I really don't know. From here on out, it's completely uncharted territory, making it hard to act rashly. Still, I'm not the type to list every possibility and proceed with caution like a prophet.
"But one thing is certain: once everything is over, I'll return to the Military Nation."
This is the truth. If I'm allowed a normal life, I would stay in the Military Nation and slowly search for secrets. Just like before I entered the Bottomless Abyss.
Historia chewed on my words a few times. Then she spoke.
"Sounds like a lie."
Good grief. I told the truth out of our long-standing relationship, and she says it sounds like a lie?
"I can't trust you. Not the Military Nation, nor me. You abandoned us so easily. Nothing can become your hostage..."
Obviously. I am the King of Humans. Unless all of humanity is taken hostage, things will remain as they are.
But I still keep my promises.
"Alright. Ria. Thanks for the massage. Oh, right. When we went down to the Communications Headquarters basement last time, I said I'd repay you when we came back up, didn't I? Though I guess it's not exactly thanks to you."
I held out my hand. Historia pulled it to help me up. A very everyday gesture that friends might do once in a while.
I mix one thing into it.
"Number 8."
An action to swap our positions. Historia reacted reflexively. In an instant, our positions were reversed. Historia, who wouldn't fall no matter how much I struggled and pushed, tumbled onto the bed from a single word I whispered.
I looked down at Historia and rolled up my sleeves.
"Your muscle soreness is pretty bad too, right? If anything, it's probably worse than mine."
"Uh..."
"It's repayment. I'll give you a massage."
"Hui, you... the Acupoint Blood Technique..."
"I learned it. Just now."
I can't. But Historia can. Therefore, I, who reads Historia's mind, can do it too.
The Acupoint Blood Technique is quite a sensory skill, but it doesn't matter. I just need to read Historia's senses.
"Number 0."
What is engraved before it hardens lasts the longest. Following the command we had agreed upon in advance during her clumsy days, Historia exhaled deeply and relaxed her body.
Historia decided to stay in the Military Nation. Her body had suffered a lot from the consecutive battles, and she needed time to polish her newly gained enlightenment... that was the superficial reason, for now.
Of course, the biggest reason was to protect the Military Nation, and its 'confidentiality'. If the secret buried beneath the Communications Headquarters wasn't guarded, the Military Nation could crumble absurdly easily.
"Hmm. Well, I don't really care what happens to the Military Nation, but. Yeah. I guess I can leave around one ally."
The Regressor grumbled with a hint of disappointment and handed Historia a bundle of World Tree leaves.
"Here. World Tree leaves. They're precious, so don't just smoke them like mana grass."
Historia muttered as she received the World Tree leaves.
"...Not very honest, are you, cutie."
"I didn't give them for you to use! I gave them for Nabi!"
"Cat King? Mana grass?"
The Regressor crossed her arms and said.
"Yeah. Maximilian is gone now, and so is the cat beastman lieutenant. Nabi isn't a pushover either, so no one will mess with her. But leaving her alone makes me anxious. A beast with an ambiguous wildness like a cat that is subtly friendly with humans is easily exploited... so if possible..."
The story is getting too long and detailed. She could have just said it briefly. For the dishonest Regressor, I kindly summarized it.
"She wants to entrust Nabi to you. She trusts you, and Nabi is useful too, so she'd prefer it if you looked after her. The mana grass is a means to control Nabi, and it's fine if you smoke it too... is what she says."
A perfect summary. Historia nodded.
"...Cute."
"I'm not sure about that, but she's certainly not honest."
"You're spouting nonsense! I've never not been honest, okay?"
It's ridiculous that she's getting worked up over that. How about taking off the mask first before talking? How long are you planning to cross-dress?
Well, I roughly understand the reason. If you say you know the future, you'll immediately be suspected of being a saintess, right? Might as well hide her origins at the same time. It's rational.
But honestly, you're not honest, are you? So much so that it's immediately exposed if I poke you even a little.
Let me point out your contradiction.
"It's perfect timing. There's something I really wanted to ask too, but held back because I couldn't take it back once spoken, but since you're so honest, please tell me. What should I do?"
"What about you?"
"As you know, I am a frail human whose only talent is a silver tongue. In the Military Nation, I had my connection with Historia and it's the place I've lived since I was young, so I somehow overcame the difficulties, but in other countries, that's impossible. Especially in a place like the Yeon Nation where the logic of power rules."
"Why are you beating around the bush?"
Because it's what you just did, you idiot. I was going to do mirror therapy, but I didn't know you'd fail the mirror test.
I kindly explained it again.
"I am now an empty can with nothing left to scrape off. Wouldn't it be better for frail me to stay here?"
"Huh?"
"In other words, I'm asking if it wouldn't be better for Miss Shei if I weren't around."
Pretending to lack confidence, I appealed for her to acknowledge my necessity.
I could throw a tantrum and say I won't go unless she gets on her knees and begs... but if I did that, the Regressor, a rebel by nature, might actually leave alone. That wouldn't be helpful for me now or for me in the next iteration, so I'll pass on that.
This is the best option for now. You might not know what you have, but you know what's missing; the Regressor would feel a sense of emptiness if she imagined my absence.
'Thinking about it coldly, that's true. In terms of pure combat power... he has some tricks up his sleeve, but it feels like he'd drop dead in an instant if he doesn't watch something. Not reliable.'
Huh? That's not the part I wanted you to acknowledge.
'But in other areas, it's different. Negotiation, persuasion, a variable that digs into the opponent's openings... he's quite capable in those aspects. It's exactly what I lack the most. It's hard to give up.'
Finally, you recognize it, Regressor. You've realized my value. Now, you should admit it honestly, right?
"Ahem. No, well. I do feel a bit anxious, but. You can follow along! We have plenty of people who use force anyway."
"In other words, I'm just a burden to you all, right? How can I boast about that anywhere? The porter... of a hero party saving the world. No, not even a porter, just dead weight."
"No, no! Well, dead weight has its own kind of value!"
"But even a dead weight with its own merits doesn't change the category of being a burden. In that case, it's better for me to opt out here."
As I slightly dragged out my words, the Regressor hastily waved her hands.
"N-No! What does power matter! We still have affection!"
"Is affection important when saving the world?"
"N-Not just me! There's Ajina and Tirkanjaka who are close to you! Motivation is important!"
"On the contrary, there's a risk of them becoming hostages. That's one more reason for me to opt out."
"I'll protect you so that doesn't happen! Well, it might be a bit troublesome, but that much is fine!"
"We're back to square one. If it's going to be troublesome, it's better not to go."
"Ah!"
Does this kid not know the meaning of self-contradiction? Why do her own words keep refuting herself?
Looking at the flustered Regressor, Historia muttered as if finding it cute.
"She is cute. Not honest, but honest. I can see why you like her, Hui."
Rather than liking her, I just want to torment her. There's quite a difference between the two.
She could just honestly admit that she needs my ability, but the Regressor couldn't bring herself to say it honestly and mumbled. I waited quietly for the Regressor's answer.
Come on. There are no gaps in my logic. Just purely acknowledge my ability and beg me to come along. I'm going to follow you anyway, but wouldn't it be better to invite me if possible?
'Strength is weak. But useful. It's right to bring him. Then... huh?'
Finally coming up with a solution, the Regressor clapped her hands and declared confidently.
"I'll make you strong!"
"...What?"
What's this, suddenly? She was supposed to acknowledge my value and beg me to come along. But what's with this weird talk?
"I know what kind of training a weak person needs to go through to become strong. Because I've done it myself. You can do it too! Your growth may have ended, but you're not incredibly old. If you were the top of your class, you must be smart!"
No, you're younger than me right now, you know? Don't mistake your age just because you regressed?
"Then I can just train you in my spare time! If you feel you lack strength, you just need to acquire it!"
"Spare me. That's even more troublesome."
"It's fine! That's an investment!"
'And if I learn the know-how of which training is better this time, I might be able to become stronger even faster in the next iteration! It could become a fortuitous encounter greater than Tirkanjaka! Because he'll eliminate two seeds of disaster and become the link to move the Commander!'
This is bad. The conclusion is heading in a weird direction.
If I say I can't go because I lack strength, it's normal to think she'd comfort me by listing my strengths. It's also the appropriate response for a person with ordinary social skills.
But she'll give me strength if I lack it? Are you a devil?
"Hahaha. What are you talking about? It's not like I'm going to suddenly awaken just by training here."
"...It's not like you won't. That's not a bad idea. If it's Hui, there's a possibility."
"Ria, what do you mean by that again?"
Historia said with a face several times more excited than when I was teasing the Regressor.
"I think it's good. No, it's essential. It's what Hui needed the most."
Wait a minute! I don't get stronger that way. Do you think the story that the King of Humans lost all his power and vanished was spread for nothing?
Because that's the truth! I wasn't struggling because I didn't know how to get stronger! Everything just ends at ordinary talent, okay? In the first place, it's not a world where being strong guarantees survival!
'Let's see. Training menu? Starting with repetitive exercises to build basic stamina would be normal, right? I'll check the physical response and gradually increase the load.'
This isn't good. Historia is also positive about the Regressor's intention. If I stay here any longer, a training menu that will kill me might be completed. I hurriedly looked around for a place to escape.
Found it. Ahead, a large, enclosed-looking auto-carriage rolled down the road. It was the auto-carriage that Hilde and Tirkanjaka went to receive via airlift after getting the signalman's communication just a moment ago.
The midday sun was pouring down, but the upright light that illuminated all things in the world without a shadow was miserably shattered as it touched that steel box. The auto-carriage covered in thick armor would not only protect the people inside from various threats but also provide perfect protection from sunlight. It didn't seem to have been designed with a vampire in mind to ride, but it was a function we desperately needed right now.
Someone poked their head out from the hatch mounted on top of the auto-carriage. It was Hilde. Hilde swung her arms widely left and right and shouted.
"Father! We've received the command armored vehicle, the Caterfract! Preparations are all done! We'll depart as soon as you board!"
Nice timing. There's really no one but you.
"Everyone! Preparations are all done. Let's depart quickly before it's too late."
"...100 times. Follow along by running in between. Forced consumption of elixirs..."
"Let's go!"
Blocking her from saying anything more terrible, I made a fuss and ran towards the Caterfract. The Regressor only then started moving as well.
The back of the Caterfract clanked open. The opened entrance formed a gently inclined ramp, a structure designed to load and unload goods through it. I climbed aboard and shouted.