Life in Axel continued peacefully after Vanir's appearance, the town settling back into its usual rhythm.
The following days passed quietly, though the party still managed to cause their share of drama. The townspeople, grateful for the defeat of Vanir and salvation of Axel, showed unusual tolerance toward Aqua and her troublesome companions — even if they still kept their distance.
The party gathered for a meal.
As they waited for their food, Darkness broke the silence, "Adam, about what Vanir said earlier — about Aqua being a goddess. What did he mean by that?"
Megumin, who hadn't been present, looked between Aqua and Adam with curiosity, "What's this about Aqua being a goddess?"
During their battle, Vanir — the Demon who could see through anything — had indeed revealed Aqua's identity in front of everyone. Given his reputation for omniscience...
No wonder Darkness was suspicious.
What should he do? Tell them the truth?
Before he could decide, Aqua came to the rescue.
"He was just mocking me." Aqua said clearly, despite her mouth being full, "You know how he is, Darkness. Remember at Wiz's shop? He said all those things that made you want to die of embarrassment. It's just like that."
Incredible! Could this really be the same Aqua who constantly proclaimed her divinity?
Was she actually choosing to hide the truth?
Adam and Kazuma exchanged glances, their mutual disbelief evident.
"...Indeed. That nasty fellow must have said it deliberately." Darkness replied, seeming convinced.
She probably thought Vanir had weaponized Aqua's frequent goddess claims to humiliate her during his escape.
"Exactly, exactly!" Adam quickly chimed in, seeing Darkness's belief, "Vanir is an Archdemon who loves his pranks. He was just trying to confuse Aqua, a high priestess who threatens his existence, to aid his escape."
"I see." Darkness chose to trust her companion over a Demon.
"Phew~" Adam sighed softly.
Watching Aqua devour her food without a care, he wondered if this really was the same goddess from earlier.
"Adam, there's a letter for you."
Luna the receptionist approached, holding out a letter with the royal seal, and announced its sender.
"This is from Duke Davenport's household, delivered just this morning."
"Is that so? Thank you, Miss Luna." He said as he accepted the letter.
The letter was signed by Anthony, the apprentice he had taken on as a convenience. He wondered what the young man wanted.
Adam read through the letter in five minutes. It was essentially an apology letter from start to finish.
The reason? Anthony had revealed his status as Adam's disciple.
The situation stemmed from Adam's actions.
After Adam had preemptively claimed Darkness as his companion, Anthony's father — Duke Davenport — had become furious and vowed to teach both Adam and Lord Dustiness a lesson.
To prevent further conflict between the parties, Anthony felt compelled to reveal that he was the disciple of the 『 Hero 』. He explained to his father that all his actions had been under his master's guidance.
Initially, Duke Davenport dismissed this revelation, focused solely on political interests — true to his nature.
Yet when news reached the Royal Capital that "The Hero's Party Defeated Another Demon King Army General", the Duke's attitude reversed completely. He told his son to forget past grievances and focus on training with Adam.
This reversal was predictable — for someone who prioritized advantages, it was a simple matter of weighing benefits against costs.
Anthony assured Adam that their master-disciple relationship would remain private. At his request, claiming it was his "master's instruction", Duke Davenport agreed to keep the matter confidential.
The letter concluded with Anthony's heartfelt admiration for Adam's recent victory over the Demon King Army General.
"That's what Anthony wrote." Adam said, laying the letter on the table for his companions to read.
"I'm so sorry... this is all my fault." Darkness said, clearly embarrassed, "If it weren't for me, you wouldn't be dealing with this situation."
Having grasped the full picture, she realized her willfulness had caused trouble for both the Dustiness house and Adam, filling her with remorse.
"What difficulty? I don't see any difficulty at all." He said, patting her shoulder reassuringly, "Blame you? If anything, I should blame you for being too excellent and causing me such trouble?"
As soon as he finished speaking, the three people sitting nearby couldn't contain themselves.
"Pfft, excellent what..."
"The excellent Lady Lalatina."
Aqua, Kazuma, and Megumin burst into laughter at his words.
To those who spent their days with Darkness, it was amusing that this masochistic, perverted knight could become so popular while masquerading as a proper noble lady. Knowing her true nature, they couldn't help but laugh.
"Don't call me by that name!" Darkness shouted, flushed with embarrassment, "I'm still a noble lady with good breeding and looks, aren't I?!"
"But knowing your true nature, Darkness, it rather spoils the effect, doesn't it?"
"Adam, how could you say such things... How wonderful~!" Darkness swooned, "Indeed, beneath that innocent facade lies your true corrupt nature — that tremendous evil desire that makes one tremble... mmph mmph mmph."
Adam quickly covered her mouth.
He had to stop her — if anyone overheard and spread rumors, his reputation might end up as tarnished as Kazuma's.
He leaned close to whisper in her ear, "Darkness, I understand your interests, but save it for when we get home. Could you please behave yourself in public?"
At his words, her face flushed crimson and her body trembled.
Looking at her reaction, one had to wonder what sort of intense mental imagery had just swept through her mind.
When Adam finally removed his hand, the masochistic knight immediately slumped onto the table.
They chatted for a while longer before leaving the adventurer's guild to return to the mansion.
With the weather turning cold and fewer missions available, they decided to pause their adventures until winter passed.
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