Gathering①

Continuing from Shun's perspective

We decided to meet with the Pope to convey our intent to join the Pope's faction.

Of course, Katia, who had already firmly resolved to participate, and Syrilis, who also appeared inclined to join, were present.

"Of course, if my elder brother is joining."

That was her response.

Perhaps it wasn't fair to judge others when one's own reasons were so ambiguous.

Still, as Katia said, the weight of another's will is something only the individual can truly understand.

There must be a firm resolve within Syrilis.

We were granted an audience with the Pope, and upon entering the chamber, a tense atmosphere hung in the air.

The source of that tension came from the individual seated opposite the Pope.

"You are..."

The figure reacted to my voice, glancing briefly in my direction.

At the same time, the two individuals seated beside him turned toward me and raised their hands slightly.

"Sophia. Syrilis."

"Yo."

It was Sophia and Syrilis—those who should have been in the elven village.

Upon closer inspection, Kusagami and Ogii stood behind the Pope.

We take our seats as directed.

"How did we get here?"

"Via his teleportation."

Saying this, Sophia looks toward the person seated across from the Pope.

"Let me introduce you. This is Sir Schrein, the Hero."

"I know."

The Pope introduces him, and he gives a slight bow.

The man responds with a gesture of mild disinterest.

"I am Ronant. Your brother's master."

"!"

Master Ronant.

The Imperial Court's chief mage. Julius's magic instructor.

And the one who confronted us when we attempted to infiltrate the royal palace during the execution of Reston and the others.

The memory of it lingers—instinctively, I tense up.

“Ah, no need to stiffen like that. I am, at the very least, on your side.”

Lord Ronant waves a hand, dismissive.

“On our side? What makes you say that?”

I ask, suspicion in my voice.

Though the Empire’s forces were used, they followed Yugo.

And behind Yugo stood the Demon Clan—none other than the Demon King, Ariel.

There is no certainty this man is not connected to that Demon King, Ariel.

“Of course not. I admire that individual—yet I would not say I understand, even if told to die.”

Lord Ronant speaks with clear displeasure.

“That individual?”

“The Nightmare of the Labyrinth. Or perhaps now, Shiro-sama, is the clearer term.”

Shiro.

That name is widely known—spread through the Taboo World Quest logs.

But the Nightmare of the Labyrinth?

"You may be aware, but the Nightmare of the Labyrinth refers to a mythical-level spider monster that once appeared in the Great Labyrinth of Elro. It is likely the same entity as Shiro-sama."

"EH?"

A surprised exclamation escaped me at the Pope's explanation.

I had heard a little about the Nightmare of the Labyrinth from Busgas, the labyrinth guide, when I exited the Great Labyrinth of Elro.

That’s… Leaf-san?

Not only me, but Katia and Tanigawa were also startled.

"Shiro-sama is not the only one. Lars-sama—perhaps it would be clearer to refer to you as Kyoya-sama. He too was an anomaly ogre observed in the region known as the Demon Mountains."

"Hm?"

While we remained speechless in surprise, Lord Ronant let out a curious sound.

"So Leaf-san and Sasa-jima both started as monsters too?"

Tawara let out a breath, leaning back into the chair.

Kyoya and Waka-san both started from circumstances entirely different from ours.

Then joining the Demon Lord's faction becomes understandable.

They must have experienced things beyond my comprehension. They cannot hold the same views as in their previous lives.

And yet, I asked Kyoya and the others, "Do you have to abandon Japanese values?"

Thinking back on Kyoya's face at that moment, a sense of helplessness rises.

"Then, Rihō, Sophia too?"

"She follows a different path, though equally fated."

Tawara inquired of the Pope about Sophia.

...That guy almost called her Rihō-sama just now.

"During the war between the Kingdom of Salyera and the Kingdom of Outsu, she lost both parents and her homeland, and was subsequently protected by Lady Ariel."

It was, again.

An appalling sequence of events.

She had summarized the essentials briefly, yet the mere fact that it was so grim stirred imagination.

For Sophia, was the Demon Lord Ariel her savior?

Of course she would cooperate with that side.

“What exactly is Melazofis?”

Tawara pressed further.

Apparently, to Tawara, this was the true focus.

“A retainer who served Sophia’s parents. It appears he was turned into a vampire by Sophia’s hand during their escape.”

“A vampire!?”

I could not help but exclaim.

“Yes. Both Sophia and Melazofis are vampires. Sophia, in particular, is the progenitor—true ancestor—since the first Demon Lord, Fodooi.”

So much additional information flooded in that my mouth remained open.

Indeed, how remarkably well-informed this person is.

“Hmph. As expected.”

Lord Ronant narrows his eyes at the Pope, a faint snort escaping his nose.

“Knowing the opponent’s details does not guarantee victory. Do you have a chance of winning?”

Lord Ronant’s gaze sharpens, locking onto the Pope.

So, so like Julius’s elder brother’s teacher.

The pressure is overwhelming.

“I will win.”

The Pope responds without hesitation.

“Then it shall be so.”

Lord Ronant rises from his seat.

“Then I shall wield this power to its fullest.”

He extends his hand toward the Pope.

The Pope stands and grasps it in return.

“Though I could not become your disciple, I shall surpass you through my own strength.”

Lord Ronant smirks, triumphant.

“Then, gather as much combat force as possible using your spatial magic.”

The Pope smiled warmly, speaking thus to Lord Ronant.

At once, the expression on Lord Ronant’s face vanished, replaced by shock.

“Y-you… you intend to treat me as a mere carrier…?”

“This is something only Lord Ronant can do.”

To treat Lord Ronant—the foremost court mage of the empire—as a carrier.

What extravagant use of power.

“Hah! Then let us do it!”

Lord Ronant did not refuse. He agreed without hesitation.

Slight signs of recklessness were not entirely absent….