Epi # ▲*gu II.
 

 
“Damn it…!”
 
The young boy clenched a piece of paper tightly, tears streaming down his face.
 
“Even if they call you a hero, in the end… aren’t you just dead!!!”
 
Beside the weeping boy lay a sheet of black stationery.
 
Lately, ordinary letters were usually written on white paper. Occasionally, colors were used based on the content of the letter.
 
Red meant—confession.
 
Blue meant—reunion.
 
Black meant—death.
 
“What we wanted to be… it’s not dolls, damn ittttttt!!!”
 
And on the paper the boy held, these words … Read the rest

Epilogue
 

 
The [Civil War] came to a close with the victory of the Lilac Kingdom.
 
While the success was attributed to the actions of their own soldiers, the unexpected participation of Kahlua as a wild card played a significant role. Kahlua was said to be summoned to the royal castle to receive rewards.
 
As for the church faction issue that got entangled, the church eventually united as one.
 
The attempt to assassinate the saintess became public knowledge, leading to increased resentment from the followers. The delicate balance of the scales collapsed. Further details remained unknown. … Read the rest

 
Precisely ten minutes.
 
After separating from Phil heading south, Kahlua arrived at the Lylac Kingdom’s national border.
 
“Now that I’ve reached the border… “
 
Spread out in front of her were soldiers wielding swords, engaged in fierce combat.
 
The clashing of metal and war cries echoed everywhere, portraying a scene where soldiers were boldly fighting head-on.
 
There was no supply base or commanding officers in the rear; it was undoubtedly the heart of the battlefield, evident to anyone who looked.
 
Kahlua had reached a slightly distant location — a hill where she could overlook the surroundings.
 
“Well, it’s not like … Read the rest

──It was so close.
 
As Phil grasps Kira’s arm, with the corners of his eyes he glances around and thinks──we cut that close.
 
Right before him, Kira is trying to swing down a warhammer on Phil. Behind him crouches Milis, looking up at him.
 
With just this composition lined up, one could easily imagine what kind of situation this was.
 
If he had been even a little late… A chill runs down Phil’s spine from that [if].
 
“Aha! I knew you’d come, evildoer!”
 
Kira shakes Phil off her arm, then immediately flies backwards to … Read the rest

 
─Let’s go back in time a bit.
 

“Wait Phil! “
 
In the Salemabart mansion, Kahlua grabs her master’s arm just as he’s about to leave the room.
 
“Let go, Kahlua! I was too slow to realize….I don’t know what’s happening now. Saint Milis might end up ingredients to the [Arbitration Faction]’s night snack.”
 
None of the master’s usual frivolity.
 
Dead serious, frustration oozing from his expression, the arm she grasped feels tense.
 
Even so, the maid does not release her master’s arm.
 
After all, the place the master is about to rush off to now isn’t some detested … Read the rest

 
“W-What…!? Could it be, has the battlefield expanded this far!?”
 
“No, if that were the case, soldiers or someone should have come to inform us! And, above all, the safety of the Holy Maiden is the top priority for the Lilac Kingdom too!”
 
“If that’s the case, then why—”
 
At that moment, a distinct sound echoed.
 
A sharp click-clack of shoes, coming from somewhere.
 
With the wide-open view and no obstructions, any sound made in that space would inevitably reveal the source immediately.
 
“W-Why…!?”
 
Understanding only made it worse, bringing unwanted information.
 
Without any obstructions, there was no way an … Read the rest

“If Dad ignored the royal escort duties and participated in the [Civil War], there must have been an even bigger reason! And normally you wouldn’t think there are people above the royalty in this country….but just this once, there are! In this country!”
 
Having said that much, Maria realizes.
 
One of the people who they met just the other day who could influence the country.
 
“You don’t mean the saint girl went to participate in the [Civil War]!”
 

---

 
[Emergency patient! A spear has pierced his abdomen!]
 
──In the vortex of the [Civil War], behind … Read the rest

The Civil War
 

 
A week after the saintess Milis Alamirea left the party.
 
Phil was spending days digesting the events that had somehow formed a bond with people he didn’t even want to know at the party.
 
Specifically, dealing with piled up gifts, refusing marriage proposals including invitation letters, and responding to letters of thanks for hospitality and visits.
 
On top of that, there was some work that had piled up a bit during his absence – unrelated to the brothel business, he couldn’t go out.
 
His younger brother Zan seems to still be enjoying his days full of … Read the rest

“Might as well throw my lot in with Conservative too, I guess.”
 
“Oh goodie~! I was thinking of backing them too!”
 
“Then it’s settled, we’re comrades despite my not being a believer. Here’s to a lasting relationship.”
 
“The Shadow Hero sure knows how to string girls along! Completely oblivious to the blade aimed at his back!”
 
“Except the wielder and the stab spot have already been determined, my two eyes.”
 
With that quip, Phil leaves the balcony with Alicia.
 
The live band’s tune has shifted at some point, an upbeat rhythm audible from the … Read the rest

“Oh, I get it now… Phil wanted me to do that. I was wondering why you’d give a fake name. Gotcha.”
 
Surprisingly, Alicia bows her head in apology.
 
Not expecting her to apologize at all, Phil is taken aback and abruptly regains composure.
 
“N-No, I’m the one who should apologize. That was completely unreasonable of me.”
 
“No no, I’m at fault here. I did something awful in return for you saving me…”
 
They look at each other apologetically.
 
However, the awkward air soon dissipates with the questions raised.
 
“Huh? But how’d you know … Read the rest