Volume 10 Chapter 12 Klock Stands
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
”…Seriously? You’re kidding…”
”You forgot?”
”I… forgot…”
Klock’s jaw dropped the moment he stepped back into the captain’s tent. Only he and Cianie were there—the air was quiet, heavy, almost unreal.
The Black Prophecy had said clearly: after returning from the Crimson Spire. Back then, he had thought it meant they would storm the Spire together someday. But things had turned out differently. He had been taken away, and Cianie had come to rescue him. It hadn’t gone at all the way he imagined, and in the chaos, he had forgotten all about the prophecy.
”Are you sure you’ll be okay without me?” she asked softly.
”…Yeah.”
Of course, he wouldn’t be okay. But he couldn’t bring himself to say it. Her expression already carried a shadow. Even the small narrowing of her eyes was enough to reveal her worry.
They had already defeated their greatest threat, Kispe. And if the Saint herself said it was all right—then maybe it really was. That’s what he told himself.
”Cianie.”
If he wanted to stop her, now was the time. But her mission was to defeat the Demon Lord—or at least drive back the Demon Lord’s Army. If she had been given orders for that, he couldn’t interfere. Stopping her now would only prolong the war.
Which meant—
”Our fight ends here,” he said quietly. “After this, I’ll just wait for your victory.”
”…Okay.”
From here on, it was the Hero’s battle. Klock had only joined the Brave Knight order in name, caught up in events beyond him. The ones who mattered now were Cianie—the true Hero—and Tiet, who could follow her. That was the shape this story had taken.
If even the Saint agreed, then there was nothing left for him to meddle in.
Viola was still around, sure, but maybe she didn’t matter anymore. Or maybe the Demon Lord would fall before that became a problem. Either way, there was no more need to worry about vampires or anyone else.
”Cianie.”
”What?”
”Ah—”
He hesitated. A girl’s image flashed through his mind. The last time he had seen her—on the ship. And before that, in the Crimson Spire, dressed in rags.
”Cianie,” he said. “Sorry to change the subject, but… where’s the Saint right now?”
The sudden question made her lower her gaze.
”Cynthia’s in Paradise.”
”…Paradise.”
So it was true. Adelina was there too—in that same place.
”Do you know how to get there?”
”There are several gates,” she replied. “The easiest one’s in the Beast Country, past the Walt Cavern.”
”…Walt Cavern?”
He remembered a talk with Meina, who had mentioned a cave near Kakeura Village had that name. Something about a maze world stretching beneath it. So Adelina must have crossed the sea to the Beast Country and gone to Paradise from there.
”Can we trust Cynthia?”
”Why?”
”Well, we’re following her orders, right? I just wanted your honest opinion. You think we can win this war if we do what she says?”
”Yeah. I think so. To her, this war is just a passing point.”
”A passing point?”
”She’s already thinking beyond it. I think her orders are all meant to end the war as fast as possible.”
So the real concern was after the war. Her eyes, always looking forward, already saw the world beyond victory. If that was true, then following her was the same as betting on the winning side.
”Klock.”
”Yeah?”
”You already know Adelina is the Saint, right?”
”…Yeah.”
So it really was true. He’d been almost certain, but hearing it from Cianie made his heart jolt.
”When did you realize it?”
”At the Crimson Spire,” he said. “I met a recreated version of her there—back in the Theocracy. She was called Cynthia.”
He had been a child again then, because of the Rebirth spell, but once his memories returned, he knew at once. She was filthy, painfully thin, her face hidden behind messy hair. Only the ends of her hair burned faint red. She never spoke a word. Everything about her screamed Adelina. And that girl had the same name—the same as the Saint.
It could have been a coincidence, another person with the same name. But if she was in Paradise, then it was certain.
”I see.”
”So you knew, huh.”
”Yeah. But she asked me not to tell you. Sorry.”
”Nah, it’s fine. But why would she do that?”
”Maybe she wanted you to figure it out yourself.”
He nearly tripped over his own feet. Such a girlish reason—it made him frown.
”I never dreamed the slave I happened to pick up would turn out to be the Saint.”
”From your side, sure,” Cianie said with a faint smile. “But from hers, she already knew you’d find her—since the day she was born.”
”…You’re kidding. She knew, for decades ahead?”
Had Adelina seen everything that would happen? Ten seconds from now. Tomorrow. Ten years later. Even the moment of her own death.
”I don’t want to say too much about her,” Cianie continued gently. “But it seems you’re destined to go and bring her back, when the time is right. So even if you want to see her now—please wait until then.”
”Destined, huh. So she knows when that’ll happen too?”
”Yeah. That’s why—it’s okay to focus on the present.”
”…Huh?”
There was something unsettling in her tone.
”I think it’ll take some time before I return,” she said. “And until then, things might get… difficult.”
”Difficult?”
”Yeah. But you’ll get through it, Klock. Don’t look back. I was told you’ll take care of everything behind me.”
”…Right.”
That sounded like the kind of thing people said when things were not going to be fine. She must have been told not to come running back midway, no matter what happened. Which meant his side of things wouldn’t be easy at all.
A sharp anxiety crawled up his spine. Emotions collided in his chest until words failed him.
And he didn’t even need to ask why it would be so hard.
It was hopeless. Could they really hold out without Cianie? No matter how he tried to picture it, every path ahead looked grim.
”…So, just to confirm,” Klock said at last, “I’m supposed to meet Adelina, right?”
”Huh? Yeah, I think so.”
”…I see.”
If that was true, then until he saw Adelina again, he’d be safe. Otherwise, the Saint’s vision of the future would have to be wrong. Which meant—he would make it through. He had to.
But then…
Wait a second. He’d agreed to defend the fortress. With only a hundred soldiers. There was no way that was possible—especially without Cianie. …Was he really serious about this?
”Ah… Cianie, just finish off the Demon Lord quick, all right? I’ll be waiting.”
”Okay. But Klock, be careful. Don’t push yourself too hard. If things get really bad, rest. And if something happens that feels impossible, I’ll take care of it when I get back.”
”Yeah. I miss you so much I can’t even remember why I ever left you behind in Livorno fifteen years ago.”
”What’s that supposed to mean?” She gave a small laugh. “If that had happened, I wouldn’t have died, and someone else would’ve ended up the Hero.”
She poked him lightly in the chest with her finger. The little gesture was so gentle, so cute, that he couldn’t help but smile. So this was the Savior’s touch? Maybe a little too cute.
”Oh yeah,” he said suddenly. “If you’re heading west, could you drop by and see Gina? Only if you’ve got time.”
”Mm-hmm. I was planning to anyway.”
”If she’s in trouble, help her out. And if she’s about to do something crazy—stop her, hard if you have to.”
”Got it. I’ll tell her her big brother’s worried about her.”
He still worried about Gina. But if Cianie was the one looking after her, then everything would be fine. There was no one in this world more reliable. If something went wrong even under Cianie’s care, then that was just fate—no one could change it.
”Wait for me, okay? I’ll end this fast.”
”I’m counting on you, Hero.”
”Oh, come on. The way you say that…”
She pouted, her lips curving into a sulky little expression. On someone so beautiful, even that looked adorable.
”Once this war’s over,” he said with a grin, “I might not get to call you that anymore. Better say it as much as I can now.”
”…I see. Then I’ll allow it.”
When the war’s over, she won’t be the Hero anymore—she’ll be my wife. It was a foolish thought, but the day it might come true was getting closer.
”By the way,” he asked, “you’re supposed to beat the Demon Lord… do you even know where he is?”
”No, but I know where the battle will be.”
”Where?”
”In the port town of Shinnit. It’s been destroyed already—just a pile of rubble now.”
Shinnit. The place where he’d first met—or rather, been chased by—Tiet. He’d fooled around with a widow, then her sister, and ended up late to his post, only to get caught by a holy knight. A nostalgic memory, if an embarrassing one. It was quite a distance from here, though.
”Hey, Klock,” Cianie said softly. “There’s something I need to tell you.”
”What is it?”
”I was worried about leaving you alone. That’s actually why I stayed in the Theocracy—I wanted to bring Oriana here.”
”In the Theocracy? So that’s why you didn’t come back?”
”Yeah. But in the end, I couldn’t take her out. I kept requesting to, but the Pope refused every time. They were still angry about when I took her without permission before.”
That must have been during the Abyss creature incident. He still remembered nearly getting swallowed whole—until Oriana saved him at the last second.
”I see.”
”Klock.”
”Yeah?”
”I think Cardinal Hanover is a vampire.”
”…What?”
Klock’s eyes narrowed. That man he’d met in Barreith—he’d always seemed suspicious. Not a demon, then, but a vampire.
”I think he’s the reason Oriana’s being held. I thought about dragging her out or exposing him, but… what if it changed the future? I couldn’t risk it.”
”So in the end, it might mess up the plan to defeat the Demon Lord.”
”Exactly. I think Adelina’s orders take both your safety and the victory into account. I didn’t want to interfere with that.”
It was true—small actions could create huge ripples. If the Saint said it would be all right, then it was better to trust her prophecy, even if it meant holding back.
Still, Hanover being a vampire…
Did that mean Bartolo and Ludovico had joined the vampire faction too? Or were they just ambitious men tied to the Theocracy?
”Well, it’s fine,” Klock said. “If the Saint’s backing it, things’ll work out. Honestly, the Demon Lord’ll probably go down fast anyway. Let’s just watch for now.”
”…Klock. No.”
”Huh?”
”The Demon Lord’s strength isn’t normal. It’s boosted by curse magic.”
”Curse magic…?”
”I never thought I could lose, but the Saint warned me. She said if I go in carelessly, I’ll regret it forever.”
”You’re kidding.”
Curse magic—that reminded him of Kuzuha, who’d used it too. That same magic had let her appear in the Crimson Spire and help him there. It was a terrifying power, strong enough to cross worlds.
If the Demon Lord used that kind of magic, then no wonder the Saint had arranged all these plans. He’d thought that maybe Delphina was the dangerous one—but it seemed the Demon Lord himself was far worse.
Which meant there was another concern—the commander of the Demon Lord’s Army: Earth General Bandanzine. The Demon Lord’s right hand, said to be as powerful as the Lord himself.
”Got it,” Klock said finally. “I’ll stay out of your way. Go all out.”
”Okay.”
She smiled faintly, then turned her back in one graceful motion.
”Wait, already? Stay a little longer—”
”Ah, right… the battle’s starting in the west,” Cianie said. “I’m going to help Tiet.”
Her tone was so calm that Klock hesitated for a moment. So she really planned to join the western front. That must have been part of the Saint’s orders too.
”I get it,” he said quietly. “Go on, then.”
This wasn’t the time to stop her. He wanted to say, Can’t you stay just one more day? But if her actions were tied to the future itself, there was no way he could interfere. It felt like the future was holding him hostage.
Maybe this was what it felt like—being the man too focused on work, while the woman left waiting at home. Now he understood that ache. He wanted to tell her to stay a little longer, even if it was selfish.
”Well, I’m off,” she said.
”Yeah. Come back quick when it’s done.”
”I will. Wait for me.”
They shared one last embrace. Just that—no long goodbye. She’d be back soon enough. When he loosened his arms, he wasn’t holding his lover anymore. He was facing the Hero.
He watched her go, full of respect for the legendary Hero’s journey—and full of quiet loneliness.
Cianie vanished in a shimmer of teleportation light. The faint trace of magic power hung in the air for a moment, then faded away. And so, Cianie—no, Hero Anna—departed from Klock’s side.
”…Now what.”
With Cianie gone, was Brigante finished too? It was supposed to be an order built to support the Hero. Without her, it had no purpose.
And what about tomorrow?
The fortress defense. There was no way they could do that without her.
They had barely a hundred soldiers. The southern monster army numbered in the tens of thousands. No matter how he looked at it, the mission was impossible. He’d only accepted it because the Hero would be there. Without her, the plan fell apart completely.
…This was bad. Really bad. They were trapped. There was no escape route now. If they abandoned the fortress, where would they even go?
Her absence broke the defense plan. But he couldn’t just cancel it either—backing out meant punishment, and probably exile.
If they deserted now, Kreis would strip their family estate. Conro would banish them. Orrid wouldn’t take them. The whole Federation would brand them as cowards. Desertion in front of the enemy—what was the penalty? Death, maybe.
Well, it wasn’t like he had a reputation to lose. You can’t fall from the bottom.
Still… what if it dragged Cianie down too?
Orders to appear in court. A guilty verdict for desertion. And then—if you want mercy, the Hero must serve the nation.
That’s how it would go.
This war wasn’t the end of his life. He already knew what was coming after. Even if he fled to the Beast Country and Elna sheltered him, it would spark conflict between nations eventually. He could already see the road that would force Cianie to get involved again.
Besides—he wasn’t supposed to die. He was meant to meet Adelina again. That meant the fortress defense would somehow work out too. Maybe they’d take up positions… and the enemy would never even come. That was possible.
If that was the case, all he had to do was sit tight and wait.
He’d sent Cianie off for the sake of victory. The prophecy hadn’t said this was the end. If he really was destined to see Adelina again, then dying here simply wasn’t part of the plan.
”…Guess I’ve got no choice. Time to move.”
If he got branded a coward now, it would stain Cianie’s honor later. After all her struggles, she deserved to think, Being a Hero was worth it. He couldn’t be the reason her life turned bitter.
He had to trust the Black Prophecy—and Adelina.
Whether the enemy came or not, running wasn’t an option. The defense plan might be broken, but that didn’t change his duty.
He couldn’t advance, couldn’t retreat. He needed a plan. Something to make them ready to fight if the worst came.
”Lady Rosalie.”
”Ah—y-yes? G-good evening… I heard you were at the war council…”
”Yes. And, actually, I have a favor to ask.”
”A… a favor?”
Klock had come to Suzette’s tent. She wasn’t there, but Rosalie was—sitting quietly, reading a book. He’d heard she was a bookworm even back when she was bedridden, and apparently that hadn’t changed.
”I’d like you to deliver a letter to Conro,” he said. “Give it directly to Lord Kreis, and request reinforcements in person.”
”R-reinforcements?”
”Yes. We’re to defend the front-line fortress. Please ask for volunteers among the people as well. We’ll need laborers—many of them—to repair the walls.”
He hadn’t even seen the fortress yet, but he knew they would need it desperately.
The Borges family had been set up. Either they wanted him to desert, or they planned to crush his house during the war. No doubt they’d been given a broken ruin instead of a proper stronghold. It might not even be a fortress anymore.
Normally, he’d go inspect it first, but there wasn’t time. If the Demon Lord’s Army was really marching north, they couldn’t afford to wait.
Even if the reinforcements didn’t make it in time, it was worth trying. He’d do what he could, and start early.
”A-ah, yes! I’ll… I’ll do my best! Hehe… hehehe…”
”…”
He raised an eyebrow at the timid girl, her words trembling and painfully slow. But his mind was already moving on.
First things first—they’d keep Cianie’s absence secret for now. No telling how people would react if they knew the Hero was gone. Especially Kispe. He didn’t want to imagine betrayal, but men had been brought down by women for less.
There were plenty of other worries too. The soldiers’ morale without Cianie. Kispe’s behavior. The Forestkin—the Hollow—stirring uneasily. The Borges family’s low standing, and the growing pressure around Brigante.
Viola’s movements near Conro, the Beast Demon Tribe stirring to the south, the Demon Lord’s Army advancing—Hermine still missing, other races unmoving, and the main host rumored to be led by Bandanzine himself… The more Klock thought about it, the more endless the worries became.
He looked up at the sky and sighed. That small gesture—just a breath, a tilt of the head—carried his silent resolve to give everything he had.
His time limit: until the Demon Lord was defeated. Until the legendary Hero finished replaying the legends of old. Until her name splashed across the front of the newspapers again. He’d fight with all he had—half out of pride, half to kill the time while he waited.
”All right then,” he muttered. “Let’s do this. Let’s give it everything, damn it.”
When Cianie came back, he wanted them to have a peaceful life in the countryside. That was the future he hoped for.
Heroes couldn’t stay in the spotlight forever. Before politics turned against her, they’d retreat somewhere quiet. There, they’d live out the rest of their days in peace.
And when that time came, he’d sit beside her, listening to her tales of glory. He’d tell her a few of his own—stories worth smiling over. He couldn’t let her hear tales of disgrace or failure.
So from now on, he’d build something worth boasting about. If he was ever going to give his all, it would be here, now.
* * *
Meanwhile, elsewhere in the camp, Kispe observed the girl’s departure.
Oh? That girl—wasn’t she the noble they captured in Barreith?
Her black hair glimmered under the sun, her amethyst eyes bright. Kispe tilted her head slightly, watching the delicate figure—a girl said to be as lovely as the Hero herself.
The girl looked nervous, leading a horse with two soldiers at her side. They seemed to be heading out of camp.
Yes, that was her. The one they’d almost treated like any other prisoner—until Miss Viola claimed her. She’d undergone Viola’s “assimilation” procedure and become a half-vampire. So this was the faint magic power Kispe had sensed from Viola’s tent. But why was she moving freely inside the camp?
She mounted her horse and rode out, and Kispe watched her go, already guessing what would happen next. The two soldiers with her… they wouldn’t be coming back.
The girl had once been frail but strong-willed. After being bitten, she’d turned timid. The fact that she still walked in sunlight proved her vampire blood was weak. But that weakness came with its own curse—half-bloods like her were said to suffer unbearable thirst. If she’d been holding it back all this time, then those two soldiers were already as good as dead.
Kispe smiled softly. When she caught a man staring at her, she waved, sweet as ever. The adventurer-looking fellow bowed awkwardly and hurried away.
”Now then,” she murmured. “What to do?”
If that girl was a spy, she should report it. But it was a strange move for Viola. If the Master were bitten, that would be… inconvenient.
Still, perhaps it could work to her advantage. If things went wrong and he came to her for help—that could be quite a pleasant turn of events. Maybe it was best to just watch for now.
”Hmm… tricky.”
A sudden thump echoed through the camp, as if someone had slammed a table. She looked toward a larger tent—the captain’s quarters.
”Well,” she said with a light laugh, “this looks interesting. I’ll keep watching for now.”
If he died, she’d likely be executed by the Hero herself. So better to handle things before that happened.
”Yeeeaaah!”
A man’s wild shout rang out. Rough, loud, and almost endearing in its foolish energy.
”What’s going on, Master?” Kispe called sweetly. “Your voice reached all the way outside. I thought a monkey was screaming!”
She peeked into the tent, leaning forward just enough to look delicate and cute. She smiled, tilted her head, pressed a finger to her cheek—every motion carefully rehearsed to charm.
”Huh? Who’re you calling a monkey? Maybe I’ll drag you in here and show you what kind of monkey I can be,” the man growled.
”Kyaa♡ So scary♡ What are you going to do to me, Master? Help me, Hero~♡”
”Cianie’s gone,” he muttered.
”Again? My, the Hero is busy, isn’t she? Fufu… But Master, just because she’s away doesn’t mean you can flirt with me, okay?♡”
The man’s temple throbbed, a vein standing out. Her teasing had been relentless lately, and he snapped more easily with every word. No man could stay polite forever under that kind of torment—especially not from a girl who looked so small, so smug.
He’s brimming with frustration, she thought, hiding her grin. Soon, he wouldn’t be able to hold it in anymore. Men always lost patience when scolded by girls like her. She knew.
”Kispe,” he said sharply. “We leave at dawn. We’ve been assigned to defend the front. I’m not telling you to fight, but be ready—we’re heading to the battlefield.”
So, the northern advance had begun. The army from Sanrid must have started moving. If the Demon Lord’s Army attacked in force, she might soon see the Hero’s true strength up close.
”So it’s finally war,” she whispered. “In that case, I should act quickly.”
The Hero had just left again. Busy as ever. If she wanted to make her move, now was the time.
”Then, Master,” she said sweetly, “please sit with me in the carriage during the march.”
”Huh? Why?”
”Why, because I used to be your enemy. Surely you’d feel uneasy letting me out of your sight? You can watch me yourself, Master♡”
She reached out and took his hand. When he tried to pull away, she clung tighter, refusing to let go.
”Please, Master,” she whispered, pressing close. “Let me be of use to you…♡”
Her fingers traced softly across his chest. Her eyes narrowed, her breath warm.
”Anything you want… except the one thing you shouldn’t ask for…♡”
Notes:
• Cianie – A noble girl with a fluffy white and light blue dress, indicating her high status. She has a hesitant and flustered personality but is kind and courteous. Her relationship with Klock begins as an accidental encounter and develops into a romantic interest. She has a fiancé but expresses feelings for Klock, complicating their relationship.
• Tiet – A companion and friend of Anna. A holy knight from the royal capital. She wears light armor and carries a shield adorned with a dragon holding a sword, indicating her affiliation with the National Military Police. She is concerned about Anna’s well-being and tries to support her emotionally.
• Adelina – The slave girl.
• Meina – She is a golden-haired catgirl employee of the beastman (Larana the cat woman) Inn, appeared performing fellatio, desperate and tear-streaked, with an inexperienced yet earnest approach to her work.
• Gina – A kind choir member who shows genuine concern for Adelina. She’s a rare ally in this unfamiliar place, offering some comfort and companionship.
• Shinnit – Located south of the royal capital of the Kingdom of Crotopone, separated by mountains. A bustling trading town and the nation’s largest economic hub, controlling the Four Islands. It is a port city with gray outer walls, known for its strategic importance and military presence.
• Oriana – A Princess. A companion who assists in explaining the situation to the kingdom. She is supportive and helps Anna navigate her responsibilities. Her appearance is slender, with dark hair and sharp features.
• Cardinal Hanover – He appears as Theocracy envoy; clarifies Barutoro’s legitimate authority and prevents Hero from being forced into Barreith’s political obligations
• Bartolo – A self-proclaimed president of Leelit Federation; meets Klock and Cianie to request Hero’s help defending Barreith
• Ludovico – He appears as Barreith administrator; confronts Klock and Cianie, demands Hero assist in town defense
• Delphina – She is the Demon King’s daughter, appeared as a six-horned, water-blue haired figure, known for her godlike presence and influence.
• Bandanzine – They are one of the Four Heavenly Kings, appeared as a warrior with a dignified gaze, known for their frontline combat prowess.
• Anna – The legendary Hero, chosen to defeat the Demon Lord. Her past life is Sylvia Croce. She is described as a heavenly being with overwhelming skill and a merciless attitude.
• Kreis – Baron of Valture and district chief. A middle-aged noble weighed down with gold chains and jeweled rings, yet it’s his hawk-like eyes and sly smile that mark him as dangerous. He meets Klock at the Borges family’s social gathering, greeting him by name as Maria’s son before Klock can even introduce himself—like a predator that already knows its prey.
• Orrid – Southern pleasure town near Conro, known for its chaos and vice. Serves as Brigante’s next destination and Count Grasso’s sphere of influence. Rumored den of spies and mercenaries.
• Elna – Female. A young apprentice mage. Her appearance is that of a child with white hair reaching her shoulders. She wears a black hooded mantle with strange patterns. Her relationship is as an apprentice to Hermine, the Great Mage. Her power involves advanced magic, including spatial teleportation. Her combat style is magical, and she is described as childish and easily provoked.
• Rosalie – Daughter of Viscount Albert Fennec, district chief of Basselow. Formerly weak and bedridden under Suzette’s care, she recovered after escaping Basselow’s fall to the Demon Lord’s Army. Now sheltered by House Borges, she stands as the surviving heir to the Fennec title.
• Suzette – The older maid from Viscount Fennec. The head maid at the Viscount Fennec’s villa. She is confident, clear-spoken, and professional.
• Hermine – Daughter of the Emperor of the Second Empire of Dusselhelm. A companion and friend of Anna. The mage. She is pragmatic and encourages Anna to focus on her duties as a hero rather than her personal revenge.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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