Death March to the Parallel World Rhapsody

This is not from Satou’s perspective.

Correction made on 9/15.

“Honorable chief shrine maiden, I have returned.”

Sera entered the sanctuary looking more lively than before. This girl always seems cheerful, but it’s rare to see her this excited.

“What’s wrong, Sera? Did you find someone nice?”

“N-no! The sir noble is not someone like that!”

What a poor liar.

Curious, I asked about this sir noble.

“He helped with the food distribution, and strangely, I felt like I’d met him before. Yes, he had an aura similar to yours, chief shrine maiden—soft, or rather, supple…”

Listening to Sera’s gushing, I couldn’t help but suspect—without much basis—that this sir noble might be Nameless from the other day. Perhaps because I had been thinking about Nameless so much lately.

This isn’t some old person’s love, you know?

After the ritual at dawn, a divine oracle declared that the Demon King, revived in the Duke’s Capital, had been defeated. Of course, I immediately sent a messenger to his grace the duke, but was told that due to other temples’ involvement, an official announcement couldn’t be made yet. However, they assured me that King Sete would be informed, so the defeat of the Demon King should be declared at the spring kingdom council at the latest.

“Chief shrine maiden, you look happy too. Do you have a lover now?”

“Hehe, I’m infatuated with someone named Nameless.”

Trying to counter, but still naive. To be shaken so much by my joke! Hehe, my heart really feels light, as if in love. If the season of the demon king is over, maybe it’s time for the chief shrine maiden to retire.

I can’t imagine Sera forgetting her duties, but just in case, I have to warn her to keep things appropriate. Losing her maidenhood means she can no longer receive divine oracles. It might be harsh for a teenage girl, but she must wait until the divine oracle confirms the end of the season of the demon king.

◇

At the duke’s castle, I met the boy whom Sera fancies—or maybe I should call him a candidate. Surrounded by girls, he was very popular. Oh dear, Sera, if you make that face, he’ll just laugh at you, you know?

Still, what a pleasant scent. Not just the sweetness of sugar. Now I understand why he’s so sought after.

But that voice.

It’s so similar to Nameless. Could he be his twin brother?

His level is less than half, and his skill set is totally different. The only things they share are age, voice, hair color, and stature.

When I encountered Parion and Galleon—old friends of Lord Tislard—who were congratulating Lord Tislard, I discreetly tried to ask without being direct. They seemed confused but not upset. Looks like it was not him.

Maybe I was overthinking Nameless a bit too much.

Hehe, I can’t tease Sera about this. She’s like a maiden in love.

◇

“Good evening, honorable chief shrine maiden.”

Really, such a mysterious child.

I wonder how he sneaks in? It didn’t feel like spatial magic, so probably not that.

“I came today to ask about the divine oracle concerning the Demon King.”

“Oh? Didn’t you defeat it?”

“Surely, a passing hero must have done it.”

He wants to deny it at all costs.

“Why hasn’t the defeat of the Demon King been announced?”

“I told his grace the duke directly, but other temples’ oracles haven’t confirmed ‘defeat.’ So Tenion Temple can’t make the announcement alone.”

Probably, each temple questioned whether the “Demon King” they foresaw—not the one under Duke’s Capital—was defeated.

In other words, the season of the demon king is not over yet—but luckily, the Duke’s Capital is no longer included. Thanks to Nameless, I suppose.

Just to be sure, I told Nameless this, but he seemed to expect it. He calmly muttered, “I thought so.” He had an aura like, “No matter how many Demon Kings come, I’m not afraid.” Imagining the expression behind his invisible mask is very interesting.

I hung the Rebirth Relic that Nameless charged around my neck. Truly amazing. After nearly twenty years of service, I wonder if I’m just an old woman feeling it was all in vain.