Volume 2 Chapter 82 Takeru and Demon Lord Vega and Empress Mare (II)
"Takeru, there's something a bit strange about that story... Have you noticed it?"
"Huh?"
Suddenly, Sakurako-tan spoke up.
"I mentioned before that I first saw Empress Mare in this world 15 years ago."
"Yeah, I know."
"So, over 15 years ago, Empress Mare came to this modern world to create a Talking Monster to kill you. All of this... just to kill you."
"...Oh."
"But if you think about it, doesn't that seem a bit strange?"
"What do you mean...?"
"You really are slow on the uptake, aren't you? What I'm saying is... how did Empress Mare know you were coming to this world?"
"...Ah!"
That does make sense!
"Also... well, I can't say for sure, but there's something that's been on my mind."
"What? Is there more...?"
"Yes... it's about the 'person in white clothing.'"
"! Oh, yeah... that was the one who was with Empress Mare. What's that got to do with anything?"
"From what I can tell, I suspect that person is actually the mastermind behind this 'Talking Monster Plan.'"
"What?!"
"Furthermore... I believe Empress Mare is being 'used' by that person."
"No way! Not Mare! She's one of the top Demonkin, after all! There's no way someone could use her..."
"But back then, Empress Mare was mentally weak after Demon Lord Vega was killed, right? It's possible that someone took advantage of that weakness to manipulate her, don't you think?"
"I-I can't believe that... but still, could that really be a possibility?"
"Even if she lost her beloved, I have my doubts that her anger would last for 15 years."
"That just means she loved Vega that much..."
"And you know? If the only person she's resentful towards is Takeru... wouldn't she actually want a one-on-one showdown with you?"
"! Y-yeah... considering her personality..."
"I know a bit about Empress Mare too. So I can say, it's hard to believe she'd attack anyone unrelated to you... and especially someone from another world."
"Oh, I get it. That muscle-headed Mare would definitely come looking for me the moment she realized I was back in this world... no doubt about it!"
Yeah, that's just how she is.
She's all about muscle, emotions, and she absolutely hates anything that goes against the code.
"She wouldn't go after someone unrelated to her; that kind of nonsensical thing... would never happen! Right... right? Why didn't I realize it sooner? Considering her personality, I should've caught on to this right away..."
It was only when I heard Sakurako-tan's words that it finally hit me.
"...No doubt about it. Mare is definitely being manipulated by someone."
Seriously, how am I only realizing this now?
I mean, it feels like I could just snap!
Boom...!
"""""What the...?!"""""
Rumbling... (Clash!)... Rumbling... (Crack, crack!)... Rumbling... (Snap, crack, snap!)... Rumbling...!!
"Ugh!?"
"Ahhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!"
In a fit of rage, I released my full Level magic power.
As a result, even the sturdy floor, walls, and ceiling of the second laboratory──designed to withstand heavy skill attacks──caved in around me, creating cracks everywhere.
It looked like a crater left by a meteor strike.
"N-no way?! The floor and walls in this second laboratory can't crack this easily...!"
Kisaragi-san, stunned by the situation, whispered with a trembling voice.
"You're overdoing it, you idiot Takeru! Tone down those emotions a bit!"
And then, Sakurako-tan sensed my change immediately and quickly cast a barrier to protect everyone, giving me an earful.
"I'm sorry. But thank you, Sakurako-tan. For protecting everyone."
"Absolutely! This time, I'll have a case of 'Akazaka Aono's hina-arare' presented to me!"
"Oh, got it."
I caused trouble for everyone, but right now, I felt a weight lifted from my heart and a sense of clarity.
...I had always felt a bit of unease about fighting Mare.
But, Sakurako-tan's words made me realize something.
"The real mastermind... the real enemy is the 'person in white.'"
"I'm probably not mistaken. So, what will you do, Takeru?"
"That's a no-brainer... ...I'll take that guy down and settle things with Mare!"
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