An exquisitely handsome, boyish face, carrying a hint of teasing amusement,
came into view in Roxy's aqua-blue eyes, which had widened slightly in shock.
It was Cui Ciyou!
She had no idea when he had appeared.
Beside Cui Ciyou stood the magnificent white horse they had ridden together earlier.
The corners of his lips lifted slightly.
"T-Teacher Roxy, I'm sorry, but that farewell of ours just now... I'm afraid we'll have to make a small change."
Once Roxy saw who it was and heard what he said, the heart that had been filled with sorrow and regret over their parting was instantly consumed by an emotion called shock!
I-is that... Ciyou?!
After freezing for a full three seconds, Roxy's muddled mind finally began working again.
Her little face began to flush despite herself.
So a god helped me?
Was it the god Millis? Thank you! From today onward, I... I'll be your most, most, most devoted believer!
Hmm!... That doesn't seem quite right! I'm one of the Demonfolk, so surely it must have been the Demon God who blessed me!
Did the first Demon God take pity on an unworthy descendant like me?!
Hmm!... No! I'm one of the Demonfolk, so it must have been the Demon God! The Demon God watched over me!
(The figures Roxy was thinking of were the deified ancient hero, the "god Millis" worshipped by the Millis Faith, and the original "Demon God" who, according to traditions passed down in the Demon God Tongue, had created the Demonfolk's language-not the later Demon God named Laplace.)
Roxy stammered,
"Huh? C-Ciyou? Wh-what are you doing here...?"
Cui Ciyou settled Roxy securely onto the white horse's back, along with her suitcase.
"Hold on." Cui Ciyou did not answer Roxy's question, offering only that brief instruction.
Then he grabbed