Atofe is fixedly staring at me.
Silently and motionlessly for a short while.
"Moore, do you remember?"
And said that with a sigh.
"No, during the Human-Demon War I was still...."
"That's right. That's how it was."
Atofe muttered with an unusually calm and low voice.
"It's different from that time.
It was more golden in color during that time.
It's power and speed are there but such a weapon didn't exist."
Atofe might be talking about the original 『Fighting God Armor』.
The strongest armor made by Laplace.
"But the Human Race was like that.
At first they were weak. Absurdly weak. If we invaded they would easily collapse and run away.
But they steadily changed after a short while.
When I realized they had changed they're personnel, armor and weapons.
They're method of fighting was like that too.
They would become firm, fall apart, lie in wait within the mountains and across rivers......
While doing so they became stronger little by little.
Kal said that it was the strength of the Human Race."
Atofe's face is settling down for some reason.
The way she's talking feels somewhat intellectual as well.
The Immortal Demon clan probably enters a wise-man state after regenerating once.
"Did you build that?"
"Yes."
"I see....you're strong, truly strong."
Atofe said that with a refreshed face.
"It's a pleasant story. Since Father wasn't able to win against the Dragon Race after many hardships when the worthless Human Race were able to overtake....." (Not sure : 「愉快な話だ。親父がどれだけ苦心しても勝てなかった龍族に、木っ端のごとき人族が追いつこうというのだから……」)
Atofe slowly stood up.
With Moore on her side, she looked up at me with her arms folded and talked.
As I wasn't able to catch up with the understanding, she continued.
"I recognize my defeat. As promised I will be under your jurisdiction until you continue to live."
Thus Atofe became a comrade.
"Rudeus Greyrat, you are a hero who defeated me."
Incidentally I became a hero.
---
After that, a party was held at Atofe's fortress.
It's a party for the subjugation of the Demon Lord.
The organizer is the defeated Demon Lord herself.
Imperial Guards are the staff.
Participants are also the Imperial Guards.
On the occasion of the party a large military drill was organized.
Organized in the center of the arena, such things as tree persons are put in order for athletics and a carpet made out of beast leather is spread out to encircle the circumference of the surrounding area with all of the guards eating and drinking. (TLN : Tree person http://a.pomf.se/weuokd.jpg)
Demon Lord Atofe was defeated.
Having said that, the people captured by Atofe weren't released.
It'll be troublesome for me if Atofe's war potential of Imperial Guards decreases, Atofe might have definitely understood that situation too.
For now, it's just like before.
They're not all cops and robbers and we can't proceed to release all the members just like that. (Not sure : ケイドロじゃあるまいし、全員解放というわけにもいかない。)
Well, if some fellows want to return no matter what, we'll send a few of them little by little when we get the chance.
If it's just a little then even Atofe won't notice.
Although every member of Atofe's Imperial Guards are absolutely enjoying the party.
They don't seem to have the intention to fly the banner of revolution.
"Today is an auspicious day. Drink! Sing! and Fight!"
Even though Atofe was defeated she was in a really good mood.
A party hall right in the center of the arena.
She's glowing in satisfaction by waging fights against fellow subordinates over there.
It seems she's pleased to receive the alcohol I gave her looking at how she's shouting "Delicious!" each time she takes drink.
It's a really mysterious feeling but it slightly resembles that of Badigadi's around there.
Things like drinking and singing first before a duel.....
They're siblings after all.
The Immortal Necross may have been a fellow like that too.
"Hahahahaha, that's good!"
"Crush 'em good!"
"Your guard is down! Raise it! Raise it! Woww...."
There are many hand-to-hand fights that are being performed in the arena.
It's a manly fight with only bare hands without armor nor weapons.
There are robust men of the Imperial Guards who tightly grasp their fist and knock their opponents hard.
Ah, no, wait. That's not a fellow guard. It's not even a man.
"The victor is Eris!"
The one in the arena is Eris.
That fight might not have been enough for her.
The Demon Race of Atofe's Imperial Guards are knocked down by movements like of a ferocious stray dog.
They were said to be the elites but Eris too isn't holding a sword.
If it's a fist fight, whether they are equally matched or one of them goes easy on another......
No, they're not holding themselves back.
Some players that have fainted are scattered around the side of the arena.
As if Eris has already beaten the crap out of at least three people.
They are hurt but Roxy arrives and uses healing magic within a second so it should be fine.
You've become strong, Eris......
"AHHAhahahaha! Strong aren't you! As one would except from the comrade of the hero! Who's the next one!? Who will dare?"
"Fight me! Demon Lord Atofe! Get down here!"
"Ahhahahahahaha! You're an even bigger fool than Kishirika if you're challenging me to a fist fight! All right, I like it! I'll become your enemy!"
Atofe suddenly threw her clock off while getting her upper half naked and comes down to the arena.
The grounds were filled with nothing but shouts of joy.
The party is now at it's climax.
Will Eris win or Atofe?
Odds are probably higher for Atofe. However, if it's Eris a totally unexpected result could------
"Rudeus-dono.....Rudeus-dono!"
"Oh, excuse me."
I'm not participating in that party.
I'm in the middle of a meeting at the fort's room with Moore regarding the matters hereafter.
Even though I should have been the leading actor.....the party is now at it's climax.
I wonder for what reason the party was held.
"Ahem, I understand the regarding circumstances.
Search and kill that apostle Gisu and Hitogami and also provide backup when it comes to war.
Search for Kishirika-sama. Establishment of intelligence organization. Provide backup during Demon God Laplace's war.
Is that roughly all?"
"Yes"
Unlike Atofe, Moore was a person who understands conversation.
Listening to my request, summarizing it, he's positively considering it.
Perhaps he holds Atofe's intelligence characteristics, he might have been born by jumping out of that narrow skull.
"Aside from the former two, the latter two, specially during the fight with Demon God Laplace we probably won't be able to provide support."
"Is it unreasonable after all? Because of the debt to Laplace or the like....?"
"Atofe-sama was defeated by you personally. If you die that will be over. Or will you be able to live until 80 years?"
".......I guess that's difficult."
Personally until the end.
I, individually.
It might be possible to let them think that Roxy defeated her but.....
Well, it can't be helped.
This too is probably fate.