Just a Knight.

Jack ran a hand through his hair. "My knight, huh?" he muttered. "Well... I guess I just have to gain enough recognition to have the King bestow a title upon me." Jack ignored the fact that he didn't know what to do with the wish that had been promised to him at the end of his journey.

As Jack contemplated his next steps and the uncertain future ahead, Darkness stood by his side. She smiled softly at him. "I have faith in you, Jack. You have already gained the recognition of those closest to you, and I believe that our quest will lead you to even greater accomplishments. Whether it's earning a title from the king or fulfilling your wish for peace, I just know you will do it." Darkness' smile was comparable to that of an angel in that moment.

Jack smiled back at her. "Why don't we take a walk? I want to talk with my knight some more." He winked at her while offering her a hand.

Darkness blushed at Jack's words and extended her hand, intertwining her fingers with his. She nodded, her eyes shining with anticipation. "I would be honored, Jack. Let's take a walk and talk about our dreams, our hopes, and the future that awaits us."

Together, hand in hand, Jack and Darkness ventured out into the world, their footsteps echoing with the promise of a shared destiny.

As Jack and Darkness walked hand in hand, their conversation took a deeper turn. Darkness looked at Jack with a tender expression, her voice filled with a mix of nostalgia and determination.

"You know, Jack," Darkness began, her eyes glistening with emotion, "ever since I was a little girl, it has been my dream to be the shield that could protect everyone. I always admired knights and their unwavering dedication to safeguarding others. But as I grew older, I realized that being a knight wasn't just about physical strength or prowess in battle. It was about having a steadfast heart and the courage to face any danger, no matter the cost."

She paused for a moment, collecting her thoughts before continuing, "When I first met you and joined our group, I saw in you the potential to be a true hero. You may not have been the typical knight I had imagined, but you had a heart that burned with a fierce determination to protect and uplift those around you. You inspired me to be a better version of myself, to embrace my role as a crusader and devote my life to defending our comrades."

Jack listened attentively, his eyes locked with Darkness'. He could feel the weight of her words, the passion and sincerity behind them. He squeezed her hand gently, encouraging her to continue.

"I want to be more than just a knight, Jack," Darkness continued, her voice filled with conviction. "I want to be the shield that shields not only our friends but also the innocent and vulnerable. I want to stand in the face of adversity, to shield them from harm's way and provide a sanctuary of safety. And with you by my side, I believe we can accomplish that."

Jack smiled, his admiration for Darkness shining in his eyes. "Darkness, you've always been the embodiment of strength and selflessness. Your dedication to protecting others is truly inspiring. Together, we will create a path where our dreams become reality. I will be your shield just as much as you are mine."

Darkness turned her gaze away, avoiding direct eye contact with Jack. She couldn't afford to look at his face while contemplating what she was about to say. She wasn't so clueless as to be unaware of her own nature. There was nothing normal about finding pleasure in pain, and she had just gone and fallen head over heels for someone like Jack.

"I'm not as good as you think I am, Jack," she confessed, pulling out her sword and staring intently at its radiant brilliance. "I'm ashamed to admit this, but I'm not as selfless as you think I am."

Jack's eyes widened at Darkness' words, his concern and curiosity piqued. He gently reached out and placed a hand on her arm.

"Darkness, you don't have to be ashamed," Jack said softly. "We all have our flaws and imperfections. It's what makes us human. But it's how we choose to overcome those flaws that truly matters."

Darkness glanced at Jack. "You see, Jack, I... I find pleasure in pain. It's a part of who I am, and I can't deny it any longer. I've always been drawn to the thrill of battle, the sensation of receiving and enduring pain. It's not something I can easily explain or understand myself."

Jack sighed in relief. "That's it? I... right, you are a noble, and furthermore, you don't know much about where I come from." Jack placed both hands on Darkness' shoulders and turned her around. "Please don't treat me like a child. I won't judge you for something like that. It may not be as common, but your condition is certainly not frowned upon. It's more often used as a subject of jokes."

Darkness blinked in surprise, her eyes widening as she took in Jack's words. She hadn't expected such a reaction from him. Her heart swelled with a mix of relief, gratitude, and a touch of embarrassment.

"I... I apologize, Jack," Darkness stammered, her cheeks tinged with a light blush. "I didn't mean to underestimate you or assume you wouldn't understand. It's just that... my experiences as a noble have shaped my perceptions, and I often forget that not everyone sees things the same way."

Jack gently squeezed her shoulders, a reassuring smile on his face. "No need to apologize, Darkness. I might be a commoner, but I'm well aware of your position. That's why you ran away, wasn't it? Because of the expectations society placed on your shoulders ever since you were a child. You can't help but smile in gatherings while hiding your true feelings in such a cutthroat environment."

Darkness looked at Jack in surprise, her eyes widening. She hadn't expected him to grasp the weight of her responsibilities and the struggles she faced as a noblewoman.

He placed a hand on her chest. "Every day feels like a battle of wits, constantly navigating the minefield that is high society and striving to learn everything there is to know to succeed your parents. And if you ever slip up and make one mistake, you will drag your family's reputation down with you, and everyone will scrutinize you more intensely to prey on your weaknesses."

Darkness's eyes widened in astonishment as Jack spoke, her breath catching in her throat. It was as if he had seen straight through the mask she wore, exposing the hidden struggles she faced.

"You... you saw right through me, Jack," Darkness whispered, her voice filled with a mix of admiration and vulnerability. "You're right. It was a constant battle, a balancing act to uphold the expectations placed on me while concealing my true self. It was exhausting, and sometimes I wondered if I could ever escape this role that society has forced upon me."

Jack's eyes shone with determination as he listened to Darkness, his grip on her shoulders tightening. "Darkness, I promise you this. Once we defeat the Demon King and establish peace, I will use my position as a hero to free you from the shackles of societal obligations. No one will be able to deny our request when we stand together and express our desire for you to be officially recognized as my Knight."

He paused for a moment, his gaze unwavering as he looked into her eyes. "I know it won't be easy, and there will be challenges along the way. But I will do everything in my power to make sure you can embrace your true self and find the happiness you deserve. You don't have to carry the burden alone anymore, Darkness. We'll face it together."

The weight of her obligations seemed to lessen as she realized the strength of Jack's conviction. A surge of gratitude and love filled her, and she couldn't help but throw her arms around him in a tight embrace.

"Thank you, Jack," Darkness whispered, her voice filled with emotion. "To have someone like you by my side, promising to fight for me and our future... I couldn't ask for anything more. I will stand by you, not just as your Knight, but as your partner in this journey."

Jack returned the embrace, holding her close. "Together, we'll overcome any obstacle that stands in our way. With each step we take, we'll pave the way for a future where you can be free to be yourself."

After separating, Jack chuckled while picking up Darkness' sword. "Careful now, I got this specially just for you." Darkness accepted the sword in a flustered manner, and after a few seconds, they both laughed heartily.

----------------------------

Yunyun, too, wore a surprised expression but quickly smiled, glad to see Darkness find happiness. She nudged Kazuma, who had an amused smirk on his face. "Looks like our resident masochist has found her knight in shining armor," he whispered, earning a playful punch from Aqua.

Aqua, on the other hand, had a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Well, well, well, who would have thought that the great Darkness would fall for someone so... common." She chuckled softly, relishing in the irony.

Kazuma hid his face in exasperation. "I should have known he wasn't just an Otome love interest, but a Protagonist from a Bishojo."

Aqua's interest spiked. "Kazuma, Kazuma, how do you know what those two are?" she asked "innocently."

Kazuma let out a sigh, realizing he had inadvertently revealed his knowledge of such terms. He scratched his head, trying to come up with a plausible explanation. "Well, you know, Aqua, I'm a man of culture. I've read my fair share of manga and played a few visual novels in my time. It's all part of being well-rounded, you know?" he said, trying to maintain a nonchalant expression.

Aqua's eyes widened, and a mischievous grin crept onto her face. "Oh, really? So, which visual novels have you played, Kazuma? Do tell!" she teased, clearly enjoying Kazuma's discomfort.

Kazuma's face turned red, and he waved his hands in front of him, trying to change the subject. "Uh, it's not important! Let's focus on more pressing matters, like... uh... defeating the Demon King!" he stammered, desperately trying to divert Aqua's attention.

While Kazuma and Aqua bickered, Yunyun glanced at Megumin from the corner of her eye. "H-how do you feel? About... you know." Her face started to turn red as she looked at Jack and Darkness smiling at each other.

Megumin's cheeks turned a shade of pink as she watched Jack and Darkness. She let out a small sigh and turned to Yunyun. "To be honest, it's... complicated. I mean, it's a bit hard for me to accept it. Darkness' confession to Jack took me by surprise, and it made me question my own feelings."

She looked down at her staff, tracing her fingers along its surface. "I've always thought of Darkness as a very good friend, you know? Her courage and loyalty. And I've grown closer to Jack over time too. But I never imagined this would happen. It's like... a mix of conflicting emotions. It's like watching your older sister confess out of the blue to your beloved—," she cleared her throat, "the person you like."

Megumin glanced back at Jack and Darkness, who were still deep in conversation. "I guess it's natural to feel this way. Love is complicated, and it doesn't always follow a predictable path. I just need some time to sort through my own feelings and figure out what it all means for me." She looked back at Yunyun, her expression softening. "Thank you for asking... Cow"

Yunyun's cheeks turned even redder, a mix of embarrassment and anger evident on her face. "Hey! Don't call me that!" she protested, swatting at Megumin's arm. Despite her protest, there was a hint of a smile on her lips.

"You people sure know how to be "sneaky," don't they, Darkness?" Jack said while lifting Kazuma and Aqua by their shirts.

Darkness nodded. "As sneaky as a drunk Deer," she answered back while picking up Megumin and Yunyun.

Kazuma and Aqua exchanged nervous glances, realizing they had been caught red-handed. "Uh... well, you see, Jack... it was all Aqua's fault! She dragged me into this!" Kazuma quickly tried to shift the blame, pointing an accusatory finger at the goddess.

Aqua pouted and crossed her arms. "Hey, I was just innocently curious! Besides, you were enjoying it too, Kazuma!"

Megumin and Yunyun exchanged sheepish looks, knowing they had been caught as well. "We were just... um... observing from a distance." Megumin mumbled, her cheeks turning slightly pink.

Darkness smiled playfully, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Oh, I don't think observation is a punishable offense. After all, curiosity can get the better of all of us. However," she continued, her voice taking on a more serious tone, "I hope you've learned your lesson about prying into other people's private conversations."

Kazuma, Aqua, Megumin, and Yunyun nodded sheepishly, feeling a mix of relief and trepidation about what their punishment might have been.

Jack's smile widened, and he gently lowered his friends back to the ground. "Consider this a warning. Next time, we might not be so forgiving," he said, his tone laced with playful menace.

Kazuma couldn't resist the opportunity to spitefully throw a jab. He smirked and looked at Jack. "So, Jack, how was your quality time with your new trustworthy knight? Did she swear to protect you from all harm?"

Darkness blushed and looked away, clearly flustered by Kazuma's remark. "K-Kazuma! That's enough!" she stammered, trying to regain her composure.

Jack chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement."Rest assured, Darkness has proven herself to be an exceptional knight, ready to defend me from any danger." He glanced at Darkness and winked, causing her blush to deepen.

Kazuma clicked his tongue in annoyance, realizing that his words didn't seem to faze Jack at all. He huffed and crossed his arms. "Well, it looks like I can't rattle you that easily, can I, Jack?" he muttered under his breath.

"Is that all you've got, Kazuma?" Jack chuckled, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "You'll have to try harder than that to get a rise out of me."

Kazuma grumbled under his breath, slightly irritated by Jack's cool demeanor. He crossed his arms and mumbled, "Well, I'll find a way to knock that smug grin off your face someday."

Jack chuckled while turning to Darkness. "I can't say for sure what the future might hold, but you can rest assured that we will always be together, be it as friends, a party, knight and lord, or... something more." He didn't want to completely shut down Darkness altogether, but he also didn't fully understand his own feelings or how Megumin would feel if he started pursuing other women.

Darkness listened intently to Jack's words, her heart fluttering with a mix of hope and uncertainty. She understood the complexity of their situation, especially considering Jack's existing relationship with Megumin.

"I appreciate your honesty, Jack," Darkness replied, her voice filled with a mix of longing and resignation. "I understand the intricacies of our circumstances, and I don't want to complicate things further. We will always be comrades and friends, and I'm grateful for that."

She glanced at Megumin, who was engaged in a conversation with Yunyun, and a bittersweet smile formed on her lips. "For now, I will cherish the moments we share as friends and allies. If the time comes when our paths align in a different way, then perhaps we can explore those possibilities."

Jack nodded, his gaze filled with gratitude. "Thank you for understanding, Darkness. I don't want to jeopardize the harmony of our group. Let us continue this journey together, supporting each other."

Meanwhile, far away from Axel, a group of individuals gathered. "Vanir! I'll ask only once, why haven't you reported back even after all this time?" The general was lifted by the neck of his shirt.

"Ehe? Calm down, princess. If you keep frowning like that, your face will become ugly... uglier." He smirked but quickly adopted a blank face when a fireball was summoned inches away from him. "Very well," he sighed. "I have just been taking my time to make sure I didn't leave out any detail. Now I will reveal how we shall take down that group, either by convincing or by force."

Vanir, seemingly unperturbed by the imminent danger, straightened his clothes and cleared his throat. "You see, my dear princess, their strength lies in their unity and their bonds. To dismantle them, we need to exploit their weaknesses and sow the seeds of discord among them."

The princess narrowed her eyes, her grip on Vanir's shirt tightening. "And how do you plan to achieve that? They are no ordinary adventurers. They have overcome countless challenges and emerged victorious."

Vanir grinned, his eyes gleaming mischievously. "Ah, but every hero has their Achilles' heel, princess. We will seek out their deepest desires and fears, and we will use them against them. We will exploit their vulnerabilities, create doubts, and manipulate their emotions until they crumble from within."

The princess released her hold on Vanir, a sinister smile forming on her face. "Very well, Vanir. I will leave this task in your capable hands. But remember, failure is not an option."

Vanir bowed mockingly, his eyes glinting with anticipation. "Of course, princess. I assure you, I will make their lives a living hell. Their bonds will be shattered, and they will fall into despair."

The princess turned her gaze toward the distant horizon, a devious glimmer in her eyes. She smirked while thinking about their strategy. According to Father, Jack and his party held the potential to tip the scale to either side. If they managed to entice them into joining their ranks, the gods wouldn't be able to control the damage.

The princess began to devise her plan, carefully considering each member of Jack's party and their weaknesses. She knew that their unity was their greatest strength, and breaking that bond would be the key to their downfall. She decided to target their desires and dreams, exploiting their insecurities and manipulating their emotions.

For Jack, She would dangle the promise of fulfilling his deepest desires in front of him, leading him astray from his current path. knowing Jack's attachment to his family and his longing to return home, decided to exploit his desires by offering him a way back. She would manipulate him with the promise of reuniting with his loved ones, erasing the guilt and burden he carried for leaving them behind.

Megumin, with her unwavering dedication to explosions, would be confronted with the possibility of limitless power. The princess would exploit her ambition and offer her the means to create the most destructive explosions the world had ever seen.

Darkness, with her strong sense of duty and sacrifice, would be challenged to confront her own desires and confront the darkness within herself. The princess would tempt her with the promise of embracing her desires without shame, but at what cost?

Aqua, the self-proclaimed goddess, would be targeted with doubts about her divine status and purpose. The princess would play on her insecurities and offer her a chance to regain her lost glory and prove her worth.

And Kazuma, the sly and cunning adventurer, would be presented with an opportunity to escape his mundane life and fulfill his deepest fantasies. The princess would exploit his desires for a comfortable life and manipulate him into making choices that could jeopardize the party's unity.

The princess tilted her head, it seemed like Vanir forgot to find Chris' weakness. She leaned in closer to Vanir, her eyes narrowing. "You claim to have all the information, but it seems you have overlooked something important," she said with a sly smile. "What about Chris? Have you discovered her weakness?"

Vanir, caught off guard by the question, scratched his head. "Ah, well, you see... Chris is a bit of an enigma. She is skilled at hiding her true intentions, and her past is shrouded in mystery. It has been quite challenging to uncover any vulnerabilities or weaknesses she may have."

The princess shaked her head, Chris wasn't that important, while a skilled thief, she didn't hold anything noteworthy unlike her companions.

She waved her hand dismissively. "Forget about it. I'll leave you to it. Make sure to sow discord among them. Oh, and..." Her hand morphed into a dragon's claw, which she pointed at him. "Step out of line again, and I won't leave you with just a smack on the wrist. This is your last warning, Vanir."

Vanir nodded and bowed, understanding the gravity of the princess's warning. "Understood, Princess. I will carry out my task diligently and ensure that discord is sown among their ranks. You can trust me to handle this matter accordingly."

The princess withdrew her dragon claw, her expression softening slightly. "Very well, Vanir. Remember, our success depends on your ability to manipulate and exploit their weaknesses. We cannot afford any mistakes."

Vanir bowed respectfully. "I will not disappoint you, Princess. I will fulfill my duty and bring glory to our kingdom." With a nod, the princess turned and began to walk away. Vanir watched her retreating figure, his mind already formulating plans and strategies to sow discord among their enemies. The stage was set for a battle of wits and manipulation, and he was ready to play his part.