The Reunion With Twelve Fascinating Goddesses Vol 2 Chapter 4

It’s a 1 year reunion for Tooi while it’s 10 years for Gilfrain, having reunited; they were in the back alley of the brothel buildings.

“Oi, Tooi. Do you have a lighter?”

While putting a cigarette in his mouth, Gilfrain said that. Tooi took out his grandmother’s memento, the oil lighter from his pocket.

“Heeh. You started smoking?”

“No. I don’t smoke”

“Then why do you have a lighter?”

“It’s my hobby”

“Weird guy”

“Leave me alone. But Gilf. Do you need others to light your smoke? It’s easy for you to make fire right?”

“I prefer having someone else light for me”

“Weird guy”

“Shut up”

Tooi ignited the oil lighter and moved it closer to Gilf’s mouth. The cigarette leaves wrapped in paper, spread out in red and lighted up. In the dark back alley where the lights of the entertainment street can’t reach, the flames from the lighter and cigarette gently illuminated both guys.

Gilfrain *Fuuu,* exhaled the smoke from his mouth.

“But, I am shocked. Even though it’s our 10 years reunion, you did not change at all from before. I was half-doubtful that you were from another world but, it looks like that’s the truth. You really make no sense”

“You changed a lot, Gilf. You were a brat smaller than me before and now you’re a full-fledge adult. Your voice is crazy low too”

“It’s only natural since 10 years pa.s.sed”

“……….you kind of gotten better in handling women too”

Tooi mumbled that hatefully and timidly.

Both of them left the brothel for a little chat outside but, when they headed outside he could hear whispering from the receptionist who was being hit on by Gilfrain.

He doesn’t know the contents but, judging by the nod from the red faced receptionist, he could imagine most parts of it. After 10 years, the 12 year old boy Gilfrain has apparently grown into an incredible playboy.

“In the past……..you were such a cute and innocent boy. No matter how many times I asked you to come with a brothel with me, you would always refuse”

“You’re the idiot for inviting a 12 year old brat. Rather, you always get scared at the last moment and head back right?”

“You were such a pure boy to the point that you were worried about your pubic hair growth problem”

“I am going to kill you, you s.h.i.t!”

Gilfrain distorted his beautiful face and shouted in real anger. He then clicked his tongue in detest before exhaling smoke again. The smoke that came out from his mouth rose up in the narrow s.p.a.ce of the back alley.

“Whether its thoughts or appearance, it’s only normal that many things would change”

10 years pa.s.sed after all, he added.

Gilfrain said that in a blunt tone.

Tooi kept silent as if he was in thought for a while before,

“Hey, Gilf – why did you betray Ifnatus?”

He brought up that topic.

He asked the question that he wanted to ask, the question that he had to ask right at his face.

“I heard everything from Laila. About the internal conflict of Ifnatus, and also about your disappearance during the internal conflict”

There were no changes on Gilf’s expression. There were no signs of bewilderment or irritation, he silently continued smoking. Right when the cigarette turned shorter, he took it out from his mouth and crushed it with his fist.

He dropped the remaining sh.e.l.l to the ground before slowly opening his mouth.

“I did not betray them. I abandoned them”

It was an extremely cold tone.

“Abandon….?”

“Yeah. I felt that it was stupid to fight for that village. So I had a little escape time”

“…………Why, just why, Gilf. You’re Ifnatus’s [Hero] right?”

Tooi was half-doubtful regarding Gilbrains betray.

No – he simply just did not want to admit it.

Going missing in the middle of the internal conflict. That action is so far off from his way of life that Tooi used to know.

But – now.

He gained confirmation from the person himself.

The confirmation that he stopped fighting by his own will, not because of some unforeseen accident or some kind of shortage ------

“You loved Ifnatus more than anyone else right? You feel pride in being born in the tribe known as Ifnatus right. Then why…………”

“I loved it. I loved it and I was proud of it. Ifnatus’s teachings meant the world to me”

“Then”

“That is why--- I could not forgive it. I could not admit it. I could not stand looking it at it. The fall of Ifnatus”

His tone was quiet but, it felt as if he was desperately suppressing his violent emotions. Raging anger burns in his eyes and his right arm which was bandaged was clenching really really hard.

“Tooi. Did you hear about the start of the internal conflict from the giant b.o.o.bies?”

“………….Ifnatus and the country’s opinions are clashing, concerning about the reward of the Demon King battle”

“Yes. That’s right. Honestly – I did not like it from the start. I hated the people from the village who were quarreling about something boring”

He continued on as if he was spitting it out.

“To Ifnatus, fighting is the goal. It is never a method. We fight to fight and will die in the battlefield as if we run out of steam. The warriors of the old Ifnatus lived like that. And if we don’t go through with that way of life, I feel apologetic to my ancestors”

There were no specific religions existing in Ifnatus’s tribe.

Instead – there’s a peculiar viewpoint of life and death.

It is said that after risking their lives in the fight, after reaching their honorable death in the battlefield, warriors would ascend to the heavens after death, join with the world and look back down to the earth.

Because of that, the people of Ifnatus would pay their respects to their tribesman who died in the battlefield.

Feeling embarra.s.sment to actions that would betray their ancestors, they hold pride towards their souls and skills which they inherited from ancient times.

To them, they threat those ancestors who lived their lives heroically, as a type of [G.o.d].

“Of course, I need food too to survive. I more or less want money – but, regarding the Demon king battle 10 years ago, after the battle was over, they received the reward from the country as according to the contract. In response, this problem started because Ifnatus asked for more in the first place”

Ifnatus’s role in the Demon king battle was big.

They probably worked loads more than the contents of the contract that was exchanged beforehand.

That is why in a sense, it’s only normal for them to ask for more rewards – but, it’s also natural that the Empire did not reward them more than the set contract.

“It was Ifnatus that started that fight with that f.u.c.king stupid reason. On top of that, they continuously performed boring fights like terrorism, a.s.sa.s.sination and kidnapping. Even i………..was ordered by the village elders. “Go kidnap those children from the royal family”. Seriously, everything turned into s.h.i.t”

Deep despair moved this man’s eye.

What was given to a man that wants to live as a warrior, was an order which is far away from the acts of a warrior. At that time, it was not hard to imagine what kind of impact Gilfrain felt at that time.

“That’s why………you abandoned Ifnatus?”

Yeah, Gilfrain nodded quietly.

He did not betray but abandoned them.

Many people would take this as the [Hero] betraying the village but – judging by thought, the one that got betrayed was probably Gilfrain.

The teachings of Ifnatus that represents his way of life was betrayed by the people of Ifnatus.

“In the first place ---- Ifnatus started to turn weird before the battle with the Demon King. People training to be warriors are decreasing every year, and in replacement, those who aim to be business entrepreneur increased. Even though there were people that worked as mercenaries, they started talking non-stop about money before I knew it. They chose the battlefield through loss and advantages, profit and losses, instead of whether there are strong or weak enemies”

Ifnatus’s old school view point which focuses on respecting pride and haughtiness was starting to get destroyed by modern commercialism.

That’s probably a normal thing to do.

There are not many people that would prioritize pride over money the money in front of them.

Everyone wants to live an easy life so money is needed. Rather than the battlefield which has no security for the future, it’s a normal emotion for any family to want a way to gain stable income in a safe environment. Even if they work in the battlefield, it’s only normal to want to reduce the risk of danger.

For example: Just like how it went with Sachs Hayern who was murdered by his contract Spirit – he’s probably a guy that threw away his pride and social status and wants to live a carefree life.

But.

There are existences in this world that would never accept such a common viewpoint.

“That village is no longer the Ifnatus I knew. It has lost its pride and I don’t want my village to fall to the dirt. That’s why I abandoned them. That’s all”

“…………so that’s how little it meant for you?”

Tooi said that.

As if he was grinding his teeth.

“To you, does Ifnatus……..your hometown, your training comrades, meant that little? Just because it changed a little, is it really something that can be thrown away that easily?”

The question that was squeezed out from the depths of his throat – was answered by Gilfrain with cold eyes as expected.

“It’s a completely different place since it changed. They say that no matter how degraded the treasure becomes, it is still treasure……..but that just means that it wasn’t treasure in the first place”

Throwing it away because it changed is love, he said.

After Gilfrain said that, Tooi had nothing to say anymore.

(……..Love huh)

For example; for a couple that’s formed with both feelings accepted and the boyfriend is seriously in love with the girl.

Because he is seriously in love with her, that he won’t hate her from something small like changing her hairstyle. Even if she changes her hobby, he would naturally not hate her. Even if she changes her make-up, even if she does a little plastic surgery, even if her voice changes from alcohol, even if her personality changed into a heavy drinker, even if her body changed from overeating, even she could not protect the promise they made before going out, even if she cheats on him ----

When the man accepts all of these changes of his girlfriend – can this man really be in love with his girlfriend?

There are things that cannot be forgiven because it’s love.

There is a line that must not be crossed.

Gilfrain could not forgive Ifnatus losing its pride and changing away.

Because he loved his hometown more than anyone else.

Rejecting change, to him, is prideful and love.

 

“----many such situations occurred but, conclusively Tooi Onii-chan managed to reconcile with Ryura Vega and reestablished their contact. At the end, they went to the Lectar Military that used Ryura Vega to ------“

That was the summary – not really but, Alua gave a detailed explanation of Tooi’s actions and thoughts after his 2nd summoning to another world.

It was towards Zesca Aldebaran who was in the room.

Right after the events before, Alua was brought over the Aldebaran Company by Jebeg.

But unlike the afternoon trip, she was in the last floor corner room instead of the reception room – basically, she was guided to the master’s private room.

The minimum amount of house tools and several weapons were placed inside the room. Zesca Aldebaran was alone in there. Jebeg immediately left the room and left Alua there alone with her.

She’s alone with the Deity of [Weapon Empress].

Having called out, Allua was trembling in fear from the overly unexpected events but, the words that came out from Zesca was at that moment,

“I want you to tell me about Tooi”

These were her words.

It’s a sincere request. A few hours ago, she rejected Tooi with an unapproachable att.i.tude and seemed like a different person.

Even though Alua held questions, she started talking about what she knew.

Zesca heard the story seriously and would sometime throw questions. When they were having this type of conversation, Alua’s nervousness gradually broke.

“----That fight can only be described as the best part! Even the elites of the Lectar’s military dropped to a mob of fools in front of him! That was definitely an army in one soldier! That was definitely a match of thousands! It was as if this was being described behind the man that was running in the battlefield like the gale. That, [Tooi Cross is here]! See that, you Lectar small fries! Over here, is Arludea Empire’s strongest Deity knight in history, the [Tyrant Slayer]!”

“……sorry. Can you calm down and cut down your personal opinions as much as possible?”

Alua immediately came to when she was retorted with a tired face.

Apparently, she relaxed her nervous state too much.

Her Tooi Cross Maniac blood boiled up.

After lowering her highly enthusiastic voice, she started talking the truth without adding exaggerations.

“----That is all. This is all I know”

“I see. Thank you. Sorry to make come all the way here for this”

Zesca politely thanked Alua after she finished her story. She gives off a different impression compared to the time when she kicked Tooi out when she was sitting on her chair arrogantly.

Since her th.o.r.n.y atmosphere was neutralized, Alua was able to talk naturally.

“Err…….Zesca-san. Why did you go through the effort to want to hear this to the point of calling me here? You could have just asked Tooi Onii-chan directly instead of me………..”

“Fuun…………I wanted to hear from the people of his surroundings instead of the actual person”

I see, Alua agreed.

“…..But, as expected, even Zesca-san is worried about Tooi Onii-chan too”

She said that with no particular reason but – Zesca’s face color changed from that sentence.

“Wha…..Do-don’t say something that stupid! Err, well……..it’s just out of curiosity! I am not worried at all! I am not worried what so ever! No matter what that guy does, it is not my problem!”

Zesca vigorously got off her chair and started saying that with her fists clenched. Seeing that panicked state, Alua…….got somewhat a clue why.

(Ah……. I see. This is that. That……….)

If Alua is a resident of modern j.a.pan, that special 4 katakana word will be able to express Zesca who got worked up trying to make an excuse. [2E 1]

(She say it’s not her problem and is not interested but, she’s actually…………worried about Tooi Onii-chan huh)

The reason why she went through all that trouble to call Alua, might be because that she wants to hear this from someone else other than the actual person – maybe, in reality, it might have been really awkward to meet up with Tooi again after how she kicked up out once before.

Just like how Tooi is curious about Zesca, she’s also curious about Tooi too.

Her arrogant and blunt att.i.tude, is simply a way to hide her shyness, and might be the result of unable to become honest.

When she starts thinking about that, the Deity in front of her who she thought was really really scary, suddenly looked really cute to her.

(Ah, I see)

Maybe she had leisure in her heart, Alua remembered the words she heard from Tooi.

The personality of the Deity of [Weapon Empress] and the way to handle her which she heard from the former master-----

“You know, Zesca………….might look really stubborn and hard to please by first glance but, her real self is unexpectedly simple and is really predictable. If Alua-chan meets Zesca, just try praising the weapons she made”

“But well………….this place is filled with amazing weapons. I can know all of it are 1st cla.s.s goods with one glance”

While looking around the room, Alua praised the weapons decorated on the wall. It might be just flattering but, those were her pure impressions.

“The sword hanging over there……how should I put this, there is a different aura to it. It’s as if there’s a soul residing in the sword itself”

“You can tell!?”

“Hii”

When she somewhat focused her praise onto the great sword which was the one closest and stands out the most, Zesca’s eye color changed and she shouted in joy.

“Fuufuufuu. So true, so true. This sword is especially my favorite even within the weapons I recently made. Look, take a look. This beautiful blade……that smooth bend line……….that detailed ornaments. Don’t you think it came out wonderfully? Look look, you can take a closer look you know? You can touch it for a while if you want?”

“…………..”

So obvious.

While being pushed by the great sword which was taken from the wall, Alua could only feel dumbfounded at Zesca who suddenly started to boast joyfully about her work.

(Sh-she really loves weapons and hold pride in her weapons……)

Once she reached this far on praising her own wares, she took a full lap and felt comfortable.

Maybe she’s the type that can’t stop after talking once, Zesca started taking more weapons from the wall one after another and would go “This is good”, “This one was a tiring one”, like a child trying to boast to the parent, she continued talking about her weapon creations.

There was no chance to interrupt the talkative Zesca so Alua kept quiet and continued listening.

(Err………..what did Tooi Onii-chan say next?)

While giving moderate indications of agreement, she started recalling back Tooi’s words inside her head again.

“Zesca’s speech patterns and att.i.tude is manly and she is braver than most men…….but, she has a cute side to her. For example-----“

“B-beautiful”

Alua slide those words in as if to weave through the long boasting.

“HaaHaaHaa. Am I right, am I right. I was especially fixed on this spear’s ornaments after all. I was quite troubled about the color of this decoration cloth---“

“No, not that”

Alua said.

“I am referring to Zesca-san”

“………Heh?”

“Your hair is so silky, and you look good in that armor……….also, I felt that the way you do your best talking about weapons looked really cute”

This was what Tooi told her.

That’s referring to Zesca’s appearance and personality, basically, to praise her.

It’s not like Alua was flattering her, she honestly only wanted to praise Zesca’s appearance and actions which she felt like praising but, as a result-----

“~~!?”

Boom.

Zesca’s face turned red like a volcano erupting. She desperately tried to cover her face with both her arms which were covered with armguards.

“Stupid wha-what are you….!? Stu-Stupid, idiot! You are an idiot!”

“……………….”

How cute!

Apparently, she’s bad with handling praises on her appearance. Alua’s mouth naturally relaxed when she saw her getting obviously embarra.s.sed.

“……..What, what so funny?”

Uuu, Alua quickly get rid of her smile when she saw Zesca glare at her with a groan.

“N-no, it’s not like it’s funny, it’s just that, Zesca-san is completely different from what I thought so I was a little relieved something like that……….when we came here in the afternoon, how should I say this, your overwhelming presence and hostility was terrifying……”

“Fuun. I did that because Tooi was here. There’s no way I can live my life if I keep on bracing myself like that every time”

“………..Because Tooi Onii-chan was here huh”

Alua held her words for a while before making her mind to,

“Zesca-san. What part of Tooi-chan can you not forgive?”

She asked.

“………you didn’t hear from Tooi?”

“Nothing……..he only said that it was a difference of opinion”

“Fuun. Difference of opinion huh……I see, it’s exactly that. 10 years ago – my thoughts fundamentally clashed with his. He did not want to become the master I wished for. I just can’t forgive him for that”

Zesca put back the weapons she took to its original place and sat on her chair in her room. She then folded her legs and looked over to the empty s.p.a.ce as if to look back into the past.

“You know that I trained him right?”

“Yes. He told me that Zesca-san was the one that thought him how to fight. Also that, both of you often train in the Shrine of [Time & s.p.a.ce]”

“That’s right. I slammed everything into his head. This isn’t boasting but………. within the [Nebulosa], i am probably the one that spent the most time with him”

Zesca smiled.

The smile was gentle but it looked somewhat lonely.

“Until I met him, I have never thought of teaching martial arts to humans. That’s because I thought there aren’t anyone good enough. Even when he asked me to do it, at first I planned to teach him only the basics and end it there”

But, Zesca said this.

“Tooi – exceeded my expectations”

“………………..”

“He had talent but, more importantly, his tenacity was amazing. He absorbed everything I thought him and even mastered a technique that I thought was impossible to learn by observing my movements and studying it. Parallel to grasping the [Deus Alma], he continued studying my martial arts and as a result establishing his own style”

“H-he was that amazing huh, Tooi Onii-chan”

“Genius………might be an easy word to settle it but, it can’t be stopped there. Just like what I said just now, the most amazing part about him is his – tenacity. He genuinely and greedily wanted to become stronger”

Tooi’s endless tenacity. Alua knows the foundation of that.

In order to see off his own grandmother.

In order to repay back his only family.

For that – he desperately became stronger without being picky about methods.

“Honestly speaking……..by the time I made a contract with Tooi, he was already a Deity with several contracts with other Deities. Rather than expecting his individual strength, I was looking forward for the strength of the other Deities with him. But –my thoughts changed when I kept looking at Tooi. The way how he wanted to become stronger, and kept getting stronger; I honestly respected him as a warrior……….i felt pride that he was worthy of being my master. But even all that…….!”

There was violent anger in her voice. Zesca clenched her fist but, she soon relaxed and let a sigh before letting out her words again.

“……….around the time he managed to make a contract with the last member of the [Nebulosa] – Mephiros Betelgaus, and the [Nebulosa] was completed……..Tooi’s strength, to put it bluntly was G.o.d-like. Everyone was convinced that he exceeded the [Demon King] Hadar which was said to be the disaster that would destroy the world”

Tooi Cross commanded all of the [Nebulosa].

That was when he was called the legendary Deity knight, the [Tyrant Slater] and in other words, it was his prime.

He probably had unimaginable power.

“…..I was shocked. I felt fear in the depths of my heart and at the same time, felt joy. Do you know why?”

“Eh? Th-that’s………..isn’t it because Tooi Onii-chan became crazy strong………..”

“No”

Zesca said that plainly and continued.

As if she recalled back the moment, her voice was slightly trembling.

“That’s because I found out that even though he turned tremendously strong – Tooi’s strength was still developing”

Alua could not properly swallow the meaning of those words.

Still developing?

With 12 Deities under his command, and his condition which possessed the power to defeat the [Demon King] which was the cause of evil that brought chaos to the continent – was still developing?

“Gathering 12 Deities was just stimulation to Tooi – in other words, signs of his awakening. I knew this instinctively [This man can still become stronger]. I found out his caliber and trembled in joy. If it’s this man, he can become infinitely strong. He can reach the height which I could not reach alone. I was convinced with that”

But even so, Zesca continued.

“I could not hide my excitement, and in response to when I said [Let’s get stronger together] happily…………Tooi, said these words in a calm att.i.tude”

---No, it’s enough.

---I am strong enough.

---Once I become strong enough to beat the [Demon King], there is no need to become stronger.

 

“……..I honestly doubted my ears. I could believe his words. [I don’t need to be any stronger than this] – that sentence was very hard for me to accept and I did not want to think that this was the sentence from a man that I serve”

The corner of Zesca’s mouth made a smile of self-scorn.

“But, just like his words, we did not go training at all ever since then. He commanded all his contract Deities and infiltrated the Demon king castle…….what happens afterword, I don’t need to say right?”

After that – it spread out throughout the world as a legend.

He defeated Hadar and revoked all his contract with the [Nebulosa].

“I was betrayed…….i thought that. I understood that It was a one-sided expectation but, I still could not forgive him nonetheless. Even though he possesses such talent and possibilities, he did not possess the pride and honor of a warrior; and I felt disappointed at him for that……….”

Zesca said it with an angry – rather, in a disappointed voice.

Alua remembered the training from a few weeks ago.

The memories of Tooi Cross’s extremely biased strength---

(……..Tooi Onii-chan was satisfied as long as he could defeat the [Demon King])

Because it was a method to go back to his own world.

Because, that was the only way to repay his only family.

For his grandmother who was close to death, he had to go back as soon as possible so, he had no leisure to pick his methods at all.

That’s why he did not pick any method and – everything becomes the method.

Suppressing the Demon King, the [Nebulosa] – and, even to become strong too.

Due to that.

Even if it’s a little, if Tooi manages to gain a power that can over take the [Demon King] then, it might be in a sense inevitable for him to give up getting stronger.

But that action, touched Zesca’s wrath.

“Bu-but, just wait a second there. Zesca-san. isn’t it weird?”

Alua asked a question.

“How did you know that Tooi Onii-chan exceeded the [Demon King]? You had that convinced tone but, we won’t know that unless he tried fighting-----“

“I know. Because Minami said it”

Zesca easily said that.

“Mina-mi…”

“Alua. Do you know why there are 12 in the [Nebulosa]?”

“Eh?”

“Do you know why Tooi gathered 12 Deities?”

“………….”

Alua could not answer the unexpected question.

She has not tried thinking about it but – now that she thought about it, it’s certainly a mystery.

Why is there 12 in the [Nebulosa].

“The answer is simple – It’s because Minami foresaw that”

“……….Minami”

The Deity of [All-knowing] – Minami Acrux.

The 7th [Nebulosa] that controls the future and wisdom.

“Minami suddenly appeared at Tooi, who has made contracts with 6 Deities, me included and said these words. [You need to make a contract with 12 Deities to defeat Hadar]”

“………..And, Tooi Onii-chan believed that?”

“Tooi wasn’t the only one. All of us believed her. No – believed, might be the wrong word to put it. I should put it as, obeyed, since it’s a stated fact”

“Fact?”

“Minami’s [Eyes] can see everything in this world whether it’s in the past, present or future. Her prophecies are absolute and she always says nothing but absolute prophecies. Her appearing and saying that prophecy – means that it will definitely be true”

As if it’s normal, as if it’s natural, Zesca talked about Minami Acrux’s absolute nature. She just practically is saying that the hit rate is always 100 percent.

Alua also knows about her foretelling ability from books but – She did not think that it would go as far as to [Absolute].

Even the same kin, a Deity would believe in [Absolute] and would not doubt it------

“You understand now right, Alua”

Zesca said.

“To him, [Strength] is just something to defeat Hadar. Tooi fundamentally lacks the pride of a warrior to want to become stronger and stay strong. I just can’t help to clash with that way of thinking”

 

Part 2

After returning to the inn from the entertainment street, Tooi did not head back to the room and headed straight to the shop owner to borrow the communicator at the back of the reception desk.

“-----I see. So you met Gilfrain huh”

Laila’s voice was plain as expected.

“Apparently, the reason why he came to the city was unrelated to the rebellion and was simply just a coincidence. He kind of reached this city when he was moving north because it was getting hot recently”

“Sounds like Gilfrain”

“Tentatively, I thought of reporting this but, was it bad that I let him go? Does he have a wanted poster?”

“Prize money exists but, I don’t mind if you ignore it. I don’t think you can catch him at your current state”

“True………..i think Gilf has been fighting somewhere the whole time. I knew it from his body and presence. He has grown so much that he could not even be compared to his 12 year old self that I knew. In response – I left the battlefield for 1 whole year”

“In the first place, if he cause some sort of trouble then It would be a problem if you can’t fight even if you can’t win”

“I wonder about that. He went off before I could ask those types of question. From the conversation with my [War comrade] who I had a after 10 years reunion with, apparently, the situation of his picked up girls were more important”

“Hoou. That brat became an adult huh”

“He got so handsome that it p.i.s.ses me off”

“I see, I guess I have to take a look at least once”

That was a superficial empty conversation.

After ending an empty conversation through the communicator, Laila said this with a somewhat self-scorning tone,

“You……..won’t say anything huh”

She said that.

“I was the one who destroyed Ifnatus. But even so, you did not try to console me or try to verbally attack me”

“What, you want to me to console you? Or – you want me to blame you?”

“………………”

“I won’t say anything. Rather ---- it’s Laila that isn’t saying anything right?”

Tooi said.

“The reason why an internal conflict occurred in Ifnatus……is because of me right?”

Laila did not say anything.

He could only hear painful silence from the communicator.

“If I went back to my world – I, the person who was the most active in the Demon king battle abandoned all the reward and disappeared so, it became the trigger for the Internal conflict. Am I right?”

The Demon king battle – the grand war from 10 years ago dragged the whole Reneous continent into it.

The person that contributed the most in that war – was definitely Tooi.

It’s only natural that the hero who defeated the source of evil, the [Demon King] would receive a big reward compared to anyone else. Of course for status and money, it wouldn’t have been weird if he was given a whole city or land. Actually, Arludea Empire probably prepared that much for the person who contributed the most.

However, the important hero wasn’t present there.

Then – it’s a normal consequence that someone else would want the reward that was in a state of hanging.

“The hero saved the world free of charge…………that would be the coolest existence if it’s a fairytale but, it would only cause trouble if such a person exist in reality. The people would seem greedy for money if they ask for that legitimate reward and the big shots wouldn’t be able to maintain their honor since they could not offer the reward to the hero”

About Ifnatus’s request for additional reward.

Tooi can’t distinguish if that’s appropriate or not appropriate.

The only thing that’s certain is that, the internal conflict in Ifnatus wouldn’t have occurred if Tooi stayed in this world-----

“………….Tooi. The responsibility isn’t all on you. Before the Demon King battle, there was a conflict between the Empire and Ifnatus. Even if you stayed in this world, no-----“

“Thanks, Laila. But it’s okay”

“Tooi……..”

“I done it fully prepared for everything. No matter how much chaos I bring to this world, no matter how much evil I leave in this world, I still wanted to go back to my world. The only thing that I will never let happen is to let my grandmother die alone”

That’s why; he could perform the grand job – no, the reckless action of commanding over half of the 21 Deities of this world.

He even done that fully aware on how terrifying that is----

“I am prepared to be hated and resented through misunderstandings. If someone blames me then I plan to laugh it off with [No, it’s not my problem]. But………….no one would blame me for this. Whether it’s you or Alua-chan”

“…………”

“Laila. It’s just like what you said before”

Tooi said.

“We are accomplices. That’s why let’s live burdening our crimes we caused”

There was no reply. Only the soft sound of a sigh tickled his earlobe. Tooi knew that Laila was smiling over at the other side of the communicator from only her breathing.

 

After the call was over, Tooi returned to his room, noticed that Alua was not in before heading to the inn owner to ask for an explanation – it was at that timing that she came back.

“Alua-chan……are you okay?”

“Yes. I am okay. I only had a little chat”

When they got back to the room, Alua talked about the events in the mansion.

About the conversation she had with Zesca Aldebaran----

“Tooi Onii-chan. I think you should talk to Zesca-san one more time? If you explain the reason why Tooi Onii-chan fight, the reason why you had to go back to your world, I know Zesca-san would understand”

“……..I wonder”

Tooi spoke ambiguously to Alua’s earnest appeal.

“If I explain about my grandmother, I know that Zesca will understand. I know she’ll understand and say that it can’t be helped. But – that’s it”

“That’s it?”

“Only the misunderstanding will be cleared; our viewpoints towards [Strength] won’t change a bit”

[Strength] to the human called Tooi Cross, is nothing but a method.

He sought for [Strength] 1 year ago for his grandmother and is currently desiring [Strength] for the [Nebulosa].

Becoming stronger, he can’t find any value from it by itself.

But Zesca, is a weapons craftsman to the bone and is also a warrior at the same time.

To her, [Strength] by itself is something that deserves respect.

“No way………..”

Alua’s expression turned dark before she let out an anxious voice.

“Then, what should we do……..we are running out of time”

“Time? What do you mean by time?”

“Zesca-san told me this. The transaction with the Rebellion…….with the [Wings of crimson light] has been settled and has stocked up with large quant.i.ty of weapons”

“…………that woman, she told a military officer Alua-chan about these things huh”

Tooi felt tired in response to Zesca who seems to be clueless about professional ethics and customer privacy. Does she have any sense of awareness that her actions are picking a fight with the country’s military.

“It seems that she does not know where are the hideout and refuge of the [Wings of crimson light]. The distribution and negotiations are all done by Jebeg-san so Zesca-san that this was none of her business”

“Fuuun. Basically, the real master is him huh”

Zesca will only make weapons while Jebeg handles all the other everything else.

Apparently, Aldebaran Company was created with such a system.

For a normal master, this is an impossible organization system but, to Zesca who doesn’t care about money making or authority, this might be in a sense the best structure.

(Which means, there is a high possibility that the one selling weapons to the rebellion isn’t Zesca and is Jebeg instead……well, judging from Zesca’s personality, it wouldn’t be weird if she was selling to the rebellion anyway)

When he was in thought for a while, Alua [Err…] opened her mouth worriedly.

“Tooi Onii-chan……..as expected, you are going to make Zesca-san our allies?”

“Hmm? What do you mean by that?”

“I…….am a military officer of Arludea Empire. As an officer wearing this military uniform, I can’t ignore the rebellion and the Company selling weapons to the rebellion that is endangering the country”

But, Alua continued.

“Zesca said that continuing that company is her pride. [Power to the ones who desire it]. Under that motive, she would give weapons to anyone without discrimination. Even distributing weapons to the rebellion, she does not have anything bad in mind………..”

“She did say that”

“My impression changed quite a lot when I talked with Zesca-san just now. She’s more honest than what I expected, and is a very cute female. But, as a military officer I cannot agree with her actions. But………Tooi Onii-chan respect Zesca-san’s thoughts right?”

Alua’s voice was slightly trembling but, her eyes were not wavering and were staring straight at Tooi.

Who will he pick the citizens or the [Nebulosa]?

It’s as if those eyes directed at him were asking that.

Or maybe – it’s a simpler question.

Whose side will you pick, human or Deity ---

“I am Zesca’s ally”

Tooi said that.

He said that without any hesitation.

“Laila and Alua-chan might be thinking of crushing that company but, if it’s a company that Zesca wants to make then, I won’t want to crush it. I want to reestablish our contract but I will not hurt her in order for that”

“…………”

“Rather than the [Citizens] that I have not seen before, Zesca is more important for me”

“……….You’re, right”

Ala made a painful expression and looked down. Tooi *Pon* gently placed his hand on her head.

“Don’t be so disappointed, Alua-chan. I am planning to destroy that company now”

“E-ehhhh?”

Alua’s face sprung up.

“Wh-what do you mean? Y-you just said that you don’t want to crush it…….”

“If it’s a company she wants to make, was what I included”

After telling her that, Alua’s expression turned even more disordered.

“E-err……….Is Zesca-san being forced to do it by someone?”

“No, not like that. How should I say this”

While searching for the right words, Tooi said his thoughts.

“How should I say this……most of the [Nebulosa] are the pure types”

“Eh? Pu-pure?”

“Should I say pure and innocent or they love dreaming? Most of them don’t interact with humans after all so, they are kind of out of society. Ryura kind of feels that way right?”

“Y-yes……”

Alua nodded.

A month ago, Ryura Vega tried to protect Fior region to the point of confronting Tooi and the Empire but, the reason for it was so pure and romantic.

“Until Ryura met me, she has not made any contracts with any human. Of course, there’s no way she interact with humans too. And this goes for Zesca too. That’s why – Zesca probably knows nothing. Things like what she’s doing”

Tooi then continued mumbling something to himself.

“I have to tell her quick……no……..i might not make it now. It’s best if we rush now. I can’t allow that company to take advantage of Zesca anymore than this”

I have to hurry up and save her.

While those lines might sound like the lines of a hero of justice, who said it out of a sense of justice, those words were also smeared with the desire to monopolize and desire to protect like the words of an overprotective parent.