Even if you succeed in jobless reincarnation and time magic, you must live life to the fullest.

Orstide said this.

That being the case.

There is only one answer.

"I...I am willing to pledge my loyalty to you..."

Kino forced a sound from deep in his throat, suppressing his fear.

……

This sudden battle has finally come to an end.

Alsterd gained a subordinate.

Chino Britz.

He trained relentlessly in order to gain Gar Faleon's approval.

Finally, they set off to kill me.

But this goal vanished after Galbin's death.

Under duress from the Dragon God, he ultimately chose to pledge allegiance.

……

After swearing allegiance.

Alsterd took out a scroll that looked somewhat familiar.

what……

That was a contract scroll of the demon race.

I've heard of it before.

Atofi would use these contract scrolls to force others to become his subordinates.

Once such a contract is signed, one can never resist Atofi for the rest of one's life.

I didn't expect Orstide to have it too...

Where did it come from?

Or did he make it himself?

None of this is known.

all in all.

Kino signed the contract without hesitation.

Completely lacking the dignity of a swordsman...

No.

Upon closer examination, Kino's sole purpose in training was to obtain Nina.

And Orstide has already made that promise.

As long as you become a subordinate, you can return alive to the Holy Land of Swords and be with Nina.

Given that, Kino naturally had no reason to hesitate.

……

After the contract was signed.

Orstide burned Gar Farion's body to ashes.

Kino, carrying the ashes, embarked on his journey back to the Holy Land of Swords.

Alice kept her precognitive eyes fixed on Kino the entire time.

They were probably on guard against a sudden attack from Chino.

That being said.

Kino didn't seem to have any interest in that at all.

"Alice."

Before leaving.

Kino suddenly stopped and spoke to Alice.

"Nina misses you too. If you have time, why not come back and visit?"

"……Yeah."

Alice crossed her arms and spoke in a nonchalant tone.

That being said.

Actually.

Alice probably didn't want to kill these former friends either.

But as long as it's for me.

She's willing to do anything.

……

In this battle.

Icarus's attack and flight systems were damaged.

Although it can be sent back for repair, now is not the time to do that.

Next, they may have to face an attack from the water god.

Take this into consideration.

Let's use it for now.

After the battle, Ariel and the others emerged from the ruins, their faces pale.

He looks quite frightened...

No.

It seems to be because Alsterd wasn't wearing a helmet.

Realizing this, Alsterd went and retrieved the helmet.

Ariel's complexion finally improved.

253. Revisit the Royal Capital

After the battle.

Alsterd parted ways with us.

Our group continued our journey to Yars.

On the road.

Alice seemed a little dazed.

There were even several times when they almost crashed into trees.

It's really unbearable to watch.

"Alice?"

"Huh? What?"

"That's what I should be asking you, what's wrong with you?"

"...It's nothing, I just suddenly remembered Nina when Kino mentioned her."

Alice murmured.

Nina was one of her few friends in the Sacred Land of Swords.

Actually.

Izoruti too.

The three of them had a very good relationship at the time.

Alice honed her swordsmanship in both the Sword God Style and the Water God Style by using the two as opponents, which is how she achieved her current strength.

however……

A swordsman's mission is to wield his sword for the one he serves.

Something as fragile as friendship.

It is utterly vulnerable in the face of a swordsman's unwavering conviction.

If it were me, I'm afraid it would be very difficult to do.

Do not……

I should be able to do it too.

"Don't worry, Kino has already sworn allegiance to Alsterd."

"Oh, yes."

"When we have time, let's... and Ars, the three of us, go and have a look at the Holy Land of Swords."

"Ok!"

After hearing what I said.

Alice finally smiled.

……

We headed towards Yars.