Trap
Around that time, Asch and the others were being shaken in the carriage. Because Cis has been put to sleep with Magic, there are two people, Asch and Lloyd, and one Mira, who is a doll, inside the carriage.
Now then, I wonder what should I do from here on out. Asch contemplates. He managed to avoid fighting at Hogner Magic Academy. One can probably say that the feeling of not wanting to expose the students to danger, if possible, is the soul of a teacher budding in Asch.
He decreases the targets to protect by casting the students away as worthless. In reality, he now ended up exposing himself to the enemy’s headquarters, but the target to protect is only Cis. That was, convenient for Asch and the kind Mira.
“Well……I did something horrible to that young girl though”
Lily unconsciously comes up to mind, and he lets out a smile.
“……what?”
“No, it’s my business”
Those straightforward eyes of hers are, identical to Leia. Not just her appearance, but all the way to her inside as well.
She, who’s called the Holy Sage, and Asch, who’s called the Darkness Devourer. Both of them, have a relationship where they shouldn’t be able to get along. In fact, the two of them had had numerous life and death duels.
Hey, Asch. If they knew that we’re married, I wonder what the world would think.
The one who asked that mischievously was, Leia. It was when she made Asch eat an enormous Light Magic that nearly put an end to Asch’s life. At that time, he thought that he’s going to die for sure……no, Asch had, in fact, experienced dying about 100 times.
Leia, who has a serious and impatient personality, along with Asch, who’s slack and likes teasing. I hate you, I’ll kill you, you’re the worst, die, disgusting. After spewing such insults at him, she ends up blushing bright red at the ring Asch gifted her and nodding tearfully at his proposal as well. Leia was such a woman.
Nevertheless……it was because she was, a woman who loves life. It was because she was a woman who cherishes life right until the very end. It was because Asch knew that, that he couldn’t hand it to her. It was because he loved her. Much more than his own eternal loneliness.
The fact that you couldn’t hand that over, was because you loved me. I knew that you were being torn apart by it. But, I was, nevertheless……just a little lonely. ……though I’d probably refuse anyway. Three days before she died, she said that to Asch cheerfully.
Though it’s a pity. I’ll entrust your punishment to Hazen-sensei. If, I were to be reborn……if I were to be reborn as something……Asch＝Dahl, I――
“……oi. What are you thinking about”
Lloyd calls out to a dazed Asch.
“What……I have lived several times more than you. I have several times more things to recollect than you people as well”
“You sure are relaxed. Even though from now on, you’re about to march into the enemy’s headquarters”
“I said it, right? I don’t think of you people as enemies. I want to see what you’re using the Holy Ark……using Cis to do”
What Asch said were his true feelings. What Samon, the Aristo religion Archbishop, will do. If it were something that piqued his interest, he’d probably hand Cis over without hesitation. However……she is an important existence to this Dark Magician. He doesn’t think that he can provide something interesting enough to match her.
“……oops. It’s almost time. Now then, let’s have you alight, shall we”
The carriage stopped, and Asch and Mira went outside. Indeed, it is the Saint・Lizabeth Church over there, but they’re right by the entrance of that compound. They won’t arrive at that building unless they walk about 20 minutes.
“Hmm……I like walking. But I would like to head over in the shortest time if I know the destination though”
“Let’s have you alight here, shall we, Asch”
“……what about Mira and Cis?”
“I’ll have them follow me as it is. If you see that, you too will probably say you’re fine with that”
Lloyd smirked and directed his gaze to the forest. Asch was swept along by that and faced the forest as well.
……
“Mira. I’m leaving Cis to you”
“Is that alright?”
“There’s no other choice. More importantly……quickly leave this place”
A trickle of sweat dripped from Asch’s forehead. When Mira followed Asch’s gaze, and a single man was standing there. It was a black-haired young man, but he is lifeless.
“I am glad I can have you understand”
Lloyd said and entered the carriage once again, and Mira, who carried Cis, followed after.
“……I see. Lloyd, it was you huh”
Without looking back at the leaving carriage, Asch doesn’t take his eyes off even for an instant. In that instant, there’s the danger that he’d already be rendered immobile. The one in front of his eyes is, the person he used to fear the most in this world. The one he used to respect the most in this world.
“It has been a long time……how have you been?”
Asch, he pretended to be calm and greeted Hazen＝Heim, who walks over.
