episode_0207

206.

The incident is, somehow, over, but my heart isn’t entirely at ease. It’s not exactly a lingering unease, either. It’s something vague, something that keeps nagging at the edge of my mind. All that’s left is to return and report. The enemy was unclear from the start. Or rather, since we gained at least some clues, we should be happy with the harvest.

‘Pink hair… why does it keep lingering in my mind?’

A sense of déjà vu, as if I knew that girl somewhere. I’ll put that aside for now and head back.

“First, let us pray for the repose of the two souls who accompanied us. May they rest peacefully in the arms of the merciful Goddess….”

I offer my heartfelt prayers for their souls. Sigh, the murderer is right beside me, but judgment isn’t my role. I’m angry, but should I blame anyone when a slime kills someone? It’s impossible to know. Conversely, I’ve also slain several demons. I haven’t killed anyone intelligent, but fundamentally, it’s the same. It’s different from a human harming another human. To question the right to life or death is arrogance and pride.

I tell myself to calm down and stay composed.

In that sense, no one could fault me for finishing off this demon right now.

It’s only Erina’s kind and gentle nature that prevents her from making such a decision. She wanted to give them at least a chance at redemption, even if not as much as their lives. Kindness and gentleness are not weakness. They are simply unbreakable.

“Tina, you did well. You may return. And Sonia-ssi as well. It’s time for us to return to the knights.”

Titania nods and gracefully vanishes.

“Ugh… everything was fine… but walking is a bit hard.”

Sonia says it awkwardly. A discomfort in her lower body makes walking a struggle. Normally, Erina would heal her with a spell, but she’s used up a lot of divine power. She rested a bit, but she’s not fully recovered. Using more now might trigger another corruption, so there’s nothing I can do in this situation.

“Please bear with it a little longer. I’ll heal you as soon as I can. Let’s go back.”

“Mm. Okay.”

Sonia seems to have become completely docile. Unlike her sharp first impression, she’s become quite gentle. The way back is uneventful. While some magical residue remains, it will naturally dissipate with time. It’s slightly more dangerous than usual, but it’s not something that requires the knights to stay here.

With a noticeably lighter step, I head toward the knights’ temporary tent. Near the arrival, we encounter anxiously awaiting knights. After briefly explaining the situation, I’m ushered to wait for Commander Satsuki.

“Are you alright? Were you injured?”

“Yes, I’m fine… but the two who came with me….”

Satsuki nods understandingly.

“I understand. I’ll take care of that. Even so, I’m relieved that the nun is safe. And to have eliminated it that quickly… my subordinates will have died peacefully.”

“Thank you for saying that, but I can’t say I’m without responsibility, so I will honor them.”

“I appreciate your thoughtful consideration. Will you be returning to the capital?”

“Yes, I must. I think the knights can also withdraw now. There are likely churches nearby, so that should be sufficient.”

I don’t know the exact location of every church, but there’s usually one, belonging to some denomination, in every village, so I said that. However, Satsuki shakes her head with a regretful expression.

“These days, few churches are truly active. We searched high and low for help, but we could only find the Freed church.”

“……That’s right. I’ve momentarily forgotten the current situation. That’s why I’m still here. I’ll explain to those who came here to support. Even just one of them would likely suffice.”

One of the reasons I was chosen by the Goddess is also the decline in faith on a global scale. Am I becoming sluggish because I’m a little tired?

“Excuse me first. I left my carriage behind.”

“Ah, the carriage you mentioned when we first met. We’ve been looking after it. I would like to take you, but there’s still much to be tidied up. Please excuse me.”

Satsuki apologizes politely.

“No, it would be presumptuous of me to ask that here. Until next time.”

“I hope that next we’ll meet in a place where we can become better acquainted.”

It’s not just a polite formality, her words are sincere. Erina also hopes for a closer friendship next time, offering a light smile. Sonia nods politely and exits the tent.

“I’m tired… Ugh, I should have slept more, as you said. You look tired too.”

“I used a lot of divine power. It’ll return after a short rest, so don’t worry.”

Both of them drag their exhausted bodies towards the carriage the knights have neatly parked. The carriage’s cargo area wasn’t exactly a comfortable sleeping space, but they had an intense longing to sleep there. Too tired to speak much, they simply walk, their heavy steps thudding quietly. The way Erina’s breasts swayed with her movement gave Sonia a kind of unspoken comfort.

It’s unfair. Not only is her womanhood that large, but her breasts are also so big. She possesses everything I lack.

“Ah, you’re leaving now? Thank you for your support. Your horse is very gentle.”

“Thank you for your kindness. May the Goddess bless you.”

The knight offers a light salute. Normally, I would have thought about how to seduce him, but I’m just too tired. The fatigue seems to be growing stronger. But once I sit in the carriage, my body feels considerably better. A sigh of relief escapes me. As I take the reins and drive the horse, it starts to…

“Sonia-ssi, when you return… what will you do?”

“Huh? What kind of question is that? I have work to do.”

Her original mission was to monitor Erina. Since it was a mission directly received from the Queen, a report is necessary.

“Fuhu. That’s right. What will you report?”

“Well… hmm. I was planning on saying whatever comes to mind.”

Simply reporting that Erina wasn’t a threat wouldn’t be enough for the Queen’s judgment. The standard procedure for a report involves providing supporting evidence and details of the situation.

‘Whatever comes to mind… when I think about it, telling her everything will lead to many problematic situations.’

Although Sonia’s mind has been captured by the cock, and the extreme pleasure it gives, her mental strength hadn’t diminished. As the effect of Friednich’s maddening talk fades, her thoughts start to function normally apart from the cock.

With her strong mental fortitude, what she considers is not what will cause the Queen problems, but how she will neatly explain Erina’s cock. How can she explain it so the Queen will understand that Erina’s cock is not dangerous, but rather the rightful object for a female’s devotion?

‘That’s right. The Queen is no different. Isn’t the Queen also a woman? The Queen would understand perfectly.’

Cock, cock. Her mind is filled with lewd words.

“Then, Sonia-ssi. I’ll get some rest first. You should also go to sleep soon.”

“Okay, but….”

Sonia hesitates. Erina shakes her head decisively with a smile.

“No. I won’t grant permission to use my cock. What if you collapse from exhaustion? At least, rest properly now.”

“……Got it.”

Erina’s words were right, so there was no reason to argue further. Moreover, it was the word of Erina, the possessor of a magnificent and marvelous cock. There is no reason to defy her.

A gentle mountain breeze wafts by, soothing and inviting sleep. As I lie down quietly and close my eyes, I seem to soon fall into dreamland. No, it already seems I’ve arrived in dreamland, everything wavering.

“Pink, hair……. Hmm…. Sei…, Sei…”

Suddenly. The sleepiness that had just consumed my brain vanishes instantly. A faintly recalled name.

“What? What, why?? What’s wrong?”

Sonia, who was quietly trying to lie down next to me, also sits up abruptly.

“Ah…? Didn’t I just say something?”

“I heard pink hair.”

I clearly said it and recalled it, but it dissipated like fog.

“What about pink hair?”

“Ah, Sonia-ssi might not have heard it. It’s not a significant clue, but the Queen should know, so I’ll tell you.”

I relay information about a suspicious person who might be awakening demons. Sonia listens to the short clue, and thoughtfully considers.

“I think it’s a coincidence. I didn’t really think anything of it at the time. It wasn’t me but the guards who were closest to the Queen. So, it might be my mistake.”

“Yes…?”

“The one who spoke of your child, it would’ve been the pink-haired girl. It’s a blurry impression so it’s not clear. That girl is currently in the kingdom prison.”

“Really?”

Erina asks in a hopeful voice.

“They were unidentified, so it’s just a possibility.”

“That’s enough, isn’t it? That gives us another reason to hurry back to the capital.”