I Became a Childhood Friend With the Villainous Saintess - Chapter 182



182 – Barbatos (5)

I told Sirien everything I could honestly.

Everything I’ve known since the moment I found my memories.

I thought I would have a hard time because I didn’t have anyone to talk to.

I didn’t know where to start and how to develop the story.

But once I started talking, it wasn’t that difficult.

“It started when I heard news of Eligos’ invasion. I was taking you on a carriage ride when I just found out about it without warning. It was like I suddenly remembered something I had forgotten.”

I knew this day would come someday.

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There were a few times when I thought about just telling Sirien everything.

The reason why I didn’t do that… I don’t know.

There were so many reasons. There was the anxiety that my relationship with Sirien might change, and there was also the useless fear that the moment I opened my mouth, my future would be set in stone.

Especially after the deaths of Therion and Henna, guilt weighed on me and forced me to remain silent.

But I guess I was secretly hoping for this moment.

Even I was surprised at how smoothly the story came out. It was a long story.

Fortunately, Sirien listened to me with a gentle smile.

“Honestly, it didn’t help me at first. Can you believe it? Even when I was locked in that cabin, I didn’t really know anything. All I knew was useless knowledge.”

“You’ve had a hard time too.”

As we talked, I found myself lamenting a little.

They knew what snacks Count Roxen liked and what kind of childhood the Crown Prince had, but they didn’t know anything about us.

The story of when Russell was saved… …and our miserable end.

When the story was over, Sirien didn’t ask me any questions.

She just looked at me with her pretty eyes and smiled.

When our eyes met, Sirien hugged me with her warm body.

She spoke to me as if comforting me.

It was a voice as sweet as dripping honey.

“You’ve had a hard time by yourself, right? It’s okay now. Let’s do it together.”

“Sirien. During that time… … ”

“Don’t apologize.”

The lips that block my lips.

As the very shallow kiss ended, a firm tone stopped me.

“You’ve never done anything wrong to me. You were just trying to protect me. Apologizing now makes me look like a bad woman.”

“… … Okay. Thank you.”

“Are you just thankful?”

“love you.”

“Yeah, that’s fine with me.”

* * *

Barbatos attacked about every other day.

It was a fierce attack possible by using soldiers who were not properly alive.

In comparison, the Allies were humans who could only fulfill their roles if they were properly fed and rested, so as time passed, the situation became more unfavorable.

Besides, it seemed that Barbatos was now starting to reveal his true power.

A much fiercer attack was directed at me than before.

“Kyahahaha! You can handle this too? That old guy was fun last time, but you’re even funnier!”

Falling ice obscures the view.

The black energy that flew in from behind poured down like a heavy rain, and soon, splendid magic struck down like a bomb.

Attacks that were full of lies and falsehoods. I took only the attacks that were clearly threatening and then escaped.

Kwakwakwakwang-!

The already devastated land trembled once again.

The ground shook violently with countless explosions. Dust rose up along with dizzying vibrations.

I hid myself in the dust, making no sound, and then swung my greatsword sharply at Barbatos.

The Demon King’s small body flew up, avoiding my greatsword.

“Be dangerous. Your sword is always fantastic when I see it. It’s beautiful.”

“Agari.”

“Ahahahahaha!”

Things are pretty good now.

From right to left. Red sparks swept through as if washing away Barbatos’ magic power.

The divinity I summoned blocked Barbatos’ retreat.

There is nowhere to run, and my greatsword is fully charged.

It was a clean opportunity that would have been fatal at the very least for any demon lord, and even enough to take his life.

But Barbatos would not be an ‘ordinary Demon King’.

As expected, cracks appeared in the tightly woven law.

Kwajik!

The magic power is frozen and does not flow.

Since the ritual itself was no longer functioning properly, the sacred law was shattered by even a small excommunication from Barbatos.

I gave up the offensive without hesitation and took up a defensive posture.

Behind the broken law, a giant ice golem was created.

I cut off the golem’s arm before its heavy fist landed.

Barbatos, who was trying to get closer to me, had to retreat due to Sirien’s covering fire.

“Huh. Is this how you decided to come out? I think you can do more on your own. Don’t you want to play together some more?”

“It’s possible. But I’ve got some pretty tough things going on here. I can’t risk my life on you right now.”

“That’s the most unpleasant thing I’ve heard recently. Didn’t you hear me properly? The old man who died first seemed to know me very well. How many times do you have to kill me before you regret it… …”

“If you can, do it.”

It was obvious what Barbatos was going to say.

If you don’t focus on yourself, you’ll end up killing other humans indiscriminately.

It wasn’t a very pleasant thing to hear, but I didn’t fall for it.

“I am different from Sir Norden. I have different people to protect. If you were to commit massacre in the South, it would be very regrettable. However, I will not rush to seek revenge on you.”

“… … .”

Barbatos frowns deeply.

His eyes, as if he was dissatisfied, examined my expression.

I don’t think Barbatos can read other people’s expressions like Gamigin can.

In that army, it was Lerazi’s role to use his head, so Barbatos was enough to just be strong.

Of course, it didn’t matter if Barbatos read my mind.

Because I only told the truth.

Since ancient times, truth has been more effective than lies in deceiving others.

A while ago, Sirien warned me not to risk too much in my fight with Barbatos.

– Barbatos is the Demon King who will return anyway.

– It would be nice if we could reduce the damage to the South, but that doesn’t mean we have to sacrifice ourselves to stop it.

– To be blunt, even if the southern part of the empire is completely destroyed, it wouldn’t be a bad deal for us right away.

– Rather, it would be most ideal to fight a moderate war of attrition and force them to retreat.

It’s stupid to fight a war of attrition with Barbatos.

The ice dolls used by the Cold Army are virtually no different from the undead.

Compared to living humans, they are difficult to kill, but they are also free from physical limitations.

If we just keep charging in, the Imperial Army will end up suffering greater losses.

However, Barbatos does not have unlimited troops.

Even the mighty Demon King will have to stop his advance once he reaches the end of his offensive.

It won’t be easy.

I heard that warmonger also prepared a lot for this war.

The number of troops observed was unprecedented. It was clear that if Barbatos was left to his own devices, the entire southern part of the empire would be reduced to rubble.

If the South falls… … that will be the end of the war.

No matter how much Barbatos runs wild, he cannot destroy the empire.

The empire’s prestige was not obtained in vain.

At this point, even if all the kingdoms of mankind unite, they will not be able to defeat the Empire.

In the first place, the kingdoms that remain today did not survive because the empire failed to conquer them.

There was simply no reason to conquer, as in the case of the Ashin Kingdom.

The Emperor must have already weighed the South and Barbatos.

It would be very costly to kill Barbatos, but it would not be an unbearable cost if the Empire were on the other side of the scale.

– Things have changed so much.

– Last night, a messenger arrived from Isha. Ellis’ condition has worsened, and two bishops from the Pantheon have come to the palace.

– Given the distance between here and Edelmarion, it wouldn’t be strange if something were happening there now.

From his position, Grand Duke Illencia cannot just sit by and watch Barbatos.

The war with the Demons was the very reason for the existence of the Illencia Grand Duchy.

If we show a passive attitude towards the Demons, the Empire will doubt the necessity of the Grand Duke of Illencia.

What if we even return to the capital?

You’ll end up a traitor right away.

However, the crown prince could not be left alone.

If it is certain that Baal is behind this, then the Crown Prince has taken Ellis hostage.

I will actively push us to protect my lover.

Sirien has not yet established a solid foothold in the Empire.

Unless we have four years left, it’s impossible to drive the empire into civil war like in the original.

The chances of winning are slim if you engage in a political battle with the crown prince.

There is only one correct answer.

We need to solve two problems at the same time.

Stop Barbatos with minimal damage and kill Ellis.