
Hinata returned from her attack on Tempest –which was then called “Captain Templar” Rebellion –she suffered a crushing defeat.
Without a single apology or reason, Hinata resigned as the head of the imperial guard and severed all ties with the Holy Imperial Ruberion.
Thus, even the representatives of the Empire, the Seven Heavenly Sage could not punish him. Therefore, they simply decided to continue observing the situation.
The West Saint Church, however, could not remain silent.
He selfishly went away on his own and even lost. Losing a monster was a matter in itself, but he even dared to come back alive. And it even confirms that those left in Tempest are alive and well.
In another world, they came as assassins but were defeated justly and honestly. It is not a mistake that can be easily recovered.
In fact, if they were all dead, the Church could link them to the evil and cruel nature of monsters, shake all of humanity, and ….
For the Church, this is the worst outcome.
Even then, Nicholas was happy that Hinata was back.
But it's a different matter. The problem remains.
And then, to Nicholas, who was holding his head, Hinata said:
「Just tell me I acted alone. Deceived the knights and acted without the approval of the Church.
Although it would be contrary to the Church's dogma that all monsters are evil, but at least it would not subvert them all.
The weak need the Church.
We can't afford to lose an organization that's willing to lend a weak hand, now can we? We
Without a doubt he proposed to Nicholas.
As before, as if looking down on the world, he gave the most logical conclusion.
If necessary, cut one to save the whole – pragmatic perfectly.
Even if all he had to get rid of was himself, he would not hesitate.
But still, he seemed to have changed slightly: his eyes were no longer filled with blind devotion to the creed.
His face instead carried an almost heavenly smile of kindness.
And this is a proposal that Nicholas cannot refuse.
Although his face now showed genuine kindness, it did not change his nature. His proposal was well thought out and the Church would suffer minimal damage as a result. Nicholas understands that, too.
「Hinata, have you changed slightly ...?」
「Have I? Can't know yourself, now can you? But I think I'm in too much of a hurry. To save people with my own hands, so I thought. I don't think I'm wrong to sacrifice a few to save a lot of people. I can proudly say that I am fighting for what I believe in. But ... I also don't think it's wrong to try to save everyone. I think I'm too focused on the big picture and missing something important. I don't want to save just the majority of – I want to save everyone. Don't hesitate to laugh if you think it's impossible. I just want to see the world, judge with my own eyes, and choose a path that I really trust 」
「Is that what the Demon King taught you?」
"Not really . A beloved teacher warned me, and I recognized the existence of the demon lord 」
「Acknowledged .. demon king?」
「Yes. It's not pure crime. Only other souls living selfishly 」
「Do not .. Then, I will believe you, Hinata-sama. And the Demon King you trust 」
For Nicholas, Hinata is everything.
Even if he lost, he could not complain if he came back alive.
If the Empire decided to punish Hinata, he fully intended to use the Western Saint Church to defend him.
But this time, it was unnecessary as Hinata herself decided to resign from her post.
And disposing of the entire affair as the "Rebellion of the Templar Captain," Hinata became a stray adventurer.
Someone who gives hope to the weak – a Hero.
The knight who lived by the creed was dead, and instead the hope of the people was born. Nicholas understands this too.
So, he did not oppose his actions. Then, he will regret it.
Hinata then gathered the Templars and the Blood Shadow and declared that she was stepping down from her post.
The Knights Templar were satisfied but the shadows were against his statement.
.
「Hinata-sama has broken! He became weak because of his defeat. Actually, the demon lord must have seduced him. We have to open his eyes! 」
.
And the various other things that the shadow said, unsettled Hinata.
To them, to them,
.
「In that case, the demon lord of the country has created a dungeon.
If you clean it up, you get an audience with the Demon Lord.
So if you want to "open my eyes" explain first
.
Hinata said, and the Blood Shadow, as if having received their orders, left.
.
"That's good?"
.
Nicholas asked, though,
.
「Maybe. No one died in that dungeon.
The Demon King arranged it for fun.
But it might be a good exercise for them.
Maybe they'll go crazy, but it might just stir their spirits 」
.
He said without thinking.
After facing the Demon King Rimuru once before he had faith in her.
There was also the fact that Arnaud was there and had enough contact with him to make his own conjecture.
He also had a good idea how to clean up that basement.
Moreover, perhaps only Hinata could, but that shadow would not be able to clear the dungeon.
The blood went crazy and saw nothing but dogma, the labyrinth can only destroy their spirit.
In fact, later it becomes a kind of pilgrimage to forge your spirit.
You will challenge that hell again and again, as long as your spirit does not break.
As Hinata said, it became a place for those with weak wills to gain mental strength.
And the remaining Blood Shadow returned to the Holy Ruberion Empire.
Since they were affiliated with the Empire, they only swore allegiance to the Emperor.
And after seeing these people again, Hinata
.
「Who would think ..」
.
He wailed.
.
Their presence smelled of blood.
That he noticed a time when he was reporting a problem in the Empire.
He concluded that their trip to the basement was the reason they moved a lot mechanically and artificially.
But back to the present time,
Forgiving himself before the Seven Heavenly Sages was a trial in itself.
If he fought would he win or lose? The thing is, they give off magic power that is inappropriate for humans.
(That's because the egg "Hero" - his level has increased allowing him to sense their real presence, but he didn't know this at the time.)
He thought that focusing on the whole made him blind to the obvious facts.
So even though he was not wrong, he was also not right. And this mistake will also lead to its growth.
.
The Holy Empire of Ruberion was most likely a temporary form.
Its true form was a city controlled by powerful and demon-ruling monsters.
A city of monsters undiscovered for hundreds of years, where the human mind is manipulated.
Not that they were brainwashed, but canceling the Empire's teachings was most likely impossible.
They are terrifying enemies, Hinata thought.
At this point, Hinata was unable to raise the sword towards them.
A monster that doesn't want to recognize other monsters? No, not because of lack of recognition, but direct hostility?
Either way, the enemy hiding behind the veil of humility is far more dangerous than it seems.
Previously, Hinata would sue them for a fight. But now he was fully thinking about his actions.
Because he wanted to think about things more deeply.
Instead of choosing the path of least resistance but also consider the longest alternative.
So it's not like he's lost isn't it. w
Hinata leaves Saint West Church.
Nicholas and the knights followed behind him.
He asked him to make Vice-Captain Leonard Captain and Arnaud to remain his Vice-Captain.
「I hear and obey. I'll do what you've been told without delay.
However, Hinata-sama, this is also your home.
Please come back to us at any time. We will wait for you back 」
And on Nicholas' words, the other knights also lowered their heads.
Even recalling this scene now, these words warmed his heart.
Even though he lived throwing away what was pointless, he was able to make a really good friend.
For their sake, he shouldn't have stayed there anymore.
But, uh,
"Are you okay?"
Without turning around he asked one of the people who followed him.
.
"No problem . My spirit was crushed several times during that fight.
That current (Ranga), is it …
Moreover, after speaking to them at the banquet, I realized my own indecision.
Please take me with you. Besides,
The Church of the Western Saints needs people, so they won't be able to spare anything as your guard.
Well, maybe I did for a bad guard, but please let me do it!
We might never meet another monster like that again! 」
"Do as you please . What a freak.
But thank you …
Uh! When I say do as you please, I don't mean you're free to crawl into my bed. That I won't allow 」
「Wha! Who do you think I am ?!
I will never dare to touch Hinata-sama!
In addition, I will be crucified by Cardinal Nicholas 」
.
“The guy really doesn't know how to hold it, he's going to kill me seriously!” And various other sentences like that Fritz muttered, causing a small smile to appear on Hinata's face.
Fritz looked at that smile and was instantly at a loss for words.
It's bad, he thought, seriously .. For a moment, I don't mind getting killed …
Feeling cold, Fritz dispelled these thoughts.
.
Beautiful people but less. Its strength is exceptional, but lacking in feminine charm.
.
So he was known among the people. Fritz was no exception and did not see him as a member of the opposite sex.
But, that smile erased all this prejudice.
This is bad, he thought, not thinking this post will come with such side benefits .. but if others find out, I will have more people to compete with!
After going down a little bit, Fritz tried to manage his feelings.
It's okay, it doesn't matter. He calmed his trembling heart and directed himself towards his normal thinking.
Completely unaware of her struggle, Hinata put on her glasses, leaned her head on her shoulder and looked at her.
And with a faint smile, he,
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「Yes, you'll take care of me, won't you? Fritz 」
.
He said .
And that's the death bell for the reason.
(Cardinal Nicholas, I'm sorry, but it's open season now!)
This was the moment when Fritz decided to treat her not as a guard captain but as a woman to protect.
And his feelings towards her were not loyalty towards a guard captain, but from a sincere desire to follow him.
And so their journey began.
.
Hinata was concerned about the five children Rimuru mentioned.
Approaching Kagurazaka Yuuki is dangerous but he has his complete anti-mind gear. And he didn't mean to be rash.
He only wanted to confirm the situation and save the children if possible.
What the relationship between Yuuki and Chaos Lord Gazalim is a problem, but he intends to avoid contact with him.
He doesn't think he's going to lose, but Shizu-san asks him to avoid it and he intends to keep his promise.
But, Chaos Lord Gazalim.
If he manipulates Yuuki .. he will not let it go unpunished.
Having been manipulated for over ten years, it was not something he could forgive.
In his memory Yuuki was a boy with a big smile.
(I have to make sure if the smile is genuine. And save the children.)
If there is a will there is a way. So Hinata decided to act.
He's headed to the Kingdom of Ingrasia.
The city was brainwashed by Yuuki, or perhaps by Gazalim.
Traveling with a magic circle might remind him, if there were spies, so he went there on foot.
And a new struggle is on the horizon …