Eve and Slei were told to wait outside the camp for a moment.

Turning towards Eve

For the time being, lets go with what they said.

Telling her so, I stepped into the camp alone.

Seras revealing her true identity that fact also had its merits.

For one thing, it makes it easier for us to justify our presence on this battlefield.

Seras Ashrain has come to help Princess Cattleya, the person she used to serve.

This makes it easy to understand why the Fly King Squadron took part in this fight.

The other advantage is that

[..]

It would be easier to get in touch with the Princess this way without having to go through all those troublesome steps.

I let my gaze crawl into the tent.

It looks like a fairly spacious tent.

This looks like the kind of tent that nomads seem to use.

In the back, there was an office set up.

[Welcome, please come in.]

A woman with silver hair tied in a vertical roll sits in a chair.

[My name is Cattleya Stramius.]

So thats the Princess of Neia huh.

Prudent, ash-colored pupils.

She looks classy in her military attire.

However, her sturdy stance looks like that of a warrior.

Two Holy Knights waiting at her side.

Diagonally standing in front of her is Seras in her Fly Knight attire.

She is still dressed as a Fly Knight, but she has removed her mask.

Seras seemed to be at ease.

She must have been filled with the joy of their reunion they shared.

I could tell that from the redness of Seras eyes.

Then, Seras came up to me.

This is the first time we have exchanged words since weve joined the battle in this place.

In a hushed voice, Seras whispered in my ear.

[My apologies. Im sure that they already know who I am, so I]

[I know. Dont worry about it.]

Seras is bowing her head, her clenched fist held up on her chest.

[Yes.]

Pulling herself together, Seras looks up.

[The only information Ive told them about you was that youre the former Ashinto who have rescued me from the Black Dragon Knights Anyway, Ive told them youre my saviour.]

[Thats fine- Leave the rest to me.]

Looking like she understood, Seras refrained from speaking more and stood by my side.

Turning around to face the Princess, I knelt on one knee and lowered my head.

[I believe this is the first time weve met, its nice to meet you Im the leader of the Fly King Squadron, my name is Belzegia. As I proclaimed at the time of our entry into this war, our troops used to call ourselves Ashinto.]

[Belzegia Thats the same name as the Fly Knight from the legends.]

[Yes. I borrowed my name from the Fly King from the legends.]

[Fufufu, so Seras could be said as one of the Fly Kings loyal retainers- The Sword of Belzegia . When she rushed towards me, Seras also took the name of the First Oath, Astaria Anyway-]

I felt the Princess standing up.

[All of you saved my life. As the general leading Neias army, I would like to thank you first. If you hadnt arrived, we could have been annihilated.]

[Im glad that were able to help in the time of crisis, Cattleya-sama.]

[Sorcery I dont know the principle behind this, but its quite the formidable power, dont you think? And theres also the army of stone statues and the multi-legged black horse and the two Fly Knights holding tremendous combat ability. Its just that it doesnt have the same impression of the Ashinto that I heard from rumors.]

[If you want me to reveal the hidden circumstances, it would be that Ashinto was divided into two factions. And we were considered as a minority faction. While the other faction dreamt of stepping onto the front stage beneath the light of the day, our factions only wanted to remain hidden behind the scenes.]

In the end I continued.

[Our faction has decided to abandon the name of Ashinto and henceforth, live as the Fly King Squadron, the faction secretly moving within the shadows of the wold.]

[Did the other faction allow it though? I dont think it would be so easy to let you go, seeing that you held so much power.]

[Its just as you discerned. They never approved of our separation from their group. Beyond that Ill just leave it to your imagination.]

Ashinto, who is perceived by the world as the group that has suddenly disappeared.

Those of the other faction that followed the Fly King Squadron into the Demon Zone were annihilated within the Demon Zone.

Or perhaps- we were the ones who annihilated them all.

There have been some whispered rumors about their entry into the Demon Zone, but they can expand such rumors even further in their imaginations.

[After parting way with them, I received information that the Neia army led by Cattleya-sama was going to join the war against the Great Demon Emperors army and considering Seras emotions, we arrived with hopes that we could be of some help to Cattleya-sama. Initially though, we were planning to sneak in the Southern Army as a mercenary.]

I see The Princess seems to be convinced.

Im not so sure if shes wholeheartedly convinced though.

The Princess takes a step towards me.

[Belzegia-dono, please stand up. Youre not someone under my command after all.]

[..]

Doing as I was told, I stood up.

The Princess was about one head shorter than me.

She raises her gaze.

[And also For saving Seras life, I give you my gratitude.]

She bowed towards me.

[It was quite the close call, she was about to fall into the hands of Bakuos over there.]

[And Seras, indebted to Berzegia-dono, is now serving you Have you heard about Seras story from the person herself?]

[Ive heard about her escape from Neia.]

[Berzegia-dono.]

In a tone that sounds like shes switching the subject, the Princess spoke.

[Even though youve lent your strength to us this time doesnt mean that youre going to be fighting together with us after this, right?]

[..]

Seras true identity has been revealed.

It was said that the Goddess has had her eye on Seras since back when she was a Holy Knight.

If she were to remain by the Princesss side, theres no doubt that she will eventually interfere with us.

The survival of Seras Ashrain

One would think that this has been known by those soldiers that werent from Neia.

I dont think we could hide that fact.

At this rate I dont think were going to be able to stay long either.

For the time being, Id like to have as little contact with the Goddess as possible.

Weve extensively used our sorcery and Erikas homemade weapons in this battle.

Now, our initial strategy of hiding our identity and power while supporting the Princess behind the scenes have disappeared.

And that f*cking goddess would definitely be interested in the Fly King Squadron

In that case we should get out of here as soon as possible.

Summarizing our plan in my hand, I spoke.

[I intend to leave this place by tomorrow morning and return to my original purpose of traveling. I also have my own goals However, if Seras desires to serve by your side, Im willing to respect her will.]

It might be dangerous- but if Seras wants to do that, then it cant be helped.

This was originally a trip for my revenge.

I have also told Seras that she can leave at any time.

However if shes going to stay with the Princess, I would still have some concerns.

Naturally, Im worried about the interference of that f*cking goddess.

I have a feeling that if its this Princess, she may do a good job at deceiving her

After a slightly bewildered look appeared on her face, Seras spoke in a hurry.

[I am-]

[Seras is now your sword Ive already asked the person herself.]

The Princess interrupted Seras just as she was about to say something.

Looking into the Princess eyes, I ask.

[As for Cattleya-sama, dont you still want Seras to return to the Holy Knights once more?]

Thereupon, the Princess smiled

[No.]

and spoke her denial.

[If she were to go back to my side, Im sure that the Goddess will use her in a very bad way. My precious Seras will end up being wasted in a way that I know I will never want for her.]

[]

The Princess doesnt take kindly of the Goddess either huh.

Moreover, she seems to know that Goddess well.

Then, how about I ask her something?

[I know this may sound rude, but I want to ask this question- Does Cattleya-sama have some animosity towards the Goddess Vysis?]

The Princesss eyes relaxed.

[Yes]

I glanced towards Seras.

Taken aback by her reply, Seras quickly touches her right ear.

Right ear- it means that shes not lying.

The Princess isnt fond of the Goddess.

Thats definite.

By the way, if she touches her left ear, its a sign that shes lying.

Rather than that, this Princess

[You consciously kept your answer brief so that Seras could judge it to be true, didnt you?]

The Princess only replied Yes just now.

The answer that is easiest to judge whether its truth or lies is those that can be answered with YES or NO.

Thats right

The Princess is making use of Serass ability to make me judge whether shes telling the truth or not.

[It would be faster to talk about it that way, dont you think? The shorter the time that we need feeling around the other persons true motives, the better it would be.]

It would be faster to use a lie detector than a bunch of babbling words.

Or so thats what shes thinking.

Thats naturally a good move that can be taken if she doesnt know the power of Seras wind spirit

Seras looks a little awkward.

The guilt hanging around her is probably because she used her ability to judge truth and lies against the Princess.

[That means, Cattleya-sama doesnt want Seras and the Goddess to meet each other?]

[Of course. Otherwise, I wouldnt know why else would I let Seras out of that castle at that time. Thats why]

Walking over, the Princess takes my hand.

[May I continue to entrust Seras to you?]

[However Are you sure that you can really entrust her to me?]

[Whatever you may say, in the end, youre the man that Seras has been charmed by.]

At that moment, the complexion of the two Holy Knights who were on standby behind her suddenly changed.

Eh!?

I thought I heard such a heartfelt surprise from those two Holy Knights.

As for Seras

[Princess!?]

She looks like she heard something she didnt expect.

However, the Princess didnt look at Seras.

Shes still looking up at me, with a smirk on her face.

[Is there a problem with that?]

[No I also felt that Seras is precious to me.]

[Youre also feeling that Seras is special to you as well, right?]

[Yeah.]

[And youre looking at her as a woman?]

[Thats what I intend to do.]

Ufu The princess giggled.

[Im glad to hear that you mutually love each other.]

[Tou-]

[Seras.]

Calling out towards her, Seras became taken aback.

She was just about to say Touka-dono.

A grin appeared on the Princesss lips.

[Being able to judge the truth and lies can be puzzling sometimes, dont you think?]

Letting go of my hands, the Princess slowly pulled away from me.

She then glanced at Seras who looks like her heart is still beating fast.

[Ive been telling Seras lots of things before you came. Would you like to hear it from her?]

After the battle, Seras has given some information about me to the Princess.

However, the Princess was able to tell Seras this and that before I arrived.

This Princess may have been expecting this from the beginning.

[Of course, let me hear it.]

[Seras, would you like to convey my intentions to Belzegia-dono?]

[Ah Hah, acknowledged.]

Seras expression stiffened.

[The Princess told me that if theres anything she can do to help, the Princess will lend a hand. As a form of gratitude for this battle and for saving me from the hands of the Black Knights.]

More to the point, it would be a form of saving her from the Princess father.

After all, it was the Holy King himself that commissioned for the death of Seras.

However It seems that this Princess may have reached that possibility as well.

I had some vague ideas from what Seras had told me, but.

This Princess is quite quick-witted.

Its a good thing that were on the same side.

Conversely, she may be quite the troublesome opponent to fight against.

[But right now, my priority is to get Neia back from the hands of Bakuos and rebuild our lands. Even though Im thankful to you, my gratitude would only be limited to the things that Im able to do.]

If thats the case I spoke.

[If someone were to ask where were going, could you tell them that were heading north?]

[North?]

[Yeah. If you could tell them that I told you that when we parted ways that I told you that we were heading north.]

[That request should be easy.]

Our real next destination would be west though.

Well This will just be a disturbance of sorts.

The Princess would just take my words at face value to the Goddess.

She wont have to worry about being accused of false testimony.

If push comes to shove, just saying that Belzegia told her false information will be enough.

After that, I asked the Princess a few more requests.

However

[Are you sure that just those few requests would be enough?]

The Princess looks disappointed.

Its probably because none of them were big demands.

Thinking about it again, I dont really need that much help.

[My Fly King Squadron is here to help Cattleya-sama. We didnt come here expecting a reward.]

If she really wants to help us, I guess it would just be around helping us cover up our tracks.

Food and water arent a problem for us.

We were pretty well funded.

[However We need to hide, so it will be difficult for us to lend a helping hand after this.]

[That wouldnt be a problem. If the words of the Confidants who arrived on this battlefield were true, the only enemy in the Great Demon Emperors army who was more powerful than Eingrantz would be the Great Demon Emperor. In a sense, that could also mean that the Southern Armys greatest crisis would be this battlefield Besides]

The Princess shows a confident smile on her face.

[I believe that with the current group of Heroes, led by Ayaka Sogou, this Southern Army will not be able to break down so easily.]

Indeed, Sogou was stronger than I had imagined.

Theres also that silver weapon that can change its size and shape at will.

It even managed to take down that Confidant.

Im sure that the experience she would acquire from that kill would be plenty.

If that Sogou is there, I think theyll be able to match anyone other than the Great Demon Emperor.

The Southern Army also hasnt collapsed either.

Theres still some time for us to get back on our feet- or so the Princess said.

The Great Demon Emperor, the one who was the cause of their concern, is also in the Eastern Armys direction right now.

Then, for the time being, there will be no danger for the Southern Army.

The Princess began sending out her instructions.

[Well then, if theres anything you want to be done immediately, Ill get it done right away Dorothy, please call Machia.]

One of the Holy Knights who had been instructed by her left the camp.

After some time A short Holy Knight entered together with the Holy Knight from before.

Shes a female knight in a strangely frilly outfit.

How should I say this It feels like those Gothic Lolitas from back in my previous world.

She has long black hair and red eyes.

She is much shorter in stature compared to the others.

I dont think shes a child though.

[Shes Machia Renaufia. Shes the current leader of the Holy Knights and the daughter of the Marquis Renaufia. She was originally the deputy leader, but after Seras left, she has moved up and become their leader.] (T/N: / Makia Runoufia)

[I may look like this, but Ive lived longer than Seras-sama.]

Fufun. the current leader stuck out her chest.

Seras wryly smiles.

[Because of her adorable appearance, shes often misunderstood, but Machia is an excellent Holy Knight. Shes also one of the few people on this continent who can use Incantation Spells-]

[Seras-sama.]

Machia had one of her eyes closed as she pointed outside of the camp with her thumb.

[As youve ordered, weve finished collecting the wreckage of that vehicle of yours.]

I look at Seras.

Lightly bowing, she said.

[If it were Milord, I thought that you wouldnt want to leave that chariot unattended Anticipating so, I requested the Holy Knights to collect the wreckage. Only the Holy Knights were involved in the recovery process And I can vouch that they wouldnt speak a word about it.]

Do what we can to get rid of the traces of the Fly King Squadron.

Of course, I didnt intend to leave that wreckage of the magical chariot behind either.

The wreckage of that magical chariot was already included in the request to the Princess

But it appears that my excellent deputy was already on the move.

[Thank you for your quick decision and action, Seras.]

Seras gracefully bowed her head again.

[Im honored by your praise.]

[Well then, Seras. You will continue to act with us as a member of the Fly King Squadron- Is that alright with you?]

[I dont have any hesitation in my choice.]

Without any cloudiness in her expression, Seras replied.

[For this is also my desire.]

[In that case You might want to go and fulfill your other purpose.]

Seras other purpose for coming here.

To make sure that you have a proper goodby with the Princess- to Cattleya Stramius.

By the way, if she hadnt revealed her true identity, she would have made some time alone with the princess, and then secretly let the Princess know about her true identity.

[Princess.]

Seras turns to face the Princess.

[Before your meeting begins Would it be alright to ask for some of your time?]

[Yeah. Of course, Seras.]

Her reply delayed a bit, but the Princesss eyes softened when she said so.

This was the first time Ive seen that expression of hers today.

Maybe thats what the Princess really is.

[If I had more time, Id really like to stay up talking with you until morning comes though.]

Tears welled up at the corners of Seras eyes.

[-Princess.]

I turn my back on the two of them.

[Were going out- Please take your time.]

Leaving those words behind, I went out of the camp.

And the Holy Knights, including Machia, also came out along with me.

I guess they also wanted to leave those two alone for now.

When I stepped outside, it was already completely dark.

Many bonfires have been lit inside and outside the camps.

As I walked out of the camp, the current leader of the Holy Knights called out to me.

[Is there a reason you cant reveal your identity?]

I hid my face and changed my voice.

It would be natural for them to think so.

[Yeah. I have a lot of circumstances.]

I dont have the transformation ability that Seras and Eve have.

And currently, I dont want the 2-C bunch to find out that Im Mimori Touka.

I can try deceiving them by acting, but once I expose my face, there wouldnt be anything deceiving them.

[Do you mind if I ask you some questions regarding your background?]

[I cant promise that Ill answer it though.]

[Are you- human?]

[I see So, you think Im hiding my identity because Im a Demi-Human?]

[That isnt it. You see, Seras-sama is a High Elf, right?]

[?]

I dont really know what shes trying to say nor what shes trying to point out.

The current leader of the Holy Knight sighs.

[You do know that its hard to have children between a human and a High Elf, right? If youre a human, youre going to have a rough time is what Im thinking.]

[]

Shes thinking of something that isnt that necessary.

[Well, I know that youre not a bad man though.]

[Hoh? Is that something you can figure out in such a short time?]

Fuuunn. Machia looks away.

[Since weve left the camp, youre been trying to match your strides with me.]

Machia is small and petite, so theres quite a difference between our strides.

So, inevitably, I had to slow down my walking speed or she wouldnt be able to catch up by just walking after me.

Looking up at me, Machia adorably pursed her lips.

[Id like to thank you as well. I didnt think Id get to see Seras-sama again.]

[Seras was really well-liked, wasnt she?]

[That person is the one that we Holy Knights have been longing for. Shes strong, beautiful, elegant, and kind However, I felt like Seras-sama has changed a little bit now.]

[You think so?]

[I feel like she has been showing more emotions in her face than before. It used to be much less expressive and she would have a solemn atmosphere around her. I guess thats also why there was some kind of divinity around her.]

Stopping in her tracks, Machias gaze drops down to the tip of her shoes.

[About Seras-sama Can I leave her to you?]

[I at least dont plan on disrespecting her. Shes very important to me after all.]

With a prim look on her face, Machia brushed aside her hair that was hanging down on her cheek.

[I would be glad if that were the case.]

The other two Holy Knights are already gone, but Machia has been following me the whole time.

Likely, shes also acting as a watchdog.

And then

[Youre finally returned, Milord.]

Eve, standing a few distances away from the camp, approached us.

Slei- was also with her.

It seems that she had already been briefed by the Holy Knight on the wreckage of the magical chariot.

[What about Astaria?]

[For now, shes spending some time with Princess Cattleya before we leave.]

[Fumu I see. By the way Milord, why do you have that little child with you?]

(T/N: weirdly enough, I remembered that scene when Saitama met Tatsumaki.)

Machias brows wrinkled and her temple twitched.

[Shes the current leader of the Holy Knights of Neia, Machia Renaufia]

[Mhmm, my apologies. Umu it seems that youre a really capable child eh?]

[How rude! Even if I look like this, Im older than Seras-sama!]

[U- Umu I ask for your apology again. My name is Astarva. The Second Oath who has sworn her sword for Milord Belzegia.]

Eve glances at me as she said that.

This is what I should be calling you, right?

I replied with a nod of my head.

Astarva is Eves pseudonym.

I also borrowed this from the legend of the Fly King.

[Are you just like your lord, someone who cant reveal his true identity? Seeing as you have Seras-sama in your group Dont tell me that youre actually Eve Speed who was said to have disappeared somewhere in the Demon Zone?]

[M- Mhmm!?]

Eve looks troubled with Machias wild guess.

No, you cant just let that slide.

Eves reaction looks like she has really shot through the bulls eye.

Or rather, Machia-

Eh? I was just guessing, but dont tell me I actually hit the mark?

was reacting like so.

[Astarva.]

[Wh What is it, Milord?]

[This is quite unexpected. But, why dont you take off your mask and let them see your face?]

[What?]

In the next moment

Eve seems to thought up with the same idea.

Thats right Shes now in her human appearance.

If shes acting suspicious like that, I think it would be better if you just take off the mask.

Show them not your Leopardkin appearance- but that face.

Eve takes off her mask.

I looked at Eve as her twintails swung from side to side.

[Looking like that, I guess youre really not that Leopardkin.]

Machia takes a deep breath.

It seems that all of her doubts have completely disappeared.

I spoke to Machia.

[If I could recruit that renowned Eve Speed, I would have really like to do so but]

Shes actually right next to us though, as one of our companions.

As if shes feeling better, Eves slit eyes and cheeks relaxed.

[Fuuuuu As expected, its more comfortable to have this off Hmm?]

As the soldiers move back and forth their ranks, they suddenly stopped in their tracks.

Everyone is looking at Eve.

Eve began looking around restlessly in confusion.

[W- What in the world is going on?}

All of them were staring at Eve in fascination.

Initially, they were just probably curious to see the Fly Knight take off her mask.

However, when her true face popped out from inside the mask, they seemed to be attracted to her in a different way.

[Milord.]

[Hmm?]

[Theres something terribly different from their reactions Is there something wrong with me right now?]

[Theyre probably just curious about you.]

[Hmm~?]

Eve tilts her head like a child.

[Im not really sure.]

[I dont think you need to know about it right now though.]

[Fumu Understood.]

She seems to have been convinced for the time being.

[Well then Milord, what are we going to do]

Then

[Machia-sama.]

One of the soldiers trotted toward us.

[What is it?]

[That is-]

The soldiers glanced at me and Eve.

[Ayaka Sogou-dono is here to see you, Belzegia-dono.]

<Authors Notes>

Im sorry. Basically, Im updating on Wednesdays or Fridays It took me longer than I thought to write this story, and I ended up cutting into the days I dont usually update.

Also, we have received two new reviews since our last update. Thank you very much.

Ive also received word that the first volume of the manga, which was released at the end of last year, has been reprinted as soon as possible. Thank you to everyone who purchased it

And Id appreciate it if you could keep up with me until the end of the fifth chapter, which is only a few days away (Im hoping to update the next story a little sooner).