Getting everyone back together was the biggest boost she could receive.
Lakyus prayed with all her heart.
She prayed that Momon would defeat Jaldabaoth, and get rid of the demons in the capital.
Lower Fire Month (9th Month), 5th Day, 03:46
"I see him."
Looking ahead, one could see the masked demon standing in the center of the plaza, making no attempt to hide himself. Although she could not see the forms of other demons, Evileye was not foolish enough to think that they were not there.
Having noticed them approaching, Jaldabaoth turned and bowed elegantly. There could only be one meaning behind this.
"A trap... what now, Momon-sama?"
"It doesn't matter what awaits us. We just have to smash it all."
"Just so."
Momon's tone no longer had its original seriousness and formality, which was probably because their travel together had made them more familiar with each other. With this in mind, Evileye began switching to a more casual way of speaking as well. If she kept concealing her true self, when they started going out seriously, they would probably break up right away. So even though revealing her true self might have been too early, taking a more casual tone would probably be a good idea, Evileye thought.
"It seems it's starting right on schedule."
From behind, the sound of drums and battlecries rang out. In order to ensure Momon could fight Jaldabaoth one-on-one, the troops would begin their attack. This was the only chance they would have. As such, there was no other way to save the capital other than by defeating Jaldabaoth.
"Ahh, that seems to be the case. It would appear that it’s time for the final battle. Momon-sama... leave the other enemies to myself and Nabe. Momon-sama should focus all his attention on fighting Jaldabaoth."
"Understood. In that case, since you've come this far with me, when I defeat Jaldabaoth and return in triumph, can I hope that you will stand by my side? Please work with Nabe on this, for I hope the three of us can return together."
"Understood, Momon-san."
The three of them landed in front of Jaldabaoth. Evileye looked around, and from a house adjoining the plaza, a maid appeared.
She wore a mask like the last time she saw her, with a fixed expression. But Evileye could feel the hatred directed at her.
There's probably more than one of them.
Jaldabaoth already knew who was stronger between herself and the insect maid. Now that their side also had Nabe, a magic caster who might be able to rival him in power, there was no way he would join the battle alone. Was he planning to swamp them in demons, or was there another subordinate of a comparable level waiting in the wings? Both possibilities made Evileye break out in a cold sweat.
After that maid, more people in masks similar to his appeared.
They were all wearing different kinds of maid uniforms.
And they numbered...
"...Four of them?!"
There were a total of five people with fighting power comparable to herself. Two against five would be far too great a difference in power. The battle seemed unwinnable from the very start.
"Damn it! I underestimated Jaldabaoth's forces!"
If this kept up, they would be overwhelmed by sheer numbers, and then the maids would go on to interfere in Momon and Jaldabaoth's duel.
In an evenly-matched battle, even a little bit of support could make the difference between victory and defeat, just like that battle with the insect maid.
"Then I will leave the five of them to you."
Saying that, Momon grasped his swords in his hands, striding naturally toward Jaldabaoth. As his mighty back receded from her, Evileye's heart filled with sadness. If only she could lose herself in that flowing red cape of his, it would clear away all her unease and frustration.
Evileye rebuked the part of her that wanted to reach out a hand to him.
She had originally come here with the determination to die. Even if her opponents were stronger than expected, she could not do anything as shameful as beg for help. And Momon's earlier words were clearly a sign of how much he trusted her. A man like him would never be so callous or cruel.
Come to think of it, he definitely said something from behind his back. If it was Evileye and Nabe, they would definitely be able to hold the enemy back until I won, something like that.
A fire blazed up from within the depths of Evileye's heart.
"Then here I come, De... demon!"
Momon roared, and slashed at Jaldabaoth. A fierce battle started. In order to keep the other two from being drawn in, Momon pressured Jaldabaoth, slowly forcing him away.
"Then, I'll take three and you take two, how about that?"
"Are you sure? I'm alright with three people too."
"Hmph," Nabe smirked.
"You take two, I'll take three."
Evileye felt she had a better grasp on Nabe's personality, and smiled.
To be more precise, Evileye's impression of Nabe as a rival was improving, as a fellow mage who could stand by Momon's side.
Really, if it was just Momon and Nabe, I could just take off my ring and reveal my true form... Well, first I need to go back alive.
"You're so stubborn. All right, I get it. I'll take care of these two quickly, and then come to support you. Fight like you want to live— what?"
Evileye had the feeling that everyone present — all five maids and Nabe — were all looking at her. As though they had already planned out everything in advance, something seemed out of place.
"No, there's nothing."
After that cold answer, Nabe took the first step to the side.
"Then, although I said I would handle three of them, our opponents will be the one deciding who they will send at us."
The ones who were lured out were the insect maid, the twin-braided maid, and the drill-haired maid. The ones who stayed with Evileye were the maid with the bunned-up hair and the long-haired maid.