“…Mr. Hein. …Lastly, I want to see the outside.”
So the girl said.
At first, I couldn’t believe my ears.
According to my education, that was a line she would never say.
Yet, the girl was saying it.
Asking to be let out.
This meant there was a flaw in her education.
This “Rustiara” was not “perfect.”
I thought about the cause. As a knight of Fuziaze, I had instinctively tried to protect the country’s interests.
And the cause was immediately identified.
No, I probably knew it from the beginning.
In the end—the education filled with worry, fear, and suffering did not lead to “perfection.”
Originally, I was supposed to teach her history and religion in a balanced way. However, unconsciously, I had her read an excessive amount of adventure stories and think about freedom and liberation. Furthermore, I even searched for adventure stories with strong romantic elements that a girl her age might like, and presented them to her in an adapted form.
I was teaching her not only the single path towards the created “Rustiara” but also the detours as a “mere girl” who was there.
Unconsciously, I had given her choices.
I knew that would torment the girl—and I had, unconsciously, acted on the cowardly thought: “I wish she would refuse the ceremony of her own free will.”
Thus, the dice were cast, and the girl gained the right to fly out of the Cathedral’s cage.
Those in charge must have had immense confidence in the girl’s completion.
From the stage of template creation, layers upon layers of Mental Magic must have been layered on, and her blood ritual was also ripe for manipulation. I also know that Palinkron, who excelled at Mental Magic, regularly examined the girl.
By now, no matter what happened, I was convinced that “Rustiara” could not refuse the ceremony.
—With permission from above, the created “Rustiara” flew out of the cage.
I wanted the girl Rustiara to go out into the world as a mere girl. But reality does not work out so smoothly. The girl’s purpose for going out was “Adventure.” She only dreamed of an “Adventure” like those in hero tales.
In truth, I wanted her to do things that were simply girlish.
Ideally, I wanted her to admire mere girls.
However, the girl never stepped out of the mold of a hero or a saint.
Just when I was about to give up, thinking the girl was only “Rustiara.”
It was then that I met him—
“—You who are hiding there, come out.”
I met a black-haired boy with burns, looking as if he was about to die.
The boy replied.
“I am not a thief…”
The boy was hiding outside the “Seidō” of the labyrinth. I had spread wind magic, so I could sense his breath and find him.
He was a strangely weak boy.
I thought he was a robber, but judging by his appearance, that was unlikely.
I responded as usual and was about to leave the boy—
“—You seem interesting.”
The girl’s curious voice interrupted me.
Now that I think about it, that was the beginning.
The actors had assembled.
This was the first time the girl had shown such interest in a person of the opposite sex her own age.
Even the strongest Explorer, Glen Walker, was treated by the girl as an ordinary person.
Then, the girl cast all the magic she could on the boy.
She tried to leave as if nothing had happened.
However, I, who had been with her for a long time, could tell.
The girl couldn’t stop thinking about the boy.
—I thought I had a chance to do “the best I could.”
I rolled the dice again.
I cast the dice again, relying on others, a cowardly roll.
The night I rescued the boy in the labyrinth, I asked the girl in a room in the Cathedral.
“Young lady, you are interested in the boy from earlier, aren’t you?”
To that question, the girl’s eyes sparkled clearly.
The sparkle in her eyes, once pure, was turning into a mad glint. The reason was simple. Years of biased education had likely had a negative impact on the girl’s personality.
“Since it’s the end anyway, why don’t you go with that boy?”
And, if possible, I wanted the girl to find a path as a “mere girl.”
“But, Mr. Hein. For me—”
“That’s right… You fell in love with that boy. Let’s say that’s what happened.”
“H-huh? Love?”
“If so, it will be harder for the Revannism to object. It will also serve as an excuse for going out.”
“Uh, um… Indeed, there is such a tenet, but… Huh?”
“It will serve.”
Without waiting for the girl’s words, I piled on a multitude of nonsensical remarks.
This is a lie.
Those in charge would not approve of anything that would leave “Rustiara” with lingering affection. Therefore, I would not report that she was going out for the sake of love.
For the report to them, I would push through with something like: “‘Rustiara’ admired Saint Tiara’s ‘Adventure’ and wanted to explore the labyrinth one last time. This action is to get close to Saint Tiara, and more importantly, it is difficult to persuade her, so I wish to obtain permission for independent action.”
It will be difficult, but I will do my best and make sure it happens.
In any case, the goal is to have the girl and the boy together.
Even if it’s a pretense.
If we say she fell in love, something might be added to the girl’s heart.
“—In any case, that’s great! I want to ‘adventure’ like that Saint Tiara, too!”
After a persuasion full of lies, the girl replied, her eyes gleaming darkly.
Her answer made my face twitch.
As expected, the created “Rustiara” is interested in “Adventures” like a hero.
It’s a little frustrating that the report might not be a mistake.
—No, I will make it a mistake.
The girl ran out of the Cathedral because she fell in love with the boy.
I will make it so.
“Yes, try having an ‘Adventure’ with that boy. I’m sure it will be fun.”
“Heh, heh, heh, that’s good… I like that.”
After that, I ran around the Cathedral for several days, barely sleeping.
I obtained permission from various parties, fabricated the usefulness of the plan, and worked tirelessly. The fact that Palinkron somehow sensed it and cooperated with me was also a significant factor.
As a result of my efforts, I was able to deceive the higher-ups and obtain a few days of free time for the young lady.
It took several days, but it was undoubtedly worth the effort.
I excitedly went to report to the young lady who was confined in the cathedral.
“My lady, about what I mentioned before…”
“Before? Um, was that about the ‘Adventure’ with Kanami?”
“Yes. I managed to get it approved by the higher-ups without any issues. You’ll have a few days of free time.”
“W-What!? Yay! Amazing, really!?”
“My lady, your language is becoming a bit too informal.”
The young lady rejoiced.
It was a reaction fitting for her age.
However, the darkness in her eyes—the madness—did not disappear.
No, it can’t be helped.
It’s not my place to erase that. It’s that boy’s role.
“I’m sorry, Mr. Hein. Ah, but! But I thought I could only meet Kanami after I became a Saint…! I’m truly happy…!”
“That’s wonderful, my lady. However, this is a top-secret matter. Please be extremely careful.”
“I understand. So, what’s the excuse for going out?”
“As I said at first. It all begins with the young lady falling in love with the boy Kanami and wishing to be with him. In other words, love is the pretext. Naturally, since it’s the love of a Living God, there will be those who are dissatisfied and try to interfere. The strong knights of Fuziaze will attack, and the grasping hands of rigid, big-headed priests… However, the boy Kanami will repel all of it with his brilliant sword techniques. His appearance is like—”
“Uh, wait, hold on a second. Is such a grand scenario really necessary? It’s not like your taste for storytelling has gone wild, is it, Mr. Hein?”
“It is essential.”
Hearing the false pretext, the young lady seemed to think my creative inclinations were running wild. It seems my image has become skewed due to my frequent displays of my storytelling.
However, if it meant she thought that, then so be it. I continued my story.
“Mr. Hein. Couldn’t we just say I admire Saint Tiara and want to explore, or perhaps for physical training, or to deepen my understanding of the secular world? There are many other reasons…”
“Those will not suffice.”
“N-no. That’s definitely your… taste…”
“This also serves as a trial for the boy Kanami who will be involved.”
“A trial?”
“You must be thinking this, my lady? You want that boy to stay by your side, even after you become a Saint?”
This was my speculation.
However, it would be problematic if she didn’t think this.
“Y-yes… You understand me so well, Mr. Hein.”
Alright.
I clenched my fist inwardly.
“While it is grand as you say, it’s necessary if it’s a trial for him to become your knight. This provides an excuse to send knights for Kanami’s training and ordeal. Well, it also serves as a means of periodic surveillance.”
And so, as the young lady is protected by the boy, she will gradually develop a soft, sweet emotion for his retreating figure.
Indeed.
It’s a classic and righteous path.
After all, a story must be at least this grand.
Besides, for a dreamy young lady, this much stimulation probably isn’t enough. Over-the-top presentation is just about right.
“For starters, let’s send someone like Palinkron to gauge the boy’s abilities. After that, the young lady will make contact. Then, have the boy repel numerous knights. Of course, we’ll select knights that the boy can defeat.”
I finished my explanation, but the young lady still looked unconvinced.
Perhaps the presentation is still too excessive…?
“I suppose… But after we make contact, I’ll do things my way. I’m not confident in pretending to be in love, and I think it would be better if Kanami knew at least some of the story.”
The young lady reluctantly agreed.
Thanks to my efforts, the young lady probably doesn’t dislike this kind of heroic story.
However, I should tell the boy about the situation too…
Ideally, I wanted the boy to protect a beautiful girl who had fallen in love with him out of nowhere… Ah well. Let’s prioritize the smooth progression of events over the presentation.
There are stories where fabricated feelings turn into genuine ones as people play them out.
“Very well. That sounds like a reasonable compromise. Then, we shall dispatch Palinkron today. He’s got nothing but time on his hands, and he’s sharp-eyed.”
“Understood.”
I chuckled inwardly as my plan seemed to be working, and explained it to my collaborator, Palinkron.
Palinkron agreed without hesitation and began tracking the boy that very night.
—And then, the next morning.
I was astonished by Palinkron’s report the following day.
“—W-what? Boy Kanami is comparable to the ‘Seven Knights of Heaven’?”
“Yeah, from what I saw, there’s no mistake. Man, he was an interesting guy personally too.”
“W-wait a minute. He was just a boy who almost died on the first floor of the Labyrinth a few days ago, wasn’t he? And now, in just a few days, he’s on the level of the ‘Seven Knights of Heaven’?”
“According to my intel, that’s also confirmed. That older brother of his definitely escaped with severe burns from the first floor a few days ago. But in just these few days, he’s conquered the tenth floor of the Labyrinth. It’s only a matter of time before he conquers the twentieth floor. That brother of his is just too abnormal.”
“Too abnormal? What do you mean by that?”
“That’s my fun from here on out, so I don’t want to say. I myself am thinking up something fun for that brother of his… Well, if I tell you just a little, there’s even suspicion that Christ Eurasia defeated Teeda, the guardian of that twentieth floor. Ah, Christ is an alias for Kanami’s older brother.”
I was speechless.
Teeda, you know, was a monster that even the strongest Explorer, Glen Walker’s party, couldn’t defeat. If he defeated such a being, he’s at the level of a national hero.
“The guardian of the Labyrinth…?”
“Yeah, it’s information from the guys at Valt’s Guild. And, without permission, I investigated the ‘Magic Stone Line’ and confirmed it. I think there’s no mistake.”
“You’ve done it again, making unauthorized use of the ‘Magic Stone Line’… Your skills should really be prohibited magic by now…”
“I was just covering my tracks. The main play is through Valt’s connections.”
“Very well… Regardless, the plan needs to change…”
“Oh? After hearing all this, you still insist on that boy?”
“Hearing it only solidified my resolve.”
I didn’t bother to hide my convenience and conveyed it to Palinkron. Upon hearing me, he whistled and agreed to cooperate with the plan’s revision.
Perhaps Palinkron hadn’t disclosed all the information about the boy.
However, that was fine. No matter what hidden agenda there was, if the boy was a hero, I would simply elevate the plan to its utmost potential.
—I changed the plan overnight and set out to inform the girl.
I found the lady teasing Sera Radiant of the ‘Seven Knights of Heaven’ and began explaining the plan. By the way, I had Sera step away. Her preferences are quite peculiar, so I hesitated to include her in the plan. Also, simply put, she dislikes me.
I explained the revised scenario to the girl—gradually, her face lit up, and she nodded.
“As expected…! You’re truly impressive, Kanami…!”
The girl seemed to have anticipated the boy’s rapid growth. It was likely her ‘God-Imbued Eyes’ that allowed her to foresee it.
“Therefore, the knights who will attack will be the ‘Seven Knights of Heaven.’ Since we’re short on numbers, I’ll have to participate as well.”
“Yes. Though, I’m not sure if even the ‘Seven Knights of Heaven’ will be a match for them.”
“Well, it’s just for show. The important thing is that it’s a worthy contest.”
“Heh heh. I’m looking forward to it.”
Alright, the talks are settled. It’s going to be a complete farce, but I have no choice but to see it through.
“By the way, what you and I are doing is part of the lady’s romance, and only Palinkron and I, along with those at the top, know this. The other knights are unaware.”
“Is that all? So, almost no one will know?”
“The fewer people who know the truth, the better.”
The rest is to work on preventing talk of this romantic commotion from reaching the higher-ups. This itself shouldn’t be much of a problem. There are few people from the higher-ups who have come to the Allied Nations, and most of them are not interested in the field. They are all people who advance things on paper.
In fact, even if they knew what I was doing, they might just scoff at it. That’s how much of a farce my actions are.
“Well then, Mr. Hein. I’ll be going.”
“Ah, if I appear, please play along. I will also act as if young Kanami is the lady’s beloved.”
“…Mr. Hein. You really do love this kind of thing, don’t you? You’re not just one of the ‘Seven Knights of Heaven,’ you’re fully intending to come, aren’t you? Your theatrical addiction is quite a handful.”
“Yes, of course, I will go. I’m also curious about him.”
The girl, looking exasperated, left the cathedral and headed for the boy.
—The plan begins.
The revised plan is simple. I want young Kanami to stir the emotions of the girl—an ordinary girl—and have them nurture happiness not for a fleeting moment, but until death do them part.
To our superiors, I’ll report something like, “She ran off with a man she met during an adventure.” If she’s with a hero like him, she should be able to live happily, even if Fuziaze’s assassins come. I hope they can spend their leisure time in satisfaction, like the epilogue of a love story. That is what I can do “kindly” now, “as much as possible.”
—And so, with anticipation in my heart, I wait for time to pass.
First, as planned, Sera went berserk. However, the timing was a little faster than expected, which flustered me. Her loyalty—no, her ulterior motives—always surprise me. Nevertheless, it seemed like it would generally settle down according to the scenario.
After repelling Sera, the girl contacted the boy. After confirming that the two had become companions, it was my turn. I brought Mr. Hopes along to observe. I thought Mr. Hopes, who isn’t suited for one-on-one duels, wouldn’t win. Then, I, pretending to be a ‘Seven Knight of Heaven’ who knew nothing, performed the play with the girl. As expected, she’s my best disciple. She fully understands how to tell a story. We conversed and played, uttering grand and profound words. My only regret was that some of the dialogue was a bit too expository. I’ll fix that for the next play.
It was memorable that, while the girl and I were playing, the boy uttered an unexpected line.
“—Let me say this first. For me, Radiant’s beloved has nothing to do with it. But Radiant is my companion, so I want to help her achieve her dream. —That’s all.”
So he said. Without any prior arrangement, he calmly uttered the words that were most fitting for me. I stared at him, dumbfounded. Mr. Hopes chuckled, downplaying the words. Ah, Mr. Hopes doesn’t understand… He doesn’t understand anything. That’s what’s good. Someone who harbors that much passion is truly suited to be the lead in a story.
—As expected, it has to be him.
I feel like my reliance on others has reached its peak. But, since it has to be him, there’s nothing I can do. It’s no exaggeration to say that I was held back by fate until today to finally meet the fitting him—I was so taken with young Christ. With that boy, she can be protected for the rest of her life. It’s not a matter of strength, but of humanity walking through a story. The boy can do what I cannot. It was the moment I became convinced of this.
I left the labyrinth with a parting remark, and recounted it to Palinkron with joy.
“—Hahaha! You’re that involved, huh! If you’re happy, I’m happy too.”
“I never thought I’d engage in malicious schemes, but it seems I have more talent than I thought. I now understand why the villains in stories plot their evil deeds with such apparent enjoyment.”
“Now then, we still need to advance the relationship between the two of them…”
“Hmm, didn’t young Christ make such a passionate confession? Do we really need further intervention?”
“No, you might be relieved because you’re an opportunist who loves the theatrical, but I can’t be. I understand Christ’s Older Brother better than you. He’s the most spineless person ever, isn’t he? Reality is harsher than any play.”
I thought that in a little while, they would realize how important they were to each other and their story would progress like a romance. However, Palinkron seemed to disagree with me.
“You say things that make me uneasy.”
“Let’s confirm. I’m going to take over the Magic Stone Line now, so wait for me.”
Palinkron used the Cathedral’s Magic Stone Line to intercept and gather visual information of the girl and boy.
It seems they are currently participating in the festival with the slave.
The girl is running around excitedly, experiencing her first festival in life. And the boy, unaccustomed to festivals, is playing around the same way.
“Young lady…”
It might be the first time I’ve seen the girl look so happy.
However, their interactions are more like compatible friends of the same sex than a boy and a girl.
The boy doesn’t seem to see the girl as a potential romantic partner. I’m starting to understand what Palinkron meant.
“Gah…! You’re right, they look more like siblings than a boy and girl…”
“See? I don’t think Christ’s Older Brother has any intention of falling in love with her. Well, the Master is probably holding back for various reasons.”
“But! Even if it’s no exaggeration to say she’s the most beautiful girl in this world, how can a boy not feel anything for her as a person of the opposite sex…!!”
“…Sigh. You’re pretty much like Sera, in the end.”
“Wh-what, don’t lump me in with Sera!!”
I was indignant at such an unfair assessment.
And as I was talking with Palinkron, a new person joined them.
“Wh-what…!? That’s Arti, the Guardian cooperating with the Allied Nations…!?”
“Oh. You know her well. Not many people do… That’s indeed Sister Arti from Valt.”
“Palinkron, if you know someone from Valt, please separate them immediately.”
“No, no, it’s just a coincidence. Let it go. She won’t interfere anyway. In fact, if there’s love, she’s the type to fan the flames, you know? Sister Arti.”
Arti, an executive from Valt, appearing was unexpected, but indeed, the Guardian didn’t do anything unnecessary. Moreover, she talked a lot with the slave, the third person, and didn’t try to interfere with the boy and girl.
Arti soon left with the slave, leaving the boy and girl alone.
With such a perfect maneuver, I had no complaints.
“We did it…! Thanks to the Guardian, they’re alone…!!”
Conveniently, the two of them began to deepen their conversation about the Christmas festival. If this continues, the girl’s secret will be revealed, and the boy will be unable to contain himself.
–However.
The girl never fully spoke about herself until the end.
She only explained within the scope of not worrying the boy.
Even with only a few days left, she wouldn’t reveal her death deadline.
“Why…!?”
With this, the boy will miss it all and the Christmas festival will pass without him knowing anything.
In the end, the girl started asking about the boy instead of herself.
Her face lit up as she begged the boy to tell her his story.
“–Huh? Is there no magic at all in Christ’s country?”
“Yeah, no magic or monsters.”
“Amazing! I’d rather hear about that!”
“Huh? I wanted you to teach me about magic–”
“That sounds more interesting!”
She remained silent about herself and continued to listen only to the boy’s story.
I couldn’t understand the girl’s leisurely pace.
“Young lady, what on earth…?”
“Haha, don’t ask me. Hmm, maybe she’ll tell him the day before?”
“R-right. The day before… It’s only dramatic if she tells him the day before. She’s aiming for a dramatic reveal, isn’t she? Damn, my education is backfiring.”
“Yeah, let’s wait patiently.”
However, my hopes were soon dashed.
When we discovered they were acting within the range of the Seidō’s Magic Stone Line and gathering information, the Guardian said something outrageous.
— “Why? Because Maria has fallen in love with you.”
Hearing this, I cursed and raged.
“W-wait…! What are you saying! Ah, what have you done, Guardian!!”
“Oh…”
“Palinkron, don’t just watch, do something with the Magic Stone Line–”
“That’s difficult. It’s true I know Sister Arti, but I can’t interfere with this. Sister Arti has a contract with Valt regarding this.”
Palinkron didn’t move, concerned about international issues.
However, if this continues, the boy will start worrying about the slave.
If that happens, the relationship the boy and girl have built so far will be…
“–Hmm hmm. So, in the end, what does Christ think of Maria?”
The girl piggybacked on Arti’s remark.
Without interrupting, without surprise — as if enjoying it, as if it were her role — she spun her words.
I was dumbfounded.
“Ah… ah…”
While stunned, the fact I didn’t want to admit came to mind.
That is to say—
The girl is trying to bring the boy and the slave together—
That’s why she didn’t say anything about her own circumstances. She must believe that she, who is about to undergo that ceremony, is not worthy of being with the boy.
I could hear the sound of my entire plan falling apart.
And the reality of the ceremony, which I had been avoiding, crashed down upon me.
“Ahhh…, hah, hah…!”
A dark, wicked intent pressed down on my back, and my breathing grew shallow.
The plan has failed.
I can understand it no matter what.
The girl herself is stating it.
Ultimately, this farce was all for naught.
“Haaaa. Ha, haha, hahaha…”
I suppress my reeling head with one hand, laughing at myself.
Everything is a play orchestrated by those above me.
The girl has been manipulated to undergo the ceremony no matter what… that’s precisely why they’re letting me act without any concern.
They’ve grasped the possible moves of the piece called Helvishein, and the piece named Rustiara is placed in a position that can never be captured.
Since her birth, the piece known as the girl has always been…
Placed where my eyes can see, but my hands cannot reach…
With a dry laugh, I feel as if the world before my eyes is darkening.
As I’m crushed by the realization that there was never any hope from the start, Palinkron expresses his regret.
“Unfortunately, Hein. It seems the plan isn’t going as intended. It appears the Master herself has no intention.”
Unreachable.
Unreachable.
Unreachable.
Always out of reach.
It’s unbearable to be so frustrated.
By my enemies. By the situation. And most of all, by my foolish self. Anger surges within me.
To have come this far and still be so reliant on others—I can’t bear the shame of my own cowardice. I’m pathetic for being unable to break free from any constraints.
That’s precisely why this arrangement.
This is likely why I was chosen as her tutor.
They’ve set up a situation that feels like a mockery.
Damn it…
You damned bastard…
“Haa, I suppose this is as far as we can go… Perhaps it was too ambitious to make the Master fall in love in the first place. If we had tried a different approach to make her refuse the ceremony…”
As Palinkron says, was my sweet plan, relying on self-serving opportunism, the problem?
If I had devised a more meticulous plan, would the outcome have been different?
I thought I had created a plan that cleverly utilized the girl’s interest, but was that a complete misunderstanding?
Is it my fault…?
Because of me, the girl will again…!?
“—Ah. However, it is a little sad to think I won’t be able to see that smile of the Master’s anymore. Is it the affection I’ve nurtured since her birth until today?”
That’s right.
If things continue like this, the girl will never smile again.
No, it’s far more than that.
She’ll disappear—die! She’ll die!!
“To be deceived her entire life, forced to disappear without even grasping a moment of happiness… It pains me, even if it’s for the sake of the country. Don’t you agree, Hein.”
For the country?
For the country, the girl will die…?
For something like that!?
That! That! That’s not—!!
“—I will not allow that.”
The words spilled out naturally.
A phrase I swore I wouldn’t utter until my death, finally escaped my lips.
At that moment, the restraints I could never break off felt as if they had come loose with a satisfying click. It felt like a clamp that had tightened for so long, finally snapping open.
“Oh? You won’t allow it? And what will you do if you don’t allow it?”
Palinkron asks me, his voice echoing in the room.
Seeing the expression on his face as he posed the question, I finally notice something amiss.
My innate talent for combat made me realize it.
The subtle dissonance of the magic power lingering within my body.
“…Palinkron. Did you cast magic on me?”
“Ah, I did.”
Palinkron replies without a hint of remorse.
Staring straight at me, within sword’s reach, he confesses to betraying my trust by facing me so defenselessly.
Palinkron knows I won’t be angry about it anymore.
I take a breath and reply,
“…Thank you. Thanks to your magic, I can finally put it into words.”
“No, it’s fine. It’s all for my own purpose.”
Palinkron states his self-serving nature without hesitation.
“Since when?”
“Quite a while ago. It’s a 『Curse』 that takes time and is inefficient. But, it’s not bad magic, even if it is a 『Curse』. It increases Hein’s power and helps you break past your hesitations. You’ll need it for the battles ahead, won’t you?”
“Yes, that’s true… Then… is this goodbye…?”
I knew this secret meeting was nearing its end.
Not only had the secretive Palinkron used magic he had kept hidden, but more importantly, I could hear the sound of gears turning. I could hear the sound of wheels that would no longer stop.
—From now on, Hein Helvishein will tumble down like a wheel.
I foresaw that fate, and simultaneously understood that it was Palinkron’s objective all along.
Frankly, why didn’t I question why Palinkron was naturally assumed to be my collaborator? I can only assume I was under the influence of some kind of magic, a 『Curse』.
Palinkron must have truly intended for this to happen from “quite a while ago.”
“No, whether this is the end or not, I can’t say yet. I’ve sown many seeds, but I can’t predict which will grow. There’s a high probability we’ll meet again. It would be interesting if things got more complicated…”
“I see. …But, whatever it may be, I will act for the Mistress’s sake.”
“Ah, of course.”
“…Well then, I’m going.”
“Go on. Do it without regrets. That’s all I pray for.”
Palinkron doesn’t pray for my safety or success.
He only prayed that I wouldn’t have regrets.
I offer a wry smile at his unchanging personality.
I say one word, “Goodbye,” and leave the Cathedral alone.
My steps feel light.
Not just my feet. My heart and body are light.
Thanks to the shackles being broken by that 『Curse』, I feel an unprecedented sense of exhilaration.
Fuziaze.
Helvishein.
『The Seven Knights of Heaven』.
Father, mother, siblings, friends.
Freed from all entanglements—a true freedom I’ve never known fills my entire being.
“Fufu—”
Finally, I can act for the girl’s happiness, as myself.
I’m so happy about that.
—Finally, I have moved the piece that is myself forward.
Just one step forward.
Even knowing that if I place the piece there, it will surely fall.
Finally, I have advanced one step forward—
