To be honest, Duanmu Huai was rendered speechless when he first heard that answer. As for the second reaction—well, he really had no grounds to say anything.
After all, he was doing the same thing himself right now.
And unlike Hoshino Ai, Kurokawa Akane had agreed to it knowing this, so Duanmu Huai had even less to say.
But Duanmu Huai still had to ask.
"Why?"
"Because we don't want to die either."
Princess Norn spread her hands and made a helpless gesture.
"No matter what force is binding us here, it's gradually weakening. Since that's the case, I think we should make a choice about our future. If we hadn't met the Hero, perhaps disappearing in our sleep and praying that we could reincarnate somewhere in the future and live a happy life would have been one option. But since the Hero is here, we certainly won't let such a good opportunity pass us by."
"Haah... By the way, Akane, are you really okay with this?"
"Of course."
Kurokawa Akane nodded firmly, her eyes resolute.
"Even if it means making a deal with the Devils, I don't care."
"You'd better not say things like that, Akane."
However, before Duanmu Huai could say anything, Princess Norn giggled and spoke up.
"I know you're trying to show your determination, but if you really make a deal with the Devils, the Hero won't go easy on you."
"You really do understand me."
Duanmu Huai shrugged. Just as Princess Norn had said, as an Inquisitor, making a deal with the Devils was completely beyond the line. Anyone who did so had to be purified. Even if it were Kurokawa Akane, Duanmu Huai wouldn't go easy on her. Of course, he might give her a way to die before she could react, but he