Darkness couldn't sleep. Her body was exhausted, but she found that she couldn't drift away in someone else's bed so easily. She pulled the blanket tightly against her body, the cold winter night like needles on her skin. The blonde rolled over to her side, turning to look to her left, seeing Megumin staring right back at her.
"You too?" The mage asked.
Darkness silently nodded.
"You need to sleep, Darkness," The mage whispered as brushed a stray hair that was resting on Darkness' face. "You almost passed out in the in bath,"
"I know," She sighed, avoiding eye contact with the mage's eyes. "I'm so exhausted I can barely move,"
Darkness chuckled to herself, not noticing Megumin shift closer towards her. She gently grasped the blonde's nightgown, clenching onto it as she looked back at the crimson demon.
"What's wrong, Megumin?"
"I-I'm just a little cold," She moved a little closer. "Just cold that's all,"
Darkness embraced the mage, tightly holding her head against her chest. She grasped the back of her pajamas with her left hand, her right gently resting on the crimson demon's head.
"Forgive me, Megumin… None of this should have ever happened," She whispered. She softly rubbed mage's scalp. "If I had fulfilled my role properly, my job in this party properly, no one would've gotten hurt,"
Megumin inched her arms around the crusader, not saying a word as Darkness continued to speak.
"I should have stopped the fight, it was foolish of me for letting Aqua get so close to Raemis,"
"Darkness,"
"I'm sorry, Megumin. All of this could've been prevented if I acted sooner…"
Megumin squeezed her arms as tightly as she could. The crusader squeezed back, tightly holding onto her as if she would drift away at the slightest breeze.
"I'm sorry Megumin,"
"Stop apologizing!" Megumin shouted, she felt Darkness jump in surprise, her embrace loosen, her nerve shaken by the mage's sudden outburst. "It's not your fault! Stop blaming yourself and apologizing! We're all responsible equally, so stop putting yourself down!"
"I-I-,"
"I'm scared Darkness, I'm so scared. I don't know if I'm scared of Raemis, or what we'll have to do to Raemis, but I'm scared, She whispered. "You're our mighty crusader, you're like my… my…"
Darkness felt a tear roll down her face. It felt warm on her skin, yet so icy cold when it dropped down onto the pillow.
"Sister…"
Darkness hugged Megumin with all her might, unable to stop her tears from flowing as she tightly held onto her.
"Please, I need you to be strong, or I won't be able to stand,"
Darkness could feel Megumin's tears soaking into her nightgown. Her hands gripped her clothes tightly as they sobbed quietly in each other's embrace.
"Megumin, I-I'm sorry I-,"
"Y-You're apologizing a-again," Megumin chuckled through her tears.
"Oh I-I… sorry… wait,"
Megumin was full on laughing now, Darkness bright red in the face as she struggled to speak.
"I'll make sure no harm comes to this party, especially to you," Darkness whispered. "I promise,"
"I'll make sure no one gets hurt too," She whispered back.
The two quietly embraced each other, silently enjoying the other's warmth and comfort as they calmed down from an emotional conversation. Megumin felt Darkness squeeze her a little tighter.
"Sister…" The blonde quietly whispered. The mage turned a bright red, burying her face into Darkness' chest to avoid her gaze.
"Y-Yeah, sister…" She muttered. "I can't believe I let that slip,"
"I don't mind," Darkness replied, smiling as she scratched Megumin's scalp and brushed her hair with her fingers. "I've never had any siblings, so please forgive me if I'm not a good elder sister,"
"You are a good older sister. I've never had a older sister, but I'm sure you're one of the best,"
"T-Thanks," The embarrassed crusader quietly whispered. "I would have no one other than you as my sister, Megumin,"
"No fair…"
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"Hey, Darkness?"
"Yes?"
"Why did you choose to be a crusader?"
Darkness stayed silent. Megumin immediately regretted asking her question.
"Sorry, I shouldn't have asked…"
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"When I was a small child. My mother passed away due to illness," She paused, talking a deep breath as she collected her thoughts. "I'm sure you can recall, but my father is a sickly man. Thankfully that time, the curse was able to be lifted by Aqua, but his health is slowly getting worse by the day. His father passed early due to illness, and his father before him,"
Megumin listened quietly, not moving a muscle as the blonde continued to speak.
"The truth is… I'm terrified… of death. I'm scared of the people around me dying, and I'm scared of dying. My blood foretells that my time in this world will be short, and that my time is running out,"
Megumin could feel the crusader begin to shake.
"When I place a point into defense, I feel a bit of satisfaction from being able to look death in the face a little longer. When I fail to protect Kazuma, I push more points into defense, lying to myself that it will protect him next time,"
Megumin looked up. Darkness was crying, her eyes staring at the wall as fresh tears flowed down the dried ones.
"Perhaps that's why I get some sort of pleasure from pain. I feel I'm cheating death, or I'm taking the pain for someone who would surely die from it," She whispered. The mage reached up and awkwardly wiped a tear from Darkness' eyes.
"Oh, I'm crying again," She chuckled through the tears. "I-I'm sorry,"
"No, it's okay," Megumin replied. "I shouldn't have pried,"
"N-No, I want you to know,"
"W-Why?
"I want… my sister to know why I'm a crusader,"
Megumin didn't respond, just silently squeezing the crusader tighter. The two didn't utter a single word for the rest of the night, quietly drifting asleep as the wind howled outside.
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"I'll protect you, Megumin,"
The morning sun shone brightly through the crusader's bedroom window. The slight scent of blood still lingered in the air. The rug was missing from the middle of the floor, it being thrown into the trash after being deemed a lost cause the night before. Kazuma sat on a chair next to Raemis' bedside, tending to the demon.
"How does it feel?" Kazuma asked as he unwrapped the bandage around Raemis' arm. She was sitting against the headrest, her arm laid gently atop a pillow draped with a towel.
"It feels good," She softly replied. It was unnerving to Kazuma, hearing her usually confident and booming voice be reduced to a soft, weak whisper. He finished unwrapping the bandage, finding that there were no signs of blood, her flesh fully healed.
"Here," He said as he grabbed the glass of water on the bed stand next to her. "Drink some of this. You need to stay hydrated,"
She tried to grasp it with her right hand, her fingers wrapping around the cup, only for it to slip right through them, spilling the glass onto the towel below her.
"C-Crap," She tried her hardest to pick it up, her hand missing entirely. Kazuma picked up the glass, placing it back onto the bedstead. "I guess my arm isn't as good as I thought it was,"
Kazuma rolled up the freshly wet towel and placed it on the floor. He cast create water, filling up the cup to near the brim. Raemis reached over with her left hand, taking the cup before Kazuma could hand it to her. She downed the entire glass in one go, handing it back to Kazuma as she wiped her mouth.
"I guess I wouldn't be throwing any punches anytime soon,"
"Please don't,"
She watched as Kazuma wrapped a fresh bandage around her arm. He tied it around tightly, giving it a good tug to ensure it wouldn't budge.
"K-Kazuma,"
"Yes?" He replied, collecting the old bandages so he could properly dispose of them.
"Y-You…" She looked away, staring down at her lap, her freckled cheeks a bit darker red than usual. "T-T-Touched my horn… again…"
Kazuma froze, in his haste dealing with Raemis' wound last night, he had forgotten all about the fact he had essentially just groped the demon. "A-Ah w-well, uh,"
Before he could respond Raemis grabbed his hand and placed it directly onto her right horn. Her cheeks burned a deep crimson red, her hands shaking as she held Kazuma's to her horn.
"Raemis!? W-Wha-"
"P-Please don't talk!" She shouted, cutting off the adventurer. "It's e-embarrassing,"
"Then why are you making me do this!?" He hissed. The golden mark on her other horn glowed brighter, her golden eyes shining brightly in the morning sun as they stared right into Kazuma's.
"It makes me feel normal… being embarrassed like this… like I'm a normal village girl, being nervous around the boy I like… instead of a bloodthirsty monster," She whispered, her hands gripping Kazuma's tighter. "I know, my time like this is limited. I can sense it… so please, hold onto me, as long as you can,"
Kazuma didn't say a word, quietly holding onto her horn. It was only a short moment before a knock on the door made Kazuma release his grip, much to Raemis' dismay.
"It's me and Megumin," The familiar crusader's voice called from the other side of the door. "May we come in?"
"Yeah," Kazuma replied, standing up and pushing the chair back to Darkness' desk.
Megumin rushed to Raemis' side as soon as Darkness opened the door, her hat falling off her head as she picked up her arm and examined it closely.
"Are you alright?"
"I am," Raemis rustled the mage's hair. "Thanks for worrying about me,"
The demon looked up, making eye contact with the blonde crusader, she noticed the pair were dressed in their adventuring clothes.
"Darkness,"
"Yes, Raemis?"
"Thank you,"
"There's nothing you need to thank me for," Darkness replied as she picked up Megumin's hat from near her feet. She placed it back onto the mage's head. Raemis remained silent, looking down at her lap as she quietly contemplated.
"Why are you geared up?" Kazuma asked.
"It's been a full day since we sent that letter," Darkness explained. "It's reasonable to assume the letter has reached the castle by now. A letter addressed to the princess' right hand from a Dustiness is bound to move quickly,"
"Darkness said that we should look like we're always ready to protect the princess," Megumin added, standing up from Raemis' beside. "Just in case Claire shows up,"
"I guess I should get dressed too," Kazuma sighed, walking towards the door. His hand moved towards the door handle, a knock on the door stopping him before he could grasp it.
"R-Raemis?" Aqua's came from the other side of the door. "C-Can I come in?"
Kazuma swung open the door, coming face to face with the surprised goddess holding a bottle of wine in her arms. He grabbed her wrist and dragged her into the room. The adventurer pushed Aqua to Raemis' bedside and pointed at the demon.
"Apologize," He said in a cold tone. "Don't think of doing anything funny or Darkness and I will tackle you to the ground,"
Aqua shivered as she looked over to the crusader. Her arms were crossed, staring the goddess down with a cold look on her face.
"I was going to anyway!" She exclaimed pouting as she stomped her feet. "You don't have to scare me!"
The two were unmoved, Megumin moving behind Aqua so she had no escape. She let out a sigh.
"I-I… I'm sorry," She whispered. Avoiding the confused demon's eyes.
"What was that?" Kazuma growled, crossing his arms.
"I'M SORRY!" Aqua exclaimed, bowing a full ninety degrees to the demon. "I WAS SCARED! AND I DIDNT WANT YOU TO HURT MY FAM- I MEAN FRIENDS!"
Raemis looked a little taken aback, leaning a bit away from the goddess.
"I-It's fine! N-No need to apologize," Raemis stuttered.
"NO! I feel terrible! I shouldn't have tried to hurt you! So please take this bubbly as an apology!" Aqua apologized, extending the bottle in her arms towards the demon. Darkness' eyes widened when she caught sight of the bottle Aqua was offering to Raemis. It was the one she had given to her to bribe information about valentine's day almost a week ago now.
"W-Wait, Aqua," Darkness stuttered. "You still have this?"
"Yes! I was saving it for after we dealt with the demon king, but I don't deserve it anymore!" She exclaimed. "You should have it, Raemis!"
"I-It's alright, Aqua," Raemis bashfully replied. "I don't drink, so it would be wasted on me,"
"Then you can sell it!"
"I don't really need the money, it's fine, really!" Raemis said. "I won't live long enough to enjoy the money anyway…"
Aqua looked up, her eyes a little teary as she looked into the demon's eyes. "H-How can I make it up to you?"
There was a moment of silence.
"Aqua, if my eyes turn red, and I can't control myself again," Raemis whispered. "I need you to use that spell on me again, instead this time… straight through the heart,"
"N-No… I-I-I can't,"
"DON'T YOU REMEMBER WHAT I'VE DONE?!" She roared, slamming her fist into the mattress. "I AM A MURDER, A DEMON, I DESERVE TO DIE! I ONLY BEG FOR MY LIFE SO I MIGHT PERHAPS ATONE JUST A FRACTION OF MY LOST SOUL TO THE GODS ABOVE! I DON'T DESERVE YOUR FORGIVENESS, OR YOUR MERCY! SO DO NOT HESITATE TO KILL ME!"
A defining silence swept across the room, tears flowing down the demon's face as she silently cried. Aqua opened her mouth, only for no words to come out.
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"R-Raemis?" A quiet, soft voice rang out from the doorway. The party looked over to see the young princess peeking her head into the room.
"I-Iris!" Raemis exclaimed, wiping the tears from her eyes. The princess ran towards the demon, pushing past the party and tightly embracing Raemis. She weakly wrapped her arms around Iris. "H-How much did you hear?"
"Everything!" Iris exclaimed. "Even last night!"
The party had forgotten that the guest bedroom was right next to Darkness'. It was probably impossible to not overhear the commotion last night.
"I'm s-sorry, Iris," Raemis apologized. "You didn't need to hear all that,"
"No!" She shouted. "Raemis you don't deserve to die! You were manipulated by great evil, one beyond your control!"
Raemis stayed quiet. Her arms were shaking as they tightly squeezed the princess.
"It's not your fault! So please… don't die! You can't!"
"I'm sorry…"
The party quietly ate their lunch, a simple meal of sandwiches and various fruits. The dining room table was silent, everyone was still possessing the emotional morning they had as they took small bites of their lunch.
"Darkness," Raemis softly spoke between bites of her meal.
"Yes?"
"I-I'm sorry for breaking your leg,"
"You already apologized for this, I told you to not worry yourself about it,"
"No, it's just that…" Raemis sighed. "I feel should explain myself, why I attacked the three of you when we first met,"
The demon looked up at the other side of the table. Kazuma, Megumin, and Darkness perked up, who were all sitting next to each other, Kazuma in the middle. They were intrigued by a Raemis suddenly bringing up the topic.
"I was testing you, your strength," She whispered looking down at her cup of tea. "I wanted to see if you were strong enough, strong like the rumors that are whispered about you at the castle,"
"Rumors?" Aqua asked, her voice muffled by the sandwich in her mouth.
"Yes, there are whispers about this party amongst the demon king's army," Raemis explained. "An Arch Priestess that can revive any soul. A powerful Arch Wizard that can reduce any fortress to smithereens. A invincible Crusader that can shake off even the most powerful of curse,"
"And?" Kazuma asked.
"No, that was it. That was all the rumors,"
"Of course," Kazuma sighed. Megumin softly patted him on the back as he hung his head defeated.
"But that's exactly it. There were no rumors about you," Raemis whispered. "It terrified me,"
"Big brother IS scary!" Iris added, pouting as she took a bite of her lunch. "He's the strongest hero in all of Belzerg!"
"I knew there were four, and the unknown fourth took down most of the generals," Raemis pinched the princess' cheeks as she continued to speak. "I journeyed to Axel, and uh…"
The demon paused, looking away from Kazuma's eyes.
"And?" Kazuma pressed.
"I uh… stalked you…"
"Stalk!?" Megumin shouted, standing up from her seat. Her chair almost fell over as she pointed at the demon. "For how long?!"
"Uh… around… a month…"
"A month!" Darkness exclaimed standing up beside Megumin. "T-T-Thats-!"
"I know! I regret it too!" Raemis buried her hands in her face. "I-I just got swept away watching Kazuma!"
"Eh?"
"I-I got obsessed with watching him fight, eat, complain, laugh, get angry…" She whispered. "Sleep…"
"SLEEP?!"
Kazuma buried his face in his hands as well.
"Wait wait, that means you were watching us too!" Aqua yelled, standing from up next to Iris. "Anything else you wanna confess?!"
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"I watched him bathe too…"
"BATHE?!"
"I-I-I-I just wanted to learn as much as I could about him!" She pointed across the table. "Like how he bathes with you two a lot!"
"O-Only when we had too!" Megumin exclaimed.
"N-No we did not!" Darkness stuttered. She looked over to see Iris was blushing a soft pink, trying to avoid everyone's eyes. She leaned over and grabbed the princess by the shoulders and stared directly into her eyes.
"Ah! L-L-Lady Lalatina?"
"Princess," The blonde said in a direct, commanding tone. "It is IMPERATIVE that you never tell another soul about this,"
"N-Not a soul," She stuttered as she nodded.
A knock on the front door caught the party's attention. They had just finished cleaning up their lunch, and were taken off guard by the arrival of someone.
"Shit, already?" Kazuma muttered under his breath. "Raemis, hide in Darkness' room,"
"G-Good idea," She stuttered, quickly moving to hide herself.
When the demon was out of view, Darkness nodded silently to the party for confirmation that everyone was ready and opened the door.
"Lady Dustiness, I apologize for coming on such short notice," A blonde woman with a blue highlight in her hair spoke. Her armor was a regal navy with gray steel plates protecting her body. Her sword was sheathed tightly around her waist, her expensive looking fur coat looking appropriate for the winter day.
Behind her was another bonde, a little darker than the woman's in front of her. She wore a navy dress with golden highlights that turned into sky blue frills, clothes that fit a mage. Her hands were gripping a staff tightly to her body.
"Please it's no problem at all Lady Claire, it's always a pleasure to see you," Darkness assured with a gentle bow. "You too Lady Rain,"
"It's good to see you, Lady Dustiness," She spoke with a curtsy of her dress.
"Please come in, it's very cold outside," Darkness invited as she moved aside from the doorframe.
"Thank you it's very chilly," Claire said as she walked in, Rain quick to follow as Darkness closed the front door behind them.
"H-Hello Claire, Rain," Iris greeted standing behind Kazuma.
"Come here Princess Iris, you're not in trouble," Claire reassured the young princess, kneeling down to her eye level. Iris gripped onto Kazuma's shirt a little tighter, shifting a little more behind Kazuma. "I know the demon was scary, but you're safe now,"
Kazuma knelt down as well, looking at Iris looking down at her feet. "Iris, is something wrong? You can tell your big brother,"
She stayed quiet, years beginning to form in the corner of her eyes. Kazuma ruffled the top of her head as Iris tried to wipe the tears.
"Satou Kazuma, as graceful as I am that you protected the Princess' life, that does not permit you to touch her!" Claire boomed as she stood up.
Kazuma ignored her command and continued to dote on Iris, waiting for Iris to feel comfortable speaking.
"I-I don't want to go…"
Kazuma chuckled, pitching the young ruler's cheeks.
"Satou Kazuma!"
"Iris, we all have a role to play in this world. For me it's dealing with three idiots and unwillingly hunting down the Demon King, and for you it's training to become the wise leader of Belzerg,"
Iris slowly nodded. Kazuma chuckled as he wiped a tear from her cheek.
"Come on, it's time to go home,"
"SILENCE!" Claire exclaimed, catching the party off guard. She slowly drew her blade from her side.
"L-Lady Claire, what are you-?" Darkness stuttered.
"There's someone else in this manor," She whispered. The party felt their hearts immediately sink down to their feet.
"I-I assure you there's no one else in our residence," Darkness tried to calmly reply.
"Y-Yeah! If there was I'm sure Kazuma's detection skill would've picked it up by now," Megumin added.
Claire began walking towards the entrance, trying to push past the two as she glared down at Kazuma.
"P-Please Lady Claire! I-I'm sure that you are uneasy after the long journey! L-Let me get you some tea," Darkness stuttered, trying to move in front of her.
"D-Do you like it with milk or sugar?" Megumin tried to help as she moved beside Darkness. "A-Aqua help me out! With tea!"
Aqua quickly shuffled over with a cup and tried to hand it to Clarie, who ignored her and tried even harder to push past.
"Lady Dustiness please move aside!"
"I cannot allow you to pass without some tea!"
The party all struggled to hold back Claire, Kazuma shielding Iris with his body to protect her from getting hit by a stray foot or arm.
"Lady Dustiness!"
The group struggled even further, the push and pull of the group looking like a sporting match.
"P-Please stop Clarie!" Iris quietly explained. "You're going to hurt someone!"
"Stop!" A hooded figure exclaimed from the end of the hall. They all looked over towards the voice. "Here I am, so stop this madness before someone gets hurt!"
Claire stood up straight and pointed her sword at the figure. Her navy blue eyes glaring at the hooded stranger.
"Take off your hood,"
"Claire no!" Iris exclaimed as she grabbed onto her extended arm.
The figure threw off their cloak, revealing their entire body.
"A demon…" Claire whispered.
"Raemis, what are you doing?" Kazuma hissed.
"I won't let you hurt the Princess," She trusted her blade and the demon menacingly. "Demoness!"
Raemis stood wordlessly, face expressionless, but her eyes pleading with the retainer to lower the weapon.
Claire rushed towards the demon, swinging her sword down at her. Raemis didn't flinch, her eyes closing as the steel was about to collide with her body.
When her eyes opened, she was met with the sight of Darkness standing in front of her. The crusader's hand was tightly grasping the blade of the retainer's sword.
"I cannot allow you to hurt Raemis," Darkness stated.
"So, you know her name," Claire replied. "I am ordering you to move aside, Lady Dustiness,"
"I cannot do that,"
"Lady Dustiness must I remind you that if you do not move you will be charged with counts of treason for conspiring with the demon king,"
"Darkness, I don't want to trouble you," Raemis whispered. "It's alright, so please, do as she says,"
"I promised that no one in this party would get hurt," Darkness replied. "I intend to uphold it,"
"I'll be fine. I promise,"
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Darkness reluctantly let go of the blade. She stepped aside as Claire began to speak to Rameis.
"What are you doing here, Demon," She commanded. "Tell me!"
Raemis could taste the fear swelling up in Claire and Rain, the latter of which was watching from a distance, tightly holding her staff to her body. She opened her mouth, but no words came out.
"Speak!"
"I-I," Raemis stuttered.
"SPEAK!"
Raemis could feel her body crave for more as Claire began to tighten her grip on her blade, a bead of sweat falling from the retainer's forehead as her breathing began to rapidly accelerate.
"N-No…"
Claire slashed her sword at the demon. Raemis moved to stop the cut with her right hand, but a sharp pain in her arm caused it to miss the steel by a few inches.
The blade cut her left horn clean off, it falling down onto the ground with a deafening thud.
"Next time it'll be your neck!" Claire roared. "So answer me!"
Raemis fell onto her knees, her hands shaking as they moved towards the mutilated horn laying on the ground.
"Clarie, that is too far!" Iris exclaimed, running in front of Raemis and extending her arms. "I won't let you hurt her so lower your weapon!"
Raemis watched as the soft golden glow once imprinted on her horn slowly faded away.
"Princess, move out of the way!"
Raemis' vision began to blur, her breathing beginning to rapidly increase. She could sense every emotion in the room, the panic, the anger, the confusion…
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The fear.
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She tightly embraced her horn to her body, shutting her eyes as she began to shout.
"K-Kazuma, Aqua, kill me! Kill me now!"
"W-What?" Kazuma stuttered as he froze.
"P-Please… I can't control it… for much… much longer… "
"I-I can't!" Aqua cried. "I-I can't, I can't!"
Raemis opened her eyes, her vision almost fully black as her iris shifted from their usual golden shimmer to a blood red. She could feel her body begin to burn up, her emotions overwhelming as she embraced the horn as hard as she could.
"No… Please," She begged with the last moments of her control. "I don't want to…. hurt anyone… anymore…"
She closed her eyes.
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She felt a hand gently caress her cheek. She opened her eyes. Her crimson eyes were met with emerald ones.
"K-Kazuma please… run…" She begged. "Please…"
She felt Kazuma's other hand gently grasp her right horn. She raised her hands and caressed Kazuma's, pressing them both against her body. The horn she embraced falling back onto the ground.
"I don't… want…"
"Rae," Kazuma whispered.
The demon blinked. Her crimson eyes returned to their usual golden glow. She could feel tears begin to form in the corner of her eyes.
"You remembered…"
"Sorry, you told me to call you that, but I guess I was too afraid to," Kazuma confessed. "But after living with you for a week, seeing you laugh, smile, cry, I see you're nothing to fear,"
"You haven't seen me when I kill…"
"You're stronger than that Rae," Kazuma reassured, gently stroking her face. "I know it's hard, but I need you to fight,"
"I'm trying! I just…"
"Fight for me, Rae,"
Kazuma noticed her cheeks turn just the slightest bit darker as she leaned into his touch.
"I love you, Kazuma," Raemis whispered. "Please help me…. hold me,"
The two embraced as Iris stood her ground, the nervous Claire lowering her weapon.
"Princess, what is going on?" The retainer whispered.
"Raemis is a good person! She risked her life for my protection against the demon king's general!" Iris exclaimed, her arms still outstretched as she shielded her brother and demon. "So please sheathe your sword!"
"Must I remind you, Princess, that she is a demon!"
"Please…"
Clarie sheathed her blade reluctantly, her heart weak to the sight of a teary eyed Iris.
"Your wish is my command," She sighed as she knelt down, bowing her head. "I cannot deny your adorable face. I beg for your mercy for my insolence,"
Iris ignored her, crouching down so she was eye level with the demon. She was clenching Kazuma's gray cloak tightly in her fists, her face buried in his neck. She reached out and gently rested her hand on Raemis' head.
"You are strong, Raemis. Please, fight it,"
Raemis didn't respond, her eyes squeezed tightly shut, her hands clenching Kazuma's robes as tight as possible. He tried to sooth her by gently stroking her long, snow white hair.
"I'm scared…" She whispered.
"It's okay," Kazuma replied "It's okay to be sacred,"
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Her breathing calmed, her grip loosening as she slowly regained control, her golden eyes fully returned to their golden shine. She released Kazuma, wiping the tears from her eyes as she backed away.
The adventurer stood up and offered his hand to the demon. She cautiously took his hand, standing as Kazuma helped her up.
"T-Thank you,"
"Don't work about it,"
The two awkwardly stared at each other, unable to find the words to say as they blankly made eye contact.
"Claire, you may rise," Iris spoke as she turned back to her retainer. "Please do not be so quick to turn to violence next time,"
"I am forever grateful for your mercy," Claire replied as she stood up, her head still hanging.
"Kazuma," Darkness called, she approached the adventurer and picked up his hands. "Y-You're burnt, a-are you okay?"
"Burnt?" Raemis asked as she took hold of his other hand. She stared at the burns he had all over his hands, then arms, then the burnt clothes on his body. "I-I,"
"It's alright Rae," Kazuma reassured the demon as Aqua rushed over to heal him. Her spell almost instantly healed his wounds, soothing the pain he felt all over his body.
"Raemis," Iris called. "Please explain to Claire how you saved my life," She commanded as she turned to look at the demon. She winked at her without Claire seeing.
"Oh, I uh," Raemis stuttered,"I guess I did do that,"
"You see?" Iris confidently said as she turned to Claire. "She risked her own life to protect mine. Raemis is nothing to fear,"
"I-I see," The retainer muttered. "I apologize for jumping to conclusions Princess,"
"Do not apologize to me," Iris commanded "Apologize to Raemis,"
"As you command," Claire kneeled in front of the demon, her head hung low. "Lady Raemis, I apologize for my hasty accusations,"
"O-Oh,"
"You have my everlasting gratitude for defending the princess,"
"N-No I-I don't deserve such praise,"
"Nonsense, defending the princess from great peril is deserving of the highest praise in the kingdom,"
"But what of the lives I didn't protect," Claire looked up, her eyes confused as Raemis clenched her fists. "I am a murder, a slaughter of innocents, I don't deserve your praise… or your mercy,"
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"Raemis," Iris called. "Please kneel before me,"
The party watched as the demon cautiously obeyed. The princess held out her hand, and gently placed it on her head. She closed her eyes and began to speak.
"I, Iris Stylish-Sword Belzerg, Princess of the kingdom of Belzerg, second heir to the throne, hereby pardon your past sins and crimes," She opened her eyes. "The merciful Goddess Eris will surely forgive your tortured soul,"
"I-I," The demon stuttered. She looked up at the princess. "I'm honored.
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But I cannot allow you to pardon me,"
"Raemis, are you sure?!" Megumin asked.
"I will accept any punishment this kingdom will bestow upon me," Raemis whispered. "Even if I wasn't in control, my hands still murdered those innocent people. My atonement can begin with the punishment from the law of the kingdom I committed my sins in,"
Iris hesitated, considering her options as she furrowed her brow. After a short moment, she whispered into Clarie's ear.
"Are you sure, Princess?"
Iris wordlessly nodded.
"Raemis, for the crime of manslaughter and collusion with the demon king, you are sentenced to a life of servitude to the throne!" Claire exclaimed. "Do you accept your sentence?!"
Raemis wordlessly looked up at Claire, trying to process her words. Her hands shook, a tear flowing down her face.
"Y-Yes," She kneeled in front of Iris and hung her head. "I will serve you for the rest of my life,"
"Please stand Raemis," Iris commanded. "From now on you will be my third hand. I will ensure you can atone your soul to Eris,"
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"T-Thank you, Princess,"
"Y-You can still call me by name,"
"Well, that was more eventful than I expected, but I thank you again for protecting the Princess," Claire said as Iris tightly grasped Something-caliber.
The royal retainers, the princess and the demon were all standing outside now, the winter sun slowly setting across the horizon.
"It was really no problem," Darkness replied. "I'm just glad Princess Iris is back in safe hands,"
"Hopefully nothing like this happens again," Claire stated as Rain made preparations for their departure.
"Hopefully…" Kazuma muttered under his breath as he shot Iris a wink. The princess smiled and tried her hardest to wink back with no avail.
"Iris, could I perhaps have a few last words with Kazuma and his party before we leave?" Raemis asked with her head bowed.
"Of course! Please take your time,"
Raemis walked up to Kazuma and took hold of his hands.
"Our time together was short, but… it's the first time I truly felt I belonged," She looked into his emerald eyes. "Thank you,"
"We were happy to have you," Darkness assured the demon. "Maybe we didn't meet under the best circumstances but I'm glad we met,"
"Me too," Megumin added, Aqua sheepishly nodding in agreement.
"My horn, it's still on the floor of the entryway," Raemis whispered. "I want you to keep it,"
"Uh sure," Kazuma said, a little confused.
"Think of me whenever you see it," Her cheeks turned a little darker. Her tail curled up around Kazuma's ankle. "I love you,
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But I'm breaking up with you,"
"W-We never dated?" Kazuma stuttered.
"I am a demon, I can taste fear. I don't taste any fear for me, but I can taste it for another girl," Raemis whispered. "I love you… but I know you love another,"
She caressed his cheek, his face was a bright red by now. She saw Megumin and Darkness staring daggers at her.
Raemis tightly embraced Kazuma, her muscular arms wrapping around his body, her tail around his leg, her head gently resting on his shoulder. He felt her warm tears soaking into his shirt, his eyes falling upon where Raemis' left horn used to be.
"I love you,"
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"I-I'm sorry,"
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Raemis let go of the adventurer, tightly holding onto the front his shirt.
"P-Please be happy with the girl you love, you d-deserve it,"
She gently placed a kiss on the adventurer's cheeks. Her soft lips felt red hot on the adventurer's face compared to the cold winter air.
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Her lips broke contact with his face. Before the adventurer could react, she wiped his cheek with her thumb.
Raemis saw the party mage and crusader bright red in the face, frozen in shock. She giggled to herself as Kazuma placed a hand on his cheek.
"Thank you, Kazuma,"
"U-Uh, n-no… no problem,"
The demon walked back to her new master, and bowed her head.
"I'm ready,"
Iris nodded. She looked to Claire, who was approaching the party with a package in her hands, a small, flat, rectangular box that was neatly wrapped in cloth.
"I almost forgot," Claire confessed as she approached Darkness. She held out the box and handed it to the crusader. "Here's the item you requested in your letter,"
Darkness broke from her daze, blinking as she took the box from Claire. "T-Thank you. I greatly appreciate it,"
"I must admit it's a little strange of you to ask for this, but it's the least I could do after you saved the Princess,"
Claire walked back to the princess, nodding to Rain. She nodded back, holding out her staff and beginning to chant a spell. The group was washed with magical light.
"BYE EVERYONE!" Raemis boomed as she waved with both arms high above her head.
"Goodbye big brother! Lady Lalatina, Lady Megumin and Lady Aqua! Thank you for taking care of me!" Iris exclaimed as she waved goodbye. Kazuma smiled and waved back. The rest of the party followed, waving as they shouted their goodbyes.
"Are you sure you and big brother aren't lovers?" Iris asked as the light began to shine even brighter.
Raemis smiled at the princess.
"No, your big brother loves-"
"TELEPORT!"
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When the blinding white light faded, they were gone.