Reincarnated Devil's Strongest Hero Training Plan ~The baby he picked up has grown up so well that his father is confused~ - Chapter 37

Reincarnated Devil’s Strongest Hero Training Plan ~The baby he picked up has grown up so well that his father is confused~

Chapter 37   In the subsequent church country

My beloved Ars-sama has returned home, and it has been a week since the martial arts tournament in the Kingdom of Calamiera ended.

Strangely, my memories of this past week have been fuzzy, and I can’t seem to recall anything after confessing my feelings to Ars-sama during the evening party. What on earth happened to me?

And not remembering the outcome of the confession is an unbecoming act for a lady. Acting like this might make Ars-sama dislike me.

“Ugh, I can’t remember… I must remember what happened that day…”

“You mustn’t, Your Highness. Those memories are ones you should never recall.”

Huh? What are you saying, you silly Ein?

This confession of Saint Isha the First must surely be a splendid memory of radiant love, with Ars-sama’s approval afterward!

Not remembering is a loss for not just a lady, but for all humanity!

“But why… Whenever I try to remember, my head starts spinning…”

“Y-Your Highness! Please come back to your senses! Knight over there, quickly fetch His Majesty! It’ll be a disaster if Her Highness loses her mind again! I won’t be able to restrain her alone!”

“Y-Yes! Right away, sir!”

Oh, Ars-sama…

This must be a trial of love…

Afterward, a fierce battle ensued between me trying to regain my memories and Ein trying to stop me. But eventually, with the recovery magic from the arriving Holy Knight Commander, I regained my sanity.

“For heaven’s sake, what are you doing, Lady Isha? You always say to call for me when you’re not feeling well. If it’s for you, the treasure of this kingdom, or rather, of all humanity, it’s no trouble at all for me to come and cast recovery magic, even if it means interrupting military training.”

“Th-Thank you, Holy Knight Commander. I…I’m sorry.”

In response to my words, the Holy Knight Commander, Ein’s father, sighed and smiled wryly.

But why can’t I remember? Could it be that the curse was the work of the demonic being clad in the black armor that appeared after I fainted that day?

“I’m truly sorry. While it’s fortunate that my son Ein and his friend Ars managed to repel the threat posed by the Three Demon Generals of the Demon King’s army, I deeply regret not being present when such a curse was placed upon you.”

After pausing, the Holy Knight Commander explained his analysis of why this curse was treated as such.

“Moreover, there are no traces of magical energy left by the curse, and the cause of how it was cast remains unknown. …Forgive me for saying this, but demonic magic far surpasses our human capabilities. With no traces left, the seal on your memories, your deteriorating health, your disturbed mind, and above all, the direct involvement of a high-ranking demon, it’s clear evidence of a curse.”

“…”

Ah, so it really is a curse after all. That analysis was spot-on.

And to think, sealing away my precious memories with Ars-sama… What a twisted demon.

“Come on, Ein, say something.”

“What do you think, Ein?”

“W-Well… This doesn’t seem like the work of that guy, Jyoku, does it?”

Huh!?

What are you saying, Ein!

Then why can’t I remember?

No, no, Ein, you’re hopeless. I should have never relied on you for using your brain. I’ll just ask your father, the Holy Knight Commander.

“There’s no way that’s true, Ein. I heard that you gave it your all, even reproducing the legendary technique ‘Rhythmless’ to drive away the demon before fainting. Probably, he did something to Lady Isha at that moment. …It’s a despicable trick typical of those vile demons.”

“That’s right! It must be! There’s no doubt about it!”

See, Ein? Got it!?

This is what it means to make a wise judgment as an adult!

Honestly, even if you manage to replicate the legendary sword technique and gain more attention as a promising young swordsman, you still have a long way to go. You need to polish not only your strength but also your mind.

“Haah, well, it’s fine. As long as there’s no current harm to the young lady, and if she simply refrains from trying to recall memories, we can continue to live peacefully and safely.”

Huh?

Hmm.

Well, I guess so.

If memories fade, we can always create new ones! I’ll confess to Ars-sama again, and this time, we’ll truly be together!

“Indeed, that’s correct. However, at this point, we can’t foresee the full extent of the impact this curse will have. Therefore, I’ve arranged for you, Ars, and the Saintess to form a team and act together in the future, as potential clues. I’ve already spoken to His Holiness the Pope about it. Well, it’s a bit of strategizing on the part of Count Zalug, who’s concerned about the current state of the church, and Lord Kakyu, who has connections with him.”

W-What did you say!? Ars-sama will return to the Church!?

Oh, my goodness!

Surely, this must be a miracle blessed upon us by the divine!

How fortunate we are!

And surely, this revelation must have been equally shocking for Ein. Despite usually maintaining a composed demeanor, at this moment, his eyes widened in surprise.

“But Father, isn’t Count Zalug from the opposing faction of nobles against you? Isn’t it quite bold of him to collaborate with both you and Lord Kakyu, who has allied with us this time, and pretend to be on our side?”

“You’re thinking too narrowly, Ein. Even if they belong to opposing factions, it’s ultimately just a matter within the nobility. He, too, wouldn’t forget his ultimate mission to protect the country and the sacred duty to safeguard the Saintess, who is a treasure to all humanity.”

“Oh, I see.”

“Nobles indeed have their complexities.”

“Well, regardless of the intricacies, if Ars-sama decides to visit again, he’s more than welcome! Nice play, Count Zalug!”

“I’ll make sure to remember that name.”

◇

“Count-sama… Just who is that noble named Kakyu?”

“Hold your tongue, don’t speak his name so lightly. We don’t know where eyes and ears might be, or what might incur his displeasure. We simply need to act according to his instructions.”

While the excitement over Ars was brewing among Saintess Isha and others, in the study of the border count’s residence in the imperial capital, such a conversation was taking place.

It all stemmed from a letter discreetly delivered to the study on the day Kakyu left the church.

In that letter, the border count found his own decisive defeat and, above all, realized the vast difference in status. He broke into a cold sweat, realizing he had to comply obediently to save the church.

Because… “If he so desires, this church will come to an end. There’s no doubt about it. After all, this letter contained evidence of all the wrongdoings we’ve committed to protect the country in this incident, along with magical recordings as proof… It’s no longer within human capability. No, not even demons could pull off the same. That power is… divine.”

With this conclusion in his heart, the border count held onto a kind of faith.

That’s why he followed Kakyu’s instructions, accepting his role as a useful pawn in the church.

“Anyway, it’s imperative to ensure that the Saintess and the knight escort Ein can move as friends of Ars, the son of that individual. It’s for the good of the country. Understand? Dismissed. This is an order.”

“Yes, sir!”

Without harboring any doubt about the count’s sudden change, the shadows of the church continued their machinations.

It was no surprise, considering it was Ars who had even repelled the power of the Black Knight felt at that time.

Therefore, those who held the role of watching over and guarding the future of the country, saw no discomfort in recognizing the border count, who seemed to be moving to incorporate Ars, Gaius, and the influential noble Kakyu, as beneficial assets to the nation.