Dark Continent (3rd)

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After the negotiations with the masochist demon finished, we moved on to cleaning up the cave.

“Oi, there’s still a stain there. Do your job properly.”

“This stain was here before. It’s not blood.”

“Does that matter, human? What does it matter when the stain occurred? If my Master ordered me to clean something, I’d clean every inch of the room without question.”

“Gu….”

He’s like a landlord that wants to keep the security deposit based on stains in the carpet that were already there when I first moved in. Why am I getting so annoyed about this? Maybe it’s because he gets ordered to do this stuff by Drill-chan and gets enjoyment out of it. My heart hurts when I think about Drill-chan and her unbroken hymen.

I wouldn’t mind being treated that way by Edita Sensei and her untouched hymen.

“…I’m done with this spot.”

“Sorry, but he wants it spotless. You’ll have to go over it again.”

“Alright.”

Goggoru-chan was also helping clean.

This is her mess after all.

It took us quite a while to clean up all of the blood and caked on dust that had accumulated in the cave over the years. By the time we finished, the sun had already set. My plan to buy something to pump out all the excess blood proved unnecessary as the Kimoronge was able to use his spatial magic to do the same job.

I don’t fully understand his magic, but he told me he’s capable of moving some amount of mass in addition to his own. I created a drain using my Stonewall magic and he used his spatial magic from there. I’ve teamed up with someone I don’t like.

He also used his spatial magic to bring in the water we used to clean with. It seems to be a very versatile magic.

“Is this good enough?”

“…well, it should be fine.”

I was breathing hard as I wiped the sweat off my forehead, feeling a sense of accomplishment.

The coalition party led by the Hero of the West had yet to return since leaving earlier in the day. The fear of a high-ranking demon like the Kimoronge must be real. I suspect they’ll wait for around a full day before they try to check in on us.

In order to prevent this, I blocked off the entrance using my Stonewall. This was also something the Kimoronge requested. He doesn’t want to give anyone a chance to investigate his magic circle. I gave in to his request without much issue.

I don’t want to lose access to the circle if possible due to its convenience.

I want to monopolize it for my own personal use.

Now that I’ve helped him clean up this place, I think I can use the masochist demon rather than just killing him outright.

“So I guess you won’t be sticking around for much longer.”

“…what of it?”

“I was just curious when the magic circle can be used again….”

“It activates again after about half a day. It should be ready to use once the moon has risen further.”

“Well, looks like we’ll be using it to go back.”

“…we? You plan on taking the High Goggoru back with you.”

“What’s wrong with that?”

“…eh?”

The surprised reaction came from Goggoru-chan.

She must have been expecting me to leave her here alone. However, my plans changed once the masochist demon appeared. If I were to return alone to the Penny Empire, he would definitely kill her.

That much is clear to me. The entire time we were cleaning and even now, the Kimoronge has kept his distance from her. I’m sure the masochist demon has many secrets that are dangerous for humanity.

“I’m not going to kill her and I won’t let you do it either.”

“Even if she reads every one of your thoughts?”

“Yes, even then.”

I gave an honest answer as I nodded. Goggoru-chan was the next to speak.

“…it’s supposed to be once every five days.”

“I’m sorry, but it looks like it’s going to be every day.”

“….”

Goggoru-chan’s expression had hardly changed since I first met her, no matter what the situation, now looked shocked and there was a slight tremble in her voice.

“Ha! Is it a human tradition to seek out unique methods of getting yourself killed?”

“Yes, that is funny. It’s funny that you’re so scared of a little girl reading your thoughts. Are you sure you’re a High Demon?”

“You think keeping up this calm facade is going to accomplish anything? She sees through it all.”

“Of course.”

Lies are just a means to an end.

But it would be dangerous if the wrong person came to know about my lies and the other dark thoughts that run through my mind. Especially if it’s this guy.

“Fu~n, I wonder how long you’ll be able to keep this act up.”

“I hope you’ll enjoy the show.”

“This might turn out to be the more entertaining route. I look forward to the day you’ve killed the thing yourself.”

Maybe that day will come.

But, for now, I just want to protect her.

“I hope to avoid that. Also, I think it best if you keep your distance from us when you return to the city in case she decides to read your mind. Whenever you decide to return, discuss things with your Master and let me know what you’ve decided.”

“What happens back in the Penny Empire is up to you. I will not run nor hide from that creature.”

“Understood. I’ll keep that in mind.”

We stepped into the magic circle and started pouring mana into it.

I guess the Kimoronge is planning on returning on his own. He’s watching us from one of the corners of the cave. I’m glad he’s not planning on sticking around after we leave. That would make things hard to explain to the coalition party. Maybe he’s doing it as a favour to me, but I doubt that considering who he is.

“..is this really okay?”

Goggoru-chan mumbled this as the magic circle began to light up.

The chocololi looked at me with upturned eyes illuminated by the faint glow of coming from the circle.

“Yes. You don’t have anything to worry about Rocoroco-san. I’ve made my mind up.”

“I can’t do anything to stop reading people’s thoughts. Even if I try to stop it, their thoughts will still flow in.”

“Still, that doesn’t matter to me. I’ll take responsibility for everything.”

“….”

The glow from the magic circle began to increase in strength.

“Let’s get along well.”

I held my hand out toward her and was met with a soft, warm sensation.

“…thank you.”

Just as Goggoru-chan nodded, we both disappeared and left the Dark Continent. My vision faded and a strange floaty feeling enveloped me.

Every man wants to say that at least once in his life.

I’ll take responsibility for everything.

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