I Favor the Villainess

"I'm sorry to call you."

The elderly man worked so hard on our visit while preparing tea.

"No, Dr. Tridd. I apologize for the delay in greeting us."

The day after Dollar told me to stay away from politics and diplomacy, Claire and I were called by Dr. Tridd.

He had joined the Empire in the face of the summit, including His Majesty Sein.

Trid-Magic.

He is also an excellent magician, making it a rare Tricaster in the world.

Originally a researcher in the Empire's magic technology department, he touched on the taboo of magic after a study that was out of the way of people.

He is now Dean of Bauer's Royal College.

That's why he came all the way to the Empire.

"Really... did you open that box..."

Dr. Tridd said with a painful look and a feeling of giving up somewhere.

In the process of forming a Fusion faction with Filine, we were asked to open a box of contraindications left by the teacher as we captured the magical technology division, including Hilda.

I have heard that the taboo box is a collection of magical achievements, that Dr. Tridd arrived after a study that fell off the path of man.

He warned us not to touch it, but we eventually opened the box.

"I apologize for that. Even though it was necessary, it turned out to be against the teacher's will."

"... that's right. But it may be the trend of the times. People's exploratory minds don't know the limits. Someday someone will have reached it."

Teacher Tridd laughed lightly, just like I used to.

"I came back to the Empire this time to clean up. I don't think the Empire will be happy to welcome me now, but that research is too dangerous. We have to warn them."

"Warning?"

"Speaking of which, the teacher said in the letter. What about surveillance?"

It was written in our reply when we asked the teacher how to open the box.

"I'm not going to go into detail. If we talk, we'll get you into trouble."

"Can't you do something about it? We need strength."

"... Miss Claire, you're strong enough. As far as magic is concerned, you and Dr. Ray will be the world's leading wizards."

Dr. Todd thinks of Claire and me as colleagues at the academy and calls them teachers.

"But the demons are more than that. Claire and I both had boiled water many times."

Indeed, Claire and I are quite strong among humans.

But the three great demons go on top of it.

In spite of the exhausted Aristotle and Plato battles, the latte was in perfect condition and could not be challenged.

Had it not been for Dorothea, we would have all been destroyed.

It's not good as it is.

"We don't want power without darkness. I can't stay like this to protect my loved ones... May and the rare ones."

"Please, Dr. Tridd. Can you tell me if you know how to get stronger? Even if we touch the taboos of this world, we need strength."

……

Dr. Tridd thought a little bit about our plea.

And after a few minutes of silence,

"Have you ever thought about magic in the first place?

"... eh?

The teacher who opened his mouth asked such a question.

I don't care what magic is.

"Isn't it a magic trick that uses magic to create a mystery by reacting to magic stones...?

"An exemplary answer, Dr. Claire. So, what is magic, Dr. Ray?

"Um... I wonder if the power that each person has according to their magical aptitude..."

"That's right."

My answer seemed correct, and Dr. Todd nodded.

"Now, where does that power come from, stepping even further?

"From where? Isn't it in people?

"It's not a mistake, but it's not enough. There are even more stages in the human body."

"What exactly is that...?

When I asked, Dr. Tridd hardened his expression.

"Knowledge from here is taboo. You will be watched by the church."

"Church or surveillance?

Why does the Spirit Church come out here?

And surveillance?

"There are secrets in this world. I don't know everything, but I think I've touched one end of it. As a result, I am under constant church surveillance. I'm probably still doing this."

I'm not sure what Dr. Tridd is saying.

I don't know, but...

"I don't mind. If that gives you the power to protect May and Area."

"I feel the same way."

Claire and I are ready.

I don't hesitate to take some risks if I can protect someone I care about.

"... when I look at you, I remember my daughter."

"Did you say that you were sacrificed in research...?

"Ray!"

Claire was embarrassed by my inadvertent remark, but it was too late.

"Did you know? Yes, my real daughter, who I sacrificed. Nor did he stop pursuing the truth. Because I believed that there were many happiness ahead."

Dr. Todd saw us with his eyes on something painful.

You must be watching your daughter over us.

"... I still can't teach you. You will surely follow the same path as your daughter. I don't want any more casualties."

Oh, no!

"Dr. Tridd, please!

"I'm sorry, this is the end of the story."

That said, when the teacher tried to finish, the knock sounded.

"Who are you?"

What did anyone in the teacher say to you?

"My name is Lily Lillium. May I have a word with you?"

It looked like Lily.

I simply wondered why she was visiting Dr. Tridd.

Claire looks the same.

But Dr. Tridd's reaction was dramatic.

"Let me, Spirit Church......!

Her face is pale and her forehead is sweaty.

What was on his face was an unrivalled sense of crisis and vigilance.

"What is the Spirit Church for?

"Um, for now, could you please let me in?

"First things first!

"Really... Um, well... Ray-san and Claire want to come over here..."

Dr. Tridd took control of me, who tried to respond reflectively.

"You're not here, are you mistaken?

"No, I know you need it. I need to talk to you about the two of you - just open the door."

The last cold and strong tone differed from some of Lily's usual cursing habits.

"Kh... Dr. Ray, Dr. Claire, it seems it's too late."

"Well, what do you mean?

Neither Claire nor I can hide the upset.

What the hell is going on?

Teacher Tridd opened the room with such reluctance.

"Hello, Ray, Claire."

It was definitely Lily who came into the room.

But I felt something uncomfortable about it.

"Mr. Tridd has a bad life, too. You're under constant surveillance, so it's more useless than this."

"Please, don't touch these two!

Dr. Tridd begged.

"Oh no, then it's like I'm a villain. Instead, I'm here to help you two.

By contrast, Lily smiled cold.

The discomfort gets stronger in me.

"You're not... Lily, are you?

Claire said with her magic wand on.

"That's Claire, sharp. Yeah, but it's a little late for that now. When this is over, I'll let her go."

"No way... Saras!?

I was wondering if you were under the magic of the implication.

"No... I'm not such a dwarf. She's an apostle."

In Dr. Tridd's words, Lily - no, the Apostle laughed a little.