At first, I didn't even need to wish. However, as I came to understand the world, I began to wish for it and continued to accumulate such wishes. As my understanding of the world grew, I realized the pointlessness of wishing, and decided to stop wishing and compromise by simply continuing to dream of my ideal world.

"That's great, brother, you can lead this country to be the greatest country ever--

　I didn't mind being expected. But now that he understands what it means for the have-nots to hold on to their expectations, he loathes it.

"Prince, you are the only one who can lead this country! Therefore--

　Those who impose their unattainable ideals on others, and trample on the ideals of others in order to achieve those ideals, without even a hint of malice. It's repulsive.

You have no idea. "You don't understand the suffering we go through for a prince blessed with talent!

　I no longer even want to be ashamed of myself when I realize that I have come to despise as incompetent those who only bark and bark, who arbitrarily determine right and wrong.

"Brother ......, I'm sorry it has come to this. ....... Please be prepared.

　That's bullshit. Why should I lead those who think this is the best way to end things? ...... Do what you want. I've already--

"No matter how much you lead the masses, it will never be your ideal country. Because not all people are smart. Not everyone can understand your high ideals. And I'm not interested in your ideals, either.

　...... What can you not do with ideals that even a child can understand? That's all I'm interested in.

"An ideal that even a child can understand. Yes, an uninformed child can speak of these ideals. But children's ideals are not realistic, you know? I'm sure you understand how difficult it is to make those ideals come true in this world. That's why I'm going to accept death.

　Don't be so naive. You can't pessimistically give up on the world because of that. .......

"You're not talking clearly. You are aware of that, aren't you? You might be able to do it, but times are bad, time is short. Then I'll give you the time. I'll give you some time. When times change and you have more time, you can create the country of your dreams, right?

　◇.

　I've been dreaming for so long that I've been able to maintain the dream I wanted. However, there are still occasional memories that I don't want to remember. The cause is quite easy to figure out.

"That woman?

　The woman who was by my side when the Gold appeared to save the people of the planet Yugra. By the color of her hair and eyes, I knew at once that she was of the Taze royal bloodline. It is natural for a child to resemble its parents, but that was too much of a resemblance to be even remotely ironic.
　But that was only a distant blood relation, not the woman who took my life. It's ridiculous to be sentimental about a woman just because she sounds like you.

I'll go back to sleep. ...... No.

　If you go back to sleep now, you might see the continuation of what you just saw. It doesn't make any sense, it's just unpleasant. If it doesn't make sense, it should just be a peaceful thing.
　I walked out of the bedroom and went to the lab. It is slightly chilly. The sun is just a few moments away from rising, and I use my magic to construct and clothe myself. You hold your hand over the crystal that is lying on the table and let the magic flow through it.

"Neillertes, report your progress.
"Oh, oh, king! Yes, yes! Your Neillertes will now give a progress report!
It's noisy. I'm awake. I'm awake. Don't make that noise in my head.
"I'm sorry, too. ....... I woke up in my sleep as well. It's nice to be the same!

　If we are to take Neillertes' report seriously, the man's accomplishments are not bad. He found out that Nektokhar was in Serende and took down Trinh's base to prevent him from escaping. If it were me, I'd head directly to Serende, but it's easier for a human when he has a bastard with a talent for fighting by his side.

So we'll be heading to Serende next, then?
Of course I'll come with you. I will bring back the head of the Nektokhar, I promise! But would it be better to capture him?
Do as you wish.

　There is nothing that I want to ask Nektohar, not even the desire to dispose of him with my own hands. There is only the need to destroy Nektohar's purpose. The bastard is the limit of what humans are allowed to do, and we must not go beyond it.

I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it'll be fine. I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.
"No need. If that man fulfills his promise, he'll be a non-factor.
I'm sure you're right. ....... I think he is one of the best of the bastards. ......

　If you're a demon, you're as good as or better than Neillertes as a pawn. I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but it's a good idea. There is no harm in letting that talent go. The priority is the talent to interfere with reason. That one talent is enough to reach the forbidden. It must be kept close to me.

Tell me about the other thing.
Yes, sir. I've searched the entire taze for any trace of the man, and there is none.


So, what do you think?
I think there is. And pretty close. Just a hunch.

　That's the best thing about Neillertes. It's not his late-acquired demonic power but his keen intuition. The reason why Neillertes, who was far inferior to those who grew up with the power of the demons and became unnecessary, has survived to this day is simply because he survived my attacks.
　It's not that I killed him thoroughly, it's just that I struck a blow that I thought would kill him. But it is certainly the blow of a demon lord. Nektohar was trying to keep his wits about him so that he wouldn't be able to strike that blow, but Neelalyates is surviving on his good instincts alone.

'I see.
'I just don't think we're going to find it. ...... What? I'll do my best to find it, though!
I don't care. I'll assume it's as strong as me. It's not what I expect from you. All you have to do is think about the Nektohar.

　Since then, there have been two people who have come into contact with the abomination, both of whom were inexperienced enough to be caught by the Colorless' watch. The bastard understands the meaning of his talent, and that if he interferes too much with reason, he'll tell me where he is.
　I end the transmission and look around the lab. The greenery that supports the castle has eroded, and it's hard to even remember the scene when I used to work with Yugra. From Yugra's point of view, this is research to deter the Demon Lord, an existence that could destroy the world, and I've been taken in twice by him.

What a fool he is! You're the one who's supposed to clean up after me.

　If this is what nostalgia feels like, then it's not worth it.

　I'll be back.

　As was the case when I returned from Ghanaian and Quama, Taze makes me feel like I'm back. It's annoying to be in the position of a chick being imprinted on at this age, but it's important to have a starting point.

"My friend, would you like to go back to your house?
"No, Ilias and Wolfe are still out this time of night. I'm going to go see Marith.

　Ecdysium and Ao headed towards Murasaki's villa in the forest. I'm not sure if I'll be able to do that. I was in regular contact with Masetta, who was also my watcher, and we headed to Maja's church. It's your job, Lakra, really.

I'm tired from the trip, so I'm going to take a nap!
I'm tired of traveling, I'd like to get some sleep!" "You'd have slept just fine in the carriage. ....... Harkdock, can you deliver the package to Lackla?
Yes, sir. Do you want me to prepare dinner for you while I'm at it?
No, I miss the taste of dog bones. I'm going out for dinner.

　I'm happy enough with Marya's cooking, but God's food is the best in the world for my taste. I've worked hard to make it so.

I'll just clean it up.
No, it's not ...... okay. Please.

　I've heard that those two are training hard every day, and I'm wondering if they're doing their chores properly.
　In the event you're not sure what you're looking for, there are a few things you can do.

"Welcome home, my friend! You've had a long journey, haven't you?
"A little. I'm glad you're here, though.

　"Who are you?" he asked mischievously. I was going to pretend that my memory hadn't returned, but I felt a little bad about ruining this smile. The scary thing about Marito is that he might have calculated everything.

"Oh, and thanks for the help, Keir. You should go and report to Lord Léanor.
"Yes, sir! Then excuse me!

　Cale greeted him and left the office, looking even more stubborn than Ilias. I'm sure you've heard of it, but I'm sure you've heard of it. It was probably Marito's way of showing concern.

I was hoping that my journey with you would make me a little more determined. I thought that after traveling with you, I would become a little more serious, but I guess it's not that easy to change your seriousness.
I don't think it's a good idea to let him lose that. Besides, he had a very good reputation.
Reputation? By who?
To Varastos. He had a bit of trouble getting out of Tolin.

　It all started when Balastos learned of Cale's talent for painting and asked him to paint a picture of him. Before he knew it, Cale had become his favorite. "Give me this girl! I'm leaving Nora with you, so why not? He hugged Keir and wouldn't let him go.

I see. I'm sure you'll find that he's a knight who's easily popular with older women.
I'm sure he'll come to you soon to negotiate, so think about it.
"That much? Well, I'll think about it.

　In the end, the two of them spent two hours in Barras. In the end, he gave up by letting Barastos take custody of Cale for two hours, but they all promised not to ask what happened during that time.

"And the mix.
Ha, ha!

　And Mixu." "Ha, ha!" Mixu's nervousness was also quite high, though in a different direction than Keir's. "Oh, right.

Oh, that's right. Uh, I think it's here: .......



　Marito pulls out a mask from his drawer and puts it on. It's the one I had prepared for him before, so that he could have an amicable conversation with Mixu, who gets shy in front of Marito. It's been upgraded with some subtle colors and stuff.

It looks surprisingly good on you.
Don't you think? Sir Raggedy kept his eyes closed, though. I've had it altered so I can use it when I walk around town in secret.
"Oh, brother, you shouldn't do that. ......

　Oh, the mix is talking normally. He's got a rather dumbfounded expression on his face, but I don't care.

That's something we'll have to work on in the future. ...... You did a great job with Trinh, Mixu.
"...... I didn't do that well, sir. I wasn't around when your friend's memories were manipulated, and it was thanks to your friend's trickery that Solide was defeated.
"No. You've done well. You brought your friend, who had only memories of his past, back to normal. I'm not the kind of person who doesn't understand the struggle you went through. I'm 50/50 on whether I could have done it.
"No, you didn't! Your friend in the past wanted me to be able to do it without hesitation.
There you go. I would've known the intention. Then I would have understood that my past friend did not want to disappear. That's why it's 50/50.

　Marito removed his mask and stared straight at Mixu. It seems that Mixu's agitation has returned after seeing Marito's true face, and he is in no condition to argue.

"Uh, uh, .......
"In the end you knew everything, didn't you? I'm sure the melancholy you experienced at that time was no less intense than being cut up on the battlefield.

　Marith gently stroked Mixu's head and smiled with a mild expression that she would give to anyone.

You've done so well. I'm proud to have you as my sister.
"What?

　The mix fled the room at great speed. I couldn't follow it with my eyes. I'm proud to be your sister.

"Hmm, I still feel a little more of a barrier. I'd like you to be as easygoing with me as you are with me.
I wish I could be as easygoing as you are." "Do you want to be patted on the back a lot? It hurts like hell.
I'd love that. The only painful memory I have with Mixu is when a bear broke my arm protecting her.
Why don't you let him train with you and take the blow on purpose?
He doesn't like it when you go easy on him, Mixu.

　In the event that you've got a lot of money, you'll be able to use it for a lot of things. No, but I've heard that he sometimes trains with Lord Ragdoll and the like. .......

I'll give it some thought then. I want to repay you for all the help you've given me with Mixu, and I want to make things better between us.
I'd be more than grateful if you'd go after Mixu.
What kind of brother are you to say that? So, Marito, how's your relationship with Riko going?
Yeah, yeah. We're engaged.
I see. ......?