What If the Strongest Villain from the Original Story Became the Protagonist's Ally? - Chapter 4 - Request, and Cooperation

With the Orc defeated, silence filled the area. The first to speak was Iris, who had fallen to her knees on the ground.

“Just who are you…”

“Come to think of it, I promised to show you my face. Can you promise you absolutely won’t attack me?”

“…I understand.”

She nodded and set down her sword. I also returned my sword to its sheath before removing my mask. I revealed my face so only she could see it.

“—!? You… could it be!?”

“You’d naturally recognize these eyes. I’m exactly who you think I am.”

“Yuguram… Albain… Kushana…”

She whispered that name quietly out of consideration for me.

“Correct. Let me give you applause.”

I immediately put my mask back on and clapped. Still looking severely shocked, she asked further.

“Why is the Empire’s Third Prince here?”

“Iris Rune Aldnoa. What would you do if I said I came to kill you?”

“…I wouldn’t do anything. If you got serious, I couldn’t match you as I am now. Besides…”

Iris’s gaze briefly turned toward the Orc that had fallen behind us.

“If you really intended to kill me, you could have attacked during my battle with the Orc. The fact that you didn’t means you have some business with me, doesn’t it?”

“Correct. Let me give you applause once again.”

Clap clap clap.

I was glad she was intelligent. Thanks to that, I could get straight to the point.

“Please tell me what you want.”

“It’s simple. I want to defect from the Empire. Please give me sanctuary.”

“—Huh?”

Iris stopped moving completely with a bewildered expression. She was completely stunned. I got down on one knee to match her eye level and said it again.

“That’s why I said defection. I hate that country. I threw everything away and came to become Iris-sama’s ally ☆”

“—N-no no no! Why would someone as powerful as you leave the Empire!?”

“Shh! I’ve only told you my identity, so please don’t raise your voice too much.”

“! …Why did you specifically leave the Empire?”

“Didn’t I tell you? I hate that place. The emperor who makes the people suffer. The nobles who think that’s fine. I hate all my brothers too.”

“So… you came to the Kingdom?”

“Yeah. The world would be more peaceful if you destroyed the Empire. I know that very well.”

I didn’t know how Iris would lead the country after the war. That was post-ending material that wasn’t covered in the original story. However, I didn’t know any human as genuinely good as her. Therefore, I could believe in her.

“What basis do you have for trusting me that much?”

“I’m a fan.”

“…Huh?”

Once again she was stunned. Did I really say something that incomprehensible?

“That’s why I said I’m a fan. I like you. Your face is cute too. Frankly, I like your face. I could probably love you even if your personality sucked.”

“~~~~~~~!! Y-You! Do you realize you’re being rude!?”

Iris suddenly turned bright red and got angry. This reaction… this girl was innocent, wasn’t she?

It was amusing, so I decided to tease her.

“I’m aware. That’s why let me grope your breasts. Boobs please.”

Smack!

Iris punched me in the face.

Since I was circulating mana, it didn’t hurt. Rather, her gauntlet was slightly dented.

“It’s not good to treat your equipment roughly.”

“That’s your fault! Yours! And how does the gauntlet get dented when I’m the one who punched!?”

“Physical enhancement through mana. The quality and quantity are different.”

“…That’s kind of annoying.”

“More importantly, Iris, I still haven’t heard your answer.”

“Answer?”

She tilted her head. That gesture was cute, but I wouldn’t be fooled.

“Making a cute face won’t work. My request for you to give me sanctuary. If I become your ally, you can definitely beat the Empire—it’s not a bad deal, right?”

“There’s also the option of killing you, isn’t there? Or restraining you.”

“Hah. No one can bind me.”

Click.

Iris put handcuffs on me.

—What’s this?

“Ehhhhhh!? Why handcuffs!?”

Where the hell was she hiding those!?

“Because you said no one could bind you.”

“That was just a figure of speech!? What’s wrong with your head, suddenly restraining someone!?”

Crack!

I physically destroyed the iron handcuffs.

Crunch crunch I crushed the rings with my grip strength too.

“Wow… You’re just like a monster.”

“You’re maximally rude… So? Your answer?”

“…Very well. What you’re saying makes sense. It’s true that if Yuguram-sama disappeared, we would be at an advantage. Do you have any other requests?”

“I desire luxury!”

“You’re acting so high and mighty… Well, fine.”

“Thanks. Looking forward to working with you, Iris.”

I smoothly extended my hand. Iris also grasped that hand and shook it.

“Please take care of me, Yuguram-sama.”

“Just Yuguram is fine. Or even Yuu works!”

“…Let’s hurry back to the royal capital, Yuguram-sama. I need to discuss this with His Majesty.”

“How cold. That’s cute too.”

“! Don’t call me cute!”

While teasing her, we headed toward the royal capital by carriage.