The Eternal Debauchery's

where are those monsters?

Next morning.

Daisy, Iris, and I left the camp after a quick breakfast.

Today, the forest is covered with a thin mist. Rain clouds dotted the sky, and the wind carried the smell of the ground.

It was as if the forest itself had become even more gloomy.

“... It looks like there will be a storm.” I said.

Iris and Daisy nodded.

“... I think the situation will get worse.” said Iris.

I glanced at Iris with a curious look. "You hate the rain."

“... I don't really like it.”

“Is that? Instead, I like the rain. Fresh smell of soil when rain falls to the ground intoxicating.In addition, maybe rain will remove this pungent smell of blood.”.

"Blood?" Both Daisy and Iris are confused. As much as possible, they couldn't smell the blood I mentioned.

I smiled without answering them. At the same time, I thought of all the bodies I had detected since we started walking.

… It looks like the number of students who were killed last night is much larger than I thought.

Most of them were students on Alan's side, of course. But there were some innocent students who were killed without knowing anything about the situation. They are innocent victims of this conflict.

Even if the teachers and Dina did everything in their power to protect the students, it was normal that one or two of them could not be saved. Plus, a group of daemons were attacking Dina's camp as well, and several students and teachers were killed during the battle.

And that number will only increase as this nightmare continues.

Well, I don't have to worry about them. It's not that I'm obligated to save them or anything like that.

As we walked, wrinkles appeared on Daisy's face. The more obvious the longer we walked.

"Is there something bothering you, Daisy?" i asked.

Daisy was surprised, but quickly replied. “... It's just.. Don't you think there's anything strange about this forest, Your Majesty?”

"What's so weird?"

“... We haven't seen any beasts or monsters since we entered the forest. In fact, I have not seen many living beings at all. it is as if the forest is dead.”

So, he finally realized.

Sure do. Ever since we entered the forest, we had only faced other students and daemons. We haven't seen any monsters.

I looked at Daisy with praise. “So you also noticed it, yes.you are right, this is very strange.”

“... Now after you mention it. The corpse of the daemon we killed yesterday is still on the ground when we wake up. Normally, the smell of blood will attract monsters and beasts.” Said Iris finally realizing something was wrong.

“... Your Highness, I think we should investigate. Maybe, it's part of the crown prince's plan.”

Actually, I already know what's going on.

When I used the Akashic Sight, I saw the entire situation of the forest. And of course, that included the situation about monsters.

But I'm not arguing with Daisy. After all, her suggestion was something that adjusted to my plan.

"Let's try to catch one of Alan's men and ask him." I said.

“... Do you think they will talk?” ask Iris.

I looked at him for a while and smiled. "Don't worry, if they know something, they'll talk."

We then tied her to a tree and surrounded her with an icy expression.

“Now, let us know. What is Alan planning?” i asked.

“... weeping. Do you think I'll tell you anything?” The students we caught spit on the ground in disgust.

I let out a breath. Oh, my God, this is exhausting.

I can use a little hypnosis to get him to talk. But it will defeat the purpose of catching him. I need his confession to make it look as honest as possible.

Just for Iris, of course.

"Daisy, please lighten up a little."

"Huh? Oh well." Daisy hesitated a little before casting a lightning spell in her hand. A second later, he threw it towards the young man.

“Argh!” The young man screamed and was in pain. His body twitched a few times, and smoke came out of his body.

"Prince Claus, is it okay?" Iris asked doubtfully.

“We need this information, Iris.” I said with a sigh. “If Alan is planning something, we need to find out as soon as possible. Daisy, continue.”

"Y-Yes, Your Majesty."

Fortunately, the young man was not very brave. After three lightning strikes and a little hypnosis from my part (no one noticed it), he spat out everything he knew.

“... In other words, you only know that Alan used an unknown method to collect monsters in the middle of the forest. Do you know what he's planning?”

“T-No... Please, I don't know anything else... Let go of me...”

I'm nodding. “Thank you, it was very helpful.”

With a wave of my hand, my sword pierced through his forehead.

He died instantly, without any pain possible.

"Let's go." I said to the girls.

“A-To where?” ask Iris.

“Of course, to where the beast is. We need to know what Alan's planning.”

Iris and Daisy nodded. But then, Iris looked at me with a stern expression.

“... Claus, I.. I finally made my choice.”

I raised an eyebrow. At last.

"Oh? And what is it?"

Iris opened her lips after a moment of silence. "You're right. If I want something, I have to fight for it. I don't want to be anyone's tool!” His voice sounded very firm.

I can only smile with satisfaction.

"Very good. Then, will you help me take revenge against Bryan?”

“... Reply to your revenge, right?”

I'm nodding. This part is the most important. And Iris' cooperation is necessary if I want to drown Bryan in despair.

After a few seconds of hesitation, Iris nodded.

“... I'll help you.”