Let's think about this for a moment.

While I don't mind making decisions on impulse, the situation seems far more serious than I thought. Even if a Nightmare's lifespan is long, it isn't normal to offer to become the slave of a man you've just met. As for Ion's Prison Marks, no matter how you look at it, there's some heavy baggage involved.

From my perspective, having Shamash-san—a beautiful demon—joining us is like a dream come true. Ion-san, despite the Prison Crest and her strong, somewhat aloof impression, is undeniably beautiful. If this were back when I first arrived in this world, I would have agreed without a second thought.

But things are different now.

I'm not the same person I was when I met Diana and Marina. I carry a fair amount of responsibility in this world now, and I've deepened my bonds with various people.

That's why—even if I wouldn't go so far as to call Shamash-san and Ion-san "troublemakers"—I have to consider the possibility of them bringing trouble, or causing friction with my current party members.

Hmm...

"...There are a few things I'd like to confirm first."

At my words, Shamash-san's face immediately brightened.

"Are you considering it? Ask me anything. I'll answer whatever I can."

A glimpse of her double canine tooth peeked out, softening the mature impression she normally gave.

From her ivory-colored hair rose a faint, sweet fragrance—like a light chypre perfume—that gently tickled my nostrils.

Is this scent natural? Maybe demons have different scent glands from humans...? How should I put it... it's the kind of scent that bewitches men.

What a dangerous woman!

"First, the most important point. You said prison crests can be removed—or 'purified'—with Spirit Stones. If they're purified and the crest disappears, is she legally cleared of all charges?"

This part is crucial.

If the crest is removed but she still gets arrested anyway, then it's pointless.

To this question, Shamash-san nodded firmly.

"Of course. Normally, losing one's blessing already counts as punishment. If you cleanse the prison crest with spirit stones, that's the end of it—complete absolution... Ah, sorry, Ion. I know you're innocent. I'm just speaking in general terms."

"I don't need that kind of reassurance, Shamash."

"S-Sorry. In any case, once the prison crest is washed away with spirit stones, that's the end of it. Ion will be free."

I see.

Essentially, she's like a bounty target. But once she's no longer "scorched," there's no reason for anyone to pursue her. No more "fugitive" status, no more hunters on her tail.

In other words, the "100 gold coins" price for removing the prison crest is the compensation for being allowed to employ Ion-san as a maid, or to take Shamash-san as a slave.

The logic is surprisingly simple.

One hundred gold coins is a modest sum, but I don't think it's very expensive for a slave... Considering that Marina's price was sixty gold coins, which was on the cheaper side for a slave, one hundred gold coins for a demon should be a bargain.

But...

"Ion-san, are you being hunted by bounty hunters after the reward? You seemed pretty wary when we first met."

It all depended on the nature of that "baggage." If one hundred gold coins were a bargain, it meant the risks involved were likely proportional.

"That's..."

Shamash-san faltered.

I figured there was a catch, but surprisingly, it was Ion-san herself who spoke up.

"It's fine, Shamash. I'll say it myself."

"Ion... are you sure?"

"I am. If this really is the Great Spirit's will, then I have no choice but to believe in it."

"But..."

Ion-san wore a complex expression—one that could be read as either resignation or firm resolve.

There was clearly a deep story here.

"Ayase-san. If this encounter is truly by the Great Spirit's Guidance, then our meeting must have some meaning."

She was saying something rather abstract. Was she testing me?

"To be honest, I don't really think the Great Spirit has anything to do with whether people meet or not. Whether that meeting becomes meaningful or not... that depends on the people themselves, doesn't it?"

I've never been a fan of the idea that gods or spirits are behind everything. While it's possible some kind of power like "Guidance" was at work, it's ultimately something that can't be proven.

"I suppose you're right... I certainly didn't have the power to carve my own destiny. That's why I was deceived, betrayed, forced to flee again and again... until I ended up here."

"You were deceived?"

"Yes. I was foolish and naive... I alone was living in my own private paradise."

She spoke quite abstractly.

"...I'm sorry. I'm talking nonsense."

"I don't mind, but... are you alright?"

It was hard to tell through the tattoos covering her face, but she had turned pale, and her lips were trembling.

"Ayase-san. To tell you the truth... there is a possibility that I am still being pursued. Unrelated to the prison crest."

So there are people after her.

She had asked who I was working for when we first met, after all.

"It happened two years ago. I was caught up in a political struggle between rival factions and was forced to flee the capital. I've been hidden here by Shamash for over a year. The succession ceremony has already taken place, and my brother has ascended the throne. Officially, I should be dead... or so I believe. I don't know the details. I lost my right of succession when I lost my blessing—and beyond that, I should have been recorded as deceased..."

"Wait, wait. Factions? Struggles? Succession? This is getting way too big. Ion-san, who exactly are you?"

"Lucreion. That is my true name. 'Ion' is an alias."

"So it was an alias, huh?"

Well, that made sense. It was a standard precaution. An outlaw wouldn't use their real name.

"And... my full name is Lucreion Aquamarine von Hanouk."

Heeh. That's a long name.

I figured she was a former noble or something—the classic strong-willed noble daughter type.

"...U-Um, you don't seem very surprised."

"Huh? Should I be?"

"O-Oi, Danna. Why are you so calm...?"

The master was so taken aback he almost fell out of his chair.

"Are you the real deal too? To claim the name of the Imperial Family—"

Is she a famous noble?

If the last part, "Hanouk," was the family name, then it's the Hanouk family.

Hanouk...

Hanouk...?

Wait... I've heard that somewhere before...

That's the name of this country... The Hanouk Empire!

"Third in line to the imperial throne. Formerly... that is."

So says Ion-san.

In other words... she's a real, genuine princess.

Well...

Employing her as a maid is probably out of the question now!

* * *

Still... pursuers, huh?

Even if she's lost her right of succession, Ion-san is the real thing—a genuine princess. And not just any princess—she's the daughter of the Emperor. Well... her older brother has already ascended the throne, if I remember correctly.

Judging by her age, Ion-san is likely still in her teens, or twenty at the most. That would mean her siblings wouldn't be drastically older than her. Naturally, the same goes for her father.

I don't really know much about this world's political situation, or this country's, since I've never taken much interest in it—but does that mean the previous emperor, Ion-san's father, died young? She did say the succession had already concluded.

Or was there some other reason?

To be honest, I don't really understand how imperial succession works in this country. But if pursuers have been sent, they were likely dispatched by her own brother or sister. That makes "just hiding her" a bit more complicated than I thought. She doesn't seem to be a nationally wanted criminal, but pursuers mean assassins might come knocking.

Then again, my mansion has a barrier. It's impossible for strangers to enter inside. Plus, my neighborhood is out in the sticks; there's really nothing out there besides Rebecca-san's place. Even if a villager saw her face, the odds of a peasant knowing the face of a princess from the distant Imperial Capital are slim to none.

If necessary, she could even disguise herself. Even just changing her hair color would drastically alter her look, and I can buy hair dye at a pharmacy back home whenever I want. At the very least, it has to be better than living in a cave with zero contact with the outside world.

Laying out the conditions, I'm no hero who'd boldly declare, "I'll protect you!"—but it doesn't seem like a terrible deal either.

Well, if she were staying at my place, I'd want her to do some kind of work... but she's a genuine princess, so I can't expect much... Even Diana, our so-called "princess," is hopeless when it comes to household chores.

...Which means, in the end, the key issue is Shamash-san.

In exchange for getting a demon slave at the bargain price of one hundred gold coins, I'd be sheltering a princess who's being hunted by assassins.

There are risks. Definitely. But still...

"Oyakata, what do you think?"

I asked the only third party present.

"Danna... you've got the face of a man who's already made up his mind."

Oops. Was it that obvious? My "Swindler" vocation is failing me.

"You really are too soft-hearted, Danna. I get that it's pitiful to live with a prison mark on your back, but one hundred gold coins isn't pocket change. And... this princess is probably the real deal. I've heard the rumors about Princess Lucreion myself."

"Oh? What kind of rumors?"

"Yeah, something about her getting too close with some holy knight or general and eloping. It even reached a backwater like this, so I thought it was half nonsense. But if the real person is actually here... maybe it wasn't entirely a lie."

An elopement, huh.

Well, that's a convenient cover story for someone who's gone missing. Still, that doesn't explain why she ended up with a prison crest.

"I did not elope... I lacked the courage for such an action. My naive feelings and his sincerity were simply taken advantage of..."

Ion-san spoke up.

So there was someone.

'Taken advantage of'... Yeah... This is getting heavy.

"...Ion-san. Even if I don't know all the details of what you've been through, I do sympathize. That's why I'm starting to think I might accept this deal. However, if you are planning on seeking revenge, I'll have to decline."

"Eh? Revenge?"

"If you don't have those plans, then fine. I can hide you in a much better environment than this, and I have companions I can trust. Regardless of what your definition of happiness is, I can at least make things better than they are now... But if you want revenge, that's a different story. That only leads to misery. For everyone involved."

I can help someone in a bad spot move to a slightly better life. But I'm not a great enough person to fulfill desires beyond that.

"...Well, at any rate, one hundred gold coins is a huge sum for me. I need to consult with my companions, so can we put this on hold for now, Shamash-san?"

This proposal ultimately came from Shamash-san. Ion-san is under her protection, so the decision should rest with her.

"Yes, that's fine. I also realize I made a sudden, unreasonable request."

She knew it was unreasonable.

But does she not realize her own value? A demon slave for one hundred gold coins is an absolute steal.

I haven't verified it myself, but demons seem to have long lifespans like elves, remaining beautiful indefinitely—and above all, they can use magic. Even human mage slaves are said to be extremely expensive. Moreover, demons themselves are apparently rare in this region.

I feel a bit of a pang of guilt because it feels like human trafficking, but it's a bit late for that. "Slave" is just a bad word for it. Let's call it a "binding employment contract." I'm just hiring a new staff member. Yep, I'm sure a Demon would be a great worker.

And maybe she'd even be a partner for that kind of thing. She mentioned that her brown skin was unappealing—just like Marina did—but she's wrong! It's my favorite.

Shamash-san is a bit more slender and mature than Marina; she has an adult allure that Marina and Diana lack. She's unintentionally radiating pheromones everywhere; honestly, it's probably safer if I keep her under my supervision. Leaving a "natural weapon" like her in the middle of nowhere is just a waste of resources...

"I'm thinking about this positively, so look forward to my answer... By the way, just to be sure, Shamash-san... are you really okay with becoming my slave?"

I had to confirm this. I can't afford misunderstandings. Even if we don't sign a literal slave contract, I'd want some kind of formal agreement if she's moving in. Living together with an elf like Diana in the same house already feels like it might be impossible, though...

"Of course. If you grant my wish, I will answer your expectations with my heart and soul. That is what a contract is... If you wish, I would even bear your child."

SPLUTTER.

"Cough, cough! W-What are you saying all of a sudden?!"

I literally spit out my tea.

She wasn't lying about being a slave, but she skipped right past "devotion" and landed somewhere extreme! She really is a natural-born weapon! Despite her tone and intellect, she's making such straightforward statements!

"Hm? I'm serious. Childbearing is a woman's joy, is it not? It may be a bit hasty, but I've never felt this way before. If it's a nuisance, I can raise it alone. Though I can't make a child by myself, so... I'd need you to be my partner at least once—"

"Wai—Shamash! What's gotten into you?! You're acting like a complete idiot!"

Well said, Ion-san!

Seriously, why did she suddenly latch onto me like this? Did having a Magic Sword strike a chord with her Demon instincts? Or is this the old "This guy is rich, I better make this a 'done deal' as fast as possible" tactic?

Regardless of her motives, it isn't a bad deal for me... but I should probably still be cautious...

As I was mulling it over—

"Ah..."

Shamash-san suddenly made a strange sound. She stood up abruptly and walked out of the room.

Oh no, did she feel humiliated because I didn't immediately agree? Well, I couldn't possibly agree that quickly. I want to, but I can't, right?

In any case, she's eccentric. Maybe demons really are just built different.

Shamash-san returned a few minutes later.

"I don't fully understand what's happening, but things have gotten bad."

She spoke the moment she entered the room. Her expression was one of genuine panic.

"Just now, the Kotowari—the Logic of the world—inverted. On a scale I've never seen. Monsters occasionally spawn in these shafts, but the 'depth' of this is completely different this time. I don't know what's going on, but it's dangerous to stay here. Ion, get ready."

"W-What is it this time, Shamash?!"

"I don't know the details either, Ion. This is a first for me... Fufu, a lot of firsts today... Wait, this isn't the time to be laughing..."

"Stop joking and explain properly!"

"Ion, demons and elves can sense the concentration of spirit power and mana drifting through the world. That's why I always dealt with monsters the moment they spawned, remember?"

"Yes."

"Well, just now, that mana concentration compressed more rapidly than ever before, and then it exploded. And it's happening across the entire mountain. It means monsters are going to start spawning everywhere. And... it seems something of an unthinkable level has appeared too."

"An unthinkable level...?"

"Magic compressed to a density I've never felt before. Let's see... This feeling is—"

Shamash-san took a breath. Perhaps she hesitated to say the word. A disaster for humanity. An unavoidable natural catastrophe...

"Yes. 'Hitotsuzuki.' The same catastrophe caused by the alignment of the two moons... In fact, the current state is like both 'Awasetsuki' and 'Hitotsuzuki' happening on this mountain at once."

At those words, Ion-san and Oyakata turned pale.

Since I haven't experienced a Hitotsuzuki yet, I didn't quite grasp the gravity, but to the people of this world, it's clearly terrifying.

On Earth, it might be the equivalent of earthquakes, tornadoes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions all at once.

In other words—

"W-We have to run! Why are you being so casual, Shamash?!"

Ion-san's expression changed to panic.

Indeed, for such a huge disaster looming, Shamash-san is remarkably calm... Wait, the master is pretty calm too. The wisdom of age, I guess?

"I'm not being calm. I'm just wondering why monsters are spawning in such numbers so suddenly... Hitotsuzuki is still ahead, and Lucraella certainly has many monsters, but even so..."

"Who cares about the reason! We need to get out of here!"

Ion-san stood up and began packing quickly. She's surprisingly efficient.

"I suppose you're right... Ah, but wait. We already have company."

As Shamash-san spoke, a violent pounding echoed against the door.

Monsters have a trait: once they spawn, they head toward "the source of the greatest mana in the vicinity."

That meant monsters were already outside.

It made sense. There's a demon here—someone who obviously possesses tremendous mana.

"It's okay. The ones outside don't seem that strong... But there are a lot of them."

A lot of them, huh?

"I'll help too," I said.

I don't really have a choice. It didn't matter how strong a Demon was; I couldn't just stand by and say, "Good luck with that!"

"If a man acknowledged by a magic sword is watching my back, that's reassuring. While we're at it, let me show you what I can do. Fufu... I'll make sure you really want to make me yours."

Demon magic, huh? Yeah, I'm actually very interested.

Monsters. Swords. Magic—now this is a fantasy!

We drew our weapons and rushed outside.

"Protect me... Zack."

Just before Shamash-san and I stepped out from the house, I heard Ion-san whisper a tiny plea, her head bowed as she gripped her protection dagger.