The Day of the Earthquake.

As planned, the first ‘minor quake’ was safely stopped by Lisel.

But could it really be called “safe”?

The sight of the territory below from Agril’s back was disastrous—truly a spectacle in the worst sense.

“That bastard Kaeld. He let some of the damage happen on purpose.”

“Huh?”

“If Lisel had acted right away, the earthquake could’ve been stopped the moment it started. Why do you think he just stood by?”

“…So he left the damage on purpose to show how serious the quake was?”

“Yeah. More accurately, he wanted to show that he, the one who stopped such a massive earthquake, is the real hero.”

Neril’s face twisted in disgust.

Then Xenia spoke.

“There he is. Agril, let’s go.”

Agril flew higher and headed toward the top floor of the castle.

Kaeld looked like he was about to start moving, so I quickly called out to him.

“Got a minute?”

“Eek! A monster!”

Serein… I’ve wanted to ask this since before the regression—are you really a priest?

Sure enough, Xenia muttered under her breath.

“It’s a divine carriage, you know.”

“Huh? That holy knight’s voice?”

I soothed Xenia and spoke to Kaeld.

“Impressive. You really did stop the quake.”

“Mmh. And you didn’t show up.”

“I spent six days tearing my hair out trying to find a way, but it’s no use if there’s no method. I’m not the type to force the impossible.”

“…Really? You’re telling me you just handed over this rare opportunity?”

“Yup. I completely gave up.”

I casually raised both hands in surrender.

Kaeld narrowed his eyes.

I continued.

“This time, I’ll gracefully yield the glory to you.”

“…”

“And I’ll keep my promise too. Remember what I said? I’d evacuate the people of the territory, and you wouldn’t have to worry about earning fame from them.”

“I do recall that.”

“I’ve got a specific plan. Neril.”

We’d discussed it in advance, so Neril nodded and formed a hand seal.

“Append View.”

A magic that displays a pre-recorded video to a specific target’s perspective. I’d used it several times before the regression. They said it cleverly combines illusion magic and the principles of Iori Ortix’s communication orbs, but I still don’t know how that’s even possible.

Anyway.

I looked at Kaeld’s group.

Especially Kaeld’s face.

He was smiling with satisfaction.

Sure enough, the footage showed Kaeld stopping the earthquake—anyone watching would believe that.

As the magic ended, Kaeld spoke.

“Is there something you want?”

“What are you talking about?”

“You not only handed over the fame but even supported me like this. Doesn’t suit you, that’s all.”

“Glad you know. Believe me, I’m dying of jealousy here.”

I replied with a smirk, but then my face turned serious.

“I’m going to show that footage to the people of the territory. So I’d appreciate it if you left quietly.”

“What are you saying?”

“This whole affair is going to completely shift public sentiment in Tetra Territory toward you. I’ve given up on turning things around, but I don’t want to be left looking completely useless.”

“…”

“We’re planning to stay a week or so to help with the restoration efforts.”

“And you’re saying I shouldn’t be around during that time?”

I nodded.

Of course, what I said was just an excuse. I had a different goal in mind.

The second major earthquake.

I had no choice but to give Kaeld the credit for the first minor one—but I cannot miss the second.

But for that, Kaeld needs to be gone from here.

“Fine. That makes sense. I’ll do it.”

“Great.”

“But on one condition. I want to confirm that what you showed with that Append View magic was really the truth.”

“Thorough, aren’t you?”

“You might’ve used illusion magic to fake something. You’ve got quite the skilled mage in your group—it wouldn’t be hard.”

Neril let out a small chuckle.

“We don’t stoop that low. Mide’s not like you, after all.”

Of course, Kaeld didn’t even respond.

He just stared at me, demanding an answer with his eyes.

I shrugged.

“Fine, whatever.”

I turned to Lisel.

She flinched and looked away.

‘So she didn’t snitch to Kaeld after all.’

Did she really hate the idea of revealing she was Magna Neros that much?

Anyway, all the pieces are in place.

I turned to Kaeld.

“Alright. Let’s go.”

“Kaeld! Kaeld!”

“Hero Kaeld! Please look this way!”

“Wasn’t the hero supposed to be Mide?”

“Who’s Mide?”

“Oh, I’ve heard of him. Some guy they call a hero up north. The ‘Sword master of No-Killing.’”

“Ha! What nonsense. This here is the real hero. Don’t go saying stupid stuff like that.”

“Well, Mide didn’t stop the quake this time, after all.”

Ugh. My stomach hurts.

I rubbed my belly.

What’s funny is that my party members were all doing the same.

“This stings.”

“Yeah. It’s annoying too.”

“Foolish souls. Eyes that cannot see, ears that cannot hear. Truly, the masses are blind.”

“Xenia.”

“Yes.”

“Hold on. Just give me a moment to catch my breath, please.”

I chuckled and joined the conversation.

“This is just temporary. Let’s endure it a bit.”

“Think it’ll be that easy? Will Kaeld really keep his promise?”

“From his perspective, this territory’s already given him all it can. Letting me take over some boring restoration work won’t threaten his glory.”

“Hmm.”

Neril let out her usual thoughtful hum and nodded.

I turned to Xenia.

“You’re key to this next part.”

“Don’t worry.”

We need to get Kaeld as far from Tetra Territory as possible before the second major quake.

Far enough that even if he changes his mind and turns back, he won’t make it in time.

And for that, nothing’s better than Agril.

“If Agril goes all out, he can reach a neighboring territory in two hours. And he’s put on some weight lately, so let’s just call it exercise.”

“He’s a well-bonded beast, that’s for sure. Truly a divine carriage.”

“I’m not the one who got fat, okay?”

“I only said the bond was strong.”

“That’s not how it sounded!”

Then Adwin asked:

“But hey, bro. Even if we successfully ‘kidnap’ her as planned… will Lisel really be persuaded by something like ‘I’ll make you human’?”

Exactly.

That’s the hidden card I have to convince Lisel.

That one sentence.

“You heard from Grade, right? She said, ‘I’m sorry I couldn’t be human.’”

“Now that you mention it… but how is Mide supposed to turn a spirit into a human?”

That part, I’ve got a lead on.

“When the Demon King of Lies dies, it’ll drop a core, right?”

Neril replied:

“Based on history, yeah. Like the Gem of Desolation we carry—it’s the core of the Demon King of Ruin.”

“Right. The Gem of Desolation used to drain people’s vitality. Just like the Demon King of Desolation’s authority.”

“And?”

“If the core of the Demon King of Lies specializes in deception, couldn’t we research it and figure out a way to deceive the spirits? Like, convince them Lisel isn’t their queen anymore?”

“That’s basically wild guesswork. And who’s gonna do the research?”

I just shrugged.

“There’s a legendary mage I know.”

“…Don’t tell me you mean me?”

“Yeah.”

“I never said I’d help, you know? And even if I did, I couldn’t do it alone.”

“Then we’ll just mobilize every mage from the past.”

This time, Adwin spoke.

“Are you talking about me?”

“Yeah.”

“But even if we call on all the past heroes, there’s no guarantee it’ll actually solve anything, is there?”

“Then we’ll just borrow wisdom from the heavens.”

Xenia fell silent.

“……”

“……”

“This is the perfect timing for you to jump in, Xenia.”

“I’d rather not get dragged into this.”

“Anyway, here’s the point. After I kill the Demon King of Lies and Deception, I’m going to do everything I can to use his core to turn Lisel back into a human.”

Neril spoke.

“So, in the end, you’re not even sure it’ll work.”

“Yeah. But Kaeld won’t even try this much.”

“……”

“From her point of view, joining hands with me is the best option. It’s my job to convince her. You all just focus on the operation. Don’t worry about anything else.”

I hardened my expression and continued.

“Because kidnapping Lisel right in front of Kaeld won’t be an easy task.”

I checked the time.

Two hours to the neighboring territory on Agril. Two hours to get back.

The great earthquake will hit in about five hours.

It’s almost time to depart.

I approached Kaeld, who was waving like some triumphant general.

“Let’s go, Kaeld.”

“You’re in such a hurry. Can’t we stay here for a day or two?” Follow current novels on novel·fiɾe·net

“Promises are meant to be kept.”

“Our promise was that I wouldn’t interfere with your disaster recovery efforts. And from the looks of it, the recovery isn’t even starting today.”

So that’s how he wants to play it.

He’s not wrong from his point of view, and I’m at a loss for a good retort.

But soon, he burst out laughing.

“Ha ha ha.”

Pat pat.

Like a friendly older brother, he patted my shoulder.

“Relax, I was joking.”

“……”

“You probably don’t like me sticking around here and soaking up the fame, right? Even though we’re on opposite sides, I get that much.”

“Is that so.”

“Let’s go. You said you’d give me a ride on Agril, right? It’s an honor to ride the chariot of the gods.”

And just like that, we disappeared into the crowd.

Moments later, Agril soared above the clouds.

The beast’s back was wide enough that even with eight people facing each other, there was still plenty of room.

Xenia whispered to Agril.

“Agril. Full speed.”

Swooooosh!

The wind whipped past our ears, vibrating our eardrums.

Alright. Let’s fly far away.

Once we’re there, let’s drop everyone—except for Lisel.

It was the most awkward flight in the world.

If the wind were louder, at least I could use that as an excuse to avoid conversation.

But whether due to some kind of magic, Agril’s flight was oddly silent despite the high speed.

That’s when Kaeld opened his mouth.

“Our last meeting was a bit rough and stiff, wasn’t it? How about we reintroduce ourselves?”

“Oh! Sounds good!”

We hadn’t even replied yet, but Serein shot her hand up.

She’s so consistent.

“Like I said before, I’m Serein. Um, I’ve actually been wanting to ask you something for a while, Mr. Holy Knight.”

“Me?”

“Yes. That sword you’re carrying—is it the Holy Sword, Caesar? Could I see it?”

“No.”

“Thank y—wait…”

Serein’s expression turned blank.

Unexpectedly, Xenia chuckled and drew the sword.

“Just kidding. Here, take a look.”

“Oh, um. Thanks.”

“My old friend had a similar personality, so I felt like messing with you a little. Sorry.”

“No, it’s fine. Thank you.”

An old friend… Ophelia, maybe?

‘No wonder. Before the regression, Xenia and Serein were unusually close.’

I used to think it was just a typical knight-priest relationship, but clearly, there was more going on behind the scenes.

While the two chatted off to the side, Neril spoke up.

“Kaeld. I want to ask you something.”

“Hm?”

“Why do you think of yourself as a hero?”

At her words, everyone, including Kaeld, turned to her.

With his arms crossed, Kaeld gave a wry smile.

“What’s the intent behind that question?”

“I’m asking why you consider yourself a hero, even though this era hasn’t received a divine revelation yet.”

“Did you ask the same thing to Mide?”

“No. I didn’t need to.”

“And why not?”

Neril replied as if it were obvious.

“Because Mide looks like a hero at a glance. So I’ve never even been curious why he thinks so.”

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Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep