Chapter 83: Graduation Day
After leaving the main hall of the cathedral, Ren and the others walked quickly straight to the main exit. No one was following them. Still, they wanted to leave this place as quickly as possible.
"Kou, go back to your master. He should be ready to leave, so tell him that you will accompany him."
"Yeah"
While walking, Ren gives Kou directions on how to proceed.
"I will contact you when the departure date is decided. We may really have to leave within two days at the earliest. In that case, You'll join us later."
"Why are you in such a hurry?"
Kou himself is almost unprepared, but his master is not. Kou doesn't understand why Ren and the others are rushing to get to the same place.
"Even though it went according to plan, it stood out a little too much. They might even hold a grudge."
"No way, are you worried about being attacked?"
"It's never too late to be prepared for even the smallest of things."
Careful enough to be called cowardly. This is also the basis of Ren's actions.
"......I don't really understand the situation yet, but is it a situation where we need to be prepared for such things?"
How will the world move after the heroes of each country have been decided? Kou still doesn't know. From the moment he decided to make a living as a craftsman, he was far from such matters.
"I'll talk about the details on the way to the Nord Federation, but that's about it. This isn't just for us."
"I see. I understand."
He decided to follow Ren, so he will just trusts him and leaves it to him. Kou thinks so because Kazuki's words remain in his heart.
"What about you? Where is your luggage?"
"...Luine's dormitory."
"Yeah, give up on that."
"Eeh? But there's a lot of stuff they gave me. Many of them are very expensive."
Shizuru has already received a lot of rewards from the Luine Kingdom. It's just a matter of personal level.
"…You no longer hide your greed."
"It's natural, isn't it?"
Shizuru doesn't seem to be offended at all when Ren calls her greedy. She has no intention of mending herself at all. This is also the reason why she chose to be with Ren.
"Is that what you call natural? If they don't mind, go get it."
"Do you think they would do that?"
"I don't know. But if they say they don't know, there is nothing I can do."
Imprisoning Shizuru leads to a breach of contract. However, in order to sue them, he certainly needs proof that Shizuru is being confined.
In reality, Ren would be able to find out where she was even if she was confined. He thought Shizuru would go get her luggage if she knew about it, so he just didn't tell her.
"Then I'll give up. Buy me a change of clothes."
"You're an expensive woman."
"Can't you at least buy me a change of clothes?"
"Use Rin's secondhand one."
Ren knew she needed it, but when Shizuru demanded it, he wanted to refuse.
"My breasts don't fit."
"You, don’t say that in front of Rin, okay?"
"She is worried about it?"
Shizuru seemed happy, thinking that she had learned about Rin's complex. Even though it would be Shizuru who would regret it if she actually tried to say it.
"I don't really know. I don't think she cares. Rin isn't small. You're just big."
"You don't hate it."
"When did I say I like big breasts?"
"You didn't say it, but..."
"U-um!"
Kou was taken aback by their conversation, but he boldly opened his mouth.
"What?"
"Are you two having that kind of relationship?"
"That kind of relationship?"
"Um... the relationship between men and women."
"Ah, no. I thought I was tormenting her to make her atone for her sins, but she's a pervert, so she's happy about it."
This explanation indicates that this is what Kou thinks it is. Male-female relationships and physical relationships are two different things in Ren's mind.
"Eh, Tojo-san is a pervert?"
"Ren, please don't say such a thing."
As expected, Shizuru is embarrassed when she is explicitly expressed in front of Kou.
"Because you're a pervert, right?"
"Maybe so."
"Eh? Maybe so?"
"Iguchi-kun, you're wrong. What he just said was a mistake in words. For some reason, I've been treated that way because he's been made to think so."
"...Treating Tojo-san as a pervert"
"Don't imagine it!"
"Ah, I'm sorry."
A smile appears on Kou's face even as he apologizes. He has had this feeling before, though slightly differently. It was two years ago, but it is a memory that feels somewhat like the distant past.
"...Is Kou okay?"
"Eh?"
"Name. Call me Shizuru."
"……Okay."
"Okay, Kou. See you in a few days."
"Few days?"
Kou is puzzled by Shizuru who suddenly says goodbye.
"We will head this way. We'll go through this door and through the back door to the cemetery."
"It won't be any different from the front, will it?"
"This one is a little closer."
"I do not think so?"
"Yes, it is. Then, Ralph-san has to get ready too, so I guess this is where we say goodbye, right?"
"Ahh, I see."
Ralph immediately saw through Shizuru's thoughts. There is nothing to it. She just wanted to be alone with Ren as soon as possible.
"What are you talking about?"
"No, well, do your best"
"Yes, I'll do my best."
With a wry smile on his face, Ralph and Kou move forward together. Shizuru was overjoyed by that, but soon realized that Ralph's meaning of doing her best was a misunderstanding.
"Ren-sama"
She heard a woman's voice. She knew right away that it wasn't Rin's voice.
"...You, who are you?"
"Princess Amalia's maid. It's Emily."
It was Emily who called out. She looks a little out of breath, so she knows she's running after him. Unlike Shizuru, however, Ren was aware of this before she spoke to him.
"Ren didn't tell me about this."
"I don't need to tell you. So what do you want?"
Leaving the dissatisfied Shizuru alone, Ren asked Emily.
"I'm sorry. I angered Her Highness because of my carelessness."
Even if she apologizes, Ren still doesn't understand.
"Was it because she couldn't get me?"
"That's right, but I think she felt cheated."
"...Ah, did she find out?"
Princess Amalia should not have been told about Emily and Ren's relationship. Because she knew that if known, she would misunderstand it like right now. She sacrifices herself. People who are accustomed to being served by others make assumptions without permission.
"It seems that way. I must have shown some kind of pretense."
"It's a misunderstanding, but I can't correct it."
"Are you sure?"
"You don't know how to explain it, right?"
"……Yes"
How could she have had relations with Ren if she had not been deceived? She hesitates to tell the truth to Princess Amalia.
"Will it affect me?"
"Are you aware of the relations between our country and the Nord Federation?"
"I know it is not good. The Nord destroyed Saint Miriam once."
"Actually, the relationship has been bad even before that. As a fellow countryman, I can say this, but Saint Miriam tries to look down on the Nord. They are a country with a long history, rich in land, and overwhelmingly superior. The fact that we were destroyed by that Nord, Saint Miriam's resentment is extraordinary."
The Nord Federation and the Saint Miriam Kingdom have a much longer historical connection. Various accumulations have deteriorated the relationship between the two countries, and it cemented.
"It's kind of a nasty country. I can't imagine that without Emily saying it."
"I don't have those feelings personally, but when it comes to the country as a whole, I can't say that I don't have them at all either. No, of course, I don't think I feel that way now. It is Ren-sama's country."
"You mean the kind of person who likes the country, but dislikes the countrymen?"
"Yes, it's like that."
"Do you think they would do something unexpected?"
"Yes. They can do anything to Nord. Many people think so."
"I understand. I'll be careful."
"Yes……"
When the conversation was over, Emily did not leave immediately.
"When are you going back to your country?"
"I think we will start preparing to return home soon. After today, we will have no business in the capital."
"I will be leaving the capital in a few days. I don't know when I will see you again."
"Yes……"
This may be the last time. As it stands now, that is even more likely.
"But I'm sure we'll definitely meet again. So, see you next time."
Ren spoke these words, understanding Emily's feelings. Although it was only a little, Ren's concern for others, even if they are limited, was born within him.
"Yes. See you."
After finishing her greeting, Emily finally left the place.
"...Definitely meet."
Shizuru muttered without hiding her displeasure. Anyone can tell what happened if one listens to the two of them talk.
"That's what goodbyes are for, isn't it?"
"Is that so?"
"That's right."
"Who is she anyway?"
"You know who she is. She is the maid of Princess Amalia of the Saint Miriam Kingdom."
Princess Amalia and Yuya were dating. Shizuru must have known Princess Amalia as well as Emily, who was always with her.
"How did you become friends with someone like that?"
"She's from the country that bid for me. Of course, I know her."
"Just now, she said you cheated."
"I'm not cheating"
"Suspicious. Did you have s*x with her?"
"Since when do you talk like that? I thought you were a little more sophisticated than that."
"But..."
It was indeed too direct. Shizuru was ashamed of it, but that didn't stop her from being jealous.
"Or is it frustration?"
"Nothing like that. But we've been apart for so long, I was a little lonely."
"Then let's hurry back home."
"That's?"
"Sometimes I do what you want."
"...You're trying to cover it up, right?"
Shizuru narrowed her eyes and glared at Ren. Shizuru was rarely deceived by Ren when it came to matters like this. Subconsciously, she is giving priority to a woman's intuition rather than her head.
"Okay then. Let's go."
"Wait, Ren!"
If he couldn't fool her, the only thing left to do was to end the conversation. Ren opened the back door and stepped out. Shizuru hurried after him to avoid being left behind, but there was no need.
Ren stopped just outside.
"Ren?"
"Keep quiet for a minute."
"Yes……"
After silencing Shizuru, who had been talking to him, Ren spoke in his mind to the spirit staring at him in the front.
(I've been waiting for you.)
It's been waiting for a long time. Ren knows that.
(I made you wait)
Ren could see the spirit's emotions overflowing with joy. It is natural to rejoice. It will bestow a blessing to Ren. That is why it has remained in this world all these years.
The glow of the spirit increases in proportion to the swelling of its joyful emotions. It was too bright for Ren's eyes to see. When the light calmed somewhat, Ren saw not a being in the form of a priest, but an angel.
Six beautiful wings spread out from the back of the angel, who has an atmosphere overflowing with divinity.
(The time has finally come.)
(I'm sorry to have kept you waiting)
(Don't be afraid. I am me. This figure is only borrowed.)
(Borrowed?)
(Fortunately, I had time. During that time, I was thinking about what kind of blessing you deserved. I was asking the heavens if there was anything with a suitable blessing.)
(Thank you)
(I saw your actions, I thought about your thoughts, I thought about how you should be in this world)
(What should it be?)
(Blessings are affected by the qualities of the recipient. Even a summoned one cannot obtain any kind of blessing if desired.)
(I understand that a little now)
(Yes, you know. But I didn't understand. You are something.)
(That's……)
(You're not the kind of person whose future is determined by the blessings of heaven. That's what I thought.)
(So no blessing?)
(No, I will give you a blessing. But the blessing I will give you is a possibility. Even if you receive this blessing, it is up to you what you become.)
(...That's what I want)
(Good. My choice was not a mistake. Then I will bestow this blessing upon you.)
(Yeah)
(Kaiser Ren Breitkreutz. May this blessing enrich your life.)
A ray of light descending from the heavens shone down on Ren. Ren felt the light flowing into him.
(Ren. With this, my work is done.)
(Then, to the heavens? )
(Yes. I will ascend to heaven with this light.)
The light that was illuminating Ren had suddenly moved to the angel.
(Well then, goodbye. Thank you for everything)
(Ren. I'm glad I met you. I'm glad you were my partner. I feel like my death was meaningful.)
(……I'm glad too.)
(Let's meet again)
(Yeah, again)
An angel surrounded by light rose into the sky. Soon it became a small dot and disappeared from sight. Still, Ren kept looking up at the sky.
He kept looking for where the light was going. Where the light was going, where many of his friends would be.
"Ren……"
"What?"
"It went up to the sky. This is the second time I've seen it."
"……Second time?"
"I've seen it once before, in the old world."
"Is that so?"
"Did someone die?"
"No, it just went to where my friends should be."
"I see……"
"Wanna go home?"
"Yes"
Walking along the sidewalk to the cemetery, Ren checked his guild card without Shizuru noticing. A title had been added.
[Demon King's Vessel]. That was the title given to Ren. He felt that it was somehow appropriate for him, and he couldn't help but smile.
Ren does not know. He does not know the fact that a long time ago, long before history records it, there existed a person with that title in this world. The meaning of the title, the weight of the title.
◇◇◇
The sun has completely set and the area is covered in the darkness of night. A candlelight standing on a gravestone at the foot of the tomb barely illuminates the area around it.
The only other light is a faint glow coming from a window of a building near the entrance. This is of little significance in this place, which is a bit far from the entrance.
A cemetery at night. For Ren, it is a normal day, more enjoyable than the daytime, but for most people, it would be eerie. In fact, visitors who would not normally come are approaching Ren with considerable trepidation.
"Ren?"
The other person called out his name, seemingly able to recognize the figure illuminated by the candle as Ren.
"Um?"
"I'm Shimizu in the same class."
"I know that, you are Shimizu-san, Mizushima-san, and Shiraishi-san, right?"
"Yes"
The visitor is not alone. All three are Class C. And Yuya's companions.
"What do you want?"
"Actually, I have a request."
"What is it?"
"We were supposed to go to Luine Kingdom with Kisaragi, but today he said he couldn't take us there."
"So?"
"Then we have nowhere to go."
Three of them are Class C fighters. It's not that if they don't belong to some country, they won't have a job, but that's how they said it.
"You mean?"
"Yes. You're a king, right? Can you take the three of us with you?"
The three hope to accompany Ren. There's no way Ren would believe such a story.
"Give me a break. That's not what you're really asking, is it?"
"Eh?"
"You guys are begging me to die. Isn't that what you want?"
"…………"
"If you want them to take you, you'll have to kill me. That's what they told you guys to do."
"……Why?"
"Yep, a confession. Then die."
"Eh"
All they could see would be a momentary blink of light. With the flash of a sword, their heads fell to the ground. A faint murmur floats through the cemetery.
The next moment. A fireball, a spear of water, and a blade of wind all struck Ren at once. The colors of the attributes mingled, and their light illuminated the cemetery.
When it stopped―― Ren stood still as if nothing had happened. However, the surroundings were wrapped in wings of light.
"Shizuru! Why are you protecting that man!"
The one who appeared was Ryan of the Luine Kingdom, wearing silver-white armor.
"Ryan. Why are you doing this?"
"You have been deceived. I came here to wake you up."
"I'm being deceived? Ryan, you're wrong. I'm here of my own volition."
"This is not where you belong. Shizuru, please come with me."
Ryan is desperately trying to convince Shizuru. His words contain personal feelings no matter how one hears them.
"Ryan, it is none of your business where I go."
To which Shizuru coldly replies.
"I love you! You have responded to my feelings!"
It ended up extracting a few extra words from Ryan.
"Heh, ah, that kind of thing"
Hearing Ryan's words, Ren muttered a little.
"R-Ren, no. I'm not responding to his feelings."
Shizuru hurriedly made an excuse for Ren.
"What are you talking about!? We've loved each other so many times!"
But then Ryan shouted words that were really annoying to Shizuru.
"Ryan! Don't say unnecessary things!"
"Many times. Heh, I see."
"Like I said, Ren, it's wrong. Ryan! Don't get me wrong!"
It is impossible to deceive the relationship with Ryan. Shizuru thought so and decided to change her tactics.
"What's wrong with it? Even now, I still have a feeling of blissful time with you."
"......I never had such a time with you."
"What?"
"Bliss is when I am in Ren's arms. When Ren holds me, my whole body shudders with pleasure and my mind goes blank. It's as if my body is melting inside."
As long as Ren doesn't hate her, she doesn't care what anyone thinks of her. Shizuru defiantly decided to tell the truth.
"Shizuru, don't say such things."
"Because if I don't tell Ryan, you won't know. The reason I was held by you was to make sure. I only know Ren, so I thought I'd try other people and see how I felt."
"No way..." "A terrible woman."
Ryan is stunned and Ren is appalled.
"Because Ren says it's because I only have experience with you."
"...Did you practice it as it is?"
"As a result, it became clear. After all, Ren is the best. I can't think of anyone other than Ren."
"......Then I will kill that man and I will be the best."
Shizuru's true intention was understood. But even so, Ryan was not willing to give up. This is not a matter of personal feelings, though.
"Ryan! What are you saying!?"
"That's enough. It's more embarrassing to listen to. It doesn't matter what you say. This guy's purpose is to kill me."
Shizuru's persuasion was a bonus. Ryan's goal in the Luine Kingdom is to kill Ren. He knew that even before the three members of Class C showed up.
"Exactly. You are dangerous. Even if it's just a tiny bud, I won't let it go."
"I wouldn't leave a person who wants to take my life, either. Die."
"You fool, your sword..."
Ryan was unable to speak until the end. It has nothing to do with armor. Ryan's upper body, cut from his shoulder, slid down diagonally.
"If you have time to talk, you should swing your sword."
"He can use a magic sword!?" "Don't let your guard down! Hang on together!"
Seeing Ryan defeated, the people surrounding him attack Ren all at once.
"Today is the graduation day. I'm willing to give it my all."
A ball of light floats through the air, making a crackling sound.
"Strike!"
Thunder rumbles and lightning illuminates the surroundings. Mages in hiding are struck by lightning and come tumbling out, groaning. The angry shouts of the knights who saw this echo through the cemetery.
The cemetery at night turned into a battlefield at once.
◇◇◇
From the top floor window of the cathedral where the Pope resides, the cemetery can be seen. Many lights began to twinkle in the cemetery, which was visible in the darkness of the night.
"Apparently it has started."
Pope Mikhail, who was watching the scene, told Babaa, who was sitting on the sofa.
"Hoh. They did really attack? It was the right decision to evacuate."
"Wouldn't it be better if you stayed at the orphanage?"
"Today was supposed to be the last night."
"Is that so?"
It's noon today that he finished the contract ceremony. Pope Mikhail did not think that Ren would leave Babaa's house that day.
"I mean the training in the cemetery. But in this case, tonight is the last night. You're being tactless."
If they were attacked, Ren would immediately go into hiding, and Babaa would never see him again. If they had time to say goodbye, it would be brief.
"...I can see lightning. Is that the power of the Thunder Emperor?"
"I wonder? According to legend, he defeated 1,000 soldiers with a single blow. Even if it is not to that extent, isn't it a little more or less powerful?
"That's right. He can't go all out in the cemetery."
"I think he can defeat them with just the sword. I guess his master gave the order."
It's not a battle against an army. A battle in the darkness of the night. Ren's side should have an overwhelming advantage. Because both Luna and Rin can demonstrate their maximum power at night.
"A disciple of the Sword Saint and the Thunder Emperor. There is no other existence like that."
"That's not all. He's liked by a spirit and a magical beast. Ah, a demon too."
"What will happen from now on?"
"I don't know. I don't think the world can be changed by the power of an individual. No matter how much power he has, with that one now."
Ren doesn't trust others. A person who believes in Ren and thinks to follow him is a very rare personality. Or someone who somehow felt Ren's light, which rarely appears.
"Is it no good?"
"No, it's possible"
"What is that possibility?"
"That one has changed a lot since the first time I saw him. If he was the one in the beginning...... he might have conspired to kill all of the people at the selection ceremony, you know?"
"...But he didn't do it."
If it's Ren, it's possible. Pope Mikhail thought so.
"He probably thinks that won't change the world. It's not assassination, he's trying to change the world through war. Not by individuals, but by organizations. At least he has learned to rely on others."
"Why did he change?"
"Meeting people. No, he got to know someone. To be honest, I still wish the girl named Kazuki was still alive."
"What would have happened if she had lived?"
Pope Mikhail is also concerned about Kazuki's existence. Who was Kazuki? He does not know why she had the power of a saint.
"He would not have to go too far. No, it would be wrong to say that I understand. No one can understand it. If anyone can, it is Kazuki herself."
"...Do you know? It is said that there was a saint around the Savior. Whether she was a mother or a lover, the relationship is not clear."
"I know. That's why you said Kazuki."
Kazuki is the saint. Babaa is convinced. There is no need to think too hard. It doesn't matter what the status board says. She who can use the power of a saint is the saint.
"He who lost the saint... no, he decided not to think about it."
"That's better."
If Kazuki is the saint, what is Ren? It's not worth thinking about it. They will find out sooner or later.
"……What is that?"
"What is it?"
"A light, many lights rise into the sky."
The noise in the cemetery has stopped. But the brightness is even brighter than before. Lights are being created here and there in the cemetery, and they are floating up into the sky one after another. Big lights, small lights. Many lights ascended to the sky.
"...The spirits are ascending to the heavens."
"The spirits are ascending to heaven?"
"Is that big one the Thunder Emperor? Is that the Sword Saint over there? It seems Ren has satisfied them both."
The two who had been staying on the ground with delusions for a long time ascended to heaven. It was Ren who extinguished their delusion. Both the Thunder Emperor and the Sword Saint could see that Ren would carry on their aspirations.
"What about the other lights? Why are there so many?"
"......Did they see hope or despair in Ren? Either way, it means that their will to remain in this world is gone."
"…………"
"Come to think of it, that one is beloved by the spirits. Maybe it's not something difficult, maybe they're just trying to say goodbye."
"I see."
That night, many lights rose up, not only from the cemetery behind the church, but from all over the capital.
People who saw it had different impressions. Some were horrified, while others were captivated by its beauty. Depending on the viewer's emotions, things can be perceived in many different ways.
The way people look at Ren is also said to be different for each person.
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