"So, my brother's negotiations were a success!"
"Yes. I contacted Mr. Dihauzer last night, and it seems he managed to bring them both on board as collaborators."
"As expected of... your brother. Now we just have to wait for the strike to begin."
It hasn't actually been that many days, but it feels like I haven't seen Creuserey and the others in a very long time. The last time I visited Kuoh Town was before I went to tell the Emperor about her. When you go through such intense experiences, even things from a few days ago feel nostalgic. Hearing their voices over the communication circle is one thing, but seeing them in person is different.
Apparently, the rest of the peerage is working with Rushana in secret, handling the handover of their Kuoh Town duties. Even if this all works out, it's unlikely Creuserey will be allowed to continue managing Bael territory. So, they're preparing documents for the successor who will take over.
Creuserey's group may be in charge here, but the Church and the Old Devils are still watching. They told me they're working little by little, being careful not to be noticed. They also have to take care of their long-time, loyal clients. Being a devil is hard work, I mused.
Anyway, the reason I came all the way to Kuoh Town today was to see them in person and to deliver the Christmas present Masaomi had asked me to give to Creuserey. Since Masaomi can't return to the church, he's been either staying at Creuserey's place or moving between hotels. He couldn't exactly send a gift to the Belial household, so I had to deliver it.
I managed to give her the pendant when we had a moment alone, but I was shocked when he gave me a reward for it. I refused, saying I couldn't accept so much, but he insisted. "It's a token of my gratitude. Please, at least accept that much." He really doesn't need to worry so much, especially since I'm the one who decided to get involved...
"The strike will most likely be around Christmas. It seems Lord Ajuka is coordinating the date for his meeting with the Great King, and Lord Mephisto, Mr. Dihauzer, and Mr. Tannin are all preparing for that."
"...I know this is late, but. When I think about it calmly, we've dragged some unbelievable people into our problem. If you include the top three players, that's six Maou-class devils involved..."
Masaomi's eyes looked a little hollow. I guess he never imagined his love life would throw the entire Underworld into this much chaos. If I told him that, on top of that, Azazel is also on standby, his soul might just leave his body. It really is an incredible, dream-team lineup.
Mr. Dihauzer told me a little about his conversation with the top three, and all I could say was, "As expected of the Emperor!" The famous "Sasu-Kou." But seriously, isn't he cutting loose a little too much? Knowing the grim fate he had in the original story, it's hard to connect that man with the one who is now gleefully and smilingly plotting his revenge against the Old Devils. Well, if he's having fun, I guess that's fine...
The two cheaters probably ended up in a better place than in the original, too. In the volumes I read, they were only mentioned in passing, so I don't know the details. But this is surely better than the original, where the "King" Piece secret was suddenly exposed to the entire Underworld. Even though they cheated, they lost everything they had built, all at once. They might have even rioted.
"Sho, does this mean... you're actually an amazing person for connecting all these people?"
"No, I'm just your average, everyday kid. Seriously, my guardians are just that amazing."
"I don't even know what to be surprised about anymore..."
The Kuoh Town group is at the center of this mess, but aside from the whole "falling in love with another species" thing, they're probably the most normal-thinking people involved. Ever since I mentioned the strike, Creuserey and the others have had this distant look in their eyes more often. It's like they don't even know who to bow to anymore. I get it. I feel the same way. It's nice to have someone who understands.
Come to think of it, I still haven't told Creuserey and the others my real name. I told Lord Ajuka and Mr. Dihauzer, since it felt wrong to use a fake name when asking for such a serious favor. But... I feel like I can just tell them now. I just never found the right moment... Yeah, I'll just say it. I might lose the chance again.
"This is really sudden, but 'Sho' is actually just a work alias."
"Th-that is sudden."
"Oh... is that so?"
"Yeah, I just never found the right time. This is also a super-weird time, but... can I just tell you?"
"...You can, but Sho, you really do things at your own pace."
No, no. If I'm "at my own pace," then the people I know are... something else entirely. Their personalities are all cranked to the max. If I don't assert myself this much, I'll never survive in that chaotic world.
"...Hah! Wait, Masaomi! Considering the recent avalanche of huge names, what if 'Sho' is also one of them!?"
"...! No! I believed he was one of us, a normal person! Don't tell me he's a young master from one of the Five Great Clans, like the Nakiri, Shinra, Himejima, Kushihashi, or Doumon!"
"I am not! It's Kanata Kuramoto. There's no special bloodline, so please, both of you, come back to reality."
Maybe the storm of big names has fried their brains a little... They're overly sensitive to it now. Every time I told them "I made a new ally," they'd groan and hold their heads. They're having a hard time, too.
"Sorry, sorry. We just never imagined it would get this big... Um, so, is it okay if we call you 'Kanata'?"
"Yes, that's fine. But please just call me 'Sho' when we're outside."
"Right, good point... I hope we can call you Kanata in public soon."
"I know. But everyone is working hard so that we can. We have to give it our all, too."
Creuserey smiled and clenched her fist. Masaomi and I looked at each other and laughed. Their bright, positive attitude has been a real lifesaver. They're truly strong people. Even with everyone helping, they're the ones being targeted for a purge; they should be the most terrified. No one could blame them for screaming or panicking. Their future is still completely uncertain.
But they don't show any of that. They're just doing what they can, step by step. And there are people willing to take a normal human kid's wish seriously. I'm just so glad I met them and became their friend.
"Oh, right, Kanata. I also missed the timing, but... you can call me by my first name, too."
"Ah, that's true. Then, from now on... Masaomi."
"Haha, yeah. It's... kinda embarrassing, isn't it? Formally introducing ourselves all over again."
Masaomi—I mean, Masaomi—smiled shyly, his cheeks flushing. It was kind of funny, and Creuserey and I burst out laughing. We just enjoyed the moment. I think we're all finally starting to be able to laugh from the heart. It's not a smile to hide fear; it's a natural one.
It's been over three months since I met them. Back then, I was constantly living in the shadow of the "original story." But now, I feel so calm. This might be the first time. I guess I just didn't have the mental breathing room before. I was always cornered by the fact of the 'purge.' Entrusting my feelings to Mr. Dihauzer is what finally gave me that space.
"It's so peaceful, it almost feels wrong... though we can't let our guard down yet."
"The Underworld must be in chaos, especially with my brother involved..."
"They're reforming a game that's been around for centuries. It's bound to be a huge deal."
We never thought it would get this big...
"Hah... When this is all over, we have to go thank everyone."
"You're right... What kind of thanks can we even give to people like Chairman Pheles, Lord Tannin, and Lord Beelzebub?"
"Can we even afford a gift that would balance out what they've done for us?"
Masaomi, you can't say that. Creuserey's getting that distant look again. All we can do is show them our heartfelt gratitude! That's what Mill-tan is doing, too. He should be at the church right now, conveying his feelings to Mr. Shidou.
"Ah, right. The church reminded me. Um, Masaomi. I've been meaning to ask... how do you plan to settle things? When will you go see Mr. Shidou?"
"Ah, right... I'm planning to go to the church alone, after the trouble in the Underworld settles down."
"Huh? Alone!?"
"The devils were the ones pushing for our purge. With that gone, I think I can talk calmly with Shidou. This is something I have to settle myself."
"...Are you... going to be okay?"
I remembered the two of them on that footbridge, their arguments going nowhere. Both Shidou and Masaomi are bad at maneuvering; they're too direct. They're similar, in that they get an idea stuck in their head. Steadfast, you could say. That's why, when they clashed, they could only collide head-on.
He met my worried look with a gentle smile and rustled my hair reassuringly.
"It's okay. I've realized what I have to do. ...Kanata, when I became Shidou's subordinate, he taught me so much. Truly, so much. About life, about the sword, about how to be. To me, Shidou and the others are my comrades, my masters, and my precious family. I've realized that, in my heart, that feeling hasn't changed."
"Masaomi..."
"...I am who I am today because of them. That's why... first, I want to go and thank them. For guiding me, for watching over me... And then, I want to apologize. For breaking the faith, no matter the reason. For prioritizing my own feelings, for betraying his trust, for hurting him... for making him suffer. I want to apologize properly."
"...Yeah."
Creuserey nodded along as Masaomi spoke his heart, bit by bit. I, too, met his gaze and nodded silently. He was putting his feelings into words, finding a way to settle the vague emotions he'd been carrying.
Ever since I told them the Church and devils were working together, Masaomi must have been thinking about his comrades. When I first met him, he was consumed by his own problems. The fear for his future, the pain of being rejected... it had narrowed his vision. In the original story, those feelings were exploited and twisted into revenge.
But that desperation was gone now. He had reflected on his feelings, sorted out his emotions toward Shidou, and defined the path he would walk. His words were filled with that powerful resolve.
"And then... I will tell him that I am choosing not the path of God, but the path I believe in. I don't care if I'm insulted, or unforgiven, or denied. I will wield this sword, the one Shidou taught me, for the person I want to protect. No matter the obstacle, no matter if no one accepts it, no matter if they laugh at me... I will keep fighting until the very last moment my life burns out. ...I have vowed to protect the one I love."
He gripped his sword, his voice unwavering, his eyes clear. This was the declaration of the man, Masaomi Yaegaki. Some might laugh, some might call it impossible. But it didn't matter. It was a vow he had made to himself.
He was no longer seeking the world's approval. He was no longer suffering because the world called him "wrong." He'd wanted that approval... from the man he saw as a father. People are... weak, after all.
But he had just cut that weakness away.
"...But what if Shidou still stands in your way?"
"I will prove it to him. With this sword he taught me."
"You... you have to fight?"
"Yes. Sorry to make you worry. I think talking it out is best, too. But... this is the only way I know."
He smiled, as if troubled. "See? The sword is all I have." I think I smiled back, just as troubled. Or maybe I was just exasperated. He really is a clumsy person. But... it also felt just like him.
Can he even win? He'd said before it would be tough. But strangely, I couldn't imagine him losing. He had no hesitation. Shidou... probably does. That difference might be enough. All I can do is believe in the strength of his feelings.
"But before that... Creuserey. There's something I need to ask you."
"...What is it, Masaomi?"
He turned from me to her, straightened his posture, and took a slow breath. Creuserey's expression turned serious as she met his gaze. Masaomi took a few deep breaths, swallowing nervously, and then... he spoke.
"I... am weak. Much weaker than Shidou, or your brother, or all the other special, monstrous people in this world. I don't know much about the world, I'm not good with words, and I have no financial power or prospects. I... I'm just a boring man who's done nothing but swing a sword."
Creuserey opened her mouth to object, but he shook his head, and she fell silent. He understood his own situation best. This whole thing was only being resolved because she was Dihauzer's relative. Without the Belial family's protection, they would have been helpless.
And to live with her, a devil... he'd be banished from the Church. He'd be... unemployed. And all he has is his sword. It would be hard to find work, and probably only dangerous work at that. He might have to rely on the Belial family for support.
...In other words, a mooch. A kept man. Ouch. That's rough, for an adult man to be supported by a high-school girl. Creuserey would lose her position, too, but she's still a noble, with the Emperor's backing. Masaomi would try to learn new skills, but... until then... Oh God, I'm starting to tear up just thinking about his future...
While I was busy worrying about Masaomi's finances, they were creating their own little world.
"I'm... that kind of man. But... I still want to live my life with you. I want... your future, to spend with me."
"Ah..."
"My love for you, Creuserey Belial... this feeling alone will not lose to anyone. I will make myself strong enough to stand by your side!"
Masaomi set his sword aside and gently took her hands. Their eyes locked, and their grip tightened, as if vowing never to let go.
"I know we'll be criticized. I know there will be obstacles. I know there will be pain and sadness. I... I don't even know if I can truly make you happy. But, even so... I swear I will protect you from all of it! I swear I will make you happy! ...Will you... allow me?"
He poured his heart into every word, desperately holding back his overflowing emotions. The Church warrior bowed his head to her, making his vow. It was like a knight, pledging his life to his princess.
A moment of silence. Then... Creuserey's answer came in the form of large tears, spilling from her eyes.
"...Idiot. 'Allow' you? I'm the one who doesn't want to be apart. I don't care what anyone says, or what hardships we face. I want to be with you. If you're weak, I'll just get stronger with you. I will protect our 'now,' and our 'future,' too."
"Creuserey..."
"So... let's vow together. That we'll protect the path we believe in... that we will absolutely find happiness."
"...Yeah. Of course."
They confirmed their vows and drew closer. Masaomi gently wiped the tears from her cheeks. A deep blush colored both their faces, showing their affection.
"...Creuserey."
"Masaomi..."
And then...
"...Hey, Partner. Can I go home now? They won't get mad if I just leave, right? This has to be excusable, right? They've clearly forgotten I'm here and are completely in their own world. We were having a serious talk, and suddenly the air turned pink, and I'm just... I can't take this... I have never been so glad my Sacred Gear has the power of elimination. I can just erase my presence, hahaha... Please, someone, save me..."
As I whimpered in the corner, the world must have taken pity on me, because Rushana returned with the peerage. You are a god, I thought.
The next moment, she froze, taking in the scene: the lovey-dovey couple, and me, half-crying. Before they could do anything... she shattered their pink, lovey-dovey atmosphere with a divine-speed chop, yelling, "THIS IS AN ALL-AGES PROGRAM!"
"Thank you," I whispered, pressing my palms together in prayer. I'm not wrong. She was glowing, like an angel. (Even though she's a devil.)
Okay, it looks like Masaomi will be fine. I'm still worried, but now it's my turn to believe and wait. I'll just help if he needs it.
Right, the next move is after the strike. Once that succeeds, Masaomi will go talk to Shidou. He can present the Belial family's terms then. That's the basic flow. I don't get the details.
I chuckled at the teary-eyed couple, who were now rubbing their heads. It'll all work out, I laughed.
But... I'd forgotten. My plans never go according to plan. I would soon learn, firsthand, that the effects of the Underworld's super-typhoon were about to strike Kuoh Town without mercy.
***
"God... is this a trial? Will my continued devotion to you... truly be my salvation...?"
In the Kuoh Town church, a lone clergyman bowed his head to the cross, his face a mask of agony as he prayed. He had lost count of how many times he had done this. But the God he served was the only one he could cling to.
The current head of this church was Shidou Touji. His subordinates' faces were dark with anxiety. As their leader, he couldn't falter. He couldn't burden them, couldn't show weakness. He was a devout believer.
Sometimes, he didn't know what to feel anymore. He had never been this lost, this indecisive. His head knew the "right" path, but his heart, his feelings, rejected it. The orders had come down from on high long ago, but he couldn't even use them to justify his actions.
Time just kept passing, leaving him unable to process or accept it. The pressure only grew, like sinking into a deep ocean. ...The time for his decision was drawing closer.
"...Yaegaki-kun."
Why did you... He shook his head, stopping the resentment before it could form. Part of him was angry... Why don't you understand? But another part did understand. He wanted to be with the one he loved. Shidou, who had a wife and daughter, knew that was all Masaomi wanted.
Masaomi Yaegaki had been his best subordinate. An orphan, he had accepted the Church's teachings and made his name as a warrior. Shidou was assigned to meet him and refine his swordsmanship.
He was an honest boy who lived for his sword and the Church. Shidou was the one who told him, "You need to look at the world," and dragged him outside, where they walked, and talked of dreams. He was overjoyed when Masaomi was finally old enough for them to drink together.
He watched Masaomi grow stronger, until he was second only to Shidou himself. He was so proud. He'd always thought, 'This is what it must feel like to have a son.'
He'd worried about the boy who only knew the sword. He'd even talked with the others about it. Dedicating one's life to God was noble, but he wanted Masaomi to know normal happiness, too. He wanted him to have a warm family, like his own.
They had all talked about how they'd celebrate if he brought a lover home. They laughed about how Shidou would be the one to officiate his wedding. Smith and Todoroki would tease him about women, only to be silenced by the sisters.
That was how much Masaomi Yaegaki meant to him... he was a subordinate he'd trust with his back, a reliable family, and his pride and joy.
"...That's right. His core hasn't changed. He's earnest, direct, and kind... He just..."
He just fell in love with a devil.
And that one act had destroyed everything. He had countless regrets. Why did we come to Kuoh Town? Why didn't I notice sooner?
He knew Creuserey Belial. She was a competent manager, despite her age. He'd spoken to her. She was reasonable. He knew she was friendly to humans. That's why he hadn't worried about them meeting. He'd assumed they both understood their positions.
He'd had so many chances to stop it. But he assumed Masaomi thought the same way he did... and he did nothing. And by the time he noticed, it was too late.
"Consorting with a devil is unforgivable for a believer. But Yaegaki-kun never meant to betray the Church. ...He just wanted to be with the one he loved."
He remembered seeing him in an accessory shop, smiling so gently as he looked at rings. Only she could make him look like that.
Shidou understood Masaomi's feelings. He'd even felt that his happiness was radiant. But the teachings of his faith stood in the way. They existed to protect God, their comrades, the Church, and humanity. They had made small sacrifices to prevent another Great War.
This time, too, he was supposed to make a sacrifice for peace. Masaomi Yaegaki's life.
"Pastor..."
"...! Mill-tan?"
He realized it had grown dark. He must have been praying for a long time. The deep voice that called his name... Shidou knew, with a presence that was beyond shocking and heading straight into "trauma," who it was.
He turned. The light from the window backlit the figure, hiding it in shadow. 'A relief,' he thought. If he had to look directly at that... Armageddon-level... presence right now, his frayed nerves couldn't take it. He'd remember that... creature... he ate. (He'd finally stopped ending his sentences with "Gelgel" after that, and had cried to his wife about it. His daughter, who saw, just said, "So bold, Papa!" and tactfully left. Her emotional education was... progressing.)
"Pastor, are you hurting-nyo?"
"Ah, no... I'm fine."
"But your face looks like it's in pain-nyo."
"..."
That was the prayer... and probably the trauma-induced stomach ache.
"Mill-tan always has the pastor listen to his troubles-nyo. You always help-nyo. So, Mill-tan wants to help you with your pain-nyo."
The words were completely pure. Shidou knew Mill-tan was incapable of lying. He was genuinely worried.
"...If... if you had something precious, Mill-tan, but the world told you it was wrong... what would you do?"
"Is it very, very precious-nyo?"
"Yes... to me."
Perhaps that's why he let his true feelings slip. It was such an abstract, vague question. Mill-tan stood silent, pondering. Shidou waited.
After a moment, Mill-tan spoke, his voice firm.
"Mill-tan would choose to protect his precious thing-nyo!"
"...! But!"
"It would be hard-nyo. Mill-tan doesn't know how much the 'world' would deny it-nyo. But if the feeling is real, you have to fight-nyo! If you give up, nothing changes-nyo! To have a heart that loves even the world that denies you, to have the courage to step forward, to face hardship with hope in your chest... that is how you become a proper magical girl-nyo!"
"...Huh? Wait... Mill-tan. When did this become about magical girls?"
"It always was-nyo."
"Oh. Yes. My apologies."
The husky voice was so serious, he'd apologized without thinking.
"But... if Mill-tan can say one thing, it's... if it's that important, don't give up-nyo. No matter how many people tell Mill-tan it's impossible, Mill-tan will never give up his dream-nyo. If you don't know what to do, just do something, one small step at a time-nyo."
"...Even something small?"
"That's right-nyo! If you can't do it alone, we'll all help-nyo! If the pastor is in trouble, Mill-tan will help-nyo!"
Shidou looked down, listening to Mill-tan's cheerful voice. It wasn't really a conversation. The question was too vague. And he... he was already out of time.
But... something stirred. Do something small. Had he really done everything he could to save Masaomi Yaegaki? He shook his head, scattering the thought. He was afraid to cling to such a tiny hope. But the ripple... it continued to spread.
He realized the shadow was closer. Mill-tan must have approached. He hadn't been able to see him in the backlight, but at this distance...
Still, he'd known Mill-tan for a while. He'd built up a resistance. (A horrible 'resistance'.) And the conversation had calmed him. He could probably smile, like usual.
"I'm sorry, Mill-tan. I was just tired... please forget my strange question. Now, what can I do for—"
He slowly looked up, and his words died in his throat.
"That's right-nyo! Mill-tan wanted the pastor to feel better, so today Mill-tan gave 'form' to that wish-nyo! Just like the pastor taught, Mill-tan focused on the visuals! This will heal the pastor's body and soul-nyo!"
"————"
A thick chest swelled, the pure-white fabric straining against the impossible muscles. As Mill-tan got excited, the muscles flexed, and the seams of the outfit screamed.
It was a giant man... in a nurse's outfit.
The already-obscene uniform was made infinitely worse by its wearer. It was... just... out. The goth-loli outfit was bad, but this... this was the "White Angel," the pure, romanticized icon of male fantasy. And it was screaming in agony, right in front of him. Shidou, who had recently spent time in the hospital being healed by real nurses... this image was... shattering his hopes and dreams...
"..."
"Pastor?"
"...Gelgel."
"P-PASTOOOOOOOOORR!"
Shidou's brain, overloaded by the "Nurse Destroyer," shut down. He fainted. (And probably reopened his stomach ulcer.) Mill-tan screamed in anguish, scooped him up, and dashed to the hospital at full speed.
From that day, a new ghost story began to circulate in Kuoh Town: "The Nurse Titan of the Battlefield." And Shidou Touji... it is said he now suffers vivid flashbacks every time he sees a nurse's uniform.
***
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