Chapter 88

"See you later, then!"

"Iris, Basilio, be careful."

The next day, Iris set out early in the morning with Basil to gather herbs. In the meantime, I would discuss the self-destruction disease with Reinhart and the others, just as I did yesterday.

"Basically, there's one thing that concerns me. How do we peel the Demon King off Elvira's body?"

I started the conversation like that. We had already found a way to suppress the Demon King inside Elvira's body to some extent. If that was the case, the next step was to figure out how to drive the Demon King out of Elvira's body.

"Right now, the Demon King has lost its power due to the spirit water, making it less likely for the symptoms of the self-destruction disease to appear. However, if we continue like this, the Demon King will remain inside Elvira's body indefinitely."

It would be impossible to defeat the Demon King while it was still parasitizing Elvira. Even if it were possible, it would undoubtedly put a great strain on Elvira's body. We needed to find a way to drive the Demon King out of Elvira's body while suppressing the symptoms of the self-destruction disease.

"Should we stop giving Elvira the spirit water if weakening the Demon King just means it will remain trapped inside her body?"

"We've thought about that too... Sorry, can I switch to a more casual tone?"

Reinhart, who had been speaking in polite language awkwardly, finally gave up. Since I was younger and didn't mind his tone, I nodded without hesitation. Reinhart visibly relaxed and continued.

"We, the people of Rust, possess a power of light that can counter the Demon King. It's similar to the power of the hero, Lucius, who is a childhood friend of Professor Laura."

Reinhart's words brought to mind the heroine of "Last Brave." She had said something similar in the story and had used a power like light magic against a man possessed by the Demon King. I realized they were planning to use that power. However, since I didn't have that much knowledge about the people of Rust, I waited quietly for Reinhart to continue.

"We want to try using that power to peel the weakened Demon King off Elvira."

This method seemed worth trying and was currently the most promising. However, there was one problem: Elvira's overprotective brother, Arnold.

"We'll need Arnold's permission."

"That's why we approached Professor Laura first."

"I see."

Arnold was recognized as one of the obstacles to Elvira's treatment, and it seemed I was expected to act as a mediator. Despite Reinhart's straightforward answer, I couldn't help but let out a wry smile, though I felt a bit discouraged.

"Understood. Then, would you come with me to the capital? I think it would be easier for Arnold to understand if you explain it directly."

"Sure."

I started to simulate the situation in my head. First, I needed to convey that the Demon King's revival was imminent. Next, I had to explain that the Demon King was parasitizing Elvira's body. Then, I had to explain that we needed to use the power of the ancient people of Rust to peel the Demon King off her. Even if I explained it in a logical order, it would still sound unbelievable. It was certain that I would be met with suspicion.

However, Arnold, who would do anything for his beloved sister, preferred solid methods but wasn't inflexible. If I explained it properly, he would likely show a willingness to understand. With that conclusion, I asked Reinhart again.

"So, will you all use that power of light?"

"We can use it, but it would be better if someone with stronger power did it."

He paused and then said the name.

"---Diona!"

Diona. A woman's name. In response to Reinhart's call, a woman emerged from the shadow of a pillar. She had beautiful silver hair tied in a single braid and looked down at me with amber eyes as I sat in the chair. This was Diona. From her appearance, she was clearly an ancient being. Though she looked quite mature, I intuitively knew she was around my age. Her well-defined features, which seemed cold at first, softened when she smiled. I knew her smile.

"Nice to meet you, I am Diona. Please take care of me, Professor Laura."

Her polite words and guarded tone were familiar to me. I stared at the girl in front of me, speechless, as I forgot to breathe and take her hand.

"Nice to meet you, I am Diona. Please take care of me, 'Hero.'"

The silver-haired girl, Diona. She was none other than the heroine of "Last Brave."

Thank you very much for your support this year.

I look forward to your continued support next year!