episode_0175

“I will take on the role of bait.”

The first hero party declared without hesitation.

Ian, sitting on Mercy’s lap, crossed his arms and watched the situation.

It was difficult for him to decide who should participate in this operation.

“Wait a minute!”

Vivian shouted.

“Well, it’s hard to decide right away like that… .”

The fruit warriors, including her, hesitated.

I was embarrassed of myself like that.

He is a warrior, and he is ready to sacrifice himself to win the war.

However, there was no hasty in saying that he would step forward.

I might die.

That possibility reminded me of my permanent separation from Ian, who almost died.

Katy did what Ian told her to do, or she didn’t, so she stayed quiet.

Lucia spoke calmly.

“We are also willing to take on the role of bait. But I don’t think it’s a matter to be decided based on will alone.”

The strength of the two parties is an important public concern.

The first party of warriors who historically fought at the forefront of the empire, but their reputation and skills fell after Ian was kicked out, and they have only recently regained their original skills.

Ian, who was kicked out of the first warrior party, found new fruit warriors and raised them at a rapid pace, reaching a level that threatened the power of the first warrior party in less than a year.

It is a topic on which opinions differ even among those who have seen the power of these two forces firsthand.

“You can’t decide with will alone.”

The emperor, who had been listening in silence, opened his mouth.

“It is an issue that cannot ignore the will of those who want to participate. It’s a life-threatening matter, and both sides are now irreplaceable figures in the empire. I would like to hear in more detail what the parties think.”

Sylvia stepped forward immediately.

“In terms of simple strength, you might be strong. But this operation is not that kind of power struggle. It would be nice if I could win and kill him, but the goal is to endure more than that.”

She voluntarily admitted their inferiority.

“Then wouldn’t it be more appropriate for us to deal with the Reaper?”

Helena asked back.

“Worst outcome, what if you lose? So what if I die?”

“Isn’t it more likely that you who are weaker than us will lose?”

Lucia retorted again, but Silvia did not lose her momentum.

“No. Think differently. You are definitely strong. But there is something lacking.”

Sylvia slapped her hands on the round table! I put it down loudly.

“Experience.”

“… … .”

“It’s amazing that I’ve reached that level in less than a year since I became a full-fledged warrior. Admit it. But I grew up too fast. Among us, Kylie alone has more than two years of experience. During that time, I crossed countless lines of fire. If your goal is simply to hold out against an unpredictable enemy, we have an advantage over you.”

“… … .”

“Have you ever almost died? Have you ever thought that the best outcome would be to die like this? Have you ever seen an entire country destroyed or a hell island overrun by monsters?”

Everything Sylvia said was true from beginning to end.

It’s not that the Fruit Warriors haven’t faced crises.

However, there was no crisis on the level that the first warrior party experienced as it grew.

Grew up too fast.

Without even gaining experience.

The tightly closed mouth did not open.

There was nothing to refute.

“I’m not ignoring you.”

Kylie also helped.

“It’s just that, as to which one is best suited for this mission, it’s us.”

“That’s right. And think about it.”

Beatrice also added a word.

“As I said, you could defeat us simply by sheer size of your strength. So, wouldn’t it be more advantageous for you to clean up the outside as quickly as possible and then bring help? Even operationally.”

Ian was inwardly taken aback by the three’s words.

‘… ‘When did you become so smart?’

Even Aria said.

“Think of the people around you. Humans can become strong when they protect something, but they can also become weak because they have to protect something.”

The realization of what was missed comes too late.

Aria felt a pang of regret.

Whether it’s Ian or those fruits.

Either way, I didn’t want them to have to go through that pain.

Finally, Sylvia finished.

“Assume the worst case. If we have to decide who should die between you and us, then obviously it has to be us.”

“What is that… !”

“They say all people are precious, but the weight of life is not equal. We, who are now setting, and you, who are rising. It’s simple.”

“… … .”

Vivian’s fingertips trembled without anyone noticing.

No way, no way, Sylvia again… .

But I couldn’t refute it.

Sylvia’s words were cruelly cold.

It meant being realistic.

When the Emperor winked, the Commander-in-Chief proceeded further.

“I listened carefully to both sides’ opinions. As I said earlier, this is not an issue that can be decided in a hurry. It is also necessary to select and distribute manpower among the warriors. We will notify both parties as soon as it is decided.”

As the conversation progressed, Ian stared at the first warrior party with a calm gaze.

… While sitting on Mercy’s lap.

“Let’s conclude the meeting.”

*

“Silvia.”

As soon as Vivian left the conference room, she went to see Sylvia.

Helena and Lucia were also there.

It was a pity to fall, but little Ian was left in the care of Mercy and Katy.

“Yes.”

Kylie, Aria, and Beatrice looked around at the fruit party.

“What are you thinking?”

Vivian asked a question on behalf of the representative.

Sylvia answered calmly.

“I know what you’re worried about, but it’s not like that.”

“But it was clear earlier… .”

“Vivian.”

Sylvia’s cold voice pierces my heart.

As if actually stabbing, Sylvia took a step closer to Vivian.

“My purpose is only one. Killing the devil. Other than that, I’m not interested in anything.”

“… … .”

“But what about you? Is it the end with killing the demon lord? If you could kill the devil by dying, would you be willing to do it?”

“… Yes.”

“I hesitated once. You want something else.”

After speaking, Sylvia looked at Helena and Lucia next to Vivian.

Sylvia’s words were correct.

All three of us didn’t want to die.

I might get hurt, but it’s not like I’m not prepared to die.

Still, I wanted to survive even after killing the Demon King.

I want to stay alive and be by Ian’s side longer.

Actually, it was a natural thing to say.

Who wants to die?

There is no one who does not want to live.

“I’m not blaming you. It’s just that each person’s role is different.”

Sylvia took a step back and turned around coldly.

Vivian couldn’t say anything to her.

Sylvia, who was walking away, slightly turned her head and added softly.

“… Please protect Ian.”

With those words, Sylvia walked away with her back turned to me.

Kylie and Beatrice, who were listening to the story with bitter expressions on their faces, said a few words to each other.

“This isn’t the first time we’ve been in such a bad situation, so there’s nothing to worry about. Think about what you have to do rather than our own. That won’t be easy either.”

“Yes. Even though we’re fucked up, we’re used to situations like this. Who will do it if not us?”

“Oh. I’m finally admitting to myself that I’m an asshole.”

“Shut up, Kylie.”

Aria also added.

“It’s just as Sylvia said. We are not going to die. If I have to die, I will accept it. However, I never have that kind of complacent attitude.”

“… … .”

The three left, following Sylvia.

It goes away.

As the first hero party moves away, it becomes smaller and smaller.

He is the hero and hope that I once envied.

And, it is an object that was once disappointed and looked down upon.

That was the case with Vivian and Helena.

But now, I remember the moment I first saw them, heard their story, and became envious.

Hope for humanity.

Their backs look particularly big today.

In particular, Sylvia gives the illusion of being huge.

It’s like a big, solid pillar.

It’s so hard, I’m worried it might break.

Rumbling… .

Thunder rumbled outside.

It looks like it will rain tonight.

*

It was Carty who hugged Ian that night.

Mercy hit the ground and sobbed.

“Why on earth-!”

Anyway, as soon as Kati confirmed that it was her, she hugged Ian and rolled over on the bed.

Ian was dragged away without even realizing it.

The fruits were distraught.

This is a day when I need Ian’s warmth more than ever.

I just wanted to hug him and not think about anything.

‘The first warrior party… .’

I was not willing to go ahead of them.

There is no reason why it has to be that way.

What Sylvia said was valid, and there is a high probability that it will turn out as she said.

However, I felt a bit uncomfortable because I still felt like I hadn’t overcome them.

“I’ll turn off the light… .”

Soon, everyone was in bed and until the lights were out, Katy held Ian tightly in her arms and rolled around on the bed.

“It’s hard… .”

Ian barely spoke after the lights went out.

Despite the rolling, Katy looked down at Ian with a calm face.

It was very cute to see him barely lifting his head buried in his chest and breathing.

Kati wordlessly pulled him up to her face.

Young Ian’s eyes shake in embarrassment.

Kati smiled slightly at that sight without realizing it.

Silently kiss his cheek and send a telepathic message without leaving your lips.

‘master.’

[…] why.]

‘Now, do you understand what I meant when I said there are many competitors?’

[…] … .]

After thinking for a moment, he answered with a small sigh.

[okay… . It’s all my fault… .]

‘I like.’

[…] … .]

‘Every time, every moment. I still like you so much that I can’t help it. ‘Every time I see you in someone else’s arms, my insides boil, every time someone puts spit on you, my head hurts, and every time that happens, I want to take you somewhere far away. I still like you so much.’

[…] … .]

‘But I know it shouldn’t be like that, so I always just endure it. Just know that this is how I feel.’

[Uh, well… .]

Kati continued to send telepathic messages without lifting her lips.

Occasionally, he would put the ball in his mouth and chew or lightly bite it.

‘Are you worried?’

[what?]

‘just. ‘A lot of things.’

[…] No. Because there is no way to know what will happen.]

‘It’ll be okay. I will protect you.’

[But you also know that you will be involved in this operation, right?]

‘… yes. ‘I know.’

[I think you should worry less.]

‘It’s impossible.’

[I’ll be locked up in a safe place, so don’t worry.]

‘… ‘I’ll try my best.’

Toad-duk-duk.

Rain was pouring outside the window.

‘It’s raining. ‘My master used to not be able to sleep deeply when it rained.’

[My body feels numb now. I wonder if I can sleep well.]

‘I’m there too, so please sleep well. … You can touch it if you want.’

Startle.

Ian’s body trembled greatly.

[What, what, what… ?]

‘Like when I slept with Vivian… .’

[stop! stop! Hey, you did that… .]

Ian’s face turned bright red even in the dark.

Although that appearance was cute, it was also disgusting to think that it was the reason it reminded me of Vivian.

So listen! I bit it.

Ian’s body stiffened as he held his breath.

That reaction made my heart pound.

[You man… .]

‘… You should sleep now.’

Kati didn’t listen to the answer, but hugged Ian tightly and pressed their bodies against him.

Kati whispered, brushing her lips against the shell of my ear.

“Good night.”

“… You too.”

Because they spoke through the Ring of Subordination, no one heard their conversation.

Kati was satisfied with that.

Ian quickly fell asleep listening to her breathing, but Katy couldn’t sleep for quite a while.

*

-Roaring… .

Ian woke up with a low sound of thunder.

When it rains, visibility is obscured and even noise is hidden.

It becomes difficult to notice someone approaching.

Therefore, Ian became more nervous every rainy day.

Even though I was younger, I couldn’t help it.

‘… … .’

Ian opened his eyes and calmed his nerves when he realized that this was a very safe room and that he was in Kati’s arms.

Even if I look hard, there is nothing I can sense with this body.

I must have fallen a little while I was sleeping, and I happened to see Kati’s breasts right in front of me.

Ian stared at it.

It wasn’t because of some strange desire.

A maid uniform with a cat-shaped opening in the middle of the chest.

‘Where did he get this stuff?’

That was very interesting and I was curious.

They won’t sell this anywhere.

Is it custom made?

When I first saw this, I said Mercy saved me.

Then it would be true that the two of you secretly made it custom-made.

I heard that if it was custom-made, Kathi followed suit, but what was she thinking when she wore it?

… With those meaningless thoughts in mind, I stared blankly at my chest.

‘I need to sleep again…’ .’

When he turned around and looked up, he almost fainted.

Kati was observing herself with wide eyes.

Ian almost took a deep breath without realizing it, but managed to hold it in.

‘What are you, what are you…’ . ‘Are you awake?’

Kati shook her head.

[I didn’t sleep.]

‘why.’

[I can not sleep.]

‘Yes, yes. … ‘Have you been watching?’

[yes.]

‘… … .’

Why do I have so many moments when I want to faint these days?

Ian closed his eyes tightly.

It’s shameful to show my face.

But the only place I can hide is Kati’s arms, so I can’t hide it.

[Do you like my breasts?]

‘Please don’t ask that question. I’m sorry.’

[Why are you apologizing?]

‘… … .’

Carty truly couldn’t figure out why Ian was apologizing.

I didn’t do anything wrong.

Rather, Kati was happy and happy.

Sometimes, she thought Ian only saw her as a real cat or just like she was when she was a child.

But I just learned from that action that it wasn’t the case.

She herself was seen as a woman in Ian’s eyes.

Contrary to Katy’s intentions, Ian’s head was spinning.

This young body can’t even think clearly.

‘that… . I didn’t see it on purpose… . Well, I opened my eyes, so… .’

[You can see more.]

‘Why are you doing this to me…? .’

I realized why Ian was apologizing.

Because I’m embarrassed.

Kati was so cute that it made her laugh.

[master.]

‘huh… .’

[This is all the owner’s cute fault.]

‘what… .’

Ian couldn’t ask.

The next moment, a dizzying sensation covered my lips.

Kati kissed me.

Not on the cheeks, but on the lips.

It was time for everyone to sleep so I didn’t make a sound.

It wasn’t strange, nor was it sticky.

However, it was not something that could be easily attached and removed.

Ian’s lips got smaller and looked like they were going to be eaten by Katy.

While Ian was talking, Katy, who looked away, smiled and pinched Ian’s cheek.

‘You, you, you, this, this, now, suddenly…’ .’

Ian’s surprised eyes blinked rapidly.

[I kissed my master on the lips purely out of affection for him. There are no other intentions. Aren’t there some cases where pets are said to be cute and kissed as if to tease them?]

‘Are you talking too long? Suspiciously?’

[I’m just explaining so you don’t misunderstand.]

‘Why wouldn’t you… .’

Kati hugged Ian deeply to her chest and kissed the top of his head.

[I think I can sleep now.]

‘… Yes, that’s a good thing.’

Kati fell asleep really quickly.

But Ian couldn’t fall asleep right away.

Kati’s clothes had a hole in the middle of her chest.

So, burying your face in the chest meant directly touching that skin.

‘I’m going crazy, really… . I just know that I am the one holding back… .’

A sweet yet savory fleshy scent that is stronger than the scent of soap.

And I felt like my mind was going to burst from the soft, smooth feel of the flesh that I was directly touching.

Every time you consciously breathe slowly, the scent becomes stronger.

It was quite difficult to calm my dizzy, boiling mind, but my younger body could not overcome the fatigue.

I fell asleep, covering Kati’s body temperature.

I never woke up again to the sound of rain.

*

The leadership of humanity made a quick decision.

The first hero party takes on the Shinigami, while the fruit warriors and Kati sweep the outskirts.

We decided to call the former the bait and the latter the cleaner.

The operation has changed somewhat.

Unless you go beyond a certain distance and attack first, the Shinigami will just curl up in place.

Therefore, the first party also decided not to attack the Shinigami first.

The main purpose was to watch from afar, block movement and hold on.

Safety has increased somewhat.

There is only one week left until the operation is launched.

Kati came to visit Galatea.

“Ah, Katy. It’s been a while.”

She, who was delivering supplies at the gateway, was off duty that day.

Zion was also there.

“Amamma!”

Every time Katy sees Zion, she thinks lightly of Ian and her child.

It doesn’t always come to mind.

“What’s going on?”

“What I heard last time. To finish listening.”

Kati consistently received training in handling black mana from Galatea and Marlion.

It wasn’t a huge training exercise, and Kati could do it to some extent on her own.

However, as the war began, the frequency of training decreased, and Katy has not received training even once since Ian fell.

It was because I was always by Ian’s side.

Considering the operations that will be deployed, a larger and more certain force is needed.

I’m still anxious about leaving it behind, but it’ll be okay because the fruits are by my side.

… Although they are the ones we need to be most wary of.

“Ah, yes, yes. Because I also happen to be free today. How far last time… .”

“In the past.”

Kati blurted out.

“It was done in that laboratory. I want to experience it myself.”

Actually, this was the purpose.

Galatea and Marlion did not order Katy to do anything that would be painful or difficult.

Among the things done in the laboratory, those that border on mental abuse.

It was too inhumane and I didn’t want to hurt Katy.

Ian also requested it.

“Greater power is needed soon. I’m in no position to hide it.”

Kati was stern and serious.

“I won’t tell the owner. This is my opinion.”

“Hmm… .”

Galatea, who was worried, smiled as if she was embarrassed.

It was difficult for Kati to know the meaning of that smile.

The answer Galatea eventually gave was completely unexpected.