Chapter 36 (1/2)

And They Go on a Journey…

”…Phew.” (Sofia)

Sofia let out a sigh as she raised her face from the report at hand.

To briefly put her present feelings in words, it was something like 'what is this all about?' or 'what's with the place?'.

She was thinking that she was bringing troublesome matters back home, but she couldn't blame it after all.

While thinking about such a thing, she dropped her gaze to the hand in order to confirm the contents again.

What was written was the incident happened this time and the explanation regarding the kidnapping of Lina.

Although it wasn't surprising now because she had already confirmed it once, it was still something that made her unexpectedly sigh.

The reason that the report was expressively written, rather than giving a verbal report, was because there was a high possibility that it became a problem depending on the situation.

Camilla, who was the writer of this report, brought Lina back home from where the Demons lived.

It was natural to a.s.sume a worst case scenario.

”Well, it seems that it wasn't the worst case, but…” (Sofia)

It was good news when she knew that the other side didn't wish for war.

However, the written content was merely a subst.i.tution, but by no mean it was something to be rejoiced.

It was a.s.sumed that the purpose of the enemies was to resurrect the previous Demon King.

Furthermore, the ones who planned it were very likely by the believers of the heresy.

It wasn't a fabricated matter. In fact, these people truly wors.h.i.+p heresy.

Wis.h.i.+ng for the collapse of the world, they were the real enemy of Mankind in the true sense.

Plus, there was a Demon Heavenly General among them.

The matter with the fourth seat was Sofia would probably destroy him and let others replace the seat, but… it might be worst if to say it at least.

”It would be too convenient to think this happen by chance… I wonder if I should consider that the root of evildoers is already deeply stretched among the Demons?” (Sofia)

Rather than thinking that one of the few evildoers became the Demon Heavenly General, it was more natural to think that the number of evildoers that could be selected as Demon Heavenly Generals were increasing.

Or possibly, not in the form of fabricating that the story about the Demons became the enemy of Mankind which was probably not even true.

But still, it was one of the possibilities.

Even though such a concern was mentioned for caution's sake, she wouldn't take any further action.

Well, if that Demon Heavenly General was still alive, it would be another story. But since he was destroyed, it wouldn't be necessary.

That was one of the good news…

”…Nevertheless, if I hand in the letter like this, Camilla will be regarded as the one who defeated him.” (Sofia)

She was bitterly smiled because she knew it was impossible for Camilla to do it.

Rather, Sofia was thinking to keep Camilla's talent to herself if she had enough abilities to make it possible.

This was a favorable view as a friend. It was an objective evaluation as one of the Seven Heavens.

Originally, it was the reason why she invited Camilla to the mansion.

It wasn't confirmed whether Camilla realized this or not, but Sofia didn't think of her as a skill appraiser. She evaluated Camilla as a fighter.

However, Camilla had given up that path… So, if it was the Camilla until now, the format of the report would have been slightly different.

It meant that someone who wasn't Camilla had defeated the Demon, and there was no mistake that she clearly understood how he was defeated.

It was possible to see something unacceptable like taking someone's credit, but… Sofia's recognition was different.

Camilla didn't mind to be recognized… Anyhow, since it had come to this way, it was something similar to the declaration of resolve.

Of course, it might be due to Sofia's imagination, but she wasn't going to confirm it.

Sofia thought that it would be nice if it happened that way.

Anyway… it was obvious to think of it at this time, but Sofia was almost convinced that people other than Camilla were involved in this incident.

The report didn't mention anyone, but she had no doubt.

Even though Camilla had abilities to win in the first place, in reality Camilla would not about to do anything against the Demon Heavenly General in her present condition.

Therefore, she was almost certain that someone was there and that person defeated the Demon Heavenly General.

In other words, she probably didn't have to guess who that person was.

”If Camilla took action, I wonder what I would see over there. …I will break it and you will fix it. Isn't it ironic in a sense?” (Sofia)

While muttering so, Sofia's expression was a bit lonely.

Despite of saying that it was irrelevant to this incident, Sofia saw what the additional information was written in the end of it.

But, Sofia read through the report for one more time and crushed it with her hand.

At that moment, flame spilled from the hand, turning everything into dust.

When she opened the palm, the debris fell apart, and it disappeared.

And that was the real end of this incident.

There was nothing about this incident from the beginning.

It was just a coincidence that Lina had been kidnapped, and all those who plotted it were all but destroyed.

If that was the case, it was for the best then.

By causing extra conflicts with the Demons, those who opposed this country would rejoice.

Of course, they would secretly protest to the Demons, but that was it.

There was no reason to have war, and… together with this information, she probably settled down with lending two favors to the Demons.

Her thought was similar with what was written at the end of the report.

By the way, Sofia didn't receive any other reports.

However, there was one person disappeared from the mansion but Sofia didn't know that.

Well, in the first place, that person shouldn't have existed, so he really didn't exist.

There would be no change for this house.

Yes… it was just a bit, but Sofia was somehow lonely.

”…Originally, this world is too narrow for you. Go out, and learn. The vast of this world… And you will find the place where you can really s.h.i.+ne.” (Sofia)

She knew that such a day would come.

The only difference was whether it was soon or later.

Therefore, Sofia closed her eyes.

Although she wasn't in the position that she could pray for safety during the journey, she wished that the destination would brought so much of happiness.

It was a while later that Sofia noticed there was a person who wasn't in the mansion anymore.

—

”Well then, shall we go now?” (Soma)

As Soma carried a luggage on his shoulder, he said so while looking behind.

They were at the boundary which was the Demon Forest.

Soma was looking to the girl who did the same thing as him.

Aina was shouldering a luggage packed with clothes and other stuff, and she was anxiously looking at Soma.

Even though Aina was anxious, it wasn't because they were about to go on a journey.

No, of course, that was also the other reason to be anxious…

”Hey… are you sure?” (Aina)

No matter how many times she asked that, Soma simply shrugged his shoulders.

After confirming many times, Soma's answer didn't change.

”By the day, won't it be weird if you tell me to stop now? I have prepared so far until this point. And I even bid farewell to Sensei. So, if I stop right now, what kind of face should I make when I return home?” (Soma)

”Well, it may be so, but… You didn't say anything to Lina-san.” (Aina)

”Aah, yeah, I felt regret for a bit, but it is not necessary anymore, rather…” (Soma)

”…?” (Aina)

Aina was puzzled but Soma purposely didn't talk about the details.

It was clear that he would feel troublesome again if he told Aina especially when she asked for it.