Chapter 33: Moonlight Shrine
The demon still had breath―― It extended its fingertips towards me, but as it tried to gather miasma, it crumbled into sand.
The demon chuckled at the scene and sighed as if giving up, lying down with a resigned look. I know. This is what their death looks like.
While keeping the magic circle floating above its palm, the demon shook its head sideways.
"No need to stop. There's no pain anymore."
...But can we still exchange words? However, I have no intention of getting along with a demon.
Then, what should I talk about with this guy?
First of all, what is its purpose? If we assume that this summoner from the Cardiff Earl's family, who was suspected to be a demon, created the Black Transdimensional Stone, can we take it as such?
For what purpose is that?
...――.
"Moonlight Shrine."
When I said that, the demon widened its eyes. Although there was no time or method to interrogate it, I could at least gauge its reaction.
It's not like I have any strong conviction.
I find it more plausible that its reason for being here is to kidnap and make money or to feed on the emotions of the victims, rather than having some other reason.
"Indeed――interesting. Quite an intriguing brat."
The demon seemed to realize that it had fallen into a trap, and its shoulders trembled slightly.
"What is your name?"
"...Theodore."
"I see. Be proud, demon slayer. My name is Lynette."
The demon smiled, and――rapidly turned into sand, scattering in the wind.
...They're like disasters, those demons. Someone described the demons like that.
I shook my head a little and shifted my thinking. There are other things to consider.
Moonlight Shrine.
It is said to be located in the lower layers of the Termwills' labyrinth.
It was an area not yet implemented in BFO, but its existence was hinted at in the game.
In the past, it was said that the seal was broken by a demon, and the treasure was taken away or something like that.
Although I don't have certainty because I don't know the timeline, if the demon's purpose is related to Termwills, I think that would be it.
If the demon was researching the transdimensional stone for the invasion of the Moonlight Shrine, it's not impossible to understand why the demon infiltrated Termwills.
In that case, the seal of the Moonlight Shrine is still intact.
If the game starts now――and within the next 10 years, would that incident occur?
Either way, in the game, this country, including the vicinity of Termwills, was at peace.
The dangerous area at the start of the main story is the north. That's because a massive outbreak of monsters occurs.
That would be related to the ongoing Grand Quest story in the middle of its release――but it would be nothing more than a delusion if I were to shout it out loud now.
The magic inquisition is meaningless. It only determines whether someone is lying or not, and believing something wholeheartedly does not necessarily equate to truth.
Moreover, despite being called the Grand Quest, BFO is a game where you can live however you like in a fantasy world.
There is no need to push forward with the main story, so there are parts that I have put off for later.
I don't know how far the outbreak of monsters will spread to the south, but it wouldn't hurt to accumulate power. In the labyrinth, there is no shortage of opponents to fight.
...No, could it be that the treasure being brought up is related to the outbreak of monsters?
It's possible. It's easy to understand from the perspective of game design that demons are causing havoc, and there are also stray demons that appear in the game.
Considering what kind of stray demons they are, they might have some purpose and be organized.
In the present reality, it may be shortsighted to connect those things, so it's hard to say. In reality, Prince Albert and Sword Saint Oswald exist, after all.
In any case, when it comes to the Moonlight Temple... since I'll probably be asked about demons anyway, I'll bring it up in the conversation.
If I mention that the demons were muttering about it, the Moonlight Temple will inevitably attract attention. Besides, I think the important people will investigate things that I can't access on my own.
"Theodore-sama!"
The people who had once fled from the plaza are gathering. Whether they heard the commotion or not, Grace and Ashley pushed through the crowd and showed their faces.
"Oh, both of you."
"Well, a demon appeared...!"
"I can't believe it—did you defeat a demon all by yourself?"
Both of them had worried expressions. Well, personally, I'm glad I didn't encounter a demon while being with them.
Since the matter with Maurice was not resolved, I remained on high alert following yesterday.
After releasing the victims from the base, and then today... I visited the Adventurers' Guild alone for a meeting and explanation.
It seems that the authorities did something different from the arrangements and ended up stirring things up.
From there, the Hydra appeared, breaking through the Count's mansion, and then a demon appeared.
While the adventurers' guild members were guiding the citizens to evacuate the plaza, I, who had free time, joined the offense. To sum up the situation briefly, that's how it went.
"Sure. I'm fine."
"Theodore-sama, you're bleeding--"
Ah, the recoil from the advanced magic. The bleeding from my left hand had stopped, but when I remembered it, a dull pain reminded me.
Ashley took my hand and cast healing magic on it.
"Thank you, Ashley. Grace, come over here."
I thanked Ashley and sealed Grace.
Grace blushed and had a vacant expression.
I wonder if she's experiencing a bloodsucking impulse from the smell of my blood. I might have done something bad.
"Theodore... I owe you a debt. Someday, I will definitely come to thank you."
When I turned back at that voice, Sheila briefly appeared in the crowd and then disappeared.
Judging from the slight smile, it seems my friend is safe.
As for the victims of the kidnapping incident, they seem to be fine. However, there are quite a few remaining issues.
The fate of the female demon who was captured is undecided, and there's the matter of what happened to Maurice, as well as Tarcoot's position being taken care of by the prince. Many things are concerning.
Since I myself caused quite a commotion in front of everyone, it seems the surroundings will be noisy for a while.
Hmm... It's a hassle to be the center of attention while crushing demons.
Starting from tomorrow, I think I'll dive into the labyrinth early in the morning for a while. I should ask Rosetta about Ashley's plans for exploring the labyrinth.
This country should generally continue to be peaceful... But it wouldn't hurt for Ashley to become stronger sooner rather than later.
After exaggerating my encounters with the demons and bringing attention to the Moonlight Temple, I made up some excuses about being tired today and cut the conversation short. I returned home.
"...I apologize for the trouble, both of you."
Grace, dressed in sleepwear and looking apologetic, said in the main bedroom.
"N-No worries, Lady Grace."
Ashley also seemed slightly embarrassed.
...What should I do in this situation?
"I don't mind the inconvenience. Does my blood really make you that drunk?"
"Yes... I find it... very intoxicating."
...I suppose it's a psychological thing.
Even during the night, the aftereffects of Grace getting intoxicated by the scent of my blood couldn't be resolved. I made various efforts, but...
So Grace requested that we sleep together tonight. It seems she and Ashley want to maintain equality as much as possible... So Ashley is here too. If their relationship is good, then it's fine, but...
She seemed worried because of the battle with the demon, too.
However... Well, it means I have to sleep sandwiched between the two of them. That's how it is, right?
There's no point in just having a courtship forever, so I lay down in the middle of the bed, emptying my mind. Grace and Ashley came to my side.
"Theodore..."
Grace softly murmured and her slender hand touched my cheek. She narrowed her eyes with satisfaction. It tickles a bit.
"Um, Lord Theodore..."
"Yeah, it's fine."
"Yes..."
Ashley also hesitantly placed her hand near my shoulder.
Beautiful girls greet me from both sides.
The two of them eventually began to breathe quietly...
...I can't sleep. Endure it, me.