58 – Peace is for the naive

“So, Shamoa, what are you going to do now? Wanna stick with us?”

“I’d love to. But I can’t. Don’t worry. I’m all better now. Honestly if I knew you were going to manage I wouldn’t have gone out of my way to come here.”

“No. I appreciate it.”

“In that case… how about you show your appreciation by getting these girls off me!”

The reason why Shamoa was distressed was because Sasha and Stella were petting her. To be honest, she’s trying her best not to purr. She seems to be enjoying it.

“Alright you two. Let Shamoa go. She’s not a toy.”

“Mou. Alright.” (Sasha)

“If we must…” (Stella)

Eventually they put her down.

“Ok. Take care of yourself as always, Edel. I’ll be watching over you.”

“Watching from where?”

“It’s just an expression. Sheesh. What a troublesome child. You have two kids to look after but you’re still a kid yourself.”

“I’m nothing like them. That isn’t a valid comparison.”

“Sure, sure. Well, see ya. I got places to be.”

And with those words, Shamoa dashed out of the ruins and into the woods. I was actually happy to meet her again. But I don’t think I want to get nostalgic now.

“Gamma.”

“Yes, onee-chan?”

“I’m going to put you to good use now.”

“Ok. I await my first task.”

In case you didn’t guess it by now… I’m obviously talking about sex. But before I can have my way with Gamma, I have to knock the others out cold. Especially Yuki, or else she’ll start flipping again. I can’t wait to see what an artificial pussy feels like.

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~ Eglantine Kingdom~

A request for a peace conference was received. The faction belonging to the Demon King of Heart has requested to hold a conference to establish peace between the humans and the Mazoku.

“We’re going to betray the Mazoku? Is that true?” (Ichiro)

“Indeed.” (Liserg)

The one who answered Ichiro’s question was King Liserg. Currently, the only ones in the throne room were the four heroes and the king. As the king had told them he had something confidential he would like to discuss, the heroes had come to the throne room. However, he had then told them that he would betray the Mazoku.

“So was the alliance a lie?” (Misaki)

Nishimura Misaki furrowed her brow as she asked.

“That’s right. I sent a spy to the Mazoku continent. There’s no doubt about it. They plan to bear their fangs at us, so we must be the ones that strike first.” (Liserg)

“N-no way……even though I had thought things would be settled without fighting, just what are the Mazoku thinking!?” (Amane)

The one who revealed her indignation was Watanabe Amane.

“So will the conference be canceled?” (Kasumi)

“No, this is the first time I’ve felt such anger. In spite of them continuously speaking so much about peace, in the end it was just a means to eradicate us. If it’s like this, those who have died won’t be able to rest in peace.” (Liserg)

Upon seeing him utter those words with a bitter face, everyone held sympathy for Liserg.

“The conference won’t be canceled. On the other hand, I was thinking of using the conference to show them up.” (Liserg)

“Wh-what do you plan on doing?” (Kasumi)

“If they’re planning on belittling alliances, then we’ll just respond in accordance.” (Liserg)

“……don’t tell me!” (Ichiro)

Realizing his meaning, Ichiro gasped.

“We’re going to kill each and every one of their emissaries. Following that, during the conference, we’ll conduct a surprise attack on their country so that they never again plan to do such a stupid thing.” (Liserg)

The four of them did not know how to react.

“For the few days leading up to the conference, I want to leave a mission to you all.” (Liserg)

“A mission……you say?” (Ichiro)

Ichiro asked dubiously.

According to what Liserg said, he wanted them, along with commander Arthur and his subordinates, to head towards the demon continent a few days before the conference. There, they would merge and suppress any means for the Demon King of Heart to acquire supplies. They wanted their capital to suffer.

However, a single problem had emerged within that plan. Ichiro and co. had heard about a powerful Mazoku guard being posted on the bridge that connects all trade routes. From what they had heard during their military strategy sessions, that guard would not allow them to cross the bridge so easily.

When they raised this issue, Liserg told them that it was not a problem. It appeared that the guard on standby there, has actually agreed to help the humans in this particular scenario, as he doesn’t approve of the Demon King of Heart. He also seemed to be opposed to the Demon King’s way of doing things, saying that, should the opportunity present itself, they would love to be able to punish that foolish ruler.

Although Ichiro was surprised at all the arrangements that had already been made, he thought that if the Demon King was indeed someone good everyone would naturally want to follow him. But since the guardian doesn’t approve… that surely means the Demon King is rotten to the core as the king describes.

After crossing the bridge, they were to conceal themselves until the day of the conference. Liserg explained that so long as the other side focused their forces on the conference, they would not try for any useless resistance against the four heroes and would simply surrender.

Hearing that, Ichiro and co. gave a sigh of relief. Although they did level up and gained valuable experience, a battle with the mightiest foes of the Mazoku was still out of the question.

After knowing that they wouldn’t have to needlessly injure others, Ichiro and co. held their chests in relief.

“This is not a war, but a suppression to avoid the needless spilling of any blood. Will you do this for us?” (Liserg)

Liserg appealed to them with an earnest expression.  The four of them turned towards each other, strongly nodded, and-

“Leave it to us! We will seize peace!” (Ichiro, Amane, Misaki, Kasumi) -shouted out a reassuring line. Their expressions did not have a single shadow of doubt. Instead, only a refreshing amount of hope was reflected from their countenance.

This was not a war. If that was the case, then people would likely not die. Thinking that, all four of them had arrived at a much too simple answer. It was as though the four were dolls created without a single doubt in their minds, only aware of the word ‘peace’.

Upon seeing the four, King Liserg gave a dark smile. Failing to realize that, the four of them believed in Liserg’s words. What will be in store for the heroes in one month when the conference will happen?