Not long after I finished my warning to Hero Eligion, Holy Knight Kanaria and Warrior Golgano arrived.
In every timeline until now, Holy Knight Kanaria had come to this spot alone. This time, however, the two of them arrived together.
The future had shifted; the Parasitic Scythe: Kyogenmawashi must have alerted Warrior Golgano, putting him on guard against me.
"Your Highness, forgive us for the wait. I am truly sorry I could not be by your side at such a crucial moment."
"Good work, both of you. There’s no need to apologize, Kanaria. After all, we’ve successfully defeated the Demon King."
"Hah! You’ve already slain the Demon King? Looks like the Hero’s made off with all the glory!"
Warrior Golgano’s laughter rang out.
There was nothing out of the ordinary in their conversation. It seemed that neither of them intended to show any hostility in front of the Hero.
I wished things would just stay this way, but I knew better than anyone that such a thing was impossible.
"Phew! Finally... I finally found you! Oh, I thought I was going to die!"
"……"
After another short wait, the elf Nyu and the hooded man, Noc, arrived.
Their behavior didn't seem particularly different from previous loops, but I found myself wondering where their true loyalties lay. Were they enemies or allies?
At any rate, once the Hero's Party was gathered, we used Nyu’s teleportation magic to return to the surface, leaving the dungeon behind.
Upon our return, we were welcomed by the villagers of Kataroff Village. A grand banquet was held to celebrate the victory over the Demon King.
The flow of events was identical to the previous timeline.
"Hey there, Kiska. Are you enjoying yourself?"
As I sat on a chair in the square where the festivities were in full swing, Hero Eligion approached and spoke to me.
"No, I’m not. I’m staying on high alert."
I wasn't participating in the celebration; I kept my eyes fixed on Hero Eligion, watching over him constantly.
"To be honest, I think you’re overthinking things. I spoke with the two of them, and there was nothing unusual about their behavior."
"Hero, my future precognition is never wrong."
"…I see. In that case, protect me when the time comes."
"Uh, of course, that’s the plan, but…"
Honestly, Hero Eligion was far stronger than me. I didn't think there was any real need for me to protect him.
"Kanaria is my most trusted subordinate. If she really turns out to be a traitor, the shock would leave me in no condition to fight."
"I see…"
If that was the case, then perhaps I really did need to act as his shield.
"That said, I still believe your precognition will miss the mark. So, relax and enjoy the banquet."
Leaving me with those words, Hero Eligion walked off. As the Hero, he had many others who were eager for his attention.
"Yo, kid. Mind if I join you?"
A short while after I was left alone, someone else spoke to me.
Looking at the person who had approached, my heart grew restless. The man standing there was Warrior Golgano.
Without waiting for an answer, Golgano sat down heavily in the seat next to mine.
"What do you want?" I asked, unable to grasp his intent.
"Don't be so wary. I have no intention of fighting in a place like this."
Saying so, he raised a mug to his lips and downed the alcohol in one go.
"Say, kid. Who the hell are you, exactly?" Golgano asked.
"I’m an adventurer named Kiska."
"You know damn well that’s not what I’m asking."
"I’m afraid I don't know what you mean."
When I played dumb, Golgano clicked his tongue.
"We have spent a staggering amount of time—decades—meticulously planning and carefully, cautiously carrying out our goals. And just when the plan has finally reached its endgame, an irregular existence like you suddenly wedges himself in between us."
"You’re certainly being generous with your information," I replied sarcastically.
Golgano snorted in displeasure and took another gulp of his drink.
"……Well, fine. There are more things in this world that are unknown than known. I suppose you're just one of them. But listen. We won't give up. No matter how cunningly you lot try to block our path."
His phrasing—as if they were the ones standing for justice—left me confused.
"Why are you doing this?" I asked, genuinely curious.
"Because the Lord desires it."
"And who is this 'Lord'?"
As I asked, I recalled that Holy Knight Kanaria had also mentioned a "Lord" in a different timeline. Who on earth was this entity?
"Only those in the Organization have the right to know the Lord’s name. There’s no way I’m telling you."
"What if I told you I wanted to join your group?"
"Idiot, as if I'd believe that. You've already been designated an enemy by the Organization."
I suppose it wasn't going to be that easy.
"But I’ll tell you one thing. The decisive battle is tomorrow. So, sleep well tonight and prepare—that’s my advice."
After making that declaration, Warrior Golgano stood up and went off to find more alcohol.
Once the banquet ended, we stayed the night in the village. We were scheduled to head for the Royal Capital by carriage early tomorrow morning.
The Hero’s Party, myself included, stayed at an inn. We were each given a private room for the night.
I, however, had no intention of sleeping.
Warrior Golgano had claimed the decisive battle was tomorrow, but there was a high possibility he was lying.
Then again, considering Holy Knight Kanaria had attacked Hero Eligion inside the carriage in a previous timeline, it could be the truth… but if it were, there would be no reason for him to go out of his way to tell me.
They likely had no intention of fighting Hero Eligion head-on. Based on my analysis, the Hero was stronger than them. If they fought him directly, they would likely lose.
In that case, they would surely resort to assassination. And the most logical time for an assassination was to strike while the target was asleep.
I decided to go to Hero Eligion's room immediately and offer to stand guard.
I left my room and headed down the hall.
"Why are you here?"
Holy Knight Kanaria was already standing in front of Hero Eligion's door.
"No, what about you? Why are you standing in front of the Hero's room?"
"I must consult with His Highness regarding tomorrow's schedule. Now, answer my question. What business do you have here?"
How should I play this?
Was Kanaria trying to enter the room to assassinate him now? Or was she actually there for legitimate business? I wondered how she viewed me. In all likelihood, she saw me as an enemy, just as Golgano did.
"I have business with the Hero as well."
"I am asking what that business is."
"I don't believe I'm obligated to answer you."
"I serve as the Hero's guard. It is only natural to be wary of anyone approaching him suspiciously."
Her logic was sound, but I couldn't back down.
Just as I was trying to figure out how to bypass her—
The door clicked and swung open.
"What's going on, you two, standing in front of my door?"
Hero Eligion poked his head out.
"Y-Your Highness... I apologize for disturbing you at this hour. There was something regarding tomorrow that I absolutely had to consult with you about, so I was just about to knock."
Despite her surprise, Holy Knight Kanaria responded with perfect composure.
"I also came because I have something to discuss with the Hero!" I added, refusing to be silenced by her.
"I see. Then both of you come inside," Eligion agreed readily.
"Your Highness. I believe it is reckless to invite him into your private quarters. I do not believe he is a man worthy of your trust."
Kanaria was already trying to isolate him from me. This was bad. If the Hero deferred to her, I wouldn't be able to protect him.
"Kanaria. I have given my permission."
An indescribable pressure emanated from Hero Eligion's words. It was an aura that brooked no argument.
"I spoke out of turn. My apologies."
Kanaria sensed the weight of his command and immediately withdrew her objection.
Regardless of her intent, I was now inside the Hero's room alongside her. What would happen next was a total unknown.
But at the very least, I was finally in a position to protect Hero Eligion.