Chapter 4

There are many explanations, and I apologize for the slow progress.

When I was first summoned, three soldiers from this country were assigned to accompany me to support me, who was still powerless.

One of them was Elka.

At the time, I, who couldn't control my power, often practiced sparring with Elka. At first, I couldn't stand up to her at all, but as I gradually learned how to use my power, I started to win one-sidedly.

It was then that Elka discovered her masochistic tendencies. She apparently felt pleasure when I kicked her. Since then, she began to deliberately let my attacks hit her, making the sparring difficult, and I started practicing with the other two soldiers.

As for Elka, she suddenly begged me to make her my slave. She had awakened as a genuine masochist and tearfully pleaded to be under me. Overwhelmed by her persistence, I agreed... and as I began to use her as she wished, it was only a matter of time before I discovered my sadistic side.

"Well, let's reminisce about the past just this much... Elka, I have a question for you."

"Yes! Anything!"

I pose my question to Elka, who is serving as my 'chair'.

"Why five years ago? Why is a war that should have ended then happening now?"

The princess didn't say what caused the war, only that they were being attacked by beastmen and demons.

I don't think they would attack without a reason. Besides, I had given the order that wars should never happen again.

"It's... because of this country."

"This country? Is it Distenia's fault?"

"Yes... indeed, the war ended five years ago. However, Distenia, fearing the power and popularity you held, forcibly sent you back to your original world."

"...I see, I get it... They probably heard about it and attacked to take revenge... something like that, right?"

"Exactly..."

The ones who admire me wouldn't just let the kingdom that forced me out go unpunished. It all makes sense now.

"Damn... so it's my fault?"

"They admire you from the bottom of their hearts..."

It feels a bit uncomfortable to hear it put that way... but still...

"Another war? What a hassle... I'm out of it."

"Wait... Setsu-sama..."

I'm supposed to be gone from this world. I should be free to do as I please...

"I thought so... but if I have some responsibility... well, I might as well get involved a little."

"! Are you going to participate in the war!?"

"Ah, that's not it."

"Oh, I see."

Participating in the war is a hassle and I don't understand the situation, so I reject it. Then there's only one thing I can do.

"At least, I'll go see them. I was planning to visit them anyway, and the war might end depending on their mood."

"Well, that's true... but..."

If they find out I'm here, their anger should subside, right?

"They might calm down... but currently, the human kingdom intends to seize the territories of the demon and beastmen continents, which they couldn't take in the previous war."

"What!? So... they plan to win the war?"

It's not a defensive war! It's getting complicated again...

"So the hero summoned this time..."

"Yes, they were summoned to win. The plan is to persuade the enemy country to attack..."

They intended to use me effectively. The human kingdom wanted to gain territory in the last war, but now, starting another territorial war could lead to public backlash...

"Everything's perfect because they're attacking... huh?"

"That seems to be the case..."

In the end, they're using me until the end. What a cheeky move.

"We, who acted as your companions, thought of ways to stop it... but the best plan was to bring you back, we thought..."

"You stayed in the kingdom, pretended to work loyally, and aimed for my re-summoning... something like that?"

"Yes, it ended up like this... but I'm glad. If we had to use innocent children from another world in the war, I might have rebelled."

Elka said with a smile. This smile is the one she shows when she's not lying... did she really intend to rebel?

"This country doesn't learn... causing so much trouble for Setsu-sama and using you... and now you're trying to end the war to prevent further damage..."

"Yeah, I thought it was a foolish country... well, this has helped me make up my mind."

"?"

I stand up from Elka and say. And how long are you going to stay on all fours?

"I want to leave this country."

"...Yes... I expected as much."

Elka stands up and says. So, my thoughts were read, huh?

"I want to travel freely without worrying about the war... but with a war going on, it's just too noisy and uncomfortable. I'll go see them and give them a punishment for starting the war again. That should make them behave."

"Hehe, that's right."

"What are you laughing at?"

"No, even though your appearance has changed, you're still the kind-hearted Setsu-sama..."

"Huh?"

"Stopping the war for the sake of the others summoned with you... right?"

"Hmm? ...Well... I guess so?"

Well... I don't want to put Yūhi in danger, but the others are a bit questionable.

By the way, I've already told Elka that I've been reincarnated. Now that I think about it, it's quite convenient that our names are the same...

"Alright, let's leave it at that."

"Hmm... How do you plan to leave the country? I don't think they'll let the summoned heroes go so easily..."

"That's easy. If I get branded as useless, they'll kick me out of the castle on their own."

"Ah, I see... But... it's painful for me to see you branded as useless..."

She says with a truly reluctant voice, lowering her head. I appreciate that she feels this way.

"You were the one who said a lot of bad things about me earlier, weren't you?"

"Huh!?"

I will never forget the words she said when she hadn't revealed her true identity. When I teased her, she got excited even as she apologized, so I stopped. That's right, she's a masochist.

"...Well, anyway. I want you to somehow influence the princess and the king to have me kicked out."

"Ahn... more... Huh!! Me!? How can I... say things that will get you in trouble..."

"If you manage to get me kicked out, I'll give you 100 spanks."

"Understood! This Elka will do her best as Setsu-sama's dog!"

--- Easy.

"Alright--- and then..."

"Setsu-sama, since we're at it, why don't you meet the other two?"

"Hmm? Ah... that's right."

The other two companions who are still in this country. I should meet them.

"Let's see them first. Where are they now?"

"Grain is training a different hero on the other side."

Ah, Yūhi and Kōma's side.

"Tia is in the castle's magic research institute. She's the leader now."

"Wow, they've both advanced so much... ahead of me."

Hmm? I don't like that, do I?

I've been beaten and kicked and had a rough time... but it was on purpose.

"Y-You don't mean, Setsu-sama..."

"Maybe I'll give them a little punishment..."

I imagine the flustered faces of the two and my excitement grows.

It was at this moment that I realized I was enjoying my second trip to another world.