FOR THE FUTURE

You want to help?

Riku narrowed her eyes.

The demon that named herself as Kurumi was showing a gentle smile. That is, even though she had a halberd right next to her neck. If Riku wanted to, that girl would lose her head in one second.

But despite that, Kurumi was smiling. Whether it was the enemy, whether it was anyone else, there shouldnt have been anybody that would show a smile to a blade full of killing intent. Perhaps it was because Kurumi was absolutely certain she wouldnt lose her head, and also had the self-confidence and was carefree enough that she could act like that.

Yes. Im also a member of the demon lord army after all.

Kurumis voice didnt hold any hesitation. There were no signs of panic. For she to not have any changes at her face even though she was pressed on to this point, maybe being able to do such thing was the reason why she was able to keep up as a member of the intelligence division. Thinking like that, any suspicions would fade away.

But Riku didnt feel she should remove the halberd from her neck yet. Since Riku remained silent, in her stead, Vrusto spoke.

Hey, why do you know our names? I cant be helped for you to know ojou-chans name since she is a human, but I dont think Im such a famous person for that.

While exposing his fangs, he was looking at the little Kurumi. Even though Vrusto, who could be said to be a beast , approached Kurumi, who in comparison would be a little animal, she didnt falter at all. Without flinching from his intimidating air, Kurumi politely spoke.

That is untrue, second lieutenant Asuteroid. Ive heard that you were the one who taught military arts to captain Riku Barusak, who had got many achievements at the Myuuz castle battle. Sergeant major Roppu Nezaarand too. It is spoken of that you slipped through the enemies and were able to inform the fall of the fort. Perhaps you are not self-aware of that, but you are quite a famous person.

I-is that so?

Vrusto scratched his head embarrassed. All the weariness he had before had dispersed and he got softened up.

Riku glared at Vrusto. Then, with all her strength, she hit Vrusto, who had a silly smile on his face, at his flank with her elbow. Twisting his face, Vrusto groaned from the pain and took distance from Riku.

You brat! What are you doing!

While rubbing the place she hit, Vrusto was glaring at Riku. Even so, Riku wasnt feeling any ounce of guilt.

Its because you had a stupid face on. Thats all.

If you want to talk about stupidness, then shouldnt it be this rabbit brat!?

Ignoring Vrustos clamor, Riku turned her eyes back to Kurumi. With her adorable big eyes, Kurumi too was silently looking at Riku.

Kurumi was a demon. Her ears were genuine squirrel ears. It was clearly different from the costumes that were being used at the downtown. It wasnt possible to think a demon would be allied to humans.

But Riku couldnt trust Kurumi. She couldnt put into words why she wasnt able to trust her, but she really had the feeling that Kurumi was hiding something behind her smile.

Whether to trust her own instincts or to trust Kurumi. Riku had only those two choices.

But regardless what she would be going to do, the clock was ticking. By chance, it was possible that something would happen to Charlotte or that Rook Barusak would leave the town. She didnt have time to waste on thinking.

I beg you, captain. Im from the intelligence division, so I can be of use for infiltration. I also investigated where Charlotte-sama is being held captive! But as expected, this time Im a bit anxious in going there alone so Please!

Kurumi spoke trying to pursue the matter.

She still had her smile on, but it was possible to notice signs of desperation on her eyes. She couldnt see then as eyes of a liar. And it was possible to understand her hesitation for infiltrating on the enemys place by herself. It was a possibility for her to run into the next head of the Barusak once she got close to Charlotte. By looking at Kurumi, it didnt seem like she was very proficient in fighting. If she were to directly confront Rook, she would be killed in less than one second. Thats why she wanted to join them. Kurumis request wasnt really absurd.

But Riku couldnt decide over that. There was nothing strange about her situation, but she still had a bad feeling over it.

While Riku was still pondering about that, Roppu, who had been quiet behind her, timidly stepped forward.

Err Captain Barusak, I think it is fine to trust this person. It doesnt seem like she is telling any lies.

Sergeant major.

Riku muttered in a low voice.

Just as Roppu said, Kurumi didnt seem to be lying. But there was something behind the scenes. Without doubt, she was hiding something. If it wasnt for that case, she wouldnt be smiling. Even so, she didnt have the time to inquire Kurumi about that.

She was lost and didnt know which choice she should choose. Then, Vrusto whispered next to her ear.

Ojou-chan, lets just say we go on with this guys proposal.

Go on with?

Roli muttered in reaction. Then, Vrusto continued what he was talking in a lower voice.

Yes. I will keep up following Charlotte-samas smell. If the place her smell is coming from and the place this squirrel girl is leading us to matches, then we can confirm she wasnt lying. And if there is anything slightly off, then we can know she was trying to deceive us.

The place the smell is coming from wouldnt really change whatever it may happen, and so was reliable. If Kurumi wants to deceive them and brings them to a different place, then in this case, she can just kill her for being a traitor.

I beg you!

With her forehead to the ground, Kurumi persisted with her request. Giving off a big sigh, Riku made her resolve.

I Dont want to kill my companions and get punished because of that. It will cause bad reputation to captain Leivein after all.

Riku took the halberd off Kurumis neck. Even though Kurumi had been showing a smile, she was very tense after all. Kurumi let out a sigh out of relief.

Thank you very much. I will do my best!

Dont get the wrong idea. The moment it is clear you betrayed us, I will kill you.

Understood, captain. Now, please follow me.

Kurumi nodded with a smile.

Being guided by Kurumi, Riku and the others were going through the city. After moving forward for some moment, the tumult of the main street started to get distant. They entered in a quiet residential area. As if everyone had gone out to the main street, there were no signs of human presence there. Riku, who got worried about it, whispered to Vrusto.

Is it matching?

Yes, it is. Whats more, the smell is even stronger. If Charlotte-sama herself wasnt here, then there wouldnt be this much smell remaining.

In the end, it seems Kurumi really knew where Charlotte was.

But Riku still felt a feeling as bad as the feeling of getting a fish bone stuck in the throat. The moment Kurumi turned her head to Riku and said This way, it couldnt be helped for Riku to get concerned about the way she was gazing her. She wasnt really well disposed about Riku. But even with that as the case, her gaze didnt hold despise and was a weird gaze.

One word that could describe it would be hostility. The hostility her gaze held wasnt spirited like the one given at the battlefield, and it was also different from the looks she would habitually receive at the barracks. It was a type of hostility that Riku had never felt until now.

She could only wonder what that was about.

Its there.

While Riku was still thinking about that, Kurumi had stopped her feet.

Kurumi pointed to the mansion ahead. Its size wasnt as big as Gortoberuks villa, but even so, it was a mansion big enough for it to feel out of the place from such a small city like Derufoi. There, there was a gatekeeper standing there, being vigilant to the surroundings.

This is the mansion of the lord that governs Derufoi city. Charlotte-sama is locked in there.

Riku turned her gaze to Vrusto. After Vrustos nose moved, he gave his positive.

Its just as she says Charlotte-samas smell is coming from that residence.

Is that so Now, how are we supposed to sneak in there?

This way.

Kurumi pointed out an alley.

After going through the alley with vigilance, they stopped at a dead end. Getting close to the floor, which was covered with stone slabs, Kurumi started to examine it as if she was looking for something. And then, she took out one of the big slabs. At the place where the slab was, there was a hole that was barely big enough for a person to go through. If Riku was using her armor now, she might have not been able to go through. At the hole, there was a ladder, which went on very deeply through the ground. Riku looked at the hole, but she couldnt see the bottom of it.

There is a corridor underground that is connected to the residence. We can infiltrate there through here.

Are you sure it really connects with that residence from earlier?

To Rikus question, Kurumi affirmatively nodded.

From here on, it might be difficult to rely on Vrustos nose. She was a bit worried about it, but she didnt have the time to be hesitating.

Sergeant major Nezaarand, for the moment, you stay here. In case anything happens, you should immediately retreat. Then, you should go after lieutenant colonel Fostar and follow her orders. Second lieutenant Vrusto should come with me. Kurumi Shouru, I will rely on you to guide us.

Understood!

Yes, yes.

I understand.

Kurumi put her foot onto the ladder and went down. Riku and Vrusto followed her afterwards. They went down the ladder that was cold and solid to the hands step by step. One could only wonder how far the ladder went on. Looking up, Riku saw Roppu looking at the hole with a worried face at the distance.

When they finally put down their feet to the ground, Roppus figure was only of a dot. Because it was underground, Riku thought that it would be so dark it wouldnt be possible to see even an inch ahead, but it wasnt the case. There was moss growing at the wall; they were giving off a faint light. Because of that, it was possible to see a few steps of distance ahead.

Even though lightmoss is growing here It is still very dark. Let me prepare some illumination.

Right as Kurumi said that, she lighted up a lamp. The faint darkness of the underground corridor became bright in an instant. There was nobody there. She thought about the possibility of somebody laying an ambush here, but it seems that it wasnt the case.

Perhaps, could it be that Captain is being suspicious of me?

Kurumi asked worriedly. Then, Riku showed a wry smile. It seems her face had revealed her worries.

Im not being suspicious. I can just kill you if you betray us after all.

Thats being suspicious.

Vrusto muttered something, but Riku ignored it. Kurumi shrugged her shoulders to Rikus answer.

You are scared, arent you?

Does it look like that to you?

Thats right This way.

Kurumi kept advancing through the corridor.

The sound of their footsteps resounded in an illusory manner. Kurumi was at the front, guiding them, and glaring at her back was Riku. Behind Riku was Vrusto, which was taking care to protect the rearguard as he was walking. One could only wonder how much time passed then. They had been walking for about one hour, but Kurumi didnt show any signs of stopping to walk. Without giving too much heed, Riku asked.

Is it really this way?

Riku intended to speak in a low voice, but even so, her voice echoed through the corridor. If there were any enemies hiding around, they would have immediately noticed Rikus presence. But as if completely being indifferent to Rikus worries, she smiled.

Its fine. There is no mistake.

As if there were no problems, Kurumi turned her way to a different direction. Because how naturally Kurumi had done so, Riku became a bit less worried about it. And following after Kurumi, she also went the same way. And at that exact moment

Thats where you will die.

The exact moment when she turned her way, the faintly dark corridor became overflowed with a very intense light. It was so bright that she had shut her eyes. Despite that, she wielded her halberd. But even so, the consequence of having her sight stolen were big. Right when she thought she felt killing intent from the direction the light came from, an arrow was already right in front of her eyes. She tried to avoid it, but she wasnt in time. The arrow hit her arm.

Ojou-chan!!

Vrustos shout echoed. Drawing the sword at his waist, he ran next to Riku. While twisting her face in pain, she took out the arrow. The wound wasnt as deep as she thought it was and wasnt bleeding too much.

Im alright.

After giving a glance to the wound at her arm, she looked ahead. The light had completely faded away and the corridor had gone back to its faint darkness. Next to Kurumi, there was the figure of a little girl standing there. Her wheat colored hair was tied in braids. The little braided girl was glaring at Riku as if Riku was the one that had killed her parents. Guessing from how she was holding a bow, Riku assumed she was the one that had shot the arrow.

What you did just now Was that a flashbang? You can really do it, cant you?

Vrusto kicked the orb on the floor that was close to his feet. Riku started to slowly rotate her halberd.

Then, Kurumi Shouru is a traitor.

Traitor? Im fighting for the future of the demons.

Kurumis smile vanished from her face. What was behind her smiling mask was an expression that looked as sharp as a blade. Without any uncertainties, she was giving Riku a sharp look.

Future?

Thats right. For the sake of the future Rook will build, I will swing my blade.

As if she was some kind of illusionist, knives appeared between each of Kurumis fingers.

A future spiritualists will build? Are you stupid?

Vrusto barked in a low voice. Vrusto must be boiling with anger. His fur was standing up and he had his eyes open-wide.

If thats the case, then shouldnt you stop the war already? Arent the spiritualists still attacking us?

Its for the sake of having the minimum amount of blood spilled. For that purpose, I need you two to die.

Kurumi wasnt looking at Vrusto. She only kept glaring at Riku. It seems that at some point in time Riku got Kurumi to hold resentment over her. As she was trying to remember the time she had met Kurumi, Riku spoke.

Oh, is it inconvenient for you to have me living?

Thats obvious. If Rook knew you survived He would definitely become sad.

Sad?

Riku blurted in a off-toned voice. Just from the surprise, the halberd she was holding felt like it would fall down. Riku thought Kurumi had misspoken something, but it seems that wasnt the case. With a serious face, Kurumi declared.

Thats right. Because, his own sister he thought to be dead is killing her own people killing spiritualists. Because of his love for his family, it will make him suffer to hold grudges to youThats why before he knows of your existence, we will kill you.

Rook got very sad because Selestinna was killed. If he knew it was his sister who did it, he would become even sadder. Rook is already full of pain. Thats why I wont let you make him have more pain!

Following Kurumis words, the braid little girl spoke. It seems that the little girl wanted to kill Riku as well. In the girls eyes, flames of anger were burning.

So they said. What should we do?

Vrusto quietly asked. But Riku wasnt able to answer that question.

Aha. Ahahahahahaha!

Instead, Riku started to laugh in a loud voice. No matter how she would interpret it, all that was simply too funny. The two people glaring at her full of resentment and hatred were like two clowns dancing on sloppy moves.

That guy is full of pain? Sad because I became his enemy? Thats why you will kill me before he knows I survived?

Y-yes, thats right. Whats the problem with that!?

There is a problem. I will die from laughing so much.*1

Riku didnt miss how they gave one step back. Calmly, Riku was gradually closing the distance between them.

First, about the female pig. If he has so much time to be sad, then he could have simply not let her go to war in first place.

Riku put herself on his place and started to think. In a battle, if she were to survive, but Leivein were to die, rather than being sad over his death, she would blame herself. That would be because she wasnt capable of protecting him. More than holding a grudge, she would regret of her own powerlessness.

If he didnt want her to die, it would have been better for him to keep her at a cage. All this is pretty much that his beloved bird he was raising got shot down by some hunter. The hunter was only properly doing his job. The bird simply wasnt able to run away.

Selestinna-oneesan isnt a bird!!

The braid girl drew her sword. Infusing her power in the sword, it started to become enveloped with water. Even though she was young, her power as a spiritualist was already flourishing.

Kurumi-oneechan, that person is weird. We definitely cant let her meet Rook!

Thats right, Rebecca. We will tidy up this mess ourselves.

Kurumi lightly patted the head of the braid girl she had just called Rebecca.

Riku noticed there was a ladder just a bit behind Kurumi and Rebecca. Somehow, she had the feeling that ladder would lead them to where Rook was. Riku leaned her halberd on her shoulder.

Second lieutenant Vrusto. Lets make them covered in blood.

Stupid. Even if you dont tell me, I was planning on doing that.

Vrusto already was wielding his sword.

His tone of voice was just like his usual, but even so, it still held a bit of anger. From Rikus point of view, she noticed he was holding his sword with more strength than usual.

Lets get through this and get outta here, ojou-chan.

While carrying their heads, right?

She couldnt imagine Rook being sad if he knew she was alive. He probably would get angry instead. There was no way Rook, who was leading the proper life at the prestigious Barusak household, wouldnt be thinking about the sister that was thrown away that kindly.*2 He would probably want her get a death penalty after how she killed that spiritualist head in cold blood and pointed her blade to her own family.

Well then, shall we begin?

For the sake of depriving Kurumi and that braided girl of their future and making Rook Barusak fall in despair.

Lowering down her stance, Riku slowly licked her lips.