/
When I got back to the office, Canal had already returned. Just to be cautious, I asked Tia to keep an eye out for pursuers while Canal and I took a nap. We then spent about three days lying low and hiding.
On the morning of the fourth day, after making sure there were no signs of surveillance or a single attack, I finally relaxed my guard.
“Phew, I guess we’re fine for now since nothing happened. How about you?”
“Ah, yeah. The explosion itself made the news, but it’s being explained as a gas leak from deteriorating underground pipes that caused the explosion.”
Canal, who had been fiddling with a box-shaped magical device called a Magicon that displayed images, relayed the information she had gathered. It’s amazing how you can collect information from all over the world while in a room, but this world is both convenient and inconvenient. After all, our information can also be transmitted in an instant.
“Gas, you mean the burning air, right? There’s something that causes such a massive explosion underground that turns the ground into glass and completely destroys buildings?”
“No way! And besides, they didn’t write about those details, so I think they probably hid the truth and made it seem like a regular accident. It also says there were no casualties since the building was unmanned.”
“Well, I guess so.”
As I nibbled on my morning bread, I agreed with Canal’s words, although I was not familiar with the situation in this world. It’s hard to imagine that such things happen on a regular basis. Since Cuhron, who seemed like a person with power, was involved, it’s natural to assume that they covered up the incident. But…
“Why haven’t they done anything to us?”
“Well…”
At my muttered question, Canal showed a puzzled expression. That’s right, if they wanted to cover everything up, they should have silenced us first. It’s impossible for us to be left alone since our faces were seen.
However, for the past three days, no danger has come to us. In a world where information travels in the blink of an eye, it’s unnatural for nothing to happen, which only fuels our anxiety.
“Maybe they’re letting us off the hook? But there’s no reason to let us go, right?”
“Oh, don’t worry about that.”
Interrupting Canal’s worried words, a voice came from outside the room. As we looked up, we saw John entering the room through the window, which should have been locked.
“John!?”
“Who!? Oh, this person is John? Why did you come in through the window?”
“Haha, it’s a matter of personal preference, Ojou-san. I believe this is our first meeting. Nice to meet you, I’m John D. Jones.”
“Ah, yes. I’m Lunaritia.”
“Glad you’re safe. Want some coffee?”
“Yes, please.”
“Why is Ed making coffee!? No, he saved me, so I’ll make him coffee!”
As we chatted noisily, we all took our seats at the table. Tia and I sat next to each other, with Canal and John sitting across from us.
“So, John, what do you mean by ‘don’t worry’?”
“Fufu, I went out of my way to ensure that no pursuers would come after you and Canal.”
“Can you really do that!? It must have been tough…”
“Well, it was tough, but if I didn’t do it, you’d be targeted for the rest of my life. Especially since Canal figured out Curon’s true identity.”
“Ugh… I honestly don’t remember much about that time…”
Canal made a face, but John responded with an exasperated tone.
“Do you think the enemy will believe that? I’ve dealt with it for now, but if you get involved in another S.E.E.D-related incident, be careful not to get die.”
“I know! Why did this even happen… I was just looking for a cat…”
“Come on, Canal. It’s a chance to challenge the truth of the world you dreamed of.”
“Yeah, but that’s more like a childhood dream, and facing reality is too dangerous…”
“If you think so, then you need to make an effort. Either gain the power to face it, or the caution not to. Without either, you’ll quickly lose.”
“Hmph.”
Canal pouted, but I was sure of it. Canal is a hero. The coincidences up until now were inevitable, and they will continue. She might be denying it, but deep down, she hasn’t given up on her dream.
“It’s okay. If you have trouble, just rely on John. It’s like how I rely on Ed.”
“Ojou-san, are you telling me to continue cleaning up after Canal? I’m not always free, you know…”
As Tia spoke to the somewhat dejected Canal, John furrowed his brows.
“But you’re here now, aren’t you? You make a good team.”
“Yeah. If we can fully utilize Canal’s power, it’ll work to John’s advantage, right? Identifying someone just by talking through an illusion is quite incredible.”
“Well…”
With a grin, I spoke, and John showed a slightly troubled face. Canal, who had been drinking coffee next to us, put her cup down with a click and stared straight at John.
“Right. It seems like you helped me out again this time, so I’ll cooperate if there’s anything I can do.”
“Fine. Then please behave yourself. It would be much easier for me if you don’t get involved in unnecessary trouble and I don’t have to rescue you.”
“Hmph! It’s not like I want to be involved in trouble!”
“Then act more ladylike. At this rate, you won’t even find a boyfriend, let alone get married.”
“I’m fine! I’ll focus on my work! Hmph!”
After finishing her coffee, Canal angrily disappeared into the kitchen with her empty cup. John watched her leave with a calm expression… I scratched my head and spoke up.
“Hey, John. Can we talk, just the two of us?”
“With you? Unfortunately, I’m not interested in being alone with another man…”
“Come on, don’t say that. Or… should I grab your shoulder and… take you there?”
“Sigh, what a forceful invitation. I can’t help it.”
At my invitation, John let out a small sigh and stood up. I also spoke to Tia, and the two of us climbed the stairs to the rooftop of the building.
“Ah, being up high feels good! It would be perfect if the surrounding buildings weren’t taller…”
Even though there were taller buildings around us, the morning sun’s rays were soft, and I leaned against the railing.
“So, what is it? I’m not free either, so please make it brief.”
“Don’t be in such a hurry. You have an idea, don’t you?”
“What could it be? Even though we’ve been through a lot, you and I barely have any connection. How could I possibly know what you want to talk about?”
“The Demon King.”
At my words, however, John continued speaking without changing his expression.
“The Demon King? Ah, right, you mentioned to Canal that you were going to defeat a Demon King, an anachronistic being. So, you want me to help you find the Demon King?”
“That’s not it. I’ve already found the Demon King.”
Leaning against the railing, I stared at John.
“You’re the Demon King, John D. Jones.”
Time seemed to freeze between us, with neither of us moving. The wind blew through the gap between the buildings, making a rustling sound.