It’s the third day since I came to visit Isis-san’s castle…… Time sure flies, as I’ll be already leaving in a few hours. I think the reason I feel sad about that is because I really enjoyed spending time with Isis-san. We read lots of books together and shared our thoughts. We went to the jewel mines together and acquired many jewels, including the one for Lilia-san. On the second day, Isis-san came over while I was bathing again…… in the end, we bathed together again, making my reasoning on the verge of collapsing once again.

Truly, in these two days…… I’m together with Isis-san the whole time. It’s not like I don’t like it though, and in fact, those times were really calming and filled me with happiness. Currently, Isis-san and I are standing side by side in the highest room of the castle, looking at the scenery, as if we’re making use of the time we have left together until Lillywood-san comes to pick me up. Without rejecting Isis-san, who’s holding my hand and gently leaning her body close to me, I gently squeeze her hand back.

[……Kaito.]

[I will come visit again. As often as I can……. This place has been remembered by my Teleportation Magic after all.]

[……Unnn.]

With Isis-san’s permission, I’ve memorized the entrance of the castle as a Teleportation point with my magic tool. From now on, I won’t need  to ask Lillywood-san to guide me, and I can just come and visit easily. Isis-san was really happy about that, repeatedly nodding with a cute smile on her face.

[……Will you read…… together with me…… again?]

[Of course.]

[……Will you eat…… together with me…… again?]

[Isn’t that obvious?]

[……Will you take a bath…… together with me…… again?]

[Uuuhhh….. O- Of course.]

Only at her final question, I couldn’t give an immediate answer. Well, I’m obviously still a healthy young man…… I would be rejoicing if a beautiful girl is taking a bath together with me but…… In Isis-san’s case though, she is truly pure and defenseless, and I can’t think of any wicked thoughts for her. That’s why I feel like my mind and reason is being slowly chipped off, making me feel burned out.

[…………………]

[…………………]

Even the silence that comes within our time is comfortable, while the warmth of Isis-san’s body gently soothes my heart. Even as I feel like passing through time like this forever, time still flows and the time for me to return is getting closer and closer. Right around that time, Isis-san and I sensed that Lillywood-san appeared at the entrance of the castle, and just as we started walking towards her filled with reluctance to part ways……. Isis-san pulled my hand.

[……Kaito.]

[Eh?]

[……Hnnn.]

[Wha!?]

Isis-san’s body gently stepped forward and immediately afterwards, a soft, slightly damp feeling touched my cheek. When I finally understood that it was Isis-san’s lips, I felt my face heating up that it almost felt like I’m boiling.

[……I’ve grown to love Kaito…… much…… much more than…… before Kaito came.]

[…….I…… sis–san.]

[……I’ll always…… be waiting…… Kaito…… I love you.]

Isis-san’s smile as she told me that was many times more beautiful than the fleeting snows falling around us, drawing my eyes away from other things. Meeting eyes with each other as Isis-san smiles, within the sweet and warm atmosphere…… A confused voice rang out.

“……Ummm…… Errr, should I come back later?”

[Uwaaahhh!? Li- Lillywood-san!?]

When I turned around, there was Lillywood-san who looked very awkward, and I hurriedly explained myself.

[Thank you for sending me off.]

“……No, I’m the one who should be thanking you. This is the first time I’ve seen Isis looking so happy. It’s all thanks to Kaito-san.”

While we bought some souvenirs and other items along the way, Lillywood-san dropped me off at the gate, and we exchanged our thanks. My first visit to the Demon Realm was full of surprises and happiness, but more importantly, I really enjoyed the time I spent with Isis-san and wanted  to come back to visit.

Smiling at Lillywood-san who repeatedly thanked me, I slowly approached the gate and returned to the Human Realm.

In an instant, the landscape around me changed…… but in that instant, I immediately noticed something out of place. There were supposed to be so many people here when I came here before, but now, there wasn’t a single person around the big gate. Not even seeing the person who guides others through the gate, this space was filled with silence, as if it had been cut off from the rest of the world.

This isn’t possible. This gate is located inside Symphonia’s royal capital, you know? And yet, even though it was past noon, there wasn’t a soul in sight, and not even the slightest noise can be heard……

As I braced myself before that uncanny scene, the sound of dry applause resounded.

[……How terrific. Miyama Kaito.]

[……Phantasmal King.]

With her high-pitched voice, the scene in front of me distorted, and the Phantasmal King appears, dressed in a robe riddled with chains.

[I never thought that Magnawell would like you so easily…… Good gracious, I can no longer find any more words to praise you.]

[………………….]

[Don’t stare at me that hard, you’re making my heart skip a beat.]

[……What do you really want……]

She’s still the same uncanny fellow as always, even knowing my encounter with Magnawell-san in the Demon Realm like it’s obvious. Seriously, she’s the only person I don’t know the reason why she’s approaching me for. Last time we met, she’s saying that she wanted to ascertain something but…… Does that mean that it was also a part of the trial that this fellow is talking about?

[……Miyama Kaito…… Do you think there’s power dwelling within a person’ heart?]

[What?]

[With the heart…… within that fragile body of yours, I want to find out if you can be the unique one who can stand in the same field as the Six Kings.]

[……………..]

While announcing this, the Phantasmal King slowly moves her feet and heads towards the huge gate. Then, after she moved right before the gate, she began walking up the pillar as if to say gravity doesn’t exist.

[Ah, yes, that’s what I’m here for, wasn’t it? What, it’s not that big of a deal…… All I want for you to do is “take down Kuromueina”.]

[Wha!?]

As she vertically walked along the pillar, sounding somewhat amused, the Phantom King declared with her uncanny voice. She wants me to take down Kuro……

[No, my bad, I suppose that’s a bad way to say it. It’s not like I want you to hurt Kuromueina or anything like that.]

[…………….]

[Let’s see…… The most appropriate way to say it should be……. Yeah, let’s go with that. “I want you to save Kuromueina.”]

[Save…… Kuro?]

I seriously don’t know what this person’s talking about. She’s telling me to save Kuro, but what exactly does she mean by that?

[……I can understand your doubt. But I’m sorry, I can’t tell you everything right now…… However, this is the only thing I can say to you. I believe that you are the only person in this world right now who has a chance of dispelling Kuromueina’s darkness.]

[……Dispelling Kuro’s darkness?]

[However, there’s still some hesitations within me. I can certainly say that you’re a talent more outstanding than I ever imagined…… However, it’s still not enough to match against Kuromueina.]

[……………..]

It doesn’t feel like the Phantasmal King is speaking ill of me…… My Sympathy Magic can’t read her emotions well, but I understood that she’s speaking her true feelings. The Phantasmal King then stops around the middle of the gate, she slowly turns toward me before she continues speaking.

[…….That’s why, show me that the wings you’ve gained aren’t vanity-painted falsehoods, but the real ones that won’t burn when you get close to the sun……]

[So…… You still want me to go through more trials, is what you’re saying?]

[Yes, that is so. However, you have already gone through three trials. You only have to pass “two more”…… I have high hopes for you. Overcome all my trials and stand before me……]

[……After I overcome all these trials…… I’m going to hit you in the head once.]

In her high-pitched voice, the Phantasmal King announced that there are still two more trials.

The first trial is that attack, the second is Megiddo-san’s invasion, and the third one is the encounter with Magnawell-san…… If this is the case, the Phantasmal King will probably appear once in front of me when I finish a trial. Considering what has happened so far, I’ve decided that those trials are something I can hardly escape from, so I just said those few words while glaring at the Phantasmal King.

[I don’t mind. No, rather, I’ll gladly accept it, you can hit me as much as you want.]

[……Are you being serious?]

[Of course. If you have overcome all my five trials…… As your reward, “I will pledge my allegiance to you.”]

[……Huh?]

[If you ask me to be beaten by you, then I will be beaten. Ask me to show you my face, and that, I will do, and if you ask me to hold you in my embrace, I will gladly give myself to you…… I promise to be yours.]

""

[……E- Errr…… what the heck are you……]

Did this guy just start saying incomprehensible things!? Eh? If I survive all of her trials, the Phantasmal King will be mine? The heck is that, that’s scary.

Receiving my astonished gaze, the Phantasmal King disappears and immediately appears in front of me. She should have been close by, but her face hidden beneath her hood seems to be covered with a black haze, so I can’t see her face at all.

[ ! ? ]

[But for now, I will give you your reward for overcoming your third trial.]

[……This is?]

The bundle of paper held out to me that the Phantasmal King claimed to be my reward, what was written on them makes no sense to me, but I know that it’s information about something. Seeing me tilting my head, the Phantasmal King said something unbelievable.

[……It’s the information about the person who plotted against the Second Division that Lilia Albert once led four years ago.]

[What!?]

[Of course, that alone can’t be used as proof of anything. However, if you show it to someone familiar with the underworld…… You might be able to find the culprit’s tail.]

[……………….]

Seriously, how much does this guy know? For her to even know about the identity of Lilia-san’s target of revenge that she has been looking for…… It seems that the story about all information being gathered by the Phantasmal King isn’t a lie. After confirming that I received the bundle of papers, the Phantasmal King quietly turns around.

[……Well then, Miyama Kaito. After you pass your fourth trial, let’s meet again.]

[……………….]

With that, the Phantasmal King disappeared, and the area around the gate returned to normal, as if nothing had happened. Feeling as if things had suddenly dropped before me, I continued to stare in the direction where the Phantasmal King disappeared for a while. As usual, I didn’t know what she’s thinking, and her true intentions were ultimately unknown to me. Seriously, of all the people I met——- She’s a being filled with the most mysteries.

As soon as I walked out of the place where the gate was erected, I used my Teleportation Magic Tool. Up to this point, I came back with Lillywood-san’s continuation of her guide to the Demon Realm, but since there’s nothing particularly new for me to see on the road to the gate of the Human Realm, I decided that I would just teleport. In an instant, the landscape around me was distorted, and I could already see Lilia-san’s mansion in front of me.

Hmmm, it’s quite convenient but…… I still feel a little sick after using it. I had no problems when I used that gate connecting the Human Realm and the Demon Realm but…… Does the magic power used have some relation to that? Anyway, I returned to Lilia-san’s mansion safely. When I moved to that room to tell Lilia-san that I was back, Lilia-san and Lunamaria-san were inside and greeted me with a gentle smile.

[Welcome back, Kaito-san. How was the Demon Realm?]

[I have returned. Yes, it’s such a beautiful, vast place, and I enjoyed just looking at the scenery.]

[Is that so, that’s good to hear…… By the way, there’s something I’d like to ask you……]

[Yeah?]

Lilia-san nodded with a gentle smile on her face, but for some reason, her expression changed to a serious one. As I tilted my head in this situation, Lilia-san slowly folded her hands in front of her face before she spoke.

[I- I know that it might be impossible but…… You’re not going to tell me that you actually met with Dragon King-sama, right?]

[……I’m sorry. We met.]

[…………..]

[Milady!?]

When I honestly answered the question Lilia-san asked me with a pale expression on her face…… Lilia-san slammed her face on her desk.

[……Why…… is this person…… always meeting one of the Six Kings everytime you go out……]

[Milady, please keep yourself composed, they may have just met and no real connections have been made yet!]

[T- Thank you, Luna…… Kaito-san, ummm, errr…… Please don’t tell me that you actually got along with him or anything like that, right……]

[………………]

[Kaito-san, why are you looking away?]

Her hands trembling with a pale expression on her face, Lilia-san…… looks really scary. However, it isn’t like I can just not tell her…… If I were to tell her about this later, she will definitely strangle me again……

Thinking about that, without a second thought, I took out the scale Magnawell-san gave me from inside my Magic Box.

[……He gave me his scale.]

[…………….]

All expressions disappeared from Lilia-san’s face. The air was so frightening that I couldn’t help but straighten up…… but just like a puppet who lost its strings, Lilia-san’s body collapsed.

[……Kyyuuuu~~]

[Milady!?]

The scale of over 5 meter long that I took out seemed to have exceeded Lilia-san’s tolerance limit in an instant, and as her eyes upturned, she fell down on her desk. Yep, it feels like another preaching is confirmed to arrive later…… However, I don’t think this whole situation was caused by me, and I think it was the Phantasmal King’s fault though……

After a while, Lilia-san’s consciousness returned. She scurried to the corner of the room though, and held her knees on her embrace.

[……Seriously…… Kaito-san, you’re strange…… you’re abnormal…… Why is it that…… this only happened while I’m the one looking after the otherworlders……]

[Milady…… you poor thing……]

[Why are you laughing there!?]

Lunamaria-san was still the same, smiling at the depressed Lilia-san, and was instantly scolded. However, what should I do…… It might be bad for Lilia-san’s heart and I’m really apologetic for her but……

[U- Ummm, Lilia-san?]

[Yes?]

[……Errr, I’ve got something for you from Isis-san……]

[………………]

Hearing the words I timidly said, Lilia-san looked like she was about to start crying…… No, there are already tears in her eyes. Even though I’m feeling uncomfortable since it feels like I’m bullying her, I place the jewelry that Isis-san told me to give to Lilia-san on her desk.

[……W- W- W- What…… i- is this……]

[These are the things Isis-san wanted me to give you, they’re Blue Diamonds and Ice Crystals.]

[That’s a tremendous amount. Moreover, all of them have a wonderful depth of color, Milady…… Wouldn’t this be equivalent to a tremendous amount of money?]

[…… No…… more……]

Looking at the beautiful blue jewels piled up like a mountain, Lilia-san holds her head in her hands and hides her face under her knees. Thereupon, after trembling for a while, she vigorously looks up and……

[NO MOOOOORRREEEEEEE! KAITO-SAN, YOU IDIIIOOOOOTTTTT!!!]

……started crying.

[WHAT DO YOU WANT ME TO DO WITH THIS AMOUNT OF JEWELRY!?]

[Gueehhhh!? Li- Lilia-san, p- please calm down……]

[WHY ARE YOU ALWAYS DOING THINGS THAT WOULD HURT MY STOMACH!!!? GEEZ, JUST OPEN UP A HOLE IN MY STOMACH, WILL YOU!!!?]

[It huwts, Li- Lilia-san…… I give up, so pwease rewease me……]

Grabbing my collar, she began to violently rock my body back and forth in the air. However, Lilia-san looks like she really had enough, looking really pitiful with tears streaming down her face, so I can’t strongly go against her. How should I say this…… I’m really sorry, Lilia-san.

[Milady, there’s something I’d like to ask before you make Miyama-sama faint……]

[WHAT IS IT, LUNA!? I’M BUSY RIGHT NOW……]

[No, it’s just that there’s something bothering me for a long time…… Milady, you used to turn bright red right away when you touched a man who wasn’t part of the family…… but you’re fine with Miyama-sama?]

[……Ehh?]

Hearing the words Lunamaria-san told her so matter-of-factly, the strength in Lilia-san’s grip on my collar weakens, and my body falls down to the ground. Released from the agony of feeling like I’m about to lose my breath, I loudly breathed out and turned my gaze towards Lilia-san…… whose face had turned bright red like a boiled octopus.

[……Eh? Was I just touching Kaito-san?]

[Now, or rather, you’ve already been close to him a few times already. Your faces were so close that they were almost one breath away from each other.]

[Ehh? Awa— awawa—That is because, ummm, my head was filled with lots of things, so I wasn’t aware of it— awawawawa.]

With a face so red that it looks like smoke is about to come out of her ears, Lilia-san flusteredly muttered, her eyes circling around the room. I wonder why, but it’s just, based on the experience I had until now…… She will probably faint sooner or later.

[I- I- I…… to- to- touched Kaito-san…… Kyuuu~~]

[Lilia-san!?]

As I thought, Lilia-san’s eyes upturned, and she collapsed on the ground. Hurriedly running over to her, I checked whether she’s injured or not for the time being before I turned to Lunamaria-san.

[……Lunamaria-san. What’s going on here?]

[Probably because she’s raised in an all-female environment…… She’s not immune to men at all, so just shaking their hands is enough to make her turn bright red. However, I was wondering why she didn’t seem to be turning bright red even as she touched Miyama-sama all these times…… I see, she was simply too preoccupied with other things to be aware of it until now huh……]

[……You mean, just like what happened earlier?]

[Perhaps, my remark reminded her of all the times she has ever touched Miyama-sama, and the embarrassment overwhelmed her…… What a pity.]

[……You did it on purpose, didn’t you?]

[……No way……]

Now that she mentioned it, thinking back, Lilia-san indeed only touches me when she’s basically confused…… She would never touch me unless she was one step away from passing out. I never really questioned it since she’s a woman of marriageable age but…… I see, it isn’t that she’s being reserved, but she was completely vulnerable to men.

＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊

The 26th day of the Water month.

The day after I returned from the Demon Realm, I ended up heading to Alice’s miscellaneous store with the souvenirs I had bought. I figured I’d be spending some money again for them anyway, so I bought lots of wyvern meat instead of scones. Part of me thinks that it was a bit naive of me, but as expected, I somehow still couldn’t just push away her request. I couldn’t help but chuckle as I pictured Alice’s eyes sparkling at the sight of my souvenirs and her tiny body eating them with an unimaginable gusto. I’ve been visiting so often lately that the street I’m walking down has become completely familiar to me but…… the road ahead was shrouded in a deep fog.

""

……No, wait. Isn’t it weird? It’s 10 o’clock right now, it’s not the kind of time when the morning fog would appear, and to begin with, that fog is too thick. Symphonia’s royal capital is prone to having fogs…… isn’t something I would say. I’ve been living here for two months, and I’ve never seen a fog like this appear before. The strange scene gives me an eerie feeling and makes me stop in my tracks. Even though it’s just before noon, silence dominates the surroundings, fuelling the anxiety in my mind.

And then, just as I’m wary of my surroundings, something like a glowing ring appears around my body…… but immediately afterwards, it shatters with a sound like broken glass.

[Arya? Not just Illusion Magic, even Restraint Magic doesn’t work either huh…… That’s amazing, Kaito-san.]

[……Alice?]

[Yes~~ It’s Alice-chan. Welcome back, Kaito-san. I missed you.]

With her familiar voice resounding from behind the fog, Alice appears from behind the fog.

She wasn’t dressed in the work clothes I’m familiar with though, but was wearing a black cloak to hide her body, which was somehow different from the atmosphere she usually had.

[……Why are you here?]

[I just came out to see if I could meet Kaito-san, and what do you know, I was spot on. Well~~ It feels like fate, doesn’t it?]

[……………..]

I wonder why…… Alice’s tone is the same as usual, but it somehow sounds cold…… and feels terribly eerie.

[Now then, now then, before Kaito-san’s strong bodyguard arrives, let’s get the conversation over with…… Kaito-san, do you mind if I kidnap you for a while?]

[……Huh? W- What the heck are you……]

[Actually, I can’t make a living just by selling all sorts of goods, so I also have a side job. How should I call this, I guess you could call it the store in the back? Or something like that. And just the other day, I received a very tasty commision…… it was to kidnap you.]

[Wha!?]

Immediately after she said that, Alice appeared in front of me before I knew it, holding a knife right beside my neck. The perfect distance between touching or not touching my neck, and the dull sheen emitted by the knife, makes me feel a suffocating nervousness.

[So, Kaito-san…… for the sake of my spending money, please get kidnapped by me. Let’s go elope in the name of love, that kind of stuff…… eh, arya?]

[……………!?]

[……You even had defensive magic that automatically activates against malicious attacks?]

[Eh?]

When I look at my body in response to those words, before Alice’s knife……  a thin black film-like substance appeared around my body before I knew it. Come to think of it, I think Lilia-san said that Kuro’s necklace had defensive magic casted on it.

[Gah!?]

The magic that automatically defends against malicious attacks, I was a little relieved the moment I learned it existed, but I felt a strong impact to the back of my neck, and regardless of my intentions, my body lost its strength.

[Well, in that case, I won’t use magic, I just have to make my ill intent disappear and make you faint~~]

""

[……A…… lice.]

[Good night, Kaito-san. Don’t worry, I’ll gently carry you there.]

The voice I heard at that moment my consciousness was about to disappear was so disproportionate to the situation…… sounding so kind and gentle.

＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊

Easily carrying the unconscious Kaito under her arm, Alice jumps up from one roof of a building to another.

[Now then, if the situation goes on like this and I just bring him there, then it would complete the commission…… However, I guess things won’t go well that easily huh~~]

The moment Alice muttered that, a flash of light pierced through the thick fog. After dodging that beam of light by moving her face slightly to the side, Alice lets out a sigh. As if to affirm her words that it wouldn’t be easy…… a strong wind blows around her, blowing away the fog covering her vision. And when the fog cleared, there were six shadows around the roof where Alice stood.

[……That was faster than I thought. I see, that magic tool also sends an emergency signal huh……]

[Let go of master, you rude bast*rd!]

[Whoa there!? Scary……]

Standing a few meters away from Alice was Lilia, Lunamaria, Sieg, Anima, Eta and Theta….. The six people who rushed to the scene stared at Alice with their sharp gazes after Sieg activated a magic tool that sent an emergency signal right after she lost Kaito within the fog. However, even though she says she’s scared, Alice doesn’t seem to be particularly shaken at all.

[Why are you…… Aren’t you Kaito-san’s friend?]

[He’s my friend. I like Kaito-san, I really like him…… but, liking him is one thing, and my job is another.]

Seeing Alice, who didn’t lose her aloofness in response to the words she quietly said, Lilia looked irritated.

[……You’re pretty carefree huh? Did you really think you can just get away with this?]

[I wonder~~?]

Lunamaria gave her words of warning…… As the six of them are currently surrounding Alice and have the advantage of numbers. However, as long as Alice has Kaito in her arm…… A powerful attack will hurt Kaito, so they can’t carelessly attack him. And ironically, Eta, who is good at pinpointing attacks, but had her weapon damaged in her previous fight with Sieg, couldn’t fully show her power with the spear she brought out of Lilia’s mansion, and was easily evaded by Alice just now as well.

In the silence that seemed to prick the skin, within the six people facing against one that seemed to stopped in that place…… the one who broke the silence was Alice.

[……20 white gold coins.]

[……Eh?]

[……18, 25, 43…….]

[What the heck are you……]

Alice, who goes to say that to Lilia and the others while pointing at them one after another, Lilia asked with a dubious expression on her face.

[Well~~ I actually have this habit of putting a price on people. This time, I judged them only on your combat prowess alone, but you all are big deals~~ So, it’s pretty rare for me to use white gold coins as the unit to judge a person.]

""

[……That doesn’t sound pleasant at all.]

Hearing Alice, who still speaks in her usual tone that sounds like she would eat a person, Sieg gives her a cold stare, which is unimaginable given how she normally acts. Despite being exposed to their sharp gazes, Alice continues to speak without seeming to be shaken.

[……There are two requirements I have when I take a job. One is that I’m in a good mood. The second is that I am offered a reward that exceeds the value I hve placed on the target.]

[……And what do you mean by that?]

[Well~~. What I mean~~ is that it’s not worth it for me to fight with you all based on the fee I receive for this commission.]

[Does that mean you surrender?]

[……No. It’s just a shame that everyone…… mine and all of your interests don’t coincide at all…… is what I mean by those words!]

[ [ [ [ [ [ ! ? ] ] ] ] ] ]

Immediately after saying that, Alice let go of the hand that was holding Kaito. The place where Alice is standing is the roof of a two-story house, and if the unconscious Kaito is dropped to the ground, he will not be left unscathed. That’s why the six of them lost their focus on her at that moment. They turned their gazes to the falling Kaito and removed Alice from their sight.

Immediately afterwards, Alice’s figure disappeared and the six of them were flung away. However, the six of them are also capable beings, as they succeeded in defending against Alice’s attack in an instant. Thereupon, Alice jumps down faster than Kaito’s falling body, catching his body with a smile.

[Well~~ How terrific. For you to react even to that…… However, I succeeded in pulling my distance from you huh.]

[!? This is bad! She plans to run away!!!]

Lunamaria, who was the first to notice Alice’s intentions, shouted, and the six of them immediately regained their stances, running after Alice…… But in the next moment, Alice disappears again, and appears further away from the six of them.

[……It’s impossible for any of you. You all who couldn’t follow my movements earlier can’t catch up to me.]

[Wha!?]

[Didn’t I tell you? Our interests don’t coincide at all…… I know all of you will do everything in your power to defeat me and take back Kaito but…… I wouldn’t gain anything from fighting strong opponents like you all. So, I’m going to run away.]

[Wai—– What!?]

Indifferently saying that, Alice smiles in front Eta, who tried to chase after her, but shortly afterwards, Alice’s figure distorted and 10 Alices appeared.

[Illusion Magic!?]

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ Well then, I’ll see you later~~ ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

The clones created by her Illusion Magic spoke at the same time and escaped at high speed in different directions. However, Lilia-san and the others wouldn’t just let Alice escape. As they are still experienced warriors, all of them only exchanged glances before they immediately split up to pursue Alice. The fast Lilia, Sieg, Lunamaria and Eta chased two of each, while the slightly slower Anima and Theta chased one Alice each.

To rescue Kaito at all costs……

And after the six of them began tracking in their respective directions…… An alleyway a few distance away from them distorts and the “real” Alice appears.

[……They’re all too honest. Well, deception is my domain after all.]

Muttering to herself, Alice disappeared like smoke again.

[……Uncle here doesn’t really feel comfortable when youngsters go elope but…… I think eloping without the consent of the other party is wrong.]

[I agreeeeee. This is a situatioooooon that I will neveeeeeer overlook.]

[……Oi, oi, Client-san…… This is just too different from what I heard. My pay here isn’t enough for the commision.]

With the sound of quiet footsteps, two shadows appeared in front and behind Alice.

Standing in front of her is one of the War King’s Five Generals…… the Peaceful Sky Ozma.

Behind her is a woman wearing a dress and bandages covering all over her body other than her right eye, one of Phantasmal King’s Executives…… the Doomsday-Invoking Plague Pandemonium.

[Fighting two Count-ranks is incredibly troublesome.]

[……If that’s what you think, I’d be happy if you’d obediently hand over Miyama-kun.]

[Hmmm. I would love to do that too…… but there are also some circumstances over here, you see? I can’t just give him back to you.]

[In that caaaaase~~ Would you like to fight against uuuuuuuus?]

Alice spoke in her usual aloof tone, sweat could be seen dripping down her forehead, and they could tell that she doesn’t have much composure in this situation.However, despair couldn’t be seen in her expression at all. In other words, Alice still possesses a card that would get her out of this situation. Recognizing this, Ozma and Pandemonium began to quietly circulate their magic power so that they could immediately attack.

[No, no, I don’t have enough lives if you’re having me fight against a Count-rank. To be honest, I guess this is one of those situations where I could only say that there’s nothing else that I could do…… That’s why, please help me, “Phantasmal King-sama”.]

[ [ ! ? ] ]

The moment Alice said this with a smile, the space blurred, as if static noise filled the space, and the Phantasmal King wearing a robe with chains appeared.

[Ozma, and Pandemonium. I wouldn’t blame you for your actions…… but it would trouble me if you were to interfere with my plans.]

Ozma and Pandemonium are astonished by No Face’s sudden appearance. In the meantime, Alice disappeared and left the scene, but Ozma and Pandemonium were unable to follow her. If they were to try to follow her, No Face would get in their way. As expected, it would be nearly impossible for them to get past their Six Kings and chase down Alice and rescue Kaito.

[……So it’s you that had been pulling the strings behind the scenes? Phantasmal King-sama.]

[Yeah, that’s right. It’s great that you understood quickly]

[What does this mean? You’re supposed to be working for the peace of the world. Isn’t kidnapping Miyama-kun an act that would cause chaos in the world instead.]

[It’s because this is necessary. I don’t have any reason other than that.]

Ozma asked with increased vigilance, to which No Face replied in an indifferent tone. As if to say that everything, even him asking this question were just as she expected……

[I’d alsooooo like to ask you the same thing, Shalltear-samaaaaa. I’d heard that you’re going to test Kaito-samaaaa, but I’ve never heard that you’re going to kidnap hiiiiiim.]

[This is also part of my trials.]

[……A part of your trials———– Don’t tell me!?]

[Good gracious, it’s great that you both are quick to understand. Yes, indeed…… This is his fourth trial, to see if the betrayal of his precious friend will not break his heart.]

While praising them with dry applause, No Face continued to speak with her hands outstretched in a theatrical, exaggerated motion.

[Yes, you’ve probably figured it out by now, didn’t you both? This is the scenario I’ve prepared, and Alice is a character in this play I drew.]

[……So that’s how it is. Right from the start……]

[Yeah, it was indeed as you thought, Ozma. Right from the start, Alice approached Miyama Kaito with this role in mind. It was decided that she was to befriend him, and to betray him…… She holds the role of the treacherous clown.]

[……That’s a bad taste you’ve got there.]

Alice, the character who was established for betrayal from the beginning. In other words, No Face was already pulling the strings behind the scenes when Kaito and Alice met.

[Well, I won’t deny it. Now, what will you do, Pandemonium?]

[……Let’s seeeeeee. I understaaaaaand that Kaito-san needed to grow up in ordeeeeer to fulfill his wiiiiiish. Howeeeeeeeever, I don’t approve of the current situatiooooon. I can’t allow you to use such a method that would hurt Kaito-sama’s heart.]

[I see, I don’t mind. That is your opinion, you can do whatever you like with it. You don’t have any important role to play in this matter. You’re free to disagree as you want. I won’t say that it’s insubordination. All of you, my executives, had the freedom to disagree with my views.]

[Thank you very muuuuuch. Well theeeen, please don’t mind me as I~~ will rescue Kaito-samaaaaa.]

The words of Pandemonium, her subordinate, not shaking her even in the slightest, No Face continued to speak without a care in the world.

[Well, I’ve already bought her enough time. It’s not like I need to hinder your path any longer. As long as the prep work is done, the scenario is ready to go. After that, if you want to help Miyama Kaito, go ahead and help him. This is also something you’re free to do as you please.]

[You sure are composed, Phantasmal King-sama. Was everything right as you expected?]

[As I had expected? Situations going as I had expected doesn’t matter much to me. “As long as the end result was as I had planned, it wouldn’t matter if the process leading to that isn’t under my expectations”. Well, in the first place…… Even this conversation of ours was “just as I had expected”.]

[……You really are a terrifying person.]

[I’ll take that as a compliment. Well then, if fate permits it, we’ll meet again.]

[Ah, may I ask one last thing…… Why is your tone different from usual?]

[Isn’t this befitting for a King like me?]

[……Haahhh. Well, I suppose.]

[Well then, farewell.]

After saying a few words back to Ozma, who had a rather astounded look on his face, No Face disappeared. As if to show that she won’t hinder them any longer……

After No Face disappeared, Ozma took out a cigarette and put it in his mouth, before turning towards Pandemonium.

[So, what should we do now, Pandemonium-chan? With what happened, I think it would be difficult to locate Miyama-kun.]

[I suppose sooooo. It’s nearly impooooooosible to outsmart Shalltear-samaaaaa…… Should we return to the mansion for a momeeeeeent?]

[Fumu, you mean you had a means to locate him in mind?]

[Yeeeees, and for that, I’ll need to ask Milady’s heeeeeelp.]

[……I see, so you plan to borrow the power of a Supreme God huh.]

[Howeeeeeever, I think that is alsooooo…… under Shalltear-sama’s expectatioooooons.]

After discussing this for a moment, Pandemonium reverted her appearance back to Illness, and walked with Ozma towards Lilia’s mansion. Even when they were a little frustrated by the situation, seemingly as if they were running in No Face’s palms, they thought of worrying about Kaito’s safety first……

＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊

When I opened my eyes upon the faint light I felt, I found myself in a completely unfamiliar place. The stone room looked like a prison, and there were about 10 robed people in the room. I honestly think the situation isn’t good but…… it seems like my body is strapped to a chair and I can’t move.

[Oya? Kaito-san, you’re awake?]

[……Alice…… This place is?]

[This is my client’s hideout.]

Alice, who appeared from behind a black-robed figure, spoke to me in her usual tone, without any hints of anxiousness at all. Speaking of which, she did say she would kidnap me…… That means that the situation has turned for the worst huh……

[Nice to meet you, Miyama Kaito-kun…… I’d certainly like to get to know you better.]

[……Then, you could have just at least shown your face……]

[I wish I could, but I’ve got my own issues to deal with…… and I can’t afford to show my face too much.]

One of the people in robes…… a man by the sound of his voice, spoke to me, but I’m not so carefree that I would be friends with someone in this situation. However, the one at an overwhelming disadvantage in terms of the situation is me…… I can’t say anything strange and provoke them.

[Now then…… Let’s get right to the point. I’m sure you’ve already guessed it, but we will—–]

[ Ahh~~ Can I have a moment? ]

[——-What is it?]

The man who was about to announce his purpose by speaking like he’s some kind of important person is interrupted by Alice. This person really can’t read the mood at all……

[As soon as I bring Kaito-san here, my work is done, right? Then, could you quickly give me my pay already?]

[……Yeah, you’re right. Here, the thirty white gold coins I promised you.]

[Yes, yes…… let me see here…… Yes, it certainly is as you said.]

Apparently, the reward that Alice gets for abducting me is 30 white gold coins. That would be around 300 million yen…… I’m not sure if it’s high or low, but that seems to be my price for Alice’s eyes. I’m not sure if she saw through my complicated feelings, but she turned to me and lightly waved her hand.

[Kaito-san, you’re barking up the wrong tree here. Don’t direct your grudge at me. This is just my job. Besides, you and I are just friends…… It’s not like we’re family or lovers, that’s only the extent of our relationship.]

[……Yeah, you’re right……]

[Well then, I’ll be going home~~]

After saying those dry words, Alice turns her back to me and walks towards the only door in the room.

……It feels really painful. However, it certainly won’t help if I complain to Alice.

I scolded Alice for lots of things, and I even hit her…… I thought she’s an amiable friend…… someone I can be comfortable with, someone I could trust, but I guess all of that is just my impression. For Alice, I’m just a friend who always nags at her……

[……Alice.]

[What is it?]

[……Don’t quickly waste all your money this time.]

However, just as I told Chris-san…… I believe in Alice, and I don’t regret becoming friends with her. Yes. This is just a little bad luck I happened across. That’s why, even until the very end, I’ll send Alice off as her friend.

[……I’ll think about it.]

Saying that, Alice closed the door.

It would be a lie if I said I didn’t feel hurt. However, I can’t just keep on thinking about this matter. Putting aside Alice, I need to think about the situation right now.

[Now then, let’s return back to the topic…… Ahh, it’s no use if you’re expecting anyone to help you. This room is made of a special kind of ore that keeps magic power from leaking out. Besides, this place is far away from the city…… There’s no one here to help you.]

[…………………….]

I wonder what’s going to happen? Are they going to torture me?

Pain is kinda…… something I don’t want.

Despair similar to resignation crawls into my mind, and my body begins to slightly tremble.

Imagining what was about to happen, I almost involuntarily closed my eyes…… but the door of the room is destroyed with a loud crash.

[Wha!?]

The man and those in robes also looked astonished and turned towards the door, and as I turned my gaze in that direction…… From behind the dust cloud, a person I never expected appeared.

[And that’s why…… I’m here to help you! Kaito-san!]

[……Huh?]

Making a pose, along with what it sounds like background entrance music, Alice, who was supposed to have walked out the door earlier, appeared again. For some reason though, she was saying stuff like she’s here to save me or something……

[W- Wha…… What do you think you’re doing!?]

[Well~~ You see, I got some extra money today~~, so I was thinking about going out for dinner with Kaito-san, who is usually helping me. However, what is this!? Kaito-san was abducted by bad people!? That’s why I came in a mad dash to save Kaito-san!]

[……What?]

[Now, brace yourself, kidnappers! I’m going to make you regret kidnapping Kaito-san!!!]

No, you’re the one who basically did the abducting here……

It was supposed to be a critical moment, and even though I don’t know what they want…… Even though I really don’t know what these people want…… My thoughts and the kidnappers’ thoughts are united in one thing——- What the heck is this person talking about?

The atmosphere within that stone room has become indescribably delicate. The cause of that is undoubtedly Alice. She should have been the one who abducted me, but for some reason, she’s now claiming to be here to save me.

[What do you think you’re doing!?]

After a robed person different from the man that was talking to me shouted, Alice lightly shook her finger and spoke.

[Didn’t I say it already? I’m here to save Kaito-san. Now, get ready.]

[……I see.]

[Boss?]

The man who was talking to me earlier…… the man who was called boss, nodded his head alone while everyone still looked confused.

[So what you’re saying is that…… your work is done when you abducted him and brought him here, and you’re free to do what you want with him afterwards……  And if we want you to overlook it, we need to pay more money……]

[……………..]

After saying that in an annoyed tone, with a voice that seems calm but there’s some hints of anger in it, the man takes out a bag of coins from his pocket and holds it out to Alice.

[……Fine. It’s not profitable to argue with you here. Here’s a hundred white gold coins. You won’t have any more complaints, right?]

[……Eh? I have lots of them.]

[Wha!?]

However, Alice didn’t receive the white gold coins, she disappeared and before I knew it, she was already right in front of me. And with a swing of the knife in her hand, the rope that was bounding me was cut and my body was released.

[……I have a habit of putting a price on people, and I will only accept a job if they offer me a fee that exceeds the amount I put on the target…… and unfortunately, I couldn’t put a price on Kaito-san.]

[……What do you mean by that?]

After Alice quietly told him that with a voice that felt sharp, the man asked her, looking really irritated. Alice continues to stand in front of me, staring at the robed figures as she continues to speak.

[Well~~ I know it’s troubling, but this man is more important to me than money, you know?]

[……Alice?]

[I mean…… in the first place, isn’t it that? We’re talking about different premises here.]

[Premises?]

Indifferently telling him while spinning the knife around with one hand, Alice unleashes bloodthirst that is stronger than what could ever be imagined from her small body. And after watching the man take a step back, Alice continues to speak in an even colder voice.

[……Why I accepted your commission…… It’s because it was a commission for abduction, not for murder.]

[………………]

[If it was a murder request because of personal vendetta, we could have easily got this over with…… I would just finish it with just “cutting off your head right there and then”.]

[ ! ? ]

With a chilling voice, Alice declares if the commission she received for me was for murder and not for kidnapping, she would have killed him……

[However, if it was abduction, I thought you would have accomplices with you…… Then, even if I kill you right there, you would just use other methods to get Kaito-san. Why, isn’t this more efficient…… That’s just why I accepted it.]

[……That means, from the start you are……]

[Yeah, I was planning to wipe out the people who were trying to do harm to Kaito-san. What of it?]

[…….Alice…… W- Why?]

[Ahh~~ Errr, you’re going to ask that?]

It seems that Alice was planning to wipe out all the people who were trying to kidnap me right from the start, and that’s why she accepted this request. While I’m glad to hear those words, I don’t know why she’s doing this for me, who as she said earlier, was just a friend…… and that’s why I reflexively asked. Thereupon, Alice sounded a little embarrassed befores he turned towards me while scratching her head.

[……Kaito-san is an optimistic person. He easily trusted a suspicious person like me, scolds me because he really cares about me, and helps me with all sorts of stuff……He’s really quite a softhearted person.]

[…………………]

[I thought I was a bit dull of a person~~. Well, I guess you’ll never know what’s going to happen in life.]

After speaking until that point, Alice looks at the robed figures again, lowering her stance with the knife gripped on her hand.

[……before I knew it, I’m in love with him.]

[……Eh?]

[I know I was joking about it at first, but like I said, I seriously fell in love with you, Kaito-san! I enjoy spending time with Kaito-san, getting scolded by him for being stupid, and even if he’s astounded by my idiocy, he would still look after me…… Being with him is really fun. I’ve fallen in love with him to the point where….. I thought I could do everything for him, even if there’s nothing in exchange.]

[……Alice.]

Shortly after declaring that, Alice’s figure disappeared…… and the robed figures collapsed with splatters of blood. With speed that can’t be seen by the naked eyes, Alice tooks out more than a dozen people before she reappears again with a sigh.

[Well…… That’s why I won’t allow anyone to hurt Kaito-san. So…… I guess you guys just weren’t so lucky.]

Even after being released from my restraints, I continued to sit on the chair, and seeing me like that, Alice flusteredly apologized to me.

[U- Ummm~~ Kaito-san. B- By any chance, are you still angry?]

[……Not really.]

[No, look, under those circumstances, it would be faster to deal with them by letting them abduct Kaito-san once. I was going to save you right from the start!]

[I somehow feel like there were other ways to do it though.]

[Ugghh……]

It’s not that I’m angry at her, and in fact, she was helping me there, and I could also understand Alice’s intentions why she did that. Moreover, I was happy when I heard what Alice said earlier. However, I don’t know how to clearly explain this……. I’m feeling complicated and it’s mainly because it feels like I’m dancing on top of Alice’s palm.

[No, well, ummm~~ there was another way but…… this was the quickest way. That’s why… Kaito-san? Please don’t be mad at me.]

[……I’m not mad at you.]

[But aren’t you sulking!? Like I said, I’m sorry already~~]

""

Indeed, although it might be quite shameful of me…… It seems that I’m sulking a bit right now. Seeing me turning away, Alice looked troubled as she bowed her head over and over again. No, well, it’s true that complaining to Alice won’t help anything but……. being in that situation isn’t funny.

[Muuu, I understand. I’ll make a proper apology.]

[……An apology?]

[……Please don’t turn over here.]

[Unnn?]

As I tilted my head at the words Alice said, I heard something click. Could it be the sound of her opera mask being removed? Just as that question popped into my head, I felt something soft touch my cheek.

[Nhnn.]

[Wha!?]

Something faintly damp touched my cheek…… Realizing that they were Alice’s lips, I look back at her in surprise. Thereupon, Alice, with a face as red as an apple, was hurriedly putting her opera mask back on.

[……S- So, please forgive me already…… Ummm, that’s my f- first kiss after all……]

[……Eh? Y- Yeah…….]

Nodding reflexively at the words Alice told me, I was unable to get rid of the surprise from the kiss on my check. Even though I felt somewhat unsatisfied with all that happened, all of that disappeared right at that instant. How should I say this…… it seems that even until the end—— It may just be under Alice’s expectations.



＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊

In the large garden in the mansion, Lilia turned her relying gaze at the person in front of her and spoke.

[……Please. Chronois-sama, please rescue Kaito-san……]

[Yeah, I understand.]

Receiving Lilia’s words of pleading with her hands clasped together as if she’s praying to her, Chronois quietly nodded and moved her gaze to the two Gods on both of her sides. A purple-haired girl lying on a cushion floating in the air, and a woman with long green hair bundled up and let loose in front of her, giving a calm impression.

[……Lend me your strength, God of Fate, God of Life.]

[Haahh….. I don’t really like working…… But I guess I should just think of this as an preemptive investment to when Kai-chan would eventually support me~~]

[It’s enough that you’re willing to bow to us for that person…… I’m awake now.]

The three Supreme Gods reigning in the place closest to the top of the God Realm. After receiving Lilia’s wish, Chronois immediately gathered these two, to rescue Kaito as soon as possible…… Right now, the Supreme Gods of the God Realm were about to wield their mighty power to help one man……

The Supreme Gods who rarely visit the Human Realm aside from the Festival of Heroes, and the fact that all three of them are together in this place certainly shows the abnormality of the situation. While an enormous amount of magic power splits the clouds in the sky and makes the earth tremble…… the God of Life, Life quietly touches the ground.

[……Multitude of Lives. Become my eyes, become my ears……]

Each of the Supreme Gods of the God Realm has been given one ability that transcends the others by the God of Creation, Shallow Vernal. Life’s ability to govern all those who hold life, makes her have the wisdom to see through the world. Humans, animals, insects, plants, and the earth…… Life can gather information from every living thing in the world.

Life searches through the avalanche of information to find the whereabouts of the abducted Kaito. If a single bird or insect has seen Kaito, it’s possible for them to track his whereabouts…… However, searching for information about Kaito within that extraordinary amount of information takes a while.

However, there’s a God that has the power to compensate for that.

The God of Fate, Fate…… The ability given to her is the power to determine one’s fate. She is able to determine the absolute fate within the sea of possibilities of the future.

[……If it’s God of Life, “she can find Kai-chan as soon as possible”.]

[……!? I’ve found him. God of Time and Space…… I will transfer to you the information.]

[Umu.]

With Fate confirming his fate, Life discovered the whereabouts of Kaito in an instant and transmitted the information to Chronois.

[……Chronois-sama……]

[Don’t worry, Lilia……. Aside from Shallow Vernal-sama, there’s no one in this world…… who’s faster than I am!]

With those words, Chronois’s figure disappears.

What is given to Chronois, the God of Time and Space, is a mighty power…… Having the ability to govern time, Chronois can manipulate time at will and has the speed that sets her apart from the rest. Chronois’s figure disappeared, just as Lilia and the others could recognize that she disappeared…… She already reached where Kaito is now.