Pureblood Society
Higashino Makoto stood up and continued walking forward.
He walked past rows of tents, past children playing, eating, and daydreaming.
No one hit them anymore, no one cursed them anymore, no one threw stones at them anymore.
They can eat their fill, stay warm, sleep in clean beds, receive medical treatment when they are sick, and have teachers to teach them to read and write.
Higashino Makoto stopped and stood at the edge of the square, his golden eyes gazing at the sea of clouds in the distance.
The setting sun was painting the clouds a golden-red hue.
"Grown ups."
Shinano's voice came from behind.
"Um."
What are you thinking about?
"I'm thinking about those children, wondering what will happen to them in the future."
"Ms. Rem and Ms. Akeno will handle it."
"Yes, that's true."
He turned around and looked at Shinano.
"Let's go. It's time to go back."
"Yes."
The two walked across the square, past the tents, past the children who were laughing, playing, and eating.
The setting sun shone on them, casting long shadows on the ground.
In the distance, the Gate of Scales stood silently in the twilight, the runes on its lintel glowing with a dim golden light in the setting sun.
One and a half million children are about to begin a new life.
When Higashino Makoto returned to the Seventh Floor, Rem was waiting for him in the corridor.
She was wearing a black and white maid outfit, the skirt reaching her knees, with a white bow tied at the neckline, and her short blue hair shimmering softly under the light.
Upon seeing him, Rem took the teapot and poured a cup for Higashino Makoto.
"My Lord. Tea."
Higashino Makoto took the teacup and took a sip.
The black tea was at the perfect temperature, with a subtle fruity aroma and a hint of honey sweetness.
Rem, I heard you gave candy to those kids?
Rem's ears turned slightly red.
"... Yes. Rem thinks they should have something sweet."
Did you tell them that I was the one who saved them?
Rem's fingers tightened slightly.
"... Yes, Rem said so. Rem thinks they should know who saved them."
Higashino Makoto looked at her, his golden eyes devoid of any emotion.
"Fine, let's leave it at that."
He reached out and gently patted Rem's head.
Higashino Makoto doesn't dislike the feeling that millions of adorable children are grateful to him.
Rem's lips curled up slightly.
"Thank you for the compliment, sir."
Higashino Makoto returned the teacup to her, pushed open the door to the room, and went inside.
Shinano followed behind him, her nine fox tails swaying gently behind her.
Shinano.
"Exist."
"Stay with me tonight."
Shinano's fox ears twitched slightly.
"Yes, sir."
She walked to the bedside and untied the sash of her kimono outer robe.
Her outer robe slipped off her shoulders, revealing a black bodysuit underneath that accentuated her full and slender figure.
She lay down on the bed, her nine fox tails spreading out behind her like a fluffy, silvery-white blanket.
Higashino Makoto lay down beside her, resting his head on one of her fox tails.
The fur is soft and warm to the touch, with a faint cherry blossom scent.
Shinano.
"Exist."
"Your tail is very useful."
"Thank you for the compliment, sir."
The next morning, Higashino Makoto was awakened by a commotion.
It's a communication crystal.
He sat up, Shinano looked up from beside him, her purple eyes half-open and half-closed, her long silver hair disheveled and draped over her shoulders.
"Grown ups."
"Explain."
He picked up the communication crystal and infused it with magic.
"Higashino."
Tendo Kikunojo's voice emanated from the crystal, hoarse yet calm.
"The Pureblood Society know you're taking the Cursed Children away. They're happy because the Cursed Children are finally going to disappear. But they're also worried, worried that the children aren't being taken away, but hidden away. They worry that one day, the children will return."
Higashino Makoto's brows furrowed slightly.
"The Pureblood Society, the organization that opposes the Cursed Children?"
"Yes. Nearly 100,000 members, most of whom are survivors of the Gastrea Wars, whose families were killed by Gastrea. They have transferred their hatred onto the Cursed Children."
Just like his original self, he utterly despised the Cursed Children.
What do they want to do?
"They wanted to make sure those children really wouldn't be coming back."
Higashino Makoto remained silent for a long time, a slight smile playing on his lips.
They can't tell the difference between the two kings, can they?
Would I care about their feelings?
But Higashino Makoto did not object.
"Alright. Let them come, all of them. I'll treat them well."
"Yes, sir."
The communication has ended.
Higashino Makoto put down the crystal, leaned back against the headboard, and stared at the ceiling with his golden eyes.
Shinano lay beside him, her nine fox tails swaying gently behind her.
"Grown ups."
"Um."
"You want to see them?"
"See."
"Why?"
"I had completely forgotten about them, but now that I've stepped forward, it's a good opportunity to have a proper 'talk' with them."
Yes, talk to them using the high-level monster "Gospel Zealot".
Recalling the intelligence about how those people persecuted, abused, and murdered the Cursed Children, a plan instantly took shape in his mind—
Use Gospel Zealot to incite their hatred of Gastrea, and get them together to confront the real enemy.
Gastrea.
Of course, they will be given some weapons, even weapons made from "Hua," which are specifically designed to counter Gastrea.
After all, Higashino Makoto isn't some kind of demon!
Fighting one's true enemy and demonstrating human courage to the Gastrea —such a noble act would surely move them to tears, wouldn't it?
As for dealing with Gastrea and having the Gospel Zealot remove their fanaticism buff, that's another matter entirely.
He paused.
"It's a good opportunity to see them, to see what kind of people are those who vent their hatred on children."
Shinano looked at him, her purple eyes flashing with a complex light.
After breakfast, Higashino Makoto stood at the exit of Novas Etier, his golden eyes gazing at the spatial rift leading to Tokyo.
Shinano stood behind him, her nine fox tails hidden by magic, her long silver-white hair tied in a low ponytail, and she wore a simple black dress.
"My lord, do you still not require my accompaniment?"
"No need. You stay in Novas Etier, I'll take care of things there."
"Yes, sir."
Higashino Makoto stepped into the rift. Shinano followed behind him. The rift quietly closed after the two passed through.