64 [1-64] The world is longer than Mitsuhide. (2/2)

”Yes. I'm not sure what to make of this. I also killed most of the First Order that was guarding the castle.

There was an undertone to that.

You're not done yet? ...... So I'm next?

I came to see if ...... you would be in the mood for that. ......

I'm not sure what to make of that.

It was hard to believe that she was pondering whether or not to take the life of the man in front of her (Bertil).

Bertil's mysterious silver eyes were so bright that he almost forgot that Rene was a powerful undead and hugged him. Well, it's impossible anyway, since I don't have both arms now.

Strangely enough, Rene's appearance stirred up feelings of protectiveness. She has the dignity of an empress, the air of an absolute powerhouse, and yet she is still somehow dangerous.

--I wonder why. I can't help but feel that she needs ...... someone to hug her and pat her on the head.

I don't really care.

After much deliberation, Rene passed judgment.

To be honest, Bertil was relieved.

I'll let you go, in case you're useful later. If you really want to fight with me in that state, I can cut you up with all my heart.

No way. That would be a complete and utter dog death. If you're going to let me go, I'll take advantage of your kindness and live. And save as many people as I can.

That's the point. Your thoughts are idealistic, but your actions are rational and compromising. He's willing to negotiate with me if necessary. It's good to have someone like that around.

Rene smiles coldly, but happily.

”To clean up the remnants, you know.

I broke out in a cold sweat, and it wasn't just because of my injuries.

The lords are still mostly alive and well, and so are the people who live there.

But the king who was supposed to unite the lords is no longer of this world, and Lawrence, who was the best individual force that could compare to the ”Rose Princess of Hell,” is also dead.

The people of Ciel-Teira are now just waiting for the ”Rose Princess of Hell” to kill them.

I'm sure you'll be happy to know that your vengeance is far from over. ......

It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're doing.

He looked up and smiled at René, trying to look at least a little rakish.

I'm sure the choice to keep me alive was the right one. Your Majesty ...... Hilbert is fine. If I could buy the lives of my people by selling you the heads of the noblemen who gave them to Hilbert, I would gladly do so.

Rene smiled in satisfaction.

If you think you're useful, there's room for negotiation.

Now that Lawrence was dead, Bertil was motivated by the pride that he was the one who should protect the people from the ”Rose Princess of Hell”.

Crossing swords is not the only way to fight. It is also a battle to deal with defeat so that you can lose as much as possible.

”Yes, yes. I'm sorry I gave you such a hard time.

Is this part of your plan to get me here now?

Half the time. The other half is that Lawrence was an idiot.

Anyway, Bertil was set up, and Rene apologized for it.

I'm sure you've heard of it, but I'm not sure if you have.

”...... doesn't look like something you feel bad about.

I don't feel bad.

”I don't feel guilty.” ”I don't feel guilty,” Rene confessed so easily that Bertil almost fell asleep.

I don't feel guilty, but I know I've done something terrible. I'm sure we'll be seeing each other again in the future, so shouldn't I at least apologize formally?

You're being too frank.

It was my way of being sincere.

I see, thinks Bertil.

Rene disclosed his position and thoughts about what he had done. He declared that he cared about it even though he didn't feel guilty.

In other words, I felt that René knew objectively that he was mentally bankrupt, and that he was trying to reach out to Bertil.

Somehow, it seemed to me that it would be more correct to describe Rene as ”broken” rather than ”having a different mental structure”.

There are people who have completely destroyed a mere ten-year-old girl and turned her into a vengeful demon.

--Oh, it's still tragic. ......

”Would you be willing to serve me?　Alive, of course.

Rene suddenly asks.

As expected, Bertil was surprised.

She could have any number of undead at her disposal, but she had taken the trouble to ask him out.

He felt honored that she would be so willing to buy him, but he shook his head.

I'll pass. I'm sure I'll have to betray you sooner or later. I have no taste for offering my sword to someone I know will betray me.

Bertil's goal is to save as many people as possible.

To do so, he will overlook coups and even sell his soul to the evil gods.

But that's a method that will fail somewhere in the long run.

There will come a time when there is nothing left to sell. There will come a day when Rene will reach for what Bertil desperately wants to protect. And when that happens, he'll have no choice but to fight.

He didn't want to enter into a deceitful master-servant relationship, knowing that he would eventually go the wrong way.

Yes.

Rene looked just a little sad as he said it, and Bertil felt his heart tighten.

Hopefully, he couldn't help but pray.

Hopefully there would be someone to comfort her in her loneliness.

”Well, goodbye for now. Goodbye, noble bat. We may meet again.

”I'd prefer it if we didn't. ......

The thought of the hardships that lay ahead of him made him feel less than elated, but he staggered to his feet.

If you want, you can take one of my prosthetic hands. I'm sure there's at least one artifact in the treasure room.

Forgive me. It's a special gift of my mercy. But you owe me this. Every grain of sand in the treasure house is mine now.

”Thank you for your happiness, Princess.

”......

Ha-ha-ha.

Bertil thanked her condescendingly and they both laughed a little at the same time.

As if a warm breeze had blown in, there was a moment of peace in the air.