No matter how prepared I was to die and embark on my quest to slay the Demon King alone, I wasn’t foolish enough to lose my sanity and engage in a fight with no chance of victory. In fact, I had steeled myself to remain composed in order to eliminate even more Demonic beings.

For the past three years, I had been putting off something that was painfully obvious. I was simply waiting, hoping for an opportunity to arise.

But finally, the chance had come. Thanks to Frecia joining our ranks, I could now attempt something I had previously deemed impossible.

That something was none other than the elimination of the Four Heavenly Kings.

In truth, the best course of action would be to take down the Demon King, the supreme leader of all Demons and their object of worship. However, the forces protecting the Demon King—whose full strength had yet to be recovered even after several years—were essentially an impregnable fortress. Even I knew that sneaking into the depths of the Demon King’s Castle while avoiding their watchful eyes would be almost suicidal.

Of course, while I didn’t underestimate the Four Heavenly Kings, they weren’t just some neighborhood dog to be taken lightly. They were no pushovers simply because one more person—Frecia—had joined our ranks. Considering that the Demon King couldn’t exert her true power, it could be argued that the real core strength of the Demon King’s Army lay with the Four Heavenly Kings.

However, even the Four Heavenly Kings were not invincible. After all, they had all fallen to the hands of my friends and me in my previous life. Although I had ended up trapped in a trap just before confronting the last Demon King, thus repeating my fifth life…

The Four Heavenly King I intended to target this time was the weakest among them. Stronger than typical high-ranking Demons, yes, but he had ascended to his position more due to his innate lineage and the special powers that arose from it than through sheer strength.

In fact, from humanity’s perspective, this weakest of the Four Heavenly Kings could be more troublesome than any powerful Demon.

“Of course, even if he’s the weakest, it’s still going to be extremely dangerous. If you refuse, I’ll also deem it impossible and give up.”

“But if Elysia told me, it must mean she thinks there’s a chance of success, right?”

“That may be true, but I can’t foresee what variables might arise. Please make your decision without feeling pressured.”

If Frecia were to refuse, I would genuinely consider giving up. I had been postponing this task even before Frecia joined and, given that my life and Frecia’s were intertwined, how could I recklessly throw myself into danger now?

“Alright, let’s go.”

However, without a hint of hesitation, Frecia immediately accepted. I was so taken aback by her nonchalant attitude that I almost stuttered.

“Uh… Boss? You heard me correctly, right? We’re talking about the Four Heavenly Kings, the direct subordinates of the Demon King!”

I was worried she might have misunderstood, enough to attempt to persuade her myself, so that should illustrate just how stunned I was.

“Yeah, I get it. But since Elysia mentioned it… Sure, she deceived me once, but I still trust her. Doesn’t that mean you don’t trust me?”

Her declaration of trust moved me, though the sharp reminder of having been deceived once before pierced my conscience like a dagger.

“…So, how about we rest well today and set off tomorrow?”

“Wait! Hold on, senpai!”

Just as I was wrapping up our conversation, Luna, who had been rolling around in bed with Tokki, suddenly sprang up and shouted.

“Eh? Why?”

“Why is it only Sister Frecia being asked? What about me? This isn’t fair!”

Despite having bickered with Frecia since their first encounter, Luna hadn’t forgotten that it was Frecia who had removed her Master-Servant Mark and still clung to her while teasingly calling her “sister.”

“It’s a given that I’ll follow, but it’s a girl’s heart to want to be asked even if you already know the answer, you know? Oh! Senpai, you aren’t thinking I’m already a done deal, are you?”

Although Luna looked sulky,

“Eh? Why would I ask you? I’m not taking you with me!”

Even if my hands were tied, bringing Luna along didn’t cross my mind at all, despite any shortcomings in our preparations. Sure, with her ability to hide, she could definitely ensure her own safety, but her age was a significant concern—she was merely 17 after all.

If push came to shove, I might consider asking Lindy for some time, but taking Luna with me was never on the table.

At my words, Luna’s sulky expression shifted into one of shock, her mouth hanging open as if she had just received a blow. Tears were even welling up in her eyes.

“S-senpai… have you grown tired of me? Now that Sister Frecia is here, am I no longer needed?”

Then she suddenly began to wail loudly enough for her voice to echo around, momentarily startling the few guests around us, while the innkeeper stared at us in shock.

This girl never holds back!

“Luna! Shush, shush!”

I panicked at the sudden focus on us by the other patrons and tried to hush her with raised fingers, but she paid no mind, continuing to sniffle without concern for the crowd.

“Ugh… to you, I was just a fleeting flame, wasn’t I?”

Luna broke into full-blown sobs, her voice carrying louder than it should have. Frecia, sitting right next to me, didn’t even spare a glance, casually eating her meal.

“…It’s a little much for a girl who looks cute but isn’t a punk. If you have any responsibility, you shouldn’t act this way.”

“Not like that…!”

The innkeeper even mistaken us for something outrageous. Furthermore, guests continued to trickle in to have lunch.

“Okay! I’ll take you, so stop! Stop!”

If I left it like this, rumors would spread throughout the city that I was a trashy lesbian. Unable to manage the situation any longer, I reluctantly permitted Luna to join.

As soon as my words of approval escaped my lips, Luna ceased her crying and quickly wriggled her eyes, gauging my reaction.

“…Really?”

“I said yes, didn’t I? But if it gets dangerous, you have to run without looking back! That’s the only promise I’ll allow. Otherwise, no matter how loud you cry, I won’t take you.”

“Yay! Senpai, you’re the best!”

Was her earlier uproar all an act? Luna, who had been crying moments ago, now looked completely different as she leaped into my arms. I felt I had been more mature at her age… Well, this just meant she saw me as someone she could rely on. I had to mature quickly to take on the Demon King alone.

By the way, the innkeeper was looking at us with a smile, probably believing we were a reconciled lesbian couple. Although we would be leaving the inn tomorrow, I seriously contemplated whether I should change my lodging right now.

*

– So, you’re going after the Four Heavenly Kings?

“Yep. There happens to be a place not too far where they stay.”

The particular Four Heavenly King I was targeting was relatively weak and kept no special guards around their dwelling either. Instead, he had chosen to hide away from his followers, residing there. Of course, given the potential discrepancies from my fifth life, I would at least lose nothing by checking it out.

– Is that information something you learned from regressing?

Lindy, the only one who knew my true identity as Zeno, was already aware of my regression. Though the content I remembered from returning was largely inconsequential, Lindy found it useful enough to leverage that information to her benefit. Thanks to her, I was now representing the information alliance after just three years.

– Elysia judged it was okay, so it should certainly be fine… But still, I can’t help but worry. Elysia! There’s no reason to go straight to the Four Heavenly Kings, right?

“Exactly! That’s why I abruptly decided to aim for the Four Heavenly Kings, which wasn’t even in the plan.”

– Then just wait there for a few days! I’ll wrap things up quickly and join you!

“Are you sure? You don’t have to push yourself because of me… You were already busy last time.”

– Oh come on! Can’t you just brush that off between us? Sure, I’m busy, but just one date with Elysia would surely recharge me!

I had expressed my concerns, only for her to pout and return to her usual antics.

“Fine.”

But this time, I didn’t outright refuse her suggestion. I owed her a debt of gratitude for her help without expectations, and if a single date could recharge her enthusiasm, it would be a mutually beneficial arrangement.

– Good, then… Huh? What did you just say?

“I said okay. Let’s have a date, so make sure to finish up quickly.”

– Just to confirm, this is really you, Elysia, right? You aren’t being impersonated, are you? No way…! Someone hasn’t captured you and is threatening you to bring me out, have they?

“…Keep saying that, and I’ll pretend this conversation never happened.”

– Oh, no! I get it! I’ll wrap things up in three days… No, two days! Just wait there for me!

Before I could even respond, Lindy dashed out of the room, only to come back in and hastily disconnect the communication crystal she had forgotten about.

Well, even if it is Lindy, she wouldn’t blatantly engage in sexual harassment during a date. Seeing how enthused she was, I pondered whether I had been too neglectful of her. Of course, my wariness stemmed from the initial impression she had given off, so I didn’t think it was particularly my fault.

Nevertheless, if Lindy joined me, my chances would undoubtedly skyrocket beyond my expectations. I wasn’t sure if all Elves were like this, but Lindy possessed archery skills that perfectly aligned with the classic image people typically had of Elves.

Having partnered with her on several occasions, I found her presence reassuring. I had thought about asking, but given how busy she was, I hesitated; now, I was simply grateful that she’d offered to join.

Still, the idea of enduring the innkeeper’s mistaken belief that I was a trashy lesbian for a few more days left a bitter taste in my mouth.