"So, Agetha, are you aware of the loop?"
"No, I'm not."
"As expected."
Agetha didn't have awareness of the loop in the previous timeline either. It seems the same for Black Agetha.
Alright, I summarize the events so far for Agetha, explaining that someone will attack eight days from now, leading to Agetha's death despite her putting up a fight.
"Well, I can't win either. After all, Agetha and I are on equal footing when it comes to combat strength."
True, that makes sense.
There are still many questions, such as why Black Agetha doesn't have awareness of the loop and why Black Agetha is currently dominating the personality instead of Agetha. However, every question asked to Black Agetha results in a simple "I don't know."
"More importantly, defeating the Demon Lord Zoga takes precedence."
"That's right."
So, with Black Agetha, I plan to strategize to defeat Demon Lord Zoga.
"Hey, are we going to kill the assassin Noct after all?"
"Of course. Having him around causes various problems."
"…I see."
In the end, the quest to defeat the Demon Lord progresses almost the same way as the previous timeline. Black Agetha defeats Demon Lord Zoga, and then she unexpectedly kills the assassin Noct. Afterward, we use Sage Nyau's teleportation magic to escape from the dungeon.
Following that, as in the previous timeline, we are welcomed by the villagers, and we spend the night in the provided lodging.
"Hey, Agetha."
"Hmm? What's up?"
Black Agetha is seated on the bed in front of me. Despite the similar appearance, the atmosphere is distinctly different. Facing Black Agetha like this makes me a bit nervous. Unlike Agetha, Black Agetha somehow feels more distant, like a stranger.
"Hey, what do you say we leave this village and run away far from here?"
"Why?"
"If we stay at this inn, we'll end up staying in the royal palace with Prince Eligion. If that happens, we might be killed by someone in the palace again. So, wouldn't it be wise for us to run away together?"
It's preferable to be as far away from the capital as possible. Presumably, if the culprit isn't in the capital, they won't be able to attack us.
"But if we do that, we won't be able to identify the culprit. Perhaps we should confront them at the royal palace after all."
Black Agetha's point is valid. My suggestion to run away is just postponing the issue. If the person has a strong desire to kill us, there's a high chance they'll come after us. Considering they have the strength to defeat Agetha, our lives would be at risk if pursued.
"Still, I believe there's a higher chance of survival if we run away than if we spend time at the royal palace."
We still don't know who our enemy is. Even if they have the strength to defeat Agetha, I'd like to think they wouldn't have the ability to trace us if we flee far away.
"Well, let's go with your decision. So, when are we leaving this inn?"
"Early tomorrow morning."
Early morning. If I wait until I encounter Prince Eligion, it'll take time to explain, and I might end up being invited to the capital. I want to avoid declining the invitation from Prince Eligion. So, it's better to leave this village before he wakes up.
I should prepare to leave the village before Prince Eligion wakes up to avoid any awkwardness. To ensure no hard feelings are left behind, I'll write a letter explaining the situation and anything related to the Holy Knight Canaria.
"Alright, are you ready, Agetha?"
Next to us is a horse we acquired in the village.
"I'm still sleepy."
Saying so, Black Agetha rubs her eyes. Whether she's still half-asleep or not, her eyes are only half-open.
"In that case, you can sleep while riding the horse. I'll be the rider."
"Sure."
So, Black Agetha and I ride the horse together. Black Agetha is in the front, and I'm at the back. She fits snugly in my arms, unexpectedly close, and leans her weight on me. I'm taken aback by the sudden proximity.
"So, where are we going?"
"Come to think of it, I didn't tell you." Honestly, as long as we're away from the capital, it doesn't matter where we go.
"For now, let's head to the Ritzken Empire."
Therefore, I decided to go to a place I've been to before and am familiar with.