Chapter 449. Ayanokouji's Unique Fetish
「From Flare's memories, it became clear why the Kingdom remained standing despite such darkness at the top. Aside from the ordinary army, their peak combat power was a crucial factor capable of suppressing any rebellion.」
「Currently, the top-tier powerhouses of the Kingdom consist of the King, the Three Heroes, and the Three Legends.」
「The Three Legends did not collude with Flare. However, while maintaining their own personal integrity, two of them had long been aware of the Kingdom's darkness yet chose to turn a blind eye, continuing to support the Kingdom's prosperity.」
「Only the Sword Saint, Kureha Clyret, was completely in the dark. Based on a meticulous analysis of her character, Ayanokouji Kiyotaka concluded that once she discovered the truth about the Kingdom, she would be easily swayed.」
「In other words, she was a subordinate who could be induced to defect.」
「Regarding the arrangements for this, Ayanokouji had already laid out a comprehensive plan before even killing Flare.」
「After the assassination, he left the Royal Capital but altered his appearance along the way, assuming Kureha's visage as he slaughtered the garrison troops along the road, leaving just enough survivors to spread the news.」
「...As expected, the upright Kureha could not tolerate such filth being smeared on her name. Slandered and trembling with rage, she quickly set out to pursue him.」
「At this point, the King had not yet returned, and no one dared to command the army without authorization, leaving the impatient Kureha to act alone. All of this fell within Ayanokouji's calculations; he was weaving a web into which the Sword Saint was easily cast.」
「Ayanokouji's destination was another major city of the Kingdom, not particularly far from the capital.」
「According to information gained from "Heal," this place was currently hosting a "carnival" involving the massacre of demi-human villages and the capture of demi-humans into slavery.」
「The soldiers involved disguised themselves as mercenaries and bandits, then openly enjoyed the profits of this side-business... Ayanokouji remained unmoved by this, but he knew that when Kureha witnessed this with her own eyes, a massive crack would appear in her righteousness, loyalty, and conviction.」
「This was the opportunity he had tailored to the local conditions.」
「Ayanokouji Kiyotaka was equally indifferent to life and justice, but to recruit Kureha, he was willing to perform behind a mask that matched her values.」
「To make the effect more three-dimensional, he was willing to take action.」
「For instance, as he neared his destination, he happened across soldiers selling captured demi-humans to slave traders in a deep forest far from the city.」
「Ayanokouji did not act immediately. He tracked the slave trader's caravan, watching as they lashed defiant demi-humans with whips, denied them food and water, and even dragged out the beautiful ones to be gang-raped.」
「Consequently, the expressions of the demi-humans grew increasingly despairing.」
「At this moment, Ayanokouji knew the time had come and struck with brutal efficiency.」
「"What—bastard, who the hell are you—!?"」
「They only had time for useless last words before the slave traders and their hired warriors lost their lives. However, the demi-humans merely stared blankly at Ayanokouji, resistant and filled with rage toward humans, showing no gratitude.」
「Ayanokouji's response was simple... he used his disguise skill to alter his arm, making it look as though it could partially beastify, suggesting he possessed demi-human blood—specifically, the shared bloodline of the Ice Wolf Clan before him.」
「The light of hope then flickered in the eyes of the dazed demi-humans as they cheered for their savior.」
「As for Ayanokouji himself, from start to finish, he never actually uttered the words "I have demi-human blood."」
「...Since they appeared to be of the same race and he possessed peerless combat strength, the liberated demi-humans, after deliberation, fervently hailed Ayanokouji as the new King of the Ice Wolf Clan.」
「They sought his help, hoping he would return with them to the Ice Wolf village to kill the soldiers.」
「This was the situation Ayanokouji had deliberately guided. But since the most important spectator, the Sword Saint Kureha, had not yet arrived, he used the excuse of "you are tired, hungry, and injured; rest for a day before we go" to stall.」
「This act moved the demi-humans deeply once again.」
「Their loyalty rose higher and higher. That night, these demi-humans sent the only beautiful girl who hadn't been touched by the slave traders to Ayanokouji; the girl herself had also volunteered.」
「She had already been captivated by Ayanokouji.」
「Her name was Setsuna.」
「Setsuna loved becoming stronger. Her strength had already reached the peak of her natural limit; only if her physical talent allowed it could she continue training to become even stronger.」
「Coincidentally, those who slept with a Hero could have their strength caps expanded. This was why so many maids in the palace had actively sought out Keyaru in the past.」
「Regarding Setsuna, who was clearly a very useful tool, Ayanokouji was not stingy about making her more useful. Furthermore, mating was a means of increasing loyalty.」
「As long as a woman could be thoroughly satisfied and conquered in bed, she would be much more obedient—an extremely qualified tool.」
「Therefore, despite having zero interest in reproduction, Ayanokouji was still willing to proceed... He could manipulate his "rod" to expand even without desire, but soon, the agile-minded Ayanokouji thought of a better way.」
「"Lord Keyaru..."」
「"Don't call me Keyaru." Ayanokouji spoke in a tone designed to captivate a girl's heart. "Call me Hachiman. Hikigaya Hachiman. This is my true name after being reborn through fire; so far, I have only told it to you."」
「Setsuna was stunned for a moment, then overwhelmed with emotion. "Yes, Setsuna understands! Setsuna knows, Lord Hachiman!"」
「"Setsuna loves you so much—Lord Hachiman!!"」
「Amidst these confessions, Ayanokouji couldn't help but nod slightly. He actually felt a sense of pleasure because of these words.」
「"Heh... Not just you. I love him too, Hikigaya Hachiman~"」
「Under the cover of night, Setsuna's confessions echoed through the hours.」
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