I tread the familiar forest path, unchanged. Half a year since I last came, yet it feels longer—my sense of time warped by them.
A rhythmic metallic clang, like a bell, echoes. Soothing, familiar. I'm close. Linie, who knows it best, darts ahead, unable to wait. I don't bother chasing, strolling leisurely.
"Eisen, I'm here!"
Linie rushes to Eisen like a daughter—or granddaughter—to her father. He pauses his forging, greeting her without a hint of surprise, expressionless. To strangers, he'd seem cold, but I know better.
"Still wasting time on that? What's fun about it?"
He's as cunning as Himmel or Heiter. Of course—he's part of the Hero's Party.
"Aura. Thought we'd never meet again."
"Yeah, me too. Linie insisted."
Half a year's long for humans, but Eisen's unfazed, typical of a long-lived dwarf. I agree—freed, I had no reason to see him. Linie's an exception, but it's natural he'd think this. I use that as an excuse, but—
"Lady Aura, no lying! You wanted to see Eisen!"
"…Right."
Linie calls me out. Or is it Himmel? I'd usually silence her with an order, but it's too late. Pointless. My mistake—lying in front of her. Expecting her to read the room or keep secrets is asking too much.
"Not like you. A Phantom Demon Einzarm trick?"
"Don't kill me off."
Eisen, hand on chin, jests. Me, a great demon, compared to a low-tier creature showing dead men's illusions? I'm not dead. Worse, he suspects I'm a fake. Either way, rude.
"Guess you're real. Welcome, both of you. Stay a while."
My reaction was expected. He closes his eyes, satisfied, standing. Same old Eisen, teasing despite his gruff look. Nothing's changed—appearance, demeanor. But beneath that cloak, it's different. He hides it, letting Linie cling to him as always.
My first reunion with Eisen since freedom, half a year late—
"Let's eat!"
Linie devours apples and snacks, no grace. Just Eisen and me here, so I let it slide. Pointless to scold—Eisen knows, watching her calmly. He's used to it; she visits him more than me.
I bite an apple. Delicious. Like Himmel, Eisen keeps them ready for Linie. I can't resist prodding.
"You're too welcoming. We could eat you."
It's bugged me since arriving. I'm free now. He knows. He should be wary, but there's no sign of it. Feigning calm or underestimating us? He wouldn't forget we're demons, unlike Himmel.
"I forgot. But no need to worry. Man-eating demons don't say that."
Eisen answers casually, leaving me speechless. Cunning, unlike that monk. I feel outmatched despite my longevity, like he's got more experience.
"You're the same. I forgot—can't eat a dwarf whose neck I can't cut."
"Flattering."
"Not a compliment."
My sarcasm fails. No demon could eat him—his steel-like body, unscathed even by the Hero. My teeth would break. He's past his prime, but still inedible. Probably tastes bad anyway.
"Seems you chose not to eat humans."
His tone shifts, serious. He likely knew from the moment we arrived but waited for me to speak, typical Eisen.
"Yeah. It's more convenient. Like you."
I throw his catchphrase back—always dodging with "I'm a warrior." He snorts, eating an apple, as if agreeing. Then—
"Listen, Eisen! Lady Aura asked me to stay with her forever! Cool, right?"
"Quiet, Linie."
Linie, done with snacks, brags like Stark or Lily. I'd rather keep it private, but it's not to her.
This'll be a hassle…
I stare at the apple, glum. It's not just an apple anymore—a substitute for human flesh, sating my urges. I'm bound again, but now to Linie, not Himmel.
After leaving Vir's village, I entrusted my scale to her. Unthinkable for a demon—handing over life, pride, soul. No regrets; it's done.
The issue was Linie. Not an order as master, but a request, almost equal. She sensed the difference, ecstatic, delaying the submission ritual. To her, it's a new bond, like a contract to stay together forever—though I didn't order that. I'm back to my old state: Submission Magic Azeliese sealed, cannibalistic urges curbed. But now, it's by my will, through Linie.
We're master and servant, yet equal. A warped bond. Our relationship, beyond submission, unchanged.
The issue was undoing it. Linie's mental youth risks botching the release. So, I wove a codeword into the command—she says it, I'm freed.
Choosing the word was tough. Nothing she'd say carelessly. After much thought, it's set. Hearing it every time I use Azeliese is depressing, but it's my restraint, as Heiter said.
"Good. Take this. Just finished. Perfect timing."
Eisen, understanding Linie's clumsy explanation, glances between us, then fetches something from the back. Another sword, probably. He spoils her. But I freeze, eyes wide.
"That's… the Hero's Sword!?"
It's unmistakable—Himmel's sword.
"A replica. No, a replica of a replica. Not Kiesel's work, but good for training. Meant to give it to Himmel for her, but…"
"Wow! Thanks, Eisen!"
Linie's eyes sparkle, thrilled, as if she has two Hero's Swords. To me, it's perfect.
Eisen knew. He foresaw Himmel passing his sword to Linie. Warrior and swordsman—they share an understanding. This was for her training, a stand-in. The real one reached her first, though, shaming it. Even the Goddess must be teary-eyed.
"You're all disgustingly close."
"No candy for flattery."
"I'm not Linie."
Now he treats me like her, mimicking that monk. Mocking me? Heiter knew too—Himmel's plan to free me. That's why he acted that way. They're so indirect, knowing demons like us can't read them.
"Right. Linie, let me see Himmel's sword. I'll sharpen it. Use this for training."
"Thanks, Eisen! You're so reliable!"
Eisen takes the Hero's Sword, leaving me beyond exasperated—impressed. Unlike magic, weapons need maintenance. Swords need sharpening. He honed his craft for this day.
Himmel, Heiter—all seeing so far ahead without foresight magic. Even Schlacht's pride must be crushed.
"Enough, Linie. You'll break the house. Himmel'll scold you."
I chide Linie, swinging her sword like before, standing in for the absent Himmel—