Chapter 104: Something Trying to Swallow Me Whole

A beautiful woman with blue skin.

If not for that specific trait, it wouldn’t have been strange to classify her as a different race.

However, the horns growing from her head contributed to a different perception.

A prejudice, if you will.

Though it is said that various races live together in harmony, there is still a hierarchy and disparity among them; an unspoken sense of superiority and inferiority.

The status of being a demon from the Demon Realm is akin to a brand.

Though a great deal of time has passed since they integrated into the continent, and it is now an era where second generations and descendants grow up, mixing and mingling, problems remain abundant.

They were people who had resolved to endure inequality, discrimination, prejudice, and the resulting contempt, ignorance, and exclusion.

Long ago, the Demon King of Wisdom told them to accept such things as natural.

He said that if you set up a household in someone else’s home and they didn’t find it strange, that would be the strange thing.

“Think about it yourselves. If bizarre creatures started acting like they owned the place within your own territory, would you just stand by and watch?”

In that sense, the Middle Realm is merciful.

To the point where some passive opinions even circulate, wondering if things are perhaps too harsh.

In the Demon Realm, there would have been only three options: be eaten, become a slave, or be used as a toy.

The defeated have no rights.

Cruel, but that is the immutable truth.

…The one who twisted that structure was the Great Demon King.

And the virtual successor to that Great Demon King was the Demon King of Wisdom.

“Mines.”

Inside the Edenleban Branch Building.

In the private space she used as her office, Ruslan tilted her yellow eyes softly, as if she had been waiting, looking at the girl—and woman—who had appeared without a sound or presence.

“Is he gone?”

“Yes. He just left.”

Kariel Brandiar.

The son of Lueld Brandiar.

He had earned fame in many places since childhood, but given the era, those stories were bound to be exaggerated or diminished in the process.

Some were regarded as mere fairy tales or legends.

In a way, it was a story from a time not long after Grandeus had been active and died, but perhaps because of the era… the reality was that unless rumors were actively spread by wanderers and bards, people lived without knowing such things happened.

Perhaps it was different in some large cities that seemed to transcend time, like the capitals of kingdoms or the imperial city of the empire.

…In this era, ultimately, it was not an easy task for someone’s story to spread far and wide.

In particular, the fact that incidents were buried—half-intentionally overlooked or not actively disseminated—played a significant role.

However, those who knew, knew.

The child named Kariel was exceptionally brilliant, and beyond mere brilliance, he had clearly resolved many hardships and grueling processes.

That might have been possible because he was an outsider and a child.

But she believed it was possible because he himself was capable and intelligent.

However, aptitude is inevitably influenced by luck, the era, environment, and situation.

The child, who possessed excellent communication skills and a superior mind.

Before the aftereffects of a major accident could be fully resolved, his communication skills were shut down, and he was consumed by a mind riddled with malice.

Everything was bound.

After finishing his life abroad and hovering between life and death due to an unfortunate incident, the child was thrust into excessive expectations just as the shadow of his glory was fading.

But of all people, his parents were those two.

Thanks to monstrous parents or acquaintances, there are surprisingly many who lower their own expectations.

“He had a memory impairment. Therefore, he didn’t remember his childhood. He didn’t know he was great, and he wasn’t even given a situation where he could utilize his skills and talent. Looking around, he was crushed by inferiority, and unlike the excessive expectations, there was little he could actually do.”

“What… are you trying to say?”

“Most rulers of the nations feared the future of the child named Kariel.”

However, that future, while fearful, was not miserable.

Peace is a process, not a goal.

The stories of cooperation, integration, and harmony that Kariel pursued at the time were because they were for the common benefit of everyone.

That was why the power-holders of each nation considered it seriously; had he merely displayed his own abilities and attitude without that, Kariel would have died in one way or another, and the war between the empire and various nations would have been an unavoidable fate.

“He told us to look outward, not inward.”

Though they call it a continent, the unexplored regions are practically endless.

“That there might be dangers we don’t know about outside. And that there might be a new path toward a better future.”

“…What have you been talking about to yourself since a moment ago?”

“I’m telling you about your benefactor. You might ask about him later.”

However, she didn’t seem inclined to let her speak further for now.

Therefore.

“Congratulations, Mines. For now… I’m just delivering what I heard, so don’t take your anger out on me.”

“……?”

“The contract between you and ‘that man’ was nullified a moment ago.”

“What… do you mean? The contract was nullified? Which contract?”

“The Sword Sentinel work.”

“…….”

“He handed the authority of the contract over to Kariel. And Kariel nullified the contract you were burdened with. Therefore, as of this moment, you are free.”

At Ruslan’s words, Mines seemed to ponder for a long time.

However, there was still something she absolutely had to ask.

“Then, what about my brother?”

“He’s doing well. Not just well, but very well.”

“…How do you know that?”

“I told you. I heard it.”

Ruslan continued her explanation calmly.

“According to that man, he was originally meant to be a hostage to control you, but it seems that child also had a will to live and his own talent.”

“What… talent?”

She could only think of ominous possibilities.

But the explanation that came from Ruslan’s mouth was somewhat unexpected.

“He said he’s good at making clothes.”

“Huh? Clothes? What kind of clothes?”

“In this era, for a man with a disability in his legs to touch and handle fabric would be, in a way, an impossible task. Especially if he were the head of a noble household, even a fallen one.”

But.

“Because his legs were impaired, the things he could do were limited. Labor was impossible, and to be treated and respected as mere labor… that’s realistically impossible, isn’t it?”

“…….”

“However, a special talent can only shine when the right environment is provided.”

In that sense, that child, Lui, was lucky.

“Apparently, he’s good at weaving clothes that demons or nobles would like. Because of that, it seems that man actively tried to employ your younger brother.”

“That… can’t be.”

“That man added this in case you misunderstood: if you hadn’t performed your role properly… he would have dealt with the boy as promised, whether the boy had talent or not. He is, after all, a strict principled man.”

“…….”

“That’s why both of you are alive. Who would care about prolonging the life of a child sold by parents instead of a debt?”

At those words, Mines snapped back, sounding choked up.

“So what about that man? Are you trying to say he did well, showed mercy, or was generous?”

“That’s not for me to concern myself with. I’m giving an objective evaluation. In reality, he is of the opinion that one should acknowledge the necessary evil but strive to ensure that evil doesn’t tilt too far toward the extreme.”

“…….”

It was an absurd thing to hear.

…Yet, on the other hand, it was strange.

Thinking coldly, among the children who had been forced to undergo various tests and trials, including herself, surprisingly, no child had died.

…Though she didn’t know what horrific things might have happened in places they couldn’t see.

“It is true that after you became the heir to the legacy, it was that man’s role to show mercy so that the remaining children could settle down.”

“So what now? Are you telling me to forgive him? Because I have immense power and he had to control it, so he…?”

“That’s not entirely wrong either. Ah, that’s my thought. That man didn’t go that far.”

“…….”

Who would even want something like the Legacy of the Great Demon King?

Why her, of all people, and why…

“Whether you seek revenge or not is your freedom. As you know, from now on, you are free.”

“…Why am I free? Truly free? Why?”

Why would that man, Kariel?

Knowing full well what power she possessed, why would he irresponsibly liberate her?

Moreover, does he even have the right to do so? Why?

“Go ask him yourself if you’re that curious.”

“…Kariel? Why does he know about me? I never properly revealed anything about myself… how is that possible?”

Could it be you people?

Using her contract requirements as a pretext, did they force a connection by utilizing his generosity?

And in exchange, did they make him shoulder some condition?

“I don’t know that far. All I know is that that man handed the authority of your contract to him, and he ended everything by nullifying it. That’s the story.”

“I don’t understand. I simply cannot.”

How pathetic. Would it kill her to just accept it graciously?

Ruslan let out a snort and spoke.

“Let me give you some advice. Why not try being brazen?”

“What?”

“Just be grateful for the grace given to you and accept it. You have become free. Why not just focus on that one thing? There’s no one to stop you from running to see your younger brother right now, is there?”

“…….”

It was true.

It was true, but…

“Ah, there was one condition.”

“…Did he realize I would come to you?”

“He likely saw it as a high possibility. And even if you hadn’t come to me, if you had gone to him directly, these are probably the words you would have heard.”

And Ruslan’s following words were:

“Somern, was it? You said you only froze the people there and didn’t completely kill them?”

“…….”

This brought a great shock to Mines.

“He said if you’re unskilled in handling Divine Authority and it’s impossible to return them to their original state, then make it so that it becomes possible.”

“Why does he… that…”

She hadn’t even openly revealed that to ‘that man.’

Why does he know that?

How does he know?

“He asked that you keep just that one thing. Well, I think I’ve delivered everything I needed to. Do you have anything else to say?”

“…What about our children?”

“You should make them reasonably independent by giving them work and education. Those who aren’t suited for it will be allowed to keep working here or elsewhere, so don’t worry about that. You probably came here with that in mind too, right? Seeing you now, it looks like you didn’t even say a proper goodbye. What kind of behavior is that toward the children?”

“…….”

She didn’t know.

Was it luck? Was it a miracle?

Because an unbelievable grace had suddenly poured down like a rainshower.

It was hard to describe.

“If you’re done talking, would you please leave now? I have a mountain of work piled up. If I try to clean up the mess in the village…”

“Where did he go?”

“I wondered why you weren’t asking.”

Ruslan said with a smirk.

And Mines, who had been listening intently to those words.

“…….”

Bowed her head deeply.

And vanished without a sound.

“Impressive.”

Ruslan let out a hollow laugh, took out a piece of parchment to finish writing the contents, and sealed it with a stamp.

Then she took out another piece of parchment and wrote other contents.

Sealed it again.

Stamped and sealed it again.

…As always, when incidents and accidents occur, the workload increases.

This is why being peaceful and smooth is the best.

While satisfying one’s desires moderately.

She didn’t find this life too bad.

Success is fine, but for her, who could live for an eternity far beyond a human, this kind of world-weary life was, in a sense, something she admired.

Compared to the Demon Realm, it is absurdly peaceful.

Learning a language, learning letters, becoming a member of society, belonging to an organization, taking on responsibilities.

It’s a reasonably interesting life.

And just like now.

Being able to be a mere supporting character in a dramatic story.

====

The village was unbelievably peaceful.

Until a few hours ago, it had been such a chaotic mess.

The party sat at a round table for a meal and rest.

While Luciri and Deike were briefly away, there was nothing to eat or drink, making the mood feel unnecessarily gloomy.

Perhaps that was why.

Luirin honestly confessed his complicated feelings to Leo.

“I wonder if it would have been the same if my brother were here.”

Ultimately, the sense of betrayal Luirin felt? This unsettling feeling of being abandoned.

…It might have been possible because he cherished him.

Capable yet kind.

And despite being kind, moderately cunning.

Such humans are rare.

He was meddlesome, but it wasn’t out of self-satisfaction, a desire to believe he was good, or clumsy sympathy or mercy.

Nor did he just blindly jump in or expand his reach.

Moreover, he gave unconditionally, respected, cared for, and cherished his own people…

How could he be like that to a complete stranger with no blood relation?

One can be kind to neighbors and guests, but that is only temporary and momentary.

A good-natured person like that… it’s best to maintain a relationship with them for a long, long time.

Seeing Luirin so lonely, Leo added a calm suggestion and explanation.

“He did ask me to look after you for the time being. He probably worried that your heartbreak might be great.”

“…And knowing that, he just bolted on his own?”

“…….”

Regarding that point, Leo had nothing to say.

In the first place, how much could Leo possibly know about him?

However.

• He is one who can glimpse a part of another’s past. Even without an explanation… he must have understood the circumstances.

He had become able to communicate, albeit slightly, with the Holy Sword.

It was only possible if he concentrated.

Since the sword trembled when it wanted to say something, he just had to hold it and concentrate.

“Does the sword actually talk to you?”

“…Uh, yeah.”

It seemed that from the outside, he looked quite pathetic.

Then suddenly.

He realized a white-haired girl was looking down at him.

It was likely because they were sitting, lowering their eye level.

The problem was why she had appeared out of the blue.

“I’m sorry.”

…He almost drew his sword reflexively, but at that apology, Leo’s movements froze as if paralyzed.

“I will do what I can. The safety of the villagers… I will strive to restore them, somehow.”

“Why did you do that? Can you tell me the reason now?”

“…….”

The girl with hair the color of the sky.

Mines briefly explained the situation.

They wanted to kill you.

As a result, the village suffered a calamity.

However, I couldn’t bring myself to do it, so I was very confused and made a great mistake.

At the time, if I hadn’t done that, I might have really had to kill everyone.

To be honest.

…She herself was still unsure.

Did they really not die?

Are they truly alive?

But because Kariel told her so.

…She was able to gain confidence.

Ultimately, if there is such a thing as atonement or responsibility.

Now, it would be only that.

“You were destined to be the Hero, and someone didn’t want that.”

“…….”

Leo held up the Holy Sword, still in its scabbard, as if leaning back in the chair.

As if prepared, the scabbard given by a man named Venus.

Did he say it didn’t matter since it wasn’t Elbat?

“And now, I no longer have a reason to target you. So, I wanted to convey that fact.”

“I was surely just the son of an ordinary Forest Keeper.”

Me, a Hero.

I had never even dreamed of such a thing.

While there is a perception that a Hero is a great person.

It was truly a story from a distant land.

Something that felt like it would never have any relation to him…

“He said the wounds of your comrades are unexpectedly not deep.”

Looking at the outward state, they were all seriously injured…

It must mean he showed consideration, literally.

It seemed Leo himself had truly intended to kill.

Even so, she had been clumsy.

Perhaps.

“…….”

Could it be that she had wanted to die?

If not, whether by surprise attack or any other means, she could have dealt with him.

Yet, she had honestly revealed her intentions and goals.

Even if she had the confidence to do so.

…Isn’t that a bit strange?

“What will you do now?”

“I plan to chase after him. I’ve received a favor, and unlike what some say, I’m not brazen… I just don’t understand why he bestowed such grace upon me.”

“That’s a story about the master, isn’t it?”

Luirin cut in.

“Don’t overthink it. That man is just the kind of person who helps because he wants to help.”

“Is that… how it is?”

“Because he knows what it’s like when you can’t stand up on your own. When you desperately need help and no one gives it to you. He thinks that’s too heartbreaking. He felt that way, so he believes others do too. That’s why he helps.”

“That’s….”

“No matter how you look at it, it seems strange, right? But the answer lies in those words.”

The Master.

“The fact that no one helped him when he desperately wanted it must have remained a deep-seated grudge. And he’s likely still agonizing over that wound.”

Ah.

Now that I think about it.

Was that the reason I became so obsessed with the Master?

…He’s kind of pitiful, after all.

How could I just stand by and watch? How could I just leave him be?

Yet, in the end, it was Luirin himself who was being taken care of.

…Well, it wasn’t like he was being looked after every single time.

After all, I was a capable guide.

“Dammit… I should have just forced myself to follow him, no matter what he said.”

A delayed sense of sorrow welled up inside him.

Why hadn’t I acted like a spoiled child?

Why hadn’t I been stubborn?

I mean, I’m a kid, right? A child.

I could have easily done that.

I had clumsily pretended to be an adult. By pretending to be mature and considering the circumstances, I had missed my chance.

“Wait. Do you actually know where the Master is going?”

“…….”

Mines gave a small nod.

…….

“Are you sure you don’t want to follow him?”

At Leo’s question, Luirin weakly rubbed the area around his mouth.

He tried to smile, but it wasn’t easy.

He felt so awkward that he wasn’t even sure what kind of expression he was making right now.

“Now that I think about it, I don’t think there’s anything I could actually do even if I followed him.”

Above all, he was very particular about what he ate.

“I need to earn money for food.”

Even so, Luirin was a realist.

An inevitable realist.

However, that did not mean giving up.

I.

“I’ve always lived diligently, but I guess I’ll have to live even more diligently now.”

So that perhaps.

Later on.

When he has no one to turn to or lean on.

At that moment, I can firmly reach out my hand to him.

For that sake alone.

I might need to grow a little more.

If I were to be a bit more greedy.

Because I’ve come to want to grow.

A great deal.