I Was Just an Ugly Girl, But in Another World They Call Me an Angel - 25 - The True Intent of Verzel and the Noisy Everyday Life

After that, I began to go out on purification missions again with Mr. Asphalt.

At one time, we purified a river shrouded in miasma.

At another, we helped a village that had been attacked by demons.

We handled each request smoothly, and my body had completely regained the sense of battle.

That said, not everything was smooth sailing.

At one point, I asked the king to issue a “prohibition order” against that Prince Kilfan, claiming it would hinder our purification efforts.

As expected, the prince lamented and grieved, and I ended up having a bit of a quarrel with Lydia, who criticized me for it.

…Well, looking back now, it’s a nice (?) memory.

Basically, weak magical beasts and mid-level monsters were no match for Mr. Asphalt and me.

However, there were occasionally large and vicious monsters that appeared—

At those times, without fail, Verzel and his aide, Mr. Celevis, would appear out of nowhere to help us.

At first, I was surprised, but recently, it felt like a sort of “natural flow” had developed.

The soldiers and team members around us had also become unfazed by Vilzel’s appearances.

One day, I decided to ask him something that had been on my mind for a while.

“Hey, Verzel. Why do you help us?

Aren’t you technically a member of the ‘Demon King’s Elite Unit, the Black Wing Corps’?”

Verzel shrugged as if to say, “Is that all?”

“The hierarchy among us demons is pretty much nonexistent.

The strong follow the strong. The weak disappear. That’s the way of the Demon Kings.

But you know—I’m not really interested in that.”

His calm voice carried a mix of coldness and warmth.

“Right now, it’s more fun being with Kanako.

If you want—should I defeat the Demon King and become the new one?

If that’s what you wish, I can establish peace and create a peaceful world for you.”

His nonchalant tone left me wide-eyed.

“W-wait, it can’t be that easy…!”

Just as I was about to say more, Verzel gently placed his hand on my chin and leaned in closer.

“If that’s what you wish, I could start right away.”

His low, sweet voice made me involuntarily close my eyes.

The distance… was too close. His breath brushed against my cheek…

—At that moment.

“Verzel! I won’t allow any more disrespect!”

Mr. Asphalt’s body slipped between me and Verzel.

“I appreciate your cooperation. However, that’s separate from this. Maintain some decorum.”

Verzel sighed and slumped his shoulders.

“…You again. Really, you’re always getting in the way.”

But he quickly regained his composure and glanced at Mr. Celevis.

“Well, whatever. I have other work to do soon. Let’s call it a day for now.”

“…Well then, Kanako. See you later.”

With that final smile, Verzel and Mr. Celevis vanished as if melting into the space around them.

Left behind, I couldn’t suppress the pounding of my heart, my face flushed bright red.

Because, in that moment—

It was the first time a man had approached me like that.

“Are you alright? I’m sorry for interrupting your conversation.”

Mr. Asphalt looked at me with a serious expression and quietly apologized.

“N-no! You helped me… thank you!”

I hurriedly replied, and he smiled with a look of relief.

—And so, today continued to be noisy and hectic.

Yet, there was a warmth in the everyday life that persisted.

I still didn’t know at that time.

That a “premonition” shaking the fate of the world had already begun to stir—

Thank you for reading until the end!

Verzel’s true intentions have a slightly dangerous scent, don’t they…?

On the other hand, Mr. Asphalt’s desire to “protect” is quietly intense, and I felt a thrill while writing this.