A few days have passed since she met the fortune teller. Nefia has been reading the book she received every day, working to memorize the magic circle so that she can fight.
Being able to read books is a gift. Nefia is proud of her talent and brags about it every day. Today, she took a day off from the shop, so she's spending the whole day training.
"I've pretty much memorized it! Now it's time for actual combat!"
"Oh, don't just take what the book says at face value."
"Why?"
"Everyone forgets that magic is a way to bend the rules of the world."
"Right? I haven't forgotten."
"No, magic is free."
"yeah?"
"Because it is free, it becomes a magic that is unique to each individual."
"Ten different colors for ten people? That's ridiculous. We're going to use what our predecessors discovered, so there's no need to worry about personal colors..."
"Magic is a bad law that changes the rules that lead to freedom."
"I don't really get it... what you're saying."
"I see. Then you're still no match for me."
"Wh-what?! I don't know what kind of magic you can use, but you're definitely a swordsman! I can use it better than you!"
Nefia hits him on the back with her magic book as hard as she can, a loud banging sound echoing through the room.
"Haha...!! Ouch!! Ouch!! Stop using the corner of the book!!"
"Die!! Die!! Die!!"
He is hit with murderous intent.
Ton Ton
""yeah?""
There was a knock on the front door. It seemed to be a guest, so I opened the door. A knight in white armor was standing there. He was carrying a large bag, so he must have been on a journey.
"Sorry. I understand that this is the home of a man named Tokiya."
A woman's voice came from the helmet of the armor. I thought it was a man, but the owner of the armor seems to be a woman. The mark reminds me of a certain country.
"Yes, it's me. What do you think of the Maximillian Knights?"
Knights from the Maximilian region have come all the way here.
"Please don't take me for a fool. I came here to ask a favor."
"Okay. I'll talk to you inside."
I guided her in, lowered a chair, had her sit there, and treated her like a customer.
"The Maximillian Knights, huh...?"
I remembered the name of a famous order of knights. An order of knights allied with the Empire, local knights, a large order that could be considered a nation with a territory of its own.
They fought the Empire and defended it. They were given some of the Empire's territory. A place where the Empire's laws did not reach. "Why that Knight Order?" I wonder.
"Phew... I can finally take a breather. I'll take off my helmet, but please don't tell anyone. Otherwise I'll have to kill you."
"Okay. I promise you, you won't tell anyone. I swear on you, former Black Knight."
He must be someone famous, and of quite a high social rank.
"thank you"
The moment she removed her helmet, her beautiful long hair fell down. It was the same color as Nefia's golden hair. She also had pointy ears, a beautiful face unlike any other human, and silky white skin. That was all it took to tell she was not human.
"?!"
Anyone can tell at a glance that she's not human. Demons are more beautiful than some humans. Like Nefia.
"It's nice to meet you, I'm Elmia Maximillian. I'm the great-grandmother of the current Commander of the Maximillian Knights, and a former Commander of the Knights. I'm a High Elf. That's rare, isn't it?"
Nefia exclaimed in surprise. That's because high elves are extremely rare. They're not that rare, if you think about it, they're a race that's only written about in books. They're the origin of all elves.
"High Elves?! They're a reclusive race that never leaves the forests?! I was a recluse myself, but these are even more reclusive than you."
"Nefia!! I thought so!! Elves are not uncommon among the demon race, but I can't believe I've seen a High Elf in the wild!! It's my first time seeing one, and I only knew about it in literature."
The only demons are those who are hybrids of high elves, dark elves and elves.
"Fufufu, in appearance there is no difference from an elf. Yes."
She smiled, perhaps because she was happy that he was surprised. She looked very elegant as she held her hands and laughed. High elves are people of the old forest, which is a big difference from elves. They are purebreds.
"Oh my, I'm surprised, but did you get told about this place by the Captain of the Black Knights?"
I have no connection with her, so someone must have sent her.
"Yes. I was told about it."
"What exactly have you been asked to do?"
"Ordering several elite soldiers. Stronger than the Maximillian Knights, strong enough to survive."
"No, it's a request."
"...After the contract is signed. I'll pay the money from my personal assets. I'll come up with the money to rebuild this house!"
It's quite a troublesome request. The Black Knight Commander has just thrown it at me. It's obvious that he doesn't want to get involved.
"Wow! Former hero, I'll take it!"
Nefia shows up, lured by money. I'm astonished by her.
"And you? Your girlfriend?"
"No!! I would be disgusted if I had a girlfriend like that!!"
"Really? I get it. Then it seems like it's okay to ask you to do it. It might break up your relationship."
Miss Elmia patted her chest. For some reason, her expression seemed a little sad and happy at the same time, but I couldn't figure it out. There wasn't enough information to guess.
"Okay. Let's go. I want to see that look."
For some reason, the expression on his face reminded me of the thing that drives me, so I accepted the request without hesitation. This must mean it's "love."
"Really?!"
Miss Elmia's expression brightened. Then, the lights went dark and she spoke apologetically.
"Really... is that okay?"
"This former hero says he wants it! Of course he wants it! Come on, tell me! What's the request!"
"Okay, I'll trust you. My request is to take you to the throne room of the Dead City."
"Huh!?" I exclaimed in surprise at what he said. The Dead City was a city destroyed by monsters, and skeletons and other creatures roamed the land to protect it. It was a dangerous place.
The Black Knights' leader did the math. He calculated the damage it would cause to the Maximillian Knights if they were to offer them a favor. And he refused. He wasn't driven by emotion. That's why he decided it wasn't worth it.
"Ah, former commander of the Knights, Maximillian..."
"You can call me Elmia. I'll call you Tokiya. That's more convenient for me, since I'm hiding my race and status."
"Well, Miss Elmia. The City of Death is very dangerous."
"Yes, but. I want to go. I want to go. There's a reason. I'll talk to you about it at length when this is over. Please... take me."
Elmia got down from her chair and bowed politely. I was surprised to see the former commander of the Knights begging so much. Nefia slapped her on the shoulder bossily. I held my head.
"Look up. Elmia, it's okay. He'll do something about it. Right? Right?"
"You stay put."
"Why?! This is a real battle!"
"Because it's dangerous."
"Hmm, whatever you say I'm going. It's a request after all."
They're being lured by money.
"Did you say Nefia? You should stop..."
Elmia spoke worriedly. "Exactly!!" I thought.
"Fufu, I'm a former Demon King. It's okay, it's okay."
"Huh!?"
"Ahhhh!! That's not right!! You're saying weird things!! Nefia!!"
Nefia looked a little suspicious, then put her hand over her mouth.
"...Fufufu, I get it. It's a secret. Just like me. Then I'll ask the former Demon King for help."
This caused a bit of a problem, but Elmia didn't ask any questions and told me to go to her mansion in her territory for the details, and then left the house. We decided to go to the territory after Nefia finished her work as a clerk. What made me angry was that
"Sorry."
After she left, Nefia said one thing, hiding her face in apology. I stopped being angry.
"I blurted out something I shouldn't have said. I'm truly sorry."
"...Well, the other person was good, so don't worry about it."
"No, I do care. It's a taboo word here. I can't complain if I get killed."
"Yeah, I guess. But when that happens I'll let you go. From the Empire."
I have the funds for the journey. I'm always prepared for the journey. Yes, I expect to have to kill the knights while escaping.
"Well, now I'm rich. I can travel!"
"That's true! But you're taking advantage of me by telling me to keep quiet about you!"
"Oh, no way..."
Nefia had a cute, disappointed look on her face. It was a very cheering look. It was enough to prepare me for death.
*
I have heard a lot from the hero. The territory ruled by the Maximillian Knights is the area northwest of the Empire. There is a city near the border with the Demon Kingdom, which serves as an important base and a buffer zone defending the northeastern Demon Kingdom.
However, they also have another role: guarding the Dead City, feared by the Imperial Knights.
The Dead City was once a prosperous city, but it was destroyed by monsters and became a dead city with no living animals. Troublesome things like monsters are rampant. It has become a city of the undead.
We rode horseback to the city of the Maximilian Knights, taking a long time to get there. The reason we had two horses was because I didn't want to share a ride.
So, I took a leisurely walk to visit the Maximilian Knights. The Maximilian Knights' mansion I was shown was not a sturdy one like a castle, but a luxurious mansion of about three stories. Yes, it was a retirement mansion.
When you enter, a red carpet is spread out and there is a large portrait. It must be the Commander of the Knights Maximilian. Miss Elmia comes out to greet you in what appears to be a casual dress. Her ears are human. And then... you meet her.
"We congratulate you and thank you for your safe journey through this long and dangerous journey."
"Yes!! I'm not sick!!"
I puffed out my chest as the hero slapped me on the shoulder in exasperation.
"You're just an ordinary adventurer now."
"Huh?!"
"Hahaha. That's funny, Nefia-chan. Are you trying to hide something?"
"Kuuuu. Ah, there is one."
"Even the stores don't treat me like that."
"Shut up! Hero!"
"Don't call me hero. I'm not a hero."
"Hey, you were in that unit."
"He escaped immediately though."
"You're right. Yes, you're right... assassination is stupid."
After Miss Elmia beckons me, I call a servant and leave my luggage with her.
"Since we don't have much to discuss here, please come to my room."
I followed Miss Elmia up the stairs to the hall. I followed her to the door and entered the room. Inside, the furniture was decorated like an aristocrat. It was a rich man's house.
"Please, take a seat. I'll bring you some wine."
"Are you okay, Nefia?"
"Don't make fun of me. I can still drink this just fine."
I always drank alone in the Demon Castle. I could order wine as much as I wanted. There was nothing else to do. There were days when I drowned in it because there were things I wanted to forget.
"Hehehe. It's alcohol from the Maximillian Knights. It's delicious, so look forward to it."
I was curious and asked questions.
"Do the Knights make alcohol too?"
"Yes, of course. I'm a farmer when I'm not on duty."
"The Knights? That?"
"The Maximilian Knights have a conscription and recruitment system, and everyone is a member of the Knights."
"That's right, Nefia. That's why they're strong locally and the Empire has given up on the alliance."
"...I see. So they are strong."
Come to think of it, I haven't heard of the Demon Kingdom attacking our territory. Well, even though they're the Demon Kingdom, they haven't been able to unify yet. "I'd better keep quiet," I thought.
Ton Ton
"I've brought it."
"Yes, come in."
A servant enters the room immediately after answering the phone. A bottle of wine and three wine glasses are placed on the table.
"Please call me if you need anything else."
Elmia spoke in response to the servant's words.
"I'll go get it myself. To the kitchen."
"No, if you tell our servants, we will prepare it. The Commander of the Knights has given us orders."
"...Okay. Thank you. You can step back."
"yes"
After the servants left, Elmia started complaining.
"It's not like I want to act all high and mighty. I'm still too young for old age."
"Why not? I'll ask you to do it."
Elmia looks at her with a sad expression.
"I'm not one of Maximillian's people. Besides, I find working a good distraction. I often remember being alone."
"Hmm. It's good to move your body."
"That's right."
I wonder why, but I feel like I can't read this person's emotions. The hero pours wine into a wine glass, takes a sip, and then begins to speak.
"There must be something going on, but please tell me what you want to say when you're done, Miss Elmia."
"Yes, of course. That's what I intend to do once I come back alive."
*
When the wine ran out, the chat ended. We talked about the characteristics of this region and the "Devil's City" and "Dead City" that we were going to the next day. We also confirmed the meeting place in case we split up. After using the large public bath to relieve the fatigue of our journey, we returned to our room.
"Hey, hero."
"What?"
The hero, who should have taken a bath earlier and come out, was in the room he had been shown to by the servant.
"Why are you here?!"
"Because this is the room I was shown."
"What!!"
"It's a double bed, so I'm sure I'll be able to sleep. It's been a while since I've been in bed."
Sleeping in a bed, not sleeping outdoors. However, I never slept with him on this trip.
"What's wrong? Maybe you're conscious?"
"Huh?! Stop messing around! Shit! I'm going to sleep outside!"
I try to leave the room. The doorknob makes a clanging noise as I turn it, but it doesn't open.
"Hmm? Hmm?"
"What's wrong, Nefia?"
"Oh, it won't open!!"
"Oh? Did you lock it?"
"Wh, why?!"
"I don't know. But it's convenient."
The hero got off the bed and came over here.
"Wha-what? Hero?"
For some reason, I feel a chill down my spine. Even though I just took a bath, I break out in a cold sweat. I can only imagine obscene things.
"There's a beautiful girl here. And Bette."
"Hey, hey! Stop it!"
Slithering closer, I run away. The serious look on the hero's face makes me feel scared. I sense a sense of danger. I'm being attacked.
"What happened? Run?"
"D-Don't come any closer!!!"
Bang!!
"What?! Horns?!"
Backed away, backed into a corner. No way to escape.
"H-Hii!!"
Being attacked as a woman makes me tremble.
"...Kuuhahahahaha"
Suddenly, the hero burst out laughing, picked up the sword from the room, and moved to the doorknob.
"Okay, let's unlock it. Look, it's open."
"What?!"
He demonstrates his unheroic lock-picking skills and begins to speak with a smile.
"I'm going to sleep outside. Oh yeah, what were you imagining, Nefia-chan?"
"..."
I can see that my face is red. I was being teased by this guy!!
"Aaaaaaaahh!! Damn it!! Damn it!!"
"Hahaha, good night."
The hero left the room. I collapsed on the spot and nearly cried in frustration. Then, after a few minutes, I calmed down.
"Damn it, I'll punch you later."
With that decision made, I left the room to calm down.
"I'll search for the servants and find out where the hero is..."
"What is it, Nefia?"
"Why are you here?!"
Just outside the room, the hero was sleeping with his back against the wall, his sword within easy reach.
"It's just a habit. Sleep in peace. No one will attack you."
"...Are you perhaps on guard? Here? Is it safe?"
"Elmia knows that you are the Demon Lord. That doesn't mean you're not at least a little dangerous. Well, I don't think that's the case at all... but I'm here as a hobby."
He continues to stare straight ahead with a serious expression. The air around him is different from before.
"We might have to sleep outside again tomorrow, right?"
The anger from before has calmed down as if it were a lie.
"That's right. So go to bed early, Nefia. I won't let anyone through."
The hero spoke gently. He must really be here.
"...I changed my mind. Sleep next to me."
"Huh?"
The hero now had a surprised look on his face. I felt relieved that I had gotten some revenge.
"Well, promise me you won't attack me!"
"I think I made that promise quite some time ago."
"...I just forgot? Oh well. It's probably not a good place to sleep, so I can protect you inside instead of here."
After saying that, the two of us went to sleep. I'll keep in mind that for some reason I felt safe resting my back on him.
*
I came out of the forest.
I went out to play on a whim.
I was happy that it was banned.
And then I met someone.
He gave me something delicious to eat.
The food was put in a bag.
When I opened it, it was in a cage.
Even when I cried, they didn't help me.
I was beaten.
It was closed.
I recognized that woman.
*
Bang!!!
"Haa haa haa... ugh... ugh..."
I sat up and tried to endure the nausea. The hero, who was already up and getting ready, looked surprised. He poured water from his water bottle into a glass and handed it to me.
"M-sorry. Ha ha."
"You're sweating a lot. You suddenly started to get delirious. Was it a nightmare?"
"Oh, it was a nightmare..."
I experienced the fear of being raped by a man.
"Sorry, please leave. I dreamed of being attacked by a man I didn't know. It wasn't you. It was someone else's dream..."
"... Alright, I'll leave the room first."
The hero left the room. The content of the dream was too disgusting to talk about.
"It was just a dream, but it felt so vivid. What really happened...?"
Until I became calm. I thought about what it was, but I couldn't find the answer. For all I knew, it was someone else's dream.