Blood 34 — Not war. Terrorism.

The massacre tour with my master, lasting several days, has finally ended.

Exhausted.

Just want to sleep now.

Didn’t sleep a single moment during the tour.

Abruptly taken without explanation, then forced to assault bases of some unknown organization every day.

At first, I didn’t even know what kind of group it was. Quite absurd, really.

Still, I’m not exactly blameless — obediently attacking without any explanation myself.

By the middle, I learned the organization was composed of elves and their allies. So I acted with intent.

Yet despite withholding that crucial information, they issued precise instructions at the scene.

No one must escape from this base. Kill them all.

But spare this one specifically.

Do not let any unrelated human witnesses survive.

Yet my master sends me to the scene but offers no assistance beyond that.

High status or not, fatigue remains fatigue.

Even if I ask, they won’t explain. Still, there must be a reason behind each precise instruction.

Given my master’s nature, it’s likely a rationale beyond my comprehension.

I wish for more explanation.

Urgently.

I feel I’ve traveled through many places, yet never had time to rest or sightsee.

Arrive via transfer, enter a restaurant, launch an assault on the elf stronghold.

That is all.

As soon as it concludes, transfer to the next location.

Coming all this way to unfamiliar lands, and the only activity resembling sightseeing is eating.

And never missing a meal each time—seems excessive.

And now I'm stuck accompanying her, even though my stomach is full.

How many meals did I eat today?

I've acquired the Gluttony skill.

Is it just my imagination, or has my waistline... slightly increased?

I should reduce my food intake for a while.

Thinking this, I head toward my private chambers in the Demon Castle.

After graduating from the academy, a private chamber was prepared for me in the Demon Castle.

It feels like my escape route has been taken away.

As I walk down the corridor toward my chamber, I unexpectedly meet Fernina.

"Ah?"

It's fine to meet her, but is she really alright?

Dark circles under her eyes, skin pale as if she's ill.

Yet her spine remains rigid. Is that the pride of a former noble?

She looks clearly unwell, but her composure is admirable, even if she is an enemy.

"Are you alright?"

You have no right to worry about me.

She says it firmly, despite the fact that I’m the one showing concern.

Yet there’s an odd lack of vigor in her tone.

“Stop pretending you’re fine and rest.”

“If I could rest, I would. I won’t be irresponsible like some someone else—disappearing during this busy time, leaving everything to others.”

That “someone else” — is she referring to her master?

Or perhaps… me?

“Are you talking about your master? Or me?”

“Both.”

She declares it with a resentful edge.

Of course.

The commander who should be handling post-war affairs is missing.

All the burden has fallen on Fermina.

“Where have you been all this time?”

“With my master, traveling to various places.”

I wasn’t lying—truly, I was taken to many places. I don’t even know myself where I was.

Fermina must have sensed my confusion, because she didn’t press further.

“Since you’ve returned, that means your master has returned as well, correct?”

“Yes. That’s what I assume.”

“I see. If you see him, please tell him to come to the office immediately.”

A deep, very deep sigh escaped her. She turned to leave.

I called out to her back without thinking.

“Shall I help?”

I said it myself—and was startled by my own words.

Even if I’m on the verge of collapse, to offer help to this woman…?

I’m not exactly unexhausted myself.

I must be losing my mind from fatigue.

Yes. That’s exactly it.

“Are you serious?”

There you go.

Even Fermina questioned my sanity.

"Ah? I was being kind, offering help. How cruel."

"You surprise me. I didn't know you possessed kindness."

Truly, a cruel person.

Say that again?

"Regardless, it's fine. I won't accept help from someone whose only talents are fighting and ordering men around."

Truly, truly cruel.

I really do hate this person.

"Ah, yes. Then, just keep pushing yourself until you collapse from exhaustion."

Continuing this exchange only worsens our moods. Better to leave now.

Feeling even more drained than before.

I heard Fermina really collapsed from overwork the next day—but it's not my fault.

The master who dumped all the work on her is to blame.

And he's supposedly groaning through her workload too, while she's down. Just as he deserves.