Chapter 7: One person’s bad end is somebody else"s good end
It was a year ago that Bishop Hugh met Ariane.
“Stupid, what is wrong with me!?"
“That is only something the G.o.ddess knows, and it is regrettable"
A young swordsman is drawn into the priest"s arms and pulled away from the statue. After all that, Hugh sighs so quietly that no one could hear.
“Was it useless again?"
To become an immortal hero, you need the holiness of the G.o.ddess. Since two years ago, when he was appointed as the Bishop of Boa Kingdom, it was the twentieth person who failed to become a hero.
“It didn’t increase as we thought?"
Knight Luzar and his five companions had gotten together to be heroes, Hugh thought that it would be easier to advance, but the wholesaler did not sell the wholesale.
“I do not know the G.o.ddess’s thoughts."
Bishop Hugh himself is a hero, but he doesn"t understand the standard of an hero. He has excellent abilities, has deep faith in the G.o.ddess, and has been recognized as a hero with great potential, if only he is conducted. But definitely not. There were, therefore, few people who volunteered to become heroes, and a lot of people who refused even if they were invited.
“I"m in trouble if I do not increase it"
The odds were low, but the dangerous bet paid off and Hugh was appointed as the Bishop in the Boa Kingdom when he was 30 years old and known as a hero. Of course, he was blessed with talent, had a high degree of magic, such as resurrection magic. He fulfilled the requirements to replace his predecessor exactly at the right time, due his ability and luck. Anyway, Hugh was a Bishop, and there was no desire to end his climb there either.
“Instead of me, there are those who know the G.o.ddess"
There are not so many ways to personal advance in the G.o.ddess religion. First of all, the magic arm is polished, by walking around the village in the frontier, defeating devil monsters, treat the injured people and resurrect the dead, so that the majesty of the G.o.ddess is spread and the amount of believers are increased. Hugh also made a contribution with steady activities, until he became a Bishop, but in the future he will not be able to rise with his ability alone. If one temple is entrusted, not only will many people visit the treatment every day, but the king and lords of the destination will not oppose the G.o.ddess, and there will be a busy mission to watch out for, and no time to go on missionary trips. So what he is going to do is to put a large amount of donations from the country and people into the great temple. And, it was to get rid of a lot of demons by the hero, whom he had found himself. The achievement of the hero is recognized as the achievement of the Bishop who finds them. That"s why all the Bishops, not limited just to Hugh, were competing to find a create good people to turn into heroes.
“Luzar´s group are not very useful"
Compared to regular soldiers, the five heroes were certainly strong, but what heroes needed was an overwhelming heroism. Similar to the legendary creatures that were feared for killing even the G.o.ds, keeping the evil spirits in the bottom of the earth and having the power to overthrow even dragons. Otherwise they cannot be an idol who makes the majesty of the G.o.ddess known to the people and let the people believe in the G.o.ddess teaching.
“It will take time, but it may be faster to train an orphan"
Even those who were secretly kept hidden, but who were thought to have no magical power, were able to use magic by placing a large amount of magic on them. However, this was like waking up sleeping qualities and not everyone could become a great wizard or a powerful magical swordsman. Besides, this magical power strengthening method required a huge cost to training a person and time. For example, even if a superior operator like Hugh casts spells until he collapses every day, at least three months are necessary before one child could use magic. The Bishops cannot afford to waste magical power other than on work - treating injured persons and resurrecting the deceased and that too only once a year. However, if it goes well, a faithful piece is born for the G.o.ddess and Hugh. Whether that person is chosen as a hero and grows beyond Luzar is a bet, but it might be better than waiting, as he is doing now. It was about time to think about such things.
“Bishop, I"d like to talk to you"
Without a sound, a priest appears behind Hugh, who isn"t surprised. The priest was a spy in charge of the shadow and the darkness of the temple. Not the most beautiful place.
“What is it?"
“There"s a masterful hunter called 『Red』 in town”
“Red, is it?"
Nicknamed that, Hugh"s eyebrows draw a slightly moody arc. According to the book of the Great Temple, the evil demon race which was trapped in the bottom of the ground, seem to have the custom of claiming t.i.tles which bear colors like "Black devil" and "Silver Witch". Therefore, it wasn’t a good sign to have a color in a nickname.Of course, you can take such a reputation as a public advantage,
“It is a strong, innocent swordsman who even demons are afraid of!"
so that there was a person who is self conscious.
“Is it a demon hunter?”
There are people whose job was the dangerous extermination of demons and protecting people"s safety, which is not very pleasant in the teaching of the G.o.ddess. It is not because they may turn into mercenaries or bandits, sometimes there are unruly people who are hitting other people. Such people would be unfit for the role “hero” and a G.o.ddess´s believer to defeat demons and protect peace by showing the majesty of the G.o.ddess. Although,
“Until the heroes shows up, you must survive obediently"
There was no reason to say such a things to the innocent people. So, due to a lack of heroes, the mercenaries and bandits were tolerated.
“If you think that you can reduce unbelievers, is it rather convenient?"
Hugh went to look at Ariane´s face when he found her where he thought she would be. In the outskirt of an unpopular town, a girl with red hair and a m.u.f.fler was looking at a far-behind family-friendly family with a lonely look. The moment when Hugh saw that profile, he was. .h.i.t by an blitz. She is the hero of the G.o.ddess who he was eagerly awaiting.
“Ariane-san, can I have some time to talk with you, please?"
With a strong heartbeat Hugh started to talk with a cool face, so that it won"t be noticed. Although Ariane was slightly surprised, she realized that Hugh was a priest of the G.o.ddess from his clothing, and smiled immediately.
“Yes, what is it!"
From her cheerful greeting, her lonely appearance from just now couldn’t be seen anymore. While being struck by her briskness, Bishop Hugh said much more nervously than when he received the sanctification of the G.o.ddess "Won"t you become a hero of the G.o.ddess to protect people?" At first Ariane was frustrated, but after she became a hero, she was respected by everyone. She persuade herself not to be scared anymore and finally received the sanctification. Ariane is a billant hero, and when she pitted herself against the five other heroes to measure her abilities - she won, a bet with a great deal of difficulty. Even then, Ariane showed her success as expected, until she finally received a direct request from the Great Temple. The legendary demon king appeared with his army. If this mission is cleared, Ariane´s name will be a legend and Hugh who found her will reach the Cardinal rather than the ArchBishop rank, or even become the Pope. Yes, the glory of those two came soon. Nevertheless──
“Bishop, please wake up"
To the voice of the priest who sounded in his ear, Hugh woke up from his slumber.
“I"m sorry, let"s get started right away"
Without having gone to bed, he remembered where he was and what he had planned for the future as raised his back from the chair. Exiting the aisle from the temple"s waiting room, a lot of corpses were lined up at the edge. After finishing the morning service at the castle, it was Hugh"s job to revive them one by one.
“Everyone, take your hands"
A dozen priests who had already gathered, connect their hands and enclosed the corpses in a circle.
“Our Mother shining in Heaven, Erezonia G.o.ddess of light, please hear our wish"
Following Hugh"s chanting, the priests repeated the words. At the same time, the heat of magical power flows into the body of the Bishop through the connected hands. Sharing of magical power is possible because they were believers who believed in the same G.o.d and followed the same teaching. Collecting it into one, Bishop Hugh continued.
“Blessed is our G.o.ddess, give life to this person again, 『Death revival』"
The magical power gathered in the body of Hugh is released as a divine light, and it is sucked into the body of the dead soldier. Then, the open hole in his chest closed and the regenerated heart began to move for a few seconds, before that soldier awoke.
“Haa......where am I?”
“It is the temple of the G.o.ddess, you worked hard"
The soldier, who is confused after waking up for the first time in tens of days, is entrusted to the priest who stand behind Hugh. There is no time to explain politely from his mouth as there are more corpses remaining. After a while, only six people were around when they finished the last resurrection.
“Shinichi is unexpectedly religious"
“Ah, the big t.i.ts of the statue of the G.o.ddess are worth of worshiping"
“Moo, don"t say such an unG.o.dly thing!"
A cheerful and mean voice, not at all resembling the usual ridgid temple tone, sounded out. There was no need to see who it was, as it was obviously the red haired hero Ariane and a black haired boy.
“Kukukuu, if Ariane was worshiping eagerly, wouldn"t it be a little bigger?"
“......There is no effect"
“Sorry, I was wrong"
Ariane who is teased about her small chest, faced down with a dark face and the boy took her hand apologizing seriously.
“I"m going to make pancakes for you as apologize, so please fix your mood"
“Pancakes!? They are sweet and fluffy. I love that!"
“I see. I will buy pen and paper in the shopping area on the way home, is it okay?"
“Yes! But Shinichi do you buy a pen and paper, because you have a diary?"
“No, but I"m pretty confident in drawing"
“Drawing!? Great, draw something now!"
“Alright, I will paint you after being attacked by that slime"
“Forget that already!"
The boy who is still teasing is. .h.i.t on his chest by Ariane, who is bright red. Looking at their friendly and close appearances from the bottom of his heart, big black emotions are blown in Hugh"s chest.
“Bishop-sama, are you okay?"
“Yes, it"s nothing, let"s continue"
To the priest who is anxious, Hugh returns an active smile and chants the resurrection magic again. However, even though he must concentrate, his ears are free and hear things which disturb his mind.
“Anyway, it is a fine temple......good"
“Shinichi? Every time you come to visit, a pillar is touched, for what reason?"
“Actually I"m interested in architecture, I was observing the structure"
“That"s right, Shinichi is clever with his fingers, you can be a fine carpenter"
“Does Ariane have a dream for the future? You can"t keep being a hero forever, do you?”
“Eh, I never thought about it......maybe, to be a bride"
Behaving like a spoiled child, Ariane was redder than her own reddish hair. The expression of a girl in love was never shown to Bishop Hugh.
“......I, I"m sorry, I"m a bit tired”
When it was hard to chant the resurrection magic, Hugh said so, shaking away the puzzled priests and returns to his room with quick steps. And when he finished soundproofing the room with 『Silence』, he smashes the books stacked on the desk with full power away.
“That disbeliever!"
A loud sound rises, but thanks to the magic, it doesn"t leak outside. Hugh´s face became very ugly from hatred and doesn"t look like his usual self, while he still hits the desk.
“Hero of the G.o.ddess, my Ariane, inviting to fall by a minion of the evil G.o.d!"
Because n.o.body hears it, he can abuse as much as he wants. Not to mention the brunt of hatred, it is the boy named Shinichi who took away his beloved Ariane unexpectedly.
“You´re cheated by him, Ariane needs to defeat the demon king!"
If the demon king in the Doggu Valley is not defeated, his promotion to archBishop will vanish and his name is scratched. The enemy of the G.o.ddess is left indefinitely, the belief might not be sufficient. The upper cla.s.s of the G.o.ddesses are a bunch of people who do whatever they want. Even though they don’t care, but they will still pull your legs and sink you to a bottomless swamp.
“Again, I must eliminate him"
Hugh becomes calm a little and decides that while returning to his usual tone. That boy must be dealt with, for himself and for Ariane. However, the trouble is the silver-haired maid which nestles like a shadow to that boy. Although they are observed in the temple, the maid is always wary of hostility and the boy and his room are sealed with 『Strong key』, and thus there is no chance of a.s.sa.s.sination. In the first place, if he believes all the reports of the spy, then the maid"s magic is comparable to Hugh and there is a possibility that even 『Complete Healing』and 『Death revival』can be used. Therefore, if his corpse isn"t completely extinguished, he won"t be able to kill the boy. Do you chop him with a sword and feat him to the fishes or burn his bones in flames? Either way, it takes time and if he doesn"t do it he will be bothered by Ariane.
“Shall I work the king?"
It"s good if he makes up some decent sin and banishes that boy abroad. If its Hugh, he can do it with the help of the King of Boa Kingdom. But when he does that, will Ariane remain?
“It can"t be! That a hero would betray the Bishop of the G.o.ddess......!"
Hugh strongly tells himself that it is due to his mind that his voice has diminished. Then, as the agony continued, the sunset came. Knock Knock.
“Bishop-sama, is it okay?"
The door opens after the knock, and one male priest enters the room. Even if he saw books scattered on the floor, he didn"t say anything extra, but whispered something to Hugh.
“It"s about the boy and the maid that I was investigating"
“What did you have"
The urged priest──is a spy who answered in an unusually tense appearance.
“Yes, that maid is a demon"
“......What did you say?"
“That maid is a demon. The boy who is with her is a demon or a traitorous human"
“............”
For a moment, the inside of the head turned white, and the spy continued to explain while Hugh with a stubborn face can"t believe it.
“When the boy and that maid were alone and didn"t pay attention to me, they solved their illusion magic"
Beautiful silver hair, brown skin and long ears. That maid looked like a legendary dark elf, said to be a figure of the fallen forest.
“Also, 『I asked the demon king to prepare gold, so I will approach the king again』, was said"
“Huu......huhuu, ahahahaa!”
Hugh who finally understood the report of the spy laughed without being overwhelmed.
“I already thought that he was an evil apostate who put his fangs on Ariane, but he is truly a demon´s minion!"
Hating his stupidity for not seeing it before, Hugh also felt fortunate that he now had a good reason to exclude the boy.Hugh thanked the G.o.ddess from the bottom of his heart. And rejoice in another truth.
“It is a pleasant miscalculation that he was also that merchant who humilated me"
If he approaches the king with gold, it is that merchant no matter how you think about it. The statue was the same as the boy and his real face was concealed by terrible burns.
“Indeed, it is natural that the maid felt a sense of déjà vu"
The silver haired maid that the boy has and the blue-haired maid that appeared at the audience were the same person, hidden by magic.
“If I had to solve the illusion magic by force, I would have done it sooner, but I still wouldn"t have enough effort"
It was noticed from the beginning that the maid and the boy were faking with magic. The reason for not exposing it was that Hugh was defeated by that merchant between audiences and it stuck in his mind as a thorn. If it had been calculated so far and showed the mark of the burn disguised as a merchant, it was a big ploy. However, that act has already cracked.
“After all, the G.o.ddess doesnt overlook evil"
As Hugh once again strengthens his faith in the G.o.ddess, he is pondering his mind to eliminate the evil.
“Bishop-sama, shall I report to the king right now and prepare the soldiers?"
It is a big thing that the devil king"s fingers penetrate into the city. They should raise the whole army and secure them. To the advice of the spy, Hugh slowly shakes his head.
“No, that is not necessary. Are there more suitable people to destroy evil demons? "
“That......”
The spy choked his words because someone thought.
“You can call me, can not you?"
The spy"s shoulder is beaten and the smiling Hugh commands. The stagnant light in his eyes is not that of a Bishop who serves the G.o.ddess. It was the ugly nature of a middle-aged man who yearns for a girl half as young as him and burns with jealousy.
“Haa, it was delicious～”
That evening, after worshipping in the temple, Ariane had stopped in town to shop. She received handmade sweets from Shinichi and later laid on the bed of the inn while loosening her cheeks.
“Shinichi really doesn"t mind"
That night, when she revealed that she is a half-dragon, she prepared to face the worse, but Shinichi´s att.i.tude didn"t change. Rather, the distance is closer than ever. She feels that they got along very well.
“Today was just like a date......"
Saying it to herself, Ariane became bright red. She continued her journey to escape with her mother and then stayed alone as a monster hunter, she didn"t even have a boyfriend or a friend of the same age, so she will be embarra.s.sed yet.
“Date......if we are real lovers, do we kiss or something?”
That night comes up in Ariane´s mind which suddenly became delusive. She mourns her sorrow, and with a wry smile, a normal person would feel bad about the scales of her neck──
“Awawaa! It is different, I said it by mere chance"
The bright red Ariane remembers it and rolls on the bed with excuses.
“Uu, I wonder why I really said such embarra.s.sing things......"
It is only much later that she faints in the understanding that when a male licking a females neck is a sign of courtship. There is only one thought swirling around in her mind now.
“I wonder if he likes me......"
It"s so much fun to talk with Shinichi. Her heart is pounding when being approached unexpectedly. When Ariane sees Ceres and other girls talking to him, her heart hurts so tightly that she feels like crying. To understand that it is love, Ariane still has too little interpersonal experience.
“What does Shinichi think of me?"
He is very kind and Ariane doesn"t think he hates her. She can"t say it well, however he doesn"t show everything. He is prepared somewhat and it is like he wears a mask. Sometimes she makes fun of him, but he basically only shows a smile to Ariane. However, when he was talking with Ceres, he seems to be angry and disgusted, and while showing various expressions, he was very happy in the end──
“──Not good! Because I am a hero of the G.o.ddess, I cannot think of such a thing!”
Arian desperately screams and blows off the black flame that seems to light up in her chest. That"s right, she remembers. Her mother who fell ill always said it.
『Ariane, no matter how painful it may be, dont hate people』
Unexpectedly when people saw the scales on her neck, she was scolded as "monster!" and stones were thrown at her. Even though she exterminated demonsas requested, there were situations where she couldn"t get her deserved rewards. Do not get angry, do not hate them. Because you have power. Even if you kill someone you don"t care, the power of a strong dragon is so strong that no one can punish you. That is why you have to be harder than steel.
『You are a human. Just a human who is a little stronger than the others』
Yes, because she is a human, she mustn"t kill humans. Do not become a monster, a demon or a dragon. Such monsters will be her enemy.
"Yes, I know, mom"
Ariane remembers her mother"s words and tightens her mind that was floating. As her mother said, Ariane shall hate n.o.body, laugh brightly, fight for people and live. It was worthwhile, that she was chosen as a hero of the glorious G.o.ddess and she became friends with the people of the city and she came across of Shinichi. It is too repulsive for a dirty half dragon to desire more happiness.
“But, as long as they like me its fine, right?"
The moment she muttered such a thing to beg for forgiveness, the door of her room was knocked.
"Hawaa!? Wa, Wait a moment!"
Ariane hurried off the bed and put on her red m.u.f.fler, before she pretended to be as calm as possible and opened the door. Who was standing there was not a black-haired boy who she was expecting a little, but a priest wearing a white robe.
“I"m sorry to disturb so late at night, but Bishop Hugh is calling you"
“Bishop-sama?”
In response to this unexpected call, Ariane twisted her neck. Nonetheless, she cannot ignore the invitation of her benefactor. She starts to prepare by taking her new beloved sword she got from Shinichi and went to the temple with the priest. As the light falls and it is dim, there are also corpses lined up, before enter the innermost chapel. Bishop Hugh who was deeply praying towards the giant statue of the G.o.ddess, looks back and smiles quietly.
"──Tsu!?"
The calm expression, which somehow seemed to be completely different from usual, made Ariane to shudder involuntarily. Hugh walked slowly, before he starts to talk to Ariane.
"Hero Ariane, I command you as the Bishop of the G.o.ddess Erezonia, to send the unbeliever Shinichi to the other world"
With her own hands, she shall kill the boy which she loves.
"To ensure that you will not lose yourself again this time, dead bodies are carefully removed"
“Wait a moment, please!"
Ariane screams while crying violently and confusingly, in contrast to a warm expression like carefully watching a running child who fell downwards.
“Why are you telling me to kill Shinichi?
“I already said it. He is a evil minion of the demon king"
“It"s a mistake that Shinichi is a minion of the demon king!"
“I understand that you don"t want to believe it, but it"s true"
Looking at the priest who called her, Hugh said so.
“I think that it was also noticed by Ariane that the boy"s maid was changing her appearance with magic"
“But the reason is she wants to hide something......"
Because of her own secret, Ariane didn"t dare to mention it. But──
“The ident.i.ty of the maid was an evil monster called dark elf"
“That"s a lie......”
“It"s not a lie. A pious believer of the G.o.ddess is not deceiving you who is the hero”
While spitting out such white lines, Hugh taps on Ariane"s thin shoulder.
“He is a traitorous human who has worked together with demons, unforgivable. You will do it, Ariane"
“But, but I, Shinichi──"
Hugh murmures with his mouth into Ariane´s ear who is resisting.
“You don"t want everyone to know who you are, do you?"
“──Tsu!?”
Ariane jumps back with astonishment, but as Hugh say he doesn"t let her escape, he stares at her neck which is covered by her red m.u.f.fler.
“Wh, Why, Bishop-sama......!!?”
Only Shinichi should know that she is a half-dragon in this country.
“G.o.ddess Erezonia sees everything"
Hugh only turns a gentle smirk towards the fiercely dismayed Ariane. No way, the Bishop is defeated by a girl who won"t noticed that he observed her.
“Everyone in this country is counting on you, so don"t disappoint me"
Beyond being just a guest, the owner of the inn takes care of Ariane like a real daughter. The friendly castle gate soldiers who greets her every morning. Thanks to Ariane, it is peaceful, and women, old people and children can laugh.She will be hated by all these people, if it is exposed that she is a half-dragon, a stronger, more horrible, more filthy presence than a demon.
“I, I......”
Hugh tries again gently to grasp the shoulder of Ariane who is quiet and quivering with fear.
“Will you do it, Ariane?"
The lonely girl, the G.o.ddess" s hero, finally got a place of warmth and security. If she wants to shield it, there was only one answer.
Returning to the inn, Ariane couldn"t sleep and the evening began. Shinichi will greet her with an unchanging smile, while Ariane descends to the first floor bar with a terrible face.
“You"re tired, you"d better get some rest once you eat"
That said, Shinichi offers Ariane a candy ball. If it is as usual, she will gladly take it and talk happily till the shopkeeper prepares breakfast. However, such warm days have already ended.
“Shinichi, let"s go to defeat the demon king"
“......Okay”
Shinichi misunderstood her cruel face as coming from tension and resolution and nodded by starting the journey back to the room without saying anything anymore. Then, they said goodbye to the inn owner who worried when those three went out to travel.
“............”
Did they care about her while walking towards the Doggu Valley in the northwest, Shinichi and Ceres rarely stopped. Ariane gave up, looking up at the sunny sky against her heart, she just continued to step forward.
“Do we want to rest around here today?"
When the sky turned red, Shinichi said, so that the three stopped their feet on the way through the forest. Lying down the shoulder bag and start preparing for dinner, Ariane asks the question that she has avoided so far.
“Shinichi, you are a minion of the demon king, right?”
──What are you talking about? If you do not do it quickly, the dinner will cool down. Shinichi wants to laugh it away as usual with his usual smile. The delicate hope of Ariane was betrayed by a serious look that she never saw from Shinichi.
“Ceres-san”
“Certainly”
Just by having her name called, everything is guessed and the maid unravels the magic applied to herself. The maid clothes of a plain long skirt and neat body enlisted by Ariane and the well-formed face and silver hair didn"t change. However, only the color of her skin turns brown and her ears stretches sharply by about thrice the normal length.
“Dark elf......”
A demon, a enemy of the G.o.ddess, minion of the demon king, a monster who killed three thousand soldiers of the Boa Kingdom. Shinichi confessed directly to Ariane who is in front of him.
“As you can see, Ceres is a demon, a follower of the blue demon king. And I am a staff who serve the demon king even though I´m a human"
As he says that, Shinichi takes out a mask from his bosom and covers his face to hide his expression.
“Wh, Why!!?”
When Ariane appealed for grief, Shinichi immediately threw away the mask and told everything without obscurity.
“I am from a different world than here, this different world is called 『Earth』"
“Earth......?”
“I was summoned with the hands of the devil king to defeat the resurrecting heroes who attacks infinitely"
“What are you talking about!!?"
“You do not have to believe it separately. But Luzar should have said, that I was the one who made them surrender and being driven away”
“That......”
Ariane didn"t want to believe it. It is not impossible for Shinichi to defeat Luzar´s party with the hand of the demon king. Everything has been done to bury the hero, which is Ariane. Therefore he wanted to become friends. Shinichi didn"t even mind that she is a half-dragon, which he showed with his words and actions. Ariane didn"t want to believe that walking around the city together, making pancakes, all these warm memories were for killing herself.
“Lie, thats a lie......!”
Ariane pulls out her sword while crying and turns the tip to Shinichi. Looking at it, he stops Ceres, who tried to move immediately, with one hand.
“You decide what you believe"
“Eh......?”
“There is no absolute truth in this world. There are countless 『Truths that someone wants to believe』”
Shinichi says so with an irresistible face of emotion and asked Ariane for an answer. Do you think that all the teachings of the G.o.ddess are correct, that demons are evil and are enemies who need to be killed? Or is it only a different culture and you think that it is an interesting friend to connect hands with?
“What"s that! Please don"t try to fool me by saying difficult things!"
Even if Ariane gets upset by raising her voice, Shinichi"s argument does not change.
“I was summoned from another world, became the staff chief of the demon king and beat the hostile heroes, that is all. After that, Ariane, you have to decide"
“That"s unfair!"
Ariane wishes that Shinichi could have begged uglyly. She would stop and play dumb without hesitation if he did so. Or if he fooled her with all kinds of misunderstandings she could have forgotten everything and jumped into his chest. However, Shinichi only tells facts, and the judgment is left to Ariane. She could kill him or──
“Shinichi, you coward! Liar! Pervert!"
“I never thought you"d tell me that"
Then, for the first time, Shinichi laughed. A troubled, yet gentle smile has been directed to her many times.
“U, Uwaaaaaaa───!!”
Ariane, as she plays it in a frantic way, sweeps out with her sword and heads towards Shinichi who is trying to avoid it with a smile──
After midnight, the sun will come out as soon as possible. In the corridor of a pitchy dark temple, the depressed Ariane moves with heavy feet. The magic sword on her waist is missing, she was walking like a spirit. She proceeds as far as it goes, opening the door of the chapel. In a room wrapped in darkness, Bishop Hugh was standing in front of the G.o.ddess as he knew that Ariane would come.
“Welcome back, Ariane. Did the clean up of the unbeliever went safely?"
“......Yes”
Hugh walks over with a gentle smile to Ariane who is nodding while looking down. Then he grasps her shoulder and muttered with a loud voice from the bottom of earth.
“Hero of the G.o.ddess, dont be shy”
“──!!?”
The moment when she raised her face, countless chains extend from the floor and tied Ariane "s body.
“Aguu......!”
“I"m sorry, I"m really sorry, Ariane”
In line with the voice of Hugh, the thirty priests who were hiding in the dark at the edge of the room slowly came closer while concentrating on the magic chains.
“It is already known that you turned a blind eye to that unbeliever"
The middle-aged priest who came to call Ariane from the inn before appears from behind Hugh before one is aware. He was following her so that she wouldn"t realize and to observe if she fulfilled her order.
“Why did you not kill that unbeliever?”
Excuses are not permitted and a single tear is quietly spilled from Ariane"s eyes in front of Hugh who has a ghastly expression which remains calm.
“I can"t kill Shinichi......!!"
At that time, the sword that was raised from feeling betrayed, eventually spilled from her palm and never hurt Shinichi. Even if Shinichi concealed that he works with the demons and is a tool to defeat the heroes, when he became her companion or said that he don"t mind her being a half-dragon human, it is all true. He confessed everything and saw that he had no choice but to be killed, because Ariane believed it was true. It"s just a trivial theory.
“I love Shinichi”
Because Ariane loves him, fell in love, believed him and forgive him everything, she ran away without saying anything. Although she was shocked by the maid, she is a foolish woman who was deceived by a bad guy.
“I love him......!!”
Every time Ariane repeats these words, her chest feels heavy and large tears are spilled. Seeing her tears and hearing her words, Bishop Hugh──
“You apostate!"
He shouted like a demon, hitting Ariane"s head with his flat hand.
“......!!”
“Apostate, apostate! Filthy apostate, being tricked by an minion of the demon king!!"
Hugh brutally hits the guilty Ariane who is captured by magic chains, without mercy. For the first time the gentle father showed his violence and the surrounding priests were taken aback, standing still without stopping him.
“How much I broke my heart for you!"
At first Hugh convinced Ariane to become a hero of the G.o.ddess. To thundering her name, he gave her many requests for demon beasts extermination. He even held it secret that she is a half-dragon human.
“Everything, you owe all to me!"
Hugh raised her in order to climb up in rank inside the church and now is angry of Ariane "s betrayal. Betrayal that she was taken away by a man other than himself rather than having not killed the minion of the demon king.
“Haa, Haa......”
Hugh finally lowered his arms which are in pain after repeatedly slapping Ariane. Ariane"s cheeks which were beaten have swollen and become bright red recovered very soon. Due to the enormous magical power of a half dragon human, it is impossible for a Bishop specialized in healing magic to hurt her who has strong physical strength and great recovery ability. In the first place, Ariane is a hero, even if she dies she will be revived. Even if it is another hero, it is impossible to kill her. However, the teachings of the G.o.ddess, which produced heroes for hundred of years also prepared countermeasures without fail.
“It"s too bad and regretful that I need to kill a hero who was as good as you"
Hugh breathed normal and returned to his usual tone, before he lifts up Ariane on her thin neck that is covered by her red m.u.f.fler.
“Guu......!”
“Be prepared, the torture officers of the great temple are brutal"
A way to disable immortal heroes. It is strangely a product of black craziness which a mad priest came up with, but didnt use for execution.
“Let"s feed you caterpillars to all the holes in your body and teach you the pain and fear of being eaten and broken from the inside. It is useless to use 『Pain deprivation』. The moment your brain is eaten by a third, and the magic cannot be maintained, all senses are attacked all at once"
“Hii......!”
The one who screamed and trembled was a flat priest. The expression of Ariane did not change, and she only shed tears.
“I"m sorry……"
Ariane apologized to the Bishop who made her a hero and gave her the peoples trust. And, a apology to her deceased parents who raised her without throwing her away.
“You have reached this stage!"
The fear is frightened and we are not attracted to life without any inconvenience, because it is attracted to that n.o.ble spirit, Hugh raged again and raise his hands again. But his hand didn"t hit Arian "s cheeks.
“That"s it, domestic violence Bishop!"
Even if you don"t understand the meaning of these words, it"s a nasty voice that can be feeled. Shinichi kicked the door of the chapel open and appeared in front of them. With a very wicked smile that loves to trap people.
“Shinichi!!?
To Ariane who looks surprised and looks back, Shinichi raised his thumb and responded.
“I"m sorry that I´m late, but I was busy carrying corpses."
“I am the one who carried them mainly"
Ceres with a little tired face appears from behind Shinichi.
“Why are you here!?"
Shinichi laughs instinctively to the appearance of Bishop Hugh who lost is smile.
“Did you think I wouldn"t notice that Ariane had a tail on her?"
“I am the one who identified the location"
“By the way, the guys that have attacked us are all foiled, naked and hung in front of the gate"
“I am the one who did it"
Besides, in order to catch up with Ariane who is running like a Shinkansen, Ceres was exhausted by using her "flight" magic and inserting various insurance. As opposed to Shinichi "s good feeling with a lot of energy, she begins to make a species.
“However, it was a wonderful move as usual. You didn"t even notice that we showed our ident.i.ties on purpose, kukukuu!"
“Are you saying that everything is according to your operation......!!?"
Shinichi shook his head unexpectedly, showing to him that such a thing will happen, Hugh raises his voice.
“No way, this is a very difficult strategy to say, a lot of holes and a coincident betting bet"
Yes, it was a c.r.a.pshoot bet that"s outcome couldn"t be controlled. A plan that relied on the failure of Hugh, not the success of Shinichi.
“I wanted to pull Ariane to the demon side. But there was one big obstacle......that"s you, Bishop Hugh"
“Me?”
“Yes, the benefactor who made Ariane a hero, the person who had been a father for her who had lost her mother”
“............”
He is not possible to rejoice obediently and Hugh is stunned with his whole body at Shinichi who smiles wickedly.
“You broke it yourself"
Prisoned by black jealousy to Shinichi and monopoly desire to Ariane.
“Even though there were several options to avoid"
For example when Bishop Hugh knew that Shinichi is a minion of the devil king, he didnt choose a bad way to let Ariane go down or used the royal army to subdue him. Even after ordering a kill, he had to believe in Ariane and monitored her. Even if he knew that Ariane wouldn"t kill the enemy, he would have been considerate of her hurt inwardly and silently forgive her. If there was a little honesty and generosity, this would not have been the case.
“All in all, your guess is the result"
“Nugu......u!”
To Hugh´s chubby voice, Shinichi plays innocent and shows the best wicked smile.
“Hey, how do you feel now? By using a girl who is twice as old as you, you realized that you were jealous of arbitrarily and destroyed everything, how do you feel?"
“You......!!”
Hugh doesn"t notice through his anger that his thoughts of Ariane which was hidden were noticed by the surrounding priests. However, with emotional suppression technique that has been cultivated over many years, he forcibly suppresses his anger and pretends to be calm.
“Huu......it is also the G.o.ddess" s thought that the evil who escaped comes into the mouth of the tiger himself"
If Hugh thinks calmly this is an opportunity. Even the chosen suddenly defeated, maid, a powerful wizard, has been exhausted enough to cast only one more magic. And, although the boy of hatred and the distaste is somewhat disciplined, it is only one person. In contrast to this, although it is devoted to the restraint of Ariane, there are more than 30 people. Children could understand who was the dominant one.
“Everyone, sanctions against the traitor is postponed, let"s get rid of these wicked peoples at first"
That said, Hugh turns his palm to Shinichi. Although his specialty is healing and resurrection magic, he still has knowledge of attack magic to the extent that people can be killed. In the process of becoming a Bishop, Hugh led many men and got rid of monsters. However, even though they are surrounded by Hugh and priests, Shinichi stares at Ariane who is restrained.
“Ariane, I failed to say it that time, I am a minion of the demon king, but I don"t want to destroy humanity separately. Rather, we want to end the futile battle between humans and demons"
“Eh......”
“It"s a wicked idea to tie your hands with the demons"
Although Hugh intervenes, he still doesn"t worry about Shinichi.
“Ariane, I"m a b.a.s.t.a.r.d that inconsiderately your feelings. But even so, I think it would be nice if there is a place were no people or demons, no scales, no G.o.ddess, no persecution or death exist where everyone lives happily together"
It is not said that the whole world is equal and peaceful. Shinichi is not a Saint. However, only the visible range, the people who reach the hand, the desire to be happy is real.
“Yes, It is so, let"s establish a happy country"
Shinichi notices in his own words. He was summoned to the demon kingdom and defeated the immortal heroes as told, this time the danger of an acquaintance can not be left alone, so he embarked to the Boa kingdom on himself, and Ariane"s capture. With the pa.s.sage of the situation, one target was finally found at the end of the road where he walked without deep idea. Because 『Happiness』is important, build a place where people around you can laugh funny. That is the meaning that the boy named Shinichi Toyama has in this world.
“So can you trust me and give me your life?”
Shinichi said so, laughing out and reaching out for Ariane who is staring with a surprised face. Despite being deceived with gentle words, the boy who could not finish becoming a sc.r.a.p and revealed everything, now is the boy who came to save her. Ariane"s answer was determined if he asked for herself with a smile that he showed many times.
“Yes, I will give all my life and heart to Shinichi"
Take me along with you──Ariane extends her hands tied to the chain. Well, seeing Ariane smiling with warm tears, Ceres has only one thought.
“......You´re really a stupid woman”
She is a perfect match for this stupid guy, but Ceres didn"t say that absolutely.
“I got tired of listening to it, please disappear promptly!"
Hugh reveals his anger, but it was too late. When he was standing in the temple, the victory was already decided.
“『Ignition』"
As soon as attack magic is released, Shinichi shouts while pressing a switch with his right thumb. At that moment, dozens of thick pillars supporting the temple roared and exploded from the inside.
“Wh, What happened!!?”
The astonished Hugh and priests don"t understand anything. Every day, Shinichi who came to the temple by worship service prepared nitroglycerin little by little at the base of the pillars──『Atomic structure transformation』 into the raw material of dynamite so that it could be blown up with a small amount of spark at any time.
“Kukukuu, if they will be killed by the temple of the G.o.ddess it would be a great!!"
“Lets go”
Ceres grasping the collar of Shinichi casts her flight magic with the last bit of magic power that remains. Then she rushed out of the temple, which began to crumble, while hearing the shoutings of the priests.
“Th, this wicked b.a.s.t.a.r.d───!"
Hugh who is very mad, is crushed by the G.o.ddess statue which had fallen and disappeared. In a slightly seizes dawn sky, sounded the roar of earth and the temple of the G.o.ddess is slowly collapsing. As the people of the neighborhood woke up in amazement, Shinichi, who had safely escaped with the hand of Ceres, looked at the magnificent spectacle calmly.
“Well, it"s fun to break a person"s hard-built things!"
“That"s the worst remark ever"
Ceres doesn"t forget to tsukkomi, before she cuts her magic and sits down. The corpses of the soldiers were piled up like a mountain behind them. Of course, it is not the one that Shinichi has killed. It is the ones that were killed by the demon king and the people who had been arranged in the temple waiting for revival were put out so as not to collapse. They were only hostile to the demons because of their job, and because they had no grudge, they did not have a chance to be revived. The hateful priests were buried under the temple......let"s pray for the protection of G.o.ddess.
“Well, do we hurry up before the onlookers gather?"
When the collapse settles, Shinichi knows that it is still dangerous, but he is stepping into the collapsed temple.
“Hey Ariane, are you alright!!”
Hearing that voice, a fallen wall a bit ahead blew away and a girl covered with dust popped out.
“Puha......Shinichi, is not this a little bad?"
“That"s why I told you to give me your life"
Ariane is a bit sulky, but no serious injuries are found. Shinichi blown up the temple because he believed that if the priests could be distracted by the collapse of the temple and they relaxed the detention magic, Ariane would escape safely and survive.
“Well, shall we go?"
Turning his back to Ceres who is asking. Someday, humans, demons and half-dragons build a country where everyone can laugh together. Shinichi gives a hand to Ariane with a smile ──
“『Impact fracture』"
Shinichi was blown away by an invisible energy bullet.
“Gaha......!”
“Shinichi!!?”
Ariane screams and runs up to him, who is spitting out blood. To discourage them, a man crawled out of the rubble between them.
“Hu, Huhuu......Apostate, did you think I would let you escape so easily......"
It was Hugh who appeared with bloodshot eyes and a crazy smile. His face was covered in pure blue and covered with sweat, but there is no scar on his body.
“I remember, he is also a hero......”
Clicking with his tongue while spitting blood, Shinichi curses his own inadequacy. Hugh died after being destroyed by the statue of the G.o.ddess, but he quickly resurrected with the power of the G.o.ddess, looking at the opportunity to hide his exhausted body in the rubble immediately after being resurrected to take his revenge.
“Die, Apostateeee───!!"
Towards Shinichi who can"t move, Hugh released all his hatred in his 『Impact fracture』. However, the invisible energy bullet never pa.s.sed through the demon king"s staff chief. Ariane, who flew faster than an arrow, shielded him with her shield.
“Arianee!?”
“Shinichi, are you okay?”
“Idiot thats my line!”
Looking at Ariane who has blood hanging from her mouth, Shinichi somehow stood up with guts and wiped her mouth with his finger.
“I"m saved, but you"re so reckless"
“Ehehee, I got angry for the first time"
“Why are you so happy? You´re a M!"
Like Ceres, Shinichi finally made a tsukkomi without obstruction and Ariane laughs relieved. She was now upset about her injury and turned her head deeply, looking back at the rigid Bishop.
“Thank you so much for letting me become a hero and for always caring about me"
There is no fragments of grudge and anger color on her face smiling faintly. However, only the loneliness of appreciation and parting is visible like a young bride who says farewell to her father.
“Ari, ane......”
It is straight as it is transparent, so it is shielded by a burning eyes, with strength from Hugh"s body comes out with madness and falls from the knees on rubble.
“Goodbye, Bishop-sama”
Finally, Ariane turned around and walked away lending a shoulder to Shinichi.
“Wait, dont go......Arianeee───!!!”
No matter how much Hugh shouts, she does not looking back. When Shinichi crossed the rubble and crossed the ruins of the temple, he took a break and got his slight wound healed by Ceres who recovered a little of her magic power. And, quietly sew between the train horse that surprised the roar of the temple collapse, those three walks out of town.
“Is that okay?"
Ceres who wore deeply the hood, hiding her long ears, points to the temple behind them. If they leave the Bishop who is the last hero in this way, he will harm the demons from the resentment. Shinichi laughs and blows away such concerns.
“Do not worry, I prepared an insurance to prevent it"
“But is it really effective in such a thing?"
Although Ceres doesn"t doubt Shinichi, it is impossible to understand his thinking.
“Hey, what did you do?"
Only one person is taken out of the mosquito net, and Ariane who has inflated responds to Shinichi.
“In my hometown, there is such a wonderful proverb──『Pens are stronger than swords』"
“Eh?”
“You will understand as soon as you see it, kukukuu"
To that violent smile, Ariane has one emotion.
“The bad face of Shinichi......maybe it"s good looking"
It is needless to say that Ariane is a foolish woman──therefore Ceres vomited a sigh.