Telling them the truth

After their lunches ended, the time to send the member of Hero Party to their homeworld is up, they currently outside and still in the territory of the castle, so it's safe to assume that they aren't that far from the Royal Palace, it's the request of Eleonora to prevent any pawn or devoted followers of Ehit that may interfere with her during the process to send them to their homeworld.

There is a portal that appears in front of them. Eleonora purposely made it that way to make it more believable on everyone eyes so they won't doubt about it. The happiness look on their faces is showed and that's enough to make Eleonora know that they are believe it.

"Alright, everyone who wishes to go back to their homeworld, please proceed to the portal."

Hearing that, some of the members of Hero Party made their ways to the portal, until Hajime stood in front of the portal when it's Hiyama's group turn or dubbed as Bastard Four by Hajime. They stopped and look at the white haired teen with fears within their body; scared of what will the victim of their every day bullies do to them since the hatred Hajime have towards Hiyama and his goons are quite deep as it's also leaves a bad memory on him.

Eleonora already given the permission to Hajime, a permission for him to do whatever he want to his bullies as long as he don't do anything that break their deal; she even willing to let him to deal with Amanogawa Kouki, the most naïve and hypocrite young man.

"N-Nagumo…?"

Hiyama said that while stuttering as Hajime looked down on him, even his friends also has the same expression like him. When the leader of Hero Party–Amanogawa Kouki and their social studies teacher Hatayama Aiko sees this, they about to approach Hajime and went to stop him, only being stopped by Kaori and Shizuku; even Ryotarou shake his head to them, giving them a sign to ignore it.

"Hey Hiyama and three of you. How about we hold a warm and nostalgic talk over there for a bit? You don't mind it, right? It's such a rare opportunity to have anyway since we don't meet for a long time."

Hajime said that with intimidating tone and look, which sends the Bastard Four shivers through their whole bodies and nods their heads simultaneously in agreement since they can't do anything about it. Even their friends ignored that and no one want help them, even the royalty.

"Y-Yes!"

"Good. Don't bother to wait for me, it won't take a long time."

"…Be sure to use the 'things' I give you. Okay, Hajime-san?"

Hajime went quiet for a moment before answer it with his right hand waving at her and goes toward the quiet forest as Hiyama and his friends following him as they have no choice but to be obedient to him or they will suffers the consequences by disobeying the white haired otaku teen.

"Yeah, yeah…"

Eleonora just sighs and turn her heads facing the remaining people with gentle smile on her beautiful face that made the girls enthralled and their cheeks went red upon seeing it. Even the boys also affected by that, albeit not that much compared to the girls since its effect greater than that.

One by one, the classmate of Hajime and Kaori, went to the portal until Eleonora stopped them when it's Amanogawa Kouki's turn and makes him confused since he's the last person who is on the line, but the young chairman capable to let him forget about it by send him the beautiful and charming smile of her towards the leader of Hero Party; which oddly enough succeed to make him nods his head and obey what she said to wait for a while.

Eleonora also already make sure the the otherworlder already has their memories removed about Hiyama and his goons, so they won't questioning about them who currently missing as Hajime already deal with them. That was one of the part she promised to Hajime about their deal, the white haired young man himself felt that he made a deal with devil—a frightening devil that can make him shudders and shivering easily.

After approximately 15 minutes since Hajime gone, he then come back with half-satisfying smile creeps on his lips. His revenge and desire still hasn't enough, when both Hajime and Eleonora sees each others and their eyes locked, they nods their heads; Hajime shown his sinister and mad grin when knowing that.

"Kouki-san, could you close your eyes for a moment…? I… I want to give you something."

Eleonora said that shyly with embarrassed tone and turn her gazes away to make her acting more believable to someone like Amanogawa Kouki. Kouki whose mind somehow knew about that nods his head quickly and his cheeks went red as he does what she want, he closes his eyes and hoping to wait something that he thought it would came true; he doesn't even questioning or doubt a single bit of it.

Seeing that, Eleonora then give Hajime who currently behind Kouki an okay sign as she quickly move away from Kouki and use [Concealment] on her whole body to hide her entire body, smell, aura, etc. She don't want to risk herself to be noticed by Kouki because of her careless preparation.

'Hajime-san already has the 'things' I give him, so he should be okay to handle Kouki-san. Although I knew their status are like heaven and earth, still… it's not hurt to be cautious since there's a lot of unknown factors and variables. As long as it's not overly cautious and get me crazy about it.'

Luckily, except Eleonora, Hajime, and Kouki; there's anyone else right now and it's safe to assume they have already goes to the place that Eleonora suggest. For Eliheid S. B. Heiligh, Luluaria S. B. Heiligh, Liliana S. B. Heiligh, and Lundel S. B. Heiligh—alongs with the guards and so on, they already inside the palace along with Hajime's Party; including Shizuku and Kaori, and didn't come with Hajime and his classmate, so they can't see the dead of the leader of Hero Party.

As Eleonora walked away and headed to the palace, she could hear the scream of Amanogawa Kouki. Fortunately the whole area already been concealed, no one except Eleonora and Hajime could penetrate it so easily.

Eleonora also needs to rewrite the memories of Hajime's classmate about Kouki. Luckily, she can do it from far away as she already got the coordinate of each classmate of the white haired young man who seem like edgelord.

'Well, after knowing what kind of people they are, Hiyama-san and his goons also Kouki-san—I think it's safe to assume what I've do are right. Even if it not right, it doesn't make me really care about them that much since they are basically strangers to me.'

But Eleonora widened as she realizes something.

'But wait—it's seems I am a bit biased. I care enough for someone when they are the same gender as me, but rarely do that when they are the opposite gender of me. Well, I have some male friends and my father obviously male, so I'm not sexism or feminism either.'

She just shrugs it off and went inside the palace as the girls already waiting for her, but stopped when she heard the familiar voice of someone that just already done with his business. It's Nagumo Hajime, with satisfying face and sinister smile adorn his face; anyone would obviously seen him as evil or villain if he wore that kind of expression.

He then wipe off his sinister smile after Eleonora pointing on it, made the otaku felt embarrassed for a second and returned to his normal expression. But then he coughed up and says something to her with serious face, which confuse the young girl for a while as she tilt her head.

"…Pendragon, I'm thankful to your assistance. Without your help, I… guh, maybe can't do that earlier."

Eleonora curled her lips into her usual friendly smile.

"No problem, Hajime-san! As you already know about our deal, I also give you something other than that. Wouldn't you want me to regrow your left arm and right eyes? It's part of our deal after all."

Hearing that, Hajime reluctant to immediately agreed about it, since he knew the deal they made are… quite hard and give him huge loss, but that's a deal—an offer that Hajime couldn't refuse. It's too alluring for him. But he can't just ignore and forget about it since he already knew alone what kind of monster Eleonora is judging from the amount of mana and abilities she has.

With heavy heart and exasperation, Hajime nodded at Eleonora, allowing the young girl immediately cast the spell to regrow Hajime's left arms and right eyes as the young boy just stood and let Eleonora do it.

"Hajime-san, have you played a game known as Devil May Cry 5?"

"…Yeah, I had. Why the sudden question? Don't tell me…"

"Seem you quickly know it. That's right, I made your arm to be like him, like Nero after he unlock his own Devil Trigger and let him to regrow his arm and not as much as he want. Not bad deal, right?"

Hajime sighed in tired and watch his arm who slowly regrow, it's back again. He also felt the sensation on his eyes. He doesn't know why but it's nostalgic feeling since it's been so long that he miss them, since he loss them when in Abyss.

After a few seconds, Eleonora done treating and regrow Hajime's left arm and his right eyes. The young man just stared at it with nostalgic face and small smile on his lips. He somehow grateful yet not to Eleonora, someone who could do this when Ancient Magic of this world cannot do such thing.

Removing his eyepatch, the crimson eyes of Hajime that was became like that after fall to the Abyss then look at Eleonora as he bow down his head and thanked her with sincerity and honesty on his tone when he said that.

"Thank you very much for doing this to me. I'll never forget it even though you are one of the people I dislike."

Eleonora just waving her hands nonchalantly.

"It's okay, we got a deal after all. So, want to pay it right now?"

Hajime feel reluctant to do it, but he has no choice. The moment he in agreement with Eleonora, his choice and chance to reject it was gone, it's already set in stone. He can't change it anymore, the outcome already being set.

"…Alright, I'll pay it now, the payment of this deal."

"This will leave you with only 10% of what you have. You would be back to level 10 or so and you wouldn't have monster status like before, basically you would regressed back to human level."

She said that to make sure Hajime thinking through about it and won't changed his mind. Although he already knew that he cannot change the deal, it's non-negotiable the moment he signed the contract. A contract to make sure ones would always follows the content inside it and won't break any of it.

"You would still have your [Synergist] basic skill. Considering your homeworld, I think that's enough to makes you unique person and let you gain a lot money fast. Of course the minerals, materials, and so on are completely gone. Such as your mystical mutation reduced to the levels of human athlete only. Any skills you've received through eating Monster Meat was completely gone."

Hajime just irrirated and went 'tch' when heard that, but he nods his head in understanding.

"You don't need to remind me that… I already knew about all of it. Basically I'm reduced to human level only, but in human society I would still can be considered a damn good and maybe could me mistaken as genius or sort of. Isn't that right?"

"Yep, you got to keep your favorite handgun, which is [Donner] and [Schalg] I believe? That's so overpowered in normal world without any magic or anything, but I think it's fine for me to let you to have it."

Hajime huffed and cross his arms since Eleonora stated the obvious.

"It's obvious since that's technically the first weapon I've crafted. Although I have to craft the bullets and the others from scratch again. Earth materials it is definitely inferior and less powerful than Tortus, but it's enough to deal some damage to an ordinary human."

"That's right. Just living a good life in your homeworld."

"I know that… it's unfortunate to let all of it go."

He still hesitant, but he has to do it. Eleonora just smiled at him with her innocent smile as if she don't do anything wrong. She just offer him a deal that benefits both parties and they reach the agreement and understand of its consequences.

"Alright, no more regret, no more hesitation—let's get into it."

"Yeah…"

As Hajime said that, Eleonora snaps her finger and suddenly there's steam out of the white haired young man's body and some dim light. He felt weak, weaker than before as he felt his strength regressed and something was taken off of him. But there's no pain in his body, he doesn't felt that but he just gritted his teeth in frustration since 90% of his whole body became weaker; Eleonora took almost everything off him, most of it was Hajime's powers and abilities, along with his personal equipment and weapons.

She stripped him down, leaving him with almost nothing to be left.

Although Eleonora don't need it, she can give it to the people close to her. It's not like she's cruel, but that was the part of their deal, the part of their agreement. Hajime has to accept it and he knew that when he come back, his homeworld has nothing to be feared unlike Tortus.

'I should also erases the same thing with Hajime-san's classmate. There's no need for them to have their abilities from Tortus, I made an exception to Hajime-san and Kaori-san; he should glad when knowing it.'

After a few minutes, the steam and dim light that came off of Hajime was gone, hinting that Eleonora already done taking everything from Hajime. The effect of it was really frightening for the white haired otaku, he became like his past self.

"Good, our deal already done. Shall I send you home right away, Hajime-san…? Maybe straight in front of your house."

Trying to catch his breath and compose himself, Hajime simply nodded as he glare at Eleonora.

"…Yeah, that would be good. I don't have to pay this one, right?"

"Of course not. I am not that cruel to charge you even more. Alright, then… hope we not meet again."

She said that as a portal appeared behind Hajime.

"I absolutely don't want that. I don't want to sees your damn face and hear your voice again."

"Well, the feeling is quite mutual, although I'm a bit hurt by your choice of words. Goodbye!"

With that, Hajime then walk his way towards the portal and leaving Eleonora alone. After sending back Hajime to his homeworld, Eleonora then turning her body away and decided to go back again to the palace as Yue and others has already waiting for her.

Little did Hajime know, that Kaori was giving Eleonora her phone number and the young chairman of course happily took that; she even give Kaori some gifts if she want to stay in contact through the dimension or world when she want it.

Kaori of course took it with granted and grateful with it. She's very happy about it and Eleonora also didn't erases Kaori's powers and abilities she got from Tortus. The black haired beauty don't know about it and she doesn't have to know about the deal that she made with Hajime or it will cause unpleasant impression of her towards Eleonora.

Some things better to kept in dark and secret.

'Sorry about that, Hajime-san but it's nice to have new friend. May you be happy when returned to your homeworld even though you suffers a great loss because of our deal.'

She scratched her cheeks as she thought of that as she really hope there's nothing gone wrong at his homeworld. She's worried about Kaori and the girls rather than Hajime himself, since the girls has crushes on her and that's at least became her responsibility; she don't want any girls or women who has love interest towards her to be harmed in any way.

All the otherworlders, except Shizuku who stayed behind with Eleonora, has already sends back to their homeworld; to their original world, well maybe the exception again is Hiyama with his goons and Kouki who already died by Hajime's hands.

"Alright, let's stay on this world for a few days and then come back. I have some business in here after all."

She said as she stretching out her arms as if she tired and blinked in surprise when she sees Yue and others who come out of the palace and come over to her. Yue's the one who rushing herself and hugging her with smile adorning her beautiful face.

Shea and others followed from behind, leaving the jealous Shea, Tio, Shizuku, and Remia.

"Ah Yue-san and everyone. I just on my way to go inside."

"I'm bored with waiting. Let me hug you."

"You already did… but sure."

"Ah, Yue-san doing it again! Not fair, I want to hug Eleonora-san too!"

"It is. Everyone should playing fair, Yue-sama. All of us want to hug and cuddle with Eleonora-sama too."

"H-Hold on…! It's inappropriate to suddenly hug her! Yue-san, you can't simply do that!"

"Ara-ara, it should be me since Eleonora-san is another mother of Miyu. Isn't that right, Miyu?"

"Yes! Nora-mama is my mama and I want hug!"

Eleonora just sighed and chuckled at their demands.

"That's fine and all, but for now—let's get back inside. Okay?"

They all nodded at Eleonora and went on their ways to going back again inside the palace while Yue still hugs her which makes Shea cried and gritted her teeth in jealousy.

------

Evening come and Eleonora right now in a room with the family of Heiligh; Eliheid S. B. Heiligh, Luluaria S. B. Heiligh, and Liliana S. B. Heiligh. Only four of them since Lundel S. B. Heiligh was too young to involved and understand the thing they would talk about, but it's different for Liliana since she's too mature for someone at her age, although there's always still hint of childishness come from her unlike Eleonora who seemed always mature all the time.

Eleonora take a breath and exhale it before she saying something to them. She then look at them with serious expression.

"Eliheid-sama, I want to ask you about this. Are your god and every human in this world follows is Ehit?"

The only man on the room nodded at that question. Eleonora nods her head understanding, she began to know about it. Then the king asked the young girl with bluish long hair that reached the ground with serious look.

"That's right, Eleonora-dono. Is there anything wrong? We, every human in Tortus and Heiligh Kingdom, are the followers of Ehit-sama. He is one and our only god. He basically the god of humanity and the teaching about him give the humanity a hope."

Eleonora nod in understanding.

"I see, I see. But what if I told you that the god you worship actually a fake and don't really care about humanity in this world? What if he is someone who so manipulative, selfish, and only follows his desire to toy with human and other races? What if he consider all of this as a mere game?"

They were surprised and mostly shocked by what Eleonora said, especially Eliheid who are the most devoted follower of Ehit even though Eleonora already purify his mind but there's still some things left that's lingering deep onto him. His wife and daughter shocked but not that much compared to Eliheid.

"That's preposterous, Eleonora-dono! Ehit-sama always care about us and there's no way he has thinking about us like that! It's—"

But before Eliheid continue to speak, Eleonora lift her hand to stop the man.

"A few days ago, when I am in Ankaji, some Church followers and Bishop Forbin come and declared that Hajime-san and his party along with me as heretics. There's no solid proof of it and they also went so far to branded the people of Ankaji—including Lanzwi Feuward Zengen - the Duke of Ankaji—as heretics just because he defend us."

"T-Then, there's must be a reason for that, Eleonora-dono! Maybe people of Ankaji are the followers of demon…!"

But Eleonora deny it by shaking her head, much to Eliheid surprise. His face became pale and has disbelief look, as he heard the slice of fact and truth about the god he worship and its religion.

"People of Ankaji was suffered, The Dukedom of Ankaji was afflicted by a mysterious plague that caused its people to become overloaded with mana, which would become fatal if untreated. It eventually managed to spread to the royal family, with the exception of Bize Feuward Zengen. But thanks to Hajime-san and us that they were saved, the Dukedom of Ankaji became normal again and their citizens was treated also cured of the mysterious plague. But soon after we do that, members of the Holy Church arrived and attempted to kill Hajime-san and our companions after we was declared a heretic."

Not only Eliheid, Luluaria and Liliana also went pale and has disbelieved looks on their faces. They went horror and cannot believe on the ears that hearing that came out of Eleonora's mouth. Then the young bluish haired girl continue to speak.

"And yesterday night, I had encountering the so-called True Apostle of Ehit—that was ordered to remove me and Hajime-san since we are actually unwanted game pieces that Ehit don't want from his game board. In other words, both of us are somehow gets in his way to enjoys his game—a game where all races designed to killed each others without they realizes it was the fault of Ehit and his fellows gods."

Eliheid became weak, he then fall on his knees, his face went horror as he looked down on the floor. Luluaria just cover her mouth as she surprised and went disappointed, while Liliana cover her nose and teared a bit on her eyes.

"No way… Ehit-sama, he… he don't care about us…?"

Eliheid said that with broken tone on his voice. He stuttering.

"That's right. He's also not an actual god, he's false god and all of people in Tortus are just his pawn on his "chessboard of life and death". He just care about himself. He just bored, so he started this game known as "chessboard of life and death" to the citizens of Tortus."

"T-Then… what we have to do… all of our faith towards him… all of it means nothing to him?"

Eleonora sighed and place her hands to Eliheid's shoulders.

"Don't worry about it, Eliheid-sama. Don't you forget about our deal? We changed it from defeat and eliminating demons to eliminate Ehit. You can also know about the truth if you explore the Seven Great Dungeon, the truth lies within it."

Indeed. The truth about this world was deep inside the dungeon called Seven Great Dungeon, one of it was Great Orcus Labyrinth and they haven't fully explored it except Hajime and his party. They can dive deep onto it if they want to learn the truth about Tortus, Ehit, and all.

"If you want it, I'll personally beat Ehit myself and ended this whole "chessboard of life and death" that he started. I also have some business to deal with him, after all."

Hearing that, Eliheid could see a slight of hope remain within the dark truth he learnt. He then looked up and sees the unwavering and brave smile of Eleonora, a smile that made Eliheid, his wife, and daughter felt a hope; as if Eleonora was the one who could do it.

"Then, Eleonora-dono… please, I'll give you anything I have—If the god we believed are like what you have described, then I beg you to end this whole game of his."

Eleonora's smile widened, her smile grew when hearing that.

"No problem, leave it to me, Eliheid-sama. For now, you three should rest. You all needs to calm yourself down and then think about it again after that."

They all nodded at Eleonora, then the young chairman cast something to her right hand and send that to Eliheid, Luluaria, and Liliana's head before they went shocked when receiving something from Eleonora. It's was the memories of Eleonora and Hajime's party when they encountering Bishop Forbin on Ankanji as they are framed to be heretics.

'This will make them believe on what I've said more.'

She could see the expression they made when their minds accepting it and sees the memories flowed through their head. Eliheid give Eleonora an understanding nod which makes the young girl also nod at him.

With heavy heart, Eliheid letting out a heavy sigh, he feel uncomfortable knowing the dark truth of Ehit and the world he's living in.

"Eleonora-dono, thank you for informing us about this. Had you not told us about this, we… we would still dancing in his chessboard."

But Eleonora shook her head.

"No problem. I only do the right thing, which is helping someone. Although most people would doubt my kind of thinking to help stranger."

Eleonora just let out small laugh when said that, earning small smile from Eliheid and chuckles from both Luluaria and Liliana who think it funny, but nonetheless they are understand about what she said. Though their impression towards the young girl with long bluish hair just increased, especially from Luluaria and Liliana who develops romantical feeling towards her.

Luluaria, the young woman who already had two children, lick her lips and looked at Eleonora with a look as if she's hungry or thirsty about something. Liliana just has her cheeks turned pink and quickly became red as she cover her face with a shame since she imagining something dirty on her mind right now which is involving her and Eleonora.

'What I am thinking…? How I can have such dirty thought about me and Eleonora-sama? It's inappropriate for me, a princess and noble, to have such though, moreover it's Eleonora-sama! Keep yourself and think about something other than that, Liliana…! You have to kept your poker face and not let it be obvious. That's right, calm my mind and don't think about it anymore.'

Inhaling and exhaling mentally, Liliana trying to calm her mind and shows her poker face again so she won't make bad image to her crush, she don't want Eleonora has a wrong image and impression about her. Luluaria just chuckles at her daughter since she known what happened to Liliana right now, unlike her husband who has no clue and being dense like usual.

Luluaria isn't the type who easily cheating, but when her blue eyes meets with Eleonora's eyes, she was like someone who never had true love. At that moment, she knew that Eleonora is the one who destined to be her lover, to be the one who replace her husband and instead rule the kingdom of Heiligh.

It's true that her marriage with Eliheid is because of the old tradition, which is to continue their bloodline and has no love on it. Their marriage are political marriage, there's no love involved and Luluaria has an obligation and duty to do that, she have no choice and freedom to voice her own choice.

Although Luluaria already knew that romantical relationship between the same gender are something that will not brings benefits, like they can't produce an heir or offsprings, but she cannot help felt attracted and charmed by the beauty of Eleonora; not just the appearance, but her personality and so.

From her point of view, Eleonora is the perfect person for her. She want Eleonora to be her husband, she want marry the young girl and became her wife. Luluaria also knew that cheating is wrong since she's already has husband and two children, but she cannot ignore what her heart want.

Luluaria want to stay with Eleonora. She want to be Eleonora's side. She want to be with Eleonora forever. On Eleonora's side whenever she want. She don't want it as friend, she want to be her wife and became family. Not friend, not mother figure too.

She can't help but has her cheeks slightly pink when thinking of that. But she recover it fast as she cough and said something.

"Alright dear, how about we end this discussion for today. I believe Eleonora-sama was tired and want to rest. Since it's seem Eleonora-sama want to stay in here for a while, I think any other matters can be discussed later. Isn't that right?"

Eliheid couldn't help but nodded at his wife's statement. He's agreed about what she said.

"Indeed it is. We are sorry to bother you, Eleonora-dono."

Seeing that, Eleonora just waves her hands.

"It's okay, Eliheid-sama, Luluaria-sama. But what Luluaria-sama is right, since I will stay in here for a while, I think we can take things a bit slow. I also want to enjoy anything that this world give to me later."

"In that case, you can also stay in here, the Royal Palace as much was you want—so don't worry about it, Eleonora-dono."

Eleonora nodded and smiled at him.

"Thank you very much, Eliheid-sama. I'm grateful for your generosity to allows me stay at here."