Lilia's Tale: Freyja's Endeavor

Chapter 41: Plans

"Searching for me...? Why would he be doing that?"

As I waited for Inari's response, I tried to figure it out myself. Unfortunately, it quickly became evident to me that I simply didn't know about about the legends and myths of this world to find an answer.

"Considering you don't seem knowledgeable about what happened to the gods, I will tell you. Niflheim is searching for you because you are on Aggrippa, unlike Asgard."

"Is it some kind of opportunistic choice?"

"Yes, very much so. Within the cult, it is said that the leader can communicate with the Demon God. He likely told him of your presence, resulting in the search for you."

"The leader..." I simply repeated.

My mind was wandering to the time someone had gone to my window and scared the living hell out of me, at the start of the school year. Could that be the leader?

"But wait, don't they know where I am?"

"They do. That is why Niflheim is searching precisely within academy grounds. I would offer to shelter you out of his sight, but it seems you are unable to do that."

"Indeed. Additionally, I still don't know how much I could trust you either."

"That is to be expected. In any case, for now, be particularly careful not to be seen by Him as he gazes up from the abyss."

"Seems about right... Then, why do you need my help to fight against him and the cult?"

"As powerful as I may be, both physically and politically, I alone cannot go against an established large-sized cult. Most particularly seeing as it has taken its roots within the demon world's politics and even influences the Demon Lord. That is why I'd like your help."

"What am I to do, though? It's not like I can go to the demon world and beat some people up, or even reveal my identity to anyone."

"I wish for you to both grow stronger, and do it in secrecy. If I report to my Lord that the humans have an unknown variable that seems capable of wiping our entire army out on its own, he will not try any sort of invasion."

"Isn't that just fighting the invasion instead of the cult, though?"

"The sole reason my Lord wants to invade the human world is because the cult has put it into his head that humans need to be purged and that we demons are the only legitimate creature that live."

"So having your leader effectively disagree with it would lower their political power?"

"Indeed. For now, that is the best you can do. And once you've grown strong enough, it is very much possible for you to fight Niflheim, or even the cult itself, head on in order to stop it."

"So it's a plan that works both now and later down the line..."

I took some time to think of whether or not this plan was feasible. I also looked over as Souji Greg and Riogh to see how they looked, hoping their thought would be transparent across their faces. They all seemed thoughtful as I was.

"Alright. I'll agree to your terms. I'll keep trying to be stronger."

She immediately reacted with glee beaming from her face. It took her a second to hide her face with her hand and another to go back to her usual poker face. Was this decision that important for her?

"I cannot thank you enough, Lilia-sama. I will do what I can to further help you."

"I'd like to help as well," Souji suddenly said from behind me.

Looking at him, his eyes were filled with determination, glaring at Inari. And although Greg and Riogh seemed surprised at first, they followed in the demeanor.