284 That's why I sigh.




 I have everything I want.

"Well, we've got everything we need. Mr. Eckdruk, would you like me to carry a few things for you?
You're a holy knight, you don't need to feel the weight of this amount of food. I'm not sure if you should tell me this, but you're a holy knight, you shouldn't feel the weight of this foodstuff. Focus on expanding your horizons to see if there's anything else you need.
I've already bought what I need, any more would be a waste of money. Besides, I'm trying to narrow my focus right now. ......

 He is currently shopping with Marya at the market in Mejlis. If you just want to cook a proper meal, I can do the shopping by myself. ...... There are many things you can learn just by watching Marya shop like this.
 Not all the stalls sold different things, and the prices and quality varied. Marya is checking them out, and even bargaining to save money. Compared to Marya, who is well adapted to human society, I realize that my sense of money is quite weak.
 Even so, I think about the person who will be cooking the meal, and I pay a lot of attention to the menu. I'm impressed by the extent to which one can expand one's awareness of even the most mundane things.

Hmm? There's a strange gathering of people over there.
"That's true. It's a place where merchants are not allowed to set up stalls, so I don't think it's a special sale. ...... Oh, it's a sign announcing the Yugra religion.

 Except for emergencies, news from the country is often sent through signs like this. They can share information simply by sticking them up in villages, and those who cannot read can ask those who can read.
 However, with such a large gathering of people, I wondered if the information was important enough. With this in mind, I float a little while holding the chain to the ground. At this height, I can read it without worrying about the crowd.

It's really useful, isn't it, that chain .......? What's on the sign?
"It's ...... our brethren, isn't it?

 Since the incident with the Scarlet Demon King, the existence of Yugra and his fellow citizens from the same planet has been reaching the ears of the inhabitants of this world. The Yugra religion has announced that he is a special person who can control the three demon kings in cooperation with the Golden Demon King, the Purple Demon King, and Ao.
 This time, the sign said that his people had defeated the criminals who were trying to get their hands on the resurrection magic in Serende. The Yugra cult would like to act as if their people are not a threat to humans, but as if they are dependable. This can be seen in this text: .......

That being said, joining forces with the Demon Lord is no ...... joke, right?
That's right. ....... Especially letting the Purple Demon Lord go unchecked. ......

 For many years, the teachings of Yugra and the demons created by the Demon Lord have created a very bad image of abstinence and the Demon Lord. Even the laws enforced by the state are such that the act of tampering with the abomination, or saying or doing anything to desire it, is considered a crime worthy of death.
 In the event that you've got a lot of time, you may want to take a look at a few of the things that you can do to make sure you're getting the most out of your time.

I think my people are doing well. ......
I'm not complaining in the slightest if you're a party to it. As a party, I have no complaints.

 Even when I was working to enhance Lakra's honor, people only took the results of Lakra's work as an element of comparison. I thought it was fortunate that the evaluation of Lakra's personality was hardly involved in the process. ...... This time it is the other way around.

But there's a difference between feeling like you have no choice and feeling frustrated.
We don't have to be in a hurry. We don't need to be in a hurry. At least the Yugra religion is very friendly to its people. We just need to slowly spread this attitude to the people.

 In the meantime, there is a possibility that many troubles will arise. But those are the things that my people are good at, and we can only move in ways that are favorable to them.
 Not so long ago, I would have approached that sign and told them that my people were doing well. But now I'm a demon, on the side of the demon lord they hate. I can intentionally keep my hair and skin color human, but you never know when I might take the form of a demon. If that happens, it's not just a matter of things getting out of hand.

...... That's great, Ecdysiac.
"Why do I get credit for that?
I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one who has a problem with that.

 I think the reason for that is that I personally lack facial expressions. ....... I'm not going to lie, it's a disgusting feeling, but now that I understand my mother's position, I'm not going to ...... worry too much about other people's problems.

There is a reason for the dislike they have. I just don't want to deny it just because of my personal opinion. At least not as long as they don't pose a threat.
So you're saying you want to live in peace?
I guess so. I guess that's how I feel.

 In the past, I would not have thought this way. I would not have thought this way in the past, when I realized that I had been dyed by the thoughts of my own people. But well, ...... the more important people I have around me, the more I understand the necessity of this idea.
 The more important people you have around you, the more you can understand the necessity of this idea. Maybe it's not only me, but also the Iliad and others. ...... The influence of one's fellow man can never be underestimated.

I'm not sure if I'll be able to do it. Can you lift me up a bit too?
No, I don't mind, but if you're wondering what the sign says, I've memorized it and can transcribe it for you.
No, you don't have to do that, I'll just have a quick look! I'd rather have you lift up ...... no! Anyway, please!

 Hmm. Is this purely a case of wanting to be lifted up by the chain? Marya tends to be interested in various things I do. Her curiosity and inquisitiveness is a good thing, but I have no idea how this experience will help her.
 However, Marya, who was lifted up by the chains, was in a much better mood than normal. I'd be happy to do whatever it takes to make her feel better, but I wonder if it will work for ...... Ao.

 I'm not sure.

I'm not sure if this will work on Ao. I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but I think it's a good idea.

 When I told Washekht about Topala, he looked at me as if he would. Washekht's surroundings are probably being monitored all the time, but it's quite impressive that he's so unconcerned.



"Doesn't Washekht put people around 'me'?
"Just ask if you're curious. You're the kind of person who doesn't hide things that don't need to be hidden. You're the kind of person who will tell you things you don't need to hide. Then you don't need to know about it.
There are things that you care about.
You have a case you're interested in. Just negotiate for me.

 You really do have a split bamboo personality. I wonder if it was a rare case when Marito was staring at him in Garne and he was scared. Well, Marito's the king of the country, so I guess he'd be cautious if he thought a bad word would affect his diplomacy in the future.

The Mix reports that there are a few of them hiding in plain sight. If we catch them, we won't have much to go on, just like Topala.
"As long as you don't attract too much attention, you won't be harmed. If you are dissatisfied, you can complain directly to me next time I introduce you to the princes. I'm sure they'll be quiet for a little while longer.

 You're not going to stop me. Well, this is their home, and I don't want to be too arrogant. Let's just use it as a laughing matter.

I'd like to get started, but unfortunately, the watchmen are not in Serendipity on vacation.
"It's a very peculiar trait that you can't get motivated unless you're being watched.
Some of the Yugoslavs need a reason to be here.

 There's also the case of Archbishop Oomsam, who moved the holy knights without permission in order to secure Ceraes. If they are reported to be moving outside of surveillance, there is a possibility that they will use that as an excuse to do something strange again.
 But it is important to show that you are not at fault from a third party's point of view.

As for me, I'll just do what he asks me to do as Prince Washekht. Don't expect too much from me.
"It's enough that you act as a bridge to the other princes. And guide us to the ruins.
I'll leave the ruins to you. But to be honest, I was surprised. I didn't expect you to be seriously interested in ruins.
From the looks of it, there'll be a lot of people pretending to be interested for social reasons.
I guess they're learning that it's the most effective way to get at me. I guess they're learning that it's the most effective way to get at me, although they don't seem to understand that the grading is very strict.

 If it is only the attitude toward the remains, you may be able to assess them at a level close to my understanding. Well, that's how much he really likes the remains. If he cannot become a king, will he become an adventurer or a treasure hunter like Mixu? No, more like an activist to protect the ruins.

So, I heard you're bringing someone with you today.
They should be here any minute. This is a sickbay, and I'd feel bad if you were changing when I came with you.
It looks like your sister...

 You'll be able to get a lot more than just a pair of shoes. I'm not sure what to make of it, but I think it's a good idea.
 The one who came in was a very pretty elf girl. I'm pretty sure she's Princess Hilmera, Washekht's sister, who has been bragged about a lot.

"Let me introduce you. This is my sister, Hilmera. Hilmera, the Yggra people this man was talking about. He's got bad eyes, but he's a normal human being.
"Brother, I don't think you should talk like that! I'm Hilmera. Nice to meet you, I'm Hilmera. I would like to thank you for defeating the criminals in Serendipity.

 I was under the impression that she was a bit more of a boxy girl because of the way she was doted on by Washect, but ...... she seems to be pretty solid.

I'm sure you'll be pleased to hear that. I'm sorry I can't give you a proper reception.
I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one who's a bit of a jerk. I've been informed of the ...... situation, but what should I call you?
"You can call me whatever you want. I don't even have a title.
I'll call you "sir. You are from another world, aren't you? What do you think of Serende from the perspective of someone from another world? Is it still very rural?

 You're coming at me pretty hard. Your curiosity is strong, but your sense of distance is exquisite. This is a deliberate adjustment. It's not easy to find a fourteen-year-old who can listen to the other person's face like this.

It's fantastic in a good way. It's like something you'd hear about in a fairy tale.
I'm sure you're right. Brother, why don't you advise your father to bring in some more civilization from other countries?
As you can see, my sister is at an age when she is easily fascinated by new things. But you know, Hilmera, if we're not careful, Chisanthe might take advantage of our plans to develop the ruins to the detriment of the landscape.
Even brother Chisanthe has a respect for the history of Serendipity!

 I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one who has a problem with this. I'm sure you'll be able to understand why I've been so impressed with your work. These two seem to have a stronger bond than the other princes.

The rest of the world is no different. Garne is a bit ahead of its time, but it's still floating in this world. The amount of protected ruins is perfect for Serende's personality.
"So you're one of those people who are fascinated by ruins. I don't dislike it either, but compared to my brother, it's a bit much,........ It's a good idea to have a little more girlish taste in your life.



 If my siblings were both archaeology enthusiasts, I would have to be careful about how I behaved in this country, but I don't seem to have to worry about that.
 The conversation with Princess Hilmera was not particularly good or bad, and ended with both of us asking moderate questions and receiving mutually satisfactory answers. Personally, I thought we could have gotten to know each other a little better. ...... Well, there's always Washekht's eyes.

It's time to go. Hilmera, I'll stay a little longer, but you should go. I'm sure Mursht outside the room is getting numb by now.
You don't have to be so careful, it's your job. I'm sure you're not the only one.

 Ilias was occasionally paying attention to the outside of the room, but it seemed that Princess Hilmera's bodyguards were waiting for her. Mursht, I'll keep that in mind.

I honestly don't care about Mursht. I've got other patients in this room, so I'm just being cautious.
"Yeah, uh, ....... I see. Well then, messenger, perhaps you can tell us another story about the other world?

 Princess Hilmera bows lightly to us and to Yokus, and then leaves. In the event that you have any questions regarding where and the best way to get in touch with us, please feel free to contact us at ........

"How was it, Hilmera? Just what you needed to make a good decision, right?
Yeah, it's been helpful.

 Even Princess Hilmera, who is fourteen years old, has shown a tendency to pretend to be something she's not. I guess all the other royals are good at wearing masks. I now understand why Washekht is like a split bamboo.

His brothers and sisters are all thick-skinned. I think he is influenced by them. He's more introverted by nature.
Sounds like it. You mean the other princes are more devious? You're the only heretic.
As a mother, I'd like to be a true ally.

 I thought it would be a lot easier than dealing with Ritual, but it looks like it's going to be another painful case.