"Wha… t?"

Cain stiffened from shock.

Even though it's our precious meeting, it wouldn't be amusing if it ended at this.

Since a while ago I've been receiving telepathic communication without a break, it's annoying how I'm demanded to answer.

"Unsurprisingly, I can't say anything more. But I think I gave you considerable hints. Anyway, that's how it is. When we first met you said you don't serve the King of this country. In other words, you aren't related to the core of this country. Then you don't need to bother. I'd be grateful if you didn't mind me"

"Certainly, I don't serve the King"

There were thorns in the words he spat out. He is the same as me. We don't have good memories with higher ups. Satisfied with that, I nodded.

"Hey, it's unrelated to you, right. This country will be soon ruined. That's why it would be better if you returned to Sahaja or went to a different country"

"I refuse"

"Arara"

I told him out of kindness, yet he flatly refused.

To be honest, I have to take him back with me. So the client says.

But, I have no such intention. It wasn't an a.s.sa.s.sination request, so I lost track of him - it's fine to gloss over it like that. So I think.

"Well, I thought you'd say that. Let's see, then I wish you wouldn't get in my way. It seems interesting to turn you into an enemy… but honestly I think it's a bother"

"So do I"

With our ability it would probably be an even match… No, perhaps I would be at a slight disadvantage. I showed him my weapon, however I don't know his true weapon yet.

Still, I think it'd be fun.

This sense of excitement is fresh. No one else can cause it.

Only him. Only Cain can make me so excited.

Only Cain makes me feel I'm alive.

"After all you are good"

Even though it's the truth, he frowned.

Not caring, I raised my body and turned my back to him. I don't think I'll be understood.

I took another bite of the apple in my hand.

"Oi, Scheat"

Cain called out to me.

That voice he calls me with. Only him and that person call me by my name.

Only their and mom's existences make myself me.

They define me.

Without looking back, I informed Cain. I could tell my mouth was slackening.

"I'm out of time. I'm going. Now then, what about the next time we meet? Will you be my enemy?"

"No matter what, I won't be your ally"

I think Cain's words are a matter of course.

With my back still turned to him, I tossed him the other apple.

I could sense Cain caught it.

"You can have it. See you"

"Oi"

"Let's meet If there's another opportunity. I'm teeming with things to do"

Cain still had something to say, but ignoring his voice, I began walking. This is it for the talk.

Even if it was a coincidence, it was a precious meeting.

That's why I told him everything I could. What he'll do with that is up to him.

"Cain, you were lucky, you know?"

The usual me would never saying something like that.

I was so happy to meet him, I told him to attract his attention. I didn't think I had it in me to be so human, but it's fresh and fun.

When I meet Cain, new sides of myself I didn't know about surface one after another.

"Now then, how will you move?"

I giggled aloud.

'You're late, Apostate! Why didn't you answer telepathic communication earlier'

"Shut up. I also have various circ.u.mstances. There's no way I'd move purely for Master's convenience"

'Apostate! You b.a.s.t.a.r.d!'

I moved to a place with n.o.body around and connected with my noisy telepathic communication partner.

Immediately, a yelping voice resounded.

My mood that had improved from the precious meeting with Cain spoiled.

Aaah, while kicking pebbles under my feet, I reluctantly responded to the conversation.

"And? What do you want? I've already completed the infiltration"

'Client's orders. You――――'

"Eeeh"

My eyes widened at the unexpected orders. After wondering what to do for a while, I answered.

I can't refuse anyway. After all, we're nothing but tools.

Tools mustn't have a will. We're just one of tools for murder.

And that understanding is by no means mistaken.

"It can't be helped, I get it. Then that's the next order?"

'Yeah'

"Roger. Then, for the preparations"

'They're mostly done. You just head there'

"You're really well-prepared. Tell the client I understand"

The telepathic communication cut off. To use telepathic communication here means Master must be nearby.

It's really a big job. However, since it's the culmination of months of preparations, that might be inevitable.

"Oops"

This time the sheet of formula paper hidden in my breast pocket began s.h.i.+ning.

I carefully took it out and pa.s.sed magical power through it.

Immediately I heard a voice. I was a little disappointed it wasn't the expected person.

'Apostate, huh. Stay there a little longer. As for the target… For now, proceed with pattern α. Depending on the situation, you can switch to β. I leave it to your judgement. Just, don't kill. Is that fine'

"It's strange to tell me not to kill, however if it's an order I'll obey it. Come to think of it――――"

When I conveyed my single worry, the other party chuckled.

'That seems within expectations. There's no problem, do it'

"Yees"

The call cut off.

Now then, I fully stretched out. I crushed the used formula paper and burned it. I mustn't leave evidence.

I turned by head back.

"Cain, playing with you sounds fun, however"

There's something that has a higher priority than that for me.

Protecting the world of myself and Mom.

I'll do anything for that reason. I swore so at that time.

That's why, after all you're my enemy. Because, you are―――― That's why.

I know that.

"I should've given you lots of hints. I'm waiting, Cain"

What will you choose.

Whatever is fine. Whatever you choose, it's your decision.

Just, at least don't regret it.

―――― Because, the flower of death burning red is always in full bloom next to you.