Refusing to Understand

Supreme Castle, before the main gates.

When Shien returned, the bewitching Witch had already gotten back ahead of him.

"You've worked hard."

As though nothing had happened, and as if she were consoling Shien, Shafna no longer showed any of her previous cold and heartless demeanor. All that remained was her usual playful smile.

Shien rolled his eyes and walked over.

"Was it settled?"

Shien asked casually.

"Probably." Shafna seemed equally unconcerned, or rather, completely uninterested in what happened afterward. "If anyone else fails to know their place, I wouldn't mind playing with them."

"Is that so?" Shien said with a half-smile. "If it really comes to that, they might actually be happy."

After all, it would be better than being completely ignored, wouldn't it?

That was why many would surely rather be hated by Shafna than ignored by her.

Of course, even if Shafna understood that, she would not be interested.

"They can do whatever they want. Just don't affect me."

For a succubus, Shafna's demands were remarkably laid-back.

Naturally, Shien said nothing more.

Whether for him or Shafna, this was nothing more than an insignificant interlude.

"Let's go back."

"Alright."

The two spoke to each other in perfectly natural tones, then entered Supreme Castle together and headed toward their rooms.

On the mountainside outside Central City.

Grey vaguely sensed someone approaching him.

He struggled to open his eyes, keeping the blood from flowing into them, and saw the newcomer clearly.

"..."

Someone stood before Grey, looking down at him as he lay in a pool of blood without saying a word.

Yet his face was filled with sorrow.

"Hart."

Grey called out the newcomer's name with difficulty, his voice hoarse.

The newcomer was Hart.

Hart did not respond. He merely took out a bottle of magic potion, pulled