Every time a Demon Lord is defeated, an even more powerful one is born.

In such an unreasonable world, Guest made a single decision.

--I will not defeat the Demon Lord.

After a fierce battle, instead of slaying the Demon Lord, Guest sealed her power and decided to take her back to his home.

"From today on, you will live in my house."

The Demon Lord glares at Guest regretfully.

"...Do you intend to keep me as a pet?"

...

And now.

Guest was walking through the forest, accompanied by the Demon Lord and the six spirits. It was about a half-day journey from the battlefield to Guest's house. "...Do you really intend to take me back?" The Demon Lord—Reina—muttered while walking a short distance away. "That's the plan," Guest replied while looking straight ahead. "Why?" "Because there's no point in defeating you." Reina furrowed her brows. "No point?" "If I defeat you, a stronger Demon Lord will be born. So, it's better to keep you alive without defeating you." "...Is that not just an excuse because you cannot kill me?" "Think whatever you like." Reina was speechless at the blunt reply. This was the opponent who had fought her on equal terms or better just a moment ago. That opponent, without killing or fearing her, was trying to take her home as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Reina simply could not understand it. "Besides—" Guest looked back. "I have a spare room." "............" Reina looked dumbfounded. Beside them, Mina the Water Spirit and Kaede the Fire Spirit were arguing about something. "But using a low flame takes too long!" "Cooking isn't just about being fast." "Then why don't you do it all, Mina?" "...Shall I?" "Bring it on!" Their voices echoed through the forest. "There they go again..." Konoha the Forest Spirit gave a wry smile. Beside her, Fuuka the Wind Spirit laughed happily. "It's the usual. Right, Konoha?" "Hehe, I suppose so." The two were walking naturally side-by-side. A little further back, Hikari the Light Spirit watched over everyone. "Is everyone uninjured?" "I'm fine." "Me too!" "No problems here." "Yeah." Each replied in turn. Finally, Hikari looked at Reina. "And you, Miss Demon Lord?" "...Me?" "Yes." Reina was a bit bewildered. To be spoken to like a comrade by someone who was just an enemy. "...No problems." "I'm glad to hear that." Hikari smiled. Watching this, Yoru the Darkness Spirit muttered softly. "...Noisy." "Did you hate it, Yoru-chan?" Fuuka looked back. "Not really." "Then let's walk together." "...No." "Instant rejection!" Kaede laughed. Yoru said nothing more and began walking in the shade of the trees a short distance away. As they passed through the forest, the path gradually became more peaceful. The harsh scenery of the battlefield vanished, replaced by the sound of birds and rustling leaves. Reina suddenly stopped. "...It's quiet." "It's a forest, after all." Guest also stopped. "From here on, it's near my house." Reina looked into the distance. It was so different from the paths she had walked until now. In the place where she reigned as Demon Lord, there was always battle. But here, there was none. "...It's a strange feeling." "What is?" "Until now, I thought I had no need for a place to return to." Reina exhaled softly. "But from now on... I am returning to your house?" "That's how it goes." "...A strange tale indeed." They began walking again. After a while, a roof illuminated by the setting sun appeared through the gaps in the trees. "I can see it!" Fuuka raised her voice happily. "We're finally back..." Konoha also smiled. Kaede gave a big stretch. "I'm hungry!" "We'll have dinner as soon as we get back," Mina replied with a sigh. Hikari looked at everyone and smiled gently. Only Yoru said nothing, staring quietly at the house. And Reina, too, stared at the house. A place still unknown to her. Even so—. The place where she would live starting today. "...So this is your house." "Yeah." Guest replied and started walking toward the house.