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Chapter 92

「Well then…」

Having finished our task, I walked through the grassland, cracking my neck.

「…But was this really the right call, Lute?」

Lilith pouted discontentedly.

「What’s up with you? I blew them all away just as you told… but it’s not like you should rush off on your own either.」

She was about to charge ahead recklessly…
If she had been alone, it would have been questionable whether she could have made it through the forest area after crushing the guild.

「…That was my misjudgment. I doubted you a bit.」she admitted.

「Just stop trying to act on your own, seriously…」

Raised with pride from a dragon, Lilith tended to have a low boiling point.
On top of that, she had a penchant for being curious, making her quite difficult to handle.

「…So, was it really the right call, Lute?」

「What do you mean?」

「…You… left Liz behind.」

「Well…」

I shook my head.

「Liz is only 10 years old, still a child. It’s best for her to be with her parents.」

「And…」 I sighed lightly.

「I’ve also received the investigation results related to the reincarnators from the Loli Baba Merlin. Moses will probably start moving in earnest soon. Considering the timing of the Oni incident, it’s likely a bingo. We already have Cordelia, and it wouldn’t be right to leave anyone else I need to protect within my reach.」

「…But… Liz…」

She really adored Liz.

Well, it was a bit sad for me to say goodbye, too.

With that, Lilith made a dissatisfied duck face.

「You understand the importance of family too, don’t you?」

「… My father…」

Lilith let out a deep sigh.

「…Yeah. I think this is for the best.」

Lilith looked lonely.
Her mournful expression was enough to make me feel gloomy.

As we walked for a while…

「Hey, Bon! Wait up!」

Suddenly, an old elf named Abe rushed towards us.

「What’s going on… Wait, huh…?」

Lilith’s eyes widened.

「…Liz?」

「Lilith-onee-chan!」

Liz ran up to Lilith and hugged her.

「Hey, what’s going on?」

Instead of Liz, the old man answered my question.

「In the end, the top-level meeting for the reconciliation policy talks between the elves and the beastfolk progressed…」

Well, it was somewhat of a threat, using me as a violent instrument, but Liz’s parents had originally laid the groundwork for it.
Liz’s father had also supported the resistance movement of the elves in secret.

Thanks to that, the negotiations went smoothly.

「But there are still many hawks on both sides.」

「Well, that’s understandable. You can’t expect relations that were almost on the verge of genocide to improve overnight.」

「And still… There are those who feel uncomfortable about Liz. She bears the blood of both royal families… She’s a symbol of reconciliation. Naturally, her life will continue to be targeted.」

「And then?」

Liz bowed her head apologetically.

「Mom and Dad told me to leave home and stay with my onii-chan until the political situation stabilizes… um, until then.」

「Hmm… sounds like a form of exile?」

At that, the elf chuckled.

「No, it’s different. Liz’s parents seem to be quite clever, despite appearances.」

「Meaning?」

「By letting Liz stay with Bon, they want to convey to them that the reconciliation policy they are pushing for is under the protection of the God of War.」

They’re using me for political purposes?
The elves are really all about free rides.

「Those guys…」 I sighed, dropping my shoulders.

「However, considering the danger to their daughter… it’s probably the best judgment to have her stay close to Bon and the others. It was a difficult decision, given how much they love her like a treasure that’s not even in their eyes.」

I let out a deep sigh.

I knew it was going to be hard to refuse, and yet they let Liz go, fully understanding everything.
These people are impossible.

「I only have one body. I can’t be bothered all the time, you know?」

At that, the old man laughed again.

「Well, with me around, most things should be manageable.」

「Oh come on, even you, old man, sticking to me now?」

「No, I intend to buy a house in the city where your magic academy is located. I’ll spend my remaining years there while taking care of Liz.」

I see, taking care of Liz means that.

It’s just, if something really goes wrong, they want to be able to ask for help…
Ah, they’re really impossible. With this, there’s absolutely no way I can refuse.

Then Lilith, holding Liz’s hand, glared at the elf.

「…In terms of protection, I’m worried if it’s just you.」

「What do you mean, miss?」

「I’m leaving the dormitory to live with Liz. It’ll be a means of commuting to the magic academy.」

As they exchanged words, I sighed deeply, for what seemed like the umpteenth time today.

「Just do as you please. Both Lilith and… the old man and Liz too.」

「Agreed… Much obliged! Bon, the God of War!」

Then Lilith lifted Liz with both arms, taking the classic “up high” stance.

「…I’ll protect you.」

「Yeah, Lilith…onee-chan.」

Lilith started nuzzling Liz.
Liz doesn’t seem to mind, they really have become close.

「But, Bon?」

「What is it, old man?」

「With this incident, an extraordinary being like Bon will become known to countries around the world.」

With a somber tone, the old man said, 「The world will be in turmoil, eh?」

「Yeah, I suppose so.」

I knew that from the start.
It’s because I was prepared that I was able to blow everything away with force.

Then Liz, placed on the ground, slowly approached me.

「Lute-onii-chan?」

「Hmm? What is it, Liz?」

With a shy demeanor, Liz rubbed her knees together.

「Um, well…」

Then Liz blushed lightly and opened her mouth.

「Thank you… really!」

「Oh, well… you’re welcome.」

I smiled warmly as I gently stroked Liz’s head until her hair got all tousled.