I Don’t Want to Be a Heroic Spirit [354]

"This… is the shortcut you mentioned?"

"Yes! That's the one!"

Celestina nodded earnestly, her voice brimming with confidence.

But… Nero couldn't help but feel something was off.

Before her stood a bright red button, with a scrap of paper stuck on it that read, "DO NOT PRESS."

The suspicious aura practically overflowed from it.

"Hero! I would never deceive you, nor would I dare!" Celestina raised her hands in a gesture of surrender, panic flashing in her eyes as if terrified that Nero might doubt her and cut her down on the spot. "Behind this button is a teleportation magic circle. While it won't take you directly to the Demon King's room, it'll bring you to the same floor. This way, you won't have to fight your way up through all the floors."

Honestly, Nero wasn't keen on battling her way up floor by floor.

Not only would it take considerable effort, but it would waste precious time.

If it took too long to defeat the Demon King, Alice and Yunyun might start worrying about her… and it wasn't impossible that they might follow some clues and chase after her to the Demon King's castle.

Besides… even if this were a trap, it wouldn't matter.

Nero was confident that no matter what kind of trap awaited her, she could handle it with ease.

And let's face it, this castle was absurdly complicated. If every ascent required navigating labyrinthine corridors, that would be unnecessarily tedious.

If this so-called "teleportation button" functioned like an elevator… well, that would be ideal.

"Very well, I shall trust you this once."

Raising her hand, Nero pressed the button with a pale finger.

The scenery before her shifted.

Previously, she and Celestina had been standing in a hallway, the button tucked inconspicuously into a corner.

But now, Nero found herself in a cramped, dark, and damp room.

It was utterly devoid of light, the kind of place where you'd half expect ghosts to pop out at any moment.

"…Wait, I'm a Servant. My status is way above a ghost's, isn't it? I probably don't need to worry about ordinary ghosts," Nero murmured, rubbing her smooth chin thoughtfully.

Just then, spatial ripples formed beside her—Celestina had followed.

Had the priestess not accompanied her, it would have confirmed that this was indeed a trap… not that Nero was particularly afraid of traps.

"Umu! Celestina, is the Demon King's room close by?" Nero pointed toward the tightly closed door ahead, turning to Celestina with a questioning gaze.

"Yes, Hero." Celestina hugged her arms nervously, her voice trembling as she said, "Once you exit this door, just follow the path straight ahead, and it'll lead you to the Demon King's chamber."

"Oh! How convenient! I didn't expect to meet the Demon King so soon."

Nero's steps quickened with excitement as she approached the door, only to notice Celestina lingering behind.

"Hero…"

After a moment of hesitation, Celestina finally spoke up, her voice hesitant. "Um… may I… stay here?"

"…And why is that?" Nero turned back, raising an eyebrow.

"B-because! You're about to face the Demon King," Celestina stammered, her complexion pale and tears welling in her eyes. "I've already betrayed him and brought you here… so if he sees me…"

Her delicate features were drained of color, crystalline tears glistening in her eyes. It was the kind of pitiful sight that would tug at anyone's heartstrings.

"Umu… You do make a valid point."

Glancing at the door and then back at Celestina, Nero said, "In any case, you wouldn't be of much help in a fight against the Demon King. If you want to stay here, that's fine—but is this place safe?"

Celestina nodded vigorously. "It should be. Nobody would ever think anyone would dare press that button. Even if someone found it, they'd just assume it's a trap, so no one would come here to check. I'll be safe staying here."

"Alright, but be careful."

Waving her hand dismissively, Nero stepped toward the door and placed her hand against it, ready to push it open.

"Wait!"

"Umu?"

Nero tilted her head, puzzled. "What's the matter? Are there enemies outside?"

"N-no, it's not that… It's just…"

Celestina averted her gaze nervously, her face gradually turning red.

"Well… Hero, I did bring you here, didn't I?"

"So… um… I'd like to hear you thank me."

Nero froze for a moment, surprised by the unexpected request.

Seeing her reaction, Celestina immediately panicked.

"I-I'm sorry! That was too arrogant of me! I only did something so small, and yet I dared to expect thanks from you… Haha, please forget I said anything, Hero."

Though she forced a smile, the disappointment in her eyes was unmistakable.

Nero's hand remained on the door.

Though taken aback, Nero didn't find the request unreasonable.

After all, it was a simple thank you. Celestina had brought her here, and that did warrant gratitude.

Raising her gaze, Nero looked at the awkwardly fidgeting priestess and parted her lips.

"Thank you."

Her voice was soft, but it reached Celestina's ears, leaving her momentarily stunned.

Then, Celestina lowered her head, her face obscured by her bangs and the shadows of the dim room. Only the slight trembling of her shoulders was visible.

"…Hehe."

"Hahaha!"

Celestina suddenly broke into laughter, her voice growing louder and more unrestrained.

"You finally… finally said 'thank you' to me!"

Lowering her hands, Celestina fixed her now-glinting eyes on Nero.

The timid, fearful demeanor from earlier was gone, replaced by an air of pride and self-assurance.

"Allow me to formally introduce myself. I am Celestina, dark priestess of the Demon King's army and the most faithful follower of Regina, the Goddess of Puppets and Vengeance!"

"Ugh… pretending to be that simpering, pathetic mess, acting scared just to earn your sympathy—it was exhausting! Never again. I'll never spout such humiliating nonsense again."

Stretching her arms with a look of disdain, Celestina let out a sigh.

"Umu! So you are one of the Demon King's generals."

"You don't seem surprised. No matter—it doesn't matter whether you believe me or not anymore."

Celestina's expression was one of smug confidence, as if everything had already fallen into place.

---

...

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– Syr ✨