RE: We Defeated the Devil King, But Now Our Daily Life is Compromised

by BoringBone

Because accelerated plot progression is to FanFiction as long titles starting with 'RE:' are to Light Novels. Kazuma and his vibrant cohorts, through their primary means of victory: sheer luck and guile, somehow manage to kill the Devil King, who just happened to be around in the neighborhood. Humorous ramifications abound. COMPLETE

23. Chapter 22

Chapter 22: A Civil War for this Terrorist Village!

Editing and supervision: LordVTP

Proofreader: Marv

Part 1

"Ah, no. I'm really not going back. I will peacefully pass on to heaven and be reunited with my wife, the late Lady Belzerg."

Faced with King Belzerg's stunning declaration, I could only stare in shock.

"I want more snacks please, Eris-sama. Preferably, I would like to once more sample that delicacy called 'potato chips."

"Please drop the subject of snacks for now, Your Majesty. Clearly, there are more important matters to address here!"

"Here's the potato chips…"

"Oh! Thank you very much, Eris-sama. I would also like some more of that iced neroid-like substance from earlier."

Completely caught up in his pace, Eris-sama is acting like one of King Belzerg's attendants.

He is bossing around the deity of his own nation…

I hope he doesn't get bad karma for this.

There seems to be no sense in trying to rationalize to the king right now.

Instead, I turned to Eris-sama who is, during all this, forcing herself to smile while her face is slightly twitched.

Whispering to Eris sama, I said,

"It appears that the king has lost his marbles. As the one with the authority, being a goddess who is above any mortal, even if they are royalty, please command him to return to his obligations back in the physical realm…"

"If I had the option, I would have expelled him out as soon as senpai finished casting [Resurrection]. However, as a goddess, I am obligated to adhere to the requests of souls that have perished from their original world."

"I see. Even though Eris-sama often breaks the rules at her leisure and comes over to the other world to play around…"

"What is… What is assistant-kun… I mean, Kazuma-kun… I mean, Kazuma-san implying?! This doesn't have anything to do with that at all! Unlike taking advantage of loopholes to get around certain rules, I can't do something absurd like reject a soul who wants to move on into the afterlife!"

This certainly is different than having the higher-ups turn a blind eye to someone who was resurrected into the same world twice, such as in my case.

The one responsible for those resurrections, after all, is the 'item' I brought along with me, Aqua.

Just like using a legendary demonic sword to slay dragons, using the abilities of the goddess of debt and party tricks is within reason.

"All Kazuma-san can do now is try to convince the king to come back."

Don't make me try to reason with that man, who is now wriggling his body in a weird way, while saying 'so yummy!', as he's indulging in snacks.

"Your Majesty, please think about your country."

For now, I will appeal to his sense of duty.

"The country is doomed. Nothing I can do about it. The previous war with the Devil King was a big part of our economy, and now it's over. There will be an unprecedented population boom now that the citizens feel it's safe to build families… Will we be able to handle that? The adventurers that were regarded as front-line heroes are now doing shady work just to make ends meet, and some of them even made some kind of vigilante group called the 'League of Justice', some time ago."

I averted my eyes at the mention of that organization I was once a part of.

"Um, I'm sure it will take a while to shift the country's economic and cultural identity from 'wartime' to 'peacetime', but it's certainly possible! Almost all countries have to go through this change. And in regards to that 'vigilante group', I hear that these days they are busy doing other things…"

Those guys are currently under my employ in 'Kazu-Mall', after all.

If his king doesn't care about duty anymore, then...

"Anyways, aside from matters of the kingdom, what about Your Majesty's family… Well, at least, please think about Iris!"

I didn't acknowledge the existence of Prince Jatis, as that siscon prince is one of the main reasons why His Majesty doesn't want to return.

"It pains me to say this, but I am hardly a father to Iris. In my effort to become a great king, I have neglected one of the greatest pleasures of life. If I come back, it will be more of the same. Plus, she is in capable hands now."

He looked at me purposely.

There's no way for me to understand the perspective the king is coming from.

I am not a king, nor am I a father.

For me to criticize him for his choice to leave Iris in the hands of others, I don't think I have the right.

Alright. If nothing is working, there's just one more thing...

"...One final thing. If the king leaves now without cleaning up the mess with Dust, he will surely be executed."

"Oh, him. I don't care about that guy."

"Apologize to 'that guy', right now!"

Turning away from me haughtily, the king munched on his potato chips loudly, as if trying to drown out my voice with his munching.

"Wouldn't it be better for me if that fellow is 'taken care of'? Kazuma-chan might not know this, but that guy is hiding a big secret. If I let a suspicious guy do whatever he wants in my country, what kind of terrible king would I be?"

"The kind who is ditching his country right now. Also, since when have I been 'Kazuma-chan'?"

"Don't sweat the small details, Kazuma-chan. Ah, I wish Kazuma-chan would have just married Iris and then I could have 'taken care' of that rotten son who is unfortunately the heir to the throne. Or at least, I had hoped that Lalatina-chan would have accepted my offer and married that rotten son… And then I could have 'taken care' of that rotten son and let Lalatina-chan ascend to the throne."

"I don't think I'll be able to look Prince Jatis properly in the eyes if Your Majesty keeps going on like this. Please don't treat your own son so savagely."

I flinched as the king talked about assassinating his own son without breaking out of a neutral expression.

Royalty really do operate on a seperate wavelength.

I must take care to make sure my cute imouto Iris doesn't end up like this.

"..."

No, when I think about it, maybe I've already influenced that girl in a bad way.

"Well, then. Thank you for the visit, Kazuma-chan. And thank you for the warm hospitality, Eris-chan. At this point, I would then like to be reunited with my wife…"

"Calling me with '-chan' too is, um…"

Eris-sama said before she glanced at me questioningly, as if asking if I had any more tricks up my sleeve.

However…

"Rebecca… Becky… I can finally see you."

"..."

After seeing a contented face like that.

What more could I say?

Part 2

"...The procedure is over. Kazuma-san tried his best, but it seems the king's mind was set."

Eris-sama had sat up from her seat and is now cleaning after the mess the king left behind.

Should a goddess really be cleaning after the used juice cartons of a mortal?

From an orthodox heroine, to a tomboy thief, then a raging berserker when demonic beings are involved, and now this pitiful sight of Eris-sama sorting recyclables from normal waste…

"...How image breaking."

"Kazuma-san has been saying all sorts of rude things, hasn't he?! Geez!"

Now pouting, Eris-sama looked away as she held a pile of discarded wrappers in her arms.

I eagerly observed the currently very cute Eris-sama.

"...Now, what is Kazuma-san looking at? Looking at another woman while Kazuma-san already has Megumin-san…"

"Just because a man is already stuck… I mean, involved in a relationship with a woman, doesn't mean that man is forbidden from appreciating the appeals of another…"

"Please stop with that sleazy way of talking or I will give Megumin-san a 'prophecy' of Kazuma-san committing adultery."

"I am impressed that goddesses have that kind of awesome ability, but aside from that, please don't use such a severe word like 'adultery' when I haven't even done anything."

Better yet, instead of a proper mature relationship that I'm supposed to have with Megumin, our tame relations is more akin to that of two children playing 'house', a game of pretend.

Putting the issue of the king aside for now, Eris-sama and I chatted for a bit longer.

I got caught up on her work as the 'Chivalrous Thief', including a disturbing account of her 'demon hunting' expeditions.

She was interested in my relationship with Megumin, so I told her about that.

Blushing as if I was telling her something scandalous, Eris-sama kept saying 'oh, my…'.

It was strange. I felt some form of satisfaction in this kind of idle gossiping.

"I see. It's only been a little while since you both started dating but… Going on daily dates… I-I'm somewhat envious of Kazuma-san and Megumin-san's lovey-dovey lifestyle!"

Lovey-dovey?

Is that really the case?

Calling the normal explosion routine plus a little picnic at the end a date is…

It just seems like Megumin and I are doing the things we normally do.

Isn't that the case?

After our brief chat, I stopped delaying the inevitable and requested that Eris-sama take me back.

"Good luck with all your… Business, Kazuma-san."

Eris-sama reminded me of the reality that I was coming back to.

I had some unpleasant news to deliver to those waiting for me.

Not coming back with the king… If I really wanted to, I could have used [Bind] on him with the new mithril alloy rope I purchased, which is capable of binding astral bodies.

After that, I could have used a [Scroll of Teleportation] and dragged him back to the world of the living, then have Aqua infuse the soul back into the body.

But, I couldn't do such a thing after seeing that contented face.

"Thanks for chatting with me, Kazuma-san. When all this business is over with, make sure to visit now that you have the means to easily do so."

After giving me her signature wink, Eris-sama snapped her fingers.

A bright light surrounded me…

Part 3

When the light died down, I was once again returned to the mortal realm.

"...! Kazuma! He's returned! So, how was your chat with that kouhai of mine? Did she tell you about any interesting gossip spreading around in heaven?"

"Did you think I went there just to gossip? Move aside if you don't have anything important to contribute."

I moved past Aqua who was nonchalant as always despite the tense atmosphere.

"Satou-sama! Please tell me you brought good news!"

"Hey, whoa…!"

Pushing aside Aqua who was blocking the way, Claire appeared in front of me.

Following behind her is Lucie, who is somehow still aiming her crossbow at Dust.

In turn, Dust is cowering behind Yunyun, who is shielding him with a protective stance.

"As you can see, I failed to bring the king back, or rather…"

Without sparing any details, I told them about the king's desire to move on to the afterlife.

"..."

There was silence throughout the room.

"I see. With the king passing away, I have now become Princess Iris's legal guardian… Technically speaking! Don't believe me? I have the documentations right here to prove it! Signed by the king himself!"

Where did your grief about the king's death go to?

And are we sure that this Iriscon isn't somehow pulling the strings behind all this?

"Wait, wait. What do you mean the king won't come back? Won't we get blamed for this incident as well? What will this mean for our clan?!"

Dodonko and Funifura both looked at each other in a panic.

"If… If it comes down to it, we will go to war."

"Yunyun?!"

With the reversal still in effect, it's Yunyun this time who said delusional things.

"Excuse me, as the village chief, let me…"

"You said your name is Yunyun, right? Let's talk about how to proceed from now on…"

"...Very well. I won't back down."

"Um… actually, I'm the village chief…"

The chief got pushed aside as Yunyun and Claire stared each other down.

During all this…

"Kazuma. Do you still have any [Scrolls of Teleportation] on you? If so, please consider retreating for now!"

Just now sensing the air of danger and the tense atmosphere, Aqua began pulling on my clothes.

"How can you even say such a thing, Aqua! As the heroes of this land, it is our duty to handle moments of crises like this!"

This noble feels a sense of duty to her country only at times when it's inconvenient.

Since everyone else in the party voiced their opinion, I turned to the usually noisy one who kept quiet so far.

"Megumin, what's your opinion about all this?"

Well.

Even though I said that out of courtesy, as the team leader, I will make an executive decision.

I'm already palming a scroll in my carry bag right now, as I'm speaking to Megumin.

I hate to admit this, but Aqua and I are having similar thoughts now.

We have to leave before this gets messy…!

Megumin struck a pose while grinning to herself.

"As if I would let my rival, Yunyun, outdo me! Who does she think she is, using this confusion to try and make herself look cool... Hasn't she been a bit too arrogant lately?"

Talking spitefully, Megumin sounds like a has-been actress who is jealous of an up-and-coming rookie in the business.

At this point, I was already about to pull out the scroll.

"And that's why I say we stay here. At least see this problem through. After all, it was Kazuma who helped bring that suspicious man here, right?"

Even if you bring that up now, I won't feel guilty over such indirect correlation.

"In that case, let's stay over at my family's home once more. I haven't played with Komekko for a while now."

We… We can visit at any time! After this mess is over and done with, we can come back!

I'm not feeling guilty at all!

I hurriedly pulled out the scroll and prepared to cast [Teleport]…!

"Ah, since there aren't enough rooms for everyone, I guess Kazuma and I can sleep in my old room again. It was awkward last time, but Kazuma and I are dating now. Wait… Why do you have a [Scroll of Teleportation] in your hands right now, Kazuma?"

"Oh, don't mind me. Just checking if this thing is working. Looks like it's functioning fine. Yes, you two make excellent points, Darkness and Megumin. I'm sorry, Aqua, the truth is, I've already made an executive decision beforehand. We're staying."

At my words, Darkness and Megumin smiled and nodded in agreement.

"Wait! I don't know why, but Kazuma is acting quite strange?! Normally you're the first to suggest we bail ship! I'm not staying! I don't wanna!"

I'm sorry, Aqua.

For a moment there, our thoughts actually aligned a little.

But…!

This so-called 'girlfriend' of mine finally said something lover-like and invited me to stay the night.

Unlike those previous blue balling episodes, I have a feeling this one is different.

After all… We are technically dating now.

I hate having to use uncertain language in regards to our relationship.

But after tonight, maybe I won't have that problem anymore.

As we were having our own discussion, I almost forgot about the much more important diplomatic exchange on the other side.

By the time I decided to pay attention…

Just from looking at them, somehow the situation got even more tense.

"Fine. Suit yourself. We won't take… That man… Into custody. However, please keep in mind that this might not go over so well with the emergency council of elders…"

"...That's fine. And please keep in mind that when it comes down to it, the Crimson Demon clan will never back down from any conflict!"

"You…! Very well. I will make sure to pass on those same words to the elders."

With that, the brutal exchange between Claire and Yunyun concluded.

Turning around, with eyes hard and cold, Claire said to me,

"Will you come with us, Satou-sama?"

"Uh, no, we're thinking of staying, but if you want us to come…"

"Then don't bother, Kazu-trash!"

"O… Oi! How could you just go from 'Satou-sama' to 'Kazu-trash'?! Ow! You… You stepped on my foot, you bitch!"

After shooting me another glare, Claire walked off with Lucie in tow.

"...For now we will have to rely on the Crimson Demon clan to preserve the body of m'lord, but we will return for it, mark my words."

After saying that cliche line, all she was missing was the diabolical laughter.

After unfolding a scroll, with a flash of light, the two vanished.

"Uwaa… Yunyun, you didn't need to do that for me."

After those two left, Dust felt it was safe enough to speak.

"It's my fault that Dust-san was dragged into this mess, so I will protect Dust-san!"

"Yunyun… To think the friendless Yunyun who is sometimes seen talking to plants is actually this strong in spirit…! I'm really im… PRESSED?! Oi, Yunyun?!"

"Ugyoo…"

"What's with that weird sound, oi, Yunyun!"

As if the realization of what she'd just done finally hit her, Yunyun suddenly collapsed on the ground.

"Ah, I thought it was strange that Yunyun was acting like such a big shot!"

Funifura, who had been looking at Yunyun in awe all this time, said this.

Part 4

"Um… Some troublesome stuff happened, but please leave it to us, Kazuma-san. And don't worry about Yunyun. She only needs to rest."

With those words, the village chief brushed aside the political crisis he suddenly found himself dragged into.

He offered us rooms in the mansion, but I was quick to decline the offer.

Without anywhere else to go, Dust stayed in the mansion.

"Megumin's home is in poor condition, as always. Why won't you let Kazuma at least loan your parents some funds, Megumin?"

"I see, now. Darkness, the noble brat who lead a privileged life, is secretly laughing at the poor me."

"Only Megumin can assume that kind of terrible thing about another person! This cold girl! I'm only just concerned about the quality of life of your own family!"

Darkness who was discreeetly whispering for the sake of confidentiality, suddenly increased the volume of her voice.

As we were right outside the house, the madam of the household, Yuiyui-san, must have heard Darkness' voice, as she suddenly opened the door.

Realizing that the madam heard her from inside, Darkness blushed and lowered her head, even making an embarrassed 'uuuu~' sound.

"Oh, my. Are the festivities over already? I didn't expect Megumin and everyone to come here so early. Rather, if everyone isn't already tired and asleep…"

"Then you'll have to use magic to knock them out, right, mother? Fear not, Kazuma and I will sleep together tonight."

"!"

Bluntly saying that in front of her own mother!

And if Megumin is saying something like 'Don't worry, mother, there's no need for you to intervene', then this is really 'that', isn't it?!

My support group has come to the same conclusion. They frantically looked between me and Megumin.

Come to think of it, when Megumin invited me earlier, they didn't have any strong reaction.

I see.

They must have assumed that this is just another blue balling prank and didn't think much of it.

Like a fan-base that was trolled too hard and too much, and has grown pessimistic of any 'developments' that are obviously a bait.

But, this time I can really sense it…!

This time, it will turn out differently, I'm sure!

If not…

Then this time I will call out to the madam and ask for assistance.

Even if I do something, the courts will side with the me who is already in a relationship with the victim… I mean, with Megumin.

I have also received the blessing of her mother.

To tie it all up, I was even personally invited by the vict… I mean, Megumin, to sleep in her room.

"Kazuma, what are you waiting for? Come in already."

Megumin invited me inside.

As soon as we came in, a small blur dashed towards us.

"Nee-chan! Souvenirs! Treats!"

Komekko who hadn't seen her nee-chan in a while, didn't even bother with any greetings and demanded an offering of treats.

"Komekko, it's been quite some time. Hopefully you didn't miss me too much. Ah, wait, it's not in that bag. The treats are over here…"

Ignoring her nee-chan who was having a conversation with herself, Komekko rummaged through the travel bag filled with treats.

Megumin went so far as to pack a separate bag to hold the mountain of treats she purchased for Komekko.

She normally limits her expenses and only uses the party funds for everyday necessities.

Yet she splurged quite a bit on Komekko.

What a siscon.

While not in the same tier as Prince Jastis, still.

What a siscon.

"Oh! Treats! Hey, Komekko-chan, let this pretty nee-san teach you about the importance of sharing… Ow! Why scratch me?!"

"Hiiisss!"

"Wait… Ow! I get it, I get it! I won't touch your snacks, geez…"

After seeing what happened to Aqua, Darkness…

"Kuh! I see… Aqua wasn't exaggerating. Komekko-chan has got some attack power! Even if it's just scratches…"

"Hissss!"

"Kuh!"

Darkness is doing something irredeemable now.

Reaching into the pile of snacks and allowing Komekko to scratch her.

"Darkness, can you restrain yourself from openly using my imouto for your sick fetish?"

"Ah…! Right…"

Disheartened, Darkness pulled her hand away from Komekko.

Aside from the snacks, I also packed some food.

I accounted for the possibility that we might stay for at least a couple nights, and that we might end up staying in Megumin's home.

In fear of having to eat pitiful meals like 'lightly salted soy beans on rice gruel', I brought some quality and fresh ingredients with me.

"Kazuma-san brought so much food! I will cook a meal right away!"

"Mother, I will help you…"

"No, no, take this time to prepare yourself mentally for… I mean, why don't you catch up with Komekko for now…"

This madam is too obvious.

Part 5

"How could this be… It appears that my husband fell asleep right away. He must be tired from working the stall all day. Why don't we take that as our cue to catch some sleep as well?"

Hyoizaburo-san came home only to suddenly pass out in a suspicious manner.

His limp body was then carried to the master bedroom by some animated golems raised by the madam's [Golem Creation] spell.

Fearing that they are the next targets, my support team pulled me aside to talk.

"Are you sure about this, Kazuma?! Are you sure you want to do this?! Remember, there's no need to rush! Megumin will be 15 in about half a year, now that I think about it. Why not wait until then?!"

"What… Whatever happens, if Kazuma or Megumin somehow regrets what happens, I hear there is an elixir that will make people forget their memories from the last few hours, days or even weeks depending on the quantity consumed! Along with that, I can always repair what has been 'broken', if you catch my meaning, with my magic…"

While Darkness is panicking and making impossible requests like 'wait for half a year', Aqua is actually offering some valuable advice for once.

"...For now, I will go with the flow. As for how Megumin feels, she has already made her feelings known and went out of her way to invite me. It would be rude to her if I don't do at least this much."

"Why is Kazuma acting like he's the one doing Megumin a favor? You mentioned Megumin's feelings, but come to think of it, we haven't heard a confession from Kazuma yet, right? Don't let your lust take control of your actions, Kazuma!"

"Letting my lust… I don't want to hear that from Darkness who was just provoking Komekko to attack her earlier."

"Kuh! Well… That's besides the point… Listen! I really care about you two and… Hahhh… Wahhh… ZZZzzzZZZ…"

"How strange. One of Megumin's companions just suddenly collapsed. I hope she didn't dent the floor…"

As if saying, 'your time's up', the madam cut our little conference short.

The one who butted in on that first night, Komekko, is also sleeping now, carried by the madam over her shoulder.

This time, the madam isn't taking any chances and eliminated all the obstacles.

"Ah, Aqua-san. Megumin is brushing her teeth upstairs. Why don't you join her and brush your teeth before going to sleep?"

"As a goddess of water, the water I produce is so pure, it can rinse away plaque more effectively than traditional forms of dental hygiene. So I don't need to… Hahhh… Wahhh… ZZZzzzZZZ…"

Aqua who couldn't catch a clue is also now down for the count.

"..."

"I think Kazuma-san already knows what to do without me having to tell him. Right?"

"Yes, ma'am."

I was quick to reply.

The madam is now circling around me predatorily.

"ZZZzzzZZZ…" x2.

With Komekko sleeping on her shoulder, and occasionally stepping over Aqua's unconconscious body on the ground, she kept circling me.

"As for technique, Kazuma-san doesn't need worry about that. It's still the first time. And please don't be worried too much about endurance, too."

"Ah, no. I wasn't really worried about that…"

Do I seem like the type to worry about those things?

"And pulling out is absolutely forbidden."

"No, I have to practice some amount of caution…"

"Absolutely forbidden."

"..."

There's no point in arguing.

"Megumin should be done washing up right now. Please hurry and come upstairs. And Kazuma-san... Please enjoy your meal."

"Thank… Thank you for the meal!"

After that pep-talk from the madam, I climbed the stairs.

I climbed the stairs… The stairs of adulthood.

I stopped by the bathroom to wash up a little, and to check my appearance in the mirror.

"..."

I suddenly became self-concious of my plain face.

Shaking my head, I shrugged off my insecurities.

Saying to myself, 'Just dooooo itttttt!', I headed over to Megumin's room.

I opened the door…!

"ZZZzzzZZZ…"

Why are you sleeping, too?!

If this is going to be another blue balling scene, I will pick a fight with someone!

After using the [Detect Magic] skill, I didn't sense the madam's influence on Megumin.

She just naturally fell asleep.

"This girl…"

If it's like this, then there's nothing I could do.

I slid into the bedsheets, and laid beside her, all while sighing at my bad luck.

I can feel her warmth beside me.

Her soft breathing… Her fragrance…

"..."

Crap.

Even with only this much stimulation, my body is ready!

Damnit!

This really is just another blue balling scene, isn't it?!

Stop messing with me already!

I fidgeted under the sheets as agitation came over me.

Even though I said I can do outrageous things with or without Megumin's full consent…

I'm just not that kind of person.

And if it's Megumin, I want to do things properly.

...They keep bugging me about never having confessed.

But, at least to me, it's already obvious, isn't it?

Does it really need to be said?

This girl, even before I became conscious of her, was the one I spent the most time with.

The one whose company I sought most.

Getting so comfortable in her company that, even before we started 'dating', we had gone on date-like events on a regular basis, without being aware of it.

That's what Eris-sama implied, right?

Geez.

What's wrong with me?

With everything going in on the village, in the midst of all this confusion and potential political strife…

I can only think about Megumin.

It's like…

Even before the sight of an awe-inspiring explosion that can shape the landscape, my eyes are always gravitated to her.

Her fluttering hair and mantle…

The joy of having cast her beloved spell, in her shining red eyes.

Damn it.

Confessing… As if I can say all this embarrassing stuff out loud!

Much less to her!

I don't know how Megumin managed to pull this off!

Maybe that's why I want to have a physical relationship so badly.

Rather than for the sake of doing it, or satiating my curiosity…

I just want to be able to show her, in some way…

"...Megumin! Listen! About you, I…!"

"ZZZzzzZZZ…"

"Can you wake up already?!"

Hah.

I don't know why I got my hopes up.

Only a stupid person will keep expecting a development at this point.

It's just another blue balling scene after all…!

Part 6

"...I'm truly very sorry."

...The next morning.

Still in Megumin's old room, we woke up fairly early.

In Megumin's case, she woke up early because she slept early.

In my case, I didn't sleep at all and had been awake the entire time.

Shortly after got up from bed…

"I'm really sorry!"

The proud Megumin is deeply bowing before me.

"Raise your head."

"But… I feel like I did something unforgivable…"

"That's not the case. Really. So please raise your head already."

After finally raising her head, she gave me a worried look.

"Is this really fine, Kazuma? Um…"

She didn't finish her sentence, but blushed instead while scratching her hair in slight frustration.

She's really mad at herself this time.

"Really. Don't worry about it. There's no need to rush. I did a lot of thinking and came to that conclusion. Rather, what I needed to express… I feel like I got it out of my chest. And if Megumin is worried about levelling the playing field, don't worry about that. I got my revenge."

"R… Revenge… Don't tell me?!"

Megumin suddenly turned around away from me and lifted her pajama top up.

"There… There doesn't seem to be any weird writing."

"What? Did Megumin think I wrote something like 'Here is the holy sheath [Avalon]', or something tasteless like that? Don't think that I'd stoop down to your level!"

"That is… Ugh…"

Showing a defeated face, Megumin finally dropped the matter.

"Still… My relations with Megumin have really progressed. Megumin even invited me to go all the way with her…"

"Did… Did I say I was going that far?! Maybe Kazuma has the wrong impression?!"

You're telling me that…

Even if Megumin hadn't fallen asleep, she was gonna blue ball me anyways?

Don't screw with me!

No, actually, please screw with me!

"Don't get me wrong. I'm not so cruel that I'd refuse to give Kazuma any service whatsoever during that kind of atmosphere. I resolved myself to do certain things that don't yet qualify as 'going all the way'..."

"Things such as?!"

I couldn't help myself and leaned towards Megumin with my eyes bugging out.

"You're too close. If you're truly a gentleman, then have some manners and don't ask such sensitive things."

"..."

Let's drop the matter for now.

I have a feeling that we won't get this kind of mood going for a while.

But at the same time I can't handle this roller coaster ride of emotions anymore.

"When I think about it, Megumin must have been quite tired to fall asleep like that."

I didn't mean to sound accusatory, but Megumin flinched when I said this.

"Hm… I guess I've had a lot of things to think about…"

"Tiring yourself out while thinking about explosions, huh?"

"That's not all I think about and you know it. Stop teasing me. Of course, I am thinking about the crisis involving my clan…"

"Oh… Yeah, right. That."

"...? Is Kazuma still half-asleep? To forget about the conflict… Want some water?"

I wish I was at any point even half-asleep during that restless night.

I am only thinking of lewd stuff when there's impending danger.

Could it be that Megumin invited me to her room as a way to relieve some of her stress?

Uwa…

I feel somewhat guilty now!

Somehow the severity of the moment eluded me.

The priorities of a young man are pretty screwed up sometimes.

I will readily admit this myself.

I placed my hand on Megumin's shoulder comfortingly.

Feeling the contact, she turned her head towards me and smiled.

"Since the night-raid failed, feel free to raid me on this beautiful morning."

"For now, I will pretend Kazuma said that to lighten the mood."

Soon, we got up from bed and prepared ourselves for the long day ahead.

As soon as we came out of the door…

We saw Yuiyui-san passing by our room.

"..."

She just glared at us and walked away.

None of the usual subtle threats, but somehow I feel worse just from that one look!

Usually, even when she is unleashing savage remarks, the madam will always have on a fake smile that doesn't really reach her eyes.

This is the first time she let her true emotions known.

"...Breakfast is ready."

So cold!

I'm sure the weather is pretty hot outside but in here it's so cold!

Without knowing what else to do, we washed up a bit before heading to the dining room.

Darkness and Hyoizaburo-san were already seated around the table.

Aqua and Komekko are probably still sleeping.

"Kazuma-san! I knew you could do it! I had faith in you! Thank you for enduring the temptations and my wife's devious… Ah! Hot, hot, hot!"

"I'm sorry, darling, my hand slipped!"

The madam is saying that even as she's currently pouring coffee over the mister's head.

"What a waste of good coffee!"

"..."

Darkness is frozen still and not daring to say anything.

"Sit down, Kazuma-san, and enjoy this fresh harvest of fruits…"

"Err…"

The madam placed a plate in front of me.

It's a plate holding two large, blue fruits.

"I hope you enjoy your blue balls… Ah, I mean, blueberries."

"Um, thanks for the… MEAL?!"

"Here let me cut them for you! There's a lot of juice inside!"

The madam smiled wickedly as she stabbed down on my blue balls… I mean, blueberries with a knife!

...Somehow, I endured breakfast.

Once Aqua woke up, we left the house to escape the madam's wrath.

"Ah, wait, Kazuma-san! I forgot to serve you the cherries! Come get your cherry, boy!"

The madam said even as we quickly walked away.

"Megumin, why didn't you say anything that whole time?! You made me endure all that by myself!"

"There's no need for me to aggro her when Kazuma is already doing a good job."

She said these careless words.

Since there might be some news about the ongoing conflict, we visited the mansion of the village chief.

Inside the mansion, the decorations from the reception party yesterday was already cleared away.

We were led to a living room and seated on a couch that was simple in design but had a sophisticated quality.

In front of the couch is an accent table with a glass vase on the center.

Inside the base are vibrant red flowers that have the color and texture of a rose but the shape of a sunflower.

The chief came back carrying a tray holding a teapot and cups.

After serving us the tea, I sat on a chair adjacent from the couch.

"It's time to gather the war council…"

"This isn't the time to play pretend with your drinking buddies, father! I refuse to let you involve the village deadbeats in this sensitive matter! Also, why is the chief hanging around with the village deadbeats in the first place?!"

As if she was hiding the entire time, Yunyun came out of nowhere and rebuked her father.

"...Isn't my father in the war council as well?"

Megumin said as Hyoizaburo-san was called a deadbeat to her face.

"Don't… Don't underestimate the war council! Don't you know that the leader of the militia force, Buzucoily, was recently appointed to the war council?!"

"That's what I mean! Enough with the war council already! That council of deadbeats and no good NEETs is disbanded from here on out!"

Actually, I remember now that I was also recruited in this war council as a leader of sorts, last time I visited.

I refuse to be included in this sorry bunch.

"Um, village chief-san, if possible, we would like to know if you received any contact from the capital…"

Darkness said, being unusually quiet until now.

Aqua is also quiet but this is due to her still being half-asleep.

"Yes, I did. I received a letter from them via pigeon this morning."

I took the letter from the chief while Darkness and Megumin crowded around me.

"ZZZ…"

Aqua gave in to her temptation and fell asleep on the couch.

"..." x 3.

After reading the letter, our faces darkened.

"They really want to arrest Dust."

"From the looks of it, they want to do more than just arrest him."

Hearing this, Yunyun started waving her arms.

"W-W-We need to do something!"

What happened to that cool Yunyun we saw yesterday?

Reading over the letter once more, Darkness said,

"The tone of the letter comes across as confrontational. I understand that there is some tension, but it almost feels like they are trying to provoke the Crimson Demon clan…"

From Claire's behavior, I didn't find this too strange.

However, the letter wasn't signed by Claire but by the emergency council of elders she mentioned.

"Maybe there's some hidden agenda in the works here…"

"Darkness has her uses sometimes, after all."

"Why you…!"

As Darkness made some noise and glared at me, Aqua started stirring.

"Hm? Where are we right now?"

"Get with the program already!"

I ignored Aqua and faced the village chief again.

"It says in the letter that they will come here at noon. What does the Crimson Demon clan intend to do?"

"...Ah, well, why don't we just see what they want?"

"At least pretend to care."

The chief looked at me with bored eyes. I turned to Yunyun who is more dependable.

"Whatever the case, we can't hand over Dust-san! Who knows what they will do with him?! We should only hand him over on the the condition he is given a fair trial!"

"Speaking of Dust, where is he right now?"

"Oh. He's still sleeping… He drank some more last night since he was so stressed out. Please don't disturb his sleep."

"Please don't do anything drastic for the sake of that hoodlum, Yunyun."

"How can Kazuma-san say that about one of his friends?!"

It's not like I don't care at all about Dust.

The problem is that if I had to choose between Dust and the authority of an entire nation…

I will easily concede to the latter.

"Don't worry, Yunyun. I'm sure we can negotiate something. The Crimson Demon clan is powerful and has a lot of economical value with its magic item production. You should have a fair bit of political sway. You will also have the heroes of this land negotiating with you. I'm sure this will turn out fine."

"Kazuma-san…"

Yunyun looked at me with teary eyes.

"Seeing this dependable side of Kazuma is always a treat."

Megumin said, while giving me a gentle smile.

"Kazuma is a lot of things, but you can really trust him when it counts."

Even Darkness… Uwa. What a heartwarming scene.

"...Kazuma is saying that, but I saw him eyeing the teleportation service as we passed by earlier."

"I thought you were half-asleep?! How did you notice that?! And there are just some things you shouldn't say, tactless goddess!"

"Wahhh! Kazuma-san! Don't abandon us!"

Aqua easily dismantled the slight bit of confidence we were building.

Part 7

...At the borders of the home of the Crimson Demons…

It's time for the meeting with Claire.

"..."

"What's the matter, Kazu-trash? Do you want to say something, Kazu-trash?"

Claire started provoking me for some reason.

Behind Claire and Lucie, in stand-by formation, are the general troops of the kingdom.

They were wearing full knight armor and helmets that cover their faces.

The emblem of Belzerg is painted on their chest pieces.

This sight would have looked intimidating to the normal person…

But to me they looked like a bunch of expendable mooks.

"...Why have you brought a military contingency along with you, Claire-dono?"

"Orders from the council. We are well aware of the volatile behavior of the Crimson Demons. This is a precaution, Lalatina-dono."

"Could it be that Claire-dono is going on a power-trip right now?"

"Hah?! If you want to fight, go ahead and say it to my face, Lalatina-dono!"

"From your confrontational attitude, it seems like that's exactly what you're asking for, Claire-dono!"

As those two butted heads, a familiar figure emerged from behind the soldiers.

"...Pardon me… Pardon me… Ah, Satou-sama. Greetings. I'm afraid that I can't exactly exchange pleasantries right now due to the current situation but… I hope you're doing well regardless."

Rain said while smiling politely.

She took out an envelope from her robes.

"Here is a message from the council."

It was offered to me, but I handed it to the village chief.

He opened the envelope and examined the contents.

"Weird. Same with the letter earlier, there aren't any hidden messages layered under an illusion spell."

"Eh? A prank like that… Why would we do that…?"

Claire broke out of her argument with Darkness and asked the chief in confusion.

"E-Eh? A prank...? Aren't secret messages a standard of letter writing?"

The chief answered with equal confusion.

They speak the same language, but the culture gap is too wide.

All too familiar with the quirks of the Crimson Demon clan, Rain chose not to make any remarks.

After reading the letter, the chief said,

"Um… I understand wanting to take Dust-san into custody, that was mentioned in the previous letter, too. But, what is this condition about the kingdom of Belzerg sending 'ambassadors' to regulate and supervise the operations of the Crimson Demon clan?"

"...This is a condition proposed by the council. They felt that since the Crimson Demon clan is now integrated into the nation, we should have a bit of control with the…"

"Hold… Hold on! We agreed to become, um, partners with the nation of Belzerg, but please understand that the Crimson Demon clan has our own way of doing things!"

The cool Yunyun is returning!

"Grr! It's you again! Very well, village chief's daughter. I will resume the conversation with you."

"...Um, please don't ignore me."

Yunyun and Claire faced each other once more.

And once more, the chief was left out.

Like a separate personality came out, Yunyun is staring confidently into Claire's eyes.

"...Isn't it obvious that there's several hidden agendas going on? As from Dust-san, I understand wanting to take him in for interrogation and a trial. However, aren't all these additions about 'wanting to regulate' the Crimson Demon clan kind of suspicious? Furthermore, we made our agreement to integrate into the kingdom with the king himself, not this shady council! If there are any further negotiations, I'd like to negotiate with the king!"

"We can arrange that~! Why don't you join him in heaven right now and ask him~!"

"E-Eh? Well, if I must…"

Yunyun, you were doing so well. Don't back out now.

As if to save her rival, Megumin stepped in front of Yunyun.

She's shaking her head and sighing.

"It looks like we are at a standstill. If it's like that, why don't you guys back off for now? We can keep the king's body safe here, or you can bring him back."

Rain nodded and said,

"I came here to bring him back. I can preserve his body during the transport. Please lead me to the body."

As the chief escorted Rain, Claire glared at Yunyun once more.

"Just to tell you now, the council was talking about using more confrontational methods to get the Crimson Demons to submit to their authority. It's not like it's my choice to escalate this any further! ...And I'm not supposed to say this, but… What you said about 'hidden agendas'... I heard that…"

As Claire lowered her voice and whispered to Yunyun, Lucie suddenly appeared beside her.

"I'd advise you not to say any more."

"...! R-Right…"

A bit later, Rain returned.

Following behind her, some animated golems carried a statue.

"!"

The king was…!

"So this is what you meant by 'preserved'?! You petrified the king like that frozen griffon statue in the town square?! This clan is ridiculous! Completely ridiculous!"

Claire roared as the frozen statue of the king was carried over.

After a few more unfriendly exchanges were made, Claire and her contingency finally took their leave.

"Rain will come back to the capital with the king, but we will set up camp nearby. Don't mind us. If you are ready for further negotiations, please call for us."

As we watched Claire and her troops leave, Darkness said,

"Forgive me for not speaking up. I felt that this matter should be handled by the Crimson Demon clan without my interference. I will advise you from now on, though."

She has the nerve to say that only after the confrontation.

"Don't try to insert yourself into this despite not having anything important to contribute."

"I'm not…! I actually do want to help! It's not like Kazuma did anything important either!"

Darkness said while blushing and trying to grab me by the neck.

While I was dealing with Darkness, another troublemaker showed up.

With tears running down her cheeks, Aqua was wailing and said,

"Kazuma, isn't this getting too intense?! Let's go! Before this gets any worse, let's go home!"

"What is Aqua talking about? Are you guys trying to ditch my clan? If those guys wanna fight or something, then we'll give them a fight."

Megumin said as she was totally getting hyped up over the prospect of a fight.

"See?! This clan full of battle addicted mages will surely bring out the worse case scenario! It's time to retreat! I know! If Kazuma comes back home with me now, I'll let you have half of the expensive wine I just bought!"

"I don't care about your wine! Get off me!"

As if following Aqua's example, Yunyun also came up to me with tears in her eyes.

"Kazuma-san! What should we do! I said something unnecessary again and now we are in this mess!"

"Kazuma!"

"Kazuma, Kazuma…!"

"Kazuma-saaaan…!"

I was suddenly surrounded by shrieking and wailing girls.

Part 8

"...Um, is this really necessary?"

Dust said as we led him to the borders for another meeting with Claire.

After several hours of deliberation, we arranged another meeting with Claire who had set up camp around the borders of the village.

Dust is currently tied around the torso by a rope.

His wyvern Nuynuy was agitated after seeing her master in this state.

We restrained her in a bird cage and carried her along.

It was too cruel to separate the two, so we're sending Nuynuy out on a package deal.

This 'negotiation team' was comprised of my famous party, who should have some sway with negotiations, as well as the representative for the Crimson Demon clan, Yunyun.

For some reason, the real leader, the village chief, wasn't coming along.

"If we quietly hand you over, maybe the council of elders will forget about all that other stuff. I'm sure that they added all those conditions as a way to pressure us."

"If Kazuma says so… But, I really didn't do anything wrong, OK?! I know that it was my fault the situation ended up like this, but I don't want to die over such a stupid thing!"

"That's what you get for angering the nobility of this land! What an idiot! Don't you know how this country functions?! You deserve to be executed!"

"Kazuma is saying that, but weren't you in the same situation not a long time ago?"

Darkness was quick to comment on my hypocrisy.

"A… Anyways. We'll make sure nothing too tragic happens to you, Dust. So cooperate for now."

"I'd rather not have anything tragic happen to me at all!"

"P… Please don't worry, Dust-san! You won't die! I won't allow it! I'll make sure that you only get prison time for this!"

"Yunyun sounds reassuring but at the same time…!"

I said all that, but honestly there's a lot of fishy stuff going on behind the scenes.

For now, we can't do much but comply to the demands.

There's no reason to increase the tension.

We made our way to the encampment Claire and her troops set up.

It reminded me, in a way, of the encampment/military base that Maouko set up with the Devil King army soldiers she had in her command.

I hope the parallels end there.

As we made our way in, it was clear that the number of troops increased.

They were probably teleported in from the capital.

And also…

"!"

"Kazuma, aren't those…?!"

Aqua pulled on my sleeves as she noticed them as well.

Black hair and black eyes.

Young men with nostalgic features.

They are also carrying with them exotic looking weapons that give off an aura of danger.

Among this crowd of Japanese, I recognized one person.

"...! Isn't that Aqua-sama?! Aqua-sama! It's me, it's me!"

A handsome looking Japanese youth who was 'chosen' to become the wielder of the demonic sword Gram.

He made his way over while waving at Aqua.

"Hm? Who is this fellow? A follower of the great me?"

"Aqua, can't you tell just from looking? It's that Katsuragi fellow."

"You're both wrong! It's Mitsurugi! Mitsurugi Kyouya! Please remember my name already!"

Beside me, Megumin's eyes widened in recognition.

"Isn't this the creepy, egotistical guy who challenged a low-levelled Kazuma to a duel, despite already being a renowned adventurer, but somehow still lost?"

"That is… Um…"

"Even if I have a preference for the despicable types, this person still managed to unsettle me."

"E… Ehhhh?!"

Darkness's comments dealt the final blow.

Mitsurugi slumped his shoulders, and his expression went from joyful to depressed.

"A-Anyways… I'd like to catch up with Aqua-sama, but unfortunately, duty calls. Forgive me…"

After saying those presumptuous words, he bowed his head then walked off.

"What's going on here? Doesn't this seem like a complete war base already?! Look at those intimidating guys sharpening their swords!"

Dust said as he wearily looked around at the surroundings.

It probably didn't help that the soldiers, all aware of Dust's actions, are now glaring at him.

It didn't take long for Claire to emerge from the biggest tent in the encampment.

She is wearing a white cloak with insignias pinned to the lapels, and carrying a sheathed rapier by her hip.

Lucie and Rain, also wearing battle gear, followed behind her.

"Look at that Claire, getting all caught up in a power-trip."

"How disgraceful. To think that she is a noble like myself is…"

"I told you, this isn't a power-trip! I'm following orders!"

Claire who was obviously trying to look cool as she emerged out of the tent, denied the accusations Darkness and I made.

After taking a deep breath, Yunyun took center stage once more and faced Claire.

"...We've decided to hand over Dust-san to you, on the condition that he is given a fair trial, and that we may be allowed to represent him in the procedures. As for the last condition… I'm sorry, but we can't agree to that right now."

We figured that this counter-proposal was reasonable.

There's no reason why the Crimson Demon clan should fall for such obvious intimidation.

The recently instated council of elders is obviously acting for their own self-interests.

Just as the king saw potential in the Crimson Demon clan, these council members didn't want to miss their chance, either.

They didn't hesitate in trying to seize control over the powerful and technologically superior Crimson Demon clan.

Making their greedy intentions known…

I somewhat understand the kind of pressures the king went through, now.

However…

I underestimated the extent of the elders' greed.

"If the Crimson Demon clan fails to agree to these terms, then…"

The eyes of the troops around us became hostile.

"You all should know what I mean. Now, before we come to that point, please reconsider and…"

"...Fufu. Is this bloodlust I sense in the air?"

"...! What in the…?!"

Suddenly.

Appearing out of thin air… No, they had probably been there from the start.

Dropping the effects of their invisibility spells, several Crimson Demons appeared.

They surrounded the encampment.

"My… My right arm! The seal in my right arm containing the [Dark Dragon] is responding to my killing intent…!"

"Now you've done it! My [Frozen Heart] can't contain the [Inferno Blaze] within! I must… Unleash…!"

"Master forgive me, but I'll have to go all out… Just this once."

They're heeeere!

The troublesome chuunis who couldn't help but show up are heeeere!

The soldiers who were showing hostile looks but were still on standby are now drawing their weapons!

Mitsurugi and the Japanese also reluctantly and hesitantly pulled out their weapons.

I remembered the king talking about how the top adventurers fighting in the front lines don't have jobs anymore.

These guys are probably hired by the council as a kind of goon squad.

It's a good thing that the most powerful fighters are still hesitant to fight, but the soldiers around us are raring to go!

"Oi! Megumin, Yunyun! Your clan is doing something stupid again! Please try to reason with them!"

I tried appealing to Megumin and Yunyun.

But…

"So it's come to this! Very well! I tried to keep in mind my obligations to this country, but my loyalty to my clan runs deeper! I am Megumin! My calling is that of an Arch-Wizard! One who has mastered explosion magic to its highest potential! Number One mage of this country! If you have the courage to face the great explosion master who defeated many Devil King generals and the Devil King himself… Then step forward!"

"It seems I have no choice! To protect my clan, I must…! I am Yunyun! My calling is that of an Arch-Wizard! One who wields Advanced magic… One who will become the village chief of the Crimson Demon clan! If you have the resolve to face the power of the Crimson Demon clan… Then be my guest!"

"Uwoooh! Our two aces are ready to go!"

"Yunyun and Megumin have come so far! Especially that strange Yunyun who is always lonely! She's finally come to embrace her cursed bloodline!"

We're screwed.

We're so freaking screwed…!

As expected of this idiot clan! Really!

I didn't bring my weapons to try and project my peaceful intentions.

That decision may backfire on me.

The soldiers lost some of their confidence after Megumin announced she would join the fight.

They knew about her destructive potential.

But it is this same knowledge which empowered them.

Megumin can't do anything at this close range.

She can now adjust the size of her explosion, so as to prevent complete and total annihilation of herself and everything around her.

But even a normal explosion that is not performed at full strength needs some distance.

As they realized this, the soldiers raised their weapons once more.

Well.

If we really wanted to end this quickly…

We could have the Crimson Demons teleport Megumin and the rest of us away from the battlefield.

Megumin can launch her explosion from a safe distance.

We don't want to do any harm, however.

The soldiers weren't aware of that and assumed we are siding with this terrorist village…!

"W-Wait, hold on! We don't need to do this! I know that the council's demands are unreasonable, but…!"

Claire tried playing peacekeeper for both sides.

"It's too late now! The blood of battle is raging within me!"

"Come! Warriors of Belzerg! Show me the traditional sword and shield technique the soldiers of Belzerg are known for!"

"I would like to do battle against the black haired warriors who are rumored to be especially strong! Let's do this!"

This battle addicted clan thinks this is some kind of game!

Claire is still trying to calm everyone down.

"Everyone, let's settle down! If we go further than this, a civil war will surely come about!"

"That sounds… Cool!"

"A civil war, eh? If violence is the only answer, then…"

I appreciate your efforts, Claire, but you're only making those guys even more excited.

"That's it! I'm running away!"

Aqua couldn't take it anymore and started to flee.

"Hey, please get out of my way! Gah!"

"Oof!"

The clumsy Aqua tripped while she was running and collided on a soldier.

Since Aqua had a very high strength stat, the soldier was sent flying while Aqua managed to stay on her feet.

Not good.

From the outside, that looked an attack.

"Troops! You saw what happened! Charge!"

Lucie who is usually quiet and wasn't saying anything so far suddenly yelled out…!

With a roar, the troops raised their shields and weapons, ranging from swords, spears and axes, and advanced cautiously towards the Crimson Demons who are still in the middle of posing and showing off.

"What a manly advance! Come and show me your resolve! [Teleport]."

"Could… Could you be aiming for my weakness...?! How did you know about that?! Are you an assassin sent from the organization?! [Teleport]...!"

"My fated enemy! This will be the day… Gah! Please wait for me to finish my speech! [T…Teleport]!"

How annoying.

The troops who were hesitant at first with their advance, as they were unwilling to go all out against civilians, started getting annoyed by the antics of the Crimson demons.

They started putting more effort into their attack.

"Wait…! Can't we just talk this through? Please listen to me! Please… Oi, listen to me! You bastards!"

Claire eventually snapped.

She targeted a nearby Crimson Demon who was posing in front of her.

"K… Kyouya-san, what do we do?!"

"I don't want to do this, but we signed that contract. Even if we don't fight, the geas will take effect. Let's engage, but try not to harm anyone…"

The Japanese who were only watching started joining the fray.

This is turning out really bad.

The Crimson Demons shouldn't have any problems with mooks, but the reincarnated Japanese could do some serious damage if they try.

It seems like Kyouya and the other Japanese don't intend to go all out, but you never know what will happen in the heat of battle.

I can't worry about them right now, though.

First I have to take control of the situation.

We needed to regroup.

After a quick search I found my party members, but they were all separated.

Aqua is crouched into a ball on the ground and crying her eyes out.

Megumin is standing back to back with Yunyun, doing poses with her rival.

She's taunting the soldiers into attacking, but they are expectedly keeping their distance from that explosion maniac.

Darkness is…

"Take this, Crimson Demon! Ah… Wait! Dustiness-sama?! Please forgive me!"

"Kuh! What a mighty sword swing! Please… Stop this violence! I won't let anyone from both sides harm each other… Even if I have to launch my body in between your attacks!"

"D-Dustiness-sama!"

You can fool them, but you can't fool me.

You filthy masochist.

I thought that it was a good idea to regroup, but my comrades all seem preoccupied.

I should act solo for now.

While the mooks are distracted, I kept an eye on the most dangerous people.

The Japanese are attacking, but very half-heartedly.

The Crimson Demons are easily dodging them.

Aside from the Japanese, there's also…

"...!"

The king's top assassin, Lucie.

While all this confusion was going on, she is blending into the background with her crossbow drawn.

Ever since the king died, she had been aiming that crossbow at Dust.

So I thought she'd be doing that right now at the Dust who is ignored by everyone, laying on his side on a corner, still tied up.

But, why is it that…

Lucie isn't even looking at Dust.

With her crossbow already notched with a bolt.

Her sights are aimed at Megumin.

Part 9

Why?

I don't get it.

Was she given a secret assignment from that shady council?

The… The reason doesn't matter!

I have to act fast!

I didn't bring my weapons, but I was still wearing the [Boots of Speed].

The base-speed enhancing magic footwear that look like a pair of N*ke sneakers, for some reason.

Then, as I prepared to run into a sprint, I activated all my speed enhancing skills at the same time.

With that, I took an explosive step that launched me into fast speeds.

Last time I did this, I ran straight into a wall and my head got crushed like a watermelon.

I couldn't control this insane speed.

Since that accident, I had a lot of time to think about how to make this combo work.

First, as I come in between the path of the arrow and Megumin, I took a quick breath, inhaling as much air as I could.

In this very brief interval, I had the presence of mind to use the [Lip Reading] skill.

"!"

The words I read on Lucie's lips shook me to my core.

Those skills are…!

Now I really have to stop this attack!

The bolt was finally fired.

As a user of archery skills myself, I sensed the moment when the bolt was launched.

Then.

I unleashed the breath I was holding.

"[Wind Breath]!"

I used more mana than I normally would with this spell.

And as my stats have been steadily increasing as I levelled up…

A powerful gale erupted out of my mouth.

A veritable barricade of wind formed in front of me for the duration of the breath spell.

It severely halted and altered the trajectory of the bolt.

For a moment it was frozen in mid-air.

Then it fell uselessly on the ground once the winds died down.

"Kazuma! What happened?!"

I heard Megumin crying out in shock behind me.

That part is now taken care of.

Now, time to prevent the 'head crushed like a watermelon' part.

I already felt my momentum hurling me sideways.

Inertia was trying to drag me to another pathetic death.

"[Featherfall]!"

Using the gravity defying powers of that spell, I became light as a feather.

My fatal momentum immediately stopped.

Even my internal organs were safe, locked in place by the spell.

Even though it's considered a basic utility spell, it really is quite helpful.

And unlike my other basic utility spell like [Counterspell], it's not very demanding on one's mana reserves.

After my momentum was successfully absorbed, I deactivated the spell.

[Featherfall] is not too demanding, but extended activation can still take its toll.

I skidded along the ground a few feet, as some residual momentum returned.

I kicked up dust as my feet drifted on the ground.

"I call that move… [Inertia Drift]!"

I couldn't help but proudly exclaim the name of this move.

After much time brainstorming the logistics of this move, I felt quite proud of myself.

"Fast! That was too fast!"

"[Inertia Drift]... Huh? Not bad at all…"

"As expected of Megumin's lover! Showing us such a splendid special move!"

D… Don't praise me!

If you lot who suffer from chuunibyou go ahead and praise me, they'll think I'm one of you.

"K… Kazuma… Um, thanks for the save."

E… Eh?

Megumin-san?

Showing me a blushing look with stars in your eyes like a rescued damsel-in-distress…

"T… There's a battle going on, so let's save this love-dovey mood for later!"

"I really don't know what Kazuma is talking about."

Really, now isn't the time fool around.

I don't think Lucie will try a stunt like that again after she's been found out, but…

[True Kill] and [Ghost Kill].

Those were the skills she used simultaneously.

The main skill of the assassination skill tree is [Ghost Kill].

This skill's effect only applies if the attack is fatal.

And while the skill doesn't consume much mana…

There is a half-hour countdown the user must wait if the skill is wrongfully activated.

In other words, if the attack doesn't end up dealing the killing blow.

If these difficult conditions are met, the effect plays out as such:

All traces of evidence linking the kill to the killer disappears from this world.

Even the murder weapon that was used is erased from reality.

Especially effective with disposable and inexpensive weapons, such as daggers and projectiles, this skill is essential for all top assassins.

It goes in tandem with [Flash Step], which is a powerful mobility skill that allows an assassin to get in close with their target in the blink of an eye.

After a combo of [Flash Step] to move in, then a successful [Ghost Kill] and another [Flash Step] to quickly escape, an assassin could kill anyone without leaving a trace.

This is the scary signature skill of the assassin class.

But.

The truly frightening skill is [True Kill].

The most advanced skill of the assassination skill tree.

As the name implies…

If one is dealt a fatal blow with [True Kill], it's over.

No healing, no resurrections.

Even a god can't do anything to save a soul who was culled by this ability.

A skill that is like a gift handed down from the grim reaper himself.

The question is, why?

Why would Lucie employ such a drastic and terrible skill combo on Megumin?

Using [Ghost Kill] so we couldn't trace the source of the murder.

Using [True Kill] to make sure Aqua couldn't bring Megumin back.

No matter.

No matter the reason, I'm a bit pissed off.

Lucie must have sensed this as well, as her eyes widened when she saw me approach.

She quickly hid behind the Japanese and issued orders.

"You are all contractually obligated to fight, so fight."

"B-But…"

There must be some kind of silent agreement between the Japanese who reincarnated into this world.

Something like 'we take care of our own'.

And so, even as they raised their weapons against me, they did so dispassionately.

"Kazuma! Don't worry, I will protect you!"

Having jumped into the way of every attack so far, Darkness is looking a little worn out.

Her hair is slightly singed from fire spells.

Her armor is slightly chipped from melee attacks.

When I look around, thanks to Darkness's efforts, there aren't any injuries on both sides.

The only one with even a scratch on them is Darkness.

Acting like a shield for the two opposing sides…

As I was just starting to admire this duty-bound crusader, Darkness's lewd grin as she charged into battle, heading straight for the Japanese adventurers, dispelled my feelings of admiration.

"E-Eh? Crusader-san, what are you…? Please stay back! [Blazing Burst]!"

A Japanese teen around my age wearing the attire of a mage, unleashed an advanced fire spell on Darkness, by reflex.

"Ah! Sorry…! I didn't mean to…!"

These guys were front-line fighters until a year ago.

They must still have steel sharp instincts from all their battles.

So I can't blame them if they attack on reflex as a crazed Crusader is charging at them.

But, as expected of this crazed Crusader…

"I… Impossible!"

She merely stuck a hand out and seemingly grasped the sudden burst of intense fire.

Then she compressed the heat into her palm, as if crushing down scrap metal.

"Hah!"

With a final surge of effort, Darkness closed her hand into a fist and extinguished the flame.

"..."

The battles all around us halted.

No one could keep their eyes away from the outrageous feat Darkness just pulled.

"Hard! What hard defense! Hard-ness is just way too hard!"

"I'm not hard!"

"Skreeeee!"

As Darkness began refuting me, a shrill but ferocious cry filled the air.

With a flap of her wings, Nuynuy flew above us in circles, making her presence known.

I looked at the corner where I last saw Dust.

Beside him, Nuynuy's cage was left open.

And now, Nuynuy's master is freed as well.

Yunyun helped Dust up to his feet.

He is now smiling confidently, as if he hadn't been laying in the corner like an abandoned sack of potatoes.

"Oi, oi, oi! I'd feel bad if all of you are fighting for my sake, let me join in!"

Who said we're fighting for your sake?

"Skreeeee!"

"Gah!"

As if receiving a silent command from Dust, Nuynuy swooped in and lashed her whip-like tail on the wrists of a spear wielding soldier, making him drop the weapon.

She grabbed the spear with her mouth and somewhat awkwardly dragged the stolen spear towards her master.

"Thanks, Nuynuy! You've been such an excellent companion! You're so cute, Nuynuy!"

"Skreeee~!"

"Geez! Change that wyvern's name already, Dust-san!"

With that, Dust, reclining the shaft of his stolen spear against his shoulder, made his way to me.

Both sides are now positioned parallel to each other.

The Crimson Demon side and the Belzerg side facing off.

"..."

No one is talking about settling things peacefully.

In the Crimson Demon side, we all had seen what Lucie tried to do.

And the Belzerg side witnessed Yunyun actively assisting the criminal of the nation, Dust.

Even the Japanese are now looking at Darkness warily, and they too have been swept up by the tides of battle.

We faced off.

Both sides, ready for war now.

"Wahhh! No more, just stop fighting already!"

Meanwhile, Aqua hadn't moved an inch and was still hunched over in a ball.

Part 10

"[Wind wall]!"

Consecutively fired bolts from Lucie bounced off Yunyun's defenses.

"Thanks for the cover, 'Yun-chan'!"

Dust said as he easily side-stepped an overhead sword swing.

He flicked his spear up fluidly, as the edge had been pointing towards the ground, and knocked the spear's blade on the pommel of his opponent's sword.

"Ah!"

The sword spun out of the soldier's grasp.

"Skreee!"

Nuynuy deflected another sword strike aimed at Dust's blind spot with a lash of her tail.

"Gahh! Hot!"

She shot a streak of flame at three more soldiers charging at Dust.

A wall of flames appeared and impeded their advance.

"Aqua! Get up and make yourself useful! Even that wyvern is more useful than you! You weren't like this during the last battle with the Devil King army forces, so what gives?!"

As everyone else was fighting hard, I rebuked the Aqua who hasn't moved from her pathetic position yet.

"'What gives', you say?! Does Kazuma think this is an ordinary battle with 'winners' and 'losers'?! Even if we 'win' this battle, what will happen to us?! The entire country will consider us as traitors!"

"Er… Well…"

To think that Aqua is the one to act as the voice of reason.

"Alright… Good point. Still, I can't just make everyone stop now…"

With that shady council in charge, all we can do is play right into their hands.

Either we let them have their way and let them do who knows what with the Crimson Demon clan.

Or we take the bait and fight this hopeless 'civil war'.

Since Prince Jatis hasn't done anything so far, I think he is also powerless.

The only one who has the power to stop the council's plans is the king (rest in peace).

Too bad this king is now busy making googly-eyes with his dearly departed wife in heaven.

"Geez! If only that stupid king would come back already!"

"Then just get him back! Even if you have to force him to come back, just get him back!"

"Did Aqua already forget that the king's body is in the capital now?! How would we even do that?!"

"Er… Well…"

Aqua glanced away as the tables were turned on her.

"...That's where you're wrong, Kazuma-kun."

A voice called out to me.

"Heh. So it's come to this, Tomigakuyo."

"It seems like it's our time to shine, Hikokuyo. Yo, Hyoizaburo. Doesn't this kind of atmosphere get your blood pumping?"

"...Can't say it does. I'd rather work on my new project right now."

"As reserved as always, Hyoizaburo!"

The deadbeats who call themselves this village's 'War council' made their appearance.

"Ah, I see. Thanks for coming. Well, then…"

"Why is Kazuma-kun walking away?! Come back here!"

What do these deatbeats, drunkards and NEETs want with me?

I'd rather not associate with you guys anymore.

"We heard a little bit of your discussion. Actually, with the king… We thought that this business with the council was suspicious, so…"

The one leading this 'War council', the village chief, leaned in and whispered to me.

"...Eh?!"

I was told something ridiculous.

"Keep your voice down! What if they hear?!"

Rain was sent here to retrieve the body of the king.

The body that the villagers petrified into stone, like the frozen griffon statue used as a landmark in the town square.

"You mean that wasn't the real body?!"

I do remember now that there was a statue made in the likeness of the king, displayed in the town square beside the frozen griffon.

One of the attractions made for the festival.

We freaked out at the sight of the realistic looking statue.

"The king's real body is currently in my mansion now. It was the war council's idea to do this, so we could have some leverage in case something like this happens."

For the worst case scenario, like the one occurring right now, the war council prepared an ace up their sleeves.

"If Kazuma can drag the king back, then I can easily resurrect him! Quick! We must go!"

Aqua urged me on as our next plan of attack took fruition.

"We can't just leave the battle like this…"

The Crimson Demons don't look like they have any real intentions to fight and have been evading the soldiers' attacks for now.

But even they can't remain passive forever.

If this turns into a real contest, things could get ugly real quick.

The Crimson Demons are powerful, but the reincarnated Japanese are beyond OP.

A large amount of them gathered in one place is like having an army of shounen manga main characters.

I also have to worry about Lucie.

She might try something while I'm gone.

Right now I'm the only one who knows what she's truly capable of.

Other than that, I have to keep the general troops from pressuring.

I looked around in search of Megumin.

She's on an island of her own, with soldiers avoiding her general vicinity.

It's funny how there's a gap in the fighting wherever she goes.

"What's wrong? Are you intimidated by my overwhelming power? Come here and have a taste of my Crimson flames…"

Saying those embarrassing lines while flailing her staff around.

"Oi, little girl who is only pretending to fight but not really contributing. Come over here."

"I see. Kazuma finally wants me to unleash my explosion. I was holding back since you might get angry, but if my abilities are questioned, I have no choice."

I stopped her before a single syllable of that chant escaped her mouth.

Once I dragged her to where Aqua and the others were convening, I gave Megumin a level gaze.

"Listen, I can't have you firing your explosion."

She averted her eyes while pouting slightly.

"I know that much. Kazuma doesn't need to tell me. Geez…"

"..."

"Hm? Kazuma just stopped talking for some reason?"

"P-Please consider the time and place!"

"I really don't get what Kazuma is saying."

How come everything you do and say is so moe to me now, Megumin?

I shook my head and explained my plan to Megumin.

"Considering how most of Kazuma's plans are usually complex and often involve surprising twists, this one is pretty uninspired."

"Forgive me for not having that chuuni flair you admire so much."

"Why does Kazuma actually seem kinda offended?!"

The plan involved Megumin keeping the general troops at bay while 'casting' her explosion.

They enemy will retreat and give the Crimson Demons some space.

Before that, I planned to take out Lucie and deal with the Japanese.

But…

This won't be easy.

Lucie is the top assassin of the kingdom.

I must proceed with caution.

"[Bind]."

"...Ah."

Well.

That was easy.

After hiding my presence with [Lurk], I was easily able to catch Lucie off guard.

Assassins are pretty much powerless once you're able to spot and disable them, huh?

Should keep that in mind for later.

I didn't have to use the mithril alloy rope to disable Lucie.

If I can't convince the king, I'll have to use the mithril alloy rope to drag his spiritual body back to the world of the living.

As for the Japanese.

"Oi, Aqua. That Katsuragi fellow seems to admire you for some reason. Why don't you convince them to stop fighting, for now?"

"Hm? I don't really get it, but I just have to talk to them, right?"

Aqua said as she skipped towards the Japanese adventurers who were rallying behind the commands of that Katsuragi, or Mitsu-something-or-other fellow.

Getting up and skipping through a war zone like that...

That's pretty impressive from someone who was balled up and cowering earlier.

"Aqua-sama! Why are you here?! Please go back to Satou Kazuma's side! What if you get hurt?!"

"Wait… Isn't this the goddess who sent me here?! What is a goddess-sama doing here?!"

It seems like they will listen to her.

Those guys are forced into this kind of dirty mercenary work since they don't have stable income.

I might have to help them out after all this is done with.

I-I'm not acting out of a sense of comradery for my fellow countrymen or anything.

It will just be a bit more troublesome if any more shady folk hire these guys' services in the future.

With the biggest threats taken care of for now…

"Megumin! I'll leave the rest to you!"

"Got it! I will make sure to surpass your expectation with aplomb!"

"Don't surpass anything! Just do your job!"

After instructing Megumin, I grabbed Aqua who had just returned from speaking with the Japanese.

"Kazuma! Get this! Those guys stopped fighting once I used [Sacred Break Spell] on this geas thingy and… Whoa! Why is Kazuma in such a hurry?!"

The Japanese have retreated from the battle after Aqua spoke to them.

And now Megumin is…

"B-Behold! I have grown tired of this stalemate! It is time for me to put an end to this farce! I will now unleash… My explosion! My biggest explosion yet! T-The chant will take a while to finish, s-so I hope the enemy doesn't escape my attack range! Ha… haha…!"

"Eeeek! Runnnn!"

Despite Megumin's horrible acting, the troops took the bait and started retreating as well.

"Wait! Come back here! I can… I can take much more punishment than this, you cowards!"

Don't chase after them, Darkness.

Part 11

"This is where we hid the king's body…"

"It's stone! It's another stone statue! Why did I think it was going to be any different?!"

In the chief's mansion, Aqua and I were led to the king's real body.

Instead we found another one of those creepy statues.

"It doesn't matter! Kazuma, just get the king's soul back and leave the resurrection to me! The sooner we get this over with, the sooner we can go home!"

Aqua's unusually determined today.

I unfolded a scroll and quietly chanted the spell.

White light surrounded me, and I felt a force pulling along my body...

…

…

Eris-sama was seated on her chair, as usual, and she smiled in greeting as I stood before her.

"Kazuma-san, I'm more or less caught up with your situation. Fortunately for you, the higher ups also want the king to return. There's no use saving that country from the Devil King only to have it collapse internally a short year after. The higher ups are allowing Kazuma-san passage into heaven in the hopes that you can convince the king to come back…"

This didn't seem to be the time for pleasant chit-chat, so Eris-sama went straight to the point.

"That's alright with me if Eris-sama's higher ups approve, but instead of 'convincing' him, I might have to force that king who is playing hooky to come back."

"W-Well, just remember that it was his choice to ascend to heaven. Technically, we can't condone that kind of method, but…"

Saying vague words, Eris-sama averted her eyes and pointed her fingers together.

I see.

They're not saying 'yes', but they're also not saying 'no'.

"If it makes Eris-sama feel better, I'll try my best to convince him."

"Yes, please do."

With that settled, Eris-sama snapped her fingers.

Suddenly, a weak tremor coursed through the realm.

With a flash of bright light, a two meter long door appeared in front of me.

It was a nondescript white door that stood on its own and didn't appear to lead anywhere.

"Open that door and Kazuma-san will enter a place where dreams come true…"

What is this place, D*sney Land?

I didn't know what to expect, so I was a bit nervous when I placed my hand on the door knob.

I slowly opened it…

"Welcome to heaven! We hope you enjoy your stay! Please have this pamphlet!"

"O-Oh. Thanks…"

As soon as I opened the door, a beautiful angel was waiting for me.

"..."

I was given a pamphlet.

This really place really does seem like some kind of amusement park.

"Um, instead of attractions, can you please tell me where King Joethanael Johnstarr Blazing Shield Belzerg is currently staying right now?"

That name is a mouthful to say.

I want to shorten it to King 'JoJo'.

The angel took out a notepad and glanced through it.

"Let's see… Right now he's enjoying a stroll with his wife around the Lake of Serenity…"

After receiving directions from the angel, I walked along the streets of heaven.

"This… This really is heaven, huh?"

The roads were made out of gold, and there were precious jewels lined along the sides of the road.

The buildings were elaborately designed, architectural marvels that took my breath away.

The weather is temperate and even though there wasn't a sun in the sky, a benign glow was illuminating the streets.

"Hm? Isn't that Satou Kazuma-san? The hero who took down the Devil King?"

"Hey! Thanks for avenging me, man!"

"...Hm, but what are you doing here? You're still alive. Last time I spied on you… I mean, observed you, you were trying to get it on with Megumin-chan…"

"Hook up with Megumin-chan already! Your love life is one of our entertainments around here!"

These spirits are saying some stuff I can't ignore!

"Oi! I can't let that go! What gives you the right to spy on me, huh?! Aren't those kinds of immoral things disallowed in heaven?!"

I yelled at the spirits who were jeering me on.

So these guys do nothing all day but spy and gossip on the affairs of the living.

Heaven does indeed sound like a retirement home, like Aqua described.

I tried to put that unpleasant encounter out of my mind as I followed the angel's directions to the 'lake of serenity'.

After getting lost a bit, heaven is a big place, I finally found it.

It wasn't hard to spot the hulking body of the king.

He was leisurely walking along a trail that wrapped around a beautiful, sparkling, still lake.

Beside him was a woman who I assumed was Lady Belzerg.

"..."

Although I say 'woman'…

"...Ahaha! Oh, Becky… Hm? Wait, isn't that Kazuma-chan? Wait, Kazuma-chan, why are you walking away?!"

Rather than a 'woman'...

"I see where your son gets it from, now."

"What do you mean by that?! Oi, what are you trying to say about my beautiful wife?!"

Lady Belzerg, to put it lightly, is a spitting image of her daughter, Iris.

Rather.

It could be said that in terms of build, the mother is somehow much more dainty and petite.

This king is a lolicon!

No, he's a super lolicon!

"Hm? This young man… Ah, isn't he one half of that 'Kazumin' pairing the other inhabitants of heaven keep raving about? Can I please have your autograph?!"

Lady Belzerg looked at me with a starstruck gaze.

"Ah… Dear Becky, can you please give me a moment to talk with this lad? I'll be back with you soon!"

"That's quite alright. Please take your time, you two!"

Lady Belzerg smiled at us gently as the king and I walked a few ways off.

"K… Kazuma-chan. What happened to you? Why are you here? Did something terrible happen in the country and as the hero you were forced to commit a noble sacrifice?!"

Why is this king casually killing me off?

"No, well, 'something terrible' is indeed happening… Rather than that, can you please explain to me why your wife looks like that?!"

"Don't misunderstand! She is a full grown woman so respect her! Respect women! They are queens!"

I couldn't get over how that woman looks so much like Iris.

Looking at Lady Belzerg...

Maybe Prince Jatis isn't exactly siscon.

Prince Jatis who is known to still grieve over his mother's death and has made a ritual of visiting her grave often…

His siscon tendencies might be related to an oedipus complex.

"A-Anyways, it seems like something happened while I was gone. Please tell me."

The king's face hardened after I finished summarizing the events that followed his death.

"...The council of elders, huh? I knew that they were an ambitious lot. But still, something is very wrong. For them to act that way…"

The king frowned as he stroked his beard.

"The other spirits are all caught up with the current events of the country. Why is Your Majesty not informed?"

"I was too busy… Well, you know, being intimate with my wife after it's been so long…"

He blushed as he peered back at Lady Belzerg who was waiting for us patiently.

As if she somehow sensed what the king had on his mind, she blushed and looked away timidly.

C-Cute…

Wait.

Something about what the king said bothered me.

"Um… Someone told me that heaven is filled with involuntary celibates who can't do anything ecchi because everyone here is in their spirit forms…"

"Hm? I don't know who told Kazuma-chan that, but that's a lie."

That lying goddess!

So sneaky!

Maybe she had to meet a quota as the spirits deciding to reincarnate into that fantasy world started dwindling…

Well, I can't say that I regret choosing to reincarnate into that world at all.

It's a dangerous and cruel world, but if you work hard enough, it can be beautiful and fulfilling.

"...In any case, I think it's time for me to come back."

The king smiled thinly as he looked back to his wife once more.

"Um, this is weird coming from me, but are you sure?"

"Time moves differently here in heaven. It might have been only a day for Kazuma-chan but I've already spent a few months here… That's enough for me. Becky wouldn't want me to miss out on the chance of coming back. She'll force me to come back, I'm sure of it."

He looked back at me and gave me a knowing look.

"Plus, it's not like I have a lot of years ahead of me. I don't have to wait long to reunite with Becky again. I just need to make sure the kingdom is ready for my real departure, and maybe try to clean up my act as a father while I can. Becky didn't like how I treated Jatis… Haha…"

I mean, you did consider assassinating him.

With that settled, the king asked me to give him some time to say his farewells.

"Why doesn't Kazuma-chan visit the gift shop and buy some souvenirs for his comrades?"

Is this place really an amusement park, or what?

And I wish you'd stop calling me '-chan', already.

I left the lovebirds alone and followed the directions in the pamphlet to the gift shop.

When I entered the store, an angel wearing an apron and working at the cashier counter greeted me.

"Welcome to the gift shop, Satou Kazuma-san! Right now you have… Amazing! Satou Kazuma-san has enough accumulated karma to buy all the merchandise in our store!"

The angel explained to me that 'karma' is the currency of heaven.

Karma comes from good deeds that one accumulated throughout their lifetime.

As such, heroic deeds amount to great amounts of karma, and surely, killing the Devil King yielded a lot for me.

It's nice to know that I am well off even in the afterlife.

I bought some souvenirs I thought everyone would like, as well as some items for myself.

"...Oh, my! That item is… Excuse me for my rudeness but could Satou Kazuma-san be purchasing that item for…?!"

"None of your business! G-Geez…!"

So even the angels are gossiping about my affairs.

Part 12

After making my purchases, I met up with the king again.

"I heard you have been taking care of my Iris, Kazuma-san. Please continue to do so."

Lady Belzerg smiled and gave me a small bow.

She really does look like Iris.

The only difference is the mature and patient air around Lady Belzerg.

...I just hope that Iris can outgrow her mother at least by a couple inches.

"I feel like I have to apologize for taking your husband away…"

I felt a bit guilty about it.

It was necessary to do so, but it was a hard decision to make.

"No, no. Instead, I am thankful for this opportunity, to let us reunite even if only for a little while."

"I heard that time flows differently in heaven. If you'd like, I can stay here for a bit longer and…"

"That's not fair to Kazuma-san who has cherished companions in the world of the living. And I'm at peace right now, with the time my beloved and I spent together."

"Becky…"

S-So graceful…!

Really, what a remarkable woman!

It's such a shame that I've corrupted her daughter into a girl who casually uses L33t slang!

"Becky… I'm off."

"I will see you soon, my love."

"..."

I feel like I'm intruding in this heartwarming scene.

After a chaste kiss, the two parted ways.

"We hope you enjoyed your stay in heaven!"

"We hope to see you again!"

"R… Right…"

Telling us 'see you again'... Why is this angel saying such ominous words?

The king looked back once more at Lady Belzerg before he followed me through the door.

With a flash of light…

"Ah! Kazuma-san! Your Majesty!"

Eris-sama greeted us at the other side.

"Eris-chan~! Nice to see you again~! I really enjoyed hanging out with you last time, so I hope you let me come over again~!"

"E-Eh?! Um, I'm flattered but…"

"Having Eris-chan listen to my complaints while I munched away on her snacks was really therapeutic! I will certainly come back again! Kazuma-chan, you should come hang out, too!"

"Please don't use my realm as a hangout spot. And I've been meaning to tell you this before, but calling me '-chan', is…"

It seems Eris-sama made a new friend.

"Eris-sama, is Aqua ready on the other end?"

I said to Eris-sama who is sulking as the king promised to come over plenty.

"Senpai is standing by and ready to resurrect the body. I can send Your Majesty over whenever you're ready."

We both nodded.

Seeing this, Eris-sama snapped her fingers.

"Then, I wish the both of you luck in ending this strife!"

From the heavenly realm, we were both transported back into the realm of the mortals…!

…

…

"I… It worked! I mean, as expected of a great goddess such as myself…"

The first thing I saw upon coming back was the gloating face of Aqua.

"He's back! It would have been cooler if we hadn't dispelled the petrification magic and seen if the king could bust out of his stony prison, but…"

The king is not a pillar man.

"...Your Majesty. We shouldn't delay. The battle could escalate if we don't act soon."

"Very well. Lead the way."

After taking a moment to orient himself after coming back to life, the king followed us to the borders of the village.

The battle is still going strong and it looks like our stalling tactic didn't work as effectively as I thought.

"W-Wait! Don't attack! I really will blow you up if you get closer!"

"You can't trick us! In the first place, if we draw closer, you can't even use your explosion magic anymore!"

"For revealing the sole weakness of the great explosion magic so easily… Who does this nameless mook think he is?"

"N-Nameless…?! Why you…!"

Instead of drawing them away, Megumin is actually provoking them to come closer.

The fighting was intense, so it took a while for people to notice the king approach.

When they did notice, the fighting stalled until it eventually halted.

"M-M'lord!"

Claire, who had been chasing around a Crimson Demon, saw her liege and immediately fell down on one knee and bowed her head.

Gasps of surprise spread throughout the troops and one by one they all followed Claire's example.

Some of the soldiers hung their heads in shame.

It seems like most of them are aware what their orders were really about.

"...There's nothing more for the army of Belzerg to do here. Please pack up and return to the capital."

"Y-Yes, sir…!"

As the troops retreated at their leige's words, the king turned to Claire and then to Lucie, who was still tied up with my [Bind] and laying on the ground.

"I realize it's not fair to put the blame on anyone since you were all under orders, nonetheless, keep in mind that I will conduct a thorough investigation on what happened today, and that you two are not exempt from it."

"Yes, m'lord. I understand!"

"...Yes, m'lord."

Finally.

It's over.

As they watched the troops make a coordinated retreat, Aqua, Megumin and Darkness gathered around me.

"I'm glad that this conflict was resolved without any fatal injuries, or worse, from both sides… N-Not to brag, but I feel this is the result of my efforts. As a Crusader, I felt it was my duty to protect everyone. No need to thank me."

Darkness said, while puffing her chest out a little.

"That's not bad. But let us not forget it was the threat of my powerful explosion magic that gave Kazuma enough time to retrieve the king."

Megumin said, also puffing out her chest

"Hm? Why are the two of you bragging? I'm obviously the MVP here, right? Who do you think it was who resurrected the king? Me! The great and beautiful goddess, Aqua-sama!"

"I don't think Aqua realizes how important my role as the shield was! N-Not that I'm bragging, or anything!"

"Let me educate you about the true capabilities of explosion magic before you two get all confident about yourselves."

"Aren't you two getting too conceited lately?! Mere mortals think they can compete against a goddess?! Why don't we settle this right here, right now!"

"That sounds like a good idea! Oraaa!"

The civil war is finally over.

But an even more violent brawl is about to take place.

…

…

Chapter 22 END

Next Chapter: Story Arc Epilogue & Extras

A/N: I want to thank LordVTP for helping me write this chapter and for giving great advice, as always. I also want to thank Marv who I basically roped into proofreading for me. If you notice there's less grammatical, syntax and stylistic errors than usual, you have him to thank.