I thought about it again and figured Esamu would be better, since it's a pun on Isamu. I mean, Etham isn't bad, but getting closer to the actual name would probably be better. *shrug* Thanks for reading~

As I always stayed in the Elfars.h.i.+a Kingdom, without partic.i.p.ating in war, my knowledge about the outside world was poor.

However, even someone like me knows something about demons and demi-humans.

That is, the t.i.tles called the『World Big Three t.i.tles』,『Seven Great Demon Kings』,『Four Heavenly Beast Demi-humans』, and『Ten Heroes of Light』.

Seven great countries stand at the summit of the huge Demon Continent. The t.i.tles that are given to the demon kings who govern those countries, are given the t.i.tle『Seven Great Demon Kings』.

In contrast with that, no one properly understands how many countries there are in the Demi-human Continent, where there are a great diversity of races as there are stars in the sky. However, in that kind of society, there's a t.i.tle given only to the demi-humans that specialize in fighting. That is, the『Four Heavenly Beast Demi-humans』.

The『Ten Heroes of Light』t.i.tle isn't measured by plain fighting ability. There are cases when that t.i.tle is given to people by taking the amount of global contributions and achievements that person has. That basically means that there were people who weren't good at fighting, but were chosen because of an invention or because of their achievements as a strategist.

However, the『Four Heavenly Beast Demi-humans』is different. Who is the strongest? It's a simple t.i.tle given to the four people considered that are considered the strongest.

It truly is a simple, beast-like t.i.tle, about survival of the fittest.

"Good grief, seriously just give me a break. Getting involved with the four heavenly beasts a few days after leaving the country, like, you're f.u.c.king kidding me." (Velt)

"I have not met one of the Four Heavenly Beast Demi-humans either, but father did always say to his subordinates that you definitely shouldn't fight any of them alone." (Ura)

"d.a.m.n it. It's not worth it." (Farga)

We're sitting down on the deck of the s.h.i.+p, with our moods sinking

To be honest, I don't want to get involved with something like that. However, I would feel guilty if I just abandon this.

"If possible, I want you to not get involved with them. You people are my benefactors, and I cannot let my benefactors to head towards almost certain death." (Musas.h.i.+)

"Musas.h.i.+. Are you going to meet up with the s.h.i.+nsengumi now?" (Velt)

"Hmm? No, I separated from them because I prioritized this more, and I do not plan to return yet." (Musas.h.i.+)

Almost certain death, huh. Well I guess that makes sense. To be honest, I feel like I became a bit stronger, but I knew there was no way I could win against those kinds of monsters by seeing Samejima and Gyanza's strength five years ago.

"We finished preparing our s.h.i.+p." (Benkei)

"We're going home." (Us.h.i.+waka)

From the s.h.i.+p next to us, the midget trio said they're going to send the released demi-humans to their home.

For the time being, we're going to split up with these guys here, but then, what will we do?

"Even if we hurry from now, it will take around a week to get to s.h.i.+romu. Around the same amount of time to send a letter too. We can't make it in time anymore. We might as well just tell the neighbouring countries and ask for them to dispatch reinforcements." (Farga)

"Right. It's not a situation where we can do something with just three of us. Rather, that is about the only thing we can do." (Ura)

"Well, I guess so." (Velt)

Certainly, just as Ura and Farga said, that's the limit of what we can do.

However, before we decided that, voices of grief was raised.

"Wait, please wait!" (Jiel)

They came from Jiel, whose inside a pen, and the other staff members of the auction.

"Um, if that's true, then does that mean the Four Heavenly Beast Demi-humans are going to attack s.h.i.+romu, and drag the country into war?" (Jiel)

Well yeah, probably. We made a small nod.

Then, the colours of Jiel and the auction staff members' eyes changed, and they let out cries.

"Wait, please wait! In the country, in the country, my wife and son are still there!" (Jiel)

"My girlfriend lives in the castle town, but is that place going to be aimed at too?" (Auction Staff)

"My mum lives in the slums. She's living on just my allowance, but is that place going to be fine?" (Auction Staff)

Even these guys are humans. Of course, if a person was brought up, then that means they have important people and family.

It's an obvious fact.

"No, no way, ple, please! Please turn this s.h.i.+p to s.h.i.+romu right now! We need to notify them of this truth right away!" (Jiel)

Jiel is panicking, but to be honest, there's nothing we can do about this situation.

"It's impossible. According to the d.a.m.n demi-humans, the s.h.i.+nsengumi's attack will be in three days from now. No matter how fast we go from here to s.h.i.+romu, it will take one week." (Farga)

"Even so, even so, I can't just silently do nothing! You people have a country and family to return to, don't you! Please understand our feelings!" (Jiel)

At that moment, we honestly had quite complicated feelings.

That's not because we could understand their feelings.

It's because,

"Do, don't selfishly, don't selfishly ask something like that!" (Musas.h.i.+)

We were thinking what Musas.h.i.+ just shouted out.

"How many demi-humans have you humans hurt like that! The demi-humans you people kidnapped, sold off, and continued disgracing, also should have had countries and families! Have you people heard those screams?" (Musas.h.i.+)

Well, it's understandable for Musas.h.i.+ to think that way. This is ultimately retribution, but the words from Jiel and the others are selfish.

"Even if you say something like that to us, we were just ordered to do that!" (Auction Staff)

"Tha, that's right! We just had no choice but to do it to survive!" (Auction Staff)

"Rather, we were giving jobs to the demi-humans that should have been executed on the spot!" (Auction Staff)

Uwao. They're becoming defiant.

No, or rather………… they've been like that since before.

"Just stop, Musas.h.i.+. There's no point talking to these guys." (Velt)

"Velt-dono!" (Musas.h.i.+)

"After all, these guys don't think making demi-humans into slaves or selling them is a bad thing. It can't be helped, since the human culture and laws are like that." (Velt)

A person has no money, so they reluctantly dye their hands in crime.

People know killing people is bad, but for war, and to stop criminals, they reluctantly kill.

Those sorts of stories where they "reluctantly" do it, happens often.

However, these guys have been like that since before.

Since they grew up in a country where slavery is obvious, they aren't actually aware of whether that's a good thing or a bad thing.

So, it means that there's no point telling them.

In Asakura Ryuuma's age, there were people in high positions that wanted all humans to be equal, but there still seemed to be countries where deeply rooted cla.s.s systems still remained.

"However! However, I cannot just end it here! Rather, on top of not being self-aware, they are asking for their families to be saved? There should be a limit to insulting demi-humans!" (Musas.h.i.+)

Of course there's no way she could consent with that.

Then, what was in the wrong? Humans? Demi-humans? Demons? War? There's no way we would know something like that. It's because not only me, but everyone in this world has their own say.

So, they need to come to a clear solution somewhere.

But, they can't. And by repeating that, this current age was created.

"That's true. It really is." (Velt)

"Velt-dono?" (Musas.h.i.+)

"I wonder what Samejima and Miyamoto were holding in their arms in this world, and what they were trying to change in their lives." (Velt)

It really is just as she said.

As of now, I think stimulus should just eat s.h.i.+t. What are we, who lived peace complacent, stupid, but fun high school days, supposed to do in this world.

I can't do anything. And like, I'm not interested either.

Despite that, Samejima and Miyamoto both tried to change something.

"Happily reuniting and reminiscing together. It might not turn out to be such a too good to be true story. My expectations might have been too naive." (Velt)

"Velt-dono?" (Musas.h.i.+)

"Hey, Musas.h.i.+. Tell me one thing. What does your grandfather think about humans?" (Velt)

Samejima was reborn as a demon king, and lived as a demon king.

Miyamoto was also reborn, into a demi-human though, and lived as a demi-human.

However, the fact that they used to be human can't be forgotten.

"That is, of course, he does not have good feelings towards them. Grandfather's son, in other words, my father, and the lord they had been serving for generations was killed by humans." (Musas.h.i.+)

"Fu~nn…………" (Velt)

"Just…………" (Musas.h.i.+)

"Hmm? Just?" (Velt)

"Umu, uh, this might just be my wrong impression, but although we hate the humans, grandfather has never spoken about his hatred to humans even once. He felt sadness, but seemed somewhat pained. That is the impression I had." (Musas.h.i.+)

I see. He might be worrying and suffering.

After all, he can't consult to anyone.

"So you can't honestly speak of your hatred to humans, huh. Well of course you can't, since you're a human too. There's no way you could say that." (Velt)

He hates humans, but on the other hand, he was one of the humans in question in his past life.

"It can't be helped. I guess we'll go to s.h.i.+romu." (Velt)

Thinking that, I naturally said that.

"Wha?" (Farga)

"Velt, are you insane!?" (Ura)

"Velt-dono!" (Musas.h.i.+)

Yeah, even I know it's a stupid thought.

But,

"I’m not sure of it, but I feel like I’ll regret it if I don't go now. There might not be anything I can do, but I feel like I can't stay like this." (Velt)

If I don't go, I won't see anything, and I won't know anything either.

"Oi, I'm just going to say this, but I am absolutely not going for your guys' sake. So, when we reach s.h.i.+romu, it's not my fault no matter what happened to your families, okay?" (Velt)

Just to be sure, I reminded Jiel and the others who had deep emotions.

"Oi, stupid younger brother. Are you serious? If you make a mistake, you'll die without a doubt." (Farga)

"Velt, I don't know what happened, but wouldn't it be better to calm yourself a bit more?" (Ura)

I know how stupid what I'm trying to do is.

But it can't be helped, since I've already decided.

"It's not like I'm going to war or anything, and I'm not going to save s.h.i.+romu. Just, there's a guy I want to meet with. However, just like you two said, this time is seriously dangerous. So………… I would be happy if you guys could come with me since it's scary." (Velt)

""……………………"" (Ura and Farga)

Then, the two smiled wryly as if amazed.

"Hmph, you know our personalities well, stupid younger brother." (Farga)

"Umu. If you said we didn't need to come since it's dangerous, I would have sent you flying beyond the horizon." (Ura)

They had cool faces as they patted my shoulder after saying that.

"Wha, what are you, Velt-dono, are you really fine with that?" (Musas.h.i.+)

"Yeah. Musas.h.i.+, what are you gonna do? I don't mind if you come, but if you're going home, then jump off the s.h.i.+p quickly. We don't seem to have much time after all." (Velt)

"Ho, however!" (Musas.h.i.+)

Sorry Musas.h.i.+. I have no time to argue over every single thing with you anymore.

If I decide that I'm doing something, I'll do it of my own accord.

"Now, here I go! Fuwa fuwa sora fune (airs.h.i.+p)." (Velt)

I change the direction of travel.

It's pointing to s.h.i.+romu.

"Kuhahahaha, it'll take one week to get to s.h.i.+romu? That's by sea, right? However, how about by sky?" (Velt)

I'll show it to you. My seriousness.

"S, stupid younger brother, when did you!" (Farga)

"Oh, oooh, Velt, you can do this much!" (Ura)

"Wha, wha wha wha wha, what happened! The, the s.h.i.+p is flying in the sky!" (Musas.h.i.+)

"Wha, what is this!" (Demi-human?)

"Hii, hiiii, mum!" (Auction Staff?)

Regardless of race, the deck was making a commotion.

The midget swordswomen and captured demi-humans that are on the s.h.i.+p heading to the Demi-human Continent by sea, hardened up and stared in wonder.

That reaction is nice~. It was worth going through the trouble.

"Now, let's go; by group air travel, that no one in this world has accomplished before." (Velt)