There is no snow in the Cuu Lucar Mountains at this time of year, except in the higher elevations.
　Still, the highland wind was cold, reminding the group of the north.

　Evelisse was at the head of a line that was moving forward amidst the grass that seemed to be sticking to the ground.
　It didn't matter whether we were in the north, the jungle, or the high mountains, she was dressed in a black wide-brimmed cap and black clothes, witch-style (though her torso was more exposed than underwear). She was holding a caller ID in her right hand and holding it to her ear.

What?　An ogre ritual?
　I don't know, there are so many different manners. It's better to ask them. ......
　What?　Vulcanet?
　Oh, that's right. I'm sure you'll be able to tell me a little bit about it, but ...... the etiquette has definitely undergone minor changes, so make sure you check with them if you can.

　The caller is Rene, under the mountain.
　He was going to fight a duel with the chief to win over the tribe of the ogre, and he asked about the etiquette of the ritual.

　Everith briefly told her what he knew about the etiquette of war god worship and hung up.

"Witches, you use a caller's ear, right? So does the princess.
"It's kind of a habit.
　...... They're doing well. We have to work hard too.

　The used caller was brown as if it had been exposed to the sun, and decayed like paper that had been wet and then dried.
　Everis thought for a moment, then rolled it up and threw it behind him.
　Then a demon walking behind Everis caught it in its mouth and began to chew it.

　It was a goat-like creature with an unusually large beard and antlers.
　It fights by rushing with its horns, and is a species called a "Knight Goat" because its appearance resembles a knight's joust.
　They are not very strong, but they are ferocious enough to kill low-level adventurers.
　Above all, the existence of a sufficient number of herbivorous demons like nightgoths means that the environment attracts and nurtures ferocious carnivorous demons that feed on them, making them a double threat.

　There were more than a hundred of these nightgoths following Everis in single file.
　To be precise, they were following Miaranse, who was behind Everis.

It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

　It's not just Nightgoths.

　It's not just nightgoths.
　There were early birds and sparkbirds circling overhead in a circle.
　Running alongside the Night Goats were the Vorpal Bunny, a killer white rabbit with sharp claws and front teeth, and a pack of Psycho-Foxes, foxes that controlled the magic of illusion.
　A thieving squirrel climbs up on Miaranse's shoulder and rubs his head, grooming himself.
　A small white girl with half-split snowflake-like feathers, ...... a fallen elemental of snow, soaked in evil and deviating from reason, is happily flying around Miarangze.

　These are the demons that live in the Krukaru Mountains.
　The demons, who had bravely jumped out at the sign of intruders, reverently followed Miarangze with a single glance.
　Just as Rene had done with Wingtiger, the demons were overwhelmed by Miaranse's presence and designated her as their master.
　Even the dainty flowers on the roadside (with their five mucus-covered tentacles, thick petals, and fangs) swayed in excitement at the sight of Miaranse.

What should we do with these demons, Master Everis? I'm not sure what to do with them, but I think they're more useful as livestock than as warriors.
I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one who has a problem with this.
　I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it's a good idea.
　...... Of course, about half of the food needs to be provided in the mountains.

　In the event that you're not sure what to do, you'll be able to ask for help.
　We're still going to be moving from here on out, so it's going to be a little tough to take all the demons we picked up with us. And since there was no way the destination would be ready to receive them, they had to be selective.

If the princess or Miaranse commanded it, it would gladly give itself to be made into meat.
"...... They're not being kept without knowing anything, they know they're going to be eaten and they're willing to give their bodies!
　The demon world is scary!

　I'm not sure if this is a good idea or not.

You can't do that. It's instinct to follow the higher demons.
　It's all a trick by the evil gods to overthrow the world and win over the great gods.
　Well, it's only those who have the power to give orders strong enough to break the survival instinct, though.
"Mm-hmm, I see. You give your life for the battle of the evil gods, and your soul returns to the evil gods. ......
　It's a path prepared for those who are born as animals to accumulate good karma.
　I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.

　Tracy nodded to Everith's explanation while trying to hold back a headache.

　According to the temple, 'those who have done wrong are reincarnated as beasts instead of men. Unlike humans, it is difficult for a beast to accumulate good karma, but to be given into battle for the faith is the greatest good deed. However, being offered in battle for faith is the greatest good deed.
　For example, when a farmer plows the land, he is fighting for his faith in the sense that he is gaining sustenance, enriching his country, and gaining strength to fight against evil. Therefore, it is said that it is a good thing for people to use animals as livestock because it will bring good karma to the animals.

　The same kind of logic exists on the side of demons and demonkind.
　This one is even more compulsory.

Even a beast can be virtuous if it serves a man. ......
　...... Is there really such a thing as a good story?
　It seems to me that it is the ego of the human race ......, no?

　Mihranze looked at him quizzically.

"Well. There are theories about reincarnation and the world of the gods, but they are unproven.
　All we can rely on are a few experiments by temples and a few fragmentary oracles. It's something like looking at the heavens through the eye of a needle.
　I think there's a good chance the temple is telling us something we don't understand.

　Looking around at the herd of meat (to be) silently and obediently following him, Everis says wistfully.

You don't want to handle them, do you?
No, not at all.



　Mihranze shook his head in disbelief.

...... My actions are not due to devotion to an evil god.
　Whether the teachings are right or wrong is of no concern to me.
　Just for the sake of the princess.
　For the sake of the princess, I will sacrifice every single piece of myself, human, demon and myself.

　Placing her thickly gloved hands on her chest, Miarandze expressed her quiet, unwavering resolve.

　Both Tracy and Everith had already heard how she had come to be under René's care.
　Miaranse's hatred of human society (especially humans) and her almost religious loyalty to Rene are understandable.
　But.

　Tracy and Everith looked at each other spontaneously, as if cornered by something.

Yes, well, I understand how you feel, but ...... isn't that a bit heavy-handed?
I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one.

　I'm not sure what to make of it.

"There will be more and more people who cling to you, Princess. But that will destroy the princess sooner or later.
　Miaranse, no matter what, you're the princess's first mate. Since you'll be the closest to her, you should protect her.
"That's ...... of course!
　I will protect her with all my might.
No, no, no, that's not it.

　In the event you're not sure what to do, there are a few things you can do.

I'm just using it as a shield, if you know what I mean.
　It's just a shield, if you will. You hold it up and wield it, princess.
"Ha, ha. ......

　Miaranse was not quite sure what to make of this.

"Fortune has shown the princess.
　Strangely enough, it seems as if everything that's happening is pushing the princess to replace the Demon Lord as the destroyer of worlds.
　But I can't help but feel that it's not Gala for the princess.
"Gala ......?
Yeah, I know.

　Tracy couldn't help but agree with him.
　Even if I can be.
　Even if I could.
　I can't shake the thought that even if I could, it would be hard for Rene.
　She's just a girl with a vengeful ...... destiny that's been ruined.

I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it's a good idea.
You know, witches are evil, right?
　You see, witches are wicked, and even if it makes the princess unhappy, it doesn't matter as long as it fires her up and wins the battle, right?
"Hmmm.

　It's hard to guess how serious Evelisse was, and her tone of voice seemed to be hypocritical.
　Miaranse was still pondering, her tail dancing beneath her thick protective gear.

"......, about time?
"Yes.

　I'm sure you'll be able to figure it out.
　The magic item in Tracy's hand, the super multi-functional magnetic needle, floats in the air, and the phantom light numbers indicate the distance traveled. This place is the next work point.

　Everis drops the magic stone on the ground and pokes it with his staff.
　The magic circle of light unfolded and sank to the ground, and Tracy saw it and marked it with a cross on the map she was holding.
　The map, which showed the topography of the mountain range almost exactly, was lined with numerous crosses in a straight line from the northern base.

"......, this is number 57.
"Well, we have a long way to go.
　Well, sometimes fieldwork is not so bad.

　The itinerary of the wicked trekkers traversing the mountain range continues.