On the other side of the water mirror, Salia smiled while she watched.
She knew that Sheto’s heart was starting to lean towards the demon general. Still, she had no intention of saying anything. The team of hunters were to be of one mind and body. It was the role of the Nagayubi to obey the words of the Ganari.
However, the Dragon God next to her did not feel the same way. His face grew severe as he let out a sigh.
“What an…idiot. That fool.”
“I am sorry. He ruined your plan.”
That being said, this was not completely unexpected either. Due to the casual tone, she could tell that he was not as mad as he might have been.
“It’s not my concern, I tell you. After all, two months of training was never going to be enough to beat Berganda. But now he will be watched by so many… We cannot kill the general by setting a trap either.”
“The clash between the two armies is no longer avoidable. If that’s the case, then at the very least, I want to end the fighting in a manner that satisfies us, rather than through schemes and deceit.”
“That is deceit. Are you prioritizing the state of your own heart when torrents of blood are going to be shed?”
“Still, dignity must be protected. Or our principals will become unsustainable.”
“Risking your own subordinate for the sake of pride. I see that you are still a fool.”
“It is not a matter of stubbornness or emotions. I do have a plan as well.”
Instead of just talking about ideals, she would also act in order to make them a reality. With consideration to Sheto’s emotions, Salia would continue to move.
“If he were to successfully defeat Berganda in a duel, the weakening of the monsters will be carried out more peacefully than if it was an assassination. Announcing a duel will also help to restrain Berganda’s subordinates.”
‘Assassination. I don’t, want to do such things.’
Sheto had said that after hearing the Dragon God’s plan.
He had said everything. About how his heart was being swallowed up by the demon general’s side. And so Salia had made a suggestion.
‘If you wish to do it. They challenge him to a duel.’
‘…Will he, accept?’
“I don’t know. However, he will not run away if you challenge him.’
If he was going to continue to cooperate with Salia as her Hero, then he would have to defeat Berganda eventually.
It wasn’t a matter of working or not. It had to be done.
And so Sheto answered.
He chose to live with her. And he would ask for nothing else.
“I see… Well, that is an improvement compared to last time.”
The Dragon God’s face, which had been taunting her, became significantly softer than before. It was clear that he was assessing the validity behind the proposal for this duel.
Just then, Salia recalled someone else, who was not currently present.
“Now that I think about it, I haven’t heard about Keita’s movements yet.”
“…And I have no intention of saying anything. I do not want another plan to be ruined.”
The dragon’s golden head turned away. Salia chuckled at the childishness, but also realized something else.
“I will leave it to you then. But I will also act on my own. After all, if I can threaten the Seer’s army, it will help with the plan.”
“What a presumptuous thing to say. However, I doubt things will be that simple.”
A shadow fell over the calm face, and the dragon’s voice became serious and cautious.
‘Wanderer of Worlds and Goddess of Peace.’
The Seer’s voices echoed from beyond the door of the god seat.
‘Come to the grand hall, and let us begin our battle.’