Volume 4 Chapter 78: Bring on the Meat Shield or Whatever【Final Volume: Balor and Nanashi Arc】

Ashvin suddenly jumped from the carriage and hurled her spear with tremendous force.
At first, I thought she had committed suicide by leaping from a moving carriage.

I still have work left in the territory, and that would be a problem.
I’d prefer if she finished what she had to do before dying.

‘You’re the worst, Master. For offloading your own work and spouting out such trash… how rude.’

“Don’t think you can get away with being crude and dismissing everything like that!”
I remember every single one of your insults, you know.

While thinking that, we disembark from the carriage.
I mean, Ashvin’s spear-throwing power is insane, huh?
Wasn’t it flying so forcefully that it tore through the air?
That thing coming from such a distance, targeting lives with precision—it’s just too terrifying…

“What the heck are you suddenly throwing? Are you one of those idiots who discards their weapon before the battle even begins, nya?”
“Honestly, against a huge demon like the Gorgon, I’m likely to be nothing more than a hindrance. I expect I can only be of use during an initial surprise attack. Besides, I don’t have just one spear, so it’s not a problem.”

Having said that, Ashvin produces another identical spear from somewhere.
Where the hell is she hiding them…?

Does that mean she can assassinate me at any time? I can’t forgive that…

‘Aren’t you being too distrustful?’

“Besides, not only me but you as well, Artemis—you won’t be much help against a huge demon. The Apophis house has no use for useless people.”
“Let’s put aside the argument that only Master can decide that… Indeed, it seems that way, nya… I’m good at fighting people, but I’ve hardly ever experienced a monster like that… Well, I suppose I could at least cause some chaos by moving around and acting as a decoy.”

Hey, come on—there are already two useless ones here.
What are you going to do? Why did you bring me to such a dangerous place? Are you idiots?

“So then, the cool part is for Master to show off, nya. I want you to do that cool thing again that saved Myah.”
“Ha, ha, ha!”
‘You tried to cover it up with a laugh, Master.’

Why do I always have to suffer such painful experiences again?! This is bullshit!
That’s why I gathered a bunch of trigger-happy maids like you, you idiots!
Get on with it already!

“It’ll be okay, Balor-chan. Just relax, alright?”
At that moment, Konoha smiled at me.
She is as frightening as ever. Her smile is terrifying.

“We’ve done this many times already, so I’m fully prepared. It remains a tough job, but I won’t let Balor-chan die, no matter what.”
Of course, Konoha says what’s obvious.
There’s nothing I can say except that it’s obvious.

If push comes to shove, I expect you all to sacrifice your lives so that I survive. Got it?

“So, for this time, I want you to follow my orders, okay?”
Konoha casts a glance at Ashvin and the others.
In response, Ashvin and Artemis look displeased.

Izun? That one seems utterly clueless, spacing out.
Earlier, Nanashi stopped her from following a butterfly.
Why is she so clueless about the danger…?
It appears that Ashvin’s spear is already sticking in the Gorgon.

“…Why are you ordering me? Only Balor-sama can command me.”
“I hate to agree with the opinion of those with tanned boobs, but Myah does too, nya.”

Ashvin and Artemis abruptly dismiss Konoha’s request.
Who are these people… They have not an ounce of cooperativeness.

Well, to be honest, I can’t help but wonder whether I should believe that flower-brained woman who claims to have come from the future… In fact, I really do.
However, what Konoha said is problematic.
In other words, it concerns my death.
Konoha said that, at the very least, the extermination of the Gorgon would be accomplished.
If I don’t leave it to her, there remains a slight possibility that I could be killed by the Gorgon.
That possibility must be completely eradicated.

“Alright, alright. Can’t you listen to Konoha’s opinion here? She seems confident, so let’s all lend a hand. After all, we’re among a rare few comrades.”
“…Let’s not get into that argument.”

Nanashi, if you keep spouting extra nonsense, Ashvin will rip your throat out.
“If Balor-sama says so, I have no choice but to agree.”
“Myah is fine too. A pet cat doesn’t defy its Master, after all.”
The two promptly retract their previous statements.
Who are these guys… If you’re going to change your opinion on a whim, then don’t say anything at all.

“I’ve thought Izun was good from the start, Balor-dono!”
“Alright, alright, good job.”
“Mufufu—”

Izun, who had been held by Nanashi until now, approaches me, seemingly wanting some praise.
If I just pat her head properly, she’ll be satisfied, which makes it easy.
However, since she kills people with a strange power, it’s honestly scary.

“Thank you, Balor-chan. Now, I’ll get right to briefing the plan. Though I must say, it isn’t anything too extraordinary. Normally, it’s a formidable monster that we’d face with more numbers, after all.”
Konoha grins creepily with a sly smile.
“Let’s strangle that demon to death ourselves.”

And so, the battle between the Apophis House and the legendary demon Gorgon began.

“Ah, it seems Nanashi is also brimming with enthusiasm. She said, ‘Bring on the meat shield or whatever!’”
“WHAT!?!?!?!”