Honestly, I was struggling to find the right words.
If I suddenly told her that I had been living in the present, but then some events occurred that sent me to the past, and now I was back... would she even believe me? But even if I tried to gloss over the details, there was really no other way to explain it.
"The truth is, I was thrown back into the past during that incident. Once everything was settled there, I managed to return to the present day."
I caught my breath in anticipation, my chest tight with tension. I didn't think for a second she would believe something so absurd.
"I suppose... it's hard to believe, isn't it?"
"No, Nyau believes you. In fact, it matches Nyau's own conjectures."
"Wait, really?"
"Do you have any idea how much Nyau searched for you after everything ended? Nyau found the assassin Noc, but as for you, Nyau couldn't find even a single trace of your existence."
"I see..."
"Yes. In that series of battles, there were far more things Nyau didn't understand than things she did. And when there are things Nyau doesn't understand, it is Nyau's nature to investigate until she does."
"What did Noc say to you?"
"He didn't say much. Or rather, he didn't seem to know much himself. All he told Nyau was that Hero Eligion was not the True Hero, and that he was simply following the True Hero's instructions with absolute loyalty."
"What?"
The exclamation came from Ryune, Nyau's apprentice, who had been silent until now. Well, I suppose it was only natural to be shocked when someone suddenly claimed that His Highness Eligion was a fake.
"Hehe, sooorry. Just ignore Ryune and keep talking, please—"
As Ryune spoke up with an apologetic grin, Nyau continued.
"Nyau didn't know how much of Noc's story she should believe. That was why Nyau searched for you—the only other person who seemed to know the truth. But as Nyau said, you were nowhere to be found. Nyau searched thoroughly, you know. For decades. Nyau visited every town and even traveled beyond the borders."
"I had no idea..."
"Why did you betray Nyau and the others back then?"
Nyau’s gaze turned sharp enough to pierce bone. No matter how I looked at it, she still viewed me as an adversary.
"I absolutely had to take the Holy Sword Hagentia from Highness Eligion. That Holy Sword was necessary for the real..."
I trailed off.
As I feared, my memories of her were still missing. I knew that Highness Eligion was a Fake Hero and that a True Hero existed. I knew I had met her. Yet, I couldn't for the life of me remember who or what she was.
"What is the matter?" Nyau asked, seeing me stumble over my words.
"Sorry. Er, to release the True Hero from the seal, I absolutely had to take the Holy Sword."
"Nyau doesn't understand. Even if Nyau assumes your story is true, questions remain. The Demon King had already been subjugated at that point. Why was it necessary to resurrect the True Hero in such a hurry right then and there?"
"Because the enemy we were fighting back then wasn't the Demon King. There was someone far more dangerous than him."
That was right. At that time, I had been confronting the boss of Chaosism—the Tyrant King.
"Is that so? Then, what kind of person is this True Hero?"
"I... I don't know. I can't seem to remember that part."
Even as the words left my mouth, I realized how incredibly suspicious I sounded.
"I see."
To my surprise, Nyau simply nodded and didn't press the issue.
"Nyau didn't expect you to tell her everything from the beginning anyway..."
I really just can't remember, I thought, but I kept my mouth shut. There was no point in arguing the point now.
"Listen, the reason I came here today wasn't just to talk about the past."
"Then why are you here?"
Exactly. I hadn't come here just to reminisce.
"I came to tell you about the future. At this rate, the entire Escort Unit—including Second Prince Diluecca—is going to be wiped out at Liot Village. And you will die along with them, Nyau."
Both Nyau and Ryune stared at each other, their mouths agape at my sudden declaration.
"May Nyau ask what causes this total annihilation?"
"The Demon Beelphegor."
When I said the name, Nyau put a finger to her lips, tilting her head in thought.
"A demon? Does that mean someone summoned it?"
"Wait, is that how it works?"
"Yes. As far as Nyau is aware, a demon cannot manifest and run rampant in the Mortal World unless someone summons it."
That made sense. Usually, demons were associated with summoning. I hadn't even considered that possibility until she mentioned it.
"Look, I want to join the Second Prince's Escort Unit. Is there any way you can make that happen?"
"Why do you feel the need to go?"
I blinked, surprised by the question. It was obvious—because I wanted to protect her.
"Well, very well. If Nyau gives the word, adding a single guard won't be an issue."
With that, Nyau picked up a pen and began scratching something onto a piece of paper.
"Hand this to the Escort Captain."
She handed me a document with her signature, officially authorizing my inclusion in the unit.
"Thanks. So... you believe me?"
"It is not that Nyau believes you entirely. It is simply that Nyau feels your warning cannot be ignored."
"I see. Thanks anyway, Nyau."
Nyau quickly looked away, avoiding my eyes.
"Nyau has no reason to be thanked by the likes of you."
After Kiska left the room, Sage Nyau turned to her apprentice.
"Hmm, as far as Ryune is concerned, he’s a total 'yes'—! Not only is he handsome, but he’s got that dark, mysterious vibe that really pulls you in—"
"What are you even talking about...?"
"Eh? We're talking about whether or not he’s a good match for Master, right?"
"I'm asking what you think of his story!! Why are you talking about that!?"
Irritated, Nyau slammed her hands onto the table.
"Nyau wants to know if you think Kiska's story is credible! Learn to read the room!"
"Hmm. Well, it's definitely an unbelievable story. But if he's lying, Kiska-san should give up adventuring and join a theater troupe immediately—he's that convincing."
"True. Nyau doesn't get the feeling he's trying to deceive us, either."
Still, that didn't mean she could trust him completely. Even if Kiska had no intention of lying, there was always the possibility that he was being manipulated by someone else with malicious intent.
"Ryune thinks we should just give Kiska-san our full cooperation, though."
"And what is your basis for that?"
"Eh? I wonder why?" Ryune tilted her head, clearly not having thought about it deeply at all.
"Fine. In that case, Ryune, you will accompany Kiska and cooperate with him."
"Eh? Why me?"
"You're the one who said we should cooperate, aren't you? Besides, it serves as a way to keep an eye on him. You are to be his Watcher. If Kiska does anything suspicious, report to Nyau immediately."
"Eeeh, that sounds like such a pain—"
"Why can't you ever just listen to your Master!? Show Nyau some respect!"
Nyau huffed, stomping her feet in a childish tantrum.