"Bwahaha! Comrade! How do you feel after working up a sweat! Isn't it incredibly refreshing!"

I glared at the Berserker, who was laughing boisterously.

It was true that my mind felt unburdened after fighting like I was just enjoying a game for the first time in a while, but...

"... Are you really laughing right now?"

Facing the Archmage, whose blood pressure had skyrocketed so much that she looked somewhat drained, the conscience I had tossed aside while having fun started working again.

I stealthily averted my eyes to avoid her gaze. Even for my incredibly shameless 'concept', this was a bit too much.

"Wow. You guys really smashed it thoroughly..."

Because... due to the fight between the two of us, the bridge connecting the Magic Tower and the village, the bridge over the lake, was almost completely destroyed.

From the railings to the pillars to the footholds, it had been reduced to a state where not a single corner was left intact.

Some sections were even so broken that they had submerged and snapped off. The only fortunate thing was that the Magic Tower's main building suffered no damage.

I had put a lot of effort into making sure no damage reached that side in the first place, but anyway.

"The Temple even sent people in the meantime. Hmm! Well, it'd be hard not to dispatch anyone after seeing that uproar!"

Thanks to that, this place was completely bustling with people, not just from the Magic Tower, but also the city guard, adventurers sent by the Adventurer's Guild to assess the situation, and even priests who had rushed out in case of an emergency.

And all of them were currently staring at me and the Berserker, who were sitting in the corner.

For the record, I didn't know why they were only staring either. Was it because they were scared? Seeing them bickering and saying 'You go,' 'No, you go,' that seemed to be the case.

"... I can already guess the reason, but I'll ask anyway. Why did you fight?"

Because of that, the first person to approach us was the Archmage. Having crossed over by boat, she stared at us with eyes that had reached nirvana and asked.

However, if I had any shame, I shouldn't say it was because that guy picked a fight first. Not only did I not consider it picking a fight, but even if it truly was, the fact that I deliberately humored him didn't erase my guilt.

Even if it wasn't what I wanted, I couldn't deny that I got engrossed in the fight and caused this mess either.

"The Berserker wanted to fight right now! So we fought!"

However, unlike me, who stayed silent for those reasons—this was also my true self speaking, not my concept—the Berserker shouted proudly.

He was so proud that anyone looking might think we were completely innocent.

"Sir Fighter..."

"I don't think that's something you should be bragging about..."

But of course, that couldn't be the case.

I tried hard to ignore Kimchi Dumpling and Meat Dumpling, who had rushed over belatedly to stop us, but had to watch the fight helplessly because the bridge was cut off. I avoided Akata's gaze even more.

I felt like I had been caught being an immature adult—no, I was actually caught, which made it worse—and it was incredibly embarrassing.

B-But if I break character, my life is on the line, right? So I had no choice but to play along, right? Sure, I enjoyed it too, but I also tried my best to minimize the damage!

Shouldn't there be some room for extenuating circumstances?

"Demon Knight, what about you?"

Right, there probably isn't any. No matter if it's a concept, there's no way an accident of this scale would be acceptable. Aaaagh.

"Are you not going to speak?"

I glanced at the Archmage, who was questioning me. Naturally, even if I had a hundred mouths, I had nothing to say.

"Demon Knight."

... S-Still, I do feel a little wronged.

I really didn't know it would turn out like this.

The moment the Berserker smashed the railing by kicking it, I sensed something was wrong and tried to move.

The Berserker was just so skilled at fighting that I failed to pull away, but as a last resort, I even threw myself into the lake!

I voluntarily jumped into the lake to avoid causing damage to others! I even volunteered to be a punching bag when it seemed like people might get caught up in it!

Above all, the one who actually broke the bridge was the Berserker! I really didn't break much!

"Demon Knight!"

... But, yes. Right. Since I was the one fighting that Berserker, I hold responsibility too... It wasn't even like I didn't find the fight fun, either.

Damn it! If I knew this would happen, I wouldn't have tolerated him breaking away...!

"... How much is it."

"...?"

"I will compensate you."

The problem was that my concept did not admit fault.

It wasn't a crappy mindset that money solves everything, but would this character ever meekly admit fault, if only out of pride?

Furthermore, considering the past of the concept I had set up, he'd rarely have reason to admit fault, and thus, it was highly likely he never learned how to apologize.

Right, in a life spent entirely hunting demons, how often would he cause an accident like this? Even if he did, they would have been minor, and he surely would have glossed over most of them with threats or compensation.

Therefore, showing remorse was out of the question.

That would be breaking character.

"Do you think... I'm doing this right now because of compensation? Compensation is naturally a procedure that must be followed, but in this world, there is one thing that must take precedence over that."

But, but it's still agonizing! My conscience hurts! My conscience is hurting!

I screamed internally at the Archmage's quietly pouring words.

Of course, could I possibly not know? Don't I know that an apology comes before compensation?

In truth, I really, really want to atone too!

"Demon Knight."

But what can I do when the concept is so stubborn! I know what you guys will do to me if I break character, so what am I supposed to do here!

Crying helplessly inside, I kept my mouth tightly shut. It was maddeningly unfair that I was being kept from apologizing when I wanted to, but I had no choice.

It was the concept I chose, and therefore, the guilt I had to bear. I had to endure it through sheer grit and spite.

My eyes grew warm from the sheer unfairness.

"What is the problem? The Berserker will compensate too! The Berserker has money!"

Meanwhile, the Berserker shouted vigorously. Upon hearing his words, the Archmage's expression began to shift through various angles in an instant.

From someone hearing nonsense, to someone who had seemingly realized a bizarre truth.

"... That's not it. In times like this... In times like this, before discussing compensation, you must seek forgiveness first. That is the proper way."

Whatever she had realized in that brief moment, the Archmage spoke in a slightly softer voice.

It seemed she had realized our personalities were worse than those of three-year-olds.

"Isn't an apology given through compensation?"

"Compensation is not always solely material. There are moments when you can atone with heartfelt words. Of course, since the scale is so large in this case, you will have to make financial restitution as well."

"Is that so... Then again, Unnie also said that if I do something wrong, I have to apologize first."

After the Archmage's coaxing and soothing, the Berserker stopped scratching his head and stood up. Because the water hadn't fully dried yet, a few water droplets splattered.

"Alright! I will apologize!"

"Good. Then head over to the city guard for now. Answer everything they ask."

"Understood!"

It was the moment the comrade who would share my guilt disappeared. I was now left all alone.

"Demon Knight."

Now, do I say I was wrong? Do I??

But, but if I reflect on my actions, won't they call me out for breaking character? Won't they get suspicious because I listened too meekly?

My eyes spun dizzily at Schrödinger's App-ology.

If I open this App-ology, there may or may not be destruction due to breaking character. A cat in my brain pointed to an Apple and muttered those words.

"Um, Boss."

Just then, DeB sneaked closer and handed the Archmage a note. The material didn't let the writing shine through, so I didn't know what was written on it.

I could only confirm that the Archmage's expression hardened stiffly.

"... For now, I'll let this slide. However, when the city guard comes to ask about the situation later, I hope you will cooperate properly."

W-What. What did he show her to make the Archmage back down? Did some incident break out?

I lightly bit my lip as I watched her turn around and disappear into the crowd.

I want to show remorse but can't, and I have no idea how the situation is unfolding.

It's miserable.

"... Is this true?"

Meanwhile, the Archmage checked the authenticity of the note's contents. Dark green eyes gave a slight nod.

"I see."

Family. Family, is it.

He had been reminiscing about his family, then. The Berserker interrupted that. And that turned into a fight...

"I'm not entirely sure. But unless it was a relationship like that, there's no way Sir Knight would draw them..."

"That makes sense."

There was no need to ponder deeply over why he suddenly thought of his family.

He might have seen his own loss of family overlapping with Akata's, and family is something that wouldn't be strange to think about at any given moment anyway.

However, however, yes.

["Kill! As someone who has already murdered his own flesh and blood, shedding the blood of children won't change anything!"]

Having heard those words, how could she reprimand him further here? Although the Demon Knight hadn't done a good thing, how could she scold someone who missed his family despite confessing to having killed his own flesh and blood.

How could she.

"For now, keep an eye on the Demon Knight. I doubt he'll cause any more trouble there, but just in case."

"Yep."

The Archmage sent the young man back, hiding her troubled heart. Because if it was that perceptive person, he would be able to observe the Demon Knight without provoking his temper.

"Did you finish talking?"

Instead, she headed toward White Wind. White Wind was the number one person she needed to converse with to handle the aftermath.

"... First, I will apologize on his behalf. I will also pay for the compensation in his stead."

"Why? Even if you're in the same party, there's no reason for you to handle this much, is there? It's not like the Demon Knight lacks money."

"... Right. There's certainly no reason for me to handle it. He could probably pay the repair costs himself."

But, but...

The Archmage glanced out of the corner of her eye at the person who had slightly reddened his eyes when pressed to reflect. She recalled the face that had acted like a hurt boy at the mere command to apologize, despite possessing the martial prowess to shatter a bridge to pieces.

Honestly. Seen without her tinted glasses, he was so very young and incomplete.

"However, isn't it an adult's duty to take responsibility and protect a child."

His body is fully grown, so how is his mind so terribly young.

However, putting together the remarks and actions he had slipped, there was bound to be a reason for it, making it even more pitiable.

The Archmage could no longer bring herself to be angry at the Demon Knight.

"... A child?"

"I didn't say it expecting you to understand, so ignore it."

"No, well. He does look young... but isn't he too strong for a child?"

"Physical strength and mental strength are separate things. You know that too."

"Well... that's true."

With a high probability of having lost his family in his childhood, and the strong likelihood of having killed his family while encroached by a demon, how could she get angry.

His past was far too heavy for her to click her tongue and call him an immature adult for his age.

"Even so, I'm not so sure if you have to clean up every single mess for a fully grown man..."

"It's not like I plan to do that for everyone. It's just for him."

"Is that so. Well, alright. It's none of my business, and we just need to get compensated anyway. But those people will be different. You know?"

"Don't worry. I'll take care of the excuses and apologies myself."

"I'm sure you will do well."

Of course, that didn't mean she would just let this incident slide.

Understanding that he grew up lacking and didn't even know how to apologize was a separate matter from overlooking it, was it not.

If she had realized that fact, she shouldn't just gloss over it, but rather fill that void. That was the duty of a human, and of someone who had lived a little longer.

"Um, Archmage. The Demon Knight is..."

"Ah, Inquisitor. Do not worry. The... kind of thing you're thinking of will not happen."

"W-Well, even if he is the Demon Knight, shouldn't he be arrested for this incident?"

"That is not the case. Unless the Magic Tower, the victim, requests a severe punishment, it is highly likely to end with a fine."

"If by chance this is because I am the Hero, that is an abuse of power..."

"Ah, it is absolutely nothing like that, so please do not worry."

Naturally, she didn't think it would be easy. Even just the social education of the Hero right now was incredibly difficult.

But she couldn't give up just because the difficulty was high. The Archmage gradually planned out a schedule for the Demon Knight's socialization education in a corner of her mind.

Until now, she had neglected it, thinking it was just because his personality was rotten, but now that she knew the reason, she could no longer leave him be.

"... A chill."

"Yes? Boss, what did you say?"

"It is nothing."

However, the fact that someone broke out in a cold sweat, feeling an ominousness akin to a chill because of this, was unfortunately a story that would never reach the Archmage.

I trembled slightly at the sudden ominous feeling that struck me. There were too many things I could guess this originated from, so I had nothing to say.

"Boss, you really don't look well—."

"I said, it's nothing."

No... this is just a product of my guilt...

Keeping my mouth tightly shut, I curled my body. Of course, I absolutely didn't squat down pitiably. I couldn't lose any more face than this.

【Um...】

Just then, Akata stealthily approached. In the young girl's hand was the exact same thread bracelet I had received earlier.

【I made two just in case...】

Uh, that. Is she giving it to me again? Or did she think I lost it earlier?

I looked at the bracelet being handed to me with mixed feelings. Since I had shaken off a lot of my emotions during the process of exchanging blows at the lake, I didn't unnecessarily choke up.

It's just, my feelings were a bit complicated. It was a similar vein to earlier. The density of the emotion was just much thinner.

"... Kid."

Still, thanks to that, I could accept the thread bracelet with a calm demeanor.

What, I already have one in my inventory? But I don't know whether the reason she's giving it again is due to a misunderstanding that I lost it or not.

And even if it was a misunderstanding... pulling it out and showing it while saying 'I didn't lose it and I'm keeping it safe!' right now was a bit. A bit awkward.

"..."

I called out to the child, then just placed the thread bracelet safely in my bag... or I tried to. If the child hadn't made a slightly hurt face, I would have.

This, no matter how I think about it, this is the cue to put it on right now, right?

But wouldn't wearing it immediately be breaking character? Before that, how do you even put on a bracelet with one hand?

I kept holding it in my hand, unable to bring myself to put it in my bag or wear it. Then, the child sneaked closer and reached out her hand. It seemed she intended to fasten it herself.

The thread bracelet was fastened around my left wrist. It reminded me of the moment my neck was tied, making me somewhat reluctant, but it was still bearable since it was my hand.

Though I couldn't bring myself to open my mouth in this situation.

A hellish silence descended between me, the child, and DeB, who had inadvertently gotten caught in the middle.

"Um..."

At that moment, someone who looked like a city guard member approached. This must have been what the Archmage meant when she told me to cooperate earlier, which was a very welcome event for me.

Now, hurry up and save me from this awkwardness! If you demand reflection, I'll just listen, so let me get out of here quickly!

"Listening to the circumstances is almost finished, but there's still something we need you to speak about..."

Heck yeah!!

I stood up from my seat, listening to the words of the trembling city guard member. Since my concept wasn't one to welcome this situation itself, I naturally adjusted my expression.

Was it because of that. The city guard member, who already looked like he was going to die, looked even worse, but whatever. My expression is just like this, I'm not actually going to eat him, so I think it'll be fine.

【Uh...】

"You're not following him. Stay here with me."

【Ah.】

Like that, I was dragged to the interrogation room along with the city guard member.

Fortunately, the scale was just large, but it was dismissed as a squabble between youths, and because the Magic Tower's track record was so poor, the residents calmly brushed it off as 'the Magic Tower being the Magic Tower again,' meaning there were no civilian casualties, so it didn't lead to a major punishment.

The matter was settled by covering the full cost of the reparations, paying compensation to those swept up in it, and additionally paying a fine.

It was a very fortunate thing.