After finishing the cleanup of the series of incidents stemming from Zolgia, Renya took La Folia, the black-clad assassin, and the dark elf girl under his protection.
Because of her nature, the dark elf girl was transferred to the high-rise apartment building owned by Renya, where she was left in the care of the medical staff living there.
All of them were exceptional specialists in recovery and treatment, so she could be left in their capable hands.
Now, as a precaution, Renya had La Folia admitted to a trusted hospital for examination. While she was being checked, he stood on the hospital rooftop facing the black-clad assassin.
There was, of course, no hostility between them. It was simply for the sake of conversation.
"Allow me to properly introduce myself. I am Rixia. Rixia Mao. I thank you for saving La Folia-san."
The once black-clad assassin, now changed into civilian clothes, bowed her head.
Rixia had been taken with La Folia ever since she had happened to save her when visiting the Aldigia Kingdom in the past, and had since been taking various requests from her.
One day, Rixia had accepted a job to guard La Folia during her sightseeing trip to Japan. However, there was a traitor among the internal staff, and La Folia was taken hostage.
As a result, Rixia had been forced to accept the assassination of Renya and had come after his life.
This largely matched what Renya had investigated and deduced.
The fact that Rixia had hesitated to kill him even while wanting to protect La Folia showed her good-hearted nature.
"Forget it. This whole matter was originally our blunder. I simply cleaned up my own mess. Rather, I'm the one who should apologize for causing you trouble."
Renya also bowed his head.
Seeing this, Rixia was flustered.
"N-no, if I, as her guard, had been more diligent, this wouldn't have happened..."
"No, if I had properly dealt with the overseas remnants in the first place..."
They continued apologizing to each other.
Finding themselves, and each other, somewhat ridiculous, the two let out a smile.
"Hehe. Then shall we call it even?"
"Yeah. If you're fine with that, then I am too."
Saying this, Renya and Rixia shook hands, accepting each other's gratitude and apologies, and letting bygones be bygones.
After settling this matter as "mutual," Renya and Rixia talked about each other.
"I see. So you're the son of that Mephisto Pheles-san. No wonder you're so knowledgeable about my... about 'Silver.'"
Hearing Renya's background, Rixia nodded in understanding.
Rixia, who had had contact with Mephisto during the previous generation's time, had apparently heard stories from her father.
"Yeah. He's a great father, so there's a lot of hardship that comes with that."
Despite his personality, Mephisto, the first generation and still active, wielded considerable influence.
It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that his shadow followed Renya in everything he did.
However, the fact that Kurosaki spoke this way without showing any real weight in his words was likely because he had received much more than that from his father.
"A great father, you say..."
It was a casual remark, but it seemed to strike a chord with Rixia, who murmured and closed her eyes.
"There's something I'd like to ask you. Is that alright?"
"...Yeah. If it's something you want to talk about."
"Thank you."
Saying this, Rixia spoke quietly.
Since childhood, Rixia had been kept away from her mother by the previous 'Silver'—her biological father, Mondo Mao. She traveled from place to place under his tutelage, undergoing rigorous training and discipline, while attending school to learn how to interact with people.
All of this was to succeed the immortal existence known as 'Silver.' Rixia inherited Mondo's vast knowledge and memories as 'Silver,' and was prepared to take over the mantle at any time.
However, that time came abruptly.
A little over two years ago, Mondo fell ill with an incurable disease and was left with only death awaiting.
"Kill me and inherit 'Silver.'"
Mondo finally gave her that order. But it was there that Rixia felt fear for the first time.
It wasn't the fear of becoming 'Silver,' nor the fear of losing Mondo. It was the fear that she, whom her father had carefully polished, might be a failure as 'Silver,' and that she would disappoint her dying father in his final moments.
Tormented, Rixia couldn't carry out the order. Seeing her anguish, Mondo smiled wryly and said—
"That too is you. You should decide what your 'Silver' will be."
With those words, he passed away.
Not understanding the meaning of Mondo's final words, Rixia took over his work and connections. Though she couldn't match her father's skill, she continued as an assassin without major issues.
Then, during a visit to Aldigia for reconnaissance, Rixia happened to save La Folia from danger, and she was taken in by Rixia, eventually giving her important roles.
After that, even as La Folia dragged her around, Rixia got to live days befitting a girl her age. Though she struggled to balance her life with the 'Silver,' even having gained a light called "everyday life," she couldn't completely abandon the dark path of 'Silver' inherited from her father and ancestors.
Thus, she was caught in a conflict where she couldn't let go of either path—light or darkness, opposites in every way.
"What do you think? You, who also has a great father."
Having finished her story, Rixia looked at Renya.
Within Renya, who had listened, a simple yet certain answer had formed.
"The current 'Silver' is you, Rixia, isn't it? If so, then isn't it fine for you to decide what kind of 'Silver' you want to be?"
"Wh-what do you mean by that...?"
"Exactly what I said. Whether you keep the light you've found or discard it, whether you live as 'Silver' or abandon it—it's all up to you."
Saying this, Renya looked at Rixia.
"There's no helping it, right? If you can't let go of either, then just carry both. Isn't that what your 'Silver' is?"
Renya smiled.
"And besides, I'm sure that no matter what path you choose, Mondo-san would just say, 'That too is you,' and not mind. That's what parents are like."
At Renya's words, Rixia felt she had finally understood her father Mondo's dying words.
"Hehehe. Rixia, you've got a girl's face on, you know?"
"Kyaa!? L-La Folia-san!"
Rixia, who had been absorbed in her thoughts, apparently hadn't noticed La Folia sneaking up behind her.
Startled by La Folia, who had placed both hands on her shoulders and peered at her from beside her face, Rixia jumped back…
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