Chapter 150

Magical Girl and Jeanne’s Admonition

“Good work. I guess we’ll head back then.”

In the infirmary, besides Jeanne and Ice Water, there were several other magical girls having some kind of conversation.

When Jeanne noticed us, she cut the conversation short and approached.

“You were talking just now, right? Is it okay?”

“It was just casual chatter, so no problem. Besides, it wouldn’t be fair to keep you two tied up here for too long.”

I’m fine, but Fleur is busy since she’s a ranker.

If her work is done, she should be released as soon as possible.

“That’s good, but I apologize.”

“No! It’s fine! And thank you for today’s extermination!”

“Oh really?”

One of the magical girls bowed deeply to Fleur, and the others followed suit.

Fleur’s “Oh~?” likely carries many thoughts, but please accept it on my behalf.

“You don’t need to worry about it. We exist to fight. Well, see you later.”

After leaving the infirmary, we headed toward the teleportation device.

Ice Water seemed like she wanted to say something along the way, but whenever she opened her mouth, Jeanne gave her a look and she closed it.

She probably wanted to ask about me, but Jeanne must have warned her not to.

However, this isn’t like with Iida; Ice Water and I aren’t particularly close.

Moreover, I have a debt of gratitude toward Iida for curing my eye, but I owe nothing to Ice Water.

While knowing about me might not cause significant problems, it’s better if I remain unknown.

We probably won’t meet again anyway, so ignoring her should be fine.

“Thank you for the treatment and rescue today. I believe the Chinese Magic Bureau will formally express their gratitude later, so thank you in advance.”

“Personally, it’s unnecessary, but it’s part of diplomacy. Please send it through Arongante as usual.”

After such exchanges, we teleported, concluding today’s assistance.

I didn’t expect to fight twice while in this form, but it was good that the magic worked properly.

Once I returned to the Fairy Realm, I thought we’d disband here, but that wasn’t the case.

“I have something I want to ask before we disband, so I’ll take Lily, but what about Fleur?”

“I’d like to tag along, but I have to go to my next job. It’s just that I prioritized Jeanne-chan, so it’s not finished yet~”

Normally, an escort would be necessary, but Jeanne went out without calling one because I was there.

It was fine since she rarely left the Magic Bureau, but without Fleur, things might have been precarious in China.

Had luck been worse, an entire Magic Bureau from China might have disappeared.

Additionally, there’s the matter of Lockwert targeting Jeanne.

Why cross such dangerous bridges unnecessarily?

“Well then, see you both later.”

We parted ways with Fleur at the teleportation facility and headed toward Jeanne’s office.

“Please sit down. I’ll make some coffee.”

“Thank you.”

Nothing particular happened, and we arrived at the office.

Recently, there are fewer people around, which is convenient, but the lack of people indicates something unusual.

Nevertheless, the pleasant smell of coffee started to waft through, so it should be ready soon.

“Sorry to keep you waiting. I also brought some juice for the demon. Can you come out?”

(What should I do?)

‘Since this is personal business, it seems like it’s directed at me, so I’ll come out.’

The demon emerged with a slithering sound and received the juice from Jeanne.

“You’ve come out. Let’s wet our throats before getting to the main topic. How is my blend this time?”

Jeanne’s blend…it’s very delicious.

“It’s perfectly bitter and delicious.”

“That’s good. Now, regarding the matter at hand, let’s start with the lighter topic. How much does the demon know about Inie’s staff?”

“We know that it’s being enhanced due to us, but it’s harmless, so it’s fine.”

“I see. Then I won’t comment on that matter.”

There are two additional lines added by Fool and Hermes on the staff.

Fool’s addition improves magical efficiency, and Hermes’ enhances recovery magic.

Personally, it’s quite helpful, but I don’t understand why these lines were added.

Considering that there’s none for the demon, it might be related to the second form.

Though it’s only a possibility, and I can’t confirm it accurately.

At least, I vaguely formed a hypothesis based on what I saw in that spiritual realm concerning Fool’s part.

But why was Hermes’ part added?

Since it doesn’t particularly bother me, I haven’t asked her directly, but if the demon says it’s fine, then it’s probably alright.

“Next, what exactly is happening inside Inie? Even in this age of common magic, it’s impossible for someone to reverse age. There’s also the matter of lifespan, but do you intend to kill Inie?”

“That’s unfair. I would never do such a thing.”

The demon calmly responded to Jeanne while drinking orange juice, without showing any agitation.

“Besides, if Inie dies, I plan to die with her. I’m paying close attention to Inie’s condition…”

“Given who she is. It’s clear that ordinary strength won’t suffice. Therefore, forgive me for saying this, but wouldn’t it be better to change the contractor?”

“Are you telling me to abandon Inie?”

Changing contractors. I somewhat understand why someone might suggest that.

The abilities gained from the contract—release included—are only effective because of the inherent power of a magical girl.

As a relatively inexperienced magical girl, I’m still weak in my base state.

I’ve suffered consecutive defeats against Thalagong and essentially lost to Mastidizaya.

I did win against Shengxi through a loophole, but that was due to arbitration.

Had they reached Enhanced Form, I don’t know what would have happened.

Ignoring results from other worlds, entrusting Arcana to a stronger magical girl would be wiser.

That said, I have no intention of giving it away.

“I will reject even if the demon consents. This is something I must do myself.”

“While your concept of threat may seem questionable… isn’t it enough already? Even if you entrust it to someone else, no one will blame Inie. I think leaving it to the adults could also be a viable option.”

Jeanne smiled more gently than ever.

I’m not sure where Jeanne stands, but interpreting it positively, she probably doesn’t want me to die.

She likely believes that continuing this path will lead to my death.

“I simply wish to fulfill my purpose until the end according to my own will. Also, I have made a sort of promise.”

“A promise? To go into battle where you might die at any moment?”

“Yes. Moreover, I am not ordinary. If I were to flee, I believe I would be consumed from within and cease to be human.”

The mass of hatred inside me. It possesses self-awareness and occasionally goes out of control, but so far, it remains under my control.

However, that’s only because my purpose partially aligns with hatred’s purpose.

If I were to withdraw from the fight, hatred would likely run rampant and take over me.

Elmes mentioned it has self-awareness, but we haven’t had meaningful conversations.

During battles or when in the second form, I can sense its intentions.

If I could control it, that would be ideal, but honestly, it seems impossible.

If sealed, I would lose access to the second form, eliminating my trump card in emergencies.

Personally, it wouldn’t bother me, but my slightly Yandere cohabitant might disagree.

“Is this… some kind of aftereffect?”

“The demon… I cannot say it’s completely unrelated, but it’s a personal issue. If I stop fighting, I will become nothing more than a rampaging weapon. There’s something troublesome nesting inside me.”

“What Inie says is mostly true. Personally, I suggested living peacefully until the end without even fighting,” Jeanne said, looking up at the ceiling and sighing heavily.

“Was it wise to tell me all this?”

“Jeanne wouldn’t misuse this information, right? Moreover, for me to remain myself, I need to fight. Though your concern is appreciated, I can’t return to normal life anymore.”

After delivering a headbutt to my stomach, the demon sat atop my head.

Come to think of it, this is the first time I explicitly told the demon I want to fight.

Despite clearly expressing dissatisfaction, the demon’s silence suggests resignation.

Though I feel sorry for the demon, thanks to my pact with Hermes, I’ve acquired a true ultimate measure.

If the demon… No, thinking about unpleasant scenarios will get me scolded by Hermes and Sora.

Let’s not dwell on it.

“To fight in order not to die… Kaede said something similar, but humans truly are unpredictable.”

“Kaede-san?”

Huh? Did that Kaede talk about being a battle junkie?

It makes sense with Blade or Thalagong, but Kaede…?

“Yes. Kaede said she fights to remain herself and requested help for that reason. Despite being called the strongest, Kaede knows the limits of what one person can achieve. You can see that by observing Japan’s rankers, right?”

Indeed, compared to other countries, Japan seems balanced.

Primarily due to Arongante’s presence, but Fleur and Thalagong also play crucial roles that can’t be overlooked.

Interpersonal relations, anti-monster combat, diplomacy, duties. Along with Zear’s covert operations and Jeanne’s healing magic.

It’s quite balanced overall.

Arongante’s workload might be excessive, but let’s consider it unavoidable.

“One magical girl can only accomplish so much. Think about that carefully.”

“Understood.”

Though it appears to be one person, there are actually five: the demon, Hermes, Sora, and the mass of hatred.

So, I’m not exactly alone.

“I’ll keep today’s conversation confidential, but I hope we can share coffee again after this ordeal. Thank you today.”

“No, it was beneficial for me as well. Thank you for the coffee.”

“Demon, keep a close eye on Inie.”

“I know. Thanks for the juice.”

The demon assimilated back into me, and we left Jeanne’s office.

Being lectured at this age feels awkward, but there’s nothing I can do until I defeat the witch.

Still, Jeanne’s coffee is quite appealing.

Before bidding farewell to this world, I’d like to enjoy it one more time.