‘The Demon King’s army is supported by Berganda’s ability as a general. However, if that shatters, the results will be very different for them. They will not stand a chance against the Hero’s army.’
“I-I can’t do something like that! It’s impossible!”
‘In that case…will you back off now?’
Another decision.
He had been able to bear it up until now. Just a little help. Just a little courage. That was all that was needed.
But such a heavy responsibility. He could not bear it.
“I…”
Fear clouded his vision, and Keita could barely raise his voice.
“I… What the…!?”
“Woah!?”
He shouted in surprise as the young dragon and star wolf emerged from the bushes. Fi scowled at the loud noise, but seemed to detect something in Keita’s expression, as he then looked up to the sky.
“Is the old man being reckless again? Even with this operation, he hasn’t considered Keita’s feelings at all! Even I was sweating over the possibility of injuries near the carriage.”
‘It cannot be helped. It is a strategist’s job to be a little reckless. But if complaining makes you feel better, you might as well say what you wish.’
Fi snorted at the Dragon God’s muttering, and then patted Keita on the back.
“If you don’t like it, you can just say so. Alright? And then the old man will just have to use his head to think of an alternative.”
‘Are you mistaking me for a convenient machine that will split out strategies if you put a hundred yen inside?’
“You’re always playing games instead of working, so you should at least use your head during times like these.”
Keita chuckled at their banter.
Before he knew it, the tension had left his body.
Apparently, listening to Fi and the Dragon God talk casually had helped to ease his emotions.
“So? What did the old man say to you?”
“…The Seer’s Hero or Berganda. I have to assassinate one of them.”
“Ha…huuuuhh!? What the hell!?”
After hearing everything, the young dragon covered his face with his hands.
“Are you stupid?”
‘Well, I’m not sure how to answer that.’
“What else am I supposed to say? This is ridiculous.”
‘If you are so smart, Fiacur, then you think about it. A way to win by beating both the Seer’s Hero and the demon general with only Sheto’s power.’
Said the Dragon God. Fi folded his arms and tilted his head.
His tail hit the ground and he murmured and muttered to himself. Eventually, he began to grind his teeth and his face grew serious.
“…It’s no use! Damn it! I can’t think of anything!”
‘That’s what I thought. You bloody fool!’
“Shut up! I should still be allowed to complain! Damn it!”
“Sorry, Fi. I’m fine now.”
Keita put his hand on Fi’s head and tousled his hair.
As Fi looked up with a worried expression, Keita nodded with a smile.
“I’m sorry. I was just a little surprised. I never thought that something like that would be expected of me.”
‘Indeed. You went from being close to abandoning your right to be here, to suddenly being used as a trump card.’
‘That being said, that is the best plan I can offer right now. In order for Sheto to win and for you to survive.’
“…Huh?”
Keita looked up at the sky.
As if trying to glimpse the form of the dragon he had never seen, somewhere far beyond the starlit heavens peeking through the treetops.
“Oh, were you serious about that? Because before, you said…”
‘As I said, we would prepare for the worst case scenario while also trying to find a way for you to survive. And my recommendation is to defeat the Seer’s Hero. That way, Canila will join the Greater Gods at once!’
“Hah…haha… That’s…aha…hahaha.”
He had no answer for that. The Dragon God was thinking that far ahead.
Sheto winning, the Demon King’s army being defeated. On top of that, he would look after them so that they could retire at any time.
“I’m starting to feel stupid for worrying so much. I guess I didn’t realize how you’d already thought everything through…”
‘In exchange, the demands are also higher. You will have to pay the price for your ideals.’
Keita was impressed. Up until now, none of the humans that he had met were so honest when it came to telling him what was expected.