352. FILLER EVENTS

“They found out.”

“Found.. out?”
Nine, are you okay?
I was considering removing that skill right now. However, when I was about to do so, my instincts told me to leave it alone. Was there no threat? There should be, right? Nine has [Vixen’s Pawn] in his title column and..

“So that’s why I’m thinking of switching my strategy, remember this?” Nine showed me the necklace Liliath bought previously. It had two sides. “If I put the white one out in front, it means I have some leeway to listen to you, if I put the black side in front, it means I’ll be prioritizing our enemies words. Not that I’ll actually do what they ask of..”
“What has it got to do with [Vixen’s Pawn] then?”

“It’s a dummy.”

“Dummy?”
“Remember how there’s a difference between typing the name of a title and skill, compared to copy and pasting?”

Wait.. that means..
“I typed this one, there’s no effect. I can’t hear any telepathic commands from anyone but..” Nine pulled up his screen, “I managed to get Bleu’s help to set up a surveillance system so anytime someone calls my name, I’ll get a notification. Then I’ll review the short recorded video to see what they want me to do for them, and I’ll act accordingly, as me.”

“That’s so smart..”

“Not really. I could’ve done this way earlier, but I didn’t know how I should act. Now that I’ve run a few errands– I should be able to act fairly well. Though, there’s one big thing bugging me.” Nine frowned.

It's been so long since I last saw that depressing frown.
“Have you heard of tarot cards?”

“Yeah.”
“I got mine pulled. For some reason, the same card kept popping up,” Nine’s brows furrowed.

“A card depicting a short girl standing beside a tall guy.”

“Does that.. mean anything?” they’re just cards right?

“It’s a magic tool, I don’t know. If it does mean something..” Nine’s expression contorted.

What correlation does a short girl and a tall guy have to Nine? Or..

“Do they know that you can swap genders?”

“I said it before, didn’t I? They found out, that’s why I changed strategy. Of course, they’ll think that I’m also their errand boy, even as a girl.”
“Still.. that tarot card..”
If the short girl is Nine then the tall guy is..
The barista interrupted. Nine and I received our chocolate milkshakes.
Nine sucked on the straw– speaking of straw, I think Nine just brought new technology into this world once again. Why hasn’t any hero thought of this?

“Yum.. where was I again?”

“Tarot cards.”
“Yeah, right,” Nine and I moved to the private room. Eden in a garden– never fails to amaze me. “Care to take a guess first?”

We hopped across the small stone platform hovering over the lake, setting foot on the island in the middle.

“The tall guy is Javiel.”
“I have the same thoughts.”
“But that alone doesn’t say much does it?”

“Which is concerning. Iona-chan doesn’t want to talk about it. There’s no way I’m becoming a wife to that guy okay?”

“I know.”
If Nine ever did, he– she’s the one screwed first. 

“I still hadn’t met him though, even though I predicted I would,” Nine placed his chocolate milkshake on the table and leaned against the couch with both hands spread apart like an eagle.

“It’ll happen eventually.”
“I feel a bad premonition on that day though.”

“Another turning point.”

“Possibly.”
We sighed together.

Let’s hope no one dies.. or even if that does happen, we still have enough points to spare for the RevivalWidget.

“Oh yeah, how’s the academy? I saw the duel, Liliath filmed it. It’s fucking sick, I want to kick ass like that. Want to try it at Bleu’s domain tonight?”

“If you insist,” I found myself smirking.

To fight like some crazy battle maniac is something a guy has dreamt of at least once right? 

The topic changed to the happenings in Toren Kingdom.

===

“So you’re saying they left.”
“Jiwon-san said something about going to a dangerous dungeon so don’t follow.”
I checked my map. His marker waa deeper towards the western side of the forest– a dungeon ruins. 

Yeah, right. How could I have forgotten, the typical Regressor activity– finding items to buff themself.

“Did he say anything about what he’s trying to find?” I asked Jennifer-chan. She’s Miss Margrett’s daughter, light-lavender hair with sparkling green eyes.

“No.”
“Looks like someone will have to wait again,” Nine laughed at me. 

Damn Regressor, I skipped class for you.. 

“Actually, is Prune alright?” Jennifer-chan out of concern.
“She should be alright.”
I was surprised to learn that she encountered Javiel. Nothing life threatening happened, and if anything, Prune managed to acquire some information.

For one, you can’t tie him to a ‘realistic’ framework. He’s a story character, which means his personality is inflated.
Two, there’s a high chance a problem will occur when Liliath tries to confront him. Javiel doesn’t see a need for apology.. or in Prune’s words, ‘his plaything is returning to him’. I suppose warning Liliath about it is a good idea– to prepare her heart for what’s to come.

Too bad Prune didn’t record the conversation, we could’ve studied the info.. actually, let’s not. Liliath might get too hung up on it.

Well, with that explanation, Prune left to for the hotspring to meet Shea. We warned her to just use the TeleportWidget in case of an emergency.

“What do you plan to do now?” Nine asked.

“I think I’ll just go back..”

It’s odd really. It’s like we’ve pushed through the demon forest and entered the demon castle. Now, all that’s left is to defeat the monsters in the castle before finally reaching the demon lord– that kind of feeling yet. There’s a clear end in sight.

Why would Javiel leave Ruff over to manage the demon tower? Is he aware that Ruff and I have sort of become friends? Rather, what are the chances that Ruff will turn against me? Cuz, well, he’s super loyal to ‘His Highness Javiel’.

What exactly is Javiel planning? I don’t know what to expect for the final boss.

“Then I’ll be counting on you to gather as much info as you can about Javiel’s movements. See ya.”

“Alright, see you.”
“Take care!” Jennifer-chan waved.

I teleported.

The sight that greeted me had me wondering what the hell happened.

Rin was on all fours, Liliath was sitting on her back.

===

“Noel is not attending today you say?”

“He has errands to run elsewhere.”
“I see,” my brother, Kyoshi-niisan decided not to pursue further in regards to this.
“I don’t see the Regressor anywhere close to him though,” Rin said.
Her words were true, the two individuals were miles apart.
Nevertheless, dear would begin first by dosing the fire before bringing us over to have a ‘good’ chat. He’s considering our safety.

“Here we are, now then, I pray for your safety,” Kyoshi-niisan who sat opposite to us waved.

The door of the carriage opened.

“Kyoshi-niisan, before I go, could I ask you a question?”

“What question would it be, dear sister?”

“How is your relationship progressing?”
My, my, your expression tells it all.

“Thank you, I’ve seen it all. See you dear brother.”

He sighed, leaving no comments. I left the carriage with Rin.

“Morning Rin-san, and Your Highness Liliath,” Regan bowed together with the two other maids behind him.

Regan was once an attendant of mine who was chosen to take care of me when I was still a child. His age played a big part in the selection. As back in the days, I rarely mingled around people of the same age group. 

“Good morning, today is a pleasant day, isn’t it?” I said.

“Good morning,” Rin greeted them one-by-one.

We proceeded to our class.

I diminished the concealment barrier when we made it to our usual seats– close to the back. The class’s attention turned towards us.
Oh, too bad you wouldn’t be finding the victor of the duel here. My dear is elsewhere you see–

“Liliath, is this what people of nobility do daily? They come here everyday and learn like this? That’s it?” Rin asked.

“Perhaps. Though, they might be duties they have to juggle with at home. We’re just fortunate father hasn’t passed any direct work onto us.”

I wouldn’t accept it either if he tried. I don’t intend to stay in this world, I prefer dear’s world. There’s much more to explore, and it’s quite free of these nobles who run their mouths off.

Speaking of such a noble, there he is now, sulking. It took me my all to suppress my laughter– an attempt to swindle me over to your side? Oh, you’ve picked the wrong family to mess with.

“It’s boring,” Rin said.

“I will have to agree.”

If she finds this boring, what would she think when she visits my dear’s world as a student?

“Good morning.”

“Morning.”

“Morning.”

I greeted the three. Jerome Laurell, Gina Ausi and Helbert Leslie.

“I don’t see Noel-sama anywhere, did he go anywhere, Your Highness?” Jerome asked.

“He’ll be absent from class today..”
“I see..”
“Is it anything which we should be concerned about?” Gina interrupted.

I shook my head, “No, my dear is safe.”

“Oh,” Gina nodded, somewhat confused.

“By the way, I can’t believe Noel-sama actually beat up Gina-san. I didn’t know he was that skilled.. why would he be unable to run the school track? I’m I missing something here?” Jerome asked, a light banter.

“I’ll leave that up to your imagination,” I said.

Gina pressed a finger to her lips. I performed the same gesture and nodded.

“You know the secret to his strength then, Gina-san?” The quiet Helbert finally spoke.

“It’s not something I should speak of.”
“I respect that.”

“U-Um.. good morning Your Highness, I’m Ali from..”

“Greetings Your Highness..”

Nobles began pouring over to my table.

Ah.. these ants. I’ve become their sugar.

353.

“Good morning class,” Mister Sparks came in with a different air today. I sense traces of familiar magic on him. “Today I’ve invited a special guest.”
The class was abuzz with curiosity.

“I wonder who it is..” Rin muttered without a least of interest. I smiled wryly at that.

“By honor of Her Highness’ attendance in this class, I was able to summon her here to grant everyone a special session,” Mister Sparks continued,  he turned to the entrance, “Please entered, Miss Powliena.”

Miss Powliena, she’s..

A girl who was no taller than myself, garbed in a dark robe with golden embellishments dragged across the floor. Her green hair stood out along with her triangular ears. She made her way up to the podium. Mister Sparks stood aside for her.

Her gaze ran across the students. I met her mystifying amethyst eyes.

My mentor.

She smiled softly at me.

“Good morning everyone,” she began, “Just call me Powliena. I am the Grand Sage of Toren Kingdom.”

She always kept things short and direct to the point.

“Today I’ve come to give you a short lecture on the fundamentals of casting. I’ll be covering materials that are in extension to the Kagura’s Chantless Method. Before we continue, how about we have an ice breaker? I will spare the first 20 minutes open to any questions you may have, please raise your hands.”
A dozen or so appeared.

My mentor answered them with a grace. Most questions were regarding her history, and the battles she had with previous demon lords– of course, she wasn’t planning to kill me.

There was one question which caused a reveal.

“Grand Sage! Why did you come here to teach our class?”

“Oh, that’s simple. I wanted to see my student.”

“””Eh??”””

“How have you been, Liliath-chan.”

“I’ve been well, Miss Powliena,” I stood up folding my hands in front, fingers bent in a special manner, I gave a curt bow.

“I’ll be looking forward to how much your magic has grown over the past years, I heard from Mister Sparks that it possibly suprases mine?”

“As far as that’s concerned, you will always remain as my mentor, Miss Powliena.”

“You have the confidence, I see,” she smiled shrewdly.

I return a smile of my own.

How nostalgic. I wish to bombard her with new magic right about now– hold back the urge. My chance will come.

I sat back down, Miss Powliena continued with the ice breaking session.
“Was Miss Powliena once a hero too?” Rin asked.

“She was, for quite a number of cycles. She has had many kids with many heroes.. if I recall,” I noticed the vague silhouette of a vein popping on my mentor’s face. Opps, I spoke too loud.

“Making children with different heroes..” Rin blushed.

“I don’t intend to follow her footsteps however,” another vein.

“Is the Grand Sage related to Teal-sama?”

“I’m not too particularly in the know..” 

They were both elves who have been subjugating demon lords for the past few centuries. Thus, some time before, they would’ve crossed paths some time in their journey.

===

The lightning brought forth, dissipated at a wave of a hand.

Blue flames struck like whip which disperse upon contact.

Rock hands which attempted to crush my bubble.

None of which managed to reach me.

It does seem to be true that my magic proficiency has gone up, somewhat.

“If only the other students weren’t here, I’d incinerate you right this instant,” said my mentor, grinding her teeth.

A dozen more projectiles came hurling towards me. I checked my nails, I had grown rather long. I remember Noel buying nail cutters from the shop, I should ask him where he had placed it. It wasn’t in the inventory.

“Liliath-chan, oh Liliath-chan. So you take your teacher as a fool?” what wonderful smile you have, my mentor.

“No, that’s not the case Miss Powliena.”

It must be embarrassing to see yourself lose in front of the other students, so much so you’re losing your temper.

Jokes aside, her usual banter with me was leaking. I wasn’t too sure if revealing this side of herself to the academy student was her intention. Would the time be better spent educating the others instead of this folly attempting to knock me dead?

Oh, yes. How could I have forgotten?
My mentor didn’t come for the class, she came for me. 

“I-I concede.”

“”WWHHHATT?!?””
“The Grand Sage lost?!”

“I don’t think so, she’s only casted small spells at her. Any bigger and we’d be caught up in it.”

“Then can’t we just take them to the arena and have them duke it out there.”

“You do make a good point, let’s–”

I revoked the bubble barrier and bowed.

“Just so you know, I was going easy on you,” my mentor hissed.
“I understand the situation. It’s not easy to keep the students safe if you had tried anything larger.”
“As long as you know.”
What a cute elf.

She continued, “Now that you’ve witnessed the capabilities of my own student which.. is on par, I hope it inspired you to put forth more effort in tempering your skills. Let’s proceed with practical class, I want each of you to–”
“You’re alright, right, Liliath?”

“I’m fine Rin.”

“I’m curious, if you two went against each other, who would win?”

“Isn’t the answer obvious?”

Rin blinked a few time before giving a slow nod. How could anyone possibly beat me when I have cheat abilities?

===

“O’ G-Grand Sage, it’s an honor to be in your presence.”

“You need not to be so nervous anee-sama,” I mean it in earnest. My mentor here doesn’t bite, the most she could manage is a few nibbles.

“Thank you for your gracious words, Liliath-chan,” my mentor raised a brow in skepticism.

I smiled cheerily in response.

“Um..” Rin sat in between our gaze.

“Let’s stop this nonsense. I’m getting hungry.”

“I agree.”
The cafeteria of the academy operates differently in that it is separated into two systems. One for the students, another for the teachers and staff. As where I am currently, I have the best of both worlds.

Students are to order their own food, while teachers and staff are typically provided with the ever changing daily menu. Otherwise, you could think of it that students would have to pay with the option of choosing, while the teacher’s portion had already been reimbursed by the academy with the unavailability of choice. That however, didn’t mean the teacher's food was simply so. On the contrary, it was quite luxurious.

As anee-sama is a teacher of the school, more so, a royalty, she is able to order extra sets for me and Rin. If ever I find myself itching for anything more after the meal, I could always buy something from the student catering system.

Today’s meals include a well decorated box of bento of grilled kobold and eel with various side dishes. 

Miss Powliena dabbed her mouth with a handkerchief after the meal.

“Liliath-chan, I know I’m late in asking this, may I know what happened the past few years? I’m unaware of the happenings besides that you’ve disappeared just one day.”

“Is the question out of curiosity?”

“Depending on your answer, I may join you in stopping Demon Javiel.”
“Then that’s unnecessary.”

“Excuse me?”

“I don’t wish to fight. It doesn’t matter.”

“He tortured you didn’t he?! Don’t you feel mad over it?”

“I thought you said you didn’t know?”
“So the rumors are true? How bad was it– no, that’s insensitive of me. What do you intend to do now?”

“I want to meet him.”
How funny. I want to meet a bastard like him. There’s no merit in killing him, nor is there in talking to him– no, there is something to gain from this.

For my own sake.

To set myself free from these emotional shackles bound to me.

I won’t deny that every part of me wishes to see his death.

But what would that bring? A short-lived satisfaction?

If not for all the stories I’ve read, I would’ve still kept that mentality, blindly following.

“So that you can kill him.”
“To forgive him.”

Miss Powliena’s face turned red.
“Forgive.. do you think it’s that simple? If forgiveness is all you need, then many, many wars wouldn’t have happened throughout the centuries.”

“It’s not simple.”
Because everyone was weak.

It’s many times more difficult to douce the embers than to bring a new flame.

Should there be more reason why I should forgive, it would be that I don’t wish to follow the lows of this world.

I, should’ve been a non-existance, wants to exist. 

I’m not a story character. I want to deny it. Noel may soothe me with his words however many times, but until I’ve reached that point, I will continue to believe that I’m nothing but a fictional entity.

In Noel’s world, in the real world. Conflict is resolved through forgiveness. A world without war, a world where slavery has disappeared, a world where people attempt to move the entire civilization, as the world, forward.

Of course, I could be naive or ignorant to the real happenings to Noel’s world. 

Though, whatever it may be, my thought process ultimately decides it.

“And that’s why most don’t do it,” I looked up and stared at my mentor.

“It won’t work. You should know that demon's personality more than I do.”
“It’s.. for yourself,” Rin spoke.

“Pardon?”

“Forgiving is meant for the person forgiving, not the person being forgiven,” Rin continued.

“If that’s what Liliath-chan wants, I’m in support of it,” anee-sama interjected.

“History doesn’t change easily, if you’ve seen what I have, you’d question your decision,” my mentor heaved a sigh and returned to her meal.

I had too, wanted to repeat those same words back to her. If only she had seen what I have–

In the end, I decided against it. It would be troublesome if she queried about the real world.

354. 

“How is my brother?”

“Of all things this is what you called me for..” Siesta, her silverish blonde hair tied into a braid stood out under the lights of the lantern.

“What is your impression of him?”
“Gentle, kind, responsible. Sometimes he could be a little insensitive and too lax. On the surface, that’s how he seems. I have a feeling his true personality goes deeper, I’m afraid to know what lies underneath,” Siesta wore an ostentatious yellow dress today. She picked up the tea cup in front of her and took a sip.

At least, from what I’m seeing, her complexion looked much better. Her face has grown slightly chubbier too. She’s been eating well.
“What’s with that look, Your Highness?”

“You can call me Liliath-san as you usually do.”

“Alright, Liliath-san. As for yourself? How are you coping in your own home?”
“I’m doing well. Though, slightly lonelier today since Noel isn’t with me today.”
“Can I assert that you two are soon going to be wed?”

“If only it were that simple. My fiancé doesn’t want to be wed so soon you see..”

“Is that so..?”

“It’s part of the culture of his world.”
“Oh, that’s true. Culture does play a big role in societal norms. I read from one of the books recently, that it’s good to question the culture, no? Sometimes it may be more harmful to stick to a practice without questioning its origin or purpose.”
“If those words could convince him, then things wouldn’t have turned out like this,” I said with a troubled smile.

“So persuasion. How about this,” Siesta gestured for my ear.
I listened to her idea and found it amusing.

“I’m sure it wouldn’t work. Something like this.. is much too ridiculous. Moreover, it’s not the first time I’ve tried it, many times I was shot down.”

“Really? Is that guy an ennouch?! Your husband should really take care of you.”

I chuckled.
“That’s not it. He’s abstaining for my sake too. After all, if I return pregnant, there would be various troubles we would have to face when we return to his world.”
“You’ve found a way to return?”
“Not particularly, but our return will happen eventually. By then, we’ll have to bid goodbye. I’m not certain if we would meet again past that point.”
“Is the requirement the same as the heroes? Defeat the demon lord?”

“It’s to stop the war.”

Siesta wanted to open her mouth to speak, no words came. She shut her mouth again and contemplated.

“It has to do with what happened in our previous life, hasn’t it?”
“I don’t know,” I shook my head. She was referring to the Regressor.

“It’s pointless thinking about it. Putting this aside, is he.. there, now?” Siesta asked with a tinge of anticipation, seen from how she was bitting her lips.

“He’s there. Probably..”
Noel had told me that the person went on an elopement with Moirae-sama and Laura-san. Nonetheless, Noel spent the time to survey the palace and discuss with Nine regarding the plans that will follow.

Of course, it’s important I allow him some space to be with himself. 

I wonder if he misses me yet?
“Probably spending his sweet, sweet time with the elf and Goddess.. I can only guess,” Siesta said with a looming shadow on her face. I replied with a nod, and a smile.

“If you’d like, could we bring you over when he returns? We’ll need to talk to him regarding his plans against the demon bastard, after that he’s yours.”
“The date?”

“Not decided. It will depend.”

“Tell me in advance when that happens. I’ll set aside my schedule to meet him.”

No matter how desperate Siesta's situation may be, she’s the kind of person who has a plan behind her. It’s scary how she’s beginning to build connections and influence in the noble circle.

“Then if you need anything Liliath-san, feel free to share. I’ll do what I can.”

“Thank you for the offer.”

===

“Liliath, what is SM?”
Was the question which was asked when I returned from tea with Siesta.

“Where did you find that word?”
“It’s a word? These are just symbols, aren’t they?” Rin pointed at her UI, a book.

“You’re reading something inappropriate.”

“Really? There’s nothing inappropriate about this, it’s just a romantic comedy.”

“Let me see.”

Rin showed me the paragraph which contained the word. I explained to her what I knew. M for masochist, S for sadist.

“So that’s what it means.. these sorts of things.. exist?” Rin looked uncomfortable.

“Yes it does. Many people find pleasure in these acts.”

“T-Then doesn’t that make you an S?”

“I won’t deny it. Though, I would like it if dear would S me every now and then,” I licked my lips.

“Ugh.. what are we even talking about, this is so embarrassing.”

“How about you?” I reached forth and grabbed her chin. Rin’s expression froze up.

“I-I don’t know. Isn’t there neutral?”
“There’s always some imbalance. I’m sure you’re an M.”
“A-Ah.. I don’t know..”

“See, you’re turning away. So embarrassed, isn’t Noel the one that always takes the initiative on you? You want to be held by him, be smothering in his love, be painted all over with his scent..”
“L-L-Lialith stop, stop! It’s embarrassing to talk about s-somthing so..”

“So lewd? Rin, you’re an M, I’ll let you know that much. “

“L-Liliath.”

“Get on all fours.”
“Ah.. um..”
So obedient.
“W-What are you going to do?”

“What do you think? Doesn’t it get you excited?”
“Uh..?”

“Then prepare yourself.”
“Ek.. Liliath, you’re heavy.. hiikh?!”

I got on Rin’s back and leaned forward

“How does it feel?”

“S-Stop it! My spine! My Spine!”

“I’ll heal it right back up even if it breaks,” I reached under her and grabbed her chest.

“Liliath?! Stop, it’s ticklish, ah~”

I felt a gaze.

Rin and I stopped and turned to the source.

There was my dear looking at us with a dumbfounded expression.

“What are you two doing?” his expression was so funny.

“Care to join? It’s fun,” I asked.

“AAAHHH!!”

Rin threw me off.

355. 

“Lower your sword a little.”
“Like this?”
“Yes, this angle. Try to not deviate from this posture, you have to remember it conditionally.”
Gina explained, coming in front of me to demonstrate the stance.

“When taking the first stem, you angle your blade like this and make your advance.”
“I have a question.”
“Yes.”
“Normally, or rather, in actual battle, do these things help?”
“No.”
“Okay.”

“Even so, do you understand why it’s important to learn the basics?”
“I can relate somewhat if I think of it like art. To put it in a quote, it would be, learn the rules so that you can break them.”

“Correct.”

Having said that, Gina and I exchanged blows.

The winner was obvious.

“You’re seriously weak. I still find it hard to believe that inflated statuses really play such a big role. I’m curious how strong His Highness is without his Unique Skill,” Ruff said to me. He was acting as a spectator.

Liliath was with her sister, Rin was playing with Princess the frog over there.
“Who knows. Statuses don’t reflect your abilities a hundred percent.”
“I can’t be complacent either,” Ruff said with a sigh, “Gina-chan, fight me.”
“You want a go? Noel-sama, do you mind?”

“I’m beat anyways, sure.”

I made my way over to Rin as fireworks bloomed from the clash between two blades.. I removed most of my status values so there was absolutely no way to win against them anyways.

“Demon, I give you my blessing. Ribbit.” it’s eyelids would jitter a little whenever Rin stroked its back. This.. abominable blue frog.
“Yeah sure. How did you get here anyways? I forgot to ask,” Rin asked the frog.

“My prince called for me.”
I looked at Rin, she tilted her head.

“I’ll just assume you teleported.”

Since.. the frog did show psychic abilities the last time. Perhaps it’s a racial trait. This Sage Frog is, after all, centuries old.

“How’s the orphanage before we left?”
“My followers were saddened to see me leave. Ribbit.”

I held back the urge to roll my eyes.

Fortunately, we didn’t affect the management of the orphanage. The kids were still running about and attending school as usual. I’m not sure how it was financially, but I'll continue to keep an eye using [God’s Eyes] every now and then.

“Noel, do you think I’m an M?”

“Yes.”

“Really? How many times does it make it.. I still can't believe it.” Rin fummed.

She’s been asking me this useless question since that time I caught Liliath riding her. I get the feeling that our future together would turn out to be quite a horny one.

I’m not joking. 

Liliath’s libido is questionable.

Actually, I should probably be questioning my own, should I? I’m so passive, I find it odd myself.

“What do you usually do when we’re not around, Princess? Do you just sit around at the pond all day?” Rin nudged the little blue creature.

“I watch the moon and star, observe as the dazzling sun rises to the Zenith. I spend my days watching the beauty of each passing day. Ribbit.”
“Isn’t that boring?”
“Ribbit. It is not. Ribbit.”
I sat down beside Rin and turned to the battlefield. Those two are still duking it out. I raised my stats a little and observed their fight, Gina was pulling ahead. Rather, she was going easy on Ruff.

Perhaps I should prepare something while waiting for them to complete.

“Rin, ice cream or a cold drink?”

“A cold drink would be preferable, I think.”
“Okay.”
Nine would occasionally tell the barista to whip up a dozen or so cocktails in one go. That way, if he ever feels the urge to take one and drink, there’s always one conveniently lying in the inventory.

I’m taking advantage of it of course.

I took out the glass in the shared inventory and had a taste of its contents. I also gave Rin and Princess one. Princess just sat inside, what a way to drink, just soak it up with the body..

“It’s grape.”
“I think it’s too fancy for something right after exercise.”

I went to the shop and bought isotonic sodas instead.
It wasn’t long before Ruff and Gina came and sat with us. I passed them the soda.
“What’s this?”

“It’s a drink, you pull the tab upwards, like this.”

Pop.

“It’s all bubbly inside.”

“It’s from the modern world. I’m sure Javiel-san would recognize this drink.”
“Wow, so it’s from His Highness’ world? I can’t believe something like this exists.”

“What’s up with that frog?”

 “What do you wish to seek, O’.. kuak.” 

“Shut up,” I flattened its face with my finger.

“Pftt, what kind of frog speaks. I’m seeing new demons every day.”
“I don’t think that’s a demon, though it’s close,” Ruff said while taking light sips.

“Now that we’re here I actually wanted to ask if you want to join our meeting.” I finally get to the main point.

“Meeting?”

“With us and Javiel-san. Alongside a pretty dangerous guy, who can probably cut our necks in a split second if he wanted to.”
“He didn’t just cut off my neck last time did he?” Rin said.

“Or that.”

“Pardon?” Gina looked confused.

“So you’ve decided to take things down to talk. Let me tell you, it won’t work. His Highness isn’t the kind of person who’ll be persuaded by mere words,” Ruff shook his head.

“Then what do you recommend? Liliath wants to meet him, at least get the grief off her chest. Even you would do something for Gina-san right?”
“That’s a difficult question.”
“Ruff-kun..”

“I don’t mean that. I promised that I’ll visit you more often alright. I came today too, didn’t I?”

“Fine, fine.”

“Anyways. I mean it in this way. His Highness isn’t someone who cares about talks. You can meet him, sure, then what? If Her Highness Liliath wants to forgive him, then that’s it. Is there any response you expect from him?”

Good point.
But that’s also why it’s best that Liliath meets him face to face. To really let the reality sink in that she’s decided to leave the past to its dead.

“I suppose that’ll be up to Liliath. At the same time, it would be good if we can come to terms. The ultimate intention is to really stop this stigma against demon lords right? Though we may have different ideas over how we should carry it out, our objective remains the same.”

“I still can’t consider you my ally.”

Say that to the fact that you’re a green marker on my map.

“Can I ask something,” Rin raised a finger.
“What is it?”

“Do you know other demon lords like us?”

Ruff let out a long exhale, Gina looked at him a little surprised.

“I only know of one other demon lord who worked under His Highness, however, he lost his life. Or maybe he betrayed His HIghness, we couldn’t find any traces of him.”

“So there are other demon lords that are still in hiding.”

The system map is overpowered, that I won’t deny. But, it’s only overpowered if it covers the part of the map which we’ve visited, or parts that my system virus has spread. There’s still quite a portion of the world that remains empty.

If I type in ‘demon lord’ as a search term right now, I would be able to find only one more demon lord in hiding. There should be 4 others, including the one who went missing.

That said, there’s also Liliath’s [God’s Eyes] which comes together with a search function.

I’m considering bringing all demon lords together.

“Do you think that’s a good idea?”

“I would have to ask His Highness about it.. “

“Then I suppose that’s a topic we can discuss during the meeting.”
“You said earlier that there will be a strong person who’ll attend too, right?”

“Yup.”
“Count me in. I want to fight him.”

I nodded. I don’t know how the Regressor feels about dueling his nemesis but if push comes to shove, there’s always the Revivalwidget at hand.

“Where will be the venue of the meeting then? His Highness is at the Elven Territory. Don’t tell me you intend for us all to travel there?”
“I intend to do just that.”

“Really? Wouldn’t that.. take weeks?” Gina retorted.

“Nah, only a couple seconds.”

“Noel and the other Irregulars possess incredible Unique Skills.. so you don’t need to worry about that,” Rin said with a smile.

Gina and Ruff looked at each other mysteriously.