53 - A New Resolve
This was the second time he had felt this sensation. That was Rei's first thought. An awakening after most of his consciousness had been stolen by the Pure Sword's madness. Rei was experiencing a sensation similar to that. It was merely similar, not the same. This time, it was an awakening from death, including his physical body.
(...Am I alive?)
(Yeah.)
(Wait? Could it be that I've been awake this whole time?)
(The "me" that was "you" is a thing of the past. Now, I am you, but I'm not you. Even if you lose consciousness, I'm not affected.)
(...Me, you... this is a pain. Should I just think of a name for you?)
(This isn't the time for that, is it?)
(But it doesn't seem like I'll be able to move for a while.)
(...That's true.)
He was alive. He understood that much, but he had almost no sensation in his body. Only the intense pain he felt in a few places barely let Rei know that his body, too, was still alive.
(How did I...?)
(A Magic Beast saved you.)
(Huh?)
(That one. I think it's the Murder Wolf we met before.)
(...Why?)
(I honestly don't know. It can't talk, after all.)
(Can't you tell by its feeling?)
(Don't make it sound so easy. But, well, what I felt slightly was anger.)
This was different from Kamiira's ability. Since it was a will he had once come into contact with, Rei could feel it naturally.
(Anger... toward the Hero?)
(Probably.)
(And that's why it saved me? I don't really get it.)
(Me neither. Anyway, we were saved. There's no doubt about that.)
(I see... where are we?)
(Apparently, the Murder Wolf's lair. I don't know the exact location. When you're unconscious, I can't see or hear anything.)
(I see. That's inconvenient.)
(No, that's normal.)
(I'm starting to lose track of what's normal. I wonder how much my body will recover?)
(You don't know?)
(I can tell it's recovering little by little. But there are too many places with no sensation. I don't know what will happen to those parts.)
(I see...)
Normally, he would have been dead long ago. Rei was alive thanks to Super Recovery and, though Rei hadn't noticed yet, the power of the Pure Sword's will. Whether it was a will harboring madness or a normal will, both would be troubled if their host, Rei, died.
(I was prepared to die, but I can't accept that those guys were the cause.)
(True.)
(But how did they catch up? I know I wasted extra time with the Pure Sword, but still.)
(About that.)
(Do you know something?)
(Yeah. I was bored, so I thought about it and did some investigating.)
(Investigating?)
(I couldn't read it completely, but it seems a magical transmitter had been attached to you.)
(Since when...?)
(Since the time you left the royal capital.)
(What?)
(That... it was attached to the sword.)
(...You're kidding, right?)
(Check it yourself. There was another magic crystal hidden behind the three magic crystals. I think it was intentionally hidden. Because of the influence of the other crystals, you wouldn't find it unless you searched carefully.)
(...I see.)
Was it Princess Ekaterina, or Miria's own decision? Either way, he had been betrayed by people he trusted. Even if he felt he had betrayed them first, Rei's heart still sank into darkness. However, he only felt this way because he was close to the two of them, otherwise, his thinking would be different.
(This means I'm owed even more now, right?)
(What do you mean?)
(You said that because I hurt the opponent enough, the desire for revenge faded. But the opponent deceived me again. Now I have a reason to seek revenge.)
(You... do you want revenge?)
(Of course. I don't care about the Princess or anyone else. But that guy is the one I can't forgive.)
(...The Hero.)
(Yeah. That guy did that to Rui...)
The moment he spoke Rui's name, a great wave of sadness and hatred surged in the heart of the existence that had once been Rei. Even if he was no longer himself, the will within him remained the same. Rei felt those emotions directly.
(...You, by any chance, did you... Rui?)
(What if I did?)
(What do you mean "what if"! Why didn't you tell me!?)
(What would have happened if I did!?)
(Nothing would have changed! But I could have spent Rui's final moments with her!)
(Ah...)
(Why didn't you tell me? Even if it was only for a moment, even if it would have made things more painful... no, when it was time to kill Rui, you should have switched back to me. Then you could have spent those final moments with Rui as a man and a woman.)
(...The one Rui loved was you.)
(At that time, you were me too.)
(No. Rui clearly distinguished between me and you. I can tell.)
(...Even so.)
(Then, switch with me.)
(It's too late for that.)
(That's not it. Give me your body.)
(For what?)
(If I do, I can have my revenge. As long as I have a body, I will absolutely get revenge on those guys.)
(...I wouldn't mind giving it to you, but can you do it? You aren't me anymore. Can you still do it?)
The fact that he asked this question meant that within Rei, there was a feeling that he couldn't. And if Rei himself believed he couldn't, then he couldn't.
(I know. I was just saying.)
The other existence also understood that Rei felt he couldn't. He was no longer Rei. He felt that more than anything.
(...Well, it can't be helped then.)
(...Yeah.)
(I'll have to do it.)
(Eh?)
(No, thinking about it, while I can still forgive the Princess, there's no reason to forgive the Hero and his lot. Moreover, those bastards tried to kill me. That alone should justify my revenge.)
(Is that okay?)
(I'm the one who was almost killed.)
(...Thank you.)
(Nothing to thank me for. This is my problem too. However...)
(What?)
(I can't do it right away. This incident made it clear. With my current strength, I can't beat the Hero and his group. Also, I want to harden my resolve so that I'll never waver again.)
(True.)
(I'll heal my injuries and train myself thoroughly in this forest. I have plenty of time, after all, I'm still at an age where I could be called a child.)
(True.)
(Then, we're agreed, Kamui.)
(Huh?)
(Your name. This one fits.)
(Only a little. I've been Kamui for a much shorter time than you have.)
(I see... well, it's fine, right? It would be a problem for me if I gave you the name Rei.)
(...I guess it can't be helped. Then, that's fine.)
(Then it's settled.)
The other Rei within him became a separate personality from Rei and took the name "Kamui." Eventually, Kamui would be called by a different name, despite being the same Kamui. The sword that harbored a will, the "Magic Sword Kamui." The legendary existence that would survive for a thousand years thereafter was born quietly into this world, unknown to anyone.
◇◇◇
In the royal capital where the Heroes had returned, the officials were extremely busy. With the long-awaited Holy Sword arriving, things that had been stalled suddenly began to move. The Holy Sword conferral ceremony by His Majesty the King, followed by nightly banquets. People were dispatched to investigate the "Forest of Bewilderment," which Saint Hinata had reportedly performed purification on, and in parallel, preparations were made for the Heroes' tour to maintain domestic security. Once a certain level of success was achieved in domestic security, they would finally face the Demon King's army and the Heroes would participate in the war. That was a matter for the future, but it couldn't be left alone, and preparations had to be advanced from now. In short, they were in a situation where no matter how many hands they had, it wasn't enough. On the other hand, as for the parties involved, once the conferral ceremony was over, they had nothing to do until preparations were complete. They spent their days in boredom. Therefore, through the King's mediation, a private dinner party was held. Even if it was "private," it was a dinner party hosted by the King. The attendees were a distinguished group. The King and Queen, Prince Neil, and Princess Ekaterina—the royal family was all present. Furthermore, heavyweights like the Prime Minister and the Knight Commander of the Imperial Guard Knights participated. It was impossible to expect the atmosphere to be lively. Moreover, Princess Ekaterina refused to even look at the three Heroes and made no effort to hide her displeasure. Furthermore, Fumiya and the others, who knew the reason for that displeasure, remained silent in an awkward atmosphere.
"When was the last time we had a private dinner party like this?"
The King himself was forced to create a conversation starter.
"I believe it was shortly after we were summoned,"
Hinata, who was relatively considerate among the three, answered.
"Has it been that long? I apologize for that."
"No, I'm sure you've been very busy."
"However, your performance this time was splendid. To obtain the Holy Sword and purify the 'Forest of Bewilderment'."
"No. It was only possible thanks to the cooperation of many people."
Hinata intended this as mere modesty, but there was someone who would not let it pass.
"Indeed. An achievement built upon using someone else's corpse as a stepping stone, I suppose."
"Ekaterina."
"It's a fact."
"There is no such fact. Even if the situation resulted in that, there is no need for such phrasing."
"But, Father!"
"Ekaterina. That is simply venting your frustration. It was unfortunate, but it is misplaced to blame the Heroes for it."
"Is that so? I don't think so."
"...That must be some kind of misunderstanding."
The King, naturally, had received the report and knew what had happened. Because he knew, he had no choice but to gloss over it.
"There's no way Kamui would be killed by some mere Magic Beast."
"You say 'mere,' but it seems it was a quite powerful Magic Beast. A beast from the 'Forest of Bewilderment.' It's only natural."
"Then, why are the Heroes safe?"
"Ekaterina, you must not think of the Heroes and him as equals. He certainly seemed to have excellent talent, but that was only among ordinary people."
"So, while that 'ordinary person' was fighting the Magic Beast, the Heroes just stood by and watched with their thumbs in their mouths, then?"
"Ekaterina!"
Princess Ekaterina's distrust of Fumiya and the others was considerable. She didn't know the truth. However, the fact that Rei had been killed by a Magic Beast was simply unacceptable to her.
"Princess Ekaterina is being deceived by that guy."
Fumiya interjected, even though he should have stopped. He could no longer tolerate words that seemed to insult him as a Hero.
"And what exactly am I being deceived by?"
"He is a minion of the Demon Race."
"What!?" "What did you say?"
The King had been careless. He hadn't expected Fumiya to say such a thing.
"The Princess was completely deceived by that demon, and because of that, she caused trouble for the country—"
"Silence! Speak no more of this!"
"...Yes."
Fumiya obeyed obediently, surprised by the King's angry voice, but it was too late.
"...So that's why you killed him? You killed Kamui for such a groundless reason."
Having heard this, there was no way Princess Ekaterina wouldn't realize. In a voice even lower than before, Princess Ekaterina questioned Fumiya.
"There is a basis. He was trying to bring chaos to the kingdom. Deceiving the Princess and making her move according to his will."
"And what of it?"
"Eh?"
"If you're talking about me being deceived, I heard it directly from Kamui. He even said he could no longer stay by my side."
"...Why, and then?"
"Even if you call it deceiving, what Kamui did was show his loyalty to me and make me trust him. I believe any vassal would do the same."
"No, but he—"
"Kamui's appraisal was performed many times. Even so, he was judged not to be a demon. Do you intend to say that the appraisal results were wrong? If so, we would need to re-appraise everyone in this castle immediately. Oh, but that's impossible. Since the appraisal results are wrong."
"That's..."
"Your Majesty. He was not ordinary. He moved through the 'Forest of Bewilderment' more quickly than we, the Heroes, and as if it were his own garden."
Akemi appealed to the King about Rei's suspiciousness in place of the stammering Fumiya. She couldn't let Princess Ekaterina push them around. A blunder like killing someone by mistake was unacceptable.
"That alone is not enough. He lived in that 'Forest of Bewilderment.' It wouldn't be strange if it were like a garden to him."
The King couldn't decide how to settle this matter. Considering Princess Ekaterina, he should deny it. Yet, he couldn't punish the Heroes for the crime of killing an innocent person.
"During the battle, the Magic Beast did not try to attack only him."
This was simply because Rei had used concealment, but Akemi, who had not acquired magic such as concealment or presence detection, didn't know that.
"Hmm..."
However, the King knew it was the effect of magic. Spies like the Head of Intelligence are experts in those types of abilities. The King, who knew them, naturally possessed knowledge of such magic.
"Above all, he disappears. And when he reappears, it is in a place where demons likely lived. Surely, there must be underground tunnels or something connecting the demon dwellings in that forest."
"...I see."
The King spoke words that sounded convinced, but he wasn't actually convinced by Akemi's words. He was merely answering ambiguously because he hesitated to speak clearly at this stage.
"Come to think of it, that person used words we didn't understand and possessed knowledge we didn't know."
At this point, the Prime Minister sided with Akemi and the others. The Prime Minister, thinking that the royal family's reputation could not be further damaged by Princess Ekaterina's words and actions, decided to eliminate the seed of conflict on this occasion. He sided with Prince Neil.
"...He said he learned them from demons."
Princess Ekaterina didn't care about the succession struggle, but she didn't want to admit that Rei was a demon's minion. Even if he were, she couldn't forgive that the Heroes who killed Rei were not held accountable.
"Even so."
"Words are something one would know if they lived together."
"Then what about the knowledge?"
"Knowledge?"
Princess Ekaterina knew of several instances where Rei had let slip words she didn't know, but as for knowledge, nothing immediately came to mind.
"Indeed. Then, how about this?"
On the other hand, the Prime Minister had read through the reports regarding Rei. These were primarily records where Cecil had noted every one of Rei's words and reported them to Julius. Among them, the Prime Minister chose words of Rei's that Princess Ekaterina had also heard. Not Cecil's report, but something left in the trial records.
"He said something like, whether flowers bloom beautifully is to leave seeds behind. Her Highness the Princess must have heard this as well."
"...At the end of the trial."
"Exactly. It was a meaningful phrase that strangely remained in my heart. However, I do not understand its meaning. Do you understand it, Your Highness? Does anyone else know what he was talking about?"
The Prime Minister questioned everyone boldly, as if it were proof that Rei was a demon. However...
"...It seems the Heroes know."
"What?"
Surprised by Princess Ekaterina's words, the Prime Minister looked over, and the three of them were equally surprised. It was a different kind of surprise from the Prime Minister's.
"Um... you don't know?"
Hinata spoke up timidly.
"You know!?"
The King jumped at Hinata's words.
"...Yes."
"What does it mean?"
"It's difficult to explain... do you know about stamens and pistils?"
There was no way anyone present would know. Of course, there were people in this world who possessed the same knowledge, though the detailed mechanisms differed. However, that was special knowledge known only to people whose livelihood was growing flowers, it was not widely known.
"Uh... what about sperm and the uterus?"
Hinata spoke these words while enduring her embarrassment, but it was a wasted effort. It only made it harder to understand.
"Explaining fertilization is impossible. For plants to make children, they can't do it alone, they need the help of insects. That's why plants use the color and scent of flowers to attract insects to themselves. Isn't that enough?"
Akemi threw a lifeline to Hinata, who was exercising her earnestness by trying to explain a difficult thing in a difficult way. She intended to show off her knowledge, but for her, this was a slip of the tongue.
"In other words, that is knowledge from another world, then?"
"...Yes."
With the King's question, Akemi realized the doubt regarding her explanation.
"...Call Julius. And the maid who was with him. Ekaterina, where is your guard?"
"Behind me."
"And then..."
"Lord Geel."
"Geel... very well. Call the three of them here immediately."
Following the King's order, the Royal Guard Knight left the dining room. The people left behind were not in the mood to continue the conversation while they waited, and each sank into their own thoughts.
◇◇◇
Of the three called, Julius and Cecil appeared first. Both were in the same mage corps building. Having heard the King's order, they had run into each other on the way to the dining room. Since both had been summoned, they had a general idea of the purpose, but seeing the members in the dining room, they were naturally a bit surprised.
"I came upon hearing I was called. What is the matter?"
Julius questioned the King on behalf of both. Cecil was not in a position to have an audience with the King in the first place.
"It's about Kamui."
They knew this without even asking. The King wanted to hear something about Kamui. However, the King didn't continue for a while. He seemed to be worrying about how to explain it. In fact, the King was worrying. It wasn't content that should be easily revealed to the two.
"...There are suspicions that he was a demon."
"That is impossible."
"Why can you say that so definitively?"
"Kamui-kun's appraisal was performed twice by the mage corps. In both cases, while there were remnants of magical power, it was judged to be the influence of living with demons. I thought the reports had already been submitted."
"Is there no possibility that the appraisal was deceived by some method?"
"...I think that is unlikely."
They weren't judging based on appraisal results alone. To prevent the intrusion of demons, there are several places in the castle that use magic tools for detection. If a demon passes through, a system is in place to notify the appropriate authorities. He didn't think it was possible to deceive all of them.
"I see... what about the problem of language? He used words that the Human Race does not know. Don't you think that cannot be explained simply by having lived together?"
The King brought up the main point after establishing that he suspected him of being a demon.
"...Now that you mention it, that was true. I was curious about that as well."
"What kind of things?"
Julius had the knowledge the King was seeking. Evidence that would support who Rei was.
"For example... ah, there was something like 'I dropped my contacts.' I wonder what 'contacts' are?"
This was from Cecil's report. While pretending not to hear, Cecil had accurately recorded Rei's words in the report. This was from the early days when she was seriously fulfilling her role as a monitor.
"...That's, impossible?"
Julius's words became the final blow to the three Heroes. There was no way "contacts" existed in this world. Even a demon shouldn't have them.
"What is this word?"
Julius's vacant question was an invitation. Fumiya fell for it completely.
"Why does that guy know words from another world?"
"...I see. So those were words from another world."
"Exactly. Does knowledge of other worlds also reach the demons?"
Fumiya insisted on making Rei a demon. That was the only way he could justify himself. Because he was a demon, killing Rei became a righteous act, otherwise, it was mere murder. Fumiya was lucky he could at least speak. Beside him, Akemi, who always maintained a strong attitude, was pale and trembling slightly. Hinata was the same. Thinking of what they had done, she looked as if she were about to cry at any moment. Even so, Julius was relentless. It wasn't that he held a grudge against the Heroes, he was simply obsessed with revealing the truth.
"May I ask one thing?"
"What?"
"What did you think of the dress Princess Ekaterina wore at your wedding reception?"
"Huh?"
"Do you think it would be better for a woman? What did you think?"
Even if asked such a thing suddenly, neither of them was in a state to answer.
"Didn't the atmosphere resemble the dresses you were wearing a bit? Although Princess Ekaterina's dress was quite sleek."
"...He copied it, didn't he?"
The words Akemi finally uttered were these.
"Maybe. But the one who thought of that dress was very like Kamui-kun."
"Eh?"
"Even if he copied it, the neckline was more exposed than your dresses. In my opinion, it would be impossible to make a person of this world think of that."
"That's... the demons—"
"Demons and dresses? Even if they occasionally wear them, I can't imagine wearing a dress in the 'Forest of Bewilderment.' Then, why did Kamui-kun have knowledge of dresses? It's knowledge unnecessary for Kamui-kun, who is a boy and still a child."
"............"
One piece of circumstantial evidence indicated that Rei was an Otherworlder. Even so, it didn't change much. In their hearts, everyone already admitted that Rei was an Otherworlder.
"In other words, what does this mean?"
Except for Geel, who had arrived late.
"...It's a conversation about who Kamui-kun is."
"Ah, that."
Geel didn't show much of a reaction to Julius's words. It wasn't that he wasn't interested, but rather an atmosphere of "why now?" Sensing this, Julius asked Geel in words.
"Lord Geel, do you know who Kamui-kun is?"
"Isn't the talk that the brat's name actually isn't Kamui?"
"What did you say?"
"Is it not? Since the young lady was called, I naturally thought it was about that."
"...Cecil?"
"What are you talking about?"
Questioned by Julius, Cecil played dumb completely. However, in this situation, it was obvious she was hiding something.
"Cecil. His Majesty is present. Falsehood is a crime."
"I am not lying."
"Hiding things is also not allowed."
"...It is a private matter. Are you telling me, Lord Julius, to tell His Majesty even the secrets between lovers?"
"Lovers... are you and Kamui-kun in that kind of relationship?"
"It's a metaphor... for now."
While answering Julius, Cecil's gaze was directed toward Princess Ekaterina sitting at the table. Toward Princess Ekaterina, who wore the same black mourning clothes as herself.
"You said Cecil, yes?"
The King spoke to Cecil, seeing that Julius wouldn't get anywhere.
"...Yes, Your Majesty."
"Even if it is a secret between lovers, I must ask if it is necessary. What do you know?"
"...He told me his real name. Saying he would tell the truth only to me."
It was an answer to the King's question, but the latter half was words directed at Princess Ekaterina.
"Tell me that name."
"It's Rei."
"Rei? Is that his name?"
"Ray Tsukiya. No, perhaps Tsukiya Ray is the formal one?"
"What!?"
The moment he heard Rei's real name, Fumiya stood up in surprise. Beside him, Akemi and Hinata also froze, their eyes wide open.
"...By any chance, do you know him?"
Cecil questioned Fumiya. It was a question she already knew the answer to. It now made sense why Rei had detested Fumiya and the others.
"That can't be."
"What do you mean, 'that can't be'?"
"The appearance, and even the age, are completely different."
"Is that compared to the acquaintance in the other world?"
"...Yes."
"I see. In other words, it's like this, isn't it? You all killed the Rei you knew."
"I said, he's completely different!"
"Then you're saying he's a different person with the same name? That different person with the same name was in the same world. What a surprising coincidence."
There was clear malice toward Fumiya and the others in Cecil's words. That was natural. To Cecil, Fumiya and the others were the enemies who killed Rei.
"No. It can't be him. He wasn't that kind of guy. He was fatter, his personality was gentler, and he had a more servile feel."
He was certainly different from the Rei in the original world. Not just in appearance, but the personality of the Rei who cared about not being hated by Fumiya, his only friend, was different from the natural Rei who didn't care at all. Even his natural personality had been changing since coming to this world. Still, the reason they thought he was the same person in their hearts was the fact that people with the rare surname Tsukitani were few and far between. The hearts of Fumiya and the other two were now at rock bottom. What saved them were the words of Prince Neil, who had been silent until now.
"Scary, aren't they? The Demon Race."
"Eh?"
"They even turn Otherworlders into their kin. No, it's better to think that they can make them obedient even without making them kin."
"...Tsukitani did?"
"Fumiya and the others should think of countermeasures too. It would be a problem if you became obedient to demons in the same way and started working for them."
"...That's true. Even if he was manipulated by a demon, we can't leave someone who acts for a demon alone."
Prince Neil's words restored the justification that Fumiya thought he had lost. He disposed of him because he was a demon's minion. Whether he was an Otherworlder or not, whether he was a demon or not, it served as an excuse. Seeing this development, Cecil and Princess Ekaterina glared at Prince Neil with eyes full of hatred. The others were divided between those who were appalled and those who looked relieved. In either case, no one denied the words of Prince Neil or Fumiya. In other words, no one intended to punish Fumiya and the others. Except for Cecil and Princess Ekaterina. Those two also knew that making a fuss here and now would achieve nothing. Princess Ekaterina silently stood up and tried to leave the dining room, and Cecil followed her. Prince Neil and Fumiya watched them go with triumphant faces.