The six-person stretch sedan sped along the highway at full throttle, racing toward the distant Rainbow Overpass.
Igula and Harvey sat in the front row, Ash and Vishy in the middle, and Philly and Niya in the back. The men in the front row were silent. In the middle, the maid trimmed her master's nails—Rose had specifically told her that today had to be Ash's Manicure Day—while the girls in the back each had their own thoughts.
"We won't leave," Ash suddenly said. "I won't leave either."
Philly froze, then asked softly, "But haven't you always wanted to go back? Aren't the Sword Maiden and Witch waiting for you in another world?"
"Yes, but I wanted to go back and live a long, happy life with them—at least ten years' worth, not just a few days." Ash said frankly, "Our Hell Secret Poison still hasn't been dealt with. If we go back, we'll be crushed to death by hell in a few days. Going back now would be asking for death."
"If the Hell Secret Poison were dealt with, would you go back immediately?" Niya suddenly asked.
Philly didn't want Niya asking such a pointed question, but she still couldn't help looking at Ash, biting her lower lip as she waited for his answer.
Ash asked in return, "If the Star Law Master told you that as long as you betrayed us, He would protect Multistar Country, would you betray me?"
Philly opened her mouth to answer, but not a single word came out. Niya, however, said with absolute certainty, "No! I wish the world would end right now!"
"I also wish my answer was no," Ash said softly. "I don't want to make it sound righteous, but the biggest reason I'm willing to stay in Multistar right now is