Chapter 84 (1/2)
”...... What are you planning on doing with me, ah?”
So asks the princess who had led the Shulz on many raids against Filsand, Dianu, with obviously ostentatious bravado while sitting cross-legged on the ground.
Her hand restraints have been removed, but of course her Divine Sword is still confiscated..
”First of all, the outfit you have on is hardly appropriate for a girl your age, don't you think?”
”Oh shut it, Ossan!”
I couldn't help but to chide her on that, but as expected, I was curtly refused.
Though I suppose it's only natural for my values to be at odds with that of a young teenager her age.
”...... The next time you show disrespect to my lord, I'll pull out your tongue alright, little girl?”
”Ugogo?!”
”My lord is not 'ossan.' According to human standards, call him an elder.”
”Ca-, can't breathe……”
Leiha must have considered Dianu's words verbal abuse, as she appears like a shadow behind her and begins choking her. For now, let's just have her calm down so I can have a proper conversation.
”Leiha, enough.”
”Yes, my lord.”
”Geho, geho.”
”I don't have any particular plans to do anything to you. Once you answer my questions honestly, then I don't mind letting you go.”
To prevent this heartwarming scene from developing any further, I address Dianu again.
At that, she sits properly with her legs to one side, most likely due to now understanding how scary Leiha can get.
”...... I did lose the duel, so I can't complain even if you kill me. Whatever I know, I'll freely tell you.”
”Umu. Much appreciated.”
As I'd thought, Dianu has an honest personality. I secretly return the ESP Medal that I'd been holding within my sleeves to my pocket.
Of course, I have no guarantee that she won't lie to me. If she ever begins acting suspiciously or becomes reluctant to answer a question, then I'll consider using it……
♥♦♣♠
In the end, Dianu proved willing to cooperate to the end, and answered all my questions honestly.
I learned that my name and the claim that I am connected to the Shadow Demons was information that she'd received from a person called a 'Mystic.'
I also learned that this 'Mystic' is in a place called 'Garden of the G.o.ds,' located south of another place the Shulz calls their 'fort.'
”Uumu……”
And that the Duke of Filsand used to be a Feldian general named Damund, and that he had seized Filsand from the Shulz, which is what led to the unending fighting from then on.
This is only the testimony from the Shulz side, so I am sure there is some exaggeration, but…… all in all, it's a pretty terrible story.
”...... Has that Mystic ever prophesied about the appearance of Shadow Demons or their nests before this?”
While I am silently mulling over what I've just heard, Leid, who has been silently standing behind me the entire time, suddenly cuts into the conversation. Well, since this is about Shadow Demons, I understand his interest.
”No, this was the first time.”
”......”
Leid's handsome face that is at odds with his large body briefly distorts into a frown. It seems he thinks this suspect. In fact, I do too.
”Then there is need to meet that Mystic directly, is there not?”
”That does indeed seem necessary. But only after we properly escort Elizabel to Filsand and complete our negotiations.”
My reply was intended to rea.s.sure Elizebel, who has been peeking from within Leid's shadow. But the one who responds first is Dianu.
”More like, what's up with her! The fact that she has the same face as me means that she's the daughter of my Aunt Sheira the traitor right? You b.a.s.t.a.r.d, figh-…… gofu.”