"Hahaha! No way someone like me would die in a safe place instead of on the battlefield. I've never heard of a shinobi dying of old age, it's way too ironic."

The monstrous old man laughed heartily, shaking his empty sleeves where his hands used to be.

Hearing that bold laughter, Garfiel felt conflicted, unable to save him with healing magic.

――After the battle with the 'Great Calamity,' Garfiel joined the healers' group to treat the wounded.

Since coming to the Empire, Garfiel had been fighting life-or-death battles tirelessly. Naturally, his comrades told him the first priority should be to rest, but he couldn't stay idle.

Fortunately, Garfiel's body was tough, and thanks to the 'Blessing of Earth Spirits,' standing on the ground was the best rest for him. In the Emilia camp, Garfiel was the furthest from death by overwork. Needless to say, Otto was the closest to it.

Nevertheless――,

'Once you've decided to do something, nothing can change your mind, right? In that case, you might as well make your services valuable to the Empire. It's the perfect time to sell your gratitude.'

Among those who opposed Garfiel's actions, one person's straightforward support made him happy. He liked her blunt way of speaking, which was so characteristic of her.

That’s why, even though his comrades were exasperated, Garfiel volunteered for this role. In the end, no one stopped him, as everyone understood.

"When the boss is struggling the most, can we afford to just stand around doing nothing?"

Muttering that, Garfiel gritted his sharp canine teeth.

The loss they suffered was that of a strong, truly strong woman. Although they didn't fight side by side against the same enemies, the brightness of the flames rising repeatedly in the Imperial Capital was seared into Garfiel’s memory.

It wasn’t just about the loss of Emilia's rival.

That’s why it was Garfiel.

To prevent as many losses as possible. Crushing the undead mercilessly, rescuing lives with these hands that must sometimes forcibly eliminate enemies standing against his comrades.

It’s a contradiction. But, it’s okay to be contradictory. He won't ponder over it deeply. He'll just follow his heart.

Follow your heart, defeat your enemies with your own power, heal your allies, and save them.

If Garfiel can save even one more person by sacrificing his sleep, he should continue doing so.

"...Honestly, these young folks are always leaving old-timers like me in the dust. It's infuriating."

"What's that, sarcasm, old man? Just because I can't heal your arm..."

"Kakakakka! I'm not being sarcastic. Let me tell you, my strength comes from my decades-long envy and jealousy. It's no lie when I say I'm envious. Ah, how envious and jealous I am!"

Olbart, without arms, deftly scratches his neck with his foot, his long white eyebrows swaying up and down.

Whether it was consideration for Garfiel, whose healing magic could do nothing, or if he was making fun of him, it was hard to tell.

In any case, even setting aside his arm, the fact that this old man, who was nearly half-dead, could move like this made him a monster.

After all, if you were to talk about those who survived near-death—

"Shut up, you damn old man! Can't you see I'm exhausted and working my ass off?"

"Oh, scary, scary. That's not the vigor of a half-dead man."

At the roaring shout from the figure lying on the inner bed, Olbart let out a low laugh. Amid that fierce exchange, Garfiel scratched his head and said,

"I appreciate the backup, but you should worry about your own body first. You're seriously one step away from death... like a 'farewell Vivillon.'"

"Huh? I'm saying I survived thanks to you! Don't you dare say you can't accept my gratitude... geeez!"

"Shut up and go to sleep!"

When he pushed the short figure's head with his hand, the pained person let out a scream and collapsed. Given the severity of the injury, even constant healing magic couldn't keep up with the damage.

In reality, even now, relentless sharp pain must constantly surge through his body.

"I can't really talk, but how is he even awake and able to talk?"

"The damn pain and the damn suffering won't be enough to stop this Groovy Gumlet. I'll trick you with poison or medicine or whatever damn thing... guoo...!"

"Cut it out, cut it out. Ignoring all the signals from your body has led to your current state. You're almost as bad off as me, who lost both hands. Why don't you retire?"

"As if, you damn moron!"

Groovy Gumlet, baring his fangs and shouting at the mocking Olbart, is one of the "Nine Divine Generals" and probably the person who has come closest to death and survived in the Empire.

During the fierce battle with the "Great Calamity," the role he played was immense. After all, he was the main figure who defeated the "Emperor of Thorns," Eugard Vollachia, alongside Halibel, and warded off his curse.

"If you hadn't done that, everyone would have been immobilized by the thorns."

"I just did what I could. After seeing off the 'Emperor of Thorns' and his 'Worshipers,' I just lay around until I could hand over the 'Demon Sword' to that damn Cecilus."

Though Groovy complained sullenly, his efforts before lying down were significant.

The story of him taking on Eugard's curse and having himself cut down by the "Demon Sword" is incomprehensible no matter how many times it is heard. But according to Groovy, Garfiel fighting the "Cloud Dragon" is equally incomprehensible, so it was mutual.

The accumulation of individual best efforts and miracles – that was the reality occurring in the imperial capital, no, across the entire Empire at that time. Garfiel battling the "Cloud Dragon," Groovy saving everyone from the "Emperor of Thorns," and Olbart preventing the witch's scheme by sacrificing an arm – everyone did their best.

There is no need to excessively praise their achievements or stray from the facts.

"Well, for an old man on his last legs, seeing the young ones die off one after another is pretty tough, so I'm glad you guys survived."

"...Whether he survived or not is damn questionable."

"By 'he' you mean..."

Garfiel's gaze turned to the corner of the treatment room where an unusually conspicuous, characteristic figure was standing motionless.

In the corner of the healing room, where people were busily moving about attending to the injured, stood a being made of steel, blending into the wall to avoid causing any disruption. When it noticed Garfiel’s gaze, the green gem set in what appeared to be its head began to shine.

"I have detected a gaze. I predict it may be related to an errand, an order, or a command."

As it said this, the entity called Moguro Hagane, one of the “Nine Divine Generals” and known as the “Steelman,” trudged toward Garfiel and his group.

However, to be precise, this “Steelman” was different from the steelman race; it was said that its true identity was the “Meteor” that served as the core of the Crystal Palace. Now that the essential Crystal Palace and its magic crystal cannon had collapsed, its title had lost all meaning, but—

"Ah, sorry about that. My eyes just happened to go that way, but I don’t need anything."

"Understood. What about the other two?"

"Nothing either. Just stay around there and don't be a nuisance, Moguro."

"Moguro. That is me. Understood. I will wait for further instructions."

As Groovy jutted his chin and gave the order beside the sheepish-looking Garfiel, Moguro obediently complied and sat down neatly beside the bed.

In that position, it looked somewhat like a large piece of ornament.

"Not nearly as diligent as a trained ground dragon or thunder wolf, but still. Although, it seems even the Crystal Palace forgets things now and then."

"The Crystal Palace and the magic crystal cannon were completely obliterated. It's a miracle that only Moguro's core remains. It's almost too convenient how it just happened to fall near where I was sleeping."

“Maybe it came to see you, since you were closest to it.”

Groovy snorted in dissatisfaction at Olbart’s chuckling and frivolous comment.

As their conversation indicated, Moguro Hagane had no memory of anything prior to the "Great Calamity." According to Subaru, it was in a "reset state," and everything that the "Meteor" had built up as Moguro Hagane had entirely vanished.

Considering that it suppressed an enormous power that could have blown away the entire imperial capital, ascended and exploded to prevent involving the surroundings, the price might be considered light.

"How could I say that with Rem in my thoughts?"

The loss of 'memories' and how heavy a burden it can be is something Garfiel understands deeply from his own family experience.

Not only does the person who loses their 'memories' get upset, but those around them are also greatly shaken.

So, he won't say something careless like "I understand how you feel."

"Perhaps, what this old man is saying might not be wrong after all."

"Huh? Are you another bastard trying to mess with me with this crap story?"

"No, you idiot. He may not remember anything, but he doesn't try to leave your side, does he?"

As he said this, Garfiel squinted at Moguro, who was sitting beside the bunk.

Having such a large figure take up space in the healing room was honestly a nuisance, but Moguro's effort to keep himself compact and not bother others was endearing.

In the first place, the reason Moguro remained here so obstinately was likely because he didn't want to leave Groovy's side.

It might be akin to an imprint on the first person he recognized after losing his 'memories.' Just as Ram had intuitively recognized Rem as her sister when they finally reunited in this Empire, despite everything.

Garfiel thought that maybe some kind of 'something' was still residing within Moguro.

"Well, the leader did mention that Rem broke someone's finger immediately after..."

However, there are cases where such 'something' isn't left behind, so it can't be said universally. But since they were in a healing room, a place to heal someone, Garfiel found no reason to chase away Moguro, who had come to heal his heart all alone in an unfamiliar place.

"Rather, it's the old man who keeps jabbering on despite being unable to do anything who's in the way."

"Kakakakka! This young’un speaks boldly! Well, though I do understand what he's saying."

Olbart laughed, flapping his sleeves, as Garfiel shrugged his shoulders. Meanwhile, indifferent to their conversation, Groovy rubbed his black nose with his finger, looking at Moguro.

At his comrade, who did not stir, just staying close by.

"Don't be so damn sentimental, bastard."

"Detected voice emission. Potential abnormal situation. Awaiting instructions."

"Shut the hell up!"

"Understood."

Hearing such a futile exchange, Garfiel clicked his fangs and involuntarily laughed.

After laughing, he briefly wondered if it was alright to laugh, and then, following his heart, he truly laughed.

△▼△▼△▼△

"—So, Lady Anastasia, you will return to Lugunica via Kararagi?"

"Yes, that's the plan. After all, I entered the empire as an envoy from Kararagi to begin with. Everyone knows it's just a pretext, but I have to fulfill that role properly."

Anastasia, smiling gently, revealed the inner details so openly, while Otto, on the surface, calmly and nonchalantly responded, "I see."

However, internally, he couldn't remain as composed as his expression suggested. No matter the case, Anastasia had fulfilled her duty as promised to the Kararagi city-state. This would earn her higher evaluation from the Kararagi Council and give her a definite boost in the Royal Election.

Of course, Emilia also had the significant accomplishment of being directly asked for aid by Emperor Vincent during the crisis threatening the Vollachia Empire and contributing greatly in the battle against the Great Calamity.

Entering the empire as stowaways, they could now return triumphantly with significant achievements.

Even so, it did not sit well that in their battle against the Witch Cult in Priestella, the challenge at the Pleiades Watchtower, and the rescue of the Vollachia Empire, the Anastasia camp was also involved, and not just the Emilia camp. —They needed fame that was solely attributed to Emilia.

Naturally, if they hadn't been able to partake in the battle against this Great Calamity that struck the empire, their camp's standing would have been significantly worse off.

"You have a lot on your mind, it seems, Otto?"

Anastasia's asagiiro (light blue) eyes broke that momentary silence.

It was probably a probing question, but one that suggested some level of certainty, likely due to Anastasia's shrewdness honed from her extensive experiences.

In response to her caution, Otto smiled back and said,

"Indeed, it's true that it's quite burdensome, but when it comes to having a lot on one's mind, it's nothing compared to the Emperor who needs to rebuild the empire from here on, or Prime Minister Berstetz."

"With those words, Otto shifted the direction of the conversation away from himself and towards another attendee, the Imperial Chancellor, Berstetz.

In the conference room where Anastasia, Berstetz, and Otto were seated facing each other, they were discussing the future policies of Vollachia and its allies, now that they had finished battling the 'Great Calamity' and were moving towards reconstruction and renewal.

As Otto turned his attention to Berstetz, the latter, still hiding the color of his eyes behind his thread-thin eyelids, said,

'As you say, the challenges are numerous. However, to be honest, I do not consider them a burden.'

'Is that so? That's quite a reassuring thing to say.'

'From the start, I was a traitorous minister who conspired with the "White Spider" Chisha Gold and endangered His Imperial Majesty's position. Given the circumstances, I wasn't beheaded during the battle against the "Great Calamity," but normally, I would not escape execution after the war.'

'…But here you are, speaking with us. So, there won't be any punishment, correct?'

'Yes. His Imperial Majesty has decided as such. Of course, if there are those who cannot forgive me, I am prepared to face their blades…'

Cutting his words there, Berstetz fell silent, leaving Otto to imagine what he might be thinking about. It was likely the primary reason Berstetz’s head was still attached— the declaration made by the Empire’s strongest, the "Blue Lightning," after the war.

'Before anyone gets any foolish ideas, let me declare that sparing Berstetz was His Imperial Majesty's decision, and you all must abide by it. If anyone opposes, I'll have to remind you of my role as His Majesty's sword. Also, I have a hunch that Chisha’s plot included not killing Berstetz. Honestly, wouldn't it be tough without Berstetz going forward? Chisha isn’t around anymore.'

Though a lengthy statement to be called a declaration, it was enough to make those aware of Berstetz's deeds reconsider their actions.

Berstetz, seemingly recalling the same thing, allowed a small, wry smile to form at the corner of his mouth."

"Never did I think Sir Cecilus Segmunt would shield me. I believed that if it weren't for the 'Light Sword,' his blade would surely take my head."

"That didn't happen. Given the empire's circumstances, we outsiders can't say much, but I think it was a wise decision. Military officers during crises and civil officials before and after crises are irreplaceable."

"I agree. If even Berstetz was left out and I was the only one able to do the brainwork, the Emperor would die even with the support of his lovely wife, wouldn't he?"

"Indeed. I am also pleased that Your Excellency has finally taken the Empress. — Without any congratulations, Your Excellency has been through too much hardship."

'――――'

Berstetz shook his head slowly, and his words brought a silence over the conference room.

In that silence, Otto turned his awareness slightly toward Anastasia. While sharing the same silence, her experience of it was undoubtedly different from his.

The reason for this silence was self-evident: the calamities believed to have beset Vincent—the deaths of his loyal subordinate and his blood-related sister princess.

The latter's impact could not be ignored by either Otto or Anastasia.

"Truly, she was a selfish princess."

Whispering softly, Anastasia's lips carried a sound that made Otto close his eyes.

Contained in that small whisper was a hint of vulnerability in Anastasia, who was thought to be unshaken by any event.

That was the very weakness Otto always wished to have in order to surpass Anastasia. —Yet even with this long-awaited weakness before him, he didn't feel like exploiting it.

If one asked why,

"It's because it lacks reproducibility."

The opportunity created at this time wasn't a handy tool that could be used again in the next opportunity. It was difficult to create the same situation again, and even if possible, it shouldn't be done.

For, greater and deeper holes than the one opened in Anastasia would open in their close ones.

To be honest, Otto also didn't find that desirable. In these past few months, Emilia and her group had become too close to Anastasia and her group.

"You don't need to try so hard to play the villain with full awareness," he said.

"――. Is that perhaps directed at me?"

Suddenly, at a voice that was neither Anastasia nor Berstetz, Otto reacted. His gaze turned to the source of the voice—Anastasia's neck where the fox fur collar, actually the spirit Echidna disguised as a fox, was looking at him with black eyes.

At Otto's words, Echidna narrowed her eyes slightly and said,

"By taking it as a remark towards yourself, isn't that proof of what's in your heart?"

"The words lack persuasiveness when said while looking at me."

"You're stubborn. You and Ana are quite a match."

With a sulking tone, Echidna's fox head was held down by slim fingers with a "Hey!" It was Anastasia. She looked at her collar that had entangled Otto and said,

"Don't get tangled up with Otto-kun like that. As soon as you can talk with anyone, you become so chatty."

"Humph, don't talk as if I’m opening my mouth just to satisfy my desires. Admittedly, given my current position, I can acknowledge that my previous circumstances were confining."

"Honestly. Sorry, Otto-kun, for causing trouble with my little one."

Anastasia apologized thus, and Otto merely waved it off with a "no."

Echidna's one word was meant to assert her existence, not out of genuine concern for Otto. Naturally, Echidna, who is closest to Anastasia, is also aware of the flaw that Otto had noticed in Anastasia.

That was a measure to prevent it from being targeted. It was necessary as long as it was unclear whether Otto intended to exploit that flaw.

However――,

"I don't think of myself as the villain. ... If it's a role, I'm just playing it."

In that sense, Echidna's remark missed the mark entirely.

Even the unsettling news of Priscilla's death, which shook Anastasia and caused further unrest in their camp—regarding that, Otto was hardly moved, feeling somewhat unfeeling himself.

He had several opportunities to exchange words with Priscilla and acknowledged her as a formidable candidate for the royal selection. Even so,

"It's entirely possible that a candidate might be lost in the midst of the royal selection."

As expected, participating in a battle that determined the fate of a neighboring country and losing one's life was entirely unforeseen. However, when it came to political strife that involved state affairs of great importance, there was always a significant possibility that an assassin targeting one of the royal candidates could be dispatched, potentially bringing them down with a deadly blade.

In the case of Emilia's camp, it was a completely unexpected twist that the assassin turned out to be one of their own, but even setting aside such exceptions, it was still a real danger.

Under such circumstances, one would think that the current political leaders of the Kingdom of Lugunica, the 'Wise Council,' were not completely oblivious.

If a royal candidate was lost, would someone be brought in to fill their seat, or would the royal selection continue with one of the five seats left vacant?

The latter possibility was more likely, and that was actually more preferable from Otto's honest perspective.

With such critical matters at hand for the kingdom—

"In a few days, we will be preparing to return to the kingdom. For the empire, they would also want to avoid further exposure of their internal affairs after the 'Great Calamity' to foreigners."

"We feel the same. It's also strange to keep pace together, so we will depart for Kararagi as soon as we are ready, hopefully by tomorrow. Otto-kun, the report to the castle..."

"Leave that to me. It’s not something we can handle through letters."

Anastasia lowered her chin and took on the role of reporting to the royal castle.

Honestly, it was a burdensome role, but also a very important duty. Naturally, Otto would accompany her, but it would be an excruciating task for Emilia.

At times like this, supporting Emilia was the primary duty of her knight, but—

"...With Natsuki-san in his current state, it might have the opposite effect on Emilia-sama."

"...From the sound of it, Natsuki-kun's condition hasn't changed."

"Yes. Knight Julius has visited several times, but it's difficult. Frankly speaking, although it often seemed that he was at the mercy of Priscilla-sama..."

"For Natsuki-kun, that part is not important. —He is in a precarious state."

As she spoke in a quiet voice, Anastasia's fingers gently tickled Echidna's neck. Feeling the touch, Echidna trembled, and her black eyes seemed to be worried about Subaru.

In their shared concern, one could feel the pure, untainted goodwill from both Anastasia and Echidna.

"I understand the opinions of the envoys from both the kingdom and the city-state. His Majesty the Emperor has granted me permission to extend due respect to both nations and to use my judgment. If there is anything—"

"Don't take it lightly, I'm not saying that. Being given a blank promissory note is the most nerve-wracking."

Anastasia gave a wry smile to Berstetz, who hid his emotions behind his narrow eyes. Otto, sharing her sentiments, considered using whatever words he could extract to his advantage.

This was his role—to take on the necessary evil, so to speak, for the Emilia camp.

Because of that, even if Priscilla had not died, he had considered and could have chosen a method to disqualify her from being a royal selection candidate on the grounds that she was of imperial lineage.

Yes, he could have chosen that path.

Therefore—

"—Even if you had not died, you would not have become our enemy. The death of you, considering how much Natsuki-san and Lady Emilia are hurt, is... a painful loss for me."

As someone from a different camp who had no reason to mourn or grieve over her death, this was Otto Suwen's token of condolence to the woman who had passed away.