think you’re good enough. Well, regarding that matter———— I guess I’ll consult with the Mad Emperor a bit.]

[ ? ]

Through a Royal guard, I asked him about a certain matter.

He replied that he should have arrived by now.

It seemed that arrangements were in progress.

And so, it was that evening————

[It seems like he has arrived.]

The Mad Emperor himself reported that to me.

Once the surrounding movements stopped, the Mad Emperor started clearing out people in the area.

In addition, as a precaution, a curtain was placed around the area to hide it from the public eye.

Calling out to Itsuki, we headed for the carriage where Sogou was.

“You don’t have to wear the Fly Knight mask.”

I added.

Soon after, Sogou emerged from the carriage.

She was being supported by Hijiri, who was accompanying her.

Sogou’s complexion was not good, and she seemed slightly thinner.

The Asagi group isn’t here.

Seras and Munin are here though.

Recognizing my appearance, Sogou lowered her face, looking guilty.

[…………………..]

A small carriage entered the curtain.

The carriage stopped.

[Whoa there.]

Sogou’s eyes recognized the person who slowly descended from the carriage……

[…………….., —————Ah.]

And with her eyes opened wide———– tears welled up in her eyes.

Sogou desperately squeezed out her voice……

[Bane———– san……]

[Ou, Sogou-chan, it’s been a while. What’s the matter? You’re not looking so good compared to back then, are you…… Geez, what a waste of such beauty, don’t you think?]

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