Legend of the Crimson Demon

I just wanted to travel the world with a sword. I didn't expect to meet a lunatic the moment I left the village.

Watching the figures of those three lunatics vanish down the road, I could only sigh. Truly, the recklessness of youth. I just hope the three of them can understand and tolerate each other.

As for Zunzun?

Count me out.

Because of this unexpected chaos, it was already dark. While he did want to enjoy Arcanletia's nightlife, finding a hotel took priority—unless we wanted to sleep in the streets.

We arrived at the largest hot spring hotel in town.

As the famous City of Water and Hot Springs, Arcanletia was best known for its legendary therapeutic waters. Coming all the way here and not soaking in a hot spring? That would be a crime against travel.

"I'm terribly sorry," the hotel owner said with a bow. "We're fully booked. If you don't mind, would the two guests consider sharing a room—or perhaps upgrading to a suite?"

Zunzun stared blankly. Was the man messing with them?

But no—the apologetic look on the owner's face was sincere. They were really out of rooms.

"…Please give us a suite."

The two were technically engaged, but shy Yunyun wasn't quite ready to share a bed. Zunzun wisely didn't press the issue and upgraded without complaint.

The owner explained that the suite had two bedrooms and a private hot spring—perfect for a family on vacation. To make up for the inconvenience, he'd only charge them the price of a standard room.

A true businessman.

On the way to the room, Yunyun looked visibly uneasy.

Zunzun glanced sideways. "Don't worry. Even though I really like Yunyun, I wouldn't do anything without your permission. Engagement or not."

"I-I didn't mean that…!"

"Oh? So Yunyun is okay with it?"

"W-What?! T-That's not—!"

Yunyun bowed her head in embarrassment.

Zunzun had a sneaking suspicion that if he got on his knees and begged her now, he might just succeed in doing this and that tonight. After all, Yunyun was terrible at saying no.

He sighed.

"You're worried about Cecily, aren't you?"

"Y-Yeah… I hope that big sister didn't get caught."

"I hope she did."

Yunyun blinked at him in confusion.

"Didn't you hear what those Eris cultists said? Cecily was clearly in the wrong. Don't waste your sympathy on her."

"But… but still…"

"You're always like this—too kind for your own good. Cecily's the kind of person who will cling to you like old chewing gum. And she's from the Axis Church, no less. You get tangled with someone like that and you'll never break free. Honestly, at this point, I wouldn't even be surprised if she was already in our room…"

Zunzun opened the door to the suite—and immediately froze.

Inside, a beautiful blonde priestess knelt calmly on the tatami floor, head bowed.

"——Welcome back."

Zunzun exhaled slowly.

Then quietly closed the door.

Yunyun asked, "What's wrong? Is something in the room?"

"Yes. Trash."

"…Isn't that a bit harsh?!"

From inside, Cecily shouted, "Hey! Don't call people trash!"

She lunged for the door, trying to open it, but Zunzun pressed it shut with all his might.

The two struggled.

"You are trash! And non-combustible!"

"Non-combustible?! I don't even know what that means but it sounds insulting! Let me in!"

Cecily pounded on the door with renewed vigor.

Zunzun's face turned red from exertion, as if he were holding back a horde of demons.

Why is she so strong!? Is she really a high priest!?

Unfortunately, the noise drew attention. Guests began poking their heads out of rooms.

"What's going on over there?"

"Did a thief break in?"

"Is someone being attacked?"

A hotel staff member rushed over with an apologetic smile. "Sir, please keep your voice down. Other guests are being disturbed."

"…Yes. Sorry."

Zunzun sighed, defeated.

Just then, Cecily wailed from behind the door:

"I was wrong! Please don't abandon me! I swear I won't stop you from having mistresses in the future! I'll even help you hide your affairs! So please, don't throw me away!"

"Stop making things up!!"

Zunzun's scream echoed through the hall, but the damage was done.

Whispers followed.

"What?! He's cheating and she's okay with it?! That's… enviable—no, unforgivable!"

"He's actually keeping mistresses? Scum!"

"Is that poor girl next to him one of them?!"

Yunyun was on the verge of tears.

In the blink of an eye, the fiancée had been demoted to homewrecker.

"…I know, I know!"

Zunzun threw the door open.

Inside the elegant suite, the three of them sat at a round table. The room had classic Japanese styling—likely thanks to another time traveler's influence.

On one side: Zunzun and Yunyun.

On the other: Cecily, wearing a gentle smile.

She was breathtaking when quiet—blonde hair, blue eyes, graceful curves, and a ridiculous bust stretching the limits of her priest uniform. Yet there was something calm and holy about her appearance…

Ugh, show-off.

They sipped their tea.

Cecily cleared her throat and smiled sweetly.

"Have you considered joining the Axis Church? Once you join, you can master those wonderful talents you saw earlier!"

"I refuse."

Zunzun rolled his eyes. He'd seen what those 'talents' entailed.

Seeing her completely at ease, Zunzun couldn't help but ask, "Weren't you just being chased by the Eris Church? How'd you get here? And how'd you get in?"

"Hmph! Like those Eris grumps could ever catch me!"

Cecily puffed out her chest proudly.

"As for this hotel—don't you know? The largest hot spring hotel in Arcanletia is run by an Axis Church member."

...Huh? That normal-looking owner's with the Axis Church? Is he pretending?

Forget it. Doesn't matter.

Zunzun narrowed his eyes.

"So, what do you want from me?"

Cecily answered without hesitation.

"To screw you."

"HUH?!"

"Cough—I mean, I want you to join the Axis Church!"

She whipped out a crumpled application form from her bosom.

Zunzun tried to ignore the earlier slip but grimaced at the sight of the form.

"Absolutely not."

"Aw, don't be like that," Cecily cooed. "We offer lots of benefits! Talent shows, edible soap, free hot springs—oh, and if you join now, you can even soak at the source!"

"…At the source?"

"That's right! Ten times the healing, a hundred times the refreshment! You'll walk out shinier, stronger, and even more handsome!"

"…Still no."

"Huh?"

Zunzun's eyes gleamed dramatically.

"There's nothing I love more than saying NO to self-righteous people!"

He struck a pose. An Araki-style pose.

After that victorious moment, he crossed his arms.

"Listen up! I'm not joining the Axis Church! I'm a Crimson Demon! And Crimson Demons never bow to any Gods! Got it?! Now get out! You're seriously annoying!"

Cecily's eyes sparkled.

So handsome…

What is this? Every move he makes is directly hitting my type!

I want to hug him right now!

-End Chapter-

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