Volume 4 Chapter 70: Happy… Happy…【Final Volume: Balor and Nanashi Arc】

“Ehehehe.”

Konoha offered me a smile so melting it could unsettle anyone.

In response, I shuddered in terror.

This one—she’s definitely after my life…!

How strange…

I understand that if an enemy faction targets me, it means they want my life.

My younger brother once incited a rebellion by coveting my position as feudal lord, and after I took in a 【Cursed Child】, one of the four great nobles persistently stalked me—and not to mention, the underworld even sent assassins my way because they deemed me useful.

But she’s a maid.

She’s supposed to be my subordinate from the Apophis family.

Yet here she is, directly targeting my life to such an extent…

Even Nanashi only does this about once a month!

“I hate to say it, but Master, isn’t it pitiful to be targeted for your life by a maid?”

Really, you shouldn’t say that.

I mean, I feel so sorry for myself, don’t you think?

So, can I fire you?

“No.”

Why not?

Your words make it seem as if the decision-making power rests entirely with you—I can hardly hide my astonishment.

At that, Konoha approaches with a floundering gait.

“Balor-chan, there’s still more to come, right?”

“N-no, no, it seems like today isn’t exactly a lucky day for me. Maybe I should just head home. Come on, let’s have a drink together.”

“Only Artemis and I get affected by alcohol, Master.”

Don’t let a maid get sloppy from alcohol!

“I—I don’t really like alcohol anyway.”

With a tilt of her head, my brilliant proposal is shot down.

Then, what do you like? Is there anything else in this world that’s fun?

“You’re completely drunk, Master.”

This world—where one must flee into alcohol—is absurd.

Lately, nothing but troubles have befallen me.

Where did a convenient world go? I, who should be loved by God…

By the way, I don’t believe in God at all.

“Let’s go for a walk. It’s been a while since I’ve been out, and since I’m with Balor-chan, shouldn’t we have some fun? Otherwise, it’d be a waste, right?”

“N-no, I think it’s best if I don’t go out any more than I have to…”

How can I possibly trudge along with someone who’s after my life?!

I’m going home!

“Come on, hurry up!”

Her arms wind around me.

I’m enveloped in a softness that even Nanashi could never convey.

The fact that it’s unexpectedly present is beside the point—the problem is she’s locked my arms so firmly that I can’t escape.

Hiiiiiiiiii!

With an inner cry of despair, I am dragged off by Konoha.

◆

“Ehehehe. It was such a meaningful time, Balor-chan.”

“Zeha—zeha…! Th-that’s right…!”

Facing Konoha’s smile—so melting it could soften anyone—I sank to my knees and panted heavily.

Meaningful time? There’s no such thing!

How many times did I almost get killed today?!

The sun was already setting, with the evening light gleaming.

For a whole day… I was dragged around by this demon for an entire day.

Can you believe it?

There’s a maid who drags around her feudal lord and tries to assassinate him every single time.
I thought no one existed except Nanashi.

“Ehh, here’s my report. First, a potted plant fell. Then, I was shoved in front of a carriage. I was tossed into a brawl with bladed weapons. I was simply nearly mugged by thugs. I almost got pushed down the stairs. I nearly fell into a pit. In total, it happened about ten times.”

I sure did stay alive!

I was dumbfounded upon hearing Nanashi’s report.

I—who barely ever exercises—somehow managed to cling to life.
In dangerous moments, with Nanashi nowhere within reach to act as a human shield, I couldn’t help but feel utterly worthless.

“You really are too despicable, Master.”

And you, Nanashi, who keep targeting my life, are equally despicable.

I then asked Konoha, trembling:
“Um… are you satisfied already? It’s about time we got back to work, though.”

“You sure are keen to tackle the work you’ve been slacking off on.”

I nodded heavily at Nanashi, whose exasperated gaze said it all.
I’ve never craved paperwork as much as I do now.
I had only ever seen work as something I could avoid as much as possible.
Changing my attitude toward work—truly, Konoha—gives me pause.
Give me a break.
Now, whether Konoha would accept my proposal…

Peeking as if at something terribly frightening, I secretly looked over and saw her beaming with a smile.
Terrifying.

“Yeah, that’s fine. Today’s enough already.”

“Is that so? That’s great!”

I, too, wore a beaming smile.
If no one were watching, I’d have been jumping for joy right here.
Yahoo! This is awesome!
Today calls for a celebration!

As I happily made my way back to the mansion, I suddenly stopped.
…Today?

Could it be that this continues beyond today?
Is this a nightmare?

“Konoha. Since it’s been a while since you went out, wouldn’t it be better if you did a bit of maid work? After all, Ashvin thinks so too.”

Seeing my face frozen with terror—and perhaps feeling sorry for me—Nanashi unexpectedly offered a lifeline.
I’m so happy… so happy…

Well, that doesn’t mean I’ll repay her.
I’ll just consider it repayment for tolerating her usual behavior and keeping her on.

“No way. If you do that, then the reason I went out will vanish.”

Nanashi’s supportive remark was utterly shot down.
What’s the point of going out?
Isn’t your reason for going out to perform maid duties? Or is it to assassinate me?

“So, from tomorrow on, be sure to stick with me, Balor-chan.”

Alright, to catch a cold starting tomorrow, I’ll spend today completely naked.