I Became the Son of a Corrupt Lord, so I’ll Enjoy an Easy Life in Another World ~but Please Stop Revering Me as a “Saint”!~

Stage 3-23. My Sword, Alice

…Earlier, Andraus said he’d give her all his magic. If that has strengthened the [Brainwash], erasing what little of her consciousness remained…

If this behavior isn’t out of attachment to the sword, but simply an attempt to retrieve a weapon to carry out her orders…

…Andraus! How far will you go to dehumanize others…!?

“…It’s okay, Alice. I’ll free you from this suffering.”

Swallowing the rage welling up inside, I speak gently.

The magic must have permeated deeply, to an incredible extent.

To undo it, I’ll likely have to go all out too.

That means releasing [Limit Break · Steel], which is holding back the sword.

After a moment’s hesitation, I quickly make my decision.

“Fine. Take my right arm, Alice.”

Resolving myself, I gradually transfer my magic to [Delete].

With a squelch, the sword in my arm begins to move slowly.

Each movement brings an excruciating pain, as though my flesh is being carved out. I clench my lips tightly, fighting to stay conscious.

…The anguish of being stripped of one’s identity, reduced to a mere puppet, must be far greater.

With that in mind, I endure this pain with resolve…!

If I am truly the man Alice envisioned ruling this world, I won’t falter over something like this!!

“That day, you swore, didn’t you? That you’d be my sword.”

As the pain in my arm intensifies, the effects of [Delete] grow stronger.

The darkness seeps out from Alice’s body.

Her murky, clouded eyes begin to regain their clarity.

The reflection is no longer of Andraus.

“Since then, everything about you has been mine.”

“…Ah… ah…”

“So I won’t accept your resignation… Until I allow it, you’ll wield your sword for me!”

“…Ah…ah…”

“Alice’s life… her past, her future, even this suffering—I’ll bear it all with you…! So!”

“…Ouga… sa…ma…”

“Remember… the name of your master.”

“…Ouga… sa…ma…”

“…You really are the best sword.”

Before [Delete] completely erases Andraus’s magic, her will prevails.

To give her the final push, I pull Alice close.

“Now, come back to me—my sword, Alice.”

At that moment, [Limit Break · Steel] completely deactivates, and all my magic shifts to [Delete].

The sword, poised to sever my arm, begins to move again—but then stops abruptly.

I hear the clatter of a sword falling.

Before I realize it, her arms are around my back.

“…I have returned, my master, Ouga-sama.”

“…Welcome back, Alice.”

Hearing her voice again after what felt like an eternity, I hugged her tightly once more.