‘However, I am a goddess who brings peace to the world and eases the suffering of people. I cannot help you with your savagery. Do not think that I have forgotten what happened in Lindle.’
“In that case, wouldn’t that be more reason to keep Sheto close to me? After all, whenever I attempt to do anything…savage, you can use your power and kill me on the spot.”
This time, there was a much longer silence. However, the longer it went on, the stronger he could sense her struggling.
‘First, for one month. You will halt all invasions and pillaging. If you can do that, then I shall believe that there is room for negotiations. And we can talk.’
Berganda nodded with satisfaction.
“Very well. Do your best to take advantage of us. However, know this. If you want to use us well, then you better discard such naive thoughts, goddess.”
He said what he wanted to say. Now, it was just a matter of drawing Sheto to him, and delivering the kobold safely to his master.
Just because Sheto was a rare creature, it did not mean he had enough power to win victory over the powerful Hero’s army. However, if used properly, he could surely help their situation in battle.
“Sorry, Sheto. You must be on guard for a while.”
“Huh? What are you…”
“My strength has not returned yet. Wake me if something happens.”
After that, whatever happens…happens.
He lay down slowly and drifted off to sleep.
—
Salia looked away from the mirror and sighed.
Berganda was nothing if not consistent. He wanted to deliver Sheto to the Demon King, and possibly have Sheto join his ranks. Of course, she had no intention of agreeing to this. But as long as they had no way to fight against the Seer, she could not have Sheto stay alone.
She had made the suggestion in a hurry. But if it was accepted, it would also lessen the damage against humans.
“But…helping the Demon King’s army will also lead to hurting humans…”
If they go through with this, Berganda will use it as a shield, and pursue an even deeper alliance. If she rejected it, they would lose a collaborator. But if she accepted it, they would be helping the Demon King.
She furrowed her brows and then stood up with a chuckle.
“It cannot be helped. I must ask for the dragon god’s advice…”
Sheto should be fine for now. The demon general was sleeping, and even if the Hero’s army came close by, they were in a large forest that was far from the road. It should be easy to escape.
She opened the door and went out into the square.
Suddenly, she felt a strong unease. Normally, the gods all sat scattered in different places, but they were all gathered to the center now.
And as soon as she appeared, they turned to her with suspicious gazes.
“It seems like you are finished with your mischief, Goddess of Peace.”
Said the Seer, who stood in the center. In the air, a giant mirror was hovering. A certain scene was playing in it.
‘While this is unprecedented, I do have something to say.’
In the forest, Sheto and Berganda spoke to each other.
And her own voice echoed through the square.
“Would you like to explain yourself, Saliashe?”
The conversation was supposed to be a secret. No one was supposed to have heard it.
“What do you mean by this?”