Reborn Into A Dark Social Game World With Completely Loyal Friends. - Chapter 12: The Merit of the Curse.

The Merit of the Curse.

Mia is indeed a beautiful young girl, but deep within her lies an overwhelming sense of possessiveness.

Of course, she holds those she has fought alongside as comrades dear, respects the Pope she admires, and cherishes France, including Leirinia—from the bottom of her heart. But more precious to her than anything else is the young man earnestly conveying his words before her.

“Today, I met you suddenly and I want you to believe in me. I understand that such words may be difficult for you to believe. But I truly want to help you all.”

He… Minato appeared to Mia to lack confidence in himself too much.

As a commander, his figure giving orders was dignified, reliable, and, above all, impressive. However, despite saying so, his current appearance did not seem to Mia to be brimming with confidence.

(Fufufu… Minato-san, he is just an ordinary person, huh?)

However, Mia found herself viewing Minato in his current state very favorably.

Of course, she loved him as their commander, but Minato’s figure desperately searching for what he could do in the current situation and trying to convey it in words was far too attractive for Mia.

(Minato-san… My feelings haven’t changed. I want to watch over you, and I want you to watch over me… I want you to look at me for a long time.)

It was because she thought like this that Mia absolutely had no intention of letting him return to his original world no matter what.

She would definitely make sure he stayed in this world, cruel though it may be, but still beautiful.

Although he also said that he would probably never return to his original world, Mia would absolutely, definitely, anchor his heart to this world, not only to Minato but also to her rivals, including Thanatos, this was Mia’s declaration of war.

…However.

“Please lift your head! I heard from your companion earlier that this was your proposal! Without it, we, the people living in this village, would not have been cured of the disease… We would have died in despair. For us, you are our savior… So please, do not bow your head to people like us!”

For now, Mia decided to firmly impress in her mind his real, troubled appearance that she hadn’t seen in a long time

***

The condition of the boy known as Kei not only stabilized but also, with all the villagers, numbering fewer than thirty, taking the medicine, the disease was completely cured.

As the marks that were evidence of impending death disappeared, the villagers shed tears, expressing their gratitude as if they had been reborn.

(“This… might turn into something significant.”)

That thought arose from the fact that the villagers were now looking at Minato as if he were a god.

Despite having explained everything—from why he had come to help them to the existence of the medicine—thanks to Thanatos perched on his shoulder and Mia standing behind him, the villagers’ perception of Minato had completely changed, all because of Minato’s words.

“… Ha.”

“Are you tired?”

“No…”

Minato managed to swallow the words about their reactions.

However, given their obedient responses thus far, he felt reassured that his upcoming proposal would likely be fine.

In fact… after setting the stage, he suggested leaving the Empire’s territory, despite the possible hardships and uncertainties, and starting a new life in a new land. The response was, of course, as follows:

“Can you really… do something like that for us?”

“I want to leave this cursed land… and of course, I want to go with everyone in the village!”

“Us too! We’ll follow whatever you say… so please, take us with you!”

“Alright then,” Minato smiled as he made his decision. At that moment, Mia, standing beside him, continued speaking.

“From now on, regardless of how often it happens, we’ll be helping many people afflicted with misfortune like this. However, since the residents will suddenly disappear, there are no guarantees. If you’ve decided to come with us, you mustn’t speak of having been in the Empire without permission. If any problems arise from that, I won’t hesitate to kill you.”

It seemed Mia’s words had certainly been conveyed to the villagers, but they nodded without trembling or showing fear.

“Now then, even if Mia doesn’t want to, we’re still doing it. No matter what happens, those who reach out their hands will not be forgiven.”

“Alright, Tana-chan… Oh! Anyway, gather all the villagers in one place right now.”

As soon as Minato gave the order, the villagers were quickly gathered.

While the young children seemed unaffected, in the eyes of the adults, there was a mixture of reverence directed towards Minato. Unaccustomed to such adoration, Minato felt uncomfortable and found himself unintentionally averting his gaze.

“Minato, you should get used to this, you know? A light has shone into the hopeless darkness. To them, you’re almost like a god.”

“No, I can’t do anything alone. If that’s the case, Mia and Tanachan are the same.”

“I’ll leave it to you, Minato-san, because it’s a hassle!”

“Very well, my lord. Stand tall and enjoy yourself.”

Can I get used to it! Such a dry shout from Minato echoed through everyone present, and they all moved to Nevalis Castle by the power of Thanatos.

***

“…Phew.”

Taking a moment to step away from the commotion, Minato exhaled.

Returning with the villagers to Nevalis Castle, freed from the bitter cold akin to a snow prison, they rejoiced greatly. Seeing Thanatos restored to his original size left them awestruck.

“I am the familiar of the master—remember this well. The master who saved you also commands dragons like me.”

Hey, that’s a bit over the top, Minato almost interjected, but the moment those words were spoken, the multitude of worshipful gazes sewed Minato’s lips shut, rendering him speechless.

Well, being called a familiar isn’t entirely inaccurate, so he resigned himself to it.

“For now, it looks like housing can be arranged somehow… Looks like things are going well.”

With a few villagers possessing knowledge of construction among them, Minato felt comfortable leaving the task of building houses to them. They were eager to start moving tomorrow, as if they had been reborn.

“…Haha.”

Minato’s gaze settled on them, now dining with tears in their eyes. Mia had prepared ingredients in advance, cooking and serving them, and they were visibly moved by the delicious and warm meal.

While Minato knew Mia could cook from his memories, actually tasting it was a whole other level. He praised her relentlessly for its deliciousness, and despite her shy demeanor, she seemed genuinely pleased.

“…”

Seeing such a hopeful scene filled with promise, Minato felt that what he had done was right. It might mean losing his countrymen from the Empire’s perspective, but if they had no intention of helping anyway, there shouldn’t be any complaints about them being helped… and continuing to be helped.

“I’m not going to become arrogant, and I’m not going to boast that I’m a champion of justice… It’s only possible because there are people willing to cooperate.”

However… he couldn’t help but think like this:

“Even though I’m just an ordinary person, I can still help others like this… I can change the worst of fates, even if just a little—because if I don’t… who will?”

Thanatos wouldn’t move without Minato, and Mia also had her limits as a member of the French forces… so it was up to him to reduce as much unhappiness as he could.

(…Huh? Why am I thinking this way…? And why did I leave Mia and Thanatos to come to a place like this—)

There are many things Minato should discuss with the two of them, but he wonders why he is apart from them… Then a certain voice echoes in his ears.

“You, if you stay by my side, you wouldn’t need such worries. From morning till night, all you have to do is stay quietly in my embrace. A paradise isolated from all suffering and sadness… Being by my side is surely the place of happiness for you, isn’t it?”

“…Huh?”

Turning around—there stood an enchanting beauty.

With hair as black as ink flowing down to the ground, a face so strikingly beautiful that it captivated hearts at first sight, and eyes of a golden hue more beautiful than any gem… From the fine kimono that revealed glimpses of her voluptuous figure, what caught the eye most was the nine tails swaying behind her.

“…Yuzuriha?”

Confirming the name that Minato uttered, Yuzuriha nodded and approached him.