Chapter 56 – Caress Those Cheeks And Weep
Alice-san conveyed the strategy to us the next day.
We meticulously reviewed it, refining and aligning it with our magic, a process that took half a day. Honestly, by that point, almost all our worries had vanished.
Because her plan was incredibly pragmatic—meticulously crafted, eliminating uncertainties and wishful thinking. It was grounded in actual combat experience against the Demon King. You could feel the two centuries of resolve behind her determination to end it here and now.
During the briefing, Alice-san spoke.
「This isn’t a battle. We won’t let it become one. We’ll end it before it can even begin.」
She looked around at everyone, then seemed to drift into distant thoughts—
「After eighteen hundred years, I’ve found my fortune. That fortune is you. …I won’t let this chance slip away. I’ll give it everything I have to resolve this threat to the world.」
With preparations complete, we returned to the inn and spent a quiet night together as a family.
Strangely, I slept well.
I’m sure everyone else did too.
※※※
——And so, on the morning of the operation.
After confirming that everyone was in good condition, a state of martial law—the first in twenty years since the『Great Outbreak』—was declared in Alfheim. The residents of District Two were evacuated to District Three, and all citizens were forbidden from going outside.
Meanwhile, the key personnel gathered in the castle’s grand hall, standing before the door that led to District Zero.
「We’re nowhere near Progenitor-sama, but we’ve got a huge role to play. Honestly, my hands are shaking.」
「Yeah… but we still have to do our best. We’re witches, after all.」
Rick-san and Noemi-san—the twin descendants of Ejetia—said this, nodding at us. Alongside them were Elder Council members like Miyako-san and Moata-san, those proficient in magic who would serve as the last line of defense, a shield in case of emergencies.
Alice-san clapped the twins’ shoulders with a reassuring smile.
「Don’t worry. No matter what happens, we won’t let the main body escape—mutants or not. …Your magical wavelength is a lot like my old friends—your ancestors. Have confidence.」
「「Yes！」」
The words of the Progenitor clearly had a powerful impact. Being told they resembled their ancestors only made it more poignant. Rick-san and Noemi-san, moved to the core, straightened their posture with determined expressions.
Alice-san continued, addressing each of the support members one by one. She asked their names, their lineages, and offered encouragement while meeting their eyes, tying each of them back to Progenitor-sama.
「She’s really good at this… Truly impressive.」
「Kuuun?」
「What? I’m not cut out for this sort of thing.」
「Bark!」
「Oh, but Sui-kun, your wedding speech in Sidera was wonderful, wasn’t it?」
While I was being comforted by Chocola, Mother smiled gently at me.
「That was for a happy occasion, though…」
「Your father was skilled at negotiations and diplomacy. I wonder if that’s a strength Japanese people have—leading others like that?」
「Alice-san’s skill comes from two centuries of experience. But yeah, education back home probably covered more of that.」
Speeches, debates, and class representative duties—things like that.
Of course, it depended on individual strengths, so not every Japanese was naturally good at these things. But there was a difference in foundation between those who received such training and those who didn’t. In this world, schools typically covered reading, writing, arithmetic, and magic. Only merchant or noble children received formal instruction in leadership skills.
As we chatted, Alice-san returned.
「Alright. Let’s go.」
「Yes.」
Me, Karen, Mother, Chocola.
Ji Liz, Four Seasons-san, Color-san.
And Alice-san, making us eight in total—the team set to face the Demon King.
「Emishi, Yuzuriha, Meishal. We leave the city to you.」
「Understood. We’ll ensure everything runs smoothly… Though I am confident nothing will go wrong, should it happen, we will not allow any casualties.」
They were responsible for coordinating the citizens under martial law. Hajime-san stood solemnly beside Emishi-san, while Meishal-san’s eyes shone with unwavering resolve.
「May fortune be with you!!!」
And so—
With their battle cry at our backs, we followed Alice-san as she pushed open the doors to the grand hall.
Beyond lay a concrete chamber: 『District Zero』, where the Demon King was sealed.
The entrance wasn’t wide enough for Ji Liz’s massive form. But—
「Will this be enough?」
Alice-san traced a large circle with her right hand, and smoothly—
The wall was cut out along the trajectory, steel beams and all.
She kicked the severed wall inward, creating an entryway.
It was a cutting spell utilizing fire, water, and wind attributes in tandem. Even though we had witnessed it yesterday, her masterful display of magic left us all in awe.
Following Alice-san, the entire group, including Ji Liz, stepped through the opening.
For the first time in days, we faced the Demon King again.
A creature with the visage of a dragon, or perhaps an insect shaped like a dragon—
When I first saw it, I was filled with horror. Now, knowing its origins, I only felt pity.
「So this… is my great-great-grandfather, huh?」
Ji Liz’s murmur was flat. He didn’t seem shaken. Perhaps he was just suppressing his emotions.
「Ji Dia. He was the son of a dragon who was my friend.」
「Progenitor-dono’s friend was from the Yato clan. To think I share blood with those stubborn folks… Even after living so long, there’s much I don’t know about myself.」
The mighty dragon let out a deep sigh.
His eyes held a mix of sorrow and compassion.
「Great-great-grandfather. Because you risked yourself to protect our ancestor, I stand here today. I’m proud of you… And that’s why I can’t let you destroy the world.」
Ji Liz bowed his head in respect. Seeing this, Alice-san declared boldly:
「Let’s begin. Sui-kun, Karen. Please.」
Called forward, Karen and I stepped up.
Before the Demon King—
We would be the first to strike.
「Ready, Karen. Anytime.」
I drew the magic sword Ridill and took my stance.
「Hmm.」
Karen nodded and began chanting her spell.
※※※
「…『The white jade tower’s fog, reflected in the calm spring sea!』」
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