Chapter 9

◆Chiyuki

All eight of us had gathered in the room.

It had been three days since Reiji woke up, and he was finally able to get up, though he wasn't fully recovered yet. But it was only a matter of time before he would be back to normal.

We were finally able to return to our daily lives, relieved that Reiji was safe. We had gathered in one of the temple's rooms to discuss our future plans.

"We should give up on defeating the Demon King."

I said.

"Why, Chiyuki?"

Reiji asked, puzzled.

"Why? ... Haven't you seen your own condition? You almost died."

I said, almost angrily.

I had always intended to stop the Demon King hunt if things got too dangerous.

Until now, we had been the ones taking lives.

But meeting Dihart changed that, turning it into a battle for survival.

We should have stopped this from the beginning.

"I'm sorry, Chiyuki, but I have no intention of breaking my promise to a woman."

Reiji said, trying to sound cool.

His words made me want to lose my temper.

"You know, Sahoko and the others were worried sick when you almost died! Dihart is strong! You might die if it happens again!!"

This man is always the same, willing to risk his life for a woman.

But it's because of his foolishness that we've been saved. That's why I've been with him all this time. Shirone and Nao, who are here, probably feel the same way. They must have been saved by this man in the past.

"I have no intention of giving up on saving Reina."

I knew he wouldn't give up just because of this.

"Chiyuki-san, many people are hurt because of the monsters. Can we just abandon those in trouble?"

This time, Rino spoke.

After all, the purpose of this journey was to help people suffering from monster attacks.

The Demon King Modest is the king who controls all the monsters in this world. And he is making the monsters attack humans.

Moreover, the Demon King Modest is trying to destroy the gods of Erios and dominate this world. While I haven't heard it directly from Reina, people are saying this.

Defeating the Demon King Modest and bringing peace to the world is our goal. Well, in reality, we were just enjoying the adventure, but that's how it appears on the surface.

"But, do we really have to do this? Isn't this the problem of this world?"

I think it's strange for us to solve the problems of this world.

"You do have a point."

When Kyoka agrees with me, I feel a bit awkward, but it's fine.

"By the way, what are the gods of Erios doing, making us do all the work? Don't they intend to do anything themselves?"

Some of them look at Kyoka as if to say, "You're not doing anything either."

But Kyoka has a point.

If the Demon King Modest attacks Erios, the gods will be in trouble. Why aren't they doing anything?

I had been a bit curious about this too.

"You do have a point, Kyoka-san."

"Hehe."

Kyoka looks smug at my words.

"Next time we meet Reina, we should ask her why the gods aren't doing anything."

Why are the gods letting the Demon King be?

If the reason is trivial, we should protest.

"Chiyuki-sama, is that okay?"

This time, Kaya spoke up.

"What is it, Kaya-san?"

To be honest, I'm not good with Kaya. She always has a blank expression, and I can never tell what she's thinking.

Moreover, Kaya always keeps her distance from everyone else. The "sama" is also because of this. She doesn't get along with anyone here.

"Originally, if we don't defeat the Demon King, won't we not be allowed to return?"

Several people nodded at Kaya's words. As long as we can't return, we can't give up on defeating the Demon King.

"I think we should negotiate. I don't think a goddess would resort to threats. I don't think she would say we can't return unless we defeat the Demon King."

Of course, that's only if Reina is the goddess of compassion she appears to be.

"Um, Chiyuki-san, can I say something?"

This time, it was Shirone.

"What is it, Shirone-san?"

"Well, what will happen when we return? I was thinking, will someone else be called next...?"

Shirone said that someone else might have to go through the same hardships.

"Hmm, you're right, that would be like passing the problem to someone else."

Nao agreed with Shirone.

"You're right, Chiyuki. Instead of giving up, we should think of a way to win next time."

Reiji was right; in the end, there might be no other choice. But I wasn't satisfied. Someone might die. And...

"But, everyone, someone might die next time. And it's already been half a year. Our families must be worried."

It's been half a year. We should return soon.

Everyone fell silent at my words.

"Shirone-san, don't you want to see your childhood friend?"

I turned to Shirone.

I can't convince everyone alone. I need an ally.

"Really! Shirone-san has a guy like that?"

Sahoko jumped on the opportunity.

"Oh, Sahoko-san, you don't know? Shirone-san has a childhood friend she's pledged her future to."

"Ch... Choto, Rino-chan, that's not true!!"

Shirone protested.

"I went to see Shirone-san's family dojo. He's not flashy, but he's quite handsome. If Reiji wasn't here, he might have been quite popular."

I had heard about Shirone's childhood friend, but I had never met him.

But Rino, who works as a model, has seen many handsome men. If she says he's quite handsome, he must be good-looking by general standards.

However, with Reiji in the school, other boys don't stand out. That's probably why her childhood friend doesn't stand out either.

"Handsome...? Well, he does have a pretty face."

Shirone tilted her head. She doesn't seem to think he's handsome.

"Hmm..."

Reiji made a meaningful sound.

"Re... Reiji-kun, don't misunderstand. Kuroki and I are just friends!!"

Shirone hurriedly explained to Reiji.

All the girls here like Reiji. Shirone probably doesn't want to be misunderstood.

From what I can see, Shirone doesn't seem to have any special feelings for him. If she did, she wouldn't be here with Reiji.

But her childhood friend might like her.

However, before coming here, Shirone said some harsh things to her childhood friend and wants to apologize.

"But, Shirone-san, didn't you say you wanted to apologize to your childhood friend?"

I asked Shirone.

"That's..."

Shirone hesitated.

Rino and Nao leaned in, and even the reserved Sahoko seemed interested.

For Sahoko and Rino, it would mean one less rival, so they were very curious.

"Alright, everyone. We should hear Reina out first. We can think about it after that, right?"

Reiji ended the conversation.

"Ugh..."

Rino said, sounding disappointed.

We do need to ask Reina many things.

Why are the gods of Erios letting the Demon King be?

Do we really have to defeat the Demon King to return?

After that, we chatted a bit and dispersed.