The four heroes were granted an audience with Iris. She allowed them to tell their side of the story.

“I see. Edelweiss-sama also mentioned something similar to your story. So you really were sent here without receiving the full image of the painting. Is my understanding of it correct?” (Iris)

“Yes.” (Ichiro)

“………I understand your situation. And so, having come all the way here, and having spoken of your circumstances, what do you want me to do? You four are still heroes, and our natural enemies. And yet, you say you also don’t want to shed innocent blood? As ruler, what should I do with you?” (Iris)

“……………….”

“Did you not think that it would be natural for me to have you killed?” (Iris)

“We were lectured by Edelweiss-sama, and finally realized that we were wrong. But, that’s exactly why we can’t just stay motionless forever. If we did that, then I feel that, in itself, would be wrong. Your Majesty… our ignorance is not an excuse but… we sincerely wish for peace. I believe that’s the main role a hero must fulfill. Not to slaughter the enemy. But achieve peace with minimal casualties.” (Misaki)

As she concentrated on Misaki’s words, Iris silently closed her eyes. She herself no longer felt that they were a danger.

However, she also has to take the hearts of the mazoku into consideration. It was to the point where she couldn’t just believe in people so early on. It’d be a simple matter if she believed them, and then went soft with the heroes’ treatment. However, if she did that, the surrounding people would undoubtedly oppose her decision.

She had heard from Equinox that they had not hurt any of the mazoku, but even so, the position of a ‘hero’ was big. Even if they came while lowering their heads, Iris felt that it would be wrong after all to not give them any punishment at all.

“………I understand what you wanted to say. I have received your sincerity. However, you four have still not completely grasped your own positions.” (Iris)

Hearing Iris’s words, Ichiro’s body faintly trembled. For the so-called leader of the hero party, he was the most scared. The girls had more backbone than him. 

“Surely you didn’t think that you’d be released without any punishment at all?” (Iris)

“……yes.” (Kasumi)

Although she answered feebly, that was all she could say.

“However, I won’t needlessly take your lives.” (Iris)

Hearing those words, the oppressive mood relaxed a little. 

“Starting today, I will have the four of you live under our surveillance for a short while. Don’t worry, we won’t throw you into a jail cell.  However, your standing will be about the same as a prisoner of war. You may find it a bit small, but I’ll give you a single room with two beds to live in. Are there any objections?” (Iris)

“……..no.” (Amane)

They couldn’t possibly have any. And even if they did, there’s no way they could say them. They were in a position where they had been partly resigned to living in a cell, but they couldn’t possibly have thought that they would be given a room.

“Once I will deem you trustworthy, we can begin negotiating on the correct course of establishing peace.

Take them to the guest room in Tower B.” (Iris)

As Iris said that, the soldiers approached them in response. Following that, the four of them headed over to Tower B together.

------

“Mou!! I’m quite exhausted now. It really is hard to maintain a dignified pose as a ruler. But I guess Edelweiss was right. Standing straight is better. But it sure is not that comfortable. Hey, Valefor, do you think we can make some adjustments to this throne?”

“You are our ruler, my lady. You have the authority to make any changes you want. But leaving that aside, was that really the correct choice?”

“I will slowly introduce the heroes in our lifestyle. For now they will be kept under lock and key, but steadily I will give them more and more freedom if they are trustworthy. I need them to see that we are no different to humans. And I also need the mazoku to view them in a different light. 

When the castle staff will eventually get used to them… I think we will be able to use them as goodwill ambassadors.”

“I doubt the humans will stay silent for too long if they notice their absence and hear no news from them.”

“One step at a time, Valefor. We'll deal with thoughts like those at a later time. To be honest, I’m too tired now.”

“Very well. I shall announce the maids to prepare your bath. Also, Your Majesty, I haven’t seen the Winter Fox since 2 days ago.”

“Ah. That’s because Edel-chan has already departed.”

“I see. She has already…. WHAAAT!?”

Valefor’s calm demeanor easily broke once more.

“Well I believe her words were ‘hey, Maou, give me some of those potions you mentioned and point me in the direction I have to go. I want to get this ass kicking over as soon as possible so I can indulge in some local food. Oh and please babysit my idiot girls while I’m out. I’ll be tackling this solo’ - end of quote.”

“Does that woman have no common sense!?”

“Well, I kinda went with her request and sent her off to the northern border where the Demon King of Madness has his troops stationed.”

“You sent her off alone? That’s suicide! No more than that, our own subjects might attack her.”

“Umm… I asked Scylla to go with her and show her the way to avoid such a scenario.”

Scylla was another member of the six blades along with Valefor and Equinox. And the only female member, to be more precise.

“My head… hurts when I hear such nonsense. I hope you know what you’re doing, Your Majesty.”

“Mhm. I trust her. So let’s see what she really is capable of.”

One thing Iris did not mention was that Edelweiss and Scylla both dashed on foot. Scylla was known for possessing the highest speed amongst the mazoku, so Edelweiss thought it would be just faster going by foot. Iris thought that if she were to mention this, Valefor would faint. It seems like he is a really bad match at dealing with someone like the Winter Fox.

As her bath was being prepared, Iris took one more look outside the castle window.

“Please be safe, Edel-chan. You’re truly an amusing person and I really want to get to know you better. So please return to me, okay?”