“Thanks for keeping me company tonight.” I smiled at the woman.

As we both sat on her bed, my previously heavy heart was finally at rest.

A new sense of clarity came over me, and the resolve to further my ideals manifested intensely.

“Thank you too. I never thought I would say this, but… it feels good to share stuff like this with you.”

‘Of course, knowing her personality, she won’t openly admit that we’re friends now.’

Still, I knew Serah finally saw me as a trusted ally and comrade.

“You should also settle things with Maria while you’re at it. It’s not fair to keep a girl waiting.” She smiled.

“I will.”

Not just Maria, but also Freya, Ana, and any other girl who came my way.

‘Magic is my only passion!’

“Also, don’t feel bad about losing to me. You were very strong. To be honest, if you just had more skill… I’d never stand a chance.”

Serah sighed and gave a bitter smile.

“Neron said the same thing. But, I can’t help it. Overly complicated Spells are a bore to me, and even though I practiced Martial Arts, it’s just easier to move freely and attack.”

I understood her logic. However, just as I helped Neron advance in power, I also desired growth for the lady beside me.

“Why don’t I help you with it? Getting stronger.”

“Really? You can?”

“Of course.”

I didn’t know why, but I had positive feelings toward Serah. Something about her and Neron resonated with me.

“After this war is over… I promise you.”

If everything went well, I would be able to finally put one of the most dangerous Arcanas to good use.

“I can guarantee that you’ll truly become Invincible. When that time comes… let us fight once again.”

Serah’s smile grew broader and her cheeks flushed a bit.

“Very well, Jared. I’ll look forward to that.”

And so, we brought our meeting to a close. I returned to my room, and Serah remained in hers.

That night, I slept better than I had in over a century.

********************

At dawn, as Gerard had commanded, every member of the Beastfolk Community was awake.

They all gathered and waited for their King to address them.

Gerard, the Beast King, stood atop his mighty hill and looked upon his people.

A certain emotion swirled about his heart. it was resolve.

Behind him were his children, spouses, and delegates from the Allied Nations. One boy, in particular, stood out.

His smile caused Gerard to wonder if he knew what was about to happen.

‘He most likely does…’ The Beast King said to himself.

The previous night, he had been very upset with the human. However, after he thought about it, he had no just cause for such emotion.

Jared had granted him and his family a brighter path to walk, and he had every right to demand their subservience.

Once Gerard realized this, rather than feeling animosity, gratitude permeated his heart.

He was certain his kin also felt the same.

One glance at Asa’s smile told him that he made the right choice.

And now, it was finally time for his entire nation to know the truth.

“We will be going to war with the Demon Race.” Gerard began without mincing words.

The silence among the people remained. When an absolute being was talking, the weaker ones could only be quiet.

“We will also be allied with the Eastern Kingdom, as well as the other Kingdoms in a united front against the Demons, and all other adversaries that may arise after their threat is extinguished.”

Even in silence, the people’s apprehension could be felt.

Beastfolk were violent, but not needlessly reckless.

They weren’t killing machines, but living beings who needed reasons for their actions.

“The reason I have conceded to this Alliance is that I—as your King—lost to not just one, but two of their delegates.”

At this point, surprised gasps leaked out from the people.

“The first match was fair, and the second was even to my advantage. Still, I lost. The reason is because I’m weaker.”

No one could imagine the Beast King losing against humans, yet here he was, openly admitting it.

“But, I assure you… other than my defeat, there is another reason why I have decided to forever be allied to the Eastern Kingdom—no, rather, to one individual.” Gerard’s eyes turned in the direction of the smiling human.

“I have an announcement to make, everyone.”

What other announcement could be more important than the declaration of war? The Beastfolk could not imagine any, but the voice of their King rose to an unprecedented degree.

Clearly, he wanted to utter something of even greater pertinence.

“The Beast Curse… there is a cure!”

*************************

I was amazed by how Gerard coordinated his speech.

His charisma was befitting the title of Beast King.

Without uttering incoherent words, Gerard made his point to the people. He told them of how he and his family accepted the deal, and the possibility of even advancing further than before.

Gerard finally mentioned his intention of not forcing anyone to accept my deal. It was their choice, after all.

But, after expressing his own stance on the matter… I doubted if anyone would refuse at this point.

And so, ending his very touching speech, Gerard raised his hand in a roar.

“We will finally be emancipated from the shackles of the curse that has pervaded our race for so long. We will be the strongest of our kind ever recorded in history. More powerful than the Beast Hero, Dom, achieving greater heights than ever before. Now, I ask you, do you wish to see such a future with me?!”

“YEEEEEAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!”

And so, the deal was sealed.

My grin only broadened from that point onward.

‘Finally… I have them in my grasp.’

**********************

With that, the announcement came to a close. To move forward with the plan, I had to divide our team of delegates further.

Serah and Bradford were sent to the Dwarf Kingdom as delegates, accompanied by Gerard himself.

I remained in the Beastfolk Nation to fulfill my promise to the denizens there.

I had my work cut out for me.

Not only did I need to cure them and teach them how to create more Mana Cores on their own, but I also needed to watch over their progress and ensure that they grasped everything I said.

‘This will take a few days…’ I sighed to myself.

But, I wasn’t worried in the slightest.

‘Ana and Neron should be handling things for me over there. Things should be getting quite interesting on their end…’