A body buried in a cemetery in the kingdom of Lingle has been stolen by demons.

Seven bodies were stolen.

It belongs to Rose's subordinates, led by Mr./Ms. Owl.

He was her most trusted subordinate when she was fighting as a battalion commander in the Kingdom of Ringle, and he was more than equal to Nero Argeens' men.

His ability during his life was targeted by a demon, and his body was stolen from his coffin.

I don't want to know what they're trying to use it for.

Upon receiving the news that the body had been stolen, the kingdom immediately wanted to warn the other nations, but this idea was abandoned because it was unlikely that they would believe the story that the devil was stealing the corpse, and because the Lingle Kingdom could not act carelessly now that the meeting ——— the Allied talks were coming up.

However, it seems that Lloyd's idea of at least conveying the threat has brought him the news that there is a "grave-raiding miscreant" infested.

 

"——— Allied Talks"

 

The official name of the meeting was decided, and the date on which it would take place was also decided.

It's been about a month since the Demon King admitted defeat.

While the post-war process and preparations for the meeting were being made at a very rapid pace, I was sitting cross-legged on my bed, thinking about the future.

He indulges in his thoughts while listening to the snoring of his roommate, Tong.

 

"A week later...... How?"

 

Perhaps because Farga-sama is taking the initiative to cooperate, it is incredibly fast.

I think it's amazing that the venue for the meeting is almost complete in Myarak.

Mr./Ms. is worried about holding talks.

The Demon King, or the perception of the Demon Tribe...... It's about the devil.

Above all, it is difficult that not only humans but also the heads of subhumans are included.

 

"Hayate Mr./Ms. is coming, too......

 

A letter sent by a personally contracted Hoobar.

It mentioned that Mr./Ms. Hayate would participate in the Allied Talks.

 

"I have to do my best...... Okay, it's time to go to bed."

 

With that in mind, I turned off the light on the desk and was about to lie down on the bed when I heard a banging sound coming from the window.

If you look, you can see what looks like a small bird made of light pecking at the window.

For a moment, I didn't know what it meant, but I recognized it as light and guessed what was happening.

 

「…… Maybe."

 

When he opens the window, the light-filled bird descends downstairs and perches on Kazuki's shoulder in front of the quarters.

 

「…… Kazuki?"

"Sorry I'm late, can I have a moment?"

"Oh, I don't mind at all."

 

Even though it's night, it's not even around 12 o'clock.

I put on my shoes and went outside to Kazuki in front of the dormitory, and he gave me an apologetic look.

 

"What's wrong?"

"Hey, there's something I want to talk about, I could have done it tomorrow, but I thought we should talk about it right away."

 

I guess what Kazuki is going to talk about.

Well, I've decided.

Then I should listen to his answer.

For the time being, we move to an open area away from the dormitory so that it is easier to talk.

 

"Don't you remember that time."

 

Kazuki, who sat down on the moonlit field, muttered nostalgically.

That time was .......

 

"When Kazuki came here before the first battle?"

"Oh...... That's when I was scared to fight and consulted you."

 

The first battle we experienced with the Demon Lord's army.

In the face of this, Kazuki was afraid to fight.

I still remember that story.

 

"I was surprised when it came out of the blue."

"Hahaha...... I walked out of the castle without a second thought."

"By the way, my seniors also came after that."

"Oh, really...... Haha, what did you see?"

 

I casually glanced at the forest behind me and saw two familiar figures.

...... with seniors The other one is probably Mr./Ms. Frana.

The two of them, who had eyes with me, hid behind a tree with a look of disbelief.

 

"Usato, what's wrong?"

"Oh no, it's nothing."

 

Did you come here to see how things were going because you were worried?

For some reason, it's hidden, so let's keep quiet about Kazuki for now.

 

「…… I'm still scared of fighting, and I don't want to do it as much as possible."

"Yes."

"If the world doesn't need the power of a hero, I'm willing to give it up."

 

Kazuki would.

I know he doesn't like fighting.

That's why I'm willing to give up my position as a hero when I don't need it.

 

"It's a weird analogy, but it's like a novel, and it's usually over when you kill the last enemy."

「……」

"The Demon King was our last enemy, and before we entered the Demon King Territory, I thought somewhere in my heart that if I defeated the Demon King, it would be all over and I wouldn't have to fight as a hero."

 

Listen to Kazuki's words in silence.

 

"But it's not such a sweet story, it's not the end of the story even if the Demon King is defeated and the Demon King's army is gone. It's a world that's going on."

「…… That's right."

 

From now on, it will be a problem between demons and humans.

On top of that, the devil is also starting to go dark.

 

"Usato, I'm going to stay in this world."

 

Suddenly, he involuntarily looks at Kazuki's face at the words declared.

He looked up at the night sky and straightened up.

 

"Actually, the answer itself was decided a while ago. I still have a lot of work to do. Senpai and Usato will remain in this world, so they won't stay. I will remain in this world of my own volition and fulfill my duty as a hero...... Tena."

"Kazuki ......"

"But now that I've made up my mind, I can finally move on."

 

Kazuki smiles wryly as he places his hand on his chest.

 

"Honestly, it's so sad, I feel helpless to think that I'll never see my father's Mr./Ms. and my mother's Mr./Ms. again...... It's a feeling I can't put into words."

「……」

"But I thought, can I just leave everything behind and go back to my old world and live my life proudly? I wondered if I had a life that I could face my parents."

 

I just listen to what he has to say.

I shouldn't be consoling myself here.

Doing so would be disrespectful to him for his thoughtful choice

 

"So I'm going to make sure I don't regret the way I live."

「…… That's it."

 

Kazuki could have chosen either world.

It was equally possible to return to the original world in search of a peaceful life and family, or to remain in this world as it is now.

I don't know why they separated.

But I'm ...... I want to respect the answers he gave in his troubles.

 

"Then let's do our best for each other."

"Oh, you can always rely on me when you're in trouble."

 

Kazuki doesn't have any doubts anymore.

While rejoicing at that fact, I call out to the back.

 

"——— don't worry about it anymore, do you?"

"What? What's wrong with Usato?"

 

Kazuki looks curious at me when I call out to him, but he looks surprised at his senpai and Mr./Ms. Furana who came out of the forest.

 

"Furana, and seniors!? Why, ......?"

"No, I was worried about ......."

 

Mr./Ms. Flana looks bad.

On the other hand, the seniors have their usual confident faces as they cross their arms.

 

"As expected, Usato-kun, you didn't know I was going to notice my hidden form."

"I noticed it right away......

 

I could see my black hair from the shadow of the tree.

I think it's too rough to call it hidden.

However, seniors do not lose their leeway, but rather improve their mood.

 

"Huh, can I take that as a metaphor for being able to find me wherever I ......!?"

"Well, if you're a senior, you'll know where you are right away."

 

There is no one who stands out more than this person.

Rumors are likely to circulate quickly, and if you decide to look for them, you will easily find their whereabouts.

 

「……」

「…… No, don't be embarrassed."

 

When I get a reaction like that, I'm usually embarrassed.

Well, while exchanging such exchanges, I turn to Kazuki.

 

"First of all, we have to get the next meeting to a safe conclusion."

"Oh, let's brace ourselves to deal with whatever comes our way."

 

The meeting took place a week later.

Let's do everything we can until then.

Then, Mr./Ms. Furana, who is next to Kazuki, calls out.

 

"It was that meeting, and I decided to follow it."

"Oh, really?"

"Father Mr./Ms....... The chief of the elven tribe also said that he would be participating. They asked me to come to Mealak."

 

Well, not only beastmen, but also elves .......

It's going to be a really big talk.

 

"I think we have to be prepared for anything that ......."

 

The identity of Falga-sama will also be revealed, so it may go down in history in many ways.

 

"Speaking of which, Usato-kun."

"Yes?"

 

I turn to the voice of my senior.

I tilt my head at her as she puts her fingers on her chin as if she is thinking about something.

 

"The Demon King's Watch...... Or rather, I greet you...... It's probably going to be either me or Kazuki...... There's one thing that bothered me."

"What ...... bothered you?"

"The Demon King can't come alone, I'm sure he'll have a bodyguard...... Who's coming?"

「……」

 

It's true that ordinary soldiers won't be escorts, and corps commander-level personnel will come to escort them.

...... the Legion Commander class.

In the back of my mind, I can imagine a dark wizard with a rotten edge who punches me with a smile.

 

"Well, well, it's the same no matter who comes, it's better than being scared of being called a devil."

"Oh, yes......."

 

He's a nuisance, but I don't hate him.

Even if he follows the Demon King, he will not suddenly hit you because he has a position as the Demon King's bodyguard.

…… You don't hit me, do you?

I'm starting to worry about what to do.

______________________________________________________

Kazuki, decision times.

The interesting part is that Kazuki could have chosen either world.