Chapter 17: A Deal That Will Never Be Fulfilled (Epilogue)

In this world, the transition from summer to autumn is called “the fire spirit going on a journey.”

The spirit that brought the blazing sunlight departs, ushering in a period of preparation for the cold and lonely season.

As the morning sun’s heat began to calm, I decided to open the window and quietly breathe in the fresh outdoor air.

A pleasant breeze softly flowed in.

Looking out at the commercial district in the distance, I saw many people bustling around, preparing for the day, even though it was still early morning.

Having the mansion close to the commercial district made it feel lively in a way that I enjoyed.

After all, when else would I experience living among people like this?

Regardless, the fire spirit has now departed on its journey.

Just as the intense heat that filled the capital faded, so too did the major incident that had unfolded.

And with that, autumn had arrived.

Knock, knock.

By the time I finished tidying up my bedding and changing my clothes, the servants informed me that breakfast was ready.

Looking back, receiving support from a noble family is truly a great blessing.

It means material abundance, after all. I was taught that happiness and leisure come from material wealth.

Detachment from possessions? What’s the point of learning about that?

Of course, if I ventured just a little further out, I’d find conditions that would seem harsh by modern standards, but for now, I decided to put that thought aside.

At least here in the capital, with its variety of magical items, life was comfortable.

“Lady Sera, are you feeling better now?”

“Yes, I’m fine, thank you.”

The servants provided by the Nightheart family insisted on calling me “Lady Saint,” but honestly, I found that title a bit uncomfortable and asked them to just call me by my name.

Being addressed as “Lady Saint” over and over reminded me too much of my time in the Holy Kingdom, where I couldn’t escape that title.

It also brought to mind the chaotic illustrations of my character being wrecked in that cursed game.

Watching someone else’s life fall apart might be entertaining, but when it’s your own, it’s anything but fun.

Life truly seems like a comedy from afar, but a tragedy up close.

Well, whether viewed from a distance or up close, my life being a tragedy wouldn’t change.

“That’s good to hear. When the Hero explained your situation, we were so…”

The servants’ expressions turned somber, creating an unnecessarily heavy atmosphere.

I never quite knew how to adapt to moments like these.

I understood their feelings, but understanding didn’t make it feel real to me.

It felt like just yesterday that the incubus Kain and the succubus Lilith had invaded.

Yet, apparently, a month had already passed since then.

After burning everything to ash with sacred flames at the cost of my life force, I spent quite a while confined to bed.

Even now, I rarely went outside, spending my days resting in the mansion under the guise of recovery.

Thankfully, in this world, life force functioned similarly to mana.

While expending a large amount of life force in a short time weakened my body, it wasn’t as though saints often needed to use their physical strength.

Even if I were now saddled with a “frail” attribute, it didn’t seem like something I needed to concern myself with.

Besides, despite being labeled as frail, my body felt perfectly fine.

I briefly wondered if my lifespan had been shortened, but considering my options—either ending my life as a sacrificial pawn or returning to my original world—it seemed pointless to worry about lifespan.

“Let’s stop talking about depressing topics. So, how’s the investigation coming along?”

“Well, since most of the capital suddenly fell asleep, it’s certain that a high-ranking demon was involved.

However, how they infiltrated the capital and who they might have collaborated with is still unknown…”

Having nearly fallen victim to the demons’ schemes, the kingdom was putting its full effort into the investigation.

Natalia occasionally relayed information to the servants, ensuring that we in the mansion were well-informed about outside events.

Unfortunately, progress seemed to be slow.

And this was the biggest issue. I had seen it clearly with my own eyes.

When Kain dragged me up to the bridge, forcing me to sign the contract, the Hero had smiled quietly.

Moreover, Lilith had said that both parties would achieve their desires.

Even though there was no hard evidence, it was an undeniable betrayal on the Hero’s part.

If things had gone just slightly differently, I would have had enough to trap the Hero in a bad ending.

But thanks to my impulsive overuse of sacred flames, the contract, the demonic power—everything—was incinerated.

In short, I currently had no way to prove that the Hero was a vile, depraved scumbag scheming malicious deeds.

To make matters worse, most of the capital had been asleep, and Natalia had been under mind control, leaving me without any witnesses.

For now, I had no choice but to stick with this cursed party.

I needed to expose the true nature of the first Hero and summon a second one to defeat the Demon King as soon as possible.

But could things get any more tangled than this?

And the most infuriating part…

“Lady Sera, the Hero is here to see you!”

“Oh… Please let him in.”

Knowing full well that I’d caught him in the act, that wretched Hero had the audacity to visit me every morning.

He must have been watching me, thoroughly ensuring I didn’t stray.

How meticulous of him.

“How’s your health?”

“Thanks to your concern, I’m doing fine. There’s really no need for you to trouble yourself by visiting.”

“Haha, it’s just selfishness on my part. Honestly, I was so worried that I couldn’t sleep at night. But if it bothers you, I apologize.”

Once, I had a light brown puppy as a pet. Whenever it caused trouble, it would avoid meeting my gaze, and I found that incredibly irritating.

The Hero’s behavior now was just like that.

He visited on his own, yet he couldn’t even look me in the eye.

He kept turning his head away and blushing.

The fact that I couldn’t figure out why he was acting this way only made it more frustrating.

“…Hero? Is there something on my face?”

“N-No… It’s nothing.”

And so, the same pattern repeated itself.

The Hero said nothing, and I said nothing in return.

After all, it wasn’t like we had much to talk about.

And honestly, having lived most of my life without much conversation, I wasn’t particularly skilled at it anyway.

Just sitting still and reading a book, occasionally sharing a meal, and sometimes asking questions about external affairs.

Even that is just a leading interrogation to probe the Hero.

“I need to say this.”

“…Say what?”

The Hero, as if resolving himself, requested the servants to leave.

Seeing his serious demeanor, I, too, started to feel nervous.

“Sarah, the truth is… I’ve been thinking that you should leave this party.”

“…What?”

Why is it that recently I feel like I’m using the phrase “What?” far too often?

“I thought that someone like you shouldn’t have to risk your life.

That this world is clearly wrong.

But after seeing you that day, I’ve been thinking a lot.”

“…And?”

“Age doesn’t matter when it comes to conviction worth sacrificing one’s life for.

I was just judging you based on appearances and refusing to acknowledge you.

But now it’s different.

I know it’s selfish, but I’d like you to keep cooperating in this adventure to defeat the Demon King.”

I just wanted to burn everything to ashes.

What on earth is he talking about?

No, more importantly, why is this Hero suddenly saying such normal things?

I couldn’t keep up with the flow of the conversation.

“And this is… a gift… or something like that…”

The Hero, seemingly embarrassed, handed me a small box.

Wrapped in black paper with a red ribbon, the box contained a jewel that seemed to blaze like fire.

“I’ll protect you no matter what, but just in case something happens…”

A “Tear of Fire.”

A magical item that grants absolute resistance to flame-based attacks.

It’s a rare gem processed into a ring, only obtainable from the southern desert regions.

What on earth is going on?

Why is the Hero doing this?

Even after racking my brain, I couldn’t come up with any plausible guesses.

On top of that, when I glanced out the window, I could see the servants watching from afar.

While I had my suspicions, it was impossible to refuse in this situation.

The statement about defeating the Demon King was quite to my liking as well.

I suppose I should sincerely express my gratitude here.

“Thank you so much.

I wonder if I truly deserve such an extravagant gift…”

“It’s fine.

You absolutely deserve it.

Besides, there’s something I need to apologize for, so… think of this as a sort of bribe if you’d like.”

“Something to apologize for?”

“Well, actually… when you were unconscious, I… kissed you.”

“…What?”

A kiss?

The kind where a man and woman press their lips together?

No, wait, more than that—while I was unconscious?

Doesn’t that mean it happened during that entire month?

What exactly transpired during that time?

No, damn it…

Thinking back, there were scenes like this in the game too.

The Hero secretly hypnotizing the heroine, putting her to sleep, and then doing as he pleased.

The noble heroine, unaware of the truth, would then instinctively arouse herself whenever she caught the Hero’s scent, having been conditioned by him.

Why on earth did I forget about that?

There’s no guarantee that the Hero didn’t touch my body during that month.

How can this man, this Hero, be so bold?

It’s as if he doesn’t have brakes.

Well, I suppose that’s why he can be the protagonist of an adult game.

“…Get out.”

“Of course, it wasn’t intentional!

I only did it to share breath—”

“Get out, you damn bastard!!”

Overwhelmed with anger, embarrassment, and worry, I don’t remember much of what happened afterward.

All I know is that I threw every single piece of furniture in the room at the Hero and that, for some reason, the servants’ gazes toward me afterward seemed slightly amused.

It looks like I won’t be able to sleep comfortably anymore.

Damn it…

That cursed Hero…

“…Can we really exact revenge on the humans if we do as you say?”

“Of course.

You, who once followed the teachings of the gods, should know better than to lie, right?”

A tense and ominous atmosphere filled the tent.

Two figures were speaking to each other under the dim light of a single candle.

“…We’ll be able to reclaim our land, you say…”

The one who broke the silence was a muscular man with wolf-like ears and a tail.

His bronzed skin, marked with numerous scars, bore witness to a harsh life.

“All you need to do is agree to become a demon.

If you do, the Red-Tail Tribe will be saved.

There’s no need to hesitate, Thunder Runner.”

The girl gently coaxing Thunder Runner into compliance had hair so white it lacked all color, long enough to sweep the ground, and crimson eyes that exuded an eerie aura.

Her unnerving appearance suggested she wasn’t entirely human.

Thunder Runner, captivated by the sweet temptation, finally made his decision.

“Fine.

But remember this, Diana.

The warriors of the Red-Tail Tribe will never submit.

Even if we become demons, we will not become your slaves.”

“Hoho, such pride is impressive.”

Diana, the Fallen Saint responsible for letting the Fallen Hero escape, began to move within the Caputa Highlands.