My name is Shirone, a fox demon by heritage, and I count myself incredibly fortunate to share the same kind of lineage as the revered Priestess. After all, it means I can serve by her side, assisting her closely in every task, and I find this a privilege beyond words.

  Ah, of course, it also means I have the opportunity to encounter someone dear to me...

  Regardless, I am beyond grateful to have been born as a fox demon. In fact, the Priestess herself entrusts me with many significant responsibilities, which, to me, is an extraordinary stroke of luck.

  With this in mind, I must live up to her expectations.

  Thus, of course, I hold no dangerous thoughts or intentions—certainly not of sneaking into the Priestess's office to examine any stray hairs she might have left behind, or to bask in the lingering scent she leaves behind.

  I quietly creaked the door open, and before my eyes unfolded a scene crafted with great care—furniture forged by the finest artisans of the demon cns, assorted sweets nestled in cabinets, and atop the desk y a letter...

  Hmm? A letter?

  And it's addressed to 'Shirone'?

  I carefully unfolded the paper, which held only a few brief words.

  "I have urgent matters to attend to and will be away for a while. Please handle the work in my stead."

  “…Priestess, you…”

  ...

  “Little Shirone must be overjoyed, don’t you think?”

  In a carriage, Misako lounged with her legs crossed, leaning casually against the window, a smirk pying across her features.

  “…Misako, you…”

  Sitting beside her, Farkonia’s eyes narrowed slightly as she observed the expression on Misako’s face.

  “Oh, don’t mind me. I’m just taking a break... or rather, I’ve got some business to attend to, so I can’t be of much help. But look, Little Shirone is delighted to receive my trust. Isn’t it a win-win?”

  Misako’s smirk deepened as she spoke.

  “…Sigh… Veridith, please, don’t learn from her.”

  “Hm? Learn what?”

  From the rearview mirror, Veridith, who was sitting behind and holding a small cloth doll, looked up with a perfectly innocent expression—an untainted beauty, untouched by the dark ways of the adults (primarily Misako).

  The reason Veridith was accompanying them was simple: both Misako and Farkonia were aware that Veridith had made a significant step in her growth, and, for her safety and development, they decided to bring her along.

  Though, had they not invited Veridith, she likely would have followed them anyway—better to keep her within their sight from the start.

  As for the white tiger loli, Yuriyas, who had clung tightly to Veridith’s side, she had not been included in the journey due to her insufficient strength. As to how to persuade her to let go of Veridith…

  "You must realise, with your current standing, you cannot stand alongside Veridith, can you? Let alone Veridith, you're even below Aeroxia. So, I have a proposition for you... Would you like to become the leader of the demi-humans?"

  Misako, fully aware of Yuriyas's inner struggles, pointed out that she currently could not rival Veridith—or even Aeroxia—and proposed that she temporarily remain within the Abyssal Confederation for training, eventually taking on the role of demi-human leader. With this, she would acquire the strength to stand shoulder to shoulder with Veridith.

  Being of the White Tiger Cn, Yuriyas had the potential to attain such power. Misako and Farkonia had always pnned for her to rise to leadership; it was simply that an unexpected factor had expedited matters.

  As for this factor…

  “...Turn the wheel slightly to the right.”

  With her usual deadpan expression, Aris instructed the driver to correct the course, her voice as impassive as ever.

  Almost immediately, the vehicle veered right, adjusting to the new direction.

  The vehicle, a recent marvel of magical engineering, was equipped with autonomous driving capabilities, with Farkonia at the wheel only as a precaution.

  “I say, we were originally headed toward the city nearest to the Holy Light Church Kingdom, but this new direction takes us straight to the capital. Aren’t you rushing things?”

  “...”

  Aris offered no verbal response to Misako’s comment, but her eyes spoke volumes.

  “...Did you forget our agreement?”

  “...Mm.”

  The agreement Farkonia referred to was made before their departure from the Abyss, when Misako and Farkonia had insisted that Aris hold off on her desire for vengeance and take time to consider her actions. Though Aris hadn't fully grasped their reasoning, she had nonetheless agreed.

  “Then listen to us. We're going to the nearest town.”

  “...Going to the capital isn’t exactly rushing things.”

  “So, you’re saying that heading straight for the capital of the Holy Light Church Kingdom means you have no pns to cause trouble?”

  “...If they don't appear before me, there will be no trouble.”

  “You...”

  Though Aris had seemingly gained some emotional maturity through her time with Veridith and the others, whenever vengeance was involved, she reverted to her former troublesome self.

  “...We still have some time before we reach our destination. You all should rest and sleep for a bit.”

  “...”

  “Listen to me, sleep. You wouldn’t want to be without energy for your revenge, would you?”

  “...”

  After much persuasion, Aris finally gave in and allowed herself to rest, with Veridith following suit.

  However, not long after Aris closed her eyes, they snapped open again.

  “...Is there something you want to say?”

  Gone was her previous expressionless face, repced with a slight impatience.

  Or perhaps it was more fitting to call her ‘Arymm’ now.

  “Arymm, what’s your opinion of Aris?”

  “Opinion? Self-centred, reckless, and worse than I ever was when I was consumed by my heart’s darkness.”

  Arymm spoke pinly, listing off a litany of negative traits. Yet, her face hinted that she might have other, unspoken thoughts on the matter.

  “...Arymm, we’re counting on you.”

  Suddenly, Farkonia bowed her head and spoke, addressing Arymm from the rearview mirror.

  “What do you mean?”

  “I’m asking you for help.”

  Misako echoed Farkonia’s gesture, bowing her head as well.

  “What is this...?”

  Arymm, as a heart demon who were more human than Aris, still grappling with her new identity and having only recently freed herself from the torment of being consumed by darkness, didn’t fully understand their actions. When it came to human emotions, she had only the most rudimentary understanding, focused mainly on how to make others feel despair and how darkness crept within the heart.

  But with Farkonia and Misako, she felt no malice—this was an area completely outside her scope of knowledge.

  “You might not understand now, but when the time comes, you will... though, if possible, I hope that time never arrives.”

  “You... mysterious people, why don’t you just leave!”

  Unable to hold back, Arymm cursed under her breath.

  However, to her surprise, neither Farkonia nor Misako seemed offended. In fact, both wore expressions of concern.

  “…Hmph! Who am I? Since you’ve asked for my help so earnestly, I’ll begrudgingly agree. Leave it to me!”