It's still a gloomy place.

"Well, they're vampires, so what can you do?

Lila and I were on our way to Wawerk's workshop (that's what he said in his letter) for the holidays.

The letter we received from Wawerk the other day acknowledged the completion of the collar.

Lila didn't mind at all, but I wasn't sure if I should seal it up again.

There may be people who will come to rely on your power.

I don't care. I'm sure they're looking for the sign of the Demon Lord. A powerful force is a source of conflict. If you can contain it, it is better to do so.

It was a fair point.

The pathway used by Dee and Roger ...... we took the route from the lake, but apparently there is an overland route, which we followed today.

I'm sure you've heard of it, but I've never heard of it. I am no match for you, mistress. If there's anything you need, I'll be right there .......

I don't have that much time on my hands, and I don't give a damn what happens to the demon world.

But that's not the case with Lila.

It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're doing.

That's fine. It is not for you to worry about, nor for your mistress, who will lose her power again.

Lila was optimistic that she would do well.

They continued down the passageway and arrived at Wawerk's workshop.

"Hello. Roland. Hello, Roland. ...... and the Demon Lord, too?

It's been a while since I've seen you like this, Wawerk. Anyway, it's been a while.

It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

It's not that I don't like it, but it's not that I don't like it.

I'm not going to lie down. I'm not your man, you know.

I know that. I understand, and I am grateful to you for remaking my collar. I am grateful.

"......

Wawerk's expression clouded over as if he was unconvinced.

I'm not sure what to say. It's a little bit different from the Demon Lord I know,....... It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

You can think of her as just a dominant woman who wants to wear a collar.

I see. ......

"Not really!

Laila clammed up.

I'm not sure what to do, but I'm sure you'll do fine.

It's true.

"Ugh.

Wawerk giggled.

The absolute Demon Lord becomes a maiden in front of the man she loves.

"Ugh.

I'm not sure what to say.

I don't know anymore! She tossed her skirt and began to wander around the workshop.

I guess she was curious to begin with.

I don't think so," said Wawerk with a chuckle.

I never thought it was love that killed the Demon Lord, not hate or justice. I like the irony of it.

Don't tell anyone about Lila.

I know. I don't want you to hate me, either.

What do you mean?

Your arm. It's a shame to have one arm when you're capable of defeating a demon lord.

I told you. I told you, I'm good enough for my current job.

I'm not sure what to make of it.

I like the collar as a kind of accessory.

The appeal seemed strange to Wawerk.

You're a cute guy, aren't you? Are you always like that?

When it comes to this matter, it's always that way. He has his own reasons for sealing it, and he likes it as an ornament.

The Demon Lord has somehow become a maiden in love with ....... You're a scary person, aren't you?

I'm not sure what to do with it. But he doesn't use his power often.

That's not what I meant. I don't mean that. Force alone won't do that, will it?

Well, that's okay, said Wawerk, changing the subject.

The reason why I am researching amplifying the power of demons and changing ...... their form to the point of evolution is because I thought it would be a shame to end my life as an individual without knowing the power that I should have.

That seems to be the language of magic.

The armored turtle and the spiny lizard are the result of years of research into the mechanisms of amplification, suppression and control of magical power.

You can say that about you, too. Roland.

It's a shame that I've lost my true power.

Yes.

"It was too much power for a guild employee. One arm is more than enough.

"That's the premise, isn't it?

I felt as if someone had seen through the depths of my heart, and I was shocked.

It's a lie that a person who has been training for power is no longer interested in power, whether it was to defeat the Demon Lord or not at all.

Why do you think that is?

Because I'm a man. I'm a man, I want to be strong, that's my nature.

"Too much power is a recipe for conflict.

I used a line from Lila.

I used a line from Lila: "Oh well. ......

If Lila is going to shut down her own power, then I don't need one arm.

We don't need our powers anymore.

I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure you'll think about it, Wawerk said, handing me the finished collar.

It's just as useful as the last one. I checked why it was broken, and it seems that the main cause was the physical deterioration of the collar. Well, it was 200 years ago when I made it. It was also a study. However, in order to prevent this from happening this time, two additional techniques were incorporated to prevent deterioration over time and to prevent damage from external factors such as magic and physics.

He observed the new collar, but could not tell any difference from the previous one.

I could tell the part about the new ...... leather product, though.

It won't come off, it won't deteriorate, it won't break.

That's what it means.

I put the collar in my pocket and shook hands with Wawerk.

I thanked him.

You're the hero who defeated the Demon Lord and fed the demons. You are the one who wants to wear the collar again because you are there for me. --Oh, if you still want to thank me, let me examine your body.

"Body? I don't mind.

You don't mind?

I'm not sure what to say, but I'm sure you'll understand.

I'm sorry. Can we do it next time? She was bored with the workshop tour.

"Too bad. Too bad, come back sometime.

After saying our goodbyes, Lila and I left the workshop.

"Here's your new collar.

"Here. Here.

When I handed it to her, she began to touch and observe it.

When I explained the differences, he didn't seem too interested.

The point is, you're more powerful than last time.

Yeah. ...... Lila, the time to put the collar on doesn't have to be now. You can put the collar on now or whenever you think it's necessary.

Hmm.

I'm not sure what to do with it. If there was such a person, the current you would know in advance.

That's true, too.

And then there are the times when I really want to be a cat.

Cats are very convenient. If you want to go somewhere, all you have to do is hide in your bag. It's easy for you to take them with you, isn't it?

"It has that advantage.

Before I knew it, Lila was holding my hand, but I let her.

I'm happy for her.

What do you mean?

What? - That you are thinking of me and advising me on the collar.

Are you happy about that?

Lila nodded twice in silence.

I'm not sure if you've heard of this, but I'm sure you have.

I greeted her with my lips, which were just slightly pouting.

The small sound echoed well in the aisle.

As if nothing had happened, Lila turned her head forward, her hands still clasped. But the profile of her face was still relaxed with a grin.