Demon Sword Maiden

Volume 12 - Yomi-no-kuni: Chapter 120 – Then What Should We Do With Her?

Although Shiro, Kansaku, the bald man, and Saya sat atop the tiger demon’s back, they would have preferred stripping off their shirts, strapping bundles of hay to their backs, and running behind instead. Anything was better than riding this monstrous beast.

They were perched atop an Empyrean. How could they not feel uneasy when their weakness was so painfully obvious? If the tiger demon were to go berserk, Lily might be able to subdue him effortlessly, but they? Even if they weren’t his target, a mere aftershock of his power could kill them instantly. And beyond their fear, another weight pressed on their hearts—shame.

“Goddess Lynne!” Shiro pulled the others down with him, prostrating themselves near the beast’s neck. Kneeling, they bowed their heads low toward Lily, who stood at the crown of its head like a sovereign above all.

“We were blind… ignorant beyond measure. We have offended you time and time again, Goddess Lynne, Lady Ayaka. Please, grant us your forgiveness!”

“That’s enough,” Lily said, her voice steady, almost indifferent. “There’s no need to dwell on past offenses, nor do you need to kneel before me. I simply possess a bit more strength than you. Strength may rule this world, but remember this—do not cast away your dignity simply because you are weak.” Her gaze, serene as still water, rested upon them.

“Thank you for your wisdom, Goddess Lynne!”

Cold sweat beaded on the bald man’s forehead. He could hardly breathe at the thought—if his big brother had gone through with that reckless plan to kill Lynne back then, they would have perished a thousand, no, a million times over.

“Goddess Lynne, here—these are the two Blood Spirit Magatama you gave us earlier, along with all the wealth we have accumulated from years of adventuring,” Shiro said, bowing deeply as he extended both hands, five Blood Spirit Magatama resting in his palms. “We dare not accept your generosity, Goddess. Please, take them back. Let the rest serve as a humble token of our respect.”

“Forget it,” Lily said, waving a hand dismissively. “I gave them to you—they’re yours now.”

For them, five Blood Spirit Magatama were treasures worth risking their very lives for. Yet to her, they were insignificant. This realization only deepened their awe and reverence.

‘We thought ourselves clever for managing to extort two Blood Spirit Magatama from her… but to her, they were nothing from the start!’ Shiro sighed internally, overwhelmed by the vast difference between their worlds.

At that moment, Saya’s eyes lingered on Lily’s back, her expression unreadable.

Saya was nothing more than an ordinary kunoichi, a woman forced to wander Yomi, relying on the strong to survive. Truthfully, she had never liked these men—but she had no choice. Alone, she wouldn’t last long in this treacherous world

1.

But the woman before her—she was different. Incredibly powerful, able to summon a divine hound with a mere flick of her hand, a creature that had effortlessly trampled an Empyrean beast. And yet, despite her overwhelming strength, she was kind… especially toward women. If Saya served her instead, wouldn’t her fate be far better than wasting away alongside these pathetic men?

Slowly, new plans for her future began to take shape in her mind.

A deafening rumble echoed across Mount Tenko as the horde of beasts stormed forward. Who in their right mind would dare stand in their way?

“Big Brother Shiro, we’ve roamed Mount Tenko for years, crossed it more times than I can count, but nothing compares to today!” Kansaku said, his voice laced with excitement. Seated atop the Empyrean beast’s back, he was gradually growing accustomed to the surreal experience. Gazing at the countless beasts swarming around them, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride.

“Quiet,” Saya snapped, irritation flashing in her eyes. “Do you think we achieved this on our own? It’s all thanks to Goddess Lynne. So what exactly are you so smug about?” As the journey continued, she found herself growing more and more discontent with her male companions

2.

By now, they had no grounds to argue—even if Saya openly disrespected them, they could only bite their tongues in silence.

With the mighty horde escorting them, it took just over two days to finally emerge from Mount Tenko’s treacherous domain. As they reached the outskirts of the mountain range, Lily raised a hand, bringing the horde to a halt. It was time to part ways.