I transferred to the hidden room in the underwater cave.

In the centre of the room, Eleonor is still floating in the holy water ball.

Wow. Welcome Arnos-kun. (Eleonor)

Eleonor welcomed me with a laugh and a smile.

Things have become a bit troublesome. (Arnos)

I know. Has Azeshion declared war on Deiruheido? (Eleonor)

I nod.

My fake Avos Dillheavia appeared in Deiruheido. It seems his intention is to meet the Gairadeite demon king subjugation force on the fields of battle. (Arnos)

..Is that so. (Eleonor)

Avos is raising an army and heading to the border with Azeshion. (Arnos)

Thats quick. Were the soldiers gathering already? (Eleonor)

No, but Avos took the lead and left for the front showing them he would fight alone. They may live in a peaceful world now but they are not cowards who would let the founder go alone so mazoku from all over the country have rallied to him. (Arnos)

The demon king subjugation army has been preparing for some time so of course they are quick. The heroes gathering from all over Azeshion have been absorbed into the army and are marching on the border as well.

Its all part of the plan.

I can still let you go. (Arnos)

This is a good opportunity since the hero academy is focused on the demon king of tyranny.

..Will this war actually be fought? (Eleonor)

Yeah. (Arnos)

Then we cant escape. (Eleonor)

Eleonor states it matter-of-factly which is what I gathered shed do.

Diego declared war on Deiruheido counting on the war potential of Zeshia that Eleonor can endlessly produce. Without them, the subjugation army would be overrun by the demon king army.

I have to protect it. All of it. All of Gairadeite and all of Jergakanon. (Eleonor)

Eleonor laughed.

All of them are a bit stupid but they are not truly bad people. I cant let them die. (Eleonor)

Despite being in a very different form and very far from reincarnation her origin is still Jerga. Is this part of his sin?

Its complicated being a hero. (Arnos)

You are forced to play an unreasonable role and still have to fight for what you need to protect.

Was it like this for Kanon 2000 years ago?

..It seems we have become enemies Arnos-kun. (Eleonor)

She laughs sadly.

I reply back to her calmly.

The things you said, the things you promised me. I dont think you lied to me. (Arnos)

Im going to beat you. Deriuheido or Azeshion. Theres no hard feelings whoever wins. (Eleonor)

Its probably because she still wants me to erase her origin. She probably believes if she disappears everything will be settled.

If both sides are exhausted this war may not go any further.

But.

Let me tell you something Eleonor. Neither Deiruheido nor Azeshion is going to win. (Arnos)

Eleonor gives me a strange look.

There wont be a victor? (Eleonor)

Oh no. There will be a victor. Me. Ill stop this stupid war. (Arnos)

My longed-for peace from 2000 years ago has finally come. Everyone is laughing and neither the humans nor the mazoku fear what tomorrow will bring.

I will not let them take away this irreplaceable time.

Such a thing ever for you Arnos-kun is (Eleonor)

What? This is nothing. All I have to do is lightly kick the Deiruheido army around a bit, stop Avos Dillheavia and brush aside the demon king subjugation force. (Arnos)

Ill neutralise both armies before they clash.

After that lets give some long slow thought on how to get rid of the humans hatred for the mazoku.

Some things cannot be protected unless you are on the Azeshions side. Thats where you come in Eleonor. Dont kill anyone until the very last moment. Enemy and ally both. Just protect what you need to protect. (Arnos)

She still has a dubious look on her face as I talk.

On my side, Ill protect your happiness. (Arnos)

Eleonor looks straight at me so I meet her gaze squarely and proudly.

Eventually, she nodded in determination.

.All right. Ill believe in Arnos-kun. I promise. (Eleonor)

I turn to head back.

Arnos-kun. (Eleonor)

Eleonor calls out to my back.

I think I understand why Kanon believed in the demon king.

I turn to face her.

I see. (Arnos)

At the same time, I cast <Gatom> and appeared in Deiruheido outside the fan union tower.

Waiting for me were Misha and Sasha along with Ray, Misa and the eight people from the fan union.