Then… is it not?
"Maou-sama. We've received a message from the Maou Ugar."
"From Ugar?"
Reina set down the baby yeti. At her gesture, the mother lifted the child into her arms.
"Take good care of them."
"Yes, Maou-sama."
"It's the first time Ugar has contacted me separately, isn't it?"
Reina arrived in her office and picked up the vibrating communicator. After dismissing everyone, she infused it with demonic energy.
Ugar's face appeared.
"This is the first time you've contacted me. What is it?"
『I didn't wish to, but I had no choice. Reina Sordein. I've just learned something tremendous.』
His expression and tone were so serious that Reina grew serious as well.
"Speak."
『Not long ago, I received a message from Berze Deias. He said he would take Hildehran's 13th Princess for himself.』
"Berze?"
『So I told him I couldn't simply hand over a princess I had already kidnapped. Then Berze said this: if I placed her on the lower floors like you did, he'd come take her himself.』
『That is…』
"So you're saying Berze has a connection to the Hero? That's impossible."
It wasn't that she thought Berze incapable of colluding with humans. Insulting the Orthodoxy during an official ceremony was enough proof of his disposition.
But Berze Deias had descended to Arein only a year ago. He'd earned no benefits after ruining the graduation ceremony, arriving with nothing but a single adjutant. Would he even have that kind of leisure?
『Rozel Charnt and Hillen Cargill came to my tower and rescued the princess.』
"That is even harder to believe."
『I thought so too, but it's the truth. I pondered and pondered how it could be possible—and reached one conclusion. Did you know? Those two heroes are the ones who killed Draxon.』
A puzzle piece snapped into place.
『I do not believe Berze killed Draxon. Nor do I believe he has any direct connection to the two heroes.』
Reina recalled a name.
The oldest Maou currently in Arein.
The one who helped the Maou whenever an incident occurred outside the towers.
The one with the most human connections.
And the one who was always suspicious.
"Jayson Cockmoondo."
To humans, he was known as the Liar.
『Yes. I believe Berze's case is similar.』
"Jayson killed Draxon?"
『No. Jayson had no motive to kill Draxon. I know Jayson from the Demon Realm. He never moves without a clear reason and a clear benefit. Killing Draxon would bring him more losses than gains.』
"Then what in the world are you trying to say?"
『Let's change perspectives. It's undeniable that Jayson was involved, but he had no proper reason. Then what if… there didn't need to be a reason?』
『What if he was being controlled by humans?』
Reina's brows furrowed.
『Humans in Arein look down on Maou as beneath them. Arrogant beyond measure, yet reality supports them. They see us as necessary evils—and some even try to control us. So is it really impossible that some might have tried to manipulate a Maou?』
"…Do you even understand the weight of the words you're spouting?"
『It's not nonsense! Before Jayson, no Maou had survived over thirty years in Arein. Jayson was the first, and with his help, Draxon, you, and then I all managed to settle in one after another. Back then I thought nothing of it, but with this hypothesis it all fits together, doesn't it!?』
Reina sighed. She didn't want to listen any further.
His argument had a fatal flaw.
"Do you really believe human magic can pierce a demon's mind?"
This wasn't pride. Demons had invented mental magic, and it was demons who spread it to humans through black magicians.
And in Arein—where Maou had lost their true majesty—mental magic had collapsed along with the black magicians.
『…So it's not?』
"It is not."
『C-cough. I made a fool of myself.』
"But I agree that Jayson is involved. I'll look into it."
If Jayson had truly killed Draxon—
"I will not stand by quietly."
Her anger turned cold.
***
When people learned the new Maou was the Succubus Queen, they gave her the alias of Lust.
"The Maou of Lust caused one incident in Dormunt, and afterward she has shown no real reaction."
"Dormunt Kingdom is the same. They howled about killing the Maou, but haven't taken any real action."
The descent of a new Maou was always a major event. In a way, it was treated as a celebration of humanity's victory.
Because the descent of a new Maou meant the previous Maou had died.
So people easily moved on. The succubi's actions were the first in decades, so they made headlines, but they were merely a small incident.
Dormunt spent some money, true—but that was all.
"What of Rozel Charnt?"
"They were comparatively cooperative, making negotiations easy. The second Hero Expedition will be officially announced as having been conducted secretly under our direction. Rozel Charnt and Hillen Cargill will receive light sanctions for poor judgment that caused unnecessary bloodshed during the first expedition."
"So they weren't cooperative—they simply already got everything they wanted."
The elders ground their teeth.
"Still, it's better than letting it become public. The Guild's honor is more important than some Maou's leftovers. Every Hero Expedition must be under the Guild's authority. Making people believe that is crucial."
"Yes."
"And still no contact from the Guildmaster?"
"No. One would expect him to return once a situation like this breaks out…"
"Did you find out who is backing Balaf Dislord?"
"We confirmed the trail reaches the Empire, but the end is unclear."
"The Empire, hm."
An elder stroked his beard.
"That's enough. Digging further would be dangerous."
"Yes."
They could already guess.
Kings and emperors of each nation lived as absolute rulers. They wielded unchecked power and believed themselves divine.
Would such people tolerate a transcendent organization outside the authority of nations?
No. Attempts to undermine the Hero Guild had existed for ages.
There had been many attempts to steal away guild heroes and turn them into dogs loyal not to the public, but to kingdoms and empires.
Yet the Hero Guild had endured—and grown even stronger. And it would continue to do so.
"What of the Maou in Ergest? Didn't Daphner search the tower?"
"He failed to find them."
"What…?"
"There are several zones even he cannot enter. We believe the Maou is within one of them."
"That bastard. Truly."
The elder sighed.
"You said he uses flames?"
"From what we've heard, yes."
"Then give him the title Flamebrand, and announce that the Guild has uncovered information on him."
"Yes."
"Failure may happen once or twice. But continued incompetence is unacceptable. The Hero Guild must always be the final victor."
At the Grand Elder's words, the other elders nodded.
***
"Mm…."
She opened her eyes, sluggish and drowsy.
Chirp-chirp—
Warm sunlight gently stroked her cheek. The birdsong tickled her ears.
Elena blinked up at the blue sky, the clouds woven across it.
"…Where is this?"
Where am I?
She carefully twitched her fingers. Her body was, as always, in terrible condition—nothing unusual there.
I was definitely… taken by the Maou…
Kidnapped.
Her last memory was of the villa.
A mountain villa she had gone to for rest. Because night fell quickly in the mountains, she'd gone to bed early.
What woke her were the screams of the knights.
The clashing of weapons rattled her senses, and the smell of her knights' blood stung her nose.
The door burst open and a limp knight collapsed before her bed.
A larger shadow loomed over her.
"...Who are you?"
"The Maou."
That was the end. Brutal hands engulfed Elena.
So when she woke, she expected she'd be inside a tower—so why could she see the sky?
"Awake?"
"…Sister?"
Was this a dream?
She cautiously reached out. The sensation of a soft cheek touched her fingers.
"You're really my sister?"
"Would I be a fake?"
Her voice and her presence were exactly the same.
"I was kidnapped by the Maou…"
"I rescued you."
"But you were kidnapped before me."
"Yes, so I came together with the Maou who kidnapped me."
"…Huh?"
Elena jerked upright—but immediately swallowed a groan and lay back down.
"Don't push yourself."
"What do you mean?"
"Look around."
Still lying down, she slowly turned her head. Familiar and unfamiliar faces entered her vision.
"Hillen Hero."
"It has been a while, Princess."
"Did you rescue me, Sir Hero?"
"Yes. It is an honor to return you safely."
"Then my sister as well?"
"Regrettably, I was not the one who rescued Princess Ernan."
"Then how is she…?"
How can she be right in front of me?
"Let me introduce you."
Ernan pulled Berze closer.
"This is the Maou who built his tower in the Ergest Mountains—Maou Berze Deias."
"…Pardon?"
***
After parting with Rozel Charnt, Hillen Cargill acquired a high-class carriage and began the journey back to Hilderan with the princess.
"…Haa."
"You look troubled."
"I had hoped we wouldn't return to Hilderan for some time."
Hillen Cargill was a hero of Hilderan.
A hero's work did not stop at simply joining strike forces or hero expeditions. He carried out all manner of requests based out of Hilderan, steadily building his reputation.
Slaying the Maou of Lust and collapsing her tower had certainly accelerated his fame—but he had been walking that path long before.
Hilderan had always been his home ground—until he failed to rescue Ernan. That failure severed that relationship.
"Oh, I heard. The Azure Sea Knight Order even chased you all the way to the Principality of Asoin. How did you escape?"
"I rammed into them."
"......"
"I threatened them until they backed off. They're probably still grinding their teeth."
"…Not your usual method."
"Etiquette is shown only where it's needed. Against those who ignore it, it's useless."
"True enough. Sending the Azure Sea Knights because a hero failed a hero expedition… Hilderan is rotten."
"It's not that I can't understand it."
"…What's that supposed to mean? Is there something I don't know?"
"Do you even know anything?"
"Want to go there?"
Hillen frowned. His tangled emotions made Granada's poking all the more irritating.
"If not for Lord Phael, you'd have been on your knees begging in front of me."
"So you're still that hero who hides behind an elf as a shield. Ever thought the reverse might happen?"
"I'd love to know where that confidence comes from."
"I believe in myself."
"How can an elf be this stupid…"
"What was that?"
Hillen glanced toward the Red Hawk Mercenaries, then increased his pace. Startled, Granada hurried after him.
"What are you doing?"
"Keep them from approaching."
At Granada's signal, the Red Hawk Mercenaries slowed.
"Have you heard of the spell called Child of the World Tree?"
"Child of the World Tree? That human spell where they strengthen a fetus? That idiotic thing?"
A crude spell daring to borrow the name of the sacred tree.
"Human greed knows no end. Pouring mana into a weak unborn child and forcibly strengthening its body—of course they can't endure it. There are many ways to commit suicide… I laughed at that spell so much that I—…?"
Granada's eyes widened.
"No way."
"......"
"Don't tell me it's real?"
"Hilderan's direct royal lineage originally numbered 62."
"Officially it's 28."
Insane.
Granada swallowed hard.
"That many died?"
"The King of Hilderan took two queens and thirty-three concubines."
Granada had believed the king had eight concubines. Child of the World Tree was not only dangerous to fetuses.
"Why go that far?"
"How would I know the thoughts of such exalted figures?"
All he knew—
"There are lofty ideals far beyond what ordinary people can comprehend."
Whether those ideals were achievable, or merely delusion, was another matter.
***
Hillen Cargill's return became a major issue inside Hilderan.
"Hillen Cargill is approaching the capital."
"What nerve does he think he has?"
The dispatch of the Azure Sea Knight Order to the Principality of Asoin had been done in secret. To arrest a hero because he failed a hero expedition was absolutely disgraceful.
But the king's fury was well known, and most high nobles were aware of it.
That the Azure Sea Knights had failed their mission and returned in shame—and that the king's wrath toward Hillen Cargill was now sky-high.
"He is returning with Princess Elena."
"Princess Elena?"
Hillen Cargill entered the Steel Tower and rescued the kidnapped princess!
In this age, it was normal for royalty to be kidnapped by Maou.
But that didn't mean any nation was happy when their own royal family was taken.
Furthermore, after failing to save one princess, another had been kidnapped—that had been a heavy blow even to Hilderan.
The fact the 13th Princess was "useless" didn't matter.
What mattered was the humiliation to Hilderan's pride.
And now Hillen Cargill had brought her back. The hero known as the Son of Hilderan had restored the nation's pride.
"Hillen Cargill, long live!"
"Princess Elena, long live!"
"Red Hawk Strike Force, long live!"
Cheers followed cheers. Rumors grew more exaggerated, and every village showered them with overwhelming hospitality.
Their progress naturally became public knowledge, and the royal family could no longer ignore it.
Finally, when they reached the capital—
Bam-bam-bam-bam—
"Welcome, Hero Hillen Cargill!"
WAAAAAAAH!
Long live Hillen Cargill!
Long live Granada!
Long live the Red Hawk Strike Force!
A festival and triumphal ceremony had been prepared for them.
"Thank you for the warm welcome."
Hillen stepped onto the crimson carpet laid across the main avenue. Granada and the Red Hawk Mercenaries followed behind him.
"Wow…"
"Stop gawking. You look like a country bumpkin."
"Are we really transferring to the strike force?"
"They're giving us money and honor—why not?"
"Shh, smile."
The knights drew their swords and raised them overhead. Majestic trumpets resounded through the city.
The cheers of the people and the dazzling fireworks intertwined.
The Red Hawk Mercenaries, starring as the heroes for the first time, wore awkward grins as they tried to control their expressions.
And among the crowd watching this triumphant procession stood a man and a woman.
"Quite spectacular. I recall it being a mess last time."
"Father sent the Azure Sea Knights after Sir Hillen, yes… but that was because I was involved. Normally, he values legitimacy. Celebrating the hero who rescued a princess is only natural."
"So when is it?"
"During the banquet. Since Father caused a problem Maou-sama knows about, he'll welcome them even more grandly to make up for it."
"The banquet's main figures will be the 13th Princess and Hillen Cargill then."
"But Elena isn't in any condition to attend."
"She's at the palace with the hyacinth decorations, isn't she? The one you stayed in."
"Yes, that one."
"Security must be tight since she was kidnapped once."
"It's the opposite. It's rare for a rescued royal to be kidnapped again."
"In other words, this is the perfect time to kidnap her again."
Berze let out a dry laugh. A sudden thought struck him—it was amusing that he was planning the kidnapping of a Hilderan princess while standing next to another Hilderan princess.
"But hey."
"Yes?"
"If this is a banquet celebrating the princess's rescue, we can assume most nobles will attend, right?"
"Sir Hillen is the greatest hero of Hilderan. Unless Father's conflict with him gets worse—which it won't, since it looks resolved on the surface—nobles will try to build connections."
"The banquet will be long."
"It'll last all night."
"Then let's loot a few noble vaults."
"…What?"
"Tell me the names of the nobles whose mansions or secret vaults you don't like."
"…You knew?"
Ernan gave an awkward smile.
"They were practically urging me to hurry up while I siphoned off your country's money. But it didn't feel like they wanted Hilderan to collapse."
"Ehehe… I didn't exactly lie."
"Whether they're your political enemies or just people you dislike, it doesn't matter. Money is money."
"Right? Money itself isn't guilty of anything."
"What do you know of?"
"Two targets. One is a merchant guild, the other is a noble. But unlike Acan, security will be strict."
"I'm a Maou. What Maou do best is infiltrating palaces and kidnapping royalty."
No mansion was better guarded than a royal palace.
"And there'll be no risk of your demonic energy being detected."
Why Maou almost never robbed merchant guilds or noble vaults was simple:
Their demonic energy would be exposed. Even with stealth spells, breaking magic wards and killing guards required using demonic energy.
And once the theft was discovered, humans would trace the flow of stolen funds and backtrack the culprit.
But Berze was free from that restriction.
"So who is the noble?"
"Duke Heinz. He's Father's younger brother."
"Security will be tight then."
"It's fine. I know the interior layout, the magic circles, the guard rotations—everything. But will you be okay? You gave a lot of mana to Sir Rozel… You look exhausted."
"The banquet will be in a few days. It won't matter."
"That's true."
The two thieves melted into the crowd.
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