The Forked Path
Sisilia's party left Brockenfeld Territory as soon as dawn broke. According to the Marquis of Brocken, Demon King forces were likely still lingering nearby. The lack of contact with surrounding territories was his evidence. And sure enough, his guess hit the mark—they encountered Demon King troops shortly after departing.
"State your unit's size, destination, and your commander's name."
"...Promise you'll let me live."
"I promise."
"Make it a contract."
"A cautious demon, aren't you."
"Humans lie."
Edward formed a contract with the demon.
"Now talk."
"Northwest from here. I don't know the exact numbers. But the legion commander is a vampire named Lujerna Carmoson."
The demon spoke with a blank expression.
"Now, human. Time for you to uphold the contract."
"Of course."
Edward roughly released the demon's collar, then said,
"Sisilia."
"Yes."
As if she'd been waiting, Sisilia moved like the wind and cleanly severed the demon's neck.
Slice!
Roll...
The headless demon stared at its body crumbling to ash for a moment, then fixed its gaze on Edward.
"Why?"
Edward grinned wickedly.
"Humans lie."
The contract promised life in exchange for information—from Edward. So Sisilia killing it violated nothing.
'Such a shameless old pro... no excuse possible!'
Sisilia trembled with fury at Edward stealing her line entirely.
"Lujerna... Lujerna—first time hearing that name."
"A legion commander? One of the Four Heavenly Kings?"
"No, Betty."
Sisilia decided to explain for once. She rarely did. Watching Betty flustered was more fun, after all. But if she didn't, Edward might paint her as a useless subordinate.
"The Four Heavenly Kings taking legion commander roles is a special case. They usually pick separate commanders."
"Th-then... she's super strong, right...?"
"Could be stronger, could be weaker. The Four Heavenly Kings and legion commanders hold equal rank."
Sisilia smiled brightly.
"Lujerna's the 7th legion commander. Dead last among them—around Ashumar's level. Maybe even weaker."
The number before "legion commander" denoted rank. Lumia was 2nd, so Lujerna was a full five steps below. A good chance to gauge Lumia's strength roughly.
Sisilia couldn't unleash her true name right now. She had to take down the strongest Heavenly King, Lumia, with pure Sword Princess power alone.
"Sisilia."
Edward smiled warmly at the new intel.
"Why didn't you report such crucial information?"
"..."
"A word."
Sisilia was dragged into the woods by Edward's hand. Thirty minutes later, she returned sniffling.
Beatrice looked utterly delighted.
* * *
"Northwest from here... that'd be the Kazemor region."
"...Also called the Black Rock Zone. Lots of magic stone mines there."
"You know your stuff. Did some prior research?"
"Yeah, well... ahaha."
Beatrice awkwardly laughed and patted Sisilia's head. Sisilia looked up. Beatrice seemed uneasy. Before she could ask why, Edward spoke.
"First, we leave Brockenfeld behind. Stay vigilant—Demon King remnants might still lurk."
Edward figured the troops that breached defenses were the full 7th legion. It wasn't far out of the way, and they'd planned to mop up remnants before tackling Lumia anyway. Even if it meant a detour, catch Lujerna first.
Sisilia had no objections. If anything, progress was too fast for her taste.
"L-let's save as many people as we can along the way."
"...You're not usually this nosy."
"I'm 17 now. Not the kid you knew anymore, Ed-ppie. So stop holding my wrist."
To reach Carmot, they had to cross a mountain range—rough terrain for horses. They'd procure a carriage in the next territory and go on foot. But Ed-ppie wouldn't let go of her wrist. That irked Sisilia.
No newbies nearby, so she tolerated it. But if spotted, they'd mistake her for his girlfriend.
'Newbies would lose the will to fight seeing Ed-ppie's face.'
Not ideal for her pretty heroine image, giving everyone a shot.
"Let go, and it'll take weeks longer to cross."
"I'm not a child."
"Promise you won't get lost?"
"Yes."
Edward finally released her. Sisilia immediately spotted a mushroom nearby and crouched to poke it.
"..."
As she squatted, prodding away, Edward quietly snatched her hand and dragged her off.
"My mushroom...!"
Beatrice and Serepina whispered behind them.
"I-is that normal for Liannen men and women? Touching so casually."
"No way. Our Lady Sisilia's still a noblewoman."
"Then why? They're not married, but holding hands...?"
"Raised together since kids, so even as semi-adults, casual skinship's normal for him. He's the worst."
Edward turned with a cold glare.
"I can hear you."
"..."
They crossed the mountains safely and reached the next territory. Sisilia's party stopped at a tavern for info and food. More village than territory, its sole tavern offered only lamb stew.
As Sisilia plopped veggies into Beatrice's stew,
"Betty?"
Beatrice, who would've normally snapped, just blankly stirred her stew.
"Betty."
Only then did she look up.
"Yes? Did you call me?"
"I've been calling forever."
"...Sorry."
"What's up with you?"
Beatrice gave a wry smile.
"My hometown's not far from here."
"Oh yeah?"
Edward recalled after a moment.
"Right. This is more west than north. Close to Schwarzfeder Territory."
"...Yes. Seeing Demon King forces this near... I'm worried about my parents."
Sisilia slammed her spoon down noisily.
"Why say so now?"
Sisilia was genuinely pissed. Beatrice shook her head.
"Our territory's a backwater nowhere. We grow some wheat, but barely enough to sustain it... No reason for demons to bother."
"Makes sense."
Edward nodded, swallowing stew. Seemed he'd dismiss it.
Sisilia wouldn't.
"You still should've said."
"...We're off to slay the strongest Heavenly King, with territories falling left and right. Didn't want to waste time on maybes."
"Checking if your parents are safe isn't a waste."
Beatrice's voice grew gloomy.
"...Then stop dumping veggies in my stew?"
"..."
Sisilia averted her eyes slyly, but meant every word. She turned to Edward.
"Ed-ppie. Before Carmot, detour to Betty's home."
"...You've changed, Sisilia."
Edward dabbed his mouth with a napkin.
"And not for the better."
Sisilia subtly switched her braid to the other side, just in case. Edward closed his eyes, at his patience's limit.
"Not about your hair. You've always done needless things—risking value for the worthless, wasting time."
He eyed her coldly.
"At least back then, it was rational. Learn nothing from the east?"
"All humans are equal under the Goddess."
Serepina spoke quietly, but firmer than ever.
"Edward's words are wrong."
Edward, long since past that debate, ignored her.
"Carmot sees constant war. Plenty of useful knights there. While we dine peacefully, countless valuables perish."
Sisilia stared piercingly at Beatrice.
"...I agree with the captain. My home's fully west from here. If this place is safe, probably fine."
'Why's she pushing this?'
Beatrice hung her head. Logically, Edward was right, but anxiety gnawed unreasonably. Still, she couldn't risk others for her unease.
They finished stew, got a carriage, and soon hit a fork.
"This is..."
Sign: left to Schwarzfeder, right to Carmot.
Sisilia said quietly,
"Last chance, Betty."
Sisilia was dead serious. Beatrice knew: Sisilia only helped those who asked.
"You really going to Carmot?"
* * *
Schwarzfeder Territory. The square packed with all residents.
"Life is a chain of choices."
Leopold Schwarzfeder, Beatrice's father and the lord, faced a forced decision.
"Sometimes, a choice to avert immediate loss breeds massive regret later—or averts future loss, only to invite disaster."
A man with arrow-split eyes placed hands on Leopold's shoulders, whispering.
"I am the Devil of Choice, Belleus."
Behind him, a small demon with a teardrop beauty mark raised a hand.
"I am the Devil of Regret, kin to Choice!"
Belleus smiled, pointing ahead.
"Right: 300 territory folk."
Then to the side. A golden-haired woman, middle-aged yet beautiful, smiled faintly.
"Left: your beloved wife."
Belleus grinned demonically.
"What is your choice?"