Leaving Kelvum in Adams’s care, I head for the nearest restroom, exiting my current location. Gordiana said she’d handle those two, and with the medicine I gave them, we should be fine for now. …Though, I do wonder if leaving a drunken Angel to a Fallen God was a good idea. Well, I won’t dwell on the minor details. Apparently, Kelvum got completely drunk after Adams gave him alcohol, so Adams will have to take responsibility.
Trying to convince myself, I rush towards Sera and Gerard. The Dragon King’s group led by Dahak, along with Shutra, Victor, and Serge, had already escaped White Wing Land ahead of us. At that time, Serge captured, no, clung to her opponent, Rem, one of the Ten Authorities, as she escaped. Apparently, she’s safe too. In a way, she might not be safe, but I’ll consider it a necessary expense for Serge’s cooperation this time. Namu namu.
However, some individuals, unlike the others, were unable to escape on their own. Yes, the Sera and Gerard team, whom I am currently rushing to find. I told Kelvum it was for a swim or diving, but in reality, they are in a situation where they cannot move, along with the enemy’s Ten Authorities. They were floating on the sea surface, just drifting with the waves—in short, they sent out an SOS and were waiting for rescue. Gerard, even worse, was apparently sinking to the bottom of the sea. Though, with full armor, movement would be impossible…
“Ah, Kelvin! Over here, over here, this way!”
I find Sera floating in the sea. Near her, also floating, is possibly a Ten Authority named Isabel. …Is her gaze darting around strangely? No, I’m not just saying that because we’re in the sea; her gaze is genuinely suspicious. Her expression is also quite troubled.
“Sorry I’m late; I’ve been swamped with things on my end.”
“Hmm? So you prioritized fighting over rescuing me?”
“Ugh… N-no, no, that battle was absolutely essential, and I wasn’t neglecting you, Sera. Rather, it was a judgment based on my trust in you, and, well… I’m sorry!”
I perform a full prostration on the sea surface with all my might.
“…*chuckle*! Kelvin, you look so genuinely sorry, it’s funny! My apologies as well, I was just teasing. You don’t need to apologize, I understand. Hmph!”
“Sera, please stop playing pranks at a time like this. My glass heart will shatter.”
With a sigh of relief, I heal Sera. It’s only first aid, but she should be able to evacuate now.
“Thanks, Kelvin! This way, I think I can swim back to the continent!”
“No, I’d prefer if you didn’t overexert yourself and just flew back.”
“Waaah…! A sudden romance has begun, it’s started… Wait, wait, what do I do? I look like such a third wheel, but I can’t move and can’t get away—!”
As Kelvin and Sera converse as usual, Isabel, who had been acting suspiciously, begins to fluster even more. She might think she’s muttering only to herself, but her words reach my ears clearly. I think I said it earlier, but I have good hearing.
“Ah… You’re Isabel, right? Sorry to bother you while you’re confused, but do you understand the current situation?”
“Y-yes! I’m so sorry, I’m so sorry! I fully understand. I’m so sorry for being merely a third wheel and being here!”
“Okay, seriously, calm down?”
That’s not the kind of situation I meant. I meant the bigger picture, including Adams and their circumstances. Besides, what do you mean by romance?
“That’s how it is now, but it should be okay for now. While we were floating, I shared information transmitted through the subordinate network with her.”
“Oh… I see.”
I’d heard she had multiple personalities, but looking at her now, I could hardly believe she possessed enough power to be counted among the Three Authorities of Authority. People, no, Fallen Angels, aren’t always as they seem.
After that, I somehow managed to communicate with the confused Isabel and explained that I would send her to the same place as her younger sister, Gloria. Hearing Gloria’s name seemed to put her at ease somewhat. Her suspicious behavior decreased by one level, and she calmed down enough to respond to questions, albeit barely. Still, it was only by one level, so it was still a struggle.
“Ugh, I want to see Gloria soon…”
“I’m the one who wants to cry. I feel like I’ve had the most tiring day today…”
“Heh, you look exhausted.”
“Frankly, I’m incredibly tired… It’s not the current you, but the other personality that was the combat type, right? I might have been more at ease fighting that one.”
“Hmm, I think you would have had trouble with that one too? During the battle, she kept shouting ‘Wonderful, wonderful.'”
“What was that?”
According to Sera, she was a strange person who rejoiced in the enemy’s growth during battle. Ah, indeed, that’s strange. There are such people in the world. …Sera, what’s with that look? I just agreed with your opinion.
“Ah, but the types of barriers they specialize in are different between this Isabel and that Isabel. The current Isabel is good at defensive and sealing barriers, while the Isabel who fought me was good at offensive barriers.”
“Oh, so their specialties change depending on their personality? Interesting. No, but what do you mean by an offensive barrier?”
“Of course, it’s an offensive barrier! Although both Isabels can use all types of barriers, their performance varies considerably, perhaps due to personality differences. If she were your opponent, there might have been barriers you couldn’t break.”
Hmm, I see. Even if the other Isabel is skilled at offensive barriers, it doesn’t necessarily improve all aspects of combat. Abilities are there to be used. If she were to focus on rear support, the current her would be a more troublesome entity. I see, I see, the current her is also a strong enemy, no doubt about it. That’s good—
“My Lord! Are you unharmed!?”
—Wait? Where did that voice come from…? Is that Mel? Why is she here?
“Mel, didn’t you escape with Shutra and the others?”
“Even after escaping, you didn’t come, so I came to pick you up. As your primary wife!”
“Oh, uh, thanks…?”
I’m worried if it’s okay to leave Shutra with Serge, but Victor is there, so it should be fine… right?
“A love triangle!? Developing into a love octagon…!? N-no, it’s not that I’m interested…”
Perhaps Isabel’s inner thoughts are more concerning right now. Why is she looking at me so intently this time?
“White Wing Land will completely crash soon. Preparations to prevent the shock, tsunami, and other associated events have been completed. All that’s left is for us to evacuate from this place.”
“As expected of such capable individuals, your efficiency is remarkable. Understood, let’s hurry. Sera, use ‘Blood Dye’ on Isabel.”
“Leave it to me!”
“Could it be, not just a love triangle, but a quadrilateral, no, a pentagonal or higher relationship…!? In a way, can’t that be called tremendous ambition—*cough*”
After receiving Sera’s ‘Blood Dye’ to the head, Isabel lost consciousness. I have a feeling she was saying something untoward, but it’s probably best not to pry further. It will definitely lead to trouble.
“All preparations are complete. Shall we head back, to our home!”
“Yes, delicious food awaits us.”
“Wait, wait, we haven’t rescued Gerard yet.”
“…”Ah~”
“No, it’s not ‘ah~’… ”
With an anticlimactic flow, we move on to the final task, salvaging Gerard. And so, the battle in White Wing Land came to an end.
