Author: Sasaki Ichiro	Original Source: Syosetu
Translator: Tanaka	English Source: Re:Library

Project GB is an official initiative by Re:Library.

Kagerou extended his hand toward the ground, silently urging me to take another look at the people gathered before me. Everyone I knew had come.

The Four Heavenly Evil Kings stood proudly:
* «Naga Raja» Tengai
* «Seraphim» Mikoto
* «Nine-Tailed Fox» Utsuho
* «Dark Knight» Kokuyou

The Thirteen Demon Generals were all present:
* «Yog-Sothoth» Ikaruga
* «Azazel» Izumo
* «Hanuman» Byakuya
* «Typhon» Gamon
* «Shalom» Musashi
* «Demogorgon» Shizu
* «Baron» Shinra
* «Kokyangwuti» Shiori
* «Jabberwock» Nachi
* «Bahamut» Kuon
* «A Puchi» Kurama
* «Fey» Izumi
* «Telekinesis» Kira

And among the Seven Beasts of Calamity (and honorary members):
* «Highest-ranked Water Spirit» Amari (a unique case)
* «Sword God» Iki (unranked)
* «Greenman» Soujyu (unranked)
* «Gazre» Susa
* «Flying Tiger» Kurashi
* «Kirin» Five Fates (Male) and Divine Cloud (Female)
* «White Chimera» Mutsu
* «Apsara» Tanabata
* «Mirror Beyond Cloud» Hazumi
* «Demon-Eye High Priest» Kokonoe

Beyond the mightiest names of Imperial Crimson, others had also gathered: Sasaki, the leader of the Imperial Guards, along with her loyal subordinates; the group of Kuin, Gaijin, and Kohaku; even Kaguya and her son Shinya, who had somehow ended up joining despite themselves.

My familiars were there too—Maroudo, and though still recovering, Lubbock and Tamegoro stood by my side.

Christoff, Oliana, Revan, and Asmina weren’t here—they couldn’t accompany me due to the danger. But even from afar, I could feel their concern until the very moment I left. I was sure King Collard and Queen Chloe, Joey, and even the Beast King—currently fighting on the frontlines—would have felt the same. And of course… the many souls who had already passed, entrusting their will to us with their final breaths.

All of them had the same gentle look in their eyes. A warmth that felt like that of a parent, or perhaps an older sibling—soft smiles shining as they looked upon me.

…Ah, I’d never really stopped to notice, had I? But somewhere along the way, the time we spent together—the moments they stood beside me—had become precious treasures I could never replace.

As soon as I accepted that truth, a quiet calm settled deep in my heart. And then, the words I needed to say came naturally—not as an apology, but as something I truly needed to express.

“Thank you, everyone. It’s because of all of you that I can keep living as me. Now it’s my turn—to protect all of you. I’m truly, deeply grateful. I love you all!”

If only I were a giantess—I’d have gathered everyone into one enormous hug. But since I wasn’t, I spread my arms wide instead and offered them the biggest smile I could. Then, I bowed deeply… and turned to face the looming «Void Mist».

“Well then… I’m off. Kagerou, keep everyone safe while I’m gone.”
“But of course, if it is your command, My Lady. Though… please don’t take too long to return.”

I left those parting words with Kagerou, who had remained by my side. He responded with his usual theatrical flair, sending me off in that familiar, lighthearted tone.

“Hmm… I can’t predict a thing, not when we know nothing about the enemy. But… I’ll do everything I can to live up to your expectations.”

I gave a casual shrug to match the mood, then retrieved my sword—«Gilles de Rais»—from my Inventory Space, just in case. I wasn’t about to risk stepping into the Void Mist only to find out Inventory Space was unusable inside.

Lubbock’s story had already lowered my expectations—after all, if even «Zetsu», supposedly the strongest sword, couldn’t scratch Azure God, what hope did mine have? Still, having something is better than nothing. And beyond that… this sword had been with me through everything. Sentimental or not, I wanted to fight alongside it to the very end. (That said, the rest of my gear had already been swapped out for top-tier battle equipment.)

With «Gilles de Rais» in my right hand and the «Permit» in my left, I stepped forward toward the Void Mist. Instantly, a membrane glowing with azure light enveloped my body. At the same time, the Mist parted—like an invisible hand slicing it open—revealing a narrow white path.

Carefully, I took my first step onto the path.

I paused. Nothing felt different. I turned back, raised my hand to signal that everything was fine, then continued onward—step after cautious step—deeper into the Void Mist.

◆◇◆◇

Within moments, Hiyuki’s figure vanished into the Void Mist—and the narrow, opened path sealed behind her.

Everyone remained on high alert until her form disappeared completely. Not a single person moved. It was as if time had frozen.

“…So, what’s our next move, Tengai?” Utsuho sighed, hiding her mouth behind a folding fan, and cast a sideways glance at Tengai—who looked like he’d grown roots where he stood.

“What else is there? We wait for the Princess to return.” Tengai answered, but made no move to leave.
Mikoto spoke gently in response. “Waiting for the Princess is fine, but not here. The Void Mist will reach this area before long.”

“I’ll stay. The rest of you should go.”

Utsuho sighed again at Tengai’s stubbornness, then scolded him. “For heaven’s sake, stop acting like a sulky child. What are you hoping to accomplish with this? Get it together! If not you, then who’s going to protect the Sky Garden while the Princess is gone?”

“I know… I know I should… But this feeling—watching her go and being unable to do anything—it’s just…” But instead of snapping back like usual, Tengai simply lowered his head. His reaction stunned both Utsuho and Mikoto. They exchanged a glance—neither knowing what to say—and fell into silence.

A hush fell over the group—until, unexpectedly, a calm, melodic tenor voice broke the silence.

“The Princess said we protected her… but I believe it’s the opposite. She’s the one who’s been protecting us—through this last year, through the hundred years of darkness, and even before that. With her by our side, we feared nothing. No matter how perilous the road, how dark the path, she was always our guiding light. So, Tengai… all of you—there’s no shame in this. Right now, we must walk on our own. And next time, it will be us who reaches out to take her hand.”

The words hit home harder than anyone could’ve expected. The remaining three Heavenly Evil Kings turned in unison toward the speaker—Kokuyou.

“…Yes, that’s exactly right. I’d nearly lost sight of it all. Thank you, Kokuyou.” Tengai reached out in gratitude, and the sharp clap of a firm handshake rang through the air.

“Alright. We’ll take turns holding this position while keeping watch on the Void Mist until the Princess returns. For today—everyone except Kokuyou of the Four Heavenly Evil Kings, Shizu and Nachi from the Thirteen Demon Generals, and Susa of the Beasts of Calamity—return to the Sky Garden. A Round Table Conference will be held once everyone is assembled to decide our future course of action. Until then, Susa will oversee operations here. That’s all. Any questions?”

No one responded.

—Correction: no one could.

Everyone—aside from the Four Heavenly Evil Kings—was staring wide-eyed at Kokuyou, expressions of pure disbelief on their faces. The same thought echoed in all their minds: Wait… he can TALK?!

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