Chapter 18

---

"Are you gay or something?!" That was everyone's 100% reaction. I'm seriously considering what to do with the BL tag. Would it be safe if it were a boyish girl? I even think...

When Desu was asked by Ruri if she wanted a shop, he thought for a moment and then readily gave his permission.

"---I see, a shop, huh. I can probably arrange something like that, but my power only extends within this Evil Barrow. It's impossible on the Human Continent, of course, and even outside this castle and the town below. Is that acceptable?"

"No complaints. I'll take those conditions."

"Understood. Next, the size...?"

"In that case... I want a food cart."

"Huh...?"

Desu opened his mouth in surprise. I was also shocked, as I had assumed she wanted a large store.

Even if it's not a large store, a food cart is the smallest type of shop in this world. It's mainly used by restaurants to promote their dishes by offering samples.

"Actually, I want a large store... but I lack experience, and as Setsu said, I'm not an adult yet. I think I would struggle to manage a large store."

Hearing this, both Desu and I nodded in agreement. Indeed, the larger the store, the more difficult it is to manage. A food cart should be manageable for Ruri.

"What will you sell in the food cart? I doubt you'll be able to sell much..."

"Actually... I have a favor to ask of Setsu..."

Ruri turned to me with this request. Is she going to sell something I make? I can't think of anything in particular...

"Actually... I want to sell the fried dishes that Setsu makes."

---

So, that's how it went.

"---Mix the potatoes and ground meat, coat them with breadcrumbs, and drop them into the oil! Got it?"

"Yes!! I think I'm starting to get it!"

Currently, I'm in the kitchen of the Demon King's Castle with Ruri. I think her idea to sell fried food is pretty good. It's suitable for a food cart and perfect for after-school snacking. While it might not make a fortune, it should provide a steady income. I'm a beginner in business, so I'm not sure, but since Ruri can tell what will sell, it should be fine.

"When it turns this color, take it out quickly and drain the oil. Alright, that's good. It's done!! Take it!"

"Yes!"

I put the fried croquettes on a plate and handed them to a waiter who was waiting for instructions.

"Your efficiency is amazing... You made dozens in no time..."

"We're just getting started!! Ruri, help out!! We've got more to make!!"

"Ah, yes!"

I took out the fried chicken from another pot. It's what's known as chicken katsu.

The castle is currently in a light feast mode, and I've been assigned to handle the cooking again. I thought they would just ask me to cook, but I ended up making food for everyone in the castle... Well, at least I can teach Ruri how to fry, so it's not a bad job if it helps her.

"If I could always have Setsu make these for me..."

"That won't be possible for a while."

I have to travel to the Beast Continent and eventually pick up the sunset on the Human Continent.

"Maybe I can stay for a while after everything is done..."

"Really!?"

Ruri latched onto this more than I expected. Watch out for the hot oil.

"Try to make it a success by then. Otherwise, it won't be worth helping."

"Yes! Of course! Working with Setsu in the shop... hehe."

Ruri's cheeks flushed as she fried the croquettes, looking very happy.

I'm not the kind of person who gets this kind of reaction...

"---This batch is done. Ruri, can you take this?"

"Ah, yes! Got it!"

I handed the chicken katsu to Ruri and moved to the pot where the croquettes were frying. It's a bit awkward to interrupt her practice, but I don't want to serve cold food to the excited crowd. At this point, there's no such thing as good or bad frying.

As I waited for the croquettes to fry, I noticed Desu entering the kitchen. It's unusual for the Demon King to be here, and the cooks I've been helping looked surprised.

"Sorry, Setsu, for making you cook... I wish you could relax, but..."

"It's fine. It's a bit of a hassle, but it's nice to see you guys enjoy the food."

"I see... I haven't had Setsu's croquettes in a while, so I already ate a plate."

"You'll get fat."

"Ugh... I'll exercise, so it's fine."

I gave her a straightforward warning, and she started rubbing her stomach while looking down. Her waist is incredibly toned. I think she could stand to gain a bit of weight, but maybe that's just a girl thing?

"So, what's up? If you're here to snack, I won't allow it."

"Not at all!! ...I have something to discuss."

Oh, it's a serious matter. I stopped teasing and stopped sending magic to the firestone powering the stove. After confirming the fire was out, I told the cooks I'd be leaving the cooking to them for a while.

"What's the matter?"

"---With your return, we no longer have a reason to retaliate against the Human Kingdom. We've decided to recall the troops attacking the Human Kingdom..."

"---Are you worried they'll target the Human Kingdom?"

"Yes, you understand well."

I've heard from Elka that the Human Kingdom might use this war to invade the Demon and Beast Continents again. It makes sense they might attack during our retreat, given the proximity to their territory and our backs being turned.

"They might see this as an opportunity to reclaim our territory. It explains why we've been on the defensive."

"Interesting... They're not attacking?"

"Yes, they're always on the defensive. We haven't taken many casualties, but we haven't inflicted much damage either. The gate hasn't opened despite the prolonged siege. Their inactivity makes it hard to send reinforcements. We just rotate the troops and supplies regularly."

It's unsettling. It sounds like it's a struggle to withdraw the troops.

"If you're going to withdraw, you'll need to send reinforcements to protect the retreat."

"I agree... We also need to inform the Beast Continent about your return. If only my army retreats, the Beast army will be left behind."

"---I'll head to the Beast Continent soon, then."

"I wish you could stay longer..."

Desu looked sad. It's hard to maintain the Demon King's dignity in moments like these. In situations like this, it's best to pat him on the head.

"---Are you treating me like Ruri?"

"You're about the same as her right now. But don't worry, I'll visit the others and come back as soon as the war is over."

Desu, who was unhappy about being treated like a child, perked up at the latter part.

"---By the way, we have information on the heroes summoned with you."

"Oh?"

I wasn't particularly interested, but I wondered how much of a threat they were. They had incredible talent, after all.

"Apparently, the non-Sacred Sword wielders among the heroes are exceptionally strong."

"Not Sacred Sword wielders?"

That would mean someone stronger than Koushin? His Excalibur-type sword wasn't very powerful compared to other confirmed Sacred Swords, but Sacred Sword wielders have an incredible status, so it's hard to surpass them...

"According to information from a source in Distenia, there's a girl who uses orange flame magic. Her nickname is the 'Sunset Witch,' I believe."

Sunset... Orange?

"Ah... That's her."

"Do you know her? Still, hearing that she's stronger than a Sacred Sword wielder is impressive. We need to be cautious..."

"No, she's fine. She's currently being trained by Elka."

"Really? By that ice girl? So she's one of your companions?"

"Yes, that's right."

Still, Sunset... It's only been a few days since we parted... How much has my childhood friend improved in this short time?

"But be careful with the others summoned with me. They could turn the tide of the war."

"I'll keep that in mind. But not as strong as her, right?"

"---She's in a league of her own."

I can't help but think of that gender-bending, terrible hero's smile. Even though I know she's gone, I feel like she's always watching me. Her presence is deeply ingrained in me as a trauma.

No... We became friends... She was just... a dangerous person...

"---I understand your feelings."

"Stop it, Desu. You can't understand as a woman."

"I... I have feelings for... my own gender..."

"Thank you, Desu. You're my confidant."

Right, Desu is beautiful. She must have been hit on by women before. I'll treasure her forever. And I'll be treasured in return. We can support each other.

But why? Why do I feel like that person, whom I thought I had finished off, is still after me? Why does the fear not end?

"Hey, Setsu? Your eyes are glazed over..."

"I'm fine... I should be fine."

If only she were a woman... I wouldn't be this terrified.

"---!! That's enough!! I'm leaving the day after tomorrow! It's decided!"

"Wait! That's too sudden!!"

"Shut up, I just decided!!"

I need to forget that smile. I need to think about something else.

"I wanted you to stay a few more days..."

"---But if I stay too long, I might not want to leave."

If I get too comfortable, it'll be the end. I also want to see the faces of the Beast Continent people soon.

Desu looked unhappy for a while but eventually understood.

"---I see. Try to... come back as soon as possible. It's... lonely..."

"Sure..."

When he says it's lonely, it hits me. What a cute creature, even though he's the Demon King.

So, my departure date was set.

But at that moment, I didn't know... that I would meet that traumatic person again...

---

Next time, Setsu's departure.

The Beast Continent will be on hold for now. When I return, it will be for an important story, so I'll keep it at this for now.

And just to be clear, Setsu didn't kill Fuyuma because he felt threatened. There was a serious reason. Just to be clear.