Chapter 7 – Sentence. Kivenji Forest, Cover The Retreat (7)

　After the big explosion, there is a moment of silence.

　Then followed by noise.

　The Fae are running rampant. Because the Demon King is dead — the leader was lost, and the herd has fallen into an unstoppable frenzy.

　If the core of the Demon King Phenomenon disappears, this happens. 

(Not my first time.)

　I have killed Demon Kings several times.

　But this is the first time it ended in such a stupid way. 

(I should also reflect.)

　I was not much different from this [Goddess] or those Holy Knights, just an idiotically self-righteous fool. 

(Look at Dotta.)

　With an even more stunning trick, he showed how to subdue the Demon King. I almost want to laugh.

　Now, Dotta had fainted with the whites of his eyes showing. 

　I beat him up, smashed his nose in, and rammed him against the ground. 

(I’m so tired.)

　I sat there and took deep breaths.

　There is a person who is looking down at me. That person shining in this dark night. She emits sparks, and has triumphant fiery eyes. 

“My Knight.”

　Said the [Goddess] Teolita.

　Although she has a big smile and a proud chest, her voice sounds slightly uneasy. 

“The Demon King has been subjugated. To this great grace of mine, you surely will not express discontent, right?”

“There’s no way.”

　I have no complaints either. 

“Then, my Knight.”

　Teorita sits in front of me.

“I am not particularly bothered. But isn’t it about time that you express praise towards me?”

“Ah. I got it.”

“Hurry.”

“I got it, so–“

　Because I’m so tired that I felt like dying, I slowly reached out a hand. 

　For [Goddesses], only one reward is good enough. 

　I didn’t like that. I think it’s very unjust. 

　But if that’s all these girls need, then what point is there in me complaining?

　So I respond while clenching my back teeth. 

“Well done.”

　I stroked Teolita’s golden hair.

　Doing so, sparks scatter, stinging my fingertips. It’s not a big deal. This should be something I endure. 

　Compared to what I had Teolita do tonight, and what we had ended up doing to Teolita, it’s a trivial issue. 

“You too, you survived well.”

“Change the way you extol me.”

　She had a puzzled look.

“What is praise for just remaining alive?”

“That’s already good enough. Seriously. Those who say more are just irresponsible idiots.”

　Her face showed she couldn’t believe me.

　Might be so. That’s what a [Goddess] is.

“Would such [Goddesses] be acknowledged?”

“Acknowledged or not… Well, I don’t know. Isn’t that something decided by others?”

“……Is that so”

　Teorita hung her head down, slightly depressed.

“That’s what– I.”

　I feel her face had clouded over. Did she remember something? But — what? I missed my chance to ask. 

　After she raised her face, that shadow disappeared.

“Then– if that’s so, Zyro– given that what you’ve said is right! Then, because I managed to survive and in addition to that, also accomplished the subjugation of the Demon King, I’m that much greater, am I not?”

　Then, Teolita laughed — more like a child than a [Goddess].

“I permit more compliments.”

“You were a great help. What a great [Goddess]. I’m in awe from just being able to pat your head.”

　It couldn’t be helped, so I stroked her head with more strength. 

“You will probably be the saviour of humanity.”

“Further.”

“…The best Goddess. Your greatness dazzles our eyes.”

“Not yet.”

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“…Not yet? Teolita is great. Amazing. Even though you are such a noble existence, the world–”

“Zyro Forberts.”

　Teorita looked dissatisfied, but I had to stop there.

　My name was called.

　Actually, I could hear the sound of horses clopping. It didn’t really matter so I just didn’t care. 

“Did you do it?”

　White armoured Holy Knights. The very face of seriousness. 

　Kivia and several Holy Knights look down at us from their horses. 

“That’s right.”

　I admitted.

“I defeated the Demon King”

“So you plan to admit it?”

　An extremely displeased voice. If I don’t handle this well, she might plan to cut me down on the spot. 

　That’s not impossible.

　The result of killing an evil villain like a Hero right now would be nothing more than like destroying a piece of equipment. 

　Heroes and equipment can be repaired and reused. The Commanding Officer of a Holy Knights Order has this authority.

(And this woman also has the right to be angry.)

　Originally, she — Kivia would have been the one to exchange a pact with the [Goddess]. The contract between a [Goddess] and a Knight is exclusive to one person.

　There are two ways to break this contract.

　Both the [Goddess] and the Holy Knight mutually declare the contract as void — or when the [Goddess] dies. Either one. 

“You stole the [Goddess] from us, stole a Scorched Earth Seal, engaged and defeated the Demon King on your own without awaiting commands.”

“Not at all.”

　I answered immediately. I couldn’t say anything else.

“–Pardon.”

　Teolita solemnly opened her mouth.

“I’ve been pondering this since earlier, but when you say I was ‘stolen’ — what on earth do you mean?”

“[Goddess] Teolita. You were originally arranged to be served by us, the 13th Holy Knights Order. With me as your contractor.” 

　Kivia said, pained.

　She looked like she was about to cry — I could understand her feelings. A villain who stole a [Goddess] should be given a punishment worse than death.

“That Penitent Hero over there stole you, and signed a contract with you on his own accord — Zyro Forberts! That scoundrel!”

“Is that so?”

　Against Kivia’s raised voice, Teolita’s voice remained calm.

　She may be putting on a brave front, but regardless, I was surprised by her composure. 

“If so, then that was fate.”

　Teorita was even smiling.

　Why? I don’t really understand. Wouldn’t you normally be more confused? In fact, even I’m more confused than her. 

　Kivia also looked surprised, her mouth was half-open. 

“I have faith in Zyro Forberts as my Knight. He is the one who will eradicate all the Demon Kings. He is a Knight worthy of my grace.”

　I think I inadvertently frowned.

　I’m not a person who deserves that much trust.That’s for sure. I wonder why she can dare say something like that.

　Because–

“But, [Goddess].”

　Kivia was staring at me with ruthless eyes.

“You are not aware of what this man has been charged with.”

“What kind of sin is it?”

“Goddess killing.”

　Kivia said, as though cursing me.

“The man, once a Holy Knight, killed the [Goddess] he contracted with those hands.”

　That’s a fact.

　So I don’t say anything — I do remember.

The feeling of piercing the heart of the [Goddess] with a knife, the flame in her eyes slowly dying out, the sparks that scattered so strongly my hands burned, everything. 

　I can’t forget.

　　　　　　　　◆

　That was all that happened in Kuvenji Forest.

　After cleaning up the report, our Penitent Hero Corps immediately received our next mission. 

　The mission is something to make up for, even if only a small bit, our misdeeds in the last operation, so naturally, it wouldn’t be anything good. 

　The brief is for us to continue our support mission of the 13th Holy Knights. 

　Support for raiding a demonised underground structure — or in other words, be human sacrifices for clearing a dungeon. 

　I note in passing here that due to an unknown accident, almost all the bones in the body of Dotta Luzlas are broken, and currently, he has been sent to the Repair Shop.

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