''A-Ahem. A-Archmage Sylvia and Commander Falina, I applaud you for bringing us victory.''

''It's an honor, Your Majesty.''

''Oh... ah, I-I see.''

I wonder who picked the characters for us. Whoever that is, I have a feeling they might not be so considerate.

Anna is a commoner, so forcing her into the position of king is a bit... yeah.

Letting out a sigh as I watch Anna struggle with formal speeches, I begin to ponder my options for the future. Firstly, finding the others might not be so hard since we have a king on our side. Yet, I can't help but feel our situation is precarious.

Although we have won this time around, it is still a one-versus-all scenario. Judging by the battle itself, I can probably assume that we are only surviving because of me, a powerful archmage. I'm the only team carry, in a simpler term.

Since the others have decided to rescue the goddess, they will naturally see us as an enemy, probably even on par with demons.

''Hm...''

I mean, I can probably call upon a massive meteor and make everything go extinct, but that would be a 'what the fuck??' kind of ending, not a good one.

As I rack my brain like that, it seems Anna has sent Falina out and came in front of me.

'Came in front of me'?

That sounds like lewd. She does that a lot.

''Phew...'' She sighs in relief, her cat ears twitching inside the golden crown.

''You're so cute~''

Finding myself unable to resist this cuteness, I hug Anna tightly, feeling the warmth of a woman for the first time in two days. Anna also hugs me back, giggling as if amused. As I walk over and sit on the throne, she naturally crawls onto my lap, circling her arms around my neck and rubbing her face on my shoulder.

''Purr...''

''Fufu... good kitty.''

After sharing some heartwarming moments, we begin to discuss our situations.

Much like me, she has no idea why she is the king, and it has been quite challenging for her to get used to being a king. However, one thing that surprises me is that, among my party members, there are not only her and I in this castle.

''My, my, how bold of you two to make out in this place.''

Following Anna's call, a stunning woman enters the throne room. With strikingly lustrous two-tone hair and a deceptively elegant demeanor, Prime Minister Sariel arrives.

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Seeing us waving at her, she quickly makes herself comfortable on the armrest of the throne before kissing us both briefly.

My fiancés have been getting along really well recently. It's great.

''Wait a bit. She will probably come soon.''

True to the dragoness's words, the door opens again right after. This time, a big-breasted, red-haired noble lady arrives. As soon as she sees us, her steps become quicker and lighter. Walking up to us, she bows graciously and gets down on one knee, grabbing my hand.

''Long time no see, my princess.''

Tina, the supposed Queen, kisses the back of my hand like a gentleman.

Really... she treats me too preciously. It would've been fine if she kissed my lips or groped me or something. I'd prefer that, actually. Like what Sariel is doing right now.

What a bunch of perverts. I love them.

Now, even though I'm glad I got the three of them here, the whereabouts of Liana, Emy, and Luna are still unknown.

''I'd already initiated a search... and it seems Raeliana and Emilia are in the church,'' Anna says.

''Oh, that's good, then. We can visit them later.''

''Only you... we have a lot of work to do.''

I think it's my imagination. There's no way Anna is speaking to me in that slightly resentful tone...

Right then, I feel Sariel stroking my head gently.

''Get some rest. It's already dark.'' She says, smiling.

''Mhm... thanks.''

I love the contrast between her being an elegant lady outwardly and a crazy nympho once in bed.

Nevertheless, I say goodbye to them and begin to walk back to my assigned room. I really do need a rest. My body is resilient, but my mind is exhausted.

''Hm?''

Suddenly, I catch a glimpse of Commander Falina outside the balcony. She is clutching her hands, gazing at the stars with a melancholic look.

''...''

Unknowingly, I approach her.

''It's beautiful, isn't it?'' I ask, placing my hand on the railing.

''...Yes.'' Falina replies.

''May I ask the reason behind your... sadness?''

The blond woman turns to me with her eyes slightly widened; then her expression returns to normal.

''Sadness... yes. This emotion might be sadness.'' She says. ''And if you ask the reason... well, everything makes me sad.''

''...''

''The fact that we, humans, have to fight each other when evils are still roaming this world free. The fact that Mother Goddess Aris, to whom we owe our lives, has fallen to the point of being unrecognizable. The fact that innocent children have to get involved in this madness despite not sinning...''

''...I see. You're a good person.''

As I gently console Falina, who has teared up, I am once again reminded of how much I hate dark stories.

One might call me a coward for not facing death and a delusional person for thinking the world is all sunshine and rainbows, but I honestly don't care. Real life is already brutal enough. I don't want to weep even when immersing in fiction.

Even if the people here are fake, I can't help but think their emotions are real. For that, I feel sorry for them.

Gradually, Falina wipes her tears away, replacing her grim face with a faint smile.

''Thank you... archmage Sylvia.'' She says. ''Even if the whole world is against us, I will fight to the very end.''

''I'll fight with you.''

''I truly appreciate that, archmage. Mother Goddess would surely want this as well.''

I mean, she is corrupted and harming us... so there's no way to save humanity if not to slay her. If I were the goddess, I would honestly want that, too.

Mhm. I feel like I can make up my mind now. I think I can choose a side...

''...''

Maybe not yet.

I'll have to ask more people. I just have a feeling.

''Hah...''

This is weighing on my brain more than expected. With such headaches, I say goodbye to Falina and quickly return to my room—except, does this not seem like my room?

Somehow, it is extremely spacious and luxurious. Moreover, I don't think having Tina and Anna, the Queen and the Kind, sitting on the bed is normal.

''...Is this your room?'' I ask frankly.

''Yeah...'' Anna replies awkwardly. ''I figured we might as well sleep together... and then you guys can m-maybe...''

Ah, I see. So that's what it is.

Sighing helplessly, I walk up to the bed.

And kiss Tina.

''This is what you want, so don't blame me for it.''