Baka-Tsuki - User contributions [en]

Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 6 Chapter 3

2017-05-26T23:04:45Z

Dragon213:

==Always Wanted to Confess to You==

=== Part 1 ===

Nonaka Kurumi had a good affinity with spirits at a young age.

Five years before the tragedy attacked the 《 Village 》, while her older sister Yuki learned sword skills one after another increasing her abilities as a {{furigana|Skill-Type Swordsman|Multisaber}} <ref> 全応型剣士</ref>, Kurumi bloomed her talent as a {{furigana|Spirit Magician|Element Master}}. Right now, among the {{furigana| Spirit Magician|Element Master}} in the 《 Village 》, her skill developed to the extent that she could fight with one or two.

However──Kurumi couldn't use her ability well right now. The place that usually serves as a channel for the spirits to lend their power would not open that easily. It's because… they have come to the Demon Realm.

Wildart is a city which served as stronghold of the Moderates faction. In the past, this city was declared as the strongest, ruled by the Demon King Predecessor Wilbert for generations, a luxurious royal castle and bustling castle downtown. Surrounded by the rich nature of the forest Oldora, Nonaka Kurumi right now, was at the middle of the Fost River which flowed nearby Wildart Castle.

"───"

As Kurumi stood still in the riverbank as rocks and gravels roll, she reached her left palm which materialized the spirit gauntlet <ref>霊操術の籠手 translated as Soul Purity Arts Gauntlet </ref> to reach the water surface of the river, her consciousness was concentrated and the channel for sprits was opened.

Simultaneously, in the Soul Purity Arts that Kurumi pushed out in her left hand, ──a magic circle unfolded in the thin air, disturbing the flow of water in the river. A vortex began to gradually occur and grew to a size of a meter, and the water rolled up to the sky. As small droplets fell down, Kurumi raised her concentration once more, and the water that shot up gradually formed a certain divine beast.

A dragon.

"……OOoo～!"

From the top of a huge rock nearby, the little succubus companion who followed after her raised a voice of admiration ── she's Naruse Maria. In front of what Maria is seeing right now,

"───"

Kurumi unexpectedly made a severe expression── At once, the shape of the water which curled upwards lost control, the dragon's shape turned for worse, and the large quantity of water fell down the surface of the river like a waterfall in the sky.

"Isn't that amazing Kurumi-san? Today, compared to yesterday, you're able to use it up to this extent."

"……this isn't that good at all."

To Maria who claps her hands in admiration, Kurumi replied with a frown.

──What Kurumi called for was a spirit of a water attribute. Usually, Undine and Nereids, and various spirits such as Apsaras <ref> female spirit of the clouds and waters in Hindu and Buddhist mythology </ref> lend their powers to Kurumi.

But due to the Demon Realm's<ref>I used Demon Realm instead of Hell coz it sounds more appropriate here.</ref> influence, Kurumi wasn't able to open a channel with spirits well right now. She should be able to produce an even bigger water dragon if that isn't true, and make them soar into the sky just as it is──but the results ended up to a degree that even a small size wasn't possible to maintain.

Even as she appealed to a spirit like usual, their voice and reactions felt very distant. Perhaps Kurumi today can only take out half of her powers in comparison to when she's in the human world.

Maria gave a bitter smile, then jumped off from the top of the rock and closed the distance to Kurumi. Then,

"Well, since training is going to end soon, let's have lunch. The maid in the kitchen had made us sandwiches."

Maria opened a big basket held in her hands and showed it to Kurumi. With meat and vegetables in the inside, the sandwich also have jam-packed various ingredients such as eggs tightly. As expected of a dish from an entrusted maid serving at a castle indeed, it seemed so delicious even by only looking.

"Isn't this amount a little too much to eat for only two people…?"

"Because Kurumi didn't eat a proper meal this morning, this is just right as it is"

"………"

To the words of Maria, Kurumi went silent. She's right──Kurumi had hardly eaten her breakfast. Though she took a seat in the dining room and started eating, she left the seat in a hurry.

Kurumi's behavior is something that cannot be permitted. Beside the quiet Kurumi, in a hemp-woven rag, Maria took a seat, laid her back to the grass of the dry riverbed and asked,

"…Are you still angry about Basara-san and Zest-san's Master and Servant Contract?"

She's right──this morning, Kurumi was told by Basara that he and Zest made a Master and Servant contract.

Of course, before coming to the Demon Realm, declaring “It's necessary to protect Zest, so a Master and Servant contract should be made” is really the kind of what the gentle Basara does. Kurumi thought so and agreed upon. However, when she was made to hear that it happened ──Kurumi knew the fact that she admitted him to have a Master and Servant Contract with Zest due to her condition. But,

''…I can't believe it, to think that even sis or Mio not to say anything…''

For Mio who was targeted by Zolgear, to even have a connection to the one that murdered her adoptive parents cruelly──She was so to speak was the sole enemy for Mio and Basara. As for Zest who was a subordinate of such a man to enter a Master and Servant Contract with Basara, even if real thoughts came from their lips, Kurumi thought that those intentions will never be accepted no matter what.

However──after a brief silence, Yuki and Mio approved the contract of Basara. Kurumi cried “What!?” immediately, and stood up from her chair,

…But.

Kurumi wasn't able to say anything more than that. Because in the past, she had become undoubtedly an enemy of Basara before. Therefore, since Yuki and Mio who have not betrayed Basara accepted it, Kurumi had no choice but to accept.

──Still, everybody seemed to have understood Kurumi's feelings. Basara and Zest whom are to blame remained silent for granted, and for sure, the three people: Yuki, Mio and Maria also understood Kurumi's and Basara's feelings, so they didn't say anything. However, unable to bear the eyes which turned to her right now──as she came to her senses Kurumi ran out of the dining room and walked along the hallway alone. Then, passing each other by chance on the hallway, Kurumi asked Noel the housemaid whether there is a river nearby, and told her this place.

──There was a reason why Nonaka Kurumi wanted to come to the river.

Before the tragedy that happened five years ago, when Basara was still in the 《 Village 》of the Hero Tribe──Kurumi had often gone out to play in a nearby river with Basara and Yuki. Fishing together, swimming together, they get along well just like true siblings. Being the younger one,Kurumi always loved Basara and Yuki, and piled up many wonderful memories with the two people.

One time, those memories──due to the tragedy five years ago, she thought that they were lost completely.

After the sad reunion five years after, they had fought one time──still, Basara remained unchanged from the old days, and valued Kurumi as she was. Therefore, even though it's her mission to live under the same roof as them, she was really happy. Even little by little, she thought that that she could go back to the old days from the bottom of her heart. She actually wanted to come to this river together with everyone. While remembering her childhood with Basara and Yuki and their past relationships, she wanted to make a new memory here, with Mio and Maria added. And then──if desired, Kurumi won't even mind even if Zest was there.

…However, she making a Master and Servant Contract with Basara is a different story.

She heard the story that Zest has a power of an S class. By making a Master-Servant Contract with Basara, she'll become stronger than before, raising his power, thus finding herself useful to Basara.

…still.

Nonaka Kurumi thought──she doesn't want to lose to Zest.

Therefore when Kurumi came here alone, she began her training in order to manage even a little the darkness element that she got from Lucia. Maria followed behind a little later. As Maria finished arranging the sandwich and side dishes on the seat,

"Anyway, let's have lunch first. The brain doesn't act properly when hungry, and I think that's not good in various ways."

She said so, beckoning her. Therefore,

"………Un"

As Nonaka Kurumi nodded, she sat down next to Maria and began eating the food on that day.

<center><big>＊＊＊＊＊＊＊</big></center>

The sandwiches the maid had made were delicious.

Though they thought that the amount in the basket was too many to fill in two people, partly due to the fact of almost runniing outside in the morning, she was able to eat it up with Maria in no time. Even if feeling depressed, if the stomach is filled with something good, a person can get well in a little while.

Was the state of Kurumi being perceived? Maria said with a smile.

"Hey, have you had your meal properly?" "……Un<ref> Nod of Approval </ref>. Thank you."

As soon as Kurumi finished eating, Maria poured a drink into a cup from a portable jug,

"Here, Kurumi-san." "Thank you……"

As she received it, the tea in the cup raised warm steam. Filling her with a faint sweet warmth and fragrance from her mouth through her nose as she sipped it, Kurumi relaxed her body naturally. Then,

"──Did it settle you down a little?"

Maria said with gentle eyes.

“Because Kurumi-san is a {{furigana| Spirit Magician|Element Master}}… if you use magic in that irritated state, even if you are a part of the Hero Tribe, don't you think that spirits in the Demon Realm would turn cautious and wouldn't answer?”

“I wasn't particularly irritated…"

As Kurumi told in a sulky way, Maria who gave a bitter smile replied,

"I know that you're bothered with Basara-san and Zest-san… You could relax with a delicious meal and a cup of tea. This is more deserving rather than wasting yourself feeling depressed."

"……un"

Maria was certainly right… to establish an emotional bond with the spirits of the Demon Realm, if you don't believe in it in the first place, it won't start. But even as she focused on how she materialized her spirit gauntlet and fitted in the slot, for spirits of highly compatible attributes it was duller than usual.

…However.

Even though things appear this way, there is still an improvement. Yesterday, when they have only just arrived in the Demon Realm, elements completely become corrupted due to the evil influence, and she wasn't able to feel any spirits from within.

So Kurumi, reaching to the point of using magic to this degree was because of that woman who gave the dark element which made contacts with the spirits of the Demon Realm made easier.

"…What do you think about my older sister?"

While looking at the element of the dark color that fitted into the slot, Kurumi replied.

"To me, who was given such a thing… and even getting along well with her, I'm thankful. However, isn't she the adjutant of Ramses who dislike Mio?"

"it is so… that merciless Lucia ane-sama<ref> Ane-sama is an honorific meaning “esteemed older sister”. A very formal way of addressing your big sis </ref>, to be on good terms with me and even give me a special treatment, it’s difficult just to think about it."

Hmm, thinking through, Maria said

"Possibly, she may have taken a liking to Kurumi personally, don't you think?"

"How… I, what part did your sister took a liking in particular?"

"Oh my ── then don't you have any ideas?"

"There is no way, right?"

Kurumi replied with an immediate answer, then

"……Hmm, is that so?"

Maria uttered in a casual tone,

"──then I'll tell you"

She replied, pushing down Kurumi on her seat.

"Wai- Maria…?"

Kurumi uttered and cried in surprise, but her clothes were unbuttoned until the front was opened up all the way by Maria's experienced hands. And, as Maria reached out her hands and took off the hook of Kurumi's skirt,

"I heard it. Kurumi-san…in the office of Lucia ane-sama yesterday"

"!────"

Startled and gasping for breath, in that small opportunity even the hook and the zipper was opened, and the skirt of Kurumi was dragged down.

"Wa-Wait...that…is not it……!"

Though Kurumi tried to stop her desperately while turning red, before the physical strength of Maria who is a power type, her resisting at this level became futile. afterwards,

"I, until now, have been cooperating so that Kurumi-san could catch up to Yuki-san and Mio-san. Nevertheless, Doing it with Basara-san in front of Lucia Ane-sama without me knowing…in addition, hearing that it's because of you stealing glances at Basara-san that it happened, is it true?"

Maria asked, stripping off Kurumi's jacket together with her brassiere.

Yaa……I, idiot!”

Kurumi tried to cover her chest with both hands in a hurry, but Maria bound both of her arms with her tail, making Kurumi raise both of her hands on the top of her head. And, revealing the good things that the both hands were blocking, while Maria slowly unclothes the socks and shoes of Kurumi one by one,

“Fufu, Kurumi-san is such a bad person…… in the bath last night, didn't you say such things right?”

"but, tha-that’s because…"

Without regarding the hesitation of what she wants to say, Maria continued unclothing Kurumi──and then,

"Aah……"

Kurumi raised a voice that seemed to faint at last.

With her upper body naked, she has been left with only her panties. Exposing her skin under the blue sky which reddened in shyness, Maria looked down with eyes that seemed to have ignited her succubus instinct, and took off her own clothes too. Then, as she ended up only in her panties similar to Kurumi,

“For Kurumi to be liked by Lucia ane-sama, I'm very happy as a friend. There is no need to hide anything. Really now…… there is no need to be reserved in these sort of things for me.”

Maria made a small laugh.

"──Now I have to punish you for this"

She said, and began prying open her both legs.

"No……Maria……"

Though Kurumi tried to refuse desperately, she wasn't in a state to resist as both of her hands were bound up. As she entwined her legs around, Kurumi's modest chest was rubbed lasciviously by Maria's own chest──and now,

"ah, Aaahh……AaaaaAaahh♥"

Kurumi leaked a sweet cry. The pleasure brought of the touches of love of the succubus Maria is unbelievable. Additionally, Kurumi, to the whisper of the devil called Maria to catch up to Mio and Yuki, indecent things have been done to her almost every day by Maria in the Toujou house.

Of course, Kurumi's body completely remembered the taste of that pleasure──though she didn't enter a Master and Servant Contract in particular, her body has made sensitive almost the same as Mio and Yuki recently.

"Yaaah……I, such thing……, outside……"

Though ashamed, her body trembled helplessly in the sweet sensations running through her whole body. Then,

"It's all right…… I'll make Kurumi-san a woman of Basara's liking who doesn't lose even to Mio-sama and Yuki-san”

Maria replied, then tried to lick her cheeks this time.

"Ah ──…"

''I can be a woman that Basara would come to like'' ── as she thought so, she accepted Maria's unreasonableness, and as Kurumi became weak to pleasure,

"Fufufu…… other than Basara-san, who in the world is it that Kurumi likes? I'll make you remember properly"

Maria, while expressing a sadistic smile, put her lips near her left side quietly.

And then ── the next moment, her weakest place was breathed with all her might,

"! ──FUaaaaaaaaahhhnn ♥"

Nonaka Kurumi, reaching her peak under the blue sky, raised a flirtatious voice as her body trembled in delight.

=== Part 2 ===

Doing an exciting act outside, Maria was more intense than usual.

Caressing Kurumi's body dearly until she's completely unable to stand up, she continued giving pleasures of a woman badly until Maria is satisfied. Therefore, it has not become just a simple training anymore ──afterwards, having taken a break till the sun sets, the two people returned to the Wildart Castle.

And now, heading for the bathroom, Kurumi stepped her foot inside. She couldn't return for the reason of having a smell of a woman, though she washed it at the river with Maria, her body had become a little chilly by that cause.

If she caught a cold with this, she herself will become an even more burden to everyone.

She wanted to avoid such pitiable situation,

……Besides.

Because she has taken such an attitude on that breakfast, it is still difficult for her to face everyone.

Especially ── Basara and Zest, as she didn't know how she should receive them.

Though she couldn't keep on running away forever, she wanted to delay it a little more… and as Kurumi parted with Maria at the hallway, she took off her clothes in the dressing room, went full bare, and set foot in a large indoor bath.

Then, though it's still early for dinner, Kurumi found that there were figures of somebody who came ahead of her in the wash place<ref> this is the area in the bathroom for washing oneself before soaking</ref>.

It was Yuki and Mio.

"Ah……"

The moment Kurumi raised her voice in awareness, the two people who have been washing their own bodies noticed her. To Kurumi who had an awkward expression in a moment, Yuki and Mio looked at each other, then expressed a gentle expression at once.

"Welcome back Kurumi…"

"Maria seems to have gone to you, did that child cause you trouble?"

They greeted her with a smile. It was an expression that didn't mind what Kurumi had done this morning at all ── for this reason, as Kurumi approached at Yuki and Mio apologetically,

"…Both of you, I'm sorry for this morning."

She spoke words of apology while bowing her head.

"Although big Sis had agreed upon the contract of Basara……Of all things, I did such behavior"

And as Kurumi looked at the girl gentler than herself with pure intentions

"And on how Mio… after all that things Zolgear has done to you, still accepted it."

"There isn't anything for Kurumi-chan to apologize. I also, am a little surprised at myself… After talking about it with Basara beforehand, to tell you the truth my feelings are too complicated understand even for myself after all. '''(!)'''

As Mio gave a wry but gentle smile,

"Hey, sit here."

She moved the bath chair and placed it down next to them.

The space between Mio and Yuki had become available. However, Kurumi couldn't sit down on that chair. Between these two people… it was the seat similar to the dining room this morning. Kurumi became emotional, as it was the place which she ran away from. Then,

"…………"

To Kurumi who stood there, Yuki gently pulled her hand towards that place.

Then, having got the permission, Kurumi sat down carefully.

"Kurumi…… your body is a little cold"

Noticing her body temperature, Yuki uttered. Kurumi nodded deeply.

"…Because I entered to the river outside a little while ago"

"Then, step in the bathtub early to get warm……we'll continue the talk over there"

In the suggestion of Mio,Kurumi nodded again, and washed down her body in hot water.

And then── Kurumi went to the bathtub with Yuki, submerging herself in the hot water, sandwiched between the two people. Wrapped up in tender warmth, it relieved the tension in their bodies, relaxing them for a bit.

''……Ah.''

To each hands that were feeling the stone bottom, Mio and Yuki's hands overlapped hers gently.

"──About Basara and Zest, there is a reason that I permitted it"

Making an introduction, Mio on the left said,

"The reason that I permitted the contract of those two, is all thanks to Yuki and Kurumi-chan."

"… Big Sis and I?"

"That's right. Yuki and Kurumi-chan, didn't you guys fought against me and Maria at first? But now, we are all living together. Though it was all thanks to Basara's assistance, it is really dangerous if you think about it, no matter what Basara says to you two, aren't we taking advantage of him overlooking us?"

However,

"Yuki and Kurumi-chan didn't do such a thing…… because you believe that Maria and I won't ever harm Basara, right?"

"Well that's……"

To her hesitation to voice out her affirmation, Mio smiled, then,

"I am also the same, right? Without opposing Basara, Yuki and Kurumi accepted us as friends, therefore I also thought you as such too."

And,

"While meeting Zest again in the Demon Realm… Right now, revealing her lack of intention of harming us, I thought that it's possible to approach her in the same way as Kurumi-chan, don't you think? Plus, while working as a maid and Sheera-san's bodyguard, when you see her who is looking at Basara with eyes which seems to be in pain…… I see my former self overlapping her."

"Mio's former self……?"

"Yes… After father and mother were murdered by Zolgear, I have been through various circumstances. There was a time that I even couldn't put my trust on anyone aside from Maria──a man above all in particular.”

Mio stated with a face as if remembering something unpleasant, then abruptly made a gentle expression.

"However… to us who approached and deceived him from the start, Basara was still gentle. After knowing about our circumstances, he chased us all the way in order to help us. At that time, Yuki advised Basara not to be involved with me anymore…"

But, Mio;

"Basara said that that he will still protect me… and Yuki will remain as his an important childhood friend, but that doesn't mean he did forgot what happened five years ago, so if the Hero Tribe who protects this world can’t protect me, then it will be his duty."

''That's what I thought''…at that time.

"if it's Basara and Jin-san, I believe that they are reliable. Such thing as Zolgear, our trusted lawyer, the men in town, there are no such man as them. Like a true family… like Onii-chan, they are people who think of me importantly."

Therefore,

"Thinking about it, it was so wonderful that I cried."

To the expression that Mio showed,

"──────"

Once more, Kurumi understood the feelings of the girl named Naruse Mio towards Basara. That profile too, that she had gazed ever since she was young──Yuki was also the same when she yearned for him.

"For Zest who was entrusted to the Moderates, Sheera's existence, probably, was just like Maria's case for me, I think. And, as I encountered Basara, and having needed that fellow, Zest met Basara too, and like that──he was needed. Yuki and Kurumi-chan too, even though we had met through various ways, Basara and I altogether accepted you in the end. And, Basara, with the same feelings at that time when he helped me, was trying to help Zest."

Therefore,

"For this reason, I have to accept Zest… I think."

"Even she is the subordinate of the enemy who murdered your parents?"

Kurumi asked, and nodding with a "yes", Mio;

"But supposed that…If Zest was the one who killed my parents, I would never forgive her. But she's not… and as for opposing us, it was only in accordance with Zolgear who is her creator and as his subordinate. Then, it is just the same as with Maria being threatened on the pretext of Sheera-san's safety. In addition, Zolgear who was the main culprit for all of this was no more. Being on good terms with each other all of a sudden may be difficult, but by understanding each other little by little, I think we can."

It was the statement that made them accept the Master and Servant Contract of Basara and Zest from the bottom of their hearts. Then,

"…Big Sis?"

Looking towards the opposite direction, Kurumi asked,

"My thoughts haven't changed ever since five years ago."

Yuki said in a smooth tone.

"Even this time, I'll still follow Basara ── and for that I became stronger.'

And,

"Basara right now, in the same way as that time when he protected me five years ago, has been desperately protecting everybody… My mission is to protect his side and support him. If their thoughts are the same as I, they may be accepted as a companion separately. But if it’s the opposite──"

Suddenly, Yuki stared with cold eyes,

"──if there is an existence which seriously tries to hurt Basara, who ever that is, I won't forgive them. Even it is Zest…or even Mio and Maria"

Mio who heard it leaked a wry smile. But rather than being disgusted, it was a bitter smile that felt a certain kind of hope.

──However, Kurumi wasn't able to smile. Instead, she asked in a soft voice.

"………Even me?"

"………As I said. I would not permit any existence to seriously hurt Basara."

Therefore, the hand which was held in the hot water was clenched. Then, she gently embraced her.

"Big Sis……"

Kurumi in which her waist was held in, looked up at Yuki before her eyes with a little surprise,

"Until now, and also from now on──I know best that such behavior is impossible for Kurumi. When coming with Takashi and Shiba before, even though you said that you hate him so much, you didn't seriously try to kill Basara till the end"

Yuki smiled, and gently pat her head. From there, Mio,

"…You know, after Kurumi-chan left this morning, Did Maria go to Kurumi's place by the river afterwards to have lunch later on?"

"? Un…"

Saying in a significant tone, Kurumi nodded to her question,

"That, you see, if someone were to take Kurumi back, she should be the most suitable… well, this was because Maria volunteered for the position."

To this extent, the lunchbox was brought intentionally. As for being worried about her she understood it, but,

"Maria… she has a reason why she did it that way."

After coming to the river──Maria also had a similar feeling that was close to Kurumi.

For her worries, she was grateful, though she had been pushed down forcibly at the end, she certainly thought that she would intend to leave it unsettled for pleasure as always, but,

"…then, perhaps, even now…?"

In the Toujou Household, well, Maria had often entwined with Kurumi in various ways ── could it be that, were she doing that on purpose for the sake of Kurumi? As Kurumi yearned for gratitude to Maria,

"But, Maria's just like that, losing her calm more than usual, a fellow who has been trying to chase behind Kurumi-chan immediately. Though Kurumi-chan couldn't understand the Master and Servant Contract with Zest at once and left, that person said "I must explain it to her properly" with a straight face."

Mio's voice said with a smile.

"Eh……?"

To Kurumi who asked again in reflex,

"Well, we saying such things had gotten an adverse effect… and thus Maria went. So…"

Fufu, Mio laughed,

"We then were able to leave Kurumi-chan as it is. Maria asked the maid for a box lunch, then went to Kurumi-chan's place as soon it was ready. It took her some time, but… right now for the current Kurumi-chan, due to the influence of newly arriving to the Demon Realm, is unable to take out her original powers. It is for something to do in the meantime”

Therefore,

"Even though you didn't call out, so as to make sure you weren't in danger, Maria came out without notice. That said, there was also a guy who chased after Kurumi immediately──did you not notice?"

"...Basara, for me?"

"Yes. By the way, the maid who prepared the lunchbox which Maria took… Who do you think it is?"

"──────"

To the implied words of Mio, Kurumi wasn't able to speak anything. Then,

"Kurumi… when you get out of here, go to those two"

"………Un"

To the question urged by Yuki, Kurumi nodded obediently.

''I'll apologize to the two people properly, and give them my gratitude''──she thought strongly in her heart.

=== Part 3 ===

Kurumi however, wasn't able to tell those words of gratitude to Basara and Zest during dinner.

Before the two, Kurumi wasn't able to confess her feelings. It's because

──Basara and Zest didn't show up at the dinner table.

Basara didn't only just entered a Master and Servant Contract with Zest last night. Regarding Kurumi's affairs Basara explained midway, though Mio didn't know the reason either, it is said that Basara made a conflict with Ramses who was the present top of the moderates.

His chasing of Kurumi who have gone out this morning has become a problem, and because of that, they are forbidden from going outside the Wildart Castle. Basara was forbidden from going out of his guest room tonight, so he was unable to meet Kurumi until tomorrow morning. A maid was standing in front of his room, preventing anyone from going in and out.

In addition, Zest making the bentou which Maria brought to Kurumi, was blamed for entering the kitchen in defiance of the original order imposed to her, which was rearranging the archives.

──Normally, entering the kitchen wasn't supposed to become a huge problem.

But, even though there was Sheera's mediation, having made contract with Basara without notice to Ramses, Claus and the other moderates seemed to have quite an impact to them. Although Sheera talked to Ramses and the others to ignore the matter of the Master and Servant Contract, Basara had done another problematic conduct this time, spreading to Zest which became his subordinate. In other words,

''…both of them, it was my fault……''

Night at Wildart Castle──as the moonlight creeped in behind the courtyard, Nonaka Kurumi sat down on one knee. Before that, she was in the guest room fitted for a girl, taken care of by Mio and Yuki, until she became impossible to endure and left the room ──arriving at this courtyard.

"…though I don't intend to stand in their way with my behavior…"

Knowing how long herself been troubling everyone around her, Kurumi bore an intense self-hatred.

Then again── there were also other existences worrying about Kurumi besides Basara and Zest.

Ever since she came back from leaving the castle, she didn't see Maria’s figure at all. According to the story of Noel the housemaid, there seems to be a person who saw Maria being invited into the room of Sheera, her mother, but when she was called for dinner, there weren't even an answer inside the room. After looking inside, there were not a single sign of the two people.

……don't tell me, Maria too……?

Because she was connected to the issue with Basara, it seemed that she was also punished as Zest was.

Because of the incident with Zolgear, the situation of Maria who has betrayed Basara in order to help Sheera who was taken hostage, at present, is in a very delicate position among the Moderates. Yesterday after arriving at the Demon Realm, she was called by Lucia and was severely punished to an extent in her office.

Worrying about Kurumi, Basara went outside, but Maria didn't chase Kurumi immediately, for the reason of letting Zest prepare their lunch box. According to that point of view, Maria was connected to Basara and Zest's misconduct. Finding an opportunity for something like a false charge to find an error of the other party's behavior, then blaming them and putting one selves in an advantageous position is commonplace in politics, therefore a calm judgement is required more than anything.

"…I have to be careful"

Nonaka convinced herself once more, and put up her face which was looking down.

She has certainly troubled Basara and Zest, and may have also involved Maria ── that's why she mustn't trouble them any further. Though she is not a leading figure of the government, Mio who inherited the traits and talents from the family line of the Demon King Predecessors had set foot to the spot that greatly affected the fate of the Demon Realm. That matter in question must be borne in her mind ── As Kurumi renewed her determination, a person came and quietly stepped over the lawn of the courtyard.

"──────"

On the spur of the moment, Kurumi stiffened and stood up on the spot.

What had come was a single maid. However, that maid is different from the amiable Noel and other gentle maids, a beauty with coldness of absolute zero. After that,

"──What are you doing in a place like this?"

Looking down, Lucia approached before Kurumi's eyes. Those eyes, are the same eyes that witnessed Kurumi fall into pleasure by Basara. Recalling those as she reached in front of her,

"……nothing……I just want to be alone for now."

Reddening her cheeks in embarrassment combined with tension, Kurumi averted herself to those eyes.

"I see… ── by the way, did you see mother and my younger sister?"

"No, I didn't see them… I was here for a while, so…"

Answering honestly because it's no use to lie, Kurumi asked again on the contrary.

"You haven't seen them? I thought you had dinner with the two together…"

"Yes. They seemed to have disappeared somewhere. I don't know where."

"Are they ok? That… they may be dragged into some trouble?"

Kurumi became uneasy of Maria not returning. Then,

"Don't worry about it. Mother and little sister's disappearing is because they are running away from me."

"Eh…?"

"Though I can't tell you the details, those two are fine… rather, this would be a whole lot better. It's just because they had done a selfish behavior without me noticing."

"I-is that so…"

Though she said it displeasingly, No serious tone was seen in those words of Lucia. Perhaps, those two extravagant people have conducted a behavior that angered her.

Knowing that Maria is safe, Kurumi heaved a sigh of relief.

"…On a side note, I cannot help but admire them very much."

Saying so in reproving tone, Lucia touched those cheeks softly.

"I have received the report of the story of Basara-dono and Zest. About those two having been blamed, perhaps you may feel responsible, but…if you're all alone in this place, you will only make those people around you worried for nothing again. You shouldn't become a stupid daughter who repeats the same mistake over and over."

"………"

As she said in a gentle voice, Kurumi looked down and remained silent.

Lucia, in the present top of the Moderates ── is the adjutant of Ramses. Typical to politics, although they have the same agreement to avoid Mio become a Demon King, because Ramses is harsh to Mio, they have a complicated relationship and are emotionally fighting against each other.

──But now, Lucia was gentle to Kurumi. The first time she saw her, she could only think of her as a coldhearted woman, and when the succubus' baptism was poured in front of her in her office, she even felt awe in her overwhelming force. However ── when she came to see the state of Kurumi and Maria later on, it became a cool atmosphere that lets you feel the gentleness inside, and when Kurumi tried to use the spirit magic at the Demon Realm, she even gave a darkness-colored element to her.

Certainly, she thought that Lucia wasn't interested in the likes of Kurumi, but,

"──that reminds me, how was the condition of the element that I handed over?"

She said so, continuing the conversation.

"I heard that you went to the river and tried it in various ways."

"Though I can execute it… usually, as compared to the power at that time that I spent in the Human Realm, it was awful."

Without understanding why Lucia paid attention to her, Kurumi waved her neck from side to side.

Yesterday, Maria can exercise it to a playful degree without a problem from the bathtub of the large indoor bath.

However, it was far too ineffective to be used against an opponent in battle. Thereupon,

"…Can I see your state for a moment?"

As requested by Lucia, Kurumi materialized the Soul Purity Gauntlet on her left hand, and switched the main slot to the darkness element that she got from her. As Lucia took her left hand,

"──────"

She stared at the dark colored crystal ball fitted into the slot patiently.

──in this situation, Kurumi shouldn't get along well with Lucia this much.

However, she got this from her. she cannot refuse if she wanted her to show it to her,

…besides,

The relationship between Maria and Lucia, though they are sisters, is a little constrained in some way. Therefore, Kurumi who can get along well with Maria to have an interaction with Lucia, as long as their relationship improved even a little── Kurumi wants to be useful to them.

…it's also because,

Kurumi too, after the tragedy five years ago── after Basara left the village, her relationship with her elder sister Yuki became somewhat awkward. However, when Basara was made to fight when the village assumed Mio as an extermination target, Kurumi and Yuki's relationship was restored because of that.

── Of course, she doesn't think that she can do the same thing as Basara. Yet this morning, Maria worried about Kurumi and chased after her. For Maria's sake, she wants to repay this kindness even a little──Kurumi is willing to do what she can. Then,

"I see……certainly, it appears that it is still in its sleeping state."

"…sleeping state?"

To Kurumi who asked like a parrot in return, Lucia nodded with a "yes".

"Just like what I already told you, divine protection of a high ranking spirit dwells in this element. However, that doesn't mean that it has an effect of protecting the user. Only a part of a young spirit body resides in this crystal ball, separating it from the high ranking spirit."

"That means… it's the same as our 'sacred treasures' so to speak?"

The Demonic Sword『Brynhildr』of Basara and the Spirit sword 『Sakuya』of Yuki, and also the Soul Spear 『Byakko』that Takashi used in the Extermination mission of Mio. Each weapon alone possesses a strong power, but that's not all. If it has recognized its user like Yuki, the user can utilize its original abilities at its maximum power.

"Yes. If you can perfectly establish a bond and unite with the spirit, the element will be awakened, and will come to lend you its original power."

Simply because there is no "established bond with the spirit" that Lucia says, Kurumi's condition is still the same as she showed Maria by the river. To her who fell silent,

"──The “Negative<ref> Kanji 負 in the original, also means minus</ref>” part inside yourself, accept it."

Lucia said with eyes staring at her.

"As you know, there exists the『Holy attribute』and the 『Dark attribute』, and the Hero Tribe can borrow both of these powers. Basically, just like when you operate on "Positivity<ref> Kanji 正 in the original, also means plus</ref>", to use the Dark Attribute, we the Demon Race utilize it using "Negativity"… however, this "Positive" and "Negative" rather than good and evil, has a concept that is almost near as the plus and minus <ref> written in Katakana</ref> or positive and negative values of temperature." '''(!)'''

And now,

"Perhaps until now, to establish a contract with the "Positive" spirits in order to borrow their power in this world, you have also tried to be "positive" by yourself. To appeal to the spirits in order to borrow reasonable power… naturally, that is the right way to perform it in the human world. It's because most of the spirits in your world belong to the "positive" state."

However,

"That method does not apply in this Demon Realm. In this world where Dark Magic is strong, most of the spirits here exist in the "negative" state. Even if you appeal as "Positive", spirits will only be cautious. Rather than that, I'm surprised that you had borrowed power in that way even a little."

After telling her, Lucia quietly embraced Kurumi, and then,

"Ah………"

"There's no need to fear thinking that as a mistake. Both the positive and negative are parts of you…… if you understand these things properly and communicate with a spirit, they should respond to you for sure."

"……I understand. I'll give it a try."

In the arms of Lucia, Kurumi honestly nodded. Then,

"…………"

The beautiful maid succubus softly applied a little more force to her embrace.

Then──the hand which rested in her waist fell down for some reason, and softly touched Kurumi's butt. Putting up some fingers, to that fingerwork that felt and stoked the place accurately,

"Uhm……Lucia-sa……Hyaaan?"

Sniffling sweetly, her body wiggled and raised a discomfited cry. Afterwards,

"Nonaka Kurumi……you are too good after all"

Lucia said in an amorous voice.

"Yesterday, from the time when Basara did it with you, as I thought──You are very cute"

Then, her fingers made a snap. In an instant,

All of the sewn clothes of Kurumi were removed, and pieces of cloth fell to the ground in a blink of an eye. Even the bra disintegrated, and in just a moment made Kurumi with only a single piece of panty,

"────Nuu!?"

She tried to scream in reflex, but her lips are sealed gently by the hand of Lucia.

"Do not be surprised. The skill of this level, is a very easy task for me who has mastered the maid's work."

Kurumi, who was told for granted, as she was pushed down on top of the lawn with her mouth being blocked up,

"……!"

''This is bad,'' and as Kurumi whose flustered instincts tried to escape from the hands of Lucia,

''……ah……''

After witnessing Lucia's pair of eyes looking down at her, she forgot to resist in an instant. What was over there, in truth was the reverse of the usual coldhearted eyes of Lucia──romantic eyes which seemed to be totally charged with heat. Those eyes, similar to Maria’s expression as she trained her to become the girl of Basara's preference,

"During the day in the Demon Realm, it seemed that you had done it with Maria in broad daylight … in that case, this time in the broad moonlight of the Demon Realm, I will fill you with lots of love."

With the background of the waning moon on her shoulder, Lucia put her hand inside Kurumi's underwear──but then,

"──Lucia-sama"
Suddenly, two maids appeared nearby from the side of a certain bush. In contrast with Kurumi becoming shocked all of a sudden, Lucia who remained calm while her mouth was held down,

"……what is it?"

"Just now, Maria was found at the third floor of the west tower."

"However, capturing aside we barely even managed to reach her… at present, she is being chased by several people."

To that report, Lucia’s pupils regain its calmness,

"I see… what about mother?"

"The whereabouts of Sheera-sama is still…"

"……Very well. If we manage to capture Maria, we will make her spit out her story and end this. Nina, to those who are chasing that child, don't lose sight until my transmission."

"──Understood"

To those words of Lucia, the maid called Nina turned back her heels and ran,

"Lucy……for you, send her to her room in place of me. Then"

"Mend her clothes, isn't it? ── Please leave it to me, Lucia-sama"

Lucy replies with a nod, and as Lucia released her hand away from Kurumi's mouth,

"After doing a little rough thing, then stopping just before reaching the good part, I'm very sorry… I have to go to punish that younger sister of mine."

Seemingly reluctant to part,

"As for the continuation of this, next time…"

"Ple-Please, don’t worry about it……Really."

Kurumi said while her face reddened. It will really trouble her if they continue this later── In fact, she wanted to forget everything that happened in this courtyard to begin with.

"──In that case"

Lucia followed after Nina who went ahead and ran to the other side of the courtyard.

Kurumi who was left sunk down on the lawn above in her underwear.

"Good for you, Kurumi-dono. Lucia-sama seems to be very pleased with you."

"Yeah, to the point of disintegrating my clothes and pushing me down…"

To the sarcasm that Kurumi returned, Lucy without minding at all,

"You don't have to worry about the clothes, because I'll make it over properly in return…"

As she picked up and gathered the pieces of her tattered clothes,

"Well then, Kurumi-dono… Please wait for a little bit. Because you probably won't be able to come back to the room in that figure, I will bring something for you to wear."

Then at that timing,

"──No, that won’t be necessary♪"

Just beside Lucy, a succubus younger than Maria appeared suddenly.

"Eh……?" "──Sheera-sama!?"

To Kurumi who became dumbfounded, Lucy who was startled leaned back and made a stance, but she was too late. Sheera, as she stuck her forehead to the forehead of Lucy, while looking into her eyes,

"──Return to your room alone, and begin mending Kurumi’s clothes."

"……………Yes, Sheera-sama"

Then, Lucy’s eyes became drowsy and returned an obedient nod to Sheera at once.

"If you are asked by Lucia when she returns, well… tell her that Kurumi came back to Mio's room first── is that Ok?"

As Lucy nodded with a "yes" at Sheera's order, she returned inside the building and went just as it is.

"……………"

Kurumi who's thoughts couldn't catch up with the sudden events,

"That was a close call, Kurumi-chan……but now that I've come, it's already OK♪"

The moment she said so, the Loli-Mom-Succubus smiled.

=== Part 4 ===

After the incident in the courtyard, Kurumi was invited by Sheera and was taken to her private room.

Though she really wanted to return immediately to the rooms of Mio and Yuki to express her true feelings,

"──if you were to return with that appearance, Yuki-chan and Mio-chan will definitely worry again you know?"

As she said so, her will to go back to the room wavered. She who wanted to be alone said "I need some fresh air for a moment" and left the room, but if she were to return wearing only a single panty, everyone will surely get worried.

Not wanting such thing to happen, Kurumi obeyed Sheera's words. And, even though the room is identical to what Mio was using, Kurumi was led to a more gorgeous space.

Though it's inferior to the guest rooms which Kurumi and the others use that emphasizes more people, the space had excellent quality decorated with luxurious furniture, eloquently indicating the rank of Sheera's position among the Moderates. And now,

"Uhm……Why am I, in this appearance……"

Forced to sit before a high quality dresser, Kurumi raised a perplexed voice.

"Well, you will catch a cold if you continue to remain in your underwear forever, right?"

"But…… these clothes are a bit......uncomfortable for me……"

Kurumi said shamefully, dropping her gaze down below. There, her figure wearing a sexy blue baby doll negligee that reaches her bellybutton with thin laces that see through the tips of her chest lasciviously, even more, a T-back setup with matching garter belts and fishnet stockings reached her own eyes.

"…………"
Kurumi reddened her cheeks in intense shyness. Then,

"Ah……as expected from my excellent daughter, these materials are great! ～"

Behind her back, Sheera who wore a luxurious necklace said gleefully while standing over a stool. As she readjusted the position of the large jewel hanging on her chest,

"And, its done── how is it?"

She said, satisfied. Kurumi who was asked for her opinion raised her face unwillingly, and with reddened cheeks, looked at her own figure being projected in the mirror.

"──────"

She was speechless. What Sheera had put on Kurumi, though it's different when put on Mio and Yuki, was an underwear which looks like too adult-like for her who is a junior high school student. And yet──No, for this reason,

''…for me to become like this…''

Kurumi who had undergone a complete transformation with an indecent underwear, couldn't hide her surprise. With her youthful face and her developing body with traces of immaturity completely standing out as she wore them, the unbalanced lasciviousness──the appearance that even Mio and Yuki who weren't born in that figure would never reach, a taboo-like beauty.

"Fufu, you look rather happy." "…Ho-how can I be happy with something like this …?"

[[Image: SMnT V06 007.png|thumb]]

As she looked back panicking in denial, Sheera had already descended from the stool and was going to the center of the room. She took a teapot at the table, and then,

"Come over here……I made some hot milk"

A dull-white colored liquid was poured out of the pot. And as Kurumi sat down in front of Sheera, a cup was handed to her──a faint sweet aroma spread all at once.

"…………"

Kurumi who received the cup hesitated to drink immediately. However,

"Playing tricks to one's drink is only a work done by a worthless man; I don't imitate it. Supposedly, if I want do something to Kurumi-chan, I will do a more elaborate method in a way that I can enjoy myself more in various ways."

Sheera's childish eyes turned cold for a moment, then sip her share.

"──If it suits you, why don't you give it a try?" "N-No……I'm sorry"

Kurumi apologized immediately. Though she had a childish figure right now, Sheera was once a great succubus that is famous all over the demon realm, and Kurumi is only just a little girl. Though she doing such behavior will only hurt her pride as a succubus badly, she didn't know what she had done. As she put out her lips to the hot milk which Sheera made,

"…………Delicious"

With a warm and pleasant feeling, she muttered over the mild taste unintentionally.

"It seems that it suites your taste. Good."

Observing Sheera who smiled, Kurumi put her mouth to the cup again while heaving a sign of relief.

And this time, she felt the hot milk warming up inside her body.

"──About Zest having a Master-Servant Contract with Basara, does it disappoint you that much?"

"…………"

As she saw Sheera, Kurumi whose mind is still wandering in the clouds momentarily held her breath.

"I heard it from Maria this morning. That daughter of mine was really troubled you know?"

"Is it because I'm the only one who opposed Basara's Master and Servant Contract…?"

As Kurumi asked in a stiff voice in reflex, the young succubus smiled wryly.

"No. I understand your feelings, but I want to clear it in my mind somehow, however it seems that I can't do it by myself. It's somewhat really irritating…I say"

"Such a thing bothers you…?"

"And I'm also anxious whether Lucia-chan did or did not make passes at you. "Kurumi is only mine!" or something like that"

"……I don't belong to anybody in particular!"

What the heck did she confess to her mother, that loli-ero-succcubus. Saying things like Maria in the daytime, as Lucia was saying a while ago, what on earth do they want to demand Kurumi to that intense?

"Uhm……am I releasing some kind of pheromone that makes a succubus excited?"

"──────"

To Kurumi who asked with upturned eyes, Sheera's eyes rounded from surprise. Then,

"I see…those daughters should think you're very cute."

"What do you mean?"

"Because you're so pure and defenseless, that they want to teach you various things"

To her who stared blankly, Sheera ‘fufu’ smiled.

"Hey, Kurumi-chan. To you, me who is the mother of those daughters, while being dressed in such clothes, asking whether it excites me, perhaps──"

As she said, with her eyes became like a snake eyeing for its prey,

"──Are you saying that you want to do it with me, too?"

"?! No……I, I don't really mean by that at all!"

"Fufu……just kidding. If I make passes at you, it would be really bad for Maria"

As she denied it in a hurry while blushing in an instant, Sheera returned her snake-like eyes to its former innocent ones. Feeling relieved from the bottom of her heart,

"I have troubled that child in various ways during the incident with Zolgear………So if my cute daughter consulted her worries, as a mother, it makes me really want to help her, right?"

"So that’s why, I, in this room……?"

"Yes. By the way, that baby doll was my present to Lucia-chan from a long time ago. It’s a gem that I took pride of, but unfortunately, that child didn't wear it, not even once……so I sneaked into her room and stole it in secret. Because it was stowed it's likely to be hidden in the depths of her closet, so I have searched that closet from inside and out with Maria♪"

In addition to that,

"During the search in which we had found various things like her old diary or album from a long time ago along the way, Lucia-chan came back to the room, so I seized Maria in the scruff of her neck and threw her towards Lucia and escaped. ──though it appears that Maria seemed to have escaped well, too"

So that explains why Lucia was looking for Sheera and Maria. As Kurumi was shocked by this,

''"The other reason is……I’m the one who incited Basara to enter a Master-Servant Contract with Zest"''

As Sheera "Have you heard about it?" inquired, Kurumi who contorted her face a little responded.

"………Yes. Basara told me the details during breakfast"
words
"I’m also partly responsible for the vexation Kurumi-chan is holding…… These words don't really mean as an apology, but I think your feelings have become lighter this time"

Well,

"This is something serious for Maria and Mio-chan, you know?…… so I have to tell the truth in order to ease these feelings"

"What do you mean about the truth?"

Knitting her eyebrows in inquiry,

"Oh my……Is it alright to say this?"

The child-like succubus said with a light sneer,

"Are you jealous of Zest? ── Is it because even though you're also yearning for Basara, you couldn't enter a master-servant contract with him?"

"────"

Kurumi blushed at Sheera's sudden remark. In response to the reaction of that person who has been hit by a bull's eye,

"Come on, Kurumi-chan…… If all you did is to receive all that indecent teasing from Maria, your feelings will never catch up with Mio and Yuki you know?"

With her pupils turning like the snake's, she said that as if she had seen through the depths of Kurumi's heart.

"Like you, it’s also a big deal for Maria who couldn't enter a Master and Servant Contract with Basara, you see? Besides, Maria is indebted to Basara, whom she betrayed regarding the matter of Zolgear. You tried to eliminate Mio-chan by the orders of the 《Village》, and have fought against Basara too, and for that, this child who is mentally indebted thought of you as a companion in a similar situation"

"No……I'm different…"

To Kurumi who denied with a bitter expression,

"Is that so? If that's true then don't you think it's impossible for you to get along well with Zest?"

"That’s──…"

"Mio-chan has the pretext with Zolgear, and unlike Yuki who participated in the battle, you don't have any direct grudge to Zest…… Besides, due to the fact that she's Zolgear’s subordinate, she has a higher debt than you and Maria. However, though Basara have mentioned of the possibility, you judged that he who valued Mio shouldn't exchange a master and Servant Contract with Zest"

The reason why is,

"Because she inherited the power of Wilbert, for the sake of solving her problem of being the target of the current Demon Lord Faction, coming to this world should have taken a grave determination with a big anxiety for Mio-chan… so it should be too cruel for her to accept Zest who was the subordinate of Zolgear who harmed her foster parents, as a companion.”

Nevertheless, Sheera said:

"……As for Basara having entered a Master-Servant Contract with her that easily…… for Zest, she has a debt similar to you who was once an enemy of Basara. Mio and Yuki whom you thought should get mad and object them, had accepted Basara and Zest's Master and Servant Contract, contrary to your expectations."

Therefore,

"In the spur of a moment, it has been decided that you'll raise your voice in protest in place of Mio and Yuki under the pretext of Zolgear, so you justified yourself out of jealousy and criticized the contract of Basara and Zest. But since Mio has forgiven such a thing, it didn't have any meaning…… for this reason, it became impossible for you to endure the atmosphere and went out of the dining room"

Then, Sheera spoke her finishing words at last.

"──Would you like to enter a master-servant contract with Basara?"

Kurumi who was asked the main question trembled. However──after a moment of silence,

"………No."

She gave out a voice of denial to answer her own question, then a wry smile formed in front of her eyes.

“Anyway, it’s not possible for you to enter a Master and Servant Contract with Basara after all. Well, You might think, why not?...... I think Basara-san understands the reason, probably."

After all, Sheera thought,

Perhaps──''he is already aware of my true mission.''

"………and what will that be?"

"well, I wonder……"

Kurumi turned a sharp glance to Sheera, but she returned with a calm smile.

"But, it's apparent that the person who made the master and servant contract is more advantageous if we are to fight in this world……Yet Basara didn't do so, because he treats you with great care. When you had to do that in front of Lucia-chan, didn't Basara touch you only for patching things up for the moment?"

"…………"

"Yes……You know it perfectly well. On top of that, you ran away, opposite of your real intention. In war, it's important to attack the enemy's weak point ── for the current Demon Lord Faction, the present you will be an easy target, right? You who always worry and hesitate, causing you to suffer. Not to mention yourself, are you even aware that you are exposing Basara and the others to danger too?”

"────Then how should I do it!?"

As Kurumi declared sardonically, she reached her limit of patience and raised her voice at last.

"You shouldn't make a Master and Servant Contract with Basara……it' absolutely no good!”

Sheera understood the risk. If Kurumi were to enter a Master and Servant Contract with Basara, and if it were to be found out by the 《Village》, all will be finished. If she were to become known to have a contract with the Magic of the Demon Race, Kurumi will be punished without hearing her talk. If the 《Village》were to launch an investigation in full scale, it will be noticed immediately that Yuki had entered a Master and Servant Contract. If so, then the responsibility will extend to their parents, and the《Village》will not overlook Basara and Mio this time.

''……I must not let this happen by all means……''

I will protect Basara and the others──that's the reason why I came over. There,

"──Nothing. As I said, entering a Master and Servant Contract is impossible"

"Eh………?"

As Sheera said indifferently, she was stared with round eyes.

"That's because──even if you are being jealous of others and cannot make a Master-Servant Contract with Basara, I have a method for you not to feel a sense of inferiority. By doing that of course, becoming a weak point for Basara and the others will be nullified."

"Such thing……How?"

“Face your true feelings…… didn't Lucia-chan talked about this too? Not only to take pride of feelings of righteousness<ref> (正しい) Righteousness contains the kanji 正 meaning Positive/plus</ref>, but also to accept the weak『Minus』part as well. Not only you will be able to make a contract with a spirit…..but you will also be liberated from your suffering right now."

Sheera corrected.

"Because that feeling of yours is a feeling of yearning for somebody, it won't be able to let go if you keep holding it all alone. If you want to face it seriously, you'll have to convey it to your partner properly, right?"

"Convey to my partner……"

Kurumi muttered softly. Sheera then nodded.

"Have you looked at Mio-chan and Yuki-chan when the curse of the Master and Servant contract activates? Those children who have obtained guilty feelings being eased, from just the existence of being lead by their feelings, and this talk isn't only limited to the person who entered the Master and Servant Contract”

Therefore,

"Go face its way……to the place of the person whom your feelings have to go to. When you were able to become honest with yourself, there will be no need to think that you will become a burden to Basara and the others. If you do so, the spirits of this world will surely answer to you."

"But, I can't meet Basara tonight……"

Because of Kurumi, Basara is banned from going out. So not to add more of this, she mustn't trouble Basara and intrude for her own convenience. However,

"It's alright. My Space Tunnel is connected to the guest room which Basara uses. Besides, that baby doll negligee that you wear, didn't I say that it was the gem of my pride?"

Sheera with great confidence said,

"as long as you wear it, your voice and the other the person's voice who is looking at you will never be heard to the other parties. It has that magical effect."

"? Why does it have such a function……?"

Though it's certainly convenient for her, Kurumi who seemed dubious asked.

"eeh, that's ──"

That time, Sheera smiled. Suddenly, Kurumi noticed that her body was feeling hot.

"Huh? Eh……what is……"

Although she was in such appearance, it became strangely hot. The moment she thought so Kurumi who fanned with her hand,

"Nn ──……Fuaaaaan ♥"

As the wind that was fanned by hand swept the scruff of her neck ── Kurumi leaked a sweet moan.

''…No, No way…this is……?''

A sweet, hearttending sense swelled up inside her body……the one that Kurumi knew of too well. In other words,

"Yes. The other effects given to the baby doll negligee with multiplex structure, is that it has a delayed action that will bring a strong aphrodisiac effect to the one who wears it"

Sheera revealed the secret to Kurumi.

"However, different from the baptism of the succubus and the curse of the Master and Servant contract, it will also have an effect that invokes『charm』towards its surroundings"

"Nn…… this『charm』……should I, to the partner…"

"Yes── you will absolutely be in a situation that not a single voice will come out you know? Therefore, try not to be noticed other than the person concerned, as later on you two will no longer hear voices around you."

Well, Sheera said.

"Besides me who is the maker, 『charm』isn't effective on a person unless it meets a certain condition……but feel relieved, because it will certainly work for Basara and you."

"……was I deceived……?"

Within intense horny condition, Kurumi who desperately tried took of the lingerie off,

"Nfufu, you should better stop. Your horny condition won't be solved even if it's taken off until you satisfy the right conditions…… it will only grow even stronger if you try to take it off all by yourself"

After she said so, Sheera who tried to approach over the table said:

"Besides, you know I'm not the type who tells lies right? I don't do something as boorish as playing tricks on someone's drink, and that negligee you're wearing right now really suits you well……Also, the obstinate you have no choice but to become obedient in front of Basara, so that Basara can do you to the extent without you being jealous with the other girls again, because that's his intention for you in the first place"

"……Basara is…...with me……"

Kurumi gulped down hard.

"……then, just like elder sister and Mio……?"

To Kurumi right now whose consciousness began to melt by her horny condition, Sheera's words seemed so charming like a whisper of the devil. Then, as if adding insult to the injury,

"Yes. Coming from the Hero Tribe, Basara has a bit magic resistance against『Charm』but there's no need to go on the verge of losing his sanity ……there's no need to worry."

However,

"But ──once he say that he doesn't really hate Kurumi, that horny condition of yours will be cured right away. It's an easy task for me who made the underwear, and it's because I don't want to bully you particularly."

However,

"If you really want to be freed from that state, if you want to really help Basara and everyone, please be serious from then on……I'll be there to support you. Now go, to the person who will liberate you from your suffering ── to the place where Toujou Basara is"

Saying those words to that extent, her resistance is already futile. Her situation, her condition, all of them urged the current Kurumi to go under Basara. Therefore,

"…………"
After Nonaka Kurumi took a gulp, she conveyed her wish to Sheera with a quivering voice.

=== Part 5 ===

After carrying the dinner to his guestroom.

Toujou Basara who immersed himself with training in his room every day washed off his sweat in the bathroom’s equipment.

──And now, as he turned his back on the bed, he rearranged his present circumstances.

Now is the night of the second day they came to the Demon Realm. Though it's quite different from his first assumption, many have already moved in parallel with the situation, though several problems that need dealing with and necessary interaction have arisen.

Among them, he didn't imagine Ramses who desired the power of Wilbert which Mio inherited refused to have a talk with him.

……Well,

On the day they arrived in the Demon Realm, he didn't think that he would enter a Master and Servant Contract with Zest.

Of course, considering the situation he had put Zest in was the best choice. Basara didn't regret having entered a Master and Servant Contract with her. Even with complicated feelings, Mio and the others still consented. But──there is one person who was against his Master and Servant Contract with Zest.

"…………Kurumi"

Because of the incident in the dining room this morning, Basara muttered the name of the girl he wasn't able to talk to softly.

Zest in the past completely fought against Basara as an enemy. For Kurumi who is an active member of the Hero Tribe, she would obviously reject the contract by all means. Though Yuki seemed to have accepted somehow, she who has gone to the point of going against Takashi and defying the orders of the 《Village》 in order to protect Basara, is a special exemption. As Kurumi had said, she was ordered to become Yuki's support and monitor the situation from the 《Village》, in case Mio was being targeted again by S-class Demon Race such as Zolgear, in order for the damage not to appear in the Human Realm, that's why she came to Basara's place again.

''……perhaps, monitoring Yuki is also included in that order, too.''

Therefore, the worst case scenario is not only Mio, Maria, even Basara ── to get rid of them all together with Yuki, the 《Village》 won't restrict themselves to launch that order for sure. As for Kurumi having chosen as a double agent, did the elders judge that they could investigate this trend without him being cautious if it was her?

……or.

Did Kurumi volunteer to avoid the harm being extended to her elder sister Yuki at any cost? ── Or maybe both? Although Basara entering a Master and Servant contract not only to Mio but also to Yuki already became a problem of the Demon Race, if it were to be known that he entered a Master and Servant Contract with Zest who was a subordinate of Zolgear, the 《Village》 might eventually regard Basara as a dangerous existence. Yuki's situation right now will only worsen more, too. Thinking at Kurumi's viewpoint, it's natural for it to be unforgivable for her.

Still, Sheera has urged him to have a Master-Servant Contract with Zest, but it meant that he was now in a situation where he had driven her into a corner. Basara couldn't leave Zest alone like this──entrusting her to the Moderates, Basara reassured that in particular.

"──────"

Towards the ceiling, Toujou Basara stared at the back of his left hand.

──They are something I want to protect.

Mio and Maria who became his sisters-in-law, and Yuki who is his childhood friend have become like a family to him. And Zest newly joined there, too. However, there is one who cannot accept it the same as them – it was Kurumi.

Just like Yuki from a long time ago…… She was already valued like their younger sister from her discretion. There is the tragedy five years ago, and even though they fought a few days ago, Basara had already thought of Kurumi as a member of his family he wanted to protect no matter what. However ──he cannot leave Zest alone. Even if it will be called a selfish whitewashing.

Even then, Toujou Basara will never hand them over ── no one, not any one.

Basara in silence firmly grasped his left hand which he pushed out towards the ceiling,but from his distance, a dry sound rang twice unexpectedly. It was a knock from the door to the hallway. As he descended from his bed, Basara moved from the bedroom to the living room and then,

"──Yes"

Demanding a reply from the other party, he made a short answer with all caution.

"……it is Zest. Basara-sama, I apologize to call you at this late hour."

Basara suddenly knitted his eyebrows to the familiar voice. Meeting other members is completely forbidden tonight, and if he wasn't mistaken, Zest should have certainly given an order of rearranging the archives in the library.

Then, Basara──using the position detection of the Master and Servant Contract just to make sure──after knowing it was really Zest on the other side,
He opened the door. Then the beautiful brown-skinned maid stood there.

"What happened, at time like this──?"

Then, Basara noticed that there is no figure of the lookout that should have been here a while ago.

"……what about the maid on the lookout?"

"She exchanged places with me and returned to her room……from now on, I'll be in charge of this place until tomorrow morning."

It seems like these maids have their own respective works, too. Basara's restriction will be until tomorrow morning, so in order for them not to stay up all night and interfere with the duties they’re in charge of the next day, to Basara's problem which caused them trouble, have they judged that he's suitable to let Zest become his subordinate?

"Is that so? Sorry about that, Zest……Zest?"

Basara knitted his eyebrows all of a sudden. The body of Zest before his eyes is shaking a little. And then,

"──────"

In a moment, Zest fell down, so Basara embraced her at once.

"What happened......are you alright?"

Basara noticed the bruise-like collar appeared from the surface of her neck. Then,

"You, why……?"

The curse doesn't activate if the person doesn't have a guilty conscience at its master. It should be rare for Zest who became obedient as a maid to have such feelings for Basara.

…No, not until now.

He cannot let Zest stay on the corridor in this condition.

"I'll carry you to the room……it’s fine Zest."

As Basara said so, he carried Zest and brought her in to his room.

He cannot let her in this constitution lay like this in the sofa of the living room. Therefore, Basara decided to use the other bedroom different from what he's using. And when he laid Zest down the bed,

"……I'm sorry, Basara-sama……I'm so sorry……"

Zest who thought to have bothered Basara apologized many times.

"It's alright, you don't need to apologize……the curse will only get stronger so don't think of it too much, okay?"

As Basara told her, he exposed Zest's bare chest while trying not to see it as possible.

"Now, take a deep breath, slowly……"

He spoke to her gently and urged her to calm down. Whenever Yuki and Mio's curse activated lightly, he exercise this kind of action. If she wasn't relieved by this, then he will have no other choice but to yield her to pleasure to ease the feeling. Then, following his words, as Zest commenced to take deep breaths,

"────"

Basara averted his glance momentarily. As Zest who has bountiful chest took deep breaths in such state where her bare chest was exposed to light, with those soft bulges rising and falling lasciviously, the stimulation is too strong for Basara who has fully tasted that sensation last night. It made him want Zest to surrender to her desires, but

''……Are you an idiot, me……!''

Basara desperately gave up. If he were to make Zest submit without understanding the reason why the curse activated, it will be no longer a master-servant relationship for them.

As Basara suppressed himself, Zest's curse settled down after a short while.

<center><big>＊＊＊＊＊＊＊</big></center>

"What the, Zest… how did this happen?"

Basara asked for the cause while looking at her with anxiety.

"I’m very sorry. I had endured this for a long time, but……"

Rising up from the bed, Zest apologized while lowering her gaze.

Then, she spoke the reason why the curse of the Master-servant Contract triggered. That is,

"Because Basara-sama had entered a Master-Servant Contract with me, who has been part of the incident concerning Mio-sama, a discord has begun to occur among everyone…… for that, I cannot bear to meet Basara-sama and the others."

While entering a Master-Servant Contract, Zest worried that she may cause a problem to Basara, and that triggered her curse. Basara said to Zest that it was alright, so she surrendered herself to pleasure and made her at ease. After Basara told them, Mio and the others had accepted her entering the contract with him……but when Kurumi ran away from the dining room, the curse had come out, but she got it over somehow thanks to Basara and the others' support. After that, she planned on asking Kurumi for her forgiveness when she returned to the castle.

…However,

She wasn't able to make it. She was criticized because of using the kitchen for Kurumi without permission, instead of arranging the archives of the library which was ordered to her.

……Even so,

Zest thought she made the right choice. It wasn't anything in particular. The real problem is,

"The fact that I entered a master-servant contract with Basara-sama caused you to be confined in this situation……because of the contract with me, I have brought trouble to Basara-sama."

Zest is the reason why Kurumi ran out of the dining room, and why Basara who followed after her was subjected to punishment. A disorder occurred to his team, all after Zest made a contract with Basara.

''──this is bad'', Zest thought. The current Demon Lord Faction is a powerful enemy. Even if we have a chance to win if we take absolute precaution, it will be too dangerous to face them to a battle with our current condition. Therefore,

"Basara-sama……if Basara-sama prefers, it's alright"

''Simply because I love you dearly more than anyone else'' ── Zest proposed to her master. With her face that seemed to burst into tears,

"To Sheera-sama, please cancel the master-servant contract with me……"

"──────"

Basara made a stiff expression to the words of Zest. She making such a face filled Basara's chest with pain.

──But the curse of the Master-Servant Contract didn't activate. Basara who is her master, was convinced that this is the best choice. But, As Zest thought that he should give up on her, Basara made a sigh, and said,

"No. that won’t be necessary"

He clearly declared── but Zest still doubted her ears.

"Wh-why……? The way things are going, Basara-sama and the others will be in dange──"

"──Certainly, Both Kurumi and I might have lacked composure this morning"

Basara interrupted with strong words.

"But for example, if we were to cancel our Master and Servant contract here, even if we solved the problem of Kurumi's feelings……another problem will surely come out next time"

"Another problem……?"

Basara replied with a 'Yes'.

"I have entered a Master-Servant Contract with you because I thought it was absolutely necessary, and that there is no other way around. If we were to cancel the contract here, then I won't be able to retain my composure anymore"

"……Basara…sama……"

As if Basara said something unbelievable, Zest stared in blank surprise.

"If you thought that I was brought to a difficult situation because of you, then it's even more painful for Kurumi right now…… I want to end this without anyone suffering any further. For this, we have no choice but to ease Kurumi's feelings right now."

Basara's words continued, and then──little by little, Zest understood how much she had yearned for him. Basara just made a Master-Servant contract yesterday, to her, who is a former enemy, and even said that she's important.

"Ah──…"

Zest then noticed that there was something overflowing beneath her eyes.

As she touched it softly, Zest felt a wet but warm feeling.

She cried.

She stared in utter amazement at the young man who regarded her with outmost importance. And as she entrusted her body to him, Basara hugged Zest tightly on the bed.

"I don't intend to hand you over to anyone…that's the reason I made a Master-Servant Contract with you. Therefore, please don't regret entering a master-servant contract with me, and believe that our contract is not a mistake."
In this moment ──Zest, to the entire existence of Basara, the young man in front of her eyes, she decided to dedicate all of herself to him. She felt happiness......true happiness.

"……Yes, Basara-sama……"

Conveying how strong she held these thoughts, she embraced Basara with all her strength.

Basara then gently stroke her back.

"……Thank you very much……it's alright now."

Before long, Zest regained her presence of mind and stopped her tears, then as she separated to his body, Basara averted his eyes in a hurry. Upon noticing that her breasts have been exposed,

"I apologize, Basara-sama……to this unsightly appearance"

"No, I'm sorry for doing something shameful to you…"

To the blushing Zest aside, as she hid her large chest by her arm, Basara gave an apology. Because he treated her as a woman with great care,
"……this is no good, Basara-sama, saying something… like that…"
"? Zest?"
Shaking his head to set aside the unbearable feeling, Basara stared blankly.

──why Basara, to her nakedness, it probably told her.

Zest was Basara's maid── despite this, he saw her as a woman.

When Zest thought so, her whole body shook from so much joy.

"I am your maid, Basara-sama……"

Zest leaned on Basara with clouded eyes. She couldn't endure it anymore. She wanted to serve Basara, she wanted him to seek his happiness──such thoughts couldn't hold back anymore, compressing everything on the word "maid".

"Zest is… Basara-sama's maid"

So, she doesn't mind whatever Basara liked to do to her── because it is her joy in itself. So as to tell him, a hot sigh reached at a distance. Then with a gulp; Basara,

"Zest──…"

To his call, as Zest approached with her lips,

──GATAN, a loud sound reverberated the wall. Zest turned around in spur of the moment, to the sound that came from the big closet beside the wall. And, from inside the closet, noticing the clear presence which did not exist a while ago,

"…… Sheera-san?"
Basara called first. Because there isn't a clear proof, his voice was tinged with caution. Sneaking in the closet of the bedroom──moreover in the middle of the night, among many places on this castle, Sheera building a space tunnel here has the highest possibility.

"Basara-sama, please leave it to me…"

Descending from the bed, Zest stopped Basara, and stood before the closet.

──This Wildart Castle is the primary base of the Moderates. Moreover, Mio who is the daughter of Wilbert is staying here right now, in addition this is currently midnight where it is easy to blend to the darkness too, so the security level has been raised to the maximum. There is not a chance for an assassin of the Current Demon Lord Faction to enter, and to think about it, there are no such assassinations having done in plain sight to begin with.

…Still,

Preparing for the worst case scenario fall on Basara, is the duty of his maid, Zest.

"──Zest"

Basara called her name, urging her not to lower her guard. With a nod, she watched the handle ──and slowly opened the double doored closet. Then,

"──────"

The moment they saw what's inside──Zest stiffened.

There was someone inside──of course, thinking something like that is obvious. But── a girl in a sensational underwear, wearing a glorious jewel was beyond their expectations.

Moreover, standing still, a body of a young maiden flushed in pink, giving off a scent of a woman.

"Kurumi-san…"

Zest called her name in shock, and as Basara came over,

"Kurumi, you…?"

He saw Kurumi in an indecent appearance, taking away all his words.

Facing Zest and Basara, Kurumi adjusted her focus with drowsy eyes,

"Nn……Haa……Basara……"

Wandering aimlessly, she sweetly uttered, collapsing on the spot.

<center><big>＊＊＊＊＊＊＊</big></center>

Toujou Basara rushed and held Kurumi who was about to fall on the floor from the closet.

Kurumi's figure, dressed in a baby doll negligee, felt surprisingly hot.

It's like she was in the state as if she's totally under the aphrodisiac curse.

"……Don't tell me, Lucia did something to you again?"

Yesterday, recalling the incident in the office of Lucia, he asked,

"No……It’s different, I……"

Kurumi spoke, in spite of writhing in agony in his arm. With eyes wet in tears alluringly,

"I was dressed by Sheera-san …and, as a result, I was brought here"

"…I knew it was Sheera-san after all"

However, there was no figure of Sheera anywhere. Perhaps, after bringing Kurumi here, she left her as it is inside the closet, and have returned immediately by herself. Then,

"…n?"

Suddenly, Toujou Basara felt his pulse throb fast. And, for some reason he was unable to separate his focus on Kurumi. Although Kurumi is alluring to begin with, he felt a sensation similar to when he was in Lucia's office yesterday. Though her baby doll figure is certainly radical, she's like Mio and Yuki yielding under the aphrodisiac curse. Nevertheless,

"……Wh, What is this……?"

Out of the desire that is the man's greed wanting to ruin Kurumi, Basara got down with both his knees on the floor while hugging her.

"──Basara-sama? Are you alright?"

Zest rushed and knelt on one knee to support him. After that,

"P-perhaps……because of this baby doll……"

Kurumi said in a sweet feverish tone.

"I right now…… to the partner that I saw, it casts『Charm』on it……"

"What a ridiculous underwear…… how can the effect be removed? Should I take it off?"

As Basara asked in behalf of his desperation, Zest nearby shook her head,

"No……in the past Sheera-sama has mentioned this for a play before…"

Zest has also received the effect of the 『Charm』. Towards Kurumi, with her eyes turning to the same color of excitement as Basara, she stated her explanation.

"Supposed that…if this is the thing which Sheera-sama presented to Lucia-sama a long time ago, the method to destroy the magic effect of the baby doll, as I remember it's only one."

"Did you know it, Zest? Then please tell me, what should I do?"

"That is…"
He asked her in desperation, then after a hesitating a little, Zest chose her words carefully.

"First, the person who puts it on who is in a horny condition, the partner who saw her must make her feel comfortable. Next, for the person who has been influenced with『Charm』, he/she needs to make contact with the said person. It was necessary to be the person who has made contact to."

And,

"Supposed that the charmed people are two or more, when both sexes is involved, the effect will be repeated over again, so to solve it, it must be in sequential order of being charmed……"'''(!)'''

"W-Wait a minute…then"
Basara who heard the explanation, stared Zest in utter amazement──the next moment, Basara felt an intense excitement with respect to Zest. Zest, on the other hand, while rubbing her inner thighs lasciviously, turned her pupils full of heat to Basara,

"Yes…..in this case, first is Basara-sama with me to Kurumi-san. Next is Kurumi-san with Basara-sama to me. Finally, Kurumi-san with me to Basara-sama …….it becomes like this" '''(!)'''

"…… It's a lie, right?……"

What is that, an underwear that promotes group sex? Basara reached his blank amazement to another level,

"I'm……Sorry……I-it's all …my …fault……"

With her eyes that will burst to tears in any moment because of the aphrodisiac state, Kurumi apologized.

"No, it's not Kurumi's fau…──"

Basara uttered, suppressing his desires in desperation while holding Kurumi in check,

"Th-that's not it……I, went to this place……because I asked"

"Wha, then──…"

Basara tried to ask something, but wasn't able to.

Because his mouth was sealed──by Kurumi's lips.

──Toujou Basara, with both hands supporting Kurumi's back, was kissed. ''What the─''─Basara, confused with the sudden event, for the time being, in order to calm Kurumi down, and put his hands on both her shoulders,

……Kurumi……?

Then, noticing something, he separated from her body.

Before Kurumi ── from the edge of her closed eyes, something streamed down her cheeks.

"………"

Kurumi was, crying while kissing him. So,

"──────"

Basara moved his hands on her shoulders to her back, and hugged her.

Because of the Charm effect, impelling him with the desire to push Kurumi down, Basara tried hard to control himself. After a short while, Kurumi separated her lips. And then,

"I, I heard…… I, with Basara, cannot enter a Master-Servant Contract……"

To her words, Basara nodded at once. Matching her guess, more so in front of himself, Kurumi cried in pain. He almost said "I know" or "you don't need to worry".

──But, Basara strongly endured this welling desire and remained silent.

Perhaps──Kurumi right now, received a cruel order from the 《Village》. To her, speaking words of comfort is easy. But, such things are only for Basara's self-satisfaction.

Kurumi "I heard" said to Basara. Then, what he should do, is to let Kurumi spit out all the pains she is holding. On top of that, accept her──just that, and think of the ways to free Kurumi from her suffering. Sheera leaving Kurumi in this condition, surely aimed for that. For the stubborn Kurumi, taking off her mask quickly in front of Basara, is impossible within her normal condition. Then,

"But……even so, I,…don't leave me out…"

Before long, Kurumi, squeezed words from the depths of her throat.

"About me…Big Sis and Mio……please treat me similar to Zest……"

While sobbing convulsively, as Kurumi mentioned her desire in desperation, Toujou Basara listened.

That is, the wish of the girl named Nonaka Kurumi kept suffering from holding all alone.

Being assigned a cruel order, wanting to avoid the situation for it to be carried out, the situation advanced towards the wrong way one after another……Still, Kurumi being unable to say the truth, suppressed it with hard feelings she had been holding all alone.

''Just how long would you be anxious……just how long would you suffer?''

Finally spitting out her wish and pains, Kurumi spilled tears like rain. More than that, she didn't say anything……or rather, she couldn't say anything anymore. Therefore,

''……It's okay now.''

Toujou Basara wished to himself──you won't need to endure it any longer.

The kindest answer to Kurumi, perhaps might be able to return their relationship as it was in the past.

Simply those, innocent memories of their childhood when they were smiling happily.

Perhaps the village, to the tragedy five years ago──was still bound to the past.

Basara too, is the same. He has not forgotten the crime that he himself had committed. But, in order to protect Mio, he cannot remain captive by the past. Mio is also in danger, in suffering…… the way to save her, exist only in the future.

And.

Now that he can never come back in the past, the way Kurumi can be saved is also in the future. Actually, Kurumi might have understood ── for this reason, she suffered even more. That's why,

"……I understand. For you not to suffer, I'll do anything"

Basara, to his childhood friend whom he loved like a younger sister, hugged with all his might.

"………"

Kurumi hugged tightly in return. And as she turn her face to the side in his arm,

"……Sorry, Zest…… because of me, I have also involved you……"

"No……the truth is, Basara-sama, I wanted to make up with the two of you."

With Kurumi apologizing with a face that's about to cry, looked down to Zest in apology. So,

"──You don't need to apologize, Zest"

After Basara saw that,

"Sheera-san is, the one who put Kurumi inside this closet……at that time, she should have certainly noticed that you were here”

The incident this morning, was caused by the Master-Servant Contract between Basara and Zest. Assuming such conduct in order to convince Kurumi, she may have thought that involving Zest might be more effective. Basara also, although he was glad that the relation of Kurumi and Zest improved,

"My bad…… probably because of the 『Charm』 effect, I cannot control myself anymore……"

Just by hugging Kurumi, his reason seemed to blow away when he relaxed his guard. Then,

"……I don't mind, for I am Basara-sama's maid"

Zest delightfully, with eyes full of heat,

"Basara-sama…… Please think of only satisfying oneself and Kurumi-san"

Then, Kurumi which also heard it,

"……I too, do me the same as Zest"

In Basara's arm, looking up at him quietly,

"Do it as promised……Basara-oniichan"

She entreated with moist eyes due to the aphrodisiac state. So,

"……I'll start"

As Toujou Basara said so and lifted Kurumi, Zest accompanied them and moved to the bed.

<center><big>＊＊＊＊＊＊＊</big></center>

Sandwiched between Basara at her front and Zest at her back, Nonaka Kurumi was laid down on the bed.

"First is, me and Zest to Kurumi……huh"

"Yes. Basara-sama, please let me help……"

With a nod, Zest replied to Basara──and reached her hands from Kurumi's back, opening the buttons of Basara's shirt. Sandwiched between the two,

''……I am truly, doing this with Basara and Zest……''

Kurumi imagined what will happen from now on, making her feel more aroused.

But ── as Zest unclothed his shirt with experienced hands, and Basara allowing her to, she felt the bond between them, making her chest feel painful in contrast,

"Basara-niichan, the kiss……"

So Kurumi promptly lifted her arm at once, and with upturned eyes, she entreated Basara to attack her armpits. Basara and Zest who have seen her, due the aphrodisiac state of Kurumi in her baby doll figure, took the 『Charm』's effects. Kurumi, thinking about the burden she brought to the two, tried to end it as soon as possible, but

……Why.

Kurumi still felt the greatest pain she had been holding ── her inferiority complex to Yuki, Mio and Zest who entered a Master-Servant Contract with Basara.

──Of course, Kurumi's underarm is her greatest erogenous zone. If Basara were to attack there, no matter how much she struggled, Kurumi will surely reach the peak with ease.

But, even if Basara attacked her armpits and made her climax immediately, and while feeling dizzy from the reverberations of the climax help Zest do him, even if she was able to do him together with Zest in the end, even if the magic effect of the baby doll is released, Kurumi's inferiority complex will not disappear.

This inferiority complex is, surely Kurumi's『negative』part which Lucia and Sheera were talking about──since she had developed more complicated feelings this far, if only she faced her weakness, have been more honest with herself, and accepted her『negative』feelings, she won't need to disregard her inferiority complex to Zest anymore.

──But, there is one magic switch can make her obey and put the obstinate Kurumi away.

It is a kiss from Basara. In the dream a spirit showed upon to her request, there came many indecent acts with Basara ── at that time, Basara kissed Kurumi, and had fallen into lust all at once. If Kurumi were to kiss Basara, she could be a girl who can do anything.

"──────"

Kurumi then begged like a spoiled child, making Basara react.

As he thought of bringing his arm behind her ass and drawing her close, he snatched Kurumi's lips.

Basara's tongue in heat viciously entered inside her mouth, indulging it greedily. Probably because of the 『Charm』 effect of the baby doll, his kiss was more aggressive than yesterday.

"Nn……chu, Bsara,niichan……haaah♥ Basaraniichaa……(slurp)"

Kurumi entwined her tongue with his, seeking him in ecstacy. She didn't mind the effect of 『Charm』. Basara, excited at Kurumi so much, couldn't contain this unbearable pleasure.

"……Kurumi-san"

As Kurumi floated in happiness from kissing Basara, brown arms hugged her gently from the rear. Something warm and soft, pushed her full back,

……Zest?

It made Kurumi think of the woman she didn't notice earlier. Before long, Kissing Basara long enough to use up all the oxygen in her lungs, feeling happiness from within,

"──haa……n, fuu……haa……ha……"

In a single breath, she separated her lips at once──and just like in the dream, Kurumi's reasoning was completely melted by the pleasure. slowly, as she looked towards the rear over her shoulders, Zest was already in a single piece of panty. She had probably taken off her maid uniform while Kurumi was immersed with Basara's kisses. The soft sensation touching her back, these highlights even when wearing clothes, was none other than Zest's huge breasts.

Beautiful……for Kurumi, Zest's sex appeal was an object of envy. However, with Basara's kisses melting her thoughts, and Zest's embrace making her feel a sense of comfort and security, Kurumi couldn't think of it as unpleasant. So, Kurumi slowly linked both arms on the head,

"Basara-niichan, Zest…please do it"

and willingly exposed both her weakest sides to the two.

“──────”

Without any words, Basara brought his mouth to Kurumi's left armpit──But,

"──Please wait, Basara-sama"

Zest stopped him. Kurumi looked back to her, with drowsy eyes asking "Why?".

"Basara-sama──is your right hand good?" "Well……it's good, but, is there something wrong?"

Facing Zest with a serious expression, Basara presented his right hand while slightly knitting his eyebrows.

Then, Zest holding Kurumi with her left hand, raised her forefinger and the middle finger of her right hand, while slipping it on the back of the right hand of Basara,

"Kurumi-san is, demanding the same treatment as us with Basara…… in that case, even if I can't use the actual magic, I think that it is still the best to enter into a master-servant contract with Basara-sama. So, if you may, I can emulate a procedure as good as the original one."

"……such a thing exists?"

As Basara gave a mutter of assent, a magic formation appeared on the back of his right hand.

"Only the form is imitated to the end, it’s a mock one, but……"

As Zest made her introduction,

"Kurumi-san……please kiss the magic formation on Basara-sama's right hand"

Kurumi also understood what she meant of demanding the same treatment. Though she didn't actually see it, she already heard the story from Yuki and Maria.

"Zest……I……"

Zest understood her wish and suffering more than anyone. Kurumi whose about to cry, turned and faced Zest at her rear

……eh……?

Then, finally noticing a certain fact, she was stunned.

At Zest's neck, a bruise-like collar wasn't present ── in other words, even though she saw them giving away hot kisses with each other a while ago, Zest did not get jealous and didn't invoke the curse of the Master-Servant contract.

── Perhaps, she adored Basara so much that even if he did indecent acts with other women, she won't get jealous at all. Or maybe, due to the 『Charm』's effect, she probably have been influenced by Kurumi and it stimulated her more.

but still ── if Zest even had a little thought of Kurumi not deserving to be Basara's partner somewhere in her heart, the curse should have activated. She, who didn't accept Zest, and even caused trouble to everyone ── Zest completely accepted such Kurumi. The moment she thought so, all her ill feelings to Zest vanished in an instant.

"……Zest……"

Crying, Kurumi hugged Zest. And as tears spill like rain, in her embrace……Zest gently wrapped Kurumi in her huge and soft chest.

"Well, Kurumi-san…let's make you enter a Master-Servant Contract with Basara-sama"

Urged by Zest's words, Kurumi nodded and turned to Basara. Then, presenting the back of his right hand showing the magic formation,

"Kurumi……"

Basara softly called her name. Kurumi, gently closing her eyes,

"──────"

Kissed the back of Basara's right hand at ease.

"…………ah"

Then, Kurumi opened her eyes again──and saw the unchanged Basara before her. But that already, is enough for her, whom was loved dearly like a younger sister, not just a childhood friend of a young man,

but also a master who will connect a new bond.

"──Kurumi" "Yes……"

As she replied in bliss to her master calling her name,

"………congratulations"

Zest in the rear, gave her blessings in a gentle voice.

Then, as Basara lifted her chin in front,

"──Hold still"

he drew his lips to her neck──and sucked it with all his might.

"Yaah──FuaaAaan♥"

Kurumi, whose senses were intensified by the aphrodisiac, raised a lovely voice while leaning her back with a sudden twitch. But, Basara didn't leave from her neck and sucked it harder than before, in addition to Zest hugging her tightly from behind. And after her neck was sucked for more than ten seconds,

"ah……n……Basara-niicha,n……?"

When they separated their lips, Kurumi asked a question, then Zest informed her.

She got something in the pocket of her maid clothes that she took off……and opening a compact mirror on her palm, she showed what happened to Kurumi’s neck through the mirror,

……ah……

And there, reflected the reason why Basara forcibly sucked Kurumi.

Clearly left in Kurumi's white neck, was a red mark put up by a violent kiss.

Whenever everyone else activated the curse of the Master-Servant Contract, a heart-shaped collar would appear. The kiss mark Basara made, to Kurumi’s eyes, seemed like that collar──then,

"……that mark disappears, if your anxiety and suffering reaches zero"

By those words, Basara treated her the same way as everyone──she was convinced from her heart.

"────"

On his embrace, Kurumi was forcefully pushed down by Basara, and received an intense kiss. Then also, with force as if he surrendered to the effect of the 『Charm』,

"Haa……Basara-oniicha……rero<ref> licking sfx </ref>, nchu…nfuu…haamu…..nn"

Basara shifted to an even more obscene kiss, entwining Kurumi's tongue, and then pulled the shoulder string of the baby doll negligee, lifting up the hem. Then Zest in the rear raised both of her hands, and while breathing in sweet agonies, she undressed Kurumi's top with surprising swiftness. But, the effect of the 『Charm』on Sheera's baby doll negligee, didn't disappear just by taking it off. So,

"……Kurumi-san"

Zest joined them── and the top of the bed finally became the medley of carnality of the three.

──Of course, Kurumi was attacked first.

Kurumi was already in aphrodisiac state before coming to this room, that a slight touch in her chest and butt could make her reach the zenith. But Basara and Zest being under the 『Charm』couldn't do such a simple carress. The tips of Kurumi's chest that were tense in horniness was sucked by Basara without mercy, and Zest with her hand in her panty, her butt was rubbed violently.

"Aah──yaah,Nn……fuu……haah……yah, haah……Aaaah──♥"

She had experienced a similar treatment so far, but this is the first time she felt this intense…… Kurumi reached the climax five times, from the two people, for only 30 seconds.

Kurumi received completely, the intense pleasure she wished from Basara and Zest.

The two people became like this, because of Sheera's baby doll negligee that Kurumi put on before coming to this room. She understood what would happen──rather, somewhere in her heart, she wanted something like this to happen. So,

"Aah,n……♥Fuu,yah……wa……ah……♥"

As she reached the peak while raising a filtracious voice in a posture caught between the two, giving her pleasure that she had never felt so far, Kurumi was being turned into an indecent girl. However,

"……not yet, Kurumi" "Kurumi-san……please feel it more"

Kurumi, to Basara and Zest whose desires intensified further,

"U, un……both of you……do it……more"

She raised both arms, opening her most vulnerable side to them.

Then, before she put her hands on the top of her head, Basara and Zest stuck fast to her right and left armpits ──then just after that,

"～～～～～～～～～～～～～♥"

With her sense of pleasure gushing out of the pores of her whole body, Kurumi reached an intense climax she never had before. With a climax so intense that her view whited out,

……Ah……Aah……Haa……♥

Nonaka Kurumi trembled in pleasure. It was so intense that, her consciousness flew away…… only her body, knew what happened in real time.

Even if she didn't enter a Master-Servant Contract with him──the relationship between them, Kurumi's thoughts to Basara, wasn't anything inferior to everybody, and it is the proof that she could catch up without limits.

That's why──that salvation was Kurumi's desire. So,

"……Ah……n……u"

As the white fog which wrapped up her view before long had gradually cleared,

"Are you okay, Kurumi……" "Kurumi-san, are you alright?"

Seeing Zest and Basara looking at her with worry,

"……Un……I’m okay……"

Kurumi didn't surrender just yet. Only 1/3 of the process to destroy the magic effect of the Baby Doll negligee has been completed. Neither Kurumi's aphrodisiac nor Basara and Zest's 『Charm』 haven't been released, either. Still, the two people were considerate to Kurumi. She had to respond to their feelings……besides,

……Ah……

The aphrodisiac effect still remained. But, even though she saw Basara and Zest, she didn't feel any pains caused by her inferiority complex anymore.

''I have been loved dearly by these two…''… Therefore, Nonaka Kurumi said in bliss,

“……This time, it's Zest’s turn”

<center><big>＊＊＊＊＊＊＊</big></center>

And now, Kurumi pushed down Zest together with Basara gently on the bed.

Then, as Zest’s twin peaks shaking suddenly entered her eyes,

"Zest, your nipples are already stiff"

To return the favor of making her reach her climax, Kurumi pointed it out in retribution.

"Yes……Because I was charmed by Basara-sama and Kurumi-san"

Zest smiled, with reddened cheeks. Though her composure was somewhat vexing,

"Please do her like you did with me……Basara-niichan"

"Well, I have no choice"

Basara nodded to Kurumi, who wanted to end the situation quickly──so that she could start caressing her, She urged Basara to feel Zest fully.

Then, Kurumi faced Zest, and as she slipped her both hands and rubbed her butt inside her panties, beginning her assault, Basara then removed his hands from her back and reached her front, rubbing her breasts roughly as it held Kurumi's face.

"n……aah……n, wa……yaaa,aah──fuaaaAhn"

Placing her both hands to Kurumi's shoulder while squirming her waist back and forth lewdly, Zest raised a sweet moan at once. Furthermore, as Basara picked up her nipples that became stiff and rubbed it with his fingertips,

"Aah──yaah,nn……Haah♥ Aan……yaa,Aaah……♥"

Zest clinged her soft and tender legs to Kurumi's waist tightly.

……for Zest to act this cute……

For Zest who is more of an adult than herself, to become this dirty, Kurumi felt aroused at her figure who fell into disorder. As Kurumi's both hands slipped inside her panties and rubbed her butt, Zest became more and more sensitive……making the insides of her panties wet in no time at all.

her body entwined along with theirs────and as the three people shared five long minutes of lust,

"Ahnn……haa,FuaAn……Yaa……HAaAah♥"

Zest panted sexily, naturally filling the room with indecent sounds.

Kurumi's hand which was inside her panties, became sopping wet with honey of a woman in heat, and every time she rubbed her ass, sounds of gushing water reverberated the place,

"Yaah──Aah……Kurumi-sa……aAh"

Making Zest's body tremble in shame in the end. But, to that expression that intensified her intoxication to lust,

"You don’t need to be shy……because I am also, too"

Because Zest and Basara kept making her come unreasonably, her panties are already wet. That's why, wanting to make Zest wet more and more,

"Hey, Zest……can you tell me your weak spot?"

Kurumi beside her asked,

"Aaah……n, its, my ears……"

Feeling pleasure through Kurumi and Basara's caresses, Zest answered, while shaking her hips licentiously,

"That's why, Kurumi-san……''if you don't mind, would you and Basara-sama return the favor?''"

Though feeling shy, being glad that she felt the same,

"Yes. I'll do it"

Kurumi said so, slipping both of her hands from Zest's panties.

"Nnn ──"

To that timing, her fingertip slightly brushed something inside her panties, causing Zest to twitch her back suddenly, shaking her ass in front, so Kurumi with an upward glance ── told the gentle maid who fawned like a child,

"……Zest, get down on all fours"

"Yes……"

Zest smiled, and took a pose as she said. With her big chest shaking as she moved, she posed with her butt in an indecent position.

"──Kurumi, can I leave it to you?"

Basara said so, then brought his mouth close to her ear,

"Un……Understood"

Kurumi nodded, and turned to the other side and put her lips on Zest’s left ear.

And then.

Kurumi exchanged glances with Basara, and on Zest's right side, she brought her lips close to her ears, whispering softly the words she have been wanting to say for a long time.

"Zest……I’m sorry for this morning, and for the lunchbox……thank you"

She quickly told so, and together with Basara, they approached Zest's ears, and ── in that instant,

"───────♥"

Zest raised a sweet moan, making her whole body tremble in intense pleasure.

[[Image: SMnT V06 008.png|thumb]]

Bitten in both ears by Basara and Kurumi; she magnificently came……and the proof is,

"Haa……Aa, ah……"

Zest whose still in deep ecstasy of her orgasm, from the edge of her panties, love juices which weren't able to absorb in that single piece of fabric overflowed along her brown thighs.

"……………"

Before long, she recovered from the climax, then turned her face to Kurumi who was admiring her breathing full of seduction,

"……Kurumi-san……This time, it's Basara-sama’s turn"

with a captivating smile──she proposed to Kurumi.

"Anyway, would you like to try doing something that Mio-sama and Yuki-san haven't done yet......?"

"What Big Sis and Mio haven’t done……?"

As Kurumi, who's still allured by Zest's sex appeal asked, the lustful maid continued,

"Basara-sama…… would you accept this humble one?"

Zest requested Basara with eyes still moist by the pleasure. Then, without any words, Basara slowly rose from his feet, stood on the bed, and opened both his legs to a shoulder length.

"Thank you very much……then"

As Zest thanked in respect, she removed his belt and began taking off his trousers.

"What are you……" "…this is what Mio-sama and Yuki-san haven't done yet"

Zest looked back at the perplexed Kurumi and said with a smile, then turned to Basara again──this time she took off his underwear, making him fully nude.

Being under the charm, they came many times in succession in his intense loving.

And now, to Basara who was laid bare, they felt excitement that they had never felt before.

''......wow......''

After witnessing his thing before her own eyes, Kurumi swallowed her saliva, without averting a single glance.

She had seen him nude one time after coming to the Toujou House where she had a chance to take a bath with him, but this is the first time for her to see this thing from up close.

Then, before Kurumi, Zest kneeled in Basara's side,

"......pardon for my rudeness"

holding her prosperous kingdoms with both hands, she received Basara's thing in between,

"Ah──……"

and there, she saw Zest's chest engulfing Basara's place.

Then, she dripped saliva from her mouth to her cleavage even more,

"Nn......Ah......nn......"

and stroked Basara's thing with her valley, shaking her breasts slowly from top to bottom. As she served with her chest making gushing sounds,
"Come, Kurumi-san, your mouth too......"

Zest made a bewitching smile, inviting Kurumi.

"M,my mouth......? No way......"

Kurumi hesitated, as expected. Although she's already a junior high school student──with Maria teaching and training her various things, she already had more than enough knowledge suited for her age. That's why, Zest's radical behavior and her extreme proposal, making her face red-hot,

"nn……it's alright……with this, from Mio-sama and Yuki-san, you'll be getting one step ahead of them"

and with those chest that stroke Basara's place, molding her's in a more indecent shape,

"Look......If Kurumi won't come......Kurumi-san's part......I will use it to serve Basara-sama more......nn......are you okay with that......?"

Finally, bringing her lips to Basara's tip from the valley of her peaks,

“──N,Nooo!”

It made Kurumi raise a scream at once, stopping Zest. After asking to do Basara similarly with Zest, yet she herself couldn’t do what Zest had done……moreover, to be left out among the three, she hated it all.

''……it’ll be fine……''

Though she’s embarrassed to tell Mio and Yuki──in the past, she had used something Maria prepared, similar to the size of Basara's, she practiced 'services' with her mouth.

So, Kurumi's mouth right now──already knew its size and how to love it for a long time.

"…………"

So Kurumi made up her mind, and standing on her knees opposite to Zest and in front of Basara,

"……According to the practice, I should do it like this……”

She persuaded herself, and looked up at Basara with upturned eyes── then,

"Basara –niichan……please make me do it with my mouth, too"

Feeling embarrased, Kurumi's head was patted by Basara with gentleness.

The pleasant sensation gave her courage──and the next moment, Nonaka Kurumi licked the ravine of the chest of Zest, and began servicing to Basara with her tongue.

"Nn……rero, churu……reru,picha, wa……pero……reroo……♥"

While being carressed by Zest's mounds, Kurumi daubed Basara's thing lasciviously with saliva, as if painting it with her tongue back and forth. then,

''……wow……so this is Basara-niichan's……''

Basara's male pheromones from her nose and mouth reached Kurumi's brain, numbing her thoughts and making her even hornier than before.

So, Kurumi gradually pressed her face and buried it to Zest’s breasts even more.

"wah...,..., nmu, reru , chu...,..., picha,n...... reru,rero , hapu...... nnu♥,...... npu...... reru, chu, chupi, npunryu......♥"

So as not to make Basara's thing filling her mouth reach her teeth, she accumulated thick saliva in her mouth, and with her tongue, she sucked him in horniness. In order to please him further, Kurumi earnestly served him with her mouth, while being rubbed in the middle of Zest's breasts.

Blowing it until she had difficulty breathing and her jaw felt painful, lewdly making sounds with her tongue, as he approached the limit, she parted with her mouth. Then, feeling good,

"────"

Basara lightly raised his waist, and with force he rubbed it inside Kurumi's throat in rhythm. But,

……Haa, Basara-oniichan……♥

Kurumi's reaction is still full of bliss. The love she felt for Basara overflowed in her mouth, and as if she forgotten how to cough, her mouth continued moving sexily ──So, she didn't notice.

"──────"

Like assisting someone riding a bike by supporting his back then releasing him from his hold──Zest's chest which sandwiched Basara's thing, quietly pulled back and slipped away. And Kurumi, to serve him with her mouth, moved in front of Basara in a trance, stroked it with her hand, then began moving her face to it back and forth. Then ── Kurumi ended her service at last by taking it deep in her throat.

"────Kurumi!"

Basara called out her name, firmly holding the back of her head ── the next moment, large amount of semen seeming to scald her was shot inside her mouth.

"Nnnn～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～♥"

Nonaka Kurumi seemed to faint in sweet agony as she indulged herself while holding his thing in her mouth, to a degree that seemed to drown her by it's momentum and quantity any time──and yet, Kurumi swallowed it all with a gulp. Then,

"Nn……nn……n……? Nmu……Nn……Fuu……chupu<ref>Kissing sfx</ref>"

Kurumi sucked it all up, drinking it till the last drop, then gradually separated her mouth.

……ah…eh……?

Finally, she noticed something.

Zest had already stopped servicing Basara ── and Kurumi all alone, had led him to ecstacy.

"I knew you could do it, Kurumi-san……"

With eyes wet in the stimulation, Zest smiled and said, informing how Kurumi served Basara so obscene eloquently,

"No……you’re lying……m-me……?"

And so, Kurumi’s body, trembled in the shame that struck and welled up inside her. Then, Basara, tightly embracing her,

"Sorry……because you tried your best really hard/very much, I was not able to say it on the way"

Whispered to her ear, gently patting her head. In Basara's arms,

"……Next time, if you deceive me again,……I'll chew your ear in front of everyone."

"Yes……"
As she nodded while sulking from the side, Zest hugged Kurumi from her back together with Basara. But for a moment, a mischevous smile appeared,

"But before that…… Kurumi-san did Basara-sama on her own. So, in order to undo the effect of the negligee of Sheera-sama, let’s do him both this time."

Zest added.

"And as for Basara-sama…… It seems that it still desires our service”

“Eh……? Ah ──…”

Kurumi blanked out for a moment, but she understood what Zest meant at once. Because as she was hugged by Basara, Kurumi felt a hard thing touching the area around her belly.

"No, this is……!"

To Basara who became flustered, Zest with a smile,

"Kurumi-san……if it's fine to you, even for a bit longer, I want to deepen the bonds with Basara-sama"

Then, in a drop of a beat,

"──this time together with us, till the end"

As Kurumi nodded to those deep words, Zest resumed her service to Basara.

All in order to solve the magical effect of the Baby doll.

And so, Basara and Zest ──the bonds of the two people, have strengthened even further.

=== Part 6 ===

──Afterwards, Kurumi succeeded in nullifying the effect of Sheera's baby doll negligee.

However, because of Zest's proposal, until the kiss mark on Kurumi's neck that Basara applied disappeared, the three decided to strengthen each other's bonds on the bed, sharing Basara's climax several times.

"………Nn"

And now, Nonaka Kurumi woke up, regaining her awareness.

It seemed that she didn't notice that she had fallen asleep. The small light coming from the gap of the curtain, told them that it's already morning. On the bed, as if she was caught by Basara and Zest, Kurumi laid down in between them. And the next moment──she remembered all of what she'd done on this very bed.

"────────"

She blushed so red-hot that it seemed there is a fire coming out, curling herself up in the bed. She was driven by the impulse of wanting to disappear at once, but endured her feelings of shame desperately.

──Nonaka Kurumi didn't forget the advice that she received from Sheera and Lucia.

So, last night she was able to accomplish it. That's why──Kurumi faced her own self, and intended to accept it. As Sheera had said, Basara accepted that Kurumi properly. Zest so, too. So,

……this time, it's my turn……isn't it?

As she tried to persuade herself so, Kurumi looked at Zest sleeping right next to her. This woman of the Demon race── it's unthinkable for Kurumi, even more to share a bed together with a woman who made a Master-Servant Contract with Basara, but now, she didn't feel any resentment. In the midst of the performance last night, Kurumi had her inferiority complex fade away inside her, but the hallucination that fell her into that horny condition, it wasn't a temporary one. As she thought so, the back of her left hand suddenly pulsated.

……what was that just now……?

So as not to wake Basara and Zest, Kurumi materialized the Soul Purity Arts Gauntlet. On the main slot, the element she had got from Lucia──in the Darkness-colored sphere, a golden magic formation that was not there yesterday appeared. There is also an increase in the wavelength of magical power too.

The element which was sleeping until now has awakened. Therefore,

……so that's it.

Certainly accepting your own weakness, and facing it, you can get over it.

Kurumi that saw the change in the element, smiled in relief.

──As she was pushed down by Maria, was about to be assaulted by Lucia, forced to wear an underwear that she wouldn't ever wanted and left in a terrible state in Basara's closet by Sheera, she wondered why do you think they did that. The progress was in a mess along the way, but she was glad by the result…… with Maria who said "I'll catch you up with Mio and Yuki", making many indecent acts with her so far, Kurumi found out that it was all to help her realize her true wish.

Of course ──another purpose is to satisfy her instinct as a succubus.

''……Well, even just a little, I should say my thanks to them, right?''

Smiling wryly, being relieved from the burden, drowsiness attacked her at once, and,

"Fuaa……n……"

Kurumi who did a yawn, rubbed her sleepy eyes, decided to lie down and sleep again for the second time.

Because she didn't come back to the room last night, Yuki and Mio might have worried about her, though Basara's house arrest is to be lifted at daybreak, perhaps, as for no one coming here, Sheera will explain the situation. Or she might have already conveyed them to Yuki, when she had left Kurumi and had gone back to the space tunnel alone.

──Besides, Basara and Zest are still asleep, too. So, I guess it's okay if I take another nap.

However, since Zest is here, when Yuki and Mio wake up, realizing that she didn't come back, it may just be a matter of time that they will rush in here. But, if Yuki and Mio were to see this situation which is bad for them, she was kind of looking forward to see what kind of face they will make.
So, Kurumi who leaked a snicker, slipped her body in between Basara and Zest.

"……………………………………" "……………………………………"

The two people who are still sleeping, embraced her closely like it all seemed natural.

Basara, with his strong arms, and Zest with her soft breasts, the feeling of being held in them is the best.

Feeling these things that herself had finally obtained at last, Nonaka Kurumi happily doze off once again.

<noinclude>
=== Translator Notes and References ===
<references/>

{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; padding: 0.2em; border-collapse: collapse;"
|-
| Back to [[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 6 Chapter 2|Chapter 2]]
| Return to [[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 6 Chapter 4|Chapter 4]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 3 Chapter 1

2017-02-11T14:22:39Z

Dragon213:

== Runaway of the Loli - Ero - Succubus ==

=== Part 1 ===

School life. Repetition of fundamental routines.

Waking up in the morning, going to school, attending class, going home.

These routines range from people who work diligently in extracurricular activities, or friends and lovers enjoying their youth in side trips.

—That aside, there are also few ones attending an "extraordinary" school life.

An annual series of valuable opportunities.

Second trimester will be over in less than a month.

The visit of the early autumn was felt in the early morning and midnight day by day, as the Hijirigasaka Academy HR made announcements of the upcoming events.

"—I think everybody already knew this, but – the Sports Festival will be held next month."

Mamoru Sakazaki, the homeroom teacher said as the students took glances of the print-outs handed to them containing the outline of the sports festival.

"To the new LHR, please take into consideration the participants in each event. Just in case, please elect some candidates because participating in an event according to what they like is a little too much."

For a big event coming up, the faces of the students are divided into about three. The people who looked forward to the event. The people who disliked it as it was troublesome. And the people who aren’t particularly interested.

"And— this time we’ll decide the committee for the sports festival. The representatives will be composed of a boy and a girl." However, they heard what Sakazaki uttered, the majority of the class’ faces turned sour. With an honest reaction like that in the classroom, Sakazaki gave a wry smile.

"Don’t make such conflicted faces. By the way, is there anyone who wants to volunteer?"

The whole class became silent. Sakazaki then thrusts both hands to the teacher's desk.

"Then so be it. You can nominate others if you desire. However, it’s not a bad thing to work as the staff in the school events. Incentives will be given to those who worked hard properly and it will be added according to work. If you are aiming for entrance into a school of a higher grade on the recommendation now is a good chance."

"Mamo-chan sensei〜. How advantageous does the additional points in the school report increase my chance in the entrance examination?"

Sakazaki gave a shrug with a little smile as he answered the question one of the girls gave.

"That is up to your best efforts. But unlike the usual achievement test in entrance examinations, as for the examination for the recommendation to higher schools, the human nature is tested too. That is one of the purposes considered an advantage and the student council is in favor of that as well. And remember things like surprising and valuable opportunities appeal in types of people who think positively."

Then the chime rang. Sakazaki set the attendance register with a tap to the desk and said in a joking manner.

"Lecture is over— though the first lesson was physical education, I am sorry it became longer."

Unlike normal class, preparations for physical education took more time because of the necessary changing of school uniforms to PE uniforms.

While a boy took out his gym clothes from the locker in the corridor, a girl started moving her hands in a plastic bag.

"Are the PE uniforms okay?"

"... It’s alright, because I won’t use it today."

Yuki nodded as Basara asks along the corridor,

"As I said, Basara, we are going to pool today."

Suddenly, a voice came from the side.

"…Aah, is that so."

There were swimming pool lessons in summer classes as part of the curriculum of Hijirigasaka Academy. This is because facilities for the swimming including the sauna to warm the body in an indoor warm water pool are substantial. '''(!)'''

"I already told you yesterday, have you already forgotten?"

"My bad. I was a bit inattentive."

As Basara made an excuse, Mio knitted her eyebrow, and Yuki looked puzzled.

"…though Naruse-san and I had showed you our swimsuits last night?"

"O-Oi, Yuki"

"Nonaka!"

The fact that Nonaka spurted out caused Basara and Mio to be startled. Then,

"———————————— "

A threatening atmosphere occurred behind Basara right away. Yes, this is probably bloodlust. Unable look back in fear, Basara felt that he was surely being glared right now — by other boys.

Today was the fifth day Yuki lived together with Basara and Mio. This was a fact already well known not only in the class but the whole academy.

''......Well, it can't be helped... it won’t be a secret forever.''

Feeling the intense jealousy of the other boys in the class, Basara sighed. In Hijirigasaka Academy, girls like Naruse Mio and Nonaka Yuki were unmatched in beauty.

Since he is living together with two such people, a little envy was acceptable. In fact he had already seen the swimsuit figures of Yuki and Mio.

…Or so it was the reason.

Basara recalled why he forgot the schedule of the swimming lessons of Mio and Yuki. At the same time he wanted to forget it altogether. Yuki and Mio came to show their swimsuits to him because of that loli-ero-succubus living together with them. That devil’s mischief was carried out as expected and turned it into a swimsuit fashion show.

How shameful. Last night's Mio and Yuki were on his mind. Moreover the images of the two people in swimsuits overlapped their bodies right before his eyes. Basara blushed and looked down as he took out the PE uniform in the locker.

"See you later, both of you. Takigawa, Lets go."

"Hee? Ah oh yeah… so fast!? That’s dangerous, Basacchi, what’s the rush!?"

He caught the arm of Takigawa in his rapid speech, and rushed along the corridor ignoring his surprise and tried to walk in a brisk manner. Mio and Yuki stared at them with blank expressions and left the other boys glaring at them behind. It is dangerous to recall what happened last night any further.

A nosebleed before the start of physical education and going to the infirmary is too early, whatever the circumstances may be.

As he changed his clothes, Toujou Basara kept in mind that he must not be noticed by the public as much as possible. —The reason is from five years ago.

It is because of the ghastly traces of serious wounds he suffered in his whole body when the tragedy attacked the village of the hero clan. Therefore to surroundings where the truth cannot be spoken, he made excuses that he suffered from a road accident when he was young.

Opening the steel door of the locker, as he took off the buttons and opened the front of his shirt,

"No matter how many times I see those scars I always feel amazed."

Takigawa said in a heartily tone beside him as he also changed in his PE uniform.

"The wound that I suffered when I was in the village has a long story, but was a very terrible incident."

Takigawa who is from the demon clan, with Basara who is a former Hero clan, knew the past when the village was attacked.

"What? I have changed already."

As the second trimester being over and the start of the summer vacation in the Hijirigasaka Academy, as well as the time that has passed when Basara transferred to this school for about one month, He has finished fabricating the a lie. About the muscles that covered his entire body, he told that when it was because of consistent training of the rehabilitation after the accident.

That said, it cannot change the fact that it was unpleasant to look at. Therefore, to avoid exposing his body to everyone like this, Basara used the locker at the far end of the room. Changing his school uniform to PE uniform, Basara took the hanger and hanged his uniform and put it into his locker.

"Hmm, you sure have it hard."

"What do you mean?" said Takigawa as he finished changing his clothes and he was asked back absentmindedly.

"Nah… does Basacchi’s village, do they also have these various kind of injuries? But, including Nonaka, the colleagues that had come to the other day had beautiful and unscathed bodies. Do they have a good medicine or do they have some kind of witch doctor there? And yet, Basacchi’s scars does not disappear.

Besides Basacchi, would there have been a fellow who had been rolled in an identical accident? That would be terrible."

Basara turned speechless to those words.

Although he had allied with Takigawa, he did not tell him about the tragedy that occurred five years ago.

It is because he cannot talk about it recklessly. He can lose more than just that. As a result, Basara haven’t told Mio and Maria the details of that incident.
However, Takigawa may guess it according to Basara’s circumstances. Therefore,

"It can’t be helped. For I’m the one who caused the problem"

Basara said as he closed the door of the locker and looked up — at the sky outside the window.

His thoughts drifted in a remote hometown faraway.

On the road of asphalt seen from the window, a little girl whom he recognized skipped by as she walked.

"Wha—?!"

Basara uttered unintentionally, clung at the window in a panic, and threw it open as he leaned forward. Then at the corner of his eyes the back figure of the little girl who passed by outside the men’s locker room turned to the side.

The entrance of the school building was just ahead. The little girl entered the hall in a composed manner. Her profile was seen smiling at a moment, and a violent, nasty premonition swelled up.

"What’s up with you, Basara?"

"This is bad, Takigawa. I suddenly felt a headache and felt dizzy, so I’m going to excuse myself rom PE class. Just put a clever act to the teacher for me!" uttered Basara as he jumped out of the boy’s locker room.

=== Part 2 ===

Naruse Maria entered the Hijirigasaka Academy school building and arrived at the target location. She had set foot on the classroom of Basara and the others.

Although there is a bit of distance from the entrance to the classroom, Maria was never questioned by anyone. Before entering the school grounds, a magic invisible to the public eye was performed. Within normal humans, demons like Maria are invisible.

"Uhm— oh, here it is, his seat."

Maria strode inside the classroom with light steps, and stopped in front of a certain seat.

She pulled out the chair, sat down, and put out a satisfied nod.

"So this is Basara-san’s seat? I’m sure in class he’s always in a delusion of doing it, I wonder? Oh~ Basara-san you’re really~"

Maria did a rude remark and laughed.

"For Basara-san to do such things, Here I go, my lovely, magical, fantastic ma—"

"—there will be no such method!"

Suddenly a strike came from the rear.

"Ouch! Wha— Why is Basara-san here? You should be attending PE lessons right now!"

With an astonished expression, the loli-ero-succubus looked back. At that moment,

"Really, this fellow."

In spite of her childish appearance, Naruse Maria is a girl that had both cuteness and sexiness combined, Toujou Basara groaned unintentionally from his heart.

Because of this, he cannot relax his guard against her. While having a pure childish body and mind with innocence, this woman’s charms strongly stimulate a man’s instinct at the same time. Basara, while suppressing that disturbance he felt,

"…I saw your figure from the window of the locker room. Because of that I could not be present in class."

While being told, Maria‘s face seemed joyful right away,

"Ha-ha—n. Basara-san is really so lively and worried about me that he decided to cut class"

"Aah, I totally felt more dead than alive—if I were to leave you alone I predicted that you might start something bad. — And? What on earth are you doing in another person’s desk?"

"I was going to cast a magic that will make girls want to rub their most sensitive parts in these four corners of these desks"

"What kind of harassment is that?!"

"Eh? Don’t you want a 5 person orgy on your desk?"

"I don’t! And I prefer the normal desk!"

Maria felt at loss, then

"How regrettable. It will surely be the best in school, a desk to whom everyone can form a line and do it"

There cannot be a waiting for such worst line. Going to that extent was a painting of a scene in hell, it seems.

"Good grief… to think that you came here suddenly, It's too strange for funny mischief?"

"Eh? No, Never! Never! Pardon me Basara-san. But what do you think of me for?"

"……………………"

"How cruel! That silence, what an impolite response!"

Maria said furiously.

"Time passes very much before you came. For Mio-sama, I came to confirm whether there is a problem or not and to confirm her safety. Because I haven’t done these things for a long time after you came, even I intend to look in various ways."

"Indeed. You have a point…"

"Yes. Ah, I had made you cut your long awaited class, Basara-san, If you like, do you want me to keep company? Together the security checks can be more effective."

"Although I don’t really mind skipping class and it’s not really "long awaited". You have a point. It is better if we go together…. However it will be bad if we're found loitering around the campus during lessons"

"In case we are discovered we must make sure to be prepare ourselves, isn’t it? Furthermore Basara is a former member of the Hero clan. You know how to hide your own presence in the public, right?"

"That is, even though I can erase my presence well…. Why will you go to those extremes?"

It is natural that their existence must not be known to the world, so one of the basic skills that the hero clan must learn is the way to erase their presence in the public. At present, it was used when sneaking in hell, etc. and it was possible for Basara and Yuki to act secretly where no one will found out.

"It’s for Mio-sama’s sake." She said with a straight face. After thinking about it for a while,

"Understood. I’ll go with you."

Basara replied with a nod— a minute after that.

"……Oi, Maria"

A low call originated from a regretful Tojo Basara.

Basara just now, was in front of the place that Maria said to be visited to check Mio’s security. Prioritizing security, Basara joined her company to investigate, which is, the men’s forbidden domain — the girls’ toilet.

"What are you hesitating yourself for, Basara-san."

"Err….. That is not the problem here."

With a suppressed voice, the loli-ero-succubus declared calmly.

"No. That is the problem here. Basara-san, what on earth are you ashamed of? Toilets are spaces with half-closed rooms. If we let our guard down, the enemy will have a chance to make things even during the opportunity. Here is the place most likely to be targeted. Yet why are you not doing it? Basara-san, don’t tell me you would not intend to help me if there is a chance Mio-sama will be attacked in the restroom?"

No….. It’s not like that."

"Then, in preparation for an emergency, how are you supposed to act if you don’t know what’s happening inside?"

"No. In case of rough situations I would certainly hear it from you to know it, and…"

"Hearing it a hundred times cannot match a single glance. What would you do to be absolutely sure without really seeing it?"

Maria sighed with a mix of disappointment.

"……understood"

Basara nodded due to lack of excuses. Certainly in the situation where danger approached, there should be no time to feel shame and hesitation. If he thought of Mio first, it would be necessary to take into consideration her privacy from her daily life. But it won’t allow him to ensure her security as much as possible. Therefore, Toujou Basara made up his mind and set foot to the ladies room. Of course it’s his first time to experience this. The moment when the first step had settled on the floor — a sense of guilt invaded the forbidden domain and rose all at once to Basara.

"….Oh, you will be at least suspended from school if you’re discovered."

It is a suspension from school for the worst reason, too. Such things as cutting classes and invading the ladies’ room, the mental damage is too unreasonable. However, when Basara went forward with a second step, he switched his thoughts somehow.

"What will become of this……?"

And Basara called out his thoughts as he turned around and gazed at the ladies’ room for the first time of his life.

"How is it? How much is it different from your imagination?"

"....well"

There are still some errors of what he had imagined it to be. The purpose this time is to crush that error.

"Basara-san, please check on the cubicles just to make sure."

And as Maria suggested, Basara checked out of necessity the cubicles one by one. He checked every door and see to it that there are no problems, even the locks.

"I’m done… There seems to be no problem here."

"Eh— you have checked them already? Is there something or some places you are worried about?"

It seems that she’s disappointed. But it seems that Maria doesn’t want to back down either.

"There doesn’t seem to be any particular….No, — I just want to confirm one last thing just to be sure"

"Ooh, Basara-san took interest in the womens’ toilet? Please, by all means tell me anything!"

"What’s with the useless delight……? No, well it is not really a great thing. There it is in the middle of the cubicles, what is that? A small trash bin? I saw it from the first time I entered the room."

"Ha……? Basara-san, you don’t know what that is? Even though you’re already a high school student?"

"What? Is it strange if I don’t know what that is even though I’m a high school student?"

Not knowing anything at all as he asked Maria again, Basara’s instincts felt uneasy.

"No, I don’t mean it to be that way…..ah, Basara-san born in a very faraway land, so there is a possibility that you don’t know it…."

Maria said as she voiced her thoughts, then she put her both hands on her cheeks as it reddened before long.

"Uwaaa〜 it can’t be, I have discovered the pure side of Basara-san! Even though he does all those kinds of things to Mio-sama. You really don’t know what that is?"

"My bad… unfortunately the men’s room does not have such thing."

"It’s obvious. Because that is exclusively for women’s use only."

"Is that so…..? However there is no such thing in the bathroom at the house"

"It’s because if Basara stays in, Mio-sama and Yuki-san will be too embarrassed to use it."

"…. Embarrassed? Then why would such a thing be in a restroom?"

"Iyaa〜n, you really have no idea, Basara-san? You really are a pure boy!"

"Hey, your voice is too loud!"

"It’s alright. My voice cannot be heard by ordinary people!"

"It’s still too risky. Whatever the answer is, please tell me already!"

''I want to leave this place already. Before somebody else enter during class!''

"Please wait a moment. This also concerns Basara-san’s stepping up to adulthood. Having you know the truth behind that thing is one of the most fascinating development ever, as I spent a conference with my mind"

"Don’t say such foolish things—"

Basara was about to say, but his words were interrupted.

All of a sudden, Maria’s expressions changed completely, and alertly looked up at the ceiling.

"_____________"

"What happened?"

Basara took a glance at the ceiling with a serious look, but no abnormality was found. However,

"This presence—"

Just like that, Maria rushed out from the ladies room in a flash.

"O, Oi…. Maria?"

Chasing her in a hurry, Basara felt nervous and impatient.

It is still at the height of the first period now. Though the time is nearing its margin.

''Don’t tell me, an enemy came?''

Running up the stairs, Maria is not her usual state. After reaching the last step, however, before the door leading to the rooftop Maria’s movement stopped all at once.

"………………"

she held their breath In front of her eyes .

With a serious face, Maria turned the knob and the door to the rooftop was opened.

Having followed Maria to the top of the school building, Basara continued to climb to the rooftop, but the place was unoccupied.

—However, it doesn’t solve the tension Basara has right now.

There are plenty of blind spots in the whole place, including the shade of a cooling tower and the water tank.

And, above all, though it’s faint, there are signs of breathing of other people other than Basara and Maria.

— The partner seemed to be in the other side of the open area somehow.

Therefore Maria and Basara exchanged nods, and started a course of action.

While going around to the side, at first, Maria peeked her face to watch the state on the other side.

"(BINGO. As expected, it was here after all.)"

To those words uttered in a whisper, Basara’s throat gulped. Judging from the presence, there were two people from the other side, apparently. According to Takigawa, With the exception of Zolgia, he has one trickier subordinate. Honestly, fighting against two high ranking demon families is impossible, to attack, they should have at least a single plan for a counter.

Toujou Basara wished for in his mind, as he peeks his head above Maria’s, and he saw it. The two high ranking demons in his imagination — weren't there.

"….Say, Maria"

"What is it, Basara-san? Your voice is too loud. The other side might notice."

"What on earth was that….?"

Basara just now, witnessed something unbelievable in his eyes. He asked the question to make sure.

"Ha? You have seen it and still don’t know? That’s something called "slipping out of the classroom to cut class, A couple who seeks ecstasy and thrill by secretly making a love affair in the rooftop" situation"

"……Is that so? For me, it is a great misunderstanding"

His high hopes were cut off. The serious atmosphere in him left a while ago.

"Don’t tell me…. that was some kind of succubus magic?"

"Oh dear, don’t make a wrong idea Basara-san. If I use my charm magic, that kind, won’t end with such simple and innocent behavior—"

Hahaha. What kind of pride was that? I want to hit this loli right now — to feel the love his older brother as much as he want, with a hammer. As Basara’s right fist emitted a hot aura, however, the movement was suddenly stopped.

Peeping at the state where you can see her eyes glitter, Maria on the other side felt happy.

"Oh dear."

Tojo Basara’s strength was drained. And as he retracted his face, he leaned at the back side of the open area, thinking while looking up in the sky—

''Am I a little too eager?''

As Takigawa said, Zolgia was aiming only Mio, and somehow I felt losing my composure for some reason. However, it may be just an excuse.

—As for Takigawa’s story, he said that Zolgia is a high ranking demon with a considerable power. Is he a certain noble class in middle ages?

Duke, Marquis, Earl, Viscount, Baron, — these are the five ranks of nobility, adopted depending on fighting power among the demon clan.

The Duke at the top is considered to be a class equal to a demon king, and the Marquis Zolgia follows its rank.

The enemy is too powerful to fight head-to-head. If we decide him to fight head on, the only method that we have is striking his weak point to win. But this is expected by the other party as well. If Zolgia is only aiming at Mio, there will be a chance to avoid a battle.

—However, That’s all Basara can affirm.

Zolgia killed Mio’s parents. For her, he is an enemy whom she should hate above all.

And the reason why Naruse Mio fights— is to avenge the murder of her parents by that demon……Besides that,

Basara knew that Mio, who lives under the same roof, sometimes have nightmares in the middle of the night. On a certain day… suddenly, the daily life of a normal girl, was deprived of her important family. And then she was told that she was the daughter of the Demon King’s predecessor and her life was targeted because she inherited his power.

It is easy to imagine how much of a terrible shock she felt. Mio is not strong at all. She was different from Basara who received ample training. Still, Mio did not yield to the tragedy before her, she faced it, and no matter what it takes, Tojo Basara will do anything to protect her.

Although he stopped being a hero and he had lost the mission to fight and protect the world, the only family living under the same roof at the very least — Mio and Maria, as well as Yuki, he will protect it till the end. Thus,

"Ha〜 is this is no good, this is already no good at all. You’re still too lukewarm. The side effects of pressure-free education was reaching even at this place. Totally deplorable. I am anxious about the future of this country"

Even though she’s too devoted to her instincts, this loli-ero-succubus is an important family. For once, he will tolerate it with a big heart— for the big brother’s love larger than the sea.

"Excuse me Basara-san. I can’t stand it any longer. For a moment, I want to those guys the love that uses maple syrup!"

"Wait. Where on earth did you take that bottle from?!"

Even the face of the Buddha has limits! Then Maria blinked her eyes full of surprise,

"Eh? Well, because there is no cake to smear and caress them with"

"Are you an idiot? It’s almost the same as the conversations in my dream"

"? What conversations?"

"……he? No, what kind of reaction is that…."

Maria referred it as "smeared cake caress". After the day Basara moved in to Hijirigasaka Academy and his reunion with Yuki, Basara and Mio bathed together for the sake of proving and strengthening his trust to her. Certainly he took a bath with Mio and Maria, but because he spout a nosebleed and fell down after Mio washed his back by her chest, Basara expected that the cake part should have been a dream. However, if Maria recalled as well…

"Ah, that’s right, it’s a dream, right, doing things like that…."

"What a minute, what the hell is that?"

''Unbelievable. So she is saying that those entire events really happened?''

"It is okay, Basara-san. It’s a condition where excitement overpowers the sense of reason, and causes instincts to run wild….. Such dreams show in the unconscious mind of a person deep inside so there is not much of a difference."

"……………."

"Oh my? What’s the matter, Basara-san? It’s like those mangas, where all of a sudden getting down on both hands and both knees in the ground. Will the uniform get dirty?"'''(!)'''

"My bad Maria, but I’m glad if I leave you alone for a moment."

In spite of thinking about world peace, I want to reflect myself in various ways till dusk.

"That is not good. I am currently checking security of Mio-sama in the campus now. And Basara-san making a noise will cause the couple to panic. After that I’ll go."

That’s what Naruse Maria said.

"Is this the right time for us to be worried—and leave that aside before things happen?"'''(!)'''

=== Part 3 ===

With a triumphant look in her face, Maria and her companion patrolled here and there, and having reached their destination,

"…there’s even more, and now it’s here?"

Basara groaned while looking at a girl’s locker room ahead.

Moreover, it’s not a regular changing room for PE class. It was a girls’ locker room with a shower added next to a warm water pool. As Basara stood still at the entrance,

"What’s wrong with you Basara-san? Quit wasting time standing around, quickly get inside"

"Do I really have to enter…?"

"What is it this time…? For Basara-san who has already conquered the girls’ toilet, and only one or two locker rooms, numbers don’t matter."

"Don’t say such scandalous things. And when did I conquered the girls’ toilet?"

To be able to endure that detestable thing is something I cannot accept completely. '''(!)'''

"……Rather, as expected, this is bad."

From inside the pool, the voices of the girls in swimming class could be heard. Cutting the long story short,

"Mio and Yuki are at the other side?"

"Therefore you must have to check their safety"

Maria puffed up her flat chest with pride,

"There is no mistake. Certainly either here or the ladies' room are the choices if the enemy would target Mio-sama"

"Oh you…."'''(!)'''

''You must understand that even this too is a special case. Please, know the situation yourself.''

"But I think that checking of her safety in this changing room is not necessary. Even Yuki is using the room with her altogether. Probably at the stage when it enters the locker room, Mio with her detection magic, and Yuki calling out "Sakuya" in response to the strange magic power, should have confirmed if there will be an imminent danger. If strange things happen and the enemy attacks during the class, the barrier will respond to the activation of magic, or something like that will happen."

"Then, even if you may omit the security check, I think it still would be the best for you Basara-san to memorize the layout of the girls’ locker room just to make sure. This is identical to the girls’ toilet, and if this room became the battle arena there must be things that can hinder Basara-san’s judgement. We must hurry. The first period will end in approximately 15 minutes. If we don’t, Mio-sama and her classmates will come back"

Maria pulled with force towards her the hand the unwilling Basara,

"……Do you only want to confirm the layout? I can just leave in haste after looking around."

I say so as I reluctantly stepped on the women’s locker room. But unlike the toilet, the color of ceilings and tiles are different, however, there is not much of a difference in men’s locker room.

"This is already enough. Let’s leave the place quickly…… Maria?"

Rather than responding to Basara, Maria opened the door of a certain locker.

"Oi, oi! You, what are you……"

"No, this isn’t enough. I must confirm whether there is a problem in Mio-sama’s locker just to make sure."

Is it the succubus’ sense of smell? Maria, having pulled out a correct answer, started searching the contents of the locker one by one,

"There seems to be no problem in particular…… only a little, Wait Basara-san. Take a look at this!"

"See what? What’s the matter————"

"—————Ei"

As Basara turned his head to Maria in a panic, something was covered in his face.

"No〜, how shameless of you, Basara-san"

"Eh…..?"

For a moment, he didn’t realize what happened. However, after a short while, he understood what covered his face—— Mio’s panties. Thus, he lost his temper.

"This……!"

Basara being covered by Mio’s panties on his head, proceed over to Maria and pulled her both cheeks in front of him. This was the best choice for a counterattack by reflex to his feelings at this moment.

"Nya〜, Basharashan basharashan, if hurrffsh if hurrffsh"

"This noisy little erotic succubus! Next time, Next time I’ll—"

"??"

"Ah Finally〜!"

"the first time on the pool is really the worst〜"

Various voices are heard from across the entrance of the locker room.

"Wha—"

The chime signaling the end of the first lesson didn’t ring. Even though there are still 10 minutes left, why are the girls coming back this early? There’s no way they all feel sick?

"……No, it’s different. Rather…."

He has forgotten the basics. Swimming classes, under normal circumstances, takes even longer periods of time to change clothes than a regular PE class. It’s all more natural if it’s a girl. If that’s the case, then the class should dismiss ahead of time. Basara thought in a spur of a moment,

"—Basara-san, hide yourself!"

"Wai—"

In a space in a locker room where one normally shouldn’t use as a hiding place, he was forcefully pushed suddenly by Maria’s hand. It is a narrow dark space— Mio’s locker, that is.

"Fuu〜 that was a close one Basara-san."

The moment Maria said that, the girls who finished the swimming lessons has entered the locker room one after another. The sound of steel doors opening reverberated the room in a short time.

"(Throwing me in a place like this all of a sudden. What are you thinking?)"

"(I have no choice but to take a risk. Oh no〜 How careless of me. However, thanks to this situation we were able to stick with each other right, Basara-san? Hehehe, Basara-sa〜n)"

"(…Though you seem to be calm and composed. If Mio were able to see us doing something like this, even you will be half-killed besides me.)"

Taken aback of what she have heard, a large amount of sweat dropped to the face of Maria.

"(What are we going to do, Basara-san? "I’m going to get pinched violently!?" '''(!)'''

"(Don’t worry… Because I’m in a greater pinch than you are.)"

Being locked up in this direction is bad. At any rate, my hand is in a state where it is placed down because of being put into the locker by force. I didn’t have even the time to take Mio’s panties in my face.

"(Uuuu, I’m going to get punished again, for sure. Being scolded by Mio-sama, at the very least.)"

"(You, What do you think you’re doing! Oi!? What are you taking my clothes off for?!)"

"(Since I’m going to get beaten into half-dead anyway, I must sexually harass Basara-san as many times as I can. I’ll take this chance to reverse the pinch into a chance. In this case, having a small body is convenient, am I right?)"

Having being said that, Maria skillfully took off his panties in a minuscule space,

"(Quit it… I’ll try to think of a way to break off the situation so don’t give up so casually!)"

Basara persuaded in despair. However, Maria looked up with eyes that focused on him completely,

"(Fufufu. Well, Basara-san… Will you give yourself up and do it with me?)"

And just like that, a small hand entered Basara’s PE uniform.

=== Part 4 ===

The swimming class ended earlier than expected.

Warming up the body, the girls entered the sauna room and took a shower one after another.

Yuki which entered the shower in one of the cubicles earlier, closed the faucet before long, and began wiping the drops of water into her body by her prepared bath towel. She was feeling a pleasant sensation, which is smell of the fabric softener touching the body. That is,

''…Basara’s smell.''

Yuki closed off her eyes by reflex. The bath towel that she was using is the one that was washed in the Toujou residence— with the very same detergent and fabric softener as Basara’s. Therefore as she wrapped it in her body,

''…It has a similar feeling to being hugged by Basara.''

Her breasts, waist, her butts and her thighs— as if her entire body all over is being touched by Basara, and became the same as his scent. Yuki held her body, that her both arms seem to reach her back, and remained in that state for a while— and having attained satisfaction before long, she left the shower cubicle quietly.

Going past between her naked classmates, she returned to the girls’ locker room.

As the girls of the class were having heated topics of their school and private lives with bright voices, Yuki silently opened her locker, and took out her bag.
While attempting to change her underwear, there was a person who lined up next to her. It was a girl who owned the locker beside her. Presently living together with Basara as well as Yuki herself, it was Naruse Mio. With Yuki’s first group having finished everything from the sauna up to the shower, and Mio just in the last group out of the sauna, they both returned in front of their lockers by chance with the same timing. Behind Mio, were Aikawa Shiho and Sakaki Chika. They were from the same class, and are both Mio’s close friends. As Mio’s face burst into smiles while talking to them,

"————————————"

She didn’t notice Yuki’s presence for a moment.

——Naruse Mio, one of the most beautiful girls in the school.

That lovely face of hers that can overshadow any idols’ faces on TV, and that exceptional proportions of hers that can make any gravure models ashamed. Even though her atmosphere is a little too overwhelming, her personality is bright and friendly. Therefore, male students even call her "Princess Mio" and her fans are unending.

There are also boys who call Yuki "Princess Yuki" in the same manner, but for a girl who’s always silent and not very amiable, Mio has a higher popularity.

Nevertheless, she doesn’t care about this issue. For Yuki, it is not important what the others think of her. Only one thing matters to her —— and that is Basara. As for Nonaka Yuki, the young man named Toujou Basara is a special existence. It began since she reached the age where she became wary of her surroundings. Even though he was driven out from the village of the hero clan, and even if Mio is the daughter of Demon King’s predecessor, he didn’t think twice in protecting them.

… However,

Nonaka Yuki right now, is driven with anxiety.

She understood the reason— Naruse Mio is a more formidable enemy than she expected. It’s not because Yuki came from the Hero clan nor Mio being the daughter of the previous demon king. Mio is a formidable enemy— as a woman herself. She noticed that ever since she started living together with them, and her feelings are getting stronger and stronger. There’s no doubt— just like her, Mio loves Basara.

Although Mio is somewhat docile with Basara, it seems that she doesn’t realize her feelings for him yet, but how soon will she realize these things?
For Yuki, this is a dangerous situation. Mio has more charms that she doesn’t have.

One of those charms was her unbelievable bust size. As that succubus Maria advised, Mio is using her voluptuous chest to seduce him, and to shorten their distance rapidly.

G cup. It was four times the size of Yuki’s, which in C-cup. Such chest is pushing her swimsuit to its limits. It passed through the level from being a toxin to the eyes to a crime already. That naïve Basara will easily fall when approached with such breasts.

"…Being suffocated in that swimsuit sure is nice."

"…Nonaka, did you said something?"

Turning around and coming to view her enormous breasts, Mio, who was finished her conversation with Aikawa and Sakaki a while ago, asked her with a puzzled look. Yuki said while looking at Mio’s chest,

"S- Class surveillance target…"

She was no match and couldn’t do anything but to remain silent in her current state while looking at the pair of demon lord class breasts. With such dangerous chest, she wanted it to be turned into an S Class termination target already and destroy it in one swift attack. However,

"…………………"

"Uhm…… What are you sneering at?" Mio said as Yuki revealed a tiny smile.

Actually, there is still a single hope for Yuki. The ‘light’ to her problem in bust size difference with Mio. As the succubus have told her, a woman’s chest will grow in size when being fondled by the man she loves.

…besides.

On the day they stated living together, Basara told her his relationship with them and current influence of the demon clan that surround Mio and him. He also told Yuki important things, and also about him and Mio entering into a master and servant contract.

And— after telling her the details of the contract, Maria proposed this—If Yuki wants to, why don’t you also form a master – servant contract with Basara?
Maria who is a subordinate of Mio, really wants her to form a contract.

However, Maria understood that Yuki still cannot comprehend what the contract really is. Still, she suggested to make her a contract with Basara, as the contract will make her get stronger together, therefore she can even protect Mio even indirectly. Actually Basara and Mio increased their fighting strength thanks to the power of this contract.

Yuki gave her approval immediately, without even questioning or suspecting anything at Maria’s proposal at all.

Rather, for Yuki, these can all be classified as merits. As Basara’s servant, they can know each other’s whereabouts and even deepen each other’s trust to become stronger.

Above all— in the situations where Mio receives unwilling naughty treatments from him, If Basara and Yuki were to form the master and servant contract, everything can become on equal terms.

In the end, the only thing important is to deepen her master-servant relationship with Basara. '''(!)'''

—However, Nonaka Yuki believes that she will never be inferior in that aspect to Mio.

She can say with confidence that she’s more obedient than Mio herself. Therefore,

"… I’ll look forward for tonight."

Yuki said as she turned around to Mio, who in response reacted with ‘what’. Mio’s face turned sour at once.

However, Yuki didn’t mind Mio and began putting on her underwear. She raised the panties slowly from her feet, slid on her thighs and squeezed between her tight butts.

As she dedicated herself to a promising future—a G-cup that doesn’t really have a hook in the bra, she quickly got dressed in her uniform and headed towards the exit of the locker room. (!) Nonaka Yuki felt calm with every step…after that.

Several hours during the full moon tonight, she and Basara will be in charge of the bedroom.

Naruse Mio thought as she watched Yuki’s back as she goes out of the dressing room.

''Wha… what is she talking about? Does she really mean to make a contract with Basara?''

Maria explained the master-servant contract and heard what kind of experience Mio is having with the contract itself, even though she had witnessed the situation with her very own eyes. Yuki accepted the proposal of Maria easily.

''…Nonaka sure is calm.''

In the current state of the master-servant contract, only Mio and Maria are mentioned. However, even though the magic used is from the demon clan which the hero clan opposed, Yuki still desired for a contract with Basara. To be able to get stronger with Basara—for that reason, Yuki didn’t hesitate at all.

And, when Basara opposed the idea because he doesn’t want Yuki to be dragged into his mess, her gentleness and docile personality turned the tides and persuaded him. '''(!)'''

As Maria proposed and Yuki wished for, Basara approved it via majority decision. Mio, as of now, couldn’t do anything to stop Basara and Yuki from making a contract. It is because if Mio would be the one to recite the master-servant contract with her own magic, the characteristic of the curse to be executed when the subordinates side betrayed a master, would be derived from the power of the Demon King’s predecessor Wilbert from whom Mio inherited her power.

''…what can I do?''

The more she thought about it, the more her patience is shortened. Yuki is beautiful and amazing. Mio couldn’t be a match to that sheer beauty. She isn’t called "Princess Yuki" just for show.

Moreover, Yuki and Basara are childhood friends. Her time spent with him is longer than Mio. Mio and Basara’s relationship is shorter, thus the connection between Yuki and Basara with the master and servant contract made him a good match with Yuki. Nevertheless, supposed Basara and Yuki made the contract, Yuki will be on equal level with Mio.

And if— the curse of the succubus is to take effect on her in front of Basara,

''…Nonaka will surely submit better than I....''

Yuki is one way or another aggressive towards Basara. If Yuki were to enter a contract with him, she would submit to Basara in no time, strengthening their relationship even further and leaving Mio behind. Even in the fight against Byakko, Yuki had demonstrated an incredible power.

"…Even I"

Can do it better if I tried harder— as those feelings swirled inside her heart, Mio opened the door of her locker, and all of her thoughts and actions came to a halt. Inside the locker, her face turned pale, as the panties that Mio wore, were covering the head of Basara dressed in his PE uniform.

"…………………"

"…………………"

With a sudden incident that came out of the blue, an awkward silence drifted between Basara and Mio. —furthermore, it was a situation not possible to overlook. Inside Basara’s PE uniform there was a head poking out, and yet somehow in one piece and panties, a twerking of a little butt can be seen before Mio’s eyes,

"Haa Haa, Basara-san. do ya feel good here?"

Speaking in a Kansai Dialect that reeks of idiocy. It would surely be magic invisible to ordinary people. And to think that neither she nor Yuki realized it, perhaps presence can be erased too, so Mio stepped back in silence, and tried to kick the ass in front of her eyes up to the surface of the moon,

"What’s wrong, Naruse-san?"

"KyaAAAAAAAAAAAA!?"

Jumped up in surprise because of the sudden call, the locker door was slammed hard in a speed of light.

"…I’m sorry, you seem to be lost in thoughts but I didn’t think you would be surprised this much."

In this overreaction, Shiho Aikawa who called beside her looked at her with eyes of surprise.

Aikawa has already taken off her swimsuit and finished her preparations to go to the shower. Next to Chika was Sakaki.

"Naruse-san, you haven’t taken off your swimsuit yet? Let’s hurry to the shower already. We don’t have much leisure, time is running out, you know?"

"Ah, Yes… OK"

As said by Sakaki, Mio responded rather ambiguously in a spur of a moment,

"Or maybe— because of the swimsuit does not come off because of your enormous breasts, which you need help?"

"Aikawa teased in such a manner. With fingers on both of her hands performed a groping motion, Mio desperately thought for an excuse, '''(!)'''

"No… Apart from that, you two people go on ahead. I’m kind of not feeling good right now."

"Are you okay? Don’t tell me, you started to feel anemic again? Shall we take you to the infirmary?"

Aikawa stopped joking around and started worrying about her.

"I’m okay, I think. Maybe a little rest and I’ll get over soon. But before that, I have a favor to ask…"

Mio told an idea to overcome this dangerous situation.

"It’s still the first period right? I too want to take the shower because I hate the smell of chlorine. But I might stop in the infirmary for a while, so I may be late for the next lesson. Please inform the teacher about me."

"I got it. Don’t overdo it okay?"

"I’ll inform the teacher as well."

The two people left Mio and went to the shower. After confirming the decrease of people in the surroundings, Mio faced the locker and said something.

"…everyone is gone. Till then, I’m going to wait here."

Naruse Mio continued in a chill voice.

"For the pervert who wears panties over his head, and the fool who is taking off his clothes, who shall turn back with a decent appearance by the time I open the door"

''Is it fine?''

"Otherwise the inside of this locker will become hotter than the latest oven."

Aikawa and Sakaki who came back from the shower, are made to pass with the excuse of bad physical condition. All the girls except Mio finished changing, and have left the locker room.

"—Hmmmm. In other words, you did such thing to check my safety?"

Naruse Mio said with her arms crossed under her ample bosom. Exposing her bare legs and her natural and perfect shoulders— her outfit was still a swimsuit and haven’t changed yet.

—before Mio’s eyes, were two people looking down before her and sitting in seiza. Basara with the trace of red slap on his left cheek, and Maria which had stacks if ice on a part of her swollen petite head. These two people had escaped from the recommendations of chef Mio for today’s recipe "A Pervert and A Fool Whole Roast garnished with a High School Girl’s Killing Intent" and settled only at this degree, because of the signs of their best efforts as the door opened for the second time.

Maria, who was the one who covered his mouth with Mio’s panties, removed the piece of cloth, and Basara, who raised Maria’s skirts midway, came out in the narrow locker. However, Mio’s anger didn’t settle down after all, but she spared their lives nonetheless.

"You… Last night, even though you had enjoyed yourself with Nonaka, it seems you haven’t had enough?"

Last night. In order to please Basara, Maria tempted Yuki to cut loose the nether region of the swimsuit with a cutter, leaving the part exposed, and removed the chest pads on the swimsuit. Although it’s not that foolish at a side glance, Mio rejected the idea making Maria said that she "have no confidence in her own body" with eyes of pity. Provoked by this, Mio flew into a rage.

In the end, she had shown her sexy swimsuit figure to Basara. Being flustered to see such appearance in his eyes, still makes her happy seeing his blushing face. Even now. Aware of this, Basara with a reddened face looked down, with only the feet being seen, and Mio find it cute.

…however.

The current situation prevents her thoughts from being said. Since Yuki came to live together, Maria always stirs up the sense of rivalry between Mio and Yuki whenever possible, and it always leads to a perverted situation. Last night, not only she showed her swimsuit to Basara—Mio had been ridden with flattery by Maria, and convinced her to move to the bath with everyone. Having been made to do various things with Basara, Mio eventually activated the curse of the master-slave contract, and became a terrible sight.

That’s right. When Maria suggested the master-servant contract to Yuki, she said that it’s more than simple words and to show that, Basara and Yuki suddenly sticked together. Mio watching the scene got enraged and activated the aphrodisiac curse in instant, and the full details of the curse was seen to the point that they finally made itself comfortable.

As a result, Yuki too, insisted that she also wanted to bind herself to the contract.

That, I cannot easily forgive. Fortunately the slap Basara had a while ago the curse of the master-servant contract didn’t activate. The contract believed that Mio is OK to get angry.

…However.

Mio felt a little anxious. In contrast to Maria apologizing herself for, Basara apologized several times, even though she had said nothing from the very beginning. Even wearing Mio’s panties, are undoubtedly Maria’s doing. Even Mio understood this.

Because Toujou Basara would never do something Naruse Mio would hate. Nevertheless,

"… Basara? Is there something you don’t want to say…?"

Since he set foot on the girl’s locker room, Basara was also responsible for what happened. Even if the circumstances in the clothes are excusable, trespassing the girls’ locker room was not. However,

"No. The decision was made by me… I’m sorry."

Seeing Basara dropping his head more in a sorry state, Mio thought,

''…Even though you can save yourself by making an excuse…''

''That I was seduced by Maria. That this is for the sake of protecting Mio. You can just tell the truth and it will be okay. If you do it, I’ll gladly bury the hatchet.''

However, Basara was a very earnest person, who avoided escaping and always take the difficult way. Always taking the trouble to make Mio feel at ease because of the master-servant contract, even deepening their mutual trust and becoming stronger, he always gave away his indulgences, even for Mio’s obstinacy.

''…this is getting too awkward, you idiot.'' '''(!)'''

Having said that Mio still cannot forgive for being angry as well,

"— Anyway, I’m really sorry."

And once again, Basara obediently apologized, and

"I must also apologize to Yuki properly later…"

"?"

After Basara mentioned that name, Mio’s body reacted in a sensitive manner.

—If it’s true, if he contacted Yuki with his phone and came back, that might solve the situation in an easier way. However, it couldn’t be done with Mio. She will surely forgive Basara, even if it is something shameful, unlike her and her sudden anger outbursts. Tonight, the master-servant contract between Yuki and Basara will be made. It will surely be different from Mio’s time, Yuki will smoothly enter the contract and will surely show off being a more superior subordinate of Basara than her. Even at this time Basara and Mio were still unable to show off their bonds with each other. Therefore,

"Why did you just mention Nonaka right now…? Even if I’m still not done talking to you, Basara?"

She unintentionally spoke of dissatisfaction. However, the guilty feelings induced the curse of the Master-servant contract.

Jealousy, that is. However, it’s too late when she thought "that is wrong".

All of Naruse Mio’s mind and body, was spellbound by the curse of the contract.

"Ah…Aaah, AAAaaah…n"

Leaking an erotic voice, Mio slumped down on the floor. As she staggered aimlessly,

"—O, Oi?!"

"Mio-sama…!?"

Seeing her in such state, Basara held Mio who is about to fall down, and Maria gave an anxious expression.

"You, Why in this situation?"

In the arms of bewildered Basara, the mark of the curse of the contract appeared in Mio’s neck, and her body writhed in agony.

"…Even I knew it …."

The aphrodisiac effect of the curse was terrible. Therefore Mio could endure the feelings she restrained no more.

"Because I understand it perfectly… Basara does such a thing to this degree, was all because of me."

However, Mio started panting.

"But by doing so, the bad person to Basara, will be I again….I can’t say anything."

To Mio whose real intentions are revealed, Basara opened his eyes in surprise. And,

"…it is bad. But even so, you should have been angry without caring about me"

To say it to that extent, Basara looked gentle that it made me want to cry.

"Good grief — you are really troublesome"

"And whose fault do you think that is, idiot..."

And, Basara trying to ease the situation as usual,

"—wait a moment, Basara-san. Could you might as well strengthen the stimulation? As of you two today, you can boost each other’s level right now."

Basara, holding Mio, narrowed his eyes straight to what Maria had said,

"You, even at a time like this? —"

He replied to Maria in a pestered tone—However, Basara suddenly stopped talking as he saw Mio’s state. It was evident in Mio’s eyes.

Maria’s expression stiffened. And

"We’ll get to the scolding later. But the improvement of our fighting power thru strengthening each other’s trust cannot be performed all the time. Should we avoid such precious chance or not?"

And, Maria explained her intentions with a glum but youthful face.

The other day, the decisive battle between Takashi and the others, Basara and Mio were able to put up by sheer luck because of the improved fighting power.

Confident with the person in charge at the bedroom, this is not such stuff to be focused and deepened all at once. It takes time to mature, and obstacles made it difficult to get stronger.

Still, because the other don’t have any means to win, Maria said to Basara, do not waste any "chance" for victory. For this reason Maria in advance, told the story to Basara alone.

If this was directly said to Mio, she will become aware that the two people were doing something strange to strengthen their mutual trust, and the strengthening will fail. But if Mio were to eavesdrop Maria’s and Basara’s conversations, she will recognize it as Basara’s true feelings and as a result, their fighting power will increase through the contract. But originally, lifting the curse of the contract does not increase their combat strength that much. It is possible to strengthen it to an extent, if everyone who signed the master-servant contract has a greater power that even surpasses a demon king. '''(!)'''

This time, Mio and Basara acquired a chance to become stronger.

This precious opportunity cannot be wasted, especially to Mio. Increasing their fighting strength once is still insufficient to this degree. She doesn’t want to become a burden to Basara.

Above all, is the reason why Naruse Mio fights — to avenge the murder of her adoptive parents.

Naruse Mio still remembered. The terror she felt when her foster parents whom she treated as her real parents were murdered by the demon clan in front of her very own eyes.

Thus, Mio has decided. To make sure that the demon clan must be destroyed, and to avenge her adoptive parents, she is willing to take any hardships. If it’s possible to gain strength when fighting with Basara, Mio won’t mind anything. Even if it is something very embarrassing. Because…

Even that he’s aware that she is the Demon King’s predecessor’s daughter, Basara still risked his life to protect Mio.

In response to what Basara has given to her, Mio must return the favor.

"…please, Onii-chan"

Mio pleaded with these few words. But this was enough.

"Onii-chan" — with that single word, the relationship between Mio and Basara changed completely.

From a member of a precious family, to a swearing allegiance to a royalty. Toujou Basara absolutely becomes only for Naruse Mio.

"…understood" said Basara.

Maria on his side proposed in a quiet voice.

"Let’s go to the shower room just to make sure. It seems that the girls won’t do a swimming pool class on the second period, but as an insurance I will perform the magic to repel people, because there is still the possibility that we may be seen when someone has entered."

Mio and Basara are then brought in the innermost shower room cubicle.

Mio that was lowered on the floor from a princess-carry, sat down from the tiles on the floor.

"…nNN"

As her body felt a feverish sensation, Mio looked at what Maria whispered to the ear of Basara. Perhaps,

It is likely a consultation in making her submit intensely.

To boost their fighting power, surrendering to overwhelming level is required. Last time the maple syrup was messed up on the chest, and the pleasure was thoroughly engraved to the mind and body.

''…what will happen to me this time, I wonder?''

The second period has already begun. If she feels like it, she can spend a considerably long time to submit herself. She swallowed her saliva accumulated in her mouth as she thought, and luscious quiver ran all over Mio’s body. '''(!)'''

A sweet aching sensation gathered inside her chest and the bottom of her abdomen as well. The eyes were drowsy due to the heat, and her consciousness became light.

"… My bad, for making you wait." Basara finally said so and turned toward Mio. In his right hand, gripped a shower head detached from the hook on the wall before she became aware.

"What…is this…what will you do with this…?"

"Mio’s body has become heated after all, so first were going to cool it off a little."

Maria answered the question immediately, and the water exited from the shower head in a moderate level of power. The water temperature at its lowest. The water cooled to the limit, the hands,

"Let me know it you can’t endure it."

Basara softly muttered, began to soak first the feet of Mio. The sexual feeling was improved to the maximum because of the aphrodisiac curse, Mio’s body was in heat, and the cold shower felt her more pleasure than imagined.

"Nn…..n"

From the tips of her toes to the top of her feet, to the malleolus of her ankle, a pleasant sensation titillated her whole body.

"…What is this…through shower…only…"

Feeling stimulated by the soft caress of the cold water, Mio couldn’t hide her surprise.

But, the pleasant sensation gradually intensified, when the place that the water is hung began to go up slowly, which firmly soaked the lower half of her body from the tips of her toes to her beautiful thighs.

"…ah…fu…hu…Nnn"

Mio already couldn’t hold to leak her sweet voice. And

''…what should I do…''

Mio’s heart beat furiously. She herself, imagined where will be the next spot as the water dripped her wet thighs.

—Naruse Mio trusts Toujou Basara as her master.

For this reason, up to know, even if various things like this are to be done, they can be accepted, to be able to deepen their bonds as master and servant. So, if he wanted to get there wet, Mio is unable to refuse it.

"eh…?"

However, Basara avoided showering the most sensitive part of Mio, and began to soak her hands this time. Why, Mio thought. If he wanted to make myself submit, it should be more effective there. Then.

"Fufu……this is different, Mio-sama."

Maria said as she was seen through.

"There, Mio-sama, is a place that you must heat up so as to burn yourself. Though it imitates this cooling even it’s not trying to. The main point is, as you feel hotter and hotter that place gets wetter and wetter."'''(!)'''

"……"

Seeing the blush on his face, Maria giggled as the speechless Basara sprinkled water from the hands to the elbows of Mio. Furthermore, when he soaked the upper arm and the shoulder, in her open state, he soon pointed the shower head to another sensitive place. Beside the collarbone —the nape of her neck.

"Hnnn……fu, ku…Unn…Haaa…."

Mio, whose weak spot is soaked, twitched her trembling body, and bit her lips in desperation to suppress her voice. Even if it’s during the time of the aphrodisiac curse, she doesn’t want to be the type of woman whom felt herself in the shower. However, even bluffing and pretending to be tough was too much.
Basara’s eyes were focused to what seemed to burst in her small swimsuit — Mio’s chest.

"Haa…"

Mio suddenly leaked a hot breath. Even when she refused the master-servant contract, and even before the showdown with Takashi and his company, Mio’s sensitive place has been made to submit many times.

Finally, it got wet.

But,it is not so soothing from over her swimsuit. When the aphrodisiac curse executed, Mio’s heart, the arousing sensation is exploited even from the slightest level of friction by the cloth above.

''I don’t care what happens in the shower anymore.''

To her sensitive breasts, Basara started soaking Mio by the shower,

"Ya…nn…Ah…kuh…Haaa,Nnn…"

At once, the pleasant sensation that was born on the depths of her breasts surrounded her whole body, and Mio couldn’t endure her voice anymore.

''…No! My voice in the school will…''

To this prohibited situation, Mio’s thoughts fell into disarray, but she couldn’t stop herself. Basara stared at Mio in silence. Because of that gaze Mio felt even more.

After her sensitive breasts have soaked plenty, suddenly—the shower stopped.

"Haa..Nn, Ah…ya…n"

With the pleasant feeling with the shower had settled, Mio leaked weak deep breathing noises.

"ah, haa…ha"

The nipples of her breasts that is made and felt cold, being pushed up by the swimsuit, insisted on pleasure in a lewd manner. Then, Basara draws his waist close to it and a lip is quietly drawn to one of that breasts.

"…Do-don’t…wait…Oniichan…I’m gonna…cum…"

There is no time to wait. Without regards to the sweet agonies, the mouth in front of her chest which is being stretched in the swimsuit and it was sucked at once. At that moment —the locker room, was the first place where Naruse Mio climaxed for the first time in the school. The feeling of a tremendous fall of her virtue,

"———————"

Mio’s whole body convulsed in pleasure, and raised a coquettish voice as her vision was dyed pure white.

Her back arched unconsciously, and her waist floated in sensation—such a violent orgasm.

It was a pleasure sufficient enough for submission. Nevertheless,

"…? This…, Oniichan… W-wait…"

Having not calmed down from the climax yet, Basara turned behind her and put both hands in the swimsuit from the sides of her chest. Basara’s hands invaded her tight swimsuit, and began to rub Mio’s chest violently.

[[Image:Shinmai v03 063.jpg|thumb]]

Without pausing for a breather, Mio was pushed up to the next climax in the arms of Basara.

''…oh no, my body is getting hotter…''

Once again, intense orgasms engraved her body, and Mio felt a rise in her temperature.

Still, Basara didn’t stop. Mio’s chest and Basara’s hands adhered in her wet swimsuit which never happened before, and became one. Soon, both the nipples of Mio’s sensitive chest were raised and rubbed and plucked in a way so many times. So to submit herself to pleasure.

"Oniichaa—yaa, Oniichaaan!"

Having reached orgasms countless times while shivering her whole body, Mio called Basara in a sweet and lovely voice. Calling one’s master to strengthen the submission even a little, indicated how much absolute his existence does to her subconscious. '''(!)'''

And yet, when the master-servant contract intensified, the glow didn’t come out.

"…what…why …?"

"for Mio-sama and Basara-san to go further than now, even though her chest is already been massaged, and even the place to be sucked is taken advantage, and even if the location is the school of all places, this play is still on an insufficient level." '''(!)'''

"u… that, that sort of…"

In the words of Maria, as her chest is continued to be massaged Mio raised a voice tinged with pleasure.

''…un, unacceptable. Absolutely unacceptable…''

It was unbelievable. But even so she felt. Although she submitted herself so much. Mio’s heart swore obedience to Basara so much — but it is still not enough.

Then, all of a sudden Mio’s breasts were stopped being massaged and Basara’s both hands slipped out from the swimsuit. Mio’s eyes were asking why, and soon understood his thoughts.

"…what are you doing, Oniichan!?"

Mio’s climax was cut momentarily by Basara.

The showerhead was forcibly slipped inside the swimsuit from the side of her chest.

"Ba, Basara-san…?"

Maria that is nearby, raised a voice of perplexity.

It means that this action is the idea of Basara.

An aggressive ad-lib. However, Naruse Mio understood that this is not the end of it. The shower head was pushed against at the tensed nipple of Mio’s left breast.

''…u…no way…''

Naruse Mio imagined what will happen upon herself, and her body quivered gradually. She’s convinced. She herself will be made to submit in an unpreceded level from now on.

"Ah…a….aaahh"

With a quivering voice and body, she braced herself for imminent arrival of the moment.

"This all ends—now"

Basara with peaceful eyes, said as she stared at Mio.

And his right arm surrounded her from behind, and a firm left shoulder was held.

"____"

Mio clung the arm tightly. Because Basara wanted to strengthen their bonds more than now, understanding that this is necessary, she prepared herself.

The master whom Mio entrusted her everything — Basara, kept silent.

But only for a period, his empty left hand, opened the shower all at once. That moment,

"HyaAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAa!"

The torrent of shower began to act violently inside her swimsuit, and Mio gave a serious scream. Her chest which became more sensitive is ruined to the limit by the intense current, and she reached the climax at once. However, it didn’t end at that level. The water that gushed out vigorously from the shower violated Mio’s breasts without mercy.

"YAa, HAaaa?! Nnn, aaahh, Fuaaaaaannn, Aauu, aaaaaAAAAA!"

Naruse Mio is wrapped in a series of multiple orgasms by the storming pleasure.

Her long hair was disheveled, her white neck bent, and her thin waist twitched indecently, But even that all of Mio’s body stricken and shaken by the violent pleasure, Basara still didn’t release Mio from his embrace. If it became impossible to control and suppress her with one hand, he will strongly restrict her by hugging Mio with both hands.

And, to Mio who spent all the oxygen in her lungs in releasing flirtatious voices in no time,

"…hah…ya…aah…aah!"

Her consciousness and breathing are drowned in her simultaneous orgasms, and her hips lifted indecently every time she reached climax. Basara’s arm was hugged tightly, and the moments she reached orgasms in succession were ten times on count.

Light appeared and enveloped Basara’s and Mio’s bodies.

The radiance indicated that their fighting power has grown. In this instant,

"…………"

Basara whom she held on tightly, moved immediately and responded to Mio.

However, he who was hugging her with both hands, still left the showerhead open.

Then how did it feel, Basara? The answer was only known to Mio, who tasted it personally with her own body.

Mio acted violently because the shower head has already entered the valley of her breasts. To help her, Basara held the shoulder straps of Mio’s bathing suit, pulling them down all at once.

"IyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaAAAAA!"

As a result, while the cold water sprayed all over inside her swimsuit, Mio exposed all of her bare chest to Basara, and he was pushed violently up high in shame.

Because- Mio’s nipples, that became sensitive to the maximum, and rubbed intensely over the cloth of the swimsuit that is forcibly undone,

Came out of the swimsuit which is too tight for her big breasts and made the girl’s climax to be stimulated more than usual.

"Ah…Ha, Aaaah…Nn, Yaa…Nnu"

Soaked in reverberations of the climax, Mio exhaled a hot breath as she was liberated at last.

"You did your best till the last minute… Good work."

With the upper part of the swimsuit being undone, a quiet whisper came to her ear and she was embraced gently. A warm, gentle voice and embrace extended in Mio’s whole body.

''…ah…oniichan… I see. I did well…''

I’m so glad. Mio felt relieved. Onii-chan praised me again… I’m so happy.

"Nn…"

While being held, her consciousness drifted towards the left over intense good feeling, Mio’s cheeks landed on Basara’s sturdy chest. The younger sister wanting him to praise her for doing her best repeated it many times and behaved like a spoiled child.

Her back was patted gently. It’s the very thing Mio desired from her words. It was embarrassing, but strangely it was satisfying — and all of it were rewarding. Because, I will be able to help Basara again with this. Our bonds and power with Basara which is the master, was able to become strengthened once more.

It is what my master desired — the master whom I want to dedicate my entire self with pleasure. '''(!)'''

Feeling happiness to the maximum, Naruse Mio slowly closed her eyes. And, Mio can’t remember what happened after that.

The only thing she remembered vauguely—was Basara’s warm embrace.

=== Part 5 ===

The number of climax Basara gave exceeded two digits, enough to make Mio’s consciousness fly.

The intense pleasure continued being engraved without choice, and the submission caused her heart and body desire to take a rest from exhaustion.

Even so, her breathing and pulse were still stable, and didn’t have any problems, Maria analyzed.

Therefore, in his arms, Basara carried Mio to the locker room, and asked Maria to wipe her body clean with a towel for her not to catch a cold, and help him put on her uniform. And then he erased his presence from the surroundings, went back to the men’s locker room, changed into his uniform, and joined the two again to the pool locker room. The unconscious Mio is lifted in his arms and carried to the infirmary, to Hasegawa, the school nurse, and when asked she wanted to take a rest in the bed because she had a little fever. Maria which is invisible to an ordinary person like Hasegawa, directed to be near Mio until her consciousness returns, and Basara returned to the class at the third period.

—Afterwards, Mio regained consciousness at lunchtime, returned back to the classroom with Maria, and properly participated in the afternoon classes.

——Present time, after school,

"…Good grief, where did Maria went?"

Searching for Maria, Toujou Basara roamed inside the campus.

When Mio returned to the classroom, her figure turned into invisible state not seen by everyone except Basara. And after spending lunchbreak together, on the condition that she will behave herself Maria allowed to be there in the classroom for the fifth period. Basara thought and expected things to go out of hand during class and be absorbed in her mischiefs.

Thus he endured it somehow till the fifth period is over, with this she will be lectured severely during break time. He ordered her to wait without doing anything from the sixth period at the corridor.

''…didn’t I told you to return earlier?''

No. Basara thought that’s not the case. He told Maria to wait in the hallway. If she went ahead, he should be informed at least. It doesn’t seem that she came home in silence. What on earth? What the hell is going on, I wonder. But there is no response on the mobile phone several times.

''…don’t tell me.''

There is one possibility, Toujou Basara gave a firm expression.

In the rooftop, where the student couple having a tryst a while ago,

——it’s possible that in the middle of the sixth period, the enemy might have really come over. And as she goes to check the situation she has been compromised, and in the middle of combat.

''…No.''

Then he should hear the battle sounds. Even though a magical barrier for blocking the sound is deployed, the reaction to magical power comes forth surely. Basara will surely notice it if it does so.

Then, what if Maria was caught off-guard by the enemy? And if resistance futile at all, and she was not able to call for help to Basara? As his imagination became worse and worse,

"……!"

Noticing something Basara began running down the hallway. There is no time to spare for expressions.

"Shit… I should have looked with Mio and Yuki after all"

Mio came back to the classroom at lunchtime, and when Basara asked her in worry if she is okay, Mio replied ‘it’s all right’ in a pretty awkward manner. With a red face, and eyes that don’t match his at all. Perhaps, she maybe felling shameful to have been seen by Basara who had her disheveled intensely in that place. With this, Basara’s face also reddened, and it became an awkward atmosphere. Being conscious to each other when he’s nearby, Mio decided to go home earlier, and for her not to be alone, Yuki accompanied her to return together.

——but what’s really more important, rather than feeling embarrassed is the safety of Maria.

Nevertheless… the corridor of the school were Basara ran,

"… Found you!"

Suddenly from the scenery outside the window, he discovered the figure of the girl being searched and quickly stopped his pace.

"That girl, why in such a place…!"

That explained why she couldn’t be found. Normally, one doesn’t set foot in there, a dead space in a crevice of a complicated building. Once Basara opened the window immediately and tried to call her,

"Eh?"

His hand that extended to reach the lock to the window stopped midway. Maria in the courtyard, was not alone. However, within the school, there are no other human beings whom Maria can expose her appearance aside from Basara, Mio and Yuki. On the other hand, he didn't face an enemy yet—then who is it?

"…Takigawa?"

Toujou Basara spoke that name dumbfoundedly. Takigawa Yahiro has been with Maria.

"Why are those two people…?"

As if looking at something unbelievable, Basara felt a little dizzy. Then was the conversation over? Without being able to move at once Basara glanced what’s ahead, Takigawa and Maria parted ways from each other.

In order not to lose them at his sight, Basara hurried. He tailed Maria. Then in the place went down the first floor, and jumped out of the school entrance, he met with Maria suddenly.

"Ah, Basara-san. Yahhoo"

Maria waved her hand was soon as he was found with a carefree smile.

"Good grief. Don’t ‘Yahhoo’ me, and don’t go out on your own without permission."

"I’m sorry. I seemed to wait in the corridor without doing anything, but there are more free time than you think. The weight of Boredom is more painful than you have guessed!"

"You… reflect yourself a little."

Basara sighs as he said, and took a glance at Maria’s expression.

''…There’s no way, it is.''

There was nothing unusual on Maria’s profile. Toujou Basara thought. Like the time he mistook a couple on the roof for an enemy attack, someone like himself has become a little nervous as they were told that Zolgear is targeting Mio.

In fact, that situation where Maria and Takigawa meet, there are a lot of complicated possibilities that can be given out in that situation. After all, Takigawa is from the demon clan — the watchdog the existing Demon clan had sent.

However, the forces that protects Mio’s true identity — the Moderate demon faction, said that the present Demon faction might have slipped a spy. However, these facts are unknown to Maria.

In the end, only Basara knew the identity of Takigawa. For this reason, Basara who knew his real colors allied with him in outmost secrecy and as the last resort, to deceive the enemy as their trump card, like the proverb ‘to deceive your enemy, deceive your friends first’. Thus, just like Yuki and Mio, of course, he is in the same moderate faction. Though it cannot be said that there is no possibility that Maria and Takigawa are familiar with each other.

… However,

He never heard anything from the two. And today’s lunchbreak, Maria is seen to come with Mio to the classroom, Basara explained the situation at once to Takigawa, who pretended that he doesn’t see Maria.

Therefore, if he believed that the two people are sure not to have any point of contact.

Then why are these two people together a while ago? If Maria is in a condition where she should not be seen by ordinary people by her magic, how can this explain that she is with Takigawa who is pretending to be a commoner?

…Maria may deactivated her magic or something, and unfortunately was found by Takigawa…

The possibility is not surely zero. But, if assumed that Maria talked with Takigawa, whose identity is hidden, will he really play it along when approached by Maria?

Basara thought of a reason why Takigawa did so,

''…Ah.''

He just realized. After school time passed by, and he has already gone too far in leaving the class. The students with club activities remain, and the students coming and going the student entrance can be seen right now.

But, even if Maria is an outsider, nobody still noticed her since a while ago, because of her magic.

There is no odd point here. However, if Maria didn’t disenchant her Magic— the one and only possibility that Maria and Takigawa were able to meet each other a while ago became impossible.

"? Basara, is there something wrong?"

"No, nevermind."

Basara whom a suspicion swelled in him was asked a question at once in the same timing, and covered it momentarily.

''…Damn it!''

A certain possibility appeared in his mind, and Toujou Basara received a tension and chills in the depths of his chest at once. The worst situation is that the two people, Naruse Maria and Takigawa Yahiro —were deceiving Basara. He did not think that he can keep his cover to up forever, because that’s not his intention either. Until he defeats Zolgear, at least for Basara, he wanted to hide the identity of Takigawa to Mio.

The enemies are high ranking demon clan, and the acting subordinates who served him had considerable strength too.

If Takigawa will not work as a trump card in case of emergency, the odds will be low for them. Basara doesn’t mind if these two people have a secret connection as long as it was necessary to protect Mio. Even if unknown to Basara, there will be a hand that can be lend in case of emergency. In fact Basara did the same thing to Mio too.

But — What if the two were were deceiving him with malicious intent? With Basara’s discovery of Takigawa’s real identity, he allied with him behind the scenes. As for Maria who doesn’t know Tagikawa’s real identity, if it was a trap to harm all of them, they as of now will be driven to a very dangerous situation. To the degree of being hopeless for sure.

—Maria is a true friend, and is a precious family. He doesn’t want to suspect her. However, it’s not possible to leave it as it is.

Basara which left his bag returned to the classroom with Maria. Making sure that no one else is in the classroom, he asked Maria in a casual tone.

"…say Maria, a little while ago, were you not with Takigawa of our class?"

Originated from the feelings that he prayed for, is the question that control the fate of various things. Then,

"That? You have seen it, Basara-san? Gee—Yes, I am."

Maria replied immediately as if nothing happened.

"I haven’t come from a little while, so I kind of forget the trivial structures of this place. While I entered that odd place after exploring here and there, I lost my way completely. And because there was no help for it, I deactivated the magic for once, and asked the person who happened to pass by the vicinity."

"…eh?"

Having an answer that he didn’t see coming, Basara stopped thinking.

"Then, fortunately, I was saved because of Basara’s friend who was getting along well with. There is not a single person in the campus who doesn’t know the popular Mio-sama, but the others who know the setting of a younger sister is limited. If I happened to pass an unknown person in that circumstances, if I’m unlucky the worst case scenario is that I’ll be treated as an unidentified and lost little girl."

Maria, in a nick of time. Toujou Basara listened to her dumbfounded.

''…for once… is that really it? Then there is nothing strange at all isn’t it?''

That was an unthinkable reason for Maria to talk to Takigawa, to deactivate Maria’s magic temporarily, it’s a different story from what he had thought. Assuming the situation is possible. If Maria who guarded Mio wander the premises alone, it’s not strange for Takigawa to be bothered about it and go see the situation.

"What… so that’s it?"

Basara felt relieved,

"—So it means that I will come here regularly by the future, and I intend to familiarize myself with the structure of the school premises. At that time, how about Basara-san? How about entering the locker again, and be found by Mio-sama again on purpose, and do such things as training in the contrary?"
'''(!)'''

"Learn by experience a little, you loli-ero-succubus!"

Basara said to Maria with a slowly grasped fist in reflex, —However,

"……good grief."

Like that, a hand was laid in the head of Maria.

"? Uhm… Basara-san won’t intend to hit me?"

To Maria looking puzzled, Basara sighed, and said what he thought all the time from a while ago.

"…I’m worried. It’s because you have gone so sudden, I thought of what could have happen to you."

When his serious worry was transmitted to her head, "… ha?" Maria leaked a small voice.

"…I’m sorry"

She lowered her eyes and looked down. Basara gently pat her head.

"It’s okay if you understand. It’s a good idea. If you come to the school again, say it before then. Not only me, but also Mio and Yuki too, to go all round the campus. When the push comes to a shove, if we have all the members, we can properly confirm each other’s moves precisely."

"… Okay"

''Have I said a little too much?'' Maria nodded with a gloomy expression.

Not wanting this kind of face, Basara scratched his cheeks, and as Maria looked down, her nose was pinched upwards a little tightly.

"Fueeh——It hurts!!"

Basara released the hand that was pinching the nose of the upset Maria, and laughed in a whim.

"Let’s go home soon. Mio and Yuki will worry if we’re late."

After all, we have done various things today. If things don’t go well, Mio’s lightning will definitely strike us down if were misunderstood that we entered a place somewhere not good again. Literally. I’m serious.

Maria replied with a "Yes" and nodded in return—and the two people began to walk.

As they walked on the corridor with no people around, changed shoes at the student entrance and went out, Maria kept silent all the way. She followed just a few steps behind Basara.

…while a little bit out of the gate,

"…uhm, Basara-san?"

"Hm? What’s the matter?"

Called behind suddenly, Basara turned around.

"Your hand… May I hold it?"

Looking up, Maria asked timidly. She seemed like a child who did something naughty, was got angry at, and was trying to set her distance to her parents for them to forgive her.

"… Of course."

With a quiet smile, Basara stretched out his hand. A small hand overlapped the outstretched hand. The hand which felt uneasy, Basara’ grasped it tightly but gently.

To inform that he’s not angry anymore. Then,

"…ehehehe"

[[Image:Shinmai v03 079.jpg|thumb]]

Still feeling slightly apologetic, Maria smiled with joy.

After that, until they arrived at the house, Maria held hands with Basara all the time.

With the sun setting in the west in the background, chased their shadows that extended for long.

And in the sky that Basara looked a while ago — the night has already started to come.

From the city sky where the stars cannot be seen easily, the full moon started to raise to surface slowly.
<br style="clear:both"/>

<noinclude>

{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; padding: 0.2em; border-collapse: collapse;"
|-
| Back to [[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 3 Prologue|Prologue]]
| Return to [[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 3 Chapter 2|Chapter 2]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 6 Chapter 2

2017-02-11T14:10:20Z

Dragon213:

==The Other Side to the False Smile==
=== Part 1 ===

Naruse Maria woke up very early today.

The moderate faction had sent her to the human realm to be responsible for protecting Naruse Mio -- the only daughter of the deceased former demon lord Wilbert and the sole inheritor his power.

So, the moment when the delivery person put the morning paper through the mailbox--

"-----------"

Maria immediately had a protective reaction. The small noise that came from outside the outside the house, made her open her eyes and exit her bed without waking Mio, and slightly opened the curtain to peek outside.

-- A black automobile then drove past the house at this moment. Upon seeing the familiar back of the person that indeed was the one who usually delivered the morning paper, she released a sigh in relief and released the curtain.

After doing her routine morning stretches, she silently returned to the side of the bed. Seeing Mio who was still in her dreams, she thought to herself once again, that the reason that she was here, was indeed to protect this person here.

After staring at her for a while, Mio's cheeks then began to slowly become red.

"A..Ah...Yahh... oniichan....Ah♥"

"-------!"

Upon hearing those sweet and hot words that she said out in her sleep, Maria's two eyes widened and she immediately began moving -- she retrieved the camera from under the bed and immediately pressed the power button to turn it on, while thinking [Ah ha!]--

''...I can't let this rare opportunity slip by!''

It wasn't just to record her sleep talk. Although that will be something she will definitely record too, what she really wanted to record down this time -- was Mio's dream.

The dream that Mio is currently having is likely to be one that being subjugated by Basara, and the main thing is -- that dream wasn't one made by the succubus Maria, but Mio herself. Now, would that be caused by Mio's hidden desires, or by her subconsciousness?

...No matter what it was, what it had created was definitely something great.

From the viewpoint of a succubus, this is something to celebrate about; as her rationality and self-control is weakened in a dream, she might do things even more unbelievable than what she would've done outside of a dream, showing a even more debaucherous side of herself... ''Oya~, my energy is back already!''

Being this excited, Maria wanted to immediately touch Mio to peek into the dream. But--

''...No, that isn't enough!''

Naruse Maria tried her best to suppress her desires. Peeping into the dream now would only grant her some instant gratification; if there isn't any proof, she wouldn't be able to use it against Mio at all, if she were to deny it ever happened. Which Maria knew will happen.

For creating solid evidence that cannot be denied by Mio.

For recording down Mio, to add to her secret collection.

....Indeed, recording Mio-sama's dream and saving it is justice!

Having prepared for such situations, Maria had already made some modifications to the camera already; By slightly altering the inner structure and inserting her demonic power within -- not could it only record Basara subjugating someone, but by synchronising with the targeted person's brainwaves, it could also record a dream.

After turning on the power and inserting her demonic power, she began setting up what she called the [Amphibious Armament Prototype], which was the camera stand. Just what is the contents of the dream~..... Swallowing her saliva from anticipation, she aimed her two eyes at the small screen. And--

"...Ah? The synchronisation with Mio-sama...!"

She then exaggeratedly displayed her surprise. By right, the dream should've been displayed on the screen -- but instead, what was displayed was a black screen.

"Could it be... She's not there anymore?"

Completely wrong. When she looked up at the bed, Mio was still on the bed, with only the sheets slightly moving --

"...huu..."

Letting out a sigh with a groan, her two eyes slowly opened heavily.

Anyone who saw this would all unanimously agree that she had the face of a cute teenage girl and the body of a mature women, combining the two completely contradicting elements into the body of a single girl. The tips of those full breasts poked out from within her sleepwear, prominently presenting themselves -- it was probably the dream about basara that caused her sensitive body to have a reaction. Being so stunning this early once again, it was really something worthy of praise.

Since it has already become like this, then why not just take a normal recording this time? However -- what Maria wanted to record this time wasn't the appearance of a Mio fresh out from bed.

It was how far she would take it while following her desires in her dream.

"Hu.... Ah, Maria, good morning.... -- Hey, what's with you, crying and smiling while holding the camera in your hand?"

How could I not cry? I really wanted to give you many praises for what you had done!

But then, Naruse Maria hadn't given up just yet, and also had another up her sleeve...

"...Mio-sama, what you had said when sleeptalking was really erotic... Just what kind of dream was it?"

"What...!!"

Hearing Maria talking about it as if completely knowing about it, her face immediately flushed red. In that opening--

"--Come, Mio-sama, continue dreaming with me!"

After saying those words that were practically asking for a beating, she suddenly stretched out her left hand towards Mio's eyes, and released magic.

-- In a normal situation, Maria's magic would have no effect on Mio.

But it was another story if she was totally unprepared and defenceless when she had just woken up.

"Eh-- ...Ah..."

Mio's eyes widened in surprise, and they then turned hazy.... And her body slowly fell onto the bed again.

"Hohoho... Forgive me, Mio-sama, I had no other choice."

After only letting Mio have a few light breaths, in order to stimulate her consciousness, Maria had reminded Mio of the dream, and had released the aphrodisiac dreaming magic. With this, now she will be able to record down that dream just now

"Right! This time, I must peek into Mio-sama's innermost desires hidden deep within her heart...!"

Hyped with excitement, she then proceeded to raise the camera once again to begin shooting the dream. [Just how hot will it be~] – Moving her hips about, she also swung her succubus tail about, holding very high anticipation with her, staring at the tiny screen.

Immediately after that, Mio's room appeared on the screen, with it being at night. Under the moonlight shining in from the window, Mio was lying on the bed, shyly looking in the direction of the camera.

And from what Mio was saying previously, Maria managed to deduce the nature of the dream already.

"Hoho... Doesn't this mean that, Mio-sama's secretly wishes for Basara to ravage her in the middle of the night~ ...Mio-sama~, so you are a super M!"

Mio had a shy personality, plus being frank with herself wasn't something she was good at, so she wouldn't take the initiative with Basara. However, if Basara was the one to take the initiative, she would accept it all despite having some resistance initially. Like the day before yesterday in the girl's bathroom in Hijirigazaka Academy, she was subjugated by Basara through quite some resistance. Back then, she had given the excuse of that she would be fine with it no matter what happens and showed off her charms and gorgeousness -- but from another point of view, that was most likely her passiveness.

In that aspect, it was just the same as like Basara's childhood friend Yuki.

...Yuki really is something great to be reckoned with~

But on whether she could do those things without a trace of embarrassment, it's not necessarily so...

It's just, for someone usually so indifferent and cold like her to so be embarrassed with totally red cheeks, and yet still take the initiative in displaying her sensual side to him, scored very high marks in the succubus Maria's books.

...Also

The reason Yuki would show her affection to Basara regardless of her embarrassment, was that Mio was present.

Similarly -- Mio also didn't want to lose to Yuki. Basically, Mio would try to halt Yuki when she went on the offensive; but once she found out that she wouldn't be able to stop Yuki, she would then begin to compete with her, doing all sorts of lewd acts together with her. Supporting her chin with a hand, Maria then nodded with a [Hoho…] and said:

"Oya~ It really is nice to have competitiveness between the two of you~ ...Eh?"

Within the camera screen that was capturing Mio's dream – she was lying on the bed shyly, seemingly as if waiting for something or someone while looking in the direction of where Maria is. The one Mio should be looking at now should be Basara, but since that there hasn't been any actions taken in the dream so far, it shows that –

"Pleasepleaseplease, just what the hell is the Basara in Mio-sama’s dream even doing! He couldn't possibly have had a bout of stage fright after coming into the room, right? Just where the hell that damned demon who smeared the cake in the bathroom go!? Your audience here is about to fall asleep!" <ref>Getting very impatient</ref>

Excitement bursting at the seams, she then let out a sigh from disbelief. Just then--

"Ah… Could it be...!"

She then suddenly used her free hand to lightly caress Mio's skin, and a hand also appeared on the screen, touching Mio's cheeks in the same manner as in reality, with what was indeed Basara's hand. Although her shyness was visibly showing, Mio returned the caress to the hand with her face.

“What a big blunder that I had made… To even mix up the [Observation Type] and the [Participation Type] of the lewd dreams magic, just how careless can I be?”

She said that with her forehead buried in a palm. Actually, the lewd dreams magic of female succubi originally could make the target one's dream lewd, while its administration was the [Participation Type]. This is so that when they have sex with the males, they could absorb the essences created from having sex with the one they wish to do with in their hearts.

But since what Maria wanted to see was Mio's deepest desire hidden in the depths of her heart, what she had originally to release was the [Observation Type] which allowed her to put her consciousness into the dream to observe; but from the heat in the moment, her excitement led to a mistake which led to her releasing the [Participation Type] instead. In a sense, and in short, Maria had become Basara's substitute.

"Hah... How unlucky... I have never played the male's role before..."

She sighed while experiencing a headache.

"Ah... Nevermind, nothing else can be done to change the situation now, right? I had also wanted to find out how far will Mio-sama take it anyways. Normally I would be spectating from the sides while Basara makes Mio-sama reach the skies, and since that looked interesting, I might as well make good use of the current situation on hand, right...?"

She left the side of Mio's bed while saying that regretfully, and grabbed a stuffed panda doll placed on the cabinet; opening the zipper, she took out the stuffing almost as if like a routine, and put the camera into the doll, positioning the lens through a small hole.

"In situations like these, I always feel like that I made the right choice in buying an upright. Its developers must have been moved to tears by this, right?"

While saying things that would probably move the developers to tears for other reasons, she hid the camera so that it would be camouflaged in its surroundings, and then turned around and said:

"Oya~ I've lost this time to you… I originally had no intention of doing such things, it's true, ok? But since Basara wouldn't wake up so early, this is a golden opportunity. As a succubus, not taking any liberties with Mio-sama, it really is impolite. Well, I was in a totally helpless situation... Totally helpless helpless helpless with totally no hope!"

When Maria finished her speech, her eyes had already become red, panting at the direction of the sleeping Mio.

In the camera, Maria should've assume the appearance of Basara. Hence, she cleared her throat with a audible [Ehm!], and said with an expression and tone as if being serious about an unknown something:

"Sorry to keep you waiting, Mio... Your most beloved master Basara is here!"

Perfect. Maria had imitated her impression of Basara, and then began to start playing with Mio.

Straddling the Mio who was sleeping with her back facing the bed, she began playing with the pair of breasts that was separated from her by a layer of clothing.

"Ah... Haah,Aahh... Ah... Noo... Ah♥"

Mio had almost immediately began to take heavy pants, and began to slightly wriggle.

...Wow~

Just from massaging and kneading Mio's breasts, Maria's satisfied expression had melted away very quickly.

This... was much more fulfilling than I had imagined it to be! Not only could she totally feel their size and softness even through the sleepwear, Mio's pleasured expression was also fully visible to her! Since what Maria released was the [Participation Type] lewd dreams magic, as long as she was touching Mio, she could experience Mio's point of view from her dreams. Mio was actually sleeping in reality, her eyes were closed -- but Mio was awake for Maria who was totally into the dream's scene, with her own sounds being the same as Basara's.

...T-This situation, can make people feel wrong from many aspects.

Maria chuckled softly, and at the pajamas Mio was wearing – the buttons that was done nicely. She stretched out a hand towards them, and undid the first button.

"Ah -- No... You can't..."

Mio then shyly covered up her breasts, but--

"What's there to be shy about. Mio, move your hands away, and let me see all of you clearly."

In Mio's dream, with the voice and appearance that had become that of Basara's, Maria said so cheerfully.

And even staring into her eyes with impartial and strict eyes. However, Mio averted her eyes with a reddened face, and shouted [No].

''...Ah~ I knew that it would be like that.''

The fight between rationality and embarrassment. Even though it was a dream, the aphrodisiac curse of the master-servant contract still haven't activated; if she were to ignore Mio's will and press on, she might develop feelings against Basara, shaking their master-servant relationship.

And more importantly, Maria didn't want to force Mio to do things she feels disgusted with. Hence--

...That's it, I guess, Right?

"...But, if oniichan really wants..."

When she was about to retreat from the battlefield, she suddenly heard Mio say that softly.

Looking on with dismay, a light collar-like marking appeared on her neck.

The master-servant contract's curse has activated. Probably not being honest with her own desires, she said[If onii-chan wants], pushing the blame onto Basara, hence causing guilt within her.

Following that, she slowly released the hands covering her breasts, looking up towards Maria with teary eyes.

"It's fine… You can do whatever you like to."

It was totally unexpected to her that Mio would have such a 'sudden thrust' reaction, so it would seem that Mio did harbour such a desire about Basara -- but, what made Maria even more surprised was Mio's current expression.

That, was an expression that a normal 15 year old girl should not have.

That, was an expression that a normal 15 year old girl would never have.

That -- was an expression that only Mio who had no experience with males, and with her body and heart being carved with unbelievable pleasure could have. Totally alluring and filled with fawn, the breath-taking expression of a [woman].

"......!"

Crap, it was originally only intended to be only a evil prank.

''...I-It's all Mio-sama's fault.''

She nervously swallowed her saliva. It wouldn't just happen to males only, anyone who saw this reaction will not be able to resist it.

"........"

Feeling her succubus instincts burning, she began to undo every button on her sleepwear slowly; when her breasts were completely exposed, she put her hands near her neck, and slid them from her collarbone to behind her shoulders -- Mio's upper body is now completely bare, with her breasts prominently on display.

"Ah…"

A light gasp was released shyly from Mio, and moved very seducingly. With the scene in the dream, along with the succubus magic 'turning' Maria into Basara and her having played with her breasts, the tip of Mio's breasts swelled as if to show off it being filled with pleasure.

"For you to have become like that... You really are lewd, Mio."

"Ah... Since when... You're the one who caused my breasts to become like that..."

"-Me?"

Maria giggled while kneading Mio's right breast. After that, she brought her mouth towards it and while intentionally avoiding the sensitive spots, her tongue drew lines and curves on her sultry breast.

"Ahh! … Don..Haa... Ah... Aaahh... Ah... Aaooo♥"

Anguished moans was then released from Mio, her waist being turning about, her thighs clenched together, and the waves of her reverie gradually began to overwhelm her.

"!...Please, don't bully me..."

Just like that, Maria had slowly and gradually teased Mio to her breaking point, making her beg.

It seems that I had went slightly overboard with this… But still--

''...Mio-sama...!''

Maria herself does not feel any regret over her actions at all. Mio's cute charming coquettish actions and sounds has already completely sunk her rationality to the bottom of the ocean. With that, she took that tip of Mio's breast into her mouth, and while attempting to take in a deep breath by sucking--

"!----♥"

Her whole body gave a short and violent reaction.

Just look at how cute that face and reaction is -- which was what made Maria's mind, from that moment onwards, be filled with ideas and thoughts of playing with Mio.

From the effects from the contract, the tuning and development of Mio's body sensitivity was indeed veerryy interesting.

When Maria licked Mio's neck and torn off the clothes belonging from the upper half of her body, she only put up some very light resistance; but when Maria had kneaded her breasts to various shapes while taking off Mio's lower half of her sleepwear which would leave her in only her panties, any resistance from her was already gone. Following that--

"......Eh?"

When she regained her senses, Mio already had a face seemingly as if melting in pleasure for some reason while kneeling down with her back facing Maria; and Maria's hand, was gripping Mio's panties for some reason, and the on the clock, 15 minutes has already passed from when she had begun.

"Umm... Why am I holding this thing?"

What's even worse and perplexing to her, was the thing that she was holding in her right hand.

A banana. That was what she was holding within her right hand. What a minute, that banana seems familiar... Reason being that it was the banana that she had bought for Yuki and Mio for consumption - ¥398 a stalk including tax. Normally, a stalk would comprise of 5 bananas, but Maria had specially picked a stalk that had three bananas that were thicker within the stalk.

...It was all for the little stuff that makes me, Naruse Maria, happy.

Previously, Maria had sneaked into Basara's room very early in the morning, and secretly measured the dimensions of a particular part of his body; and had then went to the supermarket to find an ingredient that had dimensions very close to what she had measured and was suitable for a particular purpose. And then after all that, she had finally managed to dig up a treasure.

Of course, it would be this banana… and the correct pronunciation in English would be '''BANA～NA'''.

Recently, she had been giggling from her hiding place while watching Yuki and Mio eat the bananas she had bought for them to eat, and it had already become her secret pleasure – releasing stress while refreshing and giving her mind a wonderful time.

...Although if she were to pursue in also getting the texture right, matsutake or the large hot dog from convenience stores would be a more suitable product; if she were to pursue in getting the hardness right, a cucumber or the likes would be better.

But unfortunately, a hot dog would not be too soft and thin; the skin of the cucumber would make it too hard, and Mio wouldn't contain it whole in her mouth if the cucumber were to be cooked; and matsutake would simply be too explicit, leaving no room for imagination.

But a banana would be different. It is highly nutritious, professional athletes would take it as a snack; additionally, it has a potent cosmetic effects, giving beautiful skin while having a detoxifying effect, and it can make Mio and Yuki take a few mouthfuls of it unsuspectingly.

Right now, that very banana is being held in Maria's right hand.

"Ah... Just how did it turn out like this...?"

She then began to attempt to recall what happened in that blank space of 15 minutes in her memories. Memories of getting more and more into the mood and saying 「I want your all」and similar things began returning to her mind.

"Which means... I..."

She couldn't have been thinking of using that banana to take away Mio’s first time... Or was she?

"T-That was close... To think that in that moment of following my instincts, I had wanted Mio-sama to eat the banana with her lips down there. Mio-sama's match could never be the banana that's ¥398 a stalk... It really is preposterous..."

Not forgetting--

"The price of a single banana is 136.666… It's basically indivisible!"

Still, despite having said that, she herself has already brought Mio into that state already.

In times like this, she has to take up the responsibility that was that of a man's... Even though she's not a man.

But as a human, she has to be respectful to females... Even though she's not a human.

I am a succubus! With that, Maria then arrived at an answer.

The verdict--

"Inserting it in a little through the panties should probably be fine, I guess?"

Setting a safety margin should be the correct way. Just as Maria deepened her decision--

"...Onii-chan?"

Mio turned around suddenly, setting off panic within Maria.

...Uhh, at times like this, Basara would usually…

She then remembered what Basara would say when subjugating Mio.

With that, Maria then hurriedly took off her underwear and threw it aside. Gripping that especially thick banana with her thighs, she carefully adjusted its angle, and then with her two hands firmly gripping Mio's butt, she then said with the expression of her hundred percent loli succubus without any hesitation:

“Sorry to keep you waiting, Mio… I'll immediately make you—

"---YOU IDIOTTT!!"

Something hard suddenly came down upon her from above, accompanied with ridicule and disbelief.

"GaEeekk! What…!"

Maria was dragged back to reality with that hit, and she hurriedly turned around to look.

"B-Basara… Since when were you here!"

How is it possible… I hadn't even sensed him at all?

“It was not long from when you started taking off your clothes… And I'll say this, 398 divided by three isn't 136.666, it's 132.666.”

After hearing Basara saying all that in just a large breath –-

"H-How could you do this, entering a girl's room without even knocking first!"

[[Image: SMnT V06 006.png|thumb]]

"I had knocked for quite some time already, but there wasn't any answer. Additionally, as the sounds coming out from behind the door doesn't seem to be that of sleeping, my only option left was to come inside to take a look… Just, what the hell are you even doing this early in the morning?"

"What else could it be… You should already know by just looking, right?"

"I'm asking because I don't know."

Is it really that difficult to understand what's happening? She slightly tilted her head to the side, and then looked once again at Mio who was in only her panties while kneeling on the bed, and herself who was completely naked while gripping a banana in between her thighs.

"...Well, I guess it is somewhat difficult to understand."

She regretfully removed the banana sandwiched between her legs, her fun time having been interrupted mid-way, and waved the big banana around in the air, which then subsequently landed a smack on Mio's butt.

「Aahh…♥」

As it was just at the perfect angle, it caused Mio's unbearably sensitive body to release an intense shiver.

“So just what the hell are you even doing!?”

And just like that, the red-faced Basara snatched away the banana from Maria's hand.

...To think that you would be this drastic.

I already am totally naked, and now that the banana, the last and final bulwark has already been taken away from me, there's nothing left of me already... I really am totally unarmed and naked now...

I wouldn't have resisted, and this is just too drastic an action taken.

"I only just... wanted to let Mio-sama see a little more of it..."

And Naruse Maria showed a lonely smile, looked at the empty space on the other side of the room, seemingly looking at a faraway space and said:

"To let her see the continuation of that original dream--..."

===Part 2===

The attempt at creating a sensual and sexy atmosphere under false pretences failed.

"Fuu~"

Having received a blow from Basara to the tip of her head and two layers of swelling being visible, she then reluctantly dispelled the lewd dreaming magic she had cast on Mio, helped her put on her clothes again and tucked her back in bed, and left the room together with Basara. Although it was still quite early compared to their usual wake-up time, but compared with the option to return to sleep, it would be better to do some activities early in the morning.

And after that, Maria entered the kitchen after putting on an apron, to prepare breakfast.

"Do you really not need any help?"

Basara politely asked, while sitting at his usual place on the sofa in the living room.

"No, this is my duty after all, and I wouldn't ask you to help me just because you made me wake up earlier, so just sit back and relax and just wait for me to be done."

Maria's task wasn't just to be Mio's guardian, but also to look after her daily life. Hence, in the Toujou residence, Maria's duties consisted of preparing the dishes, doing the laundry, cleaning the house, etc.

"And since I have more time on my hands today, I would like to challenge doing something which I had always wanted to do from a long time ago, a dish which would take more effort to prepare than the other dishes. When it's done, I would like Basara to assist me in tasting it; if it's good, I'll also like Mio-sama and Yuki sis to try it too."

After saying that with a smile, she then began to diligently prepare it.

That dish she was making would be a stewed dish using fresh high-quality ingredients, and it would first need the broth to be prepared. If it's done in western-style, she would first use the big pot to simmer vegetables or chicken bones to prepare a clear broth. But no matter how early she were to wake up, there wouldn't be enough time to prepare it. Hence--

"Now's the time to use the delicate Dashi to finish it~"

For it to match with the high-class cuisine being prepared, it would of course have to use none other than the best Rishiri Kelp.

After rubbing it with a slightly damp cloth, the kelp was then put into the pot with water. As the main objective of this step was to emphasise its delicate taste, the fire mustn't be lighted right at the start to allow it to soak for a while, letting it absorb the water.

What would be done while waiting for the kelp, would be the main ingredient of the stew to be put into the pot later. In order to preserve its innate taste and flavours, its processing would be minimal, which means that the seasoning used for it would be light.

"Ah... It's almost that time already."

Finishing with the necessary preparations for now, Maria moved along the kitchen counter until the living room came into her view, where she then saw Basara buried within the just delivered newspaper.

"..."

Reading the newspaper by slowly scanning through the first page; it closely resembled the image of the father Jin Toujou, it created the atmosphere of a mature Basara.

...Hoho, the Basara like this is really handsome.

''HmHmm~...'' Satisfied, Maria nodded. Jin wasn't just only a father, but he was also known as the strongest hero in the previous war, so his presence in various aspects were important; But now that Jin has left the Toujou residence for the demon realm, the burden of supporting the Toujou household has undoubtedly fallen onto Basara. Up till now, he has already saved Mio and herself multiple times from various crisis. Hence--

...I must properly thank him.

With that determination, she then lit a fire below the pot.

<center><big>◊◊◊◊</big></center>

"Alright, it's done! Basara, please try it~"

Soon after Basara had finished reading the first page and moved on to the other pages on the sofa in the living room, he heard Maria say that excitedly.

"Oh, it's done already...?"

He left the sofa, and walked to Maria’s side.

"Here, please have a taste, Basara, it’s hot."

With a big smile on her face, her two hands presented to him a bowl. Within the bowl that had steam rising in curls from it, several white circular objects were floating within it.

"Those are... fishballs?"

That's right, it looks just like the fishball in Kanto cuisine. Maria had said that it was a dish that required a lot of effort in preparing, so the final dish had somewhat disappointed him. Of course, Kanto cuisine is a traditional cuisine, and is one were to invest time into it, one would've needed to wake up early.

"Here, just try it first before saying anything. If you thought that it's fishballs, prepare yourself for the shock that would come, okay?"

"What would it even be if it's not fishballs...?"

Just as Basara was about to cut it into bite-sized pieces--

"Ah, Basara, I'll like to request for you to just eat it whole in just one bite, and then guess just what it is."

"...I guess that would be fine. I'll begin now if there's nothing else?"

With that, he put it into his mouth, and the soup within it dispersed.

"! ----- ?"

It really wasn't a fishball, and it was slippery to the point where he couldn't bite it apart.

It's texture was completely different from his expectations. In an attempt to not let the soup overflow from his mouth while not wanting to return what's in his mouth back to the bowl, he closed up his mouth.

-- Even then, he still couldn't bite it apart.

He concentrated on chewing for a long while, but in the end, it still only travelled around within his mouth, as if avoiding his bites.

"...Oi, Maria, just what... is this...?"

"Oya, Basara, you still can't tell what it is? This is your most favourite thing after all~?"

"My most favourite...? While it tastes great, I totally have no recollection of eating something this bad at all..."

Although it might have been a little disrespectful, he answered like that with that 'fishball' still within his mouth. Immediately after--

"THAT'S TOO MUCH! Just in what way does Mio-sama’s panties taste bad!?"

"Oi... --- !"

Basara hadn't returned a reaction in the moment after, just had already realised what Maria had just said.

And his shock caused his [late] reaction to have an unintended effect -- leading up to the following unfortunate result.

-- Have you been in a situation where the shock made you swallow on reflex?

Basara's body stiffened, and he began to unconsciously swallow. 'Crap' – the moment when he then had that thought, he had already swallowed that unchewable 'fishball' whole, and he was already feeling it sliding down his throat.

''...No...Way...''

He looked at Maria in a daze, only to see the culprit giggling and saying:

"How is it, Basara? How does your sister’s panties freshly harvested this very morning taste?"

Hearing that line, he put down the chopsticks in his hand on the kitchen counter, and after that--

"..."

"Basara, why did you straight out materialise your sword without a word!? Could it be, that you had wanted it raw? I had went the extra mile in specially slowly simmering the panty rolls... And all that was just me doing extra things!?"

"Extra mile your head! How can you loli succubus give someone something like this to eat! You had just made me carry the sin of eating my sister’s panties, a giant big cross!"

You'll scare people to death if you continue like that... Just how do you want me to shoulder that sin! Wait, what's more important is--

"...Panties are made from synthetic fibres right? This wouldn't be just ending with something simple like diarrhea..."

It wasn't just only questionable morally. Although female panties had less materials than male underwear, they still have to be surgically removed if accidently ingested.

Additionally, when the doctors and nurses in the operating room finally manage to cut open his stomach and find a women's panty within it, who knows what they might think or feel about it. If a solution isn't thought of quickly, tomorrow's headlines on the newspaper might be [A high school student sent to E.R. after ingesting sister’s panties!].

Stopping his train of thought here, his whole body shuddered, and his face turned green.

"No need to worry about that, I had cast a magic beforehand to turn it into protein if it enters the body."

"R-Really…?"

"Of course, I would never do things that would harm Basara's body."

Hearing Maria say so, Basara patted his chest in relief, for now.

"From now on, Mio-sama’s panty shall become one with Basara’s bold and body, and it shall become your energy by tomorrow... ''WooHoo~''"

"....."

"B-Basara? Why did you suddenly just raise your sword without a word!"

''No need for any worry – I'll use only the back of the blade on you.'' Just as he got closer and closer to Maria with each step he took--

He then suddenly turn back in panic, having felt his back being watched. There was a girl standing right behind him, wearing the uniform of Hijirigazaka Academy, but it wasn't Mio.

"Yuki..."

That's right, standing at the door to the living room is someone who is the opposite to the bright Mio, someone who has breathtaking beauty. That someone is Nonaka Yuki.

''...I-I’m saved...''

If Mio were to find out that Basara had eaten her panty, both Basara and Maria would’ve been seriously considering how they can survive.

"......" "Umm... Miss Yuki?"

He then once again patted his chest, but upon seeing that Yuki wasn't quite normal, he had accidently used honorifics on her. Her face clearly showed displeasure, hence it seems like that she had heard about him eating Mio’s panty. Although the fact that the one who discovered them wasn’t Mio was the silver lining to this dark cloud, that was still something that Yuki shouldn't be allowed to know. Within the awkward atmosphere, Yuki had crossed the living room and had arrived at the kitchen where they were at.

"I-It's not what you think it is, Yuki... What she just said was--"

"......"

While standing right in front of Basara who was trying to attempt to explain, Yuki suddenly did [something] without saying a word-- while slightly bending forward, her hands extended towards the insides of her skirt from below.

"Eh-- ...?"

Yuki shyly lifted her skirt right in front of Basara’s eyes, and began to slowly move her hands down towards the floor. Hooked between her thumbs, and being revealed from under her skirt, was indeed the white panty that she was currently wearing. When it had reached her knees, she raised both her left and right legs in succession, and then presented a small bundle rolled up to Basara.

"Basaraaa~..."

"Oioioioioioioi, what are you even 'aaa'ing for!? Just what are you even thinking of, Yuki?!"

Desperately shaking his head towards Yuki who held out her panty wanting him to consume it, it apparently seems that the situation has already began to spiral downwards rapidly out of control .

"No need to for any politeness... After all, I have only just found out that what Basara likes to eat most is female panties."

It's too late for him already. Hearing Yuki say so as if beginning to blame herself, Maria began nodding. [Hoho~]

"It's not Yuki's fault that Yuki sis didn't know that, since after all, you both were separated for five years, and Basara had grown up a lot in the meantime... He's already at the age where he would prefer panties for all three meals for about over three years..."

"I won't deny that I had changed a lot in those five years, but I had never been like what you just said!"

He landed a hit onto the head of the loli succubus speaking nonsense.

"...No need to be shy in front of me, I'll let you eat as many of my panties as you want in the future. Coincidently, I had wanted to make a trip to the lingerie shop at the mall later after school, so why not just come with me? I am still unfamiliar with your tastes and preferred textures, so take your picks to your heart's content, and let me settle the bill."

"That's not fine at all! Are you trying to kill me!?"

Upon hearing Basara abruptly fiercely trying to refute the accusations, her expression suddenly clouded over, and said:

"...So you mean that you are fine with eating Mio's ones, but not mine ones?"

Letting slip her countryside accent with her emotions in a great mess and ready to explode at any time, her face pressed closer, and asked again.

"Ah... I wasn't deliberately eating Mio's..."

"Fine fine fine, no matter which way you go, it’s still my fault in the end, so just push all of the blame onto me if anything happens. The one who messed up and reversed the contract making Mio-sama into Basara's servant was me, and the one who also made made a mess on Mio-sama's body with cake in the bathroom was also me, it's all my fault~~"

"That's right! It's all your fault!"
''Stop pretending to be so piqued to escape responsibility!''

"In other words, Yuki, I'm very sorry. I will not eat your panty, and I will not be accompanying you after school to shop for your underwear; so please, I'm begging you, just let me off just this once-- !"

''It'll end someone's life.'' He had first put Maria aside, and desperately tried dissuading Yuki.

"....Alwright, since you so strongly deny. Me can't do things about it too..."

Pouting, and after that she then began taking off the top of her sailor shirt.

"Oi... Yuki, what are you doing!?"

With her top off, she then extended her hand towards her back; specifically, the bra clasp behind her back, and said:

"When me approached you in the bathroom to help you wash your back, you rejected me; but when me asked again after stripping, you agreed. So this time you would also--"

"Wait a minute! Who would even throw a tantrum in such a strange way, it's just too weird a way!"

"...It’s not weird at all. You had ate Mio's panty so happily, yet you no eat me one... Who would even insult people in such a way..."

"That's right, who would even insult people in such a way... What's more, I hadn't insulted or humiliated you at all! --Oi, Yuki, stop it! Stop taking even more of your clothes off!"

Just when he couldn't take it anymore and reached out a hand to grab onto the hand that was about to undo the skirt's clasp--

"Rightly said, Yuki sis! You're already naked on top, and you're wearing skirt without panties... From a certain perspective, this could just be the very most impressive status!"

"Is this even the time to get so excited with your eyes sparkling like that, you loli-ero-succubus!?"

"...Basara, please..."

"----!"

She then wrapped around Basara coquettishly while acting like a baby, and his body stiffened up.

-- However, it wasn't because of Yuki’s hugging.

It's just like the plotline of a television drama -- the teen girl who he had hoped the most to not show up in this situation, had just showed up in this disastrous situation standing at the door to the living room.

"It seems that you're all having a lot of fun very early this morning..."

After those words left her twitching mouth, her body released a pale light, and it began to spread around the room with crackling sounds. That, was an effect from holding back the electrical discharge that she was likely about to release.

"Did you hear me? To-day. After I had some very weird dreams, I found my panties missing when I woke up, and they could not be found no matter how I looked for it; that's pretty weird... Later on, I thought I heard that Maria had cooked my panties for breakfast and served it to Basara, or something like that. To ascertain that it wasn't a vision, the two of you over there... Can you repeat what you have just said just once more? And why not also explain why did Yuki want to hug Basara without anything on while you're at it too?”

With that, Naruse Mio, began to slowly walk towards them with a cold smile,

Facing Mio in her current state, the half-naked Yuki could only stay still while hugging Basara; at her side, Maria was indifferently shrugging her shoulders while sighing.

"Aaah~ I still couldn't do anything meaningful... Just how did it even turn out like this?"

" ! – You still have the cheek to say that kind of stuuufffffffff!?"

With Basara’s loud roar as the signal, Mio’s lightning exploded in the living room of the Toujou residence.

===Part 3===

Was almost charred black this morning.

...It was unexpected that Mio-sama would get that angry.

After finishing the embarrassing breakfast which the two women had butted heads over, they were finally sent on their way to school with Basara – Maria was in the kitchen washing the dining utensils, while recalling Mio’s reactions which had exceeded her expectations.

--It's been quite a while since I've suffered from Mio's lightning, I'm lucky that she had somewhat restrained her power.

As recently Yuki had moved into the Toujou residence, the number of instances of Mio exploding over such pranks had went down a lot. As long as the excuse [It’s all for Basara] was used, Yuki, who clearly expressed her love to them, would agree even if she had to sacrifice her image. Just now, Yuki forgave him (naturally), she had also put up with the instigations caused by herself; It's almost the same for Mio too, thinking that if she couldn't do it, it shows that she was just all fluff, and it's because of the feeling of not wanting to lose to Yuki that made her not to explode.

And that was the reason why Maria had just daringly did what she had just did. It's just--

「So Mio-sama would still get angry even if the one eating her panties is the one she likes, huh~」

While using the antiseptic dishwashing soap 「WhitePaoPao」 to clean it until it is very clean, no, shining clean, she released a sigh while deep in thought.

There probably wouldn't be any problems on Yuki's side. But as expected, once she found out that Mio had taken away the initiative from her, she would attempt to immediately catch up; but then again, I had never expected for her make the move of taking off her panties and making him say 「Aah～」.

「My initiations seem to be really insufficient... I must continue to work hard!」

To not have filmed that scene, it really pains her. From the moment Basara had hammered her head, she hadn't had a chance to retrieve her camera yet.

「At least remember to clean up after the closing of a chapter...」

If she were not even able to procure Mio's dream this morning, then her being punished this morning would just plainly be punishment, it'll all be for naught.

"All right."

Done with the dishes, she then continued with the other household chores.

「Since today’s weather is so nice, why not just sun dry it instead of putting it into the dryer? 」

After throwing the to-be-washed laundry into the barrel of the washing machine and canceling the auto drying program and pressing the button, it began to rotate while calculating the amount of clothes to be washed; humming while pouring in the soap and softener, bubbles began to gradually appear. After confirming it had begun it's operation normally, she then started cleaning the house.

--When she lived her life with only Mio, she would also attend school together with her, protecting her from the shadows.

After moving in with Basara, it had changed to her only needing to send them off to and welcome them back at the school before and after school respectively; after Yuki moved in, she didn't even need to accompany Mio up to the school gates anymore.

Hence, her free time had increased a lot, and even cleaning the house and doing all the laundry could all be competed in the morning.

Today's sun is shining brightly, shining on the freshly washed quilts and sheets used by four people, which had somewhat added to the time taken for the washing machine to complete the cycle, but it was still done not long after noon.

After finishing a simple lunch with what's available in the house, what Maria does in the afternoon would be to make use of the computer in the house to gather information and do research.

--Between Basara, Mio, and Yuki right now, deepening their relationship would be of utmost importance.

Hence, Maria had to often help create situations and games that were fresh yet not repetitive; and she was different from Mio and Yuki. Right now, while she knows her feelings towards Basara was a 「warm, nice feeling」, she was certainly oblivious to the fact that it was 「love」.

That being said, it shouldn't be long before Mio herself starts to realise it -- thinking about the reaction Mio will have, makes her hyped up about it. Who knows, she might no longer lose it over just a few of her panties being consumed.

「Things might change to the point where she would beg to eat Basara's underwear... No, things would get dull and wrong if she became that perverted.」

Everything needs to be done in moderation. For example, no matter how the tuning will be done in the future, both Mio and Yuki will still need to retain some of their embarrassment... If the subjugation to get obedience to Basara were to become something like a routine, then playtime with the succubus effects under the master-servant contract would be over.

And that was the reason Naruse Maria was on the terrace at the full length living room windows, in clothes that was swaying in the wind, with the laptop taken from Basara's room on her lap.

"--Right, I must work hard today too!"

After saying that seriously, she started the download for the beta of a eroge fresh on the market. This was look for anything that would catch her eye -- the moment she find anything noteworthy, she would immediately download the official version, and offer it to to Basara.

When one thinks about it, she has been working hard everyday without slacking even once, precisely just to support Basara and the Master-Servant contract with them--

「No matter what happens, I can't afford to cut corners at this stage...!」

Additionally, if Basara were to discover that they have been doing some questionable stuff, her own desires would be left unsatisfied, and she would also feel bad inside. If she were to meet the same situation as this morning again and have it end up having Mio’s first time being taken away by her hand… What should she do? Especially since now is the era where all one ever thinks about silently is 「I’m…… bananas！」<ref>I'm c_mming! Or just it means that all one ever thinks about is s_x.</ref>.

Hence, in order to deepen their master-servant relationship and satisfy their sexual desires, Maria today will also continue to battle armed with a sincere heart and ero games. Determinedly skipping over and avoiding any confessions, carefully listening to every word spoken through earphones, she full-heartedly played on.

--As if wanting to sweep away the gloomy mood that would set in when she’s alone.

Time passed quickly while engrossed in the games, and the afternoon passed in the blink of an eye – it was already three when emerged from the computer.

Time to have some dim sum. For quite a while already, all that progressed in the game was the oral sex scenes, which made Maria to say:

"No wonder I had an urge to eat something since just now…"

And she pulled a something out from her bosom. It’s big and thick, and it’s handsome from every angle – the banana from this morning that was almost used wrongly.

「An afternoon alone is really lonely, if only I can experience Basara just once with my mouth...」

If Basara or Mio were home, Maria would be taking off her panties whie smiling and saying : 「Of course, I’m referring to my mouth down here, and before and after ‘it’, I would also like to fill my tummy ♥」. But only someone who is really vacuity would do that, and so she gave up on that idea. Peeling back the skin with gentle actions, Maria brought the banana towards her mouth, and then realised--

"Ah! ...What’s going on here? The dimensions are totally different from Basara’s once the skin of the banana is peeled off! To think that there’s this structural defect! Damn, a mere banana dared to trick this succubus on its sexual aspects... -- Ah! So, when my heart raced while seeing Mio-sama and Yuki sis consuming the banana, it was all totally for nought... This is such a horrible joke!"

She had originally wanted to secretly suck on the banana <ref>A 'BJ'</ref> for thirty minutes before bringing it into her stomach, but since its dimensions were different from Basara’s, it would be meaningless.

Just as Maria was about to bite the banana in frustration, the Toujou residences suddenly had a visitor.

"Oh? You're here..."

Maria's expression naturally turned into a smile, and the visitor neared the terrace with carefree steps. Deftly jumping onto the wood flooring, it raised its head and began to meow cutely.

The visitor was a female tabby cat, with three shades of colour of fur. Not long ago, Maria saw her while on her way back from the supermarket and proceeded to chase her; and they got lost together. Hitchhiking a ride back in the end, and the cat had continued to visit since then.

As cats have their own territories, Maria had sent the cat back to a place near the supermarket later; But for reasons that might be that she had taken a liking to Maria or moving around in the area around the toujou residences... it would occasionally come to visit Maria, like now.

This time, it was staring straight at Maria as if like it had a request for her.

「Do you want this？」

Maria asked that once she realised it was looking at the banana in her hand, and the visitor gave a 「meow～」as if giving her answer.

"Eh... Bananas contain a lot of potassium, and it might not be good for your health…"

Since there is no collar on this cat, it is most likely to be a stray.

In order to survive, it probably just ate anything that seemed to be edible.

"Well, I guess just a little would be fine..."

Maria squeezed off a bit off the tip of the banana which she hadn't even had a bite of yet, and placed it in front of her.

Stepping forward to sniff, the cat then began to happily eat.

"So, this banana was about the same size as Basara before its skin was stripped, huh~?"

As Maria petted her head while saying that, the cat raised her head again after finishing the meal in a few bites, and mewed once more. But this time, she was not asking for more banana.

"Oh, rightrightright... Please have a seat."

Maria pushed the laptop to one side, and the tabby cat jumped up onto the just vacated space on Maria's thighs. Every time this cat came by to visit, Maria would always have to have the space on her legs given to her. 「Prrr～」After yawning a few times, as usual, it would curl up on Maria’s thighs and close its eyes, letting Maria stroke its head while she chuckled.

--Maria had not given a name to this cat.

This was to avoid getting too attached to it. The tabby cat seemed to also think similarly, and didn't drop by everyday. It would disappear after borrowing Maria's lap to nap on for an hour. Although they had hit it off together quite well after meeting by chance, they cannot get too attached – to be able to spend time together happily despite not knowing each other’s names like now, just like relationships between mature women, and being able to leisurely spend afternoons together, was all things Maria like a lot. Going out when the visitor wakes up, also lets her get some groceries before the supermarket starts to get crowded.

However -- she will not able to do that today.

"...What is it? Didn't you already agree to not show up here?"

Not wanting to wake the cat having its afternoon nap on her thighs, she said while smiling softly.

"------"

But the tabby cat seemed to have sensed a change in Maria’s atmosphere, and suddenly widened its eyes.

It then jumped off her thighs, and anxiously stared at an empty space while supressing her body movements.

The space in Toujou residences’ courtyard suddenly twisted, and a beautiful demon woman suddenly appeared from nowhere.

Brown-skinned female demon -- Zest, directed her cold gaze at Maria.

"--Zolgear-sama has some information that he had ordered me to pass on to you directly.”

And she continued:

"Zolgear-sama had completed his preparations to extract Wilbert's power from Mio's body, and has decided to make his move tomorrow – you are to provide your assistance when the time comes; that is all."

"...."

Hearing Zest's words, Maria stayed quiet, and thought -- the moment has finally arrived.

--However, Maria actually already knew about it. The day before yesterday, Maria and Takigawa Yahiro -- the scene of talking with Lars, was unfortunately accidently seen by Basara. Back then, Lars had taken the initiative to talk to her, and she had tried to muddle through; who knew that Basara would be there.

Zolgear attempting to capture Mio, was to take Wilbert's power that was sleeping within Mio's body for himself; this was no different from showing betrayal towards the current demon lord Leohart who also wanted to get that power for himself. Lars is currently sent by Leohart to monitor Mio; if he came to question her and showed any hints of any intentions being seen through, giving an excuse and acting dumb to the end wouldn't work.

After Lars left, Basara asked Maria what that was about when he saw her. Although it seemed that he had believed the excuse she had made up on the spot, some doubt remained in her heart. And that was why at that moment, Maria felt that she could not hide it for much longer already.

The current situation -- or her own heart.<ref>Heart/Feelings. Both terms are correct.</ref> Upon seeing Maria suddenly becoming quiet, Zest asked softly:

"--Are there any problems?"

"None. It's just, there's no need to come here just to tell be this."

Maria replied:

"Basara and Yuki sis had set up surveillance magic around this house. Because Mio-sama and I are here, it does not prohibit entering and leaving – but once a demon irrupts, it’s going to leave behind traces of demonic power. What if they were to find it?"

''Since the plan was to be set into motion tomorrow, such reckless actions should be avoided, right?''

However, Zest replied while seeming not to mind that at all,

"No need to worry about that. Before I entered, I had already suppressed my demonic power to a minimum. If the two heroes were still to find traces of my demonic power, please give them an excuse. Something like 『A low-class demon came by, attracted by the previous demon lord’s power , and I eliminated him』 would do, I guess..."

That should probably be fine.

"You had already given them a lot of lies... Adding one more wouldn't be too be of a problem, right?"

"-----"

Those words caused Maria to have an reaction. She stood up on the terrace, and angrily directed her eyes filled with killing intent at Zest, and the surrounding air froze. The tabby cat at one side saw Maria suddenly become another person, and ran away as if she was more afraid of Maria than Zest.

"......"

Zest continued to quietly look at her, seemingly not afraid of her killing intent.

" ! ----"

And she understood why Zest had specially came here.

...He’s currently watching me.

It can't be wrong – via Zest's eyes, she could relay what she sees back to Zogear.

Zolgear didn't come in person while sending Zest instead, and it was definitely just to see what sort of reaction Maria would have, since she was about to betray Mio, as entertainment; and he's probably looking at all these while playing with those women whom he treats as his sex slaves.

--That scum--!

"--I'll be taking my leave now."

Maria couldn't hide the gloomy expression on her face, and it seemed to give satisfaction to the Zolgear who's observing this scene. After saying that, Zest disappeared into the air.

"..............."

Maria who was still towering at her original spot, tightly gripped her fist, ignoring the pain.

...The time has come.

Tomorrow, she will totally betray them.

But – Maria didn't want it all to end here.

Once Mio was at hand, Zolgear's attention all be gathered on her. She has to take this opportunity, and defeat him and Zest before he defiles Mio – and try her very best to rescue the prisoner Sheera, her mother. Even though the normal Maria had no chance at all of winning against Zolgear or Zest--

...If she were to use her ultimate move, she probably...

But if she were to temporarily lift the limiters and overload the spirit of her central nervous system<ref>使灵子中枢超载, I have no idea... This term was also mentioned in Volume 3 Chapter 3</ref> -- for a short while, it should be enough to let her have a chance of winning. Fighting against either Zest or Zolgear alone would be very draining but it was the only way. If it’s still not enough to win against Zolgear--

''...At least, I must make use of that woman...''

Maria had not quietly obeyed Zolgear's orders. To rescue Sheera, she had taken advantage of the times Zolgear and Zest were not present to sneak into Zolgear's hideout to investigate.

Of course, from the start, Maria already knew that Zolgear wouldn't keep Sheera in a place that would be easily found, but she still wanted to try to find clues. While she didn’t manage to find any clues in the end, she found something interesting in Zolgear's room. It was a device that could produce three-dimensional images, seeming to be an ancient magical tool. Starting it up after pressing a button, the device shone a female's image.

--It was Zest.

That’s right, Zest is Zolgear's right hand man; but comparing his beloved sex slaves, his attitude towards Zest seems to be a bit cold.

Zest's powerful demonic powers, is derived from her chastity -- hence, Maria originally thought that to the lustful Zolgear, while Zest could do jobs related to battle or reconnaissance, she was a failed product when it comes to providing entertainment as a woman, hence giving her differential treatment.

However -- finding that device made Maria consider of new possibilities. Zolgear might value Zest the most, hence he does not see her as a disposable sex slave, but instead cherishes her as a gem. His usual apathy towards her, was to maintain a distance, to avoid encroaching on her with a mistake… That would be a pretty reasonable theory.

--Of course, this could be just Maria overthinking things.

No matter what, it would be very difficult imagining that Zolgear having such pure love.

But still, Zest is undoubtedly Zolgear's right hand man. To Zolgear who had betrayed the current demon lord Leohart, his fate lies on her. If well utilised, a weak point of Zolgear's might be created.

This must succeed -- as Maria made that bleak vow in that heart, something soft touched her leg.

Looking down, she realised it was the tabby cat that had ran away just now, rubbing herself against her leg.

"You can’t anymore... You can't come here anymore in the future."

She said while smiling bitterly, and the cat raised her head, seemingly worried for her.

"...Don't worry about me."

She squatted down to pet her head, and then muttered to herself.

"...It’s almost time to get the groceries for dinner."

On her way home, Maria told herself, that she must work harder than usual today. This will be her last time making dinner for them. When tomorrow comes, she will never be able to return to this home ever again.

--Tomorrow, I must defeat Zolgear, and rescue Sheera.

But, between severely betraying Basara and the rest, and putting herself into life-threatening danger, one could never draw an equal sign between the two.

That's why -- even if everyone’s safe when it all ends, Basara and the rest will likely never forgive Maria, and Maria herself will also never forgive herself... After rescuing Sheera, she will return to the demon realm, and receive her punishment from the Moderate faction. Her strict older sister will definitely never forgive what she had done, as well as what errs she had made.

But that's not important. In Naruse Maria’s heart, there are some things that she must protect at any and all costs.

In order to protect them all -- there was simply no other way.

「...There’s no other way.」

Confessing everything to Basara, and asking for his help -- Maria desperately to expel the notion from her mind. The her who has always been lying to them, is already in no position to be asking for help and depending on others, and there is already no chance at all for her to get out of this mess.

"Ah--..."

Stopping her train of thought, Maria suddenly felt something warm flow down her face, hence she quickly rubbed her eyes.

"Ah haha… Really, why am I like this at a time like this?"

Maria smacked her face with her hands.

--Basara and the rest will be home soon. Ignoring Mio, Basara and Yuki were fairly sharp.

As long as she acts a little differently from who she is normally, she would immediately bring about their suspicion.

The reason her 「Lie」 had not been found out yet to this day, was that while she was near Basara and the rest, she tried not to think about her mother who is Zolgear’s hostage and his demands and orders.

That's why -- she needs to return to her previous mood and state.

Since the answer of being able to protect everything or losing everything painfully, will soon be known.

Although until the end, she had continued to lie to them.

...But even so.

Naruse Maria is not willing to let her heart’s intentions become a lie.

Whether was it her mother Sheera, or was it the important members of another family.

She must never let her own intentions -- become a lie.

===Part 4===

Later -- at night.

Naruse Maria had completely suppressed her true thoughts, as usual.

Instigating Yuki, shocking Basara, and angering Mio.

Correspondingly, she had also meticulously one-by-one prepared their favourite dishes.

As usual, the three of them are full of praises, making everyone happy until their tears were making their heads spin.

Maria deeply etched every single one of their expressions and words into her mind, intending it to be her very last happy memory, and that she will never forget it.

The her right now, was her smile real?

Did she do a good job re-enacting the usual Maria?

Not only just Mio and the rest – did she thoroughly fooled herself?

These questions, continued echoing within Maria’s heart.

<noinclude>
=== Translator Notes and References ===
<references/>

{{SimpleNav}}
</noinclude>

Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 6 Chapter 1

2017-02-11T14:04:08Z

Dragon213:

==The Girls' Risqué Racing Swimsuits==
—I can no longer continue with this deceit.

Because I really do not want – these intentions of mine, to become lies.

===Part 1===

After Mio and Maria, it was currently a certain day after Yuki who had also began to live in the Toujou Residence.

“—right right, Basara-san. Have you already prepared your school’s swimming gear?”

While resting in the living room after dinner, Toujou Basara was asked this by Maria.

“No, it’s not… Speaking of which, the swimming classes will be starting next week, right?”

Basara had transferred over to this school for the second trimester after the summer vacation, and now is currently in the middle of the semester. In the normal schools, there wouldn’t be any swimming class from around this time period until next year’s summer.

--However, Basara and the others are now studying in Hijirigasaka Academy, which has got an indoor heated swimming pool.

Thus swimming classes would be held all year round, without following the seasons.

Although Basara had already purchased his sports attire and sports shoes, it was only his swimming attire that was left out all these while. Reason being that no matter who it was, everyone had to change into swimming gear if one wanted to enter the water, which meant that majority of his skin had to be revealed.

--And after all, Toujou Basara’s whole body, was covered in countless number of scars left behind from a certain experience in the past.

When a normal person sees those scars, it would usually make them feel uneasy.

“…What to do…?”

Basara had been worrying his mind over that. It was just then, Mio who seemed to have finished helping Maria to tidy up after dinner, also came into the living room, and beside Basara – she sat down on the armrest of the sofa.

“Basara, you can’t be planning on skipping out on swimming class, right?”

“It’s not that… but I might be considering that though.”

These scars were carved onto his body when he had committed that inerasable sin in the past, so Basara had to carry it for life. To this day, he is still gripping tightly onto his remorse for the past, really hoping that no one would see these scars.

''…Additionally''

Basara who hoped for the comfort of a peaceful school life, does not wish to attract too much attention to himself. Just the event of being hugged by Yuki during his self-introduction, as well as Mio disclosing the information of them living together, already caused him to have only Takigawa as his only male friend in school whom he could speak with normally. During physical education class, Basara could still hide within a corner of the changing room to not let anyone see his scars, but that was no longer possible during swimming classes.

Moreover, Basara could no longer join any clubs or after-school activities.

So if he were to start making any friends, he could only start from his classmates.

Hence, if he were to reveal his scars during his physical education classes, it might very well just plummet his relation with his male classmates to the lowest levels of disparity.

''…Despite how dad managed to make so many friends…''

Just what was it that had caused such a great difference?

“…Say…”

Just as Basara sighed in hopelessness, Mio suddenly asked in a low voice.

“Could it be… because of me?”

“Don’t worry, it’s not because of you—…”

Basara raised his head, and saw a light colour appearing on Mio’s neck.

That, is the marking of the collar that signalled the activation of the curse of the Master-Servant Contract. Mio was probably worried that she had caused Basara some trouble to not let him attend the swimming classes, which caused feelings of guilt resulting from regret over it. Basara hurriedly grabbed her hand and held it warmly, and said:

“Really, it’s really not your fault… The problem lies completely with me.”

“…Really?”

“Really.” Basara answered the uneasy Mio while nodding.

As of right now, the Current Demon Lord Faction are still after Mio’s power, so it is a given that Basara needed to stay under their radar; and it was not just the current Demon lord, the enemy who had killed Mio’s adoptive parents – the high-class Demon Zolgear was also after Mio, and had sent out s trusted aide of his that was even stronger than Takigawa in terms of battle power.

Hence, once he attracted the attention of those around him, he will have to further increase his awareness to see if there are any lurking enemies waiting for an opportunity. That will increase the stress on him daily, it cause him to not be able to use his full power if a battle occurs, and there was no other way around it; so Mio being worried for him over such a thing, wouldn’t help the situation at all.

“Hey… don’t put on such a gloomy face.”

“Ah——…”

Basara pulled Mio’s hands, and hugged her.

Mio seemed to not have expected that, and followed his pulling into his arms. While within Basara’s warm arms, those large breasts of hers were tightly pressing onto Basara’s body.

''…C-Calm down…''

This was for Mio’s good. Despite how Mio’s sweet body scent and her extremely soft body threw his heartbeat into disarray, Basara still feigned calmness, wrapping his hands around Mio’s waist.

And attempting to display Jin’s mature calmness in his own way, he said to Mio who was closely sticking to him:

“Or else I will have to subjugate you again… Would you rather have that?”

“————！”

Mio’s body trembled, her whole face turning red.

''…Great, that went well…!''

Whenever he made her angry, her feelings of guilt would be broken up, so that was why Basara forced such intimate activities. Once he let Mio slap him twice, everything would be good.

As for whether would Mio ran out from the living room in anger or would he have to apologise while escaping, it depended on the situation. Completely perfect… with this, there would be no need to Mio to be subjected to unnecessary humiliation—

''…Eh?''

While thinking that, Mio’s hand was never raised up into the air, as he was expecting.

“ ? Umm… Mio?”

“………”

Basara asked, uneasy, to which Mio then silently stretched her hands towards Basara’s neck.

''Eh, it can’t be? Not with slaps, is she going to choke me this time? Is she going to choke me to death?''

Shit, did I take it too far? Basara prepared to defend himself, but unexpectedly Mio’s hands went around his neck – directly to behind him.

And they then tightened around Basara, causing Mio’s soft body to stick even tighter onto his body.

“Eh…?”

Yet towards the dumbfounded Basara, Mio, as if having not heard that – said as if it was sexy bedtime:

“……If Basara says so, it’s fine, you know?”

“ ! ————Uh… Mio?”

''Eh? What? Why did it become like this? Why did she suddenly say such sweet words?''

Mio’s unexpected reaction, suddenly put Basara at loss.

“A-Anyways, calm down first… alright?”

Basara grabbed Mio’s shoulders, and successfully separated their bodies; but in his nervousness he didn’t managed to grab onto his intended target completely accurately, which resulted in his hands – both his index fingers hooking under Mio’s bra straps, shocking him to hurriedly pull back his hands.

“S-Sorry…!”

But he couldn’t. After his index fingers hooked her bra straps, his actions pulled the straps to the sides, off her shoulders.

Mio’s shapely breasts rocked after being freed from the restraint of her bra, with their tips almost revealed before Basara’s eyes. Not only that – although their bodies are no longer in contact with each other, they are now at the most suitable distance for ‘’that’’.

「……………………」「……………………」

Basara couldn’t help but to stare at the Mio before his eyes. In Basara’s eyes, Mio’s eyes seemed to be even glossier than just now, as if she was already completely prepared to accept Basara’s upcoming acts. Probably due to the effects of the aphrodisiac curse raising her body temperature, Mio’s bodily scent filled Basara’s nose as if tempting him.

“……Onii-chan…”

After that, Mio called for Basara with misty eyes. That, the coquettish call, was Mio’s plea for Basara to subjugate her whenever the curse of the Master-Servant Contract activated.

Basara gulped. He remembered Mio’s softness, and her shy lewd reactions while being pulled into the abyss of pleasure – as well as her seductive and bewitching expression.

Hot blood rushed through him, making him want to thoroughly ravage Mio and once more subjugate her into his obedience.

The moment that thought surfaced, his hands were already moving towards her, intending to caress those large breasts seemingly begging for his touch—

“—Stop right there.”

“Y-Yuki!” “—…!”

The voice that sounded at close proximity, shocked Basara and Mio to suddenly retreat to the respective ends of the sofa. Yuki seemed to have finished brewing the after-meal tea, and was coldly glaring at Mio while holding onto a tray carrying a tea set.

“…For you to seduce Basara the moment you leave my sight, you really are a bitch.”

“W-Who's the bitch! Really, I wasn’t seducing Basara—“

Just as Mio tried to defend herself after righting her bra straps, the TV screen suddenly turned on.

『……If Basara says so, it’s fine, you know? 』

“Ah~ With this, that doesn’t really seem persuasive~”

“Why did you immediately connect the camera to the TV and play it, Maria!!”

“More importantly, when did you start recording?!”

Beside the furious Mio, Basara felt a headache.

“What are you saying? How could I miss Mio-sama’s erotic actions? It was just for these moments, that I had specially bought a camera with a short boot-up time, you know?”

Mio decided to use force to counter the smug Maria. She ripped off the cable connecting the camera to the TV, and smashed the camera fiercely on the ground. The sound of the camera smashing into countless small pieces filled the living room.

“Ah————!”

“What about now? You can’t take anymore videos now right?!”

Mio said ruthlessly to Maria who was grabbing her head and screaming tragically, but then suddenly, Maria began to laugh with a low voice. ‘’Ku, ku, ku.’’ She then took out an envelope from somewhere and posed with it.

“Mio-sama, you’re too naive. I’ve already made some precautions, and bought and 5-year warranty extension covering accidental damage for this camera – Hot! Aahh! Isn’t burning the warranty documents going too far?!”

“In what way was it, you idiot!! Repent on your actions!”

Maria protested against her trump card being burned away by fire magic by crying, and Mio followed up with scoldings. On her neck, signs of the curse of the Master-Servant Contract had already disappeared.

''…What a close call…''

Toujou Basara released a sigh in relief, patting his chest with his right hand.

Yuki was also like Basara, releasing a sigh due to being able to successfully stopping that sort of situation from happening.

''…I really can’t be careless at all.''

Nevertheless, Yuki actually knew that Mio wasn’t attempting to simply just seduce Basara.

--She had heard that at the start, she had attempted to chase Basara away from the house so that he won’t be dragged into her matters.

However, Basara had held firm in his desire to protect Mio, and thus Mio also held firm to her desires, and accepted Basara’s intentions; in order to not become a burden to Basara, she had been trying to increase her powers to this day. All these were still fine with her, the problem lay within—

''…The method.''

Basara and Mio had tied a Master-Servant Contract using magic which could not only let them sense each other’s locations, but also raise their battle potential when they deepened their relationship with each other; but vice-versa, Mio would trigger a curse corresponding to the magic type of the one establishing the Contract whenever she had any emotions like feeling guilt towards her master.

Hence – since it used Maria’s magic to establish the Contract, the curse that activated on Mio had aphrodisiac effects.

Not long after she moved in, and due to it being quicker for her to see for herself, Maria suddenly pushed Yuki; she and Basara had crashed onto the floor entangled together, causing Mio to become very jealous which then activated the curse. After that, Yuki witnessed the entire process of Basara helping Mio to lift the curse.

Back then the symptoms of the curse were very light, and it was lifted after kneading her breasts through her shirt; but Mio’s obsequiousness<ref>servility, subservience, characterized by or showing servile complaisance or deference; fawning</ref> back then while intoxicated in pleasure in her aroused state caused by the aphrodisiac effects of the curse, gave Yuki quite a big shock.

''…That was definitely a hyperbole.''<ref>an extreme exaggeration used to make a point</ref>

But according to Maria, truthfully, at the time when the two of them established the Contract, as well as before they had fought against Kurumi and Takashi and the others, what they had done was incomparable to this, which had thus deepened their Master-Servant relationship one time after another.

That made Yuki utterly shocked. Surely, with the threats from the Current Demon Lord Faction, she would probably need to repeat something like ''those actions'' many many times into order to just be able to survive the harsh battles; but however—

''…I can’t let Naruse-san get ahead of me again.''

Thus when Maria had suggested: [How about you tie a Master-Servant Contract with Basara-san, as Mio-sama did?], Yuki had immediately agreed. And as a result, not only would she get the ability to be able to sense each other’s positions with Basara, there was also another important thing. Since she has already moved in to live with them, Yuki would often relive her close relationship with Basara from the past again; but as Mio would often accidentally witness those intimate moments and then activate the curse, Basara had to commit those intimate body interactions with Mio, and Yuki could do nothing about it. Hence—

''…Just a little bit more.''

The full moon would be next week. Once she established the Master-Servant Contract with Basara, she would be on equal footing with Mio; in order to prevent the mutual jealousy towards each other from causing trouble to their master, that jealousy wouldn’t activate the curse. As of now, the time Mio had been living together with Basara is leading against Yuki’s by a few months, so she must make up for this gap by any means possible.

''…The problem at hand right now are current circumstances.''

Thus, after the fight with Basara and Takashi and the others had ended, Yuki too also began a new leaf of life right here in the Toujou Residence. Mio was probably blaming herself for Basara having to separate with his childhood friends after fighting them without mending their ties; and Yuki could tell that Mio was always nervous when interacting with her. Mio suddenly activating the curse while in the middle of talking about the swimming classes, was also most probably part of the aftermath of that.

''…But however''

Mio already had more than her fair share of pain already, and there was no need to be blaming herself for that; then again… if she were to trigger the curse herself and Yuki were to witness Basara subjugating her in her aroused state, it would be a big problem for her. Thus—

“Basara… I feel that it would be better if you join the swimming classes.”

“? Why is that so?”

While serving the tea cups already filled with tea, Yuki said to Basara who seemed surprised:

“Naruse-san seems to be too self-conscious about it. If you were to not join in, she will probably blame herself again and the pervert in her will arise again.”

“W-What are you talking about… I will never do something so embarrassing like that in my life!”

Mio retorted Yuki, aggravated.

“Then again, who's the one being too self-conscious!?”

“Mio-sama, please don’t put too much force into your hands, or my life will be in critical danger!”

While being grabbed by Mio by her collar, Maria raised her hand in panic, and said:

“Speaking of which… I too think that Basara-san should attend the swimming classes. We currently still do not know how the current state of affairs around Mio-sama will evolve; there is no guarantee that there would be no difficulties in the classes or circumstances forcing absence from school in the future. Thus, I believe that regularly showing up whenever possible is the best option for now. If not—“

Maria then continued:

“If Basara-san where to be retained for the academic year while Mio-sama and everyone else gets promoted, it would create a weird feeling around it with Basara-san as the onii-chan… Hold on, doesn’t that situation sounds nice?”

“Nice your head. But you’re right, that situation would be bad. If I were to be retained, making friends would be even more difficult… perhaps it might be better if I do attend. But even if we were to order the swimwear now, would it arrive in time for the swimming class next week?”

Basara said, helplessly.

''–Indeed,'' Yuki thought. In the past when she and a few other girls from Class B lost their swimsuits, they had asked their teacher-in-charge to help them order new ones from the school’s supplier, and it took a grand total of two weeks before they received their new swimsuits. Maria then answered:

“Don’t worry, Basara-san. I do know which factory is the one appointed to produce swimwear for Hijirigasaka Academy. Once the order is made online, the goods will be delivered within three working days, so it’ll definitely be in time.”

“Really? That’ll be great… why do you even know something like that?”

Maria then answered the puzzled Basara while giggling:

“You see, Mio-sama’s breasts are different from a normal person’s~. So for the normal goods bought outside, part of the chest or hip areas wouldn’t fit… isn’t that right, Mio-sama~~?”

“W-Why are you leaking my info out… you dimwit!”

After scolding Maria while red-faced, she awkwardly turned to Basara and Yuki and said:

“…During the regular body check in spring, Hasegawa-sensei had advised me that if I have sufficient funds at hand, I can make an order directly at the factory. Her breasts were also very large, so her racing swimsuit had to be custom-ordered online, and so she was very understanding about it.”

But—

“When I visited their website, I realised that custom orders were pretty expensive, so I had not ordered a new one in the end… Although it would be just for making a swimsuit that fits me, I am not an athlete, so I don’t want to disclose my three sizes to anyone else. If I do order one, I’ll have to make a visit down to the factory to make measurements, as well as let them have some photos of me, you know?”

Mio sighed, and continued:

“And so I had always been buying stuff directly from the stores, and then I would have Maria use magic to make it fit my body. This process is much quicker too.”

“…No wonder Naruse-san was wearing such a weird swimsuit. I had always suspected that there was something behind it.”

Hearing Mio’s explanation, the suspicions that Yuki had been harbouring since the first semester’s swimming classes were answered. Just then—

“Although using magic to conveniently settle stuff isn’t really deserving of praise, I’ll let it slide. It wasn’t something you had been forced to do due to the discomfort.”

Basara spoke.

“Umm, Maria. Tell me the website later, I’ll order one.”

“I understand… Oh right, I just remembered that I have something to ask.”

After nodding while answering Basara, Maria then suddenly turned to Mio and said:

“Mio-sama, how about you buy another racing swimsuit?”

“Why should I?”

Towards the puzzled Mio, Mara began to laugh. ''Ufufu''

“Really, Mio-sama… Stop pretending~. You’ve already done the Master-Servant Contract with Basara-san and become his subordinate, and he had went crazy so many times with your breasts for so long every time he subjugated you… your grand and majestic breasts must have grown even more, to the point where it’s already overflowing from your current swimsuit. Isn’t that right~?”

“ ! — …”

Being said as such by Maria, Mio’s whole face turned red, and her hands hurriedly wrapped around her chest area.

This reaction, was basically just confessing that what Maria had said was the truth.

''…Just as I suspected.''

Yuki too had observed what Maria had just said. Those gigantic mammaries… she had thought that she was still in the middle of developing her assets which caused her breasts to keep growing, but it appears that they were groped to their sizes by Basara.

''Unforgivable…'' Just as the flames of jealousy and envy ignited within Yuki’s heart—

“Ara~? Really, Mio-sama, why do you seem so tense? How could I, as a succubus, not notice such an alluring change? Or in alternate words, even Basara-san had noticed, so of course I already had!”

“Eh——!?”

Maria’s words caused Mio to look at Basara in shock.

“……Well…”

Basara’s face reddened, and he looked away from Mio, embarrassed.

“……!!”

Seeing this reaction, not only just Mio’s face – even her neck too turned pink.

“What are you surprised about…? Basara-san had already groped Mio-sama’s breasts so many times, so of course he would notice any changes in its feel, size and texture.”

Maria then continued after taking out a measuring tape from somewhere:

Clothes that do not fit your body, will cause the beauty of your breasts with such rare beauty to disappear. Why not take the opportunity now and buy a new swimsuit, and find a suitable home for each of your super lewd breasts! Come, Mio-sama, it’s all for your breasts! For starters, please expose your gigantic breasts!”

“Why are you so damn meddlesome!? I’m telling you right now, I’m very happy with my current swimsuit!”

Mio retorted:

“Speaking of which, let’s say if… umm, my breasts really had become bigger, causing me to no longer fit into my swimsuit, it’s sizes can be changed with magic, so there’s no need at all to buy a new one!”

“I see… Since Mio-sama prefers to keep status quo, then I guess I’m fine with it.”

Maria sighed deeply, and then turned to Yuki to ask:

“Then, Yuki-san – what about it? Do you want to buy a new swimsuit?”

“…Me?”

“There isn’t a need, right…? Yuki regularly attends the swimming classes, and thus already has her own swimsuit.”

“That’s right, and what’s more, there isn’t a need at all since Nonaka-san’s sizes hasn’t changed!”

“Indeed, Yuki-san doesn’t seem to have any problems with her current swimsuit…”

Maria nodded while agreeing with Mio and Basara and said:

“But however… a ready-made swimsuit at the end of the day, is still a ready-made swimsuit. If one perfectly fitting Yuki-san’s body were to be made, the contrasting curves of her body can be made even more beautiful… Just like Mio-sama’s.”

And then—

“A female would definitely want to make herself prettier whenever possible, to the point where you could say that it is an instinct… Additionally, Yuki-san has already considered doing a Master-Servant Contract with Basara-san just like Mio-sama, isn’t that right? Would you like to have your current swimsuit used specifically just for the swimming classes and buy another swimsuit to make yourself even prettier, one that is specially to be seen by a master like Basara?”

“Hold on for a minute, I haven’t completely agreed to making a Master-Servant Contract with Yuki—“

“If I buy a new swimsuit, and become even prettier… will Basara be happy?”

Yuki interrupted Basara interrupting Maria, and asked Maria.

“That’s for sure… No matter what Basara might say, he is a male after all. As long as you leave the buying to me, I will guarantee you that he will immediately forget about the gigantic breasts squeezed into an extremely small swimsuit that has been groped virtually to shreds despite how the lowly girl saying that everything’s fine!”

“Y-You…!”

While ignoring Mio being provoked by Maria to the point of almost boiling over, Yuki strongly nodded, and said.

“…Alright. I’ll be buying one too – so, please get me one that’ll bring my femininity even higher than Naruse-san’s.”

===Part 2===

Coming to the week after.

On the eve of the girl’s swimming classes that were one day before the boy’s, when Mio and Yuki reached home after classes ended, they realised Basara’s and Yuki’s swimsuits that were ordered online have arrived.

“Now, before tomorrow’s class, let’s try it on right now!”

Maria eagerly urged Yuki to try it, and even insisted that it wasn’t fair for Yuki to be the only one trying it. In the end, it turned out to be everyone having to accompany Yuki and try it on together.

“I can’t take it anymore… Just how did it even become like this?”

Mio went back to her room to retrieve her racing swimsuit bought during springtime, and grumbled while heading towards the dressing room on the first floor. There weren’t any changes in the sizes of Basara’s swimming trunks, and was already waiting in the living room as per their request, waiting for the girls to finish changing in the dressing room.

--As Mio had not bought a new swimsuit, there wasn’t actually a need for her to try on her swimsuit; what had made her accept Maria’s suggestion, was the feeling that something dangerous would happen if Yuki changes into her new swimsuit.

''…Because.''

During her first swimming class – Mio’s sights were completely captured by Yuki.

Although they were obviously wearing the same swimsuit, Yuki was exuding a beauty on a different level from Mio and the other classmates, which captured the breathes of everyone. Since even Mio of the same gender had such a reaction, Basara was probably even more vulnerable. However—

‘’…I-I can’t lose…’’

While harbouring competitiveness towards Yuki, she opened the room to the dressing room and entered.

“Yuki-san, please be careful… Slowly insert the blade between the cloth and the sewings.”

“…Like this?”

After that,Yuki, who Mio thought had already finished changing, followed Maria’s instructions, and did something to her own swimsuit.

“That’s right, just like that, slowly move the blade horizontally… Beautiful!”

At the same time Maria let out praise, something white descended from Yuki’s swimsuit and landed on the ground. After that, Yuki let out a sigh as if a big load had been lifted from her heart.

“…What are you two even doing?”

‘’Are they removing the nametag?’’ – Originally thinking this, Mio inadvertently<ref>without intention; accidentally </ref> took a look at the thing that fell onto the floor, and then immediately understood what it truly was, she shouted, shocked:

“—Oi! What in the world do you even think you are even doing!?”

What Yuki had cut off wasn’t the nametag, but something that was sewn onto the inner portion of the crotch area of the swimsuit that prevented the shape of an ‘’important place’’ from showing up.

Towards the speechless Mio, Maria raised an index finger with a ‘’shi’’, and said:

“Mio-sama, please keep it down… Yuki-san worked so hard to prepare a surprise for Basara-san, and it’ll all go down the drain if it was ruined by a large sound disturbing her, right?”

“A surprise…? Hold on, Nonaka, you do know what your swimsuit will turn out like, do you?”

Mio asked, hardly able to believe what she saw. While holding onto a handicraft knife in one hand, Yuki nodded and said: ‘Of course.’

“Maria was really kind… When I asked her what I should do to make Basara happy, she taught me everything.”

As she said that, both breast cups fell onto the floor.

“ !! –Maria!”

Mio glared at Maria, the culprit, but the one to blame only smiled fearlessly and said:

“Oya? What’s wrong, Mio-sama? Yuki-san said that she wished to make the modifications which would make Basara as happy as possible, and I had not lied to her. Isn’t transparent underwear more erotic? That’s the case for swimsuits too. To make the adolescent Basara happy, this is of course the most simple and sure-fire way.”

‘’How’s it?’’

“I have another handicraft knife prepared. Mio-sama can use it too if she doesn’t mind.”

“W-What are you joking on about! Nonaka has got another swimsuit, but I only have got this one! If I cut them off now, how do you expect me to go for tomorrow’s swimming class!?”

“I knew you would say that, so this Maria here… had even bought Mio-sama’s share too! ‘’Jang~’’”

After Mio shouted with a red face, Maria raised both her hands holding on to a brand new swimsuit.

“My my… You as Basara-san’s servant, are supposed to be eagerly doing things like this, how could you lose to Yuki-san…? Mio-sama, could it be, that you are experiencing shyness?”

“Anyone would experience shyness if they wear such a swimsuit!”

Mio’s straight retort came as a surprise outside of Yuki’s expected reaction.

“Basara will become happy, so why won’t you do it? Why did you even make a Master-Servant Contract with Basara for then?”

“It was of course to be able to sense each other’s locations in emergencies!”

“I can’t believe it. Basara had sacrificed so much just to protect Mio-sama… yet Mio-sama can’t even accept some shame for him.”

“ ! …I-I…”

“Forget it, I guess this is fine too. Basara-san is such a nice person, so even if Mio-sama wear a normal swimsuit, he will still give you beautiful praises. But then, comparing Mio-sama with a swimsuit as normal as a stone by the road with Yuki-san’s swimsuit which she had modified after mustering the courage just for Basara-san, which do you think would attract his eyes more? That will be known once the both of you go out there.”

Maria purposely said towards the Mio with a troubled expression while sighing.

“Come, Yuki-san. Let’s leave this blockhead alone, and quickly go show Basara-san your new swimsuit. I had specially prepared another swimsuit just for this moment, so… who knows, by then, there might some pity for a certain wretch wearing just a normal swimsuit, so please do your best to ignore that. That person’s body seem to be a bit shameful, so please do excuse her.”

“Nn… I understand.”

After nodding to each other, Maria and Yuki then took off their clothes to change into their modified swimsuits.

Seeing herself being crowded out, Mio finally couldn’t take it anymore, and stretched out a hand to Maria with her shoulders trembling.

“………Okay, Maria, lend me that handicraft knife…”

And said with tears and semi-abandonment.

“Since that’s how you say it, I’ll fight with you…!”

===Part 3===

Toujou Basara was waiting in the living room.

Following Maria’s instructions, he had changed into his delivered swimming trunks, and wore a shirt.

“…This feels like a punishment game.”

After he had changed into the swimming trunks, Basara had already been waiting in the living room alone for nearly an hour.

He had utilized this time by doing his usual weight training done every day. But even after finishing the whole routine, they still haven’t appeared.

“Can’t help it… Let’s do it again.”

“My~ Sorry to keep you waiting, Basara-san. I had spent some time helping Mio-sama and Yuki-san. You definitely won’t be disappointed, this’ll definitely be worth the wait!”

Just as Basara was about to begin the second round, Maria entered the living room while smiling, and pointed a finger at him.

“…You seem too happy. Speaking of which, what’s with what you’re wearing?”

The reason Basara had to ask, was because of the deep-blue student swimsuit Maria was wearing.

Although it was the swimsuit everybody had agreed to wear in school, it was a bit strange for Maria to be wearing one when she did not go to school.

“The swimsuit most suitable to show off this loli-succubus’s body type, is of course none other than the student’s swimsuit… Basara-san, you should enrich the knowledge you should know at your age, or I’ll have headaches.”

“The information you want me to remember are obviously inappropriate… Can you please not use messed-up things like subjugation games as a textbook?”

“That I will have to say no. Even if it’s Basara-san, I can’t allow you to say messed-up things as you wish, or else this gentle person will get angry, you know? In what ways are the subjugation games wrong!?”

“The problem is the minimum age needed!”

Having an outburst just for lewd games, just what kind of small girl are you?

“…Then what about Mio and Yuki? Are they finished yet?”

“Ah, I almost forgot… Hearing Basara say that just now, I got a little distracted and almost forgot to ask them to come in.”

As Maria said that, both young girls walked into the living room from the corridor.

「——————」

In that moment they came into view, Toujou Basara suddenly stopped breathing.

This was his first time seeing the both of them in a racing swimsuit, and it got all of his attention.

“………” “………”

Both of them were wearing the same swimsuit, with a coy<ref>(especially with reference to a woman) making a pretence of shyness or modesty which is intended to be alluring</ref> air around them.

--But yet, Basara’s eyes could not look away from them.

Lately, Mio’s breasts had gotten bigger, and the surprising increase in her proportions added to her alluring charms.

The stunning seductive curves of her hips and thighs, accented to her exceptional figure.

The appearances of the two of them in swimsuits, completely snatched away Basara’s thoughts and sights.

“……!”

And then, Toujou Basara soon understood what Maria was talking about with the ‘spent a little more time’, as well as the reason why both Mio and Yuki seemed so shy.

“How is this, Basara-san? Was the destructive power of Mio-sama’s and Yuki-san’s tight swimsuits too much? Aren’t the both of them beautiful?”

「「…………！」」

Hearing Maria say this while giggling, Mio and Yuki both trembled with shyness.

--Despite that, Toujou Basara’s eyes still continued to look at the both of them.

At the bumps showing up on the swimsuits at the tips of their breasts, as well as that crevice showing up between their thighs.

While holding her very red face up, Naruse Mio felt Basara’s gaze on her body.

While being started at by Basara, she felt his attention gathering in ‘’those places’’.

‘’…D-Don’t…!’’

Because of that, she was completely unable to stop the tips of her breasts from standing up and become harder and harder under Basara’s gazes.

And down there, there was also a reaction too – thinking this, she had a very strong urge to cover that place.

--But Mio fought to hold that urge back, because Yuki was right beside her.

It wasn’t just Mio alone who had cut off her breast pads and the lining ‘’there’’ and had Maria use magic to have the swimsuit hug tightly to her body form. Yuki too, was also under the same conditions – standing there right beside her.

The swimsuit on her breast area also had the same extrusions, and her private area also had the same modifications.

Additionally – she was currently just as shy, like Mio was.

Despite what she was bearing, she was still standing there bravely showing off everything.

“……!”

Thus she mustered her feelings of not wanting to lose to her, she continued to bear with it.

“…How is this, Basara-san? Aren’t the both of them beautiful?”

“ ! …Uh, of course… Well, this…!”

The question Maria suddenly pitch at him, caused Basara to suddenly speak incoherently.

‘’…Aah…’’

Basara’s flustered reaction, slightly eased Mio’s and Yuki’s nervousness; which despite their shyness, allowing them to regain some of their calm and liveliness and tease Basara:

“Basara… just where of Nonaka’s and my body did you look at?” “…Answer me honestly, Basara”

“Uh, with the two of you wearing that… of course I would see.”

Hearing Basara say so as if surrendering, Mio was very happy. With Basara usually subjugating her under his hands, occasionally teasing him was pretty interesting.

“—it’s about time. Let’s go to the bathroom, shall we?”

At that moment, Maria said this.

“W-Why are we going to the bathroom?”

Maria giggled while answering Basara’s doubts:

“No need to be worried. This, I have already discussed it with Mio-sama and Yuki-san already.”

“ ! …You really agreed?”

“……Nn,” “Its fine…”

Mo and Yuki nodded strongly towards Basara looking at them surprised.

“—Come, Basara-san, this way please. The happy period<ref>’happy hour’ seems to fit more, but it isn’t specified to be an hour</ref> is about to start♥”

With that, led by Maria, Basara, Mio and Yuki headed to the bathroom.

--The reason they took so long before coming to the living room, was because they done not only just the modifications to their swimsuits.

Other than tomorrow’s girls’ swimming class, there was also something important that will be done tomorrow night.

And that is, a magic ritual that can be only on full moon nights in the Human Realm – Master-Servant Contract.

The ones doing the contract were Basara and Yuki. But before the contract took place, Maria had raised another request, and that is—

“---later, everyone please deepen your relationships with your master nicely in the bathroom.”

Midway on the way to the bathroom, Maria turned around and said:

“This is something that tomorrow, Basara-san and Yuki-san must do before doing the Master-Servant Contract.”

“Stop right there… What do you mean with that?”

“If Yuki-san were to also have the Master-Servant Contract with Basara, there will be a need for Mio-sama who is also a subordinate to the same master to interact in harmony.”

Maria once again repeated what she had already said to Mio and Yuki to Basara who had doubts:

“Not only just Yuki-san, Mio-sama and Basara-san must know about it too. The two of you must wholeheartedly recognise Yuki-san as Basara-san’s new subordinate, and accept her joining you. In the future, there will probably be many strong foes waiting for us; if any of our actions as a team goes wrong, there will be life-or-death perils. I’ll say it again, Mio-sama and Yuki-san has already agreed to this – so right now, it’s only Basara-san left that needs to decide.”

“Uh, but I…”

“I understand. Basara-san is still unsure if you should let Yuki-san do the Master-Servant Contract, right?”

Maria nodded towards Basara’s whose expression became tangled-up and said:

“—that’s why, Basara-san, why not think about it from another angle? Let’s use this time, pretending that you two have already the Contract, and see of there would be any problems.”

“Test…?”

Basara asked while frowning and Maria who was wearing a swimsuit answered while nodding:

“I would say that what you are probably worried about is about the Master-Servant Contract that is done using my magic – would there be a day where you or Yuki-san, or even Mio-sama where you would regret the decision?”

“………”

This question, was answered with an affirmative with Basara’s silence.

--the Master-Servant Contract was using the Demon Race’s magic, so when Basara and Yuki had to do the Contract, it could only be done using Mio’s or Maria’s magic power. If it was using Mio who had inherited the previous Demon Lord’s power, Yuki might just possibly be flattened into minced meat when the curse activated; in other words, once Yuki establishes a Master-Servant Contract with Basara, there would be no other choice other than being bound by the aphrodisiac effects due to Maria’s succubus magic like Mio.

However – when the curse with unknown varying strengths activates, Yuki does not know just what will happen to her.

From the viewpoint of battle power, there was no wrongs in Mio establishing a Master-Servant Contract. If her battle power had not been raised by the Master-Servant Contract, the probability of them winning against Takashi with his [Byakko] and the others where very little.

‘’…But,’’

Just like a few days ago in the living room where Mio took the initiative to hug Basara, it was something that was never expected from before making the Master-Servant Contract.

--it goes without saying, that that reaction of Mio’s was influenced by the aphrodisiac curse.

But before Basara had done the Contract with Mio, even if it was just being playful and naughty, he would never even dare to hug her.

And recently, he had begun to experience a particular exclusive emotion for Mio.

Other than wishing to have Mio as a sister and family that he would protect – occasionally a particular impulse would well up, making him want to monopolize all of Mio.

Of course – to a male of around Basara’s age, this might very well be normal. It was already risqué enough with just having to live together with a female unrelated by blood, and the bar was further raised by the fact that Mio and Maria were such beauties. For just the fact that he had been able to preserve himself to this day, commendation was already long due.

Additionally, with all that’s happened, he could definitely feel their bonds and trust becoming much stronger. For surviving the future battles and breaking through various difficult situations, it helps a lot.

--But despite that, as there was a need to use the body’s sensations of pleasure to stimulate the consciousness of subjugation and deepen their relationship, the relation between the two of them was no longer that of a normal family or siblings. That is an undeniable truth.

‘’…However,’’

Recently, when when Yuki had suddenly disappeared while in the middle of a date in the heart of the downtown area, Basara had a taste of anxiousness that almost made him lose his mind. In order to win against the strong foes in the future, in order to protect Mio, Maria and Yuki, establishing a Master-Servant Contract with Yuki was undoubtedly an effective measure.

‘’…But,’’

After repelling Takashi and the others, Basara had originally thought that he would never see Yuki again. But yet she is living right here right now, so finally there is a chance for them to recover the relationship they had in the past.

Under this situation, if he were to establish the Master-Servant Contract with Yuki and use pleasure to subjugate her – despite how the fact that they had grew up together would never change, he might not be able to recover the relationship they had in the past – with this thought in his mind, Basara couldn’t make his decision.

“—therefore, before actually doing the Master-Servant Contract, let’s do a small test”

Maria said:

“To test if she really has no resistance towards becoming your subordinate… to see if you can really subjugate her, as well as to see if Mio-sama is able to accept that relationship between the both of you.”

Perhaps Maria was planning on – having Yuki witness the things they Basara had done with them before – and have her personally experience them, and understand the true aspects to the Master-Servant Contract. To deepen a relation between the master and a subordinate, the master needs to have the subordinate show yielding, which is much more intense than dispelling the curse whenever it activates. Maria wants to do such a test before the actual event tomorrow, to observe if there would be any problems if Basara and Yuki were to establish a Master-Servant Contract.

“……I understand.”

Thus, Basara nodded. After this, everything will probably go as usual, with everyone being forced to do something which makes the succubus excited.

Despite how reluctant he was, Basara had agreed to it. If the Contract were to be done when he can’t even do something like this – he will definitely soon regret his decisions.

===Part 4===

“Now then, Basara-san, please sit on this stool first… Mio-sama and Yuki-san, please get ready to wash his body.

“……!”

Hearing Maria say that, Naruse Mio gulped. When Mio and Yuki were still changing in the dressing room, they were instructed by Maria on how they should wash Basara. Thus—

‘’…Just this much, is nothing…!’’

Mio attempted to rouse her competitive spirit. Now Basara was not a Hero, but yet he got embroiled into her fight with the Current Demon Lord Faction, and even had to fight against his childhood playmates.

Even on Mio’s school and daily lives, Basara had always been worrying for her, and just accepting all of the restrictions that came with caring for her. Hence, no matter what, Mio must not let herself harbour guilt towards him, and repay him for all that he has done.

‘’…But,’’

No matter what, Mio does not wish to be just on the receiving end of Basara’s warmth and protection.

If she could do anything that would make Basara happy, Mio was will to do it.

--And Yuki had the same thought.

When that tragedy happened five years ago, Yuki’s life was saved by Basara, yet she could only just look from the side-lines while he received the fate of being exiled from the Village, and she seemed regretful about it to this day; previously when fighting with Takashi and Kurumi, Basara was plenty worried about her. She probably thought she won’t be able to easily pay that debt just by simply doing a Master-Servant Contract with him, and though she had said that she would help in whatever little way she could, that sacrifice was nothing in comparison. Of course, apart from that, she had also said that it wasn’t fair that Mio was the only one being subjugated with Basara’s hands and had a Master-Servant Contract with him.

‘’…That’s right.’’

No matter if whether it was Mio or Yuki, Basara had sacrificed too much for both of them.

This was an opportunity to slightly repay him. Saying all of that to herself—

“ ! …I’m starting, Nonaka…” “……No problems here.”

Mio started first, and Yuki responded from her side – after that while facing each other, the both of them began to pull away the shoulder straps of their own swimsuits.

“ ! ———— “

Basara who witnessed that while sitting on the bathroom stool, gulped a breath of air. But as he had probably guessed from what Maria had said just now on what Mio and Yuki would probably do, despite how red his face got, he did not look away or attempt to stop them. Basara needed to adopt the attitude as a master, and accept the things Mio as his subordinate would do for him, as well as to access whether Yuki could become his subordinate.

“……!”

With that thought, Mio and Yuki can’t care about being shy and embarrassed and hope that they would be able to even repay Basara’s intentions; once their arms were extracted from the shoulder straps, they used both their hands to grab the swimsuit at the chest area, and pulled it downwards. Both of their breasts then burst out into the air, like a dam bursting – exposing even the tips of their breasts. After that, after pulling the swimsuit downwards until their navels were about to be exposed—

‘’…! …Aahh…’’

It appeared in Basara’s sights. Thinking this, the insides of Mio’s body became hotter from the shyness.

And began to think about what she will be doing to Basara a little later, as well as what he will be doing to her.

However, Mio, at the same time, was determined to do it. She was already this far in, and it was already too late to be pulling out this this.

“………”

Thus, Mio opened the cap of the shower gel bottle and poured its contents onto her breasts, and the viscous liquid then completely covered her breasts. However, she did not immediately head towards Basara, but instead turn towards Yuki who had also similarily exposed her breasts.

“Nonaka..”

“…Nn.”

Yuki nodded, and kneeled down before Mio; Mio then kneeled down too, looking into the face that was just as red as her’s. After that, before Basara’s eyes, they wrapped their arms around each other’s backs – while tightly hugging each other, and at an angle which could be seen clearly be Basara, they began to indecently rub each other’s breasts with their own breasts.

“Wha…!”

“What is it, Basara-san…? What is there to be surprised about?”

Maria giggled while saying towards the shocked Basara:

“Providing visual entertainment to their master, is also a subordinate’s job, isn’t it…?”

What Mio and Yuki were doing right now, was exactly just that. The two of them definitely had no interest in this area.

‘’But as long as Basara is happy’’ – while harbouring such a simple thought, she continuously rubbed her breasts slippery from the shower gel with Yuki’s. Not only were their breasts pressed into sensational shapes, piles of foam were also produced with various sounds. ‘’Chuguchu’’

‘’…! …No way, I-I…!”

It only just tickled a little, but because Basara was seeing this – a bundle of sweet hotness gathered somewhere deep with Mio and Yuki’s bodies, causing the tips of their breasts to gradually stress their presence.

“ ! …Naruse-san, I…’’

At a loss, Yuki asked shyly. It was only then, did Mio see that teenage girl who had yet to do the Master-Servant Contract and was unfamiliar with the body’s pleasure, had a sexy coquettish expression on her face.

“Nonaka…”

For the usually expressionless Yuki, this expression was one that was hardly imaginale. This also made Mio understand, just how lewd the stuff she was doing was.

‘’…T-This is all for Basara…’’

Despite that, tha thought allowed Mio to do the thing Maria had told her before. She held up her breasts, and after positioning the tips of each other’s breasts against each other, she began to rub them against each other by drawing circles.

“Nn …Aa… Don, nnn…. Fu…” “ ! …Aaah, haaa…….Nn!”

Both Mio and Yuki were not familiar with this action, so there were some slip-ups at the start; very soon they caught the trick behind it, and it became fairly easy for them. In the turn of an eye, there was already no room for the four tips of slip-up… and thus started to pant with the embarrassment and excitement from Basara’s gaze.

“Naruse-san…” “…Nn.”

At that moment, Mio and Yuki’s legs wrapped around each other’s waist.

After that, they poured even more shower gel, and rub each other’s breasts’ tips more intensely.

“Ah… ya, nn… Haahh…!” “Yaah…Nn, Fu…..Aahhnn!”

While creating faint pleasure, the both of them continued to intensely rub their covered breasts against each other’s. Very soon, with the sweet hot pleasure snowballing, a pile of foam gathered on their soft breasts. When they released their entangled legs after that, they made some space between them.

“Basara… Come.”

With an intoxicated gaze, the young youth watching them was then enticed.

“………”

Basara said nothing. He too, like Mio and the others, had already made up his mind long ago. He silently got up from the stool, and sat down in between the legs of both of them.

“I’m starting now…” “…Basara, we’ll help wash you.”

The feeling that there wasn’t a need for words, caused both Mio and Yuki to say both happily and shyly, and after that, while enclosing in on Basara with their legs – they used their own bodies to scrub Basara’s whole body. The softness of the breasts, as well as the stiffness of their tips – were all utilised with reservation, scrubbing Basara lewdly.

“Aahh… Ya, Nnu… Fuuaahh♥”

At that moment, an ecstasy-filled breath escaped from Mio’s mouth.

‘’…No way, now that the person is Basara…?’’

Mio realised, that the feeling now was completely different from when she rubbed her breasts against Yuki.

This sensation was obviously not the same as the sense of itching from just now, it instead was a hot and comfortable feeling – a result most probably due to Mio’s body developing further. Hence, compared to Yuki who boldly washed Basara despite her shyness, Mio’s movements were not very smooth. Right now, from the touch or servicing of her master, the ability to derive pleasure from those activities were already created within her. This fact that makes people tremble for reasons other than embarrassment, also allowed Mio to dedicate herself to Basara who so loved her, making her secretly feel a joy close to proudness.

But as she thought this, Yuki already came to Basara’s back—

“…Basara, I’ll help you wash your back.”

And Mio could only just watch as Yuki began rubbing her breasts against Basara’s back.

The most important position of serving her master, was stolen by her simply just like that.

“Oya oya, Mio-sama… You had the first strike stolen from you when your mind wandered, just what are you even doing as the senior?”

“ ! ……”

Maria picked on Mio with a sarcastic smile, causing her to bite her lip in dissatisfaction, and said:

“Please, Basara… Wash your hands with my breasts.”

Sitting down on Basara’s legs while facing him, She then pulled his wrists towards her own breasts.

Mio was not using her breasts to wash him – for something like that, she had already long before wrapped her breasts around his arm and cleansed all the way to his wrists.

After letting Basara grab her soap-covered breasts, Mio once again put her hands over his, and said:

“Nn… It’s fine. Basara’s palms and fingers… you can use my breasts to clean them thoroughly.”

Mio’s thoughts and intentions, Basara seemed to understand them with his brief moment of silence,

“……I’m beginning.”

And he said, as he started to begin kneading Mio’s breasts. Seeing her breasts overflowing from his hands, and the various obscene shapes created by each and evey one of Basara’s movements—

“No—Ha, Fuaaaaaaaahhn♥”

Mio who derived intense pleasure from firstly creating lots of foam from rubbing against Yuki’s, and then from being rubbed against Basara, suddenly stiffened up in a moment, achieving climax.

“A-Are you alright?”

Basara seemed to want to stop at that moment, his hands about to leave Mio’s breasts,

“Don’t stop halfway, continue… I have to thoroughly wash your hands…!”

Yuki was still washing Basara’s back now, so Mio can’t show any signs of weakness before she does.

After that, Basara nodded towards Mio who begged – and then renewed his action of washing his hands with Mio’s breasts.

“Ah♥ Fuahhh!? Ya, ha – Fuaahhh♥ Ha, Aaahhhh♥”

Thus, Mio was swallowed by the torrent of the climax in that moment, saucily arching her back on Basara’s legs. With her hips shaking admist the intense pleasure, she was rushed up to climax again and again.

Nevertheless, no matter what Mio would say now, the Basara right now would not stop his actions.

Hence – this situation continued on for five minutes, and the pleasure dissolved Mio’s reasoning, leaving her only able to pant while on Basara’s legs.

“Ah… Nn… Fu, ah…Uu… Fu…”

“You can’t be like this, Mio-sama… You are someone who has to serve Basara-san, so how can you be acting so spoiled towards him?”

Seeing this, Maria revealed a mocking smile, and said:

“For Mio-sama to be acting like this, I believe a punishment is needed.”

“…Punish…ment…?”

Mio asked with her eyes unfocused, but Maria ignored her, and said:

“Basara-san, Yuki-san… Can I say something to you?”

After that, she said something into Basara’s and Yuki’s ear, and the result—

“That… wouldn’t it be too much?”

“…I object too. Although I don’t feel it would be too much, I do not wish to become a tool.”

Both Basara and Yuki visibly seemed to be troubled, but Maria gave no compromise.

“Such an allocation of assignment can’t be helped… Subjugating a subordinate, is Basara’s job; and as Yuki-san is not yet officially Basara-san’s subordinate, only Mio-sama can display a situation of being subjugated. Yuki-san needs to learn from the process of assisting your future master Basara-san, just what kind of a thing doing a Master-Servant Contract as a subordinate from your senior Mio-sama who had already done a Master-Servant Contract. Assisting your master to even more shockingly, deeply, and effectively subjugate a subordinate, is also one of the important jobs of a subordinate.”

Maria then continued:

“Basara-san… Don’t you want to see what would happen if Mio-sama were to ever meet such a situation? Didn’t you want to have no regrets at all after doing a Master-Servant Contract with Yuki-san – if you aren’t willing to do something like this, how would you know if there would be any problems?”

“…………”

Hearing Maria’s words, Basara remained silent for a while, before saying:

“……Alright, you do have a point… Let’s do that.”

“I’m very happy to have gotten your agreement – what about Yuki-san?”

“…If Basara is willing, I’m fine with it too… Let’s just do as you said.”

Yuki also expressed her agreement.

“—I will prove to Basara clearly, that there won’t be any problems with doing a Master-Servant Contract with me at all.”

“Very well… Then let us all quickly begin.”

Maria also nodded, satisfied, and passed a certain something to Basara in front of Mio.

Mio whose was still in a trance, murmured out loud the name of the thing passed to Basara.

“…Measuring tape…?”

Indeed – it was the retracting-type measuring tape used by tailors. And Mio had seen it before as that measuring tape was used not long ago when using magic to make their swimsuits fit their body contours. There’s no mistaking it -- the label on the side of the casing says [5M], and since the measuring tape used for measuring people were seldom this long, it had left a deeper impression on her mind.

“I’m sorry, Mio…”

Basara lowered his eyes as if feeling bad about something, and pulled out the plastic tape from the casing – from her breasts to her back, the tape was then wound around Mio’s body.

“No… Nn, Basara… what, are you…?”

Despite being unable to exert any force while immersed in the aftertaste of her climaxes, she still attempted to free herself.

“Naruse-san, you cannot move.”

Yuki had already came to be behind Mio’s back, and held Mio’s hands together behind her.

“Nonaka… Nn, release me…”

Mio moved as if desperate to break free, yet she couldn’t summon any energy. While she struggled weakly, Basara had already pulled the tape from her left shoulder and collarbone, between her breasts, and pulled it towards her back from under Mio’s right breast – and then after pulling it up to her right shoulder, it then went between her breasts to the bottom of her left side, repeatedly drawing out the number ‘8’ with her breasts as the focus. It was just then, that Mio realised that they were using the tape to emphasise her breasts. Since something like this was being done, she could guess what Maria had wanted Basara to do, even if she didn’t want to think about it.

‘’…This is…’’

Mio – is currently being tied up lewdly by Basara.

“No… Don-- Aahh…!”

Although Mio was able to put up some form of resistance, it was just a waste of her energy. After wrapping up Mio’s breasts in a shameful way, Basara used the left-over tape in the casing to bind her two hands being held behind her, before firmly securing it to the towel rack on the wall.

“ ! … Why, did you do, something like this…?”

The comfortable aftertaste of her climaxes caused Mio to be unable to exert any force in any of her limbs, so she could only ask this while paralyzed and sitting on the floor of the bathroom.

“Mio-sama… This is a precautionary training in advance.”

Maria who sat down beside her answered.

“…Training?”

“That’s right… Luckily, to this day, Mio-sama was never held captive by an enemy before; but taking into consideration that we will meet many strong enemies in the future, there is a need for Mio-sama to understand that there will always be the danger of Mio-sama falling into the enemy’s hands. You had done the master-Servant Contract as the subordinate, so once you are captured by the enemy, you might consider yourself to have become a burden to your master Basara-san and activate the curse…”

Hence—

“Let’s take advantage of the current status of not being a captive of an enemy, and experience earlier just what will happen to your body when the curse activates while you are subjected to binding… As long as you have experienced it at least once, our state of mind and reactons when the real thing happens wouldn’t be all too different.”

“Activate the curse, in this condition…?”

''Just how will something like this be done'' -- as Mio thought this, Maria said:

“Well then, Basara-san, Yuki-san… Please begin.”

With that line, Mio’s line of sight moved from Maria by her side to Basara and Yuki in front of her.

“Ah——…”

After that, Naruse Mio understood what Maria had meant by those words.

In front of Mio, while hugging Yuki from behind – Basara began to knead Yuki’s breasts.

“————!?”

The scene in front of her eyes, caused Mio’s flames of jealously to suddenly flare up, on reflex.

And the activation of the curse – started in a flash.

Yuki, whose breasts were being massaged by Basara, saw a certain colour appear on the neck of Mio who was bound to the wall.

“No …Aahh…! Aaaaaahhhhhhh…!”

Immediately after, Mio was plunged into an intensely aroused state, and let out a fawning shout as if crying.

Normally, Basara would immediately attempt to lift the curse from Mio, but he didn’t this time. If the curse were to be lifted just so simply, then it wouldn’t count as training for the scenario of being taken captive.

...Additionally.

Despite being apologetic to Mio, this is something that is necessary if Yuki were to establish the Master-Servant Contract with Basara.

Thus, Yuki executed her role.

“Nn… Please, Basara, more…”

While showing off to Mio the scene of her breasts being massaged, she pleaded Basara:

“Everything of me that has changed in these past five years, please touch each and every one of them clearly… Prove to me that even if our circumstances are different now – we can still return back to that time.”

Yuki did not forget to emphasise her own relationship with Basara, stimulating Mio’s jealousy.

--But what Yuki had said out, was also completely her true thoughts.

Forget the unnecessary concerns, and hope that they could return to what they had back then – being able to do things that would be natural as childhood sweethearts, do things that were for the best of their partners and interact like they were family; if anything needed to be done to live on, it’ll be done. When Yuki had reunited with Basara, this was the wish Yuki had made back then. Of course, the her five years ago could only become a burden to Basara, but she was different now – she can now be by Basara’s side, and fight alongside him.

“Please, Basara…”

Hence, even if it were to simulate Mio being held captive, Nonaka Yuki also wanted Toujou basara to understand that he can establish the Master-Servant Contract with her without any worries.

“……Yuki.”

After that, Basara lightly said out her name, and began moving his hands to ascertain the changes in her body.

Though not as spectacular as Mio’s, her beautiful breasts that had grown a lot in the past five years is currently being massaged lightly continuously, changing into various obscene shapes.

“Haah… Nn! Fu….aaahhhh… ♥”

Other than some itches, there was also the sensation of tingling causing some pants to escape Yuki’s lips. After that—

“No… Why is… Nonaka hasn’t, even done… the Master-Servant Contract…”

Mio who was watching them, said some strange and ridiculous words. Mio herself also knows, what girls will be like when they let the male they like touch them.

--That’s right, Yuki is undoubtedly experiencing a woman’s pleasure right now.

Such touches when she was still young would only produce an itching sensation, but now when she knows that there was a meaning behind that action, despite not being under the aphrodisiac effects of a succubus, there would definitely be pleasure and some embarrassment.

Although Yuki does not have the Master-Servant Contract had thus had her body further developed by it like Mio, nor did she ever experience the intense pleasure brought on by the aphrodisiac effect of the curse, she was still able to experience pure pleasure from Basara stimulating her senses.

“ ! …Basara, please… even more…”

Thus, as if obeying that feeling in her chest, she called to him sweetly; Basara then inserted a hand that was brought near her hip area at her back into the swimsuit, and began massaging her butt, causing a tingling even stronger than at her breasts to immediately rush through her entire lower abdomen.

“Ya…aahh! Basaraa…Basaraa♥!”

Yuki continuously called out Basara’s name while in his arms, moving her body about lewdly. The swimsuit was pulled lower and lower – and eventually, it fall onto the floor.

With that sign, Yuki became completely naked. Hence—

“No, don’t…!”

Intense shyness and embarrassment, caused Nonaka Yuki to forcefully twist her body while having her chest and butt kneaded.

--From behind her back, Basara was not able to see her most embarrassing place.

But for Mio who was in front, she could clearly see the feminine reaction that was in that place.

Yuki had originally thought she only had to show Mio her relationship with Basara – she had never expected to even reveal that place to Mio’s eyes.

Hence – Yuki whose embarrassment had crossed a certain point, hurriedly used her hands to cover that place up.

“……!”

And gathering her courage, she took a look to see just what sort of expression was Mio looking at her with.

--However, it seems that it was just Yuki worring about it too much.

Reason being that as Yuki and Basara’s actions was taken to the next level, so was Mio’s curse, causing the aphrodisiac effect to also increase accordingly.

“…Nn……Aa……”

While sweetly moaning, Mio’s eyes has already completely lost focus.

===Part 5===

‘’…What, is this…?’’

[[Image: SMnT V06 005.png|thumb]]

While her sight was clouded over with a layer of white fog, Naruse Mio felt a sense of fulfilment.

The sadness that seemed to drive her mad from before, had already disappeared before she knew it, and she could only feel an endless sweet pleasure. ‘’Just what was it that happened with her…‘’ Mio moved her hazy eyes about, trying to make sense of her surroundings.

‘’…Ah… No-naka…?’’

Yuki’s head was just right before her eyes, but Yuki was not looking at her, she was instead intoxicatingly sucking on the tip of Mio’s right breast. After that – Naruse Mio remembered the events that had happened just now.

‘’…That’s right… We were pleasing Basara in the bathroom…’’

Yuki and her had listened to Maria’s instructions to please Basara, and Yuki was probably carrying on right now; as the tip of her breast was being sucked by Yuk, bursts of comfortable warmness diffused from her breast to the deepness of her body.

‘’…Nonaka seems just like a baby…’’

Mio suddenly felt that Yuki was extremely cute, and tried to caress her head while giggling.

But – she failed to do that. For some unknown reason, she was unable to move her hands.

‘’…Eh, why is that so…?’’

Puzzled, Mio only then realised something new. A kind of rope were wound around her breasts, and someone was kneading them without restraint from behind her.

The breast that Yuki was sucking on, was also being vigoriously massaged by someone.

‘’…What, is this…?’’

Seeing her own breasts being treated obscenely, Mio had a shock, and began to closely look at just what was it binding her.

‘’…This is…measuring tape?’’

Understanding what it was, Naruse Mio then completely remembered just what had happened earlier.

“ ! ————…”

And after gasping due to that, Yuki seemed to realise that Mio had regained consciousness, and released her breast from her lips. A silver trail of saliva, was then drawn from her lips to Mio’s breasts.

“…No…Nonakaa…” “Naruse-san…”

Mio let out a coquettish voice, and Yuki who was not affected by the aphrodisiac curse looked back at her with unrestrained eyes, Her expression was completely that of a woman’s, and her beauty could snatch a person’s voice away.

“Fufu… Mio-sama, good morning.”

At that moment, Maria who was wearing a swimsuit gave her a greeting while smiling like she was a very well-behaved child.

‘’—In the period while she was unconscious due to the aphrodisiac curse, a lot must’ve happened, it’s just that she could not remember it. The reason Yuki had become like that, was most probably because of the events during that period.’’

“You probably are wondering what’s going on with you right now, correct? But as you had experienced too many orgasms, your energy has already been depleted to the limit, so please allow me to explain it later.”

‘’Now’’

“Please ask Basara-san to subjugate you – and let it be lifted from you.”

“Eh—…?”

Just as Mio let out a sound denoting her not understanding, someone wrapped their arms around her from behind.

And after being forcefully turned around, her eyes met the one who was kneading her breasts.

“…Basa-ra…?”

Mio blankly murmured his name. The tape that bound her to the towel rack was already gone, and she was currently sitting on Basara’s thighs.

“I’m sorry, Mio…”

After those words left Basara’s mouth, his mouth slowly closed in onto Mio’s left breast.

“No… W-Wait a moment, Basara, that place…!”

That action made Mio panic. Even though it was not her first time having her breast being sucked by Basara.

She knew very well, the surprising amount of pleasure brought on by the tip of the breasts being sucked by him.

--However, that place was also the spot that had remained in Yuki’s mouth all this while.

Just from seeing Basara and Yuki do ''those stuff'' before, she had already become like this, and if he were to still do it – Mio desperately struggled as her train of thought progressed to that point, but as her energy was depleted by the countless climaxes, she was not able to put up resistance.

“Ah… Aahh…!”

In the moment she understood she could do nothing – she wrapped her legs tightly around Basara’s waist.

Next moment, the thing that she was afraid of, turned into reality.

“Ah, don’t… Ha—Aaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh♥”

Basara sucking in Mio’s left breast immediately activated the aphrodisiac curse, and a never-before orgasm caused Mio to shout out in the bathroom.

In the moment Mio was hit by an intense climax when Basara sucked on her breast.

''…Oh my god, for it to be this…''

Although she had seen Mio being subjugated by Basara once, Mio who was now in the extreme peaks of womanly pleasures, was bewitching beyond compare, and hence because of that humongous stimulation she was uncontrollably trembling on Basara’s thighs.

“…Ah…"

Mio’s every single movement, every single lewd ‘Chyu chyu’ sound, entered Yuki’s ears, showed that her swimsuit was already wet enough the point where it could still make that kind of sounds even through the swimsuit.

“—isn’t it beautiful?”

Suddenly – Maria giggled while watching Yuki look at Mio and whispered into her ear:

“Don’t worry, it’ll be your turn soon enough… Since you already can do ''those things''.”

“————!”

Yuki remembered about the stuff that she had done with Basara before, and her cheeks reddened.

Indeed – not long ago, she had her breasts massaged right in front of Mio’s eyes and was moaning non-stop, and she had even assisted Basara in helping Mio relieve the curse which had already caused her consciousness to break up.

Yuki and Basara, had indulgingly caressed Mio’s breasts that were her biggest weak spot, bringing her to a climax time and time again, all the way until she had regained her consciousness. Just now, they had activated the curse to the point where it caused Mio’s consciousness to become hazy; next up they will use an even more intense pleasure to lift the curse.

As Yuki’s hands and mouth got to know of the softness of Mio’s breasts and the texture and flavour of the tips of her breasts – Mio recognised that Yuki was fit to become Basara’s subordinate. Now that she had gotten this recognition, it means that tomorrow night, there most likely won’t be any problems with her making a Master-Servant Contract with Basara.

When Yuki heard that, she turned to look at Basara, surprised, and he placed his hand gently on her head, gently patting her. Despite there not being a word said, Yuki could feel Basara’s agreement. This made her happy, and as if intoxicated, it caused her to put in even more effort with helping Basara in caressing Mio, to answer his expectations and prove that she could fulfil her responsibilities as his subordinate.

When Mio regained consciousness, it was not long after that had happened.

“………”

After that, Yuki once again looked towards Mio continuously hitting climax, with a sort of jealousy in her heart,

''--I, will very soon become Basara’s power.

Hence—tomorrow night, I must definitely show the same expression Mio has on right now.

Become Basara’s subordinate, and experience his care.''

Mio's private place, was wet and hot, as if it was drenched in hot water.

''--That was her first time experiencing, a forbidden pleasure.''

While being massaged by Basara’s hands, Mio’s left breast once again entered Yuki’s lips – and while immersed in the curse triggered by jealousy, Mio once more experienced another extremely violent orgasm. Not just her swimsuit, even Basara’s stomach area was already in a mess. This fact caused Mio’s embarrassment to cause her to want to just outright die on the spot, but—

''…Noo, just what is this…?''

Naruse Mio who just experienced another drastic climax, realised another fact, and was stunned.

Even that over-the-top orgasm, didn’t even allow her to lose consciousness.

“ ! …Aa…!”

Mio who had screamed out all the air in her lungs, while still immersed in a state of extreme pleasure, violently shook on basara’s thighs as Basara sucked on her breast.

Not long later, Basara released her breast with a ‘Chyu’ sound.

“…You must not be comfortable remaining like this.”

Probably thinking that the reason Mio seemed to be suffering, was because she was being bound up.

Basara undid the measuring tape that was binding her wrists.

''…Eh…?''

At that moment, a few accidents took place on Mio’s body.

First, was that Basara’s hand had accidently pressed down on the button to retract the tape; second, was that the spots that had blood circulating again due to the tape’s pressure being released, became even more sensitive; third – the slippery shower gel caused the measuring tape wrapped around her body caused the friction between it and Mio’s body to be significantly reduced and the result is—

''…Ah…''

By the time she felt scared, it was already too late. As if in slow motion, the tape slowly loosened around her body, but in the next moment, it was rapidly retracted back into its casing.

<nowiki>“ ! ! ～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～♥ “</nowiki>

The already extremely sensitive breasts, was rubbed by the rapidly retracting measuring tape, causing Mio to be swept to yet another level of climax in a surge of pleasure.

“ ! …Ha,ahhh… Nn, Fu….aahh…♥”

Just merely measuring tape had already caused Mio’s soul to leave her body. This unbelievable fact, caused Mio to have her eyes and neck rolled over backwards while in Basara’s arms to seem to finally know how to collapse, slowly snuggling into the solid chect before her eyes.

Basara too, gently hugged Mio, and lightly patted her back, and in that moment—

“Aahhh! –Nn, Fuu..aahhh!”

Immersed in the aftertaste of the intense climaxes, Mio’s whole body trembled, her breasts uncontrollable pulsating. Just from simply touching her back, had caused her to reach a gentle climax. Thus, Basara only just simply hugged her, and whispered into her ear:

“……Everything’s fine now.”

''…Aahh, that’s right… I…''

Hearing Basara say that, Mio who was in a trance remembered that what she had experienced was something that might happen if she were to be taken captive. Saddness that almost made her lose her mind, as well as this sadness and pleasure that pulled her from her body – Basara who had let Mio experience these things, in her eyes, seemed just like a supreme king.

Despite her consciousness turning hazy, Mio told herself clearly, that she had to serve the person before her eyes.

“……Onii-chan…”

At the same time she called out in a sweet voice, she used her hands which had finally regained their freedom to tightly hug Basara.

===Part 6===

Probably because she had yielded to Basara’s subjugating that he felt relieved.

Mio lost consciousness within Basara’s arms.

In order to prevent her from catching a cold, Basara washed off the shower gel on her body and after wrapping a towel around his waist, he carried Mio in his arms, and then left the bathroom together with Yuki and Maria.

As Yuki remained in the dressing room to change, Toujou Basara continued on towards the living room.

And laid Mio down on the sofa.

“…My apologies, I’ll be leaving the rest to you then, Maria.”

“No problem, leave it to me!”

Being entrusted with the task of looking after Mio, Maria nodded with a contended look.

The loli-succubus wearing a school swimsuit then continued with excitement that she couldn’t hide:

“My~ I had never thought she’ll become like this because of the measuring tape… Even me as a succubus was shocked Mio-sama’s qualifications!”

“Even after doing something so crazy, you can still smile happily like this, what a shock…”

Basara said, dumbfolded.

“You always end up in bad states because of Mio’s punishments, and you still dare to attempt such stuff… I can never catch up to you in things like that.”

Hearing that, Maria waved her right index finger at him while clicking her tongue.

“Basara-san is just too naive. After being punished so many times, I have already begun to notice that as long as I work hard to reach the level of making Mio-sama reach climax in a short period of time, there won’t be a need to be afraid of her being angry!”

Maria let out a big laugh towards Mio on the sofa, and said while smiling broadly:

“That’s why I had gone a little further while playing around today, and this here, is the results! I had completely free reign while playing today! Say, isn’t this just like the story of Colombus<ref>reference to Christopher Columbus</ref>?”

“……”

“ ? Is something wrong, Basara-san? Why are you suddenly looking at me with such gentle eyes – have you fallen in love with me?”

“No, it’s not that…”

Well, if that’s how you feel and think, that that’s just you.

''…Speaking of which''

Toujou Basara suddenly thought.

When Mio lost consciousness, Maria wouldn’t receive any punishments for the moment – but what would happen after she wakes up later, refreshed?

—Sure enough, his guess had become reality.

While Basara was staring blankly into space in the middle of the night on his bed, he suddenly heard Mio’s angry shouts and some trembling, and after that he heard Maria’s screams.

“…Seems like it’ll continue on until morning again tonight.”

Basara muttered helplessly, and turned off the lights in his room.

It was already an hour and a half past midnight right now.

Mio’s bellowing and Maria’s screams, could be heard, with no end to it.

<noinclude>
=== Translator Notes and References ===
<references/>

{{SimpleNav}}
</noinclude>

Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 6 Chapter 1

2017-02-11T04:19:54Z

Dragon213:

==The Girls' Risqué Racing Swimsuits==
—I can no longer continue with this deceit.

Because I really do not want – these intentions of mine, to become lies.

===Part 1===

After Mio and Maria, it was currently a certain day after Yuki who had also began to live in the Toujou Residence.

“—right right, Basara-san. Have you already prepared your school’s swimming gear?”

While resting in the living room after dinner, Toujou Basara was asked this by Maria.

“No, it’s not… Speaking of which, the swimming classes will be starting next week, right?”

Basara had transferred over to this school for the second trimester after the summer vacation, and now is currently in the middle of the semester. In the normal schools, there wouldn’t be any swimming class from around this time period until next year’s summer.

--However, Basara and the others are now studying in Hijirigasaka Academy, which has got an indoor heated swimming pool.

Thus swimming classes would be held all year round, without following the seasons.

Although Basara had already purchased his sports attire and sports shoes, it was only his swimming attire that was left out all these while. Reason being that no matter who it was, everyone had to change into swimming gear if one wanted to enter the water, which meant that majority of his skin had to be revealed.

--And after all, Toujou Basara’s whole body, was covered in countless number of scars left behind from a certain experience in the past.

When a normal person sees those scars, it would usually make them feel uneasy.

“…What to do…?”

Basara had been worrying his mind over that. It was just then, Mio who seemed to have finished helping Maria to tidy up after dinner, also came into the living room, and beside Basara – she sat down on the armrest of the sofa.

“Basara, you can’t be planning on skipping out on swimming class, right?”

“It’s not that… but I might be considering that though.”

These scars were carved onto his body when he had committed that inerasable sin in the past, so Basara had to carry it for life. To this day, he is still gripping tightly onto his remorse for the past, really hoping that no one would see these scars.

''…Additionally''

Basara who hoped for the comfort of a peaceful school life, does not wish to attract too much attention to himself. Just the event of being hugged by Yuki during his self-introduction, as well as Mio disclosing the information of them living together, already caused him to have only Takigawa as his only male friend in school whom he could speak with normally. During physical education class, Basara could still hide within a corner of the changing room to not let anyone see his scars, but that was no longer possible during swimming classes.

Moreover, Basara could no longer join any clubs or after-school activities.

So if he were to start making any friends, he could only start from his classmates.

Hence, if he were to reveal his scars during his physical education classes, it might very well just plummet his relation with his male classmates to the lowest levels of disparity.

''…Despite how dad managed to make so many friends…''

Just what was it that had caused such a great difference?

“…Say…”

Just as Basara sighed in hopelessness, Mio suddenly asked in a low voice.

“Could it be… because of me?”

“Don’t worry, it’s not because of you—…”

Basara raised his head, and saw a light colour appearing on Mio’s neck.

That, is the marking of the collar that signalled the activation of the curse of the Master-Servant Contract. Mio was probably worried that she had caused Basara some trouble to not let him attend the swimming classes, which caused feelings of guilt resulting from regret over it. Basara hurriedly grabbed her hand and held it warmly, and said:

“Really, it’s really not your fault… The problem lies completely with me.”

“…Really?”

“Really.” Basara answered the uneasy Mio while nodding.

As of right now, the Current Demon Lord Faction are still after Mio’s power, so it is a given that Basara needed to stay under their radar; and it was not just the current Demon lord, the enemy who had killed Mio’s adoptive parents – the high-class Demon Zolgear was also after Mio, and had sent out s trusted aide of his that was even stronger than Takigawa in terms of battle power.

Hence, once he attracted the attention of those around him, he will have to further increase his awareness to see if there are any lurking enemies waiting for an opportunity. That will increase the stress on him daily, it cause him to not be able to use his full power if a battle occurs, and there was no other way around it; so Mio being worried for him over such a thing, wouldn’t help the situation at all.

“Hey… don’t put on such a gloomy face.”

“Ah——…”

Basara pulled Mio’s hands, and hugged her.

Mio seemed to not have expected that, and followed his pulling into his arms. While within Basara’s warm arms, those large breasts of hers were tightly pressing onto Basara’s body.

''…C-Calm down…''

This was for Mio’s good. Despite how Mio’s sweet body scent and her extremely soft body threw his heartbeat into disarray, Basara still feigned calmness, wrapping his hands around Mio’s waist.

And attempting to display Jin’s mature calmness in his own way, he said to Mio who was closely sticking to him:

“Or else I will have to subjugate you again… Would you rather have that?”

“————！”

Mio’s body trembled, her whole face turning red.

''…Great, that went well…!''

Whenever he made her angry, her feelings of guilt would be broken up, so that was why Basara forced such intimate activities. Once he let Mio slap him twice, everything would be good.

As for whether would Mio ran out from the living room in anger or would he have to apologise while escaping, it depended on the situation. Completely perfect… with this, there would be no need to Mio to be subjected to unnecessary humiliation—

''…Eh?''

While thinking that, Mio’s hand was never raised up into the air, as he was expecting.

“ ? Umm… Mio?”

“………”

Basara asked, uneasy, to which Mio then silently stretched her hands towards Basara’s neck.

''Eh, it can’t be? Not with slaps, is she going to choke me this time? Is she going to choke me to death?''

Shit, did I take it too far? Basara prepared to defend himself, but unexpectedly Mio’s hands went around his neck – directly to behind him.

And they then tightened around Basara, causing Mio’s soft body to stick even tighter onto his body.

“Eh…?”

Yet towards the dumbfounded Basara, Mio, as if having not heard that – said as if it was sexy bedtime:

“……If Basara says so, it’s fine, you know?”

“ ! ————Uh… Mio?”

''Eh? What? Why did it become like this? Why did she suddenly say such sweet words?''

Mio’s unexpected reaction, suddenly put Basara at loss.

“A-Anyways, calm down first… alright?”

Basara grabbed Mio’s shoulders, and successfully separated their bodies; but in his nervousness he didn’t managed to grab onto his intended target completely accurately, which resulted in his hands – both his index fingers hooking under Mio’s bra straps, shocking him to hurriedly pull back his hands.

“S-Sorry…!”

But he couldn’t. After his index fingers hooked her bra straps, his actions pulled the straps to the sides, off her shoulders.

Mio’s shapely breasts rocked after being freed from the restraint of her bra, with their tips almost revealed before Basara’s eyes. Not only that – although their bodies are no longer in contact with each other, they are now at the most suitable distance for ‘’that’’.

「……………………」「……………………」

Basara couldn’t help but to stare at the Mio before his eyes. In Basara’s eyes, Mio’s eyes seemed to be even glossier than just now, as if she was already completely prepared to accept Basara’s upcoming acts. Probably due to the effects of the aphrodisiac curse raising her body temperature, Mio’s bodily scent filled Basara’s nose as if tempting him.

“……Onii-chan…”

After that, Mio called for Basara with misty eyes. That, the coquettish call, was Mio’s plea for Basara to subjugate her whenever the curse of the Master-Servant Contract activated.

Basara gulped. He remembered Mio’s softness, and her shy lewd reactions while being pulled into the abyss of pleasure – as well as her seductive and bewitching expression.

Hot blood rushed through him, making him want to thoroughly ravage Mio and once more subjugate her into his obedience.

The moment that thought surfaced, his hands were already moving towards her, intending to caress those large breasts seemingly begging for his touch—

“—Stop right there.”

“Y-Yuki!” “—…!”

The voice that sounded at close proximity, shocked Basara and Mio to suddenly retreat to the respective ends of the sofa. Yuki seemed to have finished brewing the after-meal tea, and was coldly glaring at Mio while holding onto a tray carrying a tea set.

“…For you to seduce Basara the moment you leave my sight, you really are a bitch.”

“W-Who's the bitch! Really, I wasn’t seducing Basara—“

Just as Mio tried to defend herself after righting her bra straps, the TV screen suddenly turned on.

『……If Basara says so, it’s fine, you know? 』

“Ah~ With this, that doesn’t really seem persuasive~”

“Why did you immediately connect the camera to the TV and play it, Maria!!”

“More importantly, when did you start recording?!”

Beside the furious Mio, Basara felt a headache.

“What are you saying? How could I miss Mio-sama’s erotic actions? It was just for these moments, that I had specially bought a camera with a short boot-up time, you know?”

Mio decided to use force to counter the smug Maria. She ripped off the cable connecting the camera to the TV, and smashed the camera fiercely on the ground. The sound of the camera smashing into countless small pieces filled the living room.

“Ah————!”

“What about now? You can’t take anymore videos now right?!”

Mio said ruthlessly to Maria who was grabbing her head and screaming tragically, but then suddenly, Maria began to laugh with a low voice. ‘’Ku, ku, ku.’’ She then took out an envelope from somewhere and posed with it.

“Mio-sama, you’re too naive. I’ve already made some precautions, and bought and 5-year warranty extension covering accidental damage for this camera – Hot! Aahh! Isn’t burning the warranty documents going too far?!”

“In what way was it, you idiot!! Repent on your actions!”

Maria protested against her trump card being burned away by fire magic by crying, and Mio followed up with scoldings. On her neck, signs of the curse of the Master-Servant Contract had already disappeared.

''…What a close call…''

Toujou Basara released a sigh in relief, patting his chest with his right hand.

Yuki was also like Basara, releasing a sigh due to being able to successfully stopping that sort of situation from happening.

''…I really can’t be careless at all.''

Nevertheless, Yuki actually knew that Mio wasn’t attempting to simply just seduce Basara.

--She had heard that at the start, she had attempted to chase Basara away from the house so that he won’t be dragged into her matters.

However, Basara had held firm in his desire to protect Mio, and thus Mio also held firm to her desires, and accepted Basara’s intentions; in order to not become a burden to Basara, she had been trying to increase her powers to this day. All these were still fine with her, the problem lay within—

''…The method.''

Basara and Mio had tied a Master-Servant Contract using magic which could not only let them sense each other’s locations, but also raise their battle potential when they deepened their relationship with each other; but vice-versa, Mio would trigger a curse corresponding to the magic type of the one establishing the Contract whenever she had any emotions like feeling guilt towards her master.

Hence – since it used Maria’s magic to establish the Contract, the curse that activated on Mio had aphrodisiac effects.

Not long after she moved in, and due to it being quicker for her to see for herself, Maria suddenly pushed Yuki; she and Basara had crashed onto the floor entangled together, causing Mio to become very jealous which then activated the curse. After that, Yuki witnessed the entire process of Basara helping Mio to lift the curse.

Back then the symptoms of the curse were very light, and it was lifted after kneading her breasts through her shirt; but Mio’s obsequiousness<ref>servility, subservience, characterized by or showing servile complaisance or deference; fawning</ref> back then while intoxicated in pleasure in her aroused state caused by the aphrodisiac effects of the curse, gave Yuki quite a big shock.

''…That was definitely a hyperbole.''<ref>an extreme exaggeration used to make a point</ref>

But according to Maria, truthfully, at the time when the two of them established the Contract, as well as before they had fought against Kurumi and Takashi and the others, what they had done was incomparable to this, which had thus deepened their Master-Servant relationship one time after another.

That made Yuki utterly shocked. Surely, with the threats from the Current Demon Lord Faction, she would probably need to repeat something like ''those actions'' many many times into order to just be able to survive the harsh battles; but however—

''…I can’t let Naruse-san get ahead of me again.''

Thus when Maria had suggested: [How about you tie a Master-Servant Contract with Basara-san, as Mio-sama did?], Yuki had immediately agreed. And as a result, not only would she get the ability to be able to sense each other’s positions with Basara, there was also another important thing. Since she has already moved in to live with them, Yuki would often relive her close relationship with Basara from the past again; but as Mio would often accidentally witness those intimate moments and then activate the curse, Basara had to commit those intimate body interactions with Mio, and Yuki could do nothing about it. Hence—

''…Just a little bit more.''

The full moon would be next week. Once she established the Master-Servant Contract with Basara, she would be on equal footing with Mio; in order to prevent the mutual jealousy towards each other from causing trouble to their master, that jealousy wouldn’t activate the curse. As of now, the time Mio had been living together with Basara is leading against Yuki’s by a few months, so she must make up for this gap by any means possible.

''…The problem at hand right now are current circumstances.''

Thus, after the fight with Basara and Takashi and the others had ended, Yuki too also began a new leaf of life right here in the Toujou Residence. Mio was probably blaming herself for Basara having to separate with his childhood friends after fighting them without mending their ties; and Yuki could tell that Mio was always nervous when interacting with her. Mio suddenly activating the curse while in the middle of talking about the swimming classes, was also most probably part of the aftermath of that.

''…But however''

Mio already had more than her fair share of pain already, and there was no need to be blaming herself for that; then again… if she were to trigger the curse herself and Yuki were to witness Basara subjugating her in her aroused state, it would be a big problem for her. Thus—

“Basara… I feel that it would be better if you join the swimming classes.”

“? Why is that so?”

While serving the tea cups already filled with tea, Yuki said to Basara who seemed surprised:

“Naruse-san seems to be too self-conscious about it. If you were to not join in, she will probably blame herself again and the pervert in her will arise again.”

“W-What are you talking about… I will never do something so embarrassing like that in my life!”

Mio retorted Yuki, aggravated.

“Then again, who's the one being too self-conscious!?”

“Mio-sama, please don’t put too much force into your hands, or my life will be in critical danger!”

While being grabbed by Mio by her collar, Maria raised her hand in panic, and said:

“Speaking of which… I too think that Basara-san should attend the swimming classes. We currently still do not know how the current state of affairs around Mio-sama will evolve; there is no guarantee that there would be no difficulties in the classes or circumstances forcing absence from school in the future. Thus, I believe that regularly showing up whenever possible is the best option for now. If not—“

Maria then continued:

“If Basara-san where to be retained for the academic year while Mio-sama and everyone else gets promoted, it would create a weird feeling around it with Basara-san as the onii-chan… Hold on, doesn’t that situation sounds nice?”

“Nice your head. But you’re right, that situation would be bad. If I were to be retained, making friends would be even more difficult… perhaps it might be better if I do attend. But even if we were to order the swimwear now, would it arrive in time for the swimming class next week?”

Basara said, helplessly.

''–Indeed,'' Yuki thought. In the past when she and a few other girls from Class B lost their swimsuits, they had asked their teacher-in-charge to help them order new ones from the school’s supplier, and it took a grand total of two weeks before they received their new swimsuits. Maria then answered:

“Don’t worry, Basara-san. I do know which factory is the one appointed to produce swimwear for Hijirigasaka Academy. Once the order is made online, the goods will be delivered within three working days, so it’ll definitely be in time.”

“Really? That’ll be great… why do you even know something like that?”

Maria then answered the puzzled Basara while giggling:

“You see, Mio-sama’s breasts are different from a normal person’s~. So for the normal goods bought outside, part of the chest or hip areas wouldn’t fit… isn’t that right, Mio-sama~~?”

“W-Why are you leaking my info out… you dimwit!”

After scolding Maria while red-faced, she awkwardly turned to Basara and Yuki and said:

“…During the regular body check in spring, Hasegawa-sensei had advised me that if I have sufficient funds at hand, I can make an order directly at the factory. Her breasts were also very large, so her racing swimsuit had to be custom-ordered online, and so she was very understanding about it.”

But—

“When I visited their website, I realised that custom orders were pretty expensive, so I had not ordered a new one in the end… Although it would be just for making a swimsuit that fits me, I am not an athlete, so I don’t want to disclose my three sizes to anyone else. If I do order one, I’ll have to make a visit down to the factory to make measurements, as well as let them have some photos of me, you know?”

Mio sighed, and continued:

“And so I had always been buying stuff directly from the stores, and then I would have Maria use magic to make it fit my body. This process is much quicker too.”

“…No wonder Naruse-san was wearing such a weird swimsuit. I had always suspected that there was something behind it.”

Hearing Mio’s explanation, the suspicions that Yuki had been harbouring since the first semester’s swimming classes were answered. Just then—

“Although using magic to conveniently settle stuff isn’t really deserving of praise, I’ll let it slide. It wasn’t something you had been forced to do due to the discomfort.”

Basara spoke.

“Umm, Maria. Tell me the website later, I’ll order one.”

“I understand… Oh right, I just remembered that I have something to ask.”

After nodding while answering Basara, Maria then suddenly turned to Mio and said:

“Mio-sama, how about you buy another racing swimsuit?”

“Why should I?”

Towards the puzzled Mio, Mara began to laugh. ''Ufufu''

“Really, Mio-sama… Stop pretending~. You’ve already done the Master-Servant Contract with Basara-san and become his subordinate, and he had went crazy so many times with your breasts for so long every time he subjugated you… your grand and majestic breasts must have grown even more, to the point where it’s already overflowing from your current swimsuit. Isn’t that right~?”

“ ! — …”

Being said as such by Maria, Mio’s whole face turned red, and her hands hurriedly wrapped around her chest area.

This reaction, was basically just confessing that what Maria had said was the truth.

''…Just as I suspected.''

Yuki too had observed what Maria had just said. Those gigantic mammaries… she had thought that she was still in the middle of developing her assets which caused her breasts to keep growing, but it appears that they were groped to their sizes by Basara.

''Unforgivable…'' Just as the flames of jealousy and envy ignited within Yuki’s heart—

“Ara~? Really, Mio-sama, why do you seem so tense? How could I, as a succubus, not notice such an alluring change? Or in alternate words, even Basara-san had noticed, so of course I already had!”

“Eh——!?”

Maria’s words caused Mio to look at Basara in shock.

“……Well…”

Basara’s face reddened, and he looked away from Mio, embarrassed.

“……!!”

Seeing this reaction, not only just Mio’s face – even her neck too turned pink.

“What are you surprised about…? Basara-san had already groped Mio-sama’s breasts so many times, so of course he would notice any changes in its feel, size and texture.”

Maria then continued after taking out a measuring tape from somewhere:

Clothes that do not fit your body, will cause the beauty of your breasts with such rare beauty to disappear. Why not take the opportunity now and buy a new swimsuit, and find a suitable home for each of your super lewd breasts! Come, Mio-sama, it’s all for your breasts! For starters, please expose your gigantic breasts!”

“Why are you so damn meddlesome!? I’m telling you right now, I’m very happy with my current swimsuit!”

Mio retorted:

“Speaking of which, let’s say if… umm, my breasts really had become bigger, causing me to no longer fit into my swimsuit, it’s sizes can be changed with magic, so there’s no need at all to buy a new one!”

“I see… Since Mio-sama prefers to keep status quo, then I guess I’m fine with it.”

Maria sighed deeply, and then turned to Yuki to ask:

“Then, Yuki-san – what about it? Do you want to buy a new swimsuit?”

“…Me?”

“There isn’t a need, right…? Yuki regularly attends the swimming classes, and thus already has her own swimsuit.”

“That’s right, and what’s more, there isn’t a need at all since Nonaka-san’s sizes hasn’t changed!”

“Indeed, Yuki-san doesn’t seem to have any problems with her current swimsuit…”

Maria nodded while agreeing with Mio and Basara and said:

“But however… a ready-made swimsuit at the end of the day, is still a ready-made swimsuit. If one perfectly fitting Yuki-san’s body were to be made, the contrasting curves of her body can be made even more beautiful… Just like Mio-sama’s.”

And then—

“A female would definitely want to make herself prettier whenever possible, to the point where you could say that it is an instinct… Additionally, Yuki-san has already considered doing a Master-Servant Contract with Basara-san just like Mio-sama, isn’t that right? Would you like to have your current swimsuit used specifically just for the swimming classes and buy another swimsuit to make yourself even prettier, one that is specially to be seen by a master like Basara?”

“Hold on for a minute, I haven’t completely agreed to making a Master-Servant Contract with Yuki—“

“If I buy a new swimsuit, and become even prettier… will Basara be happy?”

Yuki interrupted Basara interrupting Maria, and asked Maria.

“That’s for sure… No matter what Basara might say, he is a male after all. As long as you leave the buying to me, I will guarantee you that he will immediately forget about the gigantic breasts squeezed into an extremely small swimsuit that has been groped virtually to shreds despite how the lowly girl saying that everything’s fine!”

“Y-You…!”

While ignoring Mio being provoked by Maria to the point of almost boiling over, Yuki strongly nodded, and said.

“…Alright. I’ll be buying one too – so, please get me one that’ll bring my femininity even higher than Naruse-san’s.”

===Part 2===

Coming to the week after.

On the eve of the girl’s swimming classes that were one day before the boy’s, when Mio and Yuki reached home after classes ended, they realised Basara’s and Yuki’s swimsuits that were ordered online have arrived.

“Now, before tomorrow’s class, let’s try it on right now!”

Maria eagerly urged Yuki to try it, and even insisted that it wasn’t fair for Yuki to be the only one trying it. In the end, it turned out to be everyone having to accompany Yuki and try it on together.

“I can’t take it anymore… Just how did it even become like this?”

Mio went back to her room to retrieve her racing swimsuit bought during springtime, and grumbled while heading towards the dressing room on the first floor. There weren’t any changes in the sizes of Basara’s swimming trunks, and was already waiting in the living room as per their request, waiting for the girls to finish changing in the dressing room.

--As Mio had not bought a new swimsuit, there wasn’t actually a need for her to try on her swimsuit; what had made her accept Maria’s suggestion, was the feeling that something dangerous would happen if Yuki changes into her new swimsuit.

''…Because.''

During her first swimming class – Mio’s sights were completely captured by Yuki.

Although they were obviously wearing the same swimsuit, Yuki was exuding a beauty on a different level from Mio and the other classmates, which captured the breathes of everyone. Since even Mio of the same gender had such a reaction, Basara was probably even more vulnerable. However—

‘’…I-I can’t lose…’’

While harbouring competitiveness towards Yuki, she opened the room to the dressing room and entered.

“Yuki-san, please be careful… Slowly insert the blade between the cloth and the sewings.”

“…Like this?”

After that,Yuki, who Mio thought had already finished changing, followed Maria’s instructions, and did something to her own swimsuit.

“That’s right, just like that, slowly move the blade horizontally… Beautiful!”

At the same time Maria let out praise, something white descended from Yuki’s swimsuit and landed on the ground. After that, Yuki let out a sigh as if a big load had been lifted from her heart.

“…What are you two even doing?”

‘’Are they removing the nametag?’’ – Originally thinking this, Mio inadvertently<ref>without intention; accidentally </ref> took a look at the thing that fell onto the floor, and then immediately understood what it truly was, she shouted, shocked:

“—Oi! What in the world do you even think you are even doing!?”

What Yuki had cut off wasn’t the nametag, but something that was sewn onto the inner portion of the crotch area of the swimsuit that prevented the shape of an ‘’important place’’ from showing up.

Towards the speechless Mio, Maria raised an index finger with a ‘’shi’’, and said:

“Mio-sama, please keep it down… Yuki-san worked so hard to prepare a surprise for Basara-san, and it’ll all go down the drain if it was ruined by a large sound disturbing her, right?”

“A surprise…? Hold on, Nonaka, you do know what your swimsuit will turn out like, do you?”

Mio asked, hardly able to believe what she saw. While holding onto a handicraft knife in one hand, Yuki nodded and said: ‘Of course.’

“Maria was really kind… When I asked her what I should do to make Basara happy, she taught me everything.”

As she said that, both breast cups fell onto the floor.

“ !! –Maria!”

Mio glared at Maria, the culprit, but the one to blame only smiled fearlessly and said:

“Oya? What’s wrong, Mio-sama? Yuki-san said that she wished to make the modifications which would make Basara as happy as possible, and I had not lied to her. Isn’t transparent underwear more erotic? That’s the case for swimsuits too. To make the adolescent Basara happy, this is of course the most simple and sure-fire way.”

‘’How’s it?’’

“I have another handicraft knife prepared. Mio-sama can use it too if she doesn’t mind.”

“W-What are you joking on about! Nonaka has got another swimsuit, but I only have got this one! If I cut them off now, how do you expect me to go for tomorrow’s swimming class!?”

“I knew you would say that, so this Maria here… had even bought Mio-sama’s share too! ‘’Jang~’’”

After Mio shouted with a red face, Maria raised both her hands holding on to a brand new swimsuit.

“My my… You as Basara-san’s servant, are supposed to be eagerly doing things like this, how could you lose to Yuki-san…? Mio-sama, could it be, that you are experiencing shyness?”

“Anyone would experience shyness if they wear such a swimsuit!”

Mio’s straight retort came as a surprise outside of Yuki’s expected reaction.

“Basara will become happy, so why won’t you do it? Why did you even make a Master-Servant Contract with Basara for then?”

“It was of course to be able to sense each other’s locations in emergencies!”

“I can’t believe it. Basara had sacrificed so much just to protect Mio-sama… yet Mio-sama can’t even accept some shame for him.”

“ ! …I-I…”

“Forget it, I guess this is fine too. Basara-san is such a nice person, so even if Mio-sama wear a normal swimsuit, he will still give you beautiful praises. But then, comparing Mio-sama with a swimsuit as normal as a stone by the road with Yuki-san’s swimsuit which she had modified after mustering the courage just for Basara-san, which do you think would attract his eyes more? That will be known once the both of you go out there.”

Maria purposely said towards the Mio with a troubled expression while sighing.

“Come, Yuki-san. Let’s leave this blockhead alone, and quickly go show Basara-san your new swimsuit. I had specially prepared another swimsuit just for this moment, so… who knows, by then, there might some pity for a certain wretch wearing just a normal swimsuit, so please do your best to ignore that. That person’s body seem to be a bit shameful, so please do excuse her.”

“Nn… I understand.”

After nodding to each other, Maria and Yuki then took off their clothes to change into their modified swimsuits.

Seeing herself being crowded out, Mio finally couldn’t take it anymore, and stretched out a hand to Maria with her shoulders trembling.

“………Okay, Maria, lend me that handicraft knife…”

And said with tears and semi-abandonment.

“Since that’s how you say it, I’ll fight with you…!”

===Part 3===

Toujou Basara was waiting in the living room.

Following Maria’s instructions, he had changed into his delivered swimming trunks, and wore a shirt.

“…This feels like a punishment game.”

After he had changed into the swimming trunks, Basara had already been waiting in the living room alone for nearly an hour.

He had utilized this time by doing his usual weight training done every day. But even after finishing the whole routine, they still haven’t appeared.

“Can’t help it… Let’s do it again.”

“My~ Sorry to keep you waiting, Basara-san. I had spent some time helping Mio-sama and Yuki-san. You definitely won’t be disappointed, this’ll definitely be worth the wait!”

Just as Basar was about to begin the second round, Maria entered the living room while smiling, and pointed a finger at him.

“…You seem too happy. Speaking of which, what’s with what you’re wearing?”

The reason Basara had to ask, was because of the deep-blue student swimsuit Maria was wearing.

Although it was the swimsuit everybody had agreed to wear in school, it was a bit strange for Maria to be wearing one when she did not go to school.

“The swimsuit most suitable to show off this loli-succubus’s body type, is of course none other than the student’s swimsuit… Basara-san, you should enrich the knowledge you should know at your age, or I’ll have headaches.”

“The information you want me to remember are obviously inappropriate… Can you please not use messed-up things like subjugation games as a textbook?”

“That I will have to say no. Even if it’s Basara-san, I can’t allow you to say messed-up things as you wish, or else this gentle person will get angry, you know? In what ways are the subjugation games wrong!?”

“The problem is the minimum age needed!”

Having an outburst just for lewd games, just what kind of small girl are you?

“…Then what about Mio and Yuki? Are they finished yet?”

“Ah, I almost forgot… Hearing Basara say that just now, I got a little distracted and almost forgot to ask them to come in.”

As Maria said that, both young girls walked into the living room from the corridor.

「——————」

In that moment they came into view, Toujou Basara suddenly stopped breathing.

This was his first time seeing the both of them in a racing swimsuit, and it got all of his attention.

“………” “………”

Both of them were wearing the same swimsuit, with a coy<ref>(especially with reference to a woman) making a pretence of shyness or modesty which is intended to be alluring</ref> air around them.

--But yet, Basara’s eyes could not look away from them.

Lately, Mio’s breasts had gotten bigger, and the surprising increase in her proportions added to her alluring charms.

The stunning seductive curves of her hips and thighs, accented to her exceptional figure.

The appearances of the two of them in swimsuits, completely snatched away Basara’s thoughts and sights.

“……!”

And then, Toujou Basara soon understood what Maria was talking about with the ‘spent a little more time’, as well as the reason why noth Mio and Yuki seemed so shy.

“How is this, Basara-san? Was the destructive power of Mio-sama’s and Yuki-san’s tight swimsuits too much? Aren’t the both of them beautiful?”

「「…………！」」

Hearing Maria say this while giggling, Mio and Yuki’s both trembled with shyness.

--Despite that, Toujou Basara’s eyes still continued to look at the both of them.

At the bumps showing up on the swimsuits at the tips of their breasts, as well as that crevice showing up between their thighs.

While holding her very red face up, Naruse Mio felt Basara’s gaze on her body.

While being started at by Basara, she felt his attention gathering in ‘’those places’’.

‘’…D-Don’t…!’’

Because of that, she was completely unable to stop the tips of her breasts from standing up and become harder and harder under Basara’s gzes.

And down there, there was also a reaction too – thinking this, she had a very strong urge to cover that place.

--But Mio fought to hold that urge back, because Yuki was right beside her.

It wasn’t just Mio alone who had cut off her breast pads and the lining ‘’there’’ and had Maria use magic to have the swimsuit hug tightly to her body form. Yuki too, was also under the same conditions – standing there right beside her.

The swimsuit on her breast area also had the same extrusions, and her private area also had the same modifications.

Additionally – she was currently just as shy, like Mio was.

Despite what she was bearing, she was still standing there bravely showing off everything.

“……!”

Thus she mustered her feelings of not wanting to lose to her, she continued to bear with it.

“…How is this, Basara-san? Aren’t the both of them beautiful?”

“ ! …Uh, of course… Well, this…!”

The question Maria suddenly pitch at him, caused Basara to suddenly speak incoherently.

‘’…Aah…’’

Basara’s flustered reaction, slightly eased Mio’s and Yuki’s nervousness; which despite their shyness, allowing them to regain some of their calm and liveliness and tease Basara:

“Basara… just where of Nonaka’s and my body did you look at?” “…Answer me honestly, Basara/”

“Uh, with the two of you wearing that… of course I would see.”

Hearing Basara say so as if surrendering, Mio was very happy. With Basara usually subjugating her under his hands, occasionally teasing him was pretty interesting.

“—it’s about time. Let’s go to the bathroom, shall we?”

At that moment, Maria said this.

“W-Why are we going to the bathroom?”

Maria giggled while answering Basara’s doubts:

“No need to be worried. This, I have already discussed it with Mio-sama and Yuki-san already.”

“ ! …You really agreed?”

“……Nn,” “Its fine…”

Mo and Yuki nodded strongly towards Basara looking at them surprised.

“—Come, Basara-san, this way please. The happy period<ref>’happy hour’ seems to fit more, but it isn’t specified to be an hour</ref> is about to start♥”

With that, led by Maria, Basara, Mio and Yuki headed to the bathroom.

--The reason they took so long before coming to the living room, was because they done not only just the modifications to their swimsuits.

Other than tomorrow’s girls’ swimming class, there was also something important that will be done tomorrow night.

And that is, a magic ritual that can be only on full moon nights in the Human Realm – Master-Servant Contract.

The ones doing the contract were Basara and Yuki. But before the contract took place, Maria had raised another request, and that is—

“---later, everyone please deepen your relationships with your master nicely in the bathroom.”

Midway on the way to the bathroom, Maria turned around and said:

“This is something that tomorrow, Basara-san and Yuki-san must do before doing the Master-Servant Contract.”

“Stop right there… What do you mean with that?”

“If Yuki-san were to also have the Master-Servant Contract with Basara, there will be a need for Mio-sama who is also a subordinate to the same master to interact in harmony.”

Maria once again repeated what she had already said to Mio and Yuki to Basara who had doubts:

“Not only just Yuki-san, Mio-sama and Basara-san must know about it too. The two of you must wholeheartedly recognise Yuki-san as Basara-san’s new subordinate, and accept her joining you. In the future, there will probably be many strong foes waiting for us; if any of our actions as a team goes wrong, there will be life-or-death perils. I’ll say it again, Mio-sama and Yuki-san has already agreed to this – so right now, it’s only Basara-san left that needs to decide.”

“Uh, but I…”

“I understand. Basara-san is still unsure if you should let Yuki-san do the Master-Servant Contract, right?”

Maria nodded towards Basara’s whose expression became tangled-up and said:

“—that’s why, Basara-san, why not think about it from another angle? Let’s use this time, pretending that you two have already the Contract, and see of there would be any problems.”

“Test…?”

Basara asked while frowning and Maria who was wearing a swimsuit answered while nodding:

“I would say that what you are probably worried about is about the Master-Servant Contract that is done using my magic – would there be a day whee you or Yuki-san, or even Mio-sama where you would regret the decision?”

“………”

This question, was answered with an affirmative with Basara’s silence.

--the Master-Servant Contract was using the Demon Race’s magic, so when Basara and Yuki had to do the Contract, it could only be done using Mio’s or Maria’s magic power. If it was using Mio who had inherited the previous Demon Lord’s power, Yuki might just possibly be flattened into minced meat when the curse activated; in other words, once Yuki establishes a Master-Servant Contract with Basara, there would be no other choice other than being bound by the aphrodisiac effects due to Maria’s succubus magic like Mio.

However – when the curse with unknown varying strengths activates, Yuki does not know just what will happen to her.

From the viewpoint of battle power, there was no wrongs in Mio establishing a Master-Servant Contract. If her battle power had not been raised by the Master-Servant Contract, the probability of them winning against Takashi with his [Byakko] and the others where very little.

‘’…But,’’

Just like a few days ago in the living room where Mio took the initiative to hug Basara, it was something that was never expected from before making the Master-Servant Contract.

--it goes without saying, that that reaction of Mio’s was influenced by the aphrodisiac curse.

But before Basara had done the Contract with Mio, even if it was just being playful and naughty, he would never even dare to hug her.

And recently, he had begun to experience a particular exclusive emotion for Mio.

Other than wishing to have Mio as a sister and family that he would protect – occasionally a particular impulse would well up, making him want to monopolize all of Mio.

Pf course – to a male of around Basara’s age, this might very well be normal. It was already risqué enough with just having to live together with a female unrelated by blood, and the bar was further raised by the fact that Mio and Maria were such beauties. For just the fact that he had been able to preserve himself to this day, commendation was already long due.

Additionally, with all that’s happened, he could definitely their bonds and trust becoming much stronger. For surviving the future battles and breaking through various difficult situations, it helps a lot.

--But despite that, as there was a need to use the body’s sensations of pleasure to stimulate the consciousness of subjugation and deepen their relationship, the relation between the two of them was no longer that of a normal family or siblings. That is an undeniable truth.

‘’…However,’’

Recently, when when Yuki had suddenly disappeared while in the middle of a date in the heart of the downtown area, Basara had a taste of anxiousness that almost made him lose his mind. In order to win against the strong foes in the future, in order to protect Mio, Maria and Yuki, establishing a Master-Servant Contract with Yuki was undoubtedly an effective measure.

‘’…But,’’

After repelling Takashi and the others, Basara had originally thought that he would never see Yuki again. But yet she is living right here right now, so finally there is a chance for them to recover the relationship they had in the past.

Under this situation, if he were to establish the Master-Servant Contract with Yuki and use pleasre to subjugate her – despite how the fact that they had grew up together would never change, he might not be able to recover the relationship they had in the past – with this thought in his mind, Basara couldn’t make his decision.

“—therefore, before actually doing the Master-Servant Contract, let’s do a small test”

Maria said:

“To test if she really has no resistance towards becoming your subordinate… to see if you can really subjugate her, as well as to see if Mio-sama is able to accept that relationship between the both of you.”

Perhaps Maria was planning on – having Yuki witness the things they Basra had done with them before – and have her personally experience them, and understand the true aspects to the Master-Servant Contract. To deepen a relation between the master and a subordinate, the master needs to have the subordinate show yielding, which is moch more intense than dispelling the curse whenever it activates. Maria wants to do such a test before the actual event tomorrow, to observe if there would be any problems if Basara and Yuki were to establish a Master-Servant Contract.

“……I understand.”

Thus, Basara nodded. After this, everything will probably go as usual, with everyone being forced to do something which makes the succubus excited.”

Despite how reluctant he was, Basara had agreed to it. If the Contract were to be done when he can’t even do something like this – he will definitely soon regret his decisions.

===Part 4===

“Now then, Basara-san, please sit on this stool first… Mio-sama and Yuki-san, please get ready to wash his body.

“……!”

Hearing Maria say that, Naruse Mio gulped. When Mio and Yuki were still changing in the dressing room, they were instructed by Maria on how they should wash Basara. Thus—

‘’…Just this much, is nothing…!’’

Mio attempted to rouse her competitive spirit. Now Basara was not a Hero, but yet he got embroiled into her fight with the Current Demon Lord Faction, and even had to fight against his childhood playmates.

Even on Mio’s school and daily lives, Basara had always been worrying for her, and just accepting all of the restrictions that came with caring for her. Hence, no matter what, Mio must not let herself harbour guilt towards him, and repay him for all that he has done.

‘’…But,’’

No matter what, Mio does not wish to be just on the receiving end of Basara’s warmth and protection.

If she could do anything that would make Basara happy, Mio was will to do it.

--And Yuki had the same thought.

When that tragedy happened five years ago, Yuki’s life was saved by Basara, yet she could only just look from the side-lines while he received the fate of being exiled from the Village, and she seemed regretful about it to this day; previously when fighting with Takashi and Kurumi, Basara was plenty worried about her. She probably thought she won’t be able to easily pay that debt just by simply doing a Master-Servant Contract with him, and though she had said that she would help in whatever little way she could, that sacrifice was nothing in comparison. Of course, apart from that, she had also said that it wasn’t fair that Mio was the only one being subjugated with Basara’s hands and had a Master-Servant Contract with him.

‘’…That’s right.’’

No matter if whether it was Mio or Yuki, Basara had sacrificed too much for both of them.

This was an opportunity to slightly repay him. Saying all of that to herself—

“ ! …I’m starting, Nonaka…” “……No problems here.”

Mio started first, and Yuki responded from her side – after that while facing each other, the both of them began to pull away the shoulder straps of their own swimsuits.

“ ! ———— “

Basara who witnessed that while sitting on the bathroom stool, gulped a breath of air. But as he had probably guessed from what Maria had said just now on what Mio and Yuki would probably do, despite how red his face got, he did not look away or attempt to stop them. Basara needed to adopt the attitude as a master, and accept the things Mio as his subordinate would do for him, as well as to access whether Yuki could become his subordinate.

“……!”

What that thought, Mio and Yuki can’t care about being shy and embarrassed and hope that they would be able to even repay Basara’s intentions; once their arms were extracted from the shoulder straps, they used both their hands to grab the swimsuit at the chest area, and pulled it downwards. Both of their breasts then burst out into the air, like a dam bursting – exposing even the tips of their breasts. After that, after pulling the swimsuit downwards until their navels were about to be exposed—

‘’…! …Aahh…’’

It appeared in Basara’s sights. Thinking this, the insides of Mio’s body became hotter from the shyness.

And began to think about what she will be doing to Basara a little later, as well as what he will be doing to her.

However, Mio, at the same time, was determined to do it. She was already this far in, and it was already too late to be pulling out this this.

“………”

Thus, Mio opened the cap of the shower gel bottle and poured its contents onto her breasts, and the viscous liquid then completely covered her breasts. However, she did not immediately head towards Basara, but instead turn towards Yuki who had also similarily exposed her breasts.

“Nonaka..”

“…Nn.”

Yuki nodded, and kneeled down before Mio; Mio then kneeled down too, looking into the face that was just as red as her’s. After that, before Basara’s eyes, they wrapped their arms around each other’s backs – while tightly hugging each other, and at an angle which could be seen clearly be Basara, they began to indecently rub each other’s breasts with their own breasts.

“Wha…!”

“What is it, Basara-san…? What is there to be surprised about?”

Maria giggled while saying towards the shocked Basara:

“Providing visual entertainment to their master, is also a subordinate’s job, isn’t it…?”

What Mio and Yuki were doing right now, was exactly just that. The two of them definitely had no interest in this area.

‘’But as long as Basara is happy’’ – while harbouring such a simple thought, she continuously rubbed her breasts slippery from the shower gel with Yuki’s. Not only were their breasts pressed into sensational shapes, piles of foam were also produced with various sounds. ‘’Chuguchu’’

‘’…! …No way, I-I…!”

It only just tickled a little, but because Basara was seeing this – a bundle of sweet hotness gathered somewhere deep with Mio and Yuki’s bodies, causing the tips of their breasts to gradually stress their presence.

“ ! …Naruse-san, I…’’

At a loss, Yuki asked shyly. It was only then, did Mio see that teenage girl who had yet to do the Master-Servant Contract and was unfamiliar with the body’s pleasure, had a sexy coquettish expression on her face.

“Nonaka…”

For the usually expressionless Yuki, this expression was one that was hardly imaginale. This also made Mio understand, just how lewd the stuff she was doing was.

‘’…T-This is all for Basara…’’

Despite that, tha thought allowed Mio to do the thing Maria had told her before. She held up her breasts, and after positioning the tips of each other’s breasts against each other, she began to rub them against each other by drawing circles.

“Nn …Aa… Don, nnn…. Fu…” “ ! …Aaah, haaa…….Nn!”

Both Mio and Yuki were not familiar with this action, so there were some slip-ups at the start; very soon they caught the trick behind it, and it became fairly easy for them. In the turn of an eye, there was already no room for the four tips of slip-up… and thus started to pant with the embarrassment and excitement from Basara’s gaze.

“Naruse-san…” “…Nn.”

At that moment, Mio and Yuki’s legs wrapped around each other’s waist.

After that, they poured even more shower gel, and rub each other’s breasts’ tips more intensely.

“Ah… ya, nn… Haahh…!” “Yaah…Nn, Fu…..Aahhnn!”

While creating faint pleasure, the both of them continued to intensely rub their covered breasts against each other’s. Very soon, with the sweet hot pleasure snowballing, a pile of foam gathered on their soft breasts. When they released their entangled legs after that, they made some space between them.

“Basara… Come.”

With an intoxicated gaze, the young youth watching them was then enticed.

“………”

Basara said nothing. He too, like Mio and the others, had already made up his mind long ago. He silently got up from the stool, and sat down in between the legs of both of them.

“I’m starting now…” “…Basara, we’ll help wash you.”

The feeling that there wasn’t a need for words, caused both Mio and Yuki to say both happily and shyly, and after that, while enclosing in on Basara with their legs – they used their own bodies to scrub Basara’s whole body. The softness of the breasts, as well as the stiffness of their tips – were all utilised with reservation, scrubbing Basara lewdly.

“Aahh… Ya, Nnu… Fuuaahh♥”

At that moment, an ecstasy-filled breath escaped from Mio’s mouth.

‘’…No way, now that the person is Basara…?’’

Mio realised, that the feeling now was completely different from when she rubbed her breasts against Yuki.

This sensation was obviously not the same as the sense of itching from just now, it instead was a hot and comfortable feeling – a result most probably due to Mio’s body developing further. Hence, compared to Yuki who boldly washed Basara despite her shyness, Mio’s movements were not very smooth. Right now, from the touch or servicing of her master, the ability to derive pleasure from those activities were already created within her. This fact that makes people tremble for reasons other than embarrassment, also allowed Mio to dedicate herself to Basara who so loved her, making her secretly feel a joy close to proudness.

But as she thought this, Yuki already came to Basara’s back—

“…Basara, I’ll help you wash your back.”

And Mio could only just watch as Yuki began rubbing her breasts against Basara’s back.

“The most importan position of serving her master, was stolen by her simply just like that.

“Oya oya, Mio-sama… You had the first strike stolen from you when your mind wandered, just what are you even doing as the senior?”

“ ! ……”

Maria picked on Mio with a sarcastic smile, causing her to bite her lip in dissatisfaction, and said:

“Please, Basara… Wash your hands with your breasts.”

Sitting down on Basara’s legs while facing him, She then pulled his wrists towards her own breasts.

Mio was not using her breasts to wash him – for something like that, she had already long before wrapped her breasts around his arm and cleansed all the way to his wrists.

After letting Basara grab her soap-covered breasts, Mio once again put her hands over his, and said:

“Nn… It’s fine. Basara’s palms and fingers… you can use my breasts to clean them thoroughly.”

Mio’s thoughts and intentions, Basara seemed to understand them with his brief moment of silence,

“……I’m beginning.”

And he said, as he started to begin kneading Mio’s breasts. Seeing her breasts overflowing from his hands, and the various obscene shapes created by each and evey one of Basara’s movements—

“No—Ha, Fuaaaaaaaahhn♥”

Mio who derived intense pleasure from firstly cCreating lots of foam from rubbing against Yuki’s, and then from being rubbed against Basara, suddenly stiffened up in a moment, achieving climax.

“A-Are you alright?”

Basara seemed to want to stop at that moment, his hands about to leave Mio’s breasts,

“Don’t stop halfway, continue… I have to thoroughly wash your hands…!”

Yuki was still washing Basara’s back now, so Mio can’t show any signs of weakness before she does.

After that, Basara nodded towards Mio who begged – and then renewed his action of washing his hands with Mio’s breasts.

“Ah♥ Fuahhh!? Ya, ha – Fuaahhh♥ Ha, Aaahhhh♥”

Thus, Mio was swallowed by the torrent of the climax in that moment, saucily arching her back on Basara’s legs. With her hips shaking admist the intense pleasure, she was rushed up to climax again and again.

Nevertheless, no matter what Mio would say now, the Basara right now would not stop his actions.

Hence – this situation continued on for five minutes, and the pleasure dissolved Mio’s reasoning, leaving her only able to pant while on Basara’s legs.

“Ah… Nn… Fu, ah…Uu… Fu…”

“You can’t be like this, Mio-sama… You are someone who has to serve Basara-san, so how can you be acting so spoiled towards him?”

Seeing this, Maria revealed a mocking smile, and said:

“For Mio-sama to be acting like this, I believe a punishment is needed.”

“…Punish…ment…?”

Mio asked with her eyes unfocused, but Maria ignored her, and said:

“Basara-san, Yuki-san… Can I say something to you?”

After that, she said something into Basara’s and Yuki’s ear, and the result—

“That… wouldn’t it be too much?”

“…I object too. Although I don’t feel it would be too much, I do not wish to become a tool.”

Both Basara and Yuki visibly seemed to be troubled, but Maria gave no compromise.

“Such an allocation of assignment can’t be helped… Subjugating a subordinate, is Basara’s job; and as Yuki-san is not yet officially Basara-san’s subordinate, only Mio-sama can display a situation of being subjugated. Yuki-san needs to learn from the process of assisting your future master Basara-san, just what kind of a thing doing a Master-Servant Contract as a subordinate from your senior Mio-sama who had already done a Master-Servant Contract. Assisting your master to even more shockingly, deeply, and effectively subjugate a subordinate, is also one of the important jobs of a subordinate.”

Maria then continued:

“Basara-san… Don’t want to see what would happen if Mio-sama were to ever meet such a situation? Didn’t you want to have no regrets at all after doing a Master-Servant Contract with Yuki-san – if you aren’t willing to do something like this, who would you know if there would be any problems?”

“…………”

Hearing Maria’s words, Basara remained silent for a while, before saying:

“……Alright, you do have a point… Let’s do that.”

“I’m very happy to have gotten your agreement – what about Yuki-san?”

“…If Basara is willing, I’m fine with it too… Let’s just do as you said.”

Yuki also expressed her agreement.

“—I will prove to Basara clearly, that there won’t be any problems with doing a Master-Servant Contract with me at all.”

“Very well… Then let us all quickly begin.”

Maria also nodded, satisfied, and passed a certain something to Basara in front of Mio.

Mio whose was still in a trance, murmured out loud the name of the thing passed to Basara.

“…Measuring tape…?”

Indeed – it was the retracting-type measuring tape used by tailors. And Mio had seen it before as that measuring tape was used not long ago when using magic to make their swimsuits fit their body contours. There’s no mistaking it -- the label on the side of the casing says [5M], and since the measuring tape used for measuring people were seldom this long, it had left a deeper impression on her mind.

“I’m sorry, Mio…”

Basara lowered his eyes as if feeling bad about something, and pulled out the plastic tape from the casing – from her breasts to her back, the tape was then wound around Mio’s body.

“No… Nn, Basara… what, are you…?”

Despite being unable to exert any force while immersed in the aftertaste of her climaxes, she still attempted to free herself.

“Naruse-san, you cannot move.”

Yuki had already came to be behind Mio’s back, and held Mio’s hands together behind her.

“Nonaka… Nn, release me…”

Mio moved as if desperate to break free, yet she couldn’t summon any energy. While she struggled weakly, Basara had already pulled the tape from her left shoulder and collarbone, between her breasts, and pulled it towards her back from under Mio’s right breast – and then after pulling it up to her right shoulder, it then went between her breasts to the bottom of her left side, repeatedly drawing out the number ‘8’ with her breasts as the focus. It was just then, that Mio realised that they were using the tape to emphasise her breasts. Since something like this was being done, she could guess what Maria had wanted Basara to do, even if she didn’t want to think about it.

‘’…This is…’’

Mio – is currently being tied up lewdly by Basara.

“No… Don-- Aahh…!”

Although Mio was able to put up some form of resistance, it was just a waste of her energy. After wrapping up Mio’s breasts in a shameful way, Basara used the left-over tape in the casing to bind her two hands being held behind her, before firmly securing it to the towel rack on the wall.

“ ! … Why, did you do, something like this…?”

The comfortable aftertaste of her climaxes caused Mio to be unable to exert any force in any of her limbs, so she could only ask this while paralyzed and sitting on the floor of the bathroom.

“Mio-sama… This is a precautionary training in advance.”

Maria who sat down beside her answered.

“…Training?”

“That’s right… Luckily, to this day, Mio-sama was never held captive by an enemy before; but taking into consideration that we will meet many strong enemies in the future, there is a need for Mio-sama to understand that there will always be the danger of Mio-sama falling into the enemy’s hands. You had done the master-Servant Contract as the subordinate, so once you are captured by the enemy, you might consider yourself to have become a burden to your master Basara-san and activate the curse…”

Hence—

“Let’s take advantage of the current status of not being a captive of an enemy, and experience earlier just what will happen to your body when the curse activates while you are subjected to binding… As long as you have experienced it at least once, our state of mind and reactons when the real thing happens wouldn’t be all too different.”

“Activate the curse, in this condition…?”

''Just how will something like this be done'' -- as Mio thought this, Maria said:

“Well then, Basara-san, Yuki-san… Please begin.”

With that line, Mio’s line of sight moved from Maria by her side to Basara and Yuki in front of her.

“Ah——…”

After that, Naruse Mio understood what Maria had meant by those words.

In front of Mio, while hugging Yuki from behind – Basara began to knead Yuki’s breasts.

“————!?”

The scene in front of her eyes, caused Mio’s flames of jealously to suddenly flare up, on reflex.

And the activation of the curse – started in a flash.

Yuki, whose breasts were being massaged by Basara, saw a certain colour appear on the neck of Mio who was bound to the wall.

“No …Aahh…! Aaaaaahhhhhhh…!”

Immediately after, Mio was plunged into an intensely aroused state, and let out a fawning shout as if crying.

Normally, Basara would immediately attempt to lift the curse from Mio, but he didn’t this time. If the curse were to be lifted just so simply, then it wouldn’t count as training for the scenario of being taken captive.

...Additionally.

Despite being apologetic to Mio, this is something that is necessary if Yuki were to establish the Master-Servant Contract with Basara.

Thus, Yuki executed her role.

“Nn… Please, Basara, more…”

While showing off to Mio the scene of her breasts being massaged, she pleaded Basara:

“Everything of me that has changed in these past five years, please touch each and every one of them clearly… Prove to me that even if our circumstances are different now – we can still return back to that time.”

Yuki did not forget to emphasise her own relationship with Basara, stimulating Mio’s jealousy.

--But what Yuki had said out, was also completely her truth thoughts.

Forget the unnecessary concerns, and hope that they could return to what they had back then – being able to do things that would be natural as childhood sweethearts, do things that were for the best of their partners and interact like they were family; if anything needed to be done to live on, it’ll be done. When Yuki had reunited with Basara, this was the wish Yuki had made back then. Of course, the her five years ago could only become a burden to Basara, but she was different now – she can now be by Basara’s side, and fight alongside him.

“Please, Basara…”

Hence, even if it were to simulate Mio being held captive, Nonaka Yuki also wanted Toujou basara to understand that he can establish the Master-Servant Contract with her without any worries.

“……Yuki.”

After that, Basara lightly said out her name, and began moving his hands to ascertain the changes in her body.

Though not as spectacular as Mio’s, her beautiful breasts that had grown a lot in the past five years is currently being massaged lightly continuously, changing into various obscene shapes.

“Haah… Nn! Fu….aaahhhh… ♥”

Other than some itches, there was also the sensation of tingling causing some pants to escape Yuki’s lips. After that—

“No… Why is… Nonaka hasn’t, even done… the Master-Servant Contract…”

Mio who was watching them, said some strange and ridiculous words. Mio herself also knows, what girls will be like when they let the male they like touch them.

--That’s right, Yuki is undoubtedly experiencing a woman’s pleasure right now.

Such touches when she was still young would only produce an itching sensation, but now when she knows that there was a meaning behind that action, despite not being under the aphrodisiac effects of a succubus, there would definitely be pleasure and some embarrassment.

Although Yuki does not have the Master-Servant Contract had thus had her body further developed by it like Mio, nor did she ever experience the intense pleasure brought on by the aphrodisiac effect of the curse, she was still able to experience pure pleasure from Basara stimulating her senses.

“ ! …Basara, please… even more…”

Thus, as if obeying that feeling in her chest, she called to him sweetly; Basara then inserted a hand that was brought near her hip area at her back into the swimsuit, and began massaging her butt, causing a tingling even stronger than at her breasts to immediately rush through her entire lower abdomen.

“Ya…aahh! Basaraa…Basaraa♥!”

Yuki continuously called out Basara’s name while in his arms, moving her body about lewdly. The swimsuit was pulled lower and lower – and eventually, it fall onto the floor.

With that sign, Yuki became completely naked. Hence—

“No, don’t…!”

Intense shyness and embarrassment, caused Nonaka Yuki to forcefully twist her body while having her chest and butt kneaded.

--From behind her back, Basara was not able to see her most embarrassing place.

But for Mio who was in front, she could clearly see the feminine reaction that was in that place.

Yuki had originally she only had to show Mio her relationship with Basara – she had never expected to even reveal that place to Mio’s eyes.

Hence – Yuki whose embarrassment had crossed a certain point, hurriedly used her hands to cover that place up.

“……!”

And gathering her courage, she took a look to see just what sort of expression was Mio looking at her with.

--However, it seems that it was just yuki worring about it too much.

Reason being that as Yuki and Basara’s actions was taken to the next level, so was Mio’s curse, causing the aphrodisiac effect to also increase accordingly.

“…Nn……Aa……”

While sweetly moaning, Mio’s eyes has already completely lost focus.

===Part 5===

‘’…What, is this…?’’

[[Image: SMnT V06 005.png|thumb]]

While her sight was clouded over with a layer of white fog, Naruse Mio felt a sense of fulfilment.

The sadness that seemed to drive her mad from before, had already disappeared before she knew it, and she could only feel an endless sweet pleasure. ‘’Just what was it that happened with her…‘’ Mio moved her hazy eyes about, trying to make sense of her surroundings.

‘’…Ah… No-naka…?’’

Yuki’s head was just right before her eyes, but Yuki was not looking at her, she was instead intoxicatingly sucking on the tip of Mio’s right breast. After that – Naruse Mio remembered the events that had happened just now.

‘’…That’s right… We were pleasing Basara in the bathroom…’’

Yuki and her had listened to Maria’s instructions to please Basara, and Yuki was probably carrying on right now; as the tip of her breast was being sucked by Yuk, bursts of comfortable warmness diffused from her breast to the deepness of her body.

‘’…Nonaka seems just like a baby…’’

Mio suddenly felt that Yuki was extremely cute, and tried to caress her head while giggling.

But – she failed to do that. For some unknown reason, she was unable to move her hands.

‘’…Eh, why is that so…?’’

Puzzled, Mio only then realised something new. A kind of rope were wound around her breasts, and someone was kneading them without restraint from behind her.

The breast that Yuki was sucking on, was also being vigoriously massaged by someone.

‘’…What, is this…?’’

Seeing her own breasts being treated obscenely, Mio had a shock, and began to closely look at just what was it binding her.

‘’…This is…measuring tape?’’

Understanding what it was, Naruse Mio then completely remembered just what had happened earlier.

“ ! ————…”

And after gasping due to that, Yuki seemed to realise that Mio had regained consciousness, and released her breast from her lips. A silver trail of saliva, was then drawn from her lips to Mio’s breasts.

“…No…Nonakaa…” “Naruse-san…”

Mio let out a coquettish voice, and Yuki who was not affected by the aphrodisiac curse looked back at her with unrestrained eyes, Her expression was completely that of a woman’s, and her beauty could snatch a person’s voice away.

“Fufu… Mio-sama, good morning.”

At that moment, Maria who was wearing a swimsuit gave her a greeting while smiling like she was a very well-behaved child.

‘’—In the period while she was unconscious due to the aphrodisiac curse, a lot must’ve happened, it’s just that she could not remember it. The reason Yuki had become like that, was most probably because of the events during that period.’’

“You probably are wondering what’s going on with you right now, correct? But as you had experienced too many orgasms, your energy has already been depleted to the limit, so please allow me to explain it later.”

‘’Now’’

“Please ask Basara-san to subjugate you – and let it be lifted from you.”

“Eh—…?”

Just as Mio let out a sound denoting her not understanding, someone wrapped their arms around her from behind.

And after being forcefully turned around, her eyes met the one who was kneading her breasts.

“…Basa-ra…?”

Mio blankly murmured his name. The tape that bound her to the towel rack was already gone, and she was currently sitting on Basara’s thighs.

“I’m sorry, Mio…”

After those words left Basara’s mouth, his mouth slowly closed in onto Mio’s left breast.

“No… W-Wait a moment, Basara, that place…!”

That action made Mio panic. Even though it was not her first time having her breast being sucked by Basara.

She knew very well, the surprising amount of pleasure brought on by the tip of the breasts being sucked by him.

--However, that place was also the spot that had remained in Yuki’s mouth all this while.

Just from seeing Basara and Yuki do ''those stuff'' before, she had already become like this, and if he were to still do it – Mio desperately struggled as her train of thought progressed to that point, but as her energy was depleted by the countless climaxes, she was not able to put up resistance.

“Ah… Aahh…!”

In the moment she understood she could do nothing – she wrapped her legs tightly around Basara’s waist.

Next moment, the thing that she was afraid of, turned into reality.

“Ah, don’t… Ha—Aaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh♥”

Basara sucking in Mio’s left breast immediately activated the aphrodisiac curse, and a never-before orgasm caused Mio to shout out in the bathroom.

In the moment Mio was hit by an intense climax when Basara sucked on her breast.

''…Oh my god, for it to be this…''

Although she had seen Mio being subjugated by Basara once, Mio who was now in the extreme peaks of womanly pleasures, was bewitching beyond compare, and hence because of that humongous stimulation she was uncontrollably trembling on Basara’s thighs.

“…Ah…"

Mio’s every single movement, every single lewd ‘Chyu chyu’ sound, entered Yuki’s ears, showed that her swimsuit was already wet enough the point where it could still make that kind of sounds even through the swimsuit.

“—isn’t it beautiful?”

Suddenly – Maria giggled while watching Yuki look at Mio and whispered into her ear:

“Don’t worry, it’ll be your turn soon enough… Since you already can do ''those things''.”

“————!”

Yuki remembered about the stuff that she had done with Basara before, and her cheeks reddened.

Indeed – not long ago, she had her breasts massaged right in front of Mio’s eyes and was moaning non-stop, and she had even assisted Basara in helping Mio relieve the curse which had already caused her consciousness to break up.

Yuki and Basara, had indulgingly caressed Mio’s breasts that were her biggest weak spot, bringing her to a climax time and time again, all the way until she had regained her consciousness. Just now, they had activated the curse to the point where it caused Mio’s consciousness to become hazy; next up they will use an even more intense pleasure to lift the curse.

As Yuki’s hands and mouth got to know of the softness of Mio’s breasts and the texture and flavour of the tips of her breasts – Mio recognised that Yuki was fit to become Basara’s subordinate. Now that she had gotten this recognition, it means that tomorrow night, there most likely won’t be any problems with her making a Mastr-Servant Contract with Basara.

When Yuki heard that, she turned to look at Basara, surprised, and he placed his hand gently on her head, gently patting her. Despite there not being a word said, Yuki could feel Basara’s agreement. This made her happy, and as if intoxicated, it caused her to put in even more effort with helping Basara in caressing Mio, to answer his expectations and prove that she could fulfil her responsibilities as his subordinate.

When Mio regained consciousness, it was not long after that had happened.

“………”

After that, Yuki once again looked towards Mio continuously hitting climax, with a sort of jealousy in her heart,

''--I, will very soon become Basara’s power.

Hence—tomorrow night, I must definitely show the same expression Mio has on right now.

Become Basara’s subordinate, and experience his care.''

Mio's private place, was wet and hot, as if it was drenched in hot water.

''--That was her first time experiencing, a forbidden pleasure.''

While being massaged by Basara’s hands, Mio’s left breast once again entered Yuki’s lips – and while immersed in the curse triggered by jealousy, Mio once more experienced another extremely violent orgasm. Not just her swimsuit, even Basara’s stomach area was already in a mess. This fact caused Mio’s embarrassment to cause her to want to just outright die on the spot, but—

''…Noo, just what is this…?''

Naruse Mio who just experienced another drastic climax, realised another fact, and was stunned.

Even that over-the-top orgasm, didn’t even allow her to lose consciousness.

“ ! …Aa…!”

Mio who had screamed out all the air in her lungs, while still immersed in a state of extreme pleasure, violently shook on basara’s thighs as Basara sucked on her breast.

Not long later, Basara released her breast with a ‘Chyu’ sound.

“…You must not be comfortable remaining like this.”

Probably thinking that the reason Mio seemed to be suffering, was because she was being bound up.

Basara undid the measuring tape that was binding her wrists.

''…Eh…?''

At that moment, a few accidents took place on Mio’s body.

First, was that Basara’s hand had accidently pressed down on the button to retract the tape; second, was that the spots that had blood circulating again due to the tape’s pressure being released, became even more sensitive; third – the slippery shower gel caused the measuring tape wrapped around her body caused the friction between it and Mio’s body to be significantly reduced and the result is—

''…Ah…''

By the time she felt scared, it was already too late. As if in slow motion, the tape slowly loosened around her body, but in the next moment, it was rapidly retracted back into its casing.

<nowiki>“ ! ! ～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～♥ “</nowiki>

The already extremely sensitive breasts, was rubbed by the rapidly retracting measuring tape, causing Mio to be swept to yet another level of climax in a surge of pleasure.

“ ! …Ha,ahhh… Nn, Fu….aahh…♥”

Just merely measuring tape had already caused Mio’s soul to leave her body. This unbelievable fact, caused Mio to have her eyes and neck rolled over backwards while in Basara’s arms to seem to finally how to collapse, slowly snuggling into the solid chect before her eyes.

Basara too, gently hugged Mio, and lightly patted her back, and in that moment—

“Aahhh! –Nn, Fuu..aahhh!”

Immersed in the aftertaste of the intense climaxes, Mio’s whole body trembled, her breasts uncontrollable pulsating. Just from simply touching her back, had caused her to reach a gentle climax. Thus, Basara only just simply hugged her, and whispered into her ear:

“……Everything’s fine now.”

''…Aahh, that’s right… I…''

Hearing Basara say that, Mio who was in a trance remembered that what she had experienced was something that might happen if she were to be taken captive. Saddness that almost made her lose her mind, as well as this sadness and pleasure that pulled her from her body – Basara who had let Mio experience these things, in her eyes, seemed just like a supreme king.

Despite her consciousness turning hazy, Mio told herself clearly, that she had to serve the person before her eyes.

“……Onii-chan…”

At the same time she called out in a sweet voice, she used her hands which had finally regained their freedom to tightly hug Basara.

===Part 6===

Probably because she had yielded to Basara’s subjugating that he felt relieved.

Mio lost consciousness within Basara’s arms.

In order to prevent her from catching a cold, Basara washed off the shower gel on her body and after wrapping a towel around his waist, he carried Mio into his arms, and then left the bathroom together with Yuki and Maria.

As Yuki remained in the dressing room to change, Toujou Basara continued on towards the living room.

And laid Mio down on the sofa.

“…My apologies, I’ll be leaving the rest to you then, Maria.”

“No problem, leave it to me!”

Being entrusted with the task of looking after Mio, Maria nodded with a contended look.

The loli-succubus wearing a school swimsuit then continued with excitement that she couldn’t hide:

“My~ I had never thought she’ll become like this because of the measuring tape… Even me as a succubus was shocked Mio-sama’s qualifications!”

“Even after doing something so crazy, you can still smile happily like this, what a shock…”

Basara said, dumbfolded.

“You always end up in bad states because of Mio’s punishments, and you still dare to attempt such stuff… I can never catch up to you in things like that.”

Hearing that, Maria waved her right index finger at him while clicking her tongue.

“Basara-san is just too naive. After being punished so many times, I have already begun to notice that as long as I work hard to reach the level of making Mio-sama reach climax in a short period of time, there won’t be a need to be afraid of her being angry!”

Maria let out a big laugh towards Mio on the sofa, and said while smiling broadly:

“That’s why I had gone a little further while playing around today, and this here, is the results! I had completely free reign while playing today! Say, isn’t this just like the story of Colombus<ref>reference to Christopher Columbus</ref>?”

“……”

“ ? Is something wrong, Basara-san? Why are you suddenly looking at me with such gentle eyes – have you fallen in love with me?”

“No, it’s not that…”

Well, if that’s how you feel and think, that that’s just you.

''…Speaking of which''

Toujou Basara suddenly thought.

When Mio lost consciousness, Maria wouldn’t receive any punishments for the moment – but what would happen after she wakes up later, refreshed?

—Sure enough, his guess had become reality.

While Basara was staring blankly into space in the middle of the night on his bed, he suddenly heard Mio’s angry shouts and some trembling, and after that he heard Maria’s screams.

“…Seems like it’ll continue on until morning again tonight.”

Basara muttered helplessly, and turned off the lights in his room.

It was already an hour and a half past midnight right now.

Mio’s bellowing and Maria’s screams, could be heard, with no end to it.

<noinclude>
=== Translator Notes and References ===
<references/>

{{SimpleNav}}
</noinclude>

Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 6 Chapter 3

2017-02-11T03:28:46Z

Dragon213:

==Always Wanted to Confess to You==

=== Part 1 ===

Nonaka Kurumi had a good affinity with spirits at a young age.

Five years before the tragedy attacked the 《 Village 》, while her older sister Yuki learned sword skills one after another increasing her abilities as a {{furigana|Skill-Type Swordsman|Multisaber}} <ref> 全応型剣士</ref>, Kurumi bloomed her talent as a {{furigana|Spirit Magician|Element Master}}. Right now, among the {{furigana| Spirit Magician|Element Master}} in the 《 Village 》, her skill developed to the extent that she could fight with one or two.

However──Kurumi couldn't use her ability well right now. The place that usually serves as a channel for the spirits to lend their power would not open that easily. It's because… they have come to the Demon Realm.

Wildart is a city which served as stronghold of the Moderates faction. In the past, this city was declared as the strongest, ruled by the Demon King Predecessor Wilbert for generations, a luxurious royal castle and bustling castle downtown. Surrounded by the rich nature of the forest Oldora, Nonaka Kurumi right now, was at the middle of the Fost River which flowed nearby Wildart Castle.

"───"

As Kurumi stood still in the riverbank as rocks and gravels roll, she reached her left palm which materialized the spirit gauntlet <ref>霊操術の籠手 translated as Soul Purity Arts Gauntlet </ref> to reach the water surface of the river, her consciousness was concentrated and the channel for sprits was opened.

Simultaneously, in the Soul Purity Arts that Kurumi pushed out in her left hand, ──a magic circle unfolded in the thin air, disturbing the flow of water in the river. A vortex began to gradually occur and grew to a size of a meter, and the water rolled up to the sky. As small droplets fell down, Kurumi raised her concentration once more, and the water that shot up gradually formed a certain divine beast.

A dragon.

"……OOoo～!"

From the top of a huge rock nearby, the little succubus companion who followed after her raised a voice of admiration ── she's Naruse Maria. In front of what Maria is seeing right now,

"───"

Kurumi unexpectedly made a severe expression── At once, the shape of the water which curled upwards lost control, the dragon's shape turned for worse, and the large quantity of water fell down the surface of the river like a waterfall in the sky.

"Isn't that amazing Kurumi-san? Today, compared to yesterday, you're able to use it up to this extent."

"……this isn't that good at all."

To Maria who claps her hands in admiration, Kurumi replied with a frown.

──What Kurumi called for was a spirit of a water attribute. Usually, Undine and Nereids, and various spirits such as Apsaras <ref> female spirit of the clouds and waters in Hindu and Buddhist mythology </ref> lend their powers to Kurumi.

But due to the Demon Realm's<ref>I used Demon Realm instead of Hell coz it sounds more appropriate here.</ref> influence, Kurumi wasn't able to open a channel with spirits well right now. She should be able to produce an even bigger water dragon if that isn't true, and make them soar into the sky just as it is──but the results ended up to a degree that even a small size wasn't possible to maintain.

Even as she appealed to a spirit like usual, their voice and reactions felt very distant. Perhaps Kurumi today can only take out half of her powers in comparison to when she's in the human world.

Maria gave a bitter smile, then jumped off from the top of the rock and closed the distance to Kurumi. Then,

"Well, since training is going to end soon, let's have lunch. The maid in the kitchen had made us sandwiches."

Maria opened a big basket held in her hands and showed it to Kurumi. With meat and vegetables in the inside, the sandwich also have jam-packed various ingredients such as eggs tightly. As expected of a dish from an entrusted maid serving at a castle indeed, it seemed so delicious even by only looking.

"Isn't this amount a little too much to eat for only two people…?"

"Because Kurumi didn't eat a proper meal this morning, this is just right as it is"

"………"

To the words of Maria, Kurumi went silent. She's right──Kurumi had hardly eaten her breakfast. Though she took a seat in the dining room and started eating, she left the seat in a hurry.

Kurumi's behavior is something that cannot be permitted. Beside the quiet Kurumi, in a hemp-woven rag, Maria took a seat, laid her back to the grass of the dry riverbed and asked,

"…Are you still angry about Basara-san and Zest-san's Master and Servant Contract?"

She's right──this morning, Kurumi was told by Basara that he and Zest made a Master and Servant contract.

Of course, before coming to the Demon Realm, declaring “It's necessary to protect Zest, so a Master and Servant contract should be made” is really the kind of what the gentle Basara does. Kurumi thought so and agreed upon. However, when she was made to hear that it happened ──Kurumi knew the fact that she admitted him to have a Master and Servant Contract with Zest due to her condition. But,

''…I can't believe it, to think that even sis or Mio not to say anything…''

For Mio who was targeted by Zolgear, to even have a connection to the one that murdered her adoptive parents cruelly──She was so to speak was the sole enemy for Mio and Basara. As for Zest who was a subordinate of such a man to enter a Master and Servant Contract with Basara, even if real thoughts came from their lips, Kurumi thought that those intentions will never be accepted no matter what.

However──after a brief silence, Yuki and Mio approved the contract of Basara. Kurumi cried “What!?” immediately, and stood up from her chair,

…But.

Kurumi wasn't able to say anything more than that. Because in the past, she had become undoubtedly an enemy of Basara before. Therefore, since Yuki and Mio who have not betrayed Basara accepted it, Kurumi had no choice but to accept.

──Still, everybody seemed to have understood Kurumi's feelings. Basara and Zest whom are to blame remained silent for granted, and for sure, the three people: Yuki, Mio and Maria also understood Kurumi's and Basara's feelings, so they didn't say anything. However, unable to bear the eyes which turned to her right now──as she came to her senses Kurumi ran out of the dining room and walked along the hallway alone. Then, passing each other by chance on the hallway, Kurumi asked Noel the housemaid whether there is a river nearby, and told her this place.

──There was a reason why Nonaka Kurumi wanted to come to the river.

Before the tragedy that happened five years ago, when Basara was still in the 《 Village 》of the Hero Tribe──Kurumi had often gone out to play in a nearby river with Basara and Yuki. Fishing together, swimming together, they get along well just like true siblings. Being the younger one,Kurumi always loved Basara and Yuki, and piled up many wonderful memories with the two people.

One time, those memories──due to the tragedy five years ago, she thought that they were lost completely.

After the sad reunion five years after, they had fought one time──still, Basara remained unchanged from the old days, and valued Kurumi as she was. Therefore, even though it's her mission to live under the same roof as them, she was really happy. Even little by little, she thought that that she could go back to the old days from the bottom of her heart. She actually wanted to come to this river together with everyone. While remembering her childhood with Basara and Yuki and their past relationships, she wanted to make a new memory here, with Mio and Maria added. And then──if desired, Kurumi won't even mind even if Zest was there.

…However, she making a Master and Servant Contract with Basara is a different story.

She heard the story that Zest has a power of an S class. By making a Master-Servant Contract with Basara, she'll become stronger than before, raising his power, thus finding herself useful to Basara.

…still.

Nonaka Kurumi thought──she doesn't want to lose to Zest.

Therefore when Kurumi came here alone, she began her training in order to manage even a little the darkness element that she got from Lucia. Maria followed behind a little later. As Maria finished arranging the sandwich and side dishes on the seat,

"Anyway, let's have lunch first. The brain doesn't act properly when hungry, and I think that's not good in various ways."

She said so, beckoning her. Therefore,

"………Un"

As Nonaka Kurumi nodded, she sat down next to Maria and began eating the food on that day.

<center><big>＊＊＊＊＊＊＊</big></center>

The sandwiches the maid had made were delicious.

Though they thought that the amount in the basket was too many to fill in two people, partly due to the fact of almost runniing outside in the morning, she was able to eat it up with Maria in no time. Even if feeling depressed, if the stomach is filled with something good, a person can get well in a little while.

Was the state of Kurumi being perceived? Maria said with a smile.

"Hey, have you had your meal properly?" "……Un<ref> Nod of Approval </ref>. Thank you."

As soon as Kurumi finished eating, Maria poured a drink into a cup from a portable jug,

"Here, Kurumi-san." "Thank you……"

As she received it, the tea in the cup raised warm steam. Filling her with a faint sweet warmth and fragrance from her mouth through her nose as she sipped it, Kurumi relaxed her body naturally. Then,

"──Did it settle you down a little?"

Maria said with gentle eyes.

“Because Kurumi-san is a {{furigana| Spirit Magician|Element Master}}… if you use magic in that irritated state, even if you are a part of the Hero Tribe, don't you think that spirits in the Demon Realm would turn cautious and wouldn't answer?”

“I wasn't particularly irritated…"

As Kurumi told in a sulky way, Maria who gave a bitter smile replied,

"I know that you're bothered with Basara-san and Zest-san… You could relax with a delicious meal and a cup of tea. This is more deserving rather than wasting yourself feeling depressed."

"……un"

Maria was certainly right… to establish an emotional bond with the spirits of the Demon Realm, if you don't believe in it in the first place, it won't start. But even as she focused on how she materialized her spirit gauntlet and fitted in the slot, for spirits of highly compatible attributes it was duller than usual.

…However.

Even though things appear this way, there is still an improvement. Yesterday, when they have only just arrived in the Demon Realm, elements completely become corrupted due to the evil influence, and she wasn't able to feel any spirits from within.

So Kurumi, reaching to the point of using magic to this degree was because of that woman who gave the dark element which made contacts with the spirits of the Demon Realm made easier.

"…What do you think about my older sister?"

While looking at the element of the dark color that fitted into the slot, Kurumi replied.

"To me, who was given such a thing… and even getting along well with her, I'm thankful. However, isn't she the adjutant of Ramses who dislike Mio?"

"it is so… that merciless Lucia ane-sama<ref> Ane-sama is an honorific meaning “esteemed older sister”. A very formal way of addressing your big sis </ref>, to be on good terms with me and even give me a special treatment, it’s difficult just to think about it."

Hmm, thinking through, Maria said

"Possibly, she may have taken a liking to Kurumi personally, don't you think?"

"How… I, what part did your sister took a liking in particular?"

"Oh my ── then don't you have any ideas?"

"There is no way, right?"

Kurumi replied with an immediate answer, then

"……Hmm, is that so?"

Maria uttered in a casual tone,

"──then I'll tell you"

She replied, pushing down Kurumi on her seat.

"Wai- Maria…?"

Kurumi uttered and cried in surprise, but her clothes were unbuttoned until the front was opened up all the way by Maria's experienced hands. And, as Maria reached out her hands and took off the hook of Kurumi's skirt,

"I heard it. Kurumi-san…in the office of Lucia ane-sama yesterday"

"!────"

Startled and gasping for breath, in that small opportunity even the hook and the zipper was opened, and the skirt of Kurumi was dragged down.

"Wa-Wait...that…is not it……!"

Though Kurumi tried to stop her desperately while turning red, before the physical strength of Maria who is a power type, her resisting at this level became futile. afterwards,

"I, until now, have been cooperating so that Kurumi-san could catch up to Yuki-san and Mio-san. Nevertheless, Doing it with Basara-san in front of Lucia Ane-sama without me knowing…in addition, hearing that it's because of you stealing glances at Basara-san that it happened, is it true?"

Maria asked, stripping off Kurumi's jacket together with her brassiere.

Yaa……I, idiot!”

Kurumi tried to cover her chest with both hands in a hurry, but Maria bound both of her arms with her tail, making Kurumi raise both of her hands on the top of her head. And, revealing the good things that the both hands were blocking, while Maria slowly unclothes the socks and shoes of Kurumi one by one,

“Fufu, Kurumi-san is such a bad person…… in the bath last night, didn't you say such things right?”

"but, tha-that’s because…"

Without regarding the hesitation of what she wants to say, Maria continued unclothing Kurumi──and then,

"Aah……"

Kurumi raised a voice that seemed to faint at last.

With her upper body naked, she has been left with only her panties. Exposing her skin under the blue sky which reddened in shyness, Maria looked down with eyes that seemed to have ignited her succubus instinct, and took off her own clothes too. Then, as she ended up only in her panties similar to Kurumi,

“For Kurumi to be liked by Lucia ane-sama, I'm very happy as a friend. There is no need to hide anything. Really now…… there is no need to be reserved in these sort of things for me.”

Maria made a small laugh.

"──Now I have to punish you for this"

She said, and began prying open her both legs.

"No……Maria……"

Though Kurumi tried to refuse desperately, she wasn't in a state to resist as both of her hands were bound up. As she entwined her legs around, Kurumi's modest chest was rubbed lasciviously by Maria's own chest──and now,

"ah, Aaahh……AaaaaAaahh♥"

Kurumi leaked a sweet cry. The pleasure brought of the touches of love of the succubus Maria is unbelievable. Additionally, Kurumi, to the whisper of the devil called Maria to catch up to Mio and Yuki, indecent things have been done to her almost every day by Maria in the Toujou house.

Of course, Kurumi's body completely remembered the taste of that pleasure──though she didn't enter a Master and Servant Contract in particular, her body has made sensitive almost the same as Mio and Yuki recently.

"Yaaah……I, such thing……, outside……"

Though ashamed, her body trembled helplessly in the sweet sensations running through her whole body. Then,

"It's all right…… I'll make Kurumi-san a woman of Basara's liking who doesn't lose even to Mio-sama and Yuki-san”

Maria replied, then tried to lick her cheeks this time.

"Ah ──…"

''I can be a woman that Basara would come to like'' ── as she thought so, she accepted Maria's unreasonableness, and as Kurumi became weak to pleasure,

"Fufufu…… other than Basara-san, who in the world is it that Kurumi likes? I'll make you remember properly"

Maria, while expressing a sadistic smile, put her lips near her left side quietly.

And then ── the next moment, her weakest place was breathed with all her might,

"! ──FUaaaaaaaaahhhnn ♥"

Nonaka Kurumi, reaching her peak under the blue sky, raised a flirtatious voice as her body trembled in delight.

=== Part 2 ===

Doing an exciting act outside, Maria was more intense than usual.

Caressing Kurumi's body dearly until she's completely unable to stand up, she continued giving pleasures of a woman badly until Maria is satisfied. Therefore, it has not become just a simple training anymore ──afterwards, having taken a break till the sun sets, the two people returned to the Wildart Castle.

And now, heading for the bathroom, Kurumi stepped her foot inside. She couldn't return for the reason of having a smell of a woman, though she washed it at the river with Maria, her body had become a little chilly by that cause.

If she caught a cold with this, she herself will become an even more burden to everyone.

She wanted to avoid such pitiable situation,

……Besides.

Because she has taken such an attitude on that breakfast, it is still difficult for her to face everyone.

Especially ── Basara and Zest, as she didn't know how she should receive them.

Though she couldn't keep on running away forever, she wanted to delay it a little more… and as Kurumi parted with Maria at the hallway, she took off her clothes in the dressing room, went full bare, and set foot in a large indoor bath.

Then, though it's still early for dinner, Kurumi found that there were figures of somebody who came ahead of her in the wash place<ref> this is the area in the bathroom for washing oneself before soaking</ref>.

It was Yuki and Mio.

"Ah……"

The moment Kurumi raised her voice in awareness, the two people who have been washing their own bodies noticed her. To Kurumi who had an awkward expression in a moment, Yuki and Mio looked at each other, then expressed a gentle expression at once.

"Welcome back Kurumi…"

"Maria seems to have gone to you, did that child cause you trouble?"

They greeted with a smile. It was an expression that didn't mind what Kurumi had done this morning at all ── for this reason, as Kurumi approached at Yuki and Mio apologetically,

"…Both of you, I'm sorry for this morning."

She spoke words of apology while bowing her head.

"Although elder sisters had agreed upon the contract of Basara……Of all things, I did such behavior"

And as Kurumi looked at the girl gentler than herself with pure intentions

"And on how Mio… after all that things Zolgear has done to you, still accepted it."

"There isn't anything for Kurumi-chan to apologize. I also, am a little surprised at myself… After talking about it with Basara beforehand, to tell you the truth my feelings are too complicated understand even for myself after all. '''(!)'''

As Mio gave a wry but gentle smile,

"Hey, sit here."

She moved the bath chair and placed it down next to them.

The space between Mio and Yuki had become available. However, Kurumi couldn't sit down on that chair. Between these two people… it was the seat similar to the dining room this morning. Kurumi became emotional, as it was the place which she ran away from. Then,

"…………"

To Kurumi who stood there, Yuki gently pulled her hand towards that place.

Then, having got the permission, Kurumi sat down carefully.

"Kurumi…… your body is a little cold"

Noticing her body temperature, Yuki uttered. Kurumi nodded deeply.

"…Because I entered to the river outside a little while ago"

"Then, step in the bathtub early to get warm……we'll continue the talk over there"

In the suggestion of Mio,Kurumi nodded again, and washed down her body in hot water.

And then── Kurumi went to the bathtub with Yuki, submerging herself in the hot water, sandwiched between the two people. Wrapped up in tender warmth, it relieved the tension in their bodies, relaxing them for a bit.

''……Ah.''

To each hands that were feeling the stone bottom, Mio and Yuki's hands overlapped hers gently.

"──About Basara and Zest, there is a reason that I permitted it"

Making an introduction, Mio on the left said,

"The reason that I permitted the contract of those two, is all thanks to Yuki and Kurumi-chan."

"… elder sister and I?"

"That's right. Yuki and Kurumi-chan, didn't you guys fought against me and Maria at first? But now, we are all living together. Though it was all thanks to Basara's assistance, it is really dangerous if you think about it, no matter what Basara says to you two, aren't we taking advantage of him overlooking us?"

However,

"Yuki and Kurumi-chan didn't do such a thing…… because you believe that Maria and I won't ever harm Basara, right?"

"Well that's……"

To her hesitation to voice out her affirmation, Mio smiled, then,

"I am also the same, right? Without opposing Basara, Yuki and Kurumi accepted us as friends, therefore I also thought you as such too."

And,

"While meeting Zest again in the Demon Realm… Right now, revealing her lack of intention of harming us, I thought that it's possible to approach her in the same way as Kurumi-chan, don't you think? Plus, while working as a maid and Sheera-san's bodyguard, when you see her who is looking at Basara with eyes which seems to be in pain…… I see my former self overlapping her."

"Mio's former self……?"

"Yes… After father and mother were murdered by Zolgear, I have been through various circumstances. There was a time that I even couldn't put my trust on anyone aside from Maria──a man above all in particular.”

Mio stated with a face as if remembering something unpleasant, then abruptly made a gentle expression.

"However… to us who approached and deceived him from the start, Basara was still gentle. After knowing about our circumstances, he chased us all the way in order to help us. At that time, Yuki advised Basara not to be involved with me anymore…"

But, Mio;

"Basara said that that he will still protect me… and Yuki will remain as his an important childhood friend, but that doesn't mean he did forgot what happened five years ago, so if the Hero Tribe who protects this world can’t protect me, then it will be his duty."

''That's what I thought''…at that time.

"if it's Basara and Jin-san, I believe that they are reliable. Such thing as Zolgear, our trusted lawyer, the men in town, there are no such man as them. Like a true family… like Onii-chan, they are people who think of me importantly."

Therefore,

"Thinking about it, it was so wonderful that I cried."

To the expression that Mio showed,

"──────"

Once more, Kurumi understood the feelings of the girl named Naruse Mio towards Basara. That profile too, that she had gazed ever since she was young──Yuki was also the same when she yearned for him.

"For Zest who was entrusted to the Moderates, Sheera's existence, probably, was just like Maria's case for me, I think. And, as I encountered Basara, and having needed that fellow, Zest met Basara too, and like that──he was needed. Yuki and Kurumi-chan too, even though we had met through various ways, Basara and I altogether accepted you in the end. And, Basara, with the same feelings at that time when he helped me, was trying to help Zest."

Therefore,

"For this reason, I have to accept Zest… I think."

"Even she is the subordinate of the enemy who murdered your parents?"

Kurumi asked, and nodding with a "yes", Mio;

"But supposed that…If Zest was the one who killed my parents, I would never forgive her. But she's not… and as for opposing us, it was only in accordance with Zolgear who is her creator and as his subordinate. Then, it is just the same as with Maria being threatened on the pretext of Sheera-san's safety. In addition, Zolgear who was the main culprit for all of this was no more. Being on good terms with each other all of a sudden may be difficult, but by understanding each other little by little, I think we can."

It was the statement that made them accept the Master and Servant Contract of Basara and Zest from the bottom of their hearts. Then,

"…elder sister?"

Looking towards the opposite direction, Kurumi asked,

"My thoughts haven't changed ever since five years ago."

Yuki said in a smooth tone.

"Even this time, I'll still follow Basara ── and for that I became stronger.'

And,

"Basara right now, in the same way as that time when he protected me five years ago, has been desperately protecting everybody… My mission is to protect his side and support him. If their thoughts are the same as I, they may be accepted as a companion separately. But if it’s the opposite──"

Suddenly, Yuki stared with cold eyes,

"──if there is an existence which seriously tries to hurt Basara, who ever that is, I won't forgive them. Even it is Zest…or even Mio and Maria"

Mio who heard it leaked a wry smile. But rather than being disgusted, it was a bitter smile that felt a certain kind of hope.

──However, Kurumi wasn't able to smile. Instead, she asked in a soft voice.

"………Even me?"

"………As I said. I would not permit any existence to seriously hurt Basara."

Therefore, the hand which was held in the hot water was clenched. Then, she gently embraced her.

"Elder sister……"

Kurumi in which her waist was held in, looked up at Yuki before her eyes with a little surprise,

"Until now, and also from now on──I know best that such behavior is impossible for Kurumi. When coming with Takashi and Shiba before, even though you said that you hate him so much, you didn't seriously try to kill Basara till the end"

Yuki smiled, and gently pat her head. From there, Mio,

"…You know, after Kurumi-chan left this morning, Did Maria go to Kurumi's place by the river afterwards to have lunch later on?"

"? Un…"

Saying in a significant tone, Kurumi nodded to her question,

"That, you see, if someone were to take Kurumi back, she should be the most suitable… well, this was because Maria volunteered for the position."

To this extent, the lunchbox was brought intentionally. As for being worried about her she understood it, but,

"Maria… she has a reason why she did it that way."

After coming to the river──Maria also had a similar feeling that was close to Kurumi.

For her worries, she was grateful, though she had been pushed down forcibly at the end, she certainly thought that she would intend to leave it unsettled for pleasure as always, but,

"…then, perhaps, even now…?"

In the Toujou Household, well, Maria had often entwined with Kurumi in various ways ── could it be that, were she doing that on purpose for the sake of Kurumi? As Kurumi yearned for gratitude to Maria,

"But, Maria's just like that, losing her calm more than usual, a fellow who has been trying to chase behind Kurumi-chan immediately. Though Kurumi-chan couldn't understand the Master and Servant Contract with Zest at once and left, that person said "I must explain it to her properly" with a straight face."

Mio's voice said with a smile.

"Eh……?"

To Kurumi who asked again in reflex,

"Well, we saying such things had gotten an adverse effect… and thus Maria went. So…"

Fufu, Mio laughed,

"We then were able to leave Kurumi-chan as it is. Maria asked the maid for a box lunch, then went to Kurumi-chan's place as soon it was ready. It took her some time, but… right now for the current Kurumi-chan, due to the influence of newly arriving to the Demon Realm, is unable to take out her original powers. It is for something to do in the meantime”

Therefore,

"Even though you didn't call out, so as to make sure you weren't in danger, Maria came out without notice. That said, there was also a guy who chased after Kurumi immediately──did you not notice?"

"...Basara, for me?"

"Yes. By the way, the maid who prepared the lunchbox which Maria took… Who do you think it is?"

"──────"

To the implied words of Mio, Kurumi wasn't able to speak anything. Then,

"Kurumi… as you come out from here, go to those two"

"………Un"

To the question urged by Yuki, Kurumi nodded obediently.

''I'll apologize to the two people properly, and give them my gratitude''──she thought strongly in her heart.

=== Part 3 ===

Kurumi however, wasn't able to tell those words of gratitude to Basara and Zest during dinner.

Before the two, Kurumi wasn't able to confess her feelings. It's because

──Basara and Zest didn't show up at the dinner table.

Basara didn't only just entered a Master and Servant Contract with Zest last night. Regarding Kurumi's affairs Basara explained midway, though Mio didn't know the reason either, it is said that Basara made a conflict with Ramses who was the present top of the moderates.

His chasing of Kurumi who have gone out this morning has become a problem, and because of that, they are forbidden from going outside the Wildart Castle. Basara was forbidden from going out of his guest room tonight, so he was unable to meet Kurumi until tomorrow morning. A maid was standing in front of his room, preventing anyone from going in and out.

In addition, Zest making the bentou which Maria brought to Kurumi, was blamed for entering the kitchen in defiance of the original order imposed to her, which was rearranging the archives.

──Normally, entering the kitchen wasn't supposed to become a huge problem.

But, even though there was Sheera's mediation, having made contract with Basara without notice to Ramses, Claus and the other moderates seemed to have quite an impact to them. Although Sheera talked to Ramses and the others to ignore the matter of the Master and Servant Contract, Basara had done another problematic conduct this time, spreading to Zest which became his subordinate. In other words,

''…both of them, it was my fault……''

Night at Wildart Castle──as the moonlight creeped in behind the courtyard, Nonaka Kurumi sat down on one knee. Before that, she was in the guest room fitted for a girl, taken care of by Mio and Yuki, until she became impossible to endure and left the room ──arriving at this courtyard.

"…though I don't intend to stand in their way with my behavior…"

Knowing how long herself been troubling everyone around her, Kurumi bore an intense self-hatred.

Then again── there were also other existences worrying about Kurumi besides Basara and Zest.

Ever since she came back from leaving the castle, she didn't see Maria’s figure at all. According to the story of Noel the housemaid, there seems to be a person who saw Maria being invited into the room of Sheera, her mother, but when she was called for dinner, there weren't even an answer inside the room. After looking inside, there were not a single sign of the two people.

……don't tell me, Maria too……?

Because she was connected to the issue with Basara, it seemed that she was also punished as Zest was.

Because of the incident with Zolgear, the situation of Maria who has betrayed Basara in order to help Sheera who was taken hostage, at present, is in a very delicate position among the Moderates. Yesterday after arriving at the Demon Realm, she was called by Lucia and was severely punished to an extent in her office.

Worrying about Kurumi, Basara went outside, but Maria didn't chase Kurumi immediately, for the reason of letting Zest prepare their lunch box. According to that point of view, Maria was connected to Basara and Zest's misconduct. Finding an opportunity for something like a false charge to find an error of the other party's behavior, then blaming them and putting one selves in an advantageous position is commonplace in politics, therefore a calm judgement is required more than anything.

"…I have to be careful"

Nonaka convinced herself once more, and put up her face which was looking down.

She has certainly troubled Basara and Zest, and may have also involved Maria ── that's why she mustn't trouble them any further. Though she is not a leading figure of the government, Mio who inherited the traits and talents from the family line of the Demon King Predecessors had set foot to the spot that greatly affected the fate of the Demon Realm. That matter in question must be borne in her mind ── As Kurumi renewed her determination, a person came and quietly stepped over the lawn of the courtyard.

"──────"

On the spur of the moment, Kurumi stiffened and stood up on the spot.

What had come was a single maid. However, that maid is different from the amiable Noel and other gentle maids, a beauty with coldness of absolute zero. After that,

"──What are you doing in a place like this?"

Looking down, Lucia approached before Kurumi's eyes. Those eyes, are the same eyes that witnessed Kurumi fall into pleasure by Basara. Recalling those as she reached in front of her,

"……nothing……I just want to be alone for now."

Reddening her cheeks in embarrassment combined with tension, Kurumi averted herself to those eyes.

"I see… ── by the way, did you see mother and my younger sister?"

"No, I didn't see them… I was here for a while, so…"

Answering honestly because it's no use to lie, Kurumi asked again on the contrary.

"You haven't seen them? I thought you had dinner with the two together…"

"Yes. They seemed to have disappeared somewhere. I don't know where."

"Are they ok? That… they may be dragged into some trouble?"

Kurumi became uneasy of Maria not returning. Then,

"Don't worry about it. Mother and little sister's disappearing is because they are running away from me."

"Eh…?"

"Though I can't tell you the details, those two are fine… rather, this would be a whole lot better. It's just because they had done a selfish behavior without me noticing."

"I-is that so…"

Though she said it displeasingly, No serious tone was seen in those words of Lucia. Perhaps, those two extravagant people have conducted a behavior that angered her.

Knowing that Maria is safe, Kurumi heaved a sigh of relief.

"…On a side note, I cannot help but admire them very much."

Saying so in reproving tone, Lucia touched those cheeks softly.

"I have received the report of the story of Basara-dono and Zest. About those two having been blamed, perhaps you may feel responsible, but…if you're all alone in this place, you will only make those people around you worried for nothing again. You shouldn't become a stupid daughter who repeats the same mistake over and over."

"………"

As she said in a gentle voice, Kurumi looked down and remained silent.

Lucia, in the present top of the Moderates ── is the adjutant of Ramses. Typical to politics, although they have the same agreement to avoid Mio become a Demon King, because Ramses is harsh to Mio, they have a complicated relationship and are emotionally fighting against each other.

──But now, Lucia was gentle to Kurumi. The first time she saw her, she could only think of her as a coldhearted woman, and when the succubus' baptism was poured in front of her in her office, she even felt awe in her overwhelming force. However ── when she came to see the state of Kurumi and Maria later on, it became a cool atmosphere that lets you feel the gentleness inside, and when Kurumi tried to use the spirit magic at the Demon Realm, she even gave a darkness-colored element to her.

Certainly, she thought that Lucia wasn't interested in the likes of Kurumi, but,

"──that reminds me, how was the condition of the element that I handed over?"

She said so, continuing the conversation.

"I heard that you went to the river and tried it in various ways."

"Though I can execute it… usually, as compared to the power at that time that I spent in the Human Realm, it was awful."

Without understanding why Lucia paid attention to her, Kurumi waved her neck from side to side.

Yesterday, Maria can exercise it to a playful degree without a problem from the bathtub of the large indoor bath.

However, it was far too ineffective to be used against an opponent in battle. Thereupon,

"…Can I see your state for a moment?"

As requested by Lucia, Kurumi materialized the Soul Purity Gauntlet on her left hand, and switched the main slot to the darkness element that she got from her. As Lucia took her left hand,

"──────"

She stared at the dark colored crystal ball fitted into the slot patiently.

──in this situation, Kurumi shouldn't get along well with Lucia this much.

However, she got this from her. she cannot refuse if she wanted her to show it to her,

…besides,

The relationship between Maria and Lucia, though they are sisters, is a little constrained in some way. Therefore, Kurumi who can get along well with Maria to have an interaction with Lucia, as long as their relationship improved even a little── Kurumi wants to be useful to them.

…it's also because,

Kurumi too, after the tragedy five years ago── after Basara left the village, her relationship with her elder sister Yuki became somewhat awkward. However, when Basara was made to fight when the village assumed Mio as an extermination target, Kurumi and Yuki's relationship was restored because of that.

── Of course, she doesn't think that she can do the same thing as Basara. Yet this morning, Maria worried about Kurumi and chased after her. For Maria's sake, she wants to repay this kindness even a little──Kurumi is willing to do what she can. Then,

"I see……certainly, it appears that it is still in its sleeping state."

"…sleeping state?"

To Kurumi who asked like a parrot in return, Lucia nodded with a "yes".

"Just like what I already told you, divine protection of a high ranking spirit dwells in this element. However, that doesn't mean that it has an effect of protecting the user. Only a part of a young spirit body resides in this crystal ball, separating it from the high ranking spirit."

"That means… it's the same as our 'sacred treasures' so to speak?"

The Demonic Sword『Brynhildr』of Basara and the Spirit sword 『Sakuya』of Yuki, and also the Soul Spear 『Byakko』that Takashi used in the Extermination mission of Mio. Each weapon alone possesses a strong power, but that's not all. If it has recognized its user like Yuki, the user can utilize its original abilities at its maximum power.

"Yes. If you can perfectly establish a bond and unite with the spirit, the element will be awakened, and will come to lend you its original power."

Simply because there is no "established bond with the spirit" that Lucia says, Kurumi's condition is still the same as she showed Maria by the river. To her who fell silent,

"──The “Negative<ref> Kanji 負 in the original, also means minus</ref>” part inside yourself, accept it."

Lucia said with eyes staring at her.

"As you know, there exists the『Holy attribute』and the 『Dark attribute』, and the Hero Tribe can borrow both of these powers. Basically, just like when you operate on "Positivity<ref> Kanji 正 in the original, also means plus</ref>", to use the Dark Attribute, we the Demon Race utilize it using "Negativity"… however, this "Positive" and "Negative" rather than good and evil, has a concept that is almost near as the plus and minus <ref> written in Katakana</ref> or positive and negative values of temperature." '''(!)'''

And now,

"Perhaps until now, to establish a contract with the "Positive" spirits in order to borrow their power in this world, you have also tried to be "positive" by yourself. To appeal to the spirits in order to borrow reasonable power… naturally, that is the right way to perform it in the human world. It's because most of the spirits in your world belong to the "positive" state."

However,

"That method does not apply in this Demon Realm. In this world where Dark Magic is strong, most of the spirits here exist in the "negative" state. Even if you appeal as "Positive", spirits will only be cautious. Rather than that, I'm surprised that you had borrowed power in that way even a little."

After telling her, Lucia quietly embraced Kurumi, and then,

"Ah………"

"There's no need to fear thinking that as a mistake. Both the positive and negative are parts of you…… if you understand these things properly and communicate with a spirit, they should respond to you for sure."

"……I understand. I'll give it a try."

In the arms of Lucia, Kurumi honestly nodded. Then,

"…………"

The beautiful maid succubus softly applied a little more force to her embrace.

Then──the hand which rested in her waist fell down for some reason, and softly touched Kurumi's butt. Putting up some fingers, to that fingerwork that felt and stoked the place accurately,

"Uhm……Lucia-sa……Hyaaan?"

Sniffling sweetly, her body wiggled and raised a discomfited cry. Afterwards,

"Nonaka Kurumi……you are too good after all"

Lucia said in an amorous voice.

"Yesterday, from the time when Basara did it with you, as I thought──You are very cute"

Then, her fingers made a snap. In an instant,

All of the sewn clothes of Kurumi were removed, and pieces of cloth fell to the ground in a blink of an eye. Even the bra disintegrated, and in just a moment made Kurumi with only a single piece of panty,

"────Nuu!?"

She tried to scream in reflex, but her lips are sealed gently by the hand of Lucia.

"Do not be surprised. The skill of this level, is a very easy task for me who has mastered the maid's work."

Kurumi, who was told for granted, as she was pushed down on top of the lawn with her mouth being blocked up,

"……!"

''This is bad,'' and as Kurumi whose flustered instincts tried to escape from the hands of Lucia,

''……ah……''

After witnessing Lucia's pair of eyes looking down at her, she forgot to resist in an instant. What was over there, in truth was the reverse of the usual coldhearted eyes of Lucia──romantic eyes which seemed to be totally charged with heat. Those eyes, similar to Maria’s expression as she trained her to become the girl of Basara's preference,

"During the day in the Demon Realm, it seemed that you had done it with Maria in broad daylight … in that case, this time in the broad moonlight of the Demon Realm, I will fill you with lots of love."

With the background of the waning moon on her shoulder, Lucia put her hand inside Kurumi's underwear──but then,

"──Lucia-sama"
Suddenly, two maids appeared nearby from the side of a certain bush. In contrast with Kurumi becoming shocked all of a sudden, Lucia who remained calm while her mouth was held down,

"……what is it?"

"Just now, Maria was found at the third floor of the west tower."

"However, capturing aside we barely even managed to reach her… at present, she is being chased by several people."

To that report, Lucia’s pupils regain its calmness,

"I see… what about mother?"

"The whereabouts of Sheera-sama is still…"

"……Very well. If we manage to capture Maria, we will make her spit out her story and end this. Nina, to those who are chasing that child, don't lose sight until my transmission."

"──Understood"

To those words of Lucia, the maid called Nina turned back her heels and ran,

"Lucy……for you, send her to her room in place of me. Then"

"Mend her clothes, isn't it? ── Please leave it to me, Lucia-sama"

Lucy replies with a nod, and as Lucia released her hand away from Kurumi's mouth,

"After doing a little rough thing, then stopping just before reaching the good part, I'm very sorry… I have to go to punish that younger sister of mine."

Seemingly reluctant to part,

"As for the continuation of this, next time…"

"Ple-Please, don’t worry about it……Really."

Kurumi said while her face reddened. It will really trouble her if they continue this later── In fact, she wanted to forget everything that happened in this courtyard to begin with.

"──In that case"

Lucia followed after Nina who went ahead and ran to the other side of the courtyard.

Kurumi who was left sunk down on the lawn above in her underwear.

"Good for you, Kurumi-dono. Lucia-sama seems to be very pleased with you."

"Yeah, to the point of disintegrating my clothes and pushing me down…"

To the sarcasm that Kurumi returned, Lucy without minding at all,

"You don't have to worry about the clothes, because I'll make it over properly in return…"

As she picked up and gathered the pieces of her tattered clothes,

"Well then, Kurumi-dono… Please wait for a little bit. Because you probably won't be able to come back to the room in that figure, I will bring something for you to wear."

Then at that timing,

"──No, that won’t be necessary♪"

Just beside Lucy, a succubus younger than Maria appeared suddenly.

"Eh……?" "──Sheera-sama!?"

To Kurumi who became dumbfounded, Lucy who was startled leaned back and made a stance, but she was too late. Sheera, as she stuck her forehead to the forehead of Lucy, while looking into her eyes,

"──Return to your room alone, and begin mending Kurumi’s clothes."

"……………Yes, Sheera-sama"

Then, Lucy’s eyes became drowsy and returned an obedient nod to Sheera at once.

"If you are asked by Lucia when she returns, well… tell her that Kurumi came back to Mio's room first── is that Ok?"

As Lucy nodded with a "yes" at Sheera's order, she returned inside the building and went just as it is.

"……………"

Kurumi who's thoughts couldn't catch up with the sudden events,

"That was a close call, Kurumi-chan……but now that I've come, it's already OK♪"

The moment she said so, the Loli-Mom-Succubus smiled.

=== Part 4 ===

After the incident in the courtyard, Kurumi was invited by Sheera and was taken to her private room.

Though she really wanted to return immediately to the rooms of Mio and Yuki to express her true feelings,

"──if you were to return with that appearance, Yuki-chan and Mio-chan will definitely worry again you know?"

As she said so, her will to go back to the room wavered. She who wanted to be alone said "I need some fresh air for a moment" and left the room, but if she were to return wearing only a single panty, everyone will surely get worried.

Not wanting such thing to happen, Kurumi obeyed Sheera's words. And, even though the room is identical to what Mio was using, Kurumi was led to a more gorgeous space.

Though it's inferior to the guest rooms which Kurumi and the others use that emphasizes more people, the space had excellent quality decorated with luxurious furniture, eloquently indicating the rank of Sheera's position among the Moderates. And now,

"Uhm……Why am I, in this appearance……"

Forced to sit before a high quality dresser, Kurumi raised a perplexed voice.

"Well, you will catch a cold if you continue to remain in your underwear forever, right?"

"But…… these clothes are a bit......uncomfortable for me……"

Kurumi said shamefully, dropping her gaze down below. There, her figure wearing a sexy blue baby doll negligee that reaches her bellybutton with thin laces that see through the tips of her chest lasciviously, even more, a T-back setup with matching garter belts and fishnet stockings reached her own eyes.

"…………"
Kurumi reddened her cheeks in intense shyness. Then,

"Ah……as expected from my excellent daughter, these materials are great! ～"

Behind her back, Sheera who wore a luxurious necklace said gleefully while standing over a stool. As she readjusted the position of the large jewel hanging on her chest,

"And, its done── how is it?"

She said, satisfied. Kurumi who was asked for her opinion raised her face unwillingly, and with reddened cheeks, looked at her own figure being projected in the mirror.

"──────"

She was speechless. What Sheera had put on Kurumi, though it's different when put on Mio and Yuki, was an underwear which looks like too adult-like for her who is a junior high school student. And yet──No, for this reason,

''…for me to become like this…''

Kurumi who had undergone a complete transformation with an indecent underwear, couldn't hide her surprise. With her youthful face and her developing body with traces of immaturity completely standing out as she wore them, the unbalanced lasciviousness──the appearance that even Mio and Yuki who weren't born in that figure would never reach, a taboo-like beauty.

"Fufu, you look rather happy." "…Ho-how can I be happy with something like this …?"

[[Image: SMnT V06 007.png|thumb]]

As she looked back panicking in denial, Sheera had already descended from the stool and was going to the center of the room. She took a teapot at the table, and then,

"Come over here……I made some hot milk"

A dull-white colored liquid was poured out of the pot. And as Kurumi sat down in front of Sheera, a cup was handed to her──a faint sweet aroma spread all at once.

"…………"

Kurumi who received the cup hesitated to drink immediately. However,

"Playing tricks to one's drink is only a work done by a worthless man; I don't imitate it. Supposedly, if I want do something to Kurumi-chan, I will do a more elaborate method in a way that I can enjoy myself more in various ways."

Sheera's childish eyes turned cold for a moment, then sip her share.

"──If it suits you, why don't you give it a try?" "N-No……I'm sorry"

Kurumi apologized immediately. Though she had a childish figure right now, Sheera was once a great succubus that is famous all over the demon realm, and Kurumi is only just a little girl. Though she doing such behavior will only hurt her pride as a succubus badly, she didn't know what she had done. As she put out her lips to the hot milk which Sheera made,

"…………Delicious"

With a warm and pleasant feeling, she muttered over the mild taste unintentionally.

"It seems that it suites your taste. Good."

Observing Sheera who smiled, Kurumi put her mouth to the cup again while heaving a sign of relief.

And this time, she felt the hot milk warming up inside her body.

"──About Zest having a Master-Servant Contract with Basara, does it disappoint you that much?"

"…………"

As she saw Sheera, Kurumi whose mind is still wandering in the clouds momentarily held her breath.

"I heard it from Maria this morning. That daughter of mine was really troubled you know?"

"Is it because I'm the only one who opposed Basara's Master and Servant Contract…?"

As Kurumi asked in a stiff voice in reflex, the young succubus smiled wryly.

"No. I understand your feelings, but I want to clear it in my mind somehow, however it seems that I can't do it by myself. It's somewhat really irritating…I say"

"Such a thing bothers you…?"

"And I'm also anxious whether Lucia-chan did or did not make passes at you. "Kurumi is only mine!" or something like that"

"……I don't belong to anybody in particular!"

What the heck did she confess to her mother, that loli-ero-succcubus. Saying things like Maria in the daytime, as Lucia was saying a while ago, what on earth do they want to demand Kurumi to that intense?

"Uhm……am I releasing some kind of pheromone that makes a succubus excited?"

"──────"

To Kurumi who asked with upturned eyes, Sheera's eyes rounded from surprise. Then,

"I see…those daughters should think you're very cute."

"What do you mean?"

"Because you're so pure and defenseless, that they want to teach you various things"

To her who stared blankly, Sheera ‘fufu’ smiled.

"Hey, Kurumi-chan. To you, me who is the mother of those daughters, while being dressed in such clothes, asking whether it excites me, perhaps──"

As she said, with her eyes became like a snake eyeing for its prey,

"──Are you saying that you want to do it with me, too?"

"?! No……I, I don't really mean by that at all!"

"Fufu……just kidding. If I make passes at you, it would be really bad for Maria"

As she denied it in a hurry while blushing in an instant, Sheera returned her snake-like eyes to its former innocent ones. Feeling relieved from the bottom of her heart,

"I have troubled that child in various ways during the incident with Zolgear………So if my cute daughter consulted her worries, as a mother, it makes me really want to help her, right?"

"So that’s why, I, in this room……?"

"Yes. By the way, that baby doll was my present to Lucia-chan from a long time ago. It’s a gem that I took pride of, but unfortunately, that child didn't wear it, not even once……so I sneaked into her room and stole it in secret. Because it was stowed it's likely to be hidden in the depths of her closet, so I have searched that closet from inside and out with Maria♪"

In addition to that,

"During the search in which we had found various things like her old diary or album from a long time ago along the way, Lucia-chan came back to the room, so I seized Maria in the scruff of her neck and threw her towards Lucia and escaped. ──though it appears that Maria seemed to have escaped well, too"

So that explains why Lucia was looking for Sheera and Maria. As Kurumi was shocked by this,

''"The other reason is……I’m the one who incited Basara to enter a Master-Servant Contract with Zest"''

As Sheera "Have you heard about it?" inquired, Kurumi who contorted her face a little responded.

"………Yes. Basara told me the details during breakfast"
words
"I’m also partly responsible for the vexation Kurumi-chan is holding…… These words don't really mean as an apology, but I think your feelings have become lighter this time"

Well,

"This is something serious for Maria and Mio-chan, you know?…… so I have to tell the truth in order to ease these feelings"

"What do you mean about the truth?"

Knitting her eyebrows in inquiry,

"Oh my……Is it alright to say this?"

The child-like succubus said with a light sneer,

"Are you jealous of Zest? ── Is it because even though you're also yearning for Basara, you couldn't enter a master-servant contract with him?"

"────"

Kurumi blushed at Sheera's sudden remark. In response to the reaction of that person who has been hit by a bull's eye,

"Come on, Kurumi-chan…… If all you did is to receive all that indecent teasing from Maria, your feelings will never catch up with Mio and Yuki you know?"

With her pupils turning like the snake's, she said that as if she had seen through the depths of Kurumi's heart.

"Like you, it’s also a big deal for Maria who couldn't enter a Master and Servant Contract with Basara, you see? Besides, Maria is indebted to Basara, whom she betrayed regarding the matter of Zolgear. You tried to eliminate Mio-chan by the orders of the 《Village》, and have fought against Basara too, and for that, this child who is mentally indebted thought of you as a companion in a similar situation"

"No……I'm different…"

To Kurumi who denied with a bitter expression,

"Is that so? If that's true then don't you think it's impossible for you to get along well with Zest?"

"That’s──…"

"Mio-chan has the pretext with Zolgear, and unlike Yuki who participated in the battle, you don't have any direct grudge to Zest…… Besides, due to the fact that she's Zolgear’s subordinate, she has a higher debt than you and Maria. However, though Basara have mentioned of the possibility, you judged that he who valued Mio shouldn't exchange a master and Servant Contract with Zest"

The reason why is,

"Because she inherited the power of Wilbert, for the sake of solving her problem of being the target of the current Demon Lord Faction, coming to this world should have taken a grave determination with a big anxiety for Mio-chan… so it should be too cruel for her to accept Zest who was the subordinate of Zolgear who harmed her foster parents, as a companion.”

Nevertheless, Sheera said:

"……As for Basara having entered a Master-Servant Contract with her that easily…… for Zest, she has a debt similar to you who was once an enemy of Basara. Mio and Yuki whom you thought should get mad and object them, had accepted Basara and Zest's Master and Servant Contract, contrary to your expectations."

Therefore,

"In the spur of a moment, it has been decided that you'll raise your voice in protest in place of Mio and Yuki under the pretext of Zolgear, so you justified yourself out of jealousy and criticized the contract of Basara and Zest. But since Mio has forgiven such a thing, it didn't have any meaning…… for this reason, it became impossible for you to endure the atmosphere and went out of the dining room"

Then, Sheera spoke her finishing words at last.

"──Would you like to enter a master-servant contract with Basara?"

Kurumi who was asked the main question trembled. However──after a moment of silence,

"………No."

She gave out a voice of denial to answer her own question, then a wry smile formed in front of her eyes.

“Anyway, it’s not possible for you to enter a Master and Servant Contract with Basara after all. Well, You might think, why not?...... I think Basara-san understands the reason, probably."

After all, Sheera thought,

Perhaps──''he is already aware of my true mission.''

"………and what will that be?"

"well, I wonder……"

Kurumi turned a sharp glance to Sheera, but she returned with a calm smile.

"But, it's apparent that the person who made the master and servant contract is more advantageous if we are to fight in this world……Yet Basara didn't do so, because he treats you with great care. When you had to do that in front of Lucia-chan, didn't Basara touch you only for patching things up for the moment?"

"…………"

"Yes……You know it perfectly well. On top of that, you ran away, opposite of your real intention. In war, it's important to attack the enemy's weak point ── for the current Demon Lord Faction, the present you will be an easy target, right? You who always worry and hesitate, causing you to suffer. Not to mention yourself, are you even aware that you are exposing Basara and the others to danger too?”

"────Then how should I do it!?"

As Kurumi declared sardonically, she reached her limit of patience and raised her voice at last.

"You shouldn't make a Master and Servant Contract with Basara……it' absolutely no good!”

Sheera understood the risk. If Kurumi were to enter a Master and Servant Contract with Basara, and if it were to be found out by the 《Village》, all will be finished. If she were to become known to have a contract with the Magic of the Demon Race, Kurumi will be punished without hearing her talk. If the 《Village》were to launch an investigation in full scale, it will be noticed immediately that Yuki had entered a Master and Servant Contract. If so, then the responsibility will extend to their parents, and the《Village》will not overlook Basara and Mio this time.

''……I must not let this happen by all means……''

I will protect Basara and the others──that's the reason why I came over. There,

"──Nothing. As I said, entering a Master and Servant Contract is impossible"

"Eh………?"

As Sheera said indifferently, she was stared with round eyes.

"That's because──even if you are being jealous of others and cannot make a Master-Servant Contract with Basara, I have a method for you not to feel a sense of inferiority. By doing that of course, becoming a weak point for Basara and the others will be nullified."

"Such thing……How?"

“Face your true feelings…… didn't Lucia-chan talked about this too? Not only to take pride of feelings of righteousness<ref> (正しい) Righteousness contains the kanji 正 meaning Positive/plus</ref>, but also to accept the weak『Minus』part as well. Not only you will be able to make a contract with a spirit…..but you will also be liberated from your suffering right now."

Sheera corrected.

"Because that feeling of yours is a feeling of yearning for somebody, it won't be able to let go if you keep holding it all alone. If you want to face it seriously, you'll have to convey it to your partner properly, right?"

"Convey to my partner……"

Kurumi muttered softly. Sheera then nodded.

"Have you looked at Mio-chan and Yuki-chan when the curse of the Master and Servant contract activates? Those children who have obtained guilty feelings being eased, from just the existence of being lead by their feelings, and this talk isn't only limited to the person who entered the Master and Servant Contract”

Therefore,

"Go face its way……to the place of the person whom your feelings have to go to. When you were able to become honest with yourself, there will be no need to think that you will become a burden to Basara and the others. If you do so, the spirits of this world will surely answer to you."

"But, I can't meet Basara tonight……"

Because of Kurumi, Basara is banned from going out. So not to add more of this, she mustn't trouble Basara and intrude for her own convenience. However,

"It's alright. My Space Tunnel is connected to the guest room which Basara uses. Besides, that baby doll negligee that you wear, didn't I say that it was the gem of my pride?"

Sheera with great confidence said,

"as long as you wear it, your voice and the other the person's voice who is looking at you will never be heard to the other parties. It has that magical effect."

"? Why does it have such a function……?"

Though it's certainly convenient for her, Kurumi who seemed dubious asked.

"eeh, that's ──"

That time, Sheera smiled. Suddenly, Kurumi noticed that her body was feeling hot.

"Huh? Eh……what is……"

Although she was in such appearance, it became strangely hot. The moment she thought so Kurumi who fanned with her hand,

"Nn ──……Fuaaaaan ♥"

As the wind that was fanned by hand swept the scruff of her neck ── Kurumi leaked a sweet moan.

''…No, No way…this is……?''

A sweet, hearttending sense swelled up inside her body……the one that Kurumi knew of too well. In other words,

"Yes. The other effects given to the baby doll negligee with multiplex structure, is that it has a delayed action that will bring a strong aphrodisiac effect to the one who wears it"

Sheera revealed the secret to Kurumi.

"However, different from the baptism of the succubus and the curse of the Master and Servant contract, it will also have an effect that invokes『charm』towards its surroundings"

"Nn…… this『charm』……should I, to the partner…"

"Yes── you will absolutely be in a situation that not a single voice will come out you know? Therefore, try not to be noticed other than the person concerned, as later on you two will no longer hear voices around you."

Well, Sheera said.

"Besides me who is the maker, 『charm』isn't effective on a person unless it meets a certain condition……but feel relieved, because it will certainly work for Basara and you."

"……was I deceived……?"

Within intense horny condition, Kurumi who desperately tried took of the lingerie off,

"Nfufu, you should better stop. Your horny condition won't be solved even if it's taken off until you satisfy the right conditions…… it will only grow even stronger if you try to take it off all by yourself"

After she said so, Sheera who tried to approach over the table said:

"Besides, you know I'm not the type who tells lies right? I don't do something as boorish as playing tricks on someone's drink, and that negligee you're wearing right now really suits you well……Also, the obstinate you have no choice but to become obedient in front of Basara, so that Basara can do you to the extent without you being jealous with the other girls again, because that's his intention for you in the first place"

"……Basara is…...with me……"

Kurumi gulped down hard.

"……then, just like elder sister and Mio……?"

To Kurumi right now whose consciousness began to melt by her horny condition, Sheera's words seemed so charming like a whisper of the devil. Then, as if adding insult to the injury,

"Yes. Coming from the Hero Tribe, Basara has a bit magic resistance against『Charm』but there's no need to go on the verge of losing his sanity ……there's no need to worry."

However,

"But ──once he say that he doesn't really hate Kurumi, that horny condition of yours will be cured right away. It's an easy task for me who made the underwear, and it's because I don't want to bully you particularly."

However,

"If you really want to be freed from that state, if you want to really help Basara and everyone, please be serious from then on……I'll be there to support you. Now go, to the person who will liberate you from your suffering ── to the place where Toujou Basara is"

Saying those words to that extent, her resistance is already futile. Her situation, her condition, all of them urged the current Kurumi to go under Basara. Therefore,

"…………"
After Nonaka Kurumi took a gulp, she conveyed her wish to Sheera with a quivering voice.

=== Part 5 ===

After carrying the dinner to his guestroom.

Toujou Basara who immersed himself with training in his room every day washed off his sweat in the bathroom’s equipment.

──And now, as he turned his back on the bed, he rearranged his present circumstances.

Now is the night of the second day they came to the Demon Realm. Though it's quite different from his first assumption, many have already moved in parallel with the situation, though several problems that need dealing with and necessary interaction have arisen.

Among them, he didn't imagine Ramses who desired the power of Wilbert which Mio inherited refused to have a talk with him.

……Well,

On the day they arrived in the Demon Realm, he didn't think that he would enter a Master and Servant Contract with Zest.

Of course, considering the situation he had put Zest in was the best choice. Basara didn't regret having entered a Master and Servant Contract with her. Even with complicated feelings, Mio and the others still consented. But──there is one person who was against his Master and Servant Contract with Zest.

"…………Kurumi"

Because of the incident in the dining room this morning, Basara muttered the name of the girl he wasn't able to talk to softly.

Zest in the past completely fought against Basara as an enemy. For Kurumi who is an active member of the Hero Tribe, she would obviously reject the contract by all means. Though Yuki seemed to have accepted somehow, she who has gone to the point of going against Takashi and defying the orders of the 《Village》 in order to protect Basara, is a special exemption. As Kurumi had said, she was ordered to become Yuki's support and monitor the situation from the 《Village》, in case Mio was being targeted again by S-class Demon Race such as Zolgear, in order for the damage not to appear in the Human Realm, that's why she came to Basara's place again.

''……perhaps, monitoring Yuki is also included in that order, too.''

Therefore, the worst case scenario is not only Mio, Maria, even Basara ── to get rid of them all together with Yuki, the 《Village》 won't restrict themselves to launch that order for sure. As for Kurumi having chosen as a double agent, did the elders judge that they could investigate this trend without him being cautious if it was her?

……or.

Did Kurumi volunteer to avoid the harm being extended to her elder sister Yuki at any cost? ── Or maybe both? Although Basara entering a Master and Servant contract not only to Mio but also to Yuki already became a problem of the Demon Race, if it were to be known that he entered a Master and Servant Contract with Zest who was a subordinate of Zolgear, the 《Village》 might eventually regard Basara as a dangerous existence. Yuki's situation right now will only worsen more, too. Thinking at Kurumi's viewpoint, it's natural for it to be unforgivable for her.

Still, Sheera has urged him to have a Master-Servant Contract with Zest, but it meant that he was now in a situation where he had driven her into a corner. Basara couldn't leave Zest alone like this──entrusting her to the Moderates, Basara reassured that in particular.

"──────"

Towards the ceiling, Toujou Basara stared at the back of his left hand.

──They are something I want to protect.

Mio and Maria who became his sisters-in-law, and Yuki who is his childhood friend have become like a family to him. And Zest newly joined there, too. However, there is one who cannot accept it the same as them – it was Kurumi.

Just like Yuki from a long time ago…… She was already valued like their younger sister from her discretion. There is the tragedy five years ago, and even though they fought a few days ago, Basara had already thought of Kurumi as a member of his family he wanted to protect no matter what. However ──he cannot leave Zest alone. Even if it will be called a selfish whitewashing.

Even then, Toujou Basara will never hand them over ── no one, not any one.

Basara in silence firmly grasped his left hand which he pushed out towards the ceiling,but from his distance, a dry sound rang twice unexpectedly. It was a knock from the door to the hallway. As he descended from his bed, Basara moved from the bedroom to the living room and then,

"──Yes"

Demanding a reply from the other party, he made a short answer with all caution.

"……it is Zest. Basara-sama, I apologize to call you at this late hour."

Basara suddenly knitted his eyebrows to the familiar voice. Meeting other members is completely forbidden tonight, and if he wasn't mistaken, Zest should have certainly given an order of rearranging the archives in the library.

Then, Basara──using the position detection of the Master and Servant Contract just to make sure──after knowing it was really Zest on the other side,
He opened the door. Then the beautiful brown-skinned maid stood there.

"What happened, at time like this──?"

Then, Basara noticed that there is no figure of the lookout that should have been here a while ago.

"……what about the maid on the lookout?"

"She exchanged places with me and returned to her room……from now on, I'll be in charge of this place until tomorrow morning."

It seems like these maids have their own respective works, too. Basara's restriction will be until tomorrow morning, so in order for them not to stay up all night and interfere with the duties they’re in charge of the next day, to Basara's problem which caused them trouble, have they judged that he's suitable to let Zest become his subordinate?

"Is that so? Sorry about that, Zest……Zest?"

Basara knitted his eyebrows all of a sudden. The body of Zest before his eyes is shaking a little. And then,

"──────"

In a moment, Zest fell down, so Basara embraced her at once.

"What happened......are you alright?"

Basara noticed the bruise-like collar appeared from the surface of her neck. Then,

"You, why……?"

The curse doesn't activate if the person doesn't have a guilty conscience at its master. It should be rare for Zest who became obedient as a maid to have such feelings for Basara.

…No, not until now.

He cannot let Zest stay on the corridor in this condition.

"I'll carry you to the room……it’s fine Zest."

As Basara said so, he carried Zest and brought her in to his room.

He cannot let her in this constitution lay like this in the sofa of the living room. Therefore, Basara decided to use the other bedroom different from what he's using. And when he laid Zest down the bed,

"……I'm sorry, Basara-sama……I'm so sorry……"

Zest who thought to have bothered Basara apologized many times.

"It's alright, you don't need to apologize……the curse will only get stronger so don't think of it too much, okay?"

As Basara told her, he exposed Zest's bare chest while trying not to see it as possible.

"Now, take a deep breath, slowly……"

He spoke to her gently and urged her to calm down. Whenever Yuki and Mio's curse activated lightly, he exercise this kind of action. If she wasn't relieved by this, then he will have no other choice but to yield her to pleasure to ease the feeling. Then, following his words, as Zest commenced to take deep breaths,

"────"

Basara averted his glance momentarily. As Zest who has bountiful chest took deep breaths in such state where her bare chest was exposed to light, with those soft bulges rising and falling lasciviously, the stimulation is too strong for Basara who has fully tasted that sensation last night. It made him want Zest to surrender to her desires, but

''……Are you an idiot, me……!''

Basara desperately gave up. If he were to make Zest submit without understanding the reason why the curse activated, it will be no longer a master-servant relationship for them.

As Basara suppressed himself, Zest's curse settled down after a short while.

<center><big>＊＊＊＊＊＊＊</big></center>

"What the, Zest… how did this happen?"

Basara asked for the cause while looking at her with anxiety.

"I’m very sorry. I had endured this for a long time, but……"

Rising up from the bed, Zest apologized while lowering her gaze.

Then, she spoke the reason why the curse of the Master-servant Contract triggered. That is,

"Because Basara-sama had entered a Master-Servant Contract with me, who has been part of the incident concerning Mio-sama, a discord has begun to occur among everyone…… for that, I cannot bear to meet Basara-sama and the others."

While entering a Master-Servant Contract, Zest worried that she may cause a problem to Basara, and that triggered her curse. Basara said to Zest that it was alright, so she surrendered herself to pleasure and made her at ease. After Basara told them, Mio and the others had accepted her entering the contract with him……but when Kurumi ran away from the dining room, the curse had come out, but she got it over somehow thanks to Basara and the others' support. After that, she planned on asking Kurumi for her forgiveness when she returned to the castle.

…However,

She wasn't able to make it. She was criticized because of using the kitchen for Kurumi without permission, instead of arranging the archives of the library which was ordered to her.

……Even so,

Zest thought she made the right choice. It wasn't anything in particular. The real problem is,

"The fact that I entered a master-servant contract with Basara-sama caused you to be confined in this situation……because of the contract with me, I have brought trouble to Basara-sama."

Zest is the reason why Kurumi ran out of the dining room, and why Basara who followed after her was subjected to punishment. A disorder occurred to his team, all after Zest made a contract with Basara.

''──this is bad'', Zest thought. The current Demon Lord Faction is a powerful enemy. Even if we have a chance to win if we take absolute precaution, it will be too dangerous to face them to a battle with our current condition. Therefore,

"Basara-sama……if Basara-sama prefers, it's alright"

''Simply because I love you dearly more than anyone else'' ── Zest proposed to her master. With her face that seemed to burst into tears,

"To Sheera-sama, please cancel the master-servant contract with me……"

"──────"

Basara made a stiff expression to the words of Zest. She making such a face filled Basara's chest with pain.

──But the curse of the Master-Servant Contract didn't activate. Basara who is her master, was convinced that this is the best choice. But, As Zest thought that he should give up on her, Basara made a sigh, and said,

"No. that won’t be necessary"

He clearly declared── but Zest still doubted her ears.

"Wh-why……? The way things are going, Basara-sama and the others will be in dange──"

"──Certainly, Both Kurumi and I might have lacked composure this morning"

Basara interrupted with strong words.

"But for example, if we were to cancel our Master and Servant contract here, even if we solved the problem of Kurumi's feelings……another problem will surely come out next time"

"Another problem……?"

Basara replied with a 'Yes'.

"I have entered a Master-Servant Contract with you because I thought it was absolutely necessary, and that there is no other way around. If we were to cancel the contract here, then I won't be able to retain my composure anymore"

"……Basara…sama……"

As if Basara said something unbelievable, Zest stared in blank surprise.

"If you thought that I was brought to a difficult situation because of you, then it's even more painful for Kurumi right now…… I want to end this without anyone suffering any further. For this, we have no choice but to ease Kurumi's feelings right now."

Basara's words continued, and then──little by little, Zest understood how much she had yearned for him. Basara just made a Master-Servant contract yesterday, to her, who is a former enemy, and even said that she's important.

"Ah──…"

Zest then noticed that there was something overflowing beneath her eyes.

As she touched it softly, Zest felt a wet but warm feeling.

She cried.

She stared in utter amazement at the young man who regarded her with outmost importance. And as she entrusted her body to him, Basara hugged Zest tightly on the bed.

"I don't intend to hand you over to anyone…that's the reason I made a Master-Servant Contract with you. Therefore, please don't regret entering a master-servant contract with me, and believe that our contract is not a mistake."
In this moment ──Zest, to the entire existence of Basara, the young man in front of her eyes, she decided to dedicate all of herself to him. She felt happiness......true happiness.

"……Yes, Basara-sama……"

Conveying how strong she held these thoughts, she embraced Basara with all her strength.

Basara then gently stroke her back.

"……Thank you very much……it's alright now."

Before long, Zest regained her presence of mind and stopped her tears, then as she separated to his body, Basara averted his eyes in a hurry. Upon noticing that her breasts have been exposed,

"I apologize, Basara-sama……to this unsightly appearance"

"No, I'm sorry for doing something shameful to you…"

To the blushing Zest aside, as she hid her large chest by her arm, Basara gave an apology. Because he treated her as a woman with great care,
"……this is no good, Basara-sama, saying something… like that…"
"? Zest?"
Shaking his head to set aside the unbearable feeling, Basara stared blankly.

──why Basara, to her nakedness, it probably told her.

Zest was Basara's maid── despite this, he saw her as a woman.

When Zest thought so, her whole body shook from so much joy.

"I am your maid, Basara-sama……"

Zest leaned on Basara with clouded eyes. She couldn't endure it anymore. She wanted to serve Basara, she wanted him to seek his happiness──such thoughts couldn't hold back anymore, compressing everything on the word "maid".

"Zest is… Basara-sama's maid"

So, she doesn't mind whatever Basara liked to do to her── because it is her joy in itself. So as to tell him, a hot sigh reached at a distance. Then with a gulp; Basara,

"Zest──…"

To his call, as Zest approached with her lips,

──GATAN, a loud sound reverberated the wall. Zest turned around in spur of the moment, to the sound that came from the big closet beside the wall. And, from inside the closet, noticing the clear presence which did not exist a while ago,

"…… Sheera-san?"
Basara called first. Because there isn't a clear proof, his voice was tinged with caution. Sneaking in the closet of the bedroom──moreover in the middle of the night, among many places on this castle, Sheera building a space tunnel here has the highest possibility.

"Basara-sama, please leave it to me…"

Descending from the bed, Zest stopped Basara, and stood before the closet.

──This Wildart Castle is the primary base of the Moderates. Moreover, Mio who is the daughter of Wilbert is staying here right now, in addition this is currently midnight where it is easy to blend to the darkness too, so the security level has been raised to the maximum. There is not a chance for an assassin of the Current Demon Lord Faction to enter, and to think about it, there are no such assassinations having done in plain sight to begin with.

…Still,

Preparing for the worst case scenario fall on Basara, is the duty of his maid, Zest.

"──Zest"

Basara called her name, urging her not to lower her guard. With a nod, she watched the handle ──and slowly opened the double doored closet. Then,

"──────"

The moment they saw what's inside──Zest stiffened.

There was someone inside──of course, thinking something like that is obvious. But── a girl in a sensational underwear, wearing a glorious jewel was beyond their expectations.

Moreover, standing still, a body of a young maiden flushed in pink, giving off a scent of a woman.

"Kurumi-san…"

Zest called her name in shock, and as Basara came over,

"Kurumi, you…?"

He saw Kurumi in an indecent appearance, taking away all his words.

Facing Zest and Basara, Kurumi adjusted her focus with drowsy eyes,

"Nn……Haa……Basara……"

Wandering aimlessly, she sweetly uttered, collapsing on the spot.

<center><big>＊＊＊＊＊＊＊</big></center>

Toujou Basara rushed and held Kurumi who was about to fall on the floor from the closet.

Kurumi's figure, dressed in a baby doll negligee, felt surprisingly hot.

It's like she was in the state as if she's totally under the aphrodisiac curse.

"……Don't tell me, Lucia did something to you again?"

Yesterday, recalling the incident in the office of Lucia, he asked,

"No……It’s different, I……"

Kurumi spoke, in spite of writhing in agony in his arm. With eyes wet in tears alluringly,

"I was dressed by Sheera-san …and, as a result, I was brought here"

"…I knew it was Sheera-san after all"

However, there was no figure of Sheera anywhere. Perhaps, after bringing Kurumi here, she left her as it is inside the closet, and have returned immediately by herself. Then,

"…n?"

Suddenly, Toujou Basara felt his pulse throb fast. And, for some reason he was unable to separate his focus on Kurumi. Although Kurumi is alluring to begin with, he felt a sensation similar to when he was in Lucia's office yesterday. Though her baby doll figure is certainly radical, she's like Mio and Yuki yielding under the aphrodisiac curse. Nevertheless,

"……Wh, What is this……?"

Out of the desire that is the man's greed wanting to ruin Kurumi, Basara got down with both his knees on the floor while hugging her.

"──Basara-sama? Are you alright?"

Zest rushed and knelt on one knee to support him. After that,

"P-perhaps……because of this baby doll……"

Kurumi said in a sweet feverish tone.

"I right now…… to the partner that I saw, it casts『Charm』on it……"

"What a ridiculous underwear…… how can the effect be removed? Should I take it off?"

As Basara asked in behalf of his desperation, Zest nearby shook her head,

"No……in the past Sheera-sama has mentioned this for a play before…"

Zest has also received the effect of the 『Charm』. Towards Kurumi, with her eyes turning to the same color of excitement as Basara, she stated her explanation.

"Supposed that…if this is the thing which Sheera-sama presented to Lucia-sama a long time ago, the method to destroy the magic effect of the baby doll, as I remember it's only one."

"Did you know it, Zest? Then please tell me, what should I do?"

"That is…"
He asked her in desperation, then after a hesitating a little, Zest chose her words carefully.

"First, the person who puts it on who is in a horny condition, the partner who saw her must make her feel comfortable. Next, for the person who has been influenced with『Charm』, he/she needs to make contact with the said person. It was necessary to be the person who has made contact to."

And,

"Supposed that the charmed people are two or more, when both sexes is involved, the effect will be repeated over again, so to solve it, it must be in sequential order of being charmed……"'''(!)'''

"W-Wait a minute…then"
Basara who heard the explanation, stared Zest in utter amazement──the next moment, Basara felt an intense excitement with respect to Zest. Zest, on the other hand, while rubbing her inner thighs lasciviously, turned her pupils full of heat to Basara,

"Yes…..in this case, first is Basara-sama with me to Kurumi-san. Next is Kurumi-san with Basara-sama to me. Finally, Kurumi-san with me to Basara-sama …….it becomes like this" '''(!)'''

"…… It's a lie, right?……"

What is that, an underwear that promotes group sex? Basara reached his blank amazement to another level,

"I'm……Sorry……I-it's all …my …fault……"

With her eyes that will burst to tears in any moment because of the aphrodisiac state, Kurumi apologized.

"No, it's not Kurumi's fau…──"

Basara uttered, suppressing his desires in desperation while holding Kurumi in check,

"Th-that's not it……I, went to this place……because I asked"

"Wha, then──…"

Basara tried to ask something, but wasn't able to.

Because his mouth was sealed──with Kurumi's lips.

──Toujou Basara, with both hands supporting Kurumi's back of her head, was kissed. ''What the─''─Basara, confused with the sudden event, for the time being, in order to calm Kurumi down, and put his hands on both her shoulders,

……Kurumi……?

Then, noticing something, he separated from her body.

Before Kurumi ── from the edge of her closed eyes, something streamed down her cheeks.

"………"

Kurumi was, crying while kissing him. So,

"──────"

Basara moved his hands on her shoulders to her back, and hugged her.

Because of the Charm effect, impelling him with the desire to push Kurumi down, Basara tried hard to control himself. After a short while, Kurumi separated her lips. And then,

"I, I heard…… I, with Basara, cannot enter a Master-Servant Contract……"

To her words, Basara nodded at once. Matching her guess, more so in front of himself, Kurumi cried in pain. He almost said "I know" or "you don't need to worry".

──But, Basara strongly endured this welling desire and remained silent.

Perhaps──Kurumi right now, received a cruel order from the 《Village》. To her, speaking words of comfort is easy. But, such things are only for Basara's self-satisfaction.

Kurumi "I heard" said to Basara. Then, what he should do, is to let Kurumi spit out all the pains she is holding. On top of that, accept her──just that, and think of the ways to free Kurumi from her suffering. Sheera leaving Kurumi in this condition, surely aimed for that. For the stubborn Kurumi, taking off her mask quickly in front of Basara, is impossible within her normal condition. Then,

"But……even so, I,…don't leave me out…"

Before long, Kurumi, squeezed words from the depths of her throat.

"About me……Elder sister and Mio……please treat me similar to Zest……"

While sobbing convulsively, as Kurumi mentioned her desire in desperation, Toujou Basara listened.

That is, the wish of the girl named Nonaka Kurumi kept suffering from holding all alone.

Being assigned a cruel order, wanting to avoid the situation for it to be carried out, the situation advanced towards the wrong way one after another……Still, Kurumi being unable to say the truth, suppressed it with hard feelings she had been holding all alone.

''Just how long would you be anxious……just how long would you suffer?''

Finally spitting out her wish and pains, Kurumi spilled tears like rain. More than that, she didn't say anything……or rather, she couldn't say anything anymore. Therefore,

''……It's okay now.''

Toujou Basara wished to himself──you won't need to endure it any longer.

The kindest answer to Kurumi, perhaps might be able to return their relationship as it was in the past.

Simply those, innocent memories of their childhood when they were smiling happily.

Perhaps the village, to the tragedy five years ago──was still bound to the past.

Basara too, is the same. He has not forgotten the crime that he himself had committed. But, in order to protect Mio, he cannot remain captive by the past. Mio is also in danger, in suffering…… the way to save her, exist only in the future.

And.

Now that he can never come back in the past, the way Kurumi can be saved is also in the future. Actually, Kurumi might have understood ── for this reason, she suffered even more. That's why,

"……I understand. For you not to suffer, I'll do anything"

Basara, to his childhood friend whom he loved like a younger sister, hugged with all his might.

"………"

Kurumi hugged tightly in return. And as she turn her face to the side in his arm,

"……Sorry, Zest…… because of me, I have also involved you……"

"No……the truth is, Basara-sama, I wanted to make up with the two of you."

With Kurumi apologizing with a face that's about to cry, looked down to Zest in apology. So,

"──You don't need to apologize, Zest"

After Basara saw that,

"Sheera-san is, the one who put Kurumi inside this closet……at that time, she should have certainly noticed that you were here”

The incident this morning, was caused by the Master-Servant Contract between Basara and Zest. Assuming such conduct in order to convince Kurumi, she may have thought that involving Zest might be more effective. Basara also, although he was glad that the relation of Kurumi and Zest improved,

"My bad…… probably because of the 『Charm』 effect, I cannot control myself anymore……"

Just by hugging Kurumi, his reason seemed to blow away when he relaxed his guard. Then,

"……I don't mind, for I am Basara-sama's maid"

Zest delightfully, with eyes full of heat,

"Basara-sama…… Please think of only satisfying oneself and Kurumi-san"

Then, Kurumi which also heard it,

"……I too, do me the same as Zest"

In Basara's arm, looking up at him quietly,

"Do it as promised……Basara-oniichan"

She entreated with moist eyes due to the aphrodisiac state. So,

"……I'll start"

As Toujou Basara said so and lifted Kurumi, Zest accompanied them and moved to the bed.

<center><big>＊＊＊＊＊＊＊</big></center>

Sandwiched between Basara at her front and Zest at her back, Nonaka Kurumi was laid down on the bed.

"First is, me and Zest to Kurumi……huh"

"Yes. Basara-sama, please let me help……"

With a nod, Zest replied to Basara──and reached her hands from Kurumi's back, opening the buttons of Basara's shirt. Sandwiched between the two,

''……I am truly, doing this with Basara and Zest……''

Kurumi imagined what will happen from now on, making her feel more aroused.

But ── as Zest unclothed his shirt with experienced hands, and Basara allowing her to, she felt the bond between them, making her chest feel painful in contrast,

"Basara-niichan, the kiss……"

So Kurumi promptly lifted her arm at once, and with upturned eyes, she entreated Basara to attack her armpits. Basara and Zest who have seen her, due the aphrodisiac state of Kurumi in her baby doll figure, took the 『Charm』's effects. Kurumi, thinking about the burden she brought to the two, tried to end it as soon as possible, but

……Why.

Kurumi still felt the greatest pain she had been holding ── her inferiority complex to Yuki, Mio and Zest who entered a Master-Servant Contract with Basara.

──Of course, Kurumi's underarm is her greatest erogenous zone. If Basara were to attack there, no matter how much she struggled, Kurumi will surely reach the peak with ease.

But, even if Basara attacked her armpits and made her climax immediately, and while feeling dizzy from the reverberations of the climax help Zest do him, even if she was able to do him together with Zest in the end, even if the magic effect of the baby doll is released, Kurumi's inferiority complex will not disappear.

This inferiority complex is, surely Kurumi's『negative』part which Lucia and Sheera were talking about──since she had developed more complicated feelings this far, if only she faced her weakness, have been more honest with herself, and accepted her『negative』feelings, she won't need to disregard her inferiority complex to Zest anymore.

──But, there is one magic switch can make her obey and put the obstinate Kurumi away.

It is a kiss from Basara. In the dream a spirit showed upon to her request, there came many indecent acts with Basara ── at that time, Basara kissed Kurumi, and had fallen into lust all at once. If Kurumi were to kiss Basara, she could be a girl who can do anything.

"──────"

Kurumi then begged like a spoiled child, making Basara react.

As he thought of bringing his arm behind her ass and drawing her close, he snatched Kurumi's lips.

Basara's tongue in heat viciously entered inside her mouth, indulging it greedily. Probably because of the 『Charm』 effect of the baby doll, his kiss was more aggressive than yesterday.

"Nn……chu, Bsara,niichan……haaah♥ Basaraniichaa……(slurp)"

Kurumi entwined her tongue with his, seeking him in ecstacy. She didn't mind the effect of 『Charm』. Basara, excited at Kurumi so much, couldn't contain this unbearable pleasure.

"……Kurumi-san"

As Kurumi floated in happiness from kissing Basara, brown arms hugged her gently from the rear. Something warm and soft, pushed her full back,

……Zest?

It made Kurumi think of the woman she didn't notice earlier. Before long, Kissing Basara long enough to use up all the oxygen in her lungs, feeling happiness from within,

"──haa……n, fuu……haa……ha……"

In a single breath, she separated her lips at once──and just like in the dream, Kurumi's reasoning was completely melted by the pleasure. slowly, as she looked towards the rear over her shoulders, Zest was already in a single piece of panty. She had probably taken off her maid uniform while Kurumi was immersed with Basara's kisses. The soft sensation touching her back, these highlights even when wearing clothes, was none other than Zest's huge breasts.

Beautiful……for Kurumi, Zest's sex appeal was an object of envy. However, with Basara's kisses melting her thoughts, and Zest's embrace making her feel a sense of comfort and security, Kurumi couldn't think of it as unpleasant. So, Kurumi slowly linked both arms on the head,

"Basara-niichan, Zest…please do it"

and willingly exposed both her weakest sides to the two.

“──────”

Without any words, Basara brought his mouth to Kurumi's left armpit──But,

"──Please wait, Basara-sama"

Zest stopped him. Kurumi looked back to her, with drowsy eyes asking "Why?".

"Basara-sama──is your right hand good?" "Well……it's good, but, is there something wrong?"

Facing Zest with a serious expression, Basara presented his right hand while slightly knitting his eyebrows.

Then, Zest holding Kurumi with her left hand, raised her forefinger and the middle finger of her right hand, while slipping it on the back of the right hand of Basara,

"Kurumi-san is, demanding the same treatment as us with Basara…… in that case, even if I can't use the actual magic, I think that it is still the best to enter into a master-servant contract with Basara-sama. So, if you may, I can emulate a procedure as good as the original one."

"……such a thing exists?"

As Basara gave a mutter of assent, a magic formation appeared on the back of his right hand.

"Only the form is imitated to the end, it’s a mock one, but……"

As Zest made her introduction,

"Kurumi-san……please kiss the magic formation on Basara-sama's right hand"

Kurumi also understood what she meant of demanding the same treatment. Though she didn't actually see it, she already heard the story from Yuki and Maria.

"Zest……I……"

Zest understood her wish and suffering more than anyone. Kurumi whose about to cry, turned and faced Zest at her rear

……eh……?

Then, finally noticing a certain fact, she was stunned.

At Zest's neck, a bruise-like collar wasn't present ── in other words, even though she saw them giving away hot kisses with each other a while ago, Zest did not get jealous and didn't invoke the curse of the Master-Servant contract.

── Perhaps, she adored Basara so much that even if he did indecent acts with other women, she won't get jealous at all. Or maybe, due to the 『Charm』's effect, she probably have been influenced by Kurumi and it stimulated her more.

but still ── if Zest even had a little thought of Kurumi not deserving to be Basara's partner somewhere in her heart, the curse should have activated. She, who didn't accept Zest, and even caused trouble to everyone ── Zest completely accepted such Kurumi. The moment she thought so, all her ill feelings to Zest vanished in an instant.

"……Zest……"

Crying, Kurumi hugged Zest. And as tears spill like rain, in her embrace……Zest gently wrapped Kurumi in her huge and soft chest.

"Well, Kurumi-san…let's make you enter a Master-Servant Contract with Basara-sama"

Urged by Zest's words, Kurumi nodded and turned to Basara. Then, presenting the back of his right hand showing the magic formation,

"Kurumi……"

Basara softly called her name. Kurumi, gently closing her eyes,

"──────"

Kissed the back of Basara's right hand at ease.

"…………ah"

Then, Kurumi opened her eyes again──and saw the unchanged Basara before her. But that already, is enough for her, whom was loved dearly like a younger sister, not just a childhood friend of a young man,

but also a master who will connect a new bond.

"──Kurumi" "Yes……"

As she replied in bliss to her master calling her name,

"………congratulations"

Zest in the rear, gave her blessings in a gentle voice.

Then, as Basara lifted her chin in front,

"──Hold still"

he drew his lips to her neck──and sucked it with all his might.

"Yaah──FuaaAaan♥"

Kurumi, whose senses were intensified by the aphrodisiac, raised a lovely voice while leaning her back with a sudden twitch. But, Basara didn't leave from her neck and sucked it harder than before, in addition to Zest hugging her tightly from behind. And after her neck was sucked for more than ten seconds,

"ah……n……Basara-niicha,n……?"

When they separated their lips, Kurumi asked a question, then Zest informed her.

She got something in the pocket of her maid clothes that she took off……and opening a compact mirror on her palm, she showed what happened to Kurumi’s neck through the mirror,

……ah……

And there, reflected the reason why Basara forcibly sucked Kurumi.

Clearly left in Kurumi's white neck, was a red mark put up by a violent kiss.

Whenever everyone else activated the curse of the Master-Servant Contract, a heart-shaped collar would appear. The kiss mark Basara made, to Kurumi’s eyes, seemed like that collar──then,

"……that mark disappears, if your anxiety and suffering reaches zero"

By those words, Basara treated her the same way as everyone──she was convinced from her heart.

"────"

On his embrace, Kurumi was forcefully pushed down by Basara, and received an intense kiss. Then also, with force as if he surrendered to the effect of the 『Charm』,

"Haa……Basara-oniicha……rero<ref> licking sfx </ref>, nchu…nfuu…haamu…..nn"

Basara shifted to an even more obscene kiss, entwining Kurumi's tongue, and then pulled the shoulder string of the baby doll negligee, lifting up the hem. Then Zest in the rear raised both of her hands, and while breathing in sweet agonies, she undressed Kurumi's top with surprising swiftness. But, the effect of the 『Charm』on Sheera's baby doll negligee, didn't disappear just by taking it off. So,

"……Kurumi-san"

Zest joined them── and the top of the bed finally became the medley of carnality of the three.

──Of course, Kurumi was attacked first.

Kurumi was already in aphrodisiac state before coming to this room, that a slight touch in her chest and butt could make her reach the zenith. But Basara and Zest being under the 『Charm』couldn't do such a simple carress. The tips of Kurumi's chest that were tense in horniness was sucked by Basara without mercy, and Zest with her hand in her panty, her butt was rubbed violently.

"Aah──yaah,Nn……fuu……haah……yah, haah……Aaaah──♥"

She had experienced a similar treatment so far, but this is the first time she felt this intense…… Kurumi reached the climax five times, from the two people, for only 30 seconds.

Kurumi received completely, the intense pleasure she wished from Basara and Zest.

The two people became like this, because of Sheera's baby doll negligee that Kurumi put on before coming to this room. She understood what would happen──rather, somewhere in her heart, she wanted something like this to happen. So,

"Aah,n……♥Fuu,yah……wa……ah……♥"

As she reached the peak while raising a filtracious voice in a posture caught between the two, giving her pleasure that she had never felt so far, Kurumi was being turned into an indecent girl. However,

"……not yet, Kurumi" "Kurumi-san……please feel it more"

Kurumi, to Basara and Zest whose desires intensified further,

"U, un……both of you……do it……more"

She raised both arms, opening her most vulnerable side to them.

Then, before she put her hands on the top of her head, Basara and Zest stuck fast to her right and left armpits ──then just after that,

"～～～～～～～～～～～～～♥"

With her sense of pleasure gushing out of the pores of her whole body, Kurumi reached an intense climax she never had before. With a climax so intense that her view whited out,

……Ah……Aah……Haa……♥

Nonaka Kurumi trembled in pleasure. It was so intense that, her consciousness flew away…… only her body, knew what happened in real time.

Even if she didn't enter a Master-Servant Contract with him──the relationship between them, Kurumi's thoughts to Basara, wasn't anything inferior to everybody, and it is the proof that she could catch up without limits.

That's why──that salvation was Kurumi's desire. So,

"……Ah……n……u"

As the white fog which wrapped up her view before long had gradually cleared,

"Are you okay, Kurumi……" "Kurumi-san, are you alright?"

Seeing Zest and Basara looking at her with worry,

"……Un……I’m okay……"

Kurumi didn't surrender just yet. Only 1/3 of the process to destroy the magic effect of the Baby Doll negligee has been completed. Neither Kurumi's aphrodisiac nor Basara and Zest's 『Charm』 haven't been released, either. Still, the two people were considerate to Kurumi. She had to respond to their feelings……besides,

……Ah……

The aphrodisiac effect still remained. But, even though she saw Basara and Zest, she didn't feel any pains caused by her inferiority complex anymore.

''I have been loved dearly by these two…''… Therefore, Nonaka Kurumi said in bliss,

“……This time, it's Zest’s turn”

<center><big>＊＊＊＊＊＊＊</big></center>

And now, Kurumi pushed down Zest together with Basara gently on the bed.

Then, as Zest’s twin peaks shaking suddenly entered her eyes,

"Zest, your nipples are already stiff"

To return the favor of making her reach her climax, Kurumi pointed it out in retribution.

"Yes……Because I was charmed by Basara-sama and Kurumi-san"

Zest smiled, with reddened cheeks. Though her composure was somewhat vexing,

"Please do her like you did with me……Basara-niichan"

"Well, I have no choice"

Basara nodded to Kurumi, who wanted to end the situation quickly──so that she could start caressing her, She urged Basara to feel Zest fully.

Then, Kurumi faced Zest, and as she slipped her both hands and rubbed her butt inside her panties, beginning her assault, Basara then removed his hands from her back and reached her front, rubbing her breasts roughly as it held Kurumi's face.

"n……aah……n, wa……yaaa,aah──fuaaaAhn"

Placing her both hands to Kurumi's shoulder while squirming her waist back and forth lewdly, Zest raised a sweet moan at once. Furthermore, as Basara picked up her nipples that became stiff and rubbed it with his fingertips,

"Aah──yaah,nn……Haah♥ Aan……yaa,Aaah……♥"

Zest clinged her soft and tender legs to Kurumi's waist tightly.

……for Zest to act this cute……

For Zest who is more of an adult than herself, to become this dirty, Kurumi felt aroused at her figure who fell into disorder. As Kurumi's both hands slipped inside her panties and rubbed her butt, Zest became more and more sensitive……making the insides of her panties wet in no time at all.

her body entwined along with theirs────and as the three people shared five long minutes of lust,

"Ahnn……haa,FuaAn……Yaa……HAaAah♥"

Zest panted sexily, naturally filling the room with indecent sounds.

Kurumi's hand which was inside her panties, became sopping wet with honey of a woman in heat, and every time she rubbed her ass, sounds of gushing water reverberated the place,

"Yaah──Aah……Kurumi-sa……aAh"

Making Zest's body tremble in shame in the end. But, to that expression that intensified her intoxication to lust,

"You don’t need to be shy……because I am also, too"

Because Zest and Basara kept making her come unreasonably, her panties are already wet. That's why, wanting to make Zest wet more and more,

"Hey, Zest……can you tell me your weak spot?"

Kurumi beside her asked,

"Aaah……n, its, my ears……"

Feeling pleasure through Kurumi and Basara's caresses, Zest answered, while shaking her hips licentiously,

"That's why, Kurumi-san……''if you don't mind, would you and Basara-sama return the favor?''"

Though feeling shy, being glad that she felt the same,

"Yes. I'll do it"

Kurumi said so, slipping both of her hands from Zest's panties.

"Nnn ──"

To that timing, her fingertip slightly brushed something inside her panties, causing Zest to twitch her back suddenly, shaking her ass in front, so Kurumi with an upward glance ── told the gentle maid who fawned like a child,

"……Zest, get down on all fours"

"Yes……"

Zest smiled, and took a pose as she said. With her big chest shaking as she moved, she posed with her butt in an indecent position.

"──Kurumi, can I leave it to you?"

Basara said so, then brought his mouth close to her ear,

"Un……Understood"

Kurumi nodded, and turned to the other side and put her lips on Zest’s left ear.

And then.

Kurumi exchanged glances with Basara, and on Zest's right side, she brought her lips close to her ears, whispering softly the words she have been wanting to say for a long time.

"Zest……I’m sorry for this morning, and for the lunchbox……thank you"

She quickly told so, and together with Basara, they approached Zest's ears, and ── in that instant,

"───────♥"

Zest raised a sweet moan, making her whole body tremble in intense pleasure.

[[Image: SMnT V06 008.png|thumb]]

Bitten in both ears by Basara and Kurumi; she magnificently came……and the proof is,

"Haa……Aa, ah……"

Zest whose still in deep ecstasy of her orgasm, from the edge of her panties, love juices which weren't able to absorb in that single piece of fabric overflowed along her brown thighs.

"……………"

Before long, she recovered from the climax, then turned her face to Kurumi who was admiring her breathing full of seduction,

"……Kurumi-san……This time, it's Basara-sama’s turn"

with a captivating smile──she proposed to Kurumi.

"Anyway, would you like to try doing something that Mio-sama and Yuki-san haven't done yet......?"

"What sis and Mio haven’t done……?"

As Kurumi, who's still allured by Zest's sex appeal asked, the lustful maid continued,

"Basara-sama…… would you accept this humble one?"

Zest requested Basara with eyes still moist by the pleasure. Then, without any words, Basara slowly rose from his feet, stood on the bed, and opened both his legs to a shoulder length.

"Thank you very much……then"

As Zest thanked in respect, she removed his belt and began taking off his trousers.

"What are you……" "…this is what Mio-sama and Yuki-san haven't done yet"

Zest looked back at the perplexed Kurumi and said with a smile, then turned to Basara again──this time she took off his underwear, making him fully nude.

Being under the charm, they came many times in succession in his intense loving.

And now, to Basara who was laid bare, they felt excitement that they had never felt before.

''......wow......''

After witnessing his thing before her own eyes, Kurumi swallowed her saliva, without averting a single glance.

She had seen him nude one time after coming to the Toujou House where she had a chance to take a bath with him, but this is the first time for her to see this thing from up close.

Then, before Kurumi, Zest kneeled in Basara's side,

"......pardon for my rudeness"

holding her prosperous kingdoms with both hands, she received Basara's thing in between,

"Ah──……"

and there, she saw Zest's chest engulfing Basara's place.

Then, she dripped saliva from her mouth to her cleavage even more,

"Nn......Ah......nn......"

and stroked Basara's thing with her valley, shaking her breasts slowly from top to bottom. As she served with her chest making gushing sounds,
"Come, Kurumi-san, your mouth too......"

Zest made a bewitching smile, inviting Kurumi.

"M,my mouth......? No way......"

Kurumi hesitated, as expected. Although she's already a junior high school student──with Maria teaching and training her various things, she already had more than enough knowledge suited for her age. That's why, Zest's radical behavior and her extreme proposal, making her face red-hot,

"nn……it's alright……with this, from Mio-sama and Yuki-san, you'll be getting one step ahead of them"

and with those chest that stroke Basara's place, molding her's in a more indecent shape,

"Look......If Kurumi won't come......Kurumi-san's part......I will use it to serve Basara-sama more......nn......are you okay with that......?"

Finally, bringing her lips to Basara's tip from the valley of her peaks,

“──N,Nooo!”

It made Kurumi raise a scream at once, stopping Zest. After asking to do Basara similarly with Zest, yet she herself couldn’t do what Zest had done……moreover, to be left out among the three, she hated it all.

''……it’ll be fine……''

Though she’s embarrassed to tell Mio and Yuki──in the past, she had used something Maria prepared, similar to the size of Basara's, she practiced 'services' with her mouth.

So, Kurumi's mouth right now──already knew its size and how to love it for a long time.

"…………"

So Kurumi made up her mind, and standing on her knees opposite to Zest and in front of Basara,

"……According to the practice, I should do it like this……”

She persuaded herself, and looked up at Basara with upturned eyes── then,

"Basara –niichan……please make me do it with my mouth, too"

Feeling embarrased, Kurumi's head was patted by Basara with gentleness.

The pleasant sensation gave her courage──and the next moment, Nonaka Kurumi licked the ravine of the chest of Zest, and began servicing to Basara with her tongue.

"Nn……rero, churu……reru,picha, wa……pero……reroo……♥"

While being carressed by Zest's mounds, Kurumi daubed Basara's thing lasciviously with saliva, as if painting it with her tongue back and forth. then,

''……wow……so this is Basara-niichan's……''

Basara's male pheromones from her nose and mouth reached Kurumi's brain, numbing her thoughts and making her even hornier than before.

So, Kurumi gradually pressed her face and buried it to Zest’s breasts even more.

"wah...,..., nmu, reru , chu...,..., picha,n...... reru,rero , hapu...... nnu♥,...... npu...... reru, chu, chupi, npunryu......♥"

So as not to make Basara's thing filling her mouth reach her teeth, she accumulated thick saliva in her mouth, and with her tongue, she sucked him in horniness. In order to please him further, Kurumi earnestly served him with her mouth, while being rubbed in the middle of Zest's breasts.

Blowing it until she had difficulty breathing and her jaw felt painful, lewdly making sounds with her tongue, as he approached the limit, she parted with her mouth. Then, feeling good,

"────"

Basara lightly raised his waist, and with force he rubbed it inside Kurumi's throat in rhythm. But,

……Haa, Basara-oniichan……♥

Kurumi's reaction is still full of bliss. The love she felt to Basara overflowed in her mouth, and as if she forgotten how to cough, her mouth continued moving sexily ──So, she didn't notice.

"──────"

Like assisting someone riding a bike by supporting his back then releasing him from his hold──Zest's chest which sandwiched Basara's thing, quietly pulled back and slipped away. And Kurumi, to serve him with her mouth, moved in front of Basara in a trace, stroked it with her hand, then began moving her face to it back and forth. Then ── Kurumi ended her service at last by taking it deep in her throat.

"────Kurumi!"

Basara called out her name, firmly holding the back of her head ── the next moment, large amount of semen seeming to scald her was shot inside her mouth.

"Nnnn～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～♥"

Nonaka Kurumi seemed to faint in sweet agony as she indulged herself while holding his thing in her mouth, to a degree that seemed to drown her by it's momentum and quantity any time──and yet, Kurumi swallowed it all with a gulp. Then,

"Nn……nn……n……? Nmu……Nn……Fuu……chupu<ref>Kissing sfx</ref>"

Kurumi sucked it all up, drinking it till the last drop, then gradually separated her mouth.

……ah…eh……?

Finally, she noticed something.

Zest had already stopped servicing Basara ── and Kurumi all alone, had led him to ecstacy.

"I knew you can do it, Kurumi-san……"

With eyes wet in the stimulation, Zest smiled and said, informing how Kurumi served Basara so obscene eloquently,

"No……you’re lying……m-me……?"

And so, Kurumi’s body, trembled in the shame that struck and welled up inside her. Then, Basara, tightly embracing her,

"Sorry……because you tried your best really hard/very much, I was not able to say it on the way"

Whispered to her ear, gently patting her head. In Basara's arms,

"……Next time, if you deceive me again,……I'll chew your ear in front of everyone."

"Yes……"
As she nodded while sulking from the side, Zest hugged Kurumi from her back together with Basara. But for a moment, a mischevous smile appeared,

"But before that…… Kurumi-san did Basara-sama on her own. So, in order to undo the effect of the negligee of Sheera-sama, let’s do him both this time."

Zest added.

"And as for Basara-sama…… It seems that it still desires our service”

“Eh……? Ah ──…”

Kurumi blanked out for a moment, but she understood what Zest meant at once. Because as she was hugged by Basara, Kurumi felt a hard thing touching the area around her belly.

"No, this is……!"

To Basara who became flustered, Zest with a smile,

"Kurumi-san……if it's fine to you, even for a bit longer, I want to deepen the bonds with Basara-sama"

Then, in a drop of a beat,

"──this time together with us, till the end"

As Kurumi nodded to those deep words, Zest resumed her service to Basara.

All in order to solve the magical effect of the Baby doll.

And so, Basara and Zest ──the bonds of the two people, have strengthened even further.

=== Part 6 ===

──Afterwards, Kurumi succeeded in nullifying the effect of Sheera's baby doll negligee.

However, because of Zest's proposal, until the kiss mark on Kurumi's neck that Basara applied disappeared, the three decided to strengthen each other's bonds on the bed, sharing Basara's climax several times.

"………Nn"

And now, Nonaka Kurumi woke up, regaining her awareness.

It seemed that she didn't notice that she had fallen asleep. The small light coming from the gap of the curtain, told them that it's already morning. On the bed, as if she was caught by Basara and Zest, Kurumi laid down in between them. And the next moment──she remembered all of what she'd done on this very bed.

"────────"

She blushed so red-hot that it seemed there is a fire coming out, curling herself up in the bed. She was driven by the impulse of wanting to disappear at once, but endured her feelings of shame desperately.

──Nonaka Kurumi didn't forget the advice that she received from Sheera and Lucia.

So, last night she was able to accomplish it. That's why──Kurumi faced her own self, and intended to accept it. As Sheera had said, Basara accepted that Kurumi properly. Zest so, too. So,

……this time, it's my turn……isn't it?

As she tried to persuade herself so, Kurumi looked at Zest sleeping right next to her. This woman of the Demon race── it's unthinkable for Kurumi, even more to share a bed together with a woman who made a Master-Servant Contract with Basara, but now, she didn't feel any resentment. In the midst of the performance last night, Kurumi had her inferiority complex fade away inside her, but the hallucination that fell her into that horny condition, it wasn't a temporary one. As she thought so, the back of her left hand suddenly pulsated.

……what was that just now……?

So as not to wake Basara and Zest, Kurumi materialized the Soul Purity Arts Gauntlet. On the main slot, the element she had got from Lucia──in the Darkness-colored sphere, a golden magic formation that was not there yesterday appeared. There is also an increase in the wavelength of magical power too.

The element which was sleeping until now has awakened. Therefore,

……so that's it.

Certainly accepting your own weakness, and facing it, you can get over it.

Kurumi that saw the change in the element, smiled in relief.

──As she was pushed down by Maria, was about to be assaulted by Lucia, forced to wear an underwear that she wouldn't ever wanted and left in a terrible state in Basara's closet by Sheera, she wondered why do you think they did that. The progress was in a mess along the way, but she was glad by the result…… with Maria who said "I'll catch you up with Mio and Yuki", making many indecent acts with her so far, Kurumi found out that it was all to help her realize her true wish.

Of course ──another purpose is to satisfy her instinct as a succubus.

''……Well, even just a little, I should say my thanks to them, right?''

Smiling wryly, being relieved from the burden, drowsiness attacked her at once, and,

"Fuaa……n……"

Kurumi who did a yawn, rubbed her sleepy eyes, decided to lie down and sleep again for the second time.

Because she didn't come back to the room last night, Yuki and Mio might have worried about her, though Basara's house arrest is to be lifted at daybreak, perhaps, as for no one coming here, Sheera will explain the situation. Or she might have already conveyed them to Yuki, when she had left Kurumi and had gone back to the space tunnel alone.

──Besides, Basara and Zest are still asleep, too. So, I guess it's okay if I take another nap.

However, since Zest is here, when Yuki and Mio wake up, realizing that she didn't come back, it may just be a matter of time that they will rush in here. But, if Yuki and Mio were to see this situation which is bad for them, she was kind of looking forward to see what kind of face they will make.
So, Kurumi who leaked a snicker, slipped her body in between Basara and Zest.

"……………………………………" "……………………………………"

The two people who are still sleeping, embraced her closely like it all seemed natural.

Basara, with his strong arms, and Zest with her soft breasts, the feeling of being held in them is the best.

Feeling these things that herself had finally obtained at last, Nonaka Kurumi happily doze off once again.

<noinclude>
=== Translator Notes and References ===
<references/>

{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; padding: 0.2em; border-collapse: collapse;"
|-
| Back to [[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 6 Chapter 2|Chapter 2]]
| Return to [[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 6 Chapter 4|Chapter 4]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 6 Chapter 3

2016-10-04T12:36:00Z

Dragon213:

==Always Wanted to Confess to You==

=== Part 1 ===

Nonaka Kurumi had a good affinity with spirits at a young age.

Five years before the tragedy attacked the 《 Village 》, while her older sister Yuki learned sword skills one after another increasing her abilities as a {{furigana|Skill-Type Swordsman|Multisaber}} <ref> 全応型剣士</ref>, Kurumi bloomed her talent as a {{furigana|Spirit Magician|Element Master}}. Right now, among the {{furigana| Spirit Magician|Element Master}} in the 《 Village 》, her skill developed to the extent that she could fight with one or two.

However──Kurumi couldn't use her ability well right now. The place that usually serves as a channel for the spirits to lend their power would not open that easily. It's because… they have come to the Demon Realm.

Wildart is a city which served as stronghold of the Moderates faction. In the past, this city was declared as the strongest, ruled by the Demon King Predecessor Wilbert for generations, a luxurious royal castle and bustling castle downtown. Surrounded by the rich nature of the forest Oldora, Nonaka Kurumi right now, was at the middle of the Fost River which flowed nearby Wildart Castle.

"───"

As Kurumi stood still in the riverbank as rocks and gravels roll, she reached her left palm which materialized the spirit gauntlet <ref>霊操術の籠手 translated as Soul Purity Arts Gauntlet </ref> to reach the water surface of the river, her consciousness was concentrated and the channel for sprits was opened.

Simultaneously, in the Soul Purity Arts that Kurumi pushed out in her left hand, ──a magic circle unfolded in the thin air, disturbing the flow of water in the river. A vortex began to gradually occur and grew to a size of a meter, and the water rolled up to the sky. As small droplets fell down, Kurumi raised her concentration once more, and the water that shot up gradually formed a certain divine beast.

A dragon.

"……OOoo～!"

From the top of a huge rock nearby, the little succubus companion who followed after her raised a voice of admiration ── she's Naruse Maria. In front of what Maria is seeing right now,

"───"

Kurumi unexpectedly made a severe expression── At once, the shape of the water which curled upwards lost control, the dragon's shape turned for worse, and the large quantity of water fell down the surface of the river like a waterfall in the sky.

"Isn't that amazing Kurumi-san? Today, compared to yesterday, you're able to use it up to this extent."

"……this isn't that good at all."

To Maria who claps her hands in admiration, Kurumi replied with a frown.

──What Kurumi called for was a spirit of a water attribute. Usually, Undine and Nereids, and various spirits such as Apsaras <ref> female spirit of the clouds and waters in Hindu and Buddhist mythology </ref> lend their powers to Kurumi.

But due to the Demon Realm's<ref>I used Demon Realm instead of Hell coz it sounds more appropriate here.</ref> influence, Kurumi wasn't able to open a channel with spirits well right now. She should be able to produce an even bigger water dragon if that isn't true, and make them soar into the sky just as it is──but the results ended up to a degree that even a small size wasn't possible to maintain.

Even as she appealed to a spirit like usual, their voice and reactions felt very distant. Perhaps Kurumi today can only take out half of her powers in comparison to when she's in the human world.

Maria gave a bitter smile, then jumped off from the top of the rock and closed the distance to Kurumi. Then,

"Well, since training is going to end soon, let's have lunch. The maid in the kitchen had made us sandwiches."

Maria opened a big basket held in her hands and showed it to Kurumi. With meat and vegetables in the inside, the sandwich also have jam-packed various ingredients such as eggs tightly. As expected of a dish from an entrusted maid serving at a castle indeed, it seemed so delicious even by only looking.

"Isn't this amount a little too much to eat for only two people…?"

"Because Kurumi didn't eat a proper meal this morning, this is just right as it is"

"………"

To the words of Maria, Kurumi went silent. She's right──Kurumi had hardly eaten her breakfast. Though she took a seat in the dining room and started eating, she left the seat in a hurry.

Kurumi's behavior is something that cannot be permitted. Beside the quiet Kurumi, in a hemp-woven rag, Maria took a seat, laid her back to the grass of the dry riverbed and asked,

"…Are you still angry about Basara-san and Zest-san's Master and Servant Contract?"

She's right──this morning, Kurumi was told by Basara that he and Zest made a Master and Servant contract.

Of course, before coming to the Demon Realm, declaring “It's necessary to protect Zest, so a Master and Servant contract should be made” is really the kind of what the gentle Basara does. Kurumi thought so and agreed upon. However, when she was made to hear that it happened ──Kurumi knew the fact that she admitted him to have a Master and Servant Contract with Zest due to her condition. But,

''…I can't believe it, to think that even sis or Mio not to say anything…''

For Mio who was targeted by Zolgear, to even have a connection to the one that murdered her adoptive parents cruelly──She was so to speak was the sole enemy for Mio and Basara. As for Zest who was a subordinate of such a man to enter a Master and Servant Contract with Basara, even if real thoughts came from their lips, Kurumi thought that those intentions will never be accepted no matter what.

However──after a brief silence, Yuki and Mio approved the contract of Basara. Kurumi cried “What!?” immediately, and stood up from her chair,

…But.

Kurumi wasn't able to say anything more than that. Because in the past, she had become undoubtedly an enemy of Basara before. Therefore, since Yuki and Mio who have not betrayed Basara accepted it, Kurumi had no choice but to accept.

──Still, everybody seemed to have understood Kurumi's feelings. Basara and Zest whom are to blame remained silent for granted, and for sure, the three people: Yuki, Mio and Maria also understood Kurumi's and Basara's feelings, so they didn't say anything. However, unable to bear the eyes which turned to her right now──as she came to her senses Kurumi ran out of the dining room and walked along the hallway alone. Then, passing each other by chance on the hallway, Kurumi asked Noel the housemaid whether there is a river nearby, and told her this place.

──There was a reason why Nonaka Kurumi wanted to come to the river.

Before the tragedy that happened five years ago, when Basara was still in the 《 Village 》of the Hero Tribe──Kurumi had often gone out to play in a nearby river with Basara and Yuki. Fishing together, swimming together, they get along well just like true siblings. Being the younger one,Kurumi always loved Basara and Yuki, and piled up many wonderful memories with the two people.

One time, those memories──due to the tragedy five years ago, she thought that they were lost completely.

After the sad reunion five years after, they had fought one time──still, Basara remained unchanged from the old days, and valued Kurumi as she was. Therefore, even though it's her mission to live under the same roof as them, she was really happy. Even little by little, she thought that that she could go back to the old days from the bottom of her heart. She actually wanted to come to this river together with everyone. While remembering her childhood with Basara and Yuki and their past relationships, she wanted to make a new memory here, with Mio and Maria added. And then──if desired, Kurumi won't even mind even if Zest was there.

…However, she making a Master and Servant Contract with Basara is a different story.

She heard the story that Zest has a power of an S class. By making a Master-Servant Contract with Basara, she'll become stronger than before, raising his power, thus finding herself useful to Basara.

…still.

Nonaka Kurumi thought──she doesn't want to lose to Zest.

Therefore when Kurumi came here alone, she began her training in order to manage even a little the darkness element that she got from Lucia. Maria followed behind a little later. As Maria finished arranging the sandwich and side dishes on the seat,

"Anyway, let's have lunch first. The brain doesn't act properly when hungry, and I think that's not good in various ways."

She said so, beckoning her. Therefore,

"………Un"

As Nonaka Kurumi nodded, she sat down next to Maria and began eating the food on that day.

<center><big>＊＊＊＊＊＊＊</big></center>

The sandwiches the maid had made were delicious.

Though they thought that the amount in the basket was too many to fill in two people, partly due to the fact of almost runniing outside in the morning, she was able to eat it up with Maria in no time. Even if feeling depressed, if the stomach is filled with something good, a person can get well in a little while.

Was the state of Kurumi being perceived? Maria said with a smile.

"Hey, have you had your meal properly?" "……Un<ref> Nod of Approval </ref>. Thank you."

As soon as Kurumi finished eating, Maria poured a drink into a cup from a portable jug,

"Here, Kurumi-san." "Thank you……"

As she received it, the tea in the cup raised warm steam. Filling her with a faint sweet warmth and fragrance from her mouth through her nose as she sipped it, Kurumi relaxed her body naturally. Then,

"──Did it settle you down a little?"

Maria said with gentle eyes.

“Because Kurumi-san is a {{furigana| Spirit Magician|Element Master}}… if you use magic in that irritated state, even if you are a part of the Hero Tribe, don't you think that spirits in the Demon Realm would turn cautious and wouldn't answer?”

“I wasn't particularly irritated…"

As Kurumi told in a sulky way, Maria who gave a bitter smile replied,

"I know that you're bothered with Basara-san and Zest-san… You could relax with a delicious meal and a cup of tea. This is more deserving rather than wasting yourself feeling depressed."

"……un"

Maria was certainly right… to establish an emotional bond with the spirits of the Demon Realm, if you don't believe in it in the first place, it won't start. But even as she focused on how she materialized her spirit gauntlet and fitted in the slot, for spirits of highly compatible attributes it was duller than usual.

…However.

Even though things appear this way, there is still an improvement. Yesterday, when they have only just arrived in the Demon Realm, elements completely become corrupted due to the evil influence, and she wasn't able to feel any spirits from within.

So Kurumi, reaching to the point of using magic to this degree was because of that woman who gave the dark element which made contacts with the spirits of the Demon Realm made easier.

"…What do you think about my older sister?"

While looking at the element of the dark color that fitted into the slot, Kurumi replied.

"To me, who was given such a thing… and even getting along well with her, I'm thankful. However, isn't she the adjutant of Ramses who dislike Mio?"

"it is so… that merciless Lucia ane-sama<ref> Ane-sama is an honorific meaning “esteemed older sister”. A very formal way of addressing your big sis </ref>, to be on good terms with me and even give me a special treatment, it’s difficult just to think about it."

Hmm, thinking through, Maria said

"Possibly, she may have taken a liking to Kurumi personally, don't you think?"

"How… I, what part did your sister took a liking in particular?"

"Oh my ── then don't you have any ideas?"

"There is no way, right?"

Kurumi replied with an immediate answer, then

"……Hmm, is that so?"

Maria uttered in a casual tone,

"──then I'll tell you"

She replied, pushing down Kurumi on her seat.

"Wai- Maria…?"

Kurumi uttered and cried in surprise, but her clothes were unbuttoned until the front was opened up all the way by Maria's experienced hands. And, as Maria reached out her hands and took off the hook of Kurumi's skirt,

"I heard it. Kurumi-san…in the office of Lucia ane-sama yesterday"

"!────"

Startled and gasping for breath, in that small opportunity even the hook and the zipper was opened, and the skirt of Kurumi was dragged down.

"Wa-Wait...that…is not it……!"

Though Kurumi tried to stop her desperately while turning red, before the physical strength of Maria who is a power type, her resisting at this level became futile. afterwards,

"I, until now, have been cooperating so that Kurumi-san could catch up to Yuki-san and Mio-san. Nevertheless, Doing it with Basara-san in front of Lucia Ane-sama without me knowing…in addition, hearing that it's because of you stealing glances at Basara-san that it happened, is it true?"

Maria asked, stripping off Kurumi's jacket together with her brassiere.

Yaa……I, idiot!”

Kurumi tried to cover her chest with both hands in a hurry, but Maria bound both of her arms with her tail, making Kurumi raise both of her hands on the top of her head. And, revealing the good things that the both hands were blocking, while Maria slowly unclothes the socks and shoes of Kurumi one by one,

“Fufu, Kurumi-san is such a bad person…… in the bath last night, didn't you say such things right?”

"but, tha-that’s because…"

Without regarding the hesitation of what she wants to say, Maria continued unclothing Kurumi──and then,

"Aah……"

Kurumi raised a voice that seemed to faint at last.

With her upper body naked, she has been left with only her panties. Exposing her skin under the blue sky which reddened in shyness, Maria looked down with eyes that seemed to have ignited her succubus instinct, and took off her own clothes too. Then, as she ended up only in her panties similar to Kurumi,

“For Kurumi to be liked by Lucia ane-sama, I'm very happy as a friend. There is no need to hide anything. Really now…… there is no need to be reserved in these sort of things for me.”

Maria made a small laugh.

"──Now I have to punish you for this"

She said, and began prying open her both legs.

"No……Maria……"

Though Kurumi tried to refuse desperately, she wasn't in a state to resist as both of her hands were bound up. As she entwined her legs around, Kurumi's modest chest was rubbed lasciviously by Maria's own chest──and now,

"ah, Aaahh……AaaaaAaahh♥"

Kurumi leaked a sweet cry. The pleasure brought of the touches of love of the succubus Maria is unbelievable. Additionally, Kurumi, to the whisper of the devil called Maria to catch up to Mio and Yuki, indecent things have been done to her almost every day by Maria in the Toujou house.

Of course, Kurumi's body completely remembered the taste of that pleasure──though she didn't enter a Master and Servant Contract in particular, her body has made sensitive almost the same as Mio and Yuki recently.

"Yaaah……I, such thing……, outside……"

Though ashamed, her body trembled helplessly in the sweet sensations running through her whole body. Then,

"It's all right…… I'll make Kurumi-san a woman of Basara's liking who doesn't lose even to Mio-sama and Yuki-san”

Maria replied, then tried to lick her cheeks this time.

"Ah ──…"

''I can be a woman that Basara would come to like'' ── as she thought so, she accepted Maria's unreasonableness, and as Kurumi became weak to pleasure,

"Fufufu…… other than Basara-san, who in the world is it that Kurumi likes? I'll make you remember properly"

Maria, while expressing a sadistic smile, put her lips near her left side quietly.

And then ── the next moment, her weakest place was breathed with all her might,

"! ──FUaaaaaaaaahhhnn ♥"

Nonaka Kurumi, reaching her peak under the blue sky, raised a flirtatious voice as her body trembled in delight.

=== Part 2 ===

Doing an exciting act outside, Maria was more intense than usual.

Caressing Kurumi's body dearly until she's completely unable to stand up, she continued giving pleasures of a woman badly until Maria is satisfied. Therefore, it has not become just a simple training anymore ──afterwards, having taken a break till the sun sets, the two people returned to the Wildart Castle.

And now, heading for the bathroom, Kurumi stepped her foot inside. She couldn't return for the reason of having a smell of a woman, though she washed it at the river with Maria, her body had become a little chilly by that cause.

If she caught a cold with this, she herself will become an even more burden to everyone.

She wanted to avoid such pitiable situation,

……Besides.

Because she has taken such an attitude on that breakfast, it is still difficult for her to face everyone.

Especially ── Basara and Zest, as she didn't know how she should receive them.

Though she couldn't keep on running away forever, she wanted to delay it a little more… and as Kurumi parted with Maria at the hallway, she took off her clothes in the dressing room, went full bare, and set foot in a large indoor bath.

Then, though it's still early for dinner, Kurumi found that there were figures of somebody who came ahead of her in the wash place<ref> this is the area in the bathroom for washing oneself before soaking</ref>.

It was Yuki and Mio.

"Ah……"

The moment Kurumi raised her voice in awareness, the two people who have been washing their own bodies noticed her. To Kurumi who had an awkward expression in a moment, Yuki and Mio looked at each other, then expressed a gentle expression at once.

"Welcome back Kurumi…"

"Maria seems to have gone to you, did that child cause you trouble?"

They greeted with a smile. It was an expression that didn't mind what Kurumi had done this morning at all ── for this reason, as Kurumi approached at Yuki and Mio apologetically,

"…Both of you, I'm sorry for this morning."

She spoke words of apology while bowing her head.

"Although elder sisters had agreed upon the contract of Basara……Of all things, I did such behavior"

And as Kurumi looked at the girl gentler than herself with pure intentions

"And on how Mio… after all that things Zolgear has done to you, still accepted it."

"There isn't anything for Kurumi-chan to apologize. I also, am a little surprised at myself… After talking about it with Basara beforehand, to tell you the truth my feelings are too complicated understand even for myself after all. '''(!)'''

As Mio gave a wry but gentle smile,

"Hey, sit here."

She moved the bath chair and placed it down next to them.

The space between Mio and Yuki had become available. However, Kurumi couldn't sit down on that chair. Between these two people… it was the seat similar to the dining room this morning. Kurumi became emotional, as it was the place which she ran away from. Then,

"…………"

To Kurumi who stood there, Yuki gently pulled her hand towards that place.

Then, having got the permission, Kurumi sat down carefully.

"Kurumi…… your body is a little cold"

Noticing her body temperature, Yuki uttered. Kurumi nodded deeply.

"…Because I entered to the river outside a little while ago"

"Then, step in the bathtub early to get warm……we'll continue the talk over there"

In the suggestion of Mio,Kurumi nodded again, and washed down her body in hot water.

And then── Kurumi went to the bathtub with Yuki, submerging herself in the hot water, sandwiched between the two people. Wrapped up in tender warmth, it relieved the tension in their bodies, relaxing them for a bit.

''……Ah.''

To each hands that were feeling the stone bottom, Mio and Yuki's hands overlapped hers gently.

"──About Basara and Zest, there is a reason that I permitted it"

Making an introduction, Mio on the left said,

"The reason that I permitted the contract of those two, is all thanks to Yuki and Kurumi-chan."

"… elder sister and I?"

"That's right. Yuki and Kurumi-chan, didn't you guys fought against me and Maria at first? But now, we are all living together. Though it was all thanks to Basara's assistance, it is really dangerous if you think about it, no matter what Basara says to you two, aren't we taking advantage of him overlooking us?"

However,

"Yuki and Kurumi-chan didn't do such a thing…… because you believe that Maria and I won't ever harm Basara, right?"

"Well that's……"

To her hesitation to voice out her affirmation, Mio smiled, then,

"I am also the same, right? Without opposing Basara, Yuki and Kurumi accepted us as friends, therefore I also thought you as such too."

And,

"While meeting Zest again in the Demon Realm… Right now, revealing her lack of intention of harming us, I thought that it's possible to approach her in the same way as Kurumi-chan, don't you think? Plus, while working as a maid and Sheera-san's bodyguard, when you see her who is looking at Basara with eyes which seems to be in pain…… I see my former self overlapping her."

"Mio's former self……?"

"Yes… After father and mother were murdered by Zolgear, I have been through various circumstances. There was a time that I even couldn't put my trust on anyone aside from Maria──a man above all in particular.”

Mio stated with a face as if remembering something unpleasant, then abruptly made a gentle expression.

"However… to us who approached and deceived him from the start, Basara was still gentle. After knowing about our circumstances, he chased us all the way in order to help us. At that time, Yuki advised Basara not to be involved with me anymore…"

But, Mio;

"Basara said that that he will still protect me… and Yuki will remain as his an important childhood friend, but that doesn't mean he did forgot what happened five years ago, so if the Hero Tribe who protects this world can’t protect me, then it will be his duty."

''That's what I thought''…at that time.

"if it's Basara and Jin-san, I believe that they are reliable. Such thing as Zolgear, our trusted lawyer, the men in town, there are no such man as them. Like a true family… like Onii-chan, they are people who think of me importantly."

Therefore,

"Thinking about it, it was so wonderful that I cried."

To the expression that Mio showed,

"──────"

Once more, Kurumi understood the feelings of the girl named Naruse Mio towards Basara. That profile too, that she had gazed ever since she was young──Yuki was also the same when she yearned for him.

"For Zest who was entrusted to the Moderates, Sheera's existence, probably, was just like Maria's case for me, I think. And, as I encountered Basara, and having needed that fellow, Zest met Basara too, and like that──he was needed. Yuki and Kurumi-chan too, even though we had met through various ways, Basara and I altogether accepted you in the end. And, Basara, with the same feelings at that time when he helped me, was trying to help Zest."

Therefore,

"For this reason, I have to accept Zest… I think."

"Even she is the subordinate of the enemy who murdered your parents?"

Kurumi asked, and nodding with a "yes", Mio;

"But supposed that…If Zest was the one who killed my parents, I would never forgive her. But she's not… and as for opposing us, it was only in accordance with Zolgear who is her creator and as his subordinate. Then, it is just the same as with Maria being threatened on the pretext of Sheera-san's safety. In addition, Zolgear who was the main culprit for all of this was no more. Being on good terms with each other all of a sudden may be difficult, but by understanding each other little by little, I think we can."

It was the statement that made them accept the Master and Servant Contract of Basara and Zest from the bottom of their hearts. Then,

"…elder sister?"

Looking towards the opposite direction, Kurumi asked,

"My thoughts haven't changed ever since five years ago."

Yuki said in a smooth tone.

"Even this time, I'll still follow Basara ── and for that I became stronger.'

And,

"Basara right now, in the same way as that time when he protected me five years ago, has been desperately protecting everybody… My mission is to protect his side and support him. If their thoughts are the same as I, they may be accepted as a companion separately. But if it’s the opposite──"

Suddenly, Yuki stared with cold eyes,

"──if there is an existence which seriously tries to hurt Basara, who ever that is, I won't forgive them. Even it is Zest…or even Mio and Maria"

Mio who heard it leaked a wry smile. But rather than being disgusted, it was a bitter smile that felt a certain kind of hope.

──However, Kurumi wasn't able to smile. Instead, she asked in a soft voice.

"………Even me?"

"………As I said. I would not permit any existence to seriously hurt Basara."

Therefore, the hand which was held in the hot water was clenched. Then, she gently embraced her.

"Elder sister……"

Kurumi in which her waist was held in, looked up at Yuki before her eyes with a little surprise,

"Until now, and also from now on──I know best that such behavior is impossible for Kurumi. When coming with Takashi and Shiba before, even though you said that you hate him so much, you didn't seriously try to kill Basara till the end"

Yuki smiled, and gently pat her head. From there, Mio,

"…You know, after Kurumi-chan left this morning, Did Maria go to Kurumi's place by the river afterwards to have lunch later on?"

"? Un…"

Saying in a significant tone, Kurumi nodded to her question,

"That, you see, if someone were to take Kurumi back, she should be the most suitable… well, this was because Maria volunteered for the position."

To this extent, the lunchbox was brought intentionally. As for being worried about her she understood it, but,

"Maria… she has a reason why she did it that way."

After coming to the river──Maria also had a similar feeling that was close to Kurumi.

For her worries, she was grateful, though she had been pushed down forcibly at the end, she certainly thought that she would intend to leave it unsettled for pleasure as always, but,

"…then, perhaps, even now…?"

In the Toujou Household, well, Maria had often entwined with Kurumi in various ways ── could it be that, were she doing that on purpose for the sake of Kurumi? As Kurumi yearned for gratitude to Maria,

"But, Maria's just like that, losing her calm more than usual, a fellow who has been trying to chase behind Kurumi-chan immediately. Though Kurumi-chan couldn't understand the Master and Servant Contract with Zest at once and left, that person said "I must explain it to her properly" with a straight face."

Mio's voice said with a smile.

"Eh……?"

To Kurumi who asked again in reflex,

"Well, we saying such things had gotten an adverse effect… and thus Maria went. So…"

Fufu, Mio laughed,

"We then were able to leave Kurumi-chan as it is. Maria asked the maid for a box lunch, then went to Kurumi-chan's place as soon it was ready. It took her some time, but… right now for the current Kurumi-chan, due to the influence of newly arriving to the Demon Realm, is unable to take out her original powers. It is for something to do in the meantime”

Therefore,

"Even though you didn't call out, so as to make sure you weren't in danger, Maria came out without notice. That said, there was also a guy who chased after Kurumi immediately──did you not notice?"

"...Basara, for me?"

"Yes. By the way, the maid who prepared the lunchbox which Maria took… Who do you think it is?"

"──────"

To the implied words of Mio, Kurumi wasn't able to speak anything. Then,

"Kurumi… as you come out from here, go to those two"

"………Un"

To the question urged by Yuki, Kurumi nodded obediently.

''I'll apologize to the two people properly, and give them my gratitude''──she thought strongly in her heart.

=== Part 3 ===

Kurumi however, wasn't able to tell those words of gratitude to Basara and Zest during dinner.

Before the two, Kurumi wasn't able to confess her feelings. It's because

──Basara and Zest didn't show up at the dinner table.

Basara didn't only just entered a Master and Servant Contract with Zest last night. Regarding Kurumi's affairs Basara explained midway, though Mio didn't know the reason either, it is said that Basara made a conflict with Ramses who was the present top of the moderates.

His chasing of Kurumi who have gone out this morning has become a problem, and because of that, they are forbidden from going outside the Wildart Castle. Basara was forbidden from going out of his guest room tonight, so he was unable to meet Kurumi until tomorrow morning. A maid was standing in front of his room, preventing anyone from going in and out.

In addition, Zest making the bentou which Maria brought to Kurumi, was blamed for entering the kitchen in defiance of the original order imposed to her, which was rearranging the archives.

──Normally, entering the kitchen wasn't supposed to become a huge problem.

But, even though there was Sheera's mediation, having made contract with Basara without notice to Ramses, Claus and the other moderates seemed to have quite an impact to them. Although Sheera talked to Ramses and the others to ignore the matter of the Master and Servant Contract, Basara had done another problematic conduct this time, spreading to Zest which became his subordinate. In other words,

''…both of them, it was my fault……''

Night at Wildart Castle──as the moonlight creeped in behind the courtyard, Nonaka Kurumi sat down on one knee. Before that, she was in the guest room fitted for a girl, taken care of by Mio and Yuki, until she became impossible to endure and left the room ──arriving at this courtyard.

"…though I don't intend to stand in their way with my behavior…"

Knowing how long herself been troubling everyone around her, Kurumi bore an intense self-hatred.

Then again── there were also other existences worrying about Kurumi besides Basara and Zest.

Ever since she came back from leaving the castle, she didn't see Maria’s figure at all. According to the story of Noel the housemaid, there seems to be a person who saw Maria being invited into the room of Sheera, her mother, but when she was called for dinner, there weren't even an answer inside the room. After looking inside, there were not a single sign of the two people.

……don't tell me, Maria too……?

Because she was connected to the issue with Basara, it seemed that she was also punished as Zest was.

Because of the incident with Zolgear, the situation of Maria who has betrayed Basara in order to help Sheera who was taken hostage, at present, is in a very delicate position among the Moderates. Yesterday after arriving at the Demon Realm, she was called by Lucia and was severely punished to an extent in her office.

Worrying about Kurumi, Basara went outside, but Maria didn't chase Kurumi immediately, for the reason of letting Zest prepare their lunch box. According to that point of view, Maria was connected to Basara and Zest's misconduct. Finding an opportunity for something like a false charge to find an error of the other party's behavior, then blaming them and putting one selves in an advantageous position is commonplace in politics, therefore a calm judgement is required more than anything.

"…I have to be careful"

Nonaka convinced herself once more, and put up her face which was looking down.

She has certainly troubled Basara and Zest, and may have also involved Maria ── that's why she mustn't trouble them any further. Though she is not a leading figure of the government, Mio who inherited the traits and talents from the family line of the Demon King Predecessors had set foot to the spot that greatly affected the fate of the Demon Realm. That matter in question must be borne in her mind ── As Kurumi renewed her determination, a person came and quietly stepped over the lawn of the courtyard.

"──────"

On the spur of the moment, Kurumi stiffened and stood up on the spot.

What had come was a single maid. However, that maid is different from the amiable Noel and other gentle maids, a beauty with coldness of absolute zero. After that,

"──What are you doing in a place like this?"

Looking down, Lucia approached before Kurumi's eyes. Those eyes, are the same eyes that witnessed Kurumi fall into pleasure by Basara. Recalling those as she reached in front of her,

"……nothing……I just want to be alone for now."

Reddening her cheeks in embarrassment combined with tension, Kurumi averted herself to those eyes.

"I see… ── by the way, did you see mother and my younger sister?"

"No, I didn't see them… I was here for a while, so…"

Answering honestly because it's no use to lie, Kurumi asked again on the contrary.

"You haven't seen them? I thought you had dinner with the two together…"

"Yes. They seemed to have disappeared somewhere. I don't know where."

"Are they ok? That… they may be dragged into some trouble?"

Kurumi became uneasy of Maria not returning. Then,

"Don't worry about it. Mother and little sister's disappearing is because they are running away from me."

"Eh…?"

"Though I can't tell you the details, those two are fine… rather, this would be a whole lot better. It's just because they had done a selfish behavior without me noticing."

"I-is that so…"

Though she said it displeasingly, No serious tone was seen in those words of Lucia. Perhaps, those two extravagant people have conducted a behavior that angered her.

Knowing that Maria is safe, Kurumi heaved a sigh of relief.

"…On a side note, I cannot help but admire them very much."

Saying so in reproving tone, Lucia touched those cheeks softly.

"I have received the report of the story of Basara-dono and Zest. About those two having been blamed, perhaps you may feel responsible, but…if you're all alone in this place, you will only make those people around you worried for nothing again. You shouldn't become a stupid daughter who repeats the same mistake over and over."

"………"

As she said in a gentle voice, Kurumi looked down and remained silent.

Lucia, in the present top of the Moderates ── is the adjutant of Ramses. Typical to politics, although they have the same agreement to avoid Mio become a Demon King, because Ramses is harsh to Mio, they have a complicated relationship and are emotionally fighting against each other.

──But now, Lucia was gentle to Kurumi. The first time she saw her, she could only think of her as a coldhearted woman, and when the succubus' baptism was poured in front of her in her office, she even felt awe in her overwhelming force. However ── when she came to see the state of Kurumi and Maria later on, it became a cool atmosphere that lets you feel the gentleness inside, and when Kurumi tried to use the spirit magic at the Demon Realm, she even gave a darkness-colored element to her.

Certainly, she thought that Lucia wasn't interested in the likes of Kurumi, but,

"──that reminds me, how was the condition of the element that I handed over?"

She said so, continuing the conversation.

"I heard that you went to the river and tried it in various ways."

"Though I can execute it… usually, as compared to the power at that time that I spent in the Human Realm, it was awful."

Without understanding why Lucia paid attention to her, Kurumi waved her neck from side to side.

Yesterday, Maria can exercise it to a playful degree without a problem from the bathtub of the large indoor bath.

However, it was far too ineffective to be used against an opponent in battle. Thereupon,

"…Can I see your state for a moment?"

As requested by Lucia, Kurumi materialized the Soul Purity Gauntlet on her left hand, and switched the main slot to the darkness element that she got from her. As Lucia took her left hand,

"──────"

She stared at the dark colored crystal ball fitted into the slot patiently.

──in this situation, Kurumi shouldn't get along well with Lucia this much.

However, she got this from her. she cannot refuse if she wanted her to show it to her,

…besides,

The relationship between Maria and Lucia, though they are sisters, is a little constrained in some way. Therefore, Kurumi who can get along well with Maria to have an interaction with Lucia, as long as their relationship improved even a little── Kurumi wants to be useful to them.

…it's also because,

Kurumi too, after the tragedy five years ago── after Basara left the village, her relationship with her elder sister Yuki became somewhat awkward. However, when Basara was made to fight when the village assumed Mio as an extermination target, Kurumi and Yuki's relationship was restored because of that.

── Of course, she doesn't think that she can do the same thing as Basara. Yet this morning, Maria worried about Kurumi and chased after her. For Maria's sake, she wants to repay this kindness even a little──Kurumi is willing to do what she can. Then,

"I see……certainly, it appears that it is still in its sleeping state."

"…sleeping state?"

To Kurumi who asked like a parrot in return, Lucia nodded with a "yes".

"Just like what I already told you, divine protection of a high ranking spirit dwells in this element. However, that doesn't mean that it has an effect of protecting the user. Only a part of a young spirit body resides in this crystal ball, separating it from the high ranking spirit."

"That means… it's the same as our 'sacred treasures' so to speak?"

The Demonic Sword『Brynhildr』of Basara and the Spirit sword 『Sakuya』of Yuki, and also the Soul Spear 『Byakko』that Takashi used in the Extermination mission of Mio. Each weapon alone possesses a strong power, but that's not all. If it has recognized its user like Yuki, the user can utilize its original abilities at its maximum power.

"Yes. If you can perfectly establish a bond and unite with the spirit, the element will be awakened, and will come to lend you its original power."

Simply because there is no "established bond with the spirit" that Lucia says, Kurumi's condition is still the same as she showed Maria by the river. To her who fell silent,

"──The “Negative<ref> Kanji 負 in the original, also means minus</ref>” part inside yourself, accept it."

Lucia said with eyes staring at her.

"As you know, there exists the『Holy attribute』and the 『Dark attribute』, and the Hero Tribe can borrow both of these powers. Basically, just like when you operate on "Positivity<ref> Kanji 正 in the original, also means plus</ref>", to use the Dark Attribute, we the Demon Race utilize it using "Negativity"… however, this "Positive" and "Negative" rather than good and evil, has a concept that is almost near as the plus and minus <ref> written in Katakana</ref> or positive and negative values of temperature." '''(!)'''

And now,

"Perhaps until now, to establish a contract with the "Positive" spirits in order to borrow their power in this world, you have also tried to be "positive" by yourself. To appeal to the spirits in order to borrow reasonable power… naturally, that is the right way to perform it in the human world. It's because most of the spirits in your world belong to the "positive" state."

However,

"That method does not apply in this Demon Realm. In this world where Dark Magic is strong, most of the spirits here exist in the "negative" state. Even if you appeal as "Positive", spirits will only be cautious. Rather than that, I'm surprised that you had borrowed power in that way even a little."

After telling her, Lucia quietly embraced Kurumi, and then,

"Ah………"

"There's no need to fear thinking that as a mistake. Both the positive and negative are parts of you…… if you understand these things properly and communicate with a spirit, they should respond to you for sure."

"……I understand. I'll give it a try."

In the arms of Lucia, Kurumi honestly nodded. Then,

"…………"

The beautiful maid succubus softly applied a little more force to her embrace.

Then──the hand which rested in her waist fell down for some reason, and softly touched Kurumi's butt. Putting up some fingers, to that fingerwork that felt and stoked the place accurately,

"Uhm……Lucia-sa……Hyaaan?"

Sniffling sweetly, her body wiggled and raised a discomfited cry. Afterwards,

"Nonaka Kurumi……you are too good after all"

Lucia said in an amorous voice.

"Yesterday, from the time when Basara did it with you, as I thought──You are very cute"

Then, her fingers made a snap. In an instant,

All of the sewn clothes of Kurumi were removed, and pieces of cloth fell to the ground in a blink of an eye. Even the bra disintegrated, and in just a moment made Kurumi with only a single piece of panty,

"────Nuu!?"

She tried to scream in reflex, but her lips are sealed gently by the hand of Lucia.

"Do not be surprised. The skill of this level, is a very easy task for me who has mastered the maid's work."

Kurumi, who was told for granted, as she was pushed down on top of the lawn with her mouth being blocked up,

"……!"

''This is bad,'' and as Kurumi whose flustered instincts tried to escape from the hands of Lucia,

''……ah……''

After witnessing Lucia's pair of eyes looking down at her, she forgot to resist in an instant. What was over there, in truth was the reverse of the usual coldhearted eyes of Lucia──romantic eyes which seemed to be totally charged with heat. Those eyes, similar to Maria’s expression as she trained her to become the girl of Basara's preference,

"During the day in the Demon Realm, it seemed that you had done it with Maria in broad daylight … in that case, this time in the broad moonlight of the Demon Realm, I will fill you with lots of love."

With the background of the waning moon on her shoulder, Lucia put her hand inside Kurumi's underwear──but then,

"──Lucia-sama"
Suddenly, two maids appeared nearby from the side of a certain bush. In contrast with Kurumi becoming shocked all of a sudden, Lucia who remained calm while her mouth was held down,

"……what is it?"

"Just now, Maria was found at the third floor of the west tower."

"However, capturing aside we barely even managed to reach her… at present, she is being chased by several people."

To that report, Lucia’s pupils regain its calmness,

"I see… what about mother?"

"The whereabouts of Sheera-sama is still…"

"……Very well. If we manage to capture Maria, we will make her spit out her story and end this. Nina, to those who are chasing that child, don't lose sight until my transmission."

"──Understood"

To those words of Lucia, the maid called Nina turned back her heels and ran,

"Lucy……for you, send her to her room in place of me. Then"

"Mend her clothes, isn't it? ── Please leave it to me, Lucia-sama"

Lucy replies with a nod, and as Lucia released her hand away from Kurumi's mouth,

"After doing a little rough thing, then stopping just before reaching the good part, I'm very sorry… I have to go to punish that younger sister of mine."

Seemingly reluctant to part,

"As for the continuation of this, next time…"

"Ple-Please, don’t worry about it……Really."

Kurumi said while her face reddened. It will really trouble her if they continue this later── In fact, she wanted to forget everything that happened in this courtyard to begin with.

"──In that case"

Lucia followed after Nina who went ahead and ran to the other side of the courtyard.

Kurumi who was left sunk down on the lawn above in her underwear.

"Good for you, Kurumi-dono. Lucia-sama seems to be very pleased with you."

"Yeah, to the point of disintegrating my clothes and pushing me down…"

To the sarcasm that Kurumi returned, Lucy without minding at all,

"You don't have to worry about the clothes, because I'll make it over properly in return…"

As she picked up and gathered the pieces of her tattered clothes,

"Well then, Kurumi-dono… Please wait for a little bit. Because you probably won't be able to come back to the room in that figure, I will bring something for you to wear."

Then at that timing,

"──No, that won’t be necessary♪"

Just beside Lucy, a succubus younger than Maria appeared suddenly.

"Eh……?" "──Sheera-sama!?"

To Kurumi who became dumbfounded, Lucy who was startled leaned back and made a stance, but she was too late. Sheera, as she stuck her forehead to the forehead of Lucy, while looking into her eyes,

"──Return to your room alone, and begin mending Kurumi’s clothes."

"……………Yes, Sheera-sama"

Then, Lucy’s eyes became drowsy and returned an obedient nod to Sheera at once.

"If you are asked by Lucia when she returns, well… tell her that Kurumi came back to Mio's room first── is that Ok?"

As Lucy nodded with a "yes" at Sheera's order, she returned inside the building and went just as it is.

"……………"

Kurumi who's thoughts couldn't catch up with the sudden events,

"That was a close call, Kurumi-chan……but now that I've come, it's already OK♪"

The moment she said so, the Loli-Mom-Succubus smiled.

=== Part 4 ===

After the incident in the courtyard, Kurumi was invited by Sheera and was taken to her private room.

Though she really wanted to return immediately to the rooms of Mio and Yuki to express her true feelings,

"──if you were to return with that appearance, Yuki-chan and Mio-chan will definitely worry again you know?"

As she said so, her will to go back to the room wavered. She who wanted to be alone said "I need some fresh air for a moment" and left the room, but if she were to return wearing only a single panty, everyone will surely get worried.

Not wanting such thing to happen, Kurumi obeyed Sheera's words. And, even though the room is identical to what Mio was using, Kurumi was led to a more gorgeous space.

Though it's inferior to the guest rooms which Kurumi and the others use that emphasizes more people, the space had excellent quality decorated with luxurious furniture, eloquently indicating the rank of Sheera's position among the Moderates. And now,

"Uhm……Why am I, in this appearance……"

Forced to sit before a high quality dresser, Kurumi raised a perplexed voice.

"Well, you will catch a cold if you continue to remain in your underwear forever, right?"

"But…… these clothes are a bit......uncomfortable for me……"

Kurumi said shamefully, dropping her gaze down below. There, her figure wearing a sexy blue baby doll negligee that reaches her bellybutton with thin laces that see through the tips of her chest lasciviously, even more, a T-back setup with matching garter belts and fishnet stockings reached her own eyes.

"…………"
Kurumi reddened her cheeks in intense shyness. Then,

"Ah……as expected from my excellent daughter, these materials are great! ～"

Behind her back, Sheera who wore a luxurious necklace said gleefully while standing over a stool. As she readjusted the position of the large jewel hanging on her chest,

"And, its done── how is it?"

She said, satisfied. Kurumi who was asked for her opinion raised her face unwillingly, and with reddened cheeks, looked at her own figure being projected in the mirror.

"──────"

She was speechless. What Sheera had put on Kurumi, though it's different when put on Mio and Yuki, was an underwear which looks like too adult-like for her who is a junior high school student. And yet──No, for this reason,

''…for me to become like this…''

Kurumi who had undergone a complete transformation with an indecent underwear, couldn't hide her surprise. With her youthful face and her developing body with traces of immaturity completely standing out as she wore them, the unbalanced lasciviousness──the appearance that even Mio and Yuki who weren't born in that figure would never reach, a taboo-like beauty.

"Fufu, you look rather happy." "…Ho-how can I be happy with something like this …?"

[[Image: SMnT V06 007.png|thumb]]

As she looked back panicking in denial, Sheera had already descended from the stool and was going to the center of the room. She took a teapot at the table, and then,

"Come over here……I made some hot milk"

A dull-white colored liquid was poured out of the pot. And as Kurumi sat down in front of Sheera, a cup was handed to her──a faint sweet aroma spread all at once.

"…………"

Kurumi who received the cup hesitated to drink immediately. However,

"Playing tricks to one's drink is only a work done by a worthless man; I don't imitate it. Supposedly, if I want do something to Kurumi-chan, I will do a more elaborate method in a way that I can enjoy myself more in various ways."

Sheera's childish eyes turned cold for a moment, then sip her share.

"──If it suits you, why don't you give it a try?" "N-No……I'm sorry"

Kurumi apologized immediately. Though she had a childish figure right now, Sheera was once a great succubus that is famous all over the demon realm, and Kurumi is only just a little girl. Though she doing such behavior will only hurt her pride as a succubus badly, she didn't know what she had done. As she put out her lips to the hot milk which Sheera made,

"…………Delicious"

With a warm and pleasant feeling, she muttered over the mild taste unintentionally.

"It seems that it suites your taste. Good."

Observing Sheera who smiled, Kurumi put her mouth to the cup again while heaving a sign of relief.

And this time, she felt the hot milk warming up inside her body.

"──About Zest having a Master-Servant Contract with Basara, does it disappoint you that much?"

"…………"

As she saw Sheera, Kurumi whose mind is still wandering in the clouds momentarily held her breath.

"I heard it from Maria this morning. That daughter of mine was really troubled you know?"

"Is it because I'm the only one who opposed Basara's Master and Servant Contract…?"

As Kurumi asked in a stiff voice in reflex, the young succubus smiled wryly.

"No. I understand your feelings, but I want to clear it in my mind somehow, however it seems that I can't do it by myself. It's somewhat really irritating…I say"

"Such a thing bothers you…?"

"And I'm also anxious whether Lucia-chan did or did not make passes at you. "Kurumi is only mine!" or something like that"

"……I don't belong to anybody in particular!"

What the heck did she confess to her mother, that loli-ero-succcubus. Saying things like Maria in the daytime, as Lucia was saying a while ago, what on earth do they want to demand Kurumi to that intense?

"Uhm……am I releasing some kind of pheromone that makes a succubus excited?"

"──────"

To Kurumi who asked with upturned eyes, Sheera's eyes rounded from surprise. Then,

"I see…those daughters should think you're very cute."

"What do you mean?"

"Because you're so pure and defenseless, that they want to teach you various things"

To her who stared blankly, Sheera ‘fufu’ smiled.

"Hey, Kurumi-chan. To you, me who is the mother of those daughters, while being dressed in such clothes, asking whether it excites me, perhaps──"

As she said, with her eyes became like a snake eyeing for its prey,

"──Are you saying that you want to do it with me, too?"

"?! No……I, I don't really mean by that at all!"

"Fufu……just kidding. If I make passes at you, it would be really bad for Maria"

As she denied it in a hurry while blushing in an instant, Sheera returned her snake-like eyes to its former innocent ones. Feeling relieved from the bottom of her heart,

"I have troubled that child in various ways during the incident with Zolgear………So if my cute daughter consulted her worries, as a mother, it makes me really want to help her, right?"

"So that’s why, I, in this room……?"

"Yes. By the way, that baby doll was my present to Lucia-chan from a long time ago. It’s a gem that I took pride of, but unfortunately, that child didn't wear it, not even once……so I sneaked into her room and stole it in secret. Because it was stowed it's likely to be hidden in the depths of her closet, so I have searched that closet from inside and out with Maria♪"

In addition to that,

"During the search in which we had found various things like her old diary or album from a long time ago along the way, Lucia-chan came back to the room, so I seized Maria in the scruff of her neck and threw her towards Lucia and escaped. ──though it appears that Maria seemed to have escaped well, too"

So that explains why Lucia was looking for Sheera and Maria. As Kurumi was shocked by this,

''"The other reason is……I’m the one who incited Basara to enter a Master-Servant Contract with Zest"''

As Sheera "Have you heard about it?" inquired, Kurumi who contorted her face a little responded.

"………Yes. Basara told me the details during breakfast"
words
"I’m also partly responsible for the vexation Kurumi-chan is holding…… These words don't really mean as an apology, but I think your feelings have become lighter this time"

Well,

"This is something serious for Maria and Mio-chan, you know?…… so I have to tell the truth in order to ease these feelings"

"What do you mean about the truth?"

Knitting her eyebrows in inquiry,

"Oh my……Is it alright to say this?"

The child-like succubus said with a light sneer,

"Are you jealous of Zest? ── Is it because even though you're also yearning for Basara, you couldn't enter a master-servant contract with him?"

"────"

Kurumi blushed at Sheera's sudden remark. In response to the reaction of that person who has been hit by a bull's eye,

"Come on, Kurumi-chan…… If all you did is to receive all that indecent teasing from Maria, your feelings will never catch up with Mio and Yuki you know?"

With her pupils turning like the snake's, she said that as if she had seen through the depths of Kurumi's heart.

"Like you, it’s also a big deal for Maria who couldn't enter a Master and Servant Contract with Basara, you see? Besides, Maria is indebted to Basara, whom she betrayed regarding the matter of Zolgear. You tried to eliminate Mio-chan by the orders of the 《Village》, and have fought against Basara too, and for that, this child who is mentally indebted thought of you as a companion in a similar situation"

"No……I'm different…"

To Kurumi who denied with a bitter expression,

"Is that so? If that's true then don't you think it's impossible for you to get along well with Zest?"

"That’s──…"

"Mio-chan has the pretext with Zolgear, and unlike Yuki who participated in the battle, you don't have any direct grudge to Zest…… Besides, due to the fact that she's Zolgear’s subordinate, she has a higher debt than you and Maria. However, though Basara have mentioned of the possibility, you judged that he who valued Mio shouldn't exchange a master and Servant Contract with Zest"

The reason why is,

"Because she inherited the power of Wilbert, for the sake of solving her problem of being the target of the current Demon Lord Faction, coming to this world should have taken a grave determination with a big anxiety for Mio-chan… so it should be too cruel for her to accept Zest who was the subordinate of Zolgear who harmed her foster parents, as a companion.”

Nevertheless, Sheera said:

"……As for Basara having entered a Master-Servant Contract with her that easily…… for Zest, she has a debt similar to you who was once an enemy of Basara. Mio and Yuki whom you thought should get mad and object them, had accepted Basara and Zest's Master and Servant Contract, contrary to your expectations."

Therefore,

"In the spur of a moment, it has been decided that you'll raise your voice in protest in place of Mio and Yuki under the pretext of Zolgear, so you justified yourself out of jealousy and criticized the contract of Basara and Zest. But since Mio has forgiven such a thing, it didn't have any meaning…… for this reason, it became impossible for you to endure the atmosphere and went out of the dining room"

Then, Sheera spoke her finishing words at last.

"──Would you like to enter a master-servant contract with Basara?"

Kurumi who was asked the main question trembled. However──after a moment of silence,

"………No."

She gave out a voice of denial to answer her own question, then a wry smile formed in front of her eyes.

“Anyway, it’s not possible for you to enter a Master and Servant Contract with Basara after all. Well, You might think, why not?...... I think Basara-san understands the reason, probably."

After all, Sheera thought,

Perhaps──''he is already aware of my true mission.''

"………and what will that be?"

"well, I wonder……"

Kurumi turned a sharp glance to Sheera, but she returned with a calm smile.

"But, it's apparent that the person who made the master and servant contract is more advantageous if we are to fight in this world……Yet Basara didn't do so, because he treats you with great care. When you had to do that in front of Lucia-chan, didn't Basara touch you only for patching things up for the moment?"

"…………"

"Yes……You know it perfectly well. On top of that, you ran away, opposite of your real intention. In war, it's important to attack the enemy's weak point ── for the current Demon Lord Faction, the present you will be an easy target, right? You who always worry and hesitate, causing you to suffer. Not to mention yourself, are you even aware that you are exposing Basara and the others to danger too?”

"────Then how should I do it!?"

As Kurumi declared sardonically, she reached her limit of patience and raised her voice at last.

"You shouldn't make a Master and Servant Contract with Basara……it' absolutely no good!”

Sheera understood the risk. If Kurumi were to enter a Master and Servant Contract with Basara, and if it were to be found out by the 《Village》, all will be finished. If she were to become known to have a contract with the Magic of the Demon Race, Kurumi will be punished without hearing her talk. If the 《Village》were to launch an investigation in full scale, it will be noticed immediately that Yuki had entered a Master and Servant Contract. If so, then the responsibility will extend to their parents, and the《Village》will not overlook Basara and Mio this time.

''……I must not let this happen by all means……''

I will protect Basara and the others──that's the reason why I came over. There,

"──Nothing. As I said, entering a Master and Servant Contract is impossible"

"Eh………?"

As Sheera said indifferently, she was stared with round eyes.

"That's because──even if you are being jealous of others and cannot make a Master-Servant Contract with Basara, I have a method for you not to feel a sense of inferiority. By doing that of course, becoming a weak point for Basara and the others will be nullified."

"Such thing……How?"

“Face your true feelings…… didn't Lucia-chan talked about this too? Not only to take pride of feelings of righteousness<ref> (正しい) Righteousness contains the kanji 正 meaning Positive/plus</ref>, but also to accept the weak『Minus』part as well. Not only you will be able to make a contract with a spirit…..but you will also be liberated from your suffering right now."

Sheera corrected.

"Because that feeling of yours is a feeling of yearning for somebody, it won't be able to let go if you keep holding it all alone. If you want to face it seriously, you'll have to convey it to your partner properly, right?"

"Convey to my partner……"

Kurumi muttered softly. Sheera then nodded.

"Have you looked at Mio-chan and Yuki-chan when the curse of the Master and Servant contract activates? Those children who have obtained guilty feelings being eased, from just the existence of being lead by their feelings, and this talk isn't only limited to the person who entered the Master and Servant Contract”

Therefore,

"Go face its way……to the place of the person whom your feelings have to go to. When you were able to become honest with yourself, there will be no need to think that you will become a burden to Basara and the others. If you do so, the spirits of this world will surely answer to you."

"But, I can't meet Basara tonight……"

Because of Kurumi, Basara is banned from going out. So not to add more of this, she mustn't trouble Basara and intrude for her own convenience. However,

"It's alright. My Space Tunnel is connected to the guest room which Basara uses. Besides, that baby doll negligee that you wear, didn't I say that it was the gem of my pride?"

Sheera with great confidence said,

"as long as you wear it, your voice and the other the person's voice who is looking at you will never be heard to the other parties. It has that magical effect."

"? Why does it have such a function……?"

Though it's certainly convenient for her, Kurumi who seemed dubious asked.

"eeh, that's ──"

That time, Sheera smiled. Suddenly, Kurumi noticed that her body was feeling hot.

"Huh? Eh……what is……"

Although she was in such appearance, it became strangely hot. The moment she thought so Kurumi who fanned with her hand,

"Nn ──……Fuaaaaan ♥"

As the wind that was fanned by hand swept the scruff of her neck ── Kurumi leaked a sweet moan.

''…No, No way…this is……?''

A sweet, hearttending sense swelled up inside her body……the one that Kurumi knew of too well. In other words,

"Yes. The other effects given to the baby doll negligee with multiplex structure, is that it has a delayed action that will bring a strong aphrodisiac effect to the one who wears it"

Sheera revealed the secret to Kurumi.

"However, different from the baptism of the succubus and the curse of the Master and Servant contract, it will also have an effect that invokes『charm』towards its surroundings"

"Nn…… this『charm』……should I, to the partner…"

"Yes── you will absolutely be in a situation that not a single voice will come out you know? Therefore, try not to be noticed other than the person concerned, as later on you two will no longer hear voices around you."

Well, Sheera said.

"Besides me who is the maker, 『charm』isn't effective on a person unless it meets a certain condition……but feel relieved, because it will certainly work for Basara and you."

"……was I deceived……?"

Within intense horny condition, Kurumi who desperately tried took of the lingerie off,

"Nfufu, you should better stop. Your horny condition won't be solved even if it's taken off until you satisfy the right conditions…… it will only grow even stronger if you try to take it off all by yourself"

After she said so, Sheera who tried to approach over the table said:

"Besides, you know I'm not the type who tells lies right? I don't do something as boorish as playing tricks on someone's drink, and that negligee you're wearing right now really suits you well……Also, the obstinate you have no choice but to become obedient in front of Basara, so that Basara can do you to the extent without you being jealous with the other girls again, because that's his intention for you in the first place"

"……Basara is…...with me……"

Kurumi gulped down hard.

"……then, just like elder sister and Mio……?"

To Kurumi right now whose consciousness began to melt by her horny condition, Sheera's words seemed so charming like a whisper of the devil. Then, as if adding insult to the injury,

"Yes. Coming from the Hero Tribe, Basara has a bit magic resistance against『Charm』but there's no need to go on the verge of losing his sanity ……there's no need to worry."

However,

"But ──once he say that he doesn't really hate Kurumi, that horny condition of yours will be cured right away. It's an easy task for me who made the underwear, and it's because I don't want to bully you particularly."

However,

"If you really want to be freed from that state, if you want to really help Basara and everyone, please be serious from then on……I'll be there to support you. Now go, to the person who will liberate you from your suffering ── to the place where Toujou Basara is"

Saying those words to that extent, her resistance is already futile. Her situation, her condition, all of them urged the current Kurumi to go under Basara. Therefore,

"…………"
After Nonaka Kurumi took a gulp, she conveyed her wish to Sheera with a quivering voice.

=== Part 5 ===

After carrying the dinner to his guestroom.

Toujou Basara who immersed himself with training in his room every day washed off his sweat in the bathroom’s equipment.

──And now, as he turned his back on the bed, he rearranged his present circumstances.

Now is the night of the second day they came to the Demon Realm. Though it's quite different from his first assumption, many have already moved in parallel with the situation, though several problems that need dealing with and necessary interaction have arisen.

Among them, he didn't imagine Ramses who desired the power of Wilbert which Mio inherited refused to have a talk with him.

……Well,

On the day they arrived in the Demon Realm, he didn't think that he would enter a Master and Servant Contract with Zest.

Of course, considering the situation he had put Zest in was the best choice. Basara didn't regret having entered a Master and Servant Contract with her. Even with complicated feelings, Mio and the others still consented. But──there is one person who was against his Master and Servant Contract with Zest.

"…………Kurumi"

Because of the incident in the dining room this morning, Basara muttered the name of the girl he wasn't able to talk to softly.

Zest in the past completely fought against Basara as an enemy. For Kurumi who is an active member of the Hero Tribe, she would obviously reject the contract by all means. Though Yuki seemed to have accepted somehow, she who has gone to the point of going against Takashi and defying the orders of the 《Village》 in order to protect Basara, is a special exemption. As Kurumi had said, she was ordered to become Yuki's support and monitor the situation from the 《Village》, in case Mio was being targeted again by S-class Demon Race such as Zolgear, in order for the damage not to appear in the Human Realm, that's why she came to Basara's place again.

''……perhaps, monitoring Yuki is also included in that order, too.''

Therefore, the worst case scenario is not only Mio, Maria, even Basara ── to get rid of them all together with Yuki, the 《Village》 won't restrict themselves to launch that order for sure. As for Kurumi having chosen as a double agent, did the elders judge that they could investigate this trend without him being cautious if it was her?

……or.

Did Kurumi volunteer to avoid the harm being extended to her elder sister Yuki at any cost? ── Or maybe both? Although Basara entering a Master and Servant contract not only to Mio but also to Yuki already became a problem of the Demon Race, if it were to be known that he entered a Master and Servant Contract with Zest who was a subordinate of Zolgear, the 《Village》 might eventually regard Basara as a dangerous existence. Yuki's situation right now will only worsen more, too. Thinking at Kurumi's viewpoint, it's natural for it to be unforgivable for her.

Still, Sheera has urged him to have a Master-Servant Contract with Zest, but it meant that he was now in a situation where he had driven her into a corner. Basara couldn't leave Zest alone like this──entrusting her to the Moderates, Basara reassured that in particular.

"──────"

Towards the ceiling, Toujou Basara stared at the back of his left hand.

──They are something I want to protect.

Mio and Maria who became his sisters-in-law, and Yuki who is his childhood friend have become like a family to him. And Zest newly joined there, too. However, there is one who cannot accept it the same as them – it was Kurumi.

Just like Yuki from a long time ago…… She was already valued like their younger sister from her discretion. There is the tragedy five years ago, and even though they fought a few days ago, Basara had already thought of Kurumi as a member of his family he wanted to protect no matter what. However ──he cannot leave Zest alone. Even if it will be called a selfish whitewashing.

Even then, Toujou Basara will never hand them over ── no one, not any one.

Basara in silence firmly grasped his left hand which he pushed out towards the ceiling,but from his distance, a dry sound rang twice unexpectedly. It was a knock from the door to the hallway. As he descended from his bed, Basara moved from the bedroom to the living room and then,

"──Yes"

Demanding a reply from the other party, he made a short answer with all caution.

"……it is Zest. Basara-sama, I apologize to call you at this late hour."

Basara suddenly knitted his eyebrows to the familiar voice. Meeting other members is completely forbidden tonight, and if he wasn't mistaken, Zest should have certainly given an order of rearranging the archives in the library.

Then, Basara──using the position detection of the Master and Servant Contract just to make sure──after knowing it was really Zest on the other side,
He opened the door. Then the beautiful brown-skinned maid stood there.

"What happened, at time like this──?"

Then, Basara noticed that there is no figure of the lookout that should have been here a while ago.

"……what about the maid on the lookout?"

"She exchanged places with me and returned to her room……from now on, I'll be in charge of this place until tomorrow morning."

It seems like these maids have their own respective works, too. Basara's restriction will be until tomorrow morning, so in order for them not to stay up all night and interfere with the duties they’re in charge of the next day, to Basara's problem which caused them trouble, have they judged that he's suitable to let Zest become his subordinate?

"Is that so? Sorry about that, Zest……Zest?"

Basara knitted his eyebrows all of a sudden. The body of Zest before his eyes is shaking a little. And then,

"──────"

In a moment, Zest fell down, so Basara embraced her at once.

"What happened......are you alright?"

Basara noticed the bruise-like collar appeared from the surface of her neck. Then,

"You, why……?"

The curse doesn't activate if the person doesn't have a guilty conscience at its master. It should be rare for Zest who became obedient as a maid to have such feelings for Basara.

…No, not until now.

He cannot let Zest stay on the corridor in this condition.

"I'll carry you to the room……it’s fine Zest."

As Basara said so, he carried Zest and brought her in to his room.

He cannot let her in this constitution lay like this in the sofa of the living room. Therefore, Basara decided to use the other bedroom different from what he's using. And when he laid Zest down the bed,

"……I'm sorry, Basara-sama……I'm so sorry……"

Zest who thought to have bothered Basara apologized many times.

"It's alright, you don't need to apologize……the curse will only get stronger so don't think of it too much, okay?"

As Basara told her, he exposed Zest's bare chest while trying not to see it as possible.

"Now, take a deep breath, slowly……"

He spoke to her gently and urged her to calm down. Whenever Yuki and Mio's curse activated lightly, he exercise this kind of action. If she wasn't relieved by this, then he will have no other choice but to yield her to pleasure to ease the feeling. Then, following his words, as Zest commenced to take deep breaths,

"────"

Basara averted his glance momentarily. As Zest who has bountiful chest took deep breaths in such state where her bare chest was exposed to light, with those soft bulges rising and falling lasciviously, the stimulation is too strong for Basara who has fully tasted that sensation last night. It made him want Zest to surrender to her desires, but

''……Are you an idiot, me……!''

Basara desperately gave up. If he were to make Zest submit without understanding the reason why the curse activated, it will be no longer a master-servant relationship for them.

As Basara suppressed himself, Zest's curse settled down after a short while.

<center><big>＊＊＊＊＊＊＊</big></center>

"What the, Zest… how did this happen?"

Basara asked for the cause while looking at her with anxiety.

"I’m very sorry. I had endured this for a long time, but……"

Rising up from the bed, Zest apologized while lowering her gaze.

Then, she spoke the reason why the curse of the Master-servant Contract triggered. That is,

"Because Basara-sama had entered a Master-Servant Contract with me, who has been part of the incident concerning Mio-sama, a discord has begun to occur among everyone…… for that, I cannot bear to meet Basara-sama and the others."

While entering a Master-Servant Contract, Zest worried that she may cause a problem to Basara, and that triggered her curse. Basara said to Zest that it was alright, so she surrendered herself to pleasure and made her at ease. After Basara told them, Mio and the others had accepted her entering the contract with him……but when Kurumi ran away from the dining room, the curse had come out, but she got it over somehow thanks to Basara and the others' support. After that, she planned on asking Kurumi for her forgiveness when she returned to the castle.

…However,

She wasn't able to make it. She was criticized because of using the kitchen for Kurumi without permission, instead of arranging the archives of the library which was ordered to her.

……Even so,

Zest thought she made the right choice. It wasn't anything in particular. The real problem is,

"The fact that I entered a master-servant contract with Basara-sama caused you to be confined in this situation……because of the contract with me, I have brought trouble to Basara-sama."

Zest is the reason why Kurumi ran out of the dining room, and why Basara who followed after her was subjected to punishment. A disorder occurred to his team, all after Zest made a contract with Basara.

''──this is bad'', Zest thought. The current Demon Lord Faction is a powerful enemy. Even if we have a chance to win if we take absolute precaution, it will be too dangerous to face them to a battle with our current condition. Therefore,

"Basara-sama……if Basara-sama prefers, it's alright"

''Simply because I love you dearly more than anyone else'' ── Zest proposed to her master. With her face that seemed to burst into tears,

"To Sheera-sama, please cancel the master-servant contract with me……"

"──────"

Basara made a stiff expression to the words of Zest. She making such a face filled Basara's chest with pain.

──But the curse of the Master-Servant Contract didn't activate. Basara who is her master, was convinced that this is the best choice. But, As Zest thought that he should give up on her, Basara made a sigh, and said,

"No. that won’t be necessary"

He clearly declared── but Zest still doubted her ears.

"Wh-why……? The way things are going, Basara-sama and the others will be in dange──"

"──Certainly, Both Kurumi and I might have lacked composure this morning"

Basara interrupted with strong words.

"But for example, if we were to cancel our Master and Servant contract here, even if we solved the problem of Kurumi's feelings……another problem will surely come out next time"

"Another problem……?"

Basara replied with a 'Yes'.

"I have entered a Master-Servant Contract with you because I thought it was absolutely necessary, and that there is no other way around. If we were to cancel the contract here, then I won't be able to retain my composure anymore"

"……Basara…sama……"

As if Basara said something unbelievable, Zest stared in blank surprise.

"If you thought that I was brought to a difficult situation because of you, then it's even more painful for Kurumi right now…… I want to end this without anyone suffering any further. For this, we have no choice but to ease Kurumi's feelings right now."

Basara's words continued, and then──little by little, Zest understood how much she had yearned for him. Basara just made a Master-Servant contract yesterday, to her, who is a former enemy, and even said that she's important.

"Ah──…"

Zest then noticed that there was something overflowing beneath her eyes.

As she touched it softly, Zest felt a wet but warm feeling.

She cried.

She stared in utter amazement at the young man who regarded her with outmost importance. And as she entrusted her body to him, Basara hugged Zest tightly on the bed.

"I don't intend to hand you over to anyone…that's the reason I made a Master-Servant Contract with you. Therefore, please don't regret entering a master-servant contract with me, and believe that our contract is not a mistake."
In this moment ──Zest, to the entire existence of Basara, the young man in front of her eyes, she decided to dedicate all of herself to him. She felt happiness......true happiness.

"……Yes, Basara-sama……"

Conveying how strong she held these thoughts, she embraced Basara with all her strength.

Basara then gently stroke her back.

"……Thank you very much……it's alright now."

Before long, Zest regained her presence of mind and stopped her tears, then as she separated to his body, Basara averted his eyes in a hurry. Upon noticing that her breasts have been exposed,

"I apologize, Basara-sama……to this unsightly appearance"

"No, I'm sorry for doing something shameful to you…"

To the blushing Zest aside, as she hid her large chest by her arm, Basara gave an apology. Because he treated her as a woman with great care,
"……this is no good, Basara-sama, saying something… like that…"
"? Zest?"
Shaking his head to set aside the unbearable feeling, Basara stared blankly.

──why Basara, to her nakedness, it probably told her.

Zest was Basara's maid── despite this, he saw her as a woman.

When Zest thought so, her whole body shook from so much joy.

"I am your maid, Basara-sama……"

Zest leaned on Basara with clouded eyes. She couldn't endure it anymore. She wanted to serve Basara, she wanted him to seek his happiness──such thoughts couldn't hold back anymore, compressing everything on the word "maid".

"Zest is… Basara-sama's maid"

So, she doesn't mind whatever Basara liked to do to her── because it is her joy in itself. So as to tell him, a hot sigh reached at a distance. Then with a gulp; Basara,

"Zest──…"

To his call, as Zest approached with her lips,

──GATAN, a loud sound reverberated the wall. Zest turned around in spur of the moment, to the sound that came from the big closet beside the wall. And, from inside the closet, noticing the clear presence which did not exist a while ago,

"…… Sheera-san?"
Basara called first. Because there isn't a clear proof, his voice was tinged with caution. Sneaking in the closet of the bedroom──moreover in the middle of the night, among many places on this castle, Sheera building a space tunnel here has the highest possibility.

"Basara-sama, please leave it to me…"

Descending from the bed, Zest stopped Basara, and stood before the closet.

──This Wildart Castle is the primary base of the Moderates. Moreover, Mio who is the daughter of Wilbert is staying here right now, in addition this is currently midnight where it is easy to blend to the darkness too, so the security level has been raised to the maximum. There is not a chance for an assassin of the Current Demon Lord Faction to enter, and to think about it, there are no such assassinations having done in plain sight to begin with.

…Still,

Preparing for the worst case scenario fall on Basara, is the duty of his maid, Zest.

"──Zest"

Basara called her name, urging her not to lower her guard. With a nod, she watched the handle ──and slowly opened the double doored closet. Then,

"──────"

The moment they saw what's inside──Zest stiffened.

There was someone inside──of course, thinking something like that is obvious. But── a girl in a sensational underwear, wearing a glorious jewel was beyond their expectations.

Moreover, standing still, a body of a young maiden flushed in pink, giving off a scent of a woman.

"Kurumi-san…"

Zest called her name in shock, and as Basara came over,

"Kurumi, you…?"

He saw Kurumi in an indecent appearance, taking away all his words.

Facing Zest and Basara, Kurumi adjusted her focus with drowsy eyes,

"Nn……Haa……Basara……"

Wandering aimlessly, she sweetly uttered, collapsing on the spot.

<center><big>＊＊＊＊＊＊＊</big></center>

Toujou Basara rushed and held Kurumi who was about to fall on the floor from the closet.

Kurumi's figure, dressed in a baby doll negligee, felt surprisingly hot.

It's like she was in the state as if she's totally under the aphrodisiac curse.

"……Don't tell me, Lucia did something to you again?"

Yesterday, recalling the incident in the office of Lucia, he asked,

"No……It’s different, I……"

Kurumi spoke, in spite of writhing in agony in his arm. With eyes wet in tears alluringly,

"I was dressed by Sheera-san …and, as a result, I was brought here"

"…I knew it was Sheera-san after all"

However, there was no figure of Sheera anywhere. Perhaps, after bringing Kurumi here, she left her as it is inside the closet, and have returned immediately by herself. Then,

"…n?"

Suddenly, Toujou Basara felt his pulse throb fast. And, for some reason he was unable to separate his focus on Kurumi. Although Kurumi is alluring to begin with, he felt a sensation similar to when he was in Lucia's office yesterday. Though her baby doll figure is certainly radical, she's like Mio and Yuki yielding under the aphrodisiac curse. Nevertheless,

"……Wh, What is this……?"

Out of the desire that is the man's greed wanting to ruin Kurumi, Basara got down with both his knees on the floor while hugging her.

"──Basara-sama? Are you alright?"

Zest rushed and knelt on one knee to support him. After that,

"P-perhaps……because of this baby doll……"

Kurumi said in a sweet feverish tone.

"I right now…… to the partner that I saw, it casts『Charm』on it……"

"What a ridiculous underwear…… how can the effect be removed? Should I take it off?"

As Basara asked in behalf of his desperation, Zest nearby shook her head,

"No……in the past Sheera-sama has mentioned this for a play before…"

Zest has also received the effect of the 『Charm』. Towards Kurumi, with her eyes turning to the same color of excitement as Basara, she stated her explanation.

"Supposed that…if this is the thing which Sheera-sama presented to Lucia-sama a long time ago, the method to destroy the magic effect of the baby doll, as I remember it's only one."

"Did you know it, Zest? Then please tell me, what should I do?"

"That is…"
He asked her in desperation, then after a hesitating a little, Zest chose her words carefully.

"First, the person who puts it on who is in a horny condition, the partner who saw her must make her feel comfortable. Next, for the person who has been influenced with『Charm』, he/she needs to make contact with the said person. It was necessary to be the person who has made contact to."

And,

"Supposed that the charmed people are two or more, when both sexes is involved, the effect will be repeated over again, so to solve it, it must be in sequential order of being charmed……"'''(!)'''

"W-Wait a minute…then"
Basara who heard the explanation, stared Zest in utter amazement──the next moment, Basara felt an intense excitement with respect to Zest. Zest, on the other hand, while rubbing her inner thighs lasciviously, turned her pupils full of heat to Basara,

"Yes…..in this case, first is Basara-sama with me to Kurumi-san. Next is Kurumi-san with Basara-sama to me. Finally, Kurumi-san with me to Basara-sama …….it becomes like this" '''(!)'''

"…… It's a lie, right?……"

What is that, an underwear that promotes group sex? Basara reached his blank amazement to another level,

"I'm……Sorry……I-it's all …my …fault……"

With her eyes that will burst to tears in any moment because of the aphrodisiac state, Kurumi apologized.

"No, it's not Kurumi's fau…──"

Basara uttered, suppressing his desires in desperation while holding Kurumi in check,

"Th-that's not it……I, went to this place……because I asked"

"Wha, then──…"

Basara tried to ask something, but wasn't able to.

Because his mouth was sealed──with Kurumi's lips.

──Toujou Basara, with both hands supporting Kurumi's back of her head, was kissed. ''What the─''─Basara, confused with the sudden event, for the time being, in order to calm Kurumi down, and put his hands on both her shoulders,

……Kurumi……?

Then, noticing something, he separated from her body.

Before Kurumi ── from the edge of her closed eyes, something streamed down her cheeks.

"………"

Kurumi was, crying while kissing him. So,

"──────"

Basara moved his hands on her shoulders to her back, and hugged her.

Because of the Charm effect, impelling him with the desire to push Kurumi down, Basara tried hard to control himself. After a short while, Kurumi separated her lips. And then,

"I, I heard…… I, with Basara, cannot enter a Master-Servant Contract……"

To her words, Basara nodded at once. Matching her guess, more so in front of himself, Kurumi cried in pain. He almost said "I know" or "you don't need to worry".

──But, Basara strongly endured this welling desire and remained silent.

Perhaps──Kurumi right now, received a cruel order from the 《Village》. To her, speaking words of comfort is easy. But, such things are only for Basara's self-satisfaction.

Kurumi "I heard" said to Basara. Then, what he should do, is to let Kurumi spit out all the pains she is holding. On top of that, accept her──just that, and think of the ways to free Kurumi from her suffering. Sheera leaving Kurumi in this condition, surely aimed for that. For the stubborn Kurumi, taking off her mask quickly in front of Basara, is impossible within her normal condition. Then,

"But……even so, I,…don't leave me out…"

Before long, Kurumi, squeezed words from the depths of her throat.

"About me……Elder sister and Mio……please treat me similar to Zest……"

While sobbing convulsively, as Kurumi mentioned her desire in desperation, Toujou Basara listened.

That is, the wish of the girl named Nonaka Kurumi kept suffering from holding all alone.

Being assigned a cruel order, wanting to avoid the situation for it to be carried out, the situation advanced towards the wrong way one after another……Still, Kurumi being unable to say the truth, suppressed it with hard feelings she had been holding all alone.

''Just how long would you be anxious……just how long would you suffer?''

Finally spitting out her wish and pains, Kurumi spilled tears like rain. More than that, she didn't say anything……or rather, she couldn't say anything anymore. Therefore,

''……It's okay now.''

Toujou Basara wished to himself──you won't need to endure it any longer.

The kindest answer to Kurumi, perhaps might be able to return their relationship as it was in the past.

Simply those, innocent memories of their childhood when they were smiling happily.

Perhaps the village, to the tragedy five years ago──was still bound to the past.

Basara too, is the same. He has not forgotten the crime that he himself had committed. But, in order to protect Mio, he cannot remain captive by the past. Mio is also in danger, in suffering…… the way to save her, exist only in the future.

And.

Now that he can never come back in the past, the way Kurumi can be saved is also in the future. Actually, Kurumi might have understood ── for this reason, she suffered even more. That's why,

"……I understand. For you not to suffer, I'll do anything"

Basara, to his childhood friend whom he loved like a younger sister, hugged with all his might.

"………"

Kurumi hugged tightly in return. And as she turn her face to the side in his arm,

"……Sorry, Zest…… because of me, I have also involved you……"

"No……the truth is, Basara-sama, I wanted to make up with the two of you."

With Kurumi apologizing with a face that's about to cry, looked down to Zest in apology. So,

"──You don't need to apologize, Zest"

After Basara saw that,

"Sheera-san is, the one who put Kurumi inside this closet……at that time, she should have certainly noticed that you were here”

The incident this morning, was caused by the Master-Servant Contract between Basara and Zest. Assuming such conduct in order to convince Kurumi, she may have thought that involving Zest might be more effective. Basara also, although he was glad that the relation of Kurumi and Zest improved,

"My bad…… probably because of the 『Charm』 effect, I cannot control myself anymore……"

Just by hugging Kurumi, his reason seemed to blow away when he relaxed his guard. Then,

"……I don't mind, for I am Basara-sama's maid"

Zest delightfully, with eyes full of heat,

"Basara-sama…… Please think of only satisfying oneself and Kurumi-san"

Then, Kurumi which also heard it,

"……I too, do me the same as Zest"

In Basara's arm, looking up at him quietly,

"Do it as promised……Basara-oniichan"

She entreated with moist eyes due to the aphrodisiac state. So,

"……I'll start"

As Toujou Basara said so and lifted Kurumi, Zest accompanied them and moved to the bed.

<center><big>＊＊＊＊＊＊＊</big></center>

Sandwiched between Basara at her front and Zest at her back, Nonaka Kurumi was laid down on the bed.

"First is, me and Zest to Kurumi……huh"

"Yes. Basara-sama, please let me help……"

With a nod, Zest replied to Basara──and reached her hands from Kurumi's back, opening the buttons of Basara's shirt. Sandwiched between the two,

''……I am truly, doing this with Basara and Zest……''

Kurumi imagined what will happen from now on, making her feel more aroused.

But ── as Zest unclothed his shirt with experienced hands, and Basara allowing her to, she felt the bond between them, making her chest feel painful in contrast,

"Basara-niichan, the kiss……"

So Kurumi promptly lifted her arm at once, and with upturned eyes, she entreated Basara to attack her armpits. Basara and Zest who have seen her, due the aphrodisiac state of Kurumi in her baby doll figure, took the 『Charm』's effects. Kurumi, thinking about the burden she brought to the two, tried to end it as soon as possible, but

……Why.

Kurumi still felt the greatest pain she had been holding ── her inferiority complex to Yuki, Mio and Zest who entered a Master-Servant Contract with Basara.

──Of course, Kurumi's underarm is her greatest erogenous zone. If Basara were to attack there, no matter how much she struggled, Kurumi will surely reach the peak with ease.

But, even if Basara attacked her armpits and made her climax immediately, and while feeling dizzy from the reverberations of the climax help Zest do him, even if she was able to do him together with Zest in the end, even if the magic effect of the baby doll is released, Kurumi's inferiority complex will not disappear.

This inferiority complex is, surely Kurumi's『negative』part which Lucia and Sheera were talking about──since she had developed more complicated feelings this far, if only she faced her weakness, have been more honest with herself, and accepted her『negative』feelings, she won't need to disregard her inferiority complex to Zest anymore.

──But, there is one magic switch can make her obey and put the obstinate Kurumi away.

It is a kiss from Basara. In the dream a spirit showed upon to her request, there came many indecent acts with Basara ── at that time, Basara kissed Kurumi, and had fallen into lust all at once. If Kurumi were to kiss Basara, she could be a girl who can do anything.

"──────"

Kurumi then begged like a spoiled child, making Basara react.

As he thought of bringing his arm behind her ass and drawing her close, he snatched Kurumi's lips.

Basara's tongue in heat viciously entered inside her mouth, indulging it greedily. Probably because of the 『Charm』 effect of the baby doll, his kiss was more aggressive than yesterday.

"Nn……chu, Bsara,niichan……haaah♥ Basaraniichaa……(slurp)"

Kurumi entwined her tongue with his, seeking him in ecstacy. She didn't mind the effect of 『Charm』. Basara, excited at Kurumi so much, couldn't contain this unbearable pleasure.

"……Kurumi-san"

As Kurumi floated in happiness from kissing Basara, brown arms hugged her gently from the rear. Something warm and soft, pushed her full back,

……Zest?

It made Kurumi think of the woman she didn't notice earlier. Before long, Kissing Basara long enough to use up all the oxygen in her lungs, feeling happiness from within,

"──haa……n, fuu……haa……ha……"

In a single breath, she separated her lips at once──and just like in the dream, Kurumi's reasoning was completely melted by the pleasure. slowly, as she looked towards the rear over her shoulders, Zest was already in a single piece of panty. She had probably taken off her maid uniform while Kurumi was immersed with Basara's kisses. The soft sensation touching her back, these highlights even when wearing clothes, was none other than Zest's huge breasts.

Beautiful……for Kurumi, Zest's sex appeal was an object of envy. However, with Basara's kisses melting her thoughts, and Zest's embrace making her feel a sense of comfort and security, Kurumi couldn't think of it as unpleasant. So, Kurumi slowly linked both arms on the head,

"Basara-niichan, Zest…please do it"

and willingly exposed both her weakest sides to the two.

“──────”

Without any words, Basara brought his mouth to Kurumi's left armpit──But,

"──Please wait, Basara-sama"

Zest stopped him. Kurumi looked back to her, with drowsy eyes asking "Why?".

"Basara-sama──is your right hand good?" "Well……it's good, but, is there something wrong?"

Facing Zest with a serious expression, Basara presented his right hand while slightly knitting his eyebrows.

Then, Zest holding Kurumi with her left hand, raised her forefinger and the middle finger of her right hand, while slipping it on the back of the right hand of Basara,

"Kurumi-san is, demanding the same treatment as us with Basara…… in that case, even if I can't use the actual magic, I think that it is still the best to enter into a master-servant contract with Basara-sama. So, if you may, I can emulate a procedure as good as the original one."

"……such a thing exists?"

As Basara gave a mutter of assent, a magic formation appeared on the back of his right hand.

"Only the form is imitated to the end, it’s a mock one, but……"

As Zest made her introduction,

"Kurumi-san……please kiss the magic formation on Basara-sama's right hand"

Kurumi also understood what she meant of demanding the same treatment. Though she didn't actually see it, she already heard the story from Yuki and Maria.

"Zest……I……"

Zest understood her wish and suffering more than anyone. Kurumi whose about to cry, turned and faced Zest at her rear

……eh……?

Then, finally noticing a certain fact, she was stunned.

At Zest's neck, a bruise-like collar wasn't present ── in other words, even though she saw them giving away hot kisses with each other a while ago, Zest did not get jealous and didn't invoke the curse of the Master-Servant contract.

── Perhaps, she adored Basara so much that even if he did indecent acts with other women, she won't get jealous at all. Or maybe, due to the 『Charm』's effect, she probably have been influenced by Kurumi and it stimulated her more.

but still ── if Zest even had a little thought of Kurumi not deserving to be Basara's partner somewhere in her heart, the curse should have activated. She, who didn't accept Zest, and even caused trouble to everyone ── Zest completely accepted such Kurumi. The moment she thought so, all her ill feelings to Zest vanished in an instant.

"……Zest……"

Crying, Kurumi hugged Zest. And as tears spill like rain, in her embrace……Zest gently wrapped Kurumi in her huge and soft chest.

"Well, Kurumi-san…let's make you enter a Master-Servant Contract with Basara-sama"

Urged by Zest's words, Kurumi nodded and turned to Basara. Then, presenting the back of his right hand showing the magic formation,

"Kurumi……"

Basara softly called her name. Kurumi, gently closing her eyes,

"──────"

Kissed the back of Basara's right hand at ease.

"…………ah"

Then, Kurumi opened her eyes again──and saw the unchanged Basara before her. But that already, is enough for her, whom was loved dearly like a younger sister, not just a childhood friend of a young man,

but also a master who will connect a new bond.

"──Kurumi" "Yes……"

As she replied in bliss to her master calling her name,

"………congratulations"

Zest in the rear, gave her blessings in a gentle voice.

Then, as Basara lifted her chin in front,

"──Hold still"

he drew his lips to her neck──and sucked it with all his might.

"Yaah──FuaaAaan♥"

Kurumi, whose senses were intensified by the aphrodisiac, raised a lovely voice while leaning her back with a sudden twitch. But, Basara didn't leave from her neck and sucked it harder than before, in addition to Zest hugging her tightly from behind. And after her neck was sucked for more than ten seconds,

"ah……n……Basara-niicha,n……?"

When they separated their lips, Kurumi asked a question, then Zest informed her.

She got something in the pocket of her maid clothes that she took off……and opening a compact mirror on her palm, she showed what happened to Kurumi’s neck through the mirror,

……ah……

And there, reflected the reason why Basara forcibly sucked Kurumi.

Clearly left in Kurumi's white neck, was a red mark put up by a violent kiss.

Whenever everyone else activated the curse of the Master-Servant Contract, a heart-shaped collar would appear. The kiss mark Basara made, to Kurumi’s eyes, seemed like that collar──then,

"……that mark disappears, if your anxiety and suffering reaches zero"

By those words, Basara treated her the same way as everyone──she was convinced from her heart.

"────"

On his embrace, Kurumi was forcefully pushed down by Basara, and received an intense kiss. Then also, with force as if he surrendered to the effect of the 『Charm』,

"Haa……Basara-oniicha……rero<ref> licking sfx </ref>, nchu…nfuu…haamu…..nn"

Basara shifted to an even more obscene kiss, entwining Kurumi's tongue, and then pulled the shoulder string of the baby doll negligee, lifting up the hem. Then Zest in the rear raised both of her hands, and while breathing in sweet agonies, she undressed Kurumi's top with surprising swiftness. But, the effect of the 『Charm』on Sheera's baby doll negligee, didn't disappear just by taking it off. So,

"……Kurumi-san"

Zest joined them── and the top of the bed finally became the medley of carnality of the three.

──Of course, Kurumi was attacked first.

Kurumi was already in aphrodisiac state before coming to this room, that a slight touch in her chest and butt could make her reach the zenith. But Basara and Zest being under the 『Charm』couldn't do such a simple carress. The tips of Kurumi's chest that were tense in horniness was sucked by Basara without mercy, and Zest with her hand in her panty, her butt was rubbed violently.

"Aah──yaah,Nn……fuu……haah……yah, haah……Aaaah──♥"

She had experienced a similar treatment so far, but this is the first time she felt this intense…… Kurumi reached the climax five times, from the two people, for only 30 seconds.

Kurumi received completely, the intense pleasure she wished from Basara and Zest.

The two people became like this, because of Sheera's baby doll negligee that Kurumi put on before coming to this room. She understood what would happen──rather, somewhere in her heart, she wanted something like this to happen. So,

"Aah,n……♥Fuu,yah……wa……ah……♥"

As she reached the peak while raising a filtracious voice in a posture caught between the two, giving her pleasure that she had never felt so far, Kurumi was being turned into an indecent girl. However,

"……not yet, Kurumi" "Kurumi-san……please feel it more"

Kurumi, to Basara and Zest whose desires intensified further,

"U, un……both of you……do it……more"

She raised both arms, opening her most vulnerable side to them.

Then, before she put her hands on the top of her head, Basara and Zest stuck fast to her right and left armpits ──then just after that,

"～～～～～～～～～～～～～♥"

With her sense of pleasure gushing out of the pores of her whole body, Kurumi reached an intense climax she never had before. With a climax so intense that her view whited out,

……Ah……Aah……Haa……♥

Nonaka Kurumi trembled in pleasure. It was so intense that, her consciousness flew away…… only her body, knew what happened in real time.

Even if she didn't enter a Master-Servant Contract with him──the relationship between them, Kurumi's thoughts to Basara, wasn't anything inferior to everybody, and it is the proof that she could catch up without limits.

That's why──that salvation was Kurumi's desire. So,

"……Ah……n……u"

As the white fog which wrapped up her view before long had gradually cleared,

"Are you okay, Kurumi……" "Kurumi-san, are you alright?"

Seeing Zest and Basara looking at her with worry,

"……Un……I’m okay……"

Kurumi didn't surrender just yet. Only 1/3 of the process to destroy the magic effect of the Baby Doll negligee has been completed. Neither Kurumi's aphrodisiac nor Basara and Zest's 『Charm』 haven't been released, either. Still, the two people were considerate to Kurumi. She had to respond to their feelings……besides,

……Ah……

The aphrodisiac effect still remained. But, even though she saw Basara and Zest, she didn't feel any pains caused by her inferiority complex anymore.

''I have been loved dearly by these two…''… Therefore, Nonaka Kurumi said in bliss,

“……This time, it's Zest’s turn”

<center><big>＊＊＊＊＊＊＊</big></center>

And now, Kurumi pushed down Zest together with Basara gently on the bed.

Then, as Zest’s twin peaks shaking suddenly entered her eyes,

"Zest, your nipples are already stiff"

To return the favor of making her reach her climax, Kurumi pointed it out in retribution.

"Yes……Because I was charmed by Basara-sama and Kurumi-san"

Zest smiled, with reddened cheeks. Though her composure was somewhat vexing,

"Please do her like you did with me……Basara-niichan"

"Well, I have no choice"

Basara nodded to Kurumi, who wanted to end the situation quickly──so that she could start caressing her, She urged Basara to feel Zest fully.

Then, Kurumi faced Zest, and as she slipped her both hands and rubbed her butt inside her panties, beginning her assault, Basara then removed his hands from her back and reached her front, rubbing her breasts roughly as it held Kurumi's face.

"n……aah……n, wa……yaaa,aah──fuaaaAhn"

Placing her both hands to Kurumi's shoulder while squirming her waist back and forth lewdly, Zest raised a sweet moan at once. Furthermore, as Basara picked up her nipples that became stiff and rubbed it with his fingertips,

"Aah──yaah,nn……Haah♥ Aan……yaa,Aaah……♥"

Zest clinged her soft and tender legs to Kurumi's waist tightly.

……for Zest to act this cute……

For Zest who is more of an adult than herself, to become this dirty, Kurumi felt aroused at her figure who fell into disorder. As Kurumi's both hands slipped inside her panties and rubbed her butt, Zest became more and more sensitive……making the insides of her panties wet in no time at all.

her body entwined along with theirs────and as the three people shared five long minutes of lust,

"Ahnn……haa,FuaAn……Yaa……HAaAah♥"

Zest panted sexily, naturally filling the room with indecent sounds.

Kurumi's hand which was inside her panties, became sopping wet with honey of a woman in heat, and every time she rubbed her ass, sounds of gushing water reverberated the place,

"Yaah──Aah……Kurumi-sa……aAh"

Making Zest's body tremble in shame in the end. But, to that expression that intensified her intoxication to lust,

"You don’t need to be shy……because I am also, too"

Because Zest and Basara kept making her come unreasonably, her panties are already wet. That's why, wanting to make Zest wet more and more,

"Hey, Zest……can you tell me your weak spot?"

Kurumi beside her asked,

"Aaah……n, its, my ears……"

Feeling pleasure through Kurumi and Basara's caresses, Zest answered, while shaking her hips licentiously,

"That's why, Kurumi-san……''if you don't mind, would you and Basara-sama return the favor?''"

Though feeling shy, being glad that she felt the same,

"Yes. I'll do it"

Kurumi said so, slipping both of her hands from Zest's panties.

"Nnn ──"

To that timing, her fingertip slightly brushed something inside her panties, causing Zest to twitch her back suddenly, shaking her ass in front, so Kurumi with an upward glance ── told the gentle maid who fawned like a child,

"……Zest, get down on all fours"

"Yes……"

Zest smiled, and took a pose as she said. With her big chest shaking as she moved, she posed with her butt in an indecent position.

"──Kurumi, can I leave it to you?"

Basara said so, then brought his mouth close to her ear,

"Un……Understood"

Kurumi nodded, and turned to the other side and put her lips on Zest’s left ear.

And then.

Kurumi exchanged glances with Basara, and on Zest's right side, she brought her lips close to her ears, whispering softly the words she have been wanting to say for a long time.

"Zest……I’m sorry for this morning, and for the lunchbox……thank you"

She quickly told so, and together with Basara, they approached Zest's ears, and ── in that instant,

"───────♥"

Zest raised a sweet moan, making her whole body tremble in intense pleasure.

[[Image: SMnT V06 008.png|thumb]]

Bitten in both ears by Basara and Kurumi; she magnificently came……and the proof is,

"Haa……Aa, ah……"

Zest whose still in deep ecstasy of her orgasm, from the edge of her panties, love juices which weren't able to absorb in that single piece of fabric overflowed along her brown thighs.

"……………"

Before long, she recovered from the climax, then turned her face to Kurumi who was admiring her breathing full of seduction,

"……Kurumi-san……This time, it's Basara-sama’s turn"

with a captivating smile──she proposed to Kurumi.

"Anyway, would you like to try doing something that Mio-sama and Yuki-san haven't done yet......?"

"What sis and Mio haven’t done……?"

As Kurumi, who's still allured by Zest's sex appeal asked, the lustful maid continued,

"Basara-sama…… would you accept this humble one?"

Zest requested Basara with eyes still moist by the pleasure. Then, without any words, Basara slowly rose from his feet, stood on the bed, and opened both his legs to a shoulder length.

"Thank you very much……then"

As Zest thanked in respect, she removed his belt and began taking off his trousers.

"What are you……" "…this is what Mio-sama and Yuki-san haven't done yet"

Zest looked back at the perplexed Kurumi and said with a smile, then turned to Basara again──this time she took off his underwear, making him fully nude.

Being under the charm, they came many times in succession in his intense loving.

And now, to Basara who was laid bare, they felt excitement that they had never felt before.

''......wow......''

After witnessing his thing before her own eyes, Kurumi swallowed her saliva, without averting a single glance.

She had seen him nude one time after coming to the Toujou House where she had a chance to take a bath with him, but this is the first time for her to see this thing from up close.

Then, before Kurumi, Zest kneeled in Basara's side,

"......pardon for my rudeness"

holding her prosperous kingdoms with both hands, she received Basara's thing in between,

"Ah──……"

and there, she saw Zest's chest engulfing Basara's place.

Then, she dripped saliva from her mouth to her cleavage even more,

"Nn......Ah......nn......"

and stroked Basara's thing with her valley, shaking her breasts slowly from top to bottom. As she served with her chest making gushing sounds,
"Come, Kurumi-san, your mouth too......"

Zest made a bewitching smile, inviting Kurumi.

"M,my mouth......? No way......"

Kurumi hesitated, as expected. Although she's already a junior high school student──with Maria teaching and training her various things, she already had more than enough knowledge suited for her age. That's why, Zest's radical behavior and her extreme proposal, making her face red-hot,

"nn……it's alright……with this, from Mio-sama and Yuki-san, you'll be getting one step ahead of them"

and with those chest that stroke Basara's place, molding her's in a more indecent shape,

"Look......If Kurumi won't come......Kurumi-san's part......I will use it to serve Basara-sama more......nn......are you okay with that......?"

Finally, bringing her lips to Basara's tip from the valley of her peaks,

“──N,Nooo!”

It made Kurumi raise a scream at once, stopping Zest. After asking to do Basara similarly with Zest, yet she herself couldn’t do what Zest had done……moreover, to be left out among the three, she hated it all.

''……it’ll be fine……''

Though she’s embarrassed to tell Mio and Yuki──in the past, she had used something Maria prepared, similar to the size of Basara's, she practiced 'services' with her mouth.

So, Kurumi's mouth right now──already knew its size and how to love it for a long time.

"…………"

So Kurumi made up her mind, and standing on her knees opposite to Zest and in front of Basara,

"……According to the practice, I should do it like this……”

She persuaded herself, and looked up at Basara with upturned eyes── then,

"Basara –niichan……please make me do it with my mouth, too"

Feeling embarrased, Kurumi's head was patted by Basara with gentleness.

The pleasant sensation gave her courage──and the next moment, Nonaka Kurumi licked the ravine of the chest of Zest, and began servicing to Basara with her tongue.

"Nn……rero, churu……reru,picha, wa……pero……reroo……♥"

While being carressed by Zest's mounds, Kurumi daubed Basara's thing lasciviously with saliva, as if painting it with her tongue back and forth. then,

''……wow……so this is Basara-niichan's……''

Basara's male pheromones from her nose and mouth reached Kurumi's brain, numbing her thoughts and making her even hornier than before.

So, Kurumi gradually pressed her face and buried it to Zest’s breasts even more.

"wah...,..., nmu, reru , chu...,..., picha,n...... reru,rero , hapu...... nnu♥,...... npu...... reru, chu, chupi, npunryu......♥"

So as not to make Basara's thing filling her mouth reach her teeth, she accumulated thick saliva in her mouth, and with her tongue, she sucked him in horniness. In order to please him further, Kurumi earnestly served him with her mouth, while being rubbed in the middle of Zest's breasts.

Blowing it until she had difficulty breathing and her jaw felt painful, lewdly making sounds with her tongue, as he approached the limit, she parted with her mouth. Then, feeling good,

"────"

Basara lightly raised his waist, and with force he rubbed it inside Kurumi's throat in rhythm. But,

……Haa, Basara-oniichan……♥

Kurumi's reaction is still full of bliss. The love she felt to Basara overflowed in her mouth, and as if she forgotten how to cough, her mouth continued moving sexily ──So, she didn't notice.

"──────"

Like assisting someone riding a bike by supporting his back then releasing him from his hold──Zest's chest which sandwiched Basara's thing, quietly pulled back and slipped away. And Kurumi, to serve him with her mouth, moved in front of Basara in a trace, stroked it with her hand, then began moving her face to it back and forth. Then ── Kurumi ended her service at last by taking it deep in her throat.

"────Kurumi!"

Basara called out her name, firmly holding the back of her head ── the next moment, large amount of semen seeming to scald her was shot inside her mouth.

"Nnnn～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～♥"

Nonaka Kurumi seemed to faint in sweet agony as she indulged herself while holding his in her mouth, to a degree that seemed to drown her by it's momentum and quantity any time──and yet, Kurumi swallowed it all with a gulp. Then,

"Nn……nn……n……? Nmu……Nn……Fuu……chupu<ref>Kissing sfx</ref>"

Kurumi sucked it all up, drinking it till the last drop, then gradually separated her mouth.

……ah…eh……?

Finally, she noticed something.

Zest had already stopped servicing Basara ── and Kurumi all alone, had led him to ecstacy.

"I knew you can do it, Kurumi-san……"

With eyes wet in the stimulation, Zest smiled and said, informing how Kurumi served Basara so obscene eloquently,

"No……you’re lying……m-me……?"

And so, Kurumi’s body, trembled in the shame that struck and welled up inside her. Then, Basara, tightly embracing her,

"Sorry……because you tried your best really hard/very much, I was not able to say it on the way"

Whispered to her ear, gently patting her head. In Basara's arms,

"……Next time, if you deceive me again,……I'll chew your ear in front of everyone."

"Yes……"
As she nodded while sulking from the side, Zest hugged Kurumi from her back together with Basara. But for a moment, a mischevous smile appeared,

"But before that…… Kurumi-san did Basara-sama on her own. So, in order to undo the effect of the negligee of Sheera-sama, let’s do him both this time."

Zest added.

"And as for Basara-sama…… It seems that it still desires our service”

“Eh……? Ah ──…”

Kurumi blanked out for a moment, but she understood what Zest meant at once. Because as she was hugged by Basara, Kurumi felt a hard thing touching the area around her belly.

"No, this is……!"

To Basara who became flustered, Zest with a smile,

"Kurumi-san……if it's fine to you, even for a bit longer, I want to deepen the bonds with Basara-sama"

Then, in a drop of a beat,

"──this time together with us, till the end"

As Kurumi nodded to those deep words, Zest resumed her service to Basara.

All in order to solve the magical effect of the Baby doll.

And so, Basara and Zest ──the bonds of the two people, have strengthened even further.

=== Part 6 ===

──Afterwards, Kurumi succeeded in nullifying the effect of Sheera's baby doll negligee.

However, because of Zest's proposal, until the kiss mark on Kurumi's neck that Basara applied disappeared, the three decided to strengthen each other's bonds on the bed, sharing Basara's climax several times.

"………Nn"

And now, Nonaka Kurumi woke up, regaining her awareness.

It seemed that she didn't notice that she had fallen asleep. The small light coming from the gap of the curtain, told them that it's already morning. On the bed, as if she was caught by Basara and Zest, Kurumi laid down in between them. And the next moment──she remembered all of what she'd done on this very bed.

"────────"

She blushed so red-hot that it seemed there is a fire coming out, curling herself up in the bed. She was driven by the impulse of wanting to disappear at once, but endured her feelings of shame desperately.

──Nonaka Kurumi didn't forget the advice that she received from Sheera and Lucia.

So, last night she was able to accomplish it. That's why──Kurumi faced her own self, and intended to accept it. As Sheera had said, Basara accepted that Kurumi properly. Zest so, too. So,

……this time, it's my turn……isn't it?

As she tried to persuade herself so, Kurumi looked at Zest sleeping right next to her. This woman of the Demon race── it's unthinkable for Kurumi, even more to share a bed together with a woman who made a Master-Servant Contract with Basara, but now, she didn't feel any resentment. In the midst of the performance last night, Kurumi had her inferiority complex fade away inside her, but the hallucination that fell her into that horny condition, it wasn't a temporary one. As she thought so, the back of her left hand suddenly pulsated.

……what was that just now……?

So as not to wake Basara and Zest, Kurumi materialized the Soul Purity Arts Gauntlet. On the main slot, the element she had got from Lucia──in the Darkness-colored sphere, a golden magic formation that was not there yesterday appeared. There is also an increase in the wavelength of magical power too.

The element which was sleeping until now has awakened. Therefore,

……so that's it.

Certainly accepting your own weakness, and facing it, you can get over it.

Kurumi that saw the change in the element, smiled in relief.

──As she was pushed down by Maria, was about to be assaulted by Lucia, forced to wear an underwear that she wouldn't ever wanted and left in a terrible state in Basara's closet by Sheera, she wondered why do you think they did that. The progress was in a mess along the way, but she was glad by the result…… with Maria who said "I'll catch you up with Mio and Yuki", making many indecent acts with her so far, Kurumi found out that it was all to help her realize her true wish.

Of course ──another purpose is to satisfy her instinct as a succubus.

''……Well, even just a little, I should say my thanks to them, right?''

Smiling wryly, being relieved from the burden, drowsiness attacked her at once, and,

"Fuaa……n……"

Kurumi who did a yawn, rubbed her sleepy eyes, decided to lie down and sleep again for the second time.

Because she didn't come back to the room last night, Yuki and Mio might have worried about her, though Basara's house arrest is to be lifted at daybreak, perhaps, as for no one coming here, Sheera will explain the situation. Or she might have already conveyed them to Yuki, when she had left Kurumi and had gone back to the space tunnel alone.

──Besides, Basara and Zest are still asleep, too. So, I guess it's okay if I take another nap.

However, since Zest is here, when Yuki and Mio wake up, realizing that she didn't come back, it may just be a matter of time that they will rush in here. But, if Yuki and Mio were to see this situation which is bad for them, she was kind of looking forward to see what kind of face they will make.
So, Kurumi who leaked a snicker, slipped her body in between Basara and Zest.

"……………………………………" "……………………………………"

The two people who are still sleeping, embraced her closely like it all seemed natural.

Basara, with his strong arms, and Zest with her soft breasts, the feeling of being held in them is the best.

Feeling these things that herself had finally obtained at last, Nonaka Kurumi happily doze off once again.

<noinclude>
=== Translator Notes and References ===
<references/>

{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; padding: 0.2em; border-collapse: collapse;"
|-
| Back to [[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 6 Chapter 2|Chapter 2]]
| Return to [[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 6 Chapter 4|Chapter 4]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 6 Chapter 3

2016-10-04T12:25:18Z

Dragon213:

==Always Wanted to Confess to You==

=== Part 1 ===

Nonaka Kurumi had a good affinity with spirits at a young age.

Five years before the tragedy attacked the 《 Village 》, while her older sister Yuki learned sword skills one after another increasing her abilities as a {{furigana|Skill-Type Swordsman|Multisaber}} <ref> 全応型剣士</ref>, Kurumi bloomed her talent as a {{furigana|Spirit Magician|Element Master}}. Right now, among the {{furigana| Spirit Magician|Element Master}} in the 《 Village 》, her skill developed to the extent that she could fight with one or two.

However──Kurumi couldn't use her ability well right now. The place that usually serves as a channel for the spirits to lend their power would not open that easily. It's because… they have come to the Demon Realm.

Wildart is a city which served as stronghold of the Moderates faction. In the past, this city was declared as the strongest, ruled by the Demon King Predecessor Wilbert for generations, a luxurious royal castle and bustling castle downtown. Surrounded by the rich nature of the forest Oldora, Nonaka Kurumi right now, was at the middle of the Fost River which flowed nearby Wildart Castle.

"───"

As Kurumi stood still in the riverbank as rocks and gravels roll, she reached her left palm which materialized the spirit gauntlet <ref>霊操術の籠手 translated as Soul Purity Arts Gauntlet </ref> to reach the water surface of the river, her consciousness was concentrated and the channel for sprits was opened.

Simultaneously, in the Soul Purity Arts that Kurumi pushed out in her left hand, ──a magic circle unfolded in the thin air, disturbing the flow of water in the river. A vortex began to gradually occur and grew to a size of a meter, and the water rolled up to the sky. As small droplets fell down, Kurumi raised her concentration once more, and the water that shot up gradually formed a certain divine beast.

A dragon.

"……OOoo～!"

From the top of a huge rock nearby, the little succubus companion who followed after her raised a voice of admiration ── she's Naruse Maria. In front of what Maria is seeing right now,

"───"

Kurumi unexpectedly made a severe expression── At once, the shape of the water which curled upwards lost control, the dragon's shape turned for worse, and the large quantity of water fell down the surface of the river like a waterfall in the sky.

"Isn't that amazing Kurumi-san? Today, compared to yesterday, you're able to use it up to this extent."

"……this isn't that good at all."

To Maria who claps her hands in admiration, Kurumi replied with a frown.

──What Kurumi called for was a spirit of a water attribute. Usually, Undine and Nereids, and various spirits such as Apsaras <ref> female spirit of the clouds and waters in Hindu and Buddhist mythology </ref> lend their powers to Kurumi.

But due to the Demon Realm's<ref>I used Demon Realm instead of Hell coz it sounds more appropriate here.</ref> influence, Kurumi wasn't able to open a channel with spirits well right now. She should be able to produce an even bigger water dragon if that isn't true, and make them soar into the sky just as it is──but the results ended up to a degree that even a small size wasn't possible to maintain.

Even as she appealed to a spirit like usual, their voice and reactions felt very distant. Perhaps Kurumi today can only take out half of her powers in comparison to when she's in the human world.

Maria gave a bitter smile, then jumped off from the top of the rock and closed the distance to Kurumi. Then,

"Well, since training is going to end soon, let's have lunch. The maid in the kitchen had made us sandwiches."

Maria opened a big basket held in her hands and showed it to Kurumi. With meat and vegetables in the inside, the sandwich also have jam-packed various ingredients such as eggs tightly. As expected of a dish from an entrusted maid serving at a castle indeed, it seemed so delicious even by only looking.

"Isn't this amount a little too much to eat for only two people…?"

"Because Kurumi didn't eat a proper meal this morning, this is just right as it is"

"………"

To the words of Maria, Kurumi went silent. She's right──Kurumi had hardly eaten her breakfast. Though she took a seat in the dining room and started eating, she left the seat in a hurry.

Kurumi's behavior is something that cannot be permitted. Beside the quiet Kurumi, in a hemp-woven rag, Maria took a seat, laid her back to the grass of the dry riverbed and asked,

"…Are you still angry about Basara-san and Zest-san's Master and Servant Contract?"

She's right──this morning, Kurumi was told by Basara that he and Zest made a Master and Servant contract.

Of course, before coming to the Demon Realm, declaring “It's necessary to protect Zest, so a Master and Servant contract should be made” is really the kind of what the gentle Basara does. Kurumi thought so and agreed upon. However, when she was made to hear that it happened ──Kurumi knew the fact that she admitted him to have a Master and Servant Contract with Zest due to her condition. But,

''…I can't believe it, to think that even sis or Mio not to say anything…''

For Mio who was targeted by Zolgear, to even have a connection to the one that murdered her adoptive parents cruelly──She was so to speak was the sole enemy for Mio and Basara. As for Zest who was a subordinate of such a man to enter a Master and Servant Contract with Basara, even if real thoughts came from their lips, Kurumi thought that those intentions will never be accepted no matter what.

However──after a brief silence, Yuki and Mio approved the contract of Basara. Kurumi cried “What!?” immediately, and stood up from her chair,

…But.

Kurumi wasn't able to say anything more than that. Because in the past, she had become undoubtedly an enemy of Basara before. Therefore, since Yuki and Mio who have not betrayed Basara accepted it, Kurumi had no choice but to accept.

──Still, everybody seemed to have understood Kurumi's feelings. Basara and Zest whom are to blame remained silent for granted, and for sure, the three people: Yuki, Mio and Maria also understood Kurumi's and Basara's feelings, so they didn't say anything. However, unable to bear the eyes which turned to her right now──as she came to her senses Kurumi ran out of the dining room and walked along the hallway alone. Then, passing each other by chance on the hallway, Kurumi asked Noel the housemaid whether there is a river nearby, and told her this place.

──There was a reason why Nonaka Kurumi wanted to come to the river.

Before the tragedy that happened five years ago, when Basara was still in the 《 Village 》of the Hero Tribe──Kurumi had often gone out to play in a nearby river with Basara and Yuki. Fishing together, swimming together, they get along well just like true siblings. Being the younger one,Kurumi always loved Basara and Yuki, and piled up many wonderful memories with the two people.

One time, those memories──due to the tragedy five years ago, she thought that they were lost completely.

After the sad reunion five years after, they had fought one time──still, Basara remained unchanged from the old days, and valued Kurumi as she was. Therefore, even though it's her mission to live under the same roof as them, she was really happy. Even little by little, she thought that that she could go back to the old days from the bottom of her heart. She actually wanted to come to this river together with everyone. While remembering her childhood with Basara and Yuki and their past relationships, she wanted to make a new memory here, with Mio and Maria added. And then──if desired, Kurumi won't even mind even if Zest was there.

…However, she making a Master and Servant Contract with Basara is a different story.

She heard the story that Zest has a power of an S class. By making a Master-Servant Contract with Basara, she'll become stronger than before, raising his power, thus finding herself useful to Basara.

…still.

Nonaka Kurumi thought──she doesn't want to lose to Zest.

Therefore when Kurumi came here alone, she began her training in order to manage even a little the darkness element that she got from Lucia. Maria followed behind a little later. As Maria finished arranging the sandwich and side dishes on the seat,

"Anyway, let's have lunch first. The brain doesn't act properly when hungry, and I think that's not good in various ways."

She said so, beckoning her. Therefore,

"………Un"

As Nonaka Kurumi nodded, she sat down next to Maria and began eating the food on that day.

<center><big>＊＊＊＊＊＊＊</big></center>

The sandwiches the maid had made were delicious.

Though they thought that the amount in the basket was too many to fill in two people, partly due to the fact of almost runniing outside in the morning, she was able to eat it up with Maria in no time. Even if feeling depressed, if the stomach is filled with something good, a person can get well in a little while.

Was the state of Kurumi being perceived? Maria said with a smile.

"Hey, have you had your meal properly?" "……Un<ref> Nod of Approval </ref>. Thank you."

As soon as Kurumi finished eating, Maria poured a drink into a cup from a portable jug,

"Here, Kurumi-san." "Thank you……"

As she received it, the tea in the cup raised warm steam. Filling her with a faint sweet warmth and fragrance from her mouth through her nose as she sipped it, Kurumi relaxed her body naturally. Then,

"──Did it settle you down a little?"

Maria said with gentle eyes.

“Because Kurumi-san is a {{furigana| Spirit Magician|Element Master}}… if you use magic in that irritated state, even if you are a part of the Hero Tribe, don't you think that spirits in the Demon Realm would turn cautious and wouldn't answer?”

“I wasn't particularly irritated…"

As Kurumi told in a sulky way, Maria who gave a bitter smile replied,

"I know that you're bothered with Basara-san and Zest-san… You could relax with a delicious meal and a cup of tea. This is more deserving rather than wasting yourself feeling depressed."

"……un"

Maria was certainly right… to establish an emotional bond with the spirits of the Demon Realm, if you don't believe in it in the first place, it won't start. But even as she focused on how she materialized her spirit gauntlet and fitted in the slot, for spirits of highly compatible attributes it was duller than usual.

…However.

Even though things appear this way, there is still an improvement. Yesterday, when they have only just arrived in the Demon Realm, elements completely become corrupted due to the evil influence, and she wasn't able to feel any spirits from within.

So Kurumi, reaching to the point of using magic to this degree was because of that woman who gave the dark element which made contacts with the spirits of the Demon Realm made easier.

"…What do you think about my older sister?"

While looking at the element of the dark color that fitted into the slot, Kurumi replied.

"To me, who was given such a thing… and even getting along well with her, I'm thankful. However, isn't she the adjutant of Ramses who dislike Mio?"

"it is so… that merciless Lucia ane-sama<ref> Ane-sama is an honorific meaning “esteemed older sister”. A very formal way of addressing your big sis </ref>, to be on good terms with me and even give me a special treatment, it’s difficult just to think about it."

Hmm, thinking through, Maria said

"Possibly, she may have taken a liking to Kurumi personally, don't you think?"

"How… I, what part did your sister took a liking in particular?"

"Oh my ── then don't you have any ideas?"

"There is no way, right?"

Kurumi replied with an immediate answer, then

"……Hmm, is that so?"

Maria uttered in a casual tone,

"──then I'll tell you"

She replied, pushing down Kurumi on her seat.

"Wai- Maria…?"

Kurumi uttered and cried in surprise, but her clothes were unbuttoned until the front was opened up all the way by Maria's experienced hands. And, as Maria reached out her hands and took off the hook of Kurumi's skirt,

"I heard it. Kurumi-san…in the office of Lucia ane-sama yesterday"

"!────"

Startled and gasping for breath, in that small opportunity even the hook and the zipper was opened, and the skirt of Kurumi was dragged down.

"Wa-Wait...that…is not it……!"

Though Kurumi tried to stop her desperately while turning red, before the physical strength of Maria who is a power type, her resisting at this level became futile. afterwards,

"I, until now, have been cooperating so that Kurumi-san could catch up to Yuki-san and Mio-san. Nevertheless, Doing it with Basara-san in front of Lucia Ane-sama without me knowing…in addition, hearing that it's because of you stealing glances at Basara-san that it happened, is it true?"

Maria asked, stripping off Kurumi's jacket together with her brassiere.

Yaa……I, idiot!”

Kurumi tried to cover her chest with both hands in a hurry, but Maria bound both of her arms with her tail, making Kurumi raise both of her hands on the top of her head. And, revealing the good things that the both hands were blocking, while Maria slowly unclothes the socks and shoes of Kurumi one by one,

“Fufu, Kurumi-san is such a bad person…… in the bath last night, didn't you say such things right?”

"but, tha-that’s because…"

Without regarding the hesitation of what she wants to say, Maria continued unclothing Kurumi──and then,

"Aah……"

Kurumi raised a voice that seemed to faint at last.

With her upper body naked, she has been left with only her panties. Exposing her skin under the blue sky which reddened in shyness, Maria looked down with eyes that seemed to have ignited her succubus instinct, and took off her own clothes too. Then, as she ended up only in her panties similar to Kurumi,

“For Kurumi to be liked by Lucia ane-sama, I'm very happy as a friend. There is no need to hide anything. Really now…… there is no need to be reserved in these sort of things for me.”

Maria made a small laugh.

"──Now I have to punish you for this"

She said, and began prying open her both legs.

"No……Maria……"

Though Kurumi tried to refuse desperately, she wasn't in a state to resist as both of her hands were bound up. As she entwined her legs around, Kurumi's modest chest was rubbed lasciviously by Maria's own chest──and now,

"ah, Aaahh……AaaaaAaahh♥"

Kurumi leaked a sweet cry. The pleasure brought of the touches of love of the succubus Maria is unbelievable. Additionally, Kurumi, to the whisper of the devil called Maria to catch up to Mio and Yuki, indecent things have been done to her almost every day by Maria in the Toujou house.

Of course, Kurumi's body completely remembered the taste of that pleasure──though she didn't enter a Master and Servant Contract in particular, her body has made sensitive almost the same as Mio and Yuki recently.

"Yaaah……I, such thing……, outside……"

Though ashamed, her body trembled helplessly in the sweet sensations running through her whole body. Then,

"It's all right…… I'll make Kurumi-san a woman of Basara's liking who doesn't lose even to Mio-sama and Yuki-san”

Maria replied, then tried to lick her cheeks this time.

"Ah ──…"

''I can be a woman that Basara would come to like'' ── as she thought so, she accepted Maria's unreasonableness, and as Kurumi became weak to pleasure,

"Fufufu…… other than Basara-san, who in the world is it that Kurumi likes? I'll make you remember properly"

Maria, while expressing a sadistic smile, put her lips near her left side quietly.

And then ── the next moment, her weakest place was breathed with all her might,

"! ──FUaaaaaaaaahhhnn ♥"

Nonaka Kurumi, reaching her peak under the blue sky, raised a flirtatious voice as her body trembled in delight.

=== Part 2 ===

Doing an exciting act outside, Maria was more intense than usual.

Caressing Kurumi's body dearly until she's completely unable to stand up, she continued giving pleasures of a woman badly until Maria is satisfied. Therefore, it has not become just a simple training anymore ──afterwards, having taken a break till the sun sets, the two people returned to the Wildart Castle.

And now, heading for the bathroom, Kurumi stepped her foot inside. She couldn't return for the reason of having a smell of a woman, though she washed it at the river with Maria, her body had become a little chilly by that cause.

If she caught a cold with this, she herself will become an even more burden to everyone.

She wanted to avoid such pitiable situation,

……Besides.

Because she has taken such an attitude on that breakfast, it is still difficult for her to face everyone.

Especially ── Basara and Zest, as she didn't know how she should receive them.

Though she couldn't keep on running away forever, she wanted to delay it a little more… and as Kurumi parted with Maria at the hallway, she took off her clothes in the dressing room, went full bare, and set foot in a large indoor bath.

Then, though it's still early for dinner, Kurumi found that there were figures of somebody who came ahead of her in the wash place<ref> this is the area in the bathroom for washing oneself before soaking</ref>.

It was Yuki and Mio.

"Ah……"

The moment Kurumi raised her voice in awareness, the two people who have been washing their own bodies noticed her. To Kurumi who had an awkward expression in a moment, Yuki and Mio looked at each other, then expressed a gentle expression at once.

"Welcome back Kurumi…"

"Maria seems to have gone to you, did that child cause you trouble?"

They greeted with a smile. It was an expression that didn't mind what Kurumi had done this morning at all ── for this reason, as Kurumi approached at Yuki and Mio apologetically,

"…Both of you, I'm sorry for this morning."

She spoke words of apology while bowing her head.

"Although elder sisters had agreed upon the contract of Basara……Of all things, I did such behavior"

And as Kurumi looked at the girl gentler than herself with pure intentions

"And on how Mio… after all that things Zolgear has done to you, still accepted it."

"There isn't anything for Kurumi-chan to apologize. I also, am a little surprised at myself… After talking about it with Basara beforehand, to tell you the truth my feelings are too complicated understand even for myself after all. '''(!)'''

As Mio gave a wry but gentle smile,

"Hey, sit here."

She moved the bath chair and placed it down next to them.

The space between Mio and Yuki had become available. However, Kurumi couldn't sit down on that chair. Between these two people… it was the seat similar to the dining room this morning. Kurumi became emotional, as it was the place which she ran away from. Then,

"…………"

To Kurumi who stood there, Yuki gently pulled her hand towards that place.

Then, having got the permission, Kurumi sat down carefully.

"Kurumi…… your body is a little cold"

Noticing her body temperature, Yuki uttered. Kurumi nodded deeply.

"…Because I entered to the river outside a little while ago"

"Then, step in the bathtub early to get warm……we'll continue the talk over there"

In the suggestion of Mio,Kurumi nodded again, and washed down her body in hot water.

And then── Kurumi went to the bathtub with Yuki, submerging herself in the hot water, sandwiched between the two people. Wrapped up in tender warmth, it relieved the tension in their bodies, relaxing them for a bit.

''……Ah.''

To each hands that were feeling the stone bottom, Mio and Yuki's hands overlapped hers gently.

"──About Basara and Zest, there is a reason that I permitted it"

Making an introduction, Mio on the left said,

"The reason that I permitted the contract of those two, is all thanks to Yuki and Kurumi-chan."

"… elder sister and I?"

"That's right. Yuki and Kurumi-chan, didn't you guys fought against me and Maria at first? But now, we are all living together. Though it was all thanks to Basara's assistance, it is really dangerous if you think about it, no matter what Basara says to you two, aren't we taking advantage of him overlooking us?"

However,

"Yuki and Kurumi-chan didn't do such a thing…… because you believe that Maria and I won't ever harm Basara, right?"

"Well that's……"

To her hesitation to voice out her affirmation, Mio smiled, then,

"I am also the same, right? Without opposing Basara, Yuki and Kurumi accepted us as friends, therefore I also thought you as such too."

And,

"While meeting Zest again in the Demon Realm… Right now, revealing her lack of intention of harming us, I thought that it's possible to approach her in the same way as Kurumi-chan, don't you think? Plus, while working as a maid and Sheera-san's bodyguard, when you see her who is looking at Basara with eyes which seems to be in pain…… I see my former self overlapping her."

"Mio's former self……?"

"Yes… After father and mother were murdered by Zolgear, I have been through various circumstances. There was a time that I even couldn't put my trust on anyone aside from Maria──a man above all in particular.”

Mio stated with a face as if remembering something unpleasant, then abruptly made a gentle expression.

"However… to us who approached and deceived him from the start, Basara was still gentle. After knowing about our circumstances, he chased us all the way in order to help us. At that time, Yuki advised Basara not to be involved with me anymore…"

But, Mio;

"Basara said that that he will still protect me… and Yuki will remain as his an important childhood friend, but that doesn't mean he did forgot what happened five years ago, so if the Hero Tribe who protects this world can’t protect me, then it will be his duty."

''That's what I thought''…at that time.

"if it's Basara and Jin-san, I believe that they are reliable. Such thing as Zolgear, our trusted lawyer, the men in town, there are no such man as them. Like a true family… like Onii-chan, they are people who think of me importantly."

Therefore,

"Thinking about it, it was so wonderful that I cried."

To the expression that Mio showed,

"──────"

Once more, Kurumi understood the feelings of the girl named Naruse Mio towards Basara. That profile too, that she had gazed ever since she was young──Yuki was also the same when she yearned for him.

"For Zest who was entrusted to the Moderates, Sheera's existence, probably, was just like Maria's case for me, I think. And, as I encountered Basara, and having needed that fellow, Zest met Basara too, and like that──he was needed. Yuki and Kurumi-chan too, even though we had met through various ways, Basara and I altogether accepted you in the end. And, Basara, with the same feelings at that time when he helped me, was trying to help Zest."

Therefore,

"For this reason, I have to accept Zest… I think."

"Even she is the subordinate of the enemy who murdered your parents?"

Kurumi asked, and nodding with a "yes", Mio;

"But supposed that…If Zest was the one who killed my parents, I would never forgive her. But she's not… and as for opposing us, it was only in accordance with Zolgear who is her creator and as his subordinate. Then, it is just the same as with Maria being threatened on the pretext of Sheera-san's safety. In addition, Zolgear who was the main culprit for all of this was no more. Being on good terms with each other all of a sudden may be difficult, but by understanding each other little by little, I think we can."

It was the statement that made them accept the Master and Servant Contract of Basara and Zest from the bottom of their hearts. Then,

"…elder sister?"

Looking towards the opposite direction, Kurumi asked,

"My thoughts haven't changed ever since five years ago."

Yuki said in a smooth tone.

"Even this time, I'll still follow Basara ── and for that I became stronger.'

And,

"Basara right now, in the same way as that time when he protected me five years ago, has been desperately protecting everybody… My mission is to protect his side and support him. If their thoughts are the same as I, they may be accepted as a companion separately. But if it’s the opposite──"

Suddenly, Yuki stared with cold eyes,

"──if there is an existence which seriously tries to hurt Basara, who ever that is, I won't forgive them. Even it is Zest…or even Mio and Maria"

Mio who heard it leaked a wry smile. But rather than being disgusted, it was a bitter smile that felt a certain kind of hope.

──However, Kurumi wasn't able to smile. Instead, she asked in a soft voice.

"………Even me?"

"………As I said. I would not permit any existence to seriously hurt Basara."

Therefore, the hand which was held in the hot water was clenched. Then, she gently embraced her.

"Elder sister……"

Kurumi in which her waist was held in, looked up at Yuki before her eyes with a little surprise,

"Until now, and also from now on──I know best that such behavior is impossible for Kurumi. When coming with Takashi and Shiba before, even though you said that you hate him so much, you didn't seriously try to kill Basara till the end"

Yuki smiled, and gently pat her head. From there, Mio,

"…You know, after Kurumi-chan left this morning, Did Maria go to Kurumi's place by the river afterwards to have lunch later on?"

"? Un…"

Saying in a significant tone, Kurumi nodded to her question,

"That, you see, if someone were to take Kurumi back, she should be the most suitable… well, this was because Maria volunteered for the position."

To this extent, the lunchbox was brought intentionally. As for being worried about her she understood it, but,

"Maria… she has a reason why she did it that way."

After coming to the river──Maria also had a similar feeling that was close to Kurumi.

For her worries, she was grateful, though she had been pushed down forcibly at the end, she certainly thought that she would intend to leave it unsettled for pleasure as always, but,

"…then, perhaps, even now…?"

In the Toujou Household, well, Maria had often entwined with Kurumi in various ways ── could it be that, were she doing that on purpose for the sake of Kurumi? As Kurumi yearned for gratitude to Maria,

"But, Maria's just like that, losing her calm more than usual, a fellow who has been trying to chase behind Kurumi-chan immediately. Though Kurumi-chan couldn't understand the Master and Servant Contract with Zest at once and left, that person said "I must explain it to her properly" with a straight face."

Mio's voice said with a smile.

"Eh……?"

To Kurumi who asked again in reflex,

"Well, we saying such things had gotten an adverse effect… and thus Maria went. So…"

Fufu, Mio laughed,

"We then were able to leave Kurumi-chan as it is. Maria asked the maid for a box lunch, then went to Kurumi-chan's place as soon it was ready. It took her some time, but… right now for the current Kurumi-chan, due to the influence of newly arriving to the Demon Realm, is unable to take out her original powers. It is for something to do in the meantime”

Therefore,

"Even though you didn't call out, so as to make sure you weren't in danger, Maria came out without notice. That said, there was also a guy who chased after Kurumi immediately──did you not notice?"

"...Basara, for me?"

"Yes. By the way, the maid who prepared the lunchbox which Maria took… Who do you think it is?"

"──────"

To the implied words of Mio, Kurumi wasn't able to speak anything. Then,

"Kurumi… as you come out from here, go to those two"

"………Un"

To the question urged by Yuki, Kurumi nodded obediently.

''I'll apologize to the two people properly, and give them my gratitude''──she thought strongly in her heart.

=== Part 3 ===

Kurumi however, wasn't able to tell those words of gratitude to Basara and Zest during dinner.

Before the two, Kurumi wasn't able to confess her feelings. It's because

──Basara and Zest didn't show up at the dinner table.

Basara didn't only just entered a Master and Servant Contract with Zest last night. Regarding Kurumi's affairs Basara explained midway, though Mio didn't know the reason either, it is said that Basara made a conflict with Ramses who was the present top of the moderates.

His chasing of Kurumi who have gone out this morning has become a problem, and because of that, they are forbidden from going outside the Wildart Castle. Basara was forbidden from going out of his guest room tonight, so he was unable to meet Kurumi until tomorrow morning. A maid was standing in front of his room, preventing anyone from going in and out.

In addition, Zest making the bentou which Maria brought to Kurumi, was blamed for entering the kitchen in defiance of the original order imposed to her, which was rearranging the archives.

──Normally, entering the kitchen wasn't supposed to become a huge problem.

But, even though there was Sheera's mediation, having made contract with Basara without notice to Ramses, Claus and the other moderates seemed to have quite an impact to them. Although Sheera talked to Ramses and the others to ignore the matter of the Master and Servant Contract, Basara had done another problematic conduct this time, spreading to Zest which became his subordinate. In other words,

''…both of them, it was my fault……''

Night at Wildart Castle──as the moonlight creeped in behind the courtyard, Nonaka Kurumi sat down on one knee. Before that, she was in the guest room fitted for a girl, taken care of by Mio and Yuki, until she became impossible to endure and left the room ──arriving at this courtyard.

"…though I don't intend to stand in their way with my behavior…"

Knowing how long herself been troubling everyone around her, Kurumi bore an intense self-hatred.

Then again── there were also other existences worrying about Kurumi besides Basara and Zest.

Ever since she came back from leaving the castle, she didn't see Maria’s figure at all. According to the story of Noel the housemaid, there seems to be a person who saw Maria being invited into the room of Sheera, her mother, but when she was called for dinner, there weren't even an answer inside the room. After looking inside, there were not a single sign of the two people.

……don't tell me, Maria too……?

Because she was connected to the issue with Basara, it seemed that she was also punished as Zest was.

Because of the incident with Zolgear, the situation of Maria who has betrayed Basara in order to help Sheera who was taken hostage, at present, is in a very delicate position among the Moderates. Yesterday after arriving at the Demon Realm, she was called by Lucia and was severely punished to an extent in her office.

Worrying about Kurumi, Basara went outside, but Maria didn't chase Kurumi immediately, for the reason of letting Zest prepare their lunch box. According to that point of view, Maria was connected to Basara and Zest's misconduct. Finding an opportunity for something like a false charge to find an error of the other party's behavior, then blaming them and putting one selves in an advantageous position is commonplace in politics, therefore a calm judgement is required more than anything.

"…I have to be careful"

Nonaka convinced herself once more, and put up her face which was looking down.

She has certainly troubled Basara and Zest, and may have also involved Maria ── that's why she mustn't trouble them any further. Though she is not a leading figure of the government, Mio who inherited the traits and talents from the family line of the Demon King Predecessors had set foot to the spot that greatly affected the fate of the Demon Realm. That matter in question must be borne in her mind ── As Kurumi renewed her determination, a person came and quietly stepped over the lawn of the courtyard.

"──────"

On the spur of the moment, Kurumi stiffened and stood up on the spot.

What had come was a single maid. However, that maid is different from the amiable Noel and other gentle maids, a beauty with coldness of absolute zero. After that,

"──What are you doing in a place like this?"

Looking down, Lucia approached before Kurumi's eyes. Those eyes, are the same eyes that witnessed Kurumi fall into pleasure by Basara. Recalling those as she reached in front of her,

"……nothing……I just want to be alone for now."

Reddening her cheeks in embarrassment combined with tension, Kurumi averted herself to those eyes.

"I see… ── by the way, did you see mother and my younger sister?"

"No, I didn't see them… I was here for a while, so…"

Answering honestly because it's no use to lie, Kurumi asked again on the contrary.

"You haven't seen them? I thought you had dinner with the two together…"

"Yes. They seemed to have disappeared somewhere. I don't know where."

"Are they ok? That… they may be dragged into some trouble?"

Kurumi became uneasy of Maria not returning. Then,

"Don't worry about it. Mother and little sister's disappearing is because they are running away from me."

"Eh…?"

"Though I can't tell you the details, those two are fine… rather, this would be a whole lot better. It's just because they had done a selfish behavior without me noticing."

"I-is that so…"

Though she said it displeasingly, No serious tone was seen in those words of Lucia. Perhaps, those two extravagant people have conducted a behavior that angered her.

Knowing that Maria is safe, Kurumi heaved a sigh of relief.

"…On a side note, I cannot help but admire them very much."

Saying so in reproving tone, Lucia touched those cheeks softly.

"I have received the report of the story of Basara-dono and Zest. About those two having been blamed, perhaps you may feel responsible, but…if you're all alone in this place, you will only make those people around you worried for nothing again. You shouldn't become a stupid daughter who repeats the same mistake over and over."

"………"

As she said in a gentle voice, Kurumi looked down and remained silent.

Lucia, in the present top of the Moderates ── is the adjutant of Ramses. Typical to politics, although they have the same agreement to avoid Mio become a Demon King, because Ramses is harsh to Mio, they have a complicated relationship and are emotionally fighting against each other.

──But now, Lucia was gentle to Kurumi. The first time she saw her, she could only think of her as a coldhearted woman, and when the succubus' baptism was poured in front of her in her office, she even felt awe in her overwhelming force. However ── when she came to see the state of Kurumi and Maria later on, it became a cool atmosphere that lets you feel the gentleness inside, and when Kurumi tried to use the spirit magic at the Demon Realm, she even gave a darkness-colored element to her.

Certainly, she thought that Lucia wasn't interested in the likes of Kurumi, but,

"──that reminds me, how was the condition of the element that I handed over?"

She said so, continuing the conversation.

"I heard that you went to the river and tried it in various ways."

"Though I can execute it… usually, as compared to the power at that time that I spent in the Human Realm, it was awful."

Without understanding why Lucia paid attention to her, Kurumi waved her neck from side to side.

Yesterday, Maria can exercise it to a playful degree without a problem from the bathtub of the large indoor bath.

However, it was far too ineffective to be used against an opponent in battle. Thereupon,

"…Can I see your state for a moment?"

As requested by Lucia, Kurumi materialized the Soul Purity Gauntlet on her left hand, and switched the main slot to the darkness element that she got from her. As Lucia took her left hand,

"──────"

She stared at the dark colored crystal ball fitted into the slot patiently.

──in this situation, Kurumi shouldn't get along well with Lucia this much.

However, she got this from her. she cannot refuse if she wanted her to show it to her,

…besides,

The relationship between Maria and Lucia, though they are sisters, is a little constrained in some way. Therefore, Kurumi who can get along well with Maria to have an interaction with Lucia, as long as their relationship improved even a little── Kurumi wants to be useful to them.

…it's also because,

Kurumi too, after the tragedy five years ago── after Basara left the village, her relationship with her elder sister Yuki became somewhat awkward. However, when Basara was made to fight when the village assumed Mio as an extermination target, Kurumi and Yuki's relationship was restored because of that.

── Of course, she doesn't think that she can do the same thing as Basara. Yet this morning, Maria worried about Kurumi and chased after her. For Maria's sake, she wants to repay this kindness even a little──Kurumi is willing to do what she can. Then,

"I see……certainly, it appears that it is still in its sleeping state."

"…sleeping state?"

To Kurumi who asked like a parrot in return, Lucia nodded with a "yes".

"Just like what I already told you, divine protection of a high ranking spirit dwells in this element. However, that doesn't mean that it has an effect of protecting the user. Only a part of a young spirit body resides in this crystal ball, separating it from the high ranking spirit."

"That means… it's the same as our 'sacred treasures' so to speak?"

The Demonic Sword『Brynhildr』of Basara and the Spirit sword 『Sakuya』of Yuki, and also the Soul Spear 『Byakko』that Takashi used in the Extermination mission of Mio. Each weapon alone possesses a strong power, but that's not all. If it has recognized its user like Yuki, the user can utilize its original abilities at its maximum power.

"Yes. If you can perfectly establish a bond and unite with the spirit, the element will be awakened, and will come to lend you its original power."

Simply because there is no "established bond with the spirit" that Lucia says, Kurumi's condition is still the same as she showed Maria by the river. To her who fell silent,

"──The “Negative<ref> Kanji 負 in the original, also means minus</ref>” part inside yourself, accept it."

Lucia said with eyes staring at her.

"As you know, there exists the『Holy attribute』and the 『Dark attribute』, and the Hero Tribe can borrow both of these powers. Basically, just like when you operate on "Positivity<ref> Kanji 正 in the original, also means plus</ref>", to use the Dark Attribute, we the Demon Race utilize it using "Negativity"… however, this "Positive" and "Negative" rather than good and evil, has a concept that is almost near as the plus and minus <ref> written in Katakana</ref> or positive and negative values of temperature." '''(!)'''

And now,

"Perhaps until now, to establish a contract with the "Positive" spirits in order to borrow their power in this world, you have also tried to be "positive" by yourself. To appeal to the spirits in order to borrow reasonable power… naturally, that is the right way to perform it in the human world. It's because most of the spirits in your world belong to the "positive" state."

However,

"That method does not apply in this Demon Realm. In this world where Dark Magic is strong, most of the spirits here exist in the "negative" state. Even if you appeal as "Positive", spirits will only be cautious. Rather than that, I'm surprised that you had borrowed power in that way even a little."

After telling her, Lucia quietly embraced Kurumi, and then,

"Ah………"

"There's no need to fear thinking that as a mistake. Both the positive and negative are parts of you…… if you understand these things properly and communicate with a spirit, they should respond to you for sure."

"……I understand. I'll give it a try."

In the arms of Lucia, Kurumi honestly nodded. Then,

"…………"

The beautiful maid succubus softly applied a little more force to her embrace.

Then──the hand which rested in her waist fell down for some reason, and softly touched Kurumi's butt. Putting up some fingers, to that fingerwork that felt and stoked the place accurately,

"Uhm……Lucia-sa……Hyaaan?"

Sniffling sweetly, her body wiggled and raised a discomfited cry. Afterwards,

"Nonaka Kurumi……you are too good after all"

Lucia said in an amorous voice.

"Yesterday, from the time when Basara did it with you, as I thought──You are very cute"

Then, her fingers made a snap. In an instant,

All of the sewn clothes of Kurumi were removed, and pieces of cloth fell to the ground in a blink of an eye. Even the bra disintegrated, and in just a moment made Kurumi with only a single piece of panty,

"────Nuu!?"

She tried to scream in reflex, but her lips are sealed gently by the hand of Lucia.

"Do not be surprised. The skill of this level, is a very easy task for me who has mastered the maid's work."

Kurumi, who was told for granted, as she was pushed down on top of the lawn with her mouth being blocked up,

"……!"

''This is bad,'' and as Kurumi whose flustered instincts tried to escape from the hands of Lucia,

''……ah……''

After witnessing Lucia's pair of eyes looking down at her, she forgot to resist in an instant. What was over there, in truth was the reverse of the usual coldhearted eyes of Lucia──romantic eyes which seemed to be totally charged with heat. Those eyes, similar to Maria’s expression as she trained her to become the girl of Basara's preference,

"During the day in the Demon Realm, it seemed that you had done it with Maria in broad daylight … in that case, this time in the broad moonlight of the Demon Realm, I will fill you with lots of love."

With the background of the waning moon on her shoulder, Lucia put her hand inside Kurumi's underwear──but then,

"──Lucia-sama"
Suddenly, two maids appeared nearby from the side of a certain bush. In contrast with Kurumi becoming shocked all of a sudden, Lucia who remained calm while her mouth was held down,

"……what is it?"

"Just now, Maria was found at the third floor of the west tower."

"However, capturing aside we barely even managed to reach her… at present, she is being chased by several people."

To that report, Lucia’s pupils regain its calmness,

"I see… what about mother?"

"The whereabouts of Sheera-sama is still…"

"……Very well. If we manage to capture Maria, we will make her spit out her story and end this. Nina, to those who are chasing that child, don't lose sight until my transmission."

"──Understood"

To those words of Lucia, the maid called Nina turned back her heels and ran,

"Lucy……for you, send her to her room in place of me. Then"

"Mend her clothes, isn't it? ── Please leave it to me, Lucia-sama"

Lucy replies with a nod, and as Lucia released her hand away from Kurumi's mouth,

"After doing a little rough thing, then stopping just before reaching the good part, I'm very sorry… I have to go to punish that younger sister of mine."

Seemingly reluctant to part,

"As for the continuation of this, next time…"

"Ple-Please, don’t worry about it……Really."

Kurumi said while her face reddened. It will really trouble her if they continue this later── In fact, she wanted to forget everything that happened in this courtyard to begin with.

"──In that case"

Lucia followed after Nina who went ahead and ran to the other side of the courtyard.

Kurumi who was left sunk down on the lawn above in her underwear.

"Good for you, Kurumi-dono. Lucia-sama seems to be very pleased with you."

"Yeah, to the point of disintegrating my clothes and pushing me down…"

To the sarcasm that Kurumi returned, Lucy without minding at all,

"You don't have to worry about the clothes, because I'll make it over properly in return…"

As she picked up and gathered the pieces of her tattered clothes,

"Well then, Kurumi-dono… Please wait for a little bit. Because you probably won't be able to come back to the room in that figure, I will bring something for you to wear."

Then at that timing,

"──No, that won’t be necessary♪"

Just beside Lucy, a succubus younger than Maria appeared suddenly.

"Eh……?" "──Sheera-sama!?"

To Kurumi who became dumbfounded, Lucy who was startled leaned back and made a stance, but she was too late. Sheera, as she stuck her forehead to the forehead of Lucy, while looking into her eyes,

"──Return to your room alone, and begin mending Kurumi’s clothes."

"……………Yes, Sheera-sama"

Then, Lucy’s eyes became drowsy and returned an obedient nod to Sheera at once.

"If you are asked by Lucia when she returns, well… tell her that Kurumi came back to Mio's room first── is that Ok?"

As Lucy nodded with a "yes" at Sheera's order, she returned inside the building and went just as it is.

"……………"

Kurumi who's thoughts couldn't catch up with the sudden events,

"That was a close call, Kurumi-chan……but now that I've come, it's already OK♪"

The moment she said so, the Loli-Mom-Succubus smiled.

=== Part 4 ===

After the incident in the courtyard, Kurumi was invited by Sheera and was taken to her private room.

Though she really wanted to return immediately to the rooms of Mio and Yuki to express her true feelings,

"──if you were to return with that appearance, Yuki-chan and Mio-chan will definitely worry again you know?"

As she said so, her will to go back to the room wavered. She who wanted to be alone said "I need some fresh air for a moment" and left the room, but if she were to return wearing only a single panty, everyone will surely get worried.

Not wanting such thing to happen, Kurumi obeyed Sheera's words. And, even though the room is identical to what Mio was using, Kurumi was led to a more gorgeous space.

Though it's inferior to the guest rooms which Kurumi and the others use that emphasizes more people, the space had excellent quality decorated with luxurious furniture, eloquently indicating the rank of Sheera's position among the Moderates. And now,

"Uhm……Why am I, in this appearance……"

Forced to sit before a high quality dresser, Kurumi raised a perplexed voice.

"Well, you will catch a cold if you continue to remain in your underwear forever, right?"

"But…… these clothes are a bit......uncomfortable for me……"

Kurumi said shamefully, dropping her gaze down below. There, her figure wearing a sexy blue baby doll negligee that reaches her bellybutton with thin laces that see through the tips of her chest lasciviously, even more, a T-back setup with matching garter belts and fishnet stockings reached her own eyes.

"…………"
Kurumi reddened her cheeks in intense shyness. Then,

"Ah……as expected from my excellent daughter, these materials are great! ～"

Behind her back, Sheera who wore a luxurious necklace said gleefully while standing over a stool. As she readjusted the position of the large jewel hanging on her chest,

"And, its done── how is it?"

She said, satisfied. Kurumi who was asked for her opinion raised her face unwillingly, and with reddened cheeks, looked at her own figure being projected in the mirror.

"──────"

She was speechless. What Sheera had put on Kurumi, though it's different when put on Mio and Yuki, was an underwear which looks like too adult-like for her who is a junior high school student. And yet──No, for this reason,

''…for me to become like this…''

Kurumi who had undergone a complete transformation with an indecent underwear, couldn't hide her surprise. With her youthful face and her developing body with traces of immaturity completely standing out as she wore them, the unbalanced lasciviousness──the appearance that even Mio and Yuki who weren't born in that figure would never reach, a taboo-like beauty.

"Fufu, you look rather happy." "…Ho-how can I be happy with something like this …?"

[[Image: SMnT V06 007.png|thumb]]

As she looked back panicking in denial, Sheera had already descended from the stool and was going to the center of the room. She took a teapot at the table, and then,

"Come over here……I made some hot milk"

A dull-white colored liquid was poured out of the pot. And as Kurumi sat down in front of Sheera, a cup was handed to her──a faint sweet aroma spread all at once.

"…………"

Kurumi who received the cup hesitated to drink immediately. However,

"Playing tricks to one's drink is only a work done by a worthless man; I don't imitate it. Supposedly, if I want do something to Kurumi-chan, I will do a more elaborate method in a way that I can enjoy myself more in various ways."

Sheera's childish eyes turned cold for a moment, then sip her share.

"──If it suits you, why don't you give it a try?" "N-No……I'm sorry"

Kurumi apologized immediately. Though she had a childish figure right now, Sheera was once a great succubus that is famous all over the demon realm, and Kurumi is only just a little girl. Though she doing such behavior will only hurt her pride as a succubus badly, she didn't know what she had done. As she put out her lips to the hot milk which Sheera made,

"…………Delicious"

With a warm and pleasant feeling, she muttered over the mild taste unintentionally.

"It seems that it suites your taste. Good."

Observing Sheera who smiled, Kurumi put her mouth to the cup again while heaving a sign of relief.

And this time, she felt the hot milk warming up inside her body.

"──About Zest having a Master-Servant Contract with Basara, does it disappoint you that much?"

"…………"

As she saw Sheera, Kurumi whose mind is still wandering in the clouds momentarily held her breath.

"I heard it from Maria this morning. That daughter of mine was really troubled you know?"

"Is it because I'm the only one who opposed Basara's Master and Servant Contract…?"

As Kurumi asked in a stiff voice in reflex, the young succubus smiled wryly.

"No. I understand your feelings, but I want to clear it in my mind somehow, however it seems that I can't do it by myself. It's somewhat really irritating…I say"

"Such a thing bothers you…?"

"And I'm also anxious whether Lucia-chan did or did not make passes at you. "Kurumi is only mine!" or something like that"

"……I don't belong to anybody in particular!"

What the heck did she confess to her mother, that loli-ero-succcubus. Saying things like Maria in the daytime, as Lucia was saying a while ago, what on earth do they want to demand Kurumi to that intense?

"Uhm……am I releasing some kind of pheromone that makes a succubus excited?"

"──────"

To Kurumi who asked with upturned eyes, Sheera's eyes rounded from surprise. Then,

"I see…those daughters should think you're very cute."

"What do you mean?"

"Because you're so pure and defenseless, that they want to teach you various things"

To her who stared blankly, Sheera ‘fufu’ smiled.

"Hey, Kurumi-chan. To you, me who is the mother of those daughters, while being dressed in such clothes, asking whether it excites me, perhaps──"

As she said, with her eyes became like a snake eyeing for its prey,

"──Are you saying that you want to do it with me, too?"

"?! No……I, I don't really mean by that at all!"

"Fufu……just kidding. If I make passes at you, it would be really bad for Maria"

As she denied it in a hurry while blushing in an instant, Sheera returned her snake-like eyes to its former innocent ones. Feeling relieved from the bottom of her heart,

"I have troubled that child in various ways during the incident with Zolgear………So if my cute daughter consulted her worries, as a mother, it makes me really want to help her, right?"

"So that’s why, I, in this room……?"

"Yes. By the way, that baby doll was my present to Lucia-chan from a long time ago. It’s a gem that I took pride of, but unfortunately, that child didn't wear it, not even once……so I sneaked into her room and stole it in secret. Because it was stowed it's likely to be hidden in the depths of her closet, so I have searched that closet from inside and out with Maria♪"

In addition to that,

"During the search in which we had found various things like her old diary or album from a long time ago along the way, Lucia-chan came back to the room, so I seized Maria in the scruff of her neck and threw her towards Lucia and escaped. ──though it appears that Maria seemed to have escaped well, too"

So that explains why Lucia was looking for Sheera and Maria. As Kurumi was shocked by this,

''"The other reason is……I’m the one who incited Basara to enter a Master-Servant Contract with Zest"''

As Sheera "Have you heard about it?" inquired, Kurumi who contorted her face a little responded.

"………Yes. Basara told me the details during breakfast"
words
"I’m also partly responsible for the vexation Kurumi-chan is holding…… These words don't really mean as an apology, but I think your feelings have become lighter this time"

Well,

"This is something serious for Maria and Mio-chan, you know?…… so I have to tell the truth in order to ease these feelings"

"What do you mean about the truth?"

Knitting her eyebrows in inquiry,

"Oh my……Is it alright to say this?"

The child-like succubus said with a light sneer,

"Are you jealous of Zest? ── Is it because even though you're also yearning for Basara, you couldn't enter a master-servant contract with him?"

"────"

Kurumi blushed at Sheera's sudden remark. In response to the reaction of that person who has been hit by a bull's eye,

"Come on, Kurumi-chan…… If all you did is to receive all that indecent teasing from Maria, your feelings will never catch up with Mio and Yuki you know?"

With her pupils turning like the snake's, she said that as if she had seen through the depths of Kurumi's heart.

"Like you, it’s also a big deal for Maria who couldn't enter a Master and Servant Contract with Basara, you see? Besides, Maria is indebted to Basara, whom she betrayed regarding the matter of Zolgear. You tried to eliminate Mio-chan by the orders of the 《Village》, and have fought against Basara too, and for that, this child who is mentally indebted thought of you as a companion in a similar situation"

"No……I'm different…"

To Kurumi who denied with a bitter expression,

"Is that so? If that's true then don't you think it's impossible for you to get along well with Zest?"

"That’s──…"

"Mio-chan has the pretext with Zolgear, and unlike Yuki who participated in the battle, you don't have any direct grudge to Zest…… Besides, due to the fact that she's Zolgear’s subordinate, she has a higher debt than you and Maria. However, though Basara have mentioned of the possibility, you judged that he who valued Mio shouldn't exchange a master and Servant Contract with Zest"

The reason why is,

"Because she inherited the power of Wilbert, for the sake of solving her problem of being the target of the current Demon Lord Faction, coming to this world should have taken a grave determination with a big anxiety for Mio-chan… so it should be too cruel for her to accept Zest who was the subordinate of Zolgear who harmed her foster parents, as a companion.”

Nevertheless, Sheera said:

"……As for Basara having entered a Master-Servant Contract with her that easily…… for Zest, she has a debt similar to you who was once an enemy of Basara. Mio and Yuki whom you thought should get mad and object them, had accepted Basara and Zest's Master and Servant Contract, contrary to your expectations."

Therefore,

"In the spur of a moment, it has been decided that you'll raise your voice in protest in place of Mio and Yuki under the pretext of Zolgear, so you justified yourself out of jealousy and criticized the contract of Basara and Zest. But since Mio has forgiven such a thing, it didn't have any meaning…… for this reason, it became impossible for you to endure the atmosphere and went out of the dining room"

Then, Sheera spoke her finishing words at last.

"──Would you like to enter a master-servant contract with Basara?"

Kurumi who was asked the main question trembled. However──after a moment of silence,

"………No."

She gave out a voice of denial to answer her own question, then a wry smile formed in front of her eyes.

“Anyway, it’s not possible for you to enter a Master and Servant Contract with Basara after all. Well, You might think, why not?...... I think Basara-san understands the reason, probably."

After all, Sheera thought,

Perhaps──''he is already aware of my true mission.''

"………and what will that be?"

"well, I wonder……"

Kurumi turned a sharp glance to Sheera, but she returned with a calm smile.

"But, it's apparent that the person who made the master and servant contract is more advantageous if we are to fight in this world……Yet Basara didn't do so, because he treats you with great care. When you had to do that in front of Lucia-chan, didn't Basara touch you only for patching things up for the moment?"

"…………"

"Yes……You know it perfectly well. On top of that, you ran away, opposite of your real intention. In war, it's important to attack the enemy's weak point ── for the current Demon Lord Faction, the present you will be an easy target, right? You who always worry and hesitate, causing you to suffer. Not to mention yourself, are you even aware that you are exposing Basara and the others to danger too?”

"────Then how should I do it!?"

As Kurumi declared sardonically, she reached her limit of patience and raised her voice at last.

"You shouldn't make a Master and Servant Contract with Basara……it' absolutely no good!”

Sheera understood the risk. If Kurumi were to enter a Master and Servant Contract with Basara, and if it were to be found out by the 《Village》, all will be finished. If she were to become known to have a contract with the Magic of the Demon Race, Kurumi will be punished without hearing her talk. If the 《Village》were to launch an investigation in full scale, it will be noticed immediately that Yuki had entered a Master and Servant Contract. If so, then the responsibility will extend to their parents, and the《Village》will not overlook Basara and Mio this time.

''……I must not let this happen by all means……''

I will protect Basara and the others──that's the reason why I came over. There,

"──Nothing. As I said, entering a Master and Servant Contract is impossible"

"Eh………?"

As Sheera said indifferently, she was stared with round eyes.

"That's because──even if you are being jealous of others and cannot make a Master-Servant Contract with Basara, I have a method for you not to feel a sense of inferiority. By doing that of course, becoming a weak point for Basara and the others will be nullified."

"Such thing……How?"

“Face your true feelings…… didn't Lucia-chan talked about this too? Not only to take pride of feelings of righteousness<ref> (正しい) Righteousness contains the kanji 正 meaning Positive/plus</ref>, but also to accept the weak『Minus』part as well. Not only you will be able to make a contract with a spirit…..but you will also be liberated from your suffering right now."

Sheera corrected.

"Because that feeling of yours is a feeling of yearning for somebody, it won't be able to let go if you keep holding it all alone. If you want to face it seriously, you'll have to convey it to your partner properly, right?"

"Convey to my partner……"

Kurumi muttered softly. Sheera then nodded.

"Have you looked at Mio-chan and Yuki-chan when the curse of the Master and Servant contract activates? Those children who have obtained guilty feelings being eased, from just the existence of being lead by their feelings, and this talk isn't only limited to the person who entered the Master and Servant Contract”

Therefore,

"Go face its way……to the place of the person whom your feelings have to go to. When you were able to become honest with yourself, there will be no need to think that you will become a burden to Basara and the others. If you do so, the spirits of this world will surely answer to you."

"But, I can't meet Basara tonight……"

Because of Kurumi, Basara is banned from going out. So not to add more of this, she mustn't trouble Basara and intrude for her own convenience. However,

"It's alright. My Space Tunnel is connected to the guest room which Basara uses. Besides, that baby doll negligee that you wear, didn't I say that it was the gem of my pride?"

Sheera with great confidence said,

"as long as you wear it, your voice and the other the person's voice who is looking at you will never be heard to the other parties. It has that magical effect."

"? Why does it have such a function……?"

Though it's certainly convenient for her, Kurumi who seemed dubious asked.

"eeh, that's ──"

That time, Sheera smiled. Suddenly, Kurumi noticed that her body was feeling hot.

"Huh? Eh……what is……"

Although she was in such appearance, it became strangely hot. The moment she thought so Kurumi who fanned with her hand,

"Nn ──……Fuaaaaan ♥"

As the wind that was fanned by hand swept the scruff of her neck ── Kurumi leaked a sweet moan.

''…No, No way…this is……?''

A sweet, hearttending sense swelled up inside her body……the one that Kurumi knew of too well. In other words,

"Yes. The other effects given to the baby doll negligee with multiplex structure, is that it has a delayed action that will bring a strong aphrodisiac effect to the one who wears it"

Sheera revealed the secret to Kurumi.

"However, different from the baptism of the succubus and the curse of the Master and Servant contract, it will also have an effect that invokes『charm』towards its surroundings"

"Nn…… this『charm』……should I, to the partner…"

"Yes── you will absolutely be in a situation that not a single voice will come out you know? Therefore, try not to be noticed other than the person concerned, as later on you two will no longer hear voices around you."

Well, Sheera said.

"Besides me who is the maker, 『charm』isn't effective on a person unless it meets a certain condition……but feel relieved, because it will certainly work for Basara and you."

"……was I deceived……?"

Within intense horny condition, Kurumi who desperately tried took of the lingerie off,

"Nfufu, you should better stop. Your horny condition won't be solved even if it's taken off until you satisfy the right conditions…… it will only grow even stronger if you try to take it off all by yourself"

After she said so, Sheera who tried to approach over the table said:

"Besides, you know I'm not the type who tells lies right? I don't do something as boorish as playing tricks on someone's drink, and that negligee you're wearing right now really suits you well……Also, the obstinate you have no choice but to become obedient in front of Basara, so that Basara can do you to the extent without you being jealous with the other girls again, because that's his intention for you in the first place"

"……Basara is…...with me……"

Kurumi gulped down hard.

"……then, just like elder sister and Mio……?"

To Kurumi right now whose consciousness began to melt by her horny condition, Sheera's words seemed so charming like a whisper of the devil. Then, as if adding insult to the injury,

"Yes. Coming from the Hero Tribe, Basara has a bit magic resistance against『Charm』but there's no need to go on the verge of losing his sanity ……there's no need to worry."

However,

"But ──once he say that he doesn't really hate Kurumi, that horny condition of yours will be cured right away. It's an easy task for me who made the underwear, and it's because I don't want to bully you particularly."

However,

"If you really want to be freed from that state, if you want to really help Basara and everyone, please be serious from then on……I'll be there to support you. Now go, to the person who will liberate you from your suffering ── to the place where Toujou Basara is"

Saying those words to that extent, her resistance is already futile. Her situation, her condition, all of them urged the current Kurumi to go under Basara. Therefore,

"…………"
After Nonaka Kurumi took a gulp, she conveyed her wish to Sheera with a quivering voice.

=== Part 5 ===

After carrying the dinner to his guestroom.

Toujou Basara who immersed himself with training in his room every day washed off his sweat in the bathroom’s equipment.

──And now, as he turned his back on the bed, he rearranged his present circumstances.

Now is the night of the second day they came to the Demon Realm. Though it's quite different from his first assumption, many have already moved in parallel with the situation, though several problems that need dealing with and necessary interaction have arisen.

Among them, he didn't imagine Ramses who desired the power of Wilbert which Mio inherited refused to have a talk with him.

……Well,

On the day they arrived in the Demon Realm, he didn't think that he would enter a Master and Servant Contract with Zest.

Of course, considering the situation he had put Zest in was the best choice. Basara didn't regret having entered a Master and Servant Contract with her. Even with complicated feelings, Mio and the others still consented. But──there is one person who was against his Master and Servant Contract with Zest.

"…………Kurumi"

Because of the incident in the dining room this morning, Basara muttered the name of the girl he wasn't able to talk to softly.

Zest in the past completely fought against Basara as an enemy. For Kurumi who is an active member of the Hero Tribe, she would obviously reject the contract by all means. Though Yuki seemed to have accepted somehow, she who has gone to the point of going against Takashi and defying the orders of the 《Village》 in order to protect Basara, is a special exemption. As Kurumi had said, she was ordered to become Yuki's support and monitor the situation from the 《Village》, in case Mio was being targeted again by S-class Demon Race such as Zolgear, in order for the damage not to appear in the Human Realm, that's why she came to Basara's place again.

''……perhaps, monitoring Yuki is also included in that order, too.''

Therefore, the worst case scenario is not only Mio, Maria, even Basara ── to get rid of them all together with Yuki, the 《Village》 won't restrict themselves to launch that order for sure. As for Kurumi having chosen as a double agent, did the elders judge that they could investigate this trend without him being cautious if it was her?

……or.

Did Kurumi volunteer to avoid the harm being extended to her elder sister Yuki at any cost? ── Or maybe both? Although Basara entering a Master and Servant contract not only to Mio but also to Yuki already became a problem of the Demon Race, if it were to be known that he entered a Master and Servant Contract with Zest who was a subordinate of Zolgear, the 《Village》 might eventually regard Basara as a dangerous existence. Yuki's situation right now will only worsen more, too. Thinking at Kurumi's viewpoint, it's natural for it to be unforgivable for her.

Still, Sheera has urged him to have a Master-Servant Contract with Zest, but it meant that he was now in a situation where he had driven her into a corner. Basara couldn't leave Zest alone like this──entrusting her to the Moderates, Basara reassured that in particular.

"──────"

Towards the ceiling, Toujou Basara stared at the back of his left hand.

──They are something I want to protect.

Mio and Maria who became his sisters-in-law, and Yuki who is his childhood friend have become like a family to him. And Zest newly joined there, too. However, there is one who cannot accept it the same as them – it was Kurumi.

Just like Yuki from a long time ago…… She was already valued like their younger sister from her discretion. There is the tragedy five years ago, and even though they fought a few days ago, Basara had already thought of Kurumi as a member of his family he wanted to protect no matter what. However ──he cannot leave Zest alone. Even if it will be called a selfish whitewashing.

Even then, Toujou Basara will never hand them over ── no one, not any one.

Basara in silence firmly grasped his left hand which he pushed out towards the ceiling,but from his distance, a dry sound rang twice unexpectedly. It was a knock from the door to the hallway. As he descended from his bed, Basara moved from the bedroom to the living room and then,

"──Yes"

Demanding a reply from the other party, he made a short answer with all caution.

"……it is Zest. Basara-sama, I apologize to call you at this late hour."

Basara suddenly knitted his eyebrows to the familiar voice. Meeting other members is completely forbidden tonight, and if he wasn't mistaken, Zest should have certainly given an order of rearranging the archives in the library.

Then, Basara──using the position detection of the Master and Servant Contract just to make sure──after knowing it was really Zest on the other side,
He opened the door. Then the beautiful brown-skinned maid stood there.

"What happened, at time like this──?"

Then, Basara noticed that there is no figure of the lookout that should have been here a while ago.

"……what about the maid on the lookout?"

"She exchanged places with me and returned to her room……from now on, I'll be in charge of this place until tomorrow morning."

It seems like these maids have their own respective works, too. Basara's restriction will be until tomorrow morning, so in order for them not to stay up all night and interfere with the duties they’re in charge of the next day, to Basara's problem which caused them trouble, have they judged that he's suitable to let Zest become his subordinate?

"Is that so? Sorry about that, Zest……Zest?"

Basara knitted his eyebrows all of a sudden. The body of Zest before his eyes is shaking a little. And then,

"──────"

In a moment, Zest fell down, so Basara embraced her at once.

"What happened......are you alright?"

Basara noticed the bruise-like collar appeared from the surface of her neck. Then,

"You, why……?"

The curse doesn't activate if the person doesn't have a guilty conscience at its master. It should be rare for Zest who became obedient as a maid to have such feelings for Basara.

…No, not until now.

He cannot let Zest stay on the corridor in this condition.

"I'll carry you to the room……it’s fine Zest."

As Basara said so, he carried Zest and brought her in to his room.

He cannot let her in this constitution lay like this in the sofa of the living room. Therefore, Basara decided to use the other bedroom different from what he's using. And when he laid Zest down the bed,

"……I'm sorry, Basara-sama……I'm so sorry……"

Zest who thought to have bothered Basara apologized many times.

"It's alright, you don't need to apologize……the curse will only get stronger so don't think of it too much, okay?"

As Basara told her, he exposed Zest's bare chest while trying not to see it as possible.

"Now, take a deep breath, slowly……"

He spoke to her gently and urged her to calm down. Whenever Yuki and Mio's curse activated lightly, he exercise this kind of action. If she wasn't relieved by this, then he will have no other choice but to yield her to pleasure to ease the feeling. Then, following his words, as Zest commenced to take deep breaths,

"────"

Basara averted his glance momentarily. As Zest who has bountiful chest took deep breaths in such state where her bare chest was exposed to light, with those soft bulges rising and falling lasciviously, the stimulation is too strong for Basara who has fully tasted that sensation last night. It made him want Zest to surrender to her desires, but

''……Are you an idiot, me……!''

Basara desperately gave up. If he were to make Zest submit without understanding the reason why the curse activated, it will be no longer a master-servant relationship for them.

As Basara suppressed himself, Zest's curse settled down after a short while.

<center><big>＊＊＊＊＊＊＊</big></center>

"What the, Zest… how did this happen?"

Basara asked for the cause while looking at her with anxiety.

"I’m very sorry. I had endured this for a long time, but……"

Rising up from the bed, Zest apologized while lowering her gaze.

Then, she spoke the reason why the curse of the Master-servant Contract triggered. That is,

"Because Basara-sama had entered a Master-Servant Contract with me, who has been part of the incident concerning Mio-sama, a discord has begun to occur among everyone…… for that, I cannot bear to meet Basara-sama and the others."

While entering a Master-Servant Contract, Zest worried that she may cause a problem to Basara, and that triggered her curse. Basara said to Zest that it was alright, so she surrendered herself to pleasure and made her at ease. After Basara told them, Mio and the others had accepted her entering the contract with him……but when Kurumi ran away from the dining room, the curse had come out, but she got it over somehow thanks to Basara and the others' support. After that, she planned on asking Kurumi for her forgiveness when she returned to the castle.

…However,

She wasn't able to make it. She was criticized because of using the kitchen for Kurumi without permission, instead of arranging the archives of the library which was ordered to her.

……Even so,

Zest thought she made the right choice. It wasn't anything in particular. The real problem is,

"The fact that I entered a master-servant contract with Basara-sama caused you to be confined in this situation……because of the contract with me, I have brought trouble to Basara-sama."

Zest is the reason why Kurumi ran out of the dining room, and why Basara who followed after her was subjected to punishment. A disorder occurred to his team, all after Zest made a contract with Basara.

''──this is bad'', Zest thought. The current Demon Lord Faction is a powerful enemy. Even if we have a chance to win if we take absolute precaution, it will be too dangerous to face them to a battle with our current condition. Therefore,

"Basara-sama……if Basara-sama prefers, it's alright"

''Simply because I love you dearly more than anyone else'' ── Zest proposed to her master. With her face that seemed to burst into tears,

"To Sheera-sama, please cancel the master-servant contract with me……"

"──────"

Basara made a stiff expression to the words of Zest. She making such a face filled Basara's chest with pain.

──But the curse of the Master-Servant Contract didn't activate. Basara who is her master, was convinced that this is the best choice. But, As Zest thought that he should give up on her, Basara made a sigh, and said,

"No. that won’t be necessary"

He clearly declared── but Zest still doubted her ears.

"Wh-why……? The way things are going, Basara-sama and the others will be in dange──"

"──Certainly, Both Kurumi and I might have lacked composure this morning"

Basara interrupted with strong words.

"But for example, if we were to cancel our Master and Servant contract here, even if we solved the problem of Kurumi's feelings……another problem will surely come out next time"

"Another problem……?"

Basara replied with a 'Yes'.

"I have entered a Master-Servant Contract with you because I thought it was absolutely necessary, and that there is no other way around. If we were to cancel the contract here, then I won't be able to retain my composure anymore"

"……Basara…sama……"

As if Basara said something unbelievable, Zest stared in blank surprise.

"If you thought that I was brought to a difficult situation because of you, then it's even more painful for Kurumi right now…… I want to end this without anyone suffering any further. For this, we have no choice but to ease Kurumi's feelings right now."

Basara's words continued, and then──little by little, Zest understood how much she had yearned for him. Basara just made a Master-Servant contract yesterday, to her, who is a former enemy, and even said that she's important.

"Ah──…"

Zest then noticed that there was something overflowing beneath her eyes.

As she touched it softly, Zest felt a wet but warm feeling.

She cried.

She stared in utter amazement at the young man who regarded her with outmost importance. And as she entrusted her body to him, Basara hugged Zest tightly on the bed.

"I don't intend to hand you over to anyone…that's the reason I made a Master-Servant Contract with you. Therefore, please don't regret entering a master-servant contract with me, and believe that our contract is not a mistake."
In this moment ──Zest, to the entire existence of Basara, the young man in front of her eyes, she decided to dedicate all of herself to him. She felt happiness......true happiness.

"……Yes, Basara-sama……"

Conveying how strong she held these thoughts, she embraced Basara with all her strength.

Basara then gently stroke her back.

"……Thank you very much……it's alright now."

Before long, Zest regained her presence of mind and stopped her tears, then as she separated to his body, Basara averted his eyes in a hurry. Upon noticing that her breasts have been exposed,

"I apologize, Basara-sama……to this unsightly appearance"

"No, I'm sorry for doing something shameful to you…"

To the blushing Zest aside, as she hid her large chest by her arm, Basara gave an apology. Because he treated her as a woman with great care,
"……this is no good, Basara-sama, saying something… like that…"
"? Zest?"
Shaking his head to set aside the unbearable feeling, Basara stared blankly.

──why Basara, to her nakedness, it probably told her.

Zest was Basara's maid── despite this, he saw her as a woman.

When Zest thought so, her whole body shook from so much joy.

"I am your maid, Basara-sama……"

Zest leaned on Basara with clouded eyes. She couldn't endure it anymore. She wanted to serve Basara, she wanted him to seek his happiness──such thoughts couldn't hold back anymore, compressing everything on the word "maid".

"Zest is… Basara-sama's maid"

So, she doesn't mind whatever Basara liked to do to her── because it is her joy in itself. So as to tell him, a hot sigh reached at a distance. Then with a gulp; Basara,

"Zest──…"

To his call, as Zest approached with her lips,

──GATAN, a loud sound reverberated the wall. Zest turned around in spur of the moment, to the sound that came from the big closet beside the wall. And, from inside the closet, noticing the clear presence which did not exist a while ago,

"…… Sheera-san?"
Basara called first. Because there isn't a clear proof, his voice was tinged with caution. Sneaking in the closet of the bedroom──moreover in the middle of the night, among many places on this castle, Sheera building a space tunnel here has the highest possibility.

"Basara-sama, please leave it to me…"

Descending from the bed, Zest stopped Basara, and stood before the closet.

──This Wildart Castle is the primary base of the Moderates. Moreover, Mio who is the daughter of Wilbert is staying here right now, in addition this is currently midnight where it is easy to blend to the darkness too, so the security level has been raised to the maximum. There is not a chance for an assassin of the Current Demon Lord Faction to enter, and to think about it, there are no such assassinations having done in plain sight to begin with.

…Still,

Preparing for the worst case scenario fall on Basara, is the duty of his maid, Zest.

"──Zest"

Basara called her name, urging her not to lower her guard. With a nod, she watched the handle ──and slowly opened the double doored closet. Then,

"──────"

The moment they saw what's inside──Zest stiffened.

There was someone inside──of course, thinking something like that is obvious. But── a girl in a sensational underwear, wearing a glorious jewel was beyond their expectations.

Moreover, standing still, a body of a young maiden flushed in pink, giving off a scent of a woman.

"Kurumi-san…"

Zest called her name in shock, and as Basara came over,

"Kurumi, you…?"

He saw Kurumi in an indecent appearance, taking away all his words.

Facing Zest and Basara, Kurumi adjusted her focus with drowsy eyes,

"Nn……Haa……Basara……"

Wandering aimlessly, she sweetly uttered, collapsing on the spot.

<center><big>＊＊＊＊＊＊＊</big></center>

Toujou Basara rushed and held Kurumi who was about to fall on the floor from the closet.

Kurumi's figure, dressed in a baby doll negligee, felt surprisingly hot.

It's like she was in the state as if she's totally under the aphrodisiac curse.

"……Don't tell me, Lucia did something to you again?"

Yesterday, recalling the incident in the office of Lucia, he asked,

"No……It’s different, I……"

Kurumi spoke, in spite of writhing in agony in his arm. With eyes wet in tears alluringly,

"I was dressed by Sheera-san …and, as a result, I was brought here"

"…I knew it was Sheera-san after all"

However, there was no figure of Sheera anywhere. Perhaps, after bringing Kurumi here, she left her as it is inside the closet, and have returned immediately by herself. Then,

"…n?"

Suddenly, Toujou Basara felt his pulse throb fast. And, for some reason he was unable to separate his focus on Kurumi. Although Kurumi is alluring to begin with, he felt a sensation similar to when he was in Lucia's office yesterday. Though her baby doll figure is certainly radical, she's like Mio and Yuki yielding under the aphrodisiac curse. Nevertheless,

"……Wh, What is this……?"

Out of the desire that is the man's greed wanting to ruin Kurumi, Basara got down with both his knees on the floor while hugging her.

"──Basara-sama? Are you alright?"

Zest rushed and knelt on one knee to support him. After that,

"P-perhaps……because of this baby doll……"

Kurumi said in a sweet feverish tone.

"I right now…… to the partner that I saw, it casts『Charm』on it……"

"What a ridiculous underwear…… how can the effect be removed? Should I take it off?"

As Basara asked in behalf of his desperation, Zest nearby shook her head,

"No……in the past Sheera-sama has mentioned this for a play before…"

Zest has also received the effect of the 『Charm』. Towards Kurumi, with her eyes turning to the same color of excitement as Basara, she stated her explanation.

"Supposed that…if this is the thing which Sheera-sama presented to Lucia-sama a long time ago, the method to destroy the magic effect of the baby doll, as I remember it's only one."

"Did you know it, Zest? Then please tell me, what should I do?"

"That is…"
He asked her in desperation, then after a hesitating a little, Zest chose her words carefully.

"First, the person who puts it on who is in a horny condition, the partner who saw her must make her feel comfortable. Next, for the person who has been influenced with『Charm』, he/she needs to make contact with the said person. It was necessary to be the person who has made contact to."

And,

"Supposed that the charmed people are two or more, when both sexes is involved, the effect will be repeated over again, so to solve it, it must be in sequential order of being charmed……"'''(!)'''

"W-Wait a minute…then"
Basara who heard the explanation, stared Zest in utter amazement──the next moment, Basara felt an intense excitement with respect to Zest. Zest, on the other hand, while rubbing her inner thighs lasciviously, turned her pupils full of heat to Basara,

"Yes…..in this case, first is Basara-sama with me to Kurumi-san. Next is Kurumi-san with Basara-sama to me. Finally, Kurumi-san with me to Basara-sama …….it becomes like this" '''(!)'''

"…… It's a lie, right?……"

What is that, an underwear that promotes group sex? Basara reached his blank amazement to another level,

"I'm……Sorry……I-it's all …my …fault……"

With her eyes that will burst to tears in any moment because of the aphrodisiac state, Kurumi apologized.

"No, it's not Kurumi's fau…──"

Basara uttered, suppressing his desires in desperation while holding Kurumi in check,

"Th-that's not it……I, went to this place……because I asked"

"Wha, then──…"

Basara tried to ask something, but wasn't able to.

Because his mouth was sealed──with Kurumi's lips.

──Toujou Basara, with both hands supporting Kurumi's back of her head, was kissed. ''What the─''─Basara, confused with the sudden event, for the time being, in order to calm Kurumi down, and put his hands on both her shoulders,

……Kurumi……?

Then, noticing something, he separated from her body.

Before Kurumi ── from the edge of her closed eyes, something streamed down her cheeks.

"………"

Kurumi was, crying while kissing him. So,

"──────"

Basara moved his hands on her shoulders to her back, and hugged her.

Because of the Charm effect, impelling him with the desire to push Kurumi down, Basara tried hard to control himself. After a short while, Kurumi separated her lips. And then,

"I, I heard…… I, with Basara, cannot enter a Master-Servant Contract……"

To her words, Basara nodded at once. Matching her guess, more so in front of himself, Kurumi cried in pain. He almost said "I know" or "you don't need to worry".

──But, Basara strongly endured this welling desire and remained silent.

Perhaps──Kurumi right now, received a cruel order from the 《Village》. To her, speaking words of comfort is easy. But, such things are only for Basara's self-satisfaction.

Kurumi "I heard" said to Basara. Then, what he should do, is to let Kurumi spit out all the pains she is holding. On top of that, accept her──just that, and think of the ways to free Kurumi from her suffering. Sheera leaving Kurumi in this condition, surely aimed for that. For the stubborn Kurumi, taking off her mask quickly in front of Basara, is impossible within her normal condition. Then,

"But……even so, I,…don't leave me out…"

Before long, Kurumi, squeezed words from the depths of her throat.

"About me……Elder sister and Mio……please treat me similar to Zest……"

While sobbing convulsively, as Kurumi mentioned her desire in desperation, Toujou Basara listened.

That is, the wish of the girl named Nonaka Kurumi kept suffering from holding all alone.

Being assigned a cruel order, wanting to avoid the situation for it to be carried out, the situation advanced towards the wrong way one after another……Still, Kurumi being unable to say the truth, suppressed it with hard feelings she had been holding all alone.

''Just how long would you be anxious……just how long would you suffer?''

Finally spitting out her wish and pains, Kurumi spilled tears like rain. More than that, she didn't say anything……or rather, she couldn't say anything anymore. Therefore,

''……It's okay now.''

Toujou Basara wished to himself──you won't need to endure it any longer.

The kindest answer to Kurumi, perhaps might be able to return their relationship as it was in the past.

Simply those, innocent memories of their childhood when they were smiling happily.

Perhaps the village, to the tragedy five years ago──was still bound to the past.

Basara too, is the same. He has not forgotten the crime that he himself had committed. But, in order to protect Mio, he cannot remain captive by the past. Mio is also in danger, in suffering…… the way to save her, exist only in the future.

And.

Now that he can never come back in the past, the way Kurumi can be saved is also in the future. Actually, Kurumi might have understood ── for this reason, she suffered even more. That's why,

"……I understand. For you not to suffer, I'll do anything"

Basara, to his childhood friend whom he loved like a younger sister, hugged with all his might.

"………"

Kurumi hugged tightly in return. And as she turn her face to the side in his arm,

"……Sorry, Zest…… because of me, I have also involved you……"

"No……the truth is, Basara-sama, I wanted to make up with the two of you."

With Kurumi apologizing with a face that's about to cry, looked down to Zest in apology. So,

"──You don't need to apologize, Zest"

After Basara saw that,

"Sheera-san is, the one who put Kurumi inside this closet……at that time, she should have certainly noticed that you were here”

The incident this morning, was caused by the Master-Servant Contract between Basara and Zest. Assuming such conduct in order to convince Kurumi, she may have thought that involving Zest might be more effective. Basara also, although he was glad that the relation of Kurumi and Zest improved,

"My bad…… probably because of the 『Charm』 effect, I cannot control myself anymore……"

Just by hugging Kurumi, his reason seemed to blow away when he relaxed his guard. Then,

"……I don't mind, for I am Basara-sama's maid"

Zest delightfully, with eyes full of heat,

"Basara-sama…… Please think of only satisfying oneself and Kurumi-san"

Then, Kurumi which also heard it,

"……I too, do me the same as Zest"

In Basara's arm, looking up at him quietly,

"Do it as promised……Basara-oniichan"

She entreated with moist eyes due to the aphrodisiac state. So,

"……I'll start"

As Toujou Basara said so and lifted Kurumi, Zest accompanied them and moved to the bed.

<center><big>＊＊＊＊＊＊＊</big></center>

Sandwiched between Basara at her front and Zest at her back, Nonaka Kurumi was laid down on the bed.

"First is, me and Zest to Kurumi……huh"

"Yes. Basara-sama, please let me help……"

With a nod, Zest replied to Basara──and reached her hands from Kurumi's back, opening the buttons of Basara's shirt. Sandwiched between the two,

''……I am truly, doing this with Basara and Zest……''

Kurumi imagined what will happen from now on, making her feel more aroused.

But ── as Zest unclothed his shirt with experienced hands, and Basara allowing her to, she felt the bond between them, making her chest feel painful in contrast,

"Basara-niichan, the kiss……"

So Kurumi promptly lifted her arm at once, and with upturned eyes, she entreated Basara to attack her armpits. Basara and Zest who have seen her, due the aphrodisiac state of Kurumi in her baby doll figure, took the 『Charm』's effects. Kurumi, thinking about the burden she brought to the two, tried to end it as soon as possible, but

……Why.

Kurumi still felt the greatest pain she had been holding ── her inferiority complex to Yuki, Mio and Zest who entered a Master-Servant Contract with Basara.

──Of course, Kurumi's underarm is her greatest erogenous zone. If Basara were to attack there, no matter how much she struggled, Kurumi will surely reach the peak with ease.

But, even if Basara attacked her armpits and made her climax immediately, and while feeling dizzy from the reverberations of the climax help Zest do him, even if she was able to do him together with Zest in the end, even if the magic effect of the baby doll is released, Kurumi's inferiority complex will not disappear.

This inferiority complex is, surely Kurumi's『negative』part which Lucia and Sheera were talking about──since she had developed more complicated feelings this far, if only she faced her weakness, have been more honest with herself, and accepted her『negative』feelings, she won't need to disregard her inferiority complex to Zest anymore.

──But, there is one magic switch can make her obey and put the obstinate Kurumi away.

It is a kiss from Basara. In the dream a spirit showed upon to her request, there came many indecent acts with Basara ── at that time, Basara kissed Kurumi, and had fallen into lust all at once. If Kurumi were to kiss Basara, she could be a girl who can do anything.

"──────"

Kurumi then begged like a spoiled child, making Basara react.

As he thought of bringing his arm behind her ass and drawing her close, he snatched Kurumi's lips.

Basara's tongue in heat viciously entered inside her mouth, indulging it greedily. Probably because of the 『Charm』 effect of the baby doll, his kiss was more aggressive than yesterday.

"Nn……chu, Bsara,niichan……haaah♥ Basaraniichaa……(slurp)"

Kurumi entwined her tongue with his, seeking him in ecstacy. She didn't mind the effect of 『Charm』. Basara, excited at Kurumi so much, couldn't contain this unbearable pleasure.

"……Kurumi-san"

As Kurumi floated in happiness from kissing Basara, brown arms hugged her gently from the rear. Something warm and soft, pushed her full back,

……Zest?

It made Kurumi think of the woman she didn't notice earlier. Before long, Kissing Basara long enough to use up all the oxygen in her lungs, feeling happiness from within,

"──haa……n, fuu……haa……ha……"

In a single breath, she separated her lips at once──and just like in the dream, Kurumi's reasoning was completely melted by the pleasure. slowly, as she looked towards the rear over her shoulders, Zest was already in a single piece of panty. She had probably taken off her maid uniform while Kurumi was immersed with Basara's kisses. The soft sensation touching her back, these highlights even when wearing clothes, was none other than Zest's huge breasts.

Beautiful……for Kurumi, Zest's sex appeal was an object of envy. However, with Basara's kisses melting her thoughts, and Zest's embrace making her feel a sense of comfort and security, Kurumi couldn't think of it as unpleasant. So, Kurumi slowly linked both arms on the head,

"Basara-niichan, Zest…please do it"

and willingly exposed both her weakest sides to the two.

“──────”

Without any words, Basara brought his mouth to Kurumi's left armpit──But,

"──Please wait, Basara-sama"

Zest stopped him. Kurumi looked back to her, with drowsy eyes asking "Why?".

"Basara-sama──is your right hand good?" "Well……it's good, but, is there something wrong?"

Facing Zest with a serious expression, Basara presented his right hand while slightly knitting his eyebrows.

Then, Zest holding Kurumi with her left hand, raised her forefinger and the middle finger of her right hand, while slipping it on the back of the right hand of Basara,

"Kurumi-san is, demanding the same treatment as us with Basara…… in that case, even if I can't use the actual magic, I think that it is still the best to enter into a master-servant contract with Basara-sama. So, if you may, I can emulate a procedure as good as the original one."

"……such a thing exists?"

As Basara gave a mutter of assent, a magic formation appeared on the back of his right hand.

"Only the form is imitated to the end, it’s a mock one, but……"

As Zest made her introduction,

"Kurumi-san……please kiss the magic formation on Basara-sama's right hand"

Kurumi also understood what she meant of demanding the same treatment. Though she didn't actually see it, she already heard the story from Yuki and Maria.

"Zest……I……"

Zest understood her wish and suffering more than anyone. Kurumi whose about to cry, turned and faced Zest at her rear

……eh……?

Then, finally noticing a certain fact, she was stunned.

At Zest's neck, a bruise-like collar wasn't present ── in other words, even though she saw them giving away hot kisses with each other a while ago, Zest did not get jealous and didn't invoke the curse of the Master-Servant contract.

── Perhaps, she adored Basara so much that even if he did indecent acts with other women, she won't get jealous at all. Or maybe, due to the 『Charm』's effect, she probably have been influenced by Kurumi and it stimulated her more.

but still ── if Zest even had a little thought of Kurumi not deserving to be Basara's partner somewhere in her heart, the curse should have activated. She, who didn't accept Zest, and even caused trouble to everyone ── Zest completely accepted such Kurumi. The moment she thought so, all her ill feelings to Zest vanished in an instant.

"……Zest……"

Crying, Kurumi hugged Zest. And as tears spill like rain, in her embrace……Zest gently wrapped Kurumi in her huge and soft chest.

"Well, Kurumi-san…let's make you enter a Master-Servant Contract with Basara-sama"

Urged by Zest's words, Kurumi nodded and turned to Basara. Then, presenting the back of his right hand showing the magic formation,

"Kurumi……"

Basara softly called her name. Kurumi, gently closing her eyes,

"──────"

Kissed the back of Basara's right hand at ease.

"…………ah"

Then, Kurumi opened her eyes again──and saw the unchanged Basara before her. But that already, is enough for her, whom was loved dearly like a younger sister, not just a childhood friend of a young man,

but also a master who will connect a new bond.

"──Kurumi" "Yes……"

As she replied in bliss to her master calling her name,

"………congratulations"

Zest in the rear, gave her blessings in a gentle voice.

Then, as Basara lifted her chin in front,

"──Hold still"

he drew his lips to her neck──and sucked it with all his might.

"Yaah──FuaaAaan♥"

Kurumi, whose senses were intensified by the aphrodisiac, raised a lovely voice while leaning her back with a sudden twitch. But, Basara didn't leave from her neck and sucked it harder than before, in addition to Zest hugging her tightly from behind. And after her neck was sucked for more than ten seconds,

"ah……n……Basara-niicha,n……?"

When they separated their lips, Kurumi asked a question, then Zest informed her.

She got something in the pocket of her maid clothes that she took off……and opening a compact mirror on her palm, she showed what happened to Kurumi’s neck through the mirror,

……ah……

And there, reflected the reason why Basara forcibly sucked Kurumi.

Clearly left in Kurumi's white neck, was a red mark put up by a violent kiss.

Whenever everyone else activated the curse of the Master-Servant Contract, a heart-shaped collar would appear. The kiss mark Basara made, to Kurumi’s eyes, seemed like that collar──then,

"……that mark disappears, if your anxiety and suffering reaches zero"

By those words, Basara treated her the same way as everyone──she was convinced from her heart.

"────"

On his embrace, Kurumi was forcefully pushed down by Basara, and received an intense kiss. Then also, with force as if he surrendered to the effect of the 『Charm』,

"Haa……Basara-oniicha……rero<ref> licking sfx </ref>, nchu…nfuu…haamu…..nn"

Basara shifted to an even more obscene kiss, entwining Kurumi's tongue, and then pulled the shoulder string of the baby doll negligee, lifting up the hem. Then Zest in the rear raised both of her hands, and while breathing in sweet agonies, she undressed Kurumi's top with surprising swiftness. But, the effect of the 『Charm』on Sheera's baby doll negligee, didn't disappear just by taking it off. So,

"……Kurumi-san"

Zest joined them── and the top of the bed finally became the medley of carnality of the three.

──Of course, Kurumi was attacked first.

Kurumi was already in aphrodisiac state before coming to this room, that a slight touch in her chest and butt could make her reach the zenith. But Basara and Zest being under the 『Charm』couldn't do such a simple carress. The tips of Kurumi's chest that were tense in horniness was sucked by Basara without mercy, and Zest with her hand in her panty, her butt was rubbed violently.

"Aah──yaah,Nn……fuu……haah……yah, haah……Aaaah──♥"

She had experienced a similar treatment so far, but this is the first time she felt this intense…… Kurumi reached the climax five times, from the two people, for only 30 seconds.

Kurumi received completely, the intense pleasure she wished from Basara and Zest.

The two people became like this, because of Sheera's baby doll negligee that Kurumi put on before coming to this room. She understood what would happen──rather, somewhere in her heart, she wanted something like this to happen. So,

"Aah,n……♥Fuu,yah……wa……ah……♥"

As she reached the peak while raising a filtracious voice in a posture caught between the two, giving her pleasure that she had never felt so far, Kurumi was being turned into an indecent girl. However,

"……not yet, Kurumi" "Kurumi-san……please feel it more"

Kurumi, to Basara and Zest whose desires intensified further,

"U, un……both of you……do it……more"

She raised both arms, opening her most vulnerable side to them.

Then, before she put her hands on the top of her head, Basara and Zest stuck fast to her right and left armpits ──then just after that,

"～～～～～～～～～～～～～♥"

With her sense of pleasure gushing out of the pores of her whole body, Kurumi reached an intense climax she never had before. With a climax so intense that her view whited out,

……Ah……Aah……Haa……♥

Nonaka Kurumi trembled in pleasure. It was so intense that, her consciousness flew away…… only her body, knew what happened in real time.

Even if she didn't enter a Master-Servant Contract with him──the relationship between them, Kurumi's thoughts to Basara, wasn't anything inferior to everybody, and it is the proof that she could catch up without limits.

That's why──that salvation was Kurumi's desire. So,

"……Ah……n……u"

As the white fog which wrapped up her view before long had gradually cleared,

"Are you okay, Kurumi……" "Kurumi-san, are you alright?"

Seeing Zest and Basara looking at her with worry,

"……Un……I’m okay……"

Kurumi didn't surrender just yet. Only 1/3 of the process to destroy the magic effect of the Baby Doll negligee has been completed. Neither Kurumi's aphrodisiac nor Basara and Zest's 『Charm』 haven't been released, either. Still, the two people were considerate to Kurumi. She had to respond to their feelings……besides,

……Ah……

The aphrodisiac effect still remained. But, even though she saw Basara and Zest, she didn't feel any pains caused by her inferiority complex anymore.

''I have been loved dearly by these two…''… Therefore, Nonaka Kurumi said in bliss,

“……This time, it's Zest’s turn”

<center><big>＊＊＊＊＊＊＊</big></center>

And now, Kurumi pushed down Zest together with Basara gently on the bed.

Then, as Zest’s twin peaks shaking suddenly entered her eyes,

"Zest, your nipples are already stiff"

To return the favor of making her reach her climax, Kurumi pointed it out in retribution.

"Yes……Because I was charmed by Basara-sama and Kurumi-san"

Zest smiled, with reddened cheeks. Though her composure was somewhat vexing,

"Please do her like you did with me……Basara-niichan"

"Well, I have no choice"

Basara nodded to Kurumi, who wanted to end the situation quickly──so that she could start caressing her, She urged Basara to feel Zest fully.

Then, Kurumi faced Zest, and as she slipped her both hands and rubbed her butt inside her panties, beginning her assault, Basara then removed his hands from her back and reached her front, rubbing her breasts roughly as it held Kurumi's face.

"n……aah……n, wa……yaaa,aah──fuaaaAhn"

Placing her both hands to Kurumi's shoulder while squirming her waist back and forth lewdly, Zest raised a sweet moan at once. Furthermore, as Basara picked up her nipples that became stiff and rubbed it with his fingertips,

"Aah──yaah,nn……Haah♥ Aan……yaa,Aaah……♥"

Zest clinged her soft and tender legs to Kurumi's waist tightly.

……for Zest to act this cute……

For Zest who is more of an adult than herself, to become this dirty, Kurumi felt aroused at her figure who fell into disorder. As Kurumi's both hands slipped inside her panties and rubbed her butt, Zest became more and more sensitive……making the insides of her panties wet in no time at all.

her body entwined along with theirs────and as the three people shared five long minutes of lust,

"Ahnn……haa,FuaAn……Yaa……HAaAah♥"

Zest panted sexily, naturally filling the room with indecent sounds.

Kurumi's hand which was inside her panties, became sopping wet with honey of a woman in heat, and every time she rubbed her ass, sounds of gushing water reverberated the place,

"Yaah──Aah……Kurumi-sa……aAh"

Making Zest's body tremble in shame in the end. But, to that expression that intensified her intoxication to lust,

"You don’t need to be shy……because I am also, too"

Because Zest and Basara kept making her come unreasonably, her panties are already wet. That's why, wanting to make Zest wet more and more,

"Hey, Zest……can you tell me your weak spot?"

Kurumi beside her asked,

"Aaah……n, its, my ears……"

Feeling pleasure through Kurumi and Basara's caresses, Zest answered, while shaking her hips licentiously,

"That's why, Kurumi-san……''if you don't mind, would you and Basara-sama return the favor?''"

Though feeling shy, being glad that she felt the same,

"Yes. I'll do it"

Kurumi said so, slipping both of her hands from Zest's panties.

"Nnn ──"

To that timing, her fingertip slightly brushed something inside her panties, causing Zest to twitch her back suddenly, shaking her ass in front, so Kurumi with an upward glance ── told the gentle maid who fawned like a child,

"……Zest, get down on all fours"

"Yes……"

Zest smiled, and took a pose as she said. With her big chest shaking as she moved, she posed with her butt in an indecent position.

"──Kurumi, can I leave it to you?"

Basara said so, then brought his mouth close to her ear,

"Un……Understood"

Kurumi nodded, and turned to the other side and put her lips on Zest’s left ear.

And then.

Kurumi exchanged glances with Basara, and on Zest's right side, she brought her lips close to her ears, whispering softly the words she have been wanting to say for a long time.

"Zest……I’m sorry for this morning, and for the lunchbox……thank you"

She quickly told so, and together with Basara, they approached Zest's ears, and ── in that instant,

"───────♥"

Zest raised a sweet moan, making her whole body tremble in intense pleasure.

[[Image: SMnT V06 008.png|thumb]]

Bitten in both ears by Basara and Kurumi; she magnificently came……and the proof is,

"Haa……Aa, ah……"

Zest whose still in deep ecstasy of her orgasm, from the edge of her panties, love juices which weren't able to absorb in that single piece of fabric overflowed along her brown thighs.

"……………"

Before long, she recovered from the climax, then turned her face to Kurumi who was admiring her breathing full of seduction,

"……Kurumi-san……THis time, it's Basara-sama’s turn"

with a captivating smile──she proposed to Kurumi.

"Anyway, would you like to try doing something what Mio-sama and Yuki-san haven't done yet......?"

"What sis and Mio haven’t done……?"

As Kurumi, who's still allured by Zest's sex appeal asked, the lustful maid continued,

"Basara-sama…… would you accept this humble one?"

Zest requested Basara with eyes still moist by the pleasure. Then, without any words, Basara slowly rose from his feet, stood on the bed, and opened both his legs to a shoulder length.

"Thank you very much……then"

As Zest thanked in respect, she removed his belt and began taking off his trousers.

"What are you……" "…this is what Mio-sama and Yuki-san haven't done yet"

Zest looked back at the perplexed Kurumi and said with a smile, then turned to Basara again──this time she took off his underwear, making him fully nude.

Being under the charm, they came many times in succession in his intense loving.

And now, to Basara who was laid bare, they felt excitement that they had never felt before.

''......wow......''

After witnessing his thing before her own eyes, Kurumi swallowed her saliva, without averting a single glance.

She had seen him nude one time after coming to the Toujou House where she had a chance to take a bath with him, but this is the first time for her to see this thing from up close.

Then, before Kurumi, Zest kneeled in Basara's side,

"......pardon for my rudeness"

holding her prosperous kingdoms with both hands, she received Basara's thing in between,

"Ah──……"

and there, she saw Zest's chest engulfing Basara's place.

Then, she dripped saliva from her mouth to her cleavage even more,

"Nn......Ah......nn......"

and stroked Basara's thing with her valley, shaking her breasts slowly from top to bottom. As she served with her chest making gushing sounds,
"Come, Kurumi-san, your mouth too......"

Zest made a bewitching smile, inviting Kurumi.

"M,my mouth......? No way......"

Kurumi hesitated, as expected. Although she's already a junior high school student──with Maria teaching and training her various things, she already had more than enough knowledge suited for her age. That's why, Zest's radical behavior and her extreme proposal, making her face red-hot,

"nn……it's alright……with this, from Mio-sama and Yuki-san, you'll be getting one step ahead of them"

and with those chest that stroke Basara's place, molding her's in a more indecent shape,

"Look......If Kurumi won't come......Kurumi-san's part......I will use it to serve Basara-sama more......nn......are you okay with that......?"

Finally, bringing her lips to Basara's tip from the valley of her peaks,

“──N,Nooo!”

It made Kurumi raise a scream at once, stopping Zest. After asking to do Basara similarly with Zest, yet she herself couldn’t do what Zest had done……moreover, to be left out among the three, she hated it all.

''……it’ll be fine……''

Though she’s embarrassed to tell Mio and Yuki──in the past, she had used something Maria prepared, similar to the size of Basara's, she practiced 'services' with her mouth.

So, Kurumi's mouth right now──already knew its size and how to love it for a long time.

"…………"

So Kurumi made up her mind, and standing on her knees opposite to Zest and in front of Basara,

"……According to the practice, I should do it like this……”

She persuaded herself, and looked up at Basara with upturned eyes── then,

"Basara –niichan……please make me do it with my mouth, too"

Feeling embarrased, Kurumi's head was patted by Basara with gentleness.

The pleasant sensation gave her courage──and the next moment, Nonaka Kurumi licked the ravine of the chest of Zest, and began servicing to Basara with her tongue.

"Nn……rero, churu……reru,picha, wa……pero……reroo……♥"

While being carressed by Zest's mounds, Kurumi daubed Basara's thing lasciviously with saliva, as if painting it with her tongue back and forth. then,

''……wow……so this is Basara-niichan's……''

Basara's male pheromones from her nose and mouth reached Kurumi's brain, numbing her thoughts and making her even hornier than before.

So, Kurumi gradually pressed her face and buried it to Zest’s breasts even more.

"wah...,..., nmu, reru , chu...,..., picha,n...... reru,rero , hapu...... nnu♥,...... npu...... reru, chu, chupi, npunryu......♥"

So as not to make Basara's thing filling her mouth reach her teeth, she accumulated thick saliva in her mouth, and with her tongue, she sucked him in horniness. In order to please him further, Kurumi earnestly served him with her mouth, while being rubbed in the middle of Zest's breasts.

Blowing it until she had difficulty breathing and her jaw felt painful, lewdly making sounds with her tongue, as he approached the limit, she parted with her mouth. Then, feeling good,

"────"

Basara lightly raised his waist, and with force he rubbed it inside Kurumi's throat in rhythm. But,

……Haa, Basara-oniichan……♥

Kurumi's reaction is still full of bliss. The love she felt to Basara overflowed in her mouth, and as if she forgotten how to cough, her mouth continued moving sexily ──So, she didn't notice.

"──────"

Like assisting someone riding a bike by supporting his back then releasing him from his hold──Zest's chest which sandwiched Basara's thing, quietly pulled back and slipped away. And Kurumi, to serve him with her mouth, moved in front of Basara in a trace, stroked it with her hand, then began moving her face to it back and forth. Then ── Kurumi ended her service at last by taking it deep in her throat.

"────Kurumi!"

Basara called out her name, firmly holding the back of her head ── the next moment, large amount of semen seeming to scald her was shot inside her mouth.

"Nnnn～～～～～～～～～～～～～～～♥"

Nonaka Kurumi seemed to faint in sweet agony as she indulged herself while holding his in her mouth, to a degree that seemed to drown her by it's momentum and quantity any time──and yet, Kurumi swallowed it all with a gulp. Then,

"Nn……nn……n……? Nmu……Nn……Fuu……chupu<ref>Kissing sfx</ref>"

Kurumi sucked it all up, drinking it till the last drop, then gradually separated her mouth.

……ah…eh……?

Finally, she noticed something.

Zest had already stopped servicing Basara ── and Kurumi all alone, had led him to ecstacy.

"I knew you can do it, Kurumi-san……"

With eyes wet in the stimulation, Zest smiled and said, informing how Kurumi served Basara so obscene eloquently,

"No……you’re lying……m-me……?"

And so, Kurumi’s body, trembled in the shame that struck and welled up inside her. Then, Basara, tightly embracing her,

"Sorry……because you tried your best really hard/very much, I was not able to say it on the way"

Whispered to her ear, gently patting her head. In Basara's arms,

"……Next time, if you deceive me again,……I'll chew your ear in front of everyone."

"Yes……"
As she nodded while sulking from the side, Zest hugged Kurumi from her back together with Basara. But for a moment, a mischevous smile appeared,

"But before that…… Kurumi-san did Basara-sama on her own. So, in order to undo the effect of the negligee of Sheera-sama, let’s do him both this time."

Zest added.

"And as for Basara-sama…… It seems that it still desires our service”

“Eh……? Ah ──…”

Kurumi blanked out for a moment, but she understood what Zest meant at once. Because as she was hugged by Basara, Kurumi felt a hard thing touching the area around her belly.

"No, this is……!"

To Basara who became flustered, Zest with a smile,

"Kurumi-san……if it's fine to you, even for a bit longer, I want to deepen the bonds with Basara-sama"

Then, in a drop of a beat,

"──this time together with us, till the end"

As Kurumi nodded to those deep words, Zest resumed her service to Basara.

All in order to solve the magical effect of the Baby doll.

And so, Basara and Zest ──the bonds of the two people, have strengthened even further.

=== Part 6 ===

──Afterwards, Kurumi succeeded in nullifying the effect of Sheera's baby doll negligee.

However, because of Zest's proposal, until the kiss mark on Kurumi's neck that Basara applied disappeared, the three decided to strengthen each other's bonds on the bed, sharing Basara's climax several times.

"………Nn"

And now, Nonaka Kurumi woke up, regaining her awareness.

It seemed that she didn't notice that she had fallen asleep. The small light coming from the gap of the curtain, told them that it's already morning. On the bed, as if she was caught by Basara and Zest, Kurumi laid down in between them. And the next moment──she remembered all of what she'd done on this very bed.

"────────"

She blushed so red-hot that it seemed there is a fire coming out, curling herself up in the bed. She was driven by the impulse of wanting to disappear at once, but endured her feelings of shame desperately.

──Nonaka Kurumi didn't forget the advice that she received from Sheera and Lucia.

So, last night she was able to accomplish it. That's why──Kurumi faced her own self, and intended to accept it. As Sheera had said, Basara accepted that Kurumi properly. Zest so, too. So,

……this time, it's my turn……isn't it?

As she tried to persuade herself so, Kurumi looked at Zest sleeping right next to her. This woman of the Demon race── it's unthinkable for Kurumi, even more to share a bed together with a woman who made a Master-Servant Contract with Basara, but now, she didn't feel any resentment. In the midst of the performance last night, Kurumi had her inferiority complex fade away inside her, but the hallucination that fell her into that horny condition, it wasn't a temporary one. As she thought so, the back of her left hand suddenly pulsated.

……what was that just now……?

So as not to wake Basara and Zest, Kurumi materialized the Soul Purity Arts Gauntlet. On the main slot, the element she had got from Lucia──in the Darkness-colored sphere, a golden magic formation that was not there yesterday appeared. There is also an increase in the wavelength of magical power too.

The element which was sleeping until now has awakened. Therefore,

……so that's it.

Certainly accepting your own weakness, and facing it, you can get over it.

Kurumi that saw the change in the element, smiled in relief.

──As she was pushed down by Maria, was about to be assaulted by Lucia, forced to wear an underwear that she wouldn't ever wanted and left in a terrible state in Basara's closet by Sheera, she wondered why do you think they did that. The progress was in a mess along the way, but she was glad by the result…… with Maria who said "I'll catch you up with Mio and Yuki", making many indecent acts with her so far, Kurumi found out that it was all to help her realize her true wish.

Of course ──another purpose is to satisfy her instinct as a succubus.

''……Well, even just a little, I should say my thanks to them, right?''

Smiling wryly, being relieved from the burden, drowsiness attacked her at once, and,

"Fuaa……n……"

Kurumi who did a yawn, rubbed her sleepy eyes, decided to lie down and sleep again for the second time.

Because she didn't come back to the room last night, Yuki and Mio might have worried about her, though Basara's house arrest is to be lifted at daybreak, perhaps, as for no one coming here, Sheera will explain the situation. Or she might have already conveyed them to Yuki, when she had left Kurumi and had gone back to the space tunnel alone.

──Besides, Basara and Zest are still asleep, too. So, I guess it's okay if I take another nap.

However, since Zest is here, when Yuki and Mio wake up, realizing that she didn't come back, it may just be a matter of time that they will rush in here. But, if Yuki and Mio were to see this situation which is bad for them, she was kind of looking forward to see what kind of face they will make.
So, Kurumi who leaked a snicker, slipped her body in between Basara and Zest.

"……………………………………" "……………………………………"

The two people who are still sleeping, embraced her closely like it all seemed natural.

Basara, with his strong arms, and Zest with her soft breasts, the feeling of being held in them is the best.

Feeling these things that herself had finally obtained at last, Nonaka Kurumi happily doze off once again.

<noinclude>
=== Translator Notes and References ===
<references/>

{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaaaaa solid; padding: 0.2em; border-collapse: collapse;"
|-
| Back to [[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 6 Chapter 2|Chapter 2]]
| Return to [[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha|Main Page]]
| Forward to [[Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 6 Chapter 4|Chapter 4]]
|-
|}
</noinclude>

Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 5 Chapter 1

2016-07-02T16:36:05Z

Dragon213:

==Being with You in the Demon Realm==
===Part 1===
Midnight came around, and Lucia appeared on time.

Jumping through space and appearing before Basara and the rest—

“Thank you for waiting…is everyone ready?”

Her tone and liveliness were completely different from Maria’s – relatively cold.

“—We’re ready, please begin.”

Toujou Basara nodded his head and replied. For the past month, everyone had been preparing for this journey.

Other than Maria, they were all wearing their school uniform, including Kurumi who had changed into the uniform she had worn to attend Hijirigasaka Academy’s Sports Festival. Although Yuki and Kurumi had their Hero battle clothes, they decided not to wear clothes that could stimulate the Demons.

Because -- including Basara, their positions today are not Heroes -- but instead just purely Mio’s family and friends.

For their clothes and daily necessities, they had gone with packing for a short trip overseas. According to Maria, their clothes could be washed anywhere and their weapons could be summoned anytime, to there isn’t any personal concerns; both Yuki and Kurumi only needed to prepare the medicinal items needed for the Heroes.

Thus, Basara and Mio each packed a single luggage case, and Yuki and Kurumi two each, each and every one being of a different size; Maria has her own residence within the Demon Realm, so she didn’t pack anything.

“Alright, we will now depart.”

With that, a large magic circle appeared in the space beside Lucia and slowly merged into the space, turning into a pitch-black hole.

“My god…”

Kurumi became amazed.

Of course Kurumi would be amazed. Normally, humans needed to fulfil some conditions before they are able to proceed to the Demon Realm. The Demon Race are beings in a higher class than Humans, and that the dimension the Demon Realm was higher than the dimension Humans are in; the principles in constructing a tunnel from a higher to lower dimension are complete different from that of from a lower to higher dimension.

One of the ways for to construct a tunnel was to make use of the overlapping between the Demon Realm and the Human Realm with its lessor numbers, to create space instability in some places and the natural phenomena -- The 「Dimensional Boundary」. Japan has some places where the Dimensional Boundary has occurred that are currently strictly controlled by the Hero [Village] – without their authorization, those like the exiled Basara and Mio who has Demon blood within her are not allowed to use it. Jin who had pretended to be going to Dubai when in truth going to the Demon Realm when Mio and the rest started living together had probably used a Dimensional Boundary overseas.

''…My dad has got many connections after all.''

Even if Jin has been blacklisted by the Heroes in Japan, the Hero of the Great War is still very popular overseas, so finding a way to the Demon Realm wouldn’t be something difficult for him.

And right now, Lucia who is a pure Demon had just created a very stable Dimensional Boundary that even Humans like Basara can cross, showing a glimpse of her power to them.

…But since Lucia is the Right-Hand Man of the leader of the Moderates Faction, such power was to be expected.

Amongst the Heroes, there were some specialising in creating spells that manipulate space, but Basara had never seen one that are as stable as the one before him right now. Of course, being able to construct barriers or manipulate space does not equate to strong battle power. Just then—

“There’s nothing to be surprised about. Mio-sama has Demon blood, Basara uses a cursed sword, some of Kurumi’s contracted spirits relations to the Demon Realm; just by taking advantage of those demonic fluctuations, creating a Dimensional Boundary that you all can pass through isn’t that hard.”

Lucia said, as if seeing through why they were so surprised.

“…What about me? My [Sakuya] shouldn’t have any demonic fluctuations.”

“—Affirmative, Yuki’s spirit sword doesn’t contain any demonic fluctuations.”

Lucia slightly nodded in response to Yuki’s question.

“That’s why, I’ve used those demonic fluctuations within your body.”

“Within my body…?”

“The fluctuations from the Master-Servant Contract you had made with Basara. Yuki sis and Mio-sama are both linked to Basara with my demonic power.”

The intermediary Maria, explained to Yuki who was frowning from being unable to understand.

“So, it doesn’t really matter even if Mio-sama doesn’t have Demon blood; as for Kurumi, she recently has been through my succubus baptism a lot, so its fine even if she doesn’t have any demonic spirits, they all would be able to pass through one-sama’s Dimensional Boundary.”

“ ! …T-That was why you had done all those things?”

Upon seeing the red-faced Kurumi coyly <ref>shyly, embarrassed</ref> ask, Maria replied all smiles:

“You’re wrong. I was unable to hold back my succubus instincts, and vented my libido on you.”

“Y-You idiot! Why do I have to handle your libido!?”

“C-Calm down, Kurumi. If you start to Maria’s tone, you’ll fall into her trap.”

“ ! ….Big sis~”

Kurumi immediately plunged into Yuki’s arms after being warned by Mio, and Yuki began patting her head to placate her.

Yuki is showing such a happy face…such glaring big-sister’s-love radiance.

「…………」

Lucia quietly watched all this, her eyebrows not wrinkling even once. Even while standing still in a very natural way, she didn’t show any sign of any flaws or struggles, while maintaining the Dimensional Boundary. Her outer-appearances are similar to Maria’s adult form, and she could very well be a S-Class expert.

“……Is anything wrong?”

Seeing Lucia sense Basara’s gaze, she replied [Nothing] and turned to Mio and the rest.

As if seeing what this meant, they became serious and stopped making a ruckus.

Toujou Basara thus said to the four of them:

「——Let’s go.」

They nodded -- and walked towards the Dimensional Boundary in a single file.

===Part 2===

They were immediately enveloped by an abyss-like darkness, and they suddenly lost their orientation.

As if like they were in outer space.

--However, that sensation was short-lived.

In the next moment -– they were all standing within an unfamiliar forest with the sweet smell of grass; as the wind blew, the rays of sunlight scattered on the ground also underwent some changes.

It’s just as Maria said, there was a time difference from Japan.

“This place is—“

“--Oldora Forest.”

Lucia turned to face Basara, and answered his uncertainty. Just then—

“Oldora Forest…is this place?”

Kurumi asked while shrinking her body away, making Mio surprised.

“You know this place?”

“Yes. Although our knowledge of the terrain in the Demon Realm is limited – everyone will definitely know about Oldora Forest.”

For Basara, Yuki, and Kurumi, all of their knowledge of this place came from their elders who had participated in the previous war. In the past, the Moderates Faction controlled majority of the Demon Realm, but then rapidly lost power and influence with the death of Wilbert, ending up in today’s state. Comparing from fifteen years ago during the war, the current power map must have already changed a lot. But the Moderates Faction probably never accounted for this forest, since after all—

“—This place is the forest closest to the Demon Lord Wilbert’s castle.”

This might have been a suitable place for Basara and the rest to land, having been invited by the Moderates Faction after all. However—

“Lucia-oneesama – why didn’t you directly bring us into Wildart City?”

Maria asked while frowning. The term Maria just said was also one that Basara and the other Heroes often heard – The city of the Demon Lord’s Capital back when Wilbert was still on the throne.

As the ones who were invited by the current leader of the Moderate Faction Ramsas and other high-class Demons, it would usually be done as Maria said, sending them directly into the city to save trouble and simplify matters.

“From the viewpoint of crisis management, we have made the decision to try to avoid the areas near and within the city, to prevent any involvement and manipulation of a third party and be mistaken as an enemy invasion.”

“You might be right, but do remember that the Current Demon Lord Faction is also after Mio-sama’s life—“

“I am well aware of that, and that is why I had chosen Oldora Forest. This place is not far away from the city, it’s difficult to observe anything from outside, and it would be difficult for anyone in the surrounding areas to feel any Dimensional Linking.”

After Lucia replied without any change in her expression to the complaining Maria—

“Let us walk for a short distance, and there will be a horse carriage to bring us into the city – Please follow me.”

And proceeded to walk off in another direction into the forest.

“I’m sorry, everyone…”

Maria lowered her eyes while feeling bad, and Basara patted her shoulder and said:

“No need to say it like it’s your fault… I guess we better get moving then.”

“…Alright.”

Maria nodded, and Basara began following Lucia.

Much less a pavement, there wasn’t even an exposed path on the forest floor. Everyone walked in a single file slowly through the grass, and soon—

“Eh… When I had first about the Demon Realm, I had thought that it would be a dark and scary place; but in the end it was just as Maria said, it wasn’t much different from our world, and there’s even a sun… There’s so many different types of plants here, giving the forest so much fresh air, it just feels no different from the mountains in the countryside.”

Mio expressed her feelings to the view of the natural forest before her. As it’s their first visit, Basara consulted Maria on a few matters to gain some knowledge on things like cultures and customs; but upon seeing a view completely contrary to his expectations, everything felt fresh. It’s just—

“What fresh air… Really, you just don’t understand.”

“What do you mean, Kurumi?”

Behind her, Kurumi sighed, and Mio turned back to ask.

“You have Demon blood, so you might not have noticed… While the views and scenes within the forest are indeed beautiful, the concentration of demonic power within this place is completely shocking. With such strong demonic fluctuations, it really gives people of coming to the Demon Realm.”

Hearing Kurumi say tensely, Mio became surprised.

“Oh… Is it true, Basara?”

“Yes, the demonic concentration within this place are very strong. Remember Zolgear’s house? It’s similar to that.”

Such thick demonic concentrations will probably lower the immunity system of a normal human, but as ones who had underwent the training from the Heroes, that might not be too much of a problem. But as such strong demonic concentrations usually equates to a fairly powerful demon or evil spirit lurking around, they were unable to relax.

“Really…? In such a natural and beautiful place?”

Basara gave a bitter smile to Mio who muttered unbelievably, and turned his sight to another place.

“…Yuki, are you alright?”

“Ah, I’m fine.”

Beside Basara, Yuki nodded and replied, showing no hints of any stress within her expression.

…Probably because she’s the user of [Sakuya].

In short, the spirit sword can purify her body anytime, even weakening the demonic fluctuations from the Master-Servant Contract; it certainly is useful as a Hero, but it presents another problem in the Demon Realm. Being unable to use [Sakuya]’s original amount of power like within Zolgear’s mansion, the one most affected by the demonic concentration is undoubtedly Yuki.

Basara couldn’t see any abnormalities in Yuki right now. But before Yuki manages to get used to the demonic concentration, there would be a burden on her, so any repercussions appearing wouldn’t be strange at all.

“Yuki—“

Basara originally wanted to help Yuki carry one of the two luggage she was carrying, but instead retracted his words.

Yuki probably is already aware that the one most affected by the demonic concentrations in the Demon Realm will be her.

But yet she still agreed to go along with Basara and the rest. Basara’s worries, might be contempt in Yuki’s eyes.

“What is it, Basara?”

Replying, Yuki’s breaths became slightly faster.

“Nothing. It’s great if you’re alright – let’s go.”

Hearing Basara expressing trust and worry, Yuki became slightly surprised.

“…Oh.”

And happily smiled.

Just like that -- after following behind Lucia for a while, they saw an ancient-type wooden horse carriage with a window waiting for them in a more open area. The carriage would probably be able to easily fit more than ten people, and there were four black horses attached before it. However--

“T-The horses in the Demon Realm are very big…”

Mio said. The Human Realm had many horses like those used in agricultural activities, but they all pale into insignificance. The horses before them are at least three metres tall, its stature doesn’t seem heavy and seemed more like racing horses.

“No, these horses are especially different. Horses of this size are rare in the Demon Realm.”

Two maidservants then appeared at the front of the carriage, most likely to be Lucia’s subordinates. They approached them after opening the door, and said respectfully:

“Everybody, please enter the carriage, and leave your luggage to us.”

And then carried their luggage onto the goods rack at the trailing end of the carriage. Just then--

“Ah, no need, I’ll carry this myself.” “Me too, sorry to cause inconvenience to you.”

After handing over the luggage containing their clothes and sundry items, the other luggage contains their assist tools <ref>for their weapons, I think?</ref>, which would naturally be better if they were to carry it themselves.

After the two of them entered the carriage, Lucia entered last, and a maidservant closed the carriage door. After ensuring they the maids had gotten onto the coachman’s seat and gripped the reins, she said:

“--Everyone, we will be departing now.”

At the same time, the horses attached to the carriage began to move forward slowly. Not long after leaving the open area, the horse carriage got onto a dirt path and began to gain speed. While observing the scenery passing by the window, Basara asked:

“Um… How long will it approximately take to reach Wildart City?”

“--In terms of the units from your realm, it will be about an hour.”

Lucia answered without even looking at Basara from her position right at the edge of the seats.As they would all be under her care for the next hour, Basara had wanted to try to close the gap between them and her…but as her attitude is that cold, everyone hesitated on whether they should speak or not.”

「……………………………」

The depressing silence went on and on. What could be heard in the interior of the carriage, was only the sounds of the wheels of the horse carriage rolling on the path.

“……Ah, everyone, please look to your left!”

Suddenly, Maria said as if wanting to dissolve the awkwardness within the carriage. When everyone turned towards the voice to the left -- the horse carriage left the forest, and wide and droad hills came into view; in the bottom right of the window is the view of the many many buildings of the city. Surrounding the city, is the outer wall that seemed to have been made by cutting from a large piece of rock.

“Wow…”

A very spectacular view it was. That is likely the previous Demon Lord’s royal capital -- Wildart.

“So the city with a castle at the centre of the urban is Wildart City?”

“Yes. That and the castle was governed by Mio-sama’s father, His Majesty Wilbert, and its governor right now is His Majesty Wilbert’s brother Ramsas-sama.”

“…………”

Listening to Maria’s explanation, Mio silently griped Basara’s hand while looking at the view through the window, and Basara held that cold and trembling hand.

As the scenery passed by the window without stopping, they got closer and closer to that far-away castle.

===Part 3===

After the horse carriage Basara and the rest were on followed around over half of the city’s wall, they finally arrived at the back entrance of the castle.

Mio was the spiritual leader of the Moderates Faction as Wilbert’s only daughter, and Basara and the others were Heroes. If they were to simply cross the urban district and be recognised, a large commotion would likely be created. Going around the urban district after entering the city was probably a good choice. After crossing the moat on the bridge let down, the horse carriage finally came to a stop. The door was then opened from the outside, and after Lucia alighted from the carriage--

“Mio-sama, and the other guests -- welcome to Wildart City.”

Lucia formally welcomed them with a serious bow, and the other maids also bowed. The main guest is Mio, while Basara and the rest were accompanying her, thus--

“Err… I am Naruse Mio, I’ll be under your care for the next few days.”

Originally planning to remain amongst her companions, Mio then stepped forward, unsure of how she should be acting, tentatively bowing first before saying that.

“……Well then, please come this way.”

Lucia said so, and the maids behind her bowed and went past them towards the horse carriage. They were probably going to get their luggage.

After handing their luggage over to them, Basara and the rest went into the city under the lead of Lucia. Even if they had entered through the back entrance, the ceiling was still pretty high, and the decorations were still very luxurious.

Much attention was undoubtedly given to the furnishings and lighting within the walkways and corridors, as they seem to tell many stories from the past. Of course, everything was spotless.

''…As expected of the spiritual leader Wilbert’s Moderates Faction’s city.''

The Royal Capital displays the prestige of the nation. Even though the Moderates Faction quickly lost power after Wilbert’s death, the urban areas were still very vibrant from what they could see from the horse carriage; probably because from the civilians’ viewpoint, this castle that symbolises the Moderates Faction preserves the vestiges of Wilbert when he was still alive for the sake of it.

Following Lucia, they crossed through the corridors filled with a solemn <ref>formal and dignified</ref> atmosphere, and after a few turns -- they came before the door to the room at the end of a corridor.

“This is the room Mio-sama will be staying in during her visit here. The males’ room for Basara <ref>[Chinese]The honorific used here: when translated literally, it would give [Mr Basara], but I left it out since it doesn't really fit</ref> is at another place, someone else will be coming later to show you the way.”

Opening the door after saying that, what they all saw behind the door turned Basara and the other speechless for a while. Not because it was stunning -- the truth was the opposite.

Opening the door after saying that, what they all saw behind the door turned Basara and the other speechless for a while. Not because it was stunning -- the truth was the opposite. The high and wide spaces and high-class furnishings that created a luxurious feel, are all completely absent in this room; the room only contained a plain bed, sofa, table, and otherbasic necessities of the lowest grade. After entering the room, it seems that the lighting is also poor, making the place fairly dim. Seeing a room like that--

“…From the furnishings seen on the way here and the decorations of the other rooms, this just isn’t a guest’s room but a warehouse for piling excess furniture. I’m fine with it, but is this really the room for the only daughter of the previous demon lord?”

Kurumi asked coldly.

“Ramsas-sama wanted you to use the rooms on this side.”

Lucia indifferently answered, not minding Kurumi’s gaze at all.

''…I see, the same old trick.''

Basara had heard from Takigawa that Ramsas held no goodwill to Mio. There were ill-will between each royal family members held over seizing power, just like from a long time ago in the Human Realm -- from all indications, there was no need to anticipate the reunion between the so-called niece and uncle.

“…………”

Mio lowered her eyes, unable to hide the sorrow from showing up in her eyes. She was originally looking forward to coming to the Demon Realm, hoping to experience some warmth from her blood relatives, but yet now she is receiving the cold shoulder.

''…Since it’s become like this.''

There is no need for her to remain here for long. After thanking the maidservants who arrived to deliver their luggage, Basara then turned to Lucia--

“I understand… Since that is the case, we’ll go along with the flow for now. Right now, can we ask for you to bring us to meet with Ramsas-sama? We all have our own lives to live, and we hope to return as soon as possible.”

And said so very seriously. Only to see shake her head and reply:

“I’m very sorry. Ramsas-sama is currently out on business and is not in the city. He will be meeting you all tomorrow.”

“Not in the city? Wasn’t he the one who invited us here?”

Yuki asked with an eyebrow raised.

“Affirmative. If you had come when I had visited you, there would have been no problems at all with Ramsas-sama’s schedule. However, just like every one of you have your own lives to live, we also have our issues to settle. Especially now where it can be considered that we Moderates Faction is at war with the leader of the Current Demon Lord Faction Leohart.”

Lucia then continued:

“As the representative leader of the Moderates Faction, Ramsas-sama is very busy with his usual office work, and coincidentally today he had matters where he could not be absent from. We had complied with you delaying your journey by a month, so can you not wait for just a single day?”

“”………………””

Since Lucia had said it that way, Basara and the rest could find no words to refute that at all.

“…Then why didn’t you just wait until tomorrow to bring us here?”

In the end, Kurumi was only able to muster a complaint quietly.

“Thank you all for your kind understanding. Well then--“

As Lucia said that, someone knocked on the door and entered the room.

“…Please have some tea.”

That was a beautiful brown-skinned maidservant. The girl pushing a metal cart loaded with a tea set was one that Basara and the rest recognised. Thus, Basara couldn’t help but to say her name.

“Zest…!”

[Hello.] Zest nodded at Basara, and then said:

“It’s been a long time since I last saw you, Toujou Basara -- no, Basara. <ref>Same as the above note about Mr.</ref>

Seeing her, Kurumi then leaned over to Yuki’s ear and asked:

“….So she is that Zest?” “Yes, she was previously Zolgear’s subordinate.”

Yuki answered Kurumi who had never met with Zest.

“You seem well… This is great.”

“Yes. Thanks to your care, Zest is very grateful to you.”

Towards the expression Zest showed when Basara expressed his relief, he was somewhat surprised. Because Zest faintly smiled. Seeing her smile for the first time--

''…She can already smile…''

Basara lamented. After defeating Zolgear -- the Toujou household temporarily took in Zest, until the one sent by the Moderates Faction brought her back to the Demon Realm, having agreed to find a place for her. Back then until when Zest was almost killed by Zolgear who had deemed her to be a burden, her expression was always icily inorganic. When if she received protection as a witness, there were some uneasiness in handing over Zest who was of the Current Demon Lord Faction over to the Moderates Faction; so considering Zest’s power and the possibility that she might escape from the Demon Realm, Basara had told her that she can return any time before she had left. On their way here and until they were brought to this room, there were still worries on whether did Zest receive any ill-treatment -- seeing that it was all himself over thinking, it was all great. However--

“……!”

Toujou Basara line of sight was drawn to another change in Zest, and he gulped.

--In Basara’s mind, Zest was a female with an extremely good body figure. It’s only been two months since they had defeated Zolgear and handed Zest over to the Moderates Faction, but yet Zest’s breasts had definitely gotten bigger. Not only Basara, this shock surpassed that of this sudden reunion in Mio and Yuki, causing them to stare at her in disbelief.

“………Ah.”

Seemingly having noticed their gazes on her, Zest gently twisted her body shyly red-faced. Even then, her breasts with a shocking amount of volume sensationally shook left and right.

“S-Sorry…!”

Basara hurriedly averted his eyes, and Zest shook her head and said [It’s fine].

“It’s not surprising that you’ll be surprised… Even I did not expect that my body would become like this. According to the doctors -- this change is due to the release from my previously repressed state, not due to something like an illness, so there is no need for any worry.”

“…--I see.”

Hearing Zest say that, Basara answered in a low voice.

Ever since they gained victory from Zolgear, even Zest along with Maria and Sheera had escaped from Zolgear’s control. Since this was the result, rather than saying [change], it would be more appropriate to call it returning to the rightful original appearance. Just then--

“Zest will be responsible for Basara’s<ref>same and the above note</ref> daily life while you are here, so please do not hesitate to call for her if you ever need anything. Zest -- you will be bringing Basara<ref>same, last time I’ll be doing this note in Lucia’s speech</ref> to his room later.”

“--Understood, Lucia-sama.”

Seeing Zest bowing on receiving her order, Lucia said [Good.] and continued:

“You’re all probably become tired on your way here. There’s still some time before dinner, so please get some rest in this room. You’ll be notified when your meals are ready. I’ll be taking my leave now.”

And Lucia turned to leave after taking a bow -- but then stopped before the door and turned back to say:

“Maria -- remember to come to my room after drinking your tea, and give me a detailed report on all of your actions over there.”

“…….Alright, understood, Lucia-oneesama.”

After Maria nodded, only then did Lucia leave the room for real.

Getting some rest in this room before having dinner, actually has the same meaning as [do not leave this room].

[[Image:Shinmai v05 025.jpg|thumb]]

As lamenting wouldn’t change anything, Basara and the rest then tentatively chose to drink the tea Zest had prepared for them. After sitting down on the sofa around the large table in the center of the room, Zest placed tea cups before them and raised the white porcelain teapot to pour tea into Basara’s cup first. Basara then raised his cup to have a taste.

“Ah… The aroma and taste is very similar to the red tea we usually have.”

The tea in Demon Realm very different, so considering that this is everyone first time here, I tried to choose a tea that has a taste very similar to the ones in the Human Realm… Is it to everyone’s tastes?”

“Yes, it’s very good… Thank you, Zest.”

“…Is that so, that’s great.”

Zest slightly smiled happily.

“You two seem to be very chummy… I haven’t drank any tea yet but why is it that I am getting heated up?” <ref>Pun here: Jealousy</ref>

Mio said while shooting daggers with her eyes while looking at Basara and Zest talking.

“I’m sorry… I didn’t have that intention…”

Zest said with a pained expression, and poured tea into Mio’s cup.

Later -- the atmosphere in the room became tense. Mio’s adoptive parents who she had believed to be her real parents, were killed by the high-class demon Zolgear -- and Zest was his subordinate.

Of course, Zest was only following orders from her master Zolgear, and was unrelated to the death of Mio’s adoptive parents; but emotions wasn’t something that could be delineated <ref>describe or portray (something) precisely/indicate the exact position of (a border or boundary)</ref> , and it was for that reason that Basara had left Zest to the Moderates Faction. Even if Mio had given up on killing her sworn enemy Zolgear, immediately making her live together with the subordinate of her sworn enemy was just too cruel to her. It was for those reasons that Mio had practically not said anything to Zest when she stayed in the Toujou Residences temporarily, and Basara had left Mio as she is.

However -- when Zest stepped back after pouring Mio’s tea, Mio raised her tea cup and said:

“Really… For me to be worried that you would be abused, it was all for nought.”

Those words bringing a hint of snorting, caused everyone to be surprised, especially Zest who had become frozen. However, that couldn’t be helped.

“Eh -- W-Why…?”

Realising that everyone was now looking at her, she frowned in confusion. Most likely, she hadn’t realised -- what the words she just said really meant. Those words she had just said so easily, probably unloaded much of what’s on Zest’s heart. Seeing Mio become like this, it seemed very cute in Basara’s eyes, hence he brought his hand to pat Mio’s head.

“Oi, what are you doing, Basara -- why are you suddenly acting like that?”

“Nothing, it’s for no reason. I only suddenly felt the urge to do this.”

Basara said to the puzzled Mio who made no actions to stop him.

Yuki, Maria, and kurumi smiled bitterly, and Zest quietly held back her tears. The tense atmosphere disappearing, warmth filled the space within the room.

===Part 4===

While having tea, everyone talked about what they should be doing for their future.

Regretfully, it appears that they were not very welcome here, and all unanimously agreed that they should all return to the Human Realm as soon as possible after finishing what they needed to do. But right now, Mio was unable to decide whether she should hand over Wilbert’s power, and she only know that she can’t make a decision she would regret. Speaking of which, there were people like Ramsas who wanted Mio to hand over Wilbert’s power, as well as people who wanted to crown Mio as the new Demon Lord within the Moderates Faction; even though Mio had no intention of ever becoming a Demon Lord, she has to carefully listen to the views of both side and make an informed final judgement. As Ramsas is not in this city right now, they could only ask Ramsas to explain and clarify the consideration of both sides of the Moderates Faction. After discussing for quite a while--

“The report Lucia mentioned about… Is it referring to what happened when you were threatened by Zolgear?”

Basara impulsively turned towards Maria and asked something that caught his attention.

“That’s right… Even if it was my mother that was taken as a hostage, my actions would not be pardoned at all because of that.”

Maria showed a self-deprecating smile when answering Basara’s question.

“Speaking of which, I didn’t expect to find a cold-blooded woman much icier than my older sister. Why are you sisters so different…?”

“…Kurumi, what do you mean by that? Your older sister will not get angry, so please tell me.”

Kurumi’s words caused Yuki to become oppressive, pressing closer towards Kurumi with every single word.

“N-Nothing! W-What I wanted to say is, your coldness wouldn’t cause discomfort to anyone, but Lucia’s coldness will cause--“

As Kurumi frantically tried to explain--

“So you mean… [I’m very very sorry]?”

A sighing voice suddenly sounded out from within the room.

“<nowiki>----</nowiki>?”

At the same time, Toujou Basara felt a weight suddenly appearing on his thighs. Lowering his sights, a small young-looking succubus was already sitting on his thighs. Seeing the girl which seemed even younger than Maria--

“Ah--!”

The others also then noticed the presence of that small succubus and became shocked. Then--

“M-Mama?!”

When Maria exclaimed with surprise, the small succubus -- Sheera let out a wry smile and said:

“Arara~, why did you exclaim, Maria~? Are you that happy from seeing your beloved mother~?”

“Not that… I was only just shocked, seeing you suddenly appear from out of nowhere.”

But Sheera ignored Maria’s retort, and tilted her head back to face Basara and said:

“Sorry, little Basara… <ref>honorific used here is to address someone younger, little brother is used here</ref> Aunty also wants to apologise to Mio<ref>same as the note before, but little sister is the one used here</ref> and everyone else. Our Lucia seemed to have shown everyone some disrespect.”

The loli-succubus mother then giggled after saying that.

“I-It’s fine… It’s been quite a while since we last saw you, Sheera <ref>honorific used here is to address an elder, e.g. miss</ref>. You seem just as lively as ever.”

The first time Basara saw Sheera was when she appeared before Maria who had lost all hope thinking that she had been killed. She probably cracked a joke sensing that the situation was progressing down the wrong direction. Sheera was also fairly serious when she apologised -- but her personality is even livelier and more mischievous than Maria. Before the emissary <ref>a person sent as a diplomatic representative on a special mission</ref> from the Moderates arrived at their house, both Sheera and Zest had stayed in the Toujou Household, and those days were especially lively and noisy, they had almost died from being played around in Sheera’s hands.

''…but then again,''

Although Basara had only said his greetings at their reunion just now, he is right now especially anxious. Before Sheera had said anything, he had not sensed anyone sitting on his thighs, much less anyone entering the room. Of course, drinking some more tea might have made him relax a bit, but he had never once put down his guard. It appears that as Maria’s mother, Sheera was definitely no pushover. Just as everyone was becoming scared of Sheera’s unpredictability, unable to say anything--

“Really, just from who did she inherit her coldness from…?”

Sheera said while supporting her face with her hand:

“Lucia is indeed very serious person with a very strong sense of responsibility… But it further intensified after becoming Ramsas’s aide~.”

From her speech patterns, one can probably take a glimpse into what level the position she held within the Moderates Faction was.

Since Sheera had called the previous Demon Lord’s brother, the current leader of the Moderates Faction Ramsas without adding any honorifics, and even called Wilbert’s only daughter [little sister]. The reason why the emissary from the Moderates Faction had backed down in the past from Sheera’s smile when she had demanded for Maria who had assisted Zolgear to go with her was likely also for the same reason.

“She is indeed very careful and hardworking… But that personality of hers~~. The fear within Lucia’s subordinate’s hearts must be pretty abundant.”

“I see… The Zest must have had a pretty hard time as a junior.”

After listening to Sheera, Basara then expressed concern for Zest who was standing by the wall, and--

“…Not really, because I am not one of Lucia’s subordinates.”

“Is it so? Then just now Lucia asking you to look after me was…”

“Lucia-sama was only repeating the task that was pre-allocated to me.”

“ ? Then who was the one who ordered you to look after me--“

Just as Basara raised another question in response to Zest’s reply--

“Ara~, that would of course be me, little Basara~.”

The reply came not from Zest, but from his thighs.

“So Sheera is Zest’s…?”

“That’s right~. I felt it would be better if someone who had been working under Zolgear were to not immediately work under Lucia. Of course, Lucia didn’t give her special treatment just because of her origins… it would just be a little too much for her little sisters under her to separate work and personal matters just like Lucia; needless to say, asking Zest<ref>calling her her own little sister here</ref> to assimilate into them is also the same. So the best course of action, was to let me who knew what had happened to take care of her~.”

Behind them, Zest lowered her eyes and then said:

“I really don’t know how I should give my gratitude to Sheera-sama… In my work as a maidservant, I am still lacking in many areas; it’s all thanks to the fact that I’m under Sheera-sama, that I’m able to continue working here until now.”

“Ah~, no need to worry about it. About the matter on you and Zolgear, I also have some stuff that I need to think about.”

“I see…”

Toujou Basara expressed his understanding of the situation. For Zest to be able to smile while working under Lucia, it had very much surprised him -- and it turned out to be his misunderstanding. The reason Zest was able to smile, was because Sheera had taken Zest in as her subordinate after considering her circumstances. That why--

“…I’m really thankful to you, Sheera.”

Basara lowered his head towards Sheera who sat on his thighs and expressed his thanks. Sheera did understand Zest’s circumstances and position in that incident, but there was also the thing about becoming Zolgear’s hostage. Normally speaking, she had no responsibility to be taking care of Zolgear’s subordinate, thus--

“Don’t worry about it. You all had always been taking care of Maria, and had even fought with your lives because of me… See it as my compensation to you.”

Sheera bitterly smile and said. Just then, Maria finished her tea in a single breath--

“--Now then, I guess it is time for me to make my atonement.”

After saying that calmly, Maria then got up from the sofa.”

“It’ll be fine. Would you like me to come along with you?”

“No need, Mio-sama. These things need to be accounted by me alone… I will report every single thing that I have done, and let myself be scolded by Lucia-oneesama.”

Maria shook her head at Mio who was worried about her--

“Everyone please continue resting -- I will be back quickly.”

And after saying that with a smile, Maria left the room with heavy steps.

===Part 5===

After leaving the room, Naruse Maria lowered her head and sighed, then--

“------“

Taking off her smile, her expression became frozen. Taking slow steps, Maria then walked slowly towards Lucia’s office. Within the spacious Wildart City -- Maria crossed the walkways alone.

--Maria had passed countless ministers and maids, but she chose to not talk to them. All along the way, her sight remained fixated on the floor.

''…It’ll be fine.''

Maria was not worried about herself -- but rather, Basara, Mio, and the others. With the help from the Master-Servant Contract, Basara, Mio, and Yuki’s battle potential had underwent enhancements multiple times. With Kurumi adding to that, Zest also joined in now that they have come here.

Compared with Maria who could temporarily raise her battle potential by changing to her adult form, Zest already would usually have power similar to that of a high-class demon. Zest was different from Maria who is only good at housework, having gone through the training for a maid and is able to provide Basara and the others with powers and help of a level similar to them.

''…It’ll all be fine.''

While walking slowing with her head lowered, Maria made a slight smile at the confidence within her heart. Soon -- Maria stopped. Raising her head, a door to a room was before her.

“…………”

Tightly clenching her right fist, Maria knocked on the door twice, and said:

“--Lucia-oneesama, Maria is here.”

From behind the door came a light…yet clear voice--

[…Is it enough?]

And raised a question to Maria. To which Maria nodded and said:

“Yes… That would be enough, thank you for letting me have some time.”

A few seconds later--

[I see -- then please come in.]

The icy cold voice that sent chills through one’s spine came through the door -- and the thick wooden door began to open by itself.

===Part 6===

After the demise of Wilbert, the crowning of the new Demon Lord Leohart created a new force in the Demon Realm. And that -- is the merging of the Radicals and Conservative Factions to become a single Current Demon Lord Faction.

However -- the power of making the decisions in the highest levels of the Current Demon Lord Faction, was not held by Leohart.

Because of the existence of those high-class Demons whose age was already uncountable.

The Council, the group that had elected Leohart to be the new Demon Lord, was made up of the seven deadly sins <ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven_deadly_sins Seven deadly sins]</ref>-- that is 「Lust」「Gluttony」「Greed」「Sloth」「Wrath」「Envy」 and 「Pride」, symbolising the seven seats within the organisation. Right now--

“--It really was unexpected, for Zolgear to have died like that.”

“That’s right. Once I think about his playground that I can never go to again; I can’t help but to feel regret over it.”

“What’s the problem with that… He’s not the only one who can open a playground, so there wouldn’t be any problems if someone were to succeed him, right? If we were to lose the banquet and women just like that, it’ll be just way too wasteful.”

Those Demons, are currently within the Royal capital of the Current Demon Lord Faction -- in the lowest floors of the city, the high-class conference room for the Cabinet that few knew about<ref>No, not the one where you can put stuff into. The one in a government</ref>. They were all sitting around the round table in the center of the room, casually chatting before the starting of the assembly, with the topic being about -- the death of the one who sat on the seat of 「Lust」, Zolgear.

“Speaking of which, Zolgear just had to die when his suspension was being looked into… His suspension was for planning to make a move against Wilbert’s only daughter, was it retribution?”

“You mean being cursed by Wilbert? Stop cracking jokes… What I think is, he probably caused his own death from playing around too much, since he spends most of his day playing around with those masterpieces of his.”

[Seems logical] As almost everyone began to smile--

“…………”

A certain someone had their eyes shut, remaining silent since the beginning. Sitting separate from the seven deadly sins, the young demon sitting in the eighth ranked seat -- with lean brows, that is the Current Demon Lord Leohart.

He listened to the endless chatting revolving around the death of Zolgear--

''…A bunch of lustful old thieves.''

He very much despised them. For him to not say out his thoughts, he had his reasons.

--Right now, the Council holds authority equal to or more than Demon Lord Leohart.

Rhetorically on the surface, it was to prevent the over-concentration of power. the Council is not only the advisory body for the Demon Lord, if they determine that the Current Demon Lord is abusing the power, they have the power to remove someone from the throne. However -- in truth, that is not really the case.

Leohart’s track record might have been outstanding during the previous war, but him being able to sit on the throne was purely because to the Council, he was the best and most useful tool.

On one side, by pushing for the young Leohart for the throne of the Demon Lord, they are able to display the assimilating of the younger generation into the political core, attracting even more support for them; on another side, they will be able to exert political influence through Leohart who they had supported. Even if the power of a single member of the Council is below that of Leohart, they are able to instantly strip him of his throne should he ever oppose them.

So in truth, the political core has never assimilated the younger generation into it at all, instead reverting to the political system that of before Wilbert came onto the throne. So currently, if Leohart wants to preserve his position as the Demon Lord, he needs to be of use to the Council.

But at best, that was only enough to maintain status quo.

''…Just you wait.''

Demon Lord Leohart slowly opened his eyes, and gazed upon the members of the Council with eyes filled with enmity, and secretly vowed.

''…I will definitely personally eliminate you, the leeches of the Demon Realm, thoroughly.''

Leohart will not be willing to play as the Council’s puppet forever. For constructing a new order within the Demon Realm, peacefully suppressing the Moderates Faction and other opposing forces is of utmost importance -- but critically, he will have to eradicate the old vermin before his eyes first. Of course, having lived for a very long time in the Demon Realm, their influence is immense and immeasurable; if he were to make any missteps, he himself will be sentenced to death. Still, Leohart’s determination did not waver even one bit. Thus--

''…Firstly.''

Leohart looked towards an empty seat at the table, but it was not Zolgear’s seat representing 「Lust」. Including Leohart’s seat, only six out of the eight seats were filled.

That’s right -- there is still a person who still has not arrived.

--And just then, the coarse thick door to the conference room suddenly began to slowly open, and then--

“I’m sorry everyone, for being late…”

A high-class demon with a deep voice entered the room, and sat down at the seat for the highest ranked amongst the seven deadly sins. Belonging to the chairman of the unified management of the Council -- Archduke Belphegor.

“What was wrong, Archduke Belphegor? You came especially late today.”

A member of the Council asked Archduke Belphegor who has appeared long after the set time.

“Ah… I had lost track of time while settling the matter about Zolgear.”

Belphegor gave a dark smile while replying.

“Didn’t we agree some time ago that before we decide on his successor, I will be filling in the seat for the seat of 『Lust』? I hold no interest at all to his research and property…but that playground of his is another matter, it’ll be a pity to lose it. And so I was thinking, that I should take over the management of that place.”

Those words made another member of the Council smile.

“Hoho… That’s great. Handing over that place to Belphegor-sama is indeed proper, and now I no longer have to worry about finding a place to play.”

Representing [Sloth], Belphegor is currently the oldest living demon in existence and held a seat ranked higher than Zolgear. It has been said that his harem in the city is made up of as many as four.

However, the chairman of the Council will naturally be no pushovers. Standing at the pinnacle of the Current Demon Lord Faction, Belphegor is himself symbolises the Ancient Times.

“I’m really sorry for making His Majesty wait for these old bones… I’ve been busy turning those women into my property one by one, so my sense of time is not really that good.”

Hearing Belphegor say so without any heavy breathing or redness in his face at all--

“…Liveliness is a good thing to have, Belphegor.”

Leohart replied in a heavy tone. Compared to Wilbert’s power inherited by Mio or the leader of the Moderates Faction Ramsas, Leohart wanted to eliminate Belphegor much more. Thus, he must never let him realise the killing intent that exists within him at all.

After that, with a [Well then, everyone], Belphegor announced:

“We shall begin today’s meeting now -- first up, the topic will be about the conditions of the remains of the spirits excavated not too long ago in the Western regions.”

===Part 7===

In this heavy atmosphere, a pair of succubus sisters were looking at each other.

Naruse Maria and the older sister Lucia.

Maria had come to Lucia’s office to report about the events of her being coerced <ref>persuade (an unwilling person) to do something by using force or threats</ref> by Zolgear and the events related to that before and after it.

Although Maria had successfully rescued Mio from the high-class demon Zolgear’s palm, her mother Sheera was instead taken hostage and had to provide her assistance through threats. Maria had originally desperately complied with Lucia’s orders to ignore Zolgear’s threats and put Mio’s protection as a higher priority; but she instead sunk deeper due to a misstep and obeyed Zolgear -- fooling Mio and the rest and pulling them into even more danger. That was roughly the report Maria gave, reporting each and every crime she had made.

And right now -- the heavy atmosphere of the room was created from waiting for Lucia to say something after Maria had finished her report. In the atmosphere that made people hold their breaths in anticipation, Maria made no movements at all, and in the end--

“--Is that really all?”

Lucia spitted out in an extremely cold voice. After that--

“Maria… I am very well aware of your love for mother, and I’m not blaming you for that. I am able to somehow understand your feelings when you found out the news of okaa-sama being taken hostage and how you felt when you made your moves after that.”

“……I understand that.”

Maria quietly nodded.

“It’s been hard on you, Maria… You must’ve been through a lot of pain, and your heart must be in a mess now. You are a very kind child, and I believe that betraying Mio-sama and Basara’s trust in you to help the scum holding okaa-sama hostage must have brought unbelievable pain.”

And Lucia followed up with some kind words -- using not a warm tone, but one that could instantly freeze boiling water.

Thus, Naruse Maria then wordlessly raised her sight.

“<nowiki>------</nowiki>”

And looked into the Lucia’s eyes -- who sat on a chair opposite her behind the office table.

Her older sister’s eyes were as Maria expected, cold enough to send chills through her, and as for her expression -- it held even more oppressive pressure than Basara, causing Maria to gulp.

“However -- even then, what you should have been doing back then was to carry out your mission of protecting Mio-sama, not worrying over the safety of okaa-sama, much less defecting to help Zolgear. It’s just -- I had thought that you were not that foolish, so why were you?”

Lucia then asked again:

“If you were the kind of person that would make this kind of mistake, I would’ve already opposed you becoming Mio-sama’s guardian in the nomination stage, as Ramsas would. However, why did you do something so foolish where you even betrayed those close to you?”

“……”

To Lucia’s question, Maria already had an answer within her heart, but was unable to voice it out. Because she was didn’t want to believe that was the truth -- much less say that it was. However--

”Tell me, Maria -- just how did Zolgear even manage to delude you?”

Yet Lucia pressed her again. Her shrewd older sister before her is not someone who you can make it past by stalling with silence or with lies.

…Additionally.

If Maria remained silent, then it wouldn’t end with just Maria’s punishment. Either Sheera or Lucia may be viewed as the reason for Maria’s crimes. And for not stopping Maria, they might be investigated -- something that must not happen no matter what.

The two of them are family that Maria is proud id. The reason Maria committed those crimes, is because her power is insufficient -- there was definitely no responsibility on Lucia or Sheera. Thus--

“……He told me, about something.”

Maria decided to give up resisting and reveal the truth, and spitted it out:

“The reason Mama lost power and turned like that -- was because she gave birth to me.”

“<nowiki>------</nowiki>”

Lucia then stuttered with a shaking voice, slightly widening her eyes.

''…I see, it really is the case…''

Lucia now understood. Maria has a very soft heart, but her sense of responsibility is very strong. So even if the circumstances caused conflict within her heart, and that was why Lucia had deeply believed Maria would never go as low as helping Zolgear.

''…I see.''

In the space out of Maria’s sight under the table, Lucia clenched her fist.

Trying to suppress the boiling rage without making any movements.

--What Zolgear told Maria, is indeed the truth.

Lucia and Maria’s mother Sheera was the first amongst the succubus race to become a high-class demon, someone who was a well-known figure in the Demon Realm. In the past, Sheera possessed a lot of power, and rumours say that she was a close ally to the strongest Demon Lord Wilbert.

However -- that Sheera one day, for one reason, lost over half of her power.

That, was giving birth to Maria. Everything was fine when Sheera gave birth to Lucia, yet she lost over half her power when she gave birth to Maria -- even becoming unable to even maintain her own original outer appearance, and assumed an appearance even younger than the Maria right now.

However -- everyone else including Lucia were always very careful, not letting Maria find out about it.

The moment she finds out her own birth caused her cute Mother to lose her power and beauty, a heavy blow will undoubtedly be dealt to that child’s heart. As Sheera was someone very special to her, the aftereffects will definitely be very severe.

So as to not let Maria feel any guilt or trauma about her own existence, Sheera and Lucia teamed up with the people around them, protecting Maria from ‘’that’’ together -- by hiding its existence.

It would be impossible to hide the fact that Sheera lost her power, but it might be possible to cut all connections of that to Maria. Thus, everyone lied to Maria that Sheera had lost her powers before having Maria, and spent all efforts on supporting this cover-up. Amongst the people in the Moderates Faction that Sheera was close with, there were quite a number who knew the truth due to being present during childbirth and other reasons, and they felt regret and sympathy over the blow from losing that overwhelming power. Both Lucia and Sheera had went around asking people to not leak out the truth, to the point where Wilbert had even agreed to persuade people to protect the secret. With the cooperation of so many people, they managed to hide the cruel truth from Maria and let her grow up uneventfully.

''…But he dared to…!''

Lucia is already furious to the point where she was already gritting her teeth. Though she didn’t know where and how did Zolgear of the Current Demon Lord Fation got that info where only a small fraction of the people in the Moderates Faction knew -- for him to be still harming people even after his death, he is lowest and dirtiest scum. What Lucia wanted the most was to personally end his life, but from the looks of his psionic response suddenly disappearing when tracking him, he’s probably already dead.

“……”

While the frustrated Lucia tried to suppress her rage--

“……I’m sorry, Lucia-oneesama…”

Maria seemed to take Lucia’s silence as anger directed at her, and lowered her head and said:

“The mama onee-sama respected the most, was snatched away by me…”

“That--“

Hearing Maria say monotonously, Lucia wanted to try to stop Maria train of thought. Perhaps, Maria thought Lucia’s strict attitude was the result of her causing Sheera to lose her power. Or maybe she thought that that was her responsibility, and thus went down the wrong path of wanting to save Sheera alone. But--

''…That’s not it.''

The reason Lucia had been strict with Maria was that as the aide of the current leader of the Moderates Faction Ramsas, her responsibilities are now completely different from her previous post. Having to order her subordinates around and make judgements from time to time, she of course had to be partial and show no favouritism; even when her own little sister became her own subordinate, she must still stick to her principals.

And also, the responsibility of Sheera losing her powers didn’t fall squarely on Maria’s shoulders. Sheera had decided to have children despite knowing that there was that risk, and Lucia and even supported her mother’s decision; and Maria had not disappointed them, being born healthily.

Thus, Lucia very much wanted to say「You’re wrong」「It’s not like that」. You -- the succubus named Maria, had been born with blessings from many people.

However -- Lucia was unable to say it out loud.

Right now, she is not Maria’s older sister, but still Ramsas’s aide. She still had to hand down the punishment to her subordinate who had done wrong, and carry it out as soon as possible. Hence--

“…I now fully understand your reasons for your betrayal.”

Lucia stood up, putting aside her feelings as a family member -- as an older sister, and then frankly said with the expression and tone that of Ramsas’s aide:

“But even then -- your mission is to protect Mio-sama, and putting aside any personal reasons, being swayed by personal emotions and putting your protection target into danger is definitely not allowed.”

Lucia began walking slowly towards Maria, and continued:

“As for your err, Ramsas-sama had given me full authority -- are you ready?”

“…Yes.”

Maria nodded slightly and replied.

Thus -- Lucia materialised her weapon in her right hand, a whip specially made from the leather of the magical creature Behemoth. Standing before Maria while looking at her own little sister with cold eyes, Lucia slowly raised her right hand holding the whip--

“--Could you be more lenient?”

A voice suddenly came from beside them to stop Lucia.

“ ! --Basara!”

Maria’s shocked voice sounded out, naming the one who was leaning against the wall to the right of them.

“……How did you come in here?”

In contrast to the shocked Maria, Lucia only frowned and asked.

“Just now… Sheera suddenly appeared in the room you brought us to.”

Basara began explaining:

“When I asked her how did she suddenly appear on my thighs, I found out that it was just one of her usual pranks -- through one of the magical space connecting tunnels made everywhere in case of an emergency. Thus I guessed that there should be one in your office too, and asked her to let me use it. As Maria seemed to be taking very long, I became worried.”

Basara looked at Lucia eyes, his eyes filled with coldness that seemed different from Lucia’s.

''…I see, so this is…''

According to past reports, Lucia somewhat understood Basara’s personality to a certain extent.

This former Hero teen while having a very warm and kind side, has a very cold side to him as well. Even when he was critically injured by Lars, he was still able to see his true side, and joined hands in the shadows.

Later, he had joined up with Lars to trick Zolgear and successfully managed to rescue the kidnapped Mio and Sheera -- even managing to defeat Zolgear. The first time Lucia met him was about a month ago when she had visited to invite them, and bringing them over to the Demon Realm will be her second time meeting him. As Lucia had only seen images of Basara, she has had some doubts about his other side, but now she can see that it was real.

''……Speaking of which… Really, Mother?''

Having closed the door properly, Lucia was temporarily unable to figure out how did Basara enter the room, but he had actually unexpectedly used Sheera’s space tunnels. While Lucia knew of its existence, she never realised her own office wasn’t an exception, making her feel -- she is far less than mother<ref>far from the standards her mother is at</ref>. After taking a mental sigh, Lucia straightened her heart, looked at Basara and said:

“--However, that person will not accept your request so easily, right?”

“The reason Maria assisted Zolgear, is because she was only thinking of saving her mother Sheera. Thus, if Maria had to take any other responsibility because of Zolgear, I hoped that she would lend a hand… That was what I had said to her.”

Basara’s thought process was justifiable and reasonable, but it just just way too difficult to believe that Sheera would accept Basara’s request just because of that. If anyone else other than the creator of those secret passages were to find out of its locations and methods to utilise it, its usability and practicality would be lowered. As the secrets surrounding them would very likely be revealed once used by any unauthorised persons, it has to be used when all alternatives have been exhausted for it to be most effective. Sheera might not have fully understood that logic…

''If anything -- Sheera seems to have rated the youth Basara very highly’.'' Lucia thought quietly, and then continued:

“…I understand. It’s no wonder that person would show such affections for her daughter… But, let me ask you -- why do you want to shield Maria? No matter how young I am, I am still Ramsas-sama’s aide, and even if you have been exiled, you are still a Hero -- you do realise that by trespassing by office, you are in no position to be defending yourself if you were to be disposed of?”

Lucia’s warning caused Maria to turn pale.

“ ! --H-Hold on! Basara is--“

“Shut up, Maria -- I am currently speaking with Basara here.”

Cutting off Maria’s retort, Lucia then turned to face Basara.

“…I am well aware of that, as well as the consequences too.”

Hearing Basara’s reply--

“…Then why did you still do it? Are you not afraid of death?”

With those words, Lucia hinted that it wouldn’t be weird even if the cost of his actions was death.

“Of course I am afraid of death… However, there are some things that one can never give in to despite one’s fear of death. Indeed, the family of the succubus Maria are you and Sheera, and she is part of the Moderates Faction, shouldering the big responsibility of protecting the daughter of the late previous Demon Lord. But still--“

Basara said firmly:

“Right now, I will repeat what I had already said to the female demon you had sent to bring back Maria… This girl known as Naruse Maria, is my family; here, she is my precious sister, and I will not allow anyone to harm her -- even if you are her blood-related sister, you are no exception.”

“ <nowiki>----</nowiki>! “

That answer caused Maria to tremble, and then--

“Not only me, even Yuki who was in real danger and got implicated has already forgiven her. This incident had left no grudges in any of us, Maria has already repented thoroughly -- then again, wasn’t it you guys who had sent just Maria alone to protect Mio?”

Taking a new breath, Basara then said to Lucia harshly:

“Before you punish her for neglecting her duties, you guys should be reviewing what responsibilities you have in this -- isn’t that right, Lucia?”

Within Toujou Basara’s heart, there were three things that he had to settle and confirm while in the Demon Realm no matter what.

Firstly, to solve the problems left behind by Wilbert’s power within Mio.

Secondly, to confirm the status and condition of Zest who had been handed over to the Moderates Faction.

''…And thirdly…''

To stop 「Maria」 from receiving punishment for assisting Zolgear.

Mio’s problems with the politics and circumstances of the Demon Realm goes a long way, so it naturally can’t be immediately solved. But now that he had confirmed that Zest was being treated well, next came Maria.

And for that--

…He had to make the other party agree to give it up.

Lucia is Ramsas’s aide, so as long as she agrees to give up on Maria’s punishment, the people of the Moderates Faction would not chase after Maria to take responsibility. To Basara’s declaration to protect Maria to the end--

“……So that’s how it is. Toujou Basara, I understand what you are getting at.”

Lucia showed that she understood it.

“『Not allowing anyone to harm family』 Those words does really sound nice. However, do you really mean that you will unconditionally forgive, disregard, and connive the mistakes your family makes?”

“…As long as I know of her wrongdoings, I will immediately correct it, and sometimes even warn or scold her. However--“

Basara continued:

“The two things being mentioned are completely different. The reason Maria obeyed Zolgear, was purely completely to save Sheera--“

“--Even then, she should’ve told either you or me the situation, and sought for assistance; yet this child put her personal feelings first and acted on her own, causing Mio-sama to have fallen into Zolgear’s hands. Although things have ended well luckily with no serious consequences, it was just only the results that were not grave. Maria’s thought to help Mother might deserve sympathy, but what she did was completely not right -- is that not it?”

“That…!”

Lucia was right, and Basara stuttered, unable to retort.

“Additionally, Basara -- you may not have noticed, but you yourselves have done something wrong.” <refers>referring not only Basara here</ref>

“…We?”

“That’s right.” Lucia nodded and said:

“After the incident with Zolgear -- you had used 『It was all to save her mother』, such nice words as an excuse to not administer punishment, never scolding or punishing her even once at all, probably to try to put her heart at ease. After that, you all had chosed to continued living with her like nothing has ever happened.”

“…And what is wrong with that?”

“Do you still not get it? You -- ignored Maria’s guilt of betraying you and wanted her to continue staying in that house like nothing ever happened; because you never blamed her -- she doesn’t want to blame herself; yet you never thought -- of the possibility that Maria’s guilt has never completely disappeared, and some shreds of it still remains in her heart.”

“ ! <nowiki>----</nowiki>?”

Basara then looked at Maria, shocked. And--

“………”

Maria silently lowered her eyes. That reaction and expression, revealed the truth to Basara.

Lucia the said to the speechless Basara:

“…Although she is very happy that she can still continue living together with you, but by staying beside you all every day, she is constantly reminded that she had betrayed her precious family; and whenever you said such warm yet cruel words like 『It’s alright』 and smile, you deepen her pain. With that kind of pain, Maria had treated it as her punishment for betraying you all; yet this child continued to smile, making you all satisfied -- you all had never thought about what she was hiding under her smile.”

Lucia then said with words filled with scorn:

“There is no grudges at all between you all? How laughable. Whenever Mio-sama and Yuki’s curse of the Master-Servant Contract activates, you’ll help them eradicate the guilt that had activated it in the first place, helping them to be lifted from the curse; I believe that kind of situations have already happened many times -- but, where is your care for Maria? Blindly giving kindness and goodwill, is sometimes more cruel than baring your fangs. You guys, hope to protect Maria -- with the actions you have made, do you really think it is really halping this child? What you have told me doesn’t satisfy me at all, was it to only make yourselves happy?”

“No, we--!”

Basara wanted to retort, yet was unable to continue. Maria’s actions just now, had already shown who was right.

“--Since you claim that it’s not it, I’ll give you a chance to prove yourselves.

Lucia said:

“If Maria -- Naruse Maria is really your family, and you really want to stop me from using punishment to save her heart, then there is nothing to be said -- you have to punish Maria yourself, eradicate her pain, and prove that you’re not all bark and no bite.”

“I have to punish Maria…”

These provocative words caused Basara to look at Maria at a loss. Maria remained quiet, but--

“Maria…”

Toujou Basara saw Maria walk slowly towards him.

“……………”

Maria kept quiet, only silently looked upwards at Basara.

Her eyes and expression, caused Basara to make a decision. Thus, Basara put both his hands on Maria’s shoulders, and turned to Lucia, quietly yet heavily saying:

“I promise -- if that will really save Maria, and make you acknowledge me as Maria’s family.

===Part 8===

In the traditions of succubi, the punishments handed down must not only include pain applied to the body, but also making the one being punished feel shame.

The older sister Lucia originally planned to use the whip she used as her weapon to punish Maria, thus she wanted to lend her whip to Basara for him to use. But he shook his head and rejected her, as if wanting to reassure her while his hands were on Maria’s shoulders, and said:

“Since I am the one punishing Maria, I would like to do so with my own hands.”

And after that, Basara explained that his punishment for Maria, would be slapping her butt.

Also known as spanking. Because it was the normal usual method of punishment utilised by Human parents. Right now--

“………”

In order to receive spanking, Naruse Maria was currently doing something while very red-faced.

And that is, taking off her clothes. Normally speaking, spanking didn’t have the requirement of taking off one’s clothes, but when Basara wanted to administer normal spanks, Lucia added on her request.

--Because she reckoned, that it wouldn’t be embarrassing enough.

Lucia originally planned to not only use the whip on Maria, but to also strip off Maria’s clothes one-by-one until she was naked, making her admit her wrongdoings while stark naked, to thoroughly wipe out her guilt and bad feelings.

Thus, that is why Maria is stripping off her clothes. If Basara wanted to create the effects of the whip cutting up Maria’s clothes, he could just simple tear her clothes apart. But as Basara didn’t want to do that, Lucia simply ordered Maria to first take off her clothes.

Not letting Basara take them off, but instead making Maria take them off herself. Because that is part is her punishment.

With only her panty left on, Maria then stood before Basara who waited for her while sitting on the sofa, meeting up with his eyes--

“I’m sorry, Basara. I…”

And apologised for hiding her true feelings. Basara stretched out his left hand, and said while caressing her cheeks:

“I see -- you have also been in so much pain.”

“……I’m sorry.”

Maria apologised once more--

“…--I understand. Right now, I will be punishing you.”

Basara then said:

“However, that is not because you obeyed Zolgear and betrayed us, but because you still smiled despite the pain in your heart. Even if we are not related by blood, even if we are of different races, we are already family -- and I am your older brother. This may all be my wishful thinking, I that is what I believe. That’s why, if you as my little sister do something wrong, I will punish you…understand?”

“……Yes.”

Maria nodded, and Basara then turned to Lucia.

“Lucia, the magic that Maria had used before on Kurumi, the one that had a similar effect and similar method of lifting to the curse of the Master-Servant Contract made between me and both Mio and Yuki -- do you know how to use it too?”

“I do. Why do you ask?”

To Lucia’s question, Basara raised Maria’s right hand and said:

“I do know that I am about to punish her…to not let Maria conceal herself from us anymore, as well as to wipe out feelings like guilt from her heart. I would like to do things more thoroughly -- completely and thoroughly.”

“…If she were to enter an aroused state and experience pleasure and pain, wouldn’t it just nullify the purpose of the punishment?”

Basara replied to Lucia’s point raised:

“This kind of stuff, is according to the practices done in the past.”

Lucia looked silently at Basara for quite a while, and then replied:

“……I understand, I’ll let Maria undergo my baptism, though this is very rarely done between succubi. My base succubus powers is stronger than Maria’s, so there should be an effect.”

And thus began slowly walking towards Maria.

“Maria… Look into my eyes.”

“……Yes, Lucia-oneesama.”

Even though she clearly understood what was coming from the conversation between the two, Maria obeyed her sister. After signs of succubus magic showed up within Lucia’s eyes--

“Ah<nowiki>----</nowiki>…”

Looking directly into it -- a change then occurred within Maria’s childish body. Somewhere within her lower abdomen, a sweet warmth came pouring out, and began to swell. Just as Lucia said, the older sister’s powers was above Maria’s, and the baptism was of course more powerful.

“Ah…Ah! …Aaaahhhh…!”

Beginning to gasp, Maria, collapsed into Basara’s arms. While sitting on the sofa, Basara took the opportunity to place Maria on his thighs.

Her breasts on Basara’s thighs, facing the side -- she was now in the position easiest for Basara to spank her butt. Then--

“--I’m beginning.”

Basara’s low voice sounded out.

“Fuahh… A,Ah…<nowiki>----</nowiki>!”

Spread on Basara’s thighs, gasping hotly while gulping--

“……Yes, Basara, please do… Please heavily punish the me who had deceived you all.”

Maria said such repenting words -- next moment, Basara’s palm landed on Maria’s rump, the slap sounding out in Lucia’s office.

The strong force hitting her paralysed her for a moment -- and then immediately came the scalding pain.

Having gone through a Hero’s training, Basara had slapped Maria’s butt without holding back -- twisting his wrist to its limit, his hand had followed the most optimal line to apply the perfect slap. Right from the start, the strength applied was beyond surprising.

The effects of the baptism didn’t soothe it at all, just like the panty she wore. Thus, Maria gave a scream with tearful eyes.

“ ! ! --Ffuuaaaaaaahhhhhhh♥”

A scream that Maria as a succubus was not expecting, an aroused scream that made weakened her. Her improper gasps, clearly entered Maria’s ears.

''…W-Why did I…give such a…scream…?''

Maria became shocked and dazed, but she was unable to continue thinking.

Because the second hit landed on her butt.

“Eek! Aaahhh<nowiki>-----</nowiki>♥”

[[Image:Shinmai v05 043.jpg|thumb]]

That, undoubtedly, is purely pain only, with no sense of pleasure at all -- but yet, what escaped her mouth was a pleasured scream.

Her reactions and what she felt was clearly mismatched, pushing Maria’s mind into a mess.

''…Ah.''

But she then quickly realised, the pain only existed on her butt -- under the surface, something began changing.

That bundle of warmth began to grow even faster. When the third hit landed--

“Ah<nowiki>～～～～～～～</nowiki>♥”

Naruse Maria finally understood.

Within her body, the pain and pleasure were intertwined together. Experiencing that scalding pain, even hotter pleasure came along with it.

Thus -- in the next instant, she was bathed in pain and pleasure.

With the fourth hit, the pain and pleasure were equal. The fifth hit brought her pain past her limits -- with the sixth hit, only pleasure was left in her mind. With that -- everything began running out of control.

“Haah! …Basara! Ah♥ fu… A-Ahhwoo♥ ooo! Ah--Aaahhhh♥”

With each loud hit Basara landed on Maria’s butt, Maria’s mind was pulled even deeper into the muddle. The bundle of hotness within her began spreading from her butt and thighs. Each time the crisp sound resounded, Maria screamed with an intoxicated expression.

In the moment the tenth hit landed--

“ ! <nowiki>------</nowiki> Haaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh<nowiki>～～～～♥ </nowiki>”

The accumulated pleasure suddenly exploded, and Naruse Maria was instantly pushed to the peak.

With her eyes white from the climax, that small childish body lay paralysed on Basara’s thighs; the pleasuring aftertaste left her sluggish, gasping with pleasure. Suddenly, Basara had stopped spanking her butt -- and Maria indulged while immersed in her happiness and fulfilment. Seeing this--

“--You couldn’t possibly be thinking, that that would be enough to settle things?”

Having watched the whole process up till now, Lucia said coldly.

“Do you really think with with only ten spanks…a single climax, would be enough to make this woman forget it all? If that is so, then you -- are looking down on a woman’s and Maria’s pain.”

“…………”

Basara’s answered Lucia’s disappointment with silence.

As if telling her, that it’s not over yet.

“Ah… Aaoo… Basa-ra…?”

Maria turned to face him with her eyes wet from the pleasure, and realised the hand Basara spanked her with, had went under the band of her panties.

“Ah……”

Without any time to resist, Basara pulled off her panties to her knees. Her small round butts, its redness is now completely visible--

''…My, goodness…''

But it didn’t hurt at all. Probably because the waves of pleasure were washing over her then subsiding, Maria’s butts were moving about on Basara’s thighs, seeming to be very comfortable. Hence, Basara looked at her and said:

“…Maria.”

Raising his left hand, that palm then landed on her butt.

''…Why…Why, am I so hot…''

Maria has been forced to experience her butt being punished, and is experiencing pain -- as well as even stronger pleasure. What was transmitted from the palm, is burning pleasure, as if that hand is warmly scalding her.

“Ah--…”

Maria suddenly felt a sense of floating. Basara had lifted her body from under her, removing her panty that was at her knees, and placed her back on his thighs.

--However, not horizontally in a position where he could easily spank her butt this time.

It instead was a position where Maria was facing Basara, where she was straddling him and as if they were about to hug each other.

“……”

Maria understood that now, she has to look on at him while he administers the pleasure punishment to her naked butt, until all her pain disappears from her heart. Maria had no intention of resisting, because she didn’t want to hide anything from Basara anymore.

Thus, she silently waited for Basara to make his move. Basara’s right hand then smacked onto the butt that was usually covered by her panties, and in that moment--

“ ! --Haaaaaaaahhhhhhh♥”

The first one sent Maria to the peak again -- and when the next one landed, Maria reached the peak once more while looking at Basara’s face.

With every smack landing on her naked butt, each and every one was filled with the happiness from being spanked while sitting on his thighs -- with the pleasure acting as a catalyst for her overwhelming happiness. Very soon, Maria’s young and tender body began showing signs of a women’s fulfilment.

Even while receiving punishment, the tips of Maria’s breasts were swollen and still, and from her mouth and between her legs flowed out Maria’s ‘’love fluids’’. Maria’s small childish body was exploited by Basara with every smack landing just like that, adding on to her hotness rapidly. Once the number passed ten, Maria finally reached her limit.

“ ! <nowiki>～～～～～～～～～～～～～～♥</nowiki>”

Naruse Maria’s hands and legs wrapped around Basara, and her whole body quivered.

“……! Shaaahh…! Aaaoo… Fu-aahh……♥”

She could no longer think, and to the Maria who could only manage to gasp for air--

“<nowiki>-------</nowiki>”

Basara raised his right hand. Seeing this--

“ ! --Basara!”

Lucia couldn’t help but to stop him from the side, but -- in the next moment, what Naruse Maria’s butt that had already reached its limit received, is pampering. Basara’s hand caressed Maria’s butt that had finished receiving its punishment as if to comfort it, no different from the patting of a child’s head to give praise.

“……It’s been hard on you.”

Basara’s tender voice came from her side. Thus--

“……..!”

Maria heavily nodded while many tears rolled from her large wet eyes.

And proceeded to hug Basara even tighter, calling his name once more.

After that--

“Is this punishment enough?”

“…………”

At Basara’s question, Lucia wordlessly gave her affirmative. With that, Basara’s expression relaxed, and lightly caressed Maria’s hair.

--Maria has already fallen asleep on Basara’s thighs.

Lucia handed the anti-inflammatory ointment originally to be used after the whipping to Basara, who then immediately began to apply it to Maria’s butt gently. It was here where Maria had completely lost consciousness. <ref>Had fallen asleep, but '''was''' still aware of what’s going on</ref>

Maria’s normal breathing, showed that she is all well and at peace.

''…I see.''

Lucia watched as Basara caressed Maria’s head with eyes filled with compassion, as then managed to finally somewhat understood why Sheera had taken a liking to Basara. Maria probably didn’t know as it was something from before her birth -- the baptism punishment Basara had requested, was Sheera’s customary trick.

Probably while talking to Basara, Sheera had realised that a part of his heart was similar to her’s. With someone like that accompanying Maria, Lucia felt reassured, yet at the same time slightly afraid.

--Basara is the son of the former Hero [God of War] Jin·Toujou, and just that alone will be enough to make one be on their guard already. But compared with expression of love and affection before her eyes--

''…Just what is with this youth, that can occasionally show cold eyes that can make even me shudder…''

Who knows, hiding within Basara’s heart might be an unimaginably cold emotion.

''…Speaking of which.''

Basara managed to do what he had said, to liberate the pain in Maria’s heart. Despite seeing the heart of her cute little sister being saved by him, there were some bad feelings with her, but even if she managed to stem that fuzzy thought, she was still fearful of him, which just seems too exaggerated...

And right now, there is still something important to do -- thus Lucia began to take action.

“<nowiki>------</nowiki>”

Lucia turned to stare at her office door, and that wooden door suddenly began to open -- and the teenage girl behind the door trembled from the shock at the sudden change of events--

“ ! --Ah… Ah…”

And fell and sat down on the ground. That was the female Hero who had came to the Demon Realm together with Basara--

“Kurumi…?”

Basara called out her name in shock, thinking about after Maria who was asleep on his thighs, he didn’t stand up. Lucia began walking towards Kurumi in Basara’s place, and then said while standing before her eyes:

“Not only did you move about in the city unauthorised, you also secretly listened in on my office… To think that a Hero would do such a unlawful act.”

“I… I……”

Under Lucia’s ruthless criticism, Kurumi panicked and looked towards Basara.

She probably came to look as Basara and Maria seemed to be taking a very long time -- and after hearing the various noises from just now from the office, she remained out here until now since it wasn’t convenient for her to escape back to the room.

--Now, just how should she be handled?

She had not gone through the passage Sheera had constructed, as Lucia would notice it since it had already been used by Basara. With the Master-Servant Contract Basara had made with Mio and Yuki, they could sense his location; but Mio would be too conspicuous since she is the only daughter of the previous Demon Lord, and while Yuki could move about secretly, she could not conceal herself as well as Kurumi who could hide with the magics of her spirits, and thus that is probably why they had sent her. They were all worried about Basara and Maria and thus came to check, that thought was not too hard for him to understand.

…However.

Unfortunately, Lucia is not in a very good mood right now. That was only natural, at this time, the one to release Maria’s pain and make her flighty and happy was originally supposed to be Lucia herself. While originally even thinking that Basara had no such skill, that very role was very abruptly taken away from her.

“Ah… Aahh…!”

“…………”

Probably hearing Maria’s sounds of fawning, Kurumi’s body seems to have been infected and began to seem to feel pleasure and excitement, a dark pleasure starting to take over her heart.

Usually, as Ramsas’s aide -- as well as managing many maidservants, Lucia had to exercise self-discipline and restrain her own desires; but in truth, her instincts as a succubus is much stronger than Maria’s. And right now -- Lucia isn’t that calm enough to be able to suppress her intense instincts.

--Thus, for all of Lucia’s negative and bad feelings, she had decided to vent it all on the Kurumi before her eyes.

In other words, she let loose her succubus baptism. With effects even able to make Maria of the same race to lose strength in her legs, it enveloped the Kurumi who had her immunity lowered from being in the Demon Realm--

“Eh<nowiki>----</nowiki> Ah……”

And caused her to collapse over with her eyes glazing over. Lucia took the opportunity to hold her in her arms, and then brought her into her own office.

“Lucia, why did you…!”

At the words Basara had at the assault before him--

“I’ve said it before. As the aide of Ramsas-sama, this place this my office.”

While holding Kurumi within her arms, Lucia walked towards Basara and answered:

“And this city, is the residence of the previous Demon Lord Wilbert-sama, and also for the current management of the Moderates Faction. She had not used Mother’s tunnel, which shows that she had moved within the city unauthorised to find this place -- and with that, you have no say in what I want to do.”

Lucia said so while looking at Basara, her succubus instincts blazing within her eyes, her body letting out an S-Class aura.

“ ! …Kurumi have not done the Master-Servant Contract with me, and even if the others did, they do not know the ways within the city; so it’s likely that just like me, it was Sheera who told her the way.”

Just now, Lucia seemed to relatively address her mother more respectfully, thus Basara wanted to try raising her name to calm Lucia down. However--

“No need to bring my mother’s name out… This place is my room, so the right to decide is all mine.”

After saying that, she laid down Kurumi on a sofa adjacent to the table adjacent to the sofa Basara was sitting on, and with neat and tidy actions, she began taking off Kurumi’s clothes.

But Lucia’s rationality just barely managed to not be overtaken by her succubus instincts, and so even if she lost her calm, she didn’t forcefully rip apart Kurumi’s clothes. In the blink of an eye, she had stripped Kurumi to her underwear, after undoing the clasps and removing her bra to reveal those luscious breasts, her hands moved towards her panty--

“ ! --Kurumi is your little sister’s rare close friend! If you harm her, Maria will most likely become sad, so please think it over!”

Hearing Basara saying that advice to try to get her to stop--

“<nowiki>------</nowiki>"

Lucia stopped her hands which had already hooked onto Kurumi’s panty. She has her back facing Basara, so she was unable to see what expression he had on right now. However -- after a brief silence, Lucia straightened up and turned around--

“……Alright. For Maria’s sake, I’ll give you another chance.”

And said while looking at Basara with her eyes raging with her succubus instincts:

“You shall take my place, give me a display with this girl, and satisfy my needs -- say if I am not satisfied, I will no longer care if she is Maria’s friend, and administer true happiness devoting all my succubus powers, making her forget even her own identity. Don’t make me make any more allowances.”

“ ! ……I understand.”

Basara helplessly promised. Although further persuasion or negotiation was not impossible, but if he were to fail and provoke Lucia, it’ll be hard to say in what state Kurumi will end up in. Thus--

“……………”

Basara lightly raised Maria and laid her on the sofa to continue sleeping, and then headed towards the sofa Kurumi and Lucia were at.

===Part 9===

Kurumi had a secret which no one else know.

That -- is a thought that has been hidden within her heart for a long time.

Just like Mio and Yuki, Kurumi also wanted to make the Master-Servant Contract with Basara.

''…Because.''

Kurumi realised -- unconsciously, a distance between her and the other already.

--Compared to the gap that existed between her and him back when the Spirit Lance Byakko user Hayase Takashi had fought one on one with Basara while being supervised by Shiba Kyoichi, that gap back then was smaller than now.

The gap, does not refer to their battle potential, but instead her relationship with Basara.

In the past when she had first arrived at the Toujou Residences to assist Yuki, she discovered a tie connecting Basara to Mio, Yuki, and Maria which can never be told anyone, which had already greatly raised all of their battle potential.

That increase had gradually left Kurumi behind in the dust -- so naturally, Kurumi also wanted to make the Master-Servant Contract with Basara.

''…However.''

Regrettably, she cannot do so. With Jin’s influence, Yuki has already gotten the elders’ permission to continue staying by Basara’s side, so she will probably not be leaving the Toujou Household; but for Kurumi, she must return to the [Village] immediately once an order come, without an option of rejecting it. Thus, if any weird demonic fluctuations were to be found hidden within her body, it’ll bring trouble to her parents. With just Yuki’s matter alone, the Nonaka household was already in a difficult position. Even if the other party is Basara, if the matter of Kurumi making a Master-Servant Contract of the Demons is to be exposed, the elders might even possibly make the decision to make Basara an elimination target; if it comes to that, then they won’t send Takashi and [Byakko] to do it, but instead that Shiba Kyoichi personally to do it. In any case, that must be avoided at all costs.

''…Because there is no chance of winning any of that at all…''

At their current level, they have no chance of winning against that monster at all… to the point where Jin would have to make a move himself<they would need him to stand a chance</ref>, but Jin has already left the frontlines long ago… <ref>no longer at his prime anymore</ref> Thus, she must not let the elders send out Shiba Kyoichi.

And that, is the reason why Kurumi has always suppressed her desire for the Master-Servant Contract with Basara.

…But still, Kurumi still wanted to close the gap in her relationship with Basara.

In order to not be left behind, Kurumi had willingly let Maria do many embarrassing things to her. Even then, then bond connecting the girls to him was not only the Master-Servant Contract, but also the ties as comrades who survived death fights -- leading to Kurumi doing many low things together with everyone, but yet she still felt so far away from everyone else. Hence, in order to try to fill that hole, she would ask her spirits to use magic to make her have [A Certain Dream] while she slept.

That dream, is Nonaka Kurumi’s heart’s desire -- becoming Basara’s lover.

--In the dream, the love between her and Basara deepened with each passing day.

The relationship between the two in that dream, was different from Maria’s plots which had skipped past several sequences or stages -- it was through many dates, holding hands, embracing each other, that they became closer to each other.

In other words, Nonaka Kurumi’s pure love.

About a week ago, Kurumi had finally kissed Basara in the dream. In reality, even though the two of them had done many lewd things, they had never kissed even once; so even if it was in a dream, Kurumi still became very happy to have caught up to the other girls. From then, Kurumi had then kissed with Basara no less than a thousand times within her dream. Though they had never kissed even once in real life, she had experienced kisses involving the tongue countless times within her dream, and even trying out some even bolder things.

''…Heh heh.''

The Kurumi who had always been manipulated by Basara and Maria in real life, was relatively bold in her dream.

As in reality doing that last final stage<ref>sex</ref> would make her loose the spirits’ protection, she still dared not do try it within her dream; rather, the pleasure, happiness and orgasms she enjoyed in her dreams were not from caressing each other. During that kiss with Basara, she had felt especially happy -- thus recently, she had taken the initiative in asking Basara for more.

--And right now, Nonaka is right within her dream.

What made her arrive at that conclusion, is the sense of floating that doesn’t seemed real, as well as the sweet bitterness within her body.

Kurumi has only in her panty in that unfamiliar room, straddling Basara’s thighs while he sat on a sofa caressing and kissing her; rubbing her breasts from her back, while he kissed her neck. She couldn’t possibly do such a thing with Basara in an unfamiliar place in real life.

And that is why, this is undoubtedly a dream. ''Now then, it’ll be just a waste to be passive here, wouldn't?'' Thinking that--

“Aaaahhhh… Basara♥”

Kurumi turned around while sitting on Basara’s thighs, made contact with Basara’s lips with her lips, going for a kiss, and--

“Chuooo… Aahh-hh…! Haahh…! Lyahh… Basara… Chiii.”

Lewdly entangling their tongues, taking the initiative to ask Basara for more, had just made Basara show a surprised expression.

''…Str…an…ge…?''

Despite the fuzziness of her mind, Kurumi became slightly suspicious. In her dreams, her experiences with Basara were all linked up, to the Basara before her should be aware of her activeness. But just why -- harbouring some suspicions while in a deep kiss, did Kurumi hear the sound in the next moment, one was impossible in her dream.

“ …<nowiki>----</nowiki>Kurumi?”

Basara’s slightly puzzled voice. In the next moment--

“<nowiki>----</nowiki>!”

Kurumi became shocked. She did really just hear Basara’s voice, but that should’ve been impossible. In order to keep separate her dreams from her reality -- no matter how great or happy the dreams were, she had never heard any voices.

“T-Then now…”

Kurumi scanned her surroundings, and realised that behind her -- Lucia was carrying a naked Maria and watching them while sitting on the sofa opposite to them. Unable to trick herself anymore, she now understood -- this is now undoubtedly, reality. Thus--

“N-No way… W-Why, am I…?”

Her debauchery <ref>excessive indulgence in sex, alcohol, or drugs</ref> side, Lucia saw it -- no, the one she dreaded finding out the most is Basara, and it just had to be under these circumstances for her to have a kiss with Basara. Kurumi almost went insane from the embarrassment, and severely panicked.

“ ! <nowiki>----</nowiki>Kurumi, calm down.”

Basara then said in a shockingly grave tone. That dangerous voice, caused Kurumi to freeze her thoughts, and look at him.

“I want to continue -- do you understand?”

With the abnormality of Lucia looking on from the side, Basara had said out words that would be impossible even within her dream, much less reality. That kiss that left no room for negotiation--

''…Ah…''

Made Kurumi remember -- no, understand, the situation where she had eavesdropped on Lucia’s office after going to check on why Basara and Maria was taking so long…and what happened after that.

In other words, this situation was brought about by her herself. The reason for that, was likely due to Lucia’s orders, so the reason Basara was obeying her is--

''…She’s threatening him with either me or Maria.''

Theoretically, if there’s no other way, Basara will most probably use his weapon, but now is not the most suitable time to do that. They had only just entered the Demon Realm and had accomplished nothing much -- they can’t have a fallout with the Moderates Faction now, as they haven’t done anything about Mio’s situation.

It’ll all just waste everyone’s efforts in coming to the Demon Realm.

Although Lucia looking straight at her caused her a lot of embarrassment--

''…But this is all my fault…''

Not only did she not catch up to Basara and the rest, she was now pulling them down, at such an early time no less. With the regret and remorse surging within her--

“……..!”

Kurumi tightly closed her eyes -- but only for a short moment.

Since she had caused the disaster before her, what she has to do now, is now clear before her eyes.

In order to not pull everyone down -- she will redeem her wrong. Lucia is a succubus -- as well as Maria’s sister, so what she would want would not be all too hard to guess. Then--

''…Then let’s just do it…!''

Kurumi changed her thoughts again, and simply changed this scene with her mind into a dream -- this is no longer reality. With that, Lucia’s gaze wouldn’t be something to be mindful anymore. Thus--

“Ah, please… continue, Basara♥”

Saying that, Kurumi once again took the initiative and kissed Basara again. The second kiss -- this time, Basara did not become surprised anymore, immediately intertwined their tongues, letting out lewd sounds.

The intoxicating sounds which she would never hear in her dreams, intoxicated Kurumi even more.

All of her sensitive spots, were then caressed by Basara.

“aahh, haah… Don’t♥Ahh… Ya-fuaaahhh, brother… Brother Basara~♥! Haah-ah… Don’t… Don-haaahhhhh♥”

Breasts, hips, thighs -- all those areas tingled from the obscene caresses. Basara’s hand had even slipped into her panty and began kneading her butt, giving her heaven. She then guided that hand in the panty to take it off her, hurriedly twisting her legs and hips, waiting for it to be slipped off her, to become fully naked.

And then once again kissed Basara, her lust heating her up.

“Please, brother Basara… Lick my armpits…”

Just then Kurumi pleaded Basara to attack her weak spot.

Basara instantly stopped sucking her breasts.

“…………”

“…………”

In the distance where their breaths were making contact, the two of them looked at each other for a moment which lasted for an eternity. After that, everything seemed to be in slow-motion.

Kurumi’s two hands crossed together behind her head.

Watching as Basara slowly brought his mouth to that particular spot.

She closed her eyes, and in the next moment--

“<nowiki>-------</nowiki>”

Nonaka Kurumi’s all shattered, her climax dominating over her, and then--

''…Ah…''

She used all her strength -- to fall into Basara’s arms.

Feeling his warmth, Kurumi’s consciousness suddenly began thinning.

But in the last moments--

『…………』

Kurumi heard, Lucia’s voice coming from a distant place.

The reply Kurumi had anticipated from Lucia -- acknowledging her and Basara.

Hence Nonaka Kurumi closed her eyes, reassured.

Even if everything before her was pitch-black, she had no fear.

Because Basara’s warmth is protecting her.

<noinclude>
=== Translator Notes and References ===

<references/>

{{SimpleNav}}
</noinclude>

Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 5 Chapter 3

2016-06-03T15:08:27Z

Dragon213:

==A New Master-Servant Contract==
===Part 1===

After a long period of time, the meeting with the Council ended.

Leohart returned to his office, summoned a few of his trusted subordinates and notified them of the future goals requested by the Council, as well as the methods requested to achieve them. This space is filled with high-class furnishings and covered by a thick red carpet, a style that seemed befitting that of a Demon Lord’s. After Leohart explained the general decision reached at the meeting—

“—to put the recently excavated spirits into battle, and defeat the Moderates Faction – is it really true?”

First to speak up, was Leohart’s aide Balthier.

“I can’t take it anymore… Although this is not the first time that genius Council ordered us to risk our lives, it’s too much of a headache this time…”

“—Luca, what’s the condition of the spirits?”

The one Leohart directed his question to, is a young demon holding onto a file.

“I’m very sorry… As like yesterday’s report, we managed to successfully release the seal on them, but—“

The youth called Luca lowered his eyes apologetically.

“We ran into some problems when attempting to make the Master-Servant Contract with them, so we would need more time to do it.”

Just then, a warm hand rested on Luca’s head.

“Don’t be sad about it… After all, those spirits are relics from the Demon-God War, so being able to establish a Contact with it is already amazing, don’t look down on yourself.”

“Gardo…”

At the blury male demon trying to comfort him, Luca raised his tearful eyes.

“Gardo’s right, there’s nothing to blame yourself over… no need to act with undue haste.”

Leohart then said:

“Well then – according to your estimates, how long do you need to establish a Master-Servant Contract with them?”

“Four days… No, two days, I will accomplish in two days!”

“Didn’t I just tell you not to be too hasty… Much less sleep, you didn’t manage to get any rest these few days, right? You’re the only one able to deal with those spirits, so it’ll be bad if you get tired. This concerns our important fight – no sentimental emotions are allowed at all.”

“If your majesty says so, then I better prepare the spirits as soon as possible. No problems at all… Even if I collapse, there are many scholars proficient with ancient technology in this city.”

“Luca… Your majesty Leohart didn’t mean that.”

“Eh…?”

Balthier pointed out with a bitter smile, causing Luca to widen his round eyes.

“Indeed, there are many scholars or professors familiar with ancient technology and weapons in this city, however, the only one Leohar can trust unconditionally is you only, Luca.”

With Gardo’s explanation, Balthier also nodded and said: [That's right]

“It’s great that you don’t want to disappoint your deadlines and responsibilities – although you are still young, and as one of those closest to your majesty Leohart, I trust that you are able to understand when your majesty Leohart his concerned for your health?”

With Balthier’s edging, Luca finally understood what they are getting at.

“……I’m sorry.”

“No need to apologise. Everyone here knows clearly that you are giving your all.”

Leohart then said while looking at the remorseful Luca with serious eyes:

“As me aide, I will not permit half-assed work and results. I will ask you once more, Luca – under a load where you can withstand, how long will you need to establish the Master-Servant Contract with the spirits?”

“……Three, please give me three days. I will establish the Master-Servant Contract with the spirits in three days! In that time, I will also finish repairs and adjustments to their cores, and they will be ready for battle after doing some simple tests when the Contract is established.”

“I understand, I will trust will judgement then…”

Hearing Leohart’s words, Luca then replied with a bright smile: [Yes!]. Gardo then roughly stroked his head, making him out in retaliation: [Geez! Don’t treat me like a kid!]

Watching the interaction between Gardo and Luca—

''…The spirits are settled, and next is—''

Leohart began thinking about the other problem.

“Then again – just how are we supposed to materialise the ridiculous order to attack from the Council?”

Just then, a bitter smile appeared on Balthier’s straight face while he sighed.

“Although the Moderate Faction’s power and influence is nowhere near as great as in their heyday…there are still many in various parts of the Demon Realm that still hold much attachment for Wilbert. In terms of battle prowess, we are undoubtedly above the Moderates Faction -- so we have to find a justifiable 『Nominal』<ref>名目: used to describe a [standard]. E.g. the nominal currency exchange rate</ref> to avoid civilians protesting in the various districts.

He was right. Carelessly attacking the Moderates Faction will be seen as a one-sided slaughter, inviting criticism.

A war is not purely about a battle of strength –converted political interests are deeply entangled with it. If someone with a ulterior motive were to get a chance at all – the other factions and powers that have bee only observing to this day would suddenly rise in power.

''…Abhorrent old thieves.''

Those high-class demons who have lived for a very long time and are among the Council’s ranks, no longer see anyone else as one of their kind; the civilians to them are nothing more than entertainment, the civilians’ lives does not matter at all, only their own appeasement matters. That’s why, they must be thoroughly eliminated.

''…Also.''

Leohart deeply believed, that only he and his comrades will be able to accomplish that big task.

Hence, he had to obey the Council for now in order to preserve his position as the Demon Lord, but that didn’t mean that he had to let them have all they want.

Just as Leohart began to think deeply about the Nominal—

“—Well, I do have a reason to make people sit by quietly and watch us attack the Moderates Faction.”

Someone who had also answered to the summon but yet had remained quiet until now spoke.

That someone is Naruse Mio’s new observer after Zolgear stirred up some problems.

Someone who had entered the Human Realm with the alias Takigawa Yahiro, a youth attending the same school as Naruse Mio.

“…And what would it be, Lars?”

Leohart asked, raising an eyebrow, to which Lars answered blatantly:

“Wilbert’s daughter – Naruse Mio, is current within the Demon Realm.”

“—Are you for real?”

Shrugging to the Balthier who widened his eyes in disbelief, Lars answered:

“What I said is indeed the truth… After Wilbert’s demise, the Moderates Faction has come to a standstill over the problem of insufficient battle potential. After those people wrecked their brains over this, their solution is to bring Naruse Mio to the Demon Realm. Although it is unclear if they will legimately crown her as a new Demon Lord or extract the power she inherited… they will want to make use of her to regain some of their former glory.”

Hence—

“Hence – we just have to take advantage of their way of thinking. The Moderates Faction wants to make use of Wilbert’s daughter and her inherited power to rule over the Demon Realm once again – we should be able to shut the other factions in the Demon Realm if we were to say that we dispatched our forces in response to their rebellion.”

“I see… If what you say is the truth, it is indeed a reason justifiable enough to send out our troops.”

Hearing Leohart say so--

“Ara, Your Majesty -- you don’t trust what your aide says?”

Lars replied playfully. In reply to the sarcasm from his fellow comrade from the previous war--

“Lars, there’s still us here -- stop using that disgusting tone.”

“Alright alright… So, do you not trust me, Leohart? That piece of information is supposed to be highly classified and even the people within the Moderates Faction doesn’t know about it, so it’s not your fault if you doubt me.”

In reply to the smiling Lars, Leohart said:

“No, I believe you -- you are a spy sent here by the Moderates Faction, so it’s normal for you to receive classified information.”

Leohart already knew long ago that Lars is a spy sent by the Moderates Faction.

How long ago? --The answer is, right from the start. Leohart had took in Lars while knowing clearly of its consequences. And Lars had accepted becoming Leohart’s subordinate while knowing clearly of what consequences that would bring. Lars’s current identity within the Current Demon Lord Faction, is that he is a newbie to the Current Demon Lord Faction who had defected from the Moderates Faction; as to the Moderates Faction, he is playing the role of a spy who successfully infiltrated the enemy’s camp. That, is the mask that Lars had voluntarily put on.

And right now -- the only ones who knows of Lars’s true identity, are the few present in the room.

“…Is this really fine, Lars?”

Leohart then asked:

“You are not only a spy sent from the Moderates Faction, but also Naruse Mio’s protector. To you who had grew up under education from the Moderates Faction, shouldn't Wilbert be your most admired person?”

“Yes, it is -- all that is already past me.”

[After all], Lars continued:

“I have already personally ended Zolgear’s life, avenging my brothers… I have no more obligation left to do anything for the Moderates Faction.”

That’s right -- it was Lars himself who told the people in this room that he ended Zolgear’s life.

The reason that Leohart had sent Balthier to investigate when Zolgear’s psionic response disappeared, is because an agreement was already made with Lars beforehand. Leohart’s goal is to wipe out the old bastards of the Council -- Zolgear who was one of them had killed many who were like brothers and sisters to Lars; thus the two of them agreed that when the chance comes, Lars will personally end Zolgear’s life. Hence, when Zolgear’s psionic response disappeared, Leohart’s first guess was that Lars had successfully completed his revenge -- and had then received confirmation from him himself. Thus--

“I’ve told you before, that from now onwards, I will continue to help you get rid of those leeches -- those scum no different from Zolgear, so don’t worry.”

There were no signs of lying at all in Lars’s words, but--

“…That’s not set in stone.”

Leohart then continued:

“Lars… The reason you gave your assistance to me up till now, wasn’t it because that I, who wanted to kill those scum, could help you to personally kill Zolgear? Now that you had accomplished your objective -- isn’t it right that you have no further obligation to provide anymore assistance?”

''Right?''

“In point of fact -- you had chosen Jin·Toujou’s son to work with to kill Zolgear, not me. So, shouldn’t it be natural for you to continue working with him?”

“Haven’t I told you already? I didn’t choose him because he is better than you…”

Lars sighed again, and continued in a low voice:

“The reason was -- if I had continued to observe and do nothing, Toujou Basara might have very well killed Zolgear himself, putting to waste my years of effort and plotting. So I had no choice but to work with him to be able to personally kill Zolgear, that’s simply all that is to it.”

“Jin·Toujou’s son has that much power?”

Balthier asked doubtfully:

“Marquis<ref>a nobleman ranking above a count and below a duke.</ref> Zolgear might have been old, but that person who had been known as 『Sword King』 was fairly powerful; and yet the youth called Toujou Basara… From your reports, he doesn’t seem to have enough power to be able to defeat Zolgear, right?”

“Affirmative. That person’s power is indeed below that of Zolgear’s. But I think…even without my help, he would still be able to rescue Naruse Mio and defeat Zolgear.

Lar’s seriousness, caused the others to become silent, and then--

“Then again -- an opportunity to personally kill Zolgear came to me just like that, so how could I possibly let it go?”

Lars said with a bitter smile.

“Alright, since that is the case, no need for anymore further speculation. Don’t worry anymore, when the Great War ended, someone had asked me to help take good care of you”

“ ? Just who would even do tha--“

“--That would be Your Highness Riara.”

Lars’s answer--

“Onee-sama…?”

Leohart showed surprise.

“Who could possibly reject her request when being asked by that smiling face? If there’s a need, we could just send the spirits I brought along with me to defeat the Moderates Faction; on the other hand, if you still want me to leave being unable to trust me, I will just obediently leave.”

“No need to do any of that, there would be no need your thoughtful kindness.”

At Lars’s suggestions, Balthier sighed and said:

“We have already known you for so many years since the Great War, of course I believe you -- I only fear that you would return to the Moderates Faction should you leave or take the spirits along with you. Both me and your majesty Leohart knows too well just how troublesome of a person you can be.”

“Ara, is that so?”

As Lars shrugged his shoulders with a [Ah]--

“--Then hand the spirits over to me.”

A bulky figure said with a low voice -- Gardo.

“As an aide, Balthier would want to avoid leaving Leohart’s side. And since Lars is not an option, I am the only one left.”

“……I’m sorry, Gardo.”

Leohart lowered his eyes, and then said to the older male demon:

“The one who was originally supposed to be the Demon Lord was you -- no, you<ref>A more respectful version of calling someone is used here</ref>.”

From the same generation of high-class demons as Leohart, Gardo’s powers and bloodline was seen to be the most suitable for the throne by the old elders from not the Council, but the Conservative Faction.

However, in the process of changing the Conservative and Radicals Factions’ image that now is a new era within the Demon Realm, the old elders from the Council still chose Leohart to be on the throne.

--And Gardo had no choice but to follow their decision.

And voluntarily chose to be a subordinate of the new Demon Lord, becoming Leohart’s aide.

The edges of the lips of that selfless male curled into a smile, and said:

“Don’t mind it, I am also here to be a helping hand. I would of course be delighted to give my assistance to you, who wants to change the world where authority had completely fallen into the Council’s hands after Wilbert’s failed attempt to cleanse and change it.”

“Gardo…”

Luca looked on worriedly, and Gardo once again patted his head.

“When Luca is done doing his stuff with the spirits, I will immediately head out to Wildart City with our troops -- is that decided?”

“Of course, and make sure that they can no longer do anything against us.”

Leohart nodded, and Balthier then supplemented:

“I agree. If possible, deal with their leader Ramsas<ref>kill</ref>, and let none of them escape. He is Wilbert’s brother, and had gathered the support of many various civilians; if he is gone, the Moderates Faction will most likely collapse.”

“I understand -- what should I do about Wilbert’s daughter?”

After pondering for a few seconds, Leohart gave a reply to Gardo in a calm voice:

“Try to capture her alive. In order to obtain a power to make it possible for us to go against those old bastards in the Council, it would be for the best if we stick to the original plan and use the inherited Wilbert’s power effectively/ That is something that is definitely worth us doing this.”

===Part 2===

Even after Ramsas had returned to the city, Mio and the rest were not brought back to that small cramped room.

It probably was to be expected. After all, it was a result of Klaus mediating.

The extravagant luxurious dinner atop the table in the luxurious dining room -- even that was assorted to all of their tastes of the food in the Human Realm, with careful and intricate seasoning and preparations -- Sheera and Klaus who was also at the table, as well as Zest and Noel who was responsible for serving them, even gave them detailed introductions for every single dish. Amongst the hospitality, Ramsas was not to be seen at the table throughout the dinner even when he was supposed to have returned to the city.

--And an hour has already passed since they all had returned to their respective rooms.

Accompanied by Yuki, Maria, and Kurumi, Naruse Mio appeared in a space filled with humidity and warm air.

This space where the naked girls barely showed some decency, is the large bath for female guests.

This large bath filled with thin white steam, was carved from marble -- the grand and impressive facility, gave off the impression and feel of a luxurious high-class hotel or hostel.

''…Such amazing places to take a bath are rare. It’s a pity that Basara had to be absent from this.''

Otherwise, they could just announce to the people in the city who they are.

However, Basara had rejected that idea while giving a bitter smile, saying that he didn’t want to provoke the people in the city for no reason, and Mio could only just give up on it. Now -- Mio is sitting on a chair by the wall at the washing area, preparing to wash herself, but--

“--Then, Mio-sama, please excuse me.”

Saying that from behind Mio’s back is Noel with only a towel wrapped around her. To the ones like Ramsas, she would be of no further use once Wilbert’s power within her is extracted -- but to the ones like Klaus who wished to crown her as a Demon Lord, Mio is the most important VIP they have; thus they even sent a group of people to serve them, from the flushing of the bath to the adjusting of the water’s temperature, to washing them; of course Mio and the others and strongly rejected it saying that they wouldn’t be able to relax, but as the other party strongly insisted they receive the proper treatment -- they compromised, letting Noel who they had spent time with touring the downtown areas serve them.

“Ah… Sorry to trouble you, Noel.”

Mio nodded, and Noel made a obeisance<ref>a gesture expressing deferential respect, such as a bow or curtsy</ref> with a [Yes]. Firstly using the warm water in the wooden barrel to wash herself, Noel then began washing Mio’s back while creating foam. The maids of the royals and noble were gentle in washing people in order to not damage the skin, and Noel was no different, but--

“…Eh! Ah…..aaaoo!”

When the slippery sensation moved across her back, Mio wasn’t able to stem her sexy moans.

“I only just washing your back… Mio-sama is so sensitive? I did hear that Mio-sama had made a Master-Servant Contract with Basara using Maria’s powers, is this related to that?”

“W-Well, that…!”

Mio turned red with Noel’s teasing.

''…Why, am I…!''

In the joy of being able to take a bath in another Realm, Mio forgot to prepare herself.

--Since the time she had made the Master-Servant Contract with Basara, Mio’s sexiness had been developing with each and every time Basara subjugated her, and right now her body has already become incredibly sensitive; but even then, there was no problems at all while taking a bath in her own home. She could control how much force to use while bathing by herself. But there were many times she had to take a bath together with Basara and Yuki as a result of Maria plots, and adding on the fact that she had experienced her body being thoroughly washed by Basara many times, she would occasionally accidentally let slip some of the reaction she had in those times.

“Could it be that the reason you reduced the number of people serving you, was because you were afraid of people finding out about this? To tell the truth, there was no need for you to worry about that at all…”

“ ! …Any more of that, and I will drive you out.”

“Being glared at by Mio in embarrassment, Noel giggled and said: [I’m very sorry], and then once again began washing Mio quietly. Naturally, a maid wouldn’t just wash a Mio’s back, but also her underarms, breasts, butts, hips -- all of that, Noel scrubbed all of those parts.

“ ! …Ah …Fu ……Ah …Ya …Ah!”

Mio began biting her lips in desperation to endure it, but that wasn’t enough to stop her gasps and moans from escaping, and--

''…Don’t worry. All these, are completely incomparable to when Basara does it himself…!''

That’s right. The techniques used were all completely different when Basara was playing with her body. He was always very bold yet cautious, with love and affection within his unyieldingness -- even if he was very rough, he would never let someone be in pain.

Noel wouldn’t be able to raise her lewd side like Basara did.

''…If it was Basara instead, it might have been…''

Basara’s big hands, Basara’s solid chest, Basara’s flair to deliver mindblowing pleasure, and especially Basara warmth that relaxed her the most -- thinking about what he had done in the past, what Noel is doing in comparison gives her only slight embarrassment, itches, and some moans that she couldn’t stem; after all, Basara had washed her breasts, underarms, belly button, and even her butt before. Thus, Mio restored her calm and handed over her body to Noel’s washing, and after that came her long hair. Her combing, was just as comfortable at it being done in a salon.

“Umm, Mio-sama…”

Just then, Noel suddenly said that, causing Mio to suddenly become vigilant, thinking that she was about to tease her again. But--

“May I ask, how is Lars doing?”

“Lars… Are you talking about Takigawa?”

The impression of Takigawa was too strong, making her unable to connect him to his original name.

“Well… He seems to get along with Basara pretty well, since he spends a lot of time in school with him. Probably because they’re like-minded, those two boys mess around a lot.”

But after finding out that Takigawa was the one behind that white mask, Mio and Yuki wasn’t very happy. As Takigawa said some cruel words to reopen the wound in his heart while he was critically injured, both of them are still unable to forgive him.

“Why do you suddenly ask…? Do you know him?”

“……Yes. Lars and I grew up in the same orphanage.”

From her tone, it was easy to guess what kind of emotions Noel held for Takigawa.

''…It’s the same as me.''

She has had the same thoughts when she found out Basara and Takigawa and joined hands in the shadows.

Just like when she found out that Maria and Basara had been out in the nights hunting rouge evil beings.

The wanting to ask, just why, were they doing such dangerous things without telling her.

But Mio couldn’t. Because for Mio, Basara putting himself in danger wasn’t for any reason other than protecting her. If Takigawa hadn’t helped, Sheera who was taken captive by Zolgear would probably have already been killed; the reason Maria could escape from that tragic ending, was because Basara and joined hands with Takigawa. Because of that, Mio couldn’t say anything about it to Basara.

It’s just -- right now, there was a way to erase Noel’s pain, and the key lies within Mio’s hands. So after her hair was washed--

“Noel, I--“

Mio turned around, to say something to Noel -- but at that time, someone entered the washing area and sat down on the chair beside Mio. The dissemination of transparent beauty, is Yuki who had also made the same Master-Servant Contract with Basara.

“--I’ll be using this.”

Without looking at either of them directly in the eye, Yuki began to wash herself.

Even without anyone saying anything, the atmosphere began to become awkward.

“……Umm, Mio-sama …I shall not interrupt you any further.”

From behind Mio’s back, Noel said so as if she had done something wrong, and stood up.

“Please do enjoy our bath, and eliminate fatigue from your body… I will be awaiting orders in the changing room -- Yuki<ref>Miss Yuki is used here, like the many places in the text</ref>, please excuse me.”

“Ah…”

While washing her body, Yuki nodded, and hence Noel left the bath after giving a bow. And then--

“--You’re thinking that by going to ask Klaus yourself, you can cancel Takigawa’s spying mission, right?”

Hearing Yuki say snappily--

“I only just…”

Mio lowered her head evasively.

“We did not request for a luxurious room or meal, it was all things that they had prepared; so even if they ask us to reciprocate them, we can reject them. However, once we make any request, the situation would be different; if we were asked to reciprocate, it would be difficult for us to reject them. And more importantly -- doing that would be the same as exposing our weak point.”

''Have you forgotten?''

The demon called Klaus was one of Wilbert’s advisers, a strategist once called the 『Virtuous Elder』. The luxurious rooms, meal, and dining hall and the grand welcoming, all of those were all a performance to make you agree to become the new Demon Lord. If you were to let those people know that you are some able to sympathise with them, do you even know what are the consequences? If you do not want Takigawa to have an even more dangerous mission, if you want to fulfil the wish of a maid worrying for her childhood sweetheart -- the moment he graps onto an emotion he can use to make his attack on you, he’ll immediately attempt to use it to make a negotiation or transaction; and if it still isn’t possible, he might even utilise threats…”

Stopping here, Yuki turned to look at Kurumi who is bathing together with the loli succubus.

“Threats like sending away Maria from your side, and making her carry out suicidal missions are entirely possible -- and since her mother and older sister are here, Maria cannot reject any orders.”

“………I’m sorry.”

Unable to retort -- Mio lowered her head remorsefully.

“No need to apologise… It’s just, I hope that you don’t forget that.”

And as if giving advice, Yuki then said to Mio:

“--Even if you still hadn't decided what to do with Wilbert’s power, I guess that you have already reached a conclusion regarding the identity 『Naruse Mio』, so don’t do forgetting that.”

With that, Mio then nodded in agreement.

“……Ah, you’re right… I got it.”

Right now, she is not the daughter of the previous Demon Lord, but Basara family, his sister -- as well as his servant.

No matter what happens, being by his side is a must. That, is Naruse Mio’s only desire.

And for that very desire, all of them must return to that home one day. Just then--

“It’s fine if you get it, and I will also think of something to help you out -- because that is also Basara’s wish.”

Yuki also quickly expressed to Mio’s agreement. In Mio’s heart, Yuki is a rival she must never fall behind -- but she was also a comrade who could understand more than anyone. Thus--

“……Thank you, Yuki.”

Feeling more at ease, Mio expressed her thanks, mixing in a shade of threatening.

“No need for thanks… Oh, that’s right--“

Holding out a towel from the foamy bucket towards Mio, Yuki then said:

“…Mio, help me wash my back.”

Towards the tone that of an older sister commanding a younger sister, Mio widened her eyes.

Probably giving some advice made her somewhat cocky. Thus Mio smiled and--

“You have a really high price tag…”

Took that towel and after going behind Yuki, she began scrubbing her back -- not using the towel, but with her hands instead.

The one who had been subjugated by Basara and had her sensitivity raised a lot by him was not Mio only. That’s why--

“--Yaaaaaaahhhhhhh!”

Yuki let out a cute scream, while jumping up from the stool.

While soaking in the bath, Nonaka Kurumi saw her older sister in the washing area suddenly jump up while screaming.

And then collapse onto the floor onto her butt.

『………』

Silently turning around to look at Mio who had a victor’s smile on her face, Yuki made her counterattack.

After pushing Mio down onto the floor and while straddling over her, she began to violently knead those large breasts.

『 ! ---- 』

Mio screamed, and arched her back under Yuki, and then her two hands began to do the same things to Yuki’s butt, not wanting to be outdone.

『 ----! 』

And it was Yuki’s turn to react to a sudden kneading -- the two girls thus began waging a war over their pride. Seeing those two older sisters like that--

“………”

‘’It’s better if I don’t invite trouble onto myself.’’ From within the bath, Kurumi turned around to have her back face the washing area Yuki and Mio were at.

“Ah…!”

And proceeded to take a stretch in the bath<ref>the one where people stretch their backs after waking up in the morning</ref>, letting the warmth of the water fill her. Comfortably exhaling a deep breath, she then scooped some water with her hands. The slightly blue hot spring, seemed to have been drawn directly from underground, so it naturally would have rather high demonic concentrations. However--

''…Ah, it seems to have much less of a load on me now.''

Comparing to when she had just arrived in the Demon Realm, the level of discomfort she felt back then now seemed to have been just a dream. Although her getting used to the demonic concentrations had a hand in that, it was not the main reason. Thus--

“……”

Kurumi raised her left hand from the water and held it out, and gathered her consciousness towards it, and her gauntlet for controlling spirits then materialised. Within some of the notches in the gauntlet, balls of various colours have been inserted. Those were elements needed for communicating with the spirits.

--Right now, there were a few black balls there weren’t there before.

In Lucia’s office, Basara and turned the imbroglio<ref>a confused heap; an extremely confused, complicated, or embarrassing situation</ref> in her heart into happiness and pleasure and subjugated her, disentangling her emotions -- when she opened her eyes, Kurumi realised that she was on a bed in another room.

Seeing Maria sleeping while snuggled up against her, she then remembered what Basara had done to her, she then became a ball of internal struggles. At that time, Lucia came to that room and upon seeing her situation, Lucia then said to the alert Kurumi in a cold and indifferent tone: [Thank you for being friends with Maria], and gave a certain something to her.

That something was these black elementals. These black elementals had the protection of high-class spirits in the Demon Realm, which thus allowed Kurumi to communicate with spirits not bound with a Master-Servant Contract while using spirit magic.

And with the protection of high-class spirits, the difficulty of borrowing a spirits’ power was lowered a lot.

For Kurumi who had not made a Master-Servant Contract with Basara and was unable to increase her battle potential by deepening her relationship with him, this was help coming to her when she needed it.

Lucia is part of the Moderates Faction and is a demon, and she is the aide of Ramsas who gave the cold shoulder to Mio. That, made Kurumi to put up some resistance towards Lucia in the beginning, but accepted her in the end. Reason being, her pride as a hero is not what’s most important now, but it was instead not becoming a burden to Basara and the others.

Thus for the period of time while she was in the Demon Realm, she hoped to at least to be able to use it.

''…To think that I would begin to think like this…''

If it was the her in the past, it would be unthinkable for her to live together with Maria who lived together with the surveillance target Naruse Mio, much less fight alongside her.

''…Also,''

In their daily life, Maria seemed to be putting her in embarrassing situations every day, and she could only just accept it since she wanted to not be left behind. In fact, not just Maria – it would be even Basara or Yuki sometimes. And that is the reason why Kurumi has become the way she is now, boldly doing lewd and lecherous things in Lucia’s office, exposing her incredibly debauchery side.

Speaking of which – no matter how embarrassing it has become, rejecting any of that is not an option.

''..So it really seems that the truth is I don’t really hate those kind of stuff…''

Just like Mio and Yuki, Kurumi is slowly becoming more and more lewd.

And it’s not only that. Kurumi had turned an event she thought was only possible in her dreams into reality today, to have a kiss with Basara. Although her first time was in her dream, and doing it in reality was only to satisfy Lucia, Kurumi still did automatically move her lips to kiss with Basara’s lips – indulging in her sexuality in her tongue filled with emotions, lusting for Basara’s existence.

From the moment when their lips made contact, the warmth and pleasure she received from Basara still remained fresh in Kurumi’s mind.

“……!”

Kurumi suddenly turned red from the embarrassment and brought her face back into the water partially, while blowing bubbles and not realising that someone was sneaking up on her—

“…--My dear Kurumi~♪”

“Eeeaahhhh!”

Suddenly being hugged from behind by Maria, Kurumi let out a high-pitched scream.

“Oi, don’t go about scaring me!”

“Ara, weren’t Kurumi you the one who seemed miffed and ignored me, making a certain someone very loney~…?”

“Y-You, would you be looking to over there – at the place older sis and Mio are?”

Maria giggled and said:

“Of course I would, but just me alone doing that would be very boring, and that’s why I came over here to enjoy it together with you – just like usual times when we enjoyed erotic films together~.”

“W-Weren’t you the one who forced me to watch them, saying that it was For Academic Purposes…!”<ref>most likely a reference to F.A.P. – [F]or [A]cademic [P]urposes; masturbation material search</ref>

“And I wasn’t wrong at all… That’s why this is also research material.”<ref>the aforementioned material</ref>

And with a captivating smile, Maria began to massage Kurumi’s breasts and started licking her neck.

At Maria’s assault, Kurumi attempted to put up her death struggle, trying to shake off Maria while flailing her arms about on the water surface, but failing in the end.

“Hu fufu… You’ve been through this so many times, but you’re just as shy as your first time… Kurumi is really cute~.”

With burning flames of passion visible within her eyes, Maria then said:

“Come, Kurumi. Give me your underarms, expose your underarms<ref>underarms / armpit</ref>. I want to fill up your weakness with my saliva.”

“<nowiki>----</nowiki>…!”

''Shit. If this continues, I will fall into one of Maria’s seasoned traps.''

And thus, Kurumi turned her line of sight towards the washing area Mio and Yuki were at, hoping for a rescue.

『<nowiki>------</nowiki>』

Despite her attention leaving that area for only a slight moment, the situation there has already changed a lot. With foam covering their bodies, they were still assaulting each other’s weak spots while gasping and panting heavily, with no intention of giving up at all; they’ve not gotten into the hot spring yet, but their eyes have already become lifeless, voices weak, and skins pink. Of course, they’re completely oblivious to Kurumi’s predicament. When Maria saw that Kurumi now had no one else to turn to for help—

“Fufufu, it’s too bad …Come, give it up and let me lick you, you lewd girl hero~”

“ !<nowiki>~~~~~~</nowiki>”

As Maria’s lips got closer, Kurumi’s eyes also widened as usual in anticipation of the assault of pleasure.

“…Ah? What’s that elemental, I’ve never seen that colour there before?”

Maria then suddenly noticed those black elementals set into her gauntlet.

Which then made Kurumi remember -- what Lucia had said before when she gave them to her. Back then, Lucia had said—

『Please continue to look after my little sister. 』

She did look at the Maria sleeping beside her when she said that.

“<nowiki>----</nowiki>!”

Thus, entrusted with looking after Maria, she asked that black elementals to also look after her.

At the same time, a magic pattern opened up on the floor—

“Eh--…?”

In the moment Maria let out a weird sound upon seeing that – the loli succubus flew out from the bath together with a large amount of bathwater, colliding with Mio and Yuki by the wall in the washing area, and also sending the stools and bucket flying.

“W-W-What happened!? What’s that loud noise!?”

Noel frantically rushed into the bath, but Kurumi remained silent, and then got out from the bath quickly.

“I will definitely use it well with much gratitude…Hmph!”

Throwing that out behind her, Kurumi then left the bath area on her own first.

===Part 3===

After having dinner alone within his own room, Ramsas left the room, and came to a certain place.

A place that can allow one to look over the city with just a single glance – the top of the main tower, which is the city’s highest.

“………”

Having arrived at that place, Ramsas looked down at the illuminated streets quietly. About fifteen minutes later—

“You insisted on not seeing Mio-sama even once… Is this really for the best?”

Coming to place after a while, Lucia asked him. Hearing his faithful subordinate’s question, Ramsas then answered in a low voice while not moving his sight from the city areas:

“…Why should I go and see her?”

And with that, Lucia decided to not say anymore, and after giving a bow, she moved back and left Ramsas alone.

After that, Ramsas continued standing while the night wind continued to blow.

“<nowiki>------</nowiki>”

Suddenly, Ramsas’s eyebrow twitched slightly.

An unnatural change in the night wind’s currents just occurred, and it was at a degree where a normal person wouldn’t notice – there was a pair of eyes, looking at Ramsas from behind him.

--It was not Lucia, and not one of the maids serving under her.

After that, some more changes to his surroundings occurred. Sounds of footsteps as if announcing a person’s existence, slowly neaed him. Then—

“—do you know? There is a place like this platform at where Mio and us live, a place that allows you to look over the nightscape of a city.”

Saying those words while standing beside Ramsas, was a youth – Toujou Basara.

Likely, Lucia wasn’t the one who had told this youth of this place; no matter who it was, someone was still being nosy. While looking at the view Ramsas, who had decided not to pursue the matter, was looking at, Basara said:

“This afternoon… The maid Noel<ref>Miss Noel</ref> had brought us into the city to look around. The view that can be seen from here, is what your younger brother – and you who had took over his work, protected to this day.”

“………”

Seeing Ramsas return silence as an answer, Basara turned around slowly--

“In what you want to protect, why did you not include Mio?”

And spit out those words filled with a dark shade.

“After your younger brother died – Zolgear killed his subordinates whom he had trusted to bring up Mio. Although Maria had managed to rescue Mio in a critical moment from Zolgear’s palm, Zolgear had taken Sheera, and then coerced Maria into following his orders…”

[But]. Basara said:

“According to Takigawa – Lars, you were well aware of this situation, yet you chose to remain quiet and observe, right? No matter how others asked you to prioritise Mio, you still chose to not provide more assistance. Other than Maria who had been coerced by Zolgear, as well as Takigawa who had infiltrated the Current Demon Lord Faction and could not made any obvious moves, you had sent no more help to assist the two with the mission of protecting Mio.”

''So why?''

“Mio is the daughter of your younger brother… In other words, she is your niece. So why did you choose to not make any moves despite knowing that she is faced with such clear danger?”

Being questioned with a firm gaze from Basara, Ramsas finally spoke to answer him – he bluntly said:

“—because there wasn’t a need to at all.”

“No need to…?”

Basara had already known Ramsas is cold towards Mio.

His reason for still doing all this, was basically just to clarify it all. The truth and reality was just as Lucia had said. Considering that Ramsas has his own set of difficulties and opinions, if Basara would be able to hear about them, he might be able to somewhat understand even if he can’t agree with it. However – Ramsas words just now, was still completely beyond Basara’s expectations.

“There was still no need even when Maria had no choice but to betray Mio after worrying to no end from being coerced by Zolgear? There was still no need even when Mio had been abducted and have who-knows-what done by Zolgear to her? After all these incidents, are you really going to say that there’s no need to increase her protection?”

“Since the reports had said that she’s completely safe, is there really a need to ask for more?”

“That was because we…!”

To be able to safely rescue Mio, they all had racked their brains and struggled with their lives. Viewing it from another angle, perhaps being able to save Mio before she was ruined by Zolgear, as well as safely rescuing Sheera who was taken hostage, was the best possible result. However – if back then Ramsas had accepted Klaus and his other subordinates’ views to take effective actions like increasing the amount of protection, then perhaps the incident of Mio being abducted by Zolgear might have never happened.

Additionally, Takigawa even knew where Zolgear was hiding, to the point where he even knew where Sheera was being kept hostage; if he had sent out his elite forces to launch an attack, the culprit known as Zolgear might have already been exterminated long ago. But he hadn’t, so he definitely has no right to speak about it – just as Basara gave his retort while becoming mad, Ramsas finally looked at him, and said:

“You guys – how was it? From what I know, the main reason Zolgear had retreated in his defeat was not because of you guys, but it was Wilbert’s daughter who let her powers go berserk, right? Even if the reason for it going berserk was due to thinking that Sheera had been killed, she would’ve put up a great opposition if Zolgear were to casually make any moves against her. With that, even if you and those girls you knew since you were small weren’t there, she would still be saved in the end. Would that way of thinking be wrong?”

“……Perhaps it might not have been wrong. Even if he hadn’t done anything Mio and Sheera might still be saved.”

''However'' – Basara then said wile heavily emphasising:

“Those kind of words, can only be said by the people like us who had taken real action to save Mio and the others – people like you who had just remained standing by the sides and did nothing better than try to score points now that that is already over.”

“………”

Basara seems to have hit a sore area, and Ramsas remained quiet.

“…I have no intention of questioning whether your decision was right or wrong. The result in the end was as you said: Mio and Sheera are safe, and Maria and Zest escaped from Zolgear’s control. What I would like to question instead, is if you had intentionally disregarded Mio.”

Basara then continued:

“But, that’s already enough – I already understand it. Originally, I had even speculated if you had gave Mio this attitude because your views were different your younger brother… but no matter what you say, I wouldn’t accept it. I have already made the decision to protect Mo – the one who had become my little sister, a person who is part of my family. So matter how big or noble of a reason or excuse you give me, it’s not my business at all, and doing any of that would be completely meaningless.

“—so, do you want to following Klaus’s words, and let that girl become the next Demon Lord?”

At the question Ramsas asked in a low tone, Basara shook his head and said:

“No… Klaus<ref>Mr. Klaus</ref> has been very sincere to us, thinking for our sakes at first glance – but he just want to take advantage of the story that Mio is the only daughter of the previous Demon Lord who had inherited his power, completely ignoring if she has the qualifications to do so and her own will, treating her as only a political tool.”

All Mio wants is to be normal girl, who lives a peaceful life.

And having sent her away from his side to live a peaceful life in the Human Realm that too is also all Wilbert wants.

And yet – Klaus who claims to respect and love Wilbert, disregarded his lord’s wishes, and is pushing for Mio to be a new Demon Lord. Reportedly, the current Demon lord also seems to have been given the throne to become a chess piece by the Council, so the two sides can be said to be equal.

''…Also,''

With his lord’s daughter, the one who had made a Master-Servant Contract being the son of the number one enemy in the Great War, Klaus was especially kind towards Basara to the point where it seemed completely unnatural. Who knows, even the matter of Mio who had no choice but to make a Master-Servant Contract might be taken advantage of; making it into a story where thanks to Wilbert sending troops to put a stop to the Great War, they finally managed to create good relations between the son of the scary [God of War] Jin from the Hero Tribe and the only daughter of the Demon Lord, turning it into another of Wilbert’s achievements.

''…Both routes are equally bad.''

To put it bluntly, all that side wanted are personal benefits – the reason Toujou Basara is unable to accept them.

Absolutely.

“I do understand that both you and Klaus have your own thoughts and plans, and that the subordinates within the Moderates Faction respect the opinions of you higher-ups. However – you all just want to take advantage of Mio, with no shred of consideration to the person in question. In Mio’s moments of great pain, you refused to lend a hand despite knowing about it, and Klaus followed that decision and stood by idly, both sides are the same. And so from my viewpoint, you all are just trash.”

Since the moment they were called to the Demon Realm to till now, Basara had submitted to the humiliation, but he could not take it any longer.

And so he spit it all out:

“I’ll put it bluntly. You guys shouldn’t have called her here, only to just put her aside. You guys had always been ignoring and snubbing her for so long… and now that in order to win against the Current Demon Lord Faction you demand for her presence or for her to hand over her inherited power to you? Stop cracking jokes. That power was given to the one he had not hesitated to separate with by your younger brother to protect herself. Because of her circumstances, Mio has already given up a lot of things; that has to stop.”

'''Listen carefully.'''

“We will no longer hold anymore hopes and anticipate anything more from you. So at least, stop taking things away from her. To Mio, that power is a gift from her own father, the only bond between them – you guys basically have no rights or authority to intervene in that!”

Ramsas silently listened to Basara ranting.

''…So this is the son of '''that man'''''

''I see.'' The report had said that he was exiled from the Hero's [Tribe], and now I can understand why. This youth, is really indeed not suited to be a Hero.

''…He’s far too naive.''

Ramsas wanted to let this youth carried away in the heat of the moment know of something called ‘Reality’.

“The lives of the Royal Family do not belong to themselves, they live for the people, and die for the people – not even a single person can escape from that blood tie. Since that girl is Wilbert’s daughter, she is part of the Royal Family, thus she has a duty to dedicate her life for the people.”

“I’ve said this already, you guys had cast her aside for so long, and yet now you want to use 『Because she is Royalty』 as a reason is just too—“

“—Originally living a civilian’s life, and then only to have that life taken away due to the sudden revelation of Royal blood ties; all that is not uncommon.”

''Additionally'' – Ramsas continued:

“Although Klaus and I think and do things differently, the both of us have a duty to protect everything here as the ones who stand over the people. Since you guys had walked through the streets in the evening, you should’ve have already seen it clearly. In reality, you protecting that girl like that – could just very well turn all that you saw and everyone you have met on the streets into dust, do you understand?”

“Of course I d—“

And Ramsas blunted said to Basara trying to refute:

“Then why are you still being persistent… Then again, you just said that that girl had already given up a lot of things… but she was living happy days in a place unrelated to the political wrangling and fights; that, was thanks to her being Wilbert’s daughter. Now we have a need for her who had lived because of Wilbert’s death, so he called her back – it was just that her time ran out, and that it was time to say goodbye to the unneeded necessity to acknowledge her bloodline and the disregarding of her responsibility.”

“ ! ……”

Basara, whose expression, became complicated—

“What you said, was something I cannot completely agree with. You had said, that girl doesn’t even know that she doesn’t have the qualification, and shouldn’t become the Demon Lord—“

And Ramsas resolutely replied:

“That is correct. That girl who had tied a Master-Servant Contract with a little brat like you who had been expelled from the Hero [Tribe], who had let herself become a lowly sensual bondage slave; someone like that has no right to become a Demon Lord, and that’s why I wanted her to just obediently hand over Wilbert’s power.”

With that, the atmosphere suddenly changed. Basara’s fighting intent aimed at Ramsas, became even more incisive and cold.

It became blatant killing intent. Then—

“Take it back… If not—“

Basara’s right hand went towards Ramsas, and at that moment—

“--That’s enough.”

[[Image:Shinmai_v05_095.jpg|thumb]]

Countless numbers of guns were then aimed at Basara’s throat, held by the maidservants who had surrounded them. Commanding these maidservants armed with weapons, Lucia came to Ramsas’s side—

“It’s already difficult enough to overlook the various insults towards Ramsas-sama – if you continue to show disrespect, you shall not be forgiven even if you are Mio-sama and Maria’s saviour.”

And said coldly.

“……………”

Basara remained quiet, and lowered his head. But—

『<nowiki>---------</nowiki>?』

The maidservants holding Basara at gunpoint suddenly received a shock, and their bodies tense.

Rather than decreasing, Basara’s killing intent further increased, and then—

“Insults… insults, you said? Those should be my words. Having heard Mio – hearing my own little sister receiving that kind of insult, do you really think this warning is enough to push me over and make me leave it as it is?”

As if ignoring the maidservants surrounding him, light appeared in his right hand.

And his own weapon appeared from the light—

“……It’s a shame. I had thought you were smarter than that.”

Lucia’s eyes narrowed, and just as she was about to give her orders—

“---Kay kay, ~Th-a-t’s – e-nou-gh ♪”

An extremely hearty voice cut into the tense atmosphere from the side.

Ramsas’s head turned, and found Sheera with Zest behind her standing there,

“Mother-sama…”

Lucia frowned while looking at her.

“Lucia-ya… If you were to start fighting here, Mio<ref>[Chinese]little sis, she refers to Basara and the rest like her little siblings, like the previous chapters</ref> and the others would immediately find out, and what would you do if they were to come running over? Even if you are able to incapacitate Basara before they realise, the matter that you argued with him would still come to light. Mio and Yuki both had made the Master-Servant Contract with Basara, so throwing him into the dungeons would be useless.”

“Then—“

“—you’ll create a barrier, so that they won’t realise?”

Sheera smiled at Lucia preparing a retort and said:

“It’ll be useless. Doing so will only increase their suspicions, and you won’t be able to get Mio’s assistance in the end, fine with that?”

“<nowiki>------</nowiki>”

Seeing Lucia becoming unable to retort, Sheera’s line of sight turned to Basara and she said:

“Basara, you too should stop making a scene. If you were to start fighting now with Lucia or Ramsas, you won’t be able to make them back down even if you win. It’s great that you love your little sister Mio so much, but if she were to find out you got hurt when you flared up for her sake – she’ll blame herself. Are you still fine with that?”

“………”

Sheera’s words caused Basara to become silent – and he retracted his killing intent soon after, his weapon also disappearing. Seeing this, Sheera smiled and said: [Good Boy.] The maidservants also seemed to relax. Finally, Sheera looked at Ramsas and said:

“Well then, I’ll be bringing Basara away – is it fine?”

“……Do as you like.”

[Okay.] Hearing Ramsas say so, Sheera immediately brought Basara away together with Zest, disappearing into the house<ref>house/castle</ref>

“—Ramsas-sama, I’m very sorry, for my mother’s impertinence.”

Lucia lowered her head and apologised—

“It’s fine… It isn’t that person’s first time creating trouble.”

After that, Ramsas looked out towards the city once again.

Dots of light from the city was spread throughout the city, the stars illuminating the night sky.

===Part 4===

After being brought away from the platform Ramsas and the others were at by Sheera, Toujou Basara, was then brought to a certain place.

That place, is the bath for male guests’ use. He had already taken a bath before coming to the Demon Realm, and right now he wanted to be alone, so he got ready to reject taking a bath, but—

“—Right now you are still mad at Ramsas, do you really think you can fall asleep?”

He was still unable to retort against Sheera. Many things has happened since he entered the Demon Realm, and apart from the nervousness he was expecting, he probably accumulated some stress from things that had went beyond what he was expecting.

Although relaxing to the point where he would put down his guard must be avoided at all costs, he can’t really see how much longer they would have to stay in the Demon Realm according to the current situation; being too nervous would only cause his concentration to wane, and things would be dire if he were to not be at his best due to wear when needed.

And thus, Basara finally accepted Sheera’s suggestion and got ready to take a bath, but--

“……For some reason, I knew it would turn out like this.”

This mother before him is known to be even more mischievous than Maria, due to her following her succubus instincts more than half the time, and so she had followed Basara into the bath as expected. Needless to say, Zest too was also present in the males’ bath.

Sitting naked on a stool before Basara, Sheera was trying to suppress her giggles while saying:

“Well, that’s of course… Zest<ref>calling Zest her imouto</ref> is a maidservant serving Basara, while I am her superior? I’m just here to supervise the maid-in-training while she does her duties to ensure that she is serving you well~.”

''Amazing…'' She is completely different to Maria who always brags, being able to so easily turn a lie into the truth. Completely masterful.

What if after Maria grows up, what would happen if she turns out just like Sheera? As a touch of anxiety crossed Basara’s mind--

“……Well then, here comes your punishment.”

Zest said that, and then began washing his back -- with her large matured breasts.

“--Hold it right there! Why are you doing it so naturally!?”

Basara couldn’t help but to turn around, only to find a naked foamy Zest say tearfully:

“I-I’m very sorry… I’m still not used to these kind of stuff, did I hurt you?”<ref>cause you pain?</ref>

“Uhh, no… That wouldn’t.”

''A question: Which male would ever experience pain from being rubbed against a female’s breasts?'' -- that, is one question Basara very much wanted to scream out, but was unable to thanks to Zest seemingly blaming herself.

“Very sorry Basara<Mr.</ref>… Sheera-sama had told me that this was how to help wash a Master, and had even intricately thought me how to do so. This is just my inability to master the art.”

“I understand… It’s fine, and you’re doing it not too bad -- no, the problem does not lie with you at all.”

After hurriedly consoling Zest behind him, he then stared at Sheera who was before him.

“Sheera… Just what in the world did you teach Zest?”

“Ara, Basara, don’t make such a scary face… Is anything wrong?”

Sheera then boasted while smiling:

“I honestly don’t know what else a woman would use when washing a male… I guess that this must be the fault of the differences between the cultures of Demons and Humans.”

“No, no matter how you think about it, it only exists within the culture of you succubi.”

''Hurry up and apologise to the other races making up the Demons Race, you loli succubus Mom.''

“Anyway, is there something known as 『Local Customs』 in the Human Realm? Over here, of course you would have to accept the customs of our culture, isn’t that right?”

“…Rather than [Local], it feels more like I’ve entered an urn.” <ref> Rather than customs of a community, it seems more like ones that of a cult</ref>

''Too deep…''<ref>It's starting to get spiritual</ref>

“If you insist, it would be fine if you want to wash yourself…”

Sheera then made an apologetic face,

“But that you mean your maid isn't doing her job… Later I will have to hand Zest a punishment -- the kind that especially painful.”

“…………I get it already. Alright, Zest… I’ll be counting on you.”

“Yes…!”

It’s as if Basara did a bad deed, yet Zest exultantly answered and once again began to use her soft breasts to scrub Basara’s body. ''Crap…'' That softness, is just too damn comfortable, and there are just only subtle differences from those others who would use their breasts to help Basara wash himself. Once again, Basara experienced just how unique the breasts of every person are. If his thinking were to go any further, his own rationality would be in danger -- in order to try to not set the national holiday or prime number<ref>Chinese language puns, referring to an erection</ref>, Basara tried to scatter his focus.

“…Ah~? Basara seems to be very calm…?”

[How boring]. When Sheera said that, Toujou Basara sighed:

“I’m so very sorry… I’m starting to become used to these kinds of situations.”

“Arara, what shocking words, to be able to get used to a girl scrubbing you with her breasts…? You’ve become a hero at such a young age.<ref>Not the real hero in this story. The Hero of Youths, one who is able to ‘control’ his own libido</ref>”

“Eighty percent of it are the fruits of the labour of your daughter…”

Up to now, both Yuki and Mio who had a Master-Servant Contract with Basara had often used their breasts to scrub his body, thanks to Maria’s ‘wonderful’ suggestions. In order to induce jealousy which would then activate the curse to send them into an aroused state, Maria too would also sometimes demonstrate for them to see; later, Kurumi too was also dragged into this activity -- the remaining twenty percent, belongs to the infirmary teacher Hasegawa who was an exception. It was only Hasegawa, who had not made a Master-Servant Contract with him and had no need to increase battle potential, who was not dragged helpless into this by Maria, and had willingly and voluntarily done that kind of thing with Basara. Just then--

“……Please excuse me.”

Saying that from behind his back, Zest’s hands which had been embracing Basara’s abdomen suddenly descended, slipping under the towel wrapped around his waist.

“H-Hold on, Zest! I can wash that place myself!”

“I-I’m very sorry…!”

Basara’s suddenly screamed, causing Zest to hurriedly withdraw her hands from shock, but in that moment--

“--Don’t stop and continue, Zest.”

A cold voice that could send chills sounded out within the warm bath. Though Basara wanted to retort with a [Stop joking around!] -- he wasn’t able to. Reason being, Sheera was releasing pressure that seemed impossible from her small loli body.

“Even if the other party wants to do it themselves, this is supposed to be a maidservants’ duty and reason for existence… '''Continue.'''”

“Hey --…Haven’t I already said that there is no need to?”

Gulping, Basara then managed to force out some resistance, but--

“Aren’t you just denying the reason for a maid’s existence, Basara, just like saying 『I don’t need you following me』? Speaking of which, you seem to be misunderstanding something…”

Sheera continued coldly:

“It was my order for Zest to serve you. Zest is my maidservant, her master is not you, but me; If I order her to wash another male’s body, she will…”

And then gave a cold laugh.

Even if she has to help wash those soldiers who would harass her, she will still do so if it is my order. That is the duty of a maid whose duty is to serve people.”

Those words caused discomfort within his heart.

“Cracking that kind of joke is just too cruel… If that happens, I wouldn't let Zest continue to be your maidservant.”

“But the thing is, you don’t have the authority to do so, Basara. You had handed Zest over for us to handle her which is why she is now my maidservant… And so, regarding her all, my word is absolute. The one who had created this result is you -- the decision you had made at the beginning.”

“I…!”

Basara anxiously tried to form a rebuttal -- Basara had told Zest before that if anything happens, she can return to the Toujou Household anytime, as he had judged that she would be able to escape from the Demon Realm with her power. However, those words were just merely for Zest, and wasn’t approved by Sheera. Seeing Basara beginning to turn pale--

“How selfish… Ignoring her life and death normally, and then suddenly wishing everyone to be happy when you see her.”

Sheera continued while making a caustic<ref>sarcastic in a scathing and bitter way</ref> smile:

“Don’t tell me -- you haven’t realised that Zest is isolated and helpless in this city?”

“………”

Basara remained silent, as he did vaguely have that sort of feeling. Other than Sheera or Lucia, he had not seen anyone else in the city speak with Zest; while visiting the city areas, Noel also doesn’t seem to be familiar with Zest -- and from Noel’s personality, it might perhaps have been that way because of pressure from the higher-ups. For Zest who was part of the Current Demon Lord Faction to find a place for her in the Moderates, it really isn’t an easy task. Just then--

“--I would also like to remind you, that Zest’s position and situation would also very likely be going downhill some more.”

Sheera said something that can’t be ignored.

“W-What do you mean?”

“Do you still not get it? No matter if Mio in the end decides to go with the wishes of either Ramsas or Klaus, that final decision will definitely cause resentment in the other party. Adding on that you had just stupidly went to argue with Ramsas saying that you won’t accept both sides’ wishes, would there still be anyone within the Moderates Faction that would still treat you as one of them?”

If that’s the case--

“Even if you all are able to safely make it back to the Human Realm… I believe it wouldn’t be difficult to guess who would be the one baring their fangs at you, right? After all, weren’t you the ones who asked us to handle Zest?”

“That…”

Basara said in a low voice, groaning. He had never thought about it -- that protesting for Mio would bring about the worsening of Zest’s circumstances. As Basara became speechless--

“All these are the results of the decisions you guys have made. The you right now, have no authority at all to stop Zest from doing anything… If you still want Zest to listen and obey you no matter what, and not let her be in danger of being tarnished by someone she wants to--

Sheera giggled some more, and then continued:

“Basara -- you must become her master, make her into a thing of yours.”

“I, become Zest’s master…?”

Basara turned to look at Zest, only to see Zest slowly raise her lowered head, her eyes meeting with Basara’s. There was no signs of rejecting Basara at all in her eyes -- but rather, it was as if hoping what Sheera said will turn into reality. However--

“Isn’t the Master-Servant Contract magic only usable on the night of a full moon…? There’s still a very long time before the next full moon comes.”

“Ara… So in the end you are not opposed to making a Master-Servant Contract with Zest?”

“Only if -- Zest herself agrees to it, then I will have no opposition.”

Basara directly gave his affirmation to Sheera, because the decision to make a Master-Servant Contract with Zest -- that decision, was already made long ago in his heart, from before Basara entered the Demon Realm.”

“<nowiki>------</nowiki>”

At those words, Zest stared at him in shock. Then--

“Ara, then I would say that there’s no problems at all.”

Sheera continued:

“The restriction of a full moon, only exists when the magic is used in the Human Realm… The Master-Servant Contract is pretty commonplace within the Demon Realm, so it can be used anytime. Since everyone already knows that I’m casual, bold, and unconstrained, even Ramsas and Klaus likely wouldn’t say anything if I were to use the Master-Servant magic to make you Zest’s master.”

“……I see.”

With Sheera’s explanation, Basara murmured his understanding of that, and also understood why Sheera’s attitude towards him had changed suddenly. Zest’s position and circumstances, must be in a much bigger danger than what Basara’s had thought. That’s why--

''…Is this the only chance?''

Right now -- Basara is standing at the intersection to decide if he really has the power to be able to protect Zest, but the situation isn’t really 「No Problems at all」 like Sheera said.

“Zest… Let me ask you first, are you really willing to have a Master-Servant Contract with me?”

Thus, Basara ask Zest who was before him.

“T-This isn’t something that can be selfishly decided by me alone, I would still need the approval of Mio-sama and the others.”

Towards Zest who replied with her head lowered while biting her lower lip, Toujou Basara continued:

“--I have already obtained their approval for this.”

“Eh--! …?"

Zest raised her head from the shock.

“We have already discussed this matter before we had come here. If it was deemed that there is a need to, I will bring you back together with me -- and they gave their approval.”

''Also''--

“''They'' -- of course includes Mio.”

Mio-sama she…? …Is it - really the truth?”

Basara then put on a smile, and said to the dumbfounded Zest:

“It’s the truth. It exactly because that’s the kind of person she is, that’s become the reason why I will protect her no matter what… So if you are willing to, I hope that you can help me in protecting her -- protecting my proud and arrogant little sister, Zest.”

Please.

“If you are willing to help me in protecting her… I too will also protect you with my all.”

Finishing, Toujou Basara gazed at Zest sincerely. After a long period of silence--

“………I refuse.”

Basara heard it -- Zest’s extremely soft voice saying out her rejection.

Thus, [I see], those words came to Basara’s mouth -- but they never made it out of his mouth.

Reason being, Zest hasn’t finished speaking. Those are, her feelings that have always been suppressed up till now.

“I too want to protect Mio-sama, but… I do not want Basara to be protecting me, or else it would make the Master-Servant Contract meaningless. I wish to become your maidservant, to truly become your subordinate… to live for you only, and go through happy and tough times together.”

“Zest…”

Zest poured out her own thoughts, and after Basara said her name--

“Please, Basara… Please allow me to remain by your side forever!”

She pressed herself against Basara’s chest.

To which Basara whispered into her ear: [Yes.] -- his own choice.

“……Sheera, looks like I’ll be troubling you once again.”

The moment he finished his sentence, a magic circle opened up beneath them on the bath’s floor.

In order to let Basara and Zest make the Master-Servant Contract.

“--Thank goodness that the efforts I spent on preparing these won’t go to waste.”

As if knowing that this would happen, that small young and glamorous succubus smiled, and said:

“If you want it to be like Mio’s and Yuki’s, the Contract would need to be made through a succubus’s power.”

And at the same time, a magic circle appeared on the back of Basara’s hand.

After that -- there was no need to say<ref>had the urge to use the word [narrate] instead</ref> what came after that.

<nowiki>”------“

“------“</nowiki>

Basara stretched his right hand towards Zest, who respectfully kneeled and received the palm -- and lightly kissed the magic circle.

Basara and Zest were then immediately enveloped by the light indicating that the Contract has been completed.

''…With that…''

Zest is now finally Basara’s subordinate, but for the question of whether is he able to be able to protect Zest, it still depended on whether his good fortune will last. Feeling the weight of the responsibility on him increasing, Basara raised Zest’s hand to aid her in standing up. It was then--

“Ya--Fuaaaahhhhh!”

Zest gave a cutesy scream, and limply remained attached to Basara. Taking a closer look, the collar-like markings on Zest’s throat showing the activation of the curse could be seen.

The unbelievable amounts of pleasure, caused Zest’s whole body to tremble while she was in Basara’s arms.

''…S-So this is…''

Although it was somewhat painful, the pleasure that was stronger continued flowing out from the depths of Zest’s body. Within the fresh numbness and aches, Zest is now currently experiencing her indescribable first experience. This sweetness that she is experiencing right now -- so this is the happiness that belongs solely to women. Just then--

“W-Why…? Didn’t making the Contract go smoothly?”

Basara had questions, while holding Zest within his arms. This development seemed exactly just like the developments that happened during the contract making with both Yuki and Mio. However, Zest had indeed kissed that magic circle before it disappeared unlike Mio and Yuki -- in fact, Zest herself too doesn’t know why things had turned out like this.

“Ara… So it turned out like this.”

Apparently this was also beyond what Sheera had expected.

“I would say that this would be that although you said that there’s no problem, deep within Zest’s heart, she is worried that she would cause you unneeded trouble now that she’s your subordinate, which had activated the curse.”

“Ah--…?”

The reason why Zest harboured guilt, turned Basara speechless.

“ ! …I-I’m very very sorry…I have no intention of doubting your words… Aaaoo!”

Although she was on the verge of crying, Zest still continued trying to quell the anger she thought Basara must be feeling while gasping heavily.

“Basara-ya, there’s something that I have to reveal… Although my current power is far from the levels during my prime, my succubus powers are still stronger than Maria’s. So, the effects of the aphrodisiac curse are very likely to be much stronger than that of Yuki’s and Mio’s.”

“Yes, I can see that!”

Basara then flared up while hugging Zest in his arms.

“Don’t panic… Zest’s powers are above Mio and the others, and the guilt she has probably isn’t really deep, so she’ll probably be able to take it longer than them.”

“Is that supposed to be consolation? Anyway, thanks for providing that piece of information.”

Basara sighed, and laid Zest on the floor of the bath.

“ ! …Basa-ra…?”

As this was her first time experiencing pleasure, Zest had no idea how she should take it, so she could only just look at Basara in a daze.

“Zest, please bear with it a little longer. I will soon make you yield, and free you.”

Thus -- Toujou Basara said:

“Accept me -- as your Master.”

Those words are just what Zest wanted to hear -- so, despite the overwhelming pleasure shaking her body--

“……Yes, Master Basara!”

Zest gave a small smile and stretched out her hands, and said from the very bottom of her heart:

“Zest is Master Basara’s maidservant… Please make everyone remember that clearly!”

And so Basara nodded -- and silently, his hands went towards Zest’s breasts.

''…Ah…''

Not just Zolgear, that body part which no male has ever touched before -- in those days after leaving Basara side, those days where her endless yearning for him and dreaming about being at his mercy caused changes within her body, turning her breasts into an alluring size. That very evening, when those very breasts were about to be encroached on by the city guards, Basara had stopped them which meant that he had protected her chastity -- that was the first time Basara had protected her.

''…Ah ha…''

Hence, with the moment of Basara finally caressing those breasts of hers finally arriving, Zest’s heart was beating in happiness. Just seeing his hand getting closer and closer -- raised her desires and anticipation higher and higher.

And then, Basara began caress those plump and obscene breasts of hers -- and it was in that very moment--

“<nowiki>----</nowiki>……..!”

The aftermath of her breasts being caressed for the first time, was a body-shaking female climax. It was then, Zest’s subjugation had begun.

Her eyes rolling and her memories now in short bits and pieces, Zest then slowly regained her normal vision, and upon seeing Basara still at her side--

''…How moving, Master Basara and I are finally…!''

--In the past, Zest had witnessed the scene where Basara and Yuki made the Master-Servant Contract, and also the scene where Basara, Yuki, Mio and Maria had taken a bath together in the Toujou Residences’ bathroom. Back then, she had secretly decided. That if she were to one day be subjugated by Basara, she wanted it to happen in a bathroom. That very wish had now come true, and Zest kept shouting Basara’s name, wanting to share the happiness she felt; however, since Basara wanted to subjugate Zest as soon as possible, the caresses that were originally gentle quickly became stronger--

“Aahh! Yaaah! Fuuaa-aahhaaa…. Yaa-aaaahh! …Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh♥”

The caresses on Zest’s breasts very quickly turned wild, allowing room for only gasps and the pleasure filling up every pore of her body, her burning desires eventually turned her brown-coloured flesh into a wet and bright lewd colour.

And as if wanting to express the pleasure she felt, the twisting and quivering of her body continued, and she let out gasps of lewdness.

''…My goodness… My breasts has already become so salacious<ref>having or conveying undue or indecent interest in sexual matters</ref>…''

Basara’s fingers dug into the flesh, rapidly kneading Zest’s breasts into various lewd shapes -- emphasising its softness to none other than Zest herself.

''Lewd…'' The fact that Basara is having his way with her breasts, as well as the pleasure resulted from that, are lewd. Being seen by Basara in this state, further intensified the pleasant feeling within her. Soon, Zest saw the tips of her breasts begin to get excited from the pleasure, swelling up and becoming hard. As her breasts melted into pleasure, that very part became harder and harder.

As Basara kneaded Zest’s breasts, those extremely sensitive tips, were then rubbed in between his thumb and forefinger. It was in that very moment--

“Ya-- Fuuaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh♥”

Another orgasm at a level where the first one could never compare to, caused Zest’s body to spasm; arching her back and sticking out her butt, her waist to hips were raised uncontrollably. Basara’s right hand then went around Zest’s waist, and lifted her up. By the time she felt a floating sensation, Basara was already face to face with her straddling his crotch.

By the time she realised that, one of tips of her breasts were already being sucked in his mouth.

“Ah--Aahh…!”

Although something happened and her thoughts hadn’t caught up to what she was feeling, Zest’s femininity told her that she too also needed to start moving. And so, Zest’s hands went around Basara’s neck, and she put some force into the legs around his waist -- at the same time, Basara also disappeared from her sights. All of a sudden, she felt some unrest from the thought that he might have cast her aside.

But that was wrong, as Basara was still in front of her.

--It was the mirror on the ceiling of the bath that had confirmed that fact.

While orgasming, Zest’s eyes then met with the her in that mirror.

''…This is, me…?''

What the reflection of the mirror showed, is not the cold and frosty Zest she was in the past, but gasping from the tremendous climaxes with a lewd smile -- it was just simply a girl intoxicated in pleasure.

--However, she didn’t mind, just how lewd her own expression is. Compared to this, Basara sucking her breasts and his hands relentlessly kneading her butt -- the pleasure brought about from those sensations are much more important.

“Ya,aahh… Ah! W-Why…is, my body, getting hotter and, hotter… Fuaahhh!”

Despite climaxing continuously, the curse showed no signs of going away. Her upper body arching to its limit again due to another orgasm, what vision imperceptibly<ref>so slight, gradual, or subtle as not to be perceived</ref> became that of what is behind her now.

''…Ah…''

Over there in her sights, is Sheera. She was looking at the scene of Zest lewdly orgasming, with a coquettish<ref>behaving in such a way as to suggest a playful sexual attraction; flirtatious</ref> smile that didn’t match her young appearance; her lips seemed have said something and after fidgeting a bit, she then went towards the entrance of the bath.

''…Sheera-sama…?''

Is she going to leave before witnessing the end of Zest being subjugated by Basara? With her awareness being broken up by the waves of pleasure, Zest couldn’t understand what Sheera had just said, it was as if like the strong sensations had paralysed her sense of hearing. However -- Zest found out the answers very quickly. Gripping her shoulders, Basara then pulled her towards him, making her sit up straight.

After that, the lips of Basara’s mouth in front of Zest’s eyes started moving.

“…………?”

Zest didn’t know how to read lips.

But she was able to forcibly make out the words [I’m] and [ear].

After that -- Basara’s lips began to slowly near her ear.

''…Master Basara, are you…?''

Basara had already kneaded her breasts and butt out of proportions, so in that moment, she couldn’t understand just what Basara was going to do.

And in the next moment, Zest realised a truth and an answer.

It seems that the ears are full of erogenous zones -- and that, '''that area''' is her weak spot.

===Part 5===

“…Um, Basara, are you alright?”

Maidservant Noel shouted out at the large bath for male guests’ use.

She had been asked by Mio and the other to check on Basara since he still hasn’t returned for a long time after entering the bath.

The basket in the changing room contained not only Basara’s clothes, but also Zest’s and Sheera’s clothes.

They all are indeed inside the bath, but could the reason why they were taking so long--

''--Did they faint in the bath from soaking too long?''

''Should I go inside to check?'' As Noel became indecisive--

『<nowiki>----------</nowiki> ♥』

Zest’s scream came from inside the bath.

“ ! --A-Are you alright…--!”

Rushing into the bathing area not knowing what happened -- she then saw it.

The scene of Zest’s ear in Basara's mouth, and Zest experiencing a massive climax. Her waist and hips trembled violently, shaking her large pleasure-filled breasts about.

“…Ah…”

Noel’s legs became weak, and she collapsed onto the floor. Just then--

“--My my, this girl really knows how to pick a great time to come.”

A giggling voice came from her side, and a pair of hands covered her eyes from behind her. As if her thoughts were seen through, she then heard someone whispering into her ear.

『However, it would be for the best if you forget what you saw here. You are to immediately return to the room Mio and the others are and tell them that Basara will not be returning tonight and to not worry -- do you understand? 』

“……………Yes.”

Rapidly nodding her head, Noel then followed the instructions and left the bath.

To head towards the room Mio and the rest are in -- and to tell them that Basara will not be returning for the night.

After successfully sending Noel off,

“Alright… No one will be coming in to disturb us anymore.”

Sheera giggled, and--

“…Um, Sheera.”

“Basara said while hugging Zest:

“You were right, about Zest’s weak spot being her ear… Thank you.”

On the neck area of Zest who had already lost consciousness after Basara bit her ear, the markings of the curse has already vanished. However--

“Ara, Basara… Isn’t it too early to be thanking me?”

“What do you mean…?”

Sheera then said to Basara who began to feel doubt:

“What you did just now, was merely to use pleasure to make Zest unconscious, a measure used in emergencies. Didn’t she activate the curse due to being worried over causing you problems as your subordinate? Unless you managed to make her really feel 『I am not causing trouble for Master Basara』 and 『I am able to give my assistance to Master Basara』, the curse will activate again when she regains consciousness and becomes stable.”

“Then -- what I did just now--“

“Don’t worry… Your efforts have not gone to waste.”

Sheera then came to where the two of them were, and touched Zest’s cheeks--

“Alright, Zest… Time to wake up.”

After gently saying that, Zest then opened her eyes slowly.

“……Ah…Sheera-sama…I…”

“Do you remember? You had fainted partway while you were serving Basara, so now it’s for the best if you continue… Do you not want to be a bother to Basara? Then you better assist him well, and show that to him.”

“Master Basara… A bother…?”

Saying so with confusion in her eyes, the markings then appeared once more on her throat.

“Sheera, you…?”

Seeing the curse of the Master-Servant Contract activating and thus started to panic, Sheera raised her hand to stop Basara and said:

“Don’t worry… Right now Zest is calm from the tremendous climaxes she had since her memories aren’t clear, so her guilt isn’t that strong. What you have to do now, is to help her out from this situation. The curse of the Master-Servant Contract has the purpose of reminding the subordinate to be loyal to the Master, so no matter how muddled her memories are, she would still remember the reason for the activation of the curse. Hence, before she starts blaming herself when she completely regains her calm, you have to drill into her the knowledge that her presence and existence will not be harmful but beneficial to you, to give her the confidence to remain by your side as your subordinate.”

''After all--''

“The tipsy state she is in right now will make it easy for her to reveal her true thoughts. If you were to accomplish that, the curse will no longer activate when she regains her calm after that.”

That is the only way to make Zest to be able to continue living as Basara’s subordinate.

“ ! ……--I understand.”

Finally, Basara gave his agreement after thinking over it, and so--

“Come, Zest… hurry up and serve Basara, and prove that you are able to help him.”<ref>Sheera’s line</ref>

“…Yes…”

“To be able to help him, you must be able to do some meaningful things to be able to have pride in being his subordinate… So, hurry up and go serve Basara, he’s waiting for you.”<ref>Sheera’s line too</ref>

Zest nodded, and then wrapped her hands around Basara’s neck.

“Master Basara--…”

With a confused and alluring smile, she then pressed against Basara’s lips, with her own lips.

Basking in the sweet warmth welling up within her in the aftertaste of her climaxes, Zest kissed Basara.

Because as Basara’s subordinate, Zest felt that she must be willing to sacrifice her all for him.

“Nn… Oi, Zest… Mnn?”

Zest drunkenly kissed the misunderstanding Basara even stronger, and just then--

“Basara, you should just let Zest do as she please… She had given up her first kiss to you since she thought that will make you happy, so how could you as the master to reciprocate her feelings?”

After Sheera said that as if scolding him--

“<nowiki>----</nowiki>!”

Basara’s body twitched, and he then pulled Zest into his arms.

Then -- the time to turn them into true Master and Subordinate, began, like as if they were lovers.

--However, it began with just Zest one-sidedly serving Basara.

Despite Zest using her obscene and lewd breasts to continually scrub Basara’s body, he showed no resistance at all. However, this made Zest worried.

「…Master Basara, please use my body to tell me, just what do I have to do in order to satisfy you. 」

Giving Basara a kiss as if sending a plea, it appeared that her thoughts had reached Basara’s heart. He then began making demands for her –from that moment onwards, Zest began to experience countless numbers of orgasms.

Nibbling her ear while massaging her breast, and her butt – all these made Zest become surprised at just how easily she can be overwhelmed by pleasure, which had caused her to expose her intoxicated and drunk state induced by her orgasms to Basara.

In that regard<ref>the revelation of that state in the previous paragraph</ref>, Zest was not an exception. Reason being that no matter how embarrassed the person became, it will still be insignificant against the bliss and pleasure she experienced. Just as the minute hand of the clock embedded into the wall of the bath finished one round—

“Haah… Nn, chii, chiiiii… Aaahh! Master Basara… Nnnnfff…lyaaaa…”

The kiss between Zest and Basara, basically turned into intense intertwining of tongues and pooling of saliva.

Hands massaging her breasts from behind her back, Zest had twisted her body back to kiss – although the posture brought about some discomfort, it was completely insignificant against the tremendous intense bliss and pleasure Basara gave her. Zest’s instincts as a woman were still steadily rising, plunging her into madness. With all signs of morality and discipline and self-control gone from her eyes—

“Master Basara, suck me more… please make Zest’s breasts become as sensitive as Mio-sama’s…”

Zest shook her breasts around like a spoiled child, to which Basara immediately granted her request. Making Zest sit on his thighs facing him, he began kneading her butt with his hands and latched his lips onto that pair stiff tips of her breasts, and loudly sucked it in. Faced with a simultaneous pincer attack—

“Yaah! Aahh… Fuuu! Nnnhh… Nn-nnuu… Nnnaaaa♥”

Zest wriggled around on his thighs, squirming around intoxicatedly, drunk on the pleasure bestowed on her by her Master’s forceful caresses. Since not long ago, something deep within her lower abdomen has already melted into heat, as if it was already ready to cause her to burn up anytime; her wet pleasure-drenched sensitive spot had already begun to pour out lewd juices, causing those juices to continuously flow down her thighs.

She was twerking her hips on a male’s thighs – as if competing for the top contender for the world’s most lewd lap dance. Zest’s lowered sight caught on to just how crazily she was moving her hips about, and it was then she noticed – Basara had also ''grown up'' due to a male’s reaction.

''…Master Basara, because of me, you had already become so…''

For someone like her to be able to make Basara become this excited – this fact, made Zest with her already-very-sensitive body even more excited; with her blazing flames of passion, large amounts of saliva suddenly built-up in her mouth.

After swallowing that saliva back down in one gulp—

“Master Basara… Ah…”

Zest slowly slipped down off Basara’s thighs, and knelt down before his waist.

A subordinate who only cared about her own indulgence in pleasure ad neglected her master’s satisfaction has got no worth to exist. That was the reason why she then slowly raised her eyes to look at Basara, to make a request to Basara with her wet eyes.

Basara did not say anything—

“<nowiki>--------</nowiki>”

And gently stroked her head with his hand with a calm expression<ref>was supposed to be [peaceful expression], but it didn’t seem to fit</ref> on his face.

That was enough. Even without any words, that was enough to let Zest understand that Basara has given her his clearance.

--Thus using her mouth, Zest began to serve Basara’s private area.

And what happened after that, was just ecstatic – causing Zest to close her eyes, and gathered all of her consciousness into her mouth and tongue that was being used to serve Basara. Later after that—

“…<nowiki>-----</nowiki>Eh?”

Zest opened her eyes, and realised that both she and Basara were lying on the floor of the bath with their legs entangled together.

The two of them were also stark naked. Basara’s face was buried within Zest’s breasts, breathing normally.

''Just what exactly happened?'' – Zest was of course stunned<ref>stunned/shocked</ref>, and just then—

“—Are you awake, Zest?”

A very leisurely voice came over to her. Turning around to look, she saw Sheera sitting at the edge of the bath.

“Sheera-sama, I…”

“You probably should still remember – no matter how intoxicated with pleasure you’ve become, you will still definitely remember the situation when the curse of the Master-Servant Contract activated.”

“…………Ah.”

Those words vividly awakened Zest’s memories from not too long ago. Although Basara’s ''male pheromones''<ref>referring to something that has been discharged</ref> made her feel dizzy, the fact that she currently was still latched onto Basara’s ''avatar''<ref>male private part</ref>still remains.

『Nnhh… Nnfuu, fuuu, lyuu, chuu… Master Basara♥Hapuuf… Ann, chuu…nnn… Haafff, chuu…Puuuff…yeuu…nnaa… Ah-pchh…』<ref>various and lots of sound effect text that I have no idea how to put into English. Basically, I tried partially improvising here, so accuracy can’t be guaranteed</ref>

Using her tongue to carefully entangle it, Zest intricately served it with her mouth, and Basara’s stiff ''avatar'' also twitched excitedly in her mouth – in order to satisfy Basara even more, the intoxicated Zest decided to go with trial and error, to search for a way that Basara would like.

『Nnn… Aahh… Aaoo, Master, Basara… Haahh… Aaahh… Fuahh♥』

That’s right – not only using her mouth, Zest also utilised her large full breasts later on; completely enveloping Basara’s ''avatar'', she had also completely immersed herself into serving Basara with her own breasts.

It was different from when Basara sucked on them – with the effects of friction and other things due to Zest’s breasts gripping onto it, lewd sounds sounded out with every single movement her breasts made. The joy from serving Basara, combined with the immorality from wantonly<ref>sexually lawless or unrestrained; loose; lascivious; lewd: wanton behavior</ref> rubbing ''it'' with her breasts, inextricably<ref>incapable of being disentangled, undone, loosed, or solved</ref> raised Zest’s lust even higher.

“I--…”

Zest finally remembered the ecstasy she had felt when she and Basara and finally met again. She then forcefully pushed the Basara attempting to ''fire'' onto her breasts to the floor of the bath, and after clasping her arms around his waist, she pushed herself against him – plunging Basara’s ''avatar'' into her mouth once again.

--After that, that major historical event replayed itself vividly in Zest’s mind.

Making her remember – the events of Basara’s hot torrents<ref>ejaculate; what comes out during ejaculation</ref> flooding her, as well as--

(…Master Basara, Master Basara, Master Basara…♥)

Her swallowing it all, while calling his name countless times in her heart. With every movement she had made with her head, that viscous pleasure had poured even more of itself into her body – just that was already more than enough to bring her up to a continuous string of climaxes, plunging her whole body into overwhelming bliss, causing every single part of her to shake. At the end, as all of '''that''' flowed past Zest’s throat--

“…Ah…”

Remembering what had happened after that, a cold chill suddenly assaulted her body.

“—have you remembered it?”

As if seeing through Zest’s emotions, Sheera smiled and said:

“You were very fierce and abrupt when you lost yourself in playing… As if this being your first time isn’t enough, you had kept harassing Basara non-stop – doing ''it'' three times with your mouth, and two times with your breasts in between ''that'' – I can see that you have a really bright future ahead of you. Basara must have already accumulated a lot of ''damage'' – be thankful that you have such a strong master, okay?”

“………………Yes.”

While embarrassed to the point of wanting to make herself disappear, Zest nodded. Even if it was while being plunged into total bliss, lusting for Basara like she had just did is just too embarrassing for her to face. But she still remembered with every eruption<ref>ejaculation</ref> Basara had made on Zest’s breasts and in her mouth, he would also cry out her name.

To show that he also wanted her<ref>[lusted for her] is the exact translation, but might not have been the best to use. Double meaning here: [To lust for her] and [To accept her as a subordinate/servant]</ref>. That’s why--

“………”

Zest felt her neck – there were no signs of the collar markings of the Master-Servant Contract’s curse, as well as any lingering signs of the sweet aphrodisiac. In other words, that is the best evidence to show that she had served him well and had fulfilled her responsibility of serving Basara – that’s why, she could no longer hold '''it''' back.

Before the gap in her memories, what she had whispered while her legs and Basara’s were entangled:

“…I really did it. I finally became Master Basara’s subordinate – and family.”

Cuddling against the sleeping face of her very much cherished Basara, Zest whispered it again. Then--

“Congratulations on being reborn, Zest… As a precaution, please answer my question first.”

Sheera then continued:

“—towards becoming Basara’s subordinate and being by his side, do you still harbour any doubt?”

[None at all.] While trying to hold back her tears, Zest shook her head to answer her former master’s question.

With no more guilt towards becoming Basara’s subordinate – all that’s left in her is purely bliss.

<noinclude>
=== Translator Notes and References ===

<references/>

{{SimpleNav}}
</noinclude>

Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 5 Chapter 4

2016-05-30T04:50:21Z

Dragon213:

==In the Wind Blowing Through the Battlefield==
===Part 1===

Here, is a place is filled with tranquillity.

Built on the hill behind Wildart City – this wide area that was directly cut from the hill, is the Demon Lord Wilbert’s Temple.

--Currently, Nonaka Yuki is visiting the resting place of this great Demon Lord’s soul.

Of course, she wasn’t alone – Yuki was accompanying for this journey.

The one beside her was also accompanying to this place, Kurumi.

And before Yuki’s eyes was yet another person. Before the large tombstone of Wilbert, was a young girl firmly raising her head – Mio.

<nowiki>「——————」</nowiki>

From when they arrived here, it already has been thirty minutes, yet Mio remained standing there silently all this time. However—

''—No matter how long she wants to stay, let her.''

This was Mio’s first time coming to her biological father’s grave to pay her tributes. Since Yuki completely understood Mio’s history and current situation, she knew clearly that Mio now must have many different complex emotions within her.

That’s why – even though she couldn’t get a reply, there must be a lot she wants to say to Wilbert. Kurumi by her side also understood that, and also waited with no complaints with Yuki. Not long after—

“……Thank you, I’m fine now.”

After Mio said that, she returned back to Yuki and Kurumi’s sides with her back facing Wilbert’s tombstone.

“…Are you feeling better?”

Yuki’s question made Mio give a slight bitter smile.

“I don’t know~. I have never ever seen him, and this is only his grave. Even if you tell me that the one in there is my biological father, I won’t feel anything… I’m fickle, right?”

“No, I feel that that’s normal.”

With her two hands behind her head, Kurumi said while looking at Wilbert’s tombstone:

“I guess it won’t be normal for a person to be crying a lot when seeing the tombstone of a father that person has never seen before, it’ll be as if it was purely acting.”

“……Umn, you’re right.”

''Thank you'' – saying that, Mio’s bitter smile became deeper. She might be wanting to seem as if nothing happened – but her expression showed her loneliness.

“………” “ ? What’s wrong, Yuki?”

Yuki’s gaze caused Mio to ask, and her expression returned to one that Yuki and Kurumi were familiar with. Hence, Yuki replied: [Nothing].

''…I guess it's fine even if she’s trying to be brave.''

To that aspect of Mio, Yuki frankly felt admiration. Ever since they were born, Yuki and the others had received a Hero’s education as if it was natural and they were clear about their mission; but where Mio had started from was completely different – she had lived a normal person’s life, and treated herself as a normal young girl.

But one day, both her parents were killed – and thus learned that she was not a human but the Demon Lord’s daughter. But yet this young girl called Naruse Mio, basically didn't point fingers of blame or held any hate towards anyone; no matter how frustrated, pained, or lost she became – she continued going forward; even if she had come to the Demon Realm to face her origins, that point still didn’t change.

“Right… Since we have already come here, are you clearer on what you plan to do?”

“…No. I thought a lot about it, but nothing came out of it yet.”

Mio shook her head while saying that.

--The moment Mio resolved herself on her decision, a chain of irreversible events would definitely occur.

Hence – even after coming to the Demon Realm for three days, she still hadn’t decided. As it would affect not only just Mio, implicating Basara and the others, it also involved the future of the Demon Realm as a whole, so being hesitant about it was naturally unavoidable. Also—

''…The reason Mio is hesitant, is because of that man…''

In Nonaka Yuki’s mind, the current leader of the Moderates Faction Ramsas surfaced. Nobody knows just what he was planning; Klaus appeared every day to speak with Mio, and Ramsas persistently rejected meeting with Mio these three days.

Without being able to meet with both sides, a suitable decision of course can’t be made. In truth – before Mio had come to the Demon Realm, she had already made it clear to Yuki and the others that she had no intention at all of becoming the new Demon Lord. So going by the current situation, the only options would be complying with Ramsas’s request, to have the power handed over to the Moderates Faction, or to return to the Human Realm as they are now. And since Ramsas rejected meeting with Mio, the choice they should make was obvious.

''…But still,''

The reason Mio was so hesitant, was that she was worried that she might fall into some dangerous circumstances if she were to reject the Moderates Faction’s request. The reason she was still able to live despite the threat of the Current Demon Lord faction is all Maria’s credit – in other words a gift from the Moderates Faction. Despite having defeated Zolgear after so much trouble, the Current Demon Lord Faction is still very well and healthy, so receiving an attacking anytime would be normal.

Under these conditions, she would be helpless if she were to reject the Moderates Faction’s request. As the Heroes see Mio as a Demon, they would see the Current Demon Lord attacking her as an internal strife, thus only remaining on the sidelines.

''…Then again,''

If they were to become the enemies of the Moderates Faction, Maria would be faced with a dilemma. Even if Maria had said that she was prepared to leave the Moderates Faction if necessary and move together with Mio; still, after seeing Maria’s tears after learning of Sheera’s safety and being free from Zolgear’s coercion, she won’t be able to agree to Maria leaving behind her family’s feelings. Having once lost her family – Mio who was unable to escape her pain prior to meeting Basara, definitely does not hope for Maria to go through the same pain.Besides—

''…Ever since before we came to the Demon Realm, Basara has always been very worried about Zest.''

And now, there is no need to be so worried for her already. Because on the night they had come to the Demon Realm, Zest had made the Master-Servant Contract with Basara under Sheera’s proposal, so right now her position is similar to Mio and Yuki. If they were to speak of complaints to Basara making the Master-Servant Contract with the former enemy Zest, of course there would be some—

''…However,''

Before everyone came to the Demon Realm, Basara had said that if there was a need, they might return together with Zest; so after finding out about their Master-Servant Contract, the waves of complaints Yuki and the others had were small – except for the unsatisfied Kurumi.

''…But,''

Basara had accepted Mio who had lied to him, and had forgiven Maria who had once assisted Zolgear. Someone like that choosing to accept Zest, could be said was something to be expected. Mio and Maria’s positions were quite similar to Zest, so they were in no position to say anything.

As for Yuki – it was because Basara was someone who was so kind and wished to protect her who was important to him, that she became attracted to him. Right now, Zest were probably also enchanted by Basara, and thinking about the needs for the future, being able to have someone like Zest who could fight so well put her mind at ease.

Since – she had learned of it afterwards, the reason Basara had made the Master-Servant Contract with Zest was that Basara and Ramsas had almost entered into an explosive situation with each other, which also caused his absence back then. With opposition from the leader of the Moderates Faction which limited Basara’s actions with forbidding entry to this Wilbert’s temple, he had to stay behind in the city together with Zest and Maria.

Speaking of which, no matter what their reason for going against each other was, Yuki and Kurumi who were Heroes had managed to get permission to enter this temple while Basara who was once a Hero was denied permission, so they really can’t understand on what basis they were making their decisions from. No matter what – even they themselves don’t have complete freedom with their actions, with Lucia and Klaus each sending a maidservant who were waiting outside monitoring them. But even then—

“That person called Ramsas… just what is he even thinking?”

Returning on the dark outdoor passage, Kurumi said while walking in front of Yuki and Mio.

“If that old man called Klaus still wants to buy time now, it wouldn’t be difficult to understand…”

“……Unn.” “……..”

Mio nodded at Kurumi’s words, while Yuki expressed her agreement while remaining silent. It was because of Klaus’s side who was pushing for Mio to become the new Demon Lord, who was causing Mo to want to stay longer in the Demon Realm, deepening her feelings towards the Moderates Faction – as well as to Wilbert and Wildart’s civilians, and obtain victory from that; Ramsas who wanted to extract Wilbert’s power from Mio, probably wants to make a quick decisive end to the war.

''…Just what is that man…?''

From the viewpoint of the surrounding people, this disadvantageous situation to Ramsas, was all completely his own fault. So, could it be that he has got some ulterior motives that had not been seen by anyone else yet?

<nowiki>「————————」</nowiki>

As Yuki began to harbour some unexplainable uneasiness, while they were still within a passageway,

The surface of the temple, began shaking together with the atmosphere.

“—Earthquake?”

“Run! –To the outside!”

The three of them began running.

--This temple was completely carved out, just like its passageways.

While the inside of the temple had a barrier to prevent the use of magic to prevent damage by vandals and the surrounding areas had something similar set up to prevent damage due to disasters, the tunnels and passageways might have a different story to tell. If they were to be blocked from the exit by the rubble if the ceiling collapses, they won’t be able to escape in this place where they were unable to use magic – hence, the three of them ran through the passages without even taking time to draw a breath,

Even if the trembles were to stop, they had no way to know if it would get stronger or weaker if it started again. So in order to try to preserve their lives in this kind of situation where anything could happen anytime, they had to leave this temple as soon as possible.

“—I see the exit!”

With Kurumi’s shout, rays of light from the outside came into their view – and immediately after, the three of them left the passageways. Firstly, they had to confirm the current situation.

“—you two, are you fine!?”

Mio asked aloud. The question was not directed to Yuki and Kurumi, but the maidservants who had followed them. While the two of them who were waiting for them to return were fine—

『……………………』

They gave no reactions at all to Mio’s concern.

They only stood there, not moving at all while looking towards the inside of Wildart City from the top of the Hill. And in the next moment, they then saw what the maidservants were seeing after following their line of sight.

“That is-- ……”

The city wall was broken through, and enemies were storming into the city.

However, those maids wouldn’t be stupidly standing there if it was just simply an attack from the enemy. They would’ve at least entered the temple to inform them of the emergency situation and helped Mio to get to safety.

Then – just what could have caused them to forget even that? The answer, was in the scene Yuki and the other were currently seeing. Even though the distance between the hill and the urban areas of the city was as big as Wildart City itself, they could clearly see the figures of the [Enemy] invaders.

“…Just what is that—“

Beside Kurumi, Yuki muttered, at a loss. Something which was incredibly unbelievable, was currently happening before her eyes.

The figures of three giant colossus, invaded into Wildart.

===Part 2===

There was a person, who was currently watching the chaotic situation in Wildart.

Standing on one of the shoulders of the giant spirit<ref>kanji is 英霊 (eirei)</ref>, looking down at the people screaming and running away in a panic, was Gardo who had voluntarily headed the attack on Wildart City.

''…I’m impressed.''

Gardo silently praised Luca who had managed to complete the tuning on the spirits in such a short time. That young child had taken care of it all from restoring them to even setting Gardo as their master, to the point where they were ready for battle. Although there were even stronger spirits excavated in those remains, it was easier to lose control the more power they had, and since there was not enough time to forge new Master-Servant Contracts for this battle, this was currently enough.

“—Damned Monster!”

In order to buy time for the civilians to escape, a group of people who looked like the guards for the city attempted a barrage of attacks. Many magic circles opened up on the ground – and countless lights flew towards Gardo and the spirits, but—

“……--Smash them.” <nowiki>【【【——————】】】</nowiki>

Reacting towards the order Gardo sent out, the spirits immediately reacted. They raised their right fists, and sent it flying towards the soldiers on the ground while the attacks bounced off them – in the next moment, a deafening shock resounded out. The ground was sputtered like a giant blast had happened, and a small sandstorm appeared. Immediately after – the spirits pulled back their fists and after the dust settled, what was revealed were the craters from the impact as well as the unidentifiable remains of soldiers from before. The civilians who had witnessed that—

“ ! ! ! –Uuaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhh!!!!!!”

They severely panicked, and began desperately to try to escape.

When Gardo saw this—

“Wow… They really are amazing~”

A completely relaxed voice came from a nearby building where its roof has collapsed. When Gardo turned to look, a young high-class demon was there. That demon, was sent to supervise them, by the Council who had ordered Leohart to utilize the spirits to invade Wildart.

“That spirits' degree of perfection seems really high. And so it would seem, that there won't be a need for me to make a move at all, then.”

“Of course… Right from the start, I had never considered about borrowing your strength.”

“That’s really impolite of you. Speaking of which, Gardo-dono – I had sent through a Ultimatum<ref>a final demand or statement of terms, the rejection of which will result in retaliation or a breakdown of relations</ref> not long ago telling them to hand over Wilbert’s daughter, and the nearby forces should probably be receiving news soon and would only be dispatching troops with caution – but however, why did you just simply let those civilians go just now?”

“…What do you mean, Nebula?”

The supervisor whose name was called out, then faced Gardo who asked him with a shallow smile and said:

“The ultimatum was sent using broadcast magic, so the civilians of the city would now know about her being here. The number of people who disliked Ramsas’s methods isn’t small, and if everyone were to find out that he concealed the big news of the sole daughter of the great previous Demon Lord – right now, the city is being attacked because of that girl. Thus, the people's’ discontent towards him, would definitely begin to turn into anger.”

''That’s why'' – Nebula continued:

“Right now we should be working harder – and murder these civilians. If that happens, the Moderates Faction would automatically crumble apart from within. This is such a great opportunity, so how can you just let it pass so simply?”

“…………Listen closely, Nebula.”

“Yes, what are your orders, Gardo-dono?”

Nebula replied impertinently with a smile towards Gardo who shouted at him with a low voice.

“The orders the Council had given you, should be to supervise the status of the battle with the spirits, so stop spouting nonsense. If you dare to do unneeded things – beware of yourself turning into meat scraps.”

“……….……..I understand. You are the most outstanding one amongst the candidates chosen to take after Wilbert, so I am not stupid enough to take you on as my enemy. Unless the situation becomes grave, I will basically stick to my orders to supervise and remain watching by the side-lines and learn from watching you.”

“………”

Gardo showed no reaction to Nebula giggling while shrugging his shoulders, and only said:

“Before they hand over Wilbert’s daughter to us, we will be splitting to take three routes. Ignore those civilians, Leohart doesn’t like needless killing. However – if anyone dares to get in our way, annihilate them.”

<nowiki>【【【——————】】】</nowiki>

Receiving Gardo’s orders, light appeared in the spirits’ eyes.

Facing forward while standing on a spirits' shoulder, Gardo said:

“Destroy your target, Wildart City – begin attack!”

===Part 3===

On the hill, Naruse Mio saw those giants begin moving together.

Despite splitting to take three routes, it was clearly obvious their target was Wildart City.

“Shit – this is bad!”

As Mio and the others realised the enemy’s plan and wanted to return to the city as soon as possible—

“—Mio-sama! You’re alright!”

Someone ran up the mountain out of breath – the maidservant Noel.

Stopping before Mio and after taking a deep breath in relief:

“…This is great. Does anyone of you have any injuries?”

“We’re fine. Noel, what is going on right now?”

Noel answered seriously towards Mio who was still somewhat unclear:

“The Current Demon Lord Faction came. While we don’t know where they got the information from… they said something like that you had inherited his majesty Wilbert’s power and as it might trigger a new wave of fighting, they want to use this attack to prevent any possible future conflicts from happening.”

''In other words—''

“If we want them to stop – we will have to hand you over to them.”

“What, that's completely outrageous… so that means that the Moderates Faction having power is dangerous, yet them having power is not?”

Kurumi said indignantly.

“Since from a long time ago, they have been searching for Mio-sama, wishing to gain his majesty’s power. In order to increase their control over the Demon Realm, they might do things that seem completely outrageous – that was what Lucia-sama had said.”

Hearing Noel’s explanation—

“—we understand the situation, but just what are those giants?”

Yuki asked with a heavy expression. Although they can speculate on their enemy’s intentions, but speculations will remain as speculations, the answer will only be known by the enemy; so what they should be doing right now, was to deal with the danger before them.

“Although we have been unable to confirm that – Klaus-sama had said that they probably are the spirits from the ancient times.”

“In other words, also enemies… Alright, watch me kill them a hundred times and grill them black.”

Mio then asked again with a [ah]:

“What about Basara and the rest, are they in the city?”

“Because of the emergency situation, we had asked them to go into the city to help – Basara-dono and Zest together as a group, and with Maria and Sheera-sama together as another group, they went to confront the enemy.”

Since this was a period of time where the Current Demon Lord Faction and the Moderates Faction were at war, they could attack each other at any time. Hence, Mio and the others had already decided what action to take when something happened – if the civilians were to be involved in the battle, all of them are to help. Thus—

“Basara-dono had asked me to pass this message – Yuki-dono and Kurumi-dono, please obstruct the giants coming from the West side.”

“I got it – Kurumi”

“---No problems here.”

With that, the two of them moved without hesitation. When Yuki had started to ask Kurumi, Kurumi had already finished summoning flying magic – the two of them instantly flew through the air.

“W-Wait a moment – bring me along with you!”

However, Mio who had shouted towards the vanishing figures was blocked by Noel’s arms.

“You can’t. Mio-sama, you have to remain here, until the battle ends!”

“Let me go! …Why are you stopping me, is that Klaus-san’s order?!”

Being glared at by Mio, Noel met het glare while looking directing into her eyes and said:

“That’s right – however, Lucia-sama and Basara-dono also agreed with Klaus-sama.”

“No way… Why?”

Mio asked, dumbfounded.

“If Mio-sama were to appear now, you would be doing exactly what the enemy want you to do. The most effective way to make the Current Demon Lord Faction to take responsibility for this assault, is to let their reason for attacking become untenable<ref>(especially of a position or view) not be able to be maintained or defended against attack or objection</ref>!”

“But… for that, isn’t the Current Demon Lord Faction originally in the wrong for attacking?”

“I understand what you are trying to say, feelings cannot be applied to things like this – that is the nature of politics, Mio-sama. Not letting the enemy bring out their trump card while dealing another blow to them, this is politics.”

“But… if I were to just remain hiding here, I—“

“I understand how you feel! However, as Mio-sama was in Wilbert’s temple, she did not hear the enemy’s broadcast using magic telling of their reason for attacking and their demand for to hand you over to them, causing people to panic and grab the soldiers helping to guide them into the castle to seek refuge to ask just what was going on.”

''Thus—''

“If you were to show yourself now, the civilians’ anger might very well gather onto you alone; even if we manage to successfully repel this attack, Ramsas-sama and Klaus-sama might lose the people’s trust it might even lead to a rebellion. If you are unable to restrain yourself here, we will stop you at full force!”

“I—“

Hearing Noel’s pained indictment, Mio couldn’t help but stand there at a loss – and at this moment, the ground-shaking effects of an attack reached them.

“---!”

An attack then landed on the ground in the city at that moment, causing Noel to suddenly collapse and huddle up on the ground, and after that—

“Oh my god…”

Mio could only whisper that out having just seen ''that''. The spirit walking through the Central Avenue made large craters with every step it made, trampling over the soldiers attempting to obstruct it. And as for the soldiers flying in the sky, only less than half the original number still remained. Soldiers with their bodies burst open, as well as soldiers flying like fireworks<ref>literally on fire</ref> were flying through the air everywhere in Wildart city – and after a spirit attacked with a kicked, everything in path were flattened.

===Part 4===

In the path of the kick, a group were huddled up together.

They were the soldiers for the City. They had tried attacking from its sides, as well as trying to draw near it by approaching on a path parallel to it, but they were in the end caught up in the crossfire by another attack team. And right now—

“…Guu….aaA, uuh…. Damn-- ……!”

Amongst the remains of the houses hit by the attack, someone was still breathing. That someone was Glen who was taught a lesson by Basara in that narrow alley behind the café.

Despite blood flowing out from various parts of his body like his head and his abdomen, Glen stood up and surveyed his surroundings.

In this neighbourhood, every single building have already become uninhabitable.

The other soldiers in the same team as him – other than Glen himself, no one managed to retain their lives.

“…One after another, just what the hell…”

The time where Glen had come to Wildart City, was after Wilbert’s death – when the Moderates Faction was doing a large-scale recruitment. He had originally chosen to take refuge in the Current Demon Lord Faction whose power had begun to grow back then, but what had caused him to change his mind was that even if he managed to gain no prominent achievements in the Great War, he would definitely be able to gain a job in the government sector as part of the package to appease the public when they lose their troops after Wilbert’s death.

And sure enough, Glen was enlisted to be one of the city’s guards. However, as Glen had only chosen the Moderates Faction in order to get a free job, he held no feelings and relegations to his current job and to this city – at the very least, he used to think that way. However, with how dull life became with the days crawling by, he would begin to habitually visit certain shops to eat and drink, and enjoy his days with the like-minded. In the last resort Glen had taken by choosing the Moderates Faction, he had knowingly managed to gain some things of his.

And right now – as of now, everything before Glen’s eyes had disappeared. And the culprit, is the Current Demon Lord’s giant spirit.

“ ! <nowiki>-----</nowiki>”

Tightly gritting his teeth, Glen deployed the flying magic built into the back of his armour, locked both his eyes and began heading straight for the spirit who did the damage. On its shoulder, there appears to be the high-class demon manipulator. After destroying so many buildings and killing so many soldiers, they still continued onwards as if not bothered by it at all. Hence—

“ ! …JUST WHAT THE HELL DO YOU EVEN THINK YOU ARE DOING!!!”

Glen screamed with his all, discharged attack magics towards the spirit. He shot electrical balls from his right hand, and while it travelled in a straight line while discharging some of its energy to its surroundings, it burst explosively on the forehead of the spirit.

“Haa….aahhh… Now you know just how powerful I am right…..---?”

That attack just now was one that he had put his all in. Originally it was just to vent some of his hate and anger, but yet as if to mock him, the spirit continued onwards as if that attack just now was nothing more than a gust of wind. When Glen froze up from losing his train of thought from that, the spirit sent its right fist flying backwards without even looking back, blowing away the roofs of the nearby still-standing buildings.

“<nowiki>------Ah.</nowiki>”

By the time he had noticed the move, a large piece of debris was already right before his eyes.

Without even a moment to blink, just as the debris was about to smash in Glen awaiting his death – a magic circle suddenly opened up before him as if to protect him, and the debris broke up into dust upon hitting the magic circle and fell onto the ground. With the sudden change in situation, Glen couldn’t process what had just happened—

“That isn’t someone you can fight against – hurry up and fall back, leave this place to us.”

A calm voice came from in front of him. When Glen looked up to take a look—

“…! Aren’t you…?”

It was a woman that he was familiar with. There’s no mistaking it, even if she isn’t wearing a maid’s uniform now, she is undoubtedly the one Glen remembered – Zest. However, her sight wasn’t on him right now, but instead on something else. That something else, was a youth running towards the spirit with a large demonic sword in his hand.

“That person—“

Glen had seen that youth before, and he would definitely never forget the look of that person who had bitterly humiliated him before.

But – within his anger, what Glen felt was surprise.

He had jumped away at the moment the attack landed. Jumping around amidst the flying debris of the buildings – the youth who landed on the arm of the spirit quickly ran up to its shoulder towards the high-class demon, and swung his sword at him.

“…………”

In response, the high-class demon raised his right hand and a wall appeared to defend against the attack, yet—

“OOOooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!”

With an energetic roar, the youth brought down his sword with great speed and cut the wall into two, and continued approaching the high-class demon.

<nowiki>「——————」</nowiki>

With his defense cut down, the high-class demon was forced to retreat, and jumped backwards off the spirits’ shoulder. The youth also jumped off the shoulder going after him in mid-air.

“Isn’t that…”

The youth wasn’t using flying magic at all. The flying debris from the destroyed buildings, had become a solid trail used by him to move.<ref>like a improvised road</ref>

The cause of that was a magic from Zest who was in front of Glen.

“I will say it once more – hurry up and fall back.”

Zest left behind these words without even turning back to look at him, and flew towards the spirit – high-class demon vs the youth, and Zest vs spirit, with that, the battles began.

In a place Glen can never reach.

Gardo saw that youth, walk on a footpath created from the debris.

''…Is that Zest’s handiwork?''

Underneath him, a female demon began fighting with the spirit whose shoulder he was riding on until just now. Gardo had known that under the Council’s Zolgear, there was a trusted aide known as Zest. Although he had known she specializes at earth magic, he had never witnessed her battle. Being able to avoid its attacks while fighting the spirit while supporting each other, indeed only these two were left. Reportedly, Gardo had heard that she had sought refuge in the Moderates Faction after her master Zolgear died – but seeing her battle now, it appears that the death of her master doesn’t seems to be affecting her. After Gardo ordered the spirit to eliminate Zest—

<nowiki>【——————】</nowiki>

The spirits recognised Zest as its enemy, and thus began the real battle against her.

''…And next,''

Gardo returned his attention back to the human youth sprinting towards him. Before he reduced the distanced between them too much, Gardo expanded numerous magic circles around him – and in the next moment, countless fireballs were shot towards the youth.

<nowiki>「！————」</nowiki>

The youth immediately reacted, gripping his sword in reverse, he swept out the footpath Zest had created. The fireballs then hit the debris indiscriminately, turning it into dust, and since the debris became an interference against the attack—

''ZzzBoomboomboomboomboomboomboomboom!''

Gardo’s fireballs exploded upon hitting the debris – and thus causing a chain explosion. Immediately after that—

“…---Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaahh!!”

The youth broke through the screen of explosions and continued towards him. Facing his cleave while he was twisting his body, Gardo engaged it while sending demonic power into his right shoulder.

In the next moment, just as the youth’s demonic sword made contact with Gardo’s shoulder—

''*Kake*<nowiki>————————————————！</nowiki>''

With that sharp shock resounding from mid-air in Wildart City, the two of them confronted each other in mid-air.

“…Toujou Basara, right?”

Gardo’s words caused Basara’s expression to slightly tighten up.

“The report had said, Wilbert’s daughter was being protected by Jin·Toujou’s son.”

“………”

The youth gave no reply, but it was obviously acquiescence. <ref>the reluctant acceptance of something without protest</ref>

From just now, he knew Basara is a speed type. Able to quickly ascertain the situation and then use the most streamlined method to evade or defend, and then retaliate with no lag at all—

''…I see, his skill isn’t bad at all.''

In Lars’s report, he had managed to fight with Zolgear for quite some time – but seeing his reaction speed, he would be able to put up a good fight against Zolgear even if they weren’t evenly matched. Since not much time had passed since his fight with Zolgear, it just shows just how much he had grown in this short period. However—

“…You’re too careless.”

Gardo said while looking at Basara in his eyes:

“Even if you are planning to hide Wilbert’s daughter, by standing out here so stupidly, you’re directly telling me that she’s right here in this city.”

“Is that so? Does me appearing here, really mean that Mio is definitely here in this place? Your words have no concrete proof, and they’re nothing more than speculation. I had heard that your reason for attacking was because that Mio was hiding here—“

The youth finally opened his mouth, and said with a shallow smile:

“—But could it be that just because Jin·Toujou’s son is here, you guys had taken it as that Wilbert’s daughter is also here, and thus attacked? If such a ridiculous reason was let known, you’ll be the laughing stock of the big guns of the other forces.”
Hearing Basara’s words, Gardo frankly replied:

“After I deal with you and your companions, and after I find her, you can have as much legitimacy of the reason of this attack as you want.”

“Similarly – if you and those spirits are defeated, forget Mio, when even your presence is questionable, your reason for attacking will also crumble.”

“--Do you really think you are able to do that?”

“That’ll be difficult to say…”

Basara’s expression suddenly became serious.

“If I have no other choice other than to defeat you here, I will do it – that is the reason I am here right now.”

Basara said while gazing firmly at Gardo, his voice completely void of complacency in being able to defeat Gardo and filled with the determination to win no matter what. Hence—

“—alright, I will fight against you for a while, Toujou Basara.”

Gardo said:

“However – if you really want to defeat me, shouldn’t you call your other companions over? Although Zest is present to fight the spirit, there are still two more of them, you know? If you were slow, Wildart City might be flattened just like that you know?”

Basara replied with a short laugh:

“Thank you for your advice – but something like that is obvious.”

At that time, Gardo heard a sound from somewhere far away.

Turning to look, the spirit entering the city from the east had received an attack to the side of its head and thus lost balance.

He saw someone else in battle with an spirit apart from Basara and Zest.

The shadows of two persons moved around the spirit quickly – and after seeing the owners of the shadows, Gardo’s eyes narrowed.

“That – that pair of succubus sisters?”

===Part 5===

In the path of the spirit at the east side, are Lucia and Maria.

“Although girls do like tall men, taking it a tad too far would instead have the opposite results, you know – you marionette♪”

To the grinning little sister who delivered a strong punch to the spirit’s cheek and caused it to sway—

“Refrain from idle chatting in battle, Maria—“

Lucia who had also donned her battle wear said. She was standing on top of a streetlight, and the giant spirit was right in front of her.

“Also, you shouldn’t be hitting its cheek, but instead here.”

What Lucia then sent out, was the whip in her right hand. In that moment with the light and boom, the attack originating from below the spirit swept across its lower jaw. Receiving another attack on the opposite side of its face compared to Maria’s attack, the spirit struggled to maintain its balance.

“It is easy to rock the opponent’s head in this place. But to someone like you who is a melee fighter, how could you not know such basic knowledge…”

Lucia said while sighing:

“Furthermore, this is a defensive battle. Even if our primary objective is to defeat the enemy, you have to think through your actions to try to reduce the damage to the surroundings. Even if other people can’t do it, how can we not even try to protect our own home?”

After realizing Lucia’s intentions are to stop the spirits from destroying the city—

“Ah! I’m sorry, Lucia-oneesama. Then I’ll just—“

Maria hurriedly apologised, and ran towards the spirit on the wall. However—

【………………】

The spirit saw through her plan, swung out its left arm to hit Maria.

''「Hoom!」''The air resounded as the giant arm picked up speed aiming at Maria.

''…Damn!''

Lucia subconsciously wanted to lash out her whip to assist Maria, as there was no footing at all in mid-air for her – and thus her familiar little sister can’t avoid that attack. But—

“—Oh!”

Maria leisurely twisted her body around, using inertia to hit her tail on the arm – and using it as a pivot, she pushed herself under the arm, and only air passing by hit her, leaving her safe and sound.

<nowiki>「——————」</nowiki>

As Lucia was shocked at Maria quick reaction, having been forced under the arm away from her original target of its lower jaw, Maria still haven’t given up on her target and then grabbed onto the spirit’s left collarbone and forcefully did a vertical flip upwards, jumping up and—

“Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhh!”

Following up with a roar, she used her all to kick at its lower jaw from directly below, and then fell downwards—

“How was that, Onee-sama, was it good!?”

Turning backwards to look, Lucia saw an expression she was very familiar with on Maria’s face. No matter what, seeing her little sister all grown up after separating from her for a little while—

''…She had gotten, a lot stronger.''

It was probably the many battles she had been through together with Basara and Mio. Even though she had realised that fact from the reports she received, actually witnessing Maria’s growth made her feel proud – as well as some melancholy. However—

“All that did was to change the direction it will fall, so it will still just destroy the buildings in the city!”

Lucia sighed at Maria searching for a reaction from her: [What a silly child]. After that she jumped from the lamp post and landed on the roof of a building, and then lashed out her whip once again. With another boom, the spirit who received another attack at the back of its head once again stood upright.

“Listen closely, Maria – against a gigantic enemy like this one, you have to knock it down while trying not to knock him over.”

“Uhh, wouldn’t that mean that we have to try to defeat it without defeating it, one-sama… <ref> The joke is that you have to do something to it while not doing that same something to it, with the something being a word/phrase with multiple sublimed meanings</ref> Is that really possible?”

“No, it isn’t. In the past when I was studying the books the humans read, there were many suitable methods for taking down an enemy like this described.”

''If I remember it right—''

“It something like after attacking its face on the right, attack its face on the left at the same time. In other words – if we attack it on both sides at the same time, there most likely shouldn’t be any problems. If there’s a right, there has to be a left; if there’s an up, there has to be a down; similarly, after attacking it from both sides, we just have to attack it on both side again.”

“I-I see. But I don’t think that it means what you think it means… <ref>a common trope not only in anime? Don’t really want to search it up right now, so do it yourself</ref> Speaking of which, coming up with a battle strategy like that just from that… as expected of onee-sama.”

“That’s of course. When I first read that line, I had first thought it meant that to get rid of a problem, you have to deal with it at its root. I had never expected for the Human’s literature to describe such an effective method for dealing with gigantic enemies.”

Lucia’s recollected, and then returned her sights towards the spirit—

“Although splitting up to attack would be fine, but since it is us two – match up with me well, Maria.”

“—Yes!”

Nodding, Maria gathered up her spirit and then began the attack on the spirit for real. Lucia’s whips, with Maria’s fists and kicks; the succubus sisters’ matched attacks explosively enveloped the spirit’s body. Within the heavy sounds of impact from Maria and sharp crackling sounds from Lucia’s whip, the contrasting sounds seemed to be part of a play, interacting with each other lively – progressively turning into a symphony – Lucia’s whip crackling being the riffs and Maria’s punches and kicks being the melody.

<nowiki>【————————】</nowiki>

Maria and Lucia’s combo gave no time at all for the spirit to defend itself, much less avoiding or returning attacks. But, seemingly as if having just too much fun, Maria who lept from the spirit’s shoulder to deliver a kick—

“Ahahahaha! – Another one!”

With the point of impact on its right cheek, an especially deep reverb resounded out. After eating such a great attack, the giant body of the spirit began falling over towards the left at a speed Lucia was unable to cancel it out with her whip. Hence—

“Mnn… This is bad.”

Lucia immediately moved without turning an eye at Maria’s performance, and shifted the target of her whip from the spirit to Maria. It’s not to attack, but after wrapping the whip tightly around Maria’s ankle after she had just sent out the spinning kick, in the next moment—

“Eh….HYYyyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa<nowiki>------!!</nowiki>”

Maria released a shrill scream. Lucia had then forcefully swung her right arm, swinging the whip which had wrapped around Maria’s ankle, making the one who had momentarily forgot about her responsibilities take responsibility by slamming her into the spirit’s left cheek.

With a sound effect where [Pam!] would be exaggerating, the spirit which had begun to fall regained its balance. Maria’s body, was currently stuck on the spirit’s cheek in a 「大」 shape.

“Uuuu…Lucia-oneesama, how could you do this to me…”

“You’re the one who went wild while co-operating with me, and I only returned the favour to you.”

It was just as Lucia was coldly staring while answering the complaining Maria, a new development occurred across the city.

<nowiki>【——————】</nowiki>

The spirit invading Wildart City from the west, went down on its knees after receiving an attack. And after that – a shadow descended at high speed towards the spirit.

“…They’ve made it.”

Lucia said while continuing to lash out her whip at the spirit right before her eyes.

There’s no mistaking it – they are, that pair of sisters who have just rushed to the battlefield.

Nonaka Yuki, and Nonaka Kurumi, the pair of Hero sisters.

===Part 6===

The shockwave Nonaka Yuki had sent out from [Sakuya], had successfully stopped the giant spirit from continuing its advance.

But that was all that had done. The spirit would quickly stand up again and look towards them who were approaching from the air. This fact—

''…Fuji’s protection really does not extend to here.''

Caused Yuki to have a bitter expression. The spirit sword [Sakuya] was born from the rich energy at the mountain peak in the sacred forest, thus in the Human world, the closer it was to Mt. Fuji, it would be able to release more power closer to its original power – However, the attack Yuki had just sent out was far from standards.

Coming to this place that was in a different dimension from the Human Realm, had a really large effect on it. It was similar to the effect she had received within Zolgear’s specially constructed space and barrier to hide himself – but comparing with that time, she was able to put out sufficient battle power back then.

''…However,''

Complaining wouldn’t change anything, and Yuki had no intention to do that. Back in the Human Realm, the Demons Maria and Mio who inherited Wilbert’s bloodline was also carrying the same burden.

--Since they were able to continue fighting to this day, it was now her turn to bring out her battle power. After all, the one who had decided to come to the Demon Realm was Yuki herself. It doesn’t matter if it was for Basara, for Mio – or for herself, she can’t become a burden to the rest. Thus—

“Kurumi – move as according to our original plan.”

“But onee… the [Sakuya] right now—“

Despite Kurumi saying so worriedly while using flying magic while holding onto her, Yuki still gently shook her head.

“No need to worry, I still have things that I need to do – you too probably should focus on what you should do.”

“……”

“—Kurumi.”

After Yuki said that tiredly in a reprimanding tone, Kurumi took an action – expanding a magic circle.

“I’m starting, onee…” “Nn – please do.”

Yuki nodded, and Kurumi activated the wind magic and sent out a mass of air, and its target – was the air around Yuki. Thus in the next moment—

<nowiki>「——————」</nowiki>

Nonaka Yuki, together with the air around her, was catapulted at high speed downwards towards the spirit. In the moment she passed by the giant spirit in the gust of wind, she swept [Sakuya] in a straight line downwards at its head, and a strong feedback was returned to her arm. Hence—

<nowiki>「——————！」</nowiki>

Yuki’s expression immediately turned grave. The feedback [Sakuya] returned was too strong, which meant that the blade was completely deflected and did not cut into its target. It had the power of Kurumi’s magic supporting it, and her current high speed had increased the force of the slash by a lot – but yet she was unable to slash into the spirit’s body.

Thus Yuki immediately jumped sideways away upon landing, and the ground she had landed on was covered by a large black shadow – [Booom!] and an explosive impact rang out. The spirit had stamped the ground with its left foot. Yuki who had forcefully managed to avoid the stamp—

“Kuu…!!”

Her posture suddenly collapsed. The spirit’s stamp which had broken the ground also let out a strong air shockwave – and had impacted onto Yuki who was in mid-air.

<nowiki>【——————】</nowiki>

The spirit’s attack with its left foot didn’t just end there. With a small movement, it also swept out its right foot using the left foot as a pivot. The instep flew towards her at a speed surpassing her expectations, almost immediately. Yuki immediately used [Sakuya] to draw out a pentacle<ref>or pentagram, I’m not sure</ref>, and with it becoming a wall right before the attack hit her, she managed to preserve her life, but—

“Aaaaaaaa <nowiki>-----!!</nowiki>”

She was blown away like an artillery shell along with a shrill scream, together with the wall.

''…This bad, with this speed……!!''

While amidst turbulence, Nonaka Yuki’s anxiety instantly rose. Despite being able to avoid being instantly pulverized by the spirit’s feet attack, if she were to hit a stone wall at this speed, not even half of Nonaka Yuki’s body would remain in a piece – an instant death.

''…Please let it be on time!''

Yuki desperately swung out [Sakuya], and expanded a magic circle behind her. Even if it wasn’t enough, it’s enough if this could be ended with just fractures or damage to her internal organs. However—

<nowiki>「！————？」</nowiki>

The impact from behind her had hit her much earlier than expected, causing Yuki’s subconsciousness to think that she was dead, but it then changed quickly. What Yuki had hit wasn’t a solid wall of a building--

“……Water?”

Despite being in water, Yuki spoke, confused. A mass of water containing oxygen which allowed a person to breathe within it had caught the flying Yuki as a cushion. The one who had used this magic to save her, was of course—

“Kurumi--…”

Yuki found Kurumi’s figure on the top of a building not too far away. At her little sister looking at her with worried eyes—

<nowiki>”————Sorry, I became a burden.”</nowiki>

Yuki apologised while biting her lip. The original plan – was to let Yuki who was unable to use [Sakuya]’s full power be the bait, and then for Kurumi who had received the black elementals from Lucia and had become able to use the Demon Realm’s spirits to use magic to eliminate the spirit.

Additionally, this was Yuki’s own suggestion, and she had begged Kurumi to agree to this battle plan; yet Yuki couldn’t even become the bait properly, forcing Kurumi to cut off her attack magic just to save her.

Kurumi was different from Mio who utilized the demonic power within her body, she is an elemental master who activated magic by borrowing a spirit’s power. It wasn’t easy to ask for the spirits in the Demon realm for help, and now she had to start over again.

「………………！」

''Ignominious.'' Yuki felt indescribable frustration towards her helplessness, and left the water cushion Kurumi had put up. She once again looked towards the spirit that was a little distance away with water droplets dripping from her bangs, and putting strength into her grip onto [Sakuya] in her right hand – in the next moment, Nonaka Yuki dashed towards her target savagely.

“--Onee!”

Yuki took a glance at Kurumi who had cried out as if wailing.

''Trust me'' – she told her with her eyes silently, ''I will become the bait properly this time''. This wasn’t just her trying to act brave, Yuki knew that she had the power to do that.

--As [Sakuya] was unable to receive the blessings of Fuji here in the Demon Realm, it’s power had dropped considerably.

However – Yuki’s body wouldn’t become weak just because of that.

After reuniting with Basara, the power she had received from the Master-Servant Contract done with him; the power that she had accumulated all these while – will never betray Yuki.

Nothing will ever drop from the sky, and one will never reap without even sowing.

That’s why, Yuki had resolutely come here, believing in herself and this power. To which—

<nowiki>【——————】</nowiki>

The spirit violently swung out its right fist, but there was still a big distance from Yuki. Despite the spirit’s large size, its arm was still unable to reach her, but that movement still became a threat to Yuki. The fist had swept away all of the buildings in the path between it and Yuki – causing a wave of tsunami of large rocks. However—

<nowiki>「——————」</nowiki>

Facing the wave of mud and rocks, her reaction was fairly simple. However, it was an action Nonaka Yuki had done tens of thousands of times before.

She raised [Sakuya] up vertically, and swung it down along the same path – it was that simple.

From the neat handling of the blade, a gust of a blade of wind appeared and rushed ahead. When the blade of wind made contact with the wave of rocks and mud – and the wave split to the left and right with a [Fssh!], going past Yuki by her sides.

--It was a move that had not borrowed [Sakuya]’s power, but one that was from Yuki’s polished skill as a technique-focused swordsman mainly relying on tactics and skills, a return to a display of the powers of her body only. Right now – a straight path had opened up before Nonaka Yuki’s eyes.

[[Image: Shinmai v05 130.jpg|thumb]]

Thus, she moved her body to attack. Pedalling the ground while keeping her body low, Yuki dashed forward with an explosive force, and shortened the distance between the two in the blink of an eye.

【………………】

Seeing this, the spirit twisted the arm it had swung and slammed the fist into the ground; Yuki skipped to the left, and before the spirit’s fist impacted the ground, she leapt upwards and twisted her body in mid-air. As the arm barely swept past Yuki, she slashed with [Sakuya] and cut through the wrist’s tendon. Although the fist which had lost its gripping strength impacted the ground and swept up debris, the destructive power had dropped a lot – going along with the upwards airflow, Yuki once again soared upwards and sideswiped with the blade, doing damage to the spirit’s elbow.

<nowiki>【——————】</nowiki>

The spirit released a scream from pain, but Yuki ignored that—

“—it’s not over yet.”

Leaving behind her comment in the empty air, she went past the side of the spirit to its back – and left behind two connecting slashes in the shape of ‘X’ while sprinting towards the other side of the body. That severed its Achilles tendon, and caused the giant spirit that lost the support of its legs to topple over backwards and land on its butt with a giant rumble.

With its right hand damaged and its Achilles tendon severed, the spirit then followed its instincts and began to stand itself upright with its only undamaged left hand. Nonaka Yuki had anticipated this, and thus at the spirit’s left hand – she swung [Sakuya] horizontally at the left wrist tendon, severing it in a single slash.

By the time Yuki had done that, she had bought more time than what was in the plan. And at the moment she successfully sealed its movements,

“—Onee, leave the rest to me.”

With a calm voice, Kurumi said while appearing before the sitting paralyzed spirit. With the black elementals she received from Lucia set in the main slot of her gauntlet as the elemental master – green of the Heroes and blue of the Moderate Faction was emitted from before her palm -- a three-dimensional overlapping type magic circle.

【………………】

As if the spirit’s instincts felt danger, it opened its mouth widely aiming to bite Kurumi to death as a last-ditch attack. At that moment—

“--Don’t even think about it.”

Yuki immediately swung out [Sakuya], smashing it into the jaw of the spirit from the side. By intentionally not slashing with the blade, it is to intentionally create bludgeoned damage. The attack with calculated timing, placing and force, managed to perfectly just dislocate its jaw joints.

<nowiki>【——————】</nowiki>

Eyes widened from shock, the spirit now unable to guard could only just watch with its mouth open—

“Dance -- ”

At the same time Kurumi announced that, large amounts of pitch black flames poured into the spirit’s open mouth – and burned the spirit’s head to nothingness from within.

===Part 7===

The East route with Maria and Lucia, and the West route with Yuki and Kurumi.

As they were battling with the spirit on each route respectively,

Basara and Zest at the central route were in a difficult battle.

The reason for that, was that while the situation at the other routes were two people working together to fight the spirit, Basara and Zest had to separate to fight against the spirit as well as the high-class demon controlling the spirit.

--though the situation was difficult, thinking about it wouldn’t change anything.

According to Lucia who was paired with Maria, this place was too far away Wildart City from her master for him to rush here quickly; Yuki was unable to obtain protection from [Sakuya], and while Kurumi had received the black elementals from Lucia, she was still unaccustomed to using the spirits of the Demon Realm, so they shouldn’t even be allowed to deal with a strong opponent like this now. Additionally, the spirits possess surprising regenerative power. So it still wouldn’t take them long to heal completely even if they received an injury; taking into account the spirit’s gigantic size and the inability to truss them up, him hoping for assistance from them would be for nothing.

And thus – with the situation not allowing for Mio to be on the battlefield, Basara has become the most suitable person to deal with this strong enemy. After moving the place of their battle field a building like a theatre with complex internal terrain—

“Ooooooooooooooo!”

On the stone-paved floor, Basara began running towards the high-class demon.

<nowiki>「——————」</nowiki>

The high-class then had countless magic circles shoot out fireballs, to greet Basara’s attack. As all of them are extremely hot and can combust, the distance he had to take when dodging had to be larger, which forced Basara to do larger side-steps to dodge the countless oncoming fireballs.

As for those that can’t be dodged, those will be just simply cut apart with Brynhildr. However—

“Ku…!”

''Clang!'' The sound along with the feedback transmitted through the hilt, caused Basara to frown. ''Heavy'' – those aren’t just simply fireballs, it probably had some rocks or debris within them; with the option of cutting through it no longer available, being able to deflect them would already be a very good thing. If one were to use a sword to deflect something like this for too much, it would just exhaust their hand quickly. Apart from when using [Banishing Shift], Basara would normally hold Brynhildr in a single-hand grip, but he had now been forced to grip Brynhildr with two hands for practically the whole battle, faced with this high-class demon. For large swords like Brynhildr, once the way of wielding them is changed, the wielder’s movements will too also change. In regards to Basara finely adjusting his actions at his current speed, it’s practically like suicide.

''…Tch, it’ll be great if I could use [Banishing Shift].''

Even if it’ll be unable to banish it whole, it’ll at least be able to eliminate the blaze of the fireballs, or maybe even the rocks within it. But right now, despite Basara knowing that the situation is currently disadvantageous to him, he still does not use [Banishing Shift]. Of course, there was a reason behind it.

After defeating Zolgear, Takigawa had given Basara a piece of advice.

And that advice was that in the battles that would happen with the Current Demon Lord Faction hereafter, there is a need to avoid using that move. [Banishing Shift] is a move where once the target space is slashed, it can eliminate and banish everything beyond the zeroth dimension, and is very unique even amongst the multifarious magics and special abilities in existence. From another angle, its potential as a threat is much higher even when compared to Wilbert’s power inherited by Mio. Just like in the past, Zolgear’s target wasn't just Mio alone, he had also taken interest in [Banishing Shift] and had plotted to take it for himself.

Hence, if Basara were to just show that move carelessly, it might add to Mio’s dangers. But in the first place, it was Basara who had voluntarily went and attracted the attention of the enemy. However, as long as it was to protect Mio and everyone else, Toujou Basara will definitely unhesitatingly use that power, even if it meant that he would have to foul his hands, use underhanded tactics, and doing dishonourable actions, basically if it meant even he had to become scum.

''…But the problem right now is that—''

Just like Zolgear had made use of Maria with a hostage when fixated on Mio – once the enemy knows that Basara has got such a unique ability, they might make a move to those around him.

That is something that Basara would not want to see. If he were to let Mio and the others be in dangerous situations just for him, even to the point of becoming a hostage – the moment he had thought about, Toujou Basara felt chills right from the bottom of his heart. Thus, no matter what, he had to not use [Banishing Shift].

Carefully passing through the troublesome fireballs released by the enemy, and making the enemy enter his range—

“---Haaa!”

Basara immediately slashed out with Brynhildr. The two-handed attack, with its power naturally much higher than usual – however became useless. The enemy had not dodged, as the slash had hit its target.

It’s just, the attack had not caused any injuries – the flesh of the high-class demon was too tough.

''…Damn it!''

No matter how many times Brynhildr hit him, there was only the sharp sounds from the impact. Forget about cutting into his flesh, it couldn’t even make a scratch on his skin.

--The opponent’s attack all consisted of fireball magic, so probably, he is a magic type.

The magic type basically specializes in using magical attacks, so they usually don’t have a very tough body. But this person has got such a tough body. Probably just like Zolgear who was good in not only swordplay but also magic, this high-class demon does not just fights with purely magic, but also with his physical body too.

In the past –in the fight with Zolgear, Basara had been overwhelmed while fighting. Not only just Basara, Mio and Yuki too seemed to never have been a match for him. Thus after the battle, Basara and the others had set aside a large percentage of their after classes time and school break time to train, since after all, Zolgear isn’t the only high-class demon within the Current Deom Lord Faction – of course, they had not forgotten about utilizing the Master-Servant Contract to raise their power by deepening their relationship, but just that alone was definitely not enough; for the future, raising their battle prowess is a must. In this period of time, when Sakazaki had taken action during the Sports Festival, despite how Kurumi had become his hostage, Basara had inadvertently received a heavy injury; but right before that, in the skirmish with Tachibana that roused from a misunderstanding, Basara had quite effectively managed to suppress Tachibana who had Vampire blood.

That undoubtedly was a result thanks to the training. And after the Sports Festival – Basara had continued to train to this day and had undoubtedly raised his levels, but yet his sword now is almost useless. It’s not that he was weak, but that his opponent is overwhelmingly strong, additionally—

''…he is definitely above Zolgear…!''

Although he had once been overwhelmed by Zolgear, as long as his fear was targeted, he could be damaged, and that thus was the way to defeat him; but the opponent before him right now isn’t afraid of his attacks at all, so that was practically nothing Basara could do. Just then—

“…You really don’t know when to retreat, do you?” <nowiki>”————！”</nowiki>

In the moment the high-class demon released a sigh, Basara reflexively jumped away towards the right, and a fireball then barely scrapped past his body, slightly burning his clothes. Probably because his compatibility with this opponent was bad, that he had given him the chance for a surprise attack. He had managed to get by this time with his luck, but continuing to be this close was extremely dangerous.

“—do you really think I will fall back so easily?!”

However, Basara continued to boldly remain in front of his opponent. If he were to draw distance from the enemy without doing damage to him, he will soon be driven into a corner and then eventually die. Hence, Basara cannot fall back, but instead he had to change his thinking on how to damage his opponent, and only a single answer came to mind.

That answer was to continue attacking, until he managed to do some damage – just like how Yuki managed to cut through Takigawa’s barrier in the past. Basara lowered his body, and then launched another attack at a rapid speed.

“Haaaaaaahhhhhh!”

Brynhildr drew out countless curves lines of lights, continuously slashing at the body of the high-class demon. What sounded out, was the sounds of the strikes, but Basara continued to keep up the speed. The high-class demon that was receiving those attacks, then suddenly activated the magic, but—

<nowiki>「————！」</nowiki>

Basara jumped a short distance sideways, and while sliding slightly on the rood, he then once again launched attacks at the high-class demon. What Basara had just done, was to avoid the enemy’s attack and counterattack. The result of careful and intricate footwork, which allowed him to avoid the enemy’s attacks and quickly launch an attack.

Since the enemy could attack him with their all.

He would be fine as long as the attacks do not hit him.

And at that moment, as if the high-class demon realised Basara’s intentions—

“—what a boring battle tactic.”

Saying that with disdain, he brought out a new attack. No longer firing fireballs – but directly raising columns of fire by his legs.

As if like a wall of fire, surrounding the high-class demon.

“……!”

Basara hurriedly jumped backwards, keeping his guard raised while waiting for the volume of flames to decrease.

By using a magic like this, it appears the purpose of it was to force a distance between them.

Its aim wasn’t to attack, but to defend – so once the flames weakened, he will immediately launch attacks. While Basara was waiting for a chance with such intentions—

“That is--…”

He quickly realised that he was going down in the wrong direction. The blazing columns were not getting weaker, but instead they repeatedly expanded in volume. Very quickly – the flames rising up into the sky, turned into the shape of ‘a certain being’. That being was—

“A flame dragon…!”

As the flame dragon rapidly took shape before his eyes, shocking amounts of heat was still radiated to Basara who had taken quite some distance, even charring his fringe. Once the reins of such a monster that was made up of flames was let go, Wildart City would definitely be flattened.

「Damn it – do I really have no choice but to use that!? 」

As Basara readied Brynhildr to use Banishing Shift, in that moment—

<nowiki>『——————』</nowiki>

The flame dragon flew upwards with a screech, and then rapidly descended.

“Eh………?”

And swallowed up the high-class demon before his eyes, causing an extremely thick pillar of fire.

''Suicide?'' –Basara began to have doubts in that moment, but the weird thing was that the theatre building had not caught fire as a result at all.

“—I do not wish to waste any more time playing around with you little kids.”

A low voice came from above the swirling pillar – and after that, the body of the high-class demon appeared from within the flames. On his body, there was now a pair of wings and a tail, with two horns protruding on his head and his arms becoming very thick – his appearance as a whole was very red, and he looked like a fire demon god. <ref>魔神majin </ref>

''That appearance...''

Toujou Basara realised why the high-class demon looked had turned into that appearance. It wasn’t that the flame dragon had swallowed him – but instead he had absorbed the flame dragon. The body high-class demon that had absorbed the flame dragon that could destroy the whole of Wildart City into his body before his eyes, radiated a scary amount of heat and feeling of oppression, and at the same time—

“I’m coming—“

Saying that short line – that huge body suddenly appeared before Basara’s eyes just as his mind registered that message.

<nowiki>“Wha————?</nowiki>

What shocking speed. Despite his large body, his speed was much faster than the speed-type Basara. Facing such an opponent with such strength, even any minor doubts in the sub-consciousness would result in a fatal injury. ''This is bad'' – as Basara repented on his reaction, the high-class demon swung his right arm that seemed to almost combust the surrounding air at him, and he wasn’t able to avoid completely it at all.

In the next moment, a large boom accompanied the impact of the attack.

--however, what the right fist of the high-class demon impacted wasn’t Basara.

In the nick of time, at Basara’s feet – from the stone making up the roof, a pillars suddenly rose up, pushing him upwards. Seeing the stone pillar being broken in his place below his feet—

“—Zest?”

Toujou Basara immediately realised who was the one that had just saved him, and called her name. Turning around to look, Zest was still in battle with the giant spirit not too far away, but—

<nowiki>『——————』</nowiki>

Their eyes met for a short moment. Zest was also currently in a difficult battle, but yet she still assisted him in the nick of time with magic. Thanking Zest in his heart. Just as Basara was about to jump away from the shattered pillar--

Basara suddenly gasped in shock. From the high-class demon’s body part that had shattered the pillar, a flaming tentacle extended from it as its root, and it came flying towards Basara as if wanting to swallow him whole.

Basara hurriedly escaped backwards, and the stone pillar too was swallowed whole by the flames at the same time. After that, Toujou Basara who had just barely managed to escape into the air heard—

“—it’s over.”

The voice that came from directly behind him, told Basara that his movements had been seen through by the enemy, that he had been read it right from the start – and without even the time to turn back to look, an unbelievable attack landed on Basara’s back.

What Basara had felt, was not a heavy blow. Just like how the pillar that the high-class demon shattered burned, Basara who received a punch with extremely high temperatures, his whole body became bathed in flames--

<nowiki>“Ggaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh——————!?”</nowiki>

Just like a meteorite, his body descended towards the ground while burning and screaming.

Hitting the roof within the blink of an eye, Basara impacted onto the ground of the theatre with a large boom. The impact destroyed a large number of the seats in the theatre, sending broken fragments flying everywhere.

<nowiki>「——————」</nowiki>

As Toujou Basara laid supine<ref>(of a person) lying face upwards</ref> on the ground of the theatre, he saw the high-class demon descending through the hole in the roof towards him.

And on his thick right arm – coiled the flame dragon he had seen just now.

===Part 8===

“…--Basara-sama!?”

Zest who had heard Basara’s screams, subconsciously turned to look towards the theatre.

And what she then saw, was her Master receiving the high-class demon’s attack head-on, and his flaming body descending towards the ground.

<nowiki>「————！」</nowiki>

Zest reflexively immediately activated earth magic. As she knew that it was too late to do something like creating a stone pillar to disrupt the enemy’s attack, something she had done not too long ago, she moved her consciousness into the theatre – changing the characteristics of the ground, and thus attempting to reduce Basara’s impact on the ground as much as possible.

She had hoped that her hastily casted magic would make it in time – but as fate willed, Basara who received the attack was descending far too fast, and at that moment, the sound of Basara impacting the theatre’s ground reached Zest who a distance away earlier than she would’ve liked.

<nowiki>“Ah…aa….! Basara-sama————!”</nowiki>

Zest shouted, as if wailing, while flying towards Basara.

But she couldn’t reach him. The giant spirit circled to in front of her, as if blocking her way on purpose.

--in the battle with the spirit up to now, she had never gotten the upper hand

She had to fight against an opponent who Yuki and Kurumi, as well as Maria and Lucia had managed to defeat with difficulty with two persons by herself so of course it would be much harder by herself, the really knotty opponent is Basara’s current opponent – Gardo. The one controlling the spirit, Gardo, as well as this spirit before her whose orders had been revised from [Eliminate any enemies, attack Wildart City] to be different from the other two, had been pestering Zest, keeping her busy here. But no matter how much difficult an opponent this spirit is -- her past struggles, are no longer there in her mind, and they are no longer important.

Because in her eyes now, Gardo had landed in the theatre after Basara/

Her most important Master – Basara, had befallen immediate danger.

“……Stop meddling…be gone…!”

With her head lowered, Zest said with a shaking voice.

<nowiki>【——————】</nowiki>

And the reaction of the spirit, was to silently swing its giant fist.

Next moment – the air shook as the gigantic mass of the spirit’s fist impacted the earth, but—

<nowiki>【………………】</nowiki>

The spirit slightly raised its head, as it realized that not only had its fist not broken the surface of the earth, Zest was not smashed into pieces too. The spirit’s fist did not even touch Zest, and was stopped by a magic circle Zest had expanded.

And after that – Zest finally raised her head, her usually calm face filled with a certain passionate emotion.

And she roared.

<nowiki>“I said…… be gone————————!!”

At the same time – the rubble around them instantaneously gathered together into a giant golem even larger than the spirit as if responding to her voice, its eyes emitting a certain light——

《——————》</nowiki>

And brought its hands linked together as if praying, downwards. This move, brought the spirit’s head into its arms – and then smashed the spirit onto the ground. After paralyzing the spirit, Zest had the golem continuing pinning down the spirit on the ground—

“Basara-sama…!!”

And she then ran to Basara’s side, not able to wait any longer, this time with no more obstacles in her way – she had originally planned to create a hole in the theatre’s wall, but however—

“--I’ll be troubled, if too many obstacles appear.”

A sound suddenly came from her side, and at the same time—

“！——Gyaaaaaaaaaaa！”

Zest who immediately took defensive actions, suddenly took a surprise attack from behind.

The surprise attack which ruthlessly swallowed Zest whole, swept the whole street clean.

===Part 9===

「………………」

Gardo silently descended into the theatre.

He had only a single aim – to clean up the enemy before his eyes.

--the demonic sword wasn’t seen in Basara’s hands while he laid on his back, most probably because he sustained an injury which did not allow him to preserve his weapon. Even then, Gardo will still not show mercy to his opponent.

However, this means that he would be destroying the future of a young person—

“…Please don’t blame me.”

After Gardo announced in a low voice to the person lying on the ground unable to get up – in order to reduce Basara’s suffering, as well as to show respect to his opponent who dared to engage a life-or-death battle against him, Gardo raised his right hand with the flame dragon entwining around it.

--The strongest attack of Gardo, the one known as the leading candidate for the seat of the Demon lord.

Not only could it turn Basara into mincemeat, it carried enough power to burn away this theatre building as well as everything around it with ease.

''…With this.''

It should probably be enough to take care of Zest who was fighting nearby. With this, it’ll probably be enough to make up for the spirit fighting with Zest, as well as the other two spirits who were paralyzed by the enemy; although it’ll be disrespectful to Luca who worked very hard and with difficulty, lifted the spirit’s seals and forged the new Master-Servant Contract with the spirits, this would show that these spirits were only just at ''that'' level. There were even stronger spirits that were excavated from the ruins that were currently being studied, but they couldn’t be sent into this battle due to time constraints; thus to not waste any more time with attempting to keep the spirits safe, why not just let Gardo himself completely wipe out all of the remaining enemies with more efficiency. Hence—

“—pass in peace, Son of God of War!”

With these words to send Basara off on the road of death, Gardo raised his right arm—

<nowiki>「——————」</nowiki>

And at that moment, Basara’s right hand suddenly moved a little – by the time Gardo noticed it, Basara was already holding up his arm covered with armour, as well as that demonic sword which had newly appeared in that hand. ''Just what had happened'' – at the phenomenon that had happened right before his eyes but yet couldn’t be registered by his mind, Gardo harboured a short-lived doubt as his right fist was on its path of being swung down.

--And in that moment, something belated<ref>coming or happening later than should have been the case</ref> happened.

It was a harsh metallic sound. At the same time Gardo heard that sharp penetrating sound—

A white line cut through his right shoulder – severing the arm from its root.

''…My hand…was severed?''

There was no pain, and no sensation of being cut by a blade. Thus Gardo ignored his right arm that was flying through the air and began to analyse what had just happened to him.

Taking a closer look, Basara’s demonic sword – the air around its blade seemed to be fluctuating.

No, it’s not air. What was fluctuating, was the space around the demonic sword.

And as for that sharp harsh sound – after putting the two pieces together, what was the answer?

''…Iai?''

But lai is usually used when a sword is being drawn out of a sheath, which Basara’s demonic sword didn’t have; additionally – the usual lai will definitely not be able to sever his hand.

''—then, just what was it that just happened?''

The hint to the answer, was the fluctuations of the space around the demonic sword. The materialization of the weapon, was from something like an alternate space or a crack in the dimensions.

To put it bluntly – the demonic sword managed to reach supersonic speeds with lai amplifying the effects from the borders of the dimensions.

What severed Gardo’s shoulder, was [Dimensional Slash], the ultimate in lai. Just then—

<nowiki>「——————」</nowiki>

In the short slight pause while Gardo was speculating on how the situation came to this.

As if grasping the moment, Basara instantaneously adjusted his body the demonic sword – and in the next moment, he was already in a stable horse stance.

This was a very large contrast from when he was lying down not too long ago, with this time him finishing the preparations for using lai properly.

What Basara was preparing to do this time, was to horizontally sever Gardo’s body in the middle.

With eyes that was completely ice cold, he seemed like a completely different person right now.

However – Basara’s ultimate lai was never put into action this time.

“Wha—…?”

The atmosphere suddenly shook and became volatile, and at the same time a flash of light surrounded the both of them.

In the next moment – the theatre that the both of them were in completely exploded.

===Part 10===

After the impact of bombing the theatre along with Basara and Gardo dissipated.

The beautiful streets around it too have already become rubble.

“Yare yare, it appears I overdid it a little…”

Someone said while smiling and looking down on this scene.

That person was Nebula, who had accompanied Gardo in the attack on Wildart City after receiving orders from the Council.

--right now, Nebula’s field of vision was very high and wide, but that was not because he was floating in the air.

He was on the shoulder of a giant spirit much bigger than those Gardo was controlling.

This was an even more powerful high-class spirit that Luca didn’t have enough time to deal with – but yet whose adjustments and contract were completed by the Council behind Leohart and the other’s backs. Nebula’s mission of supervising this attack on Wildart City was just merely a cover, and the Council had given him separate orders; amongst those, were to assassinate Gardo while he led the attack on Wildart City.

--lately, Leohart’s influence has been growing explosively.

While Leohart was the puppet the Council had put as the new Demon lord, him attracting the support of too many civilians and soldiers wasn’t a good thing. Although a puppet would of course attract more attention the more gorgeous it was, it would be futile if the puppet wouldn’t listen in the end. Hence the Council had organised for this attack, which would then be used to weaken Leohart’s influential power. Deliberately not fighting a war decided by numbers and thus sending out the excavated spirits, was because the Council knew that Leohart would definitely send out a subordinate of his to lead on the frontlines. The number of subordinates Leohart could trust wasn’t that big of a number – so by making him choose a commander in the sudden small chaos that would ensue, they could effectively reduce Leohart’s power.

Hence, when the Council received the news that Gardo would be the frontline commander of the attack, they became very happy.

One of the reason Leohart was able to maintain as well as raise his positive influence, was because a powerful Demon Lord candidate had joined his faction, serving as the role of a prime minister. Thus—

“Once someone like you is gone – his majesty Leohart will probably be more obedient.”

Before the eyes of Nebula who said that, was Gardo who had risen to about the same height as him.

“…Nebula, you bastard…!”

“Ah… So you really are angry~. Well, I guess it would be weird if you didn’t get angry though…”

At Gardo’s glare that was filled with anger, Nebula only said that while smiling.

The Gardo right now, no longer had the usual aura and pressure of oppression he had. The reason for that was because he had taken head-on the sneak attack of the spirit Nebula was controlling, and had become heavily injured – he had also lost his right arm that was the symbol of his power.

“But then again, the youngsters of these days still reap what they sow. Even if he is the son of Jin ·Toujou, he is still only a human youth, yet you still need to end his path… so while a bit uneasy, I had accidentally intervened. You couldn’t have already become soft from being content with doing the work his majesty Leohart has for you right, Gardo-dono?”

Hearing Nebula’s mocking—

“……I believe I’ve said it before.”

Gardo said:

“In the event where you do something unneeded – I will personally turn you into meat scraps.”

After saying that, Gardo’s body also disappeared.

“That’s right. But I believe I’ve also said it before—“

Nebula said towards Gardo who re-appeared beside him, as if not giving a damn at all:

“—unless things become grave.”

All of a sudden – Gardo who was about to dish out his attack suddenly disappeared, but that wasn’t what Gardo had planned. A shockwave and boom followed soon after, as if testifying just how explosive that attack that just happened was. High-class demon’s right fist that had just lashed out, had directly landed on the side of Gardo’s body.

Gardo was blown away explosively, smashing through the remains of a large number of buildings in Wildart City – before finally coming to a stop after going through three streets. After the dust cloud caused by the attack settled—

“…Hmm, it is surprising that that was overkill.”

Having dealt with Gardo, Nebula shrugged.

“Now then, let’s move on to my next task… -- aya?”

Just then, he noticed the presence of other enemies.

Probably because he had dealt with Gardo, that caused the other spirits to not operating. Amongst the people dealing with the three spirits, other than Lucia who was Ramsas’s aide and Zest, there were three more people heading towards this place. After seeing the fire within their eyes—

“…Ah, I almost forgot. I had also destroyed your companion.”

Nebula continued while giggling:

“No problem – before I deal with my remaining targets, I shall play around with you guys first.”

===Part 11===

Zest whose consciousness was floating around in darkness, felt something brushing past her face.

Originally she had assumed it to be wind, but—

''…That's not right.''

With her eyes still closed, Zest felt that there seemed to be a certain meaning behind the sensation of her face being caressed.

The sensation on her cheeks – seemed to be desperately urging her to awaken. Hence—

“…!……uuh…”

Opening her eyes just a crack caused sharp pain to suddenly course through her whole body, and moan in pain.

But despite that, she still fully opened both her eyes, and the first thing she managed to make out in her misty vision was the face of a lovely animal. Using its small tongue to lick at Zest’s face was—

“You… are from that time…?”

Zest quickly realised that it was the unicorn pup she had met not too long ago in the alleyway behind the café, when Basara and the others visited the streets. Despite how Gardo had invaded Wildart City with the spirits and destroying many areas of the city, this pup appears to have been very lucky and managed to keep its life.

As Zest’s consciousness thoughts righted itself—

“……Basara-sama————!”

She finally remembered just what she was going to do, as well as what happened afterwards, causing her to suddenly get up while calling out her beloved master’s name. At the same time, there was someone else who heard it.

But the sign of reaction was not speech – but hollering instead.

“Aaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh—!”

“—Maria?”

Thinking something was wrong, Zest turned to look towards the sound, only to find the scene of Maria being kicked away by an spirit different from the previous three.

Her petite body impacted on the ground after being kicked like a rubber ball, and the shockwave blew away some of the rubble in the vicinity.

「………………」

Seeing this, Zest was shocked. The power and agility of this spirit was incomparable to the spirits from before, and the one controlling this monster wasn’t Gardo, but instead different high-class demon.

“That is—…”

Near the rubble Maria had landed, Zest found the figures of two more young girls lying on the ground in different positions – Yuki and Kurumi. They probably had fought against that spirit while she was still unconscious. The poor miserable condition of the large amounts of rubble in the vicinity, told her of just fierce the battle was.

「…………！」

Despite how worried she was about their conditions, there is something that Zest most do first.

And that was to search out her master Basara’s whereabouts. As long as Basara is still alive, the contract won’t disappear – thus while praying that Basara was safe, she closed her eyes and tried to sense his location. After that—

''…There’s a reaction… Are you alright, Basara-sama…!''

Sensing a reaction from Basara caused her to immediately open her eyes and barely managed to stop herself from shouting out loud from the happiness. Basara is nearby, but his body wasn’t visible, so he is probably now buried under the rubble. Although she very much wanted to go and rescue him now—

''…It is best if I move cautiously.''

If she were to let that high-class demon notice her, not only she would be in danger, as Basara too would be dragged into it. And not forgetting that more importantly, that spirit is not what she alone can win against. Thus Zest held her breath, and began moving slowly.

However – it appears that the high-class demon’s eyes were just too sharp.

“—Oya, the mouse that I thought I’ve already disposed of is still alive?”

Before Zest could even begin to start moving, he already noticed that Zest had already regained consciousness.

The spirit then began to slowly turn towards her, slowly closing the distance between them.

『————』

Perhaps feeling the approach of impending danger, the unicorn pup jumped onto Zest’s right shoulder as if seeking her help. Zest hugged that small body, at a loss of what to do. Since she has been noticed, it would be best if she were to leave the place immediately to bring the danger away from Basara and the others.

''…however.''

The moment she shows an opening, the opponent will definitely immediately attack. The problem now is the power and speed of the spirit that had exceeded expectations. Such strong attacks will definitely flatten the surrounding area, along with Basara and everyone else; but if she were to remain here any longer, Basara would still be in danger, so just what should she do – by wanting to protect her master, she was in a dilemma.

''…! If this continues…!''

In the end, she chose the way which has got the highest possibility of protecting her master, and put it into action. It was at that moment—

A dazzling light suddenly appeared.

「————！?」

Zest thought the spirit had started its attack, and thus used earth magic to erect a barrier – but it appears that that was not the case.

The spirit’s head was wrapped up in an explosion – it was the spirit that received an attack.

However, it seems that there was no damage at all. When the deep red flames dissipated, the head appeared, completely intact and covered in soot. Nonetheless, it seems that someone had saved Zest – as well as Basara, it was an undeniable truth.

''…Just who…?''

Zest began looking around. It was not Basara, not Maria, and not Yuki or Kurumi.

Lucia? No, she is Ramsas’s aide, so she wouldn’t come here.

--Then, just who was it?

The answer was brought into Zest’s ears by the wind.

“…—there has got to be a limit to your arrogance.”

The voice of the young girl who inherited the blood of the noble Demon Lord.

--She, landed in the space before Zest’s eyes.

Zest too, only continued looking intently – at the girl who descended into the battlefield.

Naruse Mio.

「………………」

Seeing the back of someone who originally definitely couldn’t appear on this battlefield—

''…She probably couldn’t bear it anymore.''

Zest wasn’t particularly surprised, since the person in question was Mio.

That just now, was probably not to save Zest – or maybe while she had that intention, the reason she had come down to this place was definitely to protect Basara.

Just like Zest – no, Mio who had done the Master-Servant Contract with Basara long before Zest, should clearly know that Basara was nearby. She couldn’t accept watching from the sides any longer, while seeing those precious to her and the town being destroyed just because of her presence.

That was why she had forcefully shaken off Noel, and rushed here. Just then—

“……Hou?”

The similarly completely uninjured high-class demon, deeply bowed towards Mio while on the spirit’s shoulder.

“My my, if it’s not the Moderates Faction’s princess… I believe this is our first meeting. My name is Nebula, and I am a trusted aide of the chairman of the Council, Belphegor. Please forgive me for my lack of respect for speaking from such a high up place.”

“…If I go with you, will you stop attacking the city?”

Hearing Mio say so calmly, Nebula smiled.

“I believe that we had sent an ultimatum, demanding for them to hand you over, but I had not expected for you to personally appear yourself. In our attack this time, we had undeniably stolen the lives of a large amount of the Moderates Faction’s soldiers and wrecked the heritage-rich Wildart City, causing many civilians to become homeless. All of that, are the price that they have to pay to protect you.”

But however—

“Though I would be ashamed to ask, I really cannot understand why. Could you please explain to me to let me broaden my understanding – you impulsively appearing here and putting to waste all of their efforts and sacrifices, where did that foolishness come from?”

To Nebula’s words that was equivalent to provocation—

“……Someone like you would never be able to understand.”

Mio replied while tightly clenching her fist. The shaking in her voice – most likely come from fear, as well as strong anger and remorse. Although Zest couldn’t see her expression from behind her, Mio’s heart must be filled with frustration, while she glared at Nebula fiercely. After that—

“Hmm, I see – so this is the daughter that Wilbert had left behind.”

Nebula smiled, but in the next moment – he said with ice-cold eyes:

“…— Kill”

At the same time, the spirit under Nebula’s feet began to move. It lunged forward and appeared almost immediately before them, and sent out a punch as if boxing.

“Eh……?” “————！”

The unexpected sudden change caused Mio to freeze up, and Zest reflexively erected a stone wall in front of Mio and herself, but however she became just as surprised as Mio.

--Everything the Current Demon Lord Faction had done to Mio, was to gain Wilbert’s power that Mio possessed.

If she was killed, that power will disappear along with Mio’s life. Hence Zest had thought, even if they want to kill Mio, it would be after extracting Wilbert’s power from her.

''…Then why?''

Despite her thoughts being thrown into confusion, Zest still forcefully maintained her focus. Although her wall might not be able to block the spirit’s attack, their death would be set in stone if nothing is done. Hence she put in her all into that wall – and immediately after, a boom filled the air.

From behind Zest and Mio.

“Eh — …?”

Both Zest and Mio turned backwards to look confusedly. They saw the shockwave caused by the spirit’s punch affecting the ground behind them, filling the air with dust.

However, although they understood what the scene before them was, they failed to understand what had just happened.

She was unable to accept that this was the truth. Because – Basara should be in around that area.

While still in a trance, Zest subconsciously used the locating ability of the Master-Servant Contract. Almost immediately, amidst the sandstorm before her eyes, she found a reaction belonging to her master.

「——————」

And after that, Zest’s body began moving without even thinking. She swiftly spread her wings – and flew in a straight line towards where the reaction was from. With the obstruction of the flying dust everywhere, Zest could not see even Basara’s silhouette, thus she used earth magic to – gather all of the flying dust together, settling all of it on the ground far away.

Finally able to see her own master now, Zest stretched out her hands, and plunged into his arms—

“……Basara-sama…?”

And said his name with a shaking voice and widened eyes, but she didn’t receive a reply. That’s of course, since Basara’s injuries received from Gardo weren’t light, and he had also received a surprise attack from the spirit Nebula was controlling – he was already in a state urgently needing treatment for that.

And adding on to that, Nebula has had the spirit send out another attack to exterminate.

Yet Basara was still alive, but he was only just not dead yet.

Basara is still not completely safe yet – he is not moving at all. Just then,

“…Aahh, I’m terribly sorry for the blunder I’ve made. I accidentally skewed my aim, and I had no idea that Jin·Toujou’s son was there. I’m terribly sorry.”

Nebula apologised sacaristically, and then—

“…Speaking of which, Princess, you still have not answered my previous question.”

And smiled. And as if having seen throught all of it,

“In the end – just who did you hope to protect by shamelessly running out here and putting to waste the efforts of those around you?”

That was a line that was sufficient enough to annihilate Zest’s reasoning ability many times.

''I’ll kill you!'' While hugging the unmoving Basara, Zest’s emotions were about to explode.

--But in the end, she couldn’t do it. Because before Zest began to move, or even open her mouth.

''That'' happened.

“——————————”

A deep red wave of energy burst out with Mio as the epicentre.

Naruse Mio who was causing the space to shake uncontrollably and scream—

“…——How dare you…”

Towards the giant spirit and Nebula before her eyes, she said so shortly.

Within her heart, the surging and welling emotions were almost going to make her go crazy. The reason that made her surprised that had allowed her to say such words coldly, was because within her mind, she was extremely calm.

Not only just that – Mio right now, has not lost control of the energy within her body. The torrent of autologous erupting energy with her, was completely under her control.

--However, this was not something accomplished just by chance at this moment.

Being able to control her father Wilbert’s power, as well as her own power – this was the first task she had set for herself after defeating Zolgear. Because from right at the beginning to now, Mio had never provided any effective help in the battles they had.

Not long after knowing Basara, at the battle with Takigawa in the park<ref>都立公园 in real life, formally known as Tokyo Metropolitan Park</ref> at night – although it was to not become a burden to Basara, in the end the result of going alone was that she was not even an opponent for him. She had even lost control of the power she had inherited from her father due to seeing Basara receive a major injury, and was in the end saved by him.

And in the battle with Yuki, Kurumi and the Heroes, she wasn’t able to handle Takashi who wielded [Byakko], and her battle concluded with a conclusion where it seemed that she was powerless.

During the battle against Zolgear, she had fallen into the hands of Zolgear, becoming a burden to Basara. Though she had won the battle and had subdued Zest, that was only possible because Yuki had helped. Right to today, Mio had never really given any real contribution to her comardes.

Hence – to not become a burden to the others any more than she already was, Mio had aimed to be able to completely control her powers, and had succeeded in attaining that goal. Not only did it include her father Wilber’s power, that strong power which had taken Zolgear’s right hand was also now in her control.

''…But.''

Even if she succeeded, Mio never wanted to use that power. Other than the drawbacks of causing much physical strain on her body and sometimes even causing her to losing consciousness, more importantly, using that power was sort of like a taboo in her heart.

--Naruse Mio had witnessed the murder of her adoptive parents without any warning, and had then learned that she was the daughter of the previous Demon Lord.

On that very day, Naruse Mio’s past fifteen years of life was completely overturned.

Despite vowing to take revenge for her adoptive parents and living while learning to fight – behind the emotion known as vengeance, there was a fact that tortured her heart.

And that – was the fact that she was not a human.

The Demon Race. To a normal person, they were an existence that were called Monsters.

But before that day, Mio was completely living her life as a normal person.

It was just like how someone point at you and say: ‘You are not a Human!’, your own existence being nullified just so easily.

Though Basara, Yuki and Kurumi had abilities, they were Heroes, so they were undoubtedly Human; compared to them, Mio, basically, was completely different. But despite the differences, Mio who saw Maria as one of the Demon Race, did she ever see her as a monster and harbour hostility against her? The answer was never.

Despite that, when she was with Basara and the others, thoughts like she did not belong together with them would occasionally enter her mind, often making her feel as if there was a gap between them that would never disappear, causing her much torment.

Of course, Basara and the others saw her and got along with her as a normal human, and Basara was the one who had accepted her right from the beginning. Though she was thrown out once, that was because Mio and Maria were deceiving Basara and Jin – it was completely unrelated to her being the previous Demon Lord’s daughter.

--Does Basara even understand, just how much his acceptance of Mio gave her heart salvation?

Therefore, no matter what, Mio does not wish to become a burden to Basara. It’s just – using her father Wilbert’s power that she inherited, would make her feel like she was not a human.

Mio is very afraid of experiencing the feeling of being of a different race from Basara. Hence with being unwilling to use her power, she and Yuki had received a sneak attack from an enemy. Naruse Mio wished to stay as a Human, and thus was not willing to use that strong power within her body – at least, until now.

--But, this is fine too.

Even if she were to use Wilbert’s power many many times, Basara will definitely never change. Taking her in even after knowing about her true identity, and saw her and Maria – and even Zest as his precious family, his actions of putting his life on the line for them to this day had proven that point. She only just had to trust in her kind master who was willing to accept her – and be the one who loves him the most.

''…And also,''

Even if using this strong power will increase the distance between her and Basara, she can not allow the enemy before her to act as he pleases.

Hence Naruse Mio said:

“……You asked me, why did I come here?”

''I’ll tell you, then.''

“Right now I am Toujou Basara’s little sister, as well as his subordinate… Seeing my precious family and master wounded, is almost making me go mad.”

''Do you even understand?''

“You have hurt Basara, have hurt my most precious person, and I will now make you pay the price – I’ll kill you a hundred times.”

''That’s right.''

“Daughter of the previous Demon Lord of power… it’s up to you on how you decide to see the situation, it’s something unrelated to me, and I don’t give a damn. I originally was happy, with deciding to give this power which had snatched all that I had to you guys, but how regrettable… don’t even think about it now. I have already decided, that I will never forgive you, who had hurt the one most precious to me, as well as those dogs behind your back.”

''And thus I advise you.''

“—you better not underestimate Naruse Mio.”

With that, Mio released the power within her body.

And in the next moment – with a boom, the enemy before her was crushed.

===Part 12===

Mio released Wilbert’s gravity magic power, immediately crushing the spirit Nebula was controlling into pieces.

And after that—

“————————”

''Perhaps this is my retribution.'' Mio lost consciousness as if being disconnected suddenly.

However – something caught Mio as she collapsed.

It was Zest’s earth magic. The sand in the shape of a chair caught Mio, and gently lowered her onto the ground.

After that, Zest who landed beside her while holding onto Basara—

“……………”

Silently watched the scene before her eyes. In just a single attack, Mio had completely minced that Spirit which was so powerful. Although she knew that Wilbert was hailed as the strongest Demon Lord in history—

''…This display is too shocking.''

And within Zest’s knowledge, Mio had never once voluntarily used Wilbert’s power; so if she trains from now on, forget about the drawback of fainting after usage, she might be able to use even more power than just now.

If used appropriately, this power would certainly be able to take over the Demon Realm, so it wasn’t hard to understand why the Moderates Faction and the Current Demon Lord Faction urgently wanted this power. Right now – though the burst just now was enough to bring down Nebula, the Current Demon Lord Faction would’ve already detected it, which means that now they would not be able to cover up the fact that Mio is within Wildart City.

Soon, the war between the Current Demon Lord Faction and the Moderates Faction for supremacy in the Demon Realm, will start.

The number of causalities or sacrifices that will have to be made in the future, could very well be many times that of today. Yet—

“…Thank you.”

Zest gave her gratitude to the unconscious Mio. Thanks to her, they had managed to tide over the danger from the enemy this time. To many people, making the war even more intense might very well be the worst thing in the world; but in Zest’s heart, her master Basara being safe was the most important thing, and she will protect him with her life.

Hence, having avoided the worst case scenario, Zest let out a sigh in relief.

But at that moment, there was suddenly a burst of magic power.

“ ! — This is…!”

Not knowing what was happening, the disconcerted Zest soon realised where the magic power was coming from.

The answer was – in front of them.

The already-minced Spirit, was rapid expanding with a shocking magic power.

===Part 13===

The Spirit was already destroyed to the point where its self-healing ability could do nothing.

--But Nebula’s body was unharmed.

Before Mio’s gravity attack hit, he had already escaped far away backwards, thus successfully avoiding it.

“Destroying that high-class Spirit in a single attack… indeed, that is a formidable scary power.”

Nebula said while on a building far away.

“So, as per Belphegor-sama’s orders, I will dispose of her now.”

That’s right – Nebula’s actions against Mio was not him acting by himself. Right from the beginning, Nebula had received two orders; first is to assassinate Gardo in this attack, second is wipe out Wilbert’s power along with Mio.

—Wilbert is the known as the strongest Demon Lord in history, so no matter whether his power falls into the hands of the Moderates Faction or Leohart, things would become troublesome. That powerful power, would easily bring about problems that aren’t under the Council’s control – thus Belphegor gave Nebula the order to make sure to certainly end Mio’s life.

“The Spirits sleeping in the ruins, were naturally to be ones used to defend a City, so… of course it would possess something for the worst case while defending the city -- a self-destruct function to drag down the enemy together with it.”

So—

“Soul of the Demon Lord from the past age – disappear from the world together with your beloved city.”

Saying that, Nebula then began casting the self-destruct magic, and the body of the Spirit far away let out a blinding light. A protective spherical barrier appeared, enclosing him so that he would not be dragged into the self-destruct explosion – an anti-field. Then, after completing the casting with the special code, Nebula smiled—

“—Goodbye.”

And after giving his final farewell – the body of the high-class Spirit suddenly exploded.

A blinding explosion, that wiped out the whole Wildart City.

--At least, that was what should’ve happened.

But in the moment the explosion and shockwave began to spread – it instantly disappeared.

“Wha—Impossible…!”

Witnessing the unbelievable scene, Nebula was heavily shocked.

''—did the activation of the code fail? No, it did explode. After the successful detonation – the heat and shockwave created had suddenly disappeared, and there isn’t a trace of the magic power left.

…W-What in the world just happened……?!''

Nebula looked towards the location where the explosion was supposed to take place. Over there, he saw a young male standing in front of Mio and Zest, as if protecting them. He held a large demonic sword in his hands, in a posture where he just swung the sword – the Toujou Basara that should have stopped moving long ago. Immediately after—

『——————』

Basara’s ice-cold eyes caught the figure of Nebula far away, causing him to involuntarily gasp and step backwards.

“Interesting… I’ll have a great story to tell Belphegor-sama later.”

But he smiled while raising his right hand, and a gigantic black shadow came over the sky. The opponent seemed to be hiding something, but as he cannot fail Belphegor’s orders, Nebula himself has hidden a trump card up his sleeve.

Together with the booms that filled Wildart City, were the same type of Spirit as the one that exploded just earlier, furthermore, there were three of them; two of them landed behind Nebula, and one just beside Wildart City. To fulfil his orders at once, Nebula has decided to simultaneously attack them and Wildart City. Basara might be able to use a strange ability to cancel out the self-destruct explosions and enter melee combat with the Spirits, and even if the Spirit beside Wildart City has to self-destruct as the last resort, the higher-ups of the Moderates Faction along with Ramsas would be also wiped out.

“It’s truly a shame – with this, this is the end for all of you.”

Just as Nebula was about to order the Spirits to annihilate Wildart City—

Two sounds of impact<ref>Boom!</ref> came from behind him.

“Wha—…?”

Nebula hurriedly turned around, and saw a scene even more unbelievable then just now.

Both of the gigantic Spirits behind him, were flying in the air – in a straight line towards the outside of Wildart City, and then the heavy sound of impact of them hitting the ground came from far away. Just as Nebula was at a loss as the shockwave of the impact reached him as he stood on the tower—

“Geez, can you not throw them into a place with many people? What if you crush someone?”

A shout lacking of any tension came from the ground. Looking downwards, there was someone of the same race as that young youth, someone whose name Nebula knew – that was of course, since it is impossible for him to not know the one called the God of War and strongest Hero feared by the Demon race.

“Jin·Toujou……!!”

Nebula recited the name of that man, filled with hate. His whereabouts were unknown ever since he had fought with Leohart, and not even the Council could track him – although he didn’t know if it was by coincidence or planned out, he had come to this place to help his son out in this crisis.

''…Then…!''

Nebula disregarded Jin’s presence and began casting the magic for the Spirits’ self-destruction; his target was not the two which Jin had sent flying, but the last one that was beside Wildart City.

Since Jin is now here, his chances of disposing of either Basara or Mio is now close to zero, so now he should at least attempt to get rid of the higher-ups in Wildart City like Ramsas. However – as Nebula was almost finished with the magic, a sound suddenly sounded out, and the remaining Spirit was crushed by an invisible power.

“—gravity magic!?”

''Mio is still unconscious, so just who'' – his thoughts thrown into disarray, Nebula then saw a male with the Moderates Faction’s proud mother-daughter succubus pair – Sheera and Lucia, standing on a rooftop. It wouldn't be weird for him to use the same magic as Wilbert, that male was someone like that – the current leader of the Moderates Faction, Wilbert’s older brother.

“Ramsas…!”

Immediately after spitting out his name with resentment, his lips curved into a smile.

''…Idiot.''

Even if the Spirit became minced meat, he could still make it explode by completing his casting. Thus, Nebula continued to input the code—

“………?”

But suddenly, he sensed someone behind him, and thus turned around—

「——————」

Only to see a youth standing there. His cold eyes not only stopped Nebula’s mind, it also froze his heart.

It was Toujou Basara.

“Eh——…?”

In the next moment, Nebula let out a funny sound.

His chest – was completely pierced through by Basara’s large demonic sword.

Basara pulled out Brynhildr, and Nebula collapsed on the tower.

Large amounts of fresh blood poured from his chest, and his breathing became ragged, but despite that—

“I… don’t want, to die…”

Nebula desperately squeezed out his voice, begging Basara for mercy.

“If you spit out who was the one that ordered this attack and his aims, I can ask the Moderates Faction to let you live… The Current Demon Lord Leohart should be after Mio’s power, but yet you attacked that demon called Gardo, and even tried to kill Mio—“

''Speak.''

“—who was the one that gave the order for this attack. Is it those guys from the Council or what?”

“ ! …T-That…”

“If you really don’t want to die, you better spit it out. From the amount of blood you’re losing, you only have very little time left – everything of you will be reduced to zero soon.”

Basara’s words caused Nebula to be silent for a while, and then—

“………Uu.”

Just as he was about to say something – a red marking appeared on his neck. That pattern that was very much like a circle, was one that Toujou Basara was very much familiar with.

“That is…”

The curse of the Master-Servant Contract. Nebula planned to beg Basara for mercy by leaking information about his master, causing strong feelings of betrayal which activated the curse. According to what Takigawa said, the Master-servant Contract had the effect of not allowing the leakage of secrets when a subordinate is captured by the enemy, and the subordinate will die when the curse activates at its strongest effect.

Basara’s circumstances were special – his Contract with Mio and Yuki were done with using Maria’s magic, and Zest’s were done with using Sheera’s magic, so the effect of the curse were all aphrodisiac effects.

So, what was the effect of the Master-Servant Contract of Nebula – the answer was very soon shown before Basara’s eyes.

“Uh——…?”

After letting out a short groan, Nebula’s body exploded from the inside with a muffled ‘Pop’.

Basara had hurriedly retreated, afraid that he was doing an explosion by self-destructing. Fragments that used to be Nebula landed by Basara’s feet, dying the rooftop into a pool of red. After that—

“Basara-sama, are you fine?!” “Aah, I’m fine.”

Nodding slightly to answer Zest hurriedly flying towards him—

“……………”

Toujou Basara, forthrightly, gazed upon the tragic ending that may come to someone that have done a Master-Servant Contract. In the worst case scenario – Mio, Yuki, and Zest might probably lose their lives in a similar fashion. The new realisations weighed heavily on Basara’s heart – the Master-Servant Contract he had done with them used their lives as a wager. It was not something to be joked about. Just then—

“Basara-sama…”

Zest softly leaned onto Basara’s back, and spoke no more.

Snuggling against Basara’s back just like that. That, is Zest’s answer to her master Basara. Thus, Basara turned around and tightly gripped Zest’s waist, and said:

“Let’s go… We need to quickly return back to the city and help treat the wounded.”

After that, the two of them left the rooftop.

Behind them, were the remains of Nebula and Wildart City devastated with debris everywhere -- the peaceful days that was there until yesterday is now gone.

In that place, only the scars known as the cruel reality of War remained.

<noinclude>
=== Translator Notes and References ===

<references />

{{SimpleNav}}
</noinclude>

Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 5 Chapter 4

2016-05-30T04:28:38Z

Dragon213:

==In the Wind Blowing Through the Battlefield==
===Part 1===

Here, is a place is filled with tranquillity.

Built on the hill behind Wildart City – this wide area that was directly cut from the hill, is the Demon Lord Wilbert’s Temple.

--Currently, Nonaka Yuki is visiting the resting place of this great Demon Lord’s soul.

Of course, she wasn’t alone – Yuki was accompanying for this journey.

The one beside her was also accompanying to this place, Kurumi.

And before Yuki’s eyes was yet another person. Before the large tombstone of Wilbert, was a young girl firmly raising her head – Mio.

<nowiki>「——————」</nowiki>

From when they arrived here, it already has been thirty minutes, yet Mio remained standing there silently all this time. However—

''—No matter how long she wants to stay, let her.''

This was Mio’s first time coming to her biological father’s grave to pay her tributes. Since Yuki completely understood Mio’s history and current situation, she knew clearly that Mio now must have many different complex emotions within her.

That’s why – even though she couldn’t get a reply, there must be a lot she wants to say to Wilbert. Kurumi by her side also understood that, and also waited with no complaints with Yuki. Not long after—

“……Thank you, I’m fine now.”

After Mio said that, she returned back to Yuki and Kurumi’s sides with her back facing Wilbert’s tombstone.

“…Are you feeling better?”

Yuki’s question made Mio give a slight bitter smile.

“I don’t know~. I have never ever seen him, and this is only his grave. Even if you tell me that the one in there is my biological father, I won’t feel anything… I’m fickle, right?”

“No, I feel that that’s normal.”

With her two hands behind her head, Kurumi said while looking at Wilbert’s tombstone:

“I guess it won’t be normal for a person to be crying a lot when seeing the tombstone of a father that person has never seen before, it’ll be as if it was purely acting.”

“……Umn, you’re right.”

''Thank you'' – saying that, Mio’s bitter smile became deeper. She might be wanting to seem as if nothing happened – but her expression showed her loneliness.

“………” “ ? What’s wrong, Yuki?”

Yuki’s gaze caused Mio to ask, and her expression returned to one that Yuki and Kurumi were familiar with. Hence, Yuki replied: [Nothing].

''…I guess it's fine even if she’s trying to be brave.''

To that aspect of Mio, Yuki frankly felt admiration. Ever since they were born, Yuki and the others had received a Hero’s education as if it was natural and they were clear about their mission; but where Mio had started from was completely different – she had lived a normal person’s life, and treated herself as a normal young girl.

But one day, both her parents were killed – and thus learned that she was not a human but the Demon Lord’s daughter. But yet this young girl called Naruse Mio, basically didn't point fingers of blame or held any hate towards anyone; no matter how frustrated, pained, or lost she became – she continued going forward; even if she had come to the Demon Realm to face her origins, that point still didn’t change.

“Right… Since we have already come here, are you clearer on what you plan to do?”

“…No. I thought a lot about it, but nothing came out of it yet.”

Mio shook her head while saying that.

--The moment Mio resolved herself on her decision, a chain of irreversible events would definitely occur.

Hence – even after coming to the Demon Realm for three days, she still hadn’t decided. As it would affect not only just Mio, implicating Basara and the others, it also involved the future of the Demon Realm as a whole, so being hesitant about it was naturally unavoidable. Also—

''…The reason Mio is hesitant, is because of that man…''

In Nonaka Yuki’s mind, the current leader of the Moderates Faction Ramsas surfaced. Nobody knows just what he was planning; Klaus appeared every day to speak with Mio, and Ramsas persistently rejected meeting with Mio these three days.

Without being able to meet with both sides, a suitable decision of course can’t be made. In truth – before Mio had come to the Demon Realm, she had already made it clear to Yuki and the others that she had no intention at all of becoming the new Demon Lord. So going by the current situation, the only options would be complying with Ramsas’s request, to have the power handed over to the Moderates Faction, or to return to the Human Realm as they are now. And since Ramsas rejected meeting with Mio, the choice they should make was obvious.

''…But still,''

The reason Mio was so hesitant, was that she was worried that she might fall into some dangerous circumstances if she were to reject the Moderates Faction’s request. The reason she was still able to live despite the threat of the Current Demon Lord faction is all Maria’s credit – in other words a gift from the Moderates Faction. Despite having defeated Zolgear after so much trouble, the Current Demon Lord Faction is still very well and healthy, so receiving an attacking anytime would be normal.

Under these conditions, she would be helpless if she were to reject the Moderates Faction’s request. As the Heroes see Mio as a Demon, they would see the Current Demon Lord attacking her as an internal strife, thus only remaining on the sidelines.

''…Then again,''

If they were to become the enemies of the Moderates Faction, Maria would be faced with a dilemma. Even if Maria had said that she was prepared to leave the Moderates Faction if necessary and move together with Mio; still, after seeing Maria’s tears after learning of Sheera’s safety and being free from Zolgear’s coercion, she won’t be able to agree to Maria leaving behind her family’s feelings. Having once lost her family – Mio who was unable to escape her pain prior to meeting Basara, definitely does not hope for Maria to go through the same pain.Besides—

''…Ever since before we came to the Demon Realm, Basara has always been very worried about Zest.''

And now, there is no need to be so worried for her already. Because on the night they had come to the Demon Realm, Zest had made the Master-Servant Contract with Basara under Sheera’s proposal, so right now her position is similar to Mio and Yuki. If they were to speak of complaints to Basara making the Master-Servant Contract with the former enemy Zest, of course there would be some—

''…However,''

Before everyone came to the Demon Realm, Basara had said that if there was a need, they might return together with Zest; so after finding out about their Master-Servant Contract, the waves of complaints Yuki and the others had were small – except for the unsatisfied Kurumi.

''…But,''

Basara had accepted Mio who had lied to him, and had forgiven Maria who had once assisted Zolgear. Someone like that choosing to accept Zest, could be said was something to be expected. Mio and Maria’s positions were quite similar to Zest, so they were in no position to say anything.

As for Yuki – it was because Basara was someone who was so kind and wished to protect her who was important to him, that she became attracted to him. Right now, Zest were probably also enchanted by Basara, and thinking about the needs for the future, being able to have someone like Zest who could fight so well put her mind at ease.

Since – she had learned of it afterwards, the reason Basara had made the Master-Servant Contract with Zest was that Basara and Ramsas had almost entered into an explosive situation with each other, which also caused his absence back then. With opposition from the leader of the Moderates Faction which limited Basara’s actions with forbidding entry to this Wilbert’s temple, he had to stay behind in the city together with Zest and Maria.

Speaking of which, no matter what their reason for going against each other was, Yuki and Kurumi who were Heroes had managed to get permission to enter this temple while Basara who was once a Hero was denied permission, so they really can’t understand on what basis they were making their decisions from. No matter what – even they themselves don’t have complete freedom with their actions, with Lucia and Klaus each sending a maidservant who were waiting outside monitoring them. But even then—

“That person called Ramsas… just what is he even thinking?”

Returning on the dark outdoor passage, Kurumi said while walking in front of Yuki and Mio.

“If that old man called Klaus still wants to buy time now, it wouldn’t be difficult to understand…”

“……Unn.” “……..”

Mio nodded at Kurumi’s words, while Yuki expressed her agreement while remaining silent. It was because of Klaus’s side who was pushing for Mio to become the new Demon Lord, who was causing Mo to want to stay longer in the Demon Realm, deepening her feelings towards the Moderates Faction – as well as to Wilbert and Wildart’s civilians, and obtain victory from that; Ramsas who wanted to extract Wilbert’s power from Mio, probably wants to make a quick decisive end to the war.

''…Just what is that man…?''

From the viewpoint of the surrounding people, this disadvantageous situation to Ramsas, was all completely his own fault. So, could it be that he has got some ulterior motives that had not been seen by anyone else yet?

<nowiki>「————————」</nowiki>

As Yuki began to harbour some unexplainable uneasiness, while they were still within a passageway,

The surface of the temple, began shaking together with the atmosphere.

“—Earthquake?”

“Run! –To the outside!”

The three of them began running.

--This temple was completely carved out, just like its passageways.

While the inside of the temple had a barrier to prevent the use of magic to prevent damage by vandals and the surrounding areas had something similar set up to prevent damage due to disasters, the tunnels and passageways might have a different story to tell. If they were to be blocked from the exit by the rubble if the ceiling collapses, they won’t be able to escape in this place where they were unable to use magic – hence, the three of them ran through the passages without even taking time to draw a breath,

Even if the trembles were to stop, they had no way to know if it would get stronger or weaker if it started again. So in order to try to preserve their lives in this kind of situation where anything could happen anytime, they had to leave this temple as soon as possible.

“—I see the exit!”

With Kurumi’s shout, rays of light from the outside came into their view – and immediately after, the three of them left the passageways. Firstly, they had to confirm the current situation.

“—you two, are you fine!?”

Mio asked aloud. The question was not directed to Yuki and Kurumi, but the maidservants who had followed them. While the two of them who were waiting for them to return were fine—

『……………………』

They gave no reactions at all to Mio’s concern.

They only stood there, not moving at all while looking towards the inside of Wildart City from the top of the Hill. And in the next moment, they then saw what the maidservants were seeing after following their line of sight.

“That is-- ……”

The city wall was broken through, and enemies were storming into the city.

However, those maids wouldn’t be stupidly standing there if it was just simply an attack from the enemy. They would’ve at least entered the temple to inform them of the emergency situation and helped Mio to get to safety.

Then – just what could have caused them to forget even that? The answer, was in the scene Yuki and the other were currently seeing. Even though the distance between the hill and the urban areas of the city was as big as Wildart City itself, they could clearly see the figures of the [Enemy] invaders.

“…Just what is that—“

Beside Kurumi, Yuki muttered, at a loss. Something which was incredibly unbelievable, was currently happening before her eyes.

The figures of three giant colossus, invaded into Wildart.

===Part 2===

There was a person, who was currently watching the chaotic situation in Wildart.

Standing on one of the shoulders of the giant spirit<ref>kanji is 英霊 (eirei)</ref>, looking down at the people screaming and running away in a panic, was Gardo who had voluntarily headed the attack on Wildart City.

''…I’m impressed.''

Gardo silently praised Luca who had managed to complete the tuning on the spirits in such a short time. That young child had taken care of it all from restoring them to even setting Gardo as their master, to the point where they were ready for battle. Although there were even stronger spirits excavated in those remains, it was easier to lose control the more power they had, and since there was not enough time to forge new Master-Servant Contracts for this battle, this was currently enough.

“—Damned Monster!”

In order to buy time for the civilians to escape, a group of people who looked like the guards for the city attempted a barrage of attacks. Many magic circles opened up on the ground – and countless lights flew towards Gardo and the spirits, but—

“……--Smash them.” <nowiki>【【【——————】】】</nowiki>

Reacting towards the order Gardo sent out, the spirits immediately reacted. They raised their right fists, and sent it flying towards the soldiers on the ground while the attacks bounced off them – in the next moment, a deafening shock resounded out. The ground was sputtered like a giant blast had happened, and a small sandstorm appeared. Immediately after – the spirits pulled back their fists and after the dust settled, what was revealed were the craters from the impact as well as the unidentifiable remains of soldiers from before. The civilians who had witnessed that—

“ ! ! ! –Uuaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhh!!!!!!”

They severely panicked, and began desperately to try to escape.

When Gardo saw this—

“Wow… They really are amazing~”

A completely relaxed voice came from a nearby building where its roof has collapsed. When Gardo turned to look, a young high-class demon was there. That demon, was sent to supervise them, by the Council who had ordered Leohart to utilize the spirits to invade Wildart.

“That spirits' degree of perfection seems really high. And so it would seem, that there won't be a need for me to make a move at all, then.”

“Of course… Right from the start, I had never considered about borrowing your strength.”

“That’s really impolite of you. Speaking of which, Gardo-dono – I had sent through a Ultimatum<ref>a final demand or statement of terms, the rejection of which will result in retaliation or a breakdown of relations</ref> not long ago telling them to hand over Wilbert’s daughter, and the nearby forces should probably be receiving news soon and would only be dispatching troops with caution – but however, why did you just simply let those civilians go just now?”

“…What do you mean, Nebula?”

The supervisor whose name was called out, then faced Gardo who asked him with a shallow smile and said:

“The ultimatum was sent using broadcast magic, so the civilians of the city would now know about her being here. The number of people who disliked Ramsas’s methods isn’t small, and if everyone were to find out that he concealed the big news of the sole daughter of the great previous Demon Lord – right now, the city is being attacked because of that girl. Thus, the people's’ discontent towards him, would definitely begin to turn into anger.”

''That’s why'' – Nebula continued:

“Right now we should be working harder – and murder these civilians. If that happens, the Moderates Faction would automatically crumble apart from within. This is such a great opportunity, so how can you just let it pass so simply?”

“…………Listen closely, Nebula.”

“Yes, what are your orders, Gardo-dono?”

Nebula replied impertinently with a smile towards Gardo who shouted at him with a low voice.

“The orders the Council had given you, should be to supervise the status of the battle with the spirits, so stop spouting nonsense. If you dare to do unneeded things – beware of yourself turning into meat scraps.”

“……….……..I understand. You are the most outstanding one amongst the candidates chosen to take after Wilbert, so I am not stupid enough to take you on as my enemy. Unless the situation becomes grave, I will basically stick to my orders to supervise and remain watching by the side-lines and learn from watching you.”

“………”

Gardo showed no reaction to Nebula giggling while shrugging his shoulders, and only said:

“Before they hand over Wilbert’s daughter to us, we will be splitting to take three routes. Ignore those civilians, Leohart doesn’t like needless killing. However – if anyone dares to get in our way, annihilate them.”

<nowiki>【【【——————】】】</nowiki>

Receiving Gardo’s orders, light appeared in the spirits’ eyes.

Facing forward while standing on a spirits' shoulder, Gardo said:

“Destroy your target, Wildart City – begin attack!”

===Part 3===

On the hill, Naruse Mio saw those giants begin moving together.

Despite splitting to take three routes, it was clearly obvious their target was Wildart City.

“Shit – this is bad!”

As Mio and the others realised the enemy’s plan and wanted to return to the city as soon as possible—

“—Mio-sama! You’re alright!”

Someone ran up the mountain out of breath – the maidservant Noel.

Stopping before Mio and after taking a deep breath in relief:

“…This is great. Does anyone of you have any injuries?”

“We’re fine. Noel, what is going on right now?”

Noel answered seriously towards Mio who was still somewhat unclear:

“The Current Demon Lord Faction came. While we don’t know where they got the information from… they said something like that you had inherited his majesty Wilbert’s power and as it might trigger a new wave of fighting, they want to use this attack to prevent any possible future conflicts from happening.”

''In other words—''

“If we want them to stop – we will have to hand you over to them.”

“What, that's completely outrageous… so that means that the Moderates Faction having power is dangerous, yet them having power is not?”

Kurumi said indignantly.

“Since from a long time ago, they have been searching for Mio-sama, wishing to gain his majesty’s power. In order to increase their control over the Demon Realm, they might do things that seem completely outrageous – that was what Lucia-sama had said.”

Hearing Noel’s explanation—

“—we understand the situation, but just what are those giants?”

Yuki asked with a heavy expression. Although they can speculate on their enemy’s intentions, but speculations will remain as speculations, the answer will only be known by the enemy; so what they should be doing right now, was to deal with the danger before them.

“Although we have been unable to confirm that – Klaus-sama had said that they probably are the spirits from the ancient times.”

“In other words, also enemies… Alright, watch me kill them a hundred times and grill them black.”

Mio then asked again with a [ah]:

“What about Basara and the rest, are they in the city?”

“Because of the emergency situation, we had asked them to go into the city to help – Basara-dono and Zest together as a group, and with Maria and Sheera-sama together as another group, they went to confront the enemy.”

Since this was a period of time where the Current Demon Lord Faction and the Moderates Faction were at war, they could attack each other at any time. Hence, Mio and the others had already decided what action to take when something happened – if the civilians were to be involved in the battle, all of them are to help. Thus—

“Basara-dono had asked me to pass this message – Yuki-dono and Kurumi-dono, please obstruct the giants coming from the West side.”

“I got it – Kurumi”

“---No problems here.”

With that, the two of them moved without hesitation. When Yuki had started to ask Kurumi, Kurumi had already finished summoning flying magic – the two of them instantly flew through the air.

“W-Wait a moment – bring me along with you!”

However, Mio who had shouted towards the vanishing figures was blocked by Noel’s arms.

“You can’t. Mio-sama, you have to remain here, until the battle ends!”

“Let me go! …Why are you stopping me, is that Klaus-san’s order?!”

Being glared at by Mio, Noel met het glare while looking directing into her eyes and said:

“That’s right – however, Lucia-sama and Basara-dono also agreed with Klaus-sama.”

“No way… Why?”

Mio asked, dumbfounded.

“If Mio-sama were to appear now, you would be doing exactly what the enemy want you to do. The most effective way to make the Current Demon Lord Faction to take responsibility for this assault, is to let their reason for attacking become untenable<ref>(especially of a position or view) not be able to be maintained or defended against attack or objection</ref>!”

“But… for that, isn’t the Current Demon Lord Faction originally in the wrong for attacking?”

“I understand what you are trying to say, feelings cannot be applied to things like this – that is the nature of politics, Mio-sama. Not letting the enemy bring out their trump card while dealing another blow to them, this is politics.”

“But… if I were to just remain hiding here, I—“

“I understand how you feel! However, as Mio-sama was in Wilbert’s temple, she did not hear the enemy’s broadcast using magic telling of their reason for attacking and their demand for to hand you over to them, causing people to panic and grab the soldiers helping to guide them into the castle to seek refuge to ask just what was going on.”

''Thus—''

“If you were to show yourself now, the civilians’ anger might very well gather onto you alone; even if we manage to successfully repel this attack, Ramsas-sama and Klaus-sama might lose the people’s trust it might even lead to a rebellion. If you are unable to restrain yourself here, we will stop you at full force!”

“I—“

Hearing Noel’s pained indictment, Mio couldn’t help but stand there at a loss – and at this moment, the ground-shaking effects of an attack reached them.

“---!”

An attack then landed on the ground in the city at that moment, causing Noel to suddenly collapse and huddle up on the ground, and after that—

“Oh my god…”

Mio could only whisper that out having just seen ''that''. The spirit walking through the Central Avenue made large craters with every step it made, trampling over the soldiers attempting to obstruct it. And as for the soldiers flying in the sky, only less than half the original number still remained. Soldiers with their bodies burst open, as well as soldiers flying like fireworks<ref>literally on fire</ref> were flying through the air everywhere in Wildart city – and after a spirit attacked with a kicked, everything in path were flattened.

===Part 4===

In the path of the kick, a group were huddled up together.

They were the soldiers for the City. They had tried attacking from its sides, as well as trying to draw near it by approaching on a path parallel to it, but they were in the end caught up in the crossfire by another attack team. And right now—

“…Guu….aaA, uuh…. Damn-- ……!”

Amongst the remains of the houses hit by the attack, someone was still breathing. That someone was Glen who was taught a lesson by Basara in that narrow alley behind the café.

Despite blood flowing out from various parts of his body like his head and his abdomen, Glen stood up and surveyed his surroundings.

In this neighbourhood, every single building have already become uninhabitable.

The other soldiers in the same team as him – other than Glen himself, no one managed to retain their lives.

“…One after another, just what the hell…”

The time where Glen had come to Wildart City, was after Wilbert’s death – when the Moderates Faction was doing a large-scale recruitment. He had originally chosen to take refuge in the Current Demon Lord Faction whose power had begun to grow back then, but what had caused him to change his mind was that even if he managed to gain no prominent achievements in the Great War, he would definitely be able to gain a job in the government sector as part of the package to appease the public when they lose their troops after Wilbert’s death.

And sure enough, Glen was enlisted to be one of the city’s guards. However, as Glen had only chosen the Moderates Faction in order to get a free job, he held no feelings and relegations to his current job and to this city – at the very least, he used to think that way. However, with how dull life became with the days crawling by, he would begin to habitually visit certain shops to eat and drink, and enjoy his days with the like-minded. In the last resort Glen had taken by choosing the Moderates Faction, he had knowingly managed to gain some things of his.

And right now – as of now, everything before Glen’s eyes had disappeared. And the culprit, is the Current Demon Lord’s giant spirit.

“ ! <nowiki>-----</nowiki>”

Tightly gritting his teeth, Glen deployed the flying magic built into the back of his armour, locked both his eyes and began heading straight for the spirit who did the damage. On its shoulder, there appears to be the high-class demon manipulator. After destroying so many buildings and killing so many soldiers, they still continued onwards as if not bothered by it at all. Hence—

“ ! …JUST WHAT THE HELL DO YOU EVEN THINK YOU ARE DOING!!!”

Glen screamed with his all, discharged attack magics towards the spirit. He shot electrical balls from his right hand, and while it travelled in a straight line while discharging some of its energy to its surroundings, it burst explosively on the forehead of the spirit.

“Haa….aahhh… Now you know just how powerful I am right…..---?”

That attack just now was one that he had put his all in. Originally it was just to vent some of his hate and anger, but yet as if to mock him, the spirit continued onwards as if that attack just now was nothing more than a gust of wind. When Glen froze up from losing his train of thought from that, the spirit sent its right fist flying backwards without even looking back, blowing away the roofs of the nearby still-standing buildings.

“<nowiki>------Ah.</nowiki>”

By the time he had noticed the move, a large piece of debris was already right before his eyes.

Without even a moment to blink, just as the debris was about to smash in Glen awaiting his death – a magic circle suddenly opened up before him as if to protect him, and the debris broke up into dust upon hitting the magic circle and fell onto the ground. With the sudden change in situation, Glen couldn’t process what had just happened—

“That isn’t someone you can fight against – hurry up and fall back, leave this place to us.”

A calm voice came from in front of him. When Glen looked up to take a look—

“…! Aren’t you…?”

It was a woman that he was familiar with. There’s no mistaking it, even if she isn’t wearing a maid’s uniform now, she is undoubtedly the one Glen remembered – Zest. However, her sight wasn’t on him right now, but instead on something else. That something else, was a youth running towards the spirit with a large demonic sword in his hand.

“That person—“

Glen had seen that youth before, and he would definitely never forget the look of that person who had bitterly humiliated him before.

But – within his anger, what Glen felt was surprise.

He had jumped away at the moment the attack landed. Jumping around amidst the flying debris of the buildings – the youth who landed on the arm of the spirit quickly ran up to its shoulder towards the high-class demon, and swung his sword at him.

“…………”

In response, the high-class demon raised his right hand and a wall appeared to defend against the attack, yet—

“OOOooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!”

With an energetic roar, the youth brought down his sword with great speed and cut the wall into two, and continued approaching the high-class demon.

<nowiki>「——————」</nowiki>

With his defense cut down, the high-class demon was forced to retreat, and jumped backwards off the spirits’ shoulder. The youth also jumped off the shoulder going after him in mid-air.

“Isn’t that…”

The youth wasn’t using flying magic at all. The flying debris from the destroyed buildings, had become a solid trail used by him to move.<ref>like a improvised road</ref>

The cause of that was a magic from Zest who was in front of Glen.

“I will say it once more – hurry up and fall back.”

Zest left behind these words without even turning back to look at him, and flew towards the spirit – high-class demon vs the youth, and Zest vs spirit, with that, the battles began.

In a place Glen can never reach.

Gardo saw that youth, walk on a footpath created from the debris.

''…Is that Zest’s handiwork?''

Underneath him, a female demon began fighting with the spirit whose shoulder he was riding on until just now. Gardo had known that under the Council’s Zolgear, there was a trusted aide known as Zest. Although he had known she specializes at earth magic, he had never witnessed her battle. Being able to avoid its attacks while fighting the spirit while supporting each other, indeed only these two were left. Reportedly, Gardo had heard that she had sought refuge in the Moderates Faction after her master Zolgear died – but seeing her battle now, it appears that the death of her master doesn’t seems to be affecting her. After Gardo ordered the spirit to eliminate Zest—

<nowiki>【——————】</nowiki>

The spirits recognised Zest as its enemy, and thus began the real battle against her.

''…And next,''

Gardo returned his attention back to the human youth sprinting towards him. Before he reduced the distanced between them too much, Gardo expanded numerous magic circles around him – and in the next moment, countless fireballs were shot towards the youth.

<nowiki>「！————」</nowiki>

The youth immediately reacted, gripping his sword in reverse, he swept out the footpath Zest had created. The fireballs then hit the debris indiscriminately, turning it into dust, and since the debris became an interference against the attack—

''ZzzBoomboomboomboomboomboomboomboom!''

Gardo’s fireballs exploded upon hitting the debris – and thus causing a chain explosion. Immediately after that—

“…---Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaahh!!”

The youth broke through the screen of explosions and continued towards him. Facing his cleave while he was twisting his body, Gardo engaged it while sending demonic power into his right shoulder.

In the next moment, just as the youth’s demonic sword made contact with Gardo’s shoulder—

''*Kake*<nowiki>————————————————！</nowiki>''

With that sharp shock resounding from mid-air in Wildart City, the two of them confronted each other in mid-air.

“…Toujou Basara, right?”

Gardo’s words caused Basara’s expression to slightly tighten up.

“The report had said, Wilbert’s daughter was being protected by Jin·Toujou’s son.”

“………”

The youth gave no reply, but it was obviously acquiescence. <ref>the reluctant acceptance of something without protest</ref>

From just now, he knew Basara is a speed type. Able to quickly ascertain the situation and then use the most streamlined method to evade or defend, and then retaliate with no lag at all—

''…I see, his skill isn’t bad at all.''

In Lars’s report, he had managed to fight with Zolgear for quite some time – but seeing his reaction speed, he would be able to put up a good fight against Zolgear even if they weren’t evenly matched. Since not much time had passed since his fight with Zolgear, it just shows just how much he had grown in this short period. However—

“…You’re too careless.”

Gardo said while looking at Basara in his eyes:

“Even if you are planning to hide Wilbert’s daughter, by standing out here so stupidly, you’re directly telling me that she’s right here in this city.”

“Is that so? Does me appearing here, really mean that Mio is definitely here in this place? Your words have no concrete proof, and they’re nothing more than speculation. I had heard that your reason for attacking was because that Mio was hiding here—“

The youth finally opened his mouth, and said with a shallow smile:

“—But could it be that just because Jin·Toujou’s son is here, you guys had taken it as that Wilbert’s daughter is also here, and thus attacked? If such a ridiculous reason was let known, you’ll be the laughing stock of the big guns of the other forces.”
Hearing Basara’s words, Gardo frankly replied:

“After I deal with you and your companions, and after I find her, you can have as much legitimacy of the reason of this attack as you want.”

“Similarly – if you and those spirits are defeated, forget Mio, when even your presence is questionable, your reason for attacking will also crumble.”

“--Do you really think you are able to do that?”

“That’ll be difficult to say…”

Basara’s expression suddenly became serious.

“If I have no other choice other than to defeat you here, I will do it – that is the reason I am here right now.”

Basara said while gazing firmly at Gardo, his voice completely void of complacency in being able to defeat Gardo and filled with the determination to win no matter what. Hence—

“—alright, I will fight against you for a while, Toujou Basara.”

Gardo said:

“However – if you really want to defeat me, shouldn’t you call your other companions over? Although Zest is present to fight the spirit, there are still two more of them, you know? If you were slow, Wildart City might be flattened just like that you know?”

Basara replied with a short laugh:

“Thank you for your advice – but something like that is obvious.”

At that time, Gardo heard a sound from somewhere far away.

Turning to look, the spirit entering the city from the east had received an attack to the side of its head and thus lost balance.

He saw someone else in battle with an spirit apart from Basara and Zest.

The shadows of two persons moved around the spirit quickly – and after seeing the owners of the shadows, Gardo’s eyes narrowed.

“That – that pair of succubus sisters?”

===Part 5===

In the path of the spirit at the east side, are Lucia and Maria.

“Although girls do like tall men, taking it a tad too far would instead have the opposite results, you know – you marionette♪”

To the grinning little sister who delivered a strong punch to the spirit’s cheek and caused it to sway—

“Refrain from idle chatting in battle, Maria—“

Lucia who had also donned her battle wear said. She was standing on top of a streetlight, and the giant spirit was right in front of her.

“Also, you shouldn’t be hitting its cheek, but instead here.”

What Lucia then sent out, was the whip in her right hand. In that moment with the light and boom, the attack originating from below the spirit swept across its lower jaw. Receiving another attack on the opposite side of its face compared to Maria’s attack, the spirit struggled to maintain its balance.

“It is easy to rock the opponent’s head in this place. But to someone like you who is a melee fighter, how could you not know such basic knowledge…”

Lucia said while sighing:

“Furthermore, this is a defensive battle. Even if our primary objective is to defeat the enemy, you have to think through your actions to try to reduce the damage to the surroundings. Even if other people can’t do it, how can we not even try to protect our own home?”

After realizing Lucia’s intentions are to stop the spirits from destroying the city—

“Ah! I’m sorry, Lucia-oneesama. Then I’ll just—“

Maria hurriedly apologised, and ran towards the spirit on the wall. However—

【………………】

The spirit saw through her plan, swung out its left arm to hit Maria.

''「Hoom!」''The air resounded as the giant arm picked up speed aiming at Maria.

''…Damn!''

Lucia subconsciously wanted to lash out her whip to assist Maria, as there was no footing at all in mid-air for her – and thus her familiar little sister can’t avoid that attack. But—

“—Oh!”

Maria leisurely twisted her body around, using inertia to hit her tail on the arm – and using it as a pivot, she pushed herself under the arm, and only air passing by hit her, leaving her safe and sound.

<nowiki>「——————」</nowiki>

As Lucia was shocked at Maria quick reaction, having been forced under the arm away from her original target of its lower jaw, Maria still haven’t given up on her target and then grabbed onto the spirit’s left collarbone and forcefully did a vertical flip upwards, jumping up and—

“Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhh!”

Following up with a roar, she used her all to kick at its lower jaw from directly below, and then fell downwards—

“How was that, Onee-sama, was it good!?”

Turning backwards to look, Lucia saw an expression she was very familiar with on Maria’s face. No matter what, seeing her little sister all grown up after separating from her for a little while—

''…She had gotten, a lot stronger.''

It was probably the many battles she had been through together with Basara and Mio. Even though she had realised that fact from the reports she received, actually witnessing Maria’s growth made her feel proud – as well as some melancholy. However—

“All that did was to change the direction it will fall, so it will still just destroy the buildings in the city!”

Lucia sighed at Maria searching for a reaction from her: [What a silly child]. After that she jumped from the lamp post and landed on the roof of a building, and then lashed out her whip once again. With another boom, the spirit who received another attack at the back of its head once again stood upright.

“Listen closely, Maria – against a gigantic enemy like this one, you have to knock it down while trying not to knock him over.”

“Uhh, wouldn’t that mean that we have to try to defeat it without defeating it, one-sama… <ref> The joke is that you have to do something to it while not doing that same something to it, with the something being a word/phrase with multiple sublimed meanings</ref> Is that really possible?”

“No, it isn’t. In the past when I was studying the books the humans read, there were many suitable methods for taking down an enemy like this described.”

''If I remember it right—''

“It something like after attacking its face on the right, attack its face on the left at the same time. In other words – if we attack it on both sides at the same time, there most likely shouldn’t be any problems. If there’s a right, there has to be a left; if there’s an up, there has to be a down; similarly, after attacking it from both sides, we just have to attack it on both side again.”

“I-I see. But I don’t think that it means what you think it means… <ref>a common trope not only in anime? Don’t really want to search it up right now, so do it yourself</ref> Speaking of which, coming up with a battle strategy like that just from that… as expected of onee-sama.”

“That’s of course. When I first read that line, I had first thought it meant that to get rid of a problem, you have to deal with it at its root. I had never expected for the Human’s literature to describe such an effective method for dealing with gigantic enemies.”

Lucia’s recollected, and then returned her sights towards the spirit—

“Although splitting up to attack would be fine, but since it is us two – match up with me well, Maria.”

“—Yes!”

Nodding, Maria gathered up her spirit and then began the attack on the spirit for real. Lucia’s whips, with Maria’s fists and kicks; the succubus sisters’ matched attacks explosively enveloped the spirit’s body. Within the heavy sounds of impact from Maria and sharp crackling sounds from Lucia’s whip, the contrasting sounds seemed to be part of a play, interacting with each other lively – progressively turning into a symphony – Lucia’s whip crackling being the riffs and Maria’s punches and kicks being the melody.

<nowiki>【————————】</nowiki>

Maria and Lucia’s combo gave no time at all for the spirit to defend itself, much less avoiding or returning attacks. But, seemingly as if having just too much fun, Maria who lept from the spirit’s shoulder to deliver a kick—

“Ahahahaha! – Another one!”

With the point of impact on its right cheek, an especially deep reverb resounded out. After eating such a great attack, the giant body of the spirit began falling over towards the left at a speed Lucia was unable to cancel it out with her whip. Hence—

“Mnn… This is bad.”

Lucia immediately moved without turning an eye at Maria’s performance, and shifted the target of her whip from the spirit to Maria. It’s not to attack, but after wrapping the whip tightly around Maria’s ankle after she had just sent out the spinning kick, in the next moment—

“Eh….HYYyyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa<nowiki>------!!</nowiki>”

Maria released a shrill scream. Lucia had then forcefully swung her right arm, swinging the whip which had wrapped around Maria’s ankle, making the one who had momentarily forgot about her responsibilities take responsibility by slamming her into the spirit’s left cheek.

With a sound effect where [Pam!] would be exaggerating, the spirit which had begun to fall regained its balance. Maria’s body, was currently stuck on the spirit’s cheek in a 「大」 shape.

“Uuuu…Lucia-oneesama, how could you do this to me…”

“You’re the one who went wild while co-operating with me, and I only returned the favour to you.”

It was just as Lucia was coldly staring while answering the complaining Maria, a new development occurred across the city.

<nowiki>【——————】</nowiki>

The spirit invading Wildart City from the west, went down on its knees after receiving an attack. And after that – a shadow descended at high speed towards the spirit.

“…They’ve made it.”

Lucia said while continuing to lash out her whip at the spirit right before her eyes.

There’s no mistaking it – they are, that pair of sisters who have just rushed to the battlefield.

Nonaka Yuki, and Nonaka Kurumi, the pair of Hero sisters.

===Part 6===

The shockwave Nonaka Yuki had sent out from [Sakuya], had successfully stopped the giant spirit from continuing its advance.

But that was all that had done. The spirit would quickly stand up again and look towards them who were approaching from the air. This fact—

''…Fuji’s protection really does not extend to here.''

Caused Yuki to have a bitter expression. The spirit sword [Sakuya] was born from the rich energy at the mountain peak in the sacred forest, thus in the Human world, the closer it was to Mt. Fuji, it would be able to release more power closer to its original power – However, the attack Yuki had just sent out was far from standards.

Coming to this place that was in a different dimension from the Human Realm, had a really large effect on it. It was similar to the effect she had received within Zolgear’s specially constructed space and barrier to hide himself – but comparing with that time, she was able to put out sufficient battle power back then.

''…However,''

Complaining wouldn’t change anything, and Yuki had no intention to do that. Back in the Human Realm, the Demons Maria and Mio who inherited Wilbert’s bloodline was also carrying the same burden.

--Since they were able to continue fighting to this day, it was now her turn to bring out her battle power. After all, the one who had decided to come to the Demon Realm was Yuki herself. It doesn’t matter if it was for Basara, for Mio – or for herself, she can’t become a burden to the rest. Thus—

“Kurumi – move as according to our original plan.”

“But onee… the [Sakuya] right now—“

Despite Kurumi saying so worriedly while using flying magic while holding onto her, Yuki still gently shook her head.

“No need to worry, I still have things that I need to do – you too probably should focus on what you should do.”

“……”

“—Kurumi.”

After Yuki said that tiredly in a reprimanding tone, Kurumi took an action – expanding a magic circle.

“I’m starting, onee…” “Nn – please do.”

Yuki nodded, and Kurumi activated the wind magic and sent out a mass of air, and its target – was the air around Yuki. Thus in the next moment—

<nowiki>「——————」</nowiki>

Nonaka Yuki, together with the air around her, was catapulted at high speed downwards towards the spirit. In the moment she passed by the giant spirit in the gust of wind, she swept [Sakuya] in a straight line downwards at its head, and a strong feedback was returned to her arm. Hence—

<nowiki>「——————！」</nowiki>

Yuki’s expression immediately turned grave. The feedback [Sakuya] returned was too strong, which meant that the blade was completely deflected and did not cut into its target. It had the power of Kurumi’s magic supporting it, and her current high speed had increased the force of the slash by a lot – but yet she was unable to slash into the spirit’s body.

Thus Yuki immediately jumped sideways away upon landing, and the ground she had landed on was covered by a large black shadow – [Booom!] and an explosive impact rang out. The spirit had stamped the ground with its left foot. Yuki who had forcefully managed to avoid the stamp—

“Kuu…!!”

Her posture suddenly collapsed. The spirit’s stamp which had broken the ground also let out a strong air shockwave – and had impacted onto Yuki who was in mid-air.

<nowiki>【——————】</nowiki>

The spirit’s attack with its left foot didn’t just end there. With a small movement, it also swept out its right foot using the left foot as a pivot. The instep flew towards her at a speed surpassing her expectations, almost immediately. Yuki immediately used [Sakuya] to draw out a pentacle<ref>or pentagram, I’m not sure</ref>, and with it becoming a wall right before the attack hit her, she managed to preserve her life, but—

“Aaaaaaaa <nowiki>-----!!</nowiki>”

She was blown away like an artillery shell along with a shrill scream, together with the wall.

''…This bad, with this speed……!!''

While amidst turbulence, Nonaka Yuki’s anxiety instantly rose. Despite being able to avoid being instantly pulverized by the spirit’s feet attack, if she were to hit a stone wall at this speed, not even half of Nonaka Yuki’s body would remain in a piece – an instant death.

''…Please let it be on time!''

Yuki desperately swung out [Sakuya], and expanded a magic circle behind her. Even if it wasn’t enough, it’s enough if this could be ended with just fractures or damage to her internal organs. However—

<nowiki>「！————？」</nowiki>

The impact from behind her had hit her much earlier than expected, causing Yuki’s subconsciousness to think that she was dead, but it then changed quickly. What Yuki had hit wasn’t a solid wall of a building--

“……Water?”

Despite being in water, Yuki spoke, confused. A mass of water containing oxygen which allowed a person to breathe within it had caught the flying Yuki as a cushion. The one who had used this magic to save her, was of course—

“Kurumi--…”

Yuki found Kurumi’s figure on the top of a building not too far away. At her little sister looking at her with worried eyes—

<nowiki>”————Sorry, I became a burden.”</nowiki>

Yuki apologised while biting her lip. The original plan – was to let Yuki who was unable to use [Sakuya]’s full power be the bait, and then for Kurumi who had received the black elementals from Lucia and had become able to use the Demon Realm’s spirits to use magic to eliminate the spirit.

Additionally, this was Yuki’s own suggestion, and she had begged Kurumi to agree to this battle plan; yet Yuki couldn’t even become the bait properly, forcing Kurumi to cut off her attack magic just to save her.

Kurumi was different from Mio who utilized the demonic power within her body, she is an elemental master who activated magic by borrowing a spirit’s power. It wasn’t easy to ask for the spirits in the Demon realm for help, and now she had to start over again.

「………………！」

''Ignominious.'' Yuki felt indescribable frustration towards her helplessness, and left the water cushion Kurumi had put up. She once again looked towards the spirit that was a little distance away with water droplets dripping from her bangs, and putting strength into her grip onto [Sakuya] in her right hand – in the next moment, Nonaka Yuki dashed towards her target savagely.

“--Onee!”

Yuki took a glance at Kurumi who had cried out as if wailing.

''Trust me'' – she told her with her eyes silently, ''I will become the bait properly this time''. This wasn’t just her trying to act brave, Yuki knew that she had the power to do that.

--As [Sakuya] was unable to receive the blessings of Fuji here in the Demon Realm, it’s power had dropped considerably.

However – Yuki’s body wouldn’t become weak just because of that.

After reuniting with Basara, the power she had received from the Master-Servant Contract done with him; the power that she had accumulated all these while – will never betray Yuki.

Nothing will ever drop from the sky, and one will never reap without even sowing.

That’s why, Yuki had resolutely come here, believing in herself and this power. To which—

<nowiki>【——————】</nowiki>

The spirit violently swung out its right fist, but there was still a big distance from Yuki. Despite the spirit’s large size, its arm was still unable to reach her, but that movement still became a threat to Yuki. The fist had swept away all of the buildings in the path between it and Yuki – causing a wave of tsunami of large rocks. However—

<nowiki>「——————」</nowiki>

Facing the wave of mud and rocks, her reaction was fairly simple. However, it was an action Nonaka Yuki had done tens of thousands of times before.

She raised [Sakuya] up vertically, and swung it down along the same path – it was that simple.

From the neat handling of the blade, a gust of a blade of wind appeared and rushed ahead. When the blade of wind made contact with the wave of rocks and mud – and the wave split to the left and right with a [Fssh!], going past Yuki by her sides.

--It was a move that had not borrowed [Sakuya]’s power, but one that was from Yuki’s polished skill as a technique-focused swordsman mainly relying on tactics and skills, a return to a display of the powers of her body only. Right now – a straight path had opened up before Nonaka Yuki’s eyes.

[[Image: Shinmai v05 130.jpg|thumb]]

Thus, she moved her body to attack. Pedalling the ground while keeping her body low, Yuki dashed forward with an explosive force, and shortened the distance between the two in the blink of an eye.

【………………】

Seeing this, the spirit twisted the arm it had swung and slammed the fist into the ground; Yuki skipped to the left, and before the spirit’s fist impacted the ground, she leapt upwards and twisted her body in mid-air. As the arm barely swept past Yuki, she slashed with [Sakuya] and cut through the wrist’s tendon. Although the fist which had lost its gripping strength impacted the ground and swept up debris, the destructive power had dropped a lot – going along with the upwards airflow, Yuki once again soared upwards and sideswiped with the blade, doing damage to the spirit’s elbow.

<nowiki>【——————】</nowiki>

The spirit released a scream from pain, but Yuki ignored that—

“—it’s not over yet.”

Leaving behind her comment in the empty air, she went past the side of the spirit to its back – and left behind two connecting slashes in the shape of ‘X’ while sprinting towards the other side of the body. That severed its Achilles tendon, and caused the giant spirit that lost the support of its legs to topple over backwards and land on its butt with a giant rumble.

With its right hand damaged and its Achilles tendon severed, the spirit then followed its instincts and began to stand itself upright with its only undamaged left hand. Nonaka Yuki had anticipated this, and thus at the spirit’s left hand – she swung [Sakuya] horizontally at the left wrist tendon, severing it in a single slash.

By the time Yuki had done that, she had bought more time than what was in the plan. And at the moment she successfully sealed its movements,

“—Onee, leave the rest to me.”

With a calm voice, Kurumi said while appearing before the sitting paralyzed spirit. With the black elementals she received from Lucia set in the main slot of her gauntlet as the elemental master – green of the Heroes and blue of the Moderate Faction was emitted from before her palm -- a three-dimensional overlapping type magic circle.

【………………】

As if the spirit’s instincts felt danger, it opened its mouth widely aiming to bite Kurumi to death as a last-ditch attack. At that moment—

“--Don’t even think about it.”

Yuki immediately swung out [Sakuya], smashing it into the jaw of the spirit from the side. By intentionally not slashing with the blade, it is to intentionally create bludgeoned damage. The attack with calculated timing, placing and force, managed to perfectly just dislocate its jaw joints.

<nowiki>【——————】</nowiki>

Eyes widened from shock, the spirit now unable to guard could only just watch with its mouth open—

“Dance -- ”

At the same time Kurumi announced that, large amounts of pitch black flames poured into the spirit’s open mouth – and burned the spirit’s head to nothingness from within.

===Part 7===

The East route with Maria and Lucia, and the West route with Yuki and Kurumi.

As they were battling with the spirit on each route respectively,

Basara and Zest at the central route were in a difficult battle.

The reason for that, was that while the situation at the other routes were two people working together to fight the spirit, Basara and Zest had to separate to fight against the spirit as well as the high-class demon controlling the spirit.

--though the situation was difficult, thinking about it wouldn’t change anything.

According to Lucia who was paired with Maria, this place was too far away Wildart City from her master for him to rush here quickly; Yuki was unable to obtain protection from [Sakuya], and while Kurumi had received the black elementals from Lucia, she was still unaccustomed to using the spirits of the Demon Realm, so they shouldn’t even be allowed to deal with a strong opponent like this now. Additionally, the spirits possess surprising regenerative power. So it still wouldn’t take them long to heal completely even if they received an injury; taking into account the spirit’s gigantic size and the inability to truss them up, him hoping for assistance from them would be for nothing.

And thus – with the situation not allowing for Mio to be on the battlefield, Basara has become the most suitable person to deal with this strong enemy. After moving the place of their battle field a building like a theatre with complex internal terrain—

“Ooooooooooooooo!”

On the stone-paved floor, Basara began running towards the high-class demon.

<nowiki>「——————」</nowiki>

The high-class then had countless magic circles shoot out fireballs, to greet Basara’s attack. As all of them are extremely hot and can combust, the distance he had to take when dodging had to be larger, which forced Basara to do larger side-steps to dodge the countless oncoming fireballs.

As for those that can’t be dodged, those will be just simply cut apart with Brynhildr. However—

“Ku…!”

''Clang!'' The sound along with the feedback transmitted through the hilt, caused Basara to frown. ''Heavy'' – those aren’t just simply fireballs, it probably had some rocks or debris within them; with the option of cutting through it no longer available, being able to deflect them would already be a very good thing. If one were to use a sword to deflect something like this for too much, it would just exhaust their hand quickly. Apart from when using [Banishing Shift], Basara would normally hold Brynhildr in a single-hand grip, but he had now been forced to grip Brynhildr with two hands for practically the whole battle, faced with this high-class demon. For large swords like Brynhildr, once the way of wielding them is changed, the wielder’s movements will too also change. In regards to Basara finely adjusting his actions at his current speed, it’s practically like suicide.

''…Tch, it’ll be great if I could use [Banishing Shift].''

Even if it’ll be unable to banish it whole, it’ll at least be able to eliminate the blaze of the fireballs, or maybe even the rocks within it. But right now, despite Basara knowing that the situation is currently disadvantageous to him, he still does not use [Banishing Shift]. Of course, there was a reason behind it.

After defeating Zolgear, Takigawa had given Basara a piece of advice.

And that advice was that in the battles that would happen with the Current Demon Lord Faction hereafter, there is a need to avoid using that move. [Banishing Shift] is a move where once the target space is slashed, it can eliminate and banish everything beyond the zeroth dimension, and is very unique even amongst the multifarious magics and special abilities in existence. From another angle, its potential as a threat is much higher even when compared to Wilbert’s power inherited by Mio. Just like in the past, Zolgear’s target wasn't just Mio alone, he had also taken interest in [Banishing Shift] and had plotted to take it for himself.

Hence, if Basara were to just show that move carelessly, it might add to Mio’s dangers. But in the first place, it was Basara who had voluntarily went and attracted the attention of the enemy. However, as long as it was to protect Mio and everyone else, Toujou Basara will definitely unhesitatingly use that power, even if it meant that he would have to foul his hands, use underhanded tactics, and doing dishonourable actions, basically if it meant even he had to become scum.

''…But the problem right now is that—''

Just like Zolgear had made use of Maria with a hostage when fixated on Mio – once the enemy knows that Basara has got such a unique ability, they might make a move to those around him.

That is something that Basara would not want to see. If he were to let Mio and the others be in dangerous situations just for him, even to the point of becoming a hostage – the moment he had thought about, Toujou Basara felt chills right from the bottom of his heart. Thus, no matter what, he had to not use [Banishing Shift].

Carefully passing through the troublesome fireballs released by the enemy, and making the enemy enter his range—

“---Haaa!”

Basara immediately slashed out with Brynhildr. The two-handed attack, with its power naturally much higher than usual – however became useless. The enemy had not dodged, as the slash had hit its target.

It’s just, the attack had not caused any injuries – the flesh of the high-class demon was too tough.

''…Damn it!''

No matter how many times Brynhildr hit him, there was only the sharp sounds from the impact. Forget about cutting into his flesh, it couldn’t even make a scratch on his skin.

--The opponent’s attack all consisted of fireball magic, so probably, he is a magic type.

The magic type basically specializes in using magical attacks, so they usually don’t have a very tough body. But this person has got such a tough body. Probably just like Zolgear who was good in not only swordplay but also magic, this high-class demon does not just fights with purely magic, but also with his physical body too.

In the past –in the fight with Zolgear, Basara had been overwhelmed while fighting. Not only just Basara, Mio and Yuki too seemed to never have been a match for him. Thus after the battle, Basara and the others had set aside a large percentage of their after classes time and school break time to train, since after all, Zolgear isn’t the only high-class demon within the Current Deom Lord Faction – of course, they had not forgotten about utilizing the Master-Servant Contract to raise their power by deepening their relationship, but just that alone was definitely not enough; for the future, raising their battle prowess is a must. In this period of time, when Sakazaki had taken action during the Sports Festival, despite how Kurumi had become his hostage, Basara had inadvertently received a heavy injury; but right before that, in the skirmish with Tachibana that roused from a misunderstanding, Basara had quite effectively managed to suppress Tachibana who had Vampire blood.

That undoubtedly was a result thanks to the training. And after the Sports Festival – Basara had continued to train to this day and had undoubtedly raised his levels, but yet his sword now is almost useless. It’s not that he was weak, but that his opponent is overwhelmingly strong, additionally—

''…he is definitely above Zolgear…!''

Although he had once been overwhelmed by Zolgear, as long as his fear was targeted, he could be damaged, and that thus was the way to defeat him; but the opponent before him right now isn’t afraid of his attacks at all, so that was practically nothing Basara could do. Just then—

“…You really don’t know when to retreat, do you?” <nowiki>”————！”</nowiki>

In the moment the high-class demon released a sigh, Basara reflexively jumped away towards the right, and a fireball then barely scrapped past his body, slightly burning his clothes. Probably because his compatibility with this opponent was bad, that he had given him the chance for a surprise attack. He had managed to get by this time with his luck, but continuing to be this close was extremely dangerous.

“—do you really think I will fall back so easily?!”

However, Basara continued to boldly remain in front of his opponent. If he were to draw distance from the enemy without doing damage to him, he will soon be driven into a corner and then eventually die. Hence, Basara cannot fall back, but instead he had to change his thinking on how to damage his opponent, and only a single answer came to mind.

That answer was to continue attacking, until he managed to do some damage – just like how Yuki managed to cut through Takigawa’s barrier in the past. Basara lowered his body, and then launched another attack at a rapid speed.

“Haaaaaaahhhhhh!”

Brynhildr drew out countless curves lines of lights, continuously slashing at the body of the high-class demon. What sounded out, was the sounds of the strikes, but Basara continued to keep up the speed. The high-class demon that was receiving those attacks, then suddenly activated the magic, but—

<nowiki>「————！」</nowiki>

Basara jumped a short distance sideways, and while sliding slightly on the rood, he then once again launched attacks at the high-class demon. What Basara had just done, was to avoid the enemy’s attack and counterattack. The result of careful and intricate footwork, which allowed him to avoid the enemy’s attacks and quickly launch an attack.

Since the enemy could attack him with their all.

He would be fine as long as the attacks do not hit him.

And at that moment, as if the high-class demon realised Basara’s intentions—

“—what a boring battle tactic.”

Saying that with disdain, he brought out a new attack. No longer firing fireballs – but directly raising columns of fire by his legs.

As if like a wall of fire, surrounding the high-class demon.

“……!”

Basara hurriedly jumped backwards, keeping his guard raised while waiting for the volume of flames to decrease.

By using a magic like this, it appears the purpose of it was to force a distance between them.

Its aim wasn’t to attack, but to defend – so once the flames weakened, he will immediately launch attacks. While Basara was waiting for a chance with such intentions—

“That is--…”

He quickly realised that he was going down in the wrong direction. The blazing columns were not getting weaker, but instead they repeatedly expanded in volume. Very quickly – the flames rising up into the sky, turned into the shape of ‘a certain being’. That being was—

“A flame dragon…!”

As the flame dragon rapidly took shape before his eyes, shocking amounts of heat was still radiated to Basara who had taken quite some distance, even charring his fringe. Once the reins of such a monster that was made up of flames was let go, Wildart City would definitely be flattened.

「Damn it – do I really have no choice but to use that!? 」

As Basara readied Brynhildr to use Banishing Shift, in that moment—

<nowiki>『——————』</nowiki>

The flame dragon flew upwards with a screech, and then rapidly descended.

“Eh………?”

And swallowed up the high-class demon before his eyes, causing an extremely thick pillar of fire.

''Suicide?'' –Basara began to have doubts in that moment, but the weird thing was that the theatre building had not caught fire as a result at all.

“—I do not wish to waste any more time playing around with you little kids.”

A low voice came from above the swirling pillar – and after that, the body of the high-class demon appeared from within the flames. On his body, there was now a pair of wings and a tail, with two horns protruding on his head and his arms becoming very thick – his appearance as a whole was very red, and he looked like a fire demon god. <ref>魔神majin </ref>

''That appearance...''

Toujou Basara realised why the high-class demon looked had turned into that appearance. It wasn’t that the flame dragon had swallowed him – but instead he had absorbed the flame dragon. The body high-class demon that had absorbed the flame dragon that could destroy the whole of Wildart City into his body before his eyes, radiated a scary amount of heat and feeling of oppression, and at the same time—

“I’m coming—“

Saying that short line – that huge body suddenly appeared before Basara’s eyes just as his mind registered that message.

<nowiki>“Wha————?</nowiki>

What shocking speed. Despite his large body, his speed was much faster than the speed-type Basara. Facing such an opponent with such strength, even any minor doubts in the sub-consciousness would result in a fatal injury. ''This is bad'' – as Basara repented on his reaction, the high-class demon swung his right arm that seemed to almost combust the surrounding air at him, and he wasn’t able to avoid completely it at all.

In the next moment, a large boom accompanied the impact of the attack.

--however, what the right fist of the high-class demon impacted wasn’t Basara.

In the nick of time, at Basara’s feet – from the stone making up the roof, a pillars suddenly rose up, pushing him upwards. Seeing the stone pillar being broken in his place below his feet—

“—Zest?”

Toujou Basara immediately realised who was the one that had just saved him, and called her name. Turning around to look, Zest was still in battle with the giant spirit not too far away, but—

<nowiki>『——————』</nowiki>

Their eyes met for a short moment. Zest was also currently in a difficult battle, but yet she still assisted him in the nick of time with magic. Thanking Zest in his heart. Just as Basara was about to jump away from the shattered pillar--

Basara suddenly gasped in shock. From the high-class demon’s body part that had shattered the pillar, a flaming tentacle extended from it as its root, and it came flying towards Basara as if wanting to swallow him whole.

Basara hurriedly escaped backwards, and the stone pillar too was swallowed whole by the flames at the same time. After that, Toujou Basara who had just barely managed to escape into the air heard—

“—it’s over.”

The voice that came from directly behind him, told Basara that his movements had been seen through by the enemy, that he had been read it right from the start – and without even the time to turn back to look, an unbelievable attack landed on Basara’s back.

What Basara had felt, was not a heavy blow. Just like how the pillar that the high-class demon shattered burned, Basara who received a punch with extremely high temperatures, his whole body became bathed in flames--

<nowiki>“Ggaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh——————!?”</nowiki>

Just like a meteorite, his body descended towards the ground while burning and screaming.

Hitting the roof within the blink of an eye, Basara impacted onto the ground of the theatre with a large boom. The impact destroyed a large number of the seats in the theatre, sending broken fragments flying everywhere.

<nowiki>「——————」</nowiki>

As Toujou Basara laid supine<ref>(of a person) lying face upwards</ref> on the ground of the theatre, he saw the high-class demon descending through the hole in the roof towards him.

And on his thick right arm – coiled the flame dragon he had seen just now.

===Part 8===

“…--Basara-sama!?”

Zest who had heard Basara’s screams, subconsciously turned to look towards the theatre.

And what she then saw, was her Master receiving the high-class demon’s attack head-on, and his flaming body descending towards the ground.

<nowiki>「————！」</nowiki>

Zest reflexively immediately activated earth magic. As she knew that it was too late to do something like creating a stone pillar to disrupt the enemy’s attack, something she had done not too long ago, she moved her consciousness into the theatre – changing the characteristics of the ground, and thus attempting to reduce Basara’s impact on the ground as much as possible.

She had hoped that her hastily casted magic would make it in time – but as fate willed, Basara who received the attack was descending far too fast, and at that moment, the sound of Basara impacting the theatre’s ground reached Zest who a distance away earlier than she would’ve liked.

<nowiki>“Ah…aa….! Basara-sama————!”</nowiki>

Zest shouted, as if wailing, while flying towards Basara.

But she couldn’t reach him. The giant spirit circled to in front of her, as if blocking her way on purpose.

--in the battle with the spirit up to now, she had never gotten the upper hand

She had to fight against an opponent who Yuki and Kurumi, as well as Maria and Lucia had managed to defeat with difficulty with two persons by herself so of course it would be much harder by herself, the really knotty opponent is Basara’s current opponent – Gardo. The one controlling the spirit, Gardo, as well as this spirit before her whose orders had been revised from [Eliminate any enemies, attack Wildart City] to be different from the other two, had been pestering Zest, keeping her busy here. But no matter how much difficult an opponent this spirit is -- her past struggles, are no longer there in her mind, and they are no longer important.

Because in her eyes now, Gardo had landed in the theatre after Basara/

Her most important Master – Basara, had befallen immediate danger.

“……Stop meddling…be gone…!”

With her head lowered, Zest said with a shaking voice.

<nowiki>【——————】</nowiki>

And the reaction of the spirit, was to silently swing its giant fist.

Next moment – the air shook as the gigantic mass of the spirit’s fist impacted the earth, but—

<nowiki>【………………】</nowiki>

The spirit slightly raised its head, as it realized that not only had its fist not broken the surface of the earth, Zest was not smashed into pieces too. The spirit’s fist did not even touch Zest, and was stopped by a magic circle Zest had expanded.

And after that – Zest finally raised her head, her usually calm face filled with a certain passionate emotion.

And she roared.

<nowiki>“I said…… be gone————————!!”

At the same time – the rubble around them instantaneously gathered together into a giant golem even larger than the spirit as if responding to her voice, its eyes emitting a certain light——

《——————》</nowiki>

And brought its hands linked together as if praying, downwards. This move, brought the spirit’s head into its arms – and then smashed the spirit onto the ground. After paralyzing the spirit, Zest had the golem continuing pinning down the spirit on the ground—

“Basara-sama…!!”

And she then ran to Basara’s side, not able to wait any longer, this time with no more obstacles in her way – she had originally planned to create a hole in the theatre’s wall, but however—

“--I’ll be troubled, if too many obstacles appear.”

A sound suddenly came from her side, and at the same time—

“！——Gyaaaaaaaaaaa！”

Zest who immediately took defensive actions, suddenly took a surprise attack from behind.

The surprise attack which ruthlessly swallowed Zest whole, swept the whole street clean.

===Part 9===

「………………」

Gardo silently descended into the theatre.

He had only a single aim – to clean up the enemy before his eyes.

--the demonic sword wasn’t seen in Basara’s hands while he laid on his back, most probably because he sustained an injury which did not allow him to preserve his weapon. Even then, Gardo will still not show mercy to his opponent.

However, this means that he would be destroying the future of a young person—

“…Please don’t blame me.”

After Gardo announced in a low voice to the person lying on the ground unable to get up – in order to reduce Basara’s suffering, as well as to show respect to his opponent who dared to engage a life-or-death battle against him, Gardo raised his right hand with the flame dragon entwining around it.

--The strongest attack of Gardo, the one known as the leading candidate for the seat of the Demon lord.

Not only could it turn Basara into mincemeat, it carried enough power to burn away this theatre building as well as everything around it with ease.

''…With this.''

It should probably be enough to take care of Zest who was fighting nearby. With this, it’ll probably be enough to make up for the spirit fighting with Zest, as well as the other two spirits who were paralyzed by the enemy; although it’ll be disrespectful to Luca who worked very hard and with difficulty, lifted the spirit’s seals and forged the new Master-Servant Contract with the spirits, this would show that these spirits were only just at ''that'' level. There were even stronger spirits that were excavated from the ruins that were currently being studied, but they couldn’t be sent into this battle due to time constraints; thus to not waste any more time with attempting to keep the spirits safe, why not just let Gardo himself completely wipe out all of the remaining enemies with more efficiency. Hence—

“—pass in peace, Son of God of War!”

With these words to send Basara off on the road of death, Gardo raised his right arm—

<nowiki>「——————」</nowiki>

And at that moment, Basara’s right hand suddenly moved a little – by the time Gardo noticed it, Basara was already holding up his arm covered with armour, as well as that demonic sword which had newly appeared in that hand. ''Just what had happened'' – at the phenomenon that had happened right before his eyes but yet couldn’t be registered by his mind, Gardo harboured a short-lived doubt as his right fist was on its path of being swung down.

--And in that moment, something belated<ref>coming or happening later than should have been the case</ref> happened.

It was a harsh metallic sound. At the same time Gardo heard that sharp penetrating sound—

A white line cut through his right shoulder – severing the arm from its root.

''…My hand…was severed?''

There was no pain, and no sensation of being cut by a blade. Thus Gardo ignored his right arm that was flying through the air and began to analyse what had just happened to him.

Taking a closer look, Basara’s demonic sword – the air around its blade seemed to be fluctuating.

No, it’s not air. What was fluctuating, was the space around the demonic sword.

And as for that sharp harsh sound – after putting the two pieces together, what was the answer?

''…Iai?''

But lai is usually used when a sword is being drawn out of a sheath, which Basara’s demonic sword didn’t have; additionally – the usual lai will definitely not be able to sever his hand.

''—then, just what was it that just happened?''

The hint to the answer, was the fluctuations of the space around the demonic sword. The materialization of the weapon, was from something like an alternate space or a crack in the dimensions.

To put it bluntly – the demonic sword managed to reach supersonic speeds with lai amplifying the effects from the borders of the dimensions.

What severed Gardo’s shoulder, was [Dimensional Slash], the ultimate in lai. Just then—

<nowiki>「——————」</nowiki>

In the short slight pause while Gardo was speculating on how the situation came to this.

As if grasping the moment, Basara instantaneously adjusted his body the demonic sword – and in the next moment, he was already in a stable horse stance.

This was a very large contrast from when he was lying down not too long ago, with this time him finishing the preparations for using lai properly.

What Basara was preparing to do this time, was to horizontally sever Gardo’s body in the middle.

With eyes that was completely ice cold, he seemed like a completely different person right now.

However – Basara’s ultimate lai was never put into action this time.

“Wha—…?”

The atmosphere suddenly shook and became volatile, and at the same time a flash of light surrounded the both of them.

In the next moment – the theatre that the both of them were in completely exploded.

===Part 10===

After the impact of bombing the theatre along with Basara and Gardo dissipated.

The beautiful streets around it too have already become rubble.

“Yare yare, it appears I overdid it a little…”

Someone said while smiling and looking down on this scene.

That person was Nebula, who had accompanied Gardo in the attack on Wildart City after receiving orders from the Council.

--right now, Nebula’s field of vision was very high and wide, but that was not because he was floating in the air.

He was on the shoulder of a giant spirit much bigger than those Gardo was controlling.

This was an even more powerful high-class spirit that Luca didn’t have enough time to deal with – but yet whose adjustments and contract were completed by the Council behind Leohart and the other’s backs. Nebula’s mission of supervising this attack on Wildart City was just merely a cover, and the Council had given him separate orders; amongst those, were to assassinate Gardo while he led the attack on Wildart City.

--lately, Leohart’s influence has been growing explosively.

While Leohart was the puppet the Council had put as the new Demon lord, him attracting the support of too many civilians and soldiers wasn’t a good thing. Although a puppet would of course attract more attention the more gorgeous it was, it would be futile if the puppet wouldn’t listen in the end. Hence the Council had organised for this attack, which would then be used to weaken Leohart’s influential power. Deliberately not fighting a war decided by numbers and thus sending out the excavated spirits, was because the Council knew that Leohart would definitely send out a subordinate of his to lead on the frontlines. The number of subordinates Leohart could trust wasn’t that big of a number – so by making him choose a commander in the sudden small chaos that would ensue, they could effectively reduce Leohart’s power.

Hence, when the Council received the news that Gardo would be the frontline commander of the attack, they became very happy.

One of the reason Leohart was able to maintain as well as raise his positive influence, was because a powerful Demon Lord candidate had joined his faction, serving as the role of a prime minister. Thus—

“Once someone like you is gone – his majesty Leohart will probably be more obedient.”

Before the eyes of Nebula who said that, was Gardo who had risen to about the same height as him.

“…Nebula, you bastard…!”

“Ah… So you really are angry~. Well, I guess it would be weird if you didn’t get angry though…”

At Gardo’s glare that was filled with anger, Nebula only said that while smiling.

The Gardo right now, no longer had the usual aura and pressure of oppression he had. The reason for that was because he had taken head-on the sneak attack of the spirit Nebula was controlling, and had become heavily injured – he had also lost his right arm that was the symbol of his power.

“But then again, the youngsters of these days still reap what they sow. Even if he is the son of Jin ·Toujou, he is still only a human youth, yet you still need to end his path… so while a bit uneasy, I had accidentally intervened. You couldn’t have already become soft from being content with doing the work his majesty Leohart has for you right, Gardo-dono?”

Hearing Nebula’s mocking—

“……I believe I’ve said it before.”

Gardo said:

“In the event where you do something unneeded – I will personally turn you into meat scraps.”

After saying that, Gardo’s body also disappeared.

“That’s right. But I believe I’ve also said it before—“

Nebula said towards Gardo who re-appeared beside him, as if not giving a damn at all:

“—unless things become grave.”

All of a sudden – Gardo who was about to dish out his attack suddenly disappeared, but that wasn’t what Gardo had planned. A shockwave and boom followed soon after, as if testifying just how explosive that attack that just happened was. High-class demon’s right fist that had just lashed out, had directly landed on the side of Gardo’s body.

Gardo was blown away explosively, smashing through the remains of a large number of buildings in Wildart City – before finally coming to a stop after going through three streets. After the dust cloud caused by the attack settled—

“…Hmm, it is surprising that that was overkill.”

Having dealt with Gardo, Nebula shrugged.

“Now then, let’s move on to my next task… -- aya?”

Just then, he noticed the presence of other enemies.

Probably because he had dealt with Gardo, that caused the other spirits to not operating. Amongst the people dealing with the three spirits, other than Lucia who was Ramsas’s aide and Zest, there were three more people heading towards this place. After seeing the fire within their eyes—

“…Ah, I almost forgot. I had also destroyed your companion.”

Nebula continued while giggling:

“No problem – before I deal with my remaining targets, I shall play around with you guys first.”

===Part 11===

Zest whose consciousness was floating around in darkness, felt something brushing past her face.

Originally she had assumed it to be wind, but—

''…That's not right.''

With her eyes still closed, Zest felt that there seemed to be a certain meaning behind the sensation of her face being caressed.

The sensation on her cheeks – seemed to be desperately urging her to awaken. Hence—

“…!……uuh…”

Opening her eyes just a crack caused sharp pain to suddenly course through her whole body, and moan in pain.

But despite that, she still fully opened both her eyes, and the first thing she managed to make out in her misty vision was the face of a lovely animal. Using its small tongue to lick at Zest’s face was—

“You… are from that time…?”

Zest quickly realised that it was the unicorn pup she had met not too long ago in the alleyway behind the café, when Basara and the others visited the streets. Despite how Gardo had invaded Wildart City with the spirits and destroying many areas of the city, this pup appears to have been very lucky and managed to keep its life.

As Zest’s consciousness thoughts righted itself—

“……Basara-sama————!”

She finally remembered just what she was going to do, as well as what happened afterwards, causing her to suddenly get up while calling out her beloved master’s name. At the same time, there was someone else who heard it.

But the sign of reaction was not speech – but hollering instead.

“Aaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh—!”

“—Maria?”

Thinking something was wrong, Zest turned to look towards the sound, only to find the scene of Maria being kicked away by an spirit different from the previous three.

Her petite body impacted on the ground after being kicked like a rubber ball, and the shockwave blew away some of the rubble in the vicinity.

「………………」

Seeing this, Zest was shocked. The power and agility of this spirit was incomparable to the spirits from before, and the one controlling this monster wasn’t Gardo, but instead different high-class demon.

“That is—…”

Near the rubble Maria had landed, Zest found the figures of two more young girls lying on the ground in different positions – Yuki and Kurumi. They probably had fought against that spirit while she was still unconscious. The poor miserable condition of the large amounts of rubble in the vicinity, told her of just fierce the battle was.

「…………！」

Despite how worried she was about their conditions, there is something that Zest most do first.

And that was to search out her master Basara’s whereabouts. As long as Basara is still alive, the contract won’t disappear – thus while praying that Basara was safe, she closed her eyes and tried to sense his location. After that—

''…There’s a reaction… Are you alright, Basara-sama…!''

Sensing a reaction from Basara caused her to immediately open her eyes and barely managed to stop herself from shouting out loud from the happiness. Basara is nearby, but his body wasn’t visible, so he is probably now buried under the rubble. Although she very much wanted to go and rescue him now—

''…It is best if I move cautiously.''

If she were to let that high-class demon notice her, not only she would be in danger, as Basara too would be dragged into it. And not forgetting that more importantly, that spirit is not what she alone can win against. Thus Zest held her breath, and began moving slowly.

However – it appears that the high-class demon’s eyes were just too sharp.

“—Oya, the mouse that I thought I’ve already disposed of is still alive?”

Before Zest could even begin to start moving, he already noticed that Zest had already regained consciousness.

The spirit then began to slowly turn towards her, slowly closing the distance between them.

『————』

Perhaps feeling the approach of impending danger, the unicorn pup jumped onto Zest’s right shoulder as if seeking her help. Zest hugged that small body, at a loss of what to do. Since she has been noticed, it would be best if she were to leave the place immediately to bring the danger away from Basara and the others.

''…however.''

The moment she shows an opening, the opponent will definitely immediately attack. The problem now is the power and speed of the spirit that had exceeded expectations. Such strong attacks will definitely flatten the surrounding area, along with Basara and everyone else; but if she were to remain here any longer, Basara would still be in danger, so just what should she do – by wanting to protect her master, she was in a dilemma.

''…! If this continues…!''

In the end, she chose the way which has got the highest possibility of protecting her master, and put it into action. It was at that moment—

A dazzling light suddenly appeared.

「————！?」

Zest thought the spirit had started its attack, and thus used earth magic to erect a barrier – but it appears that that was not the case.

The spirit’s head was wrapped up in an explosion – it was the spirit that received an attack.

However, it seems that there was no damage at all. When the deep red flames dissipated, the head appeared, completely intact and covered in soot. Nonetheless, it seems that someone had saved Zest – as well as Basara, it was an undeniable truth.

''…Just who…?''

Zest began looking around. It was not Basara, not Maria, and not Yuki or Kurumi.

Lucia? No, she is Ramsas’s aide, so she wouldn’t come here.

--Then, just who was it?

The answer was brought into Zest’s ears by the wind.

“…—there has got to be a limit to your arrogance.”

The voice of the young girl who inherited the blood of the noble Demon Lord.

--She, landed in the space before Zest’s eyes.

Zest too, only continued looking intently – at the girl who descended into the battlefield.

Naruse Mio.

「………………」

Seeing the back of someone who originally definitely couldn’t appear on this battlefield—

''…She probably couldn’t bear it anymore.''

Zest wasn’t particularly surprised, since the person in question was Mio.

That just now, was probably not to save Zest – or maybe while she had that intention, the reason she had come down to this place was definitely to protect Basara.

Just like Zest – no, Mio who had done the Master-Servant Contract with Basara long before Zest, should clearly know that Basara was nearby. She couldn’t accept watching from the sides any longer, while seeing those precious to her and the town being destroyed just because of her presence.

That was why she had forcefully shaken off Noel, and rushed here. Just then—

“……Hou?”

The similarly completely uninjured high-class demon, deeply bowed towards Mio while on the spirit’s shoulder.

“My my, if it’s not the Moderates Faction’s princess… I believe this is our first meeting. My name is Nebula, and I am a trusted aide of the chairman of the Council, Belphegor. Please forgive me for my lack of respect for speaking from such a high up place.”

“…If I go with you, will you stop attacking the city?”

Hearing Mio say so calmly, Nebula smiled.

“I believe that we had sent an ultimatum, demanding for them to hand you over, but I had not expected for you to personally appear yourself. In our attack this time, we had undeniably stolen the lives of a large amount of the Moderates Faction’s soldiers and wrecked the heritage-rich Wildart City, causing many civilians to become homeless. All of that, are the price that they have to pay to protect you.”

But however—

“Though I would be ashamed to ask, I really cannot understand why. Could you please explain to me to let me broaden my understanding – you impulsively appearing here and putting to waste all of their efforts and sacrifices, where did that foolishness come from?”

To Nebula’s words that was equivalent to provocation—

“……Someone like you would never be able to understand.”

Mio replied while tightly clenching her fist. The shaking in her voice – most likely come from fear, as well as strong anger and remorse. Although Zest couldn’t see her expression from behind her, Mio’s heart must be filled with frustration, while she glared at Nebula fiercely. After that—

“Hmm, I see – so this is the daughter that Wilbert had left behind.”

Nebula smiled, but in the next moment – he said with ice-cold eyes:

“…— Kill”

At the same time, the spirit under Nebula’s feet began to move. It lunged forward and appeared almost immediately before them, and sent out a punch as if boxing.

“Eh……?” “————！”

The unexpected sudden change caused Mio to freeze up, and Zest reflexively erected a stone wall in front of Mio and herself, but however she became just as surprised as Mio.

--Everything the Current Demon Lord Faction had done to Mio, was to gain Wilbert’s power that Mio possessed.

If she was killed, that power will disappear along with Mio’s life. Hence Zest had thought, even if they want to kill Mio, it would be after extracting Wilbert’s power from her.

''…Then why?''

Despite her thoughts being thrown into confusion, Zest still forcefully maintained her focus. Although her wall might not be able to block the spirit’s attack, their death would be set in stone if nothing is done. Hence she put in her all into that wall – and immediately after, a boom filled the air.

From behind Zest and Mio.

“Eh — …?”

Both Zest and Mio turned backwards to look confusedly. They saw the shockwave caused by the spirit’s punch affecting the ground behind them, filling the air with dust.

However, although they understood what the scene before them was, they failed to understand what had just happened.

She was unable to accept that this was the truth. Because – Basara should be in around that area.

While still in a trance, Zest subconsciously used the locating ability of the Master-Servant Contract. Almost immediately, amidst the sandstorm before her eyes, she found a reaction belonging to her master.

「——————」

And after that, Zest’s body began moving without even thinking. She swiftly spread her wings – and flew in a straight line towards where the reaction was from. With the obstruction of the flying dust everywhere, Zest could not see even Basara’s silhouette, thus she used earth magic to – gather all of the flying dust together, settling all of it on the ground far away.

Finally able to see her own master now, Zest stretched out her hands, and plunged into his arms—

“……Basara-sama…?”

And said his name with a shaking voice and widened eyes, but she didn’t receive a reply. That’s of course, since Basara’s injuries received from Gardo weren’t light, and he had also received a surprise attack from the spirit Nebula was controlling – he was already in a state urgently needing treatment for that.

And adding on to that, Nebula has had the spirit send out another attack to exterminate.

Yet Basara was still alive, but he was only just not dead yet.

Basara is still not completely safe yet – he is not moving at all. Just then,

“…Aahh, I’m terribly sorry for the blunder I’ve made. I accidentally skewed my aim, and I had no idea that Jin·Toujou’s son was there. I’m terribly sorry.”

Nebula apologised sacaristically, and then—

“…Speaking of which, Princess, you still have not answered my previous question.”

And smiled. And as if having seen throught all of it,

“In the end – just who did you hope to protect by shamelessly running out here and putting to waste the efforts of those around you?”

That was a line that was sufficient enough to annihilate Zest’s reasoning ability many times.

''I’ll kill you!'' While hugging the unmoving Basara, Zest’s emotions were about to explode.

--But in the end, she couldn’t do it. Because before Zest began to move, or even open her mouth.

''That'' happened.

“——————————”

A deep red wave of energy burst out with Mio as the epicentre.

Naruse Mio who was causing the space to shake uncontrollably and scream—

“…——How dare you…”

Towards the giant spirit and Nebula before her eyes, she said so shortly.

Within her heart, the surging and welling emotions were almost going to make her go crazy. The reason that made her surprised that had allowed her to say such words coldly, was because within her mind, she was extremely calm.

Not only just that – Mio right now, has not lost control of the energy within her body. The torrent of autologous erupting energy with her, was completely under her control.

--However, this was not something accomplished just by chance at this moment.

Being able to control her father Wilbert’s power, as well as her own power – this was the first task she had set for herself after defeating Zolgear. Because from right at the beginning to now, Mio had never provided any effective help in the battles they had.

Not long after knowing Basara, at the battle with Takigawa in the park<ref>都立公园 in real life, formally known as Tokyo Metropolitan Park</ref> at night – although it was to not become a burden to Basara, in the end the result of going alone was that she was not even an opponent for him. She had even lost control of the power she had inherited from her father due to seeing Basara receive a major injury, and was in the end saved by him.

And in the battle with Yuki, Kurumi and the Heroes, she wasn’t able to handle Takashi who wielded [Byakko], and her battle concluded with a conclusion where it seemed that she was powerless.

During the battle against Zolgear, she had fallen into the hands of Zolgear, becoming a burden to Basara. Though she had won the battle and had subdued Zest, that was only possible because Yuki had helped. Right to today, Mio had never really given any real contribution to her comardes.

Hence – to not become a burden to the others any more than she already was, Mio had aimed to be able to completely control her powers, and had succeeded in attaining that goal. Not only did it include her father Wilber’s power, that strong power which had taken Zolgear’s right hand was also now in her control.

''…But.''

Even if she succeeded, Mio never wanted to use that power. Other than the drawbacks of causing much physical strain on her body and sometimes even causing her to losing consciousness, more importantly, using that power was sort of like a taboo in her heart.

--Naruse Mio had witnessed the murder of her adoptive parents without any warning, and had then learned that she was the daughter of the previous Demon Lord.

On that very day, Naruse Mio’s past fifteen years of life was completely overturned.

Despite vowing to take revenge for her adoptive parents and living while learning to fight – behind the emotion known as vengeance, there was a fact that tortured her heart.

And that – was the fact that she was not a human.

The Demon Race. To a normal person, they were an existence that were called Monsters.

But before that day, Mio was completely living her life as a normal person.

It was just like how someone point at you and say: ‘You are not a Human!’, your own existence being nullified just so easily.

Though Basara, Yuki and Kurumi had abilities, they were Heroes, so they were undoubtedly Human; compared to them, Mio, basically, was completely different. But despite the differences, Mio who saw Maria as one of the Demon Race, did she ever see her as a monster and harbour hostility against her? The answer was never.

Despite that, when she was with Basara and the others, thoughts like she did not belong together with them would occasionally enter her mind, often making her feel as if there was a gap between them that would never disappear, causing her much torment.

Of course, Basara and the others saw her and got along with her as a normal human, and Basara was the one who had accepted her right from the beginning. Though she was thrown out once, that was because Mio and Maria were deceiving Basara and Jin – it was completely unrelated to her being the previous Demon Lord’s daughter.

--Does Basara even understand, just how much his acceptance of Mio gave her heart salvation?

Therefore, no matter what, Mio does not wish to become a burden to Basara. It’s just – using her father Wilbert’s power that she inherited, would make her feel like she was not a human.

Mio is very afraid of experiencing the feeling of being of a different race from Basara. Hence with being unwilling to use her power, she and Yuki had received a sneak attack from an enemy. Naruse Mio wished to stay as a Human, and thus was not willing to use that strong power within her body – at least, until now.

--But, this is fine too.

Even if she were to use Wilbert’s power many many times, Basara will definitely never change. Taking her in even after knowing about her true identity, and saw her and Maria – and even Zest as his precious family, his actions of putting his life on the line for them to this day had proven that point. She only just had to trust in her kind master who was willing to accept her – and be the one who loves him the most.

''…And also,''

Even if using this strong power will increase the distance between her and Basara, she can not allow the enemy before her to act as he pleases.

Hence Naruse Mio said:

“……You asked me, why did I come here?”

''I’ll tell you, then.''

“Right now I am Toujou Basara’s little sister, as well as his subordinate… Seeing my precious family and master wounded, is almost making me go mad.”

''Do you even understand?''

“You have hurt Basara, have hurt my most precious person, and I will now make you pay the price – I’ll kill you a hundred times.”

''That’s right.''

“Daughter of the previous Demon Lord of power… it’s up to you on how you decide to see the situation, it’s something unrelated to me, and I don’t give a damn. I originally was happy, with deciding to give this power which had snatched all that I had to you guys, but how regrettable… don’t even think about it now. I have already decided, that I will never forgive you, who had hurt the one most precious to me, as well as those dogs behind your back.”

''And thus I advise you.''

“—you better not underestimate Naruse Mio.”

With that, Mio released the power within her body.

And in the next moment – with a boom, the enemy before her was crushed.

===Part 12===

Mio released Wilbert’s gravity magic power, immediately crushing the spirit Nebula was controlling into pieces.

And after that—

“————————”

''Perhaps this is my retribution.'' Mio lost consciousness as if being disconnected suddenly.

However – something caught Mio as she collapsed.

It was Zest’s earth magic. The sand in the shape of a chair caught Mio, and gently lowered her onto the ground.

After that, Zest who landed beside her while holding onto Basara—

“……………”

Silently watched the scene before her eyes. In just a single attack, Mio had completely minced that Spirit which was so powerful. Although she knew that Wilbert was hailed as the strongest Demon Lord in history—

''…This display is too shocking.''

And within Zest’s knowledge, Mio had never once voluntarily used Wilbert’s power; so if she trains from now on, forget about the drawback of fainting after usage, she might be able to use even more power than just now.

If used appropriately, this power would certainly be able to take over the Demon Realm, so it wasn’t hard to understand why the Moderates Faction and the Current Demon Lord Faction urgently wanted this power. Right now – though the burst just now was enough to bring down Nebula, the Current Demon Lord Faction would’ve already detected it, which means that now they would not be able to cover up the fact that Mio is within Wildart City.

Soon, the war between the Current Demon Lord Faction and the Moderates Faction for supremacy in the Demon Realm, will start.

The number of causalities or sacrifices that will have to be made in the future, could very well be many times that of today. Yet—

“…Thank you.”

Zest gave her gratitude to the unconscious Mio. Thanks to her, they had managed to tide over the danger from the enemy this time. To many people, making the war e more intense might very well be the worst thing in the world; but in Zest’s heart, her master Basara being safe was the most important thing, and she will protect him with her life.

Hence, having avoided the worst case scenario, Zest let out a sigh in relief.

But at that moment, there was suddenly a burst of magic power.

“ ! — This is…!”

Not know what was happening, the disconcerted Zest soon realised where the magic power ws coming from.

The answer was – in front of them.

The already-minced Spirit, was rapid expanding with a shocking magic power.

===Part 13===

The Spirit was already destroyed to the point where its self-healing ability could do nothing.

--But Nebula’s body was unharmed.

Before Mio’s gravity attack hit, he had already escaped far away backwards, thus successfully avoiding it.

“Destroying that high-class Spirit in a single attack… indeed, that is a formidable scary power.”

Nebula said while on a building far away.

“So, as per Belphegor-sama’s orders, I will now dispose now.”

That’s right – Nebula’s actions against Mio was not him acting by himself. Right from the beginning, Nebula had received two orders; first is to assassinate Gardo in this attack, second is wipe out Wilbert’s power along with Mio.

—Wilbert is the known as the strongest Demon Lord in history, so no matter whether his power falls into the hands of the Moderates Faction or Leohart, things would become troublesome . That powerful power, would easily bring about problems that aren’t under the Council’s control – thus Belphegor gave Nebula the order to make sure to certainly end Mio’s life.

“The Spirits sleeping in the ruins, were naturally to be ones used to defend a City, so… of course it would possess something for the worst case while defending the city -- a self-destruct function to drag down the enemy together with it.”

So—

“Soul of the Demon Lord from the past age – disappear from the world together with your beloved city.”

Saying that, Nebula then began casting the self-destruct magic, and the body of the Spirit far away let out a blinding light. A protective spherical barrier appeared, enclosing him so that he would not be dragged into the self-destruct explosion – an anti-field. Then, after completing the casting with the special code, Nebula smiled—

“—Goodbye.”

And after giving his final farewell – the body of the high-class Spirit suddenly exploded.

A blinding explosion, that wiped out the whole of Wildart City.

--At least, that was what should’ve happened.

But in the moment the explosion and shockwave began to spread – it instantly disappeared.

“Wha—Impossible…!”

Witnessing the unbelievable scene, Nebula was heavily shocked.

''—did the activation of the code fail? No, it did explode. After the successful detonation – the heat and shockwave created had suddenly disappeared, and there isn’t a trace of the magic power left.

…W-What in the world just happened……?!''

Nebula looked towards the location where the explosion was supposed to take place. Over there, he saw a young male standing in front of Mio and Zest, as if protecting them. He held a large demonic sword in his hands, in a posture where he just swung the sword – the Toujou Basara that should have stopped moving long ago. Immediately after—

『——————』

Basara’s ice-cold eyes caught the figure of Nebula far away, causing to involuntarily gasp and step backwards.

“Interesting… I’ll have a great story to tell Belphegor-sama later.”

But he smiled while raising his right hand, and a gigantic black shadow came over the sky. The opponent seemed to be hiding something, but as he cannot fail Belphegor’s orders, Nebula himself has hidden a trump card up his sleeve.

Together with the booms that filled Wildart City, were the same type of Spirit as the one that exploded just earlier, furthermore, there were three of them; two of them landed behind Nebula, and one just beside Wildart City. To fulfil his orders at once, Nebula has decided to simultaneously attack them and Wildart City. Basara might be able to use a strange ability to cancel out the self-destruct explosions and enter melee combat with the Spirits, and even if the Spirit beside Wildart City has to self-destruct as the last resort, the higher-ups of the Moderates Faction along with Ramsas would be also wiped out.

“It’s truly a shame – with this, this is the end for all of you.”

Just as Nebula was about to order the Spirits to annihilate Wildart City—

Two sounds of impact<ref>Boom!</ref> came from behind him.

“Wha—…?”

Nebula hurriedly turned around, and saw a scene even more unbelievable then just now.

Both of the gigantic Spirits behind him, were flying in the air – in a straight line towards the outside of Wildart City, and then the heavy sound of impact of them hitting the ground came from far away. Just as Nebula was at a loss as the shockwave of the impact reached him as he stood on the tower—

“Geez, can you not throw them into a place with many people? What if you crush someone?”

A shout lacking of any tension came from the ground. Looking downwards, there was someone of the same race as that young youth, someone whose name Nebula knew – that was of course, since it is impossible for him to not know the one called the God of War and strongest Hero feared by the Demon race.

“Jin·Toujou……!!”

Nebula recited the name of that man, filled with hate. His whereabouts were unknown ever since he had fought with Leohart, and not even the Council could track him – although he didn’t know if it was by coincidence or planned out, he had come to this place to help his son out in this crisis.

''…Then…!''

Nebula disregarded Jin’s presence and began casting the magic for the Spirits’ self-destruction; his target was not the two which Jin had sent flying, but the last one that was beside Wildart City.

Since Jin is now here, his chances of disposing of either Basara or Mio is now close to zero, so now he should at least attempt to get rid of the higher-ups in Wildart City like Ramsas. However – as Nebula was almost finished with the magic, a sound suddenly sounded out, and the remaining Spirit was crushed by an invisible power.

“—gravity magic!?”

''Mio is still unconscious, so just who'' – his thought thrown into disarray, Nebula then saw a male with the Moderates Faction’s proud mother-daughter succubus pair – Sheera and Lucia, standing on a rooftop. It would be weird for him to use the same magic as Wilbert, that male was someone like that – the current leader of the Moderates Faction, Wilbert’s older brother.

“Ramsas…!”

Immediately after spitting out his name with resentment, his lips curved into a smile.

''…Idiot.''

Even if the Spirit became minced meat, he could still make it explode by completing his casting. Thus, Nebula continued to input the code—

“………?”

But suddenly, he sensed someone behind him, and thus turned around—

「——————」

Only to see a youth standing there. Hs cold eyes not only stopped Nebula’s mind, it also froze his heart.

It was Toujou Basara.

“Eh——…?”

In the next moment, Nebula let out a funny sound.

His chest – was completely pierced through by Basara’s large demonic sword.

Basara pulled out Brynhildr, and Nebula collapsed on the tower.

Large amounts of fresh blood poured from his chest, and his breathing became ragged, but despite that—

“I… don’t want, to die…”

Nebula desperately squeezed out his voice, begging Basara for mercy.

“If you spit out who was the one that ordered this attack and his aims, I can ask the Moderates Faction to let you live… The Current Demon Lord Leohart should be after Mio’s power, but yet you attacked that demon called Gardo, and even tried to kill Mio—“

''Speak.''

“—who was the one that gave the order for this attack. Is it those guys from the Council or what?”

“ ! …T-That…”

“If you really don’t want to die, you better spit it out. From the amount of blood you’re losing, you only have very little time left – everything of you will be reduced to zero soon.”

Basara’s words caused Nebula to be silent for a while, and then—

“………Uu.”

Just as he was about to say something – a red marking appeared on his neck. That pattern that was very much like a circle, was one that Toujou basara was very much familiar with.

“That is…”

The curse of the Master-Servant Contract. Nebula planned to beg Basara for mercy by leaking information about his master, causing strong feelings of betrayal which activated the curse. According to what Takigawa said, the Master-ervant Contract had the effect of not allowing the leakage of secrets when a subordinate is captured by the enemy, and the subordinate will die when the curse activates at its strongest effect.

Basara’s circumstances were special – his Contract with Mio and Yuki were done with using Maria’s magic, and Zest’s were done with using Sheera’s magic, so the effect of the curse were all aphrodisiac effects.

So, what was the effect of the Master-Servant Contract of Nebula – the answer was very soon shown before Basara’s eyes.

“Uh——…?”

After letting out a short groan, Nebula’s body exploded from the inside with a muffled ‘Pop’.

Basara had hurriedly retreated, afraid that he was doing an explosion by self-destructing. Fragments that used to be Nebula landed by Basara’s feet, dying the rooftop into a pool of red. After that—

“Basara-sama, are you fine?!” “Aah, I’m fine.”

Nodding slightly to answer Zest hurriedly flying towards him—

“……………”

Toujou Basara, forthrightly, gazed upon the tragic ending that may come to someone that have done a Master-Servant Contract. In the worst case scenario – Mio, Yuki, and Zest might probably lose their lives in a similar fashion. The new realisations weighed heavily on Basara’s heart – the Master-Servant Contract he had done with them used their lives as a wager. It was not something to be joked about. Just then—

“Basara-sama…”

Zest softly leaned onto Basara’s back, and spoke no more.

Snuggling against Basara’s back just like that. That, is Zest’s answer to her master Basara. Thus, Basara turned around and tightly gripped Zest’s waist, and said:

“Let’s go… We need to quickly return back to the city and help treat the wounded.”

After that, the two of them left the rooftop.

Behind them, were the remains of Nebula and Wildart City devastated with debris everywhere -- the peaceful days that was there until yesterday is now gone.

In that place, only the scars known as the cruel reality of War remained.

<noinclude>
=== Translator Notes and References ===

<references />

{{SimpleNav}}
</noinclude>

Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 5 Chapter 4

2016-05-30T00:29:16Z

Dragon213:

==In the Wind Blowing Through the Battlefield==
===Part 1===

Here, is a place is filled with tranquillity.

Built on the hill behind Wildart City – this wide area that was directly cut from the hill, is the Demon Lord Wilbert’s Temple.

--Currently, Nonaka Yuki is visiting the resting place of this great Demon Lord’s soul.

Of course, she wasn’t alone – Yuki was accompanying for this journey.

The one beside her was also accompanying to this place, Kurumi.

And before Yuki’s eyes was yet another person. Before the large tombstone of Wilbert, was a young girl firmly raising her head – Mio.

<nowiki>「——————」</nowiki>

From when they arrived here, it already has been thirty minutes, yet Mio remained standing there silently all this time. However—

''—No matter how long she wants to stay, let her.''

This was Mio’s first time coming to her biological father’s grave to pay her tributes. Since Yuki completely understood Mio’s history and current situation, she knew clearly that Mio now must have many different complex emotions within her.

That’s why – even though she couldn’t get a reply, there must be a lot she wants to say to Wilbert. Kurumi by her side also understood that, and also waited with no complaints with Yuki. Not long after—

“……Thank you, I’m fine now.”

After Mio said that, she returned back to Yuki and Kurumi’s sides with her back facing Wilbert’s tombstone.

“…Are you feeling better?”

Yuki’s question made Mio give a slight bitter smile.

“I don’t know~. I have never ever seen him, and this is only his grave. Even if you tell me that the one in there is my biological father, I won’t feel anything… I’m fickle, right?”

“No, I feel that that’s normal.”

With her two hands behind her head, Kurumi said while looking at Wilbert’s tombstone:

“I guess it won’t be normal for a person to be crying a lot when seeing the tombstone of a father that person has never seen before, it’ll be as if it was purely acting.”

“……Umn, you’re right.”

''Thank you'' – saying that, Mio’s bitter smile became deeper. She might be wanting to seem as if nothing happened – but her expression showed her loneliness.

“………” “ ? What’s wrong, Yuki?”

Yuki’s gaze caused Mio to ask, and her expression returned to one that Yuki and Kurumi were familiar with. Hence, Yuki replied: [Nothing].

''…I guess it's fine even if she’s trying to be brave.''

To that aspect of Mio, Yuki frankly felt admiration. Ever since they were born, Yuki and the others had received a Hero’s education as if it was natural and they were clear about their mission; but where Mio had started from was completely different – she had lived a normal person’s life, and treated herself as a normal young girl.

But one day, both her parents were killed – and thus learned that she was not a human but the Demon Lord’s daughter. But yet this young girl called Naruse Mio, basically didn't point fingers of blame or held any hate towards anyone; no matter how frustrated, pained, or lost she became – she continued going forward; even if she had come to the Demon Realm to face her origins, that point still didn’t change.

“Right… Since we have already come here, are you clearer on what you plan to do?”

“…No. I thought a lot about it, but nothing came out of it yet.”

Mio shook her head while saying that.

--The moment Mio resolved herself on her decision, a chain of irreversible events would definitely occur.

Hence – even after coming to the Demon Realm for three days, she still hadn’t decided. As it would affect not only just Mio, implicating Basara and the others, it also involved the future of the Demon Realm as a whole, so being hesitant about it was naturally unavoidable. Also—

''…The reason Mio is hesitant, is because of that man…''

In Nonaka Yuki’s mind, the current leader of the Moderates Faction Ramsas surfaced. Nobody knows just what he was planning; Klaus appeared every day to speak with Mio, and Ramsas persistently rejected meeting with Mio these three days.

Without being able to meet with both sides, a suitable decision of course can’t be made. In truth – before Mio had come to the Demon Realm, she had already made it clear to Yuki and the others that she had no intention at all of becoming the new Demon Lord. So going by the current situation, the only options would be complying with Ramsas’s request, to have the power handed over to the Moderates Faction, or to return to the Human Realm as they are now. And since Ramsas rejected meeting with Mio, the choice they should make was obvious.

''…But still,''

The reason Mio was so hesitant, was that she was worried that she might fall into some dangerous circumstances if she were to reject the Moderates Faction’s request. The reason she was still able to live despite the threat of the Current Demon Lord faction is all Maria’s credit – in other words a gift from the Moderates Faction. Despite having defeated Zolgear after so much trouble, the Current Demon Lord Faction is still very well and healthy, so receiving an attacking anytime would be normal.

Under these conditions, she would be helpless if she were to reject the Moderates Faction’s request. As the Heroes see Mio as a Demon, they would see the Current Demon Lord attacking her as an internal strife, thus only remaining on the sidelines.

''…Then again,''

If they were to become the enemies of the Moderates Faction, Maria would be faced with a dilemma. Even if Maria had said that she was prepared to leave the Moderates Faction if necessary and move together with Mio; still, after seeing Maria’s tears after learning of Sheera’s safety and being free from Zolgear’s coercion, she won’t be able to agree to Maria leaving behind her family’s feelings. Having once lost her family – Mio who was unable to escape her pain prior to meeting Basara, definitely does not hope for Maria to go through the same pain.Besides—

''…Ever since before we came to the Demon Realm, Basara has always been very worried about Zest.''

And now, there is no need to be so worried for her already. Because on the night they had come to the Demon Realm, Zest had made the Master-Servant Contract with Basara under Sheera’s proposal, so right now her position is similar to Mio and Yuki. If they were to speak of complaints to Basara making the Master-Servant Contract with the former enemy Zest, of course there would be some—

''…However,''

Before everyone came to the Demon Realm, Basara had said that if there was a need, they might return together with Zest; so after finding out about their Master-Servant Contract, the waves of complaints Yuki and the others had were small – except for the unsatisfied Kurumi.

''…But,''

Basara had accepted Mio who had lied to him, and had forgiven Maria who had once assisted Zolgear. Someone like that choosing to accept Zest, could be said was something to be expected. Mio and Maria’s positions were quite similar to Zest, so they were in no position to say anything.

As for Yuki – it was because Basara was someone who was so kind and wished to protect her who was important to him, that she became attracted to him. Right now, Zest were probably also enchanted by Basara, and thinking about the needs for the future, being able to have someone like Zest who could fight so well put her mind at ease.

Since – she had learned of it afterwards, the reason Basara had made the Master-Servant Contract with Zest was that Basara and Ramsas had almost entered into an explosive situation with each other, which also caused his absence back then. With opposition from the leader of the Moderates Faction which limited Basara’s actions with forbidding entry to this Wilbert’s temple, he had to stay behind in the city together with Zest and Maria.

Speaking of which, no matter what their reason for going against each other was, Yuki and Kurumi who were Heroes had managed to get permission to enter this temple while Basara who was once a Hero was denied permission, so they really can’t understand on what basis they were making their decisions from. No matter what – even they themselves don’t have complete freedom with their actions, with Lucia and Klaus each sending a maidservant who were waiting outside monitoring them. But even then—

“That person called Ramsas… just what is he even thinking?”

Returning on the dark outdoor passage, Kurumi said while walking in front of Yuki and Mio.

“If that old man called Klaus still wants to buy time now, it wouldn’t be difficult to understand…”

“……Unn.” “……..”

Mio nodded at Kurumi’s words, while Yuki expressed her agreement while remaining silent. It was because of Klaus’s side who was pushing for Mio to become the new Demon Lord, who was causing Mo to want to stay longer in the Demon Realm, deepening her feelings towards the Moderates Faction – as well as to Wilbert and Wildart’s civilians, and obtain victory from that; Ramsas who wanted to extract Wilbert’s power from Mio, probably wants to make a quick decisive end to the war.

''…Just what is that man…?''

From the viewpoint of the surrounding people, this disadvantageous situation to Ramsas, was all completely his own fault. So, could it be that he has got some ulterior motives that had not been seen by anyone else yet?

<nowiki>「————————」</nowiki>

As Yuki began to harbour some unexplainable uneasiness, while they were still within a passageway,

The surface of the temple, began shaking together with the atmosphere.

“—Earthquake?”

“Run! –To the outside!”

The three of them began running.

--This temple was completely carved out, just like its passageways.

While the inside of the temple had a barrier to prevent the use of magic to prevent damage by vandals and the surrounding areas had something similar set up to prevent damage due to disasters, the tunnels and passageways might have a different story to tell. If they were to be blocked from the exit by the rubble if the ceiling collapses, they won’t be able to escape in this place where they were unable to use magic – hence, the three of them ran through the passages without even taking time to draw a breath,

Even if the trembles were to stop, they had no way to know if it would get stronger or weaker if it started again. So in order to try to preserve their lives in this kind of situation where anything could happen anytime, they had to leave this temple as soon as possible.

“—I see the exit!”

With Kurumi’s shout, rays of light from the outside came into their view – and immediately after, the three of them left the passageways. Firstly, they had to confirm the current situation.

“—you two, are you fine!?”

Mio asked aloud. The question was not directed to Yuki and Kurumi, but the maidservants who had followed them. While the two of them who were waiting for them to return were fine—

『……………………』

They gave no reactions at all to Mio’s concern.

They only stood there, not moving at all while looking towards the inside of Wildart City from the top of the Hill. And in the next moment, they then saw what the maidservants were seeing after following their line of sight.

“That is-- ……”

The city wall was broken through, and enemies were storming into the city.

However, those maids wouldn’t be stupidly standing there if it was just simply an attack from the enemy. They would’ve at least entered the temple to inform them of the emergency situation and helped Mio to get to safety.

Then – just what could have caused them to forget even that? The answer, was in the scene Yuki and the other were currently seeing. Even though the distance between the hill and the urban areas of the city was as big as Wildart City itself, they could clearly see the figures of the [Enemy] invaders.

“…Just what is that—“

Beside Kurumi, Yuki muttered, at a loss. Something which was incredibly unbelievable, was currently happening before her eyes.

The figures of three giant colossus, invaded into Wildart.

===Part 2===

There was a person, who was currently watching the chaotic situation in Wildart.

Standing on one of the shoulders of the giant spirit<ref>kanji is 英霊 (eirei)</ref>, looking down at the people screaming and running away in a panic, was Gardo who had voluntarily headed the attack on Wildart City.

''…I’m impressed.''

Gardo silently praised Luca who had managed to complete the tuning on the spirits in such a short time. That young child had taken care of it all from restoring them to even setting Gardo as their master, to the point where they were ready for battle. Although there were even stronger spirits excavated in those remains, it was easier to lose control the more power they had, and since there was not enough time to forge new Master-Servant Contracts for this battle, this was currently enough.

“—Damned Monster!”

In order to buy time for the civilians to escape, a group of people who looked like the guards for the city attempted a barrage of attacks. Many magic circles opened up on the ground – and countless lights flew towards Gardo and the spirits, but—

“……--Smash them.” <nowiki>【【【——————】】】</nowiki>

Reacting towards the order Gardo sent out, the spirits immediately reacted. They raised their right fists, and sent it flying towards the soldiers on the ground while the attacks bounced off them – in the next moment, a deafening shock resounded out. The ground was sputtered like a giant blast had happened, and a small sandstorm appeared. Immediately after – the spirits pulled back their fists and after the dust settled, what was revealed were the craters from the impact as well as the unidentifiable remains of soldiers from before. The civilians who had witnessed that—

“ ! ! ! –Uuaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhh!!!!!!”

They severely panicked, and began desperately to try to escape.

When Gardo saw this—

“Wow… They really are amazing~”

A completely relaxed voice came from a nearby building where its roof has collapsed. When Gardo turned to look, a young high-class demon was there. That demon, was sent to supervise them, by the Council who had ordered Leohart to utilize the spirits to invade Wildart.

“That spirits' degree of perfection seems really high. And so it would seem, that there won't be a need for me to make a move at all, then.”

“Of course… Right from the start, I had never considered about borrowing your strength.”

“That’s really impolite of you. Speaking of which, Gardo-dono – I had sent through a Ultimatum<ref>a final demand or statement of terms, the rejection of which will result in retaliation or a breakdown of relations</ref> not long ago telling them to hand over Wilbert’s daughter, and the nearby forces should probably be receiving news soon and would only be dispatching troops with caution – but however, why did you just simply let those civilians go just now?”

“…What do you mean, Nebula?”

The supervisor whose name was called out, then faced Gardo who asked him with a shallow smile and said:

“The ultimatum was sent using broadcast magic, so the civilians of the city would now know about her being here. The number of people who disliked Ramsas’s methods isn’t small, and if everyone were to find out that he concealed the big news of the sole daughter of the great previous Demon Lord – right now, the city is being attacked because of that girl. Thus, the people's’ discontent towards him, would definitely begin to turn into anger.”

''That’s why'' – Nebula continued:

“Right now we should be working harder – and murder these civilians. If that happens, the Moderates Faction would automatically crumble apart from within. This is such a great opportunity, so how can you just let it pass so simply?”

“…………Listen closely, Nebula.”

“Yes, what are your orders, Gardo-dono?”

Nebula replied impertinently with a smile towards Gardo who shouted at him with a low voice.

“The orders the Council had given you, should be to supervise the status of the battle with the spirits, so stop spouting nonsense. If you dare to do unneeded things – beware of yourself turning into meat scraps.”

“……….……..I understand. You are the most outstanding one amongst the candidates chosen to take after Wilbert, so I am not stupid enough to take you on as my enemy. Unless the situation becomes grave, I will basically stick to my orders to supervise and remain watching by the side-lines and learn from watching you.”

“………”

Gardo showed no reaction to Nebula giggling while shrugging his shoulders, and only said:

“Before they hand over Wilbert’s daughter to us, we will be splitting to take three routes. Ignore those civilians, Leohart doesn’t like needless killing. However – if anyone dares to get in our way, annihilate them.”

<nowiki>【【【——————】】】</nowiki>

Receiving Gardo’s orders, light appeared in the spirits’ eyes.

Facing forward while standing on a spirits' shoulder, Gardo said:

“Destroy your target, Wildart City – begin attack!”

===Part 3===

On the hill, Naruse Mio saw those giants begin moving together.

Despite splitting to take three routes, it was clearly obvious their target was Wildart City.

“Shit – this is bad!”

As Mio and the others realised the enemy’s plan and wanted to return to the city as soon as possible—

“—Mio-sama! You’re alright!”

Someone ran up the mountain out of breath – the maidservant Noel.

Stopping before Mio and after taking a deep breath in relief:

“…This is great. Does anyone of you have any injuries?”

“We’re fine. Noel, what is going on right now?”

Noel answered seriously towards Mio who was still somewhat unclear:

“The Current Demon Lord Faction came. While we don’t know where they got the information from… they said something like that you had inherited his majesty Wilbert’s power and as it might trigger a new wave of fighting, they want to use this attack to prevent any possible future conflicts from happening.”

''In other words—''

“If we want them to stop – we will have to hand you over to them.”

“What, that's completely outrageous… so that means that the Moderates Faction having power is dangerous, yet them having power is not?”

Kurumi said indignantly.

“Since from a long time ago, they have been searching for Mio-sama, wishing to gain his majesty’s power. In order to increase their control over the Demon Realm, they might do things that seem completely outrageous – that was what Lucia-sama had said.”

Hearing Noel’s explanation—

“—we understand the situation, but just what are those giants?”

Yuki asked with a heavy expression. Although they can speculate on their enemy’s intentions, but speculations will remain as speculations, the answer will only be known by the enemy; so what they should be doing right now, was to deal with the danger before them.

“Although we have been unable to confirm that – Klaus-sama had said that they probably are the spirits from the ancient times.”

“In other words, also enemies… Alright, watch me kill them a hundred times and grill them black.”

Mio then asked again with a [ah]:

“What about Basara and the rest, are they in the city?”

“Because of the emergency situation, we had asked them to go into the city to help – Basara-dono and Zest together as a group, and with Maria and Sheera-sama together as another group, they went to confront the enemy.”

Since this was a period of time where the Current Demon Lord Faction and the Moderates Faction were at war, they could attack each other at any time. Hence, Mio and the others had already decided what action to take when something happened – if the civilians were to be involved in the battle, all of them are to help. Thus—

“Basara-dono had asked me to pass this message – Yuki-dono and Kurumi-dono, please obstruct the giants coming from the West side.”

“I got it – Kurumi”

“---No problems here.”

With that, the two of them moved without hesitation. When Yuki had started to ask Kurumi, Kurumi had already finished summoning flying magic – the two of them instantly flew through the air.

“W-Wait a moment – bring me along with you!”

However, Mio who had shouted towards the vanishing figures was blocked by Noel’s arms.

“You can’t. Mio-sama, you have to remain here, until the battle ends!”

“Let me go! …Why are you stopping me, is that Klaus-san’s order?!”

Being glared at by Mio, Noel met het glare while looking directing into her eyes and said:

“That’s right – however, Lucia-sama and Basara-dono also agreed with Klaus-sama.”

“No way… Why?”

Mio asked, dumbfounded.

“If Mio-sama were to appear now, you would be doing exactly what the enemy want you to do. The most effective way to make the Current Demon Lord Faction to take responsibility for this assault, is to let their reason for attacking become untenable<ref>(especially of a position or view) not be able to be maintained or defended against attack or objection</ref>!”

“But… for that, isn’t the Current Demon Lord Faction originally in the wrong for attacking?”

“I understand what you are trying to say, feelings cannot be applied to things like this – that is the nature of politics, Mio-sama. Not letting the enemy bring out their trump card while dealing another blow to them, this is politics.”

“But… if I were to just remain hiding here, I—“

“I understand how you feel! However, as Mio-sama was in Wilbert’s temple, she did not hear the enemy’s broadcast using magic telling of their reason for attacking and their demand for to hand you over to them, causing people to panic and grab the soldiers helping to guide them into the castle to seek refuge to ask just what was going on.”

''Thus—''

“If you were to show yourself now, the civilians’ anger might very well gather onto you alone; even if we manage to successfully repel this attack, Ramsas-sama and Klaus-sama might lose the people’s trust it might even lead to a rebellion. If you are unable to restrain yourself here, we will stop you at full force!”

“I—“

Hearing Noel’s pained indictment, Mio couldn’t help but stand there at a loss – and at this moment, the ground-shaking effects of an attack reached them.

“---!”

An attack then landed on the ground in the city at that moment, causing Noel to suddenly collapse and huddle up on the ground, and after that—

“Oh my god…”

Mio could only whisper that out having just seen ''that''. The spirit walking through the Central Avenue made large craters with every step it made, trampling over the soldiers attempting to obstruct it. And as for the soldiers flying in the sky, only less than half the original number still remained. Soldiers with their bodies burst open, as well as soldiers flying like fireworks<ref>literally on fire</ref> were flying through the air everywhere in Wildart city – and after a spirit attacked with a kicked, everything in path were flattened.

===Part 4===

In the path of the kick, a group were huddled up together.

They were the soldiers for the City. They had tried attacking from its sides, as well as trying to draw near it by approaching on a path parallel to it, but they were in the end caught up in the crossfire by another attack team. And right now—

“…Guu….aaA, uuh…. Damn-- ……!”

Amongst the remains of the houses hit by the attack, someone was still breathing. That someone was Glen who was taught a lesson by Basara in that narrow alley behind the café.

Despite blood flowing out from various parts of his body like his head and his abdomen, Glen stood up and surveyed his surroundings.

In this neighbourhood, every single building have already become uninhabitable.

The other soldiers in the same team as him – other than Glen himself, no one managed to retain their lives.

“…One after another, just what the hell…”

The time where Glen had come to Wildart City, was after Wilbert’s death – when the Moderates Faction was doing a large-scale recruitment. He had originally chosen to take refuge in the Current Demon Lord Faction whose power had begun to grow back then, but what had caused him to change his mind was that even if he managed to gain no prominent achievements in the Great War, he would definitely be able to gain a job in the government sector as part of the package to appease the public when they lose their troops after Wilbert’s death.

And sure enough, Glen was enlisted to be one of the city’s guards. However, as Glen had only chosen the Moderates Faction in order to get a free job, he held no feelings and relegations to his current job and to this city – at the very least, he used to think that way. However, with how dull life became with the days crawling by, he would begin to habitually visit certain shops to eat and drink, and enjoy his days with the like-minded. In the last resort Glen had taken by choosing the Moderates Faction, he had knowingly managed to gain some things of his.

And right now – as of now, everything before Glen’s eyes had disappeared. And the culprit, is the Current Demon Lord’s giant spirit.

“ ! <nowiki>-----</nowiki>”

Tightly gritting his teeth, Glen deployed the flying magic built into the back of his armour, locked both his eyes and began heading straight for the spirit who did the damage. On its shoulder, there appears to be the high-class demon manipulator. After destroying so many buildings and killing so many soldiers, they still continued onwards as if not bothered by it at all. Hence—

“ ! …JUST WHAT THE HELL DO YOU EVEN THINK YOU ARE DOING!!!”

Glen screamed with his all, discharged attack magics towards the spirit. He shot electrical balls from his right hand, and while it travelled in a straight line while discharging some of its energy to its surroundings, it burst explosively on the forehead of the spirit.

“Haa….aahhh… Now you know just how powerful I am right…..---?”

That attack just now was one that he had put his all in. Originally it was just to vent some of his hate and anger, but yet as if to mock him, the spirit continued onwards as if that attack just now was nothing more than a gust of wind. When Glen froze up from losing his train of thought from that, the spirit sent its right fist flying backwards without even looking back, blowing away the roofs of the nearby still-standing buildings.

“<nowiki>------Ah.</nowiki>”

By the time he had noticed the move, a large piece of debris was already right before his eyes.

Without even a moment to blink, just as the debris was about to smash in Glen awaiting his death – a magic circle suddenly opened up before him as if to protect him, and the debris broke up into dust upon hitting the magic circle and fell onto the ground. With the sudden change in situation, Glen couldn’t process what had just happened—

“That isn’t someone you can fight against – hurry up and fall back, leave this place to us.”

A calm voice came from in front of him. When Glen looked up to take a look—

“…! Aren’t you…?”

It was a woman that he was familiar with. There’s no mistaking it, even if she isn’t wearing a maid’s uniform now, she is undoubtedly the one Glen remembered – Zest. However, her sight wasn’t on him right now, but instead on something else. That something else, was a youth running towards the spirit with a large demonic sword in his hand.

“That person—“

Glen had seen that youth before, and he would definitely never forget the look of that person who had bitterly humiliated him before.

But – within his anger, what Glen felt was surprise.

He had jumped away at the moment the attack landed. Jumping around amidst the flying debris of the buildings – the youth who landed on the arm of the spirit quickly ran up to its shoulder towards the high-class demon, and swung his sword at him.

“…………”

In response, the high-class demon raised his right hand and a wall appeared to defend against the attack, yet—

“OOOooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!”

With an energetic roar, the youth brought down his sword with great speed and cut the wall into two, and continued approaching the high-class demon.

<nowiki>「——————」</nowiki>

With his defense cut down, the high-class demon was forced to retreat, and jumped backwards off the spirits’ shoulder. The youth also jumped off the shoulder going after him in mid-air.

“Isn’t that…”

The youth wasn’t using flying magic at all. The flying debris from the destroyed buildings, had become a solid trail used by him to move.<ref>like a improvised road</ref>

The cause of that was a magic from Zest who was in front of Glen.

“I will say it once more – hurry up and fall back.”

Zest left behind these words without even turning back to look at him, and flew towards the spirit – high-class demon vs the youth, and Zest vs spirit, with that, the battles began.

In a place Glen can never reach.

Gardo saw that youth, walk on a footpath created from the debris.

''…Is that Zest’s handiwork?''

Underneath him, a female demon began fighting with the spirit whose shoulder he was riding on until just now. Gardo had known that under the Council’s Zolgear, there was a trusted aide known as Zest. Although he had known she specializes at earth magic, he had never witnessed her battle. Being able to avoid its attacks while fighting the spirit while supporting each other, indeed only these two were left. Reportedly, Gardo had heard that she had sought refuge in the Moderates Faction after her master Zolgear died – but seeing her battle now, it appears that the death of her master doesn’t seems to be affecting her. After Gardo ordered the spirit to eliminate Zest—

<nowiki>【——————】</nowiki>

The spirits recognised Zest as its enemy, and thus began the real battle against her.

''…And next,''

Gardo returned his attention back to the human youth sprinting towards him. Before he reduced the distanced between them too much, Gardo expanded numerous magic circles around him – and in the next moment, countless fireballs were shot towards the youth.

<nowiki>「！————」</nowiki>

The youth immediately reacted, gripping his sword in reverse, he swept out the footpath Zest had created. The fireballs then hit the debris indiscriminately, turning it into dust, and since the debris became an interference against the attack—

''ZzzBoomboomboomboomboomboomboomboom!''

Gardo’s fireballs exploded upon hitting the debris – and thus causing a chain explosion. Immediately after that—

“…---Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaahh!!”

The youth broke through the screen of explosions and continued towards him. Facing his cleave while he was twisting his body, Gardo engaged it while sending demonic power into his right shoulder.

In the next moment, just as the youth’s demonic sword made contact with Gardo’s shoulder—

''*Kake*<nowiki>————————————————！</nowiki>''

With that sharp shock resounding from mid-air in Wildart City, the two of them confronted each other in mid-air.

“…Toujou Basara, right?”

Gardo’s words caused Basara’s expression to slightly tighten up.

“The report had said, Wilbert’s daughter was being protected by Jin·Toujou’s son.”

“………”

The youth gave no reply, but it was obviously acquiescence. <ref>the reluctant acceptance of something without protest</ref>

From just now, he knew Basara is a speed type. Able to quickly ascertain the situation and then use the most streamlined method to evade or defend, and then retaliate with no lag at all—

''…I see, his skill isn’t bad at all.''

In Lars’s report, he had managed to fight with Zolgear for quite some time – but seeing his reaction speed, he would be able to put up a good fight against Zolgear even if they weren’t evenly matched. Since not much time had passed since his fight with Zolgear, it just shows just how much he had grown in this short period. However—

“…You’re too careless.”

Gardo said while looking at Basara in his eyes:

“Even if you are planning to hide Wilbert’s daughter, by standing out here so stupidly, you’re directly telling me that she’s right here in this city.”

“Is that so? Does me appearing here, really mean that Mio is definitely here in this place? Your words have no concrete proof, and they’re nothing more than speculation. I had heard that your reason for attacking was because that Mio was hiding here—“

The youth finally opened his mouth, and said with a shallow smile:

“—But could it be that just because Jin·Toujou’s son is here, you guys had taken it as that Wilbert’s daughter is also here, and thus attacked? If such a ridiculous reason was let known, you’ll be the laughing stock of the big guns of the other forces.”
Hearing Basara’s words, Gardo frankly replied:

“After I deal with you and your companions, and after I find her, you can have as much legitimacy of the reason of this attack as you want.”

“Similarly – if you and those spirits are defeated, forget Mio, when even your presence is questionable, your reason for attacking will also crumble.”

“--Do you really think you are able to do that?”

“That’ll be difficult to say…”

Basara’s expression suddenly became serious.

“If I have no other choice other than to defeat you here, I will do it – that is the reason I am here right now.”

Basara said while gazing firmly at Gardo, his voice completely void of complacency in being able to defeat Gardo and filled with the determination to win no matter what. Hence—

“—alright, I will fight against you for a while, Toujou Basara.”

Gardo said:

“However – if you really want to defeat me, shouldn’t you call your other companions over? Although Zest is present to fight the spirit, there are still two more of them, you know? If you were slow, Wildart City might be flattened just like that you know?”

Basara replied with a short laugh:

“Thank you for your advice – but something like that is obvious.”

At that time, Gardo heard a sound from somewhere far away.

Turning to look, the spirit entering the city from the east had received an attack to the side of its head and thus lost balance.

He saw someone else in battle with an spirit apart from Basara and Zest.

The shadows of two persons moved around the spirit quickly – and after seeing the owners of the shadows, Gardo’s eyes narrowed.

“That – that pair of succubus sisters?”

===Part 5===

In the path of the spirit at the east side, are Lucia and Maria.

“Although girls do like tall men, taking it a tad too far would instead have the opposite results, you know – you marionette♪”

To the grinning little sister who delivered a strong punch to the spirit’s cheek and caused it to sway—

“Refrain from idle chatting in battle, Maria—“

Lucia who had also donned her battle wear said. She was standing on top of a streetlight, and the giant spirit was right in front of her.

“Also, you shouldn’t be hitting its cheek, but instead here.”

What Lucia then sent out, was the whip in her right hand. In that moment with the light and boom, the attack originating from below the spirit swept across its lower jaw. Receiving another attack on the opposite side of its face compared to Maria’s attack, the spirit struggled to maintain its balance.

“It is easy to rock the opponent’s head in this place. But to someone like you who is a melee fighter, how could you not know such basic knowledge…”

Lucia said while sighing:

“Furthermore, this is a defensive battle. Even if our primary objective is to defeat the enemy, you have to think through your actions to try to reduce the damage to the surroundings. Even if other people can’t do it, how can we not even try to protect our own home?”

After realizing Lucia’s intentions are to stop the spirits from destroying the city—

“Ah! I’m sorry, Lucia-oneesama. Then I’ll just—“

Maria hurriedly apologised, and ran towards the spirit on the wall. However—

【………………】

The spirit saw through her plan, swung out its left arm to hit Maria.

''「Hoom!」''The air resounded as the giant arm picked up speed aiming at Maria.

''…Damn!''

Lucia subconsciously wanted to lash out her whip to assist Maria, as there was no footing at all in mid-air for her – and thus her familiar little sister can’t avoid that attack. But—

“—Oh!”

Maria leisurely twisted her body around, using inertia to hit her tail on the arm – and using it as a pivot, she pushed herself under the arm, and only air passing by hit her, leaving her safe and sound.

<nowiki>「——————」</nowiki>

As Lucia was shocked at Maria quick reaction, having been forced under the arm away from her original target of its lower jaw, Maria still haven’t given up on her target and then grabbed onto the spirit’s left collarbone and forcefully did a vertical flip upwards, jumping up and—

“Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhh!”

Following up with a roar, she used her all to kick at its lower jaw from directly below, and then fell downwards—

“How was that, Onee-sama, was it good!?”

Turning backwards to look, Lucia saw an expression she was very familiar with on Maria’s face. No matter what, seeing her little sister all grown up after separating from her for a little while—

''…She had gotten, a lot stronger.''

It was probably the many battles she had been through together with Basara and Mio. Even though she had realised that fact from the reports she received, actually witnessing Maria’s growth made her feel proud – as well as some melancholy. However—

“All that did was to change the direction it will fall, so it will still just destroy the buildings in the city!”

Lucia sighed at Maria searching for a reaction from her: [What a silly child]. After that she jumped from the lamp post and landed on the roof of a building, and then lashed out her whip once again. With another boom, the spirit who received another attack at the back of its head once again stood upright.

“Listen closely, Maria – against a gigantic enemy like this one, you have to knock it down while trying not to knock him over.”

“Uhh, wouldn’t that mean that we have to try to defeat it without defeating it, one-sama… <ref> The joke is that you have to do something to it while not doing that same something to it, with the something being a word/phrase with multiple sublimed meanings</ref> Is that really possible?”

“No, it isn’t. In the past when I was studying the books the humans read, there were many suitable methods for taking down an enemy like this described.”

''If I remember it right—''

“It something like after attacking its face on the right, attack its face on the left at the same time. In other words – if we attack it on both sides at the same time, there most likely shouldn’t be any problems. If there’s a right, there has to be a left; if there’s an up, there has to be a down; similarly, after attacking it from both sides, we just have to attack it on both side again.”

“I-I see. But I don’t think that it means what you think it means… <ref>a common trope not only in anime? Don’t really want to search it up right now, so do it yourself</ref> Speaking of which, coming up with a battle strategy like that just from that… as expected of onee-sama.”

“That’s of course. When I first read that line, I had first thought it meant that to get rid of a problem, you have to deal with it at its root. I had never expected for the Human’s literature to describe such an effective method for dealing with gigantic enemies.”

Lucia’s recollected, and then returned her sights towards the spirit—

“Although splitting up to attack would be fine, but since it is us two – match up with me well, Maria.”

“—Yes!”

Nodding, Maria gathered up her spirit and then began the attack on the spirit for real. Lucia’s whips, with Maria’s fists and kicks; the succubus sisters’ matched attacks explosively enveloped the spirit’s body. Within the heavy sounds of impact from Maria and sharp crackling sounds from Lucia’s whip, the contrasting sounds seemed to be part of a play, interacting with each other lively – progressively turning into a symphony – Lucia’s whip crackling being the riffs and Maria’s punches and kicks being the melody.

<nowiki>【————————】</nowiki>

Maria and Lucia’s combo gave no time at all for the spirit to defend itself, much less avoiding or returning attacks. But, seemingly as if having just too much fun, Maria who lept from the spirit’s shoulder to deliver a kick—

“Ahahahaha! – Another one!”

With the point of impact on its right cheek, an especially deep reverb resounded out. After eating such a great attack, the giant body of the spirit began falling over towards the left at a speed Lucia was unable to cancel it out with her whip. Hence—

“Mnn… This is bad.”

Lucia immediately moved without turning an eye at Maria’s performance, and shifted the target of her whip from the spirit to Maria. It’s not to attack, but after wrapping the whip tightly around Maria’s ankle after she had just sent out the spinning kick, in the next moment—

“Eh….HYYyyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa<nowiki>------!!</nowiki>”

Maria released a shrill scream. Lucia had then forcefully swung her right arm, swinging the whip which had wrapped around Maria’s ankle, making the one who had momentarily forgot about her responsibilities take responsibility by slamming her into the spirit’s left cheek.

With a sound effect where [Pam!] would be exaggerating, the spirit which had begun to fall regained its balance. Maria’s body, was currently stuck on the spirit’s cheek in a 「大」 shape.

“Uuuu…Lucia-oneesama, how could you do this to me…”

“You’re the one who went wild while co-operating with me, and I only returned the favour to you.”

It was just as Lucia was coldly staring while answering the complaining Maria, a new development occurred across the city.

<nowiki>【——————】</nowiki>

The spirit invading Wildart City from the west, went down on its knees after receiving an attack. And after that – a shadow descended at high speed towards the spirit.

“…They’ve made it.”

Lucia said while continuing to lash out her whip at the spirit right before her eyes.

There’s no mistaking it – they are, that pair of sisters who have just rushed to the battlefield.

Nonaka Yuki, and Nonaka Kurumi, the pair of Hero sisters.

===Part 6===

The shockwave Nonaka Yuki had sent out from [Sakuya], had successfully stopped the giant spirit from continuing its advance.

But that was all that had done. The spirit would quickly stand up again and look towards them who were approaching from the air. This fact—

''…Fuji’s protection really does not extend to here.''

Caused Yuki to have a bitter expression. The spirit sword [Sakuya] was born from the rich energy at the mountain peak in the sacred forest, thus in the Human world, the closer it was to Mt. Fuji, it would be able to release more power closer to its original power – However, the attack Yuki had just sent out was far from standards.

Coming to this place that was in a different dimension from the Human Realm, had a really large effect on it. It was similar to the effect she had received within Zolgear’s specially constructed space and barrier to hide himself – but comparing with that time, she was able to put out sufficient battle power back then.

''…However,''

Complaining wouldn’t change anything, and Yuki had no intention to do that. Back in the Human Realm, the Demons Maria and Mio who inherited Wilbert’s bloodline was also carrying the same burden.

--Since they were able to continue fighting to this day, it was now her turn to bring out her battle power. After all, the one who had decided to come to the Demon Realm was Yuki herself. It doesn’t matter if it was for Basara, for Mio – or for herself, she can’t become a burden to the rest. Thus—

“Kurumi – move as according to our original plan.”

“But onee… the [Sakuya] right now—“

Despite Kurumi saying so worriedly while using flying magic while holding onto her, Yuki still gently shook her head.

“No need to worry, I still have things that I need to do – you too probably should focus on what you should do.”

“……”

“—Kurumi.”

After Yuki said that tiredly in a reprimanding tone, Kurumi took an action – expanding a magic circle.

“I’m starting, onee…” “Nn – please do.”

Yuki nodded, and Kurumi activated the wind magic and sent out a mass of air, and its target – was the air around Yuki. Thus in the next moment—

<nowiki>「——————」</nowiki>

Nonaka Yuki, together with the air around her, was catapulted at high speed downwards towards the spirit. In the moment she passed by the giant spirit in the gust of wind, she swept [Sakuya] in a straight line downwards at its head, and a strong feedback was returned to her arm. Hence—

<nowiki>「——————！」</nowiki>

Yuki’s expression immediately turned grave. The feedback [Sakuya] returned was too strong, which meant that the blade was completely deflected and did not cut into its target. It had the power of Kurumi’s magic supporting it, and her current high speed had increased the force of the slash by a lot – but yet she was unable to slash into the spirit’s body.

Thus Yuki immediately jumped sideways away upon landing, and the ground she had landed on was covered by a large black shadow – [Booom!] and an explosive impact rang out. The spirit had stamped the ground with its left foot. Yuki who had forcefully managed to avoid the stamp—

“Kuu…!!”

Her posture suddenly collapsed. The spirit’s stamp which had broken the ground also let out a strong air shockwave – and had impacted onto Yuki who was in mid-air.

<nowiki>【——————】</nowiki>

The spirit’s attack with its left foot didn’t just end there. With a small movement, it also swept out its right foot using the left foot as a pivot. The instep flew towards her at a speed surpassing her expectations, almost immediately. Yuki immediately used [Sakuya] to draw out a pentacle<ref>or pentagram, I’m not sure</ref>, and with it becoming a wall right before the attack hit her, she managed to preserve her life, but—

“Aaaaaaaa <nowiki>-----!!</nowiki>”

She was blown away like an artillery shell along with a shrill scream, together with the wall.

''…This bad, with this speed……!!''

While amidst turbulence, Nonaka Yuki’s anxiety instantly rose. Despite being able to avoid being instantly pulverized by the spirit’s feet attack, if she were to hit a stone wall at this speed, not even half of Nonaka Yuki’s body would remain in a piece – an instant death.

''…Please let it be on time!''

Yuki desperately swung out [Sakuya], and expanded a magic circle behind her. Even if it wasn’t enough, it’s enough if this could be ended with just fractures or damage to her internal organs. However—

<nowiki>「！————？」</nowiki>

The impact from behind her had hit her much earlier than expected, causing Yuki’s subconsciousness to think that she was dead, but it then changed quickly. What Yuki had hit wasn’t a solid wall of a building--

“……Water?”

Despite being in water, Yuki spoke, confused. A mass of water containing oxygen which allowed a person to breathe within it had caught the flying Yuki as a cushion. The one who had used this magic to save her, was of course—

“Kurumi--…”

Yuki found Kurumi’s figure on the top of a building not too far away. At her little sister looking at her with worried eyes—

<nowiki>”————Sorry, I became a burden.”</nowiki>

Yuki apologised while biting her lip. The original plan – was to let Yuki who was unable to use [Sakuya]’s full power be the bait, and then for Kurumi who had received the black elementals from Lucia and had become able to use the Demon Realm’s spirits to use magic to eliminate the spirit.

Additionally, this was Yuki’s own suggestion, and she had begged Kurumi to agree to this battle plan; yet Yuki couldn’t even become the bait properly, forcing Kurumi to cut off her attack magic just to save her.

Kurumi was different from Mio who utilized the demonic power within her body, she is an elemental master who activated magic by borrowing a spirit’s power. It wasn’t easy to ask for the spirits in the Demon realm for help, and now she had to start over again.

「………………！」

''Ignominious.'' Yuki felt indescribable frustration towards her helplessness, and left the water cushion Kurumi had put up. She once again looked towards the spirit that was a little distance away with water droplets dripping from her bangs, and putting strength into her grip onto [Sakuya] in her right hand – in the next moment, Nonaka Yuki dashed towards her target savagely.

“--Onee!”

Yuki took a glance at Kurumi who had cried out as if wailing.

''Trust me'' – she told her with her eyes silently, ''I will become the bait properly this time''. This wasn’t just her trying to act brave, Yuki knew that she had the power to do that.

--As [Sakuya] was unable to receive the blessings of Fuji here in the Demon Realm, it’s power had dropped considerably.

However – Yuki’s body wouldn’t become weak just because of that.

After reuniting with Basara, the power she had received from the Master-Servant Contract done with him; the power that she had accumulated all these while – will never betray Yuki.

Nothing will ever drop from the sky, and one will never reap without even sowing.

That’s why, Yuki had resolutely come here, believing in herself and this power. To which—

<nowiki>【——————】</nowiki>

The spirit violently swung out its right fist, but there was still a big distance from Yuki. Despite the spirit’s large size, its arm was still unable to reach her, but that movement still became a threat to Yuki. The fist had swept away all of the buildings in the path between it and Yuki – causing a wave of tsunami of large rocks. However—

<nowiki>「——————」</nowiki>

Facing the wave of mud and rocks, her reaction was fairly simple. However, it was an action Nonaka Yuki had done tens of thousands of times before.

She raised [Sakuya] up vertically, and swung it down along the same path – it was that simple.

From the neat handling of the blade, a gust of a blade of wind appeared and rushed ahead. When the blade of wind made contact with the wave of rocks and mud – and the wave split to the left and right with a [Fssh!], going past Yuki by her sides.

--It was a move that had not borrowed [Sakuya]’s power, but one that was from Yuki’s polished skill as a technique-focused swordsman mainly relying on tactics and skills, a return to a display of the powers of her body only. Right now – a straight path had opened up before Nonaka Yuki’s eyes.

[[Image: Shinmai v05 130.jpg|thumb]]

Thus, she moved her body to attack. Pedalling the ground while keeping her body low, Yuki dashed forward with an explosive force, and shortened the distance between the two in the blink of an eye.

【………………】

Seeing this, the spirit twisted the arm it had swung and slammed the fist into the ground; Yuki skipped to the left, and before the spirit’s fist impacted the ground, she leapt upwards and twisted her body in mid-air. As the arm barely swept past Yuki, she slashed with [Sakuya] and cut through the wrist’s tendon. Although the fist which had lost its gripping strength impacted the ground and swept up debris, the destructive power had dropped a lot – going along with the upwards airflow, Yuki once again soared upwards and sideswiped with the blade, doing damage to the spirit’s elbow.

<nowiki>【——————】</nowiki>

The spirit released a scream from pain, but Yuki ignored that—

“—it’s not over yet.”

Leaving behind her comment in the empty air, she went past the side of the spirit to its back – and left behind two connecting slashes in the shape of ‘X’ while sprinting towards the other side of the body. That severed its Achilles tendon, and caused the giant spirit that lost the support of its legs to topple over backwards and land on its butt with a giant rumble.

With its right hand damaged and its Achilles tendon severed, the spirit then followed its instincts and began to stand itself upright with its only undamaged left hand. Nonaka Yuki had anticipated this, and thus at the spirit’s left hand – she swung [Sakuya] horizontally at the left wrist tendon, severing it in a single slash.

By the time Yuki had done that, she had bought more time than what was in the plan. And at the moment she successfully sealed its movements,

“—Onee, leave the rest to me.”

With a calm voice, Kurumi said while appearing before the sitting paralyzed spirit. With the black elementals she received from Lucia set in the main slot of her gauntlet as the elemental master – green of the Heroes and blue of the Moderate Faction was emitted from before her palm -- a three-dimensional overlapping type magic circle.

【………………】

As if the spirit’s instincts felt danger, it opened its mouth widely aiming to bite Kurumi to death as a last-ditch attack. At that moment—

“--Don’t even think about it.”

Yuki immediately swung out [Sakuya], smashing it into the jaw of the spirit from the side. By intentionally not slashing with the blade, it is to intentionally create bludgeoned damage. The attack with calculated timing, placing and force, managed to perfectly just dislocate its jaw joints.

<nowiki>【——————】</nowiki>

Eyes widened from shock, the spirit now unable to guard could only just watch with its mouth open—

“Dance -- ”

At the same time Kurumi announced that, large amounts of pitch black flames poured into the spirit’s open mouth – and burned the spirit’s head to nothingness from within.

===Part 7===

The East route with Maria and Lucia, and the West route with Yuki and Kurumi.

As they were battling with the spirit on each route respectively,

Basara and Zest at the central route were in a difficult battle.

The reason for that, was that while the situation at the other routes were two people working together to fight the spirit, Basara and Zest had to separate to fight against the spirit as well as the high-class demon controlling the spirit.

--though the situation was difficult, thinking about it wouldn’t change anything.

According to Lucia who was paired with Maria, this place was too far away Wildart City from her master for him to rush here quickly; Yuki was unable to obtain protection from [Sakuya], and while Kurumi had received the black elementals from Lucia, she was still unaccustomed to using the spirits of the Demon Realm, so they shouldn’t even be allowed to deal with a strong opponent like this now. Additionally, the spirits possess surprising regenerative power. So it still wouldn’t take them long to heal completely even if they received an injury; taking into account the spirit’s gigantic size and the inability to truss them up, him hoping for assistance from them would be for nothing.

And thus – with the situation not allowing for Mio to be on the battlefield, Basara has become the most suitable person to deal with this strong enemy. After moving the place of their battle field a building like a theatre with complex internal terrain—

“Ooooooooooooooo!”

On the stone-paved floor, Basara began running towards the high-class demon.

<nowiki>「——————」</nowiki>

The high-class then had countless magic circles shoot out fireballs, to greet Basara’s attack. As all of them are extremely hot and can combust, the distance he had to take when dodging had to be larger, which forced Basara to do larger side-steps to dodge the countless oncoming fireballs.

As for those that can’t be dodged, those will be just simply cut apart with Brynhildr. However—

“Ku…!”

''Clang!'' The sound along with the feedback transmitted through the hilt, caused Basara to frown. ''Heavy'' – those aren’t just simply fireballs, it probably had some rocks or debris within them; with the option of cutting through it no longer available, being able to deflect them would already be a very good thing. If one were to use a sword to deflect something like this for too much, it would just exhaust their hand quickly. Apart from when using [Banishing Shift], Basara would normally hold Brynhildr in a single-hand grip, but he had now been forced to grip Brynhildr with two hands for practically the whole battle, faced with this high-class demon. For large swords like Brynhildr, once the way of wielding them is changed, the wielder’s movements will too also change. In regards to Basara finely adjusting his actions at his current speed, it’s practically like suicide.

''…Tch, it’ll be great if I could use [Banishing Shift].''

Even if it’ll be unable to banish it whole, it’ll at least be able to eliminate the blaze of the fireballs, or maybe even the rocks within it. But right now, despite Basara knowing that the situation is currently disadvantageous to him, he still does not use [Banishing Shift]. Of course, there was a reason behind it.

After defeating Zolgear, Takigawa had given Basara a piece of advice.

And that advice was that in the battles that would happen with the Current Demon Lord Faction hereafter, there is a need to avoid using that move. [Banishing Shift] is a move where once the target space is slashed, it can eliminate and banish everything beyond the zeroth dimension, and is very unique even amongst the multifarious magics and special abilities in existence. From another angle, its potential as a threat is much higher even when compared to Wilbert’s power inherited by Mio. Just like in the past, Zolgear’s target wasn't just Mio alone, he had also taken interest in [Banishing Shift] and had plotted to take it for himself.

Hence, if Basara were to just show that move carelessly, it might add to Mio’s dangers. But in the first place, it was Basara who had voluntarily went and attracted the attention of the enemy. However, as long as it was to protect Mio and everyone else, Toujou Basara will definitely unhesitatingly use that power, even if it meant that he would have to foul his hands, use underhanded tactics, and doing dishonourable actions, basically if it meant even he had to become scum.

''…But the problem right now is that—''

Just like Zolgear had made use of Maria with a hostage when fixated on Mio – once the enemy knows that Basara has got such a unique ability, they might make a move to those around him.

That is something that Basara would not want to see. If he were to let Mio and the others be in dangerous situations just for him, even to the point of becoming a hostage – the moment he had thought about, Toujou Basara felt chills right from the bottom of his heart. Thus, no matter what, he had to not use [Banishing Shift].

Carefully passing through the troublesome fireballs released by the enemy, and making the enemy enter his range—

“---Haaa!”

Basara immediately slashed out with Brynhildr. The two-handed attack, with its power naturally much higher than usual – however became useless. The enemy had not dodged, as the slash had hit its target.

It’s just, the attack had not caused any injuries – the flesh of the high-class demon was too tough.

''…Damn it!''

No matter how many times Brynhildr hit him, there was only the sharp sounds from the impact. Forget about cutting into his flesh, it couldn’t even make a scratch on his skin.

--The opponent’s attack all consisted of fireball magic, so probably, he is a magic type.

The magic type basically specializes in using magical attacks, so they usually don’t have a very tough body. But this person has got such a tough body. Probably just like Zolgear who was good in not only swordplay but also magic, this high-class demon does not just fights with purely magic, but also with his physical body too.

In the past –in the fight with Zolgear, Basara had been overwhelmed while fighting. Not only just Basara, Mio and Yuki too seemed to never have been a match for him. Thus after the battle, Basara and the others had set aside a large percentage of their after classes time and school break time to train, since after all, Zolgear isn’t the only high-class demon within the Current Deom Lord Faction – of course, they had not forgotten about utilizing the Master-Servant Contract to raise their power by deepening their relationship, but just that alone was definitely not enough; for the future, raising their battle prowess is a must. In this period of time, when Sakazaki had taken action during the Sports Festival, despite how Kurumi had become his hostage, Basara had inadvertently received a heavy injury; but right before that, in the skirmish with Tachibana that roused from a misunderstanding, Basara had quite effectively managed to suppress Tachibana who had Vampire blood.

That undoubtedly was a result thanks to the training. And after the Sports Festival – Basara had continued to train to this day and had undoubtedly raised his levels, but yet his sword now is almost useless. It’s not that he was weak, but that his opponent is overwhelmingly strong, additionally—

''…he is definitely above Zolgear…!''

Although he had once been overwhelmed by Zolgear, as long as his fear was targeted, he could be damaged, and that thus was the way to defeat him; but the opponent before him right now isn’t afraid of his attacks at all, so that was practically nothing Basara could do. Just then—

“…You really don’t know when to retreat, do you?” <nowiki>”————！”</nowiki>

In the moment the high-class demon released a sigh, Basara reflexively jumped away towards the right, and a fireball then barely scrapped past his body, slightly burning his clothes. Probably because his compatibility with this opponent was bad, that he had given him the chance for a surprise attack. He had managed to get by this time with his luck, but continuing to be this close was extremely dangerous.

“—do you really think I will fall back so easily?!”

However, Basara continued to boldly remain in front of his opponent. If he were to draw distance from the enemy without doing damage to him, he will soon be driven into a corner and then eventually die. Hence, Basara cannot fall back, but instead he had to change his thinking on how to damage his opponent, and only a single answer came to mind.

That answer was to continue attacking, until he managed to do some damage – just like how Yuki managed to cut through Takigawa’s barrier in the past. Basara lowered his body, and then launched another attack at a rapid speed.

“Haaaaaaahhhhhh!”

Brynhildr drew out countless curves lines of lights, continuously slashing at the body of the high-class demon. What sounded out, was the sounds of the strikes, but Basara continued to keep up the speed. The high-class demon that was receiving those attacks, then suddenly activated the magic, but—

<nowiki>「————！」</nowiki>

Basara jumped a short distance sideways, and while sliding slightly on the rood, he then once again launched attacks at the high-class demon. What Basara had just done, was to avoid the enemy’s attack and counterattack. The result of careful and intricate footwork, which allowed him to avoid the enemy’s attacks and quickly launch an attack.

Since the enemy could attack him with their all.

He would be fine as long as the attacks do not hit him.

And at that moment, as if the high-class demon realised Basara’s intentions—

“—what a boring battle tactic.”

Saying that with disdain, he brought out a new attack. No longer firing fireballs – but directly raising columns of fire by his legs.

As if like a wall of fire, surrounding the high-class demon.

“……!”

Basara hurriedly jumped backwards, keeping his guard raised while waiting for the volume of flames to decrease.

By using a magic like this, it appears the purpose of it was to force a distance between them.

Its aim wasn’t to attack, but to defend – so once the flames weakened, he will immediately launch attacks. While Basara was waiting for a chance with such intentions—

“That is--…”

He quickly realised that he was going down in the wrong direction. The blazing columns were not getting weaker, but instead they repeatedly expanded in volume. Very quickly – the flames rising up into the sky, turned into the shape of ‘a certain being’. That being was—

“A flame dragon…!”

As the flame dragon rapidly took shape before his eyes, shocking amounts of heat was still radiated to Basara who had taken quite some distance, even charring his fringe. Once the reins of such a monster that was made up of flames was let go, Wildart City would definitely be flattened.

「Damn it – do I really have no choice but to use that!? 」

As Basara readied Brynhildr to use Banishing Shift, in that moment—

<nowiki>『——————』</nowiki>

The flame dragon flew upwards with a screech, and then rapidly descended.

“Eh………?”

And swallowed up the high-class demon before his eyes, causing an extremely thick pillar of fire.

''Suicide?'' –Basara began to have doubts in that moment, but the weird thing was that the theatre building had not caught fire as a result at all.

“—I do not wish to waste any more time playing around with you little kids.”

A low voice came from above the swirling pillar – and after that, the body of the high-class demon appeared from within the flames. On his body, there was now a pair of wings and a tail, with two horns protruding on his head and his arms becoming very thick – his appearance as a whole was very red, and he looked like a fire demon god. <ref>魔神majin </ref>

''That appearance...''

Toujou Basara realised why the high-class demon looked had turned into that appearance. It wasn’t that the flame dragon had swallowed him – but instead he had absorbed the flame dragon. The body high-class demon that had absorbed the flame dragon that could destroy the whole of Wildart City into his body before his eyes, radiated a scary amount of heat and feeling of oppression, and at the same time—

“I’m coming—“

Saying that short line – that huge body suddenly appeared before Basara’s eyes just as his mind registered that message.

<nowiki>“Wha————?</nowiki>

What shocking speed. Despite his large body, his speed was much faster than the speed-type Basara. Facing such an opponent with such strength, even any minor doubts in the sub-consciousness would result in a fatal injury. ''This is bad'' – as Basara repented on his reaction, the high-class demon swung his right arm that seemed to almost combust the surrounding air at him, and he wasn’t able to avoid completely it at all.

In the next moment, a large boom accompanied the impact of the attack.

--however, what the right fist of the high-class demon impacted wasn’t Basara.

In the nick of time, at Basara’s feet – from the stone making up the roof, a pillars suddenly rose up, pushing him upwards. Seeing the stone pillar being broken in his place below his feet—

“—Zest?”

Toujou Basara immediately realised who was the one that had just saved him, and called her name. Turning around to look, Zest was still in battle with the giant spirit not too far away, but—

<nowiki>『——————』</nowiki>

Their eyes met for a short moment. Zest was also currently in a difficult battle, but yet she still assisted him in the nick of time with magic. Thanking Zest in his heart. Just as Basara was about to jump away from the shattered pillar--

Basara suddenly gasped in shock. From the high-class demon’s body part that had shattered the pillar, a flaming tentacle extended from it as its root, and it came flying towards Basara as if wanting to swallow him whole.

Basara hurriedly escaped backwards, and the stone pillar too was swallowed whole by the flames at the same time. After that, Toujou Basara who had just barely managed to escape into the air heard—

“—it’s over.”

The voice that came from directly behind him, told Basara that his movements had been seen through by the enemy, that he had been read it right from the start – and without even the time to turn back to look, an unbelievable attack landed on Basara’s back.

What Basara had felt, was not a heavy blow. Just like how the pillar that the high-class demon shattered burned, Basara who received a punch with extremely high temperatures, his whole body became bathed in flames--

<nowiki>“Ggaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh——————!?”</nowiki>

Just like a meteorite, his body descended towards the ground while burning and screaming.

Hitting the roof within the blink of an eye, Basara impacted onto the ground of the theatre with a large boom. The impact destroyed a large number of the seats in the theatre, sending broken fragments flying everywhere.

<nowiki>「——————」</nowiki>

As Toujou Basara laid supine<ref>(of a person) lying face upwards</ref> on the ground of the theatre, he saw the high-class demon descending through the hole in the roof towards him.

And on his thick right arm – coiled the flame dragon he had seen just now.

===Part 8===

“…--Basara-sama!?”

Zest who had heard Basara’s screams, subconsciously turned to look towards the theatre.

And what she then saw, was her Master receiving the high-class demon’s attack head-on, and his flaming body descending towards the ground.

<nowiki>「————！」</nowiki>

Zest reflexively immediately activated earth magic. As she knew that it was too late to do something like creating a stone pillar to disrupt the enemy’s attack, something she had done not too long ago, she moved her consciousness into the theatre – changing the characteristics of the ground, and thus attempting to reduce Basara’s impact on the ground as much as possible.

She had hoped that her hastily casted magic would make it in time – but as fate willed, Basara who received the attack was descending far too fast, and at that moment, the sound of Basara impacting the theatre’s ground reached Zest who a distance away earlier than she would’ve liked.

<nowiki>“Ah…aa….! Basara-sama————!”</nowiki>

Zest shouted, as if wailing, while flying towards Basara.

But she couldn’t reach him. The giant spirit circled to in front of her, as if blocking her way on purpose.

--in the battle with the spirit up to now, she had never gotten the upper hand

She had to fight against an opponent who Yuki and Kurumi, as well as Maria and Lucia had managed to defeat with difficulty with two persons by herself so of course it would be much harder by herself, the really knotty opponent is Basara’s current opponent – Gardo. The one controlling the spirit, Gardo, as well as this spirit before her whose orders had been revised from [Eliminate any enemies, attack Wildart City] to be different from the other two, had been pestering Zest, keeping her busy here. But no matter how much difficult an opponent this spirit is -- her past struggles, are no longer there in her mind, and they are no longer important.

Because in her eyes now, Gardo had landed in the theatre after Basara/

Her most important Master – Basara, had befallen immediate danger.

“……Stop meddling…be gone…!”

With her head lowered, Zest said with a shaking voice.

<nowiki>【——————】</nowiki>

And the reaction of the spirit, was to silently swing its giant fist.

Next moment – the air shook as the gigantic mass of the spirit’s fist impacted the earth, but—

<nowiki>【………………】</nowiki>

The spirit slightly raised its head, as it realized that not only had its fist not broken the surface of the earth, Zest was not smashed into pieces too. The spirit’s fist did not even touch Zest, and was stopped by a magic circle Zest had expanded.

And after that – Zest finally raised her head, her usually calm face filled with a certain passionate emotion.

And she roared.

<nowiki>“I said…… be gone————————!!”

At the same time – the rubble around them instantaneously gathered together into a giant golem even larger than the spirit as if responding to her voice, its eyes emitting a certain light——

《——————》</nowiki>

And brought its hands linked together as if praying, downwards. This move, brought the spirit’s head into its arms – and then smashed the spirit onto the ground. After paralyzing the spirit, Zest had the golem continuing pinning down the spirit on the ground—

“Basara-sama…!!”

And she then ran to Basara’s side, not able to wait any longer, this time with no more obstacles in her way – she had originally planned to create a hole in the theatre’s wall, but however—

“--I’ll be troubled, if too many obstacles appear.”

A sound suddenly came from her side, and at the same time—

“！——Gyaaaaaaaaaaa！”

Zest who immediately took defensive actions, suddenly took a surprise attack from behind.

The surprise attack which ruthlessly swallowed Zest whole, swept the whole street clean.

===Part 9===

「………………」

Gardo silently descended into the theatre.

He had only a single aim – to clean up the enemy before his eyes.

--the demonic sword wasn’t seen in Basara’s hands while he laid on his back, most probably because he sustained an injury which did not allow him to preserve his weapon. Even then, Gardo will still not show mercy to his opponent.

However, this means that he would be destroying the future of a young person—

“…Please don’t blame me.”

After Gardo announced in a low voice to the person lying on the ground unable to get up – in order to reduce Basara’s suffering, as well as to show respect to his opponent who dared to engage a life-or-death battle against him, Gardo raised his right hand with the flame dragon entwining around it.

--The strongest attack of Gardo, the one known as the leading candidate for the seat of the Demon lord.

Not only could it turn Basara into mincemeat, it carried enough power to burn away this theatre building as well as everything around it with ease.

''…With this.''

It should probably be enough to take care of Zest who was fighting nearby. With this, it’ll probably be enough to make up for the spirit fighting with Zest, as well as the other two spirits who were paralyzed by the enemy; although it’ll be disrespectful to Luca who worked very hard and with difficulty, lifted the spirit’s seals and forged the new Master-Servant Contract with the spirits, this would show that these spirits were only just at ''that'' level. There were even stronger spirits that were excavated from the ruins that were currently being studied, but they couldn’t be sent into this battle due to time constraints; thus to not waste any more time with attempting to keep the spirits safe, why not just let Gardo himself completely wipe out all of the remaining enemies with more efficiency. Hence—

“—pass in peace, Son of God of War!”

With these words to send Basara off on the road of death, Gardo raised his right arm—

<nowiki>「——————」</nowiki>

And at that moment, Basara’s right hand suddenly moved a little – by the time Gardo noticed it, Basara was already holding up his arm covered with armour, as well as that demonic sword which had newly appeared in that hand. ''Just what had happened'' – at the phenomenon that had happened right before his eyes but yet couldn’t be registered by his mind, Gardo harboured a short-lived doubt as his right fist was on its path of being swung down.

--And in that moment, something belated<ref>coming or happening later than should have been the case</ref> happened.

It was a harsh metallic sound. At the same time Gardo heard that sharp penetrating sound—

A white line cut through his right shoulder – severing the arm from its root.

''…My hand…was severed?''

There was no pain, and no sensation of being cut by a blade. Thus Gardo ignored his right arm that was flying through the air and began to analyse what had just happened to him.

Taking a closer look, Basara’s demonic sword – the air around its blade seemed to be fluctuating.

No, it’s not air. What was fluctuating, was the space around the demonic sword.

And as for that sharp harsh sound – after putting the two pieces together, what was the answer?

''…Iai?''

But lai is usually used when a sword is being drawn out of a sheath, which Basara’s demonic sword didn’t have; additionally – the usual lai will definitely not be able to sever his hand.

''—then, just what was it that just happened?''

The hint to the answer, was the fluctuations of the space around the demonic sword. The materialization of the weapon, was from something like an alternate space or a crack in the dimensions.

To put it bluntly – the demonic sword managed to reach supersonic speeds with lai amplifying the effects from the borders of the dimensions.

What severed Gardo’s shoulder, was [Dimensional Slash], the ultimate in lai. Just then—

<nowiki>「——————」</nowiki>

In the short slight pause while Gardo was speculating on how the situation came to this.

As if grasping the moment, Basara instantaneously adjusted his body the demonic sword – and in the next moment, he was already in a stable horse stance.

This was a very large contrast from when he was lying down not too long ago, with this time him finishing the preparations for using lai properly.

What Basara was preparing to do this time, was to horizontally sever Gardo’s body in the middle.

With eyes that was completely ice cold, he seemed like a completely different person right now.

However – Basara’s ultimate lai was never put into action this time.

“Wha—…?”

The atmosphere suddenly shook and became volatile, and at the same time a flash of light surrounded the both of them.

In the next moment – the theatre that the both of them were in completely exploded.

===Part 10===

After the impact of bombing the theatre along with Basara and Gardo dissipated.

The beautiful streets around it too have already become rubble.

“Yare yare, it appears I overdid it a little…”

Someone said while smiling and looking down on this scene.

That person was Nebula, who had accompanied Gardo in the attack on Wildart City after receiving orders from the Council.

--right now, Nebula’s field of vision was very high and wide, but that was not because he was floating in the air.

He was on the shoulder of a giant spirit much bigger than those Gardo was controlling.

This was an even more powerful high-class spirit that Luca didn’t have enough time to deal with – but yet whose adjustments and contract were completed by the Council behind Leohart and the other’s backs. Nebula’s mission of supervising this attack on Wildart City was just merely a cover, and the Council had given him separate orders; amongst those, were to assassinate Gardo while he led the attack on Wildart City.

--lately, Leohart’s influence has been growing explosively.

While Leohart was the puppet the Council had put as the new Demon lord, him attracting the support of too many civilians and soldiers wasn’t a good thing. Although a puppet would of course attract more attention the more gorgeous it was, it would be futile if the puppet wouldn’t listen in the end. Hence the Council had organised for this attack, which would then be used to weaken Leohart’s influential power. Deliberately not fighting a war decided by numbers and thus sending out the excavated spirits, was because the Council knew that Leohart would definitely send out a subordinate of his to lead on the frontlines. The number of subordinates Leohart could trust wasn’t that big of a number – so by making him choose a commander in the sudden small chaos that would ensue, they could effectively reduce Leohart’s power.

Hence, when the Council received the news that Gardo would be the frontline commander of the attack, they became very happy.

One of the reason Leohart was able to maintain as well as raise his positive influence, was because a powerful Demon Lord candidate had joined his faction, serving as the role of a prime minister. Thus—

“Once someone like you is gone – his majesty Leohart will probably be more obedient.”

Before the eyes of Nebula who said that, was Gardo who had risen to about the same height as him.

“…Nebula, you bastard…!”

“Ah… So you really are angry~. Well, I guess it would be weird if you didn’t get angry though…”

At Gardo’s glare that was filled with anger, Nebula only said that while smiling.

The Gardo right now, no longer had the usual aura and pressure of oppression he had. The reason for that was because he had taken head-on the sneak attack of the spirit Nebula was controlling, and had become heavily injured – he had also lost his right arm that was the symbol of his power.

“But then again, the youngsters of these days still reap what they sow. Even if he is the son of Jin ·Toujou, he is still only a human youth, yet you still need to end his path… so while a bit uneasy, I had accidentally intervened. You couldn’t have already become soft from being content with doing the work his majesty Leohart has for you right, Gardo-dono?”

Hearing Nebula’s mocking—

“……I believe I’ve said it before.”

Gardo said:

“In the event where you do something unneeded – I will personally turn you into meat scraps.”

After saying that, Gardo’s body also disappeared.

“That’s right. But I believe I’ve also said it before—“

Nebula said towards Gardo who re-appeared beside him, as if not giving a damn at all:

“—unless things become grave.”

All of a sudden – Gardo who was about to dish out his attack suddenly disappeared, but that wasn’t what Gardo had planned. A shockwave and boom followed soon after, as if testifying just how explosive that attack that just happened was. High-class demon’s right fist that had just lashed out, had directly landed on the side of Gardo’s body.

Gardo was blown away explosively, smashing through the remains of a large number of buildings in Wildart City – before finally coming to a stop after going through three streets. After the dust cloud caused by the attack settled—

“…Hmm, it is surprising that that was overkill.”

Having dealt with Gardo, Nebula shrugged.

“Now then, let’s move on to my next task… -- aya?”

Just then, he noticed the presence of other enemies.

Probably because he had dealt with Gardo, that caused the other spirits to not operating. Amongst the people dealing with the three spirits, other than Lucia who was Ramsas’s aide and Zest, there were three more people heading towards this place. After seeing the fire within their eyes—

“…Ah, I almost forgot. I had also destroyed your companion.”

Nebula continued while giggling:

“No problem – before I deal with my remaining targets, I shall play around with you guys first.”

===Part 11===

Zest whose consciousness was floating around in darkness, felt something brushing past her face.

Originally she had assumed it to be wind, but—

''…That's not right.''

With her eyes still closed, Zest felt that there seemed to be a certain meaning behind the sensation of her face being caressed.

The sensation on her cheeks – seemed to be desperately urging her to awaken. Hence—

“…!……uuh…”

Opening her eyes just a crack caused sharp pain to suddenly course through her whole body, and moan in pain.

But despite that, she still fully opened both her eyes, and the first thing she managed to make out in her misty vision was the face of a lovely animal. Using its small tongue to lick at Zest’s face was—

“You… are from that time…?”

Zest quickly realised that it was the unicorn pup she had met not too long ago in the alleyway behind the café, when Basara and the others visited the streets. Despite how Gardo had invaded Wildart City with the spirits and destroying many areas of the city, this pup appears to have been very lucky and managed to keep its life.

As Zest’s consciousness thoughts righted itself—

“……Basara-sama————!”

She finally remembered just what she was going to do, as well as what happened afterwards, causing her to suddenly get up while calling out her beloved master’s name. At the same time, there was someone else who heard it.

But the sign of reaction was not speech – but hollering instead.

“Aaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh—!”

“—Maria?”

Thinking something, Zest turned to look towards the sound, only to find the scene of Maria being kicked away by an spirit different from the previous three.

Her petite body impacted on the ground after being kicked like a rubber ball, and the shockwave blew away some of the rubble in the vicinity.

「………………」

Seeing this, Zest was shocked. The power and agility of this spirit was incomparable to the spirits from before, and the one controlling this monster wasn’t Gardo, but instead different high-class demon.

“That is—…”

Near the rubble Maria had landed, Zest found the figures of two more young girls lying on the ground in different positions – Yuki and Kurumi. They probably had fought against that spirit while she was still unconscious. The poor miserable condition of the large amounts of rubble in the vicinity, told her of just fierce the battle was.

「…………！」

Despite how worried she was about their conditions, there is something tht Zest most do first.

And that was to search out her master Basara’s whereabouts. As long as Basara is still alive, the contract won’t disappear – thus while praying that Basara was safe, she closed her eyes and tried to sense his location. After that—

''…There’s a reaction… Are you alright, Basara-sama…!''

Sensing a reaction from Basara caused her to immediately open her eyes and barely managed to stop herself from shouting out loud from the happiness. Basara is nearby, but his body wasn’t visible, so he is probably now buried under the rubble. Although she very much wanted to go and rescue him now—

''…It is best if I move cautiously.''

If she were to let that high-class demon notice her, not only she would be in danger, as Basara too would be dragged into it. And not forgetting that more importantly, that spirit is not what she alone can win against. Thus Zest held her breath, and began moving slowly.

However – it appears that the high-class demon’s eyes were just too sharp.

“—Oya, the mouse that I thought I’ve already disposed of is still alive?”

Before Zest could even begin to start moving, he already noticed that Zest had already regained consciousness.

The spirit then began to slowly turn towards her, slowly closing the distance between them.

『————』

Perhaps feeling the approach of impending danger, the unicorn pup jumped onto Zest’s right shoulder as if seeking her help. Zest hugged that small body, at a loss of what to do. Since she has been noticed, it would be best if she were to leave the place immediately to bring the danger away from Basara and the others.

''…however.''

The moment she shows an opening, the opponent will definitely immediately attack. The problem now is the power and speed of the spirit that had exceeded expectations. Such strong attacks will definitely flatten the surrounding area, along with Basara and everyone else; but if she were to remain here any longer, Basara would still be in danger, so just what should she do – with wanting to protect her master, she was in a dilemma.

''…! If this continues…!''

In the end, she chose the way which has got the highest possibility of protecting her master, and put it into action. It was at that moment—

A dazzling suddenly appeared.

「————！?」

Zest thought the spirit had started its attack, and thus used earth magic to erect a barrier – but it appears that that was not the case.

The spirit’s head was wrapped up in an explosion – it was the spirit that received an attack.

However, it seems that there was no damage at all. When the deep red flames dissipated, the head appeared, completely intact and covered in soot. Nonetheless, it seems that someone had saved Zest – as well as Basar, it was an undeniable truth.

''…Just who…?''

Zest began looking around. It was not Basara, not Maria, and not Yuki or Kurumi.

Lucia? No, she is Ramsas’s aide, so she wouldn’t come here.

--Then, just who was it?

The answer was brought into Zest’s ears by the wind.

“…—there has got to be a limit to your arrogance.”

The voice of the young girl who inherited the blood of the noble Demon Lord.

--She, landed in the space before Zest’s eyes.

Zest too, only continued looking intently – at the girl who descended into the battlefield.

Naruse Mio.

「………………」

Seeing the back of someone who originally definitely couldn’t appear on this battlefield—

''…She probably couldn’t bear it anymore.''

Zest wasn’t particularly surprised, as the person in question was Mio.

That just now, was probably not to save Zest – or maybe while she had that intention, the reason she had come down to this place was definitely to protect Basara.

Just like Zest – no, Mio who had done the Master-Servant Contract with Basara long before Zest, should clearly know that Basara was nearby. She couldn’t accept watching from the sides any longer, while seeing those precious to her and the town being destroyed just because of her presence.

That was why she had forcefully shaken off Noel, and rushed here. Just then—

“……Hou?”

The similarly completely uninjured high-class demon, deeply bowed towards Mio while on the spirit’s shoulder.

“My my, if it’s not the Moderates Faction’s princess… I believe this is our first meeting. My name is Nebula, and I am a trusted aide of the chairman of the Council, Belphegor. Please forgive me for my lack of respect for speaking from such a high up place.”

“…If I go with you, will you stop attacking the city?”

Hearing Mio say so calmly, Nebula smiled.

“I believe that we had sent an ultimatum, demanding for them to hand you over, but I had not expected for you to personally appear yourself. In our attack this time, we had undeniably stolen the lives of a large amount of the Moderates Faction’s soldiers and wrecked the heritage-rich Wildart City, causing many civilians to become homeless. All of that, are the price that they have to pay to protect you.”

But however—

“Though I would be ashamed to ask, I really cannot understand why. Could you please explain to me to let me broaden my understanding – you impulsively appearing here and putting to waste all of their efforts and sacrifices, where did that foolishness come from?”

To Nebula’s words that was equivalent to provocation—

“……Someone like you would never be able to understand.”

Mio replied while tightly clenching her fist. The shaking in her voice – most likely come from fear, as well as strong anger and remorse. Although Zest couldn’t see her expression from behind her, Mio’s heart must be filled with frustration, while she glared at Nebula fiercely. After that—

“Hmm, I see – so this is the daughter that Wilbert had left behind.”

Nebula smiled, but in the next moment – he said with ice-cold eyes:

“…— Kill”

At the same time, the spirit under Nebula’s feet began to move. It lunged forward and appeared almost immediately before them, and sent out a punch as if boxing.”

“Eh……?” “————！”

The unexpected sudden change caused Mio to freeze up, and Zest reflexively erected a stone wall in front of Mio and herself, but however she became just as surprised as Mio.

--Everything the Current Demon Lord Faction had done to Mio, was to gain Wilbert’s power that Mio possessed.

If she was killed, that power will disappear along with Mio’s life. Hence Zest had thought, even if they want to kill Mio, it would be after extracting Wilbert’s power from her.

''…Then why?''

Despite her thoughts being thrown into confusion, Zest still forcefully maintained her focus. Although her wall might not be able to block the spirit’s attack, their death would be set in stone if nothing is done. Hence she put in her all into that wall – and immediately after, a boom filled the air.

From behind Zest and Mio.

“Eh — …?”

Both Zest and Mio turned backwards to look confusedly. They saw the shockwave caused by the spirit’s punch affecting the ground behind them, filling the air with dust.

However, although they understood what the scene before them was, they failed to understand what had just happened.

She was unable to accept that this was the truth. Because – Basara should be in around that area.

While still in a trance, Zest subconsciously used the locating ability of the Master-Servant Contract. Almost immediately, amidst the sandstorm before her eyes, she found a reaction belonging to her master.

「——————」

And after that, Zest’s body began moving with even thinking. She swiftly spread her wings – and flew in a straight line towards where the reaction was from. With the obstruction of the flying dust everywhere, Zest could not see even Basara’s silhouette, thus she used earth magic to – gather all of the flying dust together, settling all of it on the ground far away.

Finally able to see her own master now, Zest stretched out her hands, and plunged into his arms—

“……Basara-sama…?”

And said his name with a shaking voice and widened eyes, but she didn’t receive a reply. That’s of course, since Basara’s injuries received from Gardo weren’t light, and he had also received a surprise attack from the spirit Nebula was controlling – he was already in a state urgently needing treatment by that.

And adding on to that, Nebula has had the spirit send out another attack to exterminate.

Yet Basara was still alive, but he was only just not dead yet.

Basara is still not completely safe yet – he is not moving at all. Just then,

“…Aahh, I’m terribly sorry for the blunder I’ve made. I accidentally skewed my aim, and I had no idea that Jin·Toujou’s son was there. I’m terribly sorry.”

Nebula apologised sacaristically, and then—

“…Speaking of which, Princess, you still have not answered my previous question.”

And smiled. And as if having seen throught all of it,

“In the end – just who did you hope to protect by shamelessly running out here and putting to waste the efforts of those around you?”

That was a line that was sufficient enough to annihilate Zest’s reasoning ability many times.

''I’ll kill you!'' While hugging the unmoving Basara, Zest’s emotions were about to explode.

--But in the end, she couldn’t do it. Because before Zest began to move, or even open her mouth.

''That'' happened.

“——————————”

A deep red wave of energy burst out with Mio as the epicentre.

Naruse Mio who was causing the space to shake uncontrollably and scream—

“…——How dare you…”

Towards the giant spirit and Nebula before her eyes, she said so shortly.

Within her heart, the surging and welling emotions were almost going to make her go crazy. The reason that made her surprised that had allowed to say such words coldly, was because within her mind, she was extremely calm.

No only just that – Mio right now, has not lost control of the energy within her body. The torrent of autologous erupting energy with her, was completely under her control.

--However, this was not something accomplished just by chance at this moment.

Being able to control her father Wilbert’s power, as well as her own power – this was the fisrt task she had set for herself after defeating Zolgear. Because from right at the beginning to now, Mio had never provided any effective help in the battles they had.

Not long after knowing Basara, at the battle with Takigawa in the park<ref>都立公园 in real life, formally known as Tokyo Metropolitan Park</ref> at night – although it was to not become a burden to Basara, in the end the result of going alone was that she was not even an opponent for him. She was even lost control of the power she had inherited from her father due to seeing Basara receive a major injury, and was in the end saved by him.

And in the battle with Yuki, Kurumi and the Heroes, she wasn’t able to handle Takashi who wielded [Byakko], and he battle concluded with a conclusion where it seems that she was powerless.

During the battle against Zolgear, she had fallen into the hands of Zolgear, becoming a burden to Basara. Though she had won the battle and had subdued Zest, that was only possible because Yuki had helped. Right to today, Mio had never really gave any real contribution to her comardes.

Hence – to not become a burden to the others any more than she already was, Mio had aimed to be able to completely control her powers, and had succeeded in attaining that goal. Not only did it include her father Wilber’s power, that strong power which had taken Zolgear’s right hand was also now in her control.

''…But.''

Even if she succeeded, Mio never wanted to use that power. Other than the drawbacks of causing much physical strain on her body and sometimes even causing her to losing consciousness, more importantly, using that power was sort of like taboo in her heart.

--Naruse Mio had witnessed the murder of her adoptive parents without any warning, and had then learned that she was the daughter of the previous Demon Lord.

On that very day, Naruse Mio’s past fifteen years of life was completely overturned.

Despite vowing to take revenge for her adoptive parents and living while learning to fight – behind the emotions known as vengeance, there was a fact that tortured her heart.

And that – was the fact that she was not a human.

The Demon Race. To a normal person, they were an existence that were called Monsters.

But before that day, Mio was completely living her life as a normal person.

It was just like how someone point at you and say: ‘You are not a Human!’, your own existence being nullified just so easily.

Though Basara, Yuki and Kurumi had abilities, they were Heroes, so they were undoubtedly Human; compared to them, Mio, basically, was completely different. But despite the differences, Mio was saw Maria as one of the Demon Race, did she ever see her as a monster and harbour hostility against her? The answer was never.

Despite that, when she was with Basara and the others, thought like she did not belong together with them would occasionally enter her mind, often making feel as if there was a gap between them that would never disappear, causing her much torment.

Of course, Basara and the others saw her and got along with her as a normal human, and Basara was the one who had accepted her right from the beginning. Though she was thrown out once, that was because Mio and Maria were deceiving Basara and Jin – it was completely unrelated to her being the previous Demon Lord’s daughter.

--Does Basara even understand, just how much his acceptance of Mio gave her heart salvation?

Therefore, no matter what, Mio does not wish to become a burden to Basara. It’s just – using her father Wilbert’s power that she inherited, would make her like she was not a human.

Mio is very afraid of experiencing the feeling of being of a different race from Basara. Hence with being unwilling to use her power, she and Yuki had received a sneak attack from an enemy. Naruse Mio wished to stay as a Human, and thus was not willing to use that strong power within her body – at least, until now.

--But, this is fine too.

Even if she were to use Wilbert’s power many many times, Basara will definitely never change. Taking her in even after knowing about her true identity, and saw her and Maria – and even Zest as his precious family, his actions of putting his life on the line for them to this day had proven that point. She only just had to trust in her kind master who was willing to accept her – and be the one who loves him the most.

''…And also,''

Even if using this strong power will increase the distance between her and Basara, she can not allow the enemy before her to act as he pleases.

Hence Naruse Mio said:

“……You asked me, why did I come here?”

''I’ll tell you, then.''

“Right now I am Toujou Basara’s little sister, as well as his subordinate… Seeing my precious family and master wounded, is almost making me go mad.”

''Do you even understand?''

“You had hurt Basara, had hurt my most precious person, and I will now make you pay the price – I’ll kill you a hundred times.”

''That’s right.''

“Daughter of the previous Demon Lord or power… it’s up to you on how you decide to see the situation, it’s something unrelated to me, and I don’t give a damn. I was originally was happy, with deciding to give this power which had snatched all that I had to you guys, but how regrettable… don’t even think about it now. I have already decided, that I will never forgive you, who had hurt the one most precious to me, as well as those dogs behind your back.”

''And thus I advise you.''

“—you better not underestimate Naruse Mio.”

With that, Mio released the power within her body.

And in the next moment – with a boom, the enemy before her was crushed.

===Part 12===

Mio released Wilbert’s gravity magic power, immediately crushing the spirit Nebula was controlling into pieces.

And after that—

“————————”

''Perhaps this is my retribution.'' Mio lost consciousness as if being disconnected suddenly.

However – something caught Mio as she collapsed.

It was Zest’s earth magic. The sand in the shape of a chair caught Mio, and gently lowered her onto the ground.

After that, Zest who landed beside her while holding onto Basara—

“……………”

Silently watched the scene before her eyes. In just a single attack, Mio had completely minced that Spirit which was so powerful. Although she knew that Wilbert was hailed as the strongest Demon Lord in history—

''…This display is too shocking.''

And within Zest’s knowledge, Mio had never once voluntarily used Wilbert’s power; so if she trains from now on, forget about the drawback of fainting after usage, she might be able to use even more power than just now.

If used appropriately, this power would certainly be able to take over the Demon Realm, so it wasn’t hard to understand why the Moderates Faction and the Current Demon Lord Faction urgently wanted this power. Right now – though the burst just now was enough to bring down Nebula, the Current Demon Lord Faction would’ve already detected it, which means that now they would not be able to cover up the fact that Mio is within Wildart City.

Soon, the war between the Current Demon Lord Faction and the Moderates Faction for supremacy in the Demon Realm, will start.

The number of causalities or sacrifices that will have to be made in the future, could very well be many times that of today. Yet—

“…Thank you.”

Zest gave her gratitude to the unconscious Mio. Thanks to her, they had managed to tide over the danger from the enemy this time. To many people, making the war e more intense might very well be the worst thing in the world; but in Zest’s heart, her master Basara being safe was the most important thing, and she will protect him with her life.

Hence, having avoided the worst case scenario, Zest let out a sigh in relief.

But at that moment, there was suddenly a burst of magic power.

“ ! — This is…!”

Not know what was happening, the disconcerted Zest soon realised where the magic power ws coming from.

The answer was – in front of them.

The already-minced Spirit, was rapid expanding with a shocking magic power.

===Part 13===

The Spirit was already destroyed to the point where its self-healing ability could do nothing.

--But Nebula’s body was unharmed.

Before Mio’s gravity attack hit, he had already escaped far away backwards, thus successfully avoiding it.

“Destroying that high-class Spirit in a single attack… indeed, that is a formidable scary power.”

Nebula said while on a building far away.

“So, as per Belphegor-sama’s orders, I will now dispose now.”

That’s right – Nebula’s actions against Mio was not him acting by himself. Right from the beginning, Nebula had received two orders; first is to assassinate Gardo in this attack, second is wipe out Wilbert’s power along with Mio.

—Wilbert is the known as the strongest Demon Lord in history, so no matter whether his power falls into the hands of the Moderates Faction or Leohart, things would become troublesome . That powerful power, would easily bring about problems that aren’t under the Council’s control – thus Belphegor gave Nebula the order to make sure to certainly end Mio’s life.

“The Spirits sleeping in the ruins, were naturally to be ones used to defend a City, so… of course it would possess something for the worst case while defending the city -- a self-destruct function to drag down the enemy together with it.”

So—

“Soul of the Demon Lord from the past age – disappear from the world together with your beloved city.”

Saying that, Nebula then began casting the self-destruct magic, and the body of the Spirit far away let out a blinding light. A protective spherical barrier appeared, enclosing him so that he would not be dragged into the self-destruct explosion – an anti-field. Then, after completing the casting with the special code, Nebula smiled—

“—Goodbye.”

And after giving his final farewell – the body of the high-class Spirit suddenly exploded.

A blinding explosion, that wiped out the whole of Wildart City.

--At least, that was what should’ve happened.

But in the moment the explosion and shockwave began to spread – it instantly disappeared.

“Wha—Impossible…!”

Witnessing the unbelievable scene, Nebula was heavily shocked.

''—did the activation of the code fail? No, it did explode. After the successful detonation – the heat and shockwave created had suddenly disappeared, and there isn’t a trace of the magic power left.

…W-What in the world just happened……?!''

Nebula looked towards the location where the explosion was supposed to take place. Over there, he saw a young male standing in front of Mio and Zest, as if protecting them. He held a large demonic sword in his hands, in a posture where he just swung the sword – the Toujou Basara that should have stopped moving long ago. Immediately after—

『——————』

Basara’s ice-cold eyes caught the figure of Nebula far away, causing to involuntarily gasp and step backwards.

“Interesting… I’ll have a great story to tell Belphegor-sama later.”

But he smiled while raising his right hand, and a gigantic black shadow came over the sky. The opponent seemed to be hiding something, but as he cannot fail Belphegor’s orders, Nebula himself has hidden a trump card up his sleeve.

Together with the booms that filled Wildart City, were the same type of Spirit as the one that exploded just earlier, furthermore, there were three of them; two of them landed behind Nebula, and one just beside Wildart City. To fulfil his orders at once, Nebula has decided to simultaneously attack them and Wildart City. Basara might be able to use a strange ability to cancel out the self-destruct explosions and enter melee combat with the Spirits, and even if the Spirit beside Wildart City has to self-destruct as the last resort, the higher-ups of the Moderates Faction along with Ramsas would be also wiped out.

“It’s truly a shame – with this, this is the end for all of you.”

Just as Nebula was about to order the Spirits to annihilate Wildart City—

Two sounds of impact<ref>Boom!</ref> came from behind him.

“Wha—…?”

Nebula hurriedly turned around, and saw a scene even more unbelievable then just now.

Both of the gigantic Spirits behind him, were flying in the air – in a straight line towards the outside of Wildart City, and then the heavy sound of impact of them hitting the ground came from far away. Just as Nebula was at a loss as the shockwave of the impact reached him as he stood on the tower—

“Geez, can you not throw them into a place with many people? What if you crush someone?”

A shout lacking of any tension came from the ground. Looking downwards, there was someone of the same race as that young youth, someone whose name Nebula knew – that was of course, since it is impossible for him to not know the one called the God of War and strongest Hero feared by the Demon race.

“Jin·Toujou……!!”

Nebula recited the name of that man, filled with hate. His whereabouts were unknown ever since he had fought with Leohart, and not even the Council could track him – although he didn’t know if it was by coincidence or planned out, he had come to this place to help his son out in this crisis.

''…Then…!''

Nebula disregarded Jin’s presence and began casting the magic for the Spirits’ self-destruction; his target was not the two which Jin had sent flying, but the last one that was beside Wildart City.

Since Jin is now here, his chances of disposing of either Basara or Mio is now close to zero, so now he should at least attempt to get rid of the higher-ups in Wildart City like Ramsas. However – as Nebula was almost finished with the magic, a sound suddenly sounded out, and the remaining Spirit was crushed by an invisible power.

“—gravity magic!?”

''Mio is still unconscious, so just who'' – his thought thrown into disarray, Nebula then saw a male with the Moderates Faction’s proud mother-daughter succubus pair – Sheera and Lucia, standing on a rooftop. It would be weird for him to use the same magic as Wilbert, that male was someone like that – the current leader of the Moderates Faction, Wilbert’s older brother.

“Ramsas…!”

Immediately after spitting out his name with resentment, his lips curved into a smile.

''…Idiot.''

Even if the Spirit became minced meat, he could still make it explode by completing his casting. Thus, Nebula continued to input the code—

“………?”

But suddenly, he sensed someone behind him, and thus turned around—

「——————」

Only to see a youth standing there. Hs cold eyes not only stopped Nebula’s mind, it also froze his heart.

It was Toujou Basara.

“Eh——…?”

In the next moment, Nebula let out a funny sound.

His chest – was completely pierced through by Basara’s large demonic sword.

Basara pulled out Brynhildr, and Nebula collapsed on the tower.

Large amounts of fresh blood poured from his chest, and his breathing became ragged, but despite that—

“I… don’t want, to die…”

Nebula desperately squeezed out his voice, begging Basara for mercy.

“If you spit out who was the one that ordered this attack and his aims, I can ask the Moderates Faction to let you live… The Current Demon Lord Leohart should be after Mio’s power, but yet you attacked that demon called Gardo, and even tried to kill Mio—“

''Speak.''

“—who was the one that gave the order for this attack. Is it those guys from the Council or what?”

“ ! …T-That…”

“If you really don’t want to die, you better spit it out. From the amount of blood you’re losing, you only have very little time left – everything of you will be reduced to zero soon.”

Basara’s words caused Nebula to be silent for a while, and then—

“………Uu.”

Just as he was about to say something – a red marking appeared on his neck. That pattern that was very much like a circle, was one that Toujou basara was very much familiar with.

“That is…”

The curse of the Master-Servant Contract. Nebula planned to beg Basara for mercy by leaking information about his master, causing strong feelings of betrayal which activated the curse. According to what Takigawa said, the Master-ervant Contract had the effect of not allowing the leakage of secrets when a subordinate is captured by the enemy, and the subordinate will die when the curse activates at its strongest effect.

Basara’s circumstances were special – his Contract with Mio and Yuki were done with using Maria’s magic, and Zest’s were done with using Sheera’s magic, so the effect of the curse were all aphrodisiac effects.

So, what was the effect of the Master-Servant Contract of Nebula – the answer was very soon shown before Basara’s eyes.

“Uh——…?”

After letting out a short groan, Nebula’s body exploded from the inside with a muffled ‘Pop’.

Basara had hurriedly retreated, afraid that he was doing an explosion by self-destructing. Fragments that used to be Nebula landed by Basara’s feet, dying the rooftop into a pool of red. After that—

“Basara-sama, are you fine?!” “Aah, I’m fine.”

Nodding slightly to answer Zest hurriedly flying towards him—

“……………”

Toujou Basara, forthrightly, gazed upon the tragic ending that may come to someone that have done a Master-Servant Contract. In the worst case scenario – Mio, Yuki, and Zest might probably lose their lives in a similar fashion. The new realisations weighed heavily on Basara’s heart – the Master-Servant Contract he had done with them used their lives as a wager. It was not something to be joked about. Just then—

“Basara-sama…”

Zest softly leaned onto Basara’s back, and spoke no more.

Snuggling against Basara’s back just like that. That, is Zest’s answer to her master Basara. Thus, Basara turned around and tightly gripped Zest’s waist, and said:

“Let’s go… We need to quickly return back to the city and help treat the wounded.”

After that, the two of them left the rooftop.

Behind them, were the remains of Nebula and Wildart City devastated with debris everywhere -- the peaceful days that was there until yesterday is now gone.

In that place, only the scars known as the cruel reality of War remained.

<noinclude>
=== Translator Notes and References ===

<references />

{{SimpleNav}}
</noinclude>

Shinmai Maou no Keiyakusha:Volume 5 Chapter 4

2016-05-30T00:27:39Z

Dragon213:

==In the Wind Blowing Through the Battlefield==
===Part 1===

Here, is a place is filled with tranquillity.

Built on the hill behind Wildart City – this wide area that was directly cut from the hill, is the Demon Lord Wilbert’s Temple.

--Currently, Nonaka Yuki is visiting the resting place of this great Demon Lord’s soul.

Of course, she wasn’t alone – Yuki was accompanying for this journey.

The one beside her was also accompanying to this place, Kurumi.

And before Yuki’s eyes was yet another person. Before the large tombstone of Wilbert, was a young girl firmly raising her head – Mio.

<nowiki>「——————」</nowiki>

From when they arrived here, it already has been thirty minutes, yet Mio remained standing there silently all this time. However—

''—No matter how long she wants to stay, let her.''

This was Mio’s first time coming to her biological father’s grave to pay her tributes. Since Yuki completely understood Mio’s history and current situation, she knew clearly that Mio now must have many different complex emotions within her.

That’s why – even though she couldn’t get a reply, there must be a lot she wants to say to Wilbert. Kurumi by her side also understood that, and also waited with no complaints with Yuki. Not long after—

“……Thank you, I’m fine now.”

After Mio said that, she returned back to Yuki and Kurumi’s sides with her back facing Wilbert’s tombstone.

“…Are you feeling better?”

Yuki’s question made Mio give a slight bitter smile.

“I don’t know~. I have never ever seen him, and this is only his grave. Even if you tell me that the one in there is my biological father, I won’t feel anything… I’m fickle, right?”

“No, I feel that that’s normal.”

With her two hands behind her head, Kurumi said while looking at Wilbert’s tombstone:

“I guess it won’t be normal for a person to be crying a lot when seeing the tombstone of a father that person has never seen before, it’ll be as if it was purely acting.”

“……Umn, you’re right.”

''Thank you'' – saying that, Mio’s bitter smile became deeper. She might be wanting to seem as if nothing happened – but her expression showed her loneliness.

“………” “ ? What’s wrong, Yuki?”

Yuki’s gaze caused Mio to ask, and her expression returned to one that Yuki and Kurumi were familiar with. Hence, Yuki replied: [Nothing].

''…I guess it's fine even if she’s trying to be brave.''

To that aspect of Mio, Yuki frankly felt admiration. Ever since they were born, Yuki and the others had received a Hero’s education as if it was natural and they were clear about their mission; but where Mio had started from was completely different – she had lived a normal person’s life, and treated herself as a normal young girl.

But one day, both her parents were killed – and thus learned that she was not a human but the Demon Lord’s daughter. But yet this young girl called Naruse Mio, basically didn't point fingers of blame or held any hate towards anyone; no matter how frustrated, pained, or lost she became – she continued going forward; even if she had come to the Demon Realm to face her origins, that point still didn’t change.

“Right… Since we have already come here, are you clearer on what you plan to do?”

“…No. I thought a lot about it, but nothing came out of it yet.”

Mio shook her head while saying that.

--The moment Mio resolved herself on her decision, a chain of irreversible events would definitely occur.

Hence – even after coming to the Demon Realm for three days, she still hadn’t decided. As it would affect not only just Mio, implicating Basara and the others, it also involved the future of the Demon Realm as a whole, so being hesitant about it was naturally unavoidable. Also—

''…The reason Mio is hesitant, is because of that man…''

In Nonaka Yuki’s mind, the current leader of the Moderates Faction Ramsas surfaced. Nobody knows just what he was planning; Klaus appeared every day to speak with Mio, and Ramsas persistently rejected meeting with Mio these three days.

Without being able to meet with both sides, a suitable decision of course can’t be made. In truth – before Mio had come to the Demon Realm, she had already made it clear to Yuki and the others that she had no intention at all of becoming the new Demon Lord. So going by the current situation, the only options would be complying with Ramsas’s request, to have the power handed over to the Moderates Faction, or to return to the Human Realm as they are now. And since Ramsas rejected meeting with Mio, the choice they should make was obvious.

''…But still,''

The reason Mio was so hesitant, was that she was worried that she might fall into some dangerous circumstances if she were to reject the Moderates Faction’s request. The reason she was still able to live despite the threat of the Current Demon Lord faction is all Maria’s credit – in other words a gift from the Moderates Faction. Despite having defeated Zolgear after so much trouble, the Current Demon Lord Faction is still very well and healthy, so receiving an attacking anytime would be normal.

Under these conditions, she would be helpless if she were to reject the Moderates Faction’s request. As the Heroes see Mio as a Demon, they would see the Current Demon Lord attacking her as an internal strife, thus only remaining on the sidelines.

''…Then again,''

If they were to become the enemies of the Moderates Faction, Maria would be faced with a dilemma. Even if Maria had said that she was prepared to leave the Moderates Faction if necessary and move together with Mio; still, after seeing Maria’s tears after learning of Sheera’s safety and being free from Zolgear’s coercion, she won’t be able to agree to Maria leaving behind her family’s feelings. Having once lost her family – Mio who was unable to escape her pain prior to meeting Basara, definitely does not hope for Maria to go through the same pain.Besides—

''…Ever since before we came to the Demon Realm, Basara has always been very worried about Zest.''

And now, there is no need to be so worried for her already. Because on the night they had come to the Demon Realm, Zest had made the Master-Servant Contract with Basara under Sheera’s proposal, so right now her position is similar to Mio and Yuki. If they were to speak of complaints to Basara making the Master-Servant Contract with the former enemy Zest, of course there would be some—

''…However,''

Before everyone came to the Demon Realm, Basara had said that if there was a need, they might return together with Zest; so after finding out about their Master-Servant Contract, the waves of complaints Yuki and the others had were small – except for the unsatisfied Kurumi.

''…But,''

Basara had accepted Mio who had lied to him, and had forgiven Maria who had once assisted Zolgear. Someone like that choosing to accept Zest, could be said was something to be expected. Mio and Maria’s positions were quite similar to Zest, so they were in no position to say anything.

As for Yuki – it was because Basara was someone who was so kind and wished to protect her who was important to him, that she became attracted to him. Right now, Zest were probably also enchanted by Basara, and thinking about the needs for the future, being able to have someone like Zest who could fight so well put her mind at ease.

Since – she had learned of it afterwards, the reason Basara had made the Master-Servant Contract with Zest was that Basara and Ramsas had almost entered into an explosive situation with each other, which also caused his absence back then. With opposition from the leader of the Moderates Faction which limited Basara’s actions with forbidding entry to this Wilbert’s temple, he had to stay behind in the city together with Zest and Maria.

Speaking of which, no matter what their reason for going against each other was, Yuki and Kurumi who were Heroes had managed to get permission to enter this temple while Basara who was once a Hero was denied permission, so they really can’t understand on what basis they were making their decisions from. No matter what – even they themselves don’t have complete freedom with their actions, with Lucia and Klaus each sending a maidservant who were waiting outside monitoring them. But even then—

“That person called Ramsas… just what is he even thinking?”

Returning on the dark outdoor passage, Kurumi said while walking in front of Yuki and Mio.

“If that old man called Klaus still wants to buy time now, it wouldn’t be difficult to understand…”

“……Unn.” “……..”

Mio nodded at Kurumi’s words, while Yuki expressed her agreement while remaining silent. It was because of Klaus’s side who was pushing for Mio to become the new Demon Lord, who was causing Mo to want to stay longer in the Demon Realm, deepening her feelings towards the Moderates Faction – as well as to Wilbert and Wildart’s civilians, and obtain victory from that; Ramsas who wanted to extract Wilbert’s power from Mio, probably wants to make a quick decisive end to the war.

''…Just what is that man…?''

From the viewpoint of the surrounding people, this disadvantageous situation to Ramsas, was all completely his own fault. So, could it be that he has got some ulterior motives that had not been seen by anyone else yet?

<nowiki>「————————」</nowiki>

As Yuki began to harbour some unexplainable uneasiness, while they were still within a passageway,

The surface of the temple, began shaking together with the atmosphere.

“—Earthquake?”

“Run! –To the outside!”

The three of them began running.

--This temple was completely carved out, just like its passageways.

While the inside of the temple had a barrier to prevent the use of magic to prevent damage by vandals and the surrounding areas had something similar set up to prevent damage due to disasters, the tunnels and passageways might have a different story to tell. If they were to be blocked from the exit by the rubble if the ceiling collapses, they won’t be able to escape in this place where they were unable to use magic – hence, the three of them ran through the passages without even taking time to draw a breath,

Even if the trembles were to stop, they had no way to know if it would get stronger or weaker if it started again. So in order to try to preserve their lives in this kind of situation where anything could happen anytime, they had to leave this temple as soon as possible.

“—I see the exit!”

With Kurumi’s shout, rays of light from the outside came into their view – and immediately after, the three of them left the passageways. Firstly, they had to confirm the current situation.

“—you two, are you fine!?”

Mio asked aloud. The question was not directed to Yuki and Kurumi, but the maidservants who had followed them. While the two of them who were waiting for them to return were fine—

『……………………』

They gave no reactions at all to Mio’s concern.

They only stood there, not moving at all while looking towards the inside of Wildart City from the top of the Hill. And in the next moment, they then saw what the maidservants were seeing after following their line of sight.

“That is-- ……”

The city wall was broken through, and enemies were storming into the city.

However, those maids wouldn’t be stupidly standing there if it was just simply an attack from the enemy. They would’ve at least entered the temple to inform them of the emergency situation and helped Mio to get to safety.

Then – just what could have caused them to forget even that? The answer, was in the scene Yuki and the other were currently seeing. Even though the distance between the hill and the urban areas of the city was as big as Wildart City itself, they could clearly see the figures of the [Enemy] invaders.

“…Just what is that—“

Beside Kurumi, Yuki muttered, at a loss. Something which was incredibly unbelievable, was currently happening before her eyes.

The figures of three giant colossus, invaded into Wildart.

===Part 2===

There was a person, who was currently watching the chaotic situation in Wildart.

Standing on one of the shoulders of the giant spirit<ref>kanji is 英霊 (eirei)</ref>, looking down at the people screaming and running away in a panic, was Gardo who had voluntarily headed the attack on Wildart City.

''…I’m impressed.''

Gardo silently praised Luca who had managed to complete the tuning on the spirits in such a short time. That young child had taken care of it all from restoring them to even setting Gardo as their master, to the point where they were ready for battle. Although there were even stronger spirits excavated in those remains, it was easier to lose control the more power they had, and since there was not enough time to forge new Master-Servant Contracts for this battle, this was currently enough.

“—Damned Monster!”

In order to buy time for the civilians to escape, a group of people who looked like the guards for the city attempted a barrage of attacks. Many magic circles opened up on the ground – and countless lights flew towards Gardo and the spirits, but—

“……--Smash them.” <nowiki>【【【——————】】】</nowiki>

Reacting towards the order Gardo sent out, the spirits immediately reacted. They raised their right fists, and sent it flying towards the soldiers on the ground while the attacks bounced off them – in the next moment, a deafening shock resounded out. The ground was sputtered like a giant blast had happened, and a small sandstorm appeared. Immediately after – the spirits pulled back their fists and after the dust settled, what was revealed were the craters from the impact as well as the unidentifiable remains of soldiers from before. The civilians who had witnessed that—

“ ! ! ! –Uuaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhh!!!!!!”

They severely panicked, and began desperately to try to escape.

When Gardo saw this—

“Wow… They really are amazing~”

A completely relaxed voice came from a nearby building where its roof has collapsed. When Gardo turned to look, a young high-class demon was there. That demon, was sent to supervise them, by the Council who had ordered Leohart to utilize the spirits to invade Wildart.

“That spirits' degree of perfection seems really high. And so it would seem, that there won't be a need for me to make a move at all, then.”

“Of course… Right from the start, I had never considered about borrowing your strength.”

“That’s really impolite of you. Speaking of which, Gardo-dono – I had sent through a Ultimatum<ref>a final demand or statement of terms, the rejection of which will result in retaliation or a breakdown of relations</ref> not long ago telling them to hand over Wilbert’s daughter, and the nearby forces should probably be receiving news soon and would only be dispatching troops with caution – but however, why did you just simply let those civilians go just now?”

“…What do you mean, Nebula?”

The supervisor whose name was called out, then faced Gardo who asked him with a shallow smile and said:

“The ultimatum was sent using broadcast magic, so the civilians of the city would now know about her being here. The number of people who disliked Ramsas’s methods isn’t small, and if everyone were to find out that he concealed the big news of the sole daughter of the great previous Demon Lord – right now, the city is being attacked because of that girl. Thus, the people's’ discontent towards him, would definitely begin to turn into anger.”

''That’s why'' – Nebula continued:

“Right now we should be working harder – and murder these civilians. If that happens, the Moderates Faction would automatically crumble apart from within. This is such a great opportunity, so how can you just let it pass so simply?”

“…………Listen closely, Nebula.”

“Yes, what are your orders, Gardo-dono?”

Nebula replied impertinently with a smile towards Gardo who shouted at him with a low voice.

“The orders the Council had given you, should be to supervise the status of the battle with the spirits, so stop spouting nonsense. If you dare to do unneeded things – beware of yourself turning into meat scraps.”

“……….……..I understand. You are the most outstanding one amongst the candidates chosen to take after Wilbert, so I am not stupid enough to take you on as my enemy. Unless the situation becomes grave, I will basically stick to my orders to supervise and remain watching by the side-lines and learn from watching you.”

“………”

Gardo showed no reaction to Nebula giggling while shrugging his shoulders, and only said:

“Before they hand over Wilbert’s daughter to us, we will be splitting to take three routes. Ignore those civilians, Leohart doesn’t like needless killing. However – if anyone dares to get in our way, annihilate them.”

<nowiki>【【【——————】】】</nowiki>

Receiving Gardo’s orders, light appeared in the spirits’ eyes.

Facing forward while standing on a spirits' shoulder, Gardo said:

“Destroy your target, Wildart City – begin attack!”

===Part 3===

On the hill, Naruse Mio saw those giants begin moving together.

Despite splitting to take three routes, it was clearly obvious their target was Wildart City.

“Shit – this is bad!”

As Mio and the others realised the enemy’s plan and wanted to return to the city as soon as possible—

“—Mio-sama! You’re alright!”

Someone ran up the mountain out of breath – the maidservant Noel.

Stopping before Mio and after taking a deep breath in relief:

“…This is great. Does anyone of you have any injuries?”

“We’re fine. Noel, what is going on right now?”

Noel answered seriously towards Mio who was still somewhat unclear:

“The Current Demon Lord Faction came. While we don’t know where they got the information from… they said something like that you had inherited his majesty Wilbert’s power and as it might trigger a new wave of fighting, they want to use this attack to prevent any possible future conflicts from happening.”

''In other words—''

“If we want them to stop – we will have to hand you over to them.”

“What, that's completely outrageous… so that means that the Moderates Faction having power is dangerous, yet them having power is not?”

Kurumi said indignantly.

“Since from a long time ago, they have been searching for Mio-sama, wishing to gain his majesty’s power. In order to increase their control over the Demon Realm, they might do things that seem completely outrageous – that was what Lucia-sama had said.”

Hearing Noel’s explanation—

“—we understand the situation, but just what are those giants?”

Yuki asked with a heavy expression. Although they can speculate on their enemy’s intentions, but speculations will remain as speculations, the answer will only be known by the enemy; so what they should be doing right now, was to deal with the danger before them.

“Although we have been unable to confirm that – Klaus-sama had said that they probably are the spirits from the ancient times.”

“In other words, also enemies… Alright, watch me kill them a hundred times and grill them black.”

Mio then asked again with a [ah]:

“What about Basara and the rest, are they in the city?”

“Because of the emergency situation, we had asked them to go into the city to help – Basara-dono and Zest together as a group, and with Maria and Sheera-sama together as another group, they went to confront the enemy.”

Since this was a period of time where the Current Demon Lord Faction and the Moderates Faction were at war, they could attack each other at any time. Hence, Mio and the others had already decided what action to take when something happened – if the civilians were to be involved in the battle, all of them are to help. Thus—

“Basara-dono had asked me to pass this message – Yuki-dono and Kurumi-dono, please obstruct the giants coming from the West side.”

“I got it – Kurumi”

“---No problems here.”

With that, the two of them moved without hesitation. When Yuki had started to ask Kurumi, Kurumi had already finished summoning flying magic – the two of them instantly flew through the air.

“W-Wait a moment – bring me along with you!”

However, Mio who had shouted towards the vanishing figures was blocked by Noel’s arms.

“You can’t. Mio-sama, you have to remain here, until the battle ends!”

“Let me go! …Why are you stopping me, is that Klaus-san’s order?!”

Being glared at by Mio, Noel met het glare while looking directing into her eyes and said:

“That’s right – however, Lucia-sama and Basara-dono also agreed with Klaus-sama.”

“No way… Why?”

Mio asked, dumbfounded.

“If Mio-sama were to appear now, you would be doing exactly what the enemy want you to do. The most effective way to make the Current Demon Lord Faction to take responsibility for this assault, is to let their reason for attacking become untenable<ref>(especially of a position or view) not be able to be maintained or defended against attack or objection</ref>!”

“But… for that, isn’t the Current Demon Lord Faction originally in the wrong for attacking?”

“I understand what you are trying to say, feelings cannot be applied to things like this – that is the nature of politics, Mio-sama. Not letting the enemy bring out their trump card while dealing another blow to them, this is politics.”

“But… if I were to just remain hiding here, I—“

“I understand how you feel! However, as Mio-sama was in Wilbert’s temple, she did not hear the enemy’s broadcast using magic telling of their reason for attacking and their demand for to hand you over to them, causing people to panic and grab the soldiers helping to guide them into the castle to seek refuge to ask just what was going on.”

''Thus—''

“If you were to show yourself now, the civilians’ anger might very well gather onto you alone; even if we manage to successfully repel this attack, Ramsas-sama and Klaus-sama might lose the people’s trust it might even lead to a rebellion. If you are unable to restrain yourself here, we will stop you at full force!”

“I—“

Hearing Noel’s pained indictment, Mio couldn’t help but stand there at a loss – and at this moment, the ground-shaking effects of an attack reached them.

“---!”

An attack then landed on the ground in the city at that moment, causing Noel to suddenly collapse and huddle up on the ground, and after that—

“Oh my god…”

Mio could only whisper that out having just seen ''that''. The spirit walking through the Central Avenue made large craters with every step it made, trampling over the soldiers attempting to obstruct it. And as for the soldiers flying in the sky, only less than half the original number still remained. Soldiers with their bodies burst open, as well as soldiers flying like fireworks<ref>literally on fire</ref> were flying through the air everywhere in Wildart city – and after a spirit attacked with a kicked, everything in path were flattened.

===Part 4===

In the path of the kick, a group were huddled up together.

They were the soldiers for the City. They had tried attacking from its sides, as well as trying to draw near it by approaching on a path parallel to it, but they were in the end caught up in the crossfire by another attack team. And right now—

“…Guu….aaA, uuh…. Damn-- ……!”

Amongst the remains of the houses hit by the attack, someone was still breathing. That someone was Glen who was taught a lesson by Basara in that narrow alley behind the café.

Despite blood flowing out from various parts of his body like his head and his abdomen, Glen stood up and surveyed his surroundings.

In this neighbourhood, every single building have already become uninhabitable.

The other soldiers in the same team as him – other than Glen himself, no one managed to retain their lives.

“…One after another, just what the hell…”

The time where Glen had come to Wildart City, was after Wilbert’s death – when the Moderates Faction was doing a large-scale recruitment. He had originally chosen to take refuge in the Current Demon Lord Faction whose power had begun to grow back then, but what had caused him to change his mind was that even if he managed to gain no prominent achievements in the Great War, he would definitely be able to gain a job in the government sector as part of the package to appease the public when they lose their troops after Wilbert’s death.

And sure enough, Glen was enlisted to be one of the city’s guards. However, as Glen had only chosen the Moderates Faction in order to get a free job, he held no feelings and relegations to his current job and to this city – at the very least, he used to think that way. However, with how dull life became with the days crawling by, he would begin to habitually visit certain shops to eat and drink, and enjoy his days with the like-minded. In the last resort Glen had taken by choosing the Moderates Faction, he had knowingly managed to gain some things of his.

And right now – as of now, everything before Glen’s eyes had disappeared. And the culprit, is the Current Demon Lord’s giant spirit.

“ ! <nowiki>-----</nowiki>”

Tightly gritting his teeth, Glen deployed the flying magic built into the back of his armour, locked both his eyes and began heading straight for the spirit who did the damage. On its shoulder, there appears to be the high-class demon manipulator. After destroying so many buildings and killing so many soldiers, they still continued onwards as if not bothered by it at all. Hence—

“ ! …JUST WHAT THE HELL DO YOU EVEN THINK YOU ARE DOING!!!”

Glen screamed with his all, discharged attack magics towards the spirit. He shot electrical balls from his right hand, and while it travelled in a straight line while discharging some of its energy to its surroundings, it burst explosively on the forehead of the spirit.

“Haa….aahhh… Now you know just how powerful I am right…..---?”

That attack just now was one that he had put his all in. Originally it was just to vent some of his hate and anger, but yet as if to mock him, the spirit continued onwards as if that attack just now was nothing more than a gust of wind. When Glen froze up from losing his train of thought from that, the spirit sent its right fist flying backwards without even looking back, blowing away the roofs of the nearby still-standing buildings.

“<nowiki>------Ah.</nowiki>”

By the time he had noticed the move, a large piece of debris was already right before his eyes.

Without even a moment to blink, just as the debris was about to smash in Glen awaiting his death – a magic circle suddenly opened up before him as if to protect him, and the debris broke up into dust upon hitting the magic circle and fell onto the ground. With the sudden change in situation, Glen couldn’t process what had just happened—

“That isn’t someone you can fight against – hurry up and fall back, leave this place to us.”

A calm voice came from in front of him. When Glen looked up to take a look—

“…! Aren’t you…?”

It was a woman that he was familiar with. There’s no mistaking it, even if she isn’t wearing a maid’s uniform now, she is undoubtedly the one Glen remembered – Zest. However, her sight wasn’t on him right now, but instead on something else. That something else, was a youth running towards the spirit with a large demonic sword in his hand.

“That person—“

Glen had seen that youth before, and he would definitely never forget the look of that person who had bitterly humiliated him before.

But – within his anger, what Glen felt was surprise.

He had jumped away at the moment the attack landed. Jumping around amidst the flying debris of the buildings – the youth who landed on the arm of the spirit quickly ran up to its shoulder towards the high-class demon, and swung his sword at him.

“…………”

In response, the high-class demon raised his right hand and a wall appeared to defend against the attack, yet—

“OOOooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!”

With an energetic roar, the youth brought down his sword with great speed and cut the wall into two, and continued approaching the high-class demon.

<nowiki>「——————」</nowiki>

With his defense cut down, the high-class demon was forced to retreat, and jumped backwards off the spirits’ shoulder. The youth also jumped off the shoulder going after him in mid-air.

“Isn’t that…”

The youth wasn’t using flying magic at all. The flying debris from the destroyed buildings, had become a solid trail used by him to move.<ref>like a improvised road</ref>

The cause of that was a magic from Zest who was in front of Glen.

“I will say it once more – hurry up and fall back.”

Zest left behind these words without even turning back to look at him, and flew towards the spirit – high-class demon vs the youth, and Zest vs spirit, with that, the battles began.

In a place Glen can never reach.

Gardo saw that youth, walk on a footpath created from the debris.

''…Is that Zest’s handiwork?''

Underneath him, a female demon began fighting with the spirit whose shoulder he was riding on until just now. Gardo had known that under the Council’s Zolgear, there was a trusted aide known as Zest. Although he had known she specializes at earth magic, he had never witnessed her battle. Being able to avoid its attacks while fighting the spirit while supporting each other, indeed only these two were left. Reportedly, Gardo had heard that she had sought refuge in the Moderates Faction after her master Zolgear died – but seeing her battle now, it appears that the death of her master doesn’t seems to be affecting her. After Gardo ordered the spirit to eliminate Zest—

<nowiki>【——————】</nowiki>

The spirits recognised Zest as its enemy, and thus began the real battle against her.

''…And next,''

Gardo returned his attention back to the human youth sprinting towards him. Before he reduced the distanced between them too much, Gardo expanded numerous magic circles around him – and in the next moment, countless fireballs were shot towards the youth.

<nowiki>「！————」</nowiki>

The youth immediately reacted, gripping his sword in reverse, he swept out the footpath Zest had created. The fireballs then hit the debris indiscriminately, turning it into dust, and since the debris became an interference against the attack—

''ZzzBoomboomboomboomboomboomboomboom!''

Gardo’s fireballs exploded upon hitting the debris – and thus causing a chain explosion. Immediately after that—

“…---Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaahh!!”

The youth broke through the screen of explosions and continued towards him. Facing his cleave while he was twisting his body, Gardo engaged it while sending demonic power into his right shoulder.

In the next moment, just as the youth’s demonic sword made contact with Gardo’s shoulder—

''*Kake*<nowiki>————————————————！</nowiki>''

With that sharp shock resounding from mid-air in Wildart City, the two of them confronted each other in mid-air.

“…Toujou Basara, right?”

Gardo’s words caused Basara’s expression to slightly tighten up.

“The report had said, Wilbert’s daughter was being protected by Jin·Toujou’s son.”

“………”

The youth gave no reply, but it was obviously acquiescence. <ref>the reluctant acceptance of something without protest</ref>

From just now, he knew Basara is a speed type. Able to quickly ascertain the situation and then use the most streamlined method to evade or defend, and then retaliate with no lag at all—

''…I see, his skill isn’t bad at all.''

In Lars’s report, he had managed to fight with Zolgear for quite some time – but seeing his reaction speed, he would be able to put up a good fight against Zolgear even if they weren’t evenly matched. Since not much time had passed since his fight with Zolgear, it just shows just how much he had grown in this short period. However—

“…You’re too careless.”

Gardo said while looking at Basara in his eyes:

“Even if you are planning to hide Wilbert’s daughter, by standing out here so stupidly, you’re directly telling me that she’s right here in this city.”

“Is that so? Does me appearing here, really mean that Mio is definitely here in this place? Your words have no concrete proof, and they’re nothing more than speculation. I had heard that your reason for attacking was because that Mio was hiding here—“

The youth finally opened his mouth, and said with a shallow smile:

“—But could it be that just because Jin·Toujou’s son is here, you guys had taken it as that Wilbert’s daughter is also here, and thus attacked? If such a ridiculous reason was let known, you’ll be the laughing stock of the big guns of the other forces.”
Hearing Basara’s words, Gardo frankly replied:

“After I deal with you and your companions, and after I find her, you can have as much legitimacy of the reason of this attack as you want.”

“Similarly – if you and those spirits are defeated, forget Mio, when even your presence is questionable, your reason for attacking will also crumble.”

“--Do you really think you are able to do that?”

“That’ll be difficult to say…”

Basara’s expression suddenly became serious.

“If I have no other choice other than to defeat you here, I will do it – that is the reason I am here right now.”

Basara said while gazing firmly at Gardo, his voice completely void of complacency in being able to defeat Gardo and filled with the determination to win no matter what. Hence—

“—alright, I will fight against you for a while, Toujou Basara.”

Gardo said:

“However – if you really want to defeat me, shouldn’t you call your other companions over? Although Zest is present to fight the spirit, there are still two more of them, you know? If you were slow, Wildart City might be flattened just like that you know?”

Basara replied with a short laugh:

“Thank you for your advice – but something like that is obvious.”

At that time, Gardo heard a sound from somewhere far away.

Turning to look, the spirit entering the city from the east had received an attack to the side of its head and thus lost balance.

He saw someone else in battle with an spirit apart from Basara and Zest.

The shadows of two persons moved around the spirit quickly – and after seeing the owners of the shadows, Gardo’s eyes narrowed.

“That – that pair of succubus sisters?”

===Part 5===

In the path of the spirit at the east side, are Lucia and Maria.

“Although girls do like tall men, taking it a tad too far would instead have the opposite results, you know – you marionette♪”

To the grinning little sister who delivered a strong punch to the spirit’s cheek and caused it to sway—

“Refrain from idle chatting in battle, Maria—“

Lucia who had also donned her battle wear said. She was standing on top of a streetlight, and the giant spirit was right in front of her.

“Also, you shouldn’t be hitting its cheek, but instead here.”

What Lucia then sent out, was the whip in her right hand. In that moment with the light and boom, the attack originating from below the spirit swept across its lower jaw. Receiving another attack on the opposite side of its face compared to Maria’s attack, the spirit struggled to maintain its balance.

“It is easy to rock the opponent’s head in this place. But to someone like you who is a melee fighter, how could you not know such basic knowledge…”

Lucia said while sighing:

“Furthermore, this is a defensive battle. Even if our primary objective is to defeat the enemy, you have to think through your actions to try to reduce the damage to the surroundings. Even if other people can’t do it, how can we not even try to protect our own home?”

After realizing Lucia’s intentions are to stop the spirits from destroying the city—

“Ah! I’m sorry, Lucia-oneesama. Then I’ll just—“

Maria hurriedly apologised, and ran towards the spirit on the wall. However—

【………………】

The spirit saw through her plan, swung out its left arm to hit Maria.

''「Hoom!」''The air resounded as the giant arm picked up speed aiming at Maria.

''…Damn!''

Lucia subconsciously wanted to lash out her whip to assist Maria, as there was no footing at all in mid-air for her – and thus her familiar little sister can’t avoid that attack. But—

“—Oh!”

Maria leisurely twisted her body around, using inertia to hit her tail on the arm – and using it as a pivot, she pushed herself under the arm, and only air passing by hit her, leaving her safe and sound.

<nowiki>「——————」</nowiki>

As Lucia was shocked at Maria quick reaction, having been forced under the arm away from her original target of its lower jaw, Maria still haven’t given up on her target and then grabbed onto the spirit’s left collarbone and forcefully did a vertical flip upwards, jumping up and—

“Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhh!”

Following up with a roar, she used her all to kick at its lower jaw from directly below, and then fell downwards—

“How was that, Onee-sama, was it good!?”

Turning backwards to look, Lucia saw an expression she was very familiar with on Maria’s face. No matter what, seeing her little sister all grown up after separating from her for a little while—

''…She had gotten, a lot stronger.''

It was probably the many battles she had been through together with Basara and Mio. Even though she had realised that fact from the reports she received, actually witnessing Maria’s growth made her feel proud – as well as some melancholy. However—

“All that did was to change the direction it will fall, so it will still just destroy the buildings in the city!”

Lucia sighed at Maria searching for a reaction from her: [What a silly child]. After that she jumped from the lamp post and landed on the roof of a building, and then lashed out her whip once again. With another boom, the spirit who received another attack at the back of its head once again stood upright.

“Listen closely, Maria – against a gigantic enemy like this one, you have to knock it down while trying not to knock him over.”

“Uhh, wouldn’t that mean that we have to try to defeat it without defeating it, one-sama… <ref> The joke is that you have to do something to it while not doing that same something to it, with the something being a word/phrase with multiple sublimed meanings</ref> Is that really possible?”

“No, it isn’t. In the past when I was studying the books the humans read, there were many suitable methods for taking down an enemy like this described.”

''If I remember it right—''

“It something like after attacking its face on the right, attack its face on the left at the same time. In other words – if we attack it on both sides at the same time, there most likely shouldn’t be any problems. If there’s a right, there has to be a left; if there’s an up, there has to be a down; similarly, after attacking it from both sides, we just have to attack it on both side again.”

“I-I see. But I don’t think that it means what you think it means… <ref>a common trope not only in anime? Don’t really want to search it up right now, so do it yourself</ref> Speaking of which, coming up with a battle strategy like that just from that… as expected of onee-sama.”

“That’s of course. When I first read that line, I had first thought it meant that to get rid of a problem, you have to deal with it at its root. I had never expected for the Human’s literature to describe such an effective method for dealing with gigantic enemies.”

Lucia’s recollected, and then returned her sights towards the spirit—

“Although splitting up to attack would be fine, but since it is us two – match up with me well, Maria.”

“—Yes!”

Nodding, Maria gathered up her spirit and then began the attack on the spirit for real. Lucia’s whips, with Maria’s fists and kicks; the succubus sisters’ matched attacks explosively enveloped the spirit’s body. Within the heavy sounds of impact from Maria and sharp crackling sounds from Lucia’s whip, the contrasting sounds seemed to be part of a play, interacting with each other lively – progressively turning into a symphony – Lucia’s whip crackling being the riffs and Maria’s punches and kicks being the melody.

<nowiki>【————————】</nowiki>

Maria and Lucia’s combo gave no time at all for the spirit to defend itself, much less avoiding or returning attacks. But, seemingly as if having just too much fun, Maria who lept from the spirit’s shoulder to deliver a kick—

“Ahahahaha! – Another one!”

With the point of impact on its right cheek, an especially deep reverb resounded out. After eating such a great attack, the giant body of the spirit began falling over towards the left at a speed Lucia was unable to cancel it out with her whip. Hence—

“Mnn… This is bad.”

Lucia immediately moved without turning an eye at Maria’s performance, and shifted the target of her whip from the spirit to Maria. It’s not to attack, but after wrapping the whip tightly around Maria’s ankle after she had just sent out the spinning kick, in the next moment—

“Eh….HYYyyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa<nowiki>------!!</nowiki>”

Maria released a shrill scream. Lucia had then forcefully swung her right arm, swinging the whip which had wrapped around Maria’s ankle, making the one who had momentarily forgot about her responsibilities take responsibility by slamming her into the spirit’s left cheek.

With a sound effect where [Pam!] would be exaggerating, the spirit which had begun to fall regained its balance. Maria’s body, was currently stuck on the spirit’s cheek in a 「大」 shape.

“Uuuu…Lucia-oneesama, how could you do this to me…”

“You’re the one who went wild while co-operating with me, and I only returned the favour to you.”

It was just as Lucia was coldly staring while answering the complaining Maria, a new development occurred across the city.

<nowiki>【——————】</nowiki>

The spirit invading Wildart City from the west, went down on its knees after receiving an attack. And after that – a shadow descended at high speed towards the spirit.

“…They’ve made it.”

Lucia said while continuing to lash out her whip at the spirit right before her eyes.

There’s no mistaking it – they are, that pair of sisters who have just rushed to the battlefield.

Nonaka Yuki, and Nonaka Kurumi, the pair of Hero sisters.

===Part 6===

The shockwave Nonaka Yuki had sent out from [Sakuya], had successfully stopped the giant spirit from continuing its advance.

But that was all that had done. The spirit would quickly stand up again and look towards them who were approaching from the air. This fact—

''…Fuji’s protection really does not extend to here.''

Caused Yuki to have a bitter expression. The spirit sword [Sakuya] was born from the rich energy at the mountain peak in the sacred forest, thus in the Human world, the closer it was to Mt. Fuji, it would be able to release more power closer to its original power – However, the attack Yuki had just sent out was far from standards.

Coming to this place that was in a different dimension from the Human Realm, had a really large effect on it. It was similar to the effect she had received within Zolgear’s specially constructed space and barrier to hide himself – but comparing with that time, she was able to put out sufficient battle power back then.

''…However,''

Complaining wouldn’t change anything, and Yuki had no intention to do that. Back in the Human Realm, the Demons Maria and Mio who inherited Wilbert’s bloodline was also carrying the same burden.

--Since they were able to continue fighting to this day, it was now her turn to bring out her battle power. After all, the one who had decided to come to the Demon Realm was Yuki herself. It doesn’t matter if it was for Basara, for Mio – or for herself, she can’t become a burden to the rest. Thus—

“Kurumi – move as according to our original plan.”

“But onee… the [Sakuya] right now—“

Despite Kurumi saying so worriedly while using flying magic while holding onto her, Yuki still gently shook her head.

“No need to worry, I still have things that I need to do – you too probably should focus on what you should do.”

“……”

“—Kurumi.”

After Yuki said that tiredly in a reprimanding tone, Kurumi took an action – expanding a magic circle.

“I’m starting, onee…” “Nn – please do.”

Yuki nodded, and Kurumi activated the wind magic and sent out a mass of air, and its target – was the air around Yuki. Thus in the next moment—

<nowiki>「——————」</nowiki>

Nonaka Yuki, together with the air around her, was catapulted at high speed downwards towards the spirit. In the moment she passed by the giant spirit in the gust of wind, she swept [Sakuya] in a straight line downwards at its head, and a strong feedback was returned to her arm. Hence—

<nowiki>「——————！」</nowiki>

Yuki’s expression immediately turned grave. The feedback [Sakuya] returned was too strong, which meant that the blade was completely deflected and did not cut into its target. It had the power of Kurumi’s magic supporting it, and her current high speed had increased the force of the slash by a lot – but yet she was unable to slash into the spirit’s body.

Thus Yuki immediately jumped sideways away upon landing, and the ground she had landed on was covered by a large black shadow – [Booom!] and an explosive impact rang out. The spirit had stamped the ground with its left foot. Yuki who had forcefully managed to avoid the stamp—

“Kuu…!!”

Her posture suddenly collapsed. The spirit’s stamp which had broken the ground also let out a strong air shockwave – and had impacted onto Yuki who was in mid-air.

<nowiki>【——————】</nowiki>

The spirit’s attack with its left foot didn’t just end there. With a small movement, it also swept out its right foot using the left foot as a pivot. The instep flew towards her at a speed surpassing her expectations, almost immediately. Yuki immediately used [Sakuya] to draw out a pentacle<ref>or pentagram, I’m not sure</ref>, and with it becoming a wall right before the attack hit her, she managed to preserve her life, but—

“Aaaaaaaa <nowiki>-----!!</nowiki>”

She was blown away like an artillery shell along with a shrill scream, together with the wall.

''…This bad, with this speed……!!''

While amidst turbulence, Nonaka Yuki’s anxiety instantly rose. Despite being able to avoid being instantly pulverized by the spirit’s feet attack, if she were to hit a stone wall at this speed, not even half of Nonaka Yuki’s body would remain in a piece – an instant death.

''…Please let it be on time!''

Yuki desperately swung out [Sakuya], and expanded a magic circle behind her. Even if it wasn’t enough, it’s enough if this could be ended with just fractures or damage to her internal organs. However—

<nowiki>「！————？」</nowiki>

The impact from behind her had hit her much earlier than expected, causing Yuki’s subconsciousness to think that she was dead, but it then changed quickly. What Yuki had hit wasn’t a solid wall of a building--

“……Water?”

Despite being in water, Yuki spoke, confused. A mass of water containing oxygen which allowed a person to breathe within it had caught the flying Yuki as a cushion. The one who had used this magic to save her, was of course—

“Kurumi--…”

Yuki found Kurumi’s figure on the top of a building not too far away. At her little sister looking at her with worried eyes—

<nowiki>”————Sorry, I became a burden.”</nowiki>

Yuki apologised while biting her lip. The original plan – was to let Yuki who was unable to use [Sakuya]’s full power be the bait, and then for Kurumi who had received the black elementals from Lucia and had become able to use the Demon Realm’s spirits to use magic to eliminate the spirit.

Additionally, this was Yuki’s own suggestion, and she had begged Kurumi to agree to this battle plan; yet Yuki couldn’t even become the bait properly, forcing Kurumi to cut off her attack magic just to save her.

Kurumi was different from Mio who utilized the demonic power within her body, she is an elemental master who activated magic by borrowing a spirit’s power. It wasn’t easy to ask for the spirits in the Demon realm for help, and now she had to start over again.

「………………！」

''Ignominious.'' Yuki felt indescribable frustration towards her helplessness, and left the water cushion Kurumi had put up. She once again looked towards the spirit that was a little distance away with water droplets dripping from her bangs, and putting strength into her grip onto [Sakuya] in her right hand – in the next moment, Nonaka Yuki dashed towards her target savagely.

“--Onee!”

Yuki took a glance at Kurumi who had cried out as if wailing.

''Trust me'' – she told her with her eyes silently, ''I will become the bait properly this time''. This wasn’t just her trying to act brave, Yuki knew that she had the power to do that.

--As [Sakuya] was unable to receive the blessings of Fuji here in the Demon Realm, it’s power had dropped considerably.

However – Yuki’s body wouldn’t become weak just because of that.

After reuniting with Basara, the power she had received from the Master-Servant Contract done with him; the power that she had accumulated all these while – will never betray Yuki.

Nothing will ever drop from the sky, and one will never reap without even sowing.

That’s why, Yuki had resolutely come here, believing in herself and this power. To which—

<nowiki>【——————】</nowiki>

The spirit violently swung out its right fist, but there was still a big distance from Yuki. Despite the spirit’s large size, its arm was still unable to reach her, but that movement still became a threat to Yuki. The fist had swept away all of the buildings in the path between it and Yuki – causing a wave of tsunami of large rocks. However—

<nowiki>「——————」</nowiki>

Facing the wave of mud and rocks, her reaction was fairly simple. However, it was an action Nonaka Yuki had done tens of thousands of times before.

She raised [Sakuya] up vertically, and swung it down along the same path – it was that simple.

From the neat handling of the blade, a gust of a blade of wind appeared and rushed ahead. When the blade of wind made contact with the wave of rocks and mud – and the wave split to the left and right with a [Fssh!], going past Yuki by her sides.

--It was a move that had not borrowed [Sakuya]’s power, but one that was from Yuki’s polished skill as a technique-focused swordsman mainly relying on tactics and skills, a return to a display of the powers of her body only. Right now – a straight path had opened up before Nonaka Yuki’s eyes.

[[Image: Shinmai v05 130.jpg|thumb]]

Thus, she moved her body to attack. Pedalling the ground while keeping her body low, Yuki dashed forward with an explosive force, and shortened the distance between the two in the blink of an eye.

【………………】

Seeing this, the spirit twisted the arm it had swung and slammed the fist into the ground; Yuki skipped to the left, and before the spirit’s fist impacted the ground, she leapt upwards and twisted her body in mid-air. As the arm barely swept past Yuki, she slashed with [Sakuya] and cut through the wrist’s tendon. Although the fist which had lost its gripping strength impacted the ground and swept up debris, the destructive power had dropped a lot – going along with the upwards airflow, Yuki once again soared upwards and sideswiped with the blade, doing damage to the spirit’s elbow.

<nowiki>【——————】</nowiki>

The spirit released a scream from pain, but Yuki ignored that—

“—it’s not over yet.”

Leaving behind her comment in the empty air, she went past the side of the spirit to its back – and left behind two connecting slashes in the shape of ‘X’ while sprinting towards the other side of the body. That severed its Achilles tendon, and caused the giant spirit that lost the support of its legs to topple over backwards and land on its butt with a giant rumble.

With its right hand damaged and its Achilles tendon severed, the spirit then followed its instincts and began to stand itself upright with its only undamaged left hand. Nonaka Yuki had anticipated this, and thus at the spirit’s left hand – she swung [Sakuya] horizontally at the left wrist tendon, severing it in a single slash.

By the time Yuki had done that, she had bought more time than what was in the plan. And at the moment she successfully sealed its movements,

“—Onee, leave the rest to me.”

With a calm voice, Kurumi said while appearing before the sitting paralyzed spirit. With the black elementals she received from Lucia set in the main slot of her gauntlet as the elemental master – green of the Heroes and blue of the Moderate Faction was emitted from before her palm -- a three-dimensional overlapping type magic circle.

【………………】

As if the spirit’s instincts felt danger, it opened its mouth widely aiming to bite Kurumi to death as a last-ditch attack. At that moment—

“--Don’t even think about it.”

Yuki immediately swung out [Sakuya], smashing it into the jaw of the spirit from the side. By intentionally not slashing with the blade, it is to intentionally create bludgeoned damage. The attack with calculated timing, placing and force, managed to perfectly just dislocate its jaw joints.

<nowiki>【——————】</nowiki>

Eyes widened from shock, the spirit now unable to guard could only just watch with its mouth open—

“Dance -- ”

At the same time Kurumi announced that, large amounts of pitch black flames poured into the spirit’s open mouth – and burned the spirit’s head to nothingness from within.

===Part 7===

The East route with Maria and Lucia, and the West route with Yuki and Kurumi.

As they were battling with the spirit on each route respectively,

Basara and Zest at the central route were in a difficult battle.

The reason for that, was that while the situation at the other routes were two people working together to fight the spirit, Basara and Zest had to separate to fight against the spirit as well as the high-class demon controlling the spirit.

--though the situation was difficult, thinking about it wouldn’t change anything.

According to Lucia who was paired with Maria, this place was too far away Wildart City from her master for him to rush here quickly; Yuki was unable to obtain protection from [Sakuya], and while Kurumi had received the black elementals from Lucia, she was still unaccustomed to using the spirits of the Demon Realm, so they shouldn’t even be allowed to deal with a strong opponent like this now. Additionally, the spirits possess surprising regenerative power. So it still wouldn’t take them long to heal completely even if they received an injury; taking into account the spirit’s gigantic size and the inability to truss them up, him hoping for assistance from them would be for nothing.

And thus – with the situation not allowing for Mio to be on the battlefield, Basara has become the most suitable person to deal with this strong enemy. After moving the place of their battle field a building like a theatre with complex internal terrain—

“Ooooooooooooooo!”

On the stone-paved floor, Basara began running towards the high-class demon.

<nowiki>「——————」</nowiki>

The high-class then had countless magic circles shoot out fireballs, to greet Basara’s attack. As all of them are extremely hot and can combust, the distance he had to take when dodging had to be larger, which forced Basara to do larger side-steps to dodge the countless oncoming fireballs.

As for those that can’t be dodged, those will be just simply cut apart with Brynhildr. However—

“Ku…!”

''Clang!'' The sound along with the feedback transmitted through the hilt, caused Basara to frown. ''Heavy'' – those aren’t just simply fireballs, it probably had some rocks or debris within them; with the option of cutting through it no longer available, being able to deflect them would already be a very good thing. If one were to use a sword to deflect something like this for too much, it would just exhaust their hand quickly. Apart from when using [Banishing Shift], Basara would normally hold Brynhildr in a single-hand grip, but he had now been forced to grip Brynhildr with two hands for practically the whole battle, faced with this high-class demon. For large swords like Brynhildr, once the way of wielding them is changed, the wielder’s movements will too also change. In regards to Basara finely adjusting his actions at his current speed, it’s practically like suicide.

''…Tch, it’ll be great if I could use [Banishing Shift].''

Even if it’ll be unable to banish it whole, it’ll at least be able to eliminate the blaze of the fireballs, or maybe even the rocks within it. But right now, despite Basara knowing that the situation is currently disadvantageous to him, he still does not use [Banishing Shift]. Of course, there was a reason behind it.

After defeating Zolgear, Takigawa had given Basara a piece of advice.

And that advice was that in the battles that would happen with the Current Demon Lord Faction hereafter, there is a need to avoid using that move. [Banishing Shift] is a move where once the target space is slashed, it can eliminate and banish everything beyond the zeroth dimension, and is very unique even amongst the multifarious magics and special abilities in existence. From another angle, its potential as a threat is much higher even when compared to Wilbert’s power inherited by Mio. Just like in the past, Zolgear’s target wasn't just Mio alone, he had also taken interest in [Banishing Shift] and had plotted to take it for himself.

Hence, if Basara were to just show that move carelessly, it might add to Mio’s dangers. But in the first place, it was Basara who had voluntarily went and attracted the attention of the enemy. However, as long as it was to protect Mio and everyone else, Toujou Basara will definitely unhesitatingly use that power, even if it meant that he would have to foul his hands, use underhanded tactics, and doing dishonourable actions, basically if it meant even he had to become scum.

''…But the problem right now is that—''

Just like Zolgear had made use of Maria with a hostage when fixated on Mio – once the enemy knows that Basara has got such a unique ability, they might make a move to those around him.

That is something that Basara would not want to see. If he were to let Mio and the others be in dangerous situations just for him, even to the point of becoming a hostage – the moment he had thought about, Toujou Basara felt chills right from the bottom of his heart. Thus, no matter what, he had to not use [Banishing Shift].

Carefully passing through the troublesome fireballs released by the enemy, and making the enemy enter his range—

“---Haaa!”

Basara immediately slashed out with Brynhildr. The two-handed attack, with its power naturally much higher than usual – however became useless. The enemy had not dodged, as the slash had hit its target.

It’s just, the attack had not caused any injuries – the flesh of the high-class demon was too tough.

''…Damn it!''

No matter how many times Brynhildr hit him, there was only the sharp sounds from the impact. Forget about cutting into his flesh, it couldn’t even make a scratch on his skin.

--The opponent’s attack all consisted of fireball magic, so probably, he is a magic type.

The magic type basically specializes in using magical attacks, so they usually don’t have a very tough body. But this person has got such a tough body. Probably just like Zolgear who was good in not only swordplay but also magic, this high-class demon does not just fights with purely magic, but also with his physical body too.

In the past –in the fight with Zolgear, Basara had been overwhelmed while fighting. Not only just Basara, Mio and Yuki too seemed to never have been a match for him. Thus after the battle, Basara and the others had set aside a large percentage of their after classes time and school break time to train, since after all, Zolgear isn’t the only high-class demon within the Current Deom Lord Faction – of course, they had not forgotten about utilizing the Master-Servant Contract to raise their power by deepening their relationship, but just that alone was definitely not enough; for the future, raising their battle prowess is a must. In this period of time, when Sakazaki had taken action during the Sports Festival, despite how Kurumi had become his hostage, Basara had inadvertently received a heavy injury; but right before that, in the skirmish with Tachibana that roused from a misunderstanding, Basara had quite effectively managed to suppress Tachibana who had Vampire blood.

That undoubtedly was a result thanks to the training. And after the Sports Festival – Basara had continued to train to this day and had undoubtedly raised his levels, but yet his sword now is almost useless. It’s not that he was weak, but that his opponent is overwhelmingly strong, additionally—

''…he is definitely above Zolgear…!''

Although he had once been overwhelmed by Zolgear, as long as his fear was targeted, he could be damaged, and that thus was the way to defeat him; but the opponent before him right now isn’t afraid of his attacks at all, so that was practically nothing Basara could do. Just then—

“…You really don’t know when to retreat, do you?” <nowiki>”————！”</nowiki>

In the moment the high-class demon released a sigh, Basara reflexively jumped away towards the right, and a fireball then barely scrapped past his body, slightly burning his clothes. Probably because his compatibility with this opponent was bad, that he had given him the chance for a surprise attack. He had managed to get by this time with his luck, but continuing to be this close was extremely dangerous.

“—do you really think I will fall back so easily?!”

However, Basara continued to boldly remain in front of his opponent. If he were to draw distance from the enemy without doing damage to him, he will soon be driven into a corner and then eventually die. Hence, Basara cannot fall back, but instead he had to change his thinking on how to damage his opponent, and only a single answer came to mind.

That answer was to continue attacking, until he managed to do some damage – just like how Yuki managed to cut through Takigawa’s barrier in the past. Basara lowered his body, and then launched another attack at a rapid speed.

“Haaaaaaahhhhhh!”

Brynhildr drew out countless curves lines of lights, continuously slashing at the body of the high-class demon. What sounded out, was the sounds of the strikes, but Basara continued to keep up the speed. The high-class demon that was receiving those attacks, then suddenly activated the magic, but—

<nowiki>「————！」</nowiki>

Basara jumped a short distance sideways, and while sliding slightly on the rood, he then once again launched attacks at the high-class demon. What Basara had just done, was to avoid the enemy’s attack and counterattack. The result of careful and intricate footwork, which allowed him to avoid the enemy’s attacks and quickly launch an attack.

Since the enemy could attack him with their all.

He would be fine as long as the attacks do not hit him.

And at that moment, as if the high-class demon realised Basara’s intentions—

“—what a boring battle tactic.”

Saying that with disdain, he brought out a new attack. No longer firing fireballs – but directly raising columns of fire by his legs.

As if like a wall of fire, surrounding the high-class demon.

“……!”

Basara hurriedly jumped backwards, keeping his guard raised while waiting for the volume of flames to decrease.

By using a magic like this, it appears the purpose of it was to force a distance between them.

Its aim wasn’t to attack, but to defend – so once the flames weakened, he will immediately launch attacks. While Basara was waiting for a chance with such intentions—

“That is--…”

He quickly realised that he was going down in the wrong direction. The blazing columns were not getting weaker, but instead they repeatedly expanded in volume. Very quickly – the flames rising up into the sky, turned into the shape of ‘a certain being’. That being was—

“A flame dragon…!”

As the flame dragon rapidly took shape before his eyes, shocking amounts of heat was still radiated to Basara who had taken quite some distance, even charring his fringe. Once the reins of such a monster that was made up of flames was let go, Wildart City would definitely be flattened.

「Damn it – do I really have no choice but to use that!? 」

As Basara readied Brynhildr to use Banishing Shift, in that moment—

<nowiki>『——————』</nowiki>

The flame dragon flew upwards with a screech, and then rapidly descended.

“Eh………?”

And swallowed up the high-class demon before his eyes, causing an extremely thick pillar of fire.

''Suicide?'' –Basara began to have doubts in that moment, but the weird thing was that the theatre building had not caught fire as a result at all.

“—I do not wish to waste any more time playing around with you little kids.”

A low voice came from above the swirling pillar – and after that, the body of the high-class demon appeared from within the flames. On his body, there was now a pair of wings and a tail, with two horns protruding on his head and his arms becoming very thick – his appearance as a whole was very red, and he looked like a fire demon god. <ref>魔神majin </ref>

''That appearance...''

Toujou Basara realised why the high-class demon looked had turned into that appearance. It wasn’t that the flame dragon had swallowed him – but instead he had absorbed the flame dragon. The body high-class demon that had absorbed the flame dragon that could destroy the whole of Wildart City into his body before his eyes, radiated a scary amount of heat and feeling of oppression, and at the same time—

“I’m coming—“

Saying that short line – that huge body suddenly appeared before Basara’s eyes just as his mind registered that message.

<nowiki>“Wha————?</nowiki>

What shocking speed. Despite his large body, his speed was much faster than the speed-type Basara. Facing such an opponent with such strength, even any minor doubts in the sub-consciousness would result in a fatal injury. ''This is bad'' – as Basara repented on his reaction, the high-class demon swung his right arm that seemed to almost combust the surrounding air at him, and he wasn’t able to avoid completely it at all.

In the next moment, a large boom accompanied the impact of the attack.

--however, what the right fist of the high-class demon impacted wasn’t Basara.

In the nick of time, at Basara’s feet – from the stone making up the roof, a pillars suddenly rose up, pushing him upwards. Seeing the stone pillar being broken in his place below his feet—

“—Zest?”

Toujou Basara immediately realised who was the one that had just saved him, and called her name. Turning around to look, Zest was still in battle with the giant spirit not too far away, but—

<nowiki>『——————』</nowiki>

Their eyes met for a short moment. Zest was also currently in a difficult battle, but yet she still assisted him in the nick of time with magic. Thanking Zest in his heart. Just as Basara was about to jump away from the shattered pillar--

Basara suddenly gasped in shock. From the high-class demon’s body part that had shattered the pillar, a flaming tentacle extended from it as its root, and it came flying towards Basara as if wanting to swallow him whole.

Basara hurriedly escaped backwards, and the stone pillar too was swallowed whole by the flames at the same time. After that, Toujou Basara who had just barely managed to escape into the air heard—

“—it’s over.”

The voice that came from directly behind him, told Basara that his movements had been seen through by the enemy, that he had been read it right from the start – and without even the time to turn back to look, an unbelievable attack landed on Basara’s back.

What Basara had felt, was not a heavy blow. Just like how the pillar that the high-class demon shattered burned, Basara who received a punch with extremely high temperatures, his whole body became bathed in flames--

<nowiki>“Ggaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh——————!?”</nowiki>

Just like a meteorite, his body descended towards the ground while burning and screaming.

Hitting the roof within the blink of an eye, Basara impacted onto the ground of the theatre with a large boom. The impact destroyed a large number of the seats in the theatre, sending broken fragments flying everywhere.

<nowiki>「——————」</nowiki>

As Toujou Basara laid supine<ref>(of a person) lying face upwards</ref> on the ground of the theatre, he saw the high-class demon descending through the hole in the roof towards him.

And on his thick right arm – coiled the flame dragon he had seen just now.

===Part 8===

“…--Basara-sama!?”

Zest who had heard Basara’s screams, subconsciously turned to look towards the theatre.

And what she then saw, was her Master receiving the high-class demon’s attack head-on, and his flaming body descending towards the ground.

<nowiki>「————！」</nowiki>

Zest reflexively immediately activated earth magic. As she knew that it was too late to do something like creating a stone pillar to disrupt the enemy’s attack, something she had done not too long ago, she moved her consciousness into the theatre – changing the characteristics of the ground, and thus attempting to reduce Basara’s impact on the ground as much as possible.

She had hoped that her hastily casted magic would make it in time – but as fate willed, Basara who received the attack was descending far too fast, and at that moment, the sound of Basara impacting the theatre’s ground reached Zest who a distance away earlier than she would’ve liked.

<nowiki>“Ah…aa….! Basara-sama————!”</nowiki>

Zest shouted, as if wailing, while flying towards Basara.

But she couldn’t reach him. The giant spirit circled to in front of her, as if blocking her way on purpose.

--in the battle with the spirit up to now, she had never gotten the upper hand

She had to fight against an opponent who Yuki and Kurumi, as well as Maria and Lucia had managed to defeat with difficulty with two persons by herself so of course it would be much harder by herself, the really knotty opponent is Basara’s current opponent – Gardo. The one controlling the spirit, Gardo, as well as this spirit before her whose orders had been revised from [Eliminate any enemies, attack Wildart City] to be different from the other two, had been pestering Zest, keeping her busy here. But no matter how much difficult an opponent this spirit is -- her past struggles, are no longer there in her mind, and they are no longer important.

Because in her eyes now, Gardo had landed in the theatre after Basara/

Her most important Master – Basara, had befallen immediate danger.

“……Stop meddling…be gone…!”

With her head lowered, Zest said with a shaking voice.

<nowiki>【——————】</nowiki>

And the reaction of the spirit, was to silently swing its giant fist.

Next moment – the air shook as the gigantic mass of the spirit’s fist impacted the earth, but—

<nowiki>【………………】</nowiki>

The spirit slightly raised its head, as it realized that not only had its fist not broken the surface of the earth, Zest was not smashed into pieces too. The spirit’s fist did not even touch Zest, and was stopped by a magic circle Zest had expanded.

And after that – Zest finally raised her head, her usually calm face filled with a certain passionate emotion.

And she roared.

<nowiki>“I said…… be gone————————!!”

At the same time – the rubble around them instantaneously gathered together into a giant golem even larger than the spirit as if responding to her voice, its eyes emitting a certain light——

《——————》</nowiki>

And brought its hands linked together as if praying, downwards. This move, brought the spirit’s head into its arms – and then smashed the spirit onto the ground. After paralyzing the spirit, Zest had the golem continuing pinning down the spirit on the ground—

“Basara-sama…!!”

And she then ran to Basara’s side, not able to wait any longer, this time with no more obstacles in her way – she had originally planned to create a hole in the theatre’s wall, but however—

“--I’ll be troubled, if too many obstacles appear.”

A sound suddenly came from her side, and at the same time—

“！——Gyaaaaaaaaaaa！”

Zest who immediately took defensive actions, suddenly took a surprise attack from behind.

The surprise attack which ruthlessly swallowed Zest whole, swept the whole street clean.

===Part 9===

「………………」

Gardo silently descended into the theatre.

He had only a single aim – to clean up the enemy before his eyes.

--the demonic sword wasn’t seen in Basara’s hands while he laid on his back, most probably because he sustained an injury which did not allow him to preserve his weapon. Even then, Gardo will still not show mercy to his opponent.

However, this means that he would be destroying the future of a young person—

“…Please don’t blame me.”

After Gardo announced in a low voice to the person lying on the ground unable to get up – in order to reduce Basara’s suffering, as well as to show respect to his opponent who dared to engage a life-or-death battle against him, Gardo raised his right hand with the flame dragon entwining around it.

--The strongest attack of Gardo, the one known as the leading candidate for the seat of the Demon lord.

Not only could it turn Basara into mincemeat, it carried enough power to burn away this theatre building as well as everything around it with ease.

''…With this.''

It should probably be enough to take care of Zest who was fighting nearby. With this, it’ll probably be enough to make up for the spirit fighting with Zest, as well as the other two spirits who were paralyzed by the enemy; although it’ll be disrespectful to Luca who worked very hard and with difficulty, lifted the spirit’s seals and forged the new Master-Servant Contract with the spirits, this would show that these spirits were only just at ''that'' level. There were even stronger spirits that were excavated from the ruins that were currently being studied, but they couldn’t be sent into this battle due to time constraints; thus to not waste any more time with attempting to keep the spirits safe, why not just let Gardo himself completely wipe out all of the remaining enemies with more efficiency. Hence—

“—pass in peace, Son of God of War!”

With these words to send Basara off on the road of death, Gardo raised his right arm—

<nowiki>「——————」</nowiki>

And at that moment, Basara’s right hand suddenly moved a little – by the time Gardo noticed it, Basara was already holding up his arm covered with armour, as well as that demonic sword which had newly appeared in that hand. ''Just what had happened'' – at the phenomenon that had happened right before his eyes but yet couldn’t be registered by his mind, Gardo harboured a short-lived doubt as his right fist was on its path of being swung down.

--And in that moment, something belated<ref>coming or happening later than should have been the case</ref> happened.

It was a harsh metallic sound. At the same time Gardo heard that sharp penetrating sound—

A white line cut through his right shoulder – severing the arm from its root.

''…My hand…was severed?''

There was no pain, and no sensation of being cut by a blade. Thus Gardo ignored his right arm that was flying through the air and began to analyse what had just happened to him.

Taking a closer look, Basara’s demonic sword – the air around its blade seemed to be fluctuating.

No, it’s not air. What was fluctuating, was the space around the demonic sword.

And as for that sharp harsh sound – after putting the two pieces together, what was the answer?

''…Iai?''

But lai is usually used when a sword is being drawn out of a sheath, which Basara’s demonic sword didn’t have; additionally – the usual lai will definitely not be able to sever his hand.

''—then, just what was it that just happened?''

The hint to the answer, was the fluctuations of the space around the demonic sword. The materialization of the weapon, was from something like an alternate space or a crack in the dimensions.

To put it bluntly – the demonic sword managed to reach supersonic speeds with lai amplifying the effects from the borders of the dimensions.

What severed Gardo’s shoulder, was [Dimensional Slash], the ultimate in lai. Just then—

<nowiki>「——————」</nowiki>

In the short slight pause while Gardo was speculating on how the situation came to this.

As if grasping the moment, Basara instantaneously adjusted his body the demonic sword – and in the next moment, he was already in a stable horse stance.

This was a very large contrast from when he was lying down not too long ago, with this time him finishing the preparations for using lai properly.

What Basara was preparing to do this time, was to horizontally sever Gardo’s body in the middle.

With eyes that was completely ice cold, he seemed like a completely different person right now.

However – Basara’s ultimate lai was never put into action this time.

“Wha—…?”

The atmosphere suddenly shook and became volatile, and at the same time a flash of light surrounded the both of them.

In the next moment – the theatre that the both of them were in completely exploded.

===Part 10===

After the impact of bombing the theatre along with Basara and Gardo dissipated.

The beautiful streets around it too have already become rubble.

“Yare yare, it appears I overdid it a little…”

Someone said while smiling and looking down on this scene.

That person was Nebula, who had accompanied Gardo in the attack on Wildart City after receiving orders from the Council.

--right now, Nebula’s field of vision was very high and wide, but that was not because he was floating in the air.

He was on the shoulder of a giant spirit much bigger than those Gardo was controlling.

This was an even more powerful high-class spirit that Luca didn’t have enough time to deal with – but yet whose adjustments and contract were completed by the Council behind Leohart and the other’s backs. Nebula’s mission of supervising this attack on Wildart City was just merely a cover, and the Council had given him separate orders; amongst those, were to assassinate Gardo while he led the attack on Wildart City.

--lately, Leohart’s influence has been growing explosively.

While Leohart was the puppet the Council had put as the new Demon lord, him attracting the support of too many civilians and soldiers wasn’t a good thing. Although a puppet would of course attract more attention the more gorgeous it was, it would be futile if the puppet wouldn’t listen in the end. Hence the Council had organised for this attack, which would then be used to weaken Leohart’s influential power. Deliberately not fighting a war decided by numbers and thus sending out the excavated spirits, was because the Council knew that Leohart would definitely send out a subordinate of his to lead on the frontlines. The number of subordinates Leohart could trust wasn’t that big of a number – so by making him choose a commander in the sudden small chaos that would ensue, they could effectively reduce Leohart’s power.

Hence, when the Council received the news that Gardo would be the frontline commander of the attack, they became very happy.

One of the reason Leohart was able to maintain as well as raise his positive influence, was because a powerful Demon Lord candidate had joined his faction, serving as the role of a prime minister. Thus—

“Once someone like you is gone – his majesty Leohart will probably be more obedient.”

Before the eyes of Nebula who said that, was Gardo who had risen to about the same height as him.

“…Nebula, you bastard…!”

“Ah… So you really are angry~. Well, I guess it would be weird if you didn’t get angry though…”

At Gardo’s glare that was filled with anger, Nebula only said that while smiling.

The Gardo right now, no longer had the usual aura and pressure of oppression he had. The reason for that was because he had taken head-on the sneak attack of the spirit Nebula was controlling, and had become heavily injured – he had also lost his right arm that was the symbol of his power.

“But then again, the youngsters of these days still reap what they sow. Even if he is the son of Jin ·Toujou, he is still only a human youth, yet you still need to end his path… so while a bit uneasy, I had accidentally intervened. You couldn’t have already become soft from being content with doing the work his majesty Leohart has for you right, Gardo-dono?”

Hearing Nebula’s mocking—

“……I believe I’ve said it before.”

Gardo said:

“In the event where you do something unneeded – I will personally turn you into meat scraps.”

After saying that, Gardo’s body also disappeared.

“That’s right. But I believe I’ve also said it before—“

Nebula said towards Gardo who re-appeared beside him, as if not giving a damn at all:

“—unless things become grave.”

All of a sudden – Gardo who was about to dish out his attack suddenly disappeared, but that wasn’t what Gardo had planned. A shockwave and boom followed soon after, as if testifying just how explosive that attack that just happened was. High-class demon’s right fist that had just lashed out, had directly landed on the side of Gardo’s body.

Gardo was blown away explosively, smashing through the remains of a large number of buildings in Wildart City – before finally coming to a stop after going through three streets. After the dust cloud caused by the attack settled—

“…Hmm, it is surprising that that was overkill.”

Having dealt with Gardo, Nebula shrugged.

“Now then, let’s move on to my next task… -- aya?”

Just then, he noticed the presence of other enemies.

Probably because he had dealt with Gardo, that caused the other spirits to not operating. Amongst the people dealing with the three spirits, other than Lucia who was Ramsas’s aide and Zest, there were three more people heading towards this place. After seeing the fire within their eyes—

“…Ah, I almost forgot. I had also destroyed your companion.”

Nebula continued while giggling:

“No problem – before I deal with my remaining targets, I shall play around with you guys first.”

===Part 11===

Zest whose consciousness was floating around in darkness, felt something brushing past her face.

Originally she had assumed it to be wind, but—

''…That's not right.''

With her eyes still closed, Zest felt that there seemed to be a certain meaning behind the sensation of her face being caressed.

The sensation on her cheeks – seemed to be desperately urging her to awaken. Hence—

“…!……uuh…”

Opening her eyes just a crack caused sharp pain to suddenly course through her whole body, and moan in pain.

But despite that, she still fully opened both her eyes, and the first thing she managed to make out in her misty vision was the face of a lovely animal. Using its small tongue to lick at Zest’s face was—

“You… are from that time…?”

Zest quickly realised that it was the unicorn pup she had met not too long ago in the alleyway behind the café, when Basara and the others visited the streets. Despite how Gardo had invaded Wildart City with the spirits and destroying many areas of the city, this pup appears to have been very lucky and managed to keep its life.

As Zest’s consciousness thoughts righted itself—

“……Basara-sama————!”

She finally remembered just what she was going to do, as well as what happened afterwards, causing her to suddenly get up while calling out her beloved master’s name. At the same time, there was someone else who heard it.

But the sign of reaction was not speech – but hollering instead.

“Aaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh—!”

“—Maria?”

Thinking something, Zest turned to look towards the sound, only to find the scene of Maria being kicked away by an spirit different from the previous three.

Her petite body impacted on the ground after being kicked like a rubber ball, and the shockwave blew away some of the rubble in the vicinity.

「………………」

Seeing this, Zest was shocked. The power and agility of this spirit was incomparable to the spirits from before, and the one controlling this monster wasn’t Gardo, but instead different high-class demon.

“That is—…”

Near the rubble Maria had landed, Zest found the figures of two more young girls lying on the ground in different positions – Yuki and Kurumi. They probably had fought against that spirit while she was still unconscious. The poor miserable condition of the large amounts of rubble in the vicinity, told her of just fierce the battle was.

「…………！」

Despite how worried she was about their conditions, there is something that Zest most do first.

And that was to search out her master Basara’s whereabouts. As long as Basara is still alive, the contract won’t disappear – thus while praying that Basara was safe, she closed her eyes and tried to sense his location. After that—

''…There’s a reaction… Are you alright, Basara-sama…!''

Sensing a reaction from Basara caused her to immediately open her eyes and barely managed to stop herself from shouting out loud from the happiness. Basara is nearby, but his body wasn’t visible, so he is probably now buried under the rubble. Although she very much wanted to go and rescue him now—

''…It is best if I move cautiously.''

If she were to let that high-class demon notice her, not only she would be in danger, as Basara too would be dragged into it. And not forgetting that more importantly, that spirit is not what she alone can win against. Thus Zest held her breath, and began moving slowly.

However – it appears that the high-class demon’s eyes were just too sharp.

“—Oya, the mouse that I thought I’ve already disposed of is still alive?”

Before Zest could even begin to start moving, he already noticed that Zest had already regained consciousness.

The spirit then began to slowly turn towards her, slowly closing the distance between them.

『————』

Perhaps feeling the approach of impending danger, the unicorn pup jumped onto Zest’s right shoulder as if seeking her help. Zest hugged that small body, at a loss of what to do. Since she has been noticed, it would be best if she were to leave the place immediately to bring the danger away from Basara and the others.

''…however.''

The moment she shows an opening, the opponent will definitely immediately attack. The problem now is the power and speed of the spirit that had exceeded expectations. Such strong attacks will definitely flatten the surrounding area, along with Basara and everyone else; but if she were to remain here any longer, Basara would still be in danger, so just what should she do – with wanting to protect her master, she was in a dilemma.

''…! If this continues…!''

In the end, she chose the way which has got the highest possibility of protecting her master, and put it into action. It was at that moment—

A dazzling light suddenly appeared.

「————！?」

Zest thought the spirit had started its attack, and thus used earth magic to erect a barrier – but it appears that that was not the case.

The spirit’s head was wrapped up in an explosion – it was the spirit that received an attack.

However, it seems that there was no damage at all. When the deep red flames dissipated, the head appeared, completely intact and covered in soot. Nonetheless, it seems that someone had saved Zest – as well as Basara, it was an undeniable truth.

''…Just who…?''

Zest began looking around. It was not Basara, not Maria, and not Yuki or Kurumi.

Lucia? No, she is Ramsas’s aide, so she wouldn’t come here.

--Then, just who was it?

The answer was brought into Zest’s ears by the wind.

“…—there has got to be a limit to your arrogance.”

The voice of the young girl who inherited the blood of the noble Demon Lord.

--She, landed in the space before Zest’s eyes.

Zest too, only continued looking intently – at the girl who descended into the battlefield.

Naruse Mio.

「………………」

Seeing the back of someone who originally definitely couldn’t appear on this battlefield—

''…She probably couldn’t bear it anymore.''

Zest wasn’t particularly surprised, as the person in question was Mio.

That just now, was probably not to save Zest – or maybe while she had that intention, the reason she had come down to this place was definitely to protect Basara.

Just like Zest – no, Mio who had done the Master-Servant Contract with Basara long before Zest, should clearly know that Basara was nearby. She couldn’t accept watching from the sides any longer, while seeing those precious to her and the town being destroyed just because of her presence.

That was why she had forcefully shaken off Noel, and rushed here. Just then—

“……Hou?”

The similarly completely uninjured high-class demon, deeply bowed towards Mio while on the spirit’s shoulder.

“My my, if it’s not the Moderates Faction’s princess… I believe this is our first meeting. My name is Nebula, and I am a trusted aide of the chairman of the Council, Belphegor. Please forgive me for my lack of respect for speaking from such a high up place.”

“…If I go with you, will you stop attacking the city?”

Hearing Mio say so calmly, Nebula smiled.

“I believe that we had sent an ultimatum, demanding for them to hand you over, but I had not expected for you to personally appear yourself. In our attack this time, we had undeniably stolen the lives of a large amount of the Moderates Faction’s soldiers and wrecked the heritage-rich Wildart City, causing many civilians to become homeless. All of that, are the price that they have to pay to protect you.”

But however—

“Though I would be ashamed to ask, I really cannot understand why. Could you please explain to me to let me broaden my understanding – you impulsively appearing here and putting to waste all of their efforts and sacrifices, where did that foolishness come from?”

To Nebula’s words that was equivalent to provocation—

“……Someone like you would never be able to understand.”

Mio replied while tightly clenching her fist. The shaking in her voice – most likely come from fear, as well as strong anger and remorse. Although Zest couldn’t see her expression from behind her, Mio’s heart must be filled with frustration, while she glared at Nebula fiercely. After that—

“Hmm, I see – so this is the daughter that Wilbert had left behind.”

Nebula smiled, but in the next moment – he said with ice-cold eyes:

“…— Kill”

At the same time, the spirit under Nebula’s feet began to move. It lunged forward and appeared almost immediately before them, and sent out a punch as if boxing.

“Eh……?” “————！”

The unexpected sudden change caused Mio to freeze up, and Zest reflexively erected a stone wall in front of Mio and herself, but however she became just as surprised as Mio.

--Everything the Current Demon Lord Faction had done to Mio, was to gain Wilbert’s power that Mio possessed.

If she was killed, that power will disappear along with Mio’s life. Hence Zest had thought, even if they want to kill Mio, it would be after extracting Wilbert’s power from her.

''…Then why?''

Despite her thoughts being thrown into confusion, Zest still forcefully maintained her focus. Although her wall might not be able to block the spirit’s attack, their death would be set in stone if nothing is done. Hence she put in her all into that wall – and immediately after, a boom filled the air.

From behind Zest and Mio.

“Eh — …?”

Both Zest and Mio turned backwards to look confusedly. They saw the shockwave caused by the spirit’s punch affecting the ground behind them, filling the air with dust.

However, although they understood what the scene before them was, they failed to understand what had just happened.

She was unable to accept that this was the truth. Because – Basara should be in around that area.

While still in a trance, Zest subconsciously used the locating ability of the Master-Servant Contract. Almost immediately, amidst the sandstorm before her eyes, she found a reaction belonging to her master.

「——————」

And after that, Zest’s body began moving without even thinking. She swiftly spread her wings – and flew in a straight line towards where the reaction was from. With the obstruction of the flying dust everywhere, Zest could not see even Basara’s silhouette, thus she used earth magic to – gather all of the flying dust together, settling all of it on the ground far away.

Finally able to see her own master now, Zest stretched out her hands, and plunged into his arms—

“……Basara-sama…?”

And said his name with a shaking voice and widened eyes, but she didn’t receive a reply. That’s of course, since Basara’s injuries received from Gardo weren’t light, and he had also received a surprise attack from the spirit Nebula was controlling – he was already in a state urgently needing treatment for that.

And adding on to that, Nebula has had the spirit send out another attack to exterminate.

Yet Basara was still alive, but he was only just not dead yet.

Basara is still not completely safe yet – he is not moving at all. Just then,

“…Aahh, I’m terribly sorry for the blunder I’ve made. I accidentally skewed my aim, and I had no idea that Jin·Toujou’s son was there. I’m terribly sorry.”

Nebula apologised sacaristically, and then—

“…Speaking of which, Princess, you still have not answered my previous question.”

And smiled. And as if having seen throught all of it,

“In the end – just who did you hope to protect by shamelessly running out here and putting to waste the efforts of those around you?”

That was a line that was sufficient enough to annihilate Zest’s reasoning ability many times.

''I’ll kill you!'' While hugging the unmoving Basara, Zest’s emotions were about to explode.

--But in the end, she couldn’t do it. Because before Zest began to move, or even open her mouth.

''That'' happened.

“——————————”

A deep red wave of energy burst out with Mio as the epicentre.

Naruse Mio who was causing the space to shake uncontrollably and scream—

“…——How dare you…”

Towards the giant spirit and Nebula before her eyes, she said so shortly.

Within her heart, the surging and welling emotions were almost going to make her go crazy. The reason that made her surprised that had allowed to say such words coldly, was because within her mind, she was extremely calm.

Not only just that – Mio right now, has not lost control of the energy within her body. The torrent of autologous erupting energy with her, was completely under her control.

--However, this was not something accomplished just by chance at this moment.

Being able to control her father Wilbert’s power, as well as her own power – this was the first task she had set for herself after defeating Zolgear. Because from right at the beginning to now, Mio had never provided any effective help in the battles they had.

Not long after knowing Basara, at the battle with Takigawa in the park<ref>都立公园 in real life, formally known as Tokyo Metropolitan Park</ref> at night – although it was to not become a burden to Basara, in the end the result of going alone was that she was not even an opponent for him. She had even lost control of the power she had inherited from her father due to seeing Basara receive a major injury, and was in the end saved by him.

And in the battle with Yuki, Kurumi and the Heroes, she wasn’t able to handle Takashi who wielded [Byakko], and her battle concluded with a conclusion where it seems that she was powerless.

During the battle against Zolgear, she had fallen into the hands of Zolgear, becoming a burden to Basara. Though she had won the battle and had subdued Zest, that was only possible because Yuki had helped. Right to today, Mio had never really gave any real contribution to her comardes.

Hence – to not become a burden to the others any more than she already was, Mio had aimed to be able to completely control her powers, and had succeeded in attaining that goal. Not only did it include her father Wilber’s power, that strong power which had taken Zolgear’s right hand was also now in her control.

''…But.''

Even if she succeeded, Mio never wanted to use that power. Other than the drawbacks of causing much physical strain on her body and sometimes even causing her to losing consciousness, more importantly, using that power was sort of like taboo in her heart.

--Naruse Mio had witnessed the murder of her adoptive parents without any warning, and had then learned that she was the daughter of the previous Demon Lord.

On that very day, Naruse Mio’s past fifteen years of life was completely overturned.

Despite vowing to take revenge for her adoptive parents and living while learning to fight – behind the emotion known as vengeance, there was a fact that tortured her heart.

And that – was the fact that she was not a human.

The Demon Race. To a normal person, they were an existence that were called Monsters.

But before that day, Mio was completely living her life as a normal person.

It was just like how someone point at you and say: ‘You are not a Human!’, your own existence being nullified just so easily.

Though Basara, Yuki and Kurumi had abilities, they were Heroes, so they were undoubtedly Human; compared to them, Mio, basically, was completely different. But despite the differences, Mio who saw Maria as one of the Demon Race, did she ever see her as a monster and harbour hostility against her? The answer was never.

Despite that, when she was with Basara and the others, thoughts like she did not belong together with them would occasionally enter her mind, often making her feel as if there was a gap between them that would never disappear, causing her much torment.

Of course, Basara and the others saw her and got along with her as a normal human, and Basara was the one who had accepted her right from the beginning. Though she was thrown out once, that was because Mio and Maria were deceiving Basara and Jin – it was completely unrelated to her being the previous Demon Lord’s daughter.

--Does Basara even understand, just how much his acceptance of Mio gave her heart salvation?

Therefore, no matter what, Mio does not wish to become a burden to Basara. It’s just – using her father Wilbert’s power that she inherited, would make her like she was not a human.

Mio is very afraid of experiencing the feeling of being of a different race from Basara. Hence with being unwilling to use her power, she and Yuki had received a sneak attack from an enemy. Naruse Mio wished to stay as a Human, and thus was not willing to use that strong power within her body – at least, until now.

--But, this is fine too.

Even if she were to use Wilbert’s power many many times, Basara will definitely never change. Taking her in even after knowing about her true identity, and saw her and Maria – and even Zest as his precious family, his actions of putting his life on the line for them to this day had proven that point. She only just had to trust in her kind master who was willing to accept her – and be the one who loves him the most.

''…And also,''

Even if using this strong power will increase the distance between her and Basara, she can not allow the enemy before her to act as he pleases.

Hence Naruse Mio said:

“……You asked me, why did I come here?”

''I’ll tell you, then.''

“Right now I am Toujou Basara’s little sister, as well as his subordinate… Seeing my precious family and master wounded, is almost making me go mad.”

''Do you even understand?''

“You have hurt Basara, have hurt my most precious person, and I will now make you pay the price – I’ll kill you a hundred times.”

''That’s right.''

“Daughter of the previous Demon Lord of power… it’s up to you on how you decide to see the situation, it’s something unrelated to me, and I don’t give a damn. I was originally was happy, with deciding to give this power which had snatched all that I had to you guys, but how regrettable… don’t even think about it now. I have already decided, that I will never forgive you, who had hurt the one most precious to me, as well as those dogs behind your back.”

''And thus I advise you.''

“—you better not underestimate Naruse Mio.”

With that, Mio released the power within her body.

And in the next moment – with a boom, the enemy before her was crushed.

===Part 12===

Mio released Wilbert’s gravity magic power, immediately crushing the spirit Nebula was controlling into pieces.

And after that—

“————————”

''Perhaps this is my retribution.'' Mio lost consciousness as if being disconnected suddenly.

However – something caught Mio as she collapsed.

It was Zest’s earth magic. The sand in the shape of a chair caught Mio, and gently lowered her onto the ground.

After that, Zest who landed beside her while holding onto Basara—

“……………”

Silently watched the scene before her eyes. In just a single attack, Mio had completely minced that Spirit which was so powerful. Although she knew that Wilbert was hailed as the strongest Demon Lord in history—

''…This display is too shocking.''

And within Zest’s knowledge, Mio had never once voluntarily used Wilbert’s power; so if she trains from now on, forget about the drawback of fainting after usage, she might be able to use even more power than just now.

If used appropriately, this power would certainly be able to take over the Demon Realm, so it wasn’t hard to understand why the Moderates Faction and the Current Demon Lord Faction urgently wanted this power. Right now – though the burst just now was enough to bring down Nebula, the Current Demon Lord Faction would’ve already detected it, which means that now they would not be able to cover up the fact that Mio is within Wildart City.

Soon, the war between the Current Demon Lord Faction and the Moderates Faction for supremacy in the Demon Realm, will start.

The number of causalities or sacrifices that will have to be made in the future, could very well be many times that of today. Yet—

“…Thank you.”

Zest gave her gratitude to the unconscious Mio. Thanks to her, they had managed to tide over the danger from the enemy this time. To many people, making the war even more intense might very well be the worst thing in the world; but in Zest’s heart, her master Basara being safe was the most important thing, and she will protect him with her life.

Hence, having avoided the worst case scenario, Zest let out a sigh in relief.

But at that moment, there was suddenly a burst of magic power.

“ ! — This is…!”

Not knowing what was happening, the disconcerted Zest soon realised where the magic power was coming from.

The answer was – in front of them.

The already-minced Spirit, was rapid expanding with a shocking magic power.

===Part 13===

The Spirit was already destroyed to the point where its self-healing ability could do nothing.

--But Nebula’s body was unharmed.

Before Mio’s gravity attack hit, he had already escaped far away backwards, thus successfully avoiding it.

“Destroying that high-class Spirit in a single attack… indeed, that is a formidable scary power.”

Nebula said while on a building far away.

“So, as per Belphegor-sama’s orders, I will dispose of her now.”

That’s right – Nebula’s actions against Mio was not him acting by himself. Right from the beginning, Nebula had received two orders; first is to assassinate Gardo in this attack, second is wipe out Wilbert’s power along with Mio.

—Wilbert is the known as the strongest Demon Lord in history, so no matter whether his power falls into the hands of the Moderates Faction or Leohart, things would become troublesome . That powerful power, would easily bring about problems that aren’t under the Council’s control – thus Belphegor gave Nebula the order to make sure to certainly end Mio’s life.

“The Spirits sleeping in the ruins, were naturally to be ones used to defend a City, so… of course it would possess something for the worst case while defending the city -- a self-destruct function to drag down the enemy together with it.”

So—

“Soul of the Demon Lord from the past age – disappear from the world together with your beloved city.”

Saying that, Nebula then began casting the self-destruct magic, and the body of the Spirit far away let out a blinding light. A protective spherical barrier appeared, enclosing him so that he would not be dragged into the self-destruct explosion – an anti-field. Then, after completing the casting with the special code, Nebula smiled—

“—Goodbye.”

And after giving his final farewell – the body of the high-class Spirit suddenly exploded.

A blinding explosion, that wiped out the whole of Wildart City.

--At least, that was what should’ve happened.

But in the moment the explosion and shockwave began to spread – it instantly disappeared.

“Wha—Impossible…!”

Witnessing the unbelievable scene, Nebula was heavily shocked.

''—did the activation of the code fail? No, it did explode. After the successful detonation – the heat and shockwave created had suddenly disappeared, and there isn’t a trace of the magic power left.

…W-What in the world just happened……?!''

Nebula looked towards the location where the explosion was supposed to take place. Over there, he saw a young male standing in front of Mio and Zest, as if protecting them. He held a large demonic sword in his hands, in a posture where he just swung the sword – the Toujou Basara that should have stopped moving long ago. Immediately after—

『——————』

Basara’s ice-cold eyes caught the figure of Nebula far away, causing to involuntarily gasp and step backwards.

“Interesting… I’ll have a great story to tell Belphegor-sama later.”

But he smiled while raising his right hand, and a gigantic black shadow came over the sky. The opponent seemed to be hiding something, but as he cannot fail Belphegor’s orders, Nebula himself has hidden a trump card up his sleeve.

Together with the booms that filled Wildart City, were the same type of Spirit as the one that exploded just earlier, furthermore, there were three of them; two of them landed behind Nebula, and one just beside Wildart City. To fulfil his orders at once, Nebula has decided to simultaneously attack them and Wildart City. Basara might be able to use a strange ability to cancel out the self-destruct explosions and enter melee combat with the Spirits, and even if the Spirit beside Wildart City has to self-destruct as the last resort, the higher-ups of the Moderates Faction along with Ramsas would also be wiped out.

“It’s truly a shame – with this, this is the end for all of you.”

Just as Nebula was about to order the Spirits to annihilate Wildart City—

Two sounds of impact<ref>Boom!</ref> came from behind him.

“Wha—…?”

Nebula hurriedly turned around, and saw a scene even more unbelievable then just now.

Both of the gigantic Spirits behind him, were flying in the air – in a straight line towards the outside of Wildart City, and then the heavy sound of impact of them hitting the ground came from far away. Just as Nebula was at a loss as the shockwave of the impact reached him as he stood on the tower—

“Geez, can you not throw them into a place with many people? What if you crush someone?”

A shout lacking of any tension came from the ground. Looking downwards, there was someone of the same race as that young youth, someone whose name Nebula knew – that was of course, since it is impossible for him to not know the one called the God of War and strongest Hero feared by the Demon race.

“Jin·Toujou……!!”

Nebula recited the name of that man, filled with hate. His whereabouts were unknown ever since he had fought with Leohart, and not even the Council could track him – although he didn’t know if it was by coincidence or planned out, he had come to this place to help his son out in this crisis.

''…Then…!''

Nebula disregarded Jin’s presence and began casting the magic for the Spirits’ self-destruction; his target was not the two which Jin had sent flying, but the last one that was beside Wildart City.

Since Jin is now here, his chances of disposing of either Basara or Mio is now close to zero, so now he should at least attempt to get rid of the higher-ups in Wildart City like Ramsas. However – as Nebula was almost finished with the magic, a sound suddenly sounded out, and the remaining Spirit was crushed by an invisible power.

“—gravity magic!?”

''Mio is still unconscious, so just who'' – his thought thrown into disarray, Nebula then saw a male with the Moderates Faction’s proud mother-daughter succubus pair – Sheera and Lucia, standing on a rooftop. It would be weird for him to use the same magic as Wilbert, that male was someone like that – the current leader of the Moderates Faction, Wilbert’s older brother.

“Ramsas…!”

Immediately after spitting out his name with resentment, his lips curved into a smile.

''…Idiot.''

Even if the Spirit became minced meat, he could still make it explode by completing his casting. Thus, Nebula continued to input the code—

“………?”

But suddenly, he sensed someone behind him, and thus turned around—

「——————」

Only to see a youth standing there. Hs cold eyes not only stopped Nebula’s mind, it also froze his heart.

It was Toujou Basara.

“Eh——…?”

In the next moment, Nebula let out a funny sound.

His chest – was completely pierced through by Basara’s large demonic sword.

Basara pulled out Brynhildr, and Nebula collapsed on the tower.

Large amounts of fresh blood poured from his chest, and his breathing became ragged, but despite that—

“I… don’t want, to die…”

Nebula desperately squeezed out his voice, begging Basara for mercy.

“If you spit out who was the one that ordered this attack and his aims, I can ask the Moderates Faction to let you live… The Current Demon Lord Leohart should be after Mio’s power, but yet you attacked that demon called Gardo, and even tried to kill Mio—“

''Speak.''

“—who was the one that gave the order for this attack. Is it those guys from the Council or what?”

“ ! …T-That…”

“If you really don’t want to die, you better spit it out. From the amount of blood you’re losing, you only have very little time left – everything of you will be reduced to zero soon.”

Basara’s words caused Nebula to be silent for a while, and then—

“………Uu.”

Just as he was about to say something – a red marking appeared on his neck. That pattern that was very much like a circle, was one that Toujou Basara was very much familiar with.

“That is…”

The curse of the Master-Servant Contract. Nebula planned to beg Basara for mercy by leaking information about his master, causing strong feelings of betrayal which activated the curse. According to what Takigawa said, the Master-ervant Contract had the effect of not allowing the leakage of secrets when a subordinate is captured by the enemy, and the subordinate will die when the curse activates at its strongest effect.

Basara’s circumstances were special – his Contract with Mio and Yuki were done with using Maria’s magic, and Zest’s were done with using Sheera’s magic, so the effect of the curse were all aphrodisiac effects.

So, what was the effect of the Master-Servant Contract of Nebula – the answer was very soon shown before Basara’s eyes.

“Uh——…?”

After letting out a short groan, Nebula’s body exploded from the inside with a muffled ‘Pop’.

Basara had hurriedly retreated, afraid that he was doing an explosion by self-destructing. Fragments that used to be Nebula landed by Basara’s feet, dying the rooftop into a pool of red. After that—

“Basara-sama, are you fine?!” “Aah, I’m fine.”

Nodding slightly to answer Zest hurriedly flying towards him—

“……………”

Toujou Basara, forthrightly, gazed upon the tragic ending that may come to someone that have done a Master-Servant Contract. In the worst case scenario – Mio, Yuki, and Zest might probably lose their lives in a similar fashion. The new realisations weighed heavily on Basara’s heart – the Master-Servant Contract he had done with them used their lives as a wager. It was not something to be joked about. Just then—

“Basara-sama…”

Zest softly leaned onto Basara’s back, and spoke no more.

Snuggling against Basara’s back just like that. That, is Zest’s answer to her master Basara. Thus, Basara turned around and tightly gripped Zest’s waist, and said:

“Let’s go… We need to quickly return back to the city and help treat the wounded.”

After that, the two of them left the rooftop.

Behind them, were the remains of Nebula and Wildart City devastated with debris everywhere -- the peaceful days that was there until yesterday is now gone.

In that place, only the scars known as the cruel reality of War remained.

<noinclude>
=== Translator Notes and References ===

<references />

{{SimpleNav}}
</noinclude>