Volume 4 Chapter 72: I Will Absolutely Protect You【Final Volume: Balor and Nanashi Arc】

“…Perhaps it was a mistake to take you outside, Konoha.”

Ashvin glared at Konoha. Her gaze, cold as absolute zero, could freeze anyone in place.

Yet Konoha, wearing that same unsettling smile as always, showed no sign of fear.

“Eh? I had fun, you know? I even got to chat with Balor-chan after so long. Talking face-to-face with him just makes me so happy.”

“I can sense your respect for the Master in your words. But what about that day? I can’t ignore the many foolish acts you committed against him.”

Ashvin referred to the incident where Konoha abandoned her maid duties and dragged Balor into town. Even just going out with Balor would normally be unthinkable—yet she skipped work on top of that.

Moreover, Balor mentioned having several close calls. He only brought it up offhand, as a funny story of sorts, but Ashvin found it unforgivable.

…Incidentally, Balor anticipated her reaction and tattled. Unable to complain himself, he let his maid do it for him.

It was downright awful. Still, Ashvin knew Konoha neither hated Balor nor intended him any harm.

Such feelings naturally show in one’s words and actions. Konoha, like the rest of them, clearly adored Balor.

That doesn’t mean she can just let it go.

“Ugh… I did try to stop it somehow, though…”

“Nanashi didn’t do anything, right? She just followed us from behind, giggling every so often.”

Nanashi, who stood there expressionless as though regretting something, had in fact been chuckling while Balor cried out in distress.

“Calling it foolish doesn’t make sense to me, because it was all for Balor-chan’s sake.”

“Huh? You think endangering him is for his own good?”

Ashvin raised an eyebrow in doubt. From Balor’s story, there was no way it sounded beneficial.

But Konoha, for once, dropped her usual lazy grin and spoke with sincerity.

“No, that’s not it. I was protecting Balor-chan.”

“What are you talking about…?”

Ridiculous. It’s easy to write off as an excuse, and objectively, that might seem accurate. But the seriousness in Konoha’s voice and expression stopped Ashvin in her tracks.

“Have you considered what might’ve happened if I hadn’t stepped in? For instance, if I had done nothing at all… isn’t there a chance Balor-chan would have lost his life?”

“You claim you’re protecting the Master? From where I stand, it looks more like you’re putting him in danger.”

“Ehehehe.”

The earnest look vanished, replaced once again by Konoha’s usual eerie smile. Even as it grated on her nerves, Ashvin urged her to continue.

“In my opinion, Ashvin, you’re the bigger problem here. You keep pushing Balor-chan into a position he never asked for. That’s not good.”

“…So you share Artemis’s views, I see.”

Ashvin wanted to click her tongue. None of them grasped Balor’s true worth.

He could stand at the pinnacle of the world, and by doing so, elevate not just himself but everyone around him.

Yet both Artemis and Konoha tried to keep him all to themselves. It was such a waste.

“If he stands out, he’ll only gain more enemies. If Balor-chan wants that, it’s one thing—but forcing him into danger isn’t right, you know?”

“…”

Ashvin’s convictions stayed firm. It wasn’t that she wanted Balor to face danger—far from it.

That much was certain. Through her scheming and Balor’s power, his influence had soared within this kingdom, far beyond what an ordinary noble would wield. Having done so in such a short time naturally made him conspicuous.

“Well, since you seem different, go ahead and do as you like.”

With a dismissive wave, Konoha turned to leave. She wouldn’t cooperate with Ashvin, but she wouldn’t stand in her way either, openly stating her indifference as she walked out.

“Wait.”

Ashvin seized Konoha’s shoulder. Konoha, for all her usual menace, stood no chance against Ashvin’s raw power.

“You neglected your maid training, so I’ll teach you now. Don’t expect to get any sleep.”

“That sounds tough, Nanashi.”

“How strange, I was supposed to be mere décor…”

With casual ease, Konoha shoved the burden onto Nanashi, taking a page from Balor’s book. Nanashi, who had been holding her breath, let out a startled yelp as Ashvin dragged her off like livestock to the slaughter.

Konoha simply watched the petite Nanashi vanish, giving her no chance to resist.

“Just a little more… It’s fine. I’ve made all the preparations.”

She muttered under her breath, tension and fear laced in her tone.

No one would imagine those words coming from Konoha. Yet her eyes burned with fierce resolve.

“I will absolutely protect you, Balor-chan.”