87 87 "New Harlem Development?" (1/2)

”Cultivation hero, it looks like you are safe.

No, that's my line.

After that, I drove off the imperial forces and immediately joined Amanes at the Demon King's Castle.

Behind her was the unidentified hero Tsurugi, who was wrapped in white robes, along with her.

Anyway, can you tell me what this is all about?

”Yes. To tell you the truth, since then, I've been fighting to the death with Lily and the Emperor's guy, and when I was desperate for help, I got a little help I never thought I'd get. This is Tsurugi.

”Huh?

That explanation elicits an involuntary gasp of surprise. Does that mean this Tsurugi betrayed the emperor and saved Amanes?

With my doubts beside me, Amarnes continues, ”Then, thanks to his ability, he escaped from the imperial castle and went into hiding in the kingdom.

I was able to escape from the emperor's castle and hide in the kingdom thanks to this ability. But when I heard that the emperor's army had moved toward the castle, I immediately rushed to his rescue. I'm sure you immediately rushed to their rescue.

Wait a minute. So, are you on your side, Tsurugi-san?

I thought it was time to get into it, and I did, but his answer was simple and straightforward.

You're right. Well, it's a turnaround. At least I don't intend to antagonize you guys.

You answer so easily.

You've been brainwashed to the contrary, haven't you?　But despite my worries, Tsurugi looked straight into my eyes with a different mood.

”Don't worry. I won't be hostile to you. Absolutely, no matter what.

You will be able to find the same kind of eyes as when you looked into my eyes before, and for some reason, as soon as you see them, you will feel an inexplicable longing for them.

It's a good thing that you can't trust me, then you can get rid of me. I'm not going to help you directly with this fight between you and the emperor anyway.

”Huh?　You're going to be a part of it, but you're not going to help?

I suppose so. I just won't help you directly, but if you need my help, I'm happy to lend it to you.

Hmmm. So it's up to us to decide for ourselves.

But this guy is kind of mysterious. I'd like to know more about him, but he probably won't tell me.

Despite my worries, Tsurugi looks at Locke, who is clinging to the ground by my feet, crouches down so that he's at the same level with me, and softly addresses him.

Hi there, sweetheart. How do you do?

”......, nice to meet you ......

”Do you think the little girl is this Mr. Keogh's child or something?

At Tsurugi's question, Rock looked up at me and I nodded with a smile.

Yes!　The Rock is a Papa's kid!

Then he smiles at Rock. Oh, you may call me a parental idiot, my child is cute.

I'm sure you'll be able to see through the robe with a gentle smile and a nod.

I see... I see... you like your father.

”Yeah, I love it!

I'm not sure why Tsurugi is looking at Locke with such an admiring look.

Then he turns to Locke and holds out a piece of candy from where he took it.

Here's some for you, little girl. Here's a little something for you, if you'd like.

Where the hell did you get that from? Ignoring me, Rock compares the candy with the Turugi in front of him.

Eventually, Rock takes the candy without question, as if he's looking through his robe and meets Tsurugi's eyes, and his mouth is filled with a mouthful of candy.

Do you like it?

”Yeah!　Thank you!

I can hear Tsurugi smiling at Locke as he says that, ”I see, that's good, that's good.

Hmm. Locke usually has a habit of seeing through the genuineness of the person he's dealing with and taking to him immediately if he's a kind person.

On the contrary, if the person is malicious, he will be very wary.

This is a reaction that is possible only because Locke is pure.

If you think about it, there really is no malice in this Tsurugi right now.

As I saw Tsurugi getting along with Locke as he played with me at my feet, I was beginning to wonder if I could trust this guy a little bit.

However, that doesn't mean that all of my friends can be trusted, so I'll need some proof.

Just as I was thinking that, Alucard gave me a clear answer to my hesitation.

”Mr. Keough. As I showed you earlier, I can control my opponent's mind with my magic eye. Of course, it may not be as good as the Emperor's Hero's ability, but it does allow us to make sure that the two of you are not really under the control of the Emperor's Hero.

”What, really?　How?

”The point is, you just need to put my magic eye on them. Of course, tell them not to put up any resistance. If my evil eye is not on them, it means that they have already been brainwashed.

I see. So you can't brainwash someone who's already been brainwashed.

No dual control over the mind. Certainly you can't have the same bad status duplicated in a game or something.

Okay. Then don't fight the two of them, but follow Alucard's evil eye.

Hmm. Well, it's important to check. It's important to check.

I don't mind, either. As you say, I won't put up a fight.

Alucard stands in front of them, and first of all, his magic eye glows in the direction of Amarnes, and Amarnes is fascinated by his eyes.