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1Source: Sousetsuka
2Death March kara Hajimaru Isekai Kyusoukyoku Web Novel Volume 12
3
412-1. Journey to the Royal Capital
5 
6Satou's here. There was a time when I shut myself in my room after I had a fight with my parents during my middle-school days, but it only lasted for three days. I think you need serious resolution and aptitude in order to do that.
7
8
9~
10
11
12"I am very honored to be in the presence of Lord Duke Bishtal."
13"Umu, I'm glad to see Sir Jeril is in good health."
14
15With the [Crimson Nobleman] Jeril first on the list, only the people who are of nobility are summoned to this royal suite.
16Despite the fact that other people besides us who have received the Mithril plate cannot be called commoners even though they're going to be bestowed the peerage in the royal capital.
17Although besides Sir Jeril who is a baronet, we're all either only honorary nobles or children of nobles.
18
19Duke Bishtal who has summoned us is a middle-aged man with stern face and a hook nose like General Eltal, his uncle.
20I stole a glance at his face while kneeling down like everyone else.
21
22The other party is not a royalty so there should be no need to kneel down, but perhaps it was because his lineage as a cousin of the king, or due to his influence, everyone had kneeled down once they entered the room and waited for him, so I followed them out of courtesy like a Japanese man would.
23
24After he's done talking with Jeril, he begins to congratulate the children of nobles who have defeated the [Floormasters] in turns.
25Then, he congratulates the honorary nobles somewhat more plainly than with the noble children before, and then it's my turn as the last one.
26
27Judging from his glare, it feels like he's harboring ill will toward me.
28
29"I enjoyed your acrobatic show earlier. Aren't you looking more like a street performer than an explorer today?"
30
31Lady Karina would have gone into a rage if he heard him saying it an 'acrobatic'.
32However, doing it with Mia's performance in the background while Pochi and Tama are dancing, touring around the country like that sounds very fun.
33It's probably because I thought that--
34
35"That sounds fun indeed. Allow us to hold a tour in Lord Duke's castle town if we cease the explorer business."
36
37--that I involuntarily said so, making the Duke's face became sullen.
38
39He might have perceived my honest thought as a snark since he most likely had said his words with sarcasm.
40The cliche here should be him grandly sneering, "You low life upstart, blah, blah, blah", but...
41
42"It seems Oyugock Dukedom intends to nominate you to be a Shiga Eight Swords, but they are not existences that should be taken lightly by someone without real ability to back him up."
43
44The Duke glances to Sir Jeril and nods seriously.
45I see, he's going to recommend Sir Jeril to become a Shiga Eight Swords to oppose Duke Oyugock huh.
46
47If I were to become a Shiga Eight Swords by mistake, let alone tour, it would even hinder me from raising the girls' level.
48And also, please stop treating me as a piece in your power struggle.
49
50It'd be troubling if I say some careless remark and he deemed me as an enemy.
51For the time being, in order to cover my remark earlier, I responded neutrally with, "Thank you very much for Lord Duke's warning."
52
53If sparks seem like it's going to fly, it might be good to make a master swordsman called [Musashi] or maybe [Lancelot] appear and forcefully take the seat of Shiga Eight Swords.
54If it goes well, I can just make the mysterious master swordsman go challenge a dragon and die tragically.
55Then Jeril can take the seat peacefully afterward.
56
57Still, even if he's saying it because I'm a piece of his political opponent, I think arbitrarily deciding a Mithril explorer to be [of without real ability] is a bit unreasonable....
58
59
60~
61
62
63"Eh~, why don't you seriously become a Shiga Eight Swords?"
64"Why should I."
65
66I told the circumstances at the royal suite to Arisa.
67Lulu is in the kitchen, Pochi and Tama have gone to Lady Karina's room, they're not here.
68
69Just in case, I've instructed them to contact me if some strange guy approached them.
70
71"What are you saying. You'd be treated as an Earl equaling prime ministers if you became a Shiga Eight Swords you know?"
72"I'm not interested in such position."
73
74If I really wanted the peerage, I could have asked the king as Nanashi, and, even though Duchy is impossible, he's probably going to easily grant Earldom at least.
75In the first place, there's no merit for me even if I become an upper noble.
76
77"Kah~~. Mou! Why are you so not-greedy like that! If you're a man, you should have aimed to become successful in life after coming to another world and obtaining cheat right? If you became an earl, you could make as many noble girls as you like become your brides you know?"
78"Calm down, Arisa."
79
80Arisa presses on me while insisting on something incomprehensible.
81Arisa tends to run wild when it has to do with the [Promise]. She usually says that she likes me, but I wonder if she's fine with other girls becoming my brides?
82
83It was Mia who got upset from that Arisa's remark.
84
85"Affair is no good you know. Absolutely you know? There are already enough brides anyway. It's at full capacity you know?"
86"Sorry Mia! I, I'm sorry okay, I'm reflecting on itt~~"
87
88Arisa is getting flinched from Mia's menacing look.
89I didn't ask who the brides are since it'd only be a boomerang for me.
90
91By the way, Nana who was in the same room didn't hear my story since she was absorbed in playing [Ayatori] with Shiro and Crow.
92
93When I entered the room, Shiro and Crow were already inside like it was natural.
94I've decided to let them go with us since the Airship has embarked already.
95Even though they have wings, it seems flying from an airship requires special training, so it was difficult for me to say [Return them].
96In case of Nana, punishment should mean banning the once-in-a-week magic power supplement, but the loss is too big for me myself so I'll think about other ways.
97
98Oops, my thought has deviated for a bit.
99
100Liza didn't state any particular opinion, but it seems she wants me to become a Shiga Eight Swords like Arisa.
101
102Rather, I think Liza is more suited to become a Shiga Eight Swords. She should be stronger than the third prince who was a Shiga Eight Swords at least.
103Pochi and Tama have also become stronger than the third prince, but these two are still young, such position is probably too early for them.
104
105
106~
107
108
109"I'mback~?"
110"I'm back, nanoresu."
111
112Pochi and Tama came back while looking tired.
113
114"How was Karina-sama?"
115"Shut-inin~"
116"She doesn't want to get out of the room nodesu!"
117
118I put the reserved whale jerky to Pochi and Tama who have plopped themselves on the sofa as thanks.
119These are the last from the 100-kilo jerky I've made before, I should make sure to make more.
120
121"T-this is!"
122"Whale Jer~ ky~"
123"Energy times 100 nanodesu!"
124
125The two jump up while having the jerkies on their mouths, and then take the 'shupin' pose.
126This kinda pose doesn't go well with the formal dresses they're wearing.
127
128--It's cute though.
129
130"Now, then--"
131"Are you going to Oppai-san's place?"
132
133--No, I don't intend to though?
134
135I almost said so, but I wisely did not.
136
137I guess leaving Lady Karina alone while she's being like that is cruel.
138I had thought of socializing with the other Mithril explorers together with everyone on this occasion, but let's postpone that.
139
140"You're right. After giving her a bit more time, I'll go see her condition."
141
142Liza stood up when some guests knocked the door.
143The two people who have come are Lady Karina's attendants, maid Erina and Newbie-chan.
144For some reason, Newbie-chan is an unfortunate girl whom no one calls with her name, but since the person herself doesn't seem to mind, I'll call her so until Erina refers her with her name.
145
146"Chevalier-sama, please help~"
147"Please!"
148
149The two bow their heads and beg me to do something about Lady Karina who's shut herself in her room. I don't think that we should be that worried, but according to these girls, this seems to be an abnormal situation.
150
151"She didn't come out of her room even after we put the plate with Karages that Lulu-san had made in front of the room you know?"
152
153Erina, you're the only one who would come out with that.
154I ignore the presences of Pochi, Tama, and in addition, Liza, who are nodding.
155
156By the way, Liza, and Pochi who were in chaos during the blimp travel are in their usual states, maybe they're not afraid because the airship doesn't shake that much.
157Or it might be because they've experienced various acrobatic battles in the labyrinth.
158Well, our current girls probably would come out alive even if they fell from the airship by utilizing Magic Edge Cannon or magic somehow.
159
160"I mean, after getting scolded by Consul Nina, and soundly beaten by Captain Zotor, she became lively again from the smell of karages made by Head-chef Gelt! Yet now~"
161
162Erina presses on me while looking desperate.
163I understand that you're worried about Lady Karina, but please stop pressing your flat chest on my arm that you've been doing since awhile ago. Even Newbie-chan's ended up imitating you, see.
164
165"Guilty."
166"Hey now, there's no need to stick so much right."
167
168Arisa and Mia tear the two from my arms.
169
170We're going to Lady Karina's room as invited by the two, postponing the plan to listen to the interesting episodes of the other Mithril explorers.
171
172
173~
174
175
176"Karina-sama, I have heard that you lie sick on your bed, how are you feeling?"
177
178I knock on the door of the room where Lady Karina is shutting herself.
179There's no answer of course.
180
181Now then, what should I do.
182
183"Let's go with the Amano-iwato operation!"
184"Amano-iwato?"
185"That's right! There's a myth about a shut-in Goddess in the world of Hero-sama! Let's perform the same operation that lured that Goddess out!"
186
187Arisa took an imposing stance while breathing wildly on top of the table, but then she became small after Liza scolded her for bad manner.
188
189In order to prepare the banquet, Arisa took everyone along to the kitchen where Lulu was.
190
191However, doing a banquet in front of the room of someone who's seriously feeling down seems like it'll only make her become an obstinate shut-in...
192
193I've gotten myself lost in thought in front of Lady Karina's bedroom door.
194
19512-2. Journey to the Royal Capital (2)
196 
197Satou's here. The story of Amaterasu-Oomikami hiding in the cave behind a rock is famous. Though I think there aren't many people who know about the hidden reason as to why the goddess hid herself in the cave.
198
199
200~
201
202
203Now then, I'd have liked to see it if Nana acted as the Ame-no-Uzume, but judging from the usual pattern, it's probably going to be Arisa or the other little girl member.
204
205I stand up without hesitation and step forward before the closed door that separates us from Lady Karina.
206
207I cut off sounds with wind magic, and then use [Clairvoyance] and [Magic Hand] magic at the same time to unlock the door with the key from the other side.
208It's scary if this combo is used to do crime, but if someone can use [Wind Magic], [Space Magic], and [Force Magic], they should be able to succeed in life even without becoming a criminal.
209
210I entered the bedroom while thinking such a trivial thing.
211
212Raka is flickering blue light on the table.
213It's quite rare for Lady Karina to not wear Raka. She usually even wears it during her sleep....
214
215Judging from Raka's flickering state, it probably had noticed my intrusion, but since Lady Karina didn't warn him, it's guarding her silently.
216
217Unfortunately--err, fortunately, Lady Karina is still wearing the clothes from before, lying her face down on the bed, sulking.
218No, checking the map, she isn't in [Sleeping] state, so she's still awake.
219
220"Karina-sama, I've heard that you weren't feeling well, how are you feeling now?"
221
222I whisper to Lady Karina near the bedside.
223Lady Karina who's surprised jumps out of the bed and puts her back on the board that's on the wide bed.
224
225Oops, I approached her silently since I had used magic to erase sound when I unlocked the door....
226Let's feign ignorance.
227
228"Did I surprise you?"
229
230Lady Karina's face has inconspicuously reddened while her mouth is opening and closing, the area around her eyes look red.
231....She was really surprised huh.
232
233Looks like she was frustrated about losing, her moist eyes are violently sexy.
234I float Aze-san in my mind to hold back my desire.
235
236"Please be still."
237"...Yes...."
238
239While pretending to wipe the area around her eyes with a handkerchief, I heal it with magic. It's good now.
240
241Lady Karina has closed her eyes, and Raka shouldn't be able to see me invoking magic since my body is in the way, so it should be fine.
242
243However, Lady Karina is still closing her eyes even after I've done wiping her eyes.
244
245--She's too vulnerable.
246I'm a carnivore-type man after all, so I could end up kissing and pushing you down you know?
247
248"I've wiped your eyes. It's alright to open them now."
249
250After opening and closing her mouth for a moment, Lady Karina looks at me, dumbfounded.
251She matches eyes with mine and seems to be dissatisfied about something, and then she puffs her cheeks.
252
253"Satou is mean desuwa!"
254
255The pillow thrown by Lady Karina hits my face.
256
257
258~
259
260
261"It's the arrival of the dish nodesu!"
262"Karage mountains~?"
263
264Pochi and Tama jumped into the room while saying so.
265They're spreading sweet atmosphere while I'm being troubled as to how to handle the sullen Lady Karina, so they've honestly saved me.
266
267"Un, it smells nice."
268"Snatching food is no good nanodesu!"
269
270Pochi scolded me when I was going to taste the dish.
271
272"It's just food tasting, tasting."
273"It can't be helped if it's tasting nodesu."
274"Tama is tasting too~"
275"Pochi will also not hesiteta to taste it nodesu."
276
277Pochi, that should be [Hesitate].
278I take the karage from the plate that Tama's holding and then put them into Pochi's and Tama's mouth.
279Next, I put one into mine.
280
281Lulu has become even more skilled. Isn't she already better than me with my maximum cooking skill?
282
283Since Lady Karina beside me was looking enviously at Pochi and Tama, I also present one into her mouth that's opened slightly.
284
285Maybe it's because I've put the karage into her mouth so suddenly, she's protesting while chewing it.
286The reason why she doesn't yield, though, is probably because the karage that's in her mouth has no sin.
287
288And then, Mia and Arisa who came a bit later returned here.
289The two are wearing mantles that cover their whole bodies even though it's hot. I'm afraid to ask what are they wearing inside the mantle.
290
291"Guilty."
292
293Mia reacted by condemning guilty after looking at the atmosphere released by Lady Karina, but the ones that should be deemed guilty are you girls.
294
295"Ara, you've already lured Oppa--Karina-sama out of her room?"
296
297Arisa asked, although with slightly bad wording.
298I wholeheartedly ignore the turbulent words from Arisa and Mia who are muttering in whispers, "Our bewitching clothes gone to waste", "Night", "Y, yeah you're right!"
299
300Now then, I guess we might as well start the party?
301
302
303~
304
305
306"Fumu, as expected of the works of the best labyrinth city chef."
307"Delicious. I would have never thought that I'd be treated to the Phantom Chef's dishes in the airship."
308
309The mithril explorers easily raised their voices of admiration once they tasted the party dishes Lulu had made.
310We've invited the explorers who are in the dining hall and start a party since Lulu had made many dishes.
311There were more people who participated that I had anticipated, so I had added more with the cooperation of the airship's kitchen staff.
312
313Explorers who ride the airship are mostly males, but there are also 7-8 female explorers among them.
314
315I thought that Lady Karina would make some friends with them since they were of the same female explorers, but my expectation was a miss.
316Erina and Newbie-chan are forming a protective wall around her in one corner of the table, while she's continuing to eat.
317
318The male explorers who are captivated by the demonic breasts and her beauty have just swarmed her just awhile ago, but since Lady Karina gets frightened when they approach her en masse, I've become stuck to be the one who ensure that no more than two people can approach her at a time, like a manager.
319After some extent, it seems the male explorers perceived that Lady Karina was not interested, so they changed their target to the waitresses.
320
321Nana is also surrounded by the male explorers, but she's handling it in "my pace" mode like usual. Looks like they're not experienced enough to break through Nana's impregnableness guard.
322
323In exchange of the men who had disappeared, I introduced Lady Karina to the female explorers whom I had befriended during the party, but it didn't go well since they couldn't have a conversation for long.
324
325I wanted to ask her why did she act so prickly even though the other parties had favorable impression about her during this occasion.
326I was thankful that the female explorers didn't feel too offended even thought they had wry smiles.
327
328
329~
330
331
332In one corner of the dining hall that's not too big, Mia begins her performance.
333Looks like one of the explorers has asked her, she's playing the famous tune that's used for ballroom dancing in Shiga Kingdom.
334
335The male and female explorers have begun dancing to the tune.
336Everyone of them seems unused to it, maybe they never practice much.
337
338"Please don't laugh at us. We are all commoners unlike Sir Pendragon and Jeril. Everyone wants to practice before we arrive at the Royal Capital."
339"I won't laugh. Everyone is a beginner at the beginning."
340
341The thirty-year old female explorer who was talking with Lady Karina earlier covered for the explorers who were dancing awkwardly.
342They should be invited to parties from various nobles once they arrive at the Royal Capital. They're probably practicing the social dancing in order not to embarrass themselves when that happens.
343
344This is just right.
345I might as well have Lady Karina practice during this time.
346
347"Now, Karina-sama. Let me have this dance."
348"I-I won't dance."
349"That is not good. Furthermore, even if you step on my foot here, no one will scold, laugh or be disappointed at you."
350"But...."
351
352I take the hand of Lady Karina who's shrinking back.
353
354"I shall exercise my right as the winner now."
355
356I exercise the right and take Lady Karina to the space where we can dance.
357Arisa and the others protested, but they consented after I said that they could change place with Lady Karina once her dance practice is over.
358After Lady Karina, the next one is going to be Lulu who has worked the hardest for this party.
359
360"Karina-sama, please lean your body a bit more."
361"Uu, i-it's embarassing desuwa."
362
363I'm getting a bit stimulated to see Lady Karina being shy, but I have to concentrate teaching her to dance now.
364
365Concentrate Satou.
366You must not concentrate on the pair of miracles that are touching chest.
367
368You cannot.
369
370I teach Lady Karina how to dance while evading Mia's sharp glances.
371
372"That's right. You're pretty good."
373"...N, no way."
374
375I praise her every time she's become better even a bit to remove her doubt.
376
377"Don't be preoccupied with the footsteps you can't see. Please remember your footworks during battles."
378"L-like this?"
379"Yes, like that."
380
381Lady Karina can't check her footsteps during the dance because of her all-to-great breasts. Her worries seems to increase due to that.
382She's getting better little by little after I informed her to mix the steps with close combat footworks.
383
384The dance cannot be said to be elegant, but it's a speedy sharp dance.
385She just has to accumulate experiences afterward.
386
387After Lady Karina, I dance with Lulu and our other girls, and then going with the flow, with Erina, Newbie-chan, and even the female explorers.
388
389For some reason, in the end, I ended up instructing the male explorers the way to dance.
390It was slightly hard, but getting the explorers indebted to me with only this is a cheap price to pay.
391
392Just that, I was dumbfounded to see Arisa began breathing roughly when I became the partner of the male explorers as a way to teach them the dance steps.
393
394
395~
396
397
398The airship we're riding has passed through the last rough mountains before the Royal Capital without any particular flying monsters attacking.
399
400Now then, soon it's the Royal Capital.
401
40212-3. Journey to the Royal Capital (3)
403 
404Satou's here. I like the blooming field of milkvetch flower that happens before the rice-planting. My countryside grows green soybeans instead of milkvetch flowers though, so I've only ever seen such elegant scenery from the window of a train.
405
406
407~
408
409
410"Haa, this is amazing."
411"Beautiful."
412"Field~?"
413"Lots, lots of little blue flowers nanodesu!"
414
415I've brought everyone to the observatory dome since I've been told that the scenery is amazing after the airship has passed the rough spot.
416Sure enough, it was crowded, but our youth troupe slipped through the gaps between people and arrived before the window.
417
418"Heya, Sir Pendragon. You can change with us since we've enjoyed it already."
419"Do show it to the girls too. It's quite a rare spectacle y'know."
420
421The male explorers whom I helped with the dancing practice yesterday open a spot for us.
422I thank them and take Lulu and the others to the front.
423
424"It's amazing."
425"It's really beautiful. I wonder if that's a prairie?"
426"It's probably a cultivated land, so I conjecture. The blue color on the surface are blue milkvetch flowers, so I report."
427"Beautifll~"
428"Haa"
429
430Liza and Nana are calm, but the other members admire the scenery once they see it. Crow is rarely acting like their age.
431
432All of the vast area that can be seen from the airship is covered in blue flowers.
433There are some woods and hamlets here and there too of course, however they look like nothing but art objects that decorate the deep blue carpet.
434
435This scene continues on until we reach the Royal Capital. I knew that this was the largest grain-producing area in the kingdom, but I wasn't even sure they would raise flowers and never thought that it would be this different than what I had expected.
436This area was of the tawny color of the fallow when I passed through here with Flash Drive, so I had arbitrarily thought so.
437
438Some band has started playing solemn music on the stage near the wall in the observatory dome, it seems they're doing a performance.
439
440I yield my ears to the tune and enjoy the scene that can only be seen now.
441Before I knew it, Lulu who's mesmerized has entrusted herself to my arm.
442
443The two maids of Lady Karina are currently having a hard fight in order to dress Lady Karina up, so the three of them are not here.
444This scenery will continue for a while, so they probably won't miss and regret it.
445
446
447~
448
449
450"Sparkling~?"
451
452Tama said so when we were quenching our throat on the drinking corner of the observatory dome.
453
454"What's wrong?"
455"It's 『Sparkling』 over there~"
456
457I look at where Tama is pointing, but only the equilibrium wing and the large magic engine that extend from the hull are over there.
458It might be just a reflection of something, but since the one who said it was Tama, I'm bothered.
459
460I operate the map to check the place that Tama's pointed.
461There are several magicians and engineers near the large magic engine, but that's as usual.
462
463The one that's not usual is on the narrow interconnection of the equilibrium wing.
464--For some reason, there's a retainer of Duke Bishtal over there.
465
466"This time, it's sparkling over there nodesu!"
467"Master, I saw it too. I feel some kind of agitating presence although it might be a coincidence."
468
469This time it's not only Tama, Pochi and Liza seems to have seen it too.
470The direction is completely different though.
471
472The two are looking at the direction the airship is heading.
473I operate the map and check on the place the beastkin girls indicate.
474
475The beastkin girls don't seem able to see it, so I put my hand like a visor and look at the scenery outside the window.
476The windows of this airship are transparent, but they were made with mysterious conductive material from monster, so even I don't know the composition myself.
477Although it's not usable for armor, it's unexpectedly sturdy, and it doesn't become sharp pieces when broken, so I've made use of them during the airship construction.
478
479There's a structure that looks like a combination of a French castle and a fort at the place the beastkin girls have pointed.
480When I checked the detail, it was said to be the hunting mansion of Marquis Lloyd. I remember about the tempura we ate together in the Duchy Capital when I see his name.
481
482Whoops, rather than that, there's something strange.
483
484A hunting mansion right in the middle of cultivated land is already quite strange, but the people inside the mansion are even stranger.
485The low ranked servants like the maids and manservants are under Marquis Lloyd, but for some reaosn, there are also several retainers of Duke Bishtal.
486
487There are even monsters in the mansion's basement.
488Their title is [Tamed] so they're probably minions of the Tamer people nearby, but the line-up is strange, there are upper level 20s Lance Beetles, lower level 20s Canon Toads and Rocket Trees.
489It's as if they've been prepared for anti-aircraft battles.
490Moreover there are nearly 30 of them, they're probably able to besiege a small country that only has one city. It's not enough to cause coup d'etat in Shiga Kingdom, but it should be able to shoot down a mere airship.
491
492However, there's something even more dangerous in another layer underground--
493
494"Satou, Raka found some suspicious light desuwa."
495『Umu, I hope it's just an unfounded fear, but the light reflection looks like it's used as signals.』
496
497Lady Karina and Raka who are exposed to wind on the deck brought such information to me.
498I already know it, but there's no need to point that out.
499
500"I saw it too y'see. Lord Duke is riding this airship after all, something's stink of burn."
501<TLN: He said 'Kinakusai'>
502
503A Mithril explorer that's appeared from behind Lady Karina--a middle-aged man called Marmot the scout or something, says so.
504I feel weird hearing the word, [Kinakusai] in a world that's abandoned gunpowder.
505
506"Arisa, take everyone along to put on the equipment."
507
508In order to prepare for the worst case scenario, I order everyone to put on their public equipment.
509
510"Okkey. The B-type one is fine right?"
511"Yeah, you can put on either the usual or the lovely one whichever you want."
512"Aye aye sir. Let's go everyone!"
513"Aye~" "Nanodesu!"
514
515The B-type thing that Arisa's talked about is the finest one among the public equipment. Since this isn't the time to use the A-type equipment that were used during the fight with the floor master and the unused hidden equipment, I've given them permission to use the next best one.
516By the way, the [Lovely] one is the showy equipment for the parade. Its performance is no different from the usual B-type equipment.
517
518Marmot-shi ran to the bridge with his friends.
519
520
521~
522
523
524Liza and I didn't go back to change our clothes.
525
526If the mastermind behind the tamed monsters earlier aims to shoot down this airship, we're going to enter the firing range of the tamed monsters soon.
527The Rocket Trees seem to be monsters that look like an anti-aircraft monster, so we can't be careless.
528
529Although it's strange for the retainers of Duke Bishtal to shoot down the airship that the Duke himself is riding, there's a possibility that we've been rolled up in a family feud.
530In that case, though it's not like I don't understand the reason why Marquis Lloyd who is his political opponent participates in the attack, that carefree person doesn't seem to be someone who will partake in an assassination.
531
532Well, I better postpone thinking about this for later.
533Right now I have to prioritize the way to cope with the crisis that might be drawing near. It'd end as a funny story if it was just an unfounded fear, but let's continue the preparation for now.
534
535I start the [Signal] magic while sitting on the seat.
536
537The luminous dots on the top of the Hunting Mansion I've locked one have started moving.
538Looks like they're guilty as charged.
539
540--Sending compact code.
541
542This is an airship that I've made myself.
543I have insurances in case of emergency.
544
545--I secure the superlative right to operate the airship via the backdoor.
546
547I wanted to end this without using it if possible, but it doesn't seem to be so.
548I send information about the tamed monsters from my map to the Airship searching crystal. The radar of this ship shouldn't have found them yet.
549
550Slightly later, the siren of the observatory dome begins resounding.
551
552Our girls enter the room while being surprised with the loud sound of the siren.
553My crisis perception reacts lightly right at that time.
554
555On the ground, five luminous red dots have begun to move.
556Judging from the speed, it's probably the Rocket Trees.
557
558The airship seems to be turning in an effort to evade the monsters, but there's a high possibility that it can't.
559Urgent broadcasts are coming from the speaking tube.
560
561『Relaying to all members, please carry out the emergency maneuver--』
562『--grab the nearest handrail if you don't want to die!』
563
564The angry voice of a man who seems to be the captain buried the trembling voice of a woman.
565The airship's hull has begun to skid at the same time as that angry voice.
566
567With [Magic Hands], I support every powerless member starting from Arisa.
568
569"Ukkyaa"
570"Falling~?"
571"It's critically dangerous nodesu!"
572"Close your mouth. You'll bite your tongue."
573
574Starting from Arisa, everyone unanimously started to make noise, but Liza quickly reined them.
575Lulu and Mia have clung to my arms without letting any voice out. On our side, there's Nana who looks so happy hugging Shiro and Crow.
576
577At first, people in the observatory dome could bear the skidding, but then several people have been separated from the handrail after a sudden acceleration accompanied with boom sound.
578They probably have used the acceleration tube that I've prepared for making sudden evasion.
579
580I select the commoners who seem likely to get injured if they hit the wall among the people who are flying like they are in zero gravity in the observatory room, and use [Magic Hand] close to the wall to kill their momentum.
581The Mithril explorers would only feel some pain from this much, so I left them alone.
582
583Five Rocket Trees are flying away outside the window.
584Looks like the airship has successfully evaded, but the enemies' jet propulsion should only last for 30 seconds. The enemies will probably change their course and come attacking again.
585
586I wish the gun turrets on both side of the warship do their roles, but it seems the starboard gunman has fainted from the sudden maneuver just now. He's probably hit his head somewhere.
587The port gunman is still well, but he shouldn't be able to hit the Rocket Trees considering the location, the hull is obstructing them.
588
589I use the superlative right that I've secured and rotate the starboard gun turret.
590I'd like to attack them by linking the gun turrets with the map like with Aegis, but unfortunately I haven't constructed such system yet.
591
592I calculate the trajectory using the map and the cannon's angle and begin the remote bombardment.
593The magic-powered artillery that can fire three shots every second chases after the five Rocket Trees, painting the sky red.
594
595I was able to shoot down all five monsters before the gun barrel got burnt out.
596I make the port gun turret to open fire toward the Rocket Trees that hadn't takeoff and the Lance Beetles.
597
598It seems the distance is too far, they're all near-hit shots.
599
600The birdkins who have taken off from the lower rank join together into a rank to intercept the enemies. They're all only upper level 10s people equipped with fire wands, so I'm unsure they can intercept the Lance Beetles.
601
602The slanting airship has corrected its position, so I release Lulu and the others who were hugging me.
603The voice of the man from before flowed out of the speaking tube.
604
605『This is the Captain's speaking. I request the cooperation of magicians in this airship. Please intercept the monsters approaching this airship.』
606
607Now then, looks like it's time for our turn.
608
60912-4. Journey to the Royal Capital (4)
610 
611Satou's here. It seems stubborn people exist no matter the era of the world. I respect people who live dirtily when it's a matter of life and death, but please stop struggling in order to avoid responsibility.
612
613
614~
615
616
617I release the spirit light that I have sealed.
618That line sounds like something said from the mouth of a chuunibyou patient, but I can't help it since it's the truth. When I release the suppressed spirit light, spirits from the surrounding and the ground surface gather to me with dreadful speed.
619There's no need for me to hold back since only Mia and me have the Spirit Seer skill in this airship.
620
621"Satou?"
622
623I nod at Mia who's asking me.
624I hold Mia's arm that she's held up. Apparently, she's guessed my intention.
625
626"H-hey!"
627
628Arisa is going to ask us while panicking about something, but it seems she's understood what we're trying to do after hearing Mia who's started chanting a spell of spirit magic.
629
630"Geh, that spell is very bad. Pochi, Tama, let's hurry! Mia will take all the spotlight if it keeps up!"
631"I don't really understand, but let's hurry nodesu!"
632"Agreement accepted~?"
633
634Arisa dashes to the deck with Pochi and Tama on both flanks.
635
636"Nana and Lulu, I'm sorry, but please stay here and keep Karina-sama and the others from going out to the deck."
637"Yes, Master."
638"U-um. D-do we not need the Accelerated Cannon?"
639"Un, the monsters this time are all small fish, so it's going to end with Mia's magic."
640
641Lulu's come asking, but the damage on the surface would be terrible if she uses the Accelerated Cannon.
642I tell so to Lulu who looks anxious, and then I go to the deck while carrying Mia with princess carry.
643
644I decided to pretend that I didn't hear Karina-sama who had her arms pinned behind her back by Lulu shouted "Release me".
645
646
647~
648
649
650On the deck, the Mithril explorers who are strangely in high spirits are waiting for the Lance Beetles that are approaching from afar.
651
652It seems the birdkins unit that have been deployed earlier isn't for intercepting the Lance Beetles, they're going to suppress the tamers at the castle fort.
653That should be the correct decision considering the fighting force on the airship.
654
655"Coming~?"
656"They're small and fast nodesu."
657"Aim well you two."
658
659The beastkin girls intercept the three cannon balls shot by the Cannon Toads flying between the Lance Beetles with a shuriken, a long toothpick, and a javelin.
660
661"Au, even though it hit..."
662"Le~ave the rest to me!"
663
664The long toothpick thrown by Pochi was broken by the cannon ball due to the difference in mass.
665And then the fire balls shot by Arisa and several people with fire wands wrap the cannon ball up. The cannon ball that's been scratched by Pochi's toothpick is scattered away by the fire balls.
666
667Fire wand can be shot just by supplying it with magic power, it's also faster than the normal spell since it doesn't need to be chant.
668The attack power is also relatively good, so there are more demands for fire wands and lightning wands than scrolls from the military.
669
670"Arisa. I need you to do something."
671"Okkey~, doesn't seem like I'll get to show off, so you want me to encourage everyone with my beautiful voice?"
672"No, let's leave that for when the next opportunity arises--"
673
674I ask Arisa to do more important mission than dealing with the small fish. Incidentally, I also instructed Tama do a Ninja errand. Pochi and Liza are to protect us.
675
676Mia who was chanting the spell with utmost effort during those conversations finally completes it.
677
678"...■■■ Magic Wind King Creation (Create Garuda)"
679
680An artificial spirit that looks like a birdman with half-transparent golden body, wearing a shining crown appears.
681It's a being of the same rank as the one that Aze-san had summoned once, Behemoth.
682
683I use [Magic Power Transfer] to recover Mia who has lost most of her magic power.
684
685"Ooh, what is that?"
686"Is it a new enemy?!"
687"Shield! Protect our friends!　■■■ Diamond Shield Activate!"
688
689The Mithril explorers who are surprised with the sudden appearance of the artificial spirit have changed their aim to Garuda, so I solve the misunderstanding and apologize in a hurry.
690
691I nod to Mia who's looking at me and permit her to attack the Lance Beetles.
692
693"Annihilate."
694
695Abiding Mia's words, Garuda spreads its wings in stillness while ignoring the aerodynamic force, the tip of the feathers on its wings transform like it's CG-morphing and then  they extend toward the Lance Beetles, attacking them.
696Several golden feathers become long and thin like threads and extend, piercing the Lance Beetles like it's wrapping them, and then cut them into small pieces.
697
698"Tremendous...."
699"That's the summoning magic that defeated the floormaster huh."
700
701Some questionable misunderstanding are mixed in among the comments.
702Sorry but accompanying them is for later.
703
704Right when the birdkin unit has arrived at the fort, an Anomalocaris-like monster called Flying Centipede breaks open the fort's gate from the inside, showing itself.
705
706Unlike the tamed monsters earlier, this one isn't tamed.
707It was just a sleeping monster that had [Sleeping] status. Just how did they bring it into the fort....
708
709"Mia."
710"Nn."
711
712Garuda who's received Mia's order attacks the Flying Centiped as quick as a bird of prey.
713The flying centipede that's preparing to attack the birdkins on the surrounding sway its wings and rise in the air in a swimming-like motion.
714
715"I've fought that monster before, and it has a long-range attack called 『Mystic Ray』. We should be fine, but it can be dangerous for the airship, so keep it from getting close."
716
717I've never actually fought the Flying Centipede. I've made it like that since the source of information is the map.
718I'm fine with Mia, but we're in a situation where there are explorers around us.
719
720"Use it?"
721"No, just use the golden feathers to torment it."
722"Nn."
723
724Mia was talking about the trump card that greater artificial spirits posses.
725In case of Garuda, it's a big-scale technique called [Tempest], but on top of having power, it's too showy so I refrained from doing it.
726
727I'll leave the best part to the magicians who are chanting spells with all their might.
728
729"Can you lift and make it stand still in the air higher than the airship."
730"Will do."
731
732Garuda that howls in accordance to Mia's instruction stitches the Flying Centipede, stopping its track dead in the air.
733The Flying Centipede was shooting some suspicious serrated rays once in a while, but it never reached here even once since it was wrapped in Garuda's golden feathers.
734
735And then the magicians have finished chanting.
736In reality, the Flying Centipede has lost 60% of its health, and it's going to end in 2-3 minutes even if we leave it alone, but let's turn the last part over to them since it's conscious.
737
738"Sir Pendragon. The preparation is complete. Please make that summon beast fall back."
739"There's no problem. Shoot it along with the summon beast."
740
741I answered so to the explorers guarding the magicians.
742An artificial spirit will just turn back into small spirits even if its health becomes zero.
743
744"....■■■ Long-range Flame Spears"
745
746Several spears of swirling flame drill through the Flying Centipede.
747Garuda seems to have resistance against fire, the flame disappears the moment it touches Garuda.
748
749"....■■ Holy Pile"
750"....■■■■ Divine Hammer"
751
752Slightly later, a huge blue stake pierces the Flying Centipede, and then a shining hammer that appears beside it crushes the monster into pieces.
753
754The deck is wrapped in shouts of joy.
755
756Lady Karina who has finally been released jumps in, but there's already no enemy for her.
757Seeing her stamping her feet in frustration is a sight for sore eyes, but I wish she stops since that's not mature.
758I ask Nana who has appeared a bit later to do some business.
759
760Mia beside me sends Garuda home.
761
762Since the artificial spirit was created, I had thought that it should be called cancellation instead, but it was [Sending Home] since the non-elemental spirits that had been dissolved were returning to where they came from.
763Aze-san was rarely talking about it passionately.
764That kind of Aze-san was rare and nice.
765
766Maybe because I'm thinking such thing, Mia's mood has slightly worsened.
767
768"Mwu."
769"Good work Mia."
770
771I give Mia some appreciation and try to release her from the princess carry state, but it doesn't seem like she'll get down.
772
773"Mia?"
774"I'm tired."
775
776It can't be helped then.
777Arisa is also often like this after she's used unique skill, doing this once in a while is alright.
778
779
780~
781
782
783I mislead other people into thinking that the Garuda summon is the secret skill of the elves.
784The magicians who have heard the spirit magic chanting mentioned, "It's different from Sebelkea-dono's magic, but the phoneme is similar with the spell from the ancient document", which helped reinforced the story.
785
786I make them promise to let me see that ancient document when we get back to the Labyrinth City of course.
787The compensation for that is the Face Tree's branches that I have stocked a lot in the storage.
788Apparently it seems to be a material for making wands.
789
790Now then, leaving aside those trivial things, let's get back to our present situation.
791
792One of the gun turret is dead, but there's no more obstacle for the sailing of the ship. The people inside the airship who have been injured are healed by Mia and the other healing magicians, and they've gone back to normal.
793
794Several of the birdkins who searched the fort seemed to have died, but they were able to arrest the majority of the perpetrators.
795Several people seems to have escaped, but there's no problem on that front.
796
797Duke Bishtal who's in front of me is yelling toward me and the ship's captain while I'm doing such escapism.
798Apparently, he cannot consent to the fact that his retainers have schemed to take his life.
799
800He was playing dumb and said that he didn't know his retainers who were arrested by the birdkin unit, and claimed that it was a trap devised by Duke Oyugock, his political opponent, since they were in the hunting mansion of Marquis Lloyd, Duke Oyugock's subordinate.
801
802"Masita, we're back~"
803"Masuta, we have successfully accomplished your command."
804
805Shiro and Crow entered the Royal Suite while flying around.
806Nana entered the room with the evidence on her hand before Duke Bishtal could verbally abuse the two.
807
808"Master, we have arrested the thief who was trying to escape."
809
810Nana throws the man she's brought to the floor.
811
812It's the person Shiro and Crow have arrested from my request to Nana earlier.
813The two got their flight capability reinforced with Nana's force arte and then arrested the man with my guidance via [Telephone].
814Of course, just these two alone would have been dangerous, so the one who actually arrested and restrained the man was Tama who was brought to the ground with Arisa's space magic.
815
816"Ge-Gelf.... Who? That man is!"
817
818The Duke was very surprised to see him he involuntarily muttered his name, but it seems the only one who's heard it was me with the Ear Straining skill.
819This man's identity is of a considerably upper rank even among the Duke's subordinates. His title is [Advisor of Young Nobleman].
820
821--That means the Duke's own child instigated this.
822I really don't want to get involved in this kind of muddled story.
823
824"This man seems to be the mastermind who was trying to escape from the crime site. Is he an acquaintance of Lord Duke?"
825"I don't know this person."
826
827Just as I've expected, he's feigning ignorance, so I push the man to the Captain.
828
829"Is it alright to leave this man to you Captain?"
830"Umu, you can entrust him to me."
831
832I watch the duke's state while patting Shiro's and Crow's head.
833He looks indignant, but he doesn't seem to be a fool who would take the direct action in this place.
834
835He might try to get rid of the man during the brief time until we arrive at the Royal Capital, but I'll obstruct it stealthily.
836
837The stake is too high for the Duke since that'd mean he has exposed the national airship, the Mithril explorers who are important fighting forces during emergency, and the direct descendant of a lord--Lady Karina--to danger in his family feud.
838I'm not interested as to how he can recover from that, but please don't bear grudge toward us who don't have anything to do with it.
839
840In the end, I ended up having to stealthily repulse the assassins hired by the Duke three times. Leaving it to Ninja Tama would be too conspicuous, so I made use of Magic Hands and Mia's artificial spirit, [Elemental Rats].
841I feel like I can hear the grinding teeth of the Duke who received the failure report.
842
843Without being concerned with such a human, the airship we're riding has finally entered the airport located in the Royal Capital's outskirt.
844
84512-5. Reception
846 
847Satou's here. It seems there was a time when they sent telegram with [Sakurasaku (Exam Pass)] or [Sakurachiru (Exam Failure)] to notify the exam result, but since you can guess the result from the envelope's size nowadays, maybe it's become obsolete? It might be revived when they computerized the result's notification.
848
849
850~
851
852
853"T-the Royal Capital is burning..."
854
855Arisa holds her breath beside me.
856
857"Burning~?"
858"Where's the fire nodesu?"
859"Mwu?"
860
861It's natural for the little girls to be puzzled.
862Arisa's cheeks are red. She must have tried to say something poetic and failed.
863
864"Those are sakura, so I state the information."
865"Those are sakura? They look just like in the picture book."
866
867Just as Nana and Liza have said, Arisa was talking about the sakura trees that are in full bloom in the Royal Capital.
868The highway that goes to the Royal Capital and the road inside the city itself have been colored in sakura color.
869Although the blue milkvetch flowers were beautiful, the one over here is gorgeous.
870
871"It's really pretty...."
872
873Lulu was muttering in rapture while being fascinated with the sakura. She's so lovely I almost involuntarily said, "You are many times more beautiful."
874Of course I won't say such playboy-like line.
875
876And then the biggest sakura tree in Shiga Kingdom enters our view as the airship circles toward the airport.
877
878"Ugeh, what's that."
879"Big~?"
880"It's pretty nodesu."
881"Nn, pretty."
882
883Arisa is surprised at a big blooming sakura tree that's situated quite close to the royal castle.
884The sakura tree that's said to be given by the elves for the Ancient King Yamato is blooming in pink color, painting the white wall of the royal castle.
885
886"It is pretty, but isn't it a bit too big?"
887"Guessing from the window size, I report that its size is more than 100 meter big. It's unthinkable that it's 700 years old, so I reason."
888
889Lulu's doubt is reasonable.
890A tree that's as big as a royal castle is unthinkable even in my former world.
891However--.
892
893"What is strange about it? The world tree is even bigger isn't it?"
894
895Liza is right, the impact from seeing this tree is weak when you've seen the world tree that reaches the sky.
896
897"If you pray under that tree, any wish seems like it'll be fulfilled...."
898
899Since I know the reference, I can only smile wryly to Arisa who's muttering so.
900Unfortunately, it's not an un-withering sakura tree.
901<TLN: Da Capo reference>
902
903~
904
905
906"Satou, if you're going to sightsee when we've entered the port, invite me!"
907
908Contrary to her words, Lady Karina is posing like she's showing her dressed-up self.
909She's certainly beautiful enough to make you hold your breath.
910
911She's spreading charm violent enough that it would have made me involuntarily propose to her if I didn't have Aze-san.
912It's a bit vexing, so I first praise Erina and Newbie-chan beside Lady Karina for their effort instead.
913
914"Thank you for your work, must've been hard."
915"Yes, it really was.... It'd be nice if Karina-sama dressed up like that everyday."
916"W-wait Senpai."
917
918The all-too-serious Newbie-chan is fretting from Erina's disrespectful words.
919Lady Karina herself seems like she's waiting for my words, it doesn't seem like she hears outside noise.
920
921I feel slightly mischievous, but I've decided to normally praise Lady Karina who has gone with the trouble of dressing up.
922
923"You are very beautiful, Karina-sama."
924
925Yet, Lady Karina blushed instead, without being able to reply back.
926It seems she's not used to praises since she usually wears unfashionable clothes even though the base is good.
927
928I've got to enjoy the wonderful valley peeking from her dress until Lady Karina moves again.
929Arisa and Mia are kicking my feet from behind, but please overlook this one since it's just a mere lip service.
930
931
932~
933
934
935The airship has arrived at the airport on the outskirt of the Royal Capital.
936We collect our cabin's luggage and gather in the observatory dome once again.
937
938"Waa, there are a lot of people."
939"The people are like garbage~?" <TLN: Castle in the Sky reference>
940"Like ants nanodesu."
941"Nn."
942
943Liza reproves Tama for the slightly impolite thing she said.
944There's a wide space in the airport, but it's overflowing with people and carriages.
945
946I feel that there are a lot more people than carriages who have come to welcome Duke Bishtal.
947
948The airship slowly lower its altitude, and then the suspension legs gently touch the ground, ending the landing.
949
950『Everyone, please wait in your room or the observation dome. Guides will lead you to leave the ship.』
951
952A female crew speaks via the speaking tube.
953There's no need for us to hurry since the first one will be the party of Duke Bishtal anyway, we'll be leaving the last.
954
955When I peek at the ramp from the deck, there's a blue carpet spread from the ramp to the luxurious carriages of the duke house.
956--It's not a red carpet huh.
957
958The elite soldier of the duke are on both sides of the carpet, keeping bad people from approaching the blue carpet.
959The Duke leads the way with a depressed face, and then 11 ladies follow behind him.
960Those women are all the wives of the Duke.
961
962The three women right after the Duke are of the same age as him, but the age of the women continues getting younger behind them, the last one looks as young as Nana.
963Checking on the map, she's 17 years old.
964I almost reflexively quip, "How many years the gap is."
965
966After the wives, there are seven children of the Duke house who are coming of age this year and the unmarried ones, and then dozens of retainers after them.
967Quite a lot of people. Half of the passengers are people related to the Duke.
968
969However, his guards are only the private knights even though someone is aiming for his life. Even though Jeril and his party would have immediately agreed if he asked them to guard his party.
970I guess credible people are more important than their strength.
971
972While I'm thinking of such thing, the carriages that carry the duke and his party form a line going toward the royal castle.
973
974The nobles follow them, since it's going to be us explorers' turn soon, I decided to go to the airship door.
975
976
977~
978
979
980When Jeril and his [Lion's Roar] party show up on the ramp, shrill voices break out from the people who're welcoming them. All of them are young good-looking beautiful women.
981Most are calling for the [Crimson Young Noble] Jeril, but when the name of the other members got called, they wave back with a hand holding a handkerchief.
982
983The cheer for the following parties are decreasing little by little, but when we show ourselves, it becomes loud again.
984
985....Why are they all either old men who bring along little girls, or married couples.
986
987When I look closer, they're nobles whom I've met in the Duchy Capital.
988Looks like they didn't come to welcome us as Mithril explorers, but they're cordial people who meet us as acquaintances.
989
990I wave my hand back while feeling a bit nostalgic.
991There are also some noble and merchant friends from the labyrinth city among them of course.
992
993A Mithril explorer--a middle-aged man called Marmot or something who's got to the tramp seems like he's found someone he knows among the crowd, and points at that someone, showing to his friends.
994I ask him since I'm a bit interested.
995
996"Did you see someone famous?"
997"Yeah, if I'm not mistaken, that's the chief of Shiga Eight Swords y'see."
998
999I search the map and mark him.
1000He's quite far, well done noticing him. As expected of the scout of a Mithril explorer party.
1001
1002Other explorers seem to have noticed it too, noises begin to spread among them.
1003It's like when a star pro-player appears in Koushien stadium in front of high school baseball players I guess?
1004
1005The noises change into baseless speculations.
1006The most numerous one is this--
1007
1008"He must've come to to invite Jeril."
1009"I can't think of any other possibility. Maybe he's looking for a successor."
1010"As expected of Jeril, befitting of our leader!"
1011
1012Even while being made fun of by the [Lion's Roar] members, Jeril looks full of confidence with a "not bad at all" face.
1013
1014--It stinks a bit of a flag, so Arisa who's walking beside me is smiling a very bad smile.
1015The next most numerous speculations are that he's coming to scout me, and that he's coming to scout either of us.
1016
1017As if he's walking in an uninhabited field, Chief-san is coming straight toward us.
1018Like when Moses splits the sea, the crowd of people make way for him.
1019
1020Since Jeril has stopped moving, the other explorers who have descended to the ramp also stop and create a circle.
1021I personally want to greet the people who welcome us, but since the crowd are obstructing, there's no space to move even if we can move.
1022No, there's plenty of space in front of us, but I don't want to be someone who can't read the mood and thrust myself there.
1023
1024The Chief and Jeril are on a straight line from my point of view, so I can only see Jeril's back.
1025The Chief seems to have appeared from the crowd.
1026
1027The noise is spreading whenever the Chief come closer to Jeril.
1028I saw Jeril looking smug from the side for an instant.
1029
1030The place freeze as the Chief comes one step away.
1031Like a pulling tide, the noise has disappeared.
1032
1033The Chief passes Jeril from the side.
1034He's coming here.
1035
1036"It can't be, the winner is Sir Pendragon?!"
1037"But, Young Master can't even use Magic Edge right?"
1038
1039The noise begins to revive little by little.
1040And then, I can finally see the figure of the holy knight who's carrying a white pike following him from behind. I understand the Chief's intention when I see his face.
1041
1042I make a way for the Chief who's come before me.
1043I'm sorry for Jeril, but I'll be refraining myself from being made a clown like him.
1044
1045He stopped before us and stated this.
1046
1047"I am the first seat of Shiga Eight Swords, Zeff Julberg the 『Unfalling』. I desire a bout with Liza-dono the 『Black Spear』!"
1048
104912-6. Liza's Strength
1050 
1051Satou's here. There's this term, "Muscle-brain", but I think it's better than human race who strangely surround themselves in intrigue.
1052...It's a bit sweltering though.
1053
1054
1055~
1056
1057
1058"What is your answer!"
1059
1060The chief of Shiga Eight Swords--Zeff Julberg beat the blunt end of his expensive-looking spear and asked Liza once again.
1061
1062"Master, would you allow me to accept the match?"
1063
1064Liza is staring at Julberg-shi while looking giddy like she's before an extraordinary feast.
1065It's as if the fight will begin immediately if I shift my line of sight.
1066
1067For the time being, you two, please do something about the thirst of blood that's on contrary to your seemingly fun stares.
1068The peanut gallery around us have forgotten to breathe you know.
1069
1070"Liza, I think you know already but"
1071"Please do not worry. I won't be excessive against an old man. I will make sure to hold back."
1072
1073I wanted to say that you couldn't fight, but if you say something like that, the other party probably won't let it go.
1074Instead of Julberg-shi, the peanut gallery around us are brimming with jeers, or rather, shrieks.
1075
1076Liza was probably doing just as the elf masters have taught her, a powerful enemy wouldn't be able to show their true strength if they lost their temper, but I'd have preferred for her to provoke him after we had changed place.
1077
1078Julberg-shi spins his spear and sets it in low stance.
1079Please stop gritting your back teeth to the point as if it'll break.
1080
1081"Hohou, to worry about this old body of mine, you're quite the heroine with respect for their elders."
1082"It is the result of Master's virtue."
1083
1084That's not actually a praise.
1085Apparently, Liza perceived Julberg-shi's words at face value.
1086
1087"I'm sorry, but let's change the place."
1088
1089I cut myself between the two since it'll be dangerous if they fight here.
1090Julberg-shi shoots me a gaze like he's going to kill me, but it's nothing compared to the demon lords'.
1091
1092"The nobles might get hurt if you fight here, and we cannot allow the new kingdom airship to be broken."
1093
1094With my words, Julberg-shi pulls back his spear and agrees to it with a sour look on face.
1095
1096I couldn't stop the duel, but the Liza now should be fine even if she shows off her true strength.
1097I've gotten the personal connections from nobles, apart from the ones who demanded something unreasonable, anyway.
1098I'm a bit worried as to whether Liza and the others can deal with demons and demon lords, but that can be solved by me doing things as Nanashi.
1099As for the state of things, the only country that looks like they're going to war with Shiga Kingdom is the Weaselkin Empire on the eastern end, if they do, I'll just fire laser to draw a line before the army as Nanashi, that'll probably make them turn back. If they still insist on marching forward, I can just make a great wall with earth magic so they can't continue.
1100
1101While my mind is being full of such assumptions, Julberg-shi instructs his retainer, the man who's carrying the white pike, to prepare for the duel on the garrison nearby the airport.
1102He's the holy knight that's also known as the [White Pike Knight] who challenged Liza and lost instead, a bit after our Mithril plate parade.
1103The peanut gallery told me later that he's one of the people aiming for one of the three vacant seats of Shiga Eight Swords.
1104
1105The people around cheer as if they're waiting for Julberg-shi to go out of the airport.
1106We're also going toward the duel stage while receiving words of encouragement from our friends and the other Mithril explorers.
1107
1108Since there was a big incident, like the attempted assassination of the Duke, I don't think this is the time to play around with a duel though...
1109When I look around, it seems the people who think of that are in minority.
1110
1111
1112~
1113
1114
1115"Now, come."
1116"Acknowledged."
1117
1118--Which era do you guys come from.
1119No one answers that inner thought of mine, and the showdown begins.
1120
1121Brilliant red traces are crossing in the daytime arena.
1122The two of them are using Magic Edge from the start since Julberg-shi said, "Do not hold back."
1123
1124I've instructed Pochi and Tama not to use Magic Edge in the middle of the city since they tend to do it unconcernedly, but now that I think about it, I didn't tell so to Liza.
1125Still, I think using Magic Edge in a non-lethal match is questionable.
1126The spears have been outfitted so it won't injure them though.
1127
1128Of course, the proof that this match is non-lethal are the high priest of Garleon temple and the water court magicians sitting beside me in wait.
1129It seems they've made the water court magicians who were working in an engineering work in the suburb to stop their works and rush here.
1130
1131The Knigth Order garrison's arena that's become the fight spot is 200-meter wide in radius, and there's a 2-meter firm wall surrounding it.
1132In addition, the members of Knight Order that can use magic are providing their magic power to the magic device that creates magic wall, so the peanut gallery are safe.
1133
1134"As expected of the Shiga Eight Swords's top gentleman. His Magic Edge is more legit than Jeril's."
1135"Yeah, Liza-dono also coated her spear with Magic Edge as quick as Julberg-sama, but the light is clearly weaker."
1136
1137I hear such conversations from the peanut gallery.
1138
1139Liza has only put that much output since she coated the spear with Magic Edge with the intention of not hurting.
1140I wonder if they normally can't regulate the output?
1141I think the fuel consumption is bad if you thoughtlessly put out high power.
1142
1143"Six consecutive strikes~?"
1144"Liza is amazing, but Oji-chan is also amazing nodesu."
1145"Eh, no way?! I could only see one strike just now though?"
1146"I saw two strikes."
1147"Arisa, Lulu, you can grasp the general movement if you look at the dust of cloud below, so I announce."
1148
1149Just as Tama and Pochi have commented, the two have clashed with tremendous speed, exchanging blows in dizzying speed.
1150However, so this is the strength of Shiga Eight Swords huh.
1151
1152I've mostly understood it with the Third Prince, but if this goes on, Liza will end the fight easily.
1153In any case, even though Liza's level is lower, Julberg-shi who's three level higher is being pushed.
1154Moreover, when I analyzed him with [Magic Perception] skill, Julberg-shi had already used physical reinforcement on himself. Has he gotten weak with age, or does Liza's basic strength simply surpass him, I don't know which is the reason since there's too little comparison.
1155
1156The peanut gallery are getting excited with the offense of defense between two spearsmen of different styles. It's quite a high-speed battle.
1157However, if this ebb and flow fight continues to go on, Liza will probably win with her endurance.
1158
1159Julberg-shi was observing her in preparation for when she moved, but Liza made her move ahead of him.
1160
1161"Ah!? Just now, Liza's spear has disappeared!"
1162"Eh? Disappear?"
1163"Liza's vanishing spear~?"
1164"It hasn't disappeared desuyo?"
1165
1166Lady Karina raises her voice as she's tricked by Liza's feint.
1167It seems Arisa couldn't see it too since it's a trick that can only be seen by martial artists past certain standard.
1168Pochi has excellent kinetic vision so Arisa can't keep up to her in another meaning.
1169
1170What Liza has done is a feint technique that she only uses against expert opponents.
1171You can't evade an attack if you see it normally, you do it by sensing the opponent's line of sight and the movement of muscles to avoid the attack, and Liza makes use of that to set the feint.
1172This technique was taught to us by the elf masters, I had also fallen for it the first time they did it.
1173
1174The type of people who evade the moment they see the attack like Pochi and me can deal with it fine, but for people like Tama who evade attacks by reading ahead, it's easy for them to be caught by this technique.
1175
1176Julberg-shi also gets taken by the feint, a single blow hits his torso.
1177This would have been over without that magic armor, a white magic board like a simplified version of Raka's Lady Karina protection protected him, it only ended with the scattering of white fragments.
1178
1179It seems Liza also didn't think that she would win with the blow just now, she doesn't seem particularly discouraged.
1180
1181"I see, you do seem different than my artificially grown comrades who only raise their level and magic edge."
1182
1183Julberg-shi took some distances away from Liza, and said so.
1184It's hard to say that Liza was level 3 just a few months ago in this mood.
1185
1186"It is the result of Master's guidance."
1187
1188Liza tries to raise my stock with a serious face.
1189Nana, and even Lulu, please stop nodding to it. Look, Pochi and Tama even imitate you.
1190
1191Liza seems to seriously think so, but I've only been doing the power-leveling, and the [Cherish your life] policy.
1192She's become strong with her own effort, and the intensive training of the elf masters.
1193
1194"In honor of you who has trained that far at such age, I will bestow you with this technique. The legendary technique that has been kept even more closely guarded than the secret technique Magic Edge."
1195
1196Julberg-shi sets his spear on his waist and collect his magic power on the spear's tip.
1197Is it different than Magic Edge Cannon?
1198
1199It looks like Magic Edge Cannon judging from the way the magic power is collecting.
1200Liza also sets up her spear and concentrate on Julberg-shi's movement, trying to steal the technique.
1201
1202"Oh, huge magic power is collecting on Sir Julberg's spear!"
1203"It's the technique that's only used against a powerful enemy!"
1204
1205The peanut gallery become unrest when they see the spear's Magic Edge swelling.
1206
1207However, the convergence is loose.
1208With that state, won't it end up in cone shape instead of bullet?
1209I feel that it'll only work as a distraction against enemies that have powerful magic guard.
1210
1211Julberg-shi who has finally finished the preparation shoots the magic power while shouting, "Nuoo".
1212The bombardment of red magic power that's as big as man's body assaults Liza.
1213
1214"Wa, don't stand still--"
1215"Liza-san!"
1216
1217Arisa and Lulu scream in worry.
1218Liza's hands finally move when the bombardment shot by Julberg-shi has reached the middle point between the two.
1219
1220She quickly shoots a small red Magic Edge Cannon that's been formed in an instant.
1221
1222The cannonballs collide in front of Liza, red flash dyes the entire arena.
1223The magic wall protecting the arena seems to be resonating with it, the wall is also emitting red light, the inside of the arena can't be seen well.
1224
1225I saw that the Magic Edge Cannon shot by Liza crushed Julberg-shi's Magic Edge Cannon, and then the leftover hit his body hard.
1226The white protection magic from the magic armor Julberg-shi is wearing has been annihilated.
1227
1228--Wait, Liza?
1229
1230A second Magic Edge Cannon comes flying toward Julberg-shi.
1231Its power has been reduced to the minimum, but Julberg-shi can't avoid it with his posture.
1232
1233However, the fact that he's reigning the Shiga Eight Swords' top for a long time doesn't seem to be just a show, he smashes the Magic Edge Cannon with the fist that's not holding the spear while shouting, "Nunn", with fighting spirit.
1234Of course, the compensation for that is his fist. It has been completely destroyed.
1235
1236The elder warrior's mental doesn't seem to be broken with just this much.
1237He pours magic power into the spear with his remaining dominant arm, preparing for the final attack.
1238
1239Right at that time, the last Magic Edge Cannon that Liza had shot hits the wrist of the arm that's holding the spear.
1240After Arisa talked about how assault guns could shoot in tri-burst, the beastkin girls ended up using three shots of Magic Edge Cannon to bring down powerful enemies.
1241It's probably become a habit due to that.
1242
1243Liza quickly approaches and sweeps Julberg-shi's legs with her tail, he falls down on his back without the mean to fix his posture, and then Liza thrusts her spear toward his throat, stopping before.
1244
1245The red light on the arena's magic wall finally fades, revealing the ending to the peanut gallery.
1246
1247"Hey, what's the meaning of this?"
1248"Why is Julberg-shi who shot the Magic Edge Cannon fallen?"
1249
1250I can hear such perplexed words escaping from the peanut gallery who are in confusion.
1251However, that was only until the judge declared Liza's victory.
1252
1253"The winner is 『Black Spear』 Liza!"
1254
1255The moment right after that words were declared in the arena, shouts of joy loud enough to shake the Royal Capital reverberate.
1256I can't grasp what each of them is saying, but one thing is clear, that they are congratulatory words toward Liza.
1257
1258Liza takes some distance away from Julberg-shi and swings her spear toward me.
1259It's really like Liza to not let her guard down even after the conclusion.
1260
1261I also shout congratulation with all my might and wave back with my hand.
1262Rather than being worried about troublesome things in the aftermath, right now I just want to congratulate her victory.
1263
1264On this day, Liza became the most famous explorer in the Royal Capital.
1265
126612-7. Challengers
1267 
1268Satou's here. When fighting games were popular, I liked playing with a player whom I knew I couldn't win against. I was able to learn various things even though I was badly beaten one-sidedly.
1269
1270
1271~
1272
1273
1274The priest rushes over to Julberg-shi and heals his hand.
1275The effect of high heal magic is terrific, the broken hand is restored in an instant.
1276
1277"Liza-dono, your strength is genuine."
1278"I am honored."
1279
1280Julberg-shi who's been healed talks to Liza.
1281Liza replies while looking composed, but her tail is swinging around. The tail is honest.
1282
1283"Shiga Eight Swords is the pike that shields the kingdom."
1284
1285Julberg-shi suddenly begins narrating a story to Liza.
1286
1287"For that reason, I think one's race or lineage have nothing to do with it as long as one has the strength and the heart that thinks heavily of one's kingdom."
1288
1289Apparently he's inviting Liza to become a Shiga Eight Swords even though he hasn't directly said it to her.
1290
1291"Right now there are three vacant seats on Shiga Eight Swords, among them, two have become the means for factional disputes among the nobles. However, the last seat is for me to nominate."
1292
1293Would you not glare at me when you were saying the "factional dispute" part?
1294
1295"I want to commend that seat to you. --Would you receive it?"
1296
1297He said to Liza with serious face.
1298The girls around me look at Liza while looking tense. Only Nana who's in 'my pace' is playing with Shiro's and Crow's feather.
1299
1300"I refuse."
1301
1302Liza declined Julberg-shi's invitation with powerful voice.
1303Arisa and Pochi lose their strength after feeling relieved. That's fine and all, but stop rubbing your face on my leg during the confusion, Arisa. You too Mia, stop imitating Arisa.
1304
1305"Why. You might be Sir Pendragon's slave right now, but the royal family will release you if you become a Shiga Eight Swords and even grant you with honorary earldom you know? It's a status and honor that cannot normally be gotten by a demi-human, why do you refuse"
1306
1307Liza stops Julberg-shi who's talking while looking like he can't believe it.
1308
1309"Certainly, I think it is a great honor for me."
1310"Then--"
1311"However, my loyalty lies not to the Kingdom, but to Master. I do not have the qualification to become a Shiga Eight Swords who must submit their loyalty to the Kingdom."
1312
1313Those are some delicately dangerous lines.
1314Right then, Arisa the mood maker breaks in.
1315
1316"That's right! We're the 『Pendragon Seven Braves』!　Together with Master, we'll show you that we'll become the new world guardian that rivals the 『Shiga Eight Swords』!"
1317
1318What the heck is [Pendragon Seven Braves]. Do you have any respect to Sanada Ten Braves?
1319
1320Arisa is just probably saying it to soften the atmosphere in this place, but looking at her proud-looking face, I'm scared that she's serious.
1321
1322"Ooh! They've declared they're equal Shiga Eight Swords y'hear?"
1323"However, they did defeat Julberg-shi the 『Unfalling』. They do have the qualification."
1324"Yeah, using light spear attack, it's the birth of new Shiga Kingdom guardians!"
1325"『Black Spear』, no, it's the 『Magic-destroying Light Spear』 Liza!"
1326"Glory to 『Pendragon Seven Braves』 and Shiga Kingdom!"
1327
1328Somehow, the name that Arisa declared is spreading among the peanut gallery like it's official.
1329The flow of event is as such that I begin to suspect that someone has prepared some hired applauders, but the peanut gallery's mood is strange.
1330Is Liza defeating Julberg-shi something that significant?
1331
1332Looks like Liza has gotten a new nickname since there were some people among them who could see her using the Magic Edge Cannon.
1333
1334I don't think that Arisa's declaration has stopped Liza from entering Shiga Eight Swords, but it's succeeded to postpone it, it seems. I'll consult Nina-san for the rest.
1335
1336By the way, I only knew the [Pendragon Seven Braves] thing that Arisa talked about was in fact, a name that came out in the novel Pochi had written, a long time after this.
1337
1338
1339
1340~
1341
1342
1343It's about time for us to meet with Baron Muno who's waiting in the royal castle, but the peanut gallery's clamor doesn't seem like it'll stop soon.
1344I was able to greet the acquaintances who had come to welcome us, but I'm troubled with the endless line of people who're congratulating Liza.
1345
1346The ones who break that are two figures of people.
1347
1348"You the one who won against the old man?"
1349"Ryouna-dono, don't forget your manner. We are people who sit on Shiga Eight Swords' seats."
1350"You're too stiff Bauen."
1351
1352A wild-like woman carrying a large scythe on her shoulder called Ryouna, and a man wearing a single-edged sword came.
1353They're the Shiga Eight Swords' 8th rank, Ms. Ryouna the 『Mower』 and 6th rank, 『Wind Blade』 Bauen-shi.
1354Both are level mid-40s, they're considerably weaker compared to Julberg-shi.
1355
1356Bauen-shi who's around forty years old is wearing a normal knight outfit, but the latter half twenties year old Ms. Ryouna wears some wild-like attires with knee-high trousers, and a coat that looks like a vest. By the way, despite the high exposure, she relatively doesn't feel sexy due to her ripe abs.
1357The reason why I don't refer Bauen-shi's sword as katana is because it's made with western-style workmanship. I could've called it saber, but since Bauen-shi lets out samurai-like atmosphere, I refer it as such.
1358
1359Pochi and Tama are excited with the appearance of the new warriors.
1360They've begun playing Look-that-way game, probably to decide who goes first. Their action must have looked nonsensical by the people around us.
1361
1362"Fight with me."
1363"I refuse. The we--"
1364"Ryouna-sama, I'm very sorry, but Liza is exhausted from her fight with Julberg-shi. Please ask again another time if you wish to challenge her."
1365
1366I interrupted them since Liza was seemingly going to say "the weak".
1367
1368"Who are ya?"
1369"I am Chevalier Pendragon, her master."
1370"--Pendragon?"
1371"Have you forgotten, Ryouna-dono. He's a candidate for our new colleagues."
1372"Ah.... Then, you fight me?"
1373
1374I shake my head toward Ryouna who looks like a cat that's just found a rat.
1375Or rather, first time I've heard about this [new colleague candidate] thing.
1376
1377"Please ask the people there if you want a fight."
1378
1379I turn my hand toward the muscle-brains--Mithril explorers who have been glancing here.
1380
1381"Everyone is a warrior that'd not fall behind Liza. It surely will be a fun fight."
1382"Right.... Okay, the lady-killer man over there! Looks like you're the strongest. Fight me!"
1383"I, Jeril, won't hold back even against women you know?"
1384"That's what a warrior is! Now, make some room! It's the beginning of a fun fight!"
1385
1386It went well.
1387I'm interested with the fight between Mithril explorers and Shiga Eight Swords, but let's disperse from here immediately.
1388I pull Lady Karina who's glued herself on the front row together with our girls and go to the carriage.
1389
1390Pochi who won the Look-that-way game is dejected but since it seems Baron Muno is going to hold a reception for us today, she's probably going to forget about it soon.
1391
1392
1393~
1394
1395
1396"Is that an airship?"
1397"Yeah, that's the shipyard adjoining the airport."
1398
1399Arisa is pointing to an airship factory.
1400They're building the hull parts that are going to be connected to the aerodynamic engines I've brought as Nanashi. The airship design is from me, but since it's not the type that has magic furnace powered by the Philosopher's Stone, it should be the traditional one that make use of the fuel rod made from magic-core-powder alchemy for the magic furnace.
1401
1402Every country conceals the technology used in this type of magic furnace so I also don't know the way to make it.
1403I'm not really interested since its output is lower than the engines that use a Philosopher's Stone, and it seems to be theoretically impossible to be downsized.
1404I also already have the magic cylinders to power small airships aside with the Philosopher's stones, so I probably don't need it for now.
1405I've been given permission to access the forbidden library under the royal castle, and the royal academy's library, so I'll be checking them out when I have some free time.
1406
1407Still, is it alright for the shipyard to be visible from outside?
1408I've heard that long ago nations went out of their way to hide the construction of warships, trains, or automobiles that run on national highway.
1409
1410Leaving that worry of mine, the carriages keeps passing through the workshops area beside the shipyard to the noble street and then continue on the main street.
1411
1412By the way, we're riding on four carriages since it wasn't enough with one.
1413The first one is for Lady Karina and the others, the second is for me, Arisa, and the beastkin girls, the third is for our luggage, and the last is for Lulu, Mia, Nana and the others. The division is decided fairly with rock-paper-scissor.
1414
1415"Rattle-rattle~?"
1416"Pochi wants to rattle-rattle too nodesu!"
1417
1418Tama and Pochi have found the people playing kickboards in the alley.
1419It's not popular in the labyrinth city since the city's roads have a lot of turns and twists, but I've let Pochi and the others test them on a straight passageway in the labyrinth once.
1420That kind of vehicle seemed to be first for them, everyone, including Liza and Lulu, were having fun riding it.
1421
1422"It's spreading nicely huh."
1423
1424Arisa mutters earnestly when she sees it.
1425Kickboard is a product that Arisa has devised, it's being produced in Echigoya firm's workshop in the Royal Capital.
1426The product is selling so well Porina the manager almost overworks herself to death.
1427I'll make some time and show up in the workshop before long.
1428
1429The street is crowded and lively as one would expect from the capital of the whole kingdom.
1430The main street is wide enough to hold four carriages, but since there's no traffic signal, it's seldom get crowded in the intersections. It's a good thing that there are few traffic compared to the modern area.
1431
1432--Red points light up in the radar.
1433
1434"Enemy's attack"
1435"Their direction?"
1436"Oh no! Nanodesu!"
1437
1438Tama warns everyone about it almost at the same time as the radar.
1439Tama tells Liza who's asking the direction with her glance while taking out the stick shurikens. Pochi also took out the long toothpick from her bag in haste.
1440
1441The 12 shadows reflected on the radar seem to be party of a criminal guild [Gibbon].
1442A man on the later half of 20s who can use water and fire magic seems to be the leader. This guy is on the rooftop of a nearby three-story building.
1443
1444The thieves attack when I have checked that much. We're in the middle of a junction.
1445Four covered wagons that move like they're going to crash surround the back carriage that has our luggage in front and back.
1446Some men come down from the covered wagons and throw several flare-like things to the ground, blocking the view. It's probably the same thing as the smoke ball often used in the labyrinth.
1447
1448"Pochi and I will defeat the suspicious people. Tama you protect the carriage."
1449"Aye, nanodesu!"
1450"Roger~?"
1451
1452Liza and Pochi assault into the white smoke, defeating the assailants. Tama who's climbed to the carriage's roof also throws a stick shuriken toward the the leader who's chanting a spell to support the thieves from the rooftop.
1453I use Magic Hand to pull the foot of the leader who's lost his balance from Tama's stick shuriken, dropping him to the ground. It seems the carriage on the back is being taken care of by Nana.
1454
1455They're probably aiming for the third carriage.
1456It's normally the one where the expensive equipment of explorers are stored after all. In our case, it's no big deal even if they get stolen since it only houses dummy equipment, but if it becomes known among the criminal groups that stealing things from us is easy, touring the capital would be difficult, so we're handling this seriously.
1457
1458It seems our reaction speed was beyond their expectation, they're working to steal the luggage carriage slower than I expected.
1459The criminal guild people board the luggage carriage, drag the coachman down, and try to quickly get away.
1460
1461"I won't let you run!"
1462
1463Liza shoots a short spear between the wheel of the carriage, overturning it.
1464
1465I, who's running beside it while catching the coachman of the thief, have almost got rolled up in it too.
1466I also lightly push a man, who had almost been ran over by the toppled carriage, with my foot to make him fall down to the ground, and then embrace some girls wearing servant-like attires who were going to be hit too, on both arms, bringing them to the safe place.
1467
1468I put the girls to the ground and trample the back of the thief who's trying to run away from me, arresting the thief.
1469I've been treating this thief roughly, but it seem it's a woman.
1470Well, I guess it's fine. She's a thief.
1471
1472"Master, there~"
1473
1474Tama who was in charge of guarding the carriage rushes over to me and points to a nearby roof.
1475Over there is a suspicious woman in black clothing. Unlike the thief I'm trampling, her breasts are big so I'm aware that she's woman even from a distance.
1476
1477The woman who notices that she's been sensed suddenly turns around.
1478
1479"Ran away~?"
1480
1481I catch the nape of Tama who was going to use Flickering Movement to chase the woman, stopping her.
1482I hold Tama, who turns around with a wondering face, on my arm and pat her head.
1483
1484The woman earlier doesn't seem to be in the same gang as these thieves, but since she's suspicious, I've put a map marker on her just in case.
1485It seems she's wearing equipment that inhibit recognition, so her information is displayed twice. She's probably aiming for treasures since her title is [Phantom Thief].
1486Phantom Thief-san has some unusual skills like [Disguise], so I leave the marker on her alone.
1487
1488"What is this uproar!"
1489
1490Someone forces his way through with arrogant voice.
1491It's a man riding a horse. He's not wearing an armor but judging from the painted crest, he seems to be a part of Royal Capital's guard.
1492
1493"We were attacked by thieves. I'm Chevalier Pendragon. I was taking my master's daughter to the royal castle."
1494
1495I make a gesture, and his line of sight shifts to Lady Karina who's showing her face to look outside.
1496Lady Karina is making a disappointed face since she didn't get to join the fray, but it probably looks like she's worried from the point of view of someone who doesn't know the circumstance.
1497The man's face is reddened and he's going toward Lady Karina, but I make him call his troop in order to take the thieves to the jail.
1498
1499Repairing the carriage seems like it'll take some time, so I negotiate with a shop nearby to rent their carriage.
1500
1501After a while, the foot soldiers that the cavalryman has brought take the thieves away.
1502According to the foot soldiers, an attack this showy is very rare even in the Royal Capital.
1503
1504There are probably some people who heard about Mithril explorers coming here with an airship, and came up with a plan to steal their expensive magic tools.
1505The treasures gotten from the Floormasters have been delivered to the castle by officials who have Item Box skill and work directly under the royal family, so it's fine. The chant orb's marker is in the underground treasure room of the castle, so there's no mistake about it.
1506
1507The thieves targeting us at the labyrinth city were increasing, so I'm going to assume that they will also come in droves during our stay in the Royal Capital's mansion.
1508
1509After tearing off the cavalryman who persistently whispers words of love toward Lady Karina's carriage, our carriages continue to the royal castle.
1510It seems Baron Muno doesn't have any mansion in the Royal Capital, so they're borrowing a guest house of the royal castle.
1511
1512Passing through the gatekeepers who are wearing dazzling full body armors (Plate Mail) and holding Halberds, we've finally arrived at the royal castle.
1513
151412-8. Under the Sakura Tree
1515 
1516Satou's here. There's the saying, "A corpse is buried underneath the Sakura tree", but I don't know whether it's from a novel or a fable, let alone the source's title.
1517
1518
1519~
1520
1521
1522"It looks grand seen from below isn't it."
1523"It sure is. It's eerily beautiful."
1524
1525I muttered while looking up at the Sakura tree.
1526Someone's pulling my sleeve. It's Mia.
1527The beastkin girls have moved to the borrowed luggage carriage as its guards, so Mia and Lulu have moved to the vacant seats of this carriage.
1528
1529"Once again."
1530"--the 『eerily beautiful』 part?"
1531"Yes."
1532
1533Mie ecstatically closes her eyes and pushes her mouth. When I shift my line of sight to the opposite side, Arisa is also taking the same pose.
1534
1535Astonished, I seek help to Lulu who's sitting in front of me, but she quietly closes her eyes after blushing sakura-color for an instant.
1536--You girls, did you conspire for this beforehand?
1537
1538The carriages arrives at the place Baron Muno is staying unaffected with the trifle inside.
1539
1540We're missing one carriage.
1541Apparently, the luggage carriage that the beastkin rode had entered through the back entrance.
1542
1543"Welcome to the Royal Capital."
1544
1545Guided by the way that's formed from the maids who are standing in rows, we enter the mansion.
1546
1547It seems these maids aren't Baron Muno's servants, but this mansion's.
1548As the proof, these maids aren't wearing the maid uniforms, but elegant one-piece-type uniforms.
1549
1550Pina who's in maid uniform is waiting in the entrance hall.
1551
1552"We have been waiting for you. Chevalier-sama, Karina-sama."
1553"It's been a long time. I'm glad to see you're healthy."
1554"News about Chevalier-sama's activities had also reached Muno territory."
1555
1556We would obstruct the maids' job if we chat too long, so I cut it off appropriately.
1557
1558Unlike the battle maids I've seen in Muno territory and the Duchy Capital, Pina is acting gracefully like it's natural, "I've been a maid for a long time", while guiding me to the living room.
1559
1560Checking on the map, Baron Muno and Consul Nina seem to be in the northern conference room of the royal castle. It seems to be quite an exhausting conference, the Baron's stamina has been greatly diminished.
1561This is the first time I saw the abnormal status, [Overworked].
1562
1563"Baron-sama and Consul-sama are currently out for a prior engagement, so please relax in this room until they get back."
1564
1565The maids are putting several tea sets and tea-cakes on the table. The tea cakes are of still-warm baked sweets and white-candy like things put on small bowls.
1566The bell on top of the table is probably for calling the maids. I let the maids who are waiting near the room entrance to fall back.
1567
1568After a bit, the beastkin girls who have entered from the mansion's back entrance meet up with us.
1569
1570"Mumwu~? Illegal occupation~?"
1571"First come, first served."
1572
1573Tama is aiming to recapture the lap that Mia has taken.
1574Today, the positions of these two are reversed. But, I don't think it's something that need to be competed so much. Pochi tries to climb and sits beside me, she doesn't seem to be interested with my lap.
1575When my eyes meet with Pochi's who's sitting beside me, she smiles, "He".
1576That was too cute I involuntarily patted her head.
1577
1578Now then, I want to talk about our policy from now on, but since Lady Karina is naturally in the room, it's hard to do it.
1579I guess I'll talk about it once we get to my own mansion I've prepared in the royal capital.
1580
1581I had prepared a mansion for Chevalier Pendragon use while acting as someone called Akindou when I was delivering the airships and the magic swords here. I've announced that Akindou is the purveyor of Pendragon's house beforehand so it's quite convenient. Echigoya is for big things like airships when I act as Nanashi or Kuro, so I'm making use of Akindou for Satou's businesses.
1582
1583"Still, even though I had thought that you were strong, I would've never guessed that you would even win against Julberg-shi of Shiga Eight Swords."
1584『It was truly splendid.』
1585"I'm honored."
1586
1587Lady Karina and Raka are praising Liza.
1588Pochi and Tama look happy like they're talking about them.
1589
1590Mia who's won my lap from Tama is humming in good mood, unrelated to it.
1591I don't think that place is that comfortable though....
1592
1593"But you know, although we've dodged it with the Pendragon Seven Braves thing, won't Liza-san or Master get to become Shiga Eight Swords like this?"
1594
1595While drinking the cup beside me, Arisa asked anxiously.
1596Oh good. That [Pendragon Seven Braves] thing wasn't serious. I was sure that she was when I looked at that proud-looking face.
1597
1598"Pendragon Seven Braves nanodesu!"
1599"Seven braves~? Karina is included too~?"
1600
1601Pochi and Tama said so without minding, are they not embarrassed with that name?
1602Lady Karina tilts her head after hearing Arisa.
1603
1604"Liza will surely be, but they won't recommend Sa, Satou right? If it's swordsmanship, aren't Pochi and Tama stronger?"
1605"That's not true at all nodesu!"
1606"Master is stronger~"
1607
1608Pochi and Tama deny that while shaking their heads.
1609"But", and so Lady Karina looks unconvinced.
1610
1611She's been thoroughly beaten by Pochi and Tama in the Labyrinth City's mansion.
1612From Lady Karina's perspective, I probably am not comparable to the two.
1613
1614"....I-is that so."
1615
1616I wonder what?
1617My crisis perception kicks in when I see Lady Karina who has seemingly consented about something while looking down.
1618
1619I can't see her face, but the corner of her lips feels like Arisa's when she's laughing "Guheguhe". Although there's some difference with hers looking slightly more refined.
1620
1621"Satou! I understand well what you feel!"
1622
1623She declares so while looking at me happily.
1624That must be a misunderstanding.
1625
1626I couldn't said that since her whole face is smiling gleefully.
1627
1628"H-hey. Isn't Oppai-san misunderstanding something?"
1629"Nn."
1630"That seems to be so."
1631
1632Arisa whispers to my ear.
1633Looks like Mia and Lulu think the same.
1634I asked Nana who was feeding Shiro and Crow, and she gave her opinion, "Rather than misunderstanding, it's mis-recognition from maidenly revision, so I conjecture."
1635
1636There's a high possibility that Lady Karina misunderstands that I will, "lose on purpose", in the fight to hide my true strength.
1637It looks like it'd become troublesome if I don't quickly dispel the misunderstanding.
1638
1639
1640~
1641
1642
1643"This is the kingdom-style sakura salmon meuniere."
1644
1645A person wearing butler-like clothes says so after putting some refined-looking salmon meuniere dish on the plates before us.
1646This salmon has pink scales like sea bream so people call it [Sakura Salmon].
1647It seems to be often eaten during the sakura blooming season as a good luck charm in the Royal Capital.
1648
1649"Pochi-chan, don't start by stabbing it with the fork. Use the knife properly."
1650"I can eat this much in one bite nodesuyo?"
1651"It's awright even without a knife~?"
1652"It's not alright!"
1653
1654Teaching Pochi and Tama manner seem difficult for Lulu and Arisa.
1655
1656"Shiro, you hold it like this."
1657"Like this? Crow?"
1658"That's right."
1659
1660Shiro is being taught the table manner by Crow, they master it without great difficulty.
1661The corners of Nana's eyes are coming loose as she sees the two. They look like a mother and her daughters, but age-wise, Nana is actually the younger one.
1662
1663While giving a sidelong glance at them, I talk to Mia who's looking at the meuniere with a grim face.
1664
1665"You too try eating it Mia."
1666"I hate fish."
1667"The bones are few, eat it while thinking you're being deceived."
1668"Mumwu."
1669
1670Mia scowls at the meuniere.
1671Groaning while holding the fork on your mouth is a breach of manner, but it's hard to point that out since it looks cute.
1672
1673"Mia, fork."
1674"Nn."
1675
1676After appreciating it for a bit, I pointed it out to Mia.
1677
1678
1679~
1680
1681
1682The Baron and the others haven't come back even after we've eaten the dinner and taken a bath.
1683The Baron's parameters shown on the map are looking dangerous. His stamina has become zero and alternating between fainted and awakened.
1684
1685I want to give him nutrient and stamina recovery magic potions. Unfortunately, I can't readily show up there since only upper nobles and their associates are allowed to attend the conference.
1686I hand over some healing potions to Pina. I want her to give it during the conference's break.
1687
1688At that time I conveyed to her that we would like to leave today, but she tearfully entreated me, saying that Consul Nina had instructed her to absolutely keep us here.
1689It couldn't be helped, so I was going to take everyone in a night tour of the sakura trees, but it was stopped too.
1690Because they don't have the mean to contact us.
1691
1692"Satou."
1693"What is it Mia."
1694"Called."
1695
1696I went to the balcony to enjoy the night sakura tree there instead, but Mia who was already there said so to me.
1697Mia is looking at the huge sakura tree.
1698
1699"Do you want to go to the base of the huge sakura tree?"
1700"Nn."
1701
1702Mia is looking unusually serious.
1703
1704"Arisa, sorry but could you contact me with Telephone when the Baron has returned."
1705"Okkey. I'll join Mia's sleeping together session once."
1706"....Okay."
1707
1708I put a Carved Seal Board for [Return] magic in one corner of the room.
1709Sleep-sharing huh, Arisa is unselfish. Sexual harassments are forbidden of course.
1710
1711Leaving Pochi and the others who look like they want to tag along, I go with Mia toward the base of the Sakura tree.
1712
171312-9. Under the Sakura Tree (2)
1714 
1715Satou's here. Similar with the tale about snow woman, they say Dryads charm men into tree's trunk while letting them see happy dreams.
1716It might have been dangerous if the Dryad I saw back then wasn't a little girl.
1717
1718
1719~
1720
1721
1722I'm moving to base of the giant sakura tree while princess-carrying Mia and hiding using Spy skill with Ground Shrink skill.
1723
1724We arrive under the sakura tree without anyone noticing.
1725There were some fences and barrier that protected the sakura tree in the middle of the way, but it couldn't become a hindrance.
1726
1727There's a girl with ephemeral body sitting on the base of the sakura tree.
1728She has pink blonde hair.
1729
1730This girl must be the sakura spirit who called Mia.
1731I carelessly showed myself up in front of that girl without even checking the AR reading.
1732
1733"Who are you?!　You dare to approach the 『Holy Sakura Tree』 without permission from 『Sakura Protector』!"
1734
1735The girl completely changed from her ephemeral appearance that almost looked she was melting into the darkness and asked our identities with the force of raging fire.
1736
1737Let's reply with some theatrical gesture.
1738
1739"Pardon us, we have come as called by the sakura tree."
1740"What suspicious things are--"
1741
1742A beautiful woman who appeared from the tree's trunk stopped the girl who was going to deny my word.
1743Geh, the sakura tree spirit really shows up....
1744
1745"I'm sorry 『Sakura Protector』-chan. Sleep for a while okay."
1746
1747The woman who suddenly appeared from the trunk touches the girl, making her sleep in an instant.
1748The sakura spirit catches the listless falling girl and gently lies her down on the root of the sakura tree.
1749
1750And then, after gently tidying the girl's hair, she lifts her head and faces us.
1751I feel like I've seen that face--
1752
1753"Ara! Isn't it the bo~y. You've even come to visit the sakura me!"
1754
1755As if affirming that, the AR reading even says [Dryad].
1756Although, this one is a sensually attractive beautiful woman that's unlike the little girl dryad I know.
1757The Dryad beauty tried to stretch her arms in order to embrace me, but Mia stopped it.
1758
1759"Mwu, shameless."
1760"Ara? Boruenan Baby-chan was here too? To think you're being jealous, you're a woman after all despite being a baby."
1761
1762Apparently, Mia wanted to meet this Dryad beauty.
1763The conversation continues while Mia is taking a posture that prevents Dryad getting closer to me. Dryad's given many reasons to persuade Mia, but her business is always the same.
1764
1765"Satou."
1766"Boy, sorry for always asking you this. Can you give me magic power?"
1767
1768--as I thought.
1769She puts Ban the vampire to shame.
1770
1771But well, with such voluptuous beauty as the partner, one or two kisses are no trouble at all.
1772
1773Dryad hugs my head and then kisses me.
1774It seems Mia is also clear that this is magic supplying, she's not saying [Guilty]. She seems dissatisfied though, her cheeks are inflated like balloons that are going to burst.
1775
1776After sucking the largest amount of magic power she's done so far, around 2000 points, Dryad parts her lips from mine with a lewd sound.
1777Mia pulls Dryad away from me as soon as the magic supplying is over.
1778
1779"Un, satisfying~. Ya~, I'm saved. The flow of mana in the royal capital has been strange for awhile now. I was really troubled since I couldn't absorb mana from the Royal Capital's Source. Baby-chan and Boy really saved me."
1780"Nn."
1781
1782I inquired her since I heard some questionable words, but I couldn't obtain any other information besides the fact that the flow of mana became amiss only recently. 'Recently' is also seen from Dryad's out-of-order sensation of time, so just when was it is also questionable.
1783
1784"Boy, this is a thank for the magic power. Ask Aialize-sama for the way to use it. She must know how."
1785
1786After giving me a sakura-colored orb, Dryad disappears into the sakura's trunk.
1787According to AR appraisal, it's called Sakura Drop. It seems to be a crystallized power of spirits. I've been getting a lot of rare materials recently.
1788
1789
1790~
1791
1792
1793I was going to leave the place after seeing off Dryad who disappeared into the sakura's trunk, but the [Sakura Protector] girl would probably catch a cold if we leave her alone like this, so I decided to wake her up.
1794Another reason is because leaving off just like that would make us be treated like a suspicious people. She saw our faces after all.
1795
1796Oh right, as for the information about the Royal Capital's Earth's Vein getting strange, I'll go inform the king or the prime minster about it before long.
1797
1798After using [Break Magic] on the girl and calling her, her eyes are opening.
1799
1800"You'll catch a cold if you sleep at a place like this you know?"
1801"....Nn, the sakura spirit."
1802
1803Did she see Sakura Dryad just before she went asleep?
1804It's still within my expectation. Let's play fools.
1805
1806"The figure of you taking a nap on the sakura's root is as beautiful as the sakura spirit."
1807"....No way, someone like me--"
1808
1809Even while sleeping, she wriggles from my praise and then she notices the situation halfway through and gets up.
1810She doesn't seem to have low blood pressure.
1811
1812"--Who are you!　This place is the prohibited 『Holy Sakura Tree』 enclosure!"
1813"We stumbled here when we lost our way during a sakura night watching. I am sorry to bother you, but would yo please tell me the way to the state guesthouse?"
1814
1815The girl become nervous in different direction from my word.
1816She probably knows that state guests in this season are all either lords or ambassadors of foreign nations.
1817
1818"Would you be so kind as to tell me your name? I am called Athena the 『Sakura Protector』, one of the Shiga 33 Wands."
1819
1820The girl introduces herself while showing the crest drawn on her robe.
1821The girl has the name taken from Greek myth, but there is nothing about her that indicates she's a reincarnated or a teleported person. The name is probably a coincidence.
1822Shiga 33 Wands should be the title of the royal court magicians.
1823
1824"I am a retainer of Baron Muno, my name is Chevalier Pendragon."
1825"Mia."
1826
1827Ms. Athena breaks off her courteous attitude once she hears our introductions.
1828
1829"The heck, I thought you were some stupid son of upper noble, what a waste of effort."
1830
1831Her polite speech has suddenly changed to be rough.
1832I thought she was a commoner, but it turns out she's a viscount's daughter. Daughters of upper nobles should have been more trained to keep their manner though....
1833She's become a royal court magician at her age after all, I guess she was studying magic too much?
1834
1835"Normally, I'd have to bring people who broke the ban to the garrison but since it's annoying just go away--"
1836
1837Ms. Athena who's speaking down on us stops halfway.
1838She's looking at Mia.
1839
1840Mia who doesn't understand the reason why she's being stared tilts her head.
1841
1842"Y-you're an elf right! Which clan are you?"
1843"Rude."
1844
1845Mia sulks from the rude way she's questioning her.
1846It can't be helped, I tell her [Boruenan Clan] in Mia's place.
1847
1848"Bo-Boruenan Clan, don't tell me, the Boruenan Clan where the Elf Sage Trazayuya from?"
1849"Nn."
1850
1851Mia answered briefly to Ms. Athena who was asking with trembling voice.
1852
1853"I knew it! Don't think you're great just because you're elf like the great Sage! My ancestor might lost, but I will absolutely leave behind achievements that surpass the Sage!"
1854
1855The girl points her finger to Mia with a snap while declaring so. However, Mia looks perplexed since she can't follow the sudden story.
1856Apparently, her ancestor seemed to have some sort of discord with Trazayuya-shi.
1857
1858"I hate elves who are acting arrogant just because of their birth. I won the status of royal court magician with my unrelenting effort and talent. I'm currently a Red Belt in Shiga 33 Wands. But I'll show you that I'll become the elite Silver Belt who leads the royal court magician!"
1859"Mwu?"
1860
1861Ms. Athena keeps talking to Mia without catching a breath.
1862Mia seems slightly panicked from too many unknown words.
1863
1864Still, there's Shiga Eight Swords and then this, the people of this kingdom really like to attach number on titles.
1865It's probably why there's the Four Devas too.
1866
1867"Not."
1868"What is!"
1869
1870Ms. Athena reflexively retorted to Mia, but then Mia shows her the Mithril Plate from her chest.
1871Mia is probably trying to say that she's acquired it with her own effort.
1872
1873"T-that's a Mithril Plate! Come to think of it, they said the Mithril Plates this time defeated the upper and middle layer floormasters.... No, then I'll defeat the lower layer floormaster"
1874"Impossible."
1875"Why! I will absolutely defeat it!"
1876"It's impossible because it's impossible."
1877"We humans have progressed when you elves are shutting themselves in the forest! Come to the practice area of the royal court magician next time. We'll show you the real worth of us humans. Don't complain to me if you become weak at the knees after watching Synchronous Magic!"
1878"Mwu."
1879
1880Mia was trying to say that magician alone won't be able to defeat the floormaster, but her words were too short, it couldn't get transmitted.
1881I don't want to intervene a quarrel between kids, but I guess I can at least be the interpreter.
1882
1883"Calm down. Mia isn't looking down on you, she's saying that magicians alone can't defeat the floormaster."
1884"Is that so?"
1885"Nn."
1886
1887Ms. Athena was dumbfounded from my explanation, and then Mia confirmed it.
1888It seems she's embarrassed for getting too excited, she's stumbling her next words while her white cheeks are turning sakura-colored.
1889
1890"U-umm. For now, I apologize for my gaffe. I'm sorry. But, it's true that humans are amazing! Come see us once. You have to!"
1891"Nn."
1892
1893After apologizing, Ms. Athena talked rapidly like she was fudging her embarrassment and then she ran away from the base of the sakura tree.
1894Oy, is it alright for you to leave the people who intruded on the prohibited place alone?
1895
1896Even though the girl is only around a middle or high school student age, I think leaving her duty is not a good thing. It's convenient for us this time though.
1897
1898We got to meet a strange girl, but let's consider it lucky since we got a connection with the royal court magician.
1899I'm interested with that Synchronous Magic thing too, I'll visit them with Mia when we get some free time.
1900
1901Still, with a tree this big, cleaning the sakura petals seems like a pain.
1902Taking Mia whose head and shoulders have been piled with sakura petals like snow, I returned to the mansion with Teleport magic.
1903
1904
1905~
1906
1907
1908The baron and the others didn't come back even when it became midnight.
1909
1910I carry the children who look sleepy and lie them on the bed.
1911I've told Lulu to sleep early since she's going to the Duchy Capital with an airship tomorrow morning to enter the cooking contest. Liza and Nana are the guards, Arisa is the cheerleader, that's the plan.
1912
1913Pochi, Tama, and Mia are staying in the Royal Capital with me.
1914It seems Mia has stayed in order to keep me from doing affairs, what a scandalous thing to say. Pochi and Tama seem to be the guards for Mia and me.
1915The two who were at a loss choosing between going to the cooking contest feast or being nearby me looked very cute.
1916Of course I'm planning to stealthily go with the three to cheer Lulu during the final.
1917
1918Lady Karina has retreated to her room, seemingly tired with the leveling that she was doing every day.
1919However, the thing she said, "Don't lose your way okay", with disappearing voice as she went, I wonder if that was an invitation for yobai? If she's inviting me, I'd have liked if she whispered it sexily. I won't get on it though.
1920
1921I drink some Shiga liquor while admiring the night sakura trees that have been lighted up with magic beyond the window.
1922Arisa begged, "One cup!", but I rejected it. In place of liquor, I pour handmade ginger ale to a glass for Arisa.
1923
1924I talk a bit about our future plan while drinking and exchanging Shiga liquor with Liza.
1925About peerage, about getting ahead in life, and about releasing her from slavery. She's begun talking about her honest thought with the help of alcohol that she couldn't do when she was sober.
1926
1927"My spear exists for Master's sake. If it's allowed, until the end of this life, my loyalty and soul to be beside Master--"
1928
1929Liza who can't hold her liquor stops talking after that, and goes to sleep while still holding the cup without hearing my answer.
1930Good night Liza. Please take care of me from now on.
1931
1932Of course, you too Arisa.
1933
193412-10. Complicating Negotiation
1935 
1936Satou's here. There are times when you're hit with an idea during unexpected time right. There's also the time when I thought of an algorithm that I couldn't think no matter how much before right when I entered a maid cafe and then I immediately dashed back to the office.
1937
1938
1939~
1940
1941
1942I play with the hair of Arisa who's sleeping on my lap while sipping the Shiga liquor.
1943I'm hit with an idea for original magic circuit when I see the dancing sakura petals. In case of writing something that needs to be rewritten many times, doing it on the memo pad in the Menu's exchange column is nice.
1944It was quite a challenging circuit to make, but I've made it somehow. Let's try it with Arisa's and Mia's help tomorrow.
1945
1946That was when the Baron and Nina-san returned.
1947I see from the window that the Baron is being carried on a male servant's back. His face looks very pale.
1948
1949I drop Arisa who's pretending to be sleeping from my lap and go to the entrance hall to give a magic potion to the Baron.
1950Of course Arisa who's completely opened her eyes after giving up her pretend-sleep follows me along unashamedly.
1951
1952"Welcome back Nina-san. Pina, give this nutritional supplement to Baron-sama."
1953"Ou, I'm back. Damn it, you're letting off the smell of nice liquor on you. Give me some too."
1954
1955Nina-san curses at the smell of alcohol in my breath.
1956The Baron who's already gasping is getting retired to his bedroom.
1957I tell them again to make sure that he drinks the supplement before he sleeps. He should be fit again next morning if he does.
1958
1959"Oh Nina-san is sulking."
1960"Yeah, though if Arisa-dono assumes the consul-aide position, my workload will decrease by half."
1961"No~way. I won't be near Master if I do that."
1962
1963Looks like Consul Nina is also fatigued, there's no strength on her quip to Arisa.
1964I take out a nutritional supplement from the storage through my pocket and hand it over to Nina-san. It's the special version with a lot of sugar added I've prepared for these two people.
1965
1966"What's this? It smells really sweet."
1967"Please drink it in one gulp. It's good for fatigue."
1968
1969Nina-san gulped the supplement in one go and muttered, "sweet", while looking like she really didn't like it.
1970Nina-san has recovered her vitality once we reach the living room. As expected of magic medicines.
1971
1972"It sure is very effective."
1973"It's a product of an up-and-coming alchemist called Trismegistus."
1974"Feel like I've heard that name somewhere."
1975
1976I pour some Shiga liquor that Arisa has fetched to Nina-san who answered haphazardly.
1977The side dish is some smoked lesser basilisk.
1978
1979
1980~
1981
1982"--That's why, do your things moderately."
1983"Please don't say something unreasonable."
1984
1985Nina-san explains the situation mixed with complaints.
1986
1987I'm told that Nina-san has made the arrangement to make me become a baronet.
1988There should be no problem with it considering my achievements so far, but a roadblock came from an unexpected direction. It was from the relatives of Duke Oyugock who should have been in the same faction as us.
1989
1990"Geez, I seriously thought that the Duke had gone senile when he wanted to raise you to become an earl."
1991"....Earldom is surely absurd indeed."
1992
1993Earldom is an upper noble rank, there are only 32 of them even in Shiga Kingdom. Of course, dissenting opinions came one after another from other factions, and that proposal was rejected.
1994
1995--Normally it should have been over with that.
1996
1997Apparently countless stars flowed in the western sky, and the tremor reached even the Royal Capital.
1998Looks like Nina-san and the Baron saw it too from the royal castle.
1999
2000Furthermore, a report came from the temple about the appearance of an oracle informing the revival of the Dog-head Evil God in the western desert.
2001It seems the royal castle was in panic, things were horrible. Oracle has its good and bad too.
2002The break-down of the nobles from old lineage was particularly hilarious, so Nina-san laughed while drinking her liquor.
2003
2004A lot of lives were sacrificed due to the riot and chaos from the panic until a communication from the labyrinth city conveyed that the demon lord--the Dog-head Evil God according to the temple--had been subjugated.
2005Sacrifices might not have appeared if I didn't use a flashy magic like Meteor Shower, but there's nothing I can do even if I worry about the what-if. Let's make this be a lesson for next time.
2006Specifically, I need to get the Chant Orb, and become able to use Advanced and Forbidden magic. I must be able to defeat powerful enemies without depending on the Meteor Shower.
2007
2008Now then, let's get back to the topic.
2009
2010The King announced that Hero Nanashi was the [Hero of Shiga Kingdom] in order to calm the populace, but the effect was weak.
2011It's natural since the hero never even did anything in front of the Royal Capital's populace.
2012It seems the populace even doubted the existence of this Hero Nanashi.
2013
2014Then, a report about a group led by me as the Raid Leader that defeated the floormaster came to the Royal Capital that was in turbulent state.
2015Normally the story should have been a rehash of Jeril and the others' and be overshadowed, but due to such circumstance, it pointlessly attracted considerable attention.
2016
2017The difference in power between a demon lord and a floormaster is completely unthinkable, but from the point of view of normal people, they're both mighty monsters.
2018And so, since an existence that could oppose such being appeared to be more reliable than a hero that may or may not exist, some strange request, claiming that I should be taken from the Baron and became the direct retainer of the royal family, began to spread among the Royal Capital's nobles.
2019
2020It's nothing but grasping at straws, but it's really quite an annoying story.
2021Although in a way, I've had it coming....
2022
2023And the decisive blow was when Liza won against a Shiga Eight Sword.
2024Looks like I was on the verge of being stupidly nominated to become an earl, but Nina-san and Baron Muno's fine-play successfully stopped it.
2025
2026I can't say anything else but GJ (Good Job).
2027In the end, Nina-san said that I was to be either a honorary viscount or a permanent baron.
2028
2029"By the way, is it true that the group you led to defeat the 『Floormaster』 was mainly consisted of fairykin mercenaries?"
2030"Yes, they were people whom I was introduced by an acquaintance during our way to the Labyrinth City."
2031
2032I'm not telling any lie, most of them are introduced by Aze-san.
2033
2034"Moreover, none of your retainers fell, that's quite an absurd achievement."
2035"It's better when there are few victims right."
2036
2037In fact, there was zero victim and none suffered any great injury, it was a completely safe hunt.
2038
2039"In addition, you even established a charity and an explorer training school in the Labryinth City was it?"
2040"Yes, it's just as I've written in the letter. We should make good use of human resources."
2041
2042It sounds a bit cold, but if you want to effectively collect resources such as magic cores and materials from the labyrinth, it's better to raise the standard of beginner explorers so there will be more experienced ones.
2043If there are more people with room to move, there will be people who would raise the next generation.
2044
2045"Frankly speaking, you're already not at the level of a honorary chevalier."
2046"You're overestimating me."
2047
2048It's not humility, I really think so.
2049The charity and the training school were not because I had some noble ideal or something, it was just a course of events.
2050
2051
2052~
2053
2054
2055"By the way, I've been meaning to ask you this since a little while ago...."
2056"What is it? Still, this fish sure is delicious. It's fleshy like eels and delicately tasty like Congers."
2057
2058--Ah, that's the White Horn Snake.
2059I've added them because the smoked basilisk was gone, but since I carelessly took out meat from monsters, I dodge the question by saying, "Please guess it."
2060This kabayaki goes well with Shiga liquor.
2061
2062Incidentally, Shiga Kingdom's Congers are as thick as a baseball bat.
2063
2064Oops, the story wandered off again.
2065I forcibly steer the story back to the topic.
2066
2067"I seem to recall that peerages higher than honorary baronet and permanent baronet can only be conferred by the King himself?"
2068"Of course it is."
2069"Then why were the nobles discussing as to whether someone be conferred peerage."
2070
2071Before answering me, Nina-san waved the emptied liquor bottle demanding more, so I take out the Dragon Spring Liquor from behind the sofa. I choose the best liquor as the compensation for all the trouble.
2072
2073"What we're doing is the prior negotiation for recommending people with achievements who deserve the peerage to the king. How many thousands nobles do you think are in this large kingdom? Recommending talented people from places that don't reach the King's eyes is the privilege and duty of the upper nobles."
2074
2075I see, it's like a corporation huh.
2076It's like section managers or heads recommending their subordinates for promotion to the board of directors, just at nation-wide scale.
2077
2078"Although, it's only about a half of the recommended people get to be conferred peerages. This time there are many people who are instated at low ranks like you."
2079
2080I see, so she recommends [honorary viscount or permanent baron] because [honorary baron or permanent baronet] peerages are many.
2081
2082"I'd like the honorary baronet one please. It looks like the marriage proposals would increase if I chose permanent one."
2083"Hmph, if you don't like marriage proposals, then just get a wife already. Nana-dono's age is close to yours right. I personally want you to take Karina-sama who's late for marriage for your bride though."
2084
2085'That way there would be less nobles who scheme on transferring', so Nina-san muttered.
2086
2087
2088~
2089
2090
2091Afterwards, she tells me the recent states of Muno Territory.
2092
2093I've heard it from the letter too, it seems the reconstruction of Muno Barondom is doing well enough to be called too well.
2094It's thanks to the nobles from Duchy Capital who offered their technical support--in the name of Support and Technical Exchange.
2095She's scouted lady attendants and their attendants who come from Duchy Capital to learn manners to become personnel for internal administration, so they've secured enough for now.
2096
2097Furthermore, as for the public order, on top of the improvement thanks to a mysterious person--it's probably me when I was searching the pickles--capturing large number of thieves, the bronze explorers coming from the labyrinth city and entering into government service also helped reinforcing the army.
2098Looks like Sir Zotor diligently trains with the former-explorer newcomers too. The ex-fake hero Hauto-kun has also become qualified enough to be an officer.
2099
2100After the talk has mostly ended, we begin to talk about gossip.
2101Nina-san, tomorrow will be bad if you don't sleep soon you know?
2102
2103"Oh right, the daughter of Viscount Emurin is also coming here. She's visiting her home at the Duchy Capital right now, but she should be coming here with the Viscount with an airship."
2104
2105Who was it again--right, if I remember right, Viscount Emurin is the noble-san who runs [Lulu's fruit] orchard. I've met Rina-chan the daughter in several tea parties. She was a reliable child even though she's only around the age of a first year in middle school.
2106
2107Oops, rather than that, I forgot to ask the most important thing.
2108
2109"I have something important to talk with you--"
2110"What's with the serious face."
2111
2112I question Nina-san who's pulled back, I'm finally able to ask about dried gourds.
2113Specifically, about the bottle gourd fruits that will become dried gourds.
2114
2115"You have interest in some strange things. That thing is not flavorful, and the rind is tough, so no one eats it unless as substitute food."
2116"That's because you can't eat that as is. It's rich in dietary fiber, so it's good for stomach."
2117"Fu~hn, it's a kind of medical plant huh."
2118
2119Nina-san folds her arms, maybe she's thinking that I'm going to commercialize them.
2120
2121Nina-san found out about the bottle gourds when she was investigating it as to whether it could bear fruits that could be sold in order to finance Muno Barondom reconstruction.
2122Surprisingly, the plants aren't only in the great forest like True Ancestor Ban has said, they're growing wild everywhere in the northern part of Muno Barondom.
2123It seems there were even villages that went by with dried gourds when the demon was secretly acting behind the scene, and they suffered in poverty.
2124
2125Nina-san who's guessed that I want the bottle gourd fruits makes a firm promise that she will send them to my mansion in the Labyrinth City.
2126If I'm able to make a good recipe out of it I'm going to send it to Gelt-san, the chief of Muno castle.
2127
2128The drinking bout is over when the large bottle of the Dragon Spring Liquor has been emptied.
2129I carry Arisa who's asleep and made my arm to be her pillow to the bedroom.
2130
2131There are only three hours left before morning, but I'll let her sleep even for a bit.
2132
213312-11. Royal Capital's Mansion
2134 
2135Satou's here. There was a time when I felt disappointed with the rain during sports day after practicing for many days.
2136Of course, I was disappointed about the wasted practices. It was not because I couldn't see the girls in their sportswear. Yes, not at all.
2137
2138
2139~
2140
2141
2142"Then the cooking contest is postponed?"
2143"Yes, I'm really sorry. There's some complicated circumstance...."
2144
2145When we were greeting Marquis Lloyd's butler whom we found in the airship boarding terminal, he told Lulu about the postponement of the cooking contest.
2146
2147He's being evasive about the situation, but it's probably because Marquis Lloyd has been recalled to the Royal Capital for suspicion of attacking Duke Bishtal's airship.
2148The luxurious carriage that passed by us when we were coming here must be of Marquis Lloyd's.
2149
2150I've also confirmed on the map that Marquis Lloyd is in the royal castle.
2151I'll visit him with some presents later. Meeting with someone who's under suspicion for attempted murder of the duke might be bad, but we, who are the ones who stopped the attempted murder, should be fine.
2152
2153After saying farewell to the butler, we leave the bustling airship terminal.
2154
2155
2156~
2157
2158
2159"Hey hey, are those uniforms?"
2160"Hm? Looks like it, probably the Royal Academy's uniform."
2161
2162Arisa asked about the boys and girls who are walking down the road, wearing the same clothes. Even on the AR indicators, they're, [Affiliation: Shiga Royal Academy, Preschool].
2163Arisa could have probably checked it herself with [Status Check] even without purposely asking me.
2164
2165Royal Academy is like the university in Japan, the school buildings are divided on several grounds.
2166First, the high class school with scholarly presentations' building like an auditorium and a library are located in front of the royal castle.
2167The Noble School and Maiden School are in the Noble Street. Nobles go to each of them. The Maiden School is the so-called Finishing School. Lilina, the daughter of Gururian's Viceroy attends the former.
2168The one with the uniform we've been seeing from a little while ago is the Preschool near the airport. The Preschool isn't only attended by the wealthy commoner's children, but also the children of honorary nobles.
2169Beside the Preschool, there are the Knight School and Magic School, both which require wide plot of land.
2170It seems there are artificial underground labyrinths inside the Magic School's plot. It's not even as big as one Area of Selbira Labyrinth though, so it's probably completely for the students' training.
2171There are the [Labyrinth of Beginning] that's 50 square meters wide and has five floors, and the [Labyrinth of Trial] that's 100 square meters wide and has 10 floors.
2172Though it seems it's free for the Royal Capital's nobles to use, you have to pay some fee to enter and when you defeat a monster.
2173And then, monsters that have gotten stronger deep in the labyrinth are taken to the arena at the edge of the Royal Capital to fight against crime slaves as a show which also serves to cull their number.
2174
2175I knew this information from the letter of Princess Menea who's attending the Magic Academy.
2176
2177While explaining such, we pass by the Royal Capital's Preschool Academy.
2178It seems Arisa is remembering her former life, she's sending some nostalgic glances.
2179
2180
2181~
2182
2183
2184Passing through a sturdy-looking inner wall, our carriage enters the Noble Street.
2185This Noble Street's area is extremely wide, it's as wide as the whole Muno City. By the way, the Royal Castle takes around 30% of the area.
2186Originally, the Royal Capital was only the Noble Street, but it became too crowded 300 years ago, and after getting repeatedly widened every 100 years, the Royal Capital has become like the present state with the concentric circles inner walls.
2187
2188We leave the main street that goes to the royal castle, and enter the block that extends to the lower noble area.
2189
2190"Hey, where is it?"
2191"It's right after this block, we're close."
2192
2193After passing under the shadow of an aqueduct and advancing for a while, we got to the place where an entire mansion took the whole block.
2194
2195"Wall~?"
2196"The entrance is taking a day off nanodesu!"
2197"H-hey! Don't tell me this luxurious mansion is our Royal Capital's mansion?"
2198
2199No way.
2200This is the head office of Echigoya Firm.
2201This one is for nobles' use, there are two more shops in the downtown for the commoners.
2202
2203"You're mistaken. Look, you can see it now. It's the mansion with blue roof over there."
2204"Small."
2205
2206--How rude.
2207
2208The lot area is narrower than the mansion in the Labyrinth City, but the floor space is the same you know?
2209By the way, the price was far and away higher. The price in the Royal Capital is high no matter the world eh.
2210
2211
2212~
2213
2214
2215"Welcome back, Master."
2216"I'm back."
2217
2218I greet back an elderly man who's wearing butler clothes.
2219This person and the five maids behind him are professional I've employed from the Royal Capital's temporary personnel agency.
2220This is the first time I meet them since I left the arrangement to Ms. Miteruna. I've asked her to choose people who don't discriminate against Demi-humans.
2221
2222The maids-san are all normal people, but this elderly man is a level 27 former explorer.
2223He was a scout during his explorer day so he's weak in a direct fight, but he should be fine against some average thieves alone.
2224
2225The elderly butler guides us to the living room, and then we enjoy the blue tea that he's prepared.
2226
2227Lulu has immediately gone to see the kitchen while bringing Arisa along. The beastkin girls are checking the mansion's security. Shiro and Crow are helping the beastkin girls.
2228Thus, only Mia and Nana are here.
2229
2230"Shall I bring some sweets for Madam and the Lady?"
2231"....Madam."
2232
2233Mia mutters so looking happy, but he was referring to Nana without a doubt.
2234
2235"That is wrong, correcting it. I am Master's serv--"
2236"Sorry, but I have two tasks for you."
2237"I understood--"
2238
2239I covered the latter half of Nana's line and gave some tasks to the elderly butler.
2240I ask him to hire some gatekeepers and guards in the mansion plot at night, and remodeling of the basement.
2241
2242I'm thinking of changing the wine and food cellar at the basement to become treasure warehouse to attract thieves. It's also convenient that it has other entrance beside on the mansion.
2243
2244
2245~
2246
2247
2248I install a teleportation Carved Seal Board in the bedroom, change into Kuro figure and teleport to the Echigoya mansion next door.
2249
2250The teleport destination is Tifaliza's office.
2251Only people related to Kuro are allowed to be here, so I've always teleported here whenever I have some business in the Royal Capital.
2252
2253"Kuro-sama."
2254"Oh my, Kuro-sama! Your white hair is wonderful today too. This room is dirty as you can see, so please come to my room as the manager."
2255
2256Tifaliza bowed and only spoke a few words, but the newly appointed manager girl seems to be burning with rivalry with Tifaliza, she's approaching me pro-actively.
2257It's truly the demonstration of [They're hitting]. I don't need to say what are.
2258
2259She's one of the female explorers who were left in the Ivy Mansion.
2260They were people without aim, but since they were formerly nobles, they could read and write of course. I've employed them in Echigoya Firm, since there were educated people available.
2261Among them, this newly appointed manager girl was from lineage that extended to some Royal Capital's noble and unexpectedly well-known, so it was convenient.
2262
2263"No need for greetings. Show me the sales list and the reservation list."
2264"Here--"
2265"Here it is. Kuro-sama."
2266
2267The new manager girl took the document that Tifaliza had presented and gave it to me. There's no difference regardless of whoever gave it right?
2268
2269Documents prepared by Tifaliza are easy to read like always.
2270
2271"The hair growth medicine and the vitality medicine are selling better than anticipated huh."
2272"Yes, ever since we gave some samples to the baroness and the viscount who acted as loudspeakers, orders have been coming until we're about to run out of stock."
2273"Is that so, that's good."
2274
2275I've prepared around 1000 sets for both, yet they're almost sold out.
2276The vitality medicine is a medicine for energizing one part of men. It has superior power than the existing medicines, it also lasts longer. The luster skin medicines for women are also selling well, but not as good as the vitality medicines.
2277The basic-skin products are not really popular.
2278
2279"The hair-growth medicines are 10 gold coins per bottle, and the vitality medicines are one gold coin per bottle, but I think they would still sell even for twice those prices. How about raising their prices right now?"
2280"I'll leave that to you. I'll put twice the amount of them compared to the last time to the warehouse, do everything you can to get money in short term from the nobles, not in long term."
2281"Understood."
2282
2283I bring the manager to the underground warehouse and take out medicines and built-to-order equipment from the Item Box to here.
2284
2285Only me and the manager can go in-and-out of this underground warehouse.
2286
2287Tifaliza and Nell are their seniors, but those two don't have fighting prowess, so they've been excluded for their safety.
2288It's like I'm ignoring the manager, but in her case, it's partly because she's volunteered for it, but she also has the influence of her parent's house, so something unreasonable probably won't befall her.
2289
2290I've installed security facilities at the level of the Royal Capital in this underground warehouse.
2291Among them, there are an Orichalcum Golem that uses Philoshoper's Stone as its power source, and eight Bronze Golems that stand guard all-night long, so they could stop any intruder unless they have special ability that negate physical attack like Ban the True Ancestor.
2292
2293They can't stop any intruder who can use space magic, but I'm not taking it into consideration since there are only few people who can use them.
2294As long as it's not Arisa, the Orichalcum Golem would probably knock that kind of intruder down before they could escape.
2295
2296By the way, I've copied the beastkin girls fighting pattern into the Orichalcum Golem.
2297One Orichalcum Golem is about slightly weaker than Pochi. The eight Bronze Golems are weaker than an Orichalcum Golem even if they band together, but I've installed an algorithm that make them disregard any damage on their body.
2298Even Tama would find it difficult to run away from the cooperation of eight Bronze Golems and the Orichalcum Golem. No, Tama in Ninja Mode probably could easygoingly run away from them....
2299
2300I put the payment, the gold coins and some precious metal ingots, into my Item Box.
2301There's an unusual metal among them.
2302
2303"What is this platinum ingot?"
2304"Yes, we received it from a weaselkin merchant we were acquainted during the merchant assembly. Usan-dono and--"
2305"The name doesn't matter. Buy three times this amount next time, you can use the money as long as it matches the market price."
2306
2307I've been searching for platinum since it's needed for an indispensable magic tool. I've only gotten around 10 grams of it from the magic-mining, so I won't miss this chance to acquire kilograms worth of platinum.
2308Still, it's been a while since I heard that weaselkin's name.
2309
2310
2311~
2312
2313
2314"There are many upper nobles who wish for credit transactions...."
2315"Reject it. My Master wishes to collect the nobles' money until the auction that's held after the Kingdom Conference. If there is anyone who threatens us, lodge a complaint to the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister knows the true owner of Echigoya Firm. He will surely give a hand."
2316
2317The tiger has lent his leather, so I'll fully make use of it without reserve.
2318I've already defeated two demon lords that appeared in this kingdom, so there is no need for reservation.
2319Moreover, some secret agents of the Prime Minster are hiding nearby this mansion, if anything happened, they probably would intervene before I called him.
2320Knights who seem to be the Prime Minister's private army are regularly patrolling the area, looks like they're here as a deterrence for other nobles.
2321
2322"Kuro-sama, this isn't directly related to Echigoya Firm, but I want you to hear this--"
2323
2324When I'm confirming Tifaliza's stock letter, the Manager tells me the rumors she's gathered.
2325
2326Last night, a monster appeared from the Royal Capital's underground, it went into hiding in the sewer after eating people who were present at the place. It seemed to be a Scarab Beetle-type of monster with red figure.
2327The place where the monster appeared was the jail, and there might be some criminals who had escaped by taking advantage of the disturbance.
2328It seems the guards have been searching criminal slaves called [Violet] in the sewer since this morning.
2329I've tried searching the map, but the only monsters in the Royal Capital are the tamed monsters accompanied by Tamers.
2330If I exclude the Royal Academy's labyrinths, there are only ghost-type monsters here and there in the underground tunnel and the slum quarter. The soul magician who dwells in the underground tunnel seems suspicious, but there's no insect-type monster anywhere to be seen.
2331There's a very small group of orcs in the underground tunnel, but they probably won't make a blunder that would get them caught by the searching guards.
2332
2333There are a lot of groups with high levels and great fighting powers in the Royal Capital, so it should be no problem even if I don't butt in.
2334I think I should give some warning to the people I know when I get back to the mansion just in case.
2335
2336"By the way, what happened to Nell?"
2337"Yes, there's not enough people who can use life magic in the factory, so she's currently helping over there."
2338
2339I see, so that's why I didn't see her.
2340I don't feel like I've come back to the Royal Capital before hearing Nell's peculiar way of talk. Maybe I should go visit the factory where Porina is later.
2341
2342"I forgot. Here's a souvenir."
2343
2344I give a necklace made of True Silver with a small gem attached to Tifaliza. It's a reward for her who's supporting Echigoya Firm silently.
2345It's a magic tool that has the effect of relieving fatigue, so I don't doubt that she'll work even harder now. It also has a secret function as an insurance, but if possible, I hope it'll stay an insurance.
2346
2347I'm going to give silver earrings for the other staff members, I'll leave it to the manager before going out.
2348The one at the managerial position probably need better vanity to show, so I've prepared a necklace with gold chains and a big ruby for the manager.
2349
2350Since it seems like it's hard for Tifaliza to put the necklace on her neck, I do it for her.
2351Tifaliza's white skin is turning red, maybe because I'm putting it from the front.
2352
2353"It suits you well."
2354"Thank you very much."
2355
2356She's expressionless like usual, but her voice is a half octave higher than usual.
2357She must be pleased.
2358
2359I lightly wave my hand to reply Tifaliza's thank, and then teleport to the factory at the edge of the Royal Capital.
2360
236112-12. Royal Capital's Mansion (2)
2362 
2363Satou's here. It's said that necessity is the mother of invention. I think there was a time when I endeavored greatly to devise a program to make things easier.
2364
2365
2366~
2367
2368
2369"Igniter tool that doesn't use magic power?"
2370"Yes, a self-alleged inventor claimed that it could be lit easier than an Ignition Rod, and the trial-product that he brought was indeed comparatively easier to use when we tried it. One needs to learn a little bit of the knack, but it should be easier than using a flint."
2371
2372Porina told me such story when I was visiting the workshop's office.
2373Some self-proclaimed inventors have been coming here while bringing various inventions, it seems they were inspired by the kickboard.
2374Although most of the tools are useless, I've told Porina to buy anything that's even a little bit usable.
2375We're buying ideas with the prototype blueprint in exchange of one silver coin. If Echigoya is going to sell the tool, the inventor will get 10% of the profit from the sales.
2376
2377Porina brings a box written with "17" from the shelf.
2378Looks like she's divided them by number since distinguishing them will be hard otherwise.
2379
2380The inside of the box is a lighter the size of a hair spray.
2381Leaving the prototype before establishing a contract like this, I think the inventor is quite careless.
2382
2383It's the same kind as the oil lighter I know although this one is a bit rustic.
2384
2385It's perfectly the same with the lighter structure written in the notebook that I've gotten in the dark auction back then.
2386There isn't anyone with cheat-like skills that reincarnated or teleported people would have so this someone must be a teleported person related to Princess Menea. It's probably a teleported person that should've been dead but is actually, [alive all along.]
2387
2388"It may seem very convenient, but it has a fatal flaw."
2389
2390Porina speaks about the problem hesitantly toward me who's looking at the lighter full of interest.
2391
2392--It's the production cost.
2393
2394Although it's an item that should be profitable in other cities, there's no meaning here in Royal Capital that's getting abundant supply of magic cores from the Labyrinth City.
2395
2396The production cost for Ignition Rod is cheaper than the calculated cost of this Lighter even in Royal Capital, which isn't as cheap as in the Labyrinth City.
2397Of course, on top of being a business, the price we get from calculating the production cost and the profit margin is such that it won't be able to compete with the Ignition Rod.
2398Moreover, compared to the Ignition Rod that's the size of a long chopstick, the prototype lighter is heavier and bigger.
2399The Ignition Rod is superior even in the convenience aspect in kitchens.
2400
2401It'll only end up as a collector item of eccentric people in its current state.
2402
2403"Porina, do you have the contact information of the inventor?"
2404"Yes, I have inquired it. The other party said that, 『I can come anytime』, so I could contact him with date and time that Kuro-sama wants. Would the workshop's reception room be alright for the meeting place?"
2405"Yeah, please do."
2406
2407She's really well prepared.
2408Porina was originally wise enough you wouldn't have thought that she was a former baggage carrier, but I think she's become refined ever since she became the workshop head.
2409She probably has accumulated various experiences too, her level has increased by three compared to the last time I met her.
2410
2411After telling the date and time to Porina, she sends a messenger from the next room.
2412I didn't hear the name of the inventor I was going to meet.
2413
2414Now that I've completed my business, I hand out the souvenirs. I guess I'll go back after seeing Nell after this.
2415It's lunchtime now, so she's probably in the lounge or the dining room.
2416
2417
2418~
2419
2420
2421"Hyu, Hyuro-hama"
2422
2423Who the heck is [Hyuro].
2424Nell who was slurping a mouthful of noodles ended up saying [Kuro-sama] strangely.
2425
2426"You can speak after you finish swallowing the thing in your mouth."
2427"Fes."
2428
2429Nell slurps the remaining noodles down.
2430Guessing from this aroma and the color of the noodles--
2431
2432"Is that Soba?"
2433"U, ugu. Y, yes, it's Soba ssu."
2434
2435Soba with soy-sauce soup huh.
2436I've heard that there's a custom of eating Soba in the Royal Capital, but I heard it was in Sobagaki (buckwheat dough) form.
2437
2438When I told that to Nell--
2439
2440"I got to eat various strange dishes once a wandering cook came to my favorite diner 'round a month ago ssuyo. Half of the dishes were extremely bad though, so you'll have to brace yourself when you challenge a new one."
2441
2442I asked what kind of dishes were they, but apparently the recipes were similar to the dishes in my former world. It probably ended up tasting strange since the cook tried to forcefully reproduce the ingredients and the flavoring using local products.
2443
2444I was thinking of visiting the diner since it was lunch time anyway, but since the possibility is high that the cook is the same as the inventor who brought the lighter, I've decided not to.
2445I'm going to meet him anyway, and the girls would break their stomach waiting for me if I don't get back soon.
2446
2447I asked Nell about the recent situation and affairs at the workshop a bit.
2448I've already handed her the souvenir of course. Looks like she rarely receives an accessory, her unusual tension when she was receiving it was impressive.
2449It's an earring that has philosopher's stone that's smaller than a grain of sand embedded, it also has magic recovery effect.
2450Please take care of it.
2451
2452--The workshop's efficiency must be going to be increased with this.
2453
2454After telling Arisa that I would go back now with [Telephone], I teleported back to the mansion.
2455
2456
2457~
2458
2459
2460I could smell the aroma of Soba and Tempura when I got back to the mansion.
2461
2462"Satou."
2463
2464Mia who's come to greet me leads me by hand to the dining room.
2465Tama and Pochi run from the kitchen and join us halfway through.
2466
2467When we arrive at the dining room, Nana and the others are currently preparing the plates.
2468I feel sorry for the maids who don't have anything to do, so I urge everyone to sit down and leave the job to the maids.
2469
2470"Welcome back~, you're coming too fast after the 『Kaeru Call』 earlier. You should've contacted me earlier."
2471
2472....A, Arisa. [Kaeru (come home) Call], what era are you from.
2473Well, no use retorting that after all this time.
2474
2475The Tempura Soba on the table is more important right now.
2476Everyone starts eating with the signal of [Itadakimasu]. Pochi and Tama have become able to use chopsticks recently, but it seems they can't hold all the Soba with them, they've exchanged them with forks.
2477
2478I quickly dip the noodle on the soup and gulp it one go.
2479When I chew it, the aroma of Soba and the salty-sweet taste of the soup spread in my mouth.
2480A Japanese person should be eating this with slurping sounds, but since it seems to be a breach of etiquette in Shiga Kingdom, I refrain myself.
2481In fact, Lulu is scolding Arisa who's eating the Soba messily.
2482
2483"Like I said, eating Soba like this is the right thing to do!"
2484"You can't do that even with such excuse. Master would dislike you if you eat vulgarly like that you know?"
2485"That's impossib~le. Right, Darling."
2486
2487Who the heck is Darling.
2488After biting a shrimp tempura called Shiga Sakura Shrimp, I continue eating the Soba in Shiga manners like before.
2489They call it Sakura Shrimp, but the size is of normal shrimp. It probably got the name from its sakura-colored shell.
2490
2491"Look, even Master eats elegantly."
2492"You traitor~~~~"
2493
2494I'm enjoying the Soba that I haven't had for a long time with Arisa's scream as the BGM.
2495
2496By the way, Tempura Soba was selected because Lulu consulted Arisa when she found the buckwheat flour in the food warehouse.
2497
2498"It was delicious, Lulu."
2499"Thank you very much, Master."
2500
2501Lulu's voice sounds happy enough to make you think like there was a music note attached at the end.
2502It sounds nice no matter how many times I hear it.
2503
2504"Hey~, since it was my idea, praise me too."
2505"Right, I felt like having Soba today, so good job Arisa."
2506
2507'Praise me', Arisa asks for more praise upfront.
2508
2509"Don't say that with only words, show it with actions too."
2510
2511I would have praised her more if she didn't assume the posture of wanting to kiss.
2512
2513"Arisa is a spoiled child nanodesu."
2514"Spoiled child~?"
2515
2516Pochi shoves a Tempura into the mouth of Arisa who's closing her eyes. Tama also thrusts a Tempura from the other side.
2517
2518"Mogaga. Wait,yougyys. Nn-gu. Hey why were they Perilla Tempura. There are the shrimps and octopuses ones right!"
2519"I mean, Lulu said that Perilla is good for your health~?"
2520"Shrimp-san wants Pochi to eat it, it said nodesu."
2521
2522Ignoring the heartwarming children's bickering, I talk to Lulu.
2523Liza should be onto them after a bit more.
2524
2525"Where did you get the Perilla?"
2526"Mia-chan found it in the garden."
2527"Happened during a stroll."
2528"That's amazing, Mia."
2529"Nn."
2530
2531I'm impressed she could find it even though it could be easily mistaken with weeds.
2532I quite like Perilla Tempura.
2533
2534
2535~
2536
2537
2538After the lunch, I go to tour the Royal Capital with everyone.
2539We're riding two separate carriages. Both are rentals from Noble Transportation Guild.
2540Of course, that's including the coachmen. We're going to depend on them during our stay in the Royal Capital.
2541
2542I have two big carriages in my storage, but it's hard to use them in the Royal Capital where there are a lot of people with appraisal skills gathered considering the technology in them.
2543Although my own carriage that has floating function feels better, the carriages we're riding right now are high-class among the rentals themselves, we don't feel much vibrations in the cabin.
2544
2545"So, where are we going?"
2546"Right--"
2547
2548The tourist attractions of Royal Capital are the royal castle's sakura tree and the hanging garden behind the royal castle, but I've fully enjoyed the former yesterday, and I'm going to attend the garden party at the latter after the peerage ceremony.
2549
2550The best tourist attraction that commoners and lower nobles can visit means the Great Water Fountain at the Royal Capital's Eight Passages. There are various sculptures on the water fountain, many themed statues are standing there. In addition, it has moving mechanism that changes depending on the bell that rings on timetable, I'm planning to see them in turns.
2551
2552"It's blowing like pyuu, nodesu!"
2553"Just like Mia's magic~?"
2554"Really?"
2555"Nana-sama, it's amazing, look."
2556"Shiro, you'll fall to the fountain if you lean so much."
2557
2558The youth trope are in high spirits after seeing the fountain.
2559There were fountains in the dwarf and elf villages too, but it seems that's irrelevant for these children.
2560I think this is the first for Shiro and Crow.
2561
2562"It's pretty, but the water spray is cold. It'd have been pleasing if this was in the Labyrinth City."
2563"You're right. But water is precious there, so it's not possible isn't it?"
2564"You can put limitation on specific time, and anytime beside that it's going to only collect water, that works right."
2565
2566Fumu, if we make it as a tourist attraction in front of the guild or in the guild's courtyard, it could become a nice healing spot.
2567
2568--Bells that signify timetable begin to resound on various place in the Royal Capital.
2569
2570"Waa, amazing! Look look Arisa! Master, please look at that, it's really pretty"
2571
2572My thought comes back with the voice of Lulu that's one-tone higher than usual, calling me.
2573
2574My eyes are unconsciously captivated with the scene before me.
2575I don't know if it uses water magic or force magic, but water rise from the springs around the fountain while ignoring gravity, forming many rings in the air.
2576
2577And then the fountain blows water through those rings.
2578The rings rise while following the stream, and then disappear while leaving rainbow light.
2579
2580Slightly afterward, nozzles under the water simultaneously blow water as if coloring the sky, and then the center fountain creates large flower-shaped pattern.
2581The falling water sprays create multiple layers of flower petals, falling sakura petals dance together with it in the square's sky.
2582
2583--It's truly a fantasy spectacle.
2584
2585Nevertheless, this wasn't just a mechanical device, but also magical huh.
2586
2587Lulu admires that scene without speaking a word while grabbing my sleeve.
2588It's not only Lulu, everyone is gazing at the ever-altering shapes of the water festival.
2589
2590....Mia, and also Pochi. I know your feelings, but would you close those gaping mouths.
2591I silently pushed and closed these two's mouths.
2592
259312-13. Inventor Boy
2594 
2595Satou's here. Recently people tend to shirk effort, but I think you will never get masterful insight without piling up efforts. It is said that your everyday effort will never betray you after all.
2596
2597
2598~
2599
2600
2601The next morning after the Royal Capital sightseeing tour, I change into Kuro and teleport to the workshop where Porina is waiting.
2602I'm going to meet the inventor mentioned before.
2603
2604"Porina, has he come?"
2605"Yes, Kuro-sama."
2606
2607Porina who welcomed me guides me to the reception room.
2608
2609The one waiting beyond the door Porina has opened is an unexpected person.
2610
2611"Nice to meet you! My name is Aoi Haruka. I am not a noble despite having family name, so please do not misunderstand."
2612
2613A 10-year-old boy who looks exactly like a girl introduces himself with polite language unbefitting of his age.
2614Aoi is a Japanese person that Princess Menea's Kingdom has summoned. It might be more correct to call him a person of Land of Rich Autumn Harvest Empire Japan, but let's not mind the detail.
2615
2616"Nice too meet you, I'm Echigoya. I'm the chairman of Echigoya Firm."
2617
2618Despite using the figure and clothes of Echigoya, my name in exchange column is still Kuro. Echigoya is a plain fake name of Kuro.
2619
2620"I'd like to ask forgiveness for my rudeness, but is Echigoya-san a Japanese?"
2621"It's probably a different Japan than yours though."
2622"As I thought! I knew that there were other Japanese people who came to this world beside me!"
2623
2624I make Aoi Boy to control his excitement with my hand.
2625I feel that his personality differs from when I met him as Satou, but this one might be the base one. He was with Princess Menea at that time, he might have denied the fact that he was a Japanese.
2626
2627"Calm down. First, let's talk about our business."
2628"Yes! That Lighter is my masterpiece--"
2629
2630Aoi Boy gleefully begins to talk about his hardships and the point for improvements.
2631It seems like he'll go on forever if left alone, so I tell him the cruel hard fact.
2632
2633"We will not sell that Lighter as our product."
2634"B-but why? The mechanism is simple, and oil is common--"
2635
2636I tell the shaken Aoi Boy about the problem with the Lighter as Porina has told me.
2637Yet the Aoi Boy still persisted, and only finally relented after I showed him the Ignition Rod.
2638
2639"So, what kind of 『Invention』 are you going to make next?"
2640"Unfortunately, there is no next time if I can't sell the Lighter.... I have no more fund."
2641
2642It seems he got the lighter money this time from pawning the ring that Princess Menea had lent him.
2643Shiga Kingdom doesn't have any bank that you can ask for financing after all.
2644There are firms and the merchant guild that can do that, but you'll become a slave if you can't pay back the money.
2645
2646"Then, I have a suggestion for you--"
2647
2648I offer Aoi Boy to become an inventor & advisor of Echigoya Firm, and to give him a laboratory in our Royal Capital's mansion and the research fund.
2649And just to make sure, I also offer him one gold coin as the initial salary, and to lend him the money needed to take Princess Menea's ring from the pawnshop.
2650Thus, Aoi Boy becomes a member of Echigoya Firm.
2651
2652I have many reasons as to why I take him under me, but the biggest one is in order to avoid him developing something that will incur the [Gods' Wrath].
2653I tell Aoi Boy about the story I've heard from Corpse and Armor after forewarning him that it should remain a secret.
2654I especially warn him about the radio tower and train ahead of time since they're convenient and easy to come up. It won't be funny if the Royal Capital turns into ashes because of my funding.
2655
2656My business with Aoi Boy is over, so I ask him about the present state of the other Japanese who was with him, Yui Akasaki.
2657
2658It seems she was proposed by a high-ranking nobleman whom she was acquainted with from an evening party she attended with Princess Menea.
2659Looks like the other party was the one who fell for Yui. Falling in love to a 13-year old girl, he must be a lolicon.
2660It seems Yui didn't feel the same, but she was moved by intense attack from the other party and made a promise to marry him. They couldn't get married right away due to the difference in their social positions, so the guy has asked a noble related to him to adopt Yui as their daughter in order to secure her social position, allowing them to marry.
2661Aoi Boy is deeply moved as he tells me about how she's currently seriously studying etiquette in a class referred by that related noble.
2662
2663"Echigoya-san, I want to introduce you to my Sensei--"
2664
2665
2666~
2667
2668
2669Aoi Boy has led me to a downtown with some small workshops. You can reach the slum quarter after going through several streets from here.
2670
2671"Sensei! Are you inside, Sensei"
2672"Maybe he's sleeping?"
2673
2674The radar shows me that there's a luminous spot of a person inside.
2675Since the door seems to be shut with only bolt, I smoothly open it with [Magic Hand].
2676
2677"It's open."
2678"Huh? You're right--. Sensei! It's me Aoi. I'm going in"
2679
2680Aoi Boy skillfully evades the scattered written memos on the floor and goes in further.
2681I knit my brows when I look at the scattered memos on the floor. The double-inversion disk-type aerodynamic engine that I've made with a different theory and a circuit with different layout is drawn there.
2682
2683"Echigoya-san, this person is Professor Jahad."
2684"I often heard about your name in the past."
2685"Hmph, I don't need some lip service."
2686
2687Aoi Boy introduces me to a white-haired old man with bedhair wearing glasses that look like bottom of bottles. He has no special features besides his small stature despite being a human.
2688He's the rumored magician who's crazy for spinning things, and the person who wrote the books I saw in Seryuu city whom I had wanted to meet once.
2689
2690I take out his works and the spinning top that he's created from Item Box to show him that it wasn't some lip service.
2691After seeing his works, he returned them back to me while hmph-ing, but his attitudes softened somewhat afterwards.
2692
2693It seems he was a member of both the Royal Academy and the Royal Research Institute, but he fell into the trap of some researchers with noble lineage and was snatched both titles.
2694Now he's living a poor life by repairing magic tools in the downtown without any financial supporter.
2695
2696I invited Prof. Jahad to be a researcher of Echigoya Firm, but his reply wasn't favorable.
2697
2698"Hmph, I don't care with money. If you want to hire me, bring me the new type aerodynamic engine! I would even sell my soul to demon lords if I could see the artistic splendor of that double disk engine up close."
2699"You won't backpedal on it right."
2700"Not."
2701
2702I clear some space in the room with [Magic Hand] and take out a spare double-inversion disk-type aerodynamic engine from Storage. It couldn't fit into Item Box since it was too big.
2703
2704I smile at Prof. Jahad whose eyeballs look like they'll fly out, and then we establish the contract.
2705This man will surely able to increase the performance of the aerodynamic engine even further.
2706
2707
2708~
2709
2710
2711I leave arranging their rooms in the mansion, the laboratory, and all miscellaneous things to the new manager and Tifaliza.
2712The new manager seems to be happy about something, she's started taking actions gleefully.
2713Tifaliza is preparing documents about machinery indifferently.
2714
2715The new type of aerodynamic engine is a national defense secret, so I've taken the one in Prof. Jahad's lodging and moved it to the new laboratory.
2716
2717I've left him with the disassembly manual and the rough configuration.
2718The detailed blueprint only exist in the map of my memo column, so I'll be giving him the document about it later.
2719
2720
2721~
2722
2723
2724After I've finished the minor business in Echigoya Firm, I take everyone to the second sightseeing tour of the fountain.
2725There's still some time until the fountain moves, so we're watching the street performers in the square in front of the fountain.
2726
2727"Uhha! Nostalg!"
2728"Nyoronyoro~?"
2729"Kabayaki-san nanodesu!"
2730
2731Arisa's tension is running high when she sees a street performer who's manipulating a snake with a soundless flute.
2732
2733--Nostalgic?
2734Were such street performers popular in Arisa's hometown?
2735
2736Pochi associated the snake with Kabayaki when she saw it.
2737She's just had a lunch a while ago, looks like Pochi's appetite never wanes.
2738Maybe I'll go with White Horn Snake and Eel Donburi for today's dinner.
2739
2740When I was racking my brain about the side dishes, sounds of building collapsing and screams entered my ears.
2741
2742"Master, I've found a monster at two o'clock direction. Going in for removal. Please the permission."
2743
2744A gigantic level 30 cricket monster broke through a two-story building and jumped to the street.
2745Snake-like patterns are emitting red light on its black body.
2746
2747"Nana, you stay here to guard Arisa and the others. Liza, go defeat the monster quickly. Pochi and Tama, help anyone who's injured. Mia, prepare the healing. The rest stay here with me."
2748"Yes, my Master."
2749"Understood."
2750"Aye!"
2751"Roger nanodesu!"
2752
2753I'm checking the surrounding map while giving instructions to everyone.
2754The monster wasn't reflected in my radar just before this. Is it teleportation or summoning, I need to find out what kind of way monsters can be called in the middle of Royal Capital.
2755
2756--Liza's spear was stopped for an instant by the red barrier that appeared before the cricket monster's body.
2757
2758The spear tore its rind and armor, giving damage, but it couldn't defeat it in one blow.
2759Even though she didn't use any big technique, it's unbelievable that the defense of a level 30 monster could stop Liza's spear.
2760
2761"Liza-san! That thing has 『Magic Body Bestowal』 state! I've never heard that kind of buff before, so go use some serious technique!"
2762"Understood!"
2763
2764In accordance to Arisa's advice, Liza fills magic power into the spear enough to produce Magic Edge.
2765
2766--Magic Body Bestowal?
2767
2768It's Fiend Drug's effect!
2769As I took a sidelong glance at Liza's Spiral Spear Strike pulverizing the cricket monster, I searched for people who carried Fiend Drug in the Royal Capital, but I couldn't find anyone.
2770
2771There shouldn't be many people who would carry fiend drug since it was thoroughly hunted.
2772Right then, an unpleasant thought flashes in my mind.
2773
2774....They couldn't have thrown the fiend drug into the drainage to destroy evidence and ended up producing monsters right?
2775
2776There should be books pertaining fiend drug in the forbidden library of the royal castle.
2777I'll go see the king as Nanashi and ask permission to enter the forbidden library tonight.
2778
2779I receive a whitish magic core that Liza's collected and instruct everyone to rescue the people who've been buried under the collapsed building.
2780Fortunately, there was no casualty, the injured ones could all be cured with low level healing magic.
2781
2782I left the settlement to the dispatched soldier, and then we went home after enjoying the water fountain.
2783
2784Lady Karina who should be receiving special training in the royal castle for her debut in high society was in the mansion, but I hardened my heart and sent her back to the royal castle.
2785Crying while shouting, "Traitor", is making me look bad, please stop it.
2786
2787I should go visit her during the special training while bringing some delicious things tomorrow.
2788
278912-14. The King and Nanashi
2790 
2791Satou's here. Looks like there's a genre [Misunderstanding] in manga. The powerless protagonist is mistaken for another powerful famous person, and then he gets rolled up in the maelstrom of trouble, there's a lot of story like that.
2792
2793
2794~
2795
2796
2797I'm having an audience with the king in the evening of the day the monster showed up in the Royal Capital.
2798
2799They exaggeratedly praised me for subjugating the Dog-head demon lord, and tried to force me a peerage called Duke Mitsukuni or something.
2800
2801Duke Mitsukuni house seems to be a house that was established after the Ancient King Yamato had handed the throne to the second generation, at that time it was the state councilor who was famous for making social reform.
2802Looks like Duke Mitsukuni peerage was still conferred until after the fourth generation King had retired, but there was some circumstance, and afterwards, no one was given the peerage anymore.
2803
2804I ended up hearing some interesting anecdote thanks to this, but since I wasn't interested with peerage and whatnot, I appropriately declined it.
2805
2806The king seemed to think that I was dissatisfied with just the peerage, this time he suggested me the [Blue Territory] in the southwest region of the kingdom.
2807Blue Territory seems to be the place where seven cities were sacrificed in order for the Wild-boar King to destroy Furu Empire.
2808
2809At the west of the Trade City and the South of Labyrinth City, there's the sea of trees where the cities are sleeping, it has become the den of monsters now.
2810In the past they managed to recapture the cities by sending armies many times over, but they couldn't hold against the overflowing monsters from the sea of tree and had to evacuated as the result.
2811
2812Nanashi should be able to easily drive off the monsters in the cities, but keeping them off permanently seems quite laborious.
2813I'm not really interested in territory management and administration.
2814
2815I often played city-building games, but in real world there are too many troublesome affairs, so I'm going to refrain from it.
2816
2817Thus, I declined lightly, but the King and the Prime Minister openly looked disappointed.
2818They probably wanted me, who have the power to defeat demon lords, to recapture the cities with that power.
2819
2820
2821~
2822
2823
2824After a little bit of idle talk, I get to the primary objective.
2825
2826"Your Majesty, I received some report from Echigoya people about monsters appearing in the Royal Capital see."
2827
2828I actually encountered one myself, but let's make this a second-hand story.
2829
2830"As expected of Nanashi-sama. You're quick to know. Prime Minister."
2831"Yes. Please let me explain from here. We have received reports of gigantic monsters appearances in the metropolis area for the past several days now. Every monster suddenly appeared from underground, and after destroying the buildings and people on the area they appeared, they disappeared into underground."
2832
2833So it really came from underground.
2834
2835"There have been seven sighting reports up until now, but there are only two cases where the monsters were able to be killed before they could escape; one was when a Shiga Eight Sword, Lord Ryouna made it in time, and the other was when some Mithril explorers happened to meet one by chance."
2836
2837Ryouna was that six-packs amazon right. The explorers should be about us.
2838I tried checking the map, but there was no sign of the monsters underground.
2839According to the report, all seven monsters had red rope-like pattern. It wasn't only insect-type monsters, there were also rat-type monsters.
2840
2841"Did you try to pursue the fleeing monsters?"
2842"Yes, when we dispatched the Royal Capital soldiers to search underground, they found the remains of the aforementioned monsters. There were three monsters that had died from debilitation, one from decomposition, and one from some kind of blade and magic."
2843"Decomposition and debilitation?"
2844
2845Leaving aside the killed monster, were the four others died by themselves?
2846Ga Hou the orc from Duchy Capital did say to me that there were other orcs in the Royal Capital, so they might have exterminated the underground monsters.
2847
2848"We had the Royal Research Institute to study the monsters, but we didn't get any useful information."
2849"Then I'll tell you one. I have an acquaintance with appraisal skill in the Royal Capital, and that acquaintance confirmed that the monster had  『Magic Body Bestowal』 state when they saw the monster."
2850"『Magic Body Bestowal』 is it?--It cannot be."
2851
2852Prime Minister-san seems to remember about the existence of Fiend Drug too, he's at a loss of words while looking bitter.
2853He probably recalled the illicit manufacturing incident in the Labyrinth City from before.
2854
2855Marquis Kelton who was the prime offender at that time avoided punishment by using the influence of his faction if I'm not mistaken.
2856Afterwards, I found out about a demon lord-worshiping group called [Light of Liberty] that was trying to smuggle the fiend drug outside the kingdom.
2857
2858"Prime Minister, how was the disposal of Fiend Drug?"
2859"Yes, the Royal Research Institute was responsible for the disposal."
2860"Did you hear what kind of method they use to dispose the drug?"
2861"No, I had instructed them to make it so that it couldn't be used again, but I did not hear about the detail."
2862
2863Well, that's normal.
2864The Prime Minister probably doesn't have much free time.
2865
2866"Perhaps they dissolved the fiend drug with some appropriate drug or acid and then flush it down the drainage?"
2867
2868Or maybe they did without even processing it.
2869
2870Prime Minister-san's eyebrows twitched when he heard me.
2871His face looks slightly pale but he's controlling himself quite good.
2872
2873"I will summon the institute director and the one in charge immediately."
2874
2875Prime Minister-san excuses himself to arrange the summoning.
2876
2877"Hey, Your Majesty. Is there any document detailing fiend drug?"
2878"There is. The Royal Research Institute borrowed it once, but besides that time, it is stored in the Forbidden Library below royal castle."
2879
2880Is it alright to lend a book outside from the forbidden library?
2881Well, it probably has low secret content.
2882
2883"There's something I want to look up you see, won't you permit me to enter that forbidden library please?"
2884"What cold things are Nanashi-sama is saying. This castle is Nanashi-sama's castle too. You may go in and out any place you want."
2885
2886No no, that rule is too sloppy.
2887The King guides me further through the private area of the royalties, to the forbidden library.
2888
2889The forbidden library is located besides the treasure room, and a massive gate with powerful anti-intruder magic is installed on the place that leads to both.
2890The gatekeeper knights are level late 30s imperial guard knights, they seem diligent and steadfast.
2891Even though I'm with the king, they ask me my purpose and demand me to take off my mask, following the rule.
2892I show the face mask under the mask and then we pass through the gate.
2893
2894The corridor splits to the treasure room and the forbidden library halfway through, we continue the corridor that goes to the library.
2895The King is a good walker since he was a holy knight in his youth, but I feel bad letting an old man walks too far, so I take out a chair from my storage, make him sit on it, and carry it with Magic Hand.
2896
2897We passed through 13 gates before we got to the forbidden library, but the gatekeepers of the third gate and beyond were not humans, but magic-flaw creatures <<Constructors>> like golems and living armors.
2898The gates were placed at fixed intervals in the corridor, showing the importance of the forbidden library beyond this.
2899
2900After passing a double-layered door that seemed to be a barrier, we finally entered the forbidden library.
2901It smells of papers. The inside is dark, and it seems they've set the temperature and humidity at the level that are best for preserving books.
2902
2903When the King holds up a medallion that's used as a pass, the light in the building is lit.
2904We get pass the entrance hall, and come to a room with lines of bookshelves that are as high as the ceiling.
2905
2906I check the map, there's only one reader, the others aren't librarians, but around twenty work golems and living dolls.
2907
2908"I was wondering who it was, so it's Your Majesty."
2909"Umu, are you in good health? You're a bookworm like always, never going to an evening party."
2910"Yes, luckily, the marriage proposal to Earl Lesseu returned with a blank paper."
2911
2912The one talking to the King is the Sixth Princess. She's 18 years old, a year younger than Lady Karina.
2913Her hair is a bit brownish and black up, she's wearing a neat tiara.
2914
2915Earl Lesseu is probably the young lord-san that came out as a topic about his crushing in the idle talk before.
2916
2917The Sixth Princess turns her strong-willed blue eyes that are behind the silver-trimmed glasses toward me.
2918
2919"Who is this person in suspicious clothing? A new guard?"
2920"Be careful with your tongue. This one is the hero Nanashi-dono."
2921"Pleased to meet you, Ojou-sama."
2922
2923The matter about Nanashi being mistaken as the Ancient King Yamato seems to be a secret for only the King and the Prime Minister.
2924I greeted the Sixth Princess in friendly manner, she greeted back out of courtesy after showing displeased expression, and then she gets back to her own study.
2925
2926Afterwards, the King guides me to an eight-armed Golem deep inside.
2927
2928"Nanashi-sama, this is the 『Librarian』 of this forbidden library."
2929"Your Majesty, Today, What kind of, Book?"
2930
2931The librarian Golem asks in disconnected synthetic voice.
2932
2933"O 『Librarian』, with my authority as the King of Shiga Kingdom, I grant Nanashi-sama here the permission until the third layer of the archive. Process it."
2934"Yes, Performing, Processing."
2935
2936There are four layers in this forbidden library.
2937That means the last layer is not allowed huh. Well, I can find out the title of the books with map item search anyway, I can just intrude my own if there's something I want to read.
2938
2939"Nanashi-sama, I think you might know this already, but the last layer can only be entered by the current king of the kingdom. 『Librarian』 has memorized the list of the books, so I would go fetch it for you if there is any book you need, please pardon me."
2940
2941No no, no way I can let the king be a gofer.
2942I couldn't say that I would intrude it on my own, so I lightly replied, "I'm counting on you when that happens."
2943
2944After sending the King back to the surface, I hurriedly got back to the library, and began the research of fiend drug with the help of the 『Librarian』 and the living doll helpers.
2945
2946
2947~
2948
2949
2950After I've finished researching the matter, I teleport back to the workshop in Kuro disguise.
2951There's an entrance to the sewer nearby.
2952
2953Entering the door that's locked with a padlock, I descend into the sewer.
2954Swarms of bats and rats attacked me, but I haphazardly scattered them away with [Light Stun].
2955It's been a long time since I used this magic.
2956
2957I fly through the sewer by relying on the map to collect filthy water with [Magic Hand] from 128 points including the places where the incidents happened.
2958
2959I saw the remains of two monsters with red rope pattern.
2960Both are eaten by rats and insects, but there's a magic core in one of the remains. It's a magic core that's whiter than vermilion.
2961
2962I collect both remains just in case.
2963I'll deliver them to the Royal Research Institute later.
2964
2965Since I'm already close to it, I change into Nanashi like when I met Ga Hou, and intrude upon the place where the orcs dwell.
2966
2967"Heya, nice to meet you. I'm not your enemy, so could you please put away that dangerous spear?"
2968"You do not have any choice but to die now that you've seen this place. Prepare yourself."
2969
2970A young male orc wearing a hood over one of his eyes and holding a magic spear informs me so.
2971
2972I grab the thrust spear that has left red traces behind.
2973It's a sharp thrust, though not at Liza's and Shiga Eight Sword First Seat's level. The magic edge is quite resolute too, some half-assed magic shield won't be able to block this.
2974
2975"Impossible! Even Ga Hou could barely able to dodge my spear! Who the heck are you!"
2976
2977I wish you asked that first.
2978
2979"I'm Nanashi, a friend of Ga Hou who lives under Duchy Capital."
2980"S-so you're Nanashi-dono! I've heard about you from Ga Hou. Please forgive my rudeness earlier."
2981"Yeah, I don't mind."
2982
2983Ri Fuu is an orc who's 200 years younger than Ga Hou.
2984He guides me into the village of orcs. There are a bit less than 20 orcs inside. Most are from the same generation as Ri Fuu, but there are three small orcs too.
2985
2986It's late at night now, but for the orcs who live underground, the time when the surface people sleep is the time for them to be active.
2987
2988"We only produce the next generation orcs when our members decrease. In truth, they are newborns after 150 years, everyone has been spoiling them, embarrassingly."
2989"That's not true! Ri Fuu is mean!"
2990
2991Besides a bit of physical differences, the orc children look the same as human children.
2992
2993"Thanks for waiting. They're feast brought by Nanashi-san. Everyone, you can eat after giving your thanks."
2994"""Okay!"""
2995
2996I gave them ingredients I had bought in the Duchy Capital, though there were also a lot of different kind of meat and seafood from the labyrinth. They were most pleased with the Japanese Radishes from Kuhanou Earldom.
2997I ask the orc wives who are cooking orc dishes if there's anything strange in the underpass.
2998
2999"Umu, the rat monster that we fought back then was an unusually tough monster. There were even injured people even among us."
3000
3001So the underground monsters were really defeated by the orcs.
3002
3003"Yeah, it'd have been dangerous if Ri Fuu wasn't there."
3004"This guy even mistook it as a demon."
3005"I mean, there's no monster that can deploy that kind of defensive wall."
3006
3007The defensive wall that the young orcs mentioned is probably the thing that stopped Liza's spear for an instant.
3008It wouldn't have been strange if there were casualties with their levels indeed.
3009
3010"Strange huh, I guess it's that underground creatures have been increasing for the past month?"
3011"Even the rats become nice and plump, they're tasty."
3012
3013Fumu, there must be some kind of nutrient source--hey, I hope it's not the fiend drug.
3014
3015I tell Ri Fuu and several other village leaders about the possibility of dangerous drug mixed in the drainage, and ask them not to eat creatures living in the underground for a while.
3016Of course, I give them the share of food needed for that. I have a large amount of uneatable ingredients in the storage, so I give them one month worth of food that can be preserved.
3017
3018"Nanashi-dono, why do you go this far for our sake?"
3019
3020Ri Fuu asked such question, I guess I was too meddlesome.
3021
3022--I wonder for what sake?
3023
3024"U~n, I guess I'm just meddlesome. And also, I'm Ga Hou's friend."
3025
3026If I leave my friend's relatives alone, and someone falls victim among them because of it, I'd feel remorse.
3027In addition, if I'm being meddlesome here, they might be willing to patrol the underpass or something.
3028
3029"Oh right, since I'm being meddlesome and all, take these too. It's not like the holy sword that I gave to Ga Hou though."
3030"I-is this a magic sword?"
3031"There's a magic spear too!"
3032"Both are just weapons that can be easily filled with magic power, but I think they will be useful against monsters."
3033
3034Sorry for them being mass products, I present the orcs with a magic sword, and a magic spear made by Echigoya Firm. Their battle power should be increased now.
3035After receiving words of gratitude from the orcs, I leave their dwelling.
3036
3037--Now then, it's the Royal Research Institute tomorrow.
3038
3039I'd hate it if the shops we're going to tour get temporary closed or broken from monster disturbance since I didn't deal with it early.
3040
3041Now, for the sake of playing happily, let's put an extra effort!
3042
3043While basking in the sunlight with my whole body, I fired myself up.
3044
304512-15. Carelessness of the Royal Research Institute
3046 
3047Satou's here. Unlawful dumping is a problem in Japan, and it's also a problem in another world. There's a seriously bad unlawful dumping among many....
3048
3049
3050~
3051
3052
3053"T-then, you're saying that you left the disposal of the fiend drug to the associate contractor!"
3054
3055The Prime Minister's subordinate roared at the Royal Research Institute's director.
3056I'm also speechless beside him.
3057
3058The morning of the next day, as Kuro I joined the Prime Minister's subordinate who went to the Royal Research Institute to watch the state of things.
3059
3060"N, no. From what I understood, it should have been fighting spirit medicines that were expired. I never thought that it was such a dangerous medicine like Fiend Drug..."
3061
3062The director who's sweeping his sweat really seems like he didn't know that it was Fiend Drug.
3063On the other hand, the woman who appears to be a secretary, standing behind him, looks pale. I direct the Prime Minister's subordinate's attention to the secretary.
3064
3065"The woman over there, you seem to know something. If you speak honestly, I'll talk to Prime Minister-dono so that it won't become a case of treason."
3066"....Ha, treason?! S-such thing, I never"
3067
3068The pale secretary falls on her knees to the floor.
3069We succeeded getting the circumstances from the director and the secretary with the help of an Inquisitor the Prime Minister subordinate had brought.
3070
3071Foolishly, due to the secretary's mistake, the disposal document for [Fiend Drug] had been misplaced with the one for [Fighting Spirit Medicine].
3072Normally, the drug would have been destroyed by mixing it with acid first before dumping it to the sewage, but since it was mistaken as [Fighting Spirit Medicine], it was only dissolved in water before being dumped into the sewage.
3073
3074"--H-however, even though it was dumped to the sewage, it shouldn't be enough to make monster transformation happen. Even if you orally take the 『Fiend Drug』, you would need to do it dozens of times before the symptom for monster transformation surfaces. In my humble opinion, the cause of the monster disturbance might be something different...."
3075"Nonsense. --Take them."
3076
3077The director insisted, but the PM's subordinate curtly cut his talk, and ordered the Prime Minister's soldiers to take the two away. Looks like they're going to entrust them to the examination specialist.
3078
3079Since the PM's Subordinate had ordered a low-class official to inspect the actual disposal site, I took that opportunity to tag along.
3080
3081
3082~
3083
3084
3085"Garbage disposal huuh? That's not something great official-sama and noble-sama need to care."
3086"Just answer the question."
3087
3088The low-class official pressed a question on a manservant clothed in rag.
3089This man isn't a staff member, but someone taken from the slump quarter to dispose lab animals and filth.
3090
3091The manservant guides us to the dumping ground.
3092
3093It's a cylindrical room made of flat concrete-like substance.
3094There's a 5-meter big hole in the center of the room, and it's 10-meter long down below until the water surface.
3095
3096"Don't ya got too close to it. A while ago, a newcomer fell and became the prey of slimes...."
3097
3098--Slimes?
3099There are some in the underground tunnel nearby, but there doesn't seem any directly below us.
3100
3101"Huuh? Visitors? Can I throw this garbages now?"
3102"Official-sama, do you allow?"
3103"Leave it for la--"
3104"Wait, we don't mind, throw it."
3105
3106I interrupt the low-class official, and let another man who came to the room later to throw the garbage.
3107
3108....It's the dissected corpse of the monster yesterday huh.
3109
3110Hm? The rat-type monster corpse doesn't have its hind legs. I think the back meat and the breast meat are also taken a bit too much if it's for samples.
3111
3112I watch the corpse being dumped while only taking a sidelong glance at the low-class official who's grimacing from the putrid smell.
3113The moment the monsters' blood touch the water surface, the slimes in the underground tunnel gather.
3114
3115"W-wait, Sir!"
3116
3117I jump to the water surface while hearing the flustered voice of the manservant behind me. I activate Sky Drive just before I hit the water, and take care not to touch the corpses and the slimes.
3118
3119I illuminate the water surface with a Light Drop.
3120
3121There are no red rope-like pattern like on the monster's corpses on the slimes. Instead, many black bugs are stickied to them. It seems the slimes here only feed on carrion.
3122
3123I gather tissue samples from several slimes and put it into organized test tubes.
3124I'll have the Royal Research Institute to check these and see if they have the fiend drug's residue and effect.
3125
3126Before leaving, I'll confirm something with the manservant earlier.
3127He'll probably feign ignorance or lie even if we cross-examine him, so I ask him after I've made sure that the low-class official has gone back ahead.
3128
3129"I won't fault you since monster meat are also eaten in Labyrinth City, but there are many that are rotten or toxic. There are also some that can spread illness, so be careful okay."
3130"Yeah, we know."
3131
3132So they really take meat from lab animal's corpse and sell it in the back channel huh.
3133....It seems the slum quarter was hit with epidemics several years ago, I wonder if the cause was the meat brought by these guys.
3134It might be good to create epidemic prevention manual.
3135
3136"We let the neighboring rats and strays to eat the meat going bad y'see. If they die, the slimes will eat them if we just throw them to the Clean Water Facility pond y'see."
3137
3138Maybe I should check the slimes that are in the Clean Water Facility located near the edge of the Royal Capital.
3139
3140Right, if they take the meat out, they might even take the drug that should have been disposed out too.
3141I've already checked on the map that the fiend drug doesn't exist in the Royal Capital, but just in case.
3142
3143"If there's any drug that's hard to dispose, I'll buy it from you--"
3144
3145I tell so to the man in low voice, and tell him one of the bars in the downtown managed by secret agents of the Prime Mainister.
3146With this, it should be easy to retrieve the drugs that have leaked outside. I'll leave the rest to the Prime Minister.
3147
3148I go to the Water Purification Plant in the downtown, and collect the slimes that are attracted to the monster corpse I've thrown from storage.
3149I'll have the Royal Research Institute staff to analyze the rest.
3150I think I can analyze it myself with the facility in the Ivy Mansion, but doing everything myself is annoying right.
3151
3152
3153~
3154
3155
3156Let's sort out the information for a bit.
3157
3158In the end, the things I know are--
3159
3160- The fiend drug was dumped to the sewage without proper processing.
3161
3162- There's a possibility that it has been spread to the creatures living underground through the slimes.
3163
3164- The Fiend Drug was mistaken with [Fighting Spirit Medicine].
3165
3166This medicine has some similarity with the fiend drug, so it might be sold illegally in the downtown.
3167
3168- People of the slum might have taken the fiend drug.
3169
3170- The fiend drug isn't present in the Royal Capital.
3171
3172Is that all?
3173No, there's one more.
3174
3175- The monster disturbance might have nothing to do with the fiend drug.
3176
3177Just when I thought I had seized the cause of the monster disturbance, the mystery got deeper instead.
3178I wonder if the case would be quickly settled were a great detective conveniently appear.
3179
3180The phantom thief exists after all, wish the great detective too.
3181
3182
3183~
3184
3185
3186"You're late desuwa!"
3187"Excuse me, I had some businesses to attend."
3188
3189Lady Karina rebuked me as soon as I entered the state guest house's hall where she was doing special training.
3190The ones in this room are Lady Karina's maids, the dance instructor, and our girls.
3191Arisa is accompanying Nina-san in her work, so she's not here.
3192
3193"Karina-sama, please concentrate."
3194"Satou will be my practice partner. You watch and instruct from there."
3195
3196Lady Karina tells the instructor, and then she extends her hand to me.
3197Her cheeks blush a little, but her face looks somewhat sullen.
3198
3199Well, I am late, guess I can be her dance partner.
3200I'll dance with our girls too once Lady Karina's practice is over.
3201
3202"Then, I'll be keeping you company."
3203
3204I take Lady Karina's hand and go toward the center of the hall the size of a classroom.
3205I lead Lady Karina while matching the dance music that Mia is playing.
3206
3207When I dance with Lady Karina, my chest is too happy my consciousness feels like it'll soar, but I weather the storm with the help of prime number and pi.
3208
3209Her dance is straightforward and manly like usual.
3210However, it seems she's been working hard, she's improved leap and bound better compared to the dance before.
3211
3212"You've worked hard. You're quite better than before."
3213"--T-that's obvious! Because I endured it even while the knight order were watching the practice. Sa-Satou will dance with me in the real thing too!"
3214
3215--U~n, isn't it impossible in the real thing.
3216
3217During the dance party the night before the Kingdom Conference, the party where upper nobles higher than and including viscounts gather is separated with the party where lower nobles lower than and including baron gather.
3218
3219There is no such rule, but like an unspoken agreement, it seems nobles that don't have much rank don't mingle with them.
3220To be more specific, the upper nobles side are the dukes, marquises, earls, and viscounts, but there are some cases where baron and baronet can also participate. A chevalier like me is prohibited from participating.
3221Lower nobles side are barons, baronets, and chevaliers, but viscounts can also participate. Nobles higher than and including earls never participate in this side.
3222
3223Of course, Lady Karina is going to escort Baron Muno who's treated like an earl as a territory lord, she's going to attend the upper noble dance party, so it's impossible for us to dance together.
3224It's probably going to be another story if I were her fiance, but that's exactly why doing that means announcing we're engaged, so I'll be refraining.
3225
3226"I cannot participate in the dance party of upper nobles so--"
3227"You can't desuwa!"
3228
3229From her line of sight that was a bit higher than mine due to her heels, she interrupted my denial with a child-like anxious voice.
3230
3231--Even if you said that.
3232
3233"Excuse me. Karina-sama, some visitors have come for you."
3234
3235Pina appeared right then, telling us about visitors. Good timing.
3236
3237"They are waiting in the parlor, please come with Chevalier-sama."
3238"Visitors? Not for Father?"
3239"Yes, they are Sera-sama and Toruma Shimen-sama."
3240
3241They're quite fast even though I was told that they were coming yesterday evening with an airship.
3242The two's blue luminous dots are in the parlor of the guest house alright.
3243
3244I postpone the problem and go to the parlor where the two are waiting.
3245
324612-16. Invitation to Breakfast Gathering
3247 
3248Satou's here. Maybe due to the fact that we could frequently send mails even to a far away place, unlike in the past, I feel that I rarely felt distant.
3249But, it sure is mysterious when you directly meet and various things come to be talked about.
3250
3251
3252~
3253
3254
3255"Grandfather asked if you'd like to have a breakfast with him."
3256
3257After greeting each other, Sera cut to the chase.
3258
3259It'd have been a tempting invitation if the other party were a young woman, but since the it's an old man, and an authority of a nation at that, 'breakfast' probably means more like a meeting.
3260
3261Now then? The duke probably invites me to a breakfast in order to solicit me to come under his wings.
3262We're not only explorers who hold Mithril Plate, but there's the matter of Liza defeating the first seat of Shiga Eight Swords too, so the possibility is high.
3263
3264"I am honored, but is it alright for a low ranking noble like me to be summoned to Duke-sama's breakfast?"
3265
3266I can't imagine those carefree Duchy Capital nobles ostracizing me, but not all of them should think favorably of me.
3267People from Marquis Lloyd's and Earl Haku's faction are probably alright, but people from Earl Bobi's faction who are related with Wings of Liberty seem like they'll bear a grudge.
3268
3269"It's fine you know. Because even Ane-sama approves Satou-san." <TLN: Big sister>
3270"--I feel honored."
3271
3272By Ane-sama, she's talking about Ringrande, Hero Hayate's attendant right?
3273I don't remember doing anything that would make her approve me, but perhaps, she did because I won against Hero?
3274
3275It's not like I can decline anyway, I tell Sera that I'll be attending the duke's breakfast gathering, and get Toruma and Karina who have been treated like air up until now to join the conversation, telling each other's situation.
3276
3277"Then, you're saying that Head Miko-dono isn't feeling well?"
3278"No, it's not that she has fallen ill, however, she doesn't seem energetic. She rarely ever comes out of the consecration inner room, let alone the temple."
3279
3280I wonder why?
3281Did she receive a new oracle or something?
3282
3283"No the only new oracle was the one about the destruction of the newly appeared demon lord in the Labyrinth City."
3284
3285Come to think of it, it should be near the time for Hero Hayato's call.
3286I have to ask what's happened to the demon lord that was prophesied to appear in the Weasel Kingdom.
3287
3288....The are only five of them remaining isn't it?
3289Please don't appear all at once in the world.
3290
3291I throw away that ominous thought far beyond the beyond, and add the plan [Visit Head Miko] on the Memo Pad in the Exchange Column.
3292I'll go visit her once the business in the Royal Capital are all over.
3293
3294Toruma then speaks some strange thing, probably to change back the flow of conversation.
3295
3296"According to my brother, Satou-dono is also popular in the Labyrinth City."
3297
3298What's with the [Also].
3299Since when was I popular--No, I guess I'm relatively popular with younger girls.
3300
3301"Elderly and children seem to be fond of me since a long time ago."
3302"My, oh Satou-san."
3303
3304Sera gracefully laughs to me who replied jokingly, but Lady Karina reacts questionably.
3305
3306"....It's not only little girls."
3307
3308Lady Karina muttered so, it was a voice so small only me who had [Attentive Ear] skill could hear.
3309I see, they all looked younger from my point of view, but with this body, there were girls who were the same age and older.
3310
3311"However, I heard that you were close with some foreign princess and a daughter of a noble your age?"
3312
3313Toruma who couldn't read the mood like always stated such remark while ignoring Lady Karina's mood.
3314Even Sera waited for my reply with a serious face.
3315
3316By princess, did he mean the Noja Princess, Mitia?
3317A same-age noble daughter, I guess it's either Zena-san or the daughter of Baronet Dyukeli?
3318
3319"Both are just acquaintances I knew from a little incident. We don't have special relationships."
3320
3321When I asserted so, the girls let out relieved sighs.
3322Lady Karina has met those girls before, so she should have known our relationship anyway.
3323
3324"What, is that it. Since Satou-dono is still young, why don't you become famous as a philanderer in the high society."
3325""Toruma Oji-sama!""
3326
3327Sera and Lady Karina reprimanded Toruma's crude remark.
3328
3329....Say something like that only between men.
3330
3331
3332~
3333
3334
3335Even though we often exchanged letters, conversing like this complement subtle nuances that can't be conveyed through letters.
3336
3337While Sera is telling me the state of each of the Duchy Capital's orphanage people, I also tell her about the Labyrinth City's orphanage and training school for explorers.
3338I tell my activities in the Labyrinth City as plainly as possible.
3339
3340She's also told me the present state of the sealkin children whom Nana cared, I'll tell Nana about it later.
3341
3342Still, Lady Karina is shy with strangers like always.
3343Even though she could talk normally with me and Toruma, she only replied with brief words like "Yes", or "That's right", when Sera talked to her, the conversation couldn't continue.
3344
3345It's like she's reserved toward Sera.
3346Since Toruma followed up with, "Karina is shy with strangers like always huh" when that happened, Sera didn't seem offended.
3347
3348After we've told each other our situations, Toruma asks about the airship incident.
3349
3350As begged, I tell him about the details of the raid against Duke Bishtal, in exchange I ask about the suspicion toward Marquis Lloyd.
3351It seems Marquis Lloyd had willingly agreed to be inquisition-ed and proved his innocence.
3352
3353I'm glad that his suspicion has been cleared, but in the end, I don't get to give him prison-present.
3354
3355And then, I understood that Toruma was going to talk about Lady Karina's confession-like match just before we departed Labyrinth City, but I stopped him from condemning other's people fault, especially in front of Sera.
3356
3357Instead, Toruma, who knows the Royal Capital well, is going to guide me to the hidden tourist attractions and stores in the night pleasure quarter. Of course gay bars are prohibited.
3358I said it implicitly, "Guiding to various kind of shops", so Lady Karina and Sera didn't notice it.
3359
3360Since Sera and Toruma were invited to a diner with Duke Oyugock and the king, the enjoyable conversation was cut short, and we saw the two off.
3361
3362
3363~
3364
3365
3366When the two have disappeared, Lady Karina asks a puzzling question.
3367
3368"Sa-Satou, do you want to take Sera-sama as your wife?"
3369"No, Sera-san is my friend. In the first place, a Miko can't marry unless she returns to secular life you know?"
3370
3371An Oracle Miko like Sera is probably not allowed to return to secular life.
3372
3373"I-is that so..."
3374
3375She leaks out sexy sigh beside me.
3376Perhaps, she's really fallen for me?
3377
3378My heart slightly thumped when I saw Lady Karina's face that looked like a maiden in love.
3379
3380--This is not good.
3381
3382If I don't firmly draw the line with Lady Karina, I'm afraid that I'd cross it since I'm fond of her outward appearance.
3383If that happens, marriage surely awaits. I have to make a restraint.
3384
3385"Besides--"
3386
3387The flow of conversation is just right, I guess I'll say it.
3388
3389"--The person I love is in a far away foreign country. I would never ask Sera-sama to be my wife."
3390
3391Saying that Aze-san is my lover or wife would make it a lie, but [The person I love] should be barely safe.
3392I've been dumped many times already, but I want to love Aze-san as long as she does not dislike it. At the very least, I don't feel like getting discouraged in one or two years.
3393
3394"....L, lie."
3395
3396Lady Karina reflexively denied it.
3397I saw large drop of tears spilling from her eyes.
3398
3399....Apparently, her marriage proposal when we were leaving Labyrinth City was serious.
3400
3401I feel slightly guilty, my chest hurts, but giving the final words just before she enters the high society is probably good for her courtship.
3402While deceiving my sense of guilt with that excuse, I speak more.
3403
3404"It's true you know? She's a bit older than me, but she's cute."
3405
3406After hearing my utmost sweet words, Lady Karina turned her heels and ran toward her own room.
3407
3408Sorry, but I cannot run after Lady Karina. I'll ask maid-head Pina or Arisa to care for her.
3409
3410....Ah, it's been a while, I want to see Aze-san.
3411
3412The last time we talked with Telephone was about [Sakura Dryad] and [Sakura Drop], so it feels like I haven't talked to her for a long time.
3413
3414--Good grief, I'm usually the one being dumped, so I never thought that being the dumping one was this hard.
3415
3416
3417~
3418
3419
3420"Chevalier-sama! The situation at the castle seems strange somewhat."
3421
3422As if mowing down my melancholy, combat maid Erina who rushed to the entrance hall was being noisy.
3423
3424"What kind of strange?"
3425"There's a lot of knights-sama going in and out. Moreover, it's strange that they are galloping horses even though it's inside the castle walls."
3426
3427Fumu, I open the map to see if there's a large outbreak of monsters in the Royal Capital, but nothing like that is happening.
3428After looking at the flow of the knights at the garrison, there are only people from three knight orders that are frequently going in and out.
3429
3430I wonder what's happened.
3431There are a lot of people who seem to know about it, but there are only a few who would tell military matter to Satou.
3432
3433The king and the prime minister seem busy too, I guess curious Nanashi will go visit them later at midnight.
3434
3435I asked Erina to tell me if she learned what happened, and then I went to the kitchen alone.
3436I've decided to prepare a mountain of whale karages and various cakes so Lady Karina can binge eat and divert her attention at least.
3437
3438This mansion has heat-retaining warehouse and refrigerator magic tools, so she can just take them out whenever she wants to eat.
3439
3440
3441~
3442
3443
3444An unexpected guest waited for us who had gone back to our mansion.
3445
3446"I'm sorry that I kept you waiting."
3447"What, do not mind it. It was I who came without announcing first."
3448
3449Julberg-shi who's wearing the white armor of holy knights composedly replies.
3450The people in the parlor are me, Liza, Julberg-shi, and the third seat of Shiga Eight Swords, Heim-shi the [Weed] whom I've just met for the first time.
3451
3452Heim-shi is investigating Liza's strength, he's been sending probing glances toward her since awhile ago. If Liza were of the same race, she would have won sekuhara appeal.
3453
3454By the way, Heim-shi's armor is also the white armor of holy knights, but it's been devilishly remodeled to the point that you wouldn't believe they're the same model. At least please stop adding those meaningless horns on the shoulders.
3455
3456"Let's get to the point, what kind of business do you have?"
3457"Umu, there's going to be a banquet where Shiga Eight Swords gather tomorrow night in my mansion. His Majesty has granted me the good Oumi beef, so I'm thinking of treating everyone."
3458
3459--The beef from the official farm we ate back then were delicious.
3460
3461Besides me, Liza's face looks composed, but her presence feels like her heart has been captivated with the meat.
3462
3463"I have invited other candidates of Shiga Eight Swords too. I want you two to come by all means."
3464
3465It seems the candidates are Jeril who's a Mithril explorer like us, and five other people.
3466We couldn't exactly decline an invitation from the first seat of Shiga Eight Swords after all, so we accepted too.
3467
3468There's a simple arena at Julberg-shi's mansion, so we have to make sure not to equip weapons in visible places in order to avoid fight.
3469
3470I brought up the matter of the knights from Erina during our idle talk, but they only told me that it was a national defense secret.
3471
3472--In other words, there's a situation that affects the safety of the nation huh?
3473
347412-17. Someone who Squirms Behind the Incident
3475 
3476Satou's here. I've read in some book that when two people meet, dispute will happen. If the dispute can't be avoided, I hope they'll choose the way that won't cause casualty.
3477
3478
3479~
3480
3481
3482"Good evening, Your Majesty. Royal Capital seems busy, has anything happened?"
3483
3484When the night has grown darker, I visit the royal castle as Nanashi.
3485
3486"If it isn't Nanashi-sama, so you have noticed it already. It's an embarrassing thing, a rebellion has occured in Duke Bishtal's territory--"
3487
3488Ah, I forgot about that matter.
3489Come to think of it, the one who attacked the airship was the relative of the duke.
3490
3491According to the king, they immediately contacted Bishtal Dukedom in emergency once the airship was attacked, but they never got any reply at all.
3492And so, when the neighboring nobles went to the dukedom to investigate, the eldest son of Duke Bishtal declared that he had established Bishtal Kingdom, and sent away the investigating nobles.
3493
3494It's quite quick considering it hasn't even been several days.
3495They probably used birdkin people or flying-type tamed monsters to investigate.
3496
3497And so, Duke Bishtal who was told that appealed to the king to deploy the national military, and then among the standing army, the three knight orders that had been scheduled for practice were deployed.
3498It seems the third knight regiment of the knight order that are famous for their swift marching speed are going to depart tomorrow, while the second and the sixth regiments will depart five days later.
3499The advance units, birdkins and wyvern riders, have already departed ahead of time.
3500
3501"Fuhn, sounds rough."
3502
3503I replied indifferently.
3504I'm sorry but, I don't intend to participate in a dispute between humans.
3505
3506"Having conflicts between humans during the 『Demon Lord Season』 like this is due to my lack of virtue."
3507
3508That reminds me, it's said that conflict between humans during this season mostly don't exist.
3509The western part of the continent seems to be going to war too, looks like other world humans love war too.
3510
3511The king lowers his head apologetically for his failure.
3512There's no need for him to apologize to me, but I guess it can't be helped since he's mistaken me for the ancient king.
3513
3514I saw the blue marker of the prime minister on my radar, so I made the king raise his head.
3515
3516
3517~
3518
3519
3520I receive the analysis report of the slimes' parts I gathered from before from the prime minister.
3521The result is already out even though it hasn't even been half a day huh.
3522
3523--The Royal Research Institute people are capable.
3524
3525I take a look at the document lightly.
3526According to the summary, the slimes seem to act as the concentrate and the carrier of the fiend drug.
3527However, just as the director had said, they concluded that even though normal creatures that eat these slimes might die under the influence of the fiend drug, the possibility is low for them to change into monsters.
3528
3529For the sake of proving test, it looks like they will catch some slimes and rats from the underground tunnel nearby and let them predate each other like kodoku in the suburb experiment building.
3530
3531Several holy knights will be standing guard during the experiment, so it should be safe.
3532
3533Since the investigation report about the director and the secretary has been put together with the analysis report, I peek at it out of curiosity.
3534
3535...This is?
3536
3537I was dumbfounded with the secretary's carelessness when she said that she got the document wrong, but apparently, there was something behind it.
3538The prime minister added the thing that isn't in the document.
3539
3540"It seems there are demon lord believers behind the case."
3541
3542Looks like the boyfriend of the secretary, a knight, is related to the organization that's similar to the [Wings of Liberty] from before, he has manipulated the documents in order to earn money by selling them through the illegal channel.
3543Quite a large amount of the fiend drug were taken away from the Royal Research Institute before they were disposed, falling to the organization's hand.
3544
3545There's a high possibility that the fiend drug that was discovered in the trade city were taken from the Royal Research Institute.
3546
3547From the story I've heard in the Labyrinth City back then, the [Wind of Liberty] that's hiding in the Royal Capital differs from the [Wings of Liberty] from the Duchy Capital, rather than demon lord worshipers, they should be a [carefree occult association].
3548
3549Then, the suspicious one is either the remnant of the [Wings of Liberty] that have come from the Duchy Capital, or the operatives of the [Light of Liberty] which holds influence in the western part of the continent.
3550I check both of their location on the map and tell it to the prime minister.
3551
3552"....Locations, is it?"
3553"Yeah, I had my subordinates check on it you see."
3554
3555He probably wouldn't believe it if I said that I had just checked it now, so I made it like so.
3556The king and the prime minister are praising, "As expected of--", but I ignore them since I'm in the middle of concentrating, looking for additional information.
3557
3558The remnants aren't a big deal judging from their levels, but there's a level later-half-of-40s magician with scouting skill among the [Light of Liberty] people, so we need to be cautious.
3559The [Light of Liberty] also has a magician with [Summoning Magic] and a tamer with taming skill who are all around level 30s.
3560
3561Looking from their skills, they likely know the truth behind the case.
3562
3563"--You need to be careful with these three people okay. Especially against the scout, you'd better not sending only common soldiers, but someone with high combat prowess on par with a Shiga Eight Sword I think."
3564"As you wish."
3565
3566The prime minister deeply thanks me for my advice.
3567
3568I can arrest them as Kuro, but the noble mansion they're hiding seems like it has guests staying in it, it looks like it could be troublesome. Let's leave it to the prime minister.
3569The scout person seems like they'll escape, so I mark them.
3570
3571
3572The topic was diverted due to the talk about demon lord believers, but there's a little something that piqued me regarding the origin of the knight who smuggled the fiend drug.
3573He seems to be a distant relative of the supposed mastermind behind the [Illicit Manufacture of the Fiend Drug in Labyrinth City] back then, Marquis Kelten.
3574
3575According to the prime minister, Marquis Kelten was cross-examined by an inquisitor in order to deny the suspicion of [Rebellion] from the fiend drug illicit manufacturing incident, and was declared innocent, so they didn't pay attention to this piece of info.
3576
3577The fact that the inquisitor at that time is someone from a house that's involved with the rebellion in Bishtal Dukedom this time worries me a bit, but this isn't a conspiracy theory, not every incident must be related.
3578
3579
3580~
3581
3582
3583When I teleported to Echigoya mansion, I got the regular contact from Hero Hayato in the weasel empire, but the one who did was a woman called Nono who's house-sitting.
3584
3585"--Then, Hayato and the others have gone deep into the labyrinth chasing after the demon lord?"
3586"That's right. Hayato will defeat the demon lord this time."
3587
3588A fleeing demon lord, that's rare.
3589So far, the demon lords were all battle maniac who revived themselves even after dying after all.
3590
3591"Is that so, if he has the upper hand then it's okay. I'll install the communication device, so you can get in touch should anything happen to Hayato."
3592"Thank you, Hero Nanashi."
3593"Un, later then."
3594
3595It seems Hayato has a good affinity with this demon lord, Hayato and his companions probably won't let their guard down, so they should be able to subjugate it for sure.
3596
3597If they still can't defeat the demon lord after the auction after the kingdom conference is over, I'll go help their demon lord search under the pretext of experimenting new magic.
3598
3599I put the antenna that improves reception of the communication magic device on the roof of Echigoya with [Magic Hand], and install the main part of the communication magic device in the bookshelves of Tifaliza's office.
3600There's not enough power to keep it operating all day, so I've put an ultra-compact magic furnace powered with a Philosopher's Stone behind the main part.
3601
3602Tifaliza who's raised her face away from the documents asks me with an unreadable transparent expression.
3603
3604"Kuro-sama, what is that device?"
3605"Ah, I'll explain it now. This device is--"
3606
3607I explain to Tifaliza that it's a magic device for getting in contact with Hero Hayato, and instruct her not to tell it to anyone besides the manager.
3608
3609I lock the transmission function, and make it so that it can only receive.
3610
3611"If any communication comes from the other side, push number three on the magic tool for emergency use that I've given you."
3612"Certainly."
3613
3614The magic tool for emergency use [Signal Rod] is a tool for transmitting short distance signal by making use of Signal magic.
3615
3616The transmission distance is short unlike the large-type model that I've installed in the labyrinth mansion.
3617On top of being unable to reach me when I'm not in the Royal Capital, the signal probably won't reach the underground and the forbidden library.
3618
3619Echigoya mansion has the large-type model like the one in the labyrinth mansion, but recharging it will be troublesome once you use it, so I instruct them to use the phone-sized [Signal Rod] normally.
3620
3621
3622~
3623
3624
3625The next morning, I went to attend breakfast invitation by Duke Oyugock, but for some reason, the location wasn't in the duke's mansion, but in a dining hall in a corner of the royal castle.
3626I have a bad feeling about this, so I check the duke's current position on the map.
3627
3628--Just as I thought.
3629
3630After a short while, a castle's attendant informed me that the duke would be arriving, so I waited near the door to welcome him.
3631
3632"Sorry for making you waiting, Sir Pendragon."
3633"No, I have just arrived too."
3634
3635Is this a conversation between lovers! So I wanted to retort, but I turn my awareness to the person behind the duke.
3636
3637"So you're Sir Pendragon, really young."
3638
3639I fall down to my knees in accordance to the etiquette for meeting a king.
3640I just met the king as Nanashi last night, so it feels strange meeting him normally as a king.
3641
3642That reminds me, the duke also said [young] when we first met.
3643
3644The chamberlains who entered after the king put a white box on top of the table and left.
3645The people left in this room are only me, the king and the duke.
3646
3647"Open that box."
3648
3649I follow the king's order, open the box and take out the [Fake Holy Sword Claiomh Solais].
3650I inactivate [Poker Face] skill and put out a normal shocked expression.
3651
3652"T-this is, perhaps--"
3653
3654He probably doesn't think that me and Nanashi are the same person, but since he's bringing this, that means...
3655
3656"Sir Pendragon, don't you want to use this holy sword?"
3657
3658Toward the king's words that I've anticipated, I reply after a short pause.
3659
3660"Th-this sword, to me..... No, it's a sword that is way over me."
3661
3662I make a regretting expression and shake my head.
3663There's probably no one that can see through it as a fake if I use it indeed, but I'll end up automatically getting entered into Shiga Eight Swords for sure.
3664
3665"It is presumptuous of me, but I am sure that Heim-sama or Bauen-sama of Shiga Eight Swords can perfectly wield this holy sword's power."
3666
3667The king shifts his gaze toward the duke after my reply.
3668
3669"How boring, a reply that's just as you've predicted huh."
3670"Youths these days lack ambition, but it should be appropriate in this matter."
3671"Umu, even Nina and Leon recommended him after all."
3672
3673Leon, it's Baron Muno's first name isn't it.
3674Good grief, I wish they told me ahead of time if they schemed something.
3675
3676When the breakfast starts, the talk finally touches the [This matter].
3677
3678"Does Shiga Eight Swords not sound fascinating to you?"
3679"No, that is not the case--"
3680
3681I can't exactly answer yes to that question.
3682
3683"Nina said that your purpose is sightseeing around the world is it?"
3684"Yes, the world is vast after all."
3685
3686Unlike the earth, there are a lot of unknown places, and there's no [Coogle Map] or Road View which could make you feel like you've explored the world.
3687
3688Above all, thanks to being level 311, I can have a safe trip.
3689
3690The king and the duke nod seriously after staring at me dazzlingly somehow.
3691
3692"I've understood that you do not wish to become a Shiga Eight Sword. I will tell them to take you off the candidate list."
3693
3694I don't really understand, but since it seems I've escaped from troublesome things, I'm glad.
3695He asks an even stranger question in the end.
3696
3697"Did you enjoy the air travel from the labyrinth city?"
3698"Yes, it was a bit stormy and dramatic, but I was able to enjoy various scenery that wasn't possible from the ground."
3699
3700The king seems to be satisfied with my answer, he nods deeply and permit me to leave.
3701In the end, they never said anything about [this matter], and only said, "Enjoy the kingdom conference" that made me anxious.
3702
3703Judging from the flow of the conversation, it doesn't seem to be anything bad, I guess I'll wait until the kingdom conference....
3704If it's something that doesn't bode well with me, I guess I can make use of Satou's personal connections or Nanashi's influence.
3705
3706
3707By the way, the breakfast menu were fluffy bread rolls, half-cooked sunny-side-up fried eggs, fresh salad, and a thick grilled bacon. There wasn't any soup, but there were some fresh juice from citrus-type fruits.
3708
3709Every dish was superb even though they looked plain like they were from some hotel. As expected of the king's chefs.
3710I'll reproduce them and let everyone have them when I get back.
3711
3712
3713~
3714
3715
3716After the breakfast, I heard from Echigoya that the smuggling knight had died from poisoning in the jail.
3717
3718Still, I can't grasp the purpose of the people who cause these series of events.
3719If they're trying to overturn the kingdom, they're doing a poor job, if they're doing terror, the places they're aiming for are incomprehensible.
3720
3721In the prison, at the water fountain, in the downtown, and in the noble street.
3722I wonder if there's something I've overlooked....
3723
372412-18. Tea Party's Intruder
3725 
3726Satou's here. It seems uninvited guest exist no matter what world. It'd be okay if there were a way to indirectly tell them to leave like the joke story from Edo era, Kyoto's Bubuzuke though.
3727
3728
3729~
3730
3731
3732"Welcome Chevalier Pendragon-sama."
3733
3734I shift my gaze from the wyvern riders formation flying in the sky to an elderly gentleman who has come to greet me.
3735
3736Here is the mansion of the noble who invited me to a tea party.
3737The noble is a friend of Marchioness Ashinen, her house has been a distinguished Earl house since the founding of the nation it seems.
3738
3739With a house this distinguished, even the employees should look down on an upstart honorary chevalier like me, but at the very least, this elderly gentleman doesn't seem to be like that at all.
3740
3741I let the servants to carry the sweets and gifts for the countess.
3742
3743I'm in debt with her for gathering information about the nobles who are interested with orbs in the auction, so I've brought some stylish handmade accessory made from fur from labyrinth and labyrinth spider thread that's prized in the Royal Capital.
3744
3745I used the big brand Nifati from the former world as the reference for the accessory, and its price went up from 3 gold coins to ten times that, adjusted due to Arisa's opinion.
3746Of course I used one among many names I had as the maker.
3747
3748The elderly gentleman guides me out of the main building toward the tea party venue in the garden.
3749
3750There are a level 35 male knight leader and 12 upper level 20s female knights guarding the venue.
3751Everyone is equipped with shiny ornamental-use armors.
3752The male knight is a handsome man, and together with the beautiful female knights, they look more suitable to be on a stage rather than in a training hall.
3753
3754There are many tables put in the venue, and there are around thirty noblewomen enjoying the tea party. There are some noblemen too, but they're few.
3755
3756It's a bigger gathering than I thought.
3757
3758"Welcome, Sir Pendragon. I've heard from Retel already, but you really are young."
3759"Please allow me to take part in your invitation--"
3760
3761After exchanging the standard greeting, I'm guided by the Countess to my chair in the tea party.
3762She calls Marchioness Ashinen by her name since they're close friends.
3763
3764By looking at the women in their forties gathered on this table who are all wearing expensive-looking accessories and clothes, I understand that they are all wives of upper ranking nobles.
3765
3766"Everyone, this year Retel cannot come due to her obligation as a viceroy, but instead, her friend has come in her place."
3767
3768I give my name with the Countess's introduction, and as a gift for being acquainted with them, I distribute small boxes for them that I've brought separately from the one for the Countess.
3769Of course, the presents are inferior by one grade compared to the Countess's.
3770
3771"Oh my, are these presents for us? You're tactful as expected of Retel's favorite aren't you."
3772"Ara ara, my my, how wonderful."
3773"What is this gem I wonder? The redness is deeper than ruby, is this perhaps a fragment of Blood Bead?"
3774
3775I affirm the Viscountess who saw through it so while looking like I'm surprised.
3776
3777It was one of materials True Ancestor Ban had given me, but Blood Bead has little use compared to Blood Sphere, so I've made them into earring-shaped magic tools that have an effect of preserving healthy body.
3778According to the referral document, it seems to also have the effect of easing stiff shoulders for women.
3779
3780--Huh?
3781The presented items' market prices are increasing.
3782
3783They were only 10 gold coins worth when I made it in the Labyrinth City, but the prices rise whenever the wives show each other's earring with different design, right now its price has become different by one digit.
3784
3785Come to think of it, the price of the accessories that I gave to the Ashinen Couple had also strangely risen.
3786Their values have become too high as presents for a tea party, but let's overlook it as being the first time.
3787
3788"As one expects of a Mithril Explorer doesn't it. Even in our salon, these kind of items can only be seen when someone asks for an engagement you know?
3789"As a bumpkin I am, I seem to have overstretched myself."
3790
3791I honestly apologized for my youthful error toward the Countess who showed her concern about me bringing presents that didn't fit the TPO.
3792
3793Thanks to that failure and support from the sweets (castellas), the tea party continues without problem, and I've successfully blended myself in the idle talk.
3794
3795"--My, you have sharp ears. You already knew about the duchy rebellion didn't you."
3796
3797I didn't know about it as Satou, but even I'm surprised with the Countess who knows the thing that has just happened yesterday despite not having any relation with the military.
3798You really can't make light of women's information network.
3799
3800"Speaking of Duke Bishtal, there's this story too--"
3801
3802The women's talk flies around so it's hard to follow it though.
3803Summarizing the long talk of the women, it seems the mother of the princess whom I met in the Forbidden Library back then is the daughter of Duke Bishtal.
3804I went to the Forbidden Library again after meeting the king last night, but I didn't meet the princess. She probably doesn't stay in the Forbidden Library every day.
3805
3806"Kyaa, amazing desuwa!"
3807"Ufufufu, it moves cutely kashira."
3808
3809Young noblewomen several tables away leak out shrill screams.
3810When I look there, a gem-like snake and a snake covered in long white fur are moving funnily while matching the snake charmer's flute, entertaining the girls.
3811
3812It's probably an entertainer called for entertainment.
3813I've seen it before at the water fountain, but the snake charmer who's called here seems more competent, what's with the snakes I've never seen before and all.
3814
3815"How vulgar."
3816
3817The wives who are on the same table as me knit their eyebrows toward the girls who leak out loud voices.
3818The Countess changes the topic toward me in order to change that mood.
3819
3820"Is this the first time you see a snake charmer Satou-sama?"
3821"Yes, it's splendid."
3822
3823The Countess's aim goes well, the other wives forget the girls and ride on the topic.
3824
3825"I think Marquis Kelten began inviting foreign entertainers since last year?"
3826"That's right. It was rare for that person to have any interest to anything other than military, even the salon talked about it a lot."
3827
3828Come to think of it, during the fiend drug incident, Sir Sokel also testified that, "He holds tremendous influence in the military" didn't he.
3829
3830"Now that you mention it, speaking of Marquis Kelten, last month was surprising."
3831"To think that the patriotic Marquis Kelten was suspected of treason...."
3832"I wonder if it was the scheme of Duke Oyugock who wanted to own the military after all?"
3833"My, you can't do that. Saying such things for a speculation--"
3834
3835Hmmm, so he's known as patriotic huh.
3836
3837"He gave a rare songbird to the princess as a present back then didn't he?"
3838"Yeah, he said that since he had troubled Duke Bishtal, he gave a present to the Duke's beloved grandchild."
3839
3840Duke Bishtal's grandchild, they mean that Forbidden Library princess huh?
3841That girl seems like she'll like a rare book more than a rare bird.
3842
3843When I asked it to the women engrossed in rumor, "Is it the princess who loves books?", they said not that one.
3844According to them, it seems to be for that Forbidden Library's biological little sister.
3845
3846"It was a kingfisher-like bird."
3847"I wonder if it was sent from Yowok Kingdom, where the younger brother of Marquis Kelten was invited as the prince consort?"
3848
3849Yowok, I feel like I've heard it somewhere.
3850--Where was it?
3851
3852"That's not right. It seems to be a rare kind of bird that only exist in the eastern part of the continent."
3853"My, I wonder if he obtained it from the Weasel Kingdom."
3854
3855An impertinent intruder came in the middle of such trivial talks.
3856
3857
3858~
3859
3860
3861A red luminous point is reflected on the radar.
3862It's been rowdy in the town ever since I came to the Royal Capital. This city is more dangerous than the Labyrinth City.
3863
3864With a roar, a monster with red rope-like pattern appeared while smashing through a pond in the corner of venue.
3865It looks like a giant toad. For some reason, its tail is like a tadpole's.
3866
3867--It's strange.
3868
3869I pass the voluminous wife who's screaming and hugging me to a nearby servant, and stand up.
3870
3871The knights who quickly rushed in are hit with the giant toad monster's spitted [Acid Breath], the female knights are falling to the ground with scald wounds.
3872
3873--The luminous point appeared as if it had been teleported in.
3874
3875The giant toad's hand is going to strike a girl who's sitting nearby.
3876The guard captain bravely volunteered his body to rescue the girl as I was going to.
3877
3878--I tried searching the underground tunnel, but no one is there.
3879
3880Looks like he couldn't save her completely, both of them were thrown to the edge of the garden.
3881
3882--How did it appear?
3883
3884I postpone my doubt for later, and take the female knight's sword that's been fallen to the ground to help.
3885I catch a female knight that's been thrown from the tail's attack and put her down.
3886Catching a beauty really isn't nice when she wears metal armor.
3887
3888"I'll earn some time until Captain-san comes."
3889
3890I call out so, and casually walk toward the toad.
3891Its huge eyes rotates like chameleon's, and then the toad's elongated tongue attacks.
3892
3893I avert the tongue's orbit horizontally with the steel sword.
3894The sword that blocked the tongue is gouged, probably because I can't clad it with magic power.
3895
3896"Looks like there's acid on its tongue too. Shield bearers shouldn't block it, ward it off instead."
3897"""YES"""
3898
3899I order the female knights who are awfully obedient to take out spears or axes if they have them, and concentrate in parrying the toad's attacks.
3900I'd likely defeat it in single blow if I'm careless, so I concentrate to hold back as much as possible.
3901
3902"All members, retreat! The tail is coming!"
3903"""OUU"""
3904
3905The female knights evade the toad's tail with my instruction.
3906There's a lone girl who twisted her legs during the retreat and fell to the ground in unladylike manner, but I act as if I didn't see it.
3907
3908The sword broke when I blocked the tongue for the fourth time. What a fragile sword.
3909
3910"Chevalier-sama, please take this."
3911"Ah, thanks.
3912
3913I cut half of the tongue with the two-handed axe I've received.
3914The gushing blood changes before it touches the ground, it changes the lawn color like acid.
3915
3916--Damn you fantasy creature.
3917
3918I take a short spear to replace the axe and then use it to stitch the tongue on the ground.
3919
3920"You've done well to preserve here! Chevalier-dono, I thank you for your cooperation."
3921
3922I let the guard captain who finally participate to take the credit, while I'm putting effort to distract the toad from injuring the female knights.
3923
3924Thanks to that, we were finally able to defeat the toad even though it took time without any dead toll.
3925For some reason, sometimes after the battle started, the toad's state became [Weakened], and the magic defense that protected the toad's body disappeared.
3926
3927I told this information to the guards who had came after hearing the disturbance.
3928
3929
3930~
3931
3932
3933As expected, the tea party had to be closed, but I was thanked by the nobles who participated, and the noble daughters whom I didn't have any chance to talk to during the tea party invited me to dance with them in the dance.
3934Most of the noble daughters here were of viscount and higher, so I probably could only do it with several of the baron's and baronet's daughters, but as a lip service, I replied, "It is my honor to."
3935
3936When I'm in the carriage returning from the tea party, I catch a sight of a red rope-like pattern monster's body in another place.
3937The children are innocently throwing stones at the body, but most people's eyes look worried.
3938When you don't know where they will appear, common people would surely be frightened indeed--
3939
3940I see, I forgot that point of view.
3941
3942I see, fear huh.
3943
3944The purpose of the unseen mastermind might be to plant fear in the people of the Royal Capital.
3945
3946What if another demon lord's uproar happens again.
3947
3948What if hordes of monsters attack.
3949
3950I wonder if there will be more casualties than the time with the Dog-head demon lord if the Royal Capital's people are dominated with fear.
3951
3952However, yet I don't know what comes after that.
3953
3954If they just want to kill people, there's no meaning in doing such roundabout and mysterious ways like this.
3955[Who] and [What for] are they planting fear in the Royal Capital's people I wonder.
3956
3957--What is the last piece.
3958
395912-19. The Gathering of Shiga Eight Swords
3960 
3961Satou's here. It's quiet before a big incident happen. And I feel that often the situation has become unrepairable once you've noticed it.
3962Still, I think it's rare for it to really become unrepairable as long as you don't give up.
3963
3964
3965~
3966
3967
3968After returning from the tea party, I heard about Lady Karina's condition from Arisa.
3969It seems Arisa's blasting worked, and she's going to attend the dance party while still ghastly.
3970
3971"What did you say to her?"
3972"Fufuhn, you want to hear? But, I won't tell yo~u. It's a girl's s-e-c-r-e-t."
3973
3974After waving her finger, 'chichichi', in front of her face, Arisa winks.
3975Her attitude is slightly irritating, but since it's thanks to Arisa that Lady Karina would attend the dance party, I'll forgive her by just pulling her cheeks.
3976
3977"Leave the dance to me~?"
3978"Pochi also wants Master to look at the result of Pochi's special training nodesu."
3979"Nn, dance."
3980
3981The youth trope are asking me to be their dance partner with sparkling faces, but I can't do that right now.
3982
3983"I'm really sorry, I have to go with Liza now."
3984
3985I feel slightly guilty from seeing the dejected children, but since tomorrow I'll be free until evening, I promise to accompany them as much as they like.
3986Since Arisa said some unnecessary remark, "That sounds like a line from a father who won't keep his promise", this time for sure, I'm pulling her cheeks as a punishment.
3987
3988I'm going to keep my promise. Absolutely!
3989
3990"--Master, the preparation is complete."
3991"Un, clothes like those also suit you well."
3992
3993I praise Liza who's unusually wearing a skirt, and escort her like a lady to the carriage going to Julberg-shi's mansion.
3994
3995
3996~
3997
3998
3999"What the hell kind a warrior doesn't have their own weapon!"
4000
4001In the meeting place at the top floor of Julberg-shi's mansion the servant had guided us to, an unfamiliar middle-aged swordsman suddenly chastised me.
4002
4003--Who is this person?
4004
4005"Excuse me. Nice to meet you for the first time. I'm Satou Pendragon, a retainer of Baron Muno."
4006"Hmph, it's impossible for an upstart worthless noble like you to become a Shiga Eight Sword, keep that in mind!"
4007
4008No no, I'm aware that you're angry, but at least do the greeting.
4009I look at the man who's raging by himself once again.
4010
4011He's a rather high level warrior at level 42. His age is also 42 matching the level, but it's probably a coincidence.
4012I think he's also a candidate of Shiga Eight Sword, but his affiliation is with Parion Temple, his place of origin is also written as Parion Holy Kingdom.
4013Apparently he's recommended by the temple, and not a holy knight or a Mithril explorer.
4014
4015Matching that, his title is also [Temple Knight].... But the titles seen even just on the AR are dangerous ones like [Murderer], [Assassin].
4016He certainly has this somewhat edgy feeling that matches those titles.
4017
4018Matching those titles, his magic sword also has [Energy Drain] and [Strength Drain] effects.
4019I'm slightly cautious about him due to his exceedingly suspicious origin and information, but he doesn't seem to be someone related to the demon lord believers [Light of Liberty].
4020
4021Liza who's standing beside me seemed like she wanted to complain while I was checking those information, but help comes before she could snap.
4022
4023"Jizon-dono, stop being impolite to the guests I've invited."
4024"Hmph, you were beaten by something like a demi-human cause you're saying such things."
4025
4026The one who interceded is the host, Julberg-shi.
4027However, this middle-aged man called Juzon changed his aim from me to Julberg-shi, and provoked him.
4028
4029--He's like a mad dog.
4030
4031He's forties already, I wish he's a bit more composed.
4032I wonder if the word, 'fuwaku', does not exist in this world. <TLN: Can mean 'past forty', or 'following the right course'.>
4033
4034"Are you mocking me, brat."
4035
4036There's anger on Julberg-shi's words.
4037It seems most of the people here are hot-blooded, far from stopping the two, they look excited waiting for what'll happen next.
4038
4039--These damn muscle brains.
4040
4041Now then, since the mood has become threatening, I'll follow up.
4042
4043If these two fight, we won't get to feast on the Oumi beef, spare me from that. The chef of this house is famous as the best in term of meat dishes in the Royal Capital, so I don't want to miss this chance.
4044I'll up my skill further here and treat our girls too.
4045
4046"Fuhn, if you're a warrior, sooner than words--"
4047
4048Using Ground Shrink, I approach the middle-aged man who's going to pull his swords together with his words, and hold down the pommel of the sword with the open palm of my hand.
4049These two were looking at each other, so my Ground Shrink shouldn't have been found out. They probably will interpret it as Flickering Movement or something along the line.
4050
4051The middle-aged man still tries to pull the sword without minding me, but I suppress it with the overwhelming STR difference.
4052
4053"This is a place for having pleasant chat you know. We can have the side show after the meal okay?"
4054
4055The middle-aged man desperately tries to pull the sword, exerting his strength until his face is flushed, but the sword's pommel is unmoving.
4056
4057"....That's a good idea--"
4058
4059The middle-aged man looks like he's given up trying to pull the sword and then relaxes himself.
4060Even though Crisis Perception doesn't kick in, I stop the middle-aged man who's trying to pull a short sword behind his body by stopping his other elbow.
4061That's obvious indeed.
4062
4063"--Have I passed the exam with this?"
4064
4065I ask while smiling at the middle-aged man who's groaning gununu.
4066
4067Even though I've dropped the [exam] thing as a joke with much effort, the middle-aged man kicks at my foot. There's a hidden knife on the tip of his shoe.
4068
4069I kinda expected it since I often dealt against surprise attacks from monsters I had seen for the first time, I trample the middle-aged man's toes to the ground, preventing the attack.
4070I held back, but I felt dull sensation from the sole of my foot. The bones of his instep might have cracked.
4071
4072"An explorer's body is a weapon as you see. Have you understood?"
4073
4074While relaxing the power on the place where I trample his foot, I smile at him.
4075Of course, with the help of [Poker Face] skill, I make it so my emotion isn't reflected on my eyes.
4076
4077"Hmph, I withdraw what I said earlier. I'll have you fight with me after the dinner."
4078"That sounds fun."
4079
4080I did not make a promise.
4081After the dinner, I'll leave the other candidates or Julberg-shi to be this battle maniac's partner and leave.
4082
4083
4084~
4085
4086
4087There was a slight trouble, but this much shouldn't be enough to call off the dinner.
4088I'm glad that Julberg-shi is someone with a big heart.
4089
4090Looks like we're the last ones who arrive at the meeting place.
4091In the meeting place, there are five Shiga Eight Swords, and the candidates: three holy knights, Jeril the Mithril explorer, and lastly, the middle-aged man earlier.
4092
4093For some reason everyone is armed.
4094I tried confirming to Julberg-shi if we were really going to have a dinner, but there's no mistake about it. I'm relieved that it's not a battle tournament or something.
4095I'm afraid that this will become a tournament for Shiga Eight Swords selection.
4096
4097We sit on our seats for the dinner, everyone besides us wears armor, subtly inviting some funny laughs.
4098Really, it'd have been dangerous if I didn't have [Poker Face] skill.
4099
4100In addition, thanks to Julberg-shi's consideration, he made the middle-aged man from earlier sit far away from us.
4101
4102I thought that there would be Hors D'oeuvre first, but the meat dishes enters the dinner from the start.
4103It seems each part will be cooked and taken out in turns.
4104
4105"It's delicious. I feel it's a bit too soft, but this rich flavor tastes somewhat different from other meat."
4106
4107Liza speaks her impression with clear voice.
4108I'm aware of the presence of her tail behind the chair that's swinging happily.
4109
4110"Even more than the meat, this sauce is superb. Julberg-shi employs some good chef."
4111
4112Jeril who's sitting in front of us expresses his impression to Sir Julberg the host.
4113
4114On the other hand, other members only say "tasty", and concentrate eating the dish in silent.
4115Half of the people here are noble born, yet, the taste of the beef from royal farm is probably special.
4116
4117I also enjoy the Oumi beef menu delightfully.
4118The grilling calculation is exquisite, but analyzing the pre-cooking sauce is difficult. I can't understand one of the ingredient used to bring up the subtle flavor no matter what. It's quite a difficult problem.
4119
4120However, my Crisis Perception kicks in as if pouring cold water on this wonderful dinner.
4121I thought it was from the middle-aged man, but unexpectedly, it comes from diagonally upward. This room is on the top floor, so I wonder if it's from the rooftop?
4122
4123At the same time with that, some luminous points that are quickly approaching here are reflected on the radar.
4124Looking at the movement speed, they're going to arrive in about 10 seconds. Judging from their trajectories and speed, they must be flying.
4125
4126I choose the luminous points and open the information window.
4127
4128The ones approaching are five flying monsters. All of them are Tamed monsters, but the people riding on them have the affiliation [Light of Liberty].
4129
4130Judging from their movement and the Crisis Perception, this mansion seems to be the aim.
4131Their method is a bit forceful, but I wonder if they're coming to erase Shiga Eight Swords and the candidates who are obstacles for their plan?
4132Or perhaps, since [Light of Liberty]'s base of operation is in Parion Holy Kingdom, they have some grudges against the middle-aged man from earlier, and so we're getting involved in it. He seems to be the type that makes many enemies after all.
4133
4134Putting that aside, the monsters coming here are upper level 20s, so even if there are five of them, it'll be over in an instant with the people here.
4135
4136--Five seconds until they come.
4137
4138"Something is coming!"
4139
4140Before I could speak, Heim-shi of Shiga Eight Swords spoke urgently.
4141He probably has Crisis Perception skill too.
4142
4143Hearing the warning, the warriors pick their own arms.
4144Liza who doesn't have a weapon holds the silver knife she was using in the dinner earlier and stands up.
4145
4146However, what are the anti-air defense of Royal Capital doing.
4147I wonder if it can only function to stop monsters that are trying to break through the outer wall?
4148
4149--Estimated time of arrival, 0 seconds.
4150
4151Huh? They're not coming?
4152When I chase the movement of the luminous points reflected on the radar, they pass through this mansion and make a turn in the sky.
4153
4154Hyuru hyuru, so the sounds of cutting wind--
4155
4156Damn, bombing huh.
4157I never would've thought that there would be aerial bombing in a fantasy world.
4158
4159"Liza, upward. Magic Edge Cannon, maximum."
4160"Understood."
4161
4162Liza moves without delay from my order.
4163
4164--Perhaps it's due to the rush of adrenaline, I see the surrounding in slow motion.
4165
4166Julberg-shi and katana-user Bauen-shi who take their weapons on their hands and be vigilant toward the things beyond the roof.
4167Heim-shi who gave the warning earlier, and the scythe-user Ms Ryouna are currently kicking the door, going to the balcony.
4168The old holy knight who went to the Duchy Capital with the third prince is attaching a shield on his arm.
4169
4170As expected of Shiga Eight Swords, they're quick to act.
4171It seems the three holy knights still can't follow the situation, they're currently surveying the surrounding while standing up.
4172
4173On the other hand, Jeril the explorer who's used with emergency situations is calmly eating some magic medicines. Those medicines have acceleration and physical reinforcement effects. They're expensive medicines, but your life is more important really.
4174
4175And the last one, the middle-aged man looks strange.
4176He has drawn his sword, but for some reason his line of sights wander around the inside of the room.
4177
4178His behavior is like there's an assassin who's aiming for him inside the room.
4179
4180That thought stops with the sounds of collisions between heavy things beyond the roof.
4181Liza shoots the red light spheres on her hand almost at the same time the rock balls thrown by the tamed monsters destroy the roof.
4182The magic edge cannon smash the rock balls together with the roof.
4183The convergence was slightly worse due to her using a silver knife, but the magic edge cannon scatters red light, illuminating the room red.
4184
4185--Thus, the long long night of the attack on the year-end Royal Capital begins.
4186
418712-20. A Long Royal Capital Night
4188 
4189Satou's here. I heard that mass weapons are strong, but I wonder why I heard that catapults are weak. If it just throws at least head-sized rocks, I think it would be quite dangerous.
4190
4191
4192~
4193
4194
4195Dropping from the roof, jet of dust and splinters from the rock balls destroyed by Liza's magic edge cannon fly about to the room that's filled with the red afterglow.
4196Slightly later, debris from the destroyed roof also fall.
4197
4198From the side, I quickly snatch maids who are about to be crushed by the debris, saving them.
4199The surrounding view was obstructed by the dust so I had used Ground Shrink freely.
4200
4201Two holy knights seem to be injured by the collapsing debris and the rock balls, their health gauges have been reduced by half.
4202On the other hand, a sommelier-like male waiter escaped by himself with difficulty. Men have to be like that after all.
4203
4204Then, heavy vibrations that shakes your abdomen intermittently assail.
4205
4206Surprised by the shaking foothold, the maids whom I've just rescued hug me from both sides.
4207I endure my cheeks not to melt with the help of [Poker Face], and open the map to check on the situation.
4208
4209With the 3D map, I see that the mansion has begun collapsing.
4210
4211There's no mistake, it's the fault of the four volleys of rock balls from just now.
4212Aside from one volley that Liza intercepted, this mansion was attacked by rock balls that are normally used for castle siege, so it's understandable.
4213
4214I quickly check the positions of the servants inside the mansion.
4215Unexpectedly, there are only 23 of them in all. I invoke the usual [Magic Hands] to catch them and then put them outside the mansion.
4216
4217Fortunately, there wasn't anyone who got directly hit by the rock ball and died.
4218There are several people who are in critical conditions, but I can just deal with them after we've escaped outside.
4219
4220During the several seconds when I was desperately arranging the escape plan, an incident happened in the room.
4221
4222"--Guh, wh, what are you doing."
4223
4224I heard muffled scream from beyond the dust cloud.
4225Accoding to AR, Bauen-shi the katana-user is dying, and beside him, Julberg-shi has been injured to the point of half-dying too.
4226
4227Next to them is the middle-aged man colored in red in the radar--Jizon the temple knight.
4228
4229--The bombing earlier was in order to assist this guy's assassination huh.
4230
4231Relying on the Radar, I kick the debris below toward him.
4232Jizon the temple knight raises a muffled scream with a heavy thud sound on the other side of the cloud.
4233
4234The cloud of dust is cleared for an instant from the debris's track.
4235Jizon who was stabbing his magic sword on Julberg-shi's back pulled it and retreated back while looking annoyed.
4236The debris earlier seems to have broken one of his shoulder, his arm hangs listlessly.
4237
4238"Tsk, unarmed bastard being a nuisance--『Wicked Magic Peerless』"
4239
4240Jizon's magic sword that received the [Command Word] at the end of his cursing turns black.
4241And then, the blackness moves to his body from his hand, turning his whole body black.
4242
4243--Well, no one would wait till it ends though.
4244
4245In defiance of the floor that's begun collapsing, the great sword of Heim-shi the [Weed] and the scythe of Ms. Ryouna the [Mower] attack him from both side.
4246
4247Jizon kicks Bauen-shi the katana-user toward Heim-shi, stopping his attack.
4248The scythe of Ms. Ryouna that comes next grazes his shoulder, but then the scythe flows upward as if slipping from his blackened body.
4249Jizon swings his largish magic sword toward Ms. Ryouna who's full of opening after missing a large attack, forcing her to retreat, and then he slips away from there.
4250
4251The blackened Jizon who runs off in low posture like a cockroach heads toward me and Liza for some reason.
4252I might look like an easy target since I'm hugging two female servants on both sides like this.
4253
4254Certainly, coping with him might be difficult for me who's concentrating on getting the servants out of the mansion.
4255
4256--However, I have a reliable bodyguard on my side.
4257
4258"Liza."
4259"Understood."
4260
4261With a bastard sword-sized magic sword, the approaching Jizon stabs Liza who's standing in front of me.
4262
4263Liza parries it with a silver knife covered in Magic Edge.
4264
4265"Impossible, Magic Edge on a tableware?!"
4266
4267Did he not see Liza intercepting the rock on the roof just now?
4268Certainly, Liza had used up most of her magic power with the attack just now, but I've already re-charged her with [Magic Power Transfer].
4269
4270"Still have remaining magic power--『Assasin's Dagger』"
4271
4272Receiving Jizon's [Command Word], the surface of his magic sword emits dark red light.
4273
4274"Your flesh will fall off just by touching this 『Rotting Poison』. Come at me if you think your scales can block this."
4275
4276He probably said that to scare us, but it was a bad move.
4277Liza has completed her preparation during his unnecessary remark.
4278
4279There's a red glowing spear on Liza's hand.
4280
4281It's a spear knitted from Magic Edge with the silver knife as the core. It consumes large amount of magic power, so she normally doesn't use it, but its attack power rivals that of a normal magic spear.
4282
4283Liza's red spear flicks Jizon's poisonous magic sword, and then gouges his arm.
4284Liza blocks the slight poison scattered by the magic sword with a red membrane produced on her body--[Magic Armor] that's deployed partly.
4285
4286Jizon is still trying to attack even though his shoulder is pierced, but that never manifested.
4287Faster than Jizon swinging his sword, Liza's spear pierced Jizon's shoulders, and the wrist that held the sword, at a speed eyes couldn't track.
4288
4289--Oh dear, she's merciless.
4290
4291"A spear made from Magic Edge!"
4292
4293Jizon who's been neutralized by Liza artlessly, collapses to the floor.
4294I saw Jizon taking out something behind his body.
4295
4296Three black lumps the size of fists--magic bombs for suicide bombing!
4297
4298Fortunately, I'm the only one who notice it.
4299The moment the activated magic bombs are separated from his hand, I touch them with [Magic Hands] that aren't being used to get the servants, and put them into my storage.
4300Jizon probably saw it as if the bombs suddenly disappeared.
4301
4302Before Jizon could leak out surprised words, Liza attacked him by swinging her tail once, robbing the man's consciousness.
4303
4304--Good grief, leave suicide bombs to robot in research lab.
4305
4306During these chains of incidents, I've somehow successfully completed evacuating people in the building besides the ones in this room.
4307There's not much time until the mansion collapses, so we have to quickly get out of here too.
4308
4309Of course, it seems I'm not the only one who think so.
4310
4311"It's dangerous here, everyone escapes!"
4312
4313In place of Julberg-shi who couldn't move due to the effect of the magic sword's [Energy Drain] and [Strength Drain], Heim-shi gave instructions to everyone.
4314
4315Two floors of the mansion's have already been crushed, there's around 10 meters down to the ground from this fifth floor.
4316The people here should be able to escape from only that much height.
4317
4318I lift the backs of the two female servants who are embracing me from both sides, and jump from the collapsed wall.
4319My ears hurt from the stereo screams.
4320
4321While defending myself from the falling the mansion's debris with Flexible Shield, I'm going down to the ground with poor visibility due to the cloud of dust.
4322The foothold is bad due to the large amount of debris, so I'm actually secretly using Sky Drive near the ground to move, with the dust as the cover.
4323
4324The men who ride the tamed monsters shoot bolts from crossbows toward us who are escaping.
4325It seems their aim is Jizon Liza is carrying on her shoulder.
4326
4327Making use of the remaining cover, I use [Remote Stun] to alter the course of the bolts.
4328
4329I had also shot at the eight tamed monsters' heads while I was at it, but it seemed they had countermeasures, the Remote Stuns were blocked by magic shields that appeared before the tamed monsters, not reaching the bodies.
4330The enemies who have lost the opportunity to attack fly over the mansion's sky.
4331
4332--Maybe I shouldn't have restrained myself and attacked with 120 shots.
4333
4334I make a landing while regretting it, and take some distance away as to not get squashed by the mansion.
4335I catch the holy knights who failed their landing and stopped moving with [Magic Hands] and forcefully hurl them away from the danger zone.
4336They might get hurt a bit, but it should be better than getting crushed to death.
4337
4338"Please treat these two."
4339"Y-yes."
4340
4341I entrust the two maids-san I've carried on my shoulders to the servants who've escaped earlier.
4342I thought the two had stopped screaming, turn out they're fainted.
4343
4344Four of the enemies who failed their attack earlier come attacking again in order to get rid of Jizon.
4345
4346However, the interceptions have already been prepared.
4347
4348"....■■■■■■ Multiple Light Javelins"
4349"""....■■■■ Light Javelin"""
4350
4351The light javelins invoked by Shiga Eight Swords members and Jeril assault the tamed monsters.
4352The dying tamed monsters plunge with their inertia, but the old knight with a great shield cuts in.
4353
4354"<<Protect>> Holy Shield Plitwen"
4355
4356The blue light that spread from around the shield block more than 1 ton bodies of the tamed monsters.
4357
4358He had no presence up until now, but this old knight, Leiras is also one of Shiga Eight Swords.
4359I don't know his nature since we mostly didn't converse when he was in the Duchy Capital with the third prince, but it seems his defensive power is quite a thing as expected of someone who lives on after fighting the yellow-body demon.
4360
4361The members of [Light of Liberty] who have got off the tamed monsters are trying to escape, but Ms. Ryouna and Heim-shi gleefully chase them.
4362
4363
4364~
4365
4366
4367While glancing at it, I open the map and check the surrounding.
4368
4369A monster appeared in the earl's tea party this noon, so there are three times the knights and soldiers who are patrolling than usual.
4370The knights and soldiers are masked, but they don't look to be in any tense situation like surrounding a specific mansion or something.
4371
4372I thought that the [Light of Liberty]'s nobles hiding in the mansion would do something during the incident, but they're not moving in their own mansion that's being guarded by their private army that's more than 100 people strong.
4373Though, the mansions of other upper nobles also have their own varied situations, so there's no need to especially mention them.
4374I had also thought that the three elites of the [Light of Liberty] mentioned back then would come as an insurance for the Shiga Eight Swords' assassination, but they're not moving from their hiding mansion.
4375
4376They're people who are bold enough to attack like this in the capital of the whole kingdom. It should not be over with just this.
4377If the attack just now was a diversion, then is their true aim the royal castle?
4378
4379I stare at the map once again in order to understand the people's movements.
4380
4381Right at that time, I saw something moving in the corner of my view.
4382
4383"Master, the patrolling knights have come."
4384"...Let them in."
4385
4386A butler with dirtied formal dress reported to Julberg-shi.
4387With that much disturbance, the patrolling knights closest by would have come.
4388
4389I see their details on the map.
4390The 12th knight order huh, the commanding knight is level 34. His level is high for a commander of a patrolling unit.
4391
4392It's a unit with 30 knights, there are six people who use great shields unbecoming of a patrolling unit, 10 people equipped with long spears that have fire stones on their tips, four magicians, and other 10 knights.
4393Those are some excessive forces, like they're going to a war, but these equipments and number of knights are probably for dealing with giant monsters that appear frequently in the Royal Capital.
4394
4395Liza who's standing by beside me becomes tense when she sees the man who's going here.
4396
4397"What's the matter?"
4398"Master, please be cautious. That's the man who was the boss of Lost Thieves."
4399
4400As pointed by Liza, I re-check him with AR readings.
4401The man's name is Rudaman--the guy who illegally manufactured Fiend Drugs in the underground Labyrinth.
4402
4403However, after negotiating with the guildmaster when he was in the guild's jail after getting arrested by us, he should have become a member of [Crime Slave Unit (Violet)] in the Royal Capital.
4404What kind of connection that made him transfer to become a normal knight....
4405
4406Looks like tonight's disturbance will still continue.
4407
4408Part 2
4409
441012-21. A Long Royal Capital Night (2)
4411 
4412Satou's here. There are many quiet things the moment before a dammed up river that's about to produce flash flood exceeds it limit. However, in hindsight, I noticed that there were many omens.
4413
4414
4415~
4416
4417
4418I get past Julberg-shi and step forward in front of the knight leader who has visited, the former lost thieves king, Rudaman.
4419
4420"Heya, Rudaman. Did you change your job from crime slave?"
4421"--Tsk, Pendragon the 『Woundless』 huh. So you were a candidate of Shiga Eight Swords too.... No wonder I can't see any injured person in this catastrophe."
4422
4423Even though I approached him sociably, Rudaman clicked his tongue with a warped face.
4424By the way, the reason why there's no one injured is because there were people who can use healing magic among the servants, and I distributed some magic potions.
4425
4426Rudaman casually raises his hand above his head, and then swings it forward.
4427
4428At the same time, every member of the 12th knight order begins to take battle actions.
4429Men who have great shields make a wall, the fire spears that peek among the gaps between them shoot out [Fire Bolts].
4430I can even hear spell-chanting behind them.
4431
4432Rudaman lowered his posture and then tried to run past me, but I trip his leg, making him fall.
4433However, Rudaman skillfully does forward roll and swings his axe toward the empty-handed Julberg-shi.
4434Julberg-shi is taking an evasive action to evade the axe, but it seems there's still some lingering effect of the magic sword, his movements is way duller than usual.
4435
4436However, the frenzied edge never reaches him.
4437
4438Liza breaks in while holding a red magic edge spear.
4439I nimbly throw the debris below my feet toward the [Fire Bolts] that come flying, grasping them by only reading the movement on the radar.
4440
4441Looking at the trajectories of the fire bolts, looks like they're aiming for Jizon to seal his mouth.
4442They're probably also trying to exterminate the holy knights who have unequipped their armors for healing, and the samurai-san of Shiga Eight Swords together.
4443
4444"……　■■■　『Light Boost』"
4445
4446Jeril who has used light magic for physical reinforcement rushes toward the rebels to deal with them.
4447He seemed to have seen Rudaman in the Labyrinth City too, he started to chant the spell in the report of when Liza arrested Rudaman.
4448
4449Jeril jumps over the shield-users on the frontline, and tramples down the wand-users who have fire wands.
4450At the same time, the spell-chanting of the rebels on the back stopped too. Apparently, the two Shiga Eight Swords who were chasing after the tamed monsters attacked from behind them.
4451
4452The two are high level warriors, they dispose the rebels who assumed to be the 12th knight order unit.
4453
4454Of course, Rudaman whose limbs are pierced by Liza's magic edge spear has also been captured.
4455It seems holding back with the magic edge spear really is difficult for her, one of Rudaman's arm is about to torn off.
4456
4457"Impossible, we were equal back then...."
4458"It is the result of Master's education and training."
4459
4460Liza indifferently warded Rudaman who was saying so in vexation.
4461
4462During that occasion, suspicious movements of some luminous points are reflected on the radar.
4463They're in the garden of the neighboring mansion bordering this mansion.
4464
4465Apparently, there are five criminal guild people standing by. They were probably laying low in order to assassinate people during the chaos.
4466Looks like they've missed the opportunity to come out since the fight here ended too quick.
4467I'll leave other people to deal with these guys.
4468I look around, since Ms. Ryouna the [Mower] of Shiga Eight Swords looks bored, I decide to cast it onto her.
4469
4470"Ryouna-sama, I'd like you to hear something--"
4471
4472After telling her that I felt some suspicious presences on the border of the neighboring mansion, she quickly agreed to go investigate while smiling ferociously.
4473
4474Looks like Julberg-shi and Heim-shi of Shiga Eight Swords are going to interrogate the captured rebels.
4475I'll leave that to them, I'll do the thing that only I can do.
4476
4477I leave only the rebels who assumed to be the 12th knight order, and the people of [Light of Liberty] to be shown on the map, and check them.
4478
4479Among the [Light of Liberty] people, the three high-leveled ones are hiding in the mansion together in the noble mansion, but the people who are less than level 10s are acting together with the 12th knight order.
4480
4481--No, they're not together.
4482
4483I enlarge the map and see that the members of [Light of Liberty] are in the underground tunnel. All members of the 12th knight order are standing by on the entrance of the tunnel.
4484I tell the surrounding that I'm going for nature's call and go into the shadow of the garden, and look the members in turn with [Clairvoyance].
4485
4486It seems the members are quickly moving toward an exit of the underground tunnel.
4487I check the direction they're going, but there's no particular magic tool facility or something.
4488The slimes are wriggling on top of the sewage, but they're not changing or anything.
4489
4490When I turn my view forward the underground tunnel, I see a new corpse.
4491I tried searching for corpses in the tunnel and found many. Every corpse has been stabbed excessively with sharp things, and died with an anguished expression.
4492Attracted by the smell of the blood, slimes, insects, and rats have gathered, those are cruel scenes.
4493
4494Every corpse is wearing shabby clothes like they're either people of the slum or slaves.
4495Their ages and genders are all over the place, there's no distinctive similarity between them. It seems they were beaten beforehand, there are many with black bruises.
4496
4497Right at then, a [Telephone] from Arisa comes.
4498
4499"What's wrong, did something happen there too?"
4500『T-there too you said, did anything happen? Are you injured?』
4501
4502I tell Arisa whom I've carelessly made worried to don't worry, and urge her to continue.
4503
4504"The two of us are fine, leaving that aside, what's happened."
4505『There's a letter from Sera in the castle. The Chamberlain who brought it said 『ASAP』, what do you want to do?』
4506
4507--From Sera-san?
4508
4509"Arisa, immediately open it and read it."
4510『Eh? Is it alright? Wait a minute. Okay, I'm reading it--"Nightmare visits the Royal Capital, Black Calamity alight from the heaven."』
4511
4512This is why prophecies are....
4513Please make it easier to understand.
4514
4515There shouldn't be a prophecy of a demon lord appearing in the Royal Capital, so I guess it's probably a greater demon or something along the line.
4516However, it's not from underground. It's from the sky huh.
4517
4518--Please let the development be not like a troublesome inflation battle manga, like "This time the enemy is a God."
4519
4520I could have fallen behind if I didn't hear the oracle. I have to thank Sera somehow after this matter is over.
4521
4522It wasn't written that it would be today, but the sign seems quite dangerous. I don't want to make this become something that I'd regret later because I'm being too carefree.
4523We should be prepared enough so that we can cope with anything that might happen.
4524
4525"Arisa, tell everyone to arm themselves. I don't know what's going to appear today, so use the best equipment."
4526『By best equipment, you mean you permit the use of hidden equipment?』
4527"Yeah, please. Be sure to equip masks or something to hide your identity okay."
4528『Okkey!』
4529
4530Alright, now it should be fine as long as multiple demon lords don't attack.
4531
4532
4533~
4534
4535
4536I tell Julberg-shi that I'm going back to the mansion to fetch my equipment and leave the place.
4537The maids I saved were thanking me with sparkling eyes, but it wasn't the time to ogle them, so I only greeted them back plainly and left.
4538
4539After returning to the mansion, I changed into Kuro and headed to Echigoya to finish my business there.
4540Liza had gone to the room where everyone was to put on her equipment.
4541
4542"Tifaliza, please get the command room in the top floor ready to use. Is the manager here?"
4543"Certainly. I think the manager is in her own office."
4544
4545I take the manager and go to the underground vault.
4546
4547"It should be fine with this much space."
4548
4549I collect all the goods besides the ones for battle inside the underground vault into my Storage through Item Box.
4550I also gathered battle-use goods in one corner of the room.
4551
4552"U-um, Kuro-sama, just what is?"
4553"In case of emergency, shelter the neighboring citizens in this underground vault. I'll entrust you with the right to command the golems in this room."
4554
4555After saying that to the manager, I give her the [Command Rod] for giving order to the Orichalcum Golem.
4556
4557This place should hold even against advanced magic, as long as it's only one volley.
4558
4559
4560~
4561
4562I change into Nanashi and teleport to the royal castle in order to report, though I think they knew already.
4563This time I'm not teleporting to the Forbidden Library, but to an arbor of the royal garden nearby the king's office.
4564The king has offered me to exclusively use this place for teleporting in.
4565
4566I go to the king's office, and see the king and the prime minister having a meeting about something.
4567
4568"Your Majesty, sorry for coming without warning, is it alright?"
4569"If it isn't Nanashi-sama."
4570
4571So he already knows. It's good since the talk advances fast though.
4572The prime minister who's standing beside the king gets the other civil officials to withdraw.
4573
4574"Is it by any chance, about the incident at Julberg-shi's mansion?"
4575"Heya, Prime Minister. There's that matter too, but I have another info--"
4576
4577I tell them that the 12th knight order is acting together with the demon lord believers, [Light of Liberty], and the ones who attacked Julberg-shi's mansion from the sky are [Light of Liberty]'s members.
4578Since it seems that the captured tamers killed themselves before they could be interrogated, the prime minister is surprised when he hears this info.
4579
4580Furthermore, I tell them that the [Light of Liberty]'s members were killing the poor in the Royal Capita's underground tunnel, they were possibly doing some kind of ritual.
4581
4582"As expected of Nanashi-sama. We also have something we wish to tell you--"
4583
4584The thing Prime Minister said was largely the same as Sera's oracle.
4585It wasn't only from Sera, many temples in the Royal Capital reported something similar too it seems.
4586
4587However, a slightly different prophecy came from just Parion temple's elder miko; "The calamity exists under the sakura tree."
4588Fumu, by under the sakura tree it means the royal castle's one I guess?
4589
4590"Then, if the Royal Capital is attacked by greater demons or a giant monster that can't be handled by the royal army, please announce to the people to quickly protect themselves by taking shelter or the like okay. I'll defeat it as quick as possible so there will be no victim. There might be casualties if they carelessly got themselves involved."
4591"At your will. Prime Minister, how much is the remaining magic power of the  『City Core』."
4592"The declining mana supply from Source has been getting better for the past several days, so, leaving aside the wide area ritual magic, there should be no problem if it's only for the Royal Capital's protection."
4593
4594After I told so to the king, he confirmed some information to the prime minister.
4595
4596...Or rather, what's [City Core]?
4597Is it something like [Dungeon Core]?
4598
4599Well, I guess I can ask that later.
4600
4601"Then, please act in a way that would keep victims from appearing okay."
4602
4603I tell them so and leave the royal castle.
4604
4605
4606~
4607
4608
4609Even though it's not even 30 minutes after the attack on Julberg-shi's mansion, three monsters with red rope-like patterns like from before have appeared in the Royal Capital.
4610The difference is that every monster is weak at only level 10-20s.
4611Due to that, the patrolling knights exterminate them efficiently.
4612
4613After getting back to my mansion, I change my tone to Kuro and tell [Porina] in the workshop with [Telephone] magic to evacuate to the underground shelter.
4614
4615"Yes, I understand. What should I do with the workshop's facilities?"
4616"Leave the facilities. Evacuate the workshop's workers together with their family to the shelter. If there's still room in the shelter, I don't mind if Porina accepts the neighboring people too by your judgment."
4617
4618I forgot to contact Nell, but Porina would probably tell her.
4619Aoi boy and Prof. Rotation are in Echigoya's laboratory together, so they probably would evacuate with the other employees.
4620
4621Continuing on, I also contact the orcs underground with [Telephone] magic.
4622This time I've changed my tone to Nanashi. Switching it during emergency is annoying.
4623
4624"Ri Fuu, demons might come attacking Royal Capital. Evacuate to a safe place if there's one. If the teleport gate is usable, that one is better."
4625『Don't be unreasonable. It takes three days for the teleport gate to activate.』
4626
4627So teleport gates have that kind of restriction.
4628
4629『Moreover, there's no place safer than where we are now y'know. Otherwise, we couldn't have brought up the children.』
4630"Then can you put barricade on the entrance to the village? For about three days at the longest."
4631『Okay. We can't refuse Nanashi. Is there anything we can help?』
4632
4633I look at the map, and check the places where the sacrifice-like corpses are located.
4634There are two places like that nearby Ri Fuu. I guess I'll ask them to help me.
4635
4636"--Can I?"
4637『Leave it to us. There's a Heraruon priest too, so we can perform purification ritual.』
4638
4639I thanked the reliable Ri Fuu and cut the telephone.
4640When the incident has been settled, I'll treat him to some liquor and dishes.
4641
4642
4643~
4644
4645
4646Right when I cut the call--
4647
4648Some odd discomforting sense welled up from below my feet.
4649
4650"Nyu!"
4651
4652Tama who feels the same odd sense raises her tails up, and run up my body.
4653It's ticklishly painful when you're wearing armor like this, so please stop it.
4654
4655"Something feels icky nodesu."
4656"Satou."
4657
4658It seems Pochi and Mia feel the odd sense too.
4659I quickly open the map.
4660
4661Red luminous points appear one after another in the Royal Capital.
4662Looking at their statuses, every one of them is probably the red rope-pattern monster.
4663
4664"Look! Outside the window!"
4665"Master, a magic circle-like thing has appeared in the sky, so I report."
4666
4667Arisa and Nana report, I look out the window.
4668A gigantic magic circle that covers the whole Royal Capital has appeared.
4669
4670Apparently, the incident has gone into full swing.
4671
4672--I guess I'll become Nanashi and go crush it quickly.
4673
4674
4675
4676TLN: The next chapter is massive, even bigger than this, might need at least two days to finish. Might be split like this.
4677
4678Author's note:
4679※It's in third person view this time.
4680
468112-22. Royal Capital Chaos
4682 
4683In the chaos of the year-end Royal Capital that's like pandemonium hell.
4684
4685"Dammit, my steel sword got chipped."
4686"Tsk, my spear too."
4687
4688The unfortunate soldiers who've encountered one of the monsters in the Royal Capital are having a hard fight.
4689They're the first people who got in contact with the elephant-sized cricket monster that broke through the stone pavements.
4690Even though they're more heavily armed than usual, the burden is too heavy for soldiers who usually fight against criminals, the tide of battle is in favor of the monster.
4691
4692However, their saviors come when they've been cornered.
4693A group of around 30 people from the other end of the street engage the monster.
4694
4695"We've come to assist you! Leave the monster to us."
4696"Oh! Knight-sama, thank you very much."
4697
4698The knight captain is holding a mithril alloy lance on one hand which he thrusts to the monster's face.
4699Red membrane that appeared from the monster's body stopped that attack, but it didn't chip the lance like it did to the soldiers' swords.
4700After a brief clash, the red membrane cracks like a glass.
4701However the lance that's been resisted by the red membrane glides through the monster's head, missing its target.
4702
4703"So this is red rope."
4704
4705The knight rides the force and runs past through the monster.
4706The remaining knights began to charge following their captain.
4707
4708However, the monster isn't simply waiting around to be defeated.
4709The monster who was fighting with its forelegs and antennas before, began to ram the knights with its body.
4710Like an arrow shot from its bow, the monster sends the knights flying.
4711
4712Half of the knights were sent flying, and several fell from their horses, but protected by their bulky armors and tempered muscles, no one dies.
4713In the bloodied views of the fallen knights, a town girl stands before the monster.
4714
4715"Nuoo, you monster! Your opponent is me, you damn toilet insect!"
4716
4717A knight mustered his strength to stand up, and threw provoking words toward the monster at the limit of his soul.
4718The monster turns its attention from the town girl who's right in front of it toward the knight.
4719
4720"Good kid, you really are a boy. I'll lend a hand so rest for a bit now."
4721
4722The town girl tells so as if she's explaining things to a kid, and spins the broom on her hand.
4723Apparently the town girl intends to fight the monster.
4724
4725The monster's antennas are attacking like whips, but the town girl skillfully parry to the right and left.
4726The monster attacks again with its forelegs but the town girl nimbly jumps, avoiding them.
4727
4728"R-run. It's not an opponent that can be fought with a broom."
4729"It's al~right, leave it to~ me."
4730
4731There's a recognition inhibition veil like a traveling noble would wear on the face of the town girl who's sending a v sign toward the knight.
4732The town girl hits the monster's head from below with the tip of the broom on her hand.
4733As if stroke by a hammer swung by a giant, the monster's head bends backward vigorously.
4734
4735"Wha, impossible."
4736
4737Words to escape from reality leaked from the mouth of the knight who saw an unreal scene like it was from a comedy show such as hero stories.
4738
4739The town girl strikes continuously for three times more to the monster's chin.
4740The monster crashes to a house on the side of the road, the building turns into debris and dust cloud.
4741
4742"Achaa, wonder if someone will demand compensation for this."
4743
4744While the town girl is worrying such an out-of-place thing, the knights have begun to raise their bodies one after another, setting up their weapons toward the monster.
4745They have wounds all over their bodies, but their knights' honor won't allow them to let women and children fight.
4746
4747"The knights of Shiga Kingdom are in good health even when the era has changed huh."
4748
4749The town girl crosses her arms and nods proudly.
4750Even while being buried under the debris, the monster's antennas attack the knights skilfully. Sparks come flying every time the knights block the antennas with their swords and shields.
4751
4752"Yo~sh, here's a present from Onee-san! I rarely do this kind of service okay."
4753
4754When the town girl waves her hand with the broom, the knights' swords are wrapped in light.
4755If there were someone with Appraisal skill, they would see that it was the advanced force magic spell, [Divine Blade].
4756
4757The knight captain receives the attacking antennas of the monster that's under the debris.
4758The antenna was flicked and sparks would fly just before, but now, the antenna is cut the moment the sword touches it.
4759
4760"I can't believe it!"
4761
4762After seeing that, another knight stabs the monster's body with a lance.
4763The lance easily pierces through the monster's body like a tofu.
4764
4765
4766"Mito, what are you playing at. Our enemy has appeared y'know."
4767"Ah, Ten-chan. If it's enemy, it's skewered over there see?"
4768<TLN: 'Ten' can mean heaven.>
4769
4770A woman with long silver hair and wise gaze gets down from the roof to beside the town girl.
4771Her face is hidden with recognition inhibition veil like the town girl, but all the knights in this place are convinced that the face hidden behind the veil is beautiful.
4772
4773"...Look at that."
4774
4775The silver haired points at the sky with her shirauo-like finger. <TLN: google 白魚>
4776Lured by that, people who look at the sky see the magic circle that's spread in the sky of the Royal Capital.
4777
4778"Uwah, that's dangerous."
4779"The floating violet hair over there is probably the mastermind behind this disturbance. Let's get rid of it quickly."
4780
4781The silver-haired woman points at the center of the magic circle, but the knights aren't seeing anyone there.
4782However, it seems the town girl called Mito is able to see it.
4783
4784"Floating in the air huh. I guess it's really a demon lord candidate?"
4785"Dunno, we'll know if it's a friend or foe if we just fight. If it's a demon or a demon lord, simply destroy it."
4786
4787The silver haired woman who said some dangerous words holds a brusque great sword with one hand, and then jumped to the roof from the road, going away.
4788
4789"W-wait a minute~"
4790
4791The town girl puts her broom on her armpit, holds the hem of her long skirts with both hands and chases after the woman.
4792
4793
4794~
4795
4796
4797"Your Majesty, tonight the monsters are reported to appear on more than seven locations."
4798
4799The Prime Minister tells the report from the messenger.
4800Considering the most was two monsters up until now, it's probably okay to deem this abnormal.
4801
4802"Is that so...."
4803
4804After a rock-like silent elapses for a moment, the king declares his decision.
4805
4806"Generals, notify every knight order to prepare for sortie. Put them in stand by without exception, do not let them sortie in a hurry because of their desire for meritorious deeds."
4807"""At your will."""
4808
4809The generals send messengers to the transmission towers.
4810The transmission towers are used to contact the knight garrison outside the outer wall by using light magic.
4811
4812"Leader of Royal Court Magicians, let Shiga 33 Wands to search for enemies in the whole Royal Capital. See that they know it comes from me, and to every transmission towers, without exception."
4813"At your will. ...However, as I understand, our duty as Shiga 33 Wands is to be the greatest weapon of the kingdom. His Majesty--"
4814
4815In a serious tone, the king interrupts the royal court magician leader who's protesting.
4816
4817"Leader of Royal Court Magicians, this is a royal order."
4818"....We will undertake the royal order."
4819
4820The royal court magician falls prostrate with an unpleasant face, he looks to be the very picture of someone who's going to disobey.
4821The prime minister who has sharply seen through it, follows up.
4822
4823"Leader of Royal Court Magicians, the enemy befitting of your role as the weapon has yet to appear. The one that lurks behind this matter is most likely--"
4824
4825The prime minister is leading Royal Court Magician Leader who's holding his breath, and then he continues with a clear face.
4826
4827"A greater demon, or perhaps...."
4828
4829Royal Court Magician Leader lifts his head and mutters as if he's delirious.
4830
4831"I will carry out Your Majesty's order with utmost importance!"
4832
4833Royal Court Magician Leader raises the national treasure handed down by the Ancient King [Holy Wand Ophalian] overhead and then leaves gallantly.
4834He never notices the cold gazes from the surrounding.
4835
4836When the messenger reports the 10th appearance of the monster, the king stands up from his throne.
4837
4838"Prime Minister, I'm going to use 『Communique Space』 to order the citizens to evacuate."
4839"At your will."
4840
4841The prime minister orders the chamberlains and the maids to start activating the [Communique Space] made by Ancient King Yamato, and the preparation for the king's ritual.
4842
4843
4844~
4845
4846
4847『My dear people--』
4848
4849The figure of the king is projected in the royal capital's air, overlapping the eerie magic circle. His voice comes from every transmission towers in the royal capital.
4850As far as the royal capital's people can remember, this function has never been used except for new year congratulatory and coronation ceremonies.
4851
4852『Demons, to our Royal Capital--』
4853
4854However, there are only a few people who look up at the figure of the king projected in the sky.
4855The people of the royal capital are desperately running away from the monsters that appeared on every place in the royal capital right before this broadcast.
4856It seems the king's broadcast for evacuating is slightly too late....
4857
4858
4859~
4860
4861
4862"Oy, how many are alive?"
4863"Dunno, any potion left? Can't feel my left hand since awhile ago."
4864"Used all those things up already."
4865
4866The half-killed knights behind the debris are exchanging words without vigor. The arm of the knight with pale face is seriously injured to the point like it'll torn off.
4867Their shields are broken, their swords' blades are too chipped, they're no difference than blunt weapons.
4868
4869Five pill bug monsters on the other side of the street are swinging their antennas around, looking for the knights.
4870
4871"I'll take at least one of them with me--"
4872"Don't be impatient. Raiss, aren't you marrying your childhood friend next week?"
4873"Yeah, I'd like to look at her face at least one more time..."
4874
4875The knight stopped talking halfway.
4876A different pill bug has appeared from the opposite side of a collapsed house.
4877
4878"Tsk."
4879
4880The knights hold their dull swords and stand.
4881However as if ridiculing their determinations, the same kind of monsters roll from behind that pill bug toward them, one after another.
4882
4883"You're kidding me...."
4884"Hah, come at me."
4885
4886The rock-like monsters roll toward the bluffing knight--
4887
4888However, before they could reach the knights, the monsters are struck by invisible hammers from overhead accompanied with roaring sound.
4889Red membranes appeared on the monsters' surface for an moment, but they were blown away in a flash, and then concentric circle-shaped cracks appeared on their hard shells.
4890Strong wind from the after-effect of that shock waves pushed the wall near the knights.
4891
4892It seems the impacts reached deep inside the monsters, every monster has fallen and rolled sideway, they don't seem like they'll get up.
4893
4894"Uwoo"
4895"W-was that 『Air Hammer』 just now?"
4896"....No, it should be a higher class of magic. Rather than that, let's escape during this chance."
4897"Sorry but run away by yourself, don't think I can get up."
4898"Shut up, I'll carry you on my shoulder."
4899
4900The user of this magic doesn't seem concerned with the hot friendship of these knights either.
4901Next, transparent [Javelins]-like magic come flying toward a monster--it seems the aim is to finish it, the magic hits on the center of the crack on the shell made by the shock waves earlier.
4902
4903While making 'Zofuri' sound, the transparent javelin slips through the monster body.
4904The next moment, muffled plosive sound echoes from inside the monster's body, then its body swells like the internal pressures pushing outside for an instant, and then red light leaks out from the gaps of the monster's shell.
4905
4906And then, such inhumanly accurate attack befalls on every monster in this place.
4907The monsters are reduced to corpses with just that one attack, joining the objects such as debris in that place.
4908
4909"....In just two strikes?!"
4910"Just, what the heck's this?"
4911
4912A speck that flew from one of the monsters body together with the red light falls to the floor where one of the knight's forehead lays.
4913The knight picks that up, it's a red stone that's like a fragment of a magic core.
4914
4915The knights never know--
4916
4917The first magic was a non-lethal elementary force magic called [Remote Stun].
4918
4919And the second magic was an elementary force magic, [Remote Arrow].
4920
4921Above all, the second strike sniped the magic cores that were inside the monsters, rupturing the magic cores from the inside by overloading it.
4922
4923--The knights never know.
4924
4925There are things better left unknown in this world for the peace of your mind.
4926
4927
4928~
4929
4930
4931"Oy, we've witnessed a miracle and all. Let's live on until we can thank the magician who saved us."
4932"....You're right."
4933
4934The knight encouraged his co-worker as brightly as possible, but his partner knight's face has gone past pale, the darkish color of the death are floating on it.
4935Right at then, someone sprinkles cold water.
4936
4937"What are you doing!"
4938
4939What the knight, who reflexively shouted at such a miscreant conduct, sees is a small knight who's wearing golden armor under its pink mantle.
4940It doesn't seem to understand why the knight is exasperated, the golden knight who sits while holding its small knees inclines its head in puzzlement.
4941The knight who was going to catch the golden knight is stopped by his partner knight who was dying just now.
4942And that's with the arm that was going to be torn off just now.
4943
4944"Calm down.... It was a magic potion."
4945
4946The golden knight peers at the knight who's sitting on the ground from below.
4947
4948"Your hand alright?"
4949"Thank you. It's really an amazing medicine."
4950"You can have this~?"
4951
4952The golden knight hands a small bag with three magic medicines inside.
4953
4954"Is it alright?"
4955"Supply support~?"
4956
4957The golden knight nodded to the questioning knight.
4958
4959"I am indebted."
4960"Don't worry be happy~?"
4961
4962The golden knight looks restless for a bit, and then it disappears only to appear on the other side of the street.
4963Apparently, the golden knight is doing the same thing over there.
4964Pink mantles and bandannas become popular items as good luck charm among the soldiers and the knights who were saved by the golden knight's medicines at this day.
4965
4966
4967~
4968
4969
4970"Has the hell's lid been opened?"
4971"What do we do Yasaku. That one's dangerous. My body is tingling all over."
4972"Yeah, according to Rin Jou-chan who saw it ahead of time, it's 『Floor Master』 class."
4973
4974Some explorers are peeking from behind the remain of a wall toward the big frame of the giant tree-like monster that has turned a section of the city into debris during the little time since it appeared. There are citizens they're protecting behind them.
4975
4976"Can we win if the Mithril explorers gather here?"
4977"Baro, you know that it's impossible."
4978
4979A man with stubble shook his head toward his witch companion's words.
4980
4981"All the people who were present when those guys defeated the 『Floor Master』 aren't all here. Even the preparation is far off. Besides--"
4982
4983He cuts his words and points at the two same-class monsters that have appeared. A pink dango-like monster, and a silver monster with a human body, six arms, and a crocodile head.
4984There are also several small bipedal monsters around them.
4985
4986"Oh--N--o--"
4987
4988The big-breasted explorer who's wearing priestess uniform points her bishop wand to one of the monsters that have appeared with a carefree voice like it's not a grave situation.
4989
4990"That's--a deemon--,moreover--at the very least--a middle clas demon--. The ones--around it--seem to be--lesser demons too."
4991"Demons huh, leaving aside the small fry lesser ones, the middle class is bad news."
4992
4993One of the explorers, a magic warrior with handsome face raises his eyebrows looking at the demon.
4994He can says that the lesser demons are small fry since his level is high, they're formidable enemies for normal army.
4995
4996"It looks strong nanodesu!"
4997"Don't be careless so I advise."
4998"Let's go you two."
4999
5000When the explorers look at the out-of-place voices, three people wrapped in golden armors are standing before the big monster that's been classified as [Floor Master] class.
5001One of them has small build, either a dwarf or a child.
5002
5003"When did they...."
5004
5005Featherkin children wearing masks suddenly appear in the air in front of the muttering explorers.
5006
5007"Please evacuate before it's too late, we will guide you."
5008"Lead~"
5009
5010The featherkin children with silver armors called the explorers.
5011They've decided to trust the words of these beckoning children and leave the place.
5012
5013Behind them--
5014
5015There are the figures of the golden knights who fell the giant tree monster like felling a decayed tree, while leaving blue tracks of light.
5016
5017The knight who chantlessly uses advanced magic like the hero, the spear knight who freely uses the concealed secret art (hi-ougi) of the Shiga Eight Swords' Chief, [Magic Edge Cannon], in rapid fire to restraint it, and the small knight who uses a great sword with blue light assaulting the giant tree and making big holes on it while moving erratically.
5018They escape from the peril while looking with sidelong glances at the unreal anomalous knight like it's a daydream tale.
5019
5020On later days a rumor has begun circulating, 'aren't the real identities of the golden knights who saved the royal capital the Pendragon Seven Braves headed by the lizardkin spear user who smashed the shiga eight sword...'
5021
5022The king announces the identities of the golden knights during the new-year congratulatory broadcast.
5023Their true identities are--
5024
5025
5026
5027Author's note:
5028It's Satou's point of view in the next chapter.
5029
5030●Profiles
5031【Mito】 A woman who appeared on Zena's intermissions. Fought against a lesser dragon, and won.
5032【Ten-chan】 A person who appeared only in name on Zena's intermissions. It seems she lives at Fujisan Mountains.
5033【Yasaku】 An unfortunate explorer who's linked by fate with greater demons one way or another.
5034【Shiga 33 Wands】 Royal Court Magician people.
5035【Golden Armors】 Identities unknown. There are witnesses who saw it in Labyrinth City.
5036
503712-23. The Royal Capital's Magic Circle
5038
5039Satou's here. The sakuramochis eaten during flower viewing are extraordinary. And it's perfect if there are hot teas.
5040However, it seems there's a sakuramochi that would make you hesitate to reach your hand on it in the other world....
5041
5042
5043~
5044
5045
5046"Arisa! Please activate 『Tactic Talk』 magic."
5047"Okayy!"
5048
5049Arisa activates the Tactic Talk magic chantlessly.
5050Without waiting for her, I flew toward the magic circle with Sky Drive.
5051
5052I don't know what's coming out today, so I'm wearing the same golden orichalcum armor like Nana's. I can equip it together with the silver mask, but since its clattering sound is noisy, I've taken it off.
5053
5054"I'm going to destroy that magic circle, I'd like to ask everyone to eliminate the monsters in the royal capital."
5055
5056Through [Tactic Talk], everyone replies to my request unanimously.
5057While listening them, I observe the monsters in the royal capital with the map that occupies half of my view.
5058
5059--There are many that need to be defeated.
5060
5061I'll purge all the small fish myself.
5062Using ranged magic or Laser would damage the underground tunnel and the buildings.
5063
5064I guess I really should use pinpoint-attack magic here.
5065
5066I was going to use force magic [Remote Arrow], but stopped.
5067I've seen those red rope pattern monsters blocked Liza's spear, even though it was only for an instant. It's probably better to crush that protective membrane first.
5068
5069I star invoking [Remote Stun].
5070I check the lock-on marks that appear one after another on the map, and fire the [Remote Stun] simultaneously.
5071Next, I fire [Remote Arrow] the same way.
5072The plan seems to be going well, around 100 luminous points of the red rope pattern monsters have disappeared.
5073
5074When I'm about 10 seconds away from reaching the magic circle, most of the small fish on the streets have been eliminated after repeating the same set 20 times.
5075I've also split Claiomh Solais to 13 parts and made it to diligently eliminate the monsters.
5076
5077However, I can't defeat the monsters that are located indoor with the same method.
5078
5079Moreover, the monsters keep appearing in the royal capital, their number is added whenever it's decreased.
5080I really have to cut off the ringleader to stop the chaos.
5081
5082I talk to Arisa with [Tactic Talk].
5083
5084"Arisa, look at the map in the command room. From the northwest upper left, the length and width are divided by 10 right?"
5085『Wait a minute.』
5086
5087While waiting for Arisa's reply, I begin to decipher the magic circle's constitution.
5088Evilish magic circles often have traps that are triggered by their destruction, so I can't abruptly break it with brute force.
5089
5090『Yes, I can see it.』
5091"Put A to J on the horizontal axis, and 0 to 9 on the vertical axis."
5092
5093I can hear the sound of Arisa doing her best with a pen from the other side.
5094
5095『....OK, it's done.』
5096"Then dispatch Tama to point D3. Large swarms of lizard-type monsters are invading the noble mansion. I'm counting on you Tama."
5097『Aye aye Sir~』
5098
5099I continue analyzing the magic circle as I hear Tama's casual reply on my ears.
5100
5101"This time it's B1. A giant monster has appeared. The knights are fighting it, but the battle area would expand if left alone, and the orphanage would--"
5102『Arisa, the transfer. Master, the permission.』
5103"I authorize it."
5104
5105I let Nana whose flat voice is oozing with impatience to dispatch to the downtown.
5106
5107--Alright, analyze complete.
5108
5109Apparently, it's forcefully absorbing magic power from the Royal Capital's Source and then it releases it to the royal capital.
5110Its function is simple despite its large scale.
5111
5112I invoke [Break Magic], destroying the magic circle.
5113The magic circle is broken while leaving white glass-like splinters.
5114
5115However, it's a gigantic magic circle that covers the whole capital.
5116I've merely destroyed a part of it. It's been broken several hundred meters wide due to chain reaction, but it seems the magic circle has repair function, it has begun repairing the broken part.
5117
5118--How troublesome.
5119
5120I could've destroyed it in one go if I had the advanced magic [<<Chain Break Magic>>] and [Neutralize Magic].
5121
5122
5123~
5124
5125
5126I instruct our girls to dispatch while I'm cleaning up the small fish myself.
5127Thanks to the hard work of everyone, although there are some injured people, there is no casualty.
5128
5129In order to quickly settle this chaos even a little bit faster, I try to destroy the magic circle once again.
5130
5131This time I try invoking both [Mana Drain] and [Break Magic] together.
5132Just as I've thought, when I break its structure while draining its mana, the magic circle's repair function won't work.
5133
5134Next I just have to go around breaking the magic circle with all my might.
5135If there's no hindrance, I can do it faster than making a cup ramen--
5136
5137--As if that thought was a flag, my Crisis Perception kicked in.
5138I evade the white light that comes attacking from the ground with Flash Drive.
5139
5140Despite the speed of Flash Drive, the white light reached one Flexible Shield, smashing it.
5141The Flexible Shield that could even stand the beastkin girls certain-kill technique was destroyed in an instant.
5142
5143I feel like I've seen that white light before.
5144It looks exactly the same as the Dragon Breath that the Black Dragon Heiron used.
5145
5146I block another troublesome white light with two Flexible Shields.
5147It seems like I could somehow block it with one Flexible Shield if I just work out the angle right to avert the white light.
5148I was able to pinpoint the one who fired the white light from the luminous point that appeared on the map because the opponent shot the second one.
5149The distance is around 400 meters. I approach the ground at high speed.
5150
5151Surprisingly enough, the opponent's level is only 30 even though it used white light with that much power.
5152The name is [Ten-chan]. It's like the name of a shady Chinese that appeared in an old manga.
5153The gender is female, her race is [Homonculus] like Nana. Her title is [Familiar].
5154
5155It seems she uses a recognition inhibition item, the info from Appraisal and AR readings differ with each other.
5156
5157And then the one who appeared from behind the debris is a silver-haired beautiful woman with bat-like wings on her back.
5158Half of her face is covered by a black veil, but there's no mistake that she's beauty.
5159She's holding a great sword with white blade on her hand.
5160
5161"I know not whether you're a demon or a demon lord, but you're the mastermind behind the royal capital chaos right. Get torn by my Dragon Claw Sword and disappear."
5162"You misunderst--"
5163
5164I block the great sword, that attacked before I could finish talking, with Durandal taken out of my Storage.
5165She seems to be someone who's just mistaking me as a demon, so I evade with Flash Drive, and attempt to talk to her without doing the usual fainting-palm strike combo.
5166I'd like her to help eliminating the small fish monsters if possible.
5167
5168We exchange two-three blows of swords while moving in the sky like gliding. Shining sparks that appear between blue trails are coloring the Royal Capital's sky.
5169Apparently, the silver-haired beauty is insensitive.
5170It seems she's still mistaking me as a demon even though I'm clearly using a holy sword.
5171
5172"Ten-cha~n, wait for me~"
5173
5174A black haired woman who's jumping around on the streets and the rooftops is coming toward us.
5175The thing on her hand looks like a broom, I wonder what kind of joke is this.
5176
5177--Am I imagining things, I feel like I've heard her voice somewhere before.
5178
5179"Mito! This guy is powerful. He hasn't hatched yet, but it's only a matter of time before he becomes a demon lord. Get rid of him with Forbidden Magic while I keep him busy."
5180"Eh~, how many victims would appear if I use Forbidden Magic in the middle of Royal Capital."
5181"You're too naive! Did you forget how many orcs were sacrificed due to that naivety?"
5182"Uuu, you promised not to mention that."
5183
5184Since they seem to be busy about something, I order Arisa the next dispatch location.
5185Claiomh Solais seems to be working hard, but the monsters are appearing too quick. I'd like for our girls to go around defeating the small fish too, but if Arisa uses too much space magic to teleport them, she would drink too much magic potion and fall.
5186The rear guards, that are Arisa and the others are equipped with Divine Dresses that have Philosopher's Stones attached for recovering magic power, but nevertheless, it can't catch up with the consumption of the space magic that uses too much magic power.
5187
5188It seems their private talk is over, the woman called Mito uses [Cube] magic to create footholds and ascends to before me.
5189
5190"You there! You'll become a Demon Lord if you use your unique skills too much you know. So--"
5191
5192--I recognize her finger pointing pose.
5193
5194"....Hikaru?"
5195"He?"
5196
5197I approach the person called Mito who reacted to my mutter with Flash Drive, and brandish Durandal.
5198Ten-chan tried to cover Mito from the side, but I drive her away with [Remote Stun] barrage.
5199
5200I stare at Mito who screamed 'Kya' while covering her breasts with her both hands.
5201The thing that I cut was only the Recognition Inhibition veil that covered her face. I wouldn't cut it along with the clothes like some eroge villain.
5202
5203The face that appears is the same as Nanashi's.
5204It's exactly the same face as the person whom Nanashi is modeled after--No, it has aged a bit huh.
5205
5206After looking at her stat shown on the AR, I'm convinced and so I talk to her.
5207
5208"Ancient King Yamato--"
5209"Wha"
5210"--Receive it."
5211
5212I pass the Claiomh Solais that's just got back to the shocked Mito--Ancient King Yamato.
5213Of course, it was after I had taken my magic power from Claiomh Solais so that it would be easier for her to re-contract it.
5214
5215"Claiomh Solais?! Why?"
5216"I'll talk about it after we've defeated the enemy."
5217
5218I say so to Mito and then glare below.
5219It's the direction where my Crisis Perception, that has been gradually getting stronger since a while ago, is reacting.
5220
5221Three demons appeared from the collapsing noble mansion where I'm looking at. One of it has intimidating air that's clearly different from the rest. It's probably a greater demon.
5222
5223Contrary to its intimidating air, the pink sakuramochi-like round demon is shaking.
5224While overlooking it, I talk to Mito who's concentrating in pouring her magic power into Claiomh Solais.
5225
5226"Ancient King Yamato, between canceling a magic circle and fighting a greater demon, which one you're good at."
5227"U~n, I don't have both the Holy Wand, and the Holy Shell Motion Armor, so my fighting power is only at half."
5228
5229Then there's no need to consider it.
5230I don't know how much the legend about Ancient King Yamato is true, but I can probably believe that she's a master of force magic. I'll have you show me the power of level 89.
5231
5232"Then please cancel the magic circle. I tried many times, but I couldn't destroy it with intermediate magic."
5233"Hoi, leave it to me."
5234"Mito! Are you going to obey this suspicious person?"
5235"Un. I mean, Ten-chan and I wouldn't be alive now if this person had just felt like it you know?"
5236
5237Perhaps, she could see my hidden level like Yuika?
5238I guess it's as one would expect from the maker of Yamato Stone.
5239
5240The sakuramochi-like thing is rising while wriggling.
5241If this were a manga, this type of enemy is powerful and can usually nullify physical attack, and reflect attacks, but I wonder how it is in real world.
5242
5243I'd like to ask it the reason why it did such roundabout things, but we don't have any room to prioritize my curiosity now.
5244Sorry but, I'll instantly kill it with the technique that was used to clean-up the whales--
5245
524612-24. Sakura-colored Greater Demon
5247
5248Satou's here. Diverse boss enemies appear in home console RPGs. I enjoyed them without getting tired during my game day, but I think doing a no-miss clear without a strategy guide is just a burden.
5249
5250
5251~
5252
5253
5254"Stop! Even among the oldest greater demons that guy specializes in defense. Even forbidden magic will only damage it a little. Advanced magic casted chantlessly will be nothing more than a distraction to it."
5255
5256Ten-chan the silver-haired beauty stands on my way and rattles on when she saw me invoking [Condense].
5257I have to redo my aim now even though I had a good one just now.
5258....I'll forcefully remove her if she obstructs me again.
5259
5260Communicating with [Tactic Talk], I instruct Arisa the plan for anti-greater demon measure.
5261At the same time, I receive the report about Liza and the others who exterminated a big-tree type monster that had appeared a short while before the greater demon.
5262
5263While re-commencing my attack, I'm going to see how capable its magic defense is.
5264I invoke the [Implosion] magic that doesn't need a line of fire toward the sakuramochi-like greater demon.
5265
5266Countless explosions appear as if wrapping the sakuramochi demon's all at once.
5267The explosive blaze and shock wave rush toward the inside, but the after-effect sweeps over to the surrounding.
5268
5269"Wha--"
5270
5271Ten-chan is surprised and turns around toward the sound of explosions behind her.
5272Immediately after, she got rolled up in the shock wave from the [Implosion], and got sent flying somewhere. It should be quiet for a while now.
5273
5274Buildings and garden trees around the area of impact have been flown away by the blast.
5275This [Implosion] magic gives the least collateral damage to the surrounding area among the intermediate magics that I can use, yet I probably shouldn't use it in the middle of a city again.
5276
5277--Hm?
5278
5279Three pink-colored feeler-like things pop out from the other side of the explosion blaze.
5280
5281It seems the magic earlier didn't manage to eliminate the sakuramochi demon.
5282Apparently, the information that Ten-chan said, [The guy that specializes in defense], is correct.
5283
5284While evading the attacking feelers, I cut them with the holy sword Durandal.
5285They were cut easily without any problem despite its defend-specialist thing.
5286
5287I burn the cut feelers that have been separated from the main body with [Furnace Flame (Forge)].
5288If the separated body parts of a greater demon are left alone, they will change into lesser demons, and it'll be bothersome if they revive back into its original state, so it's important to clean them up.
5289
5290The sakuramochi demon shows itself while the smoke from the explosion is fading.
5291Polyhedron-shaped transparent defensive membrane of force magic is covering the sakuramochi demon's surrounding.
5292It seems to have been badly damaged, it's full of holes, and I see that it's crumbling down and disappearing.
5293Moreover, the AR reading tells me that the main body has sustained around 10% damage.
5294
5295"--What, it's working well isn't it."
5296
5297Apparently, it doesn't seem to be a perfect defense.
5298Its defense is probably around the same level as the demon lord I fought in the Duchy Capital's underground.
5299
5300『Attacking before giving your name, the hero these days is a coward poyo.』
5301
5302--Poyo?
5303Have you guys run out of the material for the ending word, greater demons!
5304
5305While mocking it in my mind, I listen to Arisa who reports that the preparation is complete, using [Tactic Talk].
5306I tell her to wait for orders for now, and I confront the sakuramochi demon.
5307
5308"After launching a surprise attack on the royal capital and putting it into state of chaos, you're calling me a coward, what a laugh."
5309『What are you saying poyo. We demons are evil poyo. Evil is coward, unfair, terrible, and cruel, such things are decided poyo. Our emperor has decided so poyo."
5310
5311...Poyopoyo, noisy.
5312
5313All the greater demons I had met so far had heads for chanting, but it seems the pink lump body of this sakuramochi demon is its head.
5314Even while talking with me, I could hear the chanting roar from the lump, and then the protective membrane re-appears around the sakuramochi demon.
5315
5316"Fuhn, you're fighting back huh--"
5317
5318Oh right, let's get the truth of the matter out of this guy.
5319It might talk fluently if it's a template evil.
5320
5321"--What are you plotting in this Royal Capital? Are you manifesting a demon lord?"
5322『Poyo? Violet hair poyo? An egg who imitates a hero poyo. Looks like you could hatch as the real one if we get the fake king help hatching you poyo.』
5323
5324...Wait, what is this guy saying?
5325
5326'Egg' is probably a jargon for calling a reincarnated person.
5327It probably misunderstood me as a reincarnated person when it saw my violet hair wig hanging out of my golden armor's helmet.
5328And, if the jargon for turning reincarnated people into demon lords is 'hatch', then....
5329
5330『It was worth responding to the demon lord believer humans' summon poyo. As long as there's the mana collected from the Royal Capital's Source in the Chalice, hatching you is easy poyo. There are also a lot of wave of negative emotions used to convert the collected mana in the Chalice into Miasma, it's difficult for this to fail poyo.』
5331<TLN: I think I translated Chalice as 'Holy Grail' once, they're both the same in the raw, but I'm not sure which one the author is intending to use. Using Chalice for the time being.>
5332
5333So they turn Royal Capital into chaos in order to mass-produce the so-called miasma in it huh.
5334I couldn't think of their objective, but it's natural when the chaos itself is the objective.
5335I have to remember to tell the king the whole story later.
5336
5337『Now come, I'll show you the technique of an expert that has turned many poyo.』
5338"--Fuhn, I don't have any intention of turning into demon lord or something."
5339
5340Of course I don't want Arisa to turn into one either.
5341
5342『Everyone said the same thing at first poyo. But, when they fought with all their power, they exceeded their limit, and hatched into one poyo.』
5343
5344I see, so it's not like it has a technique that turn them into demon lords, but the defense specialist sakuramochi demon made use of its trait to make them overuse their unique skills, turning them into demon lords.
5345
5346Then there's no need to hesitate.
5347There's this chance and all, so I'll let it be the guinea pig for my experimental prototype.
5348
5349"--Lulu, shoot."
5350
5351I give an order to Lulu who's arrived on the sniping point as I've instructed with [Tactic Talk].
5352I've had Tama to be her guard just in case there's a surprise attack.
5353
5354Blue light bullet hits the sakuramochi's protective membrane like a laser, creating blue sparks.
5355It didn't reach the sakuramochi demon, but its protective membrane that had just been restored broke like a glass.
5356
5357It's a new armor-piercing round that's also called Holy Bullet I've created luxuriously using adamantite and [Blue Liquid].
5358I thought of using adamantite for its hardness, but it didn't seem all that different with the mithril-made magic bullet that was used on the floormaster when it was against magic defensive barrier.
5359
5360『You make your friends attack poyo? You're really a cowardly egg poyo.』
5361
5362The sakuramochi demon shakes its body and disparages me.
5363
5364『Its power was something considering it destroyed the defensive barrier that could defend against the hero's holy sword poyo, but it seems even the certain-kill blow was useless poyo.』
5365
5366Sakuramochi demon muttered so and began laughing.
5367This laughter seems to be spell chant, its protective membrane is restored, moreover, twofold threefold of it are wrapping the sakuramochi demon.
5368
5369--However.
5370
5371『Aim Bullet, hit!』
5372
5373Lulu's refreshing voice reaches my ears through the [Tactic Talk].
5374
5375『Floating Fortresses linkage』
5376『Yes, my Lady. Floating Fortresses, Link Connection.』
5377『Gun Turret aim.』
5378『Aye aye Ma'am. Phalanx System, target in sight.』
5379『Fire!』
5380『IT'S, SHOW TIME!』
5381
5382....I want to hit myself who recorded that voice in high spirit.
5383Let's avoid recording things after having a drinking bout from now on.
5384
5385No one responds to such conflicts in my mind, an enormous magic power is coming from the direction where Lulu is.
5386I saw the sakuramochi demon who noticed it turned around in a hurry, but it's too late.
5387
5388A flare bomb-like red light bullet bursts open the protective membrane.
5389Next, red and blue bullets come flying and hit it one after another, before long, they rain incessantly like a squall.
5390
5391Every time one of the light bullets hits, the protective membrane is smashed like a glass, and before long, the projectiles have begun to impact the sakuramochi's body.
5392
5393The protective membrane is smashed.
5394
5395The demon's body is gouged.
5396
5397Its granular chanting organ is pulverized.
5398
5399Every time the sakuramochi demon is hit, its body quivers.
5400Each of every shoot packs the same amount of power that pierced the floormaster.
5401The sakuramochi demon is being tossed around left and right like a sandbag getting hit by a boxer's barrage.
5402
5403In a flash, the sakuramochi demon is gouged like a decayed tooth, its body pieces are scattered to the surrounding.
5404While observing it, I incinerate its body pieces in the air with [Furnace Flame (Forge)], disposing them.
5405
5406Yet, it's really a defend-specialist type, it has enough leeway to scream poyopoyo.
5407
5408--That leeway ends now.
5409
5410『Plasma Cannon, standby...』
5411
5412The continuous fire from before was just an opening act for breaking its defense.
5413
5414『Main Armament Fire!』
5415
5416A plasma sphere big enough to swallow a tower blasts the sakuramochi demon.
5417
5418"Arisa!"
5419『Okayy! Leave processing the blast to me!』
5420
5421A barrier wall created by Arisa guides the enormous heat, from the plasma blasting the sakuramochi demon, to the sky.
5422The slight heat that escaped made several dozens of the mansions behind the sakuramochi demon to disappear, but please overlook it since there's no human damage.
5423The king probably would compensate it.
5424
5425A red flame pillar burns the royal capital's sky.
5426Inside of Arisa's barrier wall, overwhelming heat changes the ground into glass form, hollowing it into earthenware mortar shape.
5427
5428The figure of the sakuramochi demon is no more there.
5429It's a disappointing end for a greater demon.
5430
5431The flame is temporary extinguished on the other side of the barrier wall since the oxygen has disappeared, but after the explosion has gone to the sky, fresh air fills it and small conflagrations occur in various places once again.
5432
5433I see Mia creating a water giant on a far away reservoir at the corner of my view.
5434
5435『Situation end--』
5436
5437I interrupt Lulu's report, and Call Tama's attention, who's guarding Lulu.
5438
5439"--Tama!"
5440『Dangeris~?』
5441
5442I see the water tower where Lulu is, falls down.
5443Of course, the two are safe. I see the two landing on the nearby building's roof.
5444
5445--I'm glad that Tama was there.
5446
5447It seems one of the two demons that appeared together with the sakuramochi demon attacked Lulu.
5448The other one seems to be disturbing Mito, I see it fighting against automatically moving Claiomh Solais and Ten-chan.
5449
5450『I've collected Lulu and Tama.』
5451"Roger."
5452
5453Report from Arisa who used teleport magic came.
5454
5455I invoke [Laser] magic and quickly round slice the two demons, eliminating them.
5456Adjusting it so that Ten-chan wouldn't be carelessly burned was a bit bothersome.
5457
5458I want to burn the remains of the sliced demons, but they're too far away.
5459I'd like to use Flash Drive to do the clean up, but I can't afford to leave this place.
5460
5461Because--
5462
5463"Why don't you stop pretending to be death right around now."
5464『You did well to notice poyo. Normally you'd be off guard, and then it'd end when I shot you from behind poyo.』
5465
5466As if rising to the surface of the air, the translucent sakuramochi demon materializes.
5467
5468....Apparently, its 'defend-specialist type' isn't just for show.
5469
547012-25. Sakura-colored Greater Demon (2)
5471 
5472Satou's here. Enemies in games that can't be defeated unless you follow the required steps were popular once. Maybe because their bad reputation from the feeling of absurdity, it gradually got off the mainstream, nowadays enemies that could be defeated "quickly" by following the required steps seemed to become popular.
5473
5474
5475~
5476
5477
5478『Now then, what are you going to do poyo? Normal attacks don't work on me poyo. Resign and attack me using your unique skills poyo.』
5479
5480--Fumu. Unique skills huh
5481
5482By using the light magic [Illusion], I create images that resemble the violet special effect like when Arisa uses her unique skill.
5483
5484『Looks like you've finally felt like it poyone.』
5485"S-stop! Do you want to become a demon lord!"
5486
5487While guarding Mito who's continuing to cast the forbidden magic spell in order to destroy the magic circle, Ten-chan screams in fluster.
5488--Chanting?
5489So she still needs to chant to use the forbidden magic even though she's a hero...
5490
5491I strike the demon with [Condense] and [Laser] magic combo.
5492Unlike the time with the whales, I don't have the bad taste to make the sakuramochi demon into ingredient, so I freely operate the laser to turn it into small pieces and then burn it with [Furnace Flame (Forge)].
5493
5494I showed the effect earlier so that the demon would not evade this attack.
5495It was an insurance since it'd be annoying if it used a magic like reflection.
5496
5497The sakuramochi demon was defeated soon after it screamed poyo, but it seems this really won't end so easily, the demon is reviving with translucent body like earlier.
5498
5499"You violet hair! Don't use advanced magic, use forbidden one!"
5500『Only that degree is useless poyo. Magic power is overflowing today so I can revive as many as I want--』
5501
5502Without waiting for it to finish talking, I repeat the same magic combo from before.
5503Ten-chan is throwing me advices in jumble, but I can't do the impossible.
5504Good grief, if I had known that it would turn out like this, I would have made Arisa and Mia get to be able to use forbidden magic from the forbidden library.
5505
5506『Kyokyokyokyo, I'll revive no matter how many times--』
5507
5508At the same time the sakuramochi demon is revived, I strike it with the same combo again.
5509
5510"Wha--"
5511
5512I could hear voice of surprise from Ten-chan's direction, but I don't have time to mind it so I ignore her.
5513
5514The attack just now passed through the demon that had just appeared.
5515It's like the invincibility time when your characters revive in retro games, the demon can't be damaged even though its body can be seen during the moment when it's reviving.
5516
5517It was saying something about magic power earlier, so I tried defeating it by using [Mana Drain] on the surrounding area, and tried using [Break Magic] when it was reviving and when it was about to be killed, but there was no difference.
5518I tried repeating it for about 10 times, but the demon doesn't stop getting revived.
5519
5520--If magic is no use, then I'll try using holy swords next.
5521
5522I take a casted holy sword from my Storage, and put the collected magic power in Durandal to it, to the point where it's about to be overloaded.
5523Dazzling blue light begins to emit from the casted holy sword.
5524Of course, I've put on the show with the violet special effect like before.
5525
5526『Hou? Dual wielding holy swords poyo?』
5527
5528I move to below the sakuramochi demon with Flash Drive, strike it with full-power [Remote Stun], launching the demon several meters above.
5529
5530While ignoring the grating poyopoyo sound, I get to the ground right below the sakuramochi demon with Ground Shrink and then throw the casted holy sword straight above.
5531
5532--A dazzling flash lights the surrounding blue.
5533
5534The thing that was a casted holy sword penetrates the sakuramochi demon, tears the magic circle 100 meters above, and disappears into the sky.
5535The sword was already crumbling when I threw it, so it probably has truly disappeared.
5536
5537The sakuramochi demon that had been penetrated by the casted holy sword keeps its form for an instant, but in the next moment, it changes into several pink ring-shaped mist, after that, it disappears in the air along with an explosion.
5538
5539I see Ten-chan's jaw dropping like it's going to fall on the edge of my view.
5540Her beauty look has been ruined.
5541
5542
5543~
5544
5545
5546『That just now surprised me poyo. As expected of the egg given the god's power poyo.』
5547
5548So it's really revived again huh--
5549One thing, that just now was my normal power. I didn't use any unique skill.
5550
5551Ten-chan who was being dumbfounded until now pulls herself together after seeing the sakuramochi demon and vigorously recovers.
5552
5553"It's useless no matter what you do! If you use such unreasonable power that much, you'll really turn into a demon lord y'know!"
5554
5555I look above Ten-chan's voice, but Mito is still chanting the spell.
5556The forbidden magic takes too long...
5557
5558--Huh?
5559
5560If you need to chant to use a forbidden magic, then that means the Meteor Shower that can be used chantlessly is an advanced magic?
5561There are magics with higher power than that huh.... Truly forbidden magic, the world could break.
5562
5563As a result of thinking such a needless thing, the sakuramochi demon attacks with its feelers.
5564While fleeing to the sky, I cut the feelers with Durandal.
5565
5566I cut all the advanced force magic attacks that the sakuramochi demon casted to rush after me. It's a magic for besieging a castle with its pillar-sized magic arrows.
5567Compared to other magic element, force magic doesn't have any magic that has wide-area effect, so there might have been no need for me to escape to the sky in fear of collateral damage.
5568
5569"Crush the space around that guy if you want to defeat it! Otherwise, you'd only be exhausted."
5570『It is as that fly has said poyo. With this much overflowing magic power in this space, I can revive infinitely poyo.』
5571
5572The sakuramochi demon replies to Ten-chan's shout by putting on airs like it has a leeway.
5573However, there's a hint in what it just said.
5574
5575I talk with [Tactic Talk].
5576
5577"--Arisa, did you hear it just now?"
5578『Off course!』
5579<TLN: Impossible to tl, she made a lame joke.>
5580
5581I feel my strength drained after hearing Arisa, but now isn't the time to make a retort.
5582
5583"Come, Arisa."
5584『Okkay!』
5585
5586Arisa who teleported comes beside me.
5587
5588"You called I jump out, jan bara jan jan jan--" <TLN: A reference of an old obscure show, Yobarete Tobidete Akubi-chan.>
5589"Build a barrier first."
5590"Hoi sir!"
5591
5592I stopped her stupid entrance line and made her act.
5593
5594Arisa takes out a wand that's like it's made from emerald. It was a wand made from a branch of the world tree I collected in the void sky.
5595Arisa's magic encloses the sakuramochi demon in a cylinder-shaped barrier.
5596
5597『This is.... Poyo?』
5598
5599This isn't the time to mind the sakuramochi demon's surprise.
5600I replenish Arisa's magic power that has been used up with [Magic Power Transfer].
5601
5602"I forbid the use of unique skill."
5603"Eh? But Arisa-chan's highlight..."
5604"Use normal space destruction."
5605"Hooi."
5606
5607The moment Arisa's wand shines, the advanced space magic [Space Destruction (Smasher)] strikes the sakuramochi demon--
5608
5609
5610~
5611
5612
5613--Return Teleport, urgent activation.
5614
5615I reacted to the crisis perception instantly and took Arisa back to the mansion with teleport.
5616
5617I didn't know the detail since it happened instantly, but I perceived that at the moment Arisa's [Space Destruction (Smasher)] destroyed the sakuramochi demon's defensive barrier, some kind of reflection skill or magic activated.
5618It's probably the sakuramochi demon's trump card for when it's about to be truly defeated.
5619
5620--How troublesome.
5621
5622"Wh-what did just happen?"
5623"It's probably magic reflection. We were almost done in by our own magic."
5624
5625While doing Magic Power Transfer to Arisa, I told her my opinion.
5626
5627A greater demon who was a close aid of the [Golden Wild Boar King] used the same thing too during our fight back then, so there's probably no mistake about it.
5628An advanced force magic [Magic Reflection] exists, so it's probably that.
5629It seems that it can't reflect higher-ranked magic, so I think my magic is fine, but the fact that Arisa's and Mia's magic can't get through it is painful.
5630
5631『Master, we have completed evacuation of the inhabitants on the adjourning points where the greater demon appeared, so I report.』
5632『Completed~?』
5633『Here is completed too nanodesu.』
5634
5635Alright, with this I can use attacks that are a little bit more powerful.
5636After thanking everyone, I tell them to withdraw and then I get back to the battlefield with Flash Drive.
5637
5638During the slight time I was away, the sakuramochi demon has changed its target to Mito.
5639Several pink feelers are attacking Mito.
5640
5641The automatically-moving Claiomh Solais and Ten-chan are barely preventing the feelers from reaching Mito.
5642It seems Claiomh Solais's attack power is weak when it's moving automatically, it's barely able to deflect the feelers.
5643
5644I draw close with Flash Drive, clear away the feelers, and bear the full brunt of the sakuramochi demon's attacks.
5645
5646
5647~
5648
5649
5650--Now then, let's use the next hand.
5651
5652If I can't crush it together with the space, I'll prioritize cutting off its mana supply.
5653Mito's spell chanting isn't going to end for a while.
5654
5655While defending from the sakuramochi demon's attacks above him, I open the map and search for the objective.
5656
5657Even while doing that, I'm not forgetting to continuously fire [Remote Stun] and [Remote Arrow] to defeat the small fry appearing in the royal capital.
5658
5659I finally discovered it 17 seconds later.
5660The objective's position is 300 meters below the place where the sakuramochi demon appeared, in a hollow cave-like place.
5661It seems several dozens of Light of Liberty members are there.
5662
5663The thing I'm looking for is in the center of those guys.
5664
5665--Holy Grail. Its state is [Chaos].
5666<TLN: I translated it as 'Chalice' in the previous chapter. 'Holy Grail' is the official one with this.>
5667
5668I thought of destroying it with [Condense] and [Laser] magic combo, but I got a hunch that the filled-up Holy Grail has become a barrier on its own, so I canceled it.
5669....Of course, another reason was because it would hit the people around it too.
5670
5671After meditating a bit, I make a decision.
5672
5673"Liza, do you want to try fighting a greater demon?"
5674『If Master orders, I will fight it fully even if I cannot win.』
5675
5676Liza replied me immediately.
5677
5678"Everyone, how about it?"
5679『Ofu couse.』
5680『O-of course, I'll fight nodesu!』
5681『Accepting Master's order.』
5682『A silly question isn't it~』
5683『Nn.』
5684『I-I'll work hard.』
5685
5686After confirming everyone's reply, I tell them the strategy.
5687
5688Their objective is purely buying time until I destroy the Holy Grail.
5689By using Behemoth the artificial spirit as a shield, I order the vanguards to attack with Hit-and-Run strategy.
5690
5691"Lulu, are the Fortresses usable?"
5692『They can't. They've become "Hung-up".』
5693"Then I ask Lulu to guard Arisa and Mia. There might be demons lurking about, so you have to be quite careful."
5694『Yes!』
5695
5696Even while having these conversations, I incessantly hit the sakuramochi demon with [Remote Stun] down to the ground, denting the surrounding ground.
5697I do this so that the damage would flow to the sky even if the demon used advanced magic.
5698
5699"Arisa, devote yourself to isolate the battle area. If possible, use barrier magic to block the demon when it's about to use advanced magic."
5700『You say some difficult things. But, leave it to me! I will surely undertake Master's request (order).』
5701
5702The strategy starts with Arisa's manly remark.
5703
5704I hit the sakuramochi demon with [Explosion] once again, and change place with everyone after defeating it once.
5705
5706"....■■ Magic Beast King Creation (Create Behemoth)"
5707
5708Mia who's on the edge of the battlefield summons a creature that looks like a mix of an elephant and a hippo.
5709I finally understand its large size in this place where there are other objects around.
5710
5711"PUWAOOOOWWNNN!!"
5712
5713Behemoth roared and assaulted the sakuramochi demon, locking with each other.
5714
5715"Magic Edge Spiral Strike (Vorpal Strike) nanodesu!"
5716
5717Pochi who has been shot from the catapult through the [Acceleration Gate] on Echigoya's roof does the first hit to the sakuramochi demon.
5718The attack breaks through sakuramochi demon's protective barrier like it's a thin glass, and stops on the demon's body.
5719Then it's followed by Tama who's shot from the [Acceleration Gate].
5720
5721--It's alright, they can fight against it quite evenly.
5722
5723The sakuramochi demon excels at defensive power and revival, but its attack power is the lowest among all the greater demons I've fought so far.
5724It can't harm our girls who are protected by the golden armors made from orichalcum.
5725The demon has a trump card, but I'd be back from destroying the Holy Grail before he could use it.
5726
5727Let's quickly destroy the Holy Grail and put and end to this fight.
5728
5729I have to clean this up before the end of the day, for the sake of everyone's big performance, and the celebration for Lulu's coming of age!
5730
573112-26. The Holy Grail under the Royal Capital
5732 
5733Satou's here. Using a polluted holy thing for a heretic ritual seems to be surprisingly major in fiction. Why don't the competent people of the heretics just make an evil container from the start anyway, I suspect that they have some strange obsession.
5734
5735
5736~
5737
5738
5739I leave the sakuramochi demon to everyone, move to above the underground cave with Flash Drive, and make a passage that goes straight to the underground cave with earth magic.
5740
5741After descending the passage in an instant, I come to the cave.
5742
5743It's a considerably large cave. It has elliptical shape with enough space that could hold a whole stadium inside.
5744And, the heartbreaking thing is how the ground is littered with several hundreds mummified corpses.
5745Judging from the shabby clothes, they're corpses of laborers, prostitutes, beggars, orphans, and beastkin people. I understand that they weren't killed all at once looking at the piled up dust above the corpses.
5746
5747--I'll bury them properly after this incident is over.
5748
5749There's a lit bonfire on the opposite side of where I descended in the interior part of this cave, and a golden cup on top of a violet pedestal.
5750That's probably the Holy Grail.
5751
5752Several men wearing violet robes around that Holy Grail are chanting something.
5753Comparing it with the men, it seems the Holy Grail is about five meter wide.
5754
5755I sometimes feel unpleasant waves of magic power from the Holy Grail.
5756I'll stop the ritual before stranger things happen.
5757
5758
5759~
5760
5761
5762I jump with Flash Drive to the place where the men are doing their ritual.
5763
5764"Who are you! Are you obstructing the ritual! Foolish pretend hero!"
5765
5766The man who shouts while scattering bubbles from his mouth is wearing a violet overcoat that cover his head and has water buffalo's horns on it.
5767This man seems to be the second son of the noble who was sheltering the Light of Liberty's members.
5768
5769This noble's second son is the only one who doesn't participate in the ritual.
5770He probably can't chant like me.
5771
5772"Sakura-colored ally--"
5773
5774The noble's second son was going to say something, but I didn't wait until the end, prioritizing stopping their ritual.
5775I quickly strike every Light of Liberty member with 2-3 [Short Stun].
5776White sparks flew when the magic hit the members' bodies, but they couldn't actually stop it, and it succeeded crushing them.
5777The members are falling to the ground while vomiting blood.
5778
5779Of course I'm not killing them.
5780Some relatively high level people were mixed among them, so I just shot them enough to make them faint.
5781
5782"Th-the ritual!"
5783
5784The noble's second son falls down and can't stand up when he saw the members suddenly getting knocked down.
5785This man is the only very low leveled one with his level 3, so I didn't shoot him with the [Short Stun].
5786He'd probably die if I did.
5787
5788I hit him with my palm while holding back quite a bit, fainting the noble second son.
5789
5790I can question the detail later.
5791The Holy Grail is more important right now.
5792
5793I move next to the Holy Grail using Ground Shrink.
5794The holy grail is filled with transparent amber-colored liquid inside.
5795This amber-colored liquid is most probably substance created from magic power.
5796Just by getting closer to the Holy Grail, I can feel the pressure from the Magic Essence (Mana). It feels similar with the pressure coming from holy sword Excalibur when it's fully filled.
5797However, unlike with the holy sword, I feel sinister dread, or rather something similar when you listen to discords, such feeling of rejection coming from this Holy Grail.
5798
5799Well, putting personal impression aside, I'll have to quickly do something to the Holy Grail.
5800
5801First, I tried putting it into my storage just as is, but it wasn't possible.
5802It can't be helped, so I'm thinking of neutralizing it by extracting its magic power.
5803
5804I slowly touch the Holy Grail and extract its magic power.
5805There's some strange resistance, it's quite difficult. It feels like the extracted magic power would be absorbed back if stop focusing.
5806I extract the magic power as if forcefully pulling it apart.
5807I put the extracted magic power into holy sword Durandal of course.
5808
5809>[Curse Resistance] Acquired
5810>[Chaos Resistance] Acquired
5811
5812--Oh, it's been awhile since the last resistance skill I got.
5813
5814I allot both resistance skills with maximum points.
5815Now I should be fine even if chaos comes crawling in.
5816
5817"You foolish hero! Be cursed by the Holy Grail and attain demon lord-hod!　Be reborn as an apostle of Evil God and become our brethren!"
5818
5819The noble's second son who sees me touching the Holy Grail laughs loudly while still groveling on the ground.
5820
5821--He woke up already huh. It seems I held back too much.
5822
5823I'm currently concentrating draining magic power from the Holy Grail rather than neutralizing the noble's second son.
5824The magic power that I had absorbed went back when I was just allocating points earlier.
5825
5826The magic power inside the Holy Grail is a lot as expected, there's still half of it even though Durandal is at full capacity.
5827How long did this thing accumulate magic power....
5828While being astonished, I exchange Durandal with a prototype holy sword made of legendary metal from my storage, and drain the Grail's magic power into it.
5829
5830"It can't be.... It took several months to drain those magic power from Royal Capital's Source y'know? Just a single person shouldn't have been possibly able to do anything...."
5831
5832The noble's second son who was laughing loudly up till now changes to half smile, and furthermore he begins to talk in delirium.
5833
5834I've extracted the Holy Grail's magic power until it's around 10% left.
5835I can just arrest and bring them to the king after this is over.
5836
5837Looking at the map, it seems our girls are fighting evenly with the sakuramochi demon, I want to quickly settle this and join them.
5838
5839
5840~
5841
5842
5843"....The plan to hatch His Highness into a new king is. Daamnnn you Herooo"
5844
5845The noble's second son repeatedly curses me like he's gone mad while glaring at me.
5846However, it doesn't seem like he's going to actually do anything.
5847
5848When the remaining magic power of the Holy Grail is at around 5%, the Grail begins to strangely vibrate and making strange sound.
5849Before I knew it, jet black tar-like liquid is accumulated on the bottom of the Holy Grail. It seems this tar-like liquid is the reason why there are resistances when I'm extracting the Grail's magic power.
5850
5851The tar-like liquid on the bottom of the Holy Grail is moving like an indeterminate life form.
5852
5853"....■ Tusk Fly Swarm Summon (Summon Moskoff)"
5854
5855One of the fallen members has finished chanting unnoticed, and summoned swarms of fist-sized fly.
5856
5857"....■ Faith Death Soldiers (Animate Undead)"
5858
5859This time another member used soul magic, changing the mummified corpses into attacking undeads.
5860Other members have also shot all kinds of elemental magic.
5861
5862--I might have made light of them as just normal humans.
5863
5864I'll reflect on it later.
5865I have to prioritize disposing these guys for now.
5866
5867I stop trying to neutralize the Holy Grail temporarily, and deal with the current situation.
5868
5869I destroy the magic coming at me with [Break Magic] in packs.
5870It seems [Break Magic] works for the undeads created with soul magic, the ones that are hit by my [Break Magic] return to become corpses once again.
5871
5872I burn down the flying tusk fly swarms with [Fire Shot].
5873On the other side, the members take out white rod-shaped things, hold them up in the air, and shout suicidal things like they're praying.
5874
5875"""O Long Horn, feed on our despair in exchange of tyrannical power"""
5876
5877That [Long Horn] should be an item that can change someone into a mid-class demon. I remember the battle maniac boy who was hanging around the third prince using that in the Duchy Capital.
5878
5879The members are swinging their arms to push the [Long Horns] into their foreheads.
5880
5881--Like I'll let you
5882
5883I use [Magic Hand] to take the [Long Horns] from the members' hands and put them into my Storage.
5884Taking things from people who are recovering from stun states is trivial.
5885
5886I neutralize the members by using [Remote Stun] once again, and then bind them with magic-sealing ropes made from Thorn Foot ivies after thoroughly snatching away their equipment.
5887
5888
5889~
5890
5891
5892After I've finished dealing with the members, I get back to the Holy Grail, and the moving jet black liquid has turned into oval-shaped crystal the size of a softball.
5893
5894The items looks like it'll curse you if you do as much as touching it.
5895According to AR reading, it's [Evil Thought Crystal (Evil Philosophy)].
5896Since the Holy Grail's state was 'chaos', I'm glad that it didn't bring forth Nyarlathotep or something. I've got enough evil god with the [Dog-head Demon Lord] from before. I'd like to decline another helping for the time being.
5897
5898Geometric violet lines of flashes sometimes appear and disappear on the jet black sphere. Its color and shape are different, but it looks similar to the Crimson Treasure of Furu Empire.
5899
5900I steel myself and put the [Evil Philosophy] into my storage.
5901I was on guard for a bit, but I didn't get cursed or something.
5902
5903I'd like to relinquish it if possible, but carelessly throwing it away could create unnecessary incidents, so I can't.
5904I can just throw it to the sun when I've become able to chant.
5905
5906The [Evil Philosophy] seemed to act as a weight earlier as the Holy Grail is now movable, so I put it into my Storage.
5907It seems that it can collect and absorb magic power, so I'm going to make use of it when I'm making a Moving Fortress and a Flying Continent someday.
5908
5909With this, the sakuramochi demon's reviving power should have weakened.
5910Next, if that Mito person can just do something about the magic circle on the Royal Capital's sky, I should be able to finish off the sakuramochi demon.
5911
5912Lastly I'll have to watch out about any strange situation happening behind the scene I guess.
5913It seems there are perpetrators of the incident, maybe I should check it for a bit.
5914
5915I make the summoning magician who's the highest leveled among the members to drink some smelling salt, getting him to forcefully recover from stun state.
5916
5917"I'll be hearing you guys' objective."
5918"Objective? Our objective is but one. Destroying the Source through demon lord--"
5919
5920The summoning magician strangely answers my question obediently.
5921So they're really just ideologists who have been caught on the idea of ruin.
5922
5923"--And then, we will someday release Demon God-sama from the moon prison, destroy the pantheon of the gods and take the world back to the hands of men."
5924
5925--What? They're not just merely ruin-seeking ideologists, do they also intend to spread science to the world?
5926
5927"With Demon God-sama at the top, humans and only humans will build the correct world. At the dawn of that day, we 『Light of Liberty』 will bring prosperity to the world as its leader--"
5928
5929....They're not.
5930The idea is similar to a dictator who envisions world conquest with weapons of mass destruction.
5931
5932Perhaps, the person who created this guys' organization intends to fight against the gods who stagnated civilization like Corpse did.
5933The organization's name is [Light of Liberty] and all, I think maybe it originally had been furnished with a slightly nobler idea.
5934However, as a result of long years, the original ideal seems to have become a mere shell of its past.
5935
5936I interrupt the summoning magician who's still continuing his speech, and change the question.
5937
5938"I'll listen to you guys' ramble later. Speak the things you're scheming in this Royal Capital."
5939"Hmph, you watchdog of the foolish god who can't comprehend ideal."
5940
5941The summoning magician keeps his mouth shut like his talkativeness from earlier was a lie.
5942I don't want to resort to torturing even though it won't take much time.
5943
5944With Map Search I pick up the [Light of Liberty] and organizations that are linked to it.
5945Before I knew it, the members of [Light of Liberty] who are in the Royal Capital are only the ones here, and the high level scout who has infiltrated the royal castle.
5946I wonder if the other members have gone away from the Royal Capital, they've abruptly vanished.
5947Or perhaps, they've become demons using [Short Horns] or [Long Horns] like these guys trying to do earlier--come to think of it, there were several demons who were with the sakuramochi demon.
5948Then, the other members who had become demons were annihilated by my magic huh.
5949
5950....Well, with demons, there's no other choice but to exterminate them, so worrying about it is futile.
5951
5952The purpose of the scout who has infiltrated the royal castle doesn't seem to be assassinations of important people.
5953He's infiltrated the castle's underground, either going to the Forbidden Library or the Treasure Room.
5954
5955--Alright, I'll use this info.
5956
5957One second after the summoning magician shut his mouth, I stop thinking and resume the questioning.
5958
5959"It's fine if you  refuse to talk, but  『Mirage』 Polporo who's infiltrating the royal castle has been arrested in the underpass you know?"
5960"Wh-why do you know Sir Polporo. Did the Earl betray us?"
5961"The Earl is our piece that we have snuck to you bastards' rank from the start."
5962
5963It's been awhile since my deception skill going wild.
5964By the way, Polporo is the name of the scout. His second name seems to be [Mirage].
5965
5966"Then, Earl Bobi must also instigated for the Orbs to be carried into the royal castle too!"
5967
5968--Huh? That's the name that appeared?
5969I was sure that it would be the name of the noble who was sheltering them instead....
5970
5971If I remember right, it was the previous Earl Bobi who was collaborating with the [Wings of Liberty] that revived the Orc Demon Lord in the Duchy Capital.
5972Perchance, it's not just the previous earl, but each generation is also behind the [Wings of Liberty]?
5973
5974This guy might be just misleading me, but I'll take a note of it for the time being.
5975
5976More importantly, the orbs.
5977I search in my memory whether there's any orb that these guys need.
5978
5979The [Gift Orbs] that Jeril and the others got were, [Chant], [Light Magic], and [Poison Resistance].
5980As for us, we found [Item Appraisal], [Water Magic], and [Paralyze Resistance].
5981
5982There's no orb that should compel them to create this much confusion.
5983[Chant] has that much value from my point of view, but I understand that my sense of value is not commonplace.
5984
5985Let's try to shake him up for a bit.
5986
5987"So the objective is the orb after all."
5988"Kuh, if we couldn't get our hands on the orb, we have no choice but to give up on His Highness's hatching..."
5989
5990--Necessary for hatching?
5991If I'm not mistaken it's a jargon about demon lord.
5992
5993There's nothing like that among the six orbs I thought earlier.
5994Maybe there are other orbs in the Royal Capital?
5995
5996I search [Gift Orb] on the map.
5997--There are. The other four are in the Treasure Room in the royal capital's underground.
5998
5999I found [Diamond Body], [Meditation], [Succession God], and [Demon Summoning].
6000The [Demon Summoning] is the most likely one. [Succession God] is the second possibility I guess.
6001
6002I'll have the king destroy the former.
6003I think the prophecy from Parion temple [The calamity is under the sakura tree] is referring to this orb.
6004
6005
6006"You watchdog, you can kill us. There is no need to be fixated with this land now that our wish for hatching has fallen apart. Even though this life ends due to our powerlessness against you, we will carry out our revenge on the next life after getting reincarnated as demons!"
6007
6008The summoning magician shouts while grinding his teeth with uncontrollable rage.
6009The summoning magician's body is shaking like he's having a spasm, the sound of his grinding teeth echoes in the cave.
6010
6011It's noisy, I guess I'll make him faint and bring him to the royal castle...
6012--The teeth's sound seems somewhat rhythmic.
6013
6014The summoning magician's shoulders swell up with a sound.
6015The AR displays that the magician's state has changed to [Demonic Possession].
6016
6017--The teeth rhythm from earlier was a spell huh?
6018
6019"BAROROROW"
6020
6021Demon with cicada-like face appears as if it tears out the summoning magician's body.
6022He used his body as the summoning cost huh...
6023
6024It was probably a desperate counterattack, but you only died a dog's death you know.
6025I take holy sword Durandal from Storage, and cut the cicada demon.
6026
6027The blue afterglow leaves black dust in its place, I carry the members with [Magic Hand], and teleport to the royal castle.
6028
6029
6030~
6031
6032
6033"I've arrested the perperators who summoned the greater demon see~"
6034"Nanashi-sama! T-then, the ones fighting over there are?"
6035"Those are our knights you see. I'll leave these guys to you, please take care of them."
6036
6037I hand over the [Light of Liberty] members and the noble's second son to the prime minister and the imperial knights, and teleport to the next location.
6038
6039After teleporting in front of the Forbidden Library, I retrace the path with Ground Shrink, heading to the Treasure Room.
6040Arriving at the treasure room, the door has been left opened, there are around 10 corpses of the knights who were guarding the room.
6041
6042Strange.... The [Demon Summoning] and [Succession God] orbs are untouched.
6043Yet, the scout has escaped from the royal castle.
6044
6045Did it run away after knowing that the plan had failed?
6046Or did he mistake it with another orb?
6047
6048--Right on. My [Chant] orb has been stolen.
6049
6050The other five [Gift Orbs] have disappeared too. They don't appear even after I search the map.
6051The scout has [Item Box] skill, so he probably hides it inside.
6052
6053--I won't forgive it.
6054
6055I close the Treasure Room's door, and tell the prime minister the situation of the treasure room and the scout.
6056
6057Then I connect with the king with [Telephone], unilaterally tell him that I'll take care of the [Demon Summoning] and [Succession God] orbs, and then I put the two orbs into my Storage.
6058Whether they're going to be destroyed or returned, putting them inside my Storage is probably safer until the incident is over.
6059
6060"Arisa, can you hear me."
6061『Uy, uy, it's clear. How is it there?』
6062"I've dealt with the Holy Grail underground. Is it alright if I leave you girls to be the sakuramochi demon's opponent for a while?"
6063『Course of.』 <TLN: She cut 'mochiron' short to become... 'mochi'>
6064"Then, I'm counting on you to buy some time."
6065『Fufuhn. You don't really mind if we defeat it right?』
6066"Yeah, if you can, then do it. But, don't push yourself since it can revive itself."
6067『Kufuu, having my joke ignored is becoming a habit.』
6068
6069....Good grief, she's really someone who can't feel tension.
6070
6071I tell everyone, "Be careful not to get hurt", and then teleport to the garden in the royal castle.
6072Now then, after catching the thief and retrieving the orbs, I'll give the persistent sakuramochi demon the final word, and go toward a happy new year.
6073
6074With that determination in my heart, I flutter in the dancing-sakura night sky of the royal capital.
6075
607612-27. The Whereabouts of the Prophecy
6077 
6078Satou's here. I feel that the accuracy rate of the thing called prophecy increases the fuzzier it is. I feel that it can reveal any kind of answer later depending on its allowances and the people interpreting it.
6079Then, the prophecy in a world where gods exist is--
6080
6081
6082~
6083
6084
6085While drawing blue afterglow, I go through the Royal Capital's sky fast with Flash Drive.
6086
6087--Found him.
6088
6089I land before the man in black clothing who's jumping through roofs--the high level scout belonging to [Light of Liberty].
6090Landing while crossing my arms and with both legs straight, I want to retort myself who do you think you are.
6091
6092I call out to the scout who turns around going to run away after seeing me.
6093
6094"Where do you think you're going?"
6095
6096Arisa retorted me, "You should've said 『Where are you going huh』 there!" through [Tactic Talk], but I'm not interested in making a joke now, so I ignore her. <TLN: Apparently it's a Castle in the Sky's reference?>
6097
6098"Would you return the things you've stolen in the royal castle, thief-kun?"
6099"■ Item Box"
6100
6101The scout obediently opens his Item Box and takes out a small bag out of it.
6102I thought he was just faking it, but since the marker I've put on my [Chant] orb reappears, it seems to be the real thing.
6103
6104"Good prudence. I'll stop myself from tearing you limb from limb."
6105
6106While still being silent, the scout throws the small bag with my [Chant] orb inside, high in the air. It's probably for making a chance.
6107I fire around 10 [Short Stun] toward the scout, and approach the small bag with Flash Drive.
6108
6109Yosh, got it--
6110
6111『Return』
6112
6113--the small bag disappears just before I'm about to catch it.
6114
6115The scout who's using shadow as his shield below me is currently entering his own shadow while holding the small bag on his hand.
6116
6117--Tsk, shadow magic huh.
6118No, this guy should only have light magic and holy magic.
6119Then, this must be an ability of his item.
6120
6121"I won't let you!"
6122
6123I dive into the indefinite shadow that the scout has made.
6124I intrude the sub-space created by the shadow vigorously.
6125
6126I can't see anything since there's no light, but the AR reading and the radar are different.
6127The markers I've put on the scout and the [Chant] orb tell me his location.
6128
6129I couldn't do anything when I went into the shadow created by the [No-Life King] during Mia's kidnapping, but it's different now.
6130I fly with Flash Drive in the shadow space, snatch the small bag from the scout and put it into my Storage.
6131And then, I immediately put all the orbs inside in a special folder.
6132
6133Safe. I feel relieved now.
6134
6135Next, I just have to escape.
6136I was able to go out before by yelling fiercely.
6137
6138I can probably do the same now.
6139
6140"Retrieval complete!"
6141
6142The black space is broken, and I'm back at the Royal Capital.
6143
6144"I-impossible. Who are you bastard! It's too nonsensical. Interfering the space not with magic but yell....
6145
6146--LWEEENN.
6147
6148I heard a sound like someone's strumming glass.
6149What is that sound?
6150
6151"D-don't tell me, you're not a hero? Y-you bastard, are you god, no, that kind of stupid thing shouldn't be."
6152
6153Red rope-like patterns appear on the skin of the scout who's begun talking in slur.
6154His back is transforming.
6155
6156Apparently, this guy is a fiend drug habitual user.
6157I don't know the cause, but perhaps, his monster element is stimulated when his mind gets disturbed, it's probably the same reason as a reincarnated person changing into demon lord.
6158
6159I don't have any duty to save him, but I'll be sparing myself from seeing splatter film-like scene before my eyes.
6160The fiend transformation probably stops if his magic power is drained.
6161
6162As if obstructing me from invoking [Mana Drain], several sakura-colored feelers fall from the sky.
6163
6164I invoke the magic as is, create Holy Edge on my hand and cut away the feelers.
6165The scout's marker disappears after he was swallowed by the sakuramochi demon.
6166
6167I open the map to check, but the scout hasn't died yet.
6168His current location is in a place where map doesn't exist.
6169
6170--I might have misunderstood something.
6171
6172I move to the sky above the sakuramochi demon with Flash Drive.
6173Its remaining health is only at 20%.
6174
6175"Liza, beat it."
6176"Understood."
6177
6178While leaving blue light tracks, Liza charges at the sakuramochi demon.
6179Behemoth that's controlled by Mia blocks the feelers that are trying to attack her, while Arisa uses space magic to reflect the advanced magic shot by the demon's chanting head.
6180
6181And then Liza who's approached the sakuramochi demon by combining the golden armor's Aerial Step and Flickering Movement pierces the sakura-colored body with her white spear.
6182Defensive magic walls repeatedly stack in front of the sakuramochi demon to block Liza's white spear.
6183
6184However, those are meaningless.
6185
6186Liza's white spear penetrates the sakuramochi demon's defensive walls as if ripping a thin film.
6187
6188--Dragon fang penetrates all that exist.
6189
6190The fang is effective even when it's separated from the dragon's body.
6191
6192--Dragon fang ruins even demon lords, it's the ultimate blade.
6193
6194In that case, no matter what defensive walls, there is no way that it won't penetrate the defense of a mere greater demon.
6195
6196Liza's dragon spear, Heiron, pierces the sakuramochi demon's body, shaving its remaining health completely.
6197
6198"That spear is unfair poyoooo"
6199
6200While leaving that scream, the sakuramochi demon disappears into sakura-colored mist.
6201
6202
6203~
6204
6205
6206So it's really like that--
6207
6208I'm not looking at the sakuramochi demon, but the marker I've put on it.
6209During the time before it's revived, the demon's location is like with the scout, [Space without map].
6210
6211Looks like I misunderstood what Ten-chan said.
6212
6213The way to defeat the sakuramochi demon is not by [Using forbidden magic that has enough power to destroy the surrounding space], but using forbidden magic that can [destroy the surrounding space], otherwise the demon can't be defeated.
6214
6215Right about then, the shout of Mito whom I've almost forgotten echoes.
6216
6217"....■■■■■■ Divine Destruction!!!"
6218
6219The sound of rain like it's from countless wind-bells reverberate in the royal capital sky.
6220The next moment, Mito's magic destroys the magic circle that was covering the whole Royal Capital.
6221
6222"You did well Mito. I'll leave this body to you, just leave him to me."
6223
6224Ten-chan who had even less presence shouts out joyfully, and loses her strength as if her battery's been cut off.
6225--What is this guy doing?
6226
6227"....Connection Lost. Confirming the user's log-out. Restoring the right for avatar's control. Shifting to autonomous mode. Mito, please order me."
6228"Acchaa, victims would likely appear if Ten-chan's real body comes."
6229
6230If I'm to believe Ten-chan's robotic words, until just now, the real Ten-chan was controlling this homonculus from some place away.
6231
6232And, judging from what Mito has just said, Ten-chan's identity is--
6233
6234"Alrightt! Defeated it for the seventh time!"
6235
6236Arisa's energetic words interrupt my train of thought.
6237
6238Just like earlier, the sakuramochi demon is disappearing into sakura-colored mist.
6239If the secret to its revival is just as I've guessed, then--
6240
6241I turn off all the AR readings and sharpen my mind.
6242
6243--There!
6244
6245The slight odd sensation when the demon is appearing in the normal space--I've caught the gap.
6246That gap might be as small as a single molecule.
6247
6248--However, a gap is a gap.
6249
6250If I can break the shadow subspace, then there's no reason for it to not work on the same subspace.
6251
6252"Woooooo!"
6253
6254With a loud scream that doesn't sound like me, I wrench open the gap in space with both my hands.
6255
6256"Outrageous poyo! If it isn't Origin Magic--"
6257
6258I heard some interesting words, but destroying the demon takes precedence now.
6259I strike the 90 small sakuramochi demons lurking in the subspace with [Condense] and [Laser] combo, infringing them.
6260
6261--The poyo poyo is noisy, but I won't leave even one of them remain.
6262
6263After destroying the last one, the log displays that I've defeated a greater demon.
6264The jet black mist disappears into the sky together with the crumbling space.
6265
6266
6267~
6268
6269
6270The radar displays the scout man once again.
6271I thought that he was killed together with the sakuramochi demon, but he seems to be fine.
6272
6273The scout who's sitting on the ground with his back facing me is muttering something like he's delirious.
6274The stimulation of the pattern on his body has stopped, it's blackened, so it seems the worst case scenario has been avoided.
6275It'd be troubling if his muttering is a spell, so I strike him with three [Short Stun].
6276
6277I move next to the scout with Sky Drive while carrying the [Thorn Foot] ivy for binding him on one hand.
6278
6279--Something is bothering me.
6280
6281When I rotate my thought to grasp whether I've overlooked something, the real nature of the odd feeling is revealed.
6282
6283--That's right. It's the feeler of the sakuramochi demon.
6284
6285Why did the sakuramochi demon save the scout?
6286From the demon's point of view, men are nothing more than toys.
6287
6288The [Short Stun] magic is blocked by the scout's body.
6289The sakuramochi demon's parting gift huh!
6290
6291Then--.
6292
6293".....■ Invoke Deity"
6294
6295The scout who's holding a huge magic core on his stomach, holds it up to the sky, and then the next moment, intense white light engulfs.
6296It might be too late, but I immediately invokes [Laser] and bisect the core that the scout is holding.
6297
6298--It was for the sake of buying time for chanting this spell huh.
6299
6300But there's nothing happening even after I've readied myself.
6301The scout who's finished the spell has become mummy-like and falls to the ground.
6302I wonder if the core he was holding evaporated at the last moment, I don't see it anywhere.
6303
6304....Maybe, the chanting failed?
6305
6306"Hey? What was that just now?"
6307"It seems he was trying to make god descend..."
6308
6309Arisa absentmindedly asked.
6310
6311"Satou! It's dangerous, the spirits are clamoring, they seem like they'll cry. Every child is trying to dive into the ground. The above seems to be scary, the above you know."
6312
6313In accordance to Mia's warning in unusually long sentences, I look up to the sky.
6314
6315--I see three black lines with the moon on their back.
6316
6317The instant I saw those lines, I was caught in chilly fear as if icicles had gouged out my body from inside.
6318Even though my Fear Resistance is at maximum, it's no use.
6319
6320The fear cannot be completely removed.
6321
6322Tama slips behind my mantle and holds onto my leg while trembling.
6323Mia is holding tightly on my other leg.
6324
6325At present, it seems only me, and these two can perceive the dreadfulness of those black lines.
6326
6327"Nana, activate 『Castle』! I allow the release of the limiter so use it!"
6328"Yes, Master. 『Castle』 Mode Start."
6329"Everyone gathers near Nana! Lulu, activate 『Fortress』 too."
6330"Y-yes!"
6331
6332I also catch Mito and Ten-chan's cast-off with [Magic Hand], and gather them with everyone together.
6333Following Nana, I also activate [Castle] mode like hers.
6334This is the superior version of the [Fortress] that was used in the fight against the floormaster, it has more than three times the defensive power.
6335
6336"Eh? What's this magic? It's the same level as the Holy Shield and the Holy Armor, but the magic power is knitted strangely. It's too precise. Humans shouldn't be able to knit magic power like this...."
6337
6338Mito who sees the defensive wall of [Castle] that our golden armor created mutters such things like she in delirium.
6339However, I don't have the leeway to keep her company right now.
6340
6341Even though it should have been fine with this, my Crisis Perception doesn't stop.
6342
6343--Right, I've forgotten.
6344
6345"Arisa, please get ready with your space magic."
6346
6347--The prophecy that Sera told me was [Nightmare visits the Royal Capital, Black Calamity alight from the heaven].
6348
6349"Eh? It'll interfere with Nana's defense you know?"
6350"Use it when the defense created by the three of us are broken through. When the time comes, escape from the Royal Capital."
6351
6352--The former was probably about the sakuramochi demon. Then what about the later?
6353
6354Everyone is surprised at my words and turns around.
6355Arisa asks on behalf of everyone.
6356
6357"Are those three lines falling from the sky that dangerous?"
6358"Ah, if my guess is correct then--"
6359
6360
6361I take out the Divine Sword from the my Storage.
6362
6363
6364--The enemy this time is god.
6365<TLN: The author doesn't specify quantity, so I'll leave it ambiguous.>
6366
636712-28. God
6368 
6369Satou's here. I wonder why are the protagonists of fictional worlds go against enemies they absolutely can't win?
6370I think it's good to run away when you need to, making another attempt with redoubled efforts.
6371
6372
6373~
6374
6375
6376"--If your guess is correct, what?"
6377"They're powerful you see."
6378
6379While looking at the Black Lines that look as if they've split the moon into four parts, I do my best to answer her question lightly.
6380It might be overly hasty of me to judge them as enemies, but something whispers deep in my heart, "They are something that cannot coexist with us."
6381
6382It seem they've finally arrived in the range of Shiga Kingdom, AR readings appear beside the Black Lines.
6383
6384--UNKNOWN.
6385
6386It's the same reading as the mysterious existence that appeared as a little girl during my fight with the dog-head demon lord in the desert.
6387
6388They're 10 meter wide, and 9 kilometer long, I thought they were person-shaped, but it's bizarrely slim....
6389I feel they're thicker, but I probably see that because the Black Lines are sucking in light.
6390They come falling relaxedly, and stay in the air about 100 meters above the royal capital.
6391
6392"What are those? Hair?"
6393"But, I can feel amazzing magic power from them."
6394
6395Mito replied to Arisa who muttered when she saw the three Black Lines above.
6396
6397....Hair?
6398
6399Now that you mention it, they certainly look like one.
6400
6401--God's hair? <TLN: Pronounced, "Kami no Kaminoke" in Japanese>
6402
6403What is this anger that I've never felt before.
6404I wonder if this is how Office Ladies feel when they hear old men's gag.
6405
6406....However, my fear has disappeared.
6407
6408When I think about it, it's been proven that god can die.
6409Moreover, I don't know what kind of body part are those, but it's certain that those aren't the god's real body.
6410
6411I'll destroy these, which are at best parts of summoned god, with the Divine Sword.
6412
6413"Master, you're not angry like usual?"
6414"--You're not angry?"
6415
6416Dang you Arisa, she's quite sharp.
6417How'd she know under this golden helmet.
6418
6419"I'll go take care of it for a bit."
6420"Eh? Weren't they dangerous?"
6421"I'll do something with this somehow."
6422
6423I hold out the sheathed Divine Blade, and let out a smile inside the golden helmet unseen from outside.
6424
6425"Master, I'll accompany you."
6426"Pochi too, Pochi will accompany too."
6427"Master, hoping to follow you."
6428
6429Liza, Pochi, and Nana express their wishes to follow me, but I can't nod to that.
6430Before, the holy sword couldn't even interfere with the god's fragments that came out of [No-life King] Zen, let alone destroy it.
6431The dragon spear that Liza holds might be able to get pass it but the gamble is too disadvantageous.
6432
6433"No. I'm sorry but I can't take you girls along. The opponent is too dangerous."
6434
6435I persuade them, and the three obediently understand.
6436
6437When I look at the direction my mantle was pulled, there are Mia with pale face, and Tama who looks like she's going to cry.
6438
6439"Not good, that's not good nano. Absolutely, nano."
6440"Letsgo home~?"
6441
6442I feel sorry to let go of the two who look really worried, but I have a hunch that the royal capital would be destroyed if those things move.
6443I gently pull the two away from me and give them to Liza.
6444
6445"Everyone stay here. It's my job from here on."
6446
6447The defense of these girls will be abated if I move, but there's no time to change equipment.
6448I entrust Nana to judge when to pull back, and tell Arisa and Liza to not hesitate when they retreat.
6449
6450
6451~
6452
6453
6454Crimson blaze came flying from the royal castle toward the three Black Lines.
6455I don't know whether it was an advanced magic or forbidden magic, but that blaze disappeared the moment it hit the Black Line.
6456One of the Black Lines turns around from its base and changes into spiral form--.
6457
6458Using Flash Drive, I place myself between the Black Lines and the royal castle.
6459I was barely in time to change my title to [God Slayer].
6460
6461--I block the whip-like Black Line that's trying to trash the royal capital with the Divine Sword I've hold in front of my body.
6462
6463The Black Line that touches the Divine Sword split into two after scattering black-colored sparks.
6464When the scattered sparks were fading, I saw the true color of those sparks. That was a very deep violet color.
6465
6466--Kuh, heavy.
6467
6468I resisted the inertia with Flash Drive, yet I was still pushed enough to almost make me crash to the royal castle in an instant.
6469
6470When I look below to the royal castle, there are Sera, and the people from Muno Barondom. Even the king and Prime Minister, I've interacted with them too much to abandon them.
6471The Shiga 33 Wands who foolishly attacked would have only reaped what they sowed, but I don't intend to abandon the other people.
6472
6473The torn Black Lines take some distances away from the royal castle at once.
6474The Black Line that has been split into two are merely split, they get back to its original shape while moving like swimming.
6475
6476I separate myself from the royal castle with Sky Drive, approaching the Black Lines in the sky.
6477I extract the magic power of Durandal I've taken from Storage and then pour that magic power into the Divine Sword.
6478The jet black blade lengthens little by little everytime magic power is poured.
6479The blade has lengthened to more than 10 meter long when I've poured all the magic power of the holy sword.
6480
6481There's only one thing left until the preparation is complete now.
6482
6483I knew that word after pouring a certain amount of magic power into it.
6484That word was conveyed to me from the Divine Sword.
6485
6486I declare the last word--
6487
6488"Divine Sword. Let it <<PERISH>>.
6489
6490I probably shouldn't have done that.
6491
6492--True darkness befalls the moon.
6493
6494Light that comes in contact with the Divine Sword perish.
6495
6496--Stillness befalls the night sky.
6497
6498Space that comes in contact with the Divine Sword perish.
6499
6500--And then, the part of the Black Line that comes in contact with the Divine Sword exfoliates and becomes mist, and then disappears like it's sucked by the Divine Sword's blade.
6501
6502I run up the Black Line with Flash Drive, and concentrate letting the whole nine kilometer long body perish until the top.
6503
6504There are two remaining.
6505
6506
6507~
6508
6509
6510"What, it's easier than I thought--"
6511
6512I speak to myself as such after feeling disappointed with how fragile the Black Line is.
6513
6514However, my flighty heart cools down as if it's been poured with cold water when I see the scene under my eyes.
6515
6516One part of the royal castle I see below has completely disappeared.
6517Fortunately the main building where the people of royal castle are gathering seem to be fine, however, if the place I used the Divine Sword's [Scripture] were the main building, I would have never got back the things that would be lost.
6518
6519--Must reflect on it.
6520
6521Postponing the deep reflection for now, I'll prioritize settling the situation now.
6522
6523I understand from AR reading that the sword's ruination range is about several hundreds meters long.
6524I should take the Black Lines up high in altitude so there would be no victims on the ground.
6525
6526I attack the Black Lines with the long range [Laser], I've erased the <<PERISH>> state of the Divine Sword during the attack.
6527It feels painful since the air has disappeared, but looking at my endurance and stamina gauge, I'm probably fine for one or two hours. What a cheat body if I do say so myself.
6528
6529When I've erased the second Black Line, I'm bothered with Black Line's individuality, or rather its skeleton-like intelligence.
6530Like the non-active monsters in MMO, it won't react even if the other Black Lines are attacked as long as it's not being attacked itself.
6531
6532Whether the scout's deity summoning failed, or due to the Black Line having its own role, it's too enigmatic.
6533
6534My thought wandered for merely several seconds like that, however, those several seconds seem to be problematic--
6535
6536
6537~
6538
6539
6540Faraway on the northeast, white light appears as if rising morning sun.
6541That light converges and becomes one bundle of white light, and then it bisects the last Black Line into two.
6542Even after bisecting the Black Line, the light powerfully went straight ahead, and changed the grain-producing region over the royal capital into ashes and fissure.
6543
6544The light was shot from the northeast direction where the sacred mountain lies, the Fujisan mountains.
6545
6546Coming here flying with speed that's not inferior to my Flash Drive, a platinum arrowhead--huge Heavenly Dragon that's over 180 meters in length.
6547
6548....So Ten-chan is really a Heavenly Dragon (Tenryu).
6549
6550It's probably the Heavenly Dragon that appeared in the legend of Ancient King Yamato.
6551The Heavenly Dragon's fangs that's said to [Pierce all that exist] crunch the Black Line, and the horn and claws that aren't inferior to the fangs also cut off the Black Line.
6552
6553While observing that, and erasing the upper part of the Black Line that was bisected by the [Dragon Breath] shot by the Heavenly Dragon, I descend.
6554
6555The Black Line that's become short coil around the Heavenly Dragon's body even while being torn.
6556Moreover, it seems part of it have assimilated with the Heavenly Dragon, her platinum scales are turning black.
6557
6558When I'm about one kilometer above the ground, I absorb all the magic power in the Divine Sword and put it into the holy sword Durandal.
6559The Divine Sword's <<PERISH>> state is canceled once its magic power is below a certain amount just like how it works with holy sword's scripture, so the Divine Sword is back to its original state.
6560
6561Cracking sounds like breaking boards echoes in the sky of the royal capital.
6562It's from the Heavenly Dragon.
6563
6564『KUROOOUUUUNN!!』
6565
6566The Heavenly Dragon that's been encroached by the Black Line screams.
6567Since I, who could speak dragon language, couldn't understand its meaning, it must have been a scream.
6568
6569I grab the tail of the suffering Heavenly Dragon in order to drop her to the ground, I make giant swings in the air and throw her outside the royal capital.
6570I myself think that I'm treating her cruelly, but this is a necessary measure.
6571There's no telling how many people would fall victim if such a huge body fell on the royal capital.
6572
6573The Heavenly Dragon made a deep valley on the royal capital's grain-producing region that's been changed into a wasteland.
6574To the farmers, I'm sorry. Please forgive me for now, I'll restore them when I've become able to chant.
6575
6576
6577~
6578
6579
6580I mark the fragments of the Black Line that ate the Heavenly Dragon on the map, and erase them one by one with the Divine Sword.
6581I don't know what'd happen if such things remain.
6582
6583Before long, an unfortunate mole monster that appeared touched one.
6584
6585--At the next moment.
6586
6587The mole's body is turned inside out, and it becomes moving slime-like thing with exposed magic core.
6588It takes the surrounding debris and monster's corpses, and becomes gigantic.
6589
6590The mole that should have been level 20 becomes level 50 when it has finished turning big.
6591Apparently, this doping is the reason why the scout summoned the Black Lines.
6592
6593I launch the mole slime up in the air with [Remote Stun], strike it with [Condense] and [Laser] combo from directly below, and turn its magic defense and body into small pieces.
6594It seems normal attack works for it besides the Black Lines itself.
6595
6596I glare at the falling magic core.
6597The Black Line has slipped into the exposed magic core.
6598
6599I jump up from the ground, and cut the magic core along with the Black Line with the Divine Sword, annihilating it.
6600
6601
6602~
6603
6604
6605Using Flash Drive, I head toward the destroyed hill where the Heavenly Dragon is rampaging.
6606Apparently after parting with me, she was going toward the nearby town after destroying the hill.
6607
6608I go to the direction the Heavenly Dragon is tumbling with Flash Drive, and then kicks her solid scale.
6609
6610『GYURORORORONN』
6611
6612Oops. Her health gauge has been decreased by 20%.
6613Heavenly Dragons are unexpectedly fragile huh?
6614
6615Her unfocused eyes like she's lost her mind turn toward me, I evade the shot [Dragon Breath] with Flash Drive.
6616She was going to move her head while firing the breath, changing the firing line, but I move next to her head with Flash Drive, and kick her face from the side to turn the breath toward the sky so there'll be no victim.
6617
6618According to AR reading, the Heavenly Dragon's state is [Frenzy], and [Encroachment: Demon God].
6619
6620--Those Black Lines were parts of the [Demon God] huh!
6621
6622The identity of the Black Line that was UNKNOWN becomes clear after it encroached the Heavenly Dragon.
6623
6624There are 27 Black Lines that are encroaching the Heavenly Dragon. The majority are gathering on three places, the head, the reverse scale, and the tail.
6625
6626--Then.
6627
6628It'll be a rough handling, but please forgive me.
6629With the Divine Sword in hand, I approach the Heavenly Dragon.
6630
6631The Heavenly Dragon who's lost her mind attacks me with her tail that's moving faster than the speed of sound.
6632It was written in the Ancient King Yamato's picture book that the Heavenly Dragon's scales repel holy swords.
6633It's said that the scale even blocks the magic swords of the [Golden Wild Boar King].
6634
6635However, it is no different than a scrap of paper before the Divine Sword.
6636After cutting the Heavenly Dragon's tail, I annihilate the Black Lines that coil the tail.
6637
6638I run on the Heavenly Dragon's back, and blast away the Black Lines, gouging the body together with them.
6639It's slightly rough, but If I do it leisurely and result in complete encroachment of her whole body, it'll be no joke. The damage that'd appear would probably be higher than demon lords'.
6640It's not like I'm not treating her like a lady, but I feel only little sense of guilt when it's in her dragon form.
6641Besides, the endurance strength of a Heavenly Dragon should be durable enough.
6642
6643I harden my heart and erase the Black Lines from the Heavenly Dragon.
6644Even while being dyed in dragon's blood, I was able to erase most of the Black Lines in just 10 seconds.
6645
6646--The only remaining ones are on the reverse scale and the head.
6647
6648I can't gouge them together with the body with these.
6649I guess there's no choice but to grab the Black Lines and tear it off. But I could be encroached myself if carelessly touch it.
6650I form magic armor on the hand that doesn't hold the Divine Sword.
6651
6652And then, when I'm about to grab them just like that, my thought stop.
6653
6654--The opponent is a god, even though it's just the part. Careless actions lead to ruin.
6655
6656I admonish myself for my conceit, and alter the magic armor.
6657
6658If magic swords can be changed into holy swords by altering their composition.
6659And if magic edge has sub-type like holy edge.
6660
6661God's power is like that too, I should be able to reproduce it, right.
6662
6663I borrow the power of the Divine Sword, and dye the magic armor with divinity.
6664The red color of the magic armor gradually changes into jet-black like the Divine Sword's.
6665
6666--It's just like the color of the Black Line.
6667
6668Don't think about unnecessary things, Satou.
6669Right now is--.
6670
6671I grab the Black Line sprouting on the Heavenly Dragon's head like an ahoge with the hand that's coated in divinity, and uproot it.
6672I heard an especially loud scream from the Heavenly Dragon, but now is not the time to pay attention to it.
6673
6674I annihilate the pulled Black Line with the Divine Sword in my right hand.
6675
6676And then, when I was pulling the Black Line coiling on the reverse scale, I inadvertently pulled the reverse scale together with it.
6677It seemed to be quite painful, the Heavenly Dragon let out a heartbreaking howl and then fainted.
6678While annihilating the Black Line pulled from the reverse scale, I apologize to the Heavenly Dragon in my mind.
6679
6680>Defeated [Fallen Offshoot of Demon God]
6681>Defeated [Fallen Offshoot of Demon God]
6682>Defeated [Fallen Offshoot of Demon God]
6683
6684>Skill [] Acquired
6685
6686>Title [God Spirit] Acquired
6687>Title [One who Violated the Taboo] Acquired
6688>Title [Torture King] Acquired
6689>Title [Sadistic] Acquired
6690>Title [Natural Enemy of Heavenly Dragon] Acquired
6691
6692There are some disagreeable titles, but it's too late to retort to the one who governs the system after all this time.
6693
6694My level has become 312, whether it was because I overhunted greater demons, or because I defeated the [Fallen Offshoot of Demon God].
6695Was the skill without a name just a bug of the acquisition indicator, it's not in the skill list.
6696
6697Even while feeling like I'd faint from the mental fatigue, I heal the Heavenly Dragon's wounds with treasured high grade recovery medicines and healing magic.
6698The cut tail connected itself as anticipated, but the pulled reverse scale, and the fangs, horn, and claws that were broken during the fight weren't able to be restored.
6699Her claws grow back after I gave her the high grade recovery medicine that had been charged with magic power to the limit, so the fang and the horn should regrow if persist.
6700
6701My thought is neglectful, I wonder if it's because I'm tired.
6702It might be the first time I've ever been this tired ever since I came to the different world.
6703
6704Moreover.... My left hand can't feel anything since a while ago.
6705
6706I take off the golden armor's gauntlet in order to check the condition of my left hand.
6707I was at a loss for words when I saw the left hand that appeared from the gauntlet.
6708
6709That hand has lost the color of skin, dyed jet black....
6710
671112-29. The Black Left Arm
6712 
6713Satou's here. "The main character who wields the forbidden power has lost one of his body part as the compensation."
6714It's a situation that happens often in shounen manga and novels with hot-blooded protagonists, but when it's happening to me in reality, it's not really something to joke around.
6715
6716~
6717
6718
6719I overlook the left hand dyed in non-lustrous jet black color.
6720
6721I probably would be excited and welcomed this while saying, "Quiet down! O my left arm!" if I were still suffering from Chuunibyou, but now I simply feel completely perplexed.
6722
6723I can move my fingers without problem, but I can't feel anything with my arm.
6724Like this, supplying magic power to Nana won't be fun, and I won't be able to enjoy various things with the beautiful onee-sans when I visit the shop.
6725
6726--Wonder if a new arm will regrow if I cut it?
6727
6728A stupid idea floats in my mind, probably because I'm tired.
6729Normally I would have never chosen this, but at this time I felt like it was a good idea as if I had received a divine revelation.
6730
6731I put the Divine Sword that has served its purpose into Storage, and take out holy sword Durandal.
6732
6733Holding Durandal with my right hand, I lightly tap-tap it on my left dark hand.
6734I feel hard metal-like sensation from it.
6735
6736The darkened part is until the part between the wrist and the elbow.
6737I avoid that part and aim at the flesh-colored part.
6738
6739I make up my mind and swing down Durandal to my left arm.
6740Clank, there was a light sound, and then it's split into two.
6741
6742--The holy sword Durandal is.
6743
6744Breaking the holy sword of divine gift, Durandal, just how hard it is.
6745My tired mind silently retort.
6746
6747Magic power is leaking from the broken part of the holy sword, becoming violent wind that rages the surrounding.
6748I catch the flown blade with the usual [Magic Hand] and control the sword in my hand so that the magic power won't leak out.
6749
6750I put the broken blade in its sheath and then I also put the other remaining part of Durandal into the sheath.
6751
6752When I tried its scripture before, some small scratches from the fight with the [Golden Wild Boar King] were restored.
6753I decide to recite the scripture since there's nothing to lose in doing it.
6754
6755"<<HANG ETERNALLY>> Durandal"
6756
6757Blue light overflows from the sheath.
6758After the light subsides, I took it out of the sheath, and  Durandal had returned to its original form before it was broken.
6759
6760I'd be lying if I didn't expect this, but I really can't believe that it'd recover from being broken.
6761As expected of the stable opening performer. I'll keep relying on it from now on.
6762
6763Now then, let's try cutting my hand once more.
6764
6765When I tried touching the part I cut earlier, it felt the same as the darkened part even though it's flesh-colored.
6766I put the golden armor's arm part to the storage, and after checking that it's the soft part with my right hand on the upper arm, I cut the part between the shoulder and the elbow with Durandal.
6767
6768Red blood spills, and the arm is falling to the ground.
6769There's no pain thanks to Pain Resistance, but it's not something that's pleasant to see.
6770
6771I put the arm into the Storage when it's falling, and block the cut with [Magic Hand].
6772Blood drip little by little to ground from the base of my arm.
6773
6774--The next moment.
6775
6776Swoosh, green colored bundle of vines grows toward the sky from the ground.
6777I took some distance away since I thought that a plant-type monster had appeared, but the thing that has grown to 10 meter high is the vine of a sweet potato.
6778Excluding its abnormal scale, it's a completely normal plant.
6779
6780Don't tell me, it's because of my blood?
6781I can try experimenting it when I've got some free time, but right now is not the time to do such thing.
6782
6783I heal the cut wound with [Aqua Heal] in order to prevent blood from dripping more than this.
6784The blood has stopped, but it doesn't seem like my arm will regrow.
6785
6786I've expected this much.
6787During my experiment with mouses, [Aqua Heal] couldn't restore lost limbs either.
6788
6789Before I take out an upper grade magic potion, I use my right hand to uproot the potato and put it into Storage.
6790It'll be annoying if this potato becomes a new seed of trouble after all.
6791
6792I take out an upper magic potion that has been fully charged with magic power beforehand and drink it in one go.
6793In my experiment with mouses, this restored the lost arms and legs.
6794
6795However, my arm doesn't regrow even after I wait for a while.
6796
6797So my plan failed....
6798I grieve at my numbed mind from fatigue.
6799
6800I also desist from connecting the cut hand from earlier back.
6801
6802--What?
6803
6804Something is caught in the corner of my consciousness.
6805
6806For some reason, I got a flashback about when I dived into the scout's shadow.
6807
6808--That's right.
6809
6810Why was I able to interfere the shadow space with spirit, destroying it. <TLN: Spirit as in Fighting Spirit, not 'spirit being' (Seirei)>
6811The sakuramochi demon said [Primeval Magic] or something....
6812<TLN: I initially TL-ed it as Origin magic, but I think it should have been 'Primitive' instead. Edit:Changed to Primeval now>
6813
6814There are many cases in fictional works where this kind of magic somehow does something with [Spirit] and [Image].
6815It should be enough if there's a material.
6816
6817I take out the treasured magic potion barrel from Storage, and soak my cut arm in it.
6818I scream loudly with fighting spirit while remembering the scene from an old anime where the character got resurrected from bleached bones.
6819
6820"WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!"
6821
6822I don't know whether something called [Primitive Magic] really exists, or [Self-Healing] skill showed its full potential.
6823
6824However, rather than that--
6825
6826The hand I've pulled from the barrel, which has been properly restored, is many times more important.
6827It seems the wound was re-opened during the restoration, the upper grade magic potion in the barrel has been ruined with my blood getting mixed in, but I can just make more something like potion.
6828I've got a lot of Blood Spheres, that are needed for making upper grade magic potion, from True Ancestor Ban.
6829
6830Now then, I guess I'll go back to the Royal Capital....
6831
6832I contact Arisa with [Telephone] magic.
6833
6834『Arisa I've cleaned up this side. Let's reunite in the mansion.』
6835『I-is it over already? I could hear some loud sound from outside the royal capital, are you alright?　Are you injured anywhere?』
6836『Yeah, I'm fine.』
6837
6838I tell her so and cut the call.
6839
6840Before invoking teleport magic, I exterminate the remaining monsters in the royal capital with [Remote Arrow] and [Short Stun].
6841There are some remaining in the underground and the indoors, but there isn't anyone nearby there, there are opposing forces and it's not urgent, so leaving them for later should be alright.
6842
6843"Ten-cha~n"
6844
6845I heard the voice of Mito coming here flying while fluttering on her broom.
6846There's the homonculus Ten-chan beside Mito too.
6847
6848If Mito's identity is just as I've guessed, then I want to tell her that I'm Suzuki Ichirou and various other things.
6849However, there are other things that need to be done right now.
6850I can meet Mito as many times as I want if I just put a marker on her.
6851
6852I leave the fainted heavenly dragon, and teleported back to my mansion in the royal capital.
6853
6854
6855~
6856
6857
6858"Master~?"
6859
6860After returning to Pendragon Mansion, the first person who comes welcoming me is Tama.
6861I catch Tama who's jumping straight to my head with [Magic Hand] and give her a lift.
6862
6863"I'm home, Tama."
6864"Not injured~?"
6865"Yeah, of course."
6866
6867I tell a lie to the worried Tama.
6868No, it's the truth in my current condition.
6869
6870"Satou."
6871
6872Mia embraces me with a thud.
6873Our armament are obstructing each other, so the reunion doesn't look good.
6874
6875Following the two, the other girls are happy for my safety.
6876
6877"Everyone, thank you for your hard work. I'll ask you to do another job when the dawn comes, so get some nap for three hours."
6878
6879I took off my golden armor's helmet, and told so to everyone.
6880My disguise mask was removed together with the helmet.
6881
6882"Understood."
6883"Aye!"
6884"Yes nanodesu."
6885
6886Everyone answers unanimously to my instruction, and matching that, their empty stomaches also sing in chorus.
6887It seems they're hungry after fighting a long battle.
6888
6889I take out a wagon with pre-made light meals and fruit drinks for midnight snacks behind everyone.
6890
6891"Then, I shall make something light before we sleep."
6892"No, I've prepared them already, for those who are hungry, eat them and then take a nap. You can take off the golden armor since you're going to act in your usual condition after the sleep."
6893
6894I stop Lulu and point at the wagon behind everyone.
6895
6896"Wa~i"
6897"Roasto beefu-san nanodesu!"
6898"Announcing the existences of karages with bones."
6899"They look truly delicious."
6900"Parfait."
6901"Arisa, there are potatoes too."
6902"....Since when."
6903
6904Except Arisa who looks like she needs an explanation, everyone begins to capture the sandwiches and karages.
6905Lulu who usually minds her manner seems to be quite hungry too, she has food on both her hands, putting them into her mouth in a hurry.
6906
6907"Sleep after you eat lightly okay. You should sleep early since I'll wake you up forcefully once it's dawn."
6908
6909Everyone nods while continuing to chew their food, silence comes to the room.
6910
6911"--Don't you need a space magician?"
6912
6913However, Arisa who's teleported to the corridor ahead stands.
6914
6915"So, where is Master going to alone?"
6916"I'm not going out to fight. I'm just going to help people who are trapped under the debris you see."
6917"Then, everyone should together--"
6918
6919I shake my head before Arisa finish her sentences.
6920
6921"Don't force yourself. Everyone has exceeded their fatigue limit after continuously fighting a greater demon. They'll collapse from overworking if they don't rest their nerves once."
6922"But isn't Master the same too."
6923
6924It's the truth that I'm mentally tired, nevertheless I'd feel bad leaving the people that need to be rescued alone.
6925
6926"It's alright, I'll change places with everyone and get some sleep when it's morning."
6927
6928I persuade Arisa while patting her head, and I get back to the Royal Capital's sky through Echigoya Workshop's roof.
6929I've re-equipped the disguise mask, but I use the Mito-like disguise mask that I'm going to use for evening party on the area around my eyes where the golden helmet isn't covering.
6930
6931
6932~
6933
6934
6935Before commencing the rescue operation, I'll report to every place I'm related to.
6936
6937I contact the king in the royal castle with [Telephone], and report that I've finished exterminating the greater demon and the three lines that appeared later--I told him that they were magic weapons prepared by the demon.
6938In addition, I also tell him the location and the number of the remaining monsters, and ask for the Shiga Eight Swords and the holy knights to dispatch.
6939Just in case, I asked him to tell the citizens not to eat meat from red rope pattern monsters when he announces the resolution of the incident with [Public Information Space]. Even though I think it's fine, it'll be troubling if there are some strange side effects.
6940
6941Next, I contact Echigoya's manager with [Telephone] magic, tell her that the battle is over, and instruct her to prepare the necessary arrangements for reviving the royal capital from now on.
6942Even though she should just have a sleepless night in fear, the manager replied normally, "Certainly", and began to act.
6943It's truly reliable of her, but please be careful of workaholic okay.
6944
6945Next, I also tell Porina the workshop manager who's taking refuge in Echigoya's workshop underground to start the preparation for helping the victims.
6946I don't have much time, so I only told a word of gratitude to every member of Echigoya Firm starting from Tifaliza and Nell.
6947
6948
6949~
6950
6951
6952There are about 8670 people that need to be helped.
6953There are a lot, but it might be what can be expected from the leading city of the continent with 200.000 population.
6954Most of them are injured people who ran away outside the royal capital. It seems there are priests and priestess, but looks like their healing aren't enough.
6955Among those, around 1000 are people under collapsed buildings, and people who were left behind in buildings that caught fire.
6956
6957There are many who are from the lower-income class area. The victims from the wealthy and noble area are in two-digit number too, but they're few overall, so I go to the low-income class area first to help.
6958
6959I saw a pair of young brother and sister frantically trying to move the debris on top of a fallen building.
6960
6961"Someone! Please help! Mother and the others are under here!"
6962"No one's coming. Help clear even one piece of debris if you got time to scream for help."
6963"Onii"
6964
6965Checking the map, there are these children's mother and several other people under this building.
6966
6967--My way of helping is quite simple.
6968
6969While landing on top of the building, I specify the range on the map and put the debris and the building materials into my Storage.
6970After putting the debris into my Storage in a flash, just like that, the people who were under the building lay bare.
6971The siblings who suddenly lost their footholds screamed while falling, but I catch them with [Magic Hand] and put them on my shoulders.
6972
6973There were many injured people, so I healed them all with [Aqua Heal], and carry them to the safety on the side of the road with [Magic Hand].
6974The hands of the siblings who are moved from meeting their mother are in bad shapes too, so I also heal them.
6975
6976I lightly raise my hand toward their words of gratitude, and immediately head toward the other people who need help.
6977I'm doing rescue at the rate of 16 people per minute, putting the corpses of monsters I find along the way.
6978I don't remember leaving any corpse behind, but I'll prioritize saving people who are alive for now.
6979
6980Along the way, the king began a broadcast, and then the people who were panicking began to noticeably calm down. As expected of the king of a large country.
6981
6982I completed the rescue operation faster than I had planned. It didn't even take one hour due to me abandoning prudence.
6983It's usually plain, but the effect of unique skill is immense after all.
6984
6985Next, I go outside the royal capital, and heal the injured people with [Aqua Heal] while still floating in the air.
6986I've expected people thanking and cheering me, but there are even people who fall prostrate and pray to me.
6987
6988--Please do that kind of thing toward God.
6989
6990
6991~
6992
6993
6994It's two hours before dawn.
6995
6996This time I'm removing debris blocking the royal capital's roads by putting them into Storage.
6997Doing them all is troublesome as expected, so I prioritize the paths people use for evacuation like the main road and parks.
6998There are places that have caved-in, so I contact the prime minister who's dealing with the royal capital to prioritize dispatching earth magicians there.
6999Now the supply cart units of soldiers and the knights who are doing disaster relief and victims aid should be able to move.
7000
7001Lastly, I collect the corpses, and leave the memorial service for them to the neighboring inhabitants.
7002
7003I check on the menu's memo if I left anything.
7004Alright, no problem. What hero Nanashi should do in the royal capital is complete.
7005
7006And then I go gather around 202 life magicians and 11 priests from the neighboring cities before the daybreak.
7007I had got the king in the royal castle to issue a letter of authorization beforehand, so I was able to recruit the people from the local viceroys and governors without any problem.
7008Of course, I'm only able to gather these people so fast in such a time probably because of transporting by teleportation, and the 10 gold coins reward for each of them.
7009I want to scout some of these people to Echigoya, so I've instructed Porina the workshop manager and Nell the life magician to check the appropriate ones.
7010
7011I let them stay in the appendix dorm of Echigoya Workshop, I've gathered them in order to sustain sanitation of the people who have lost their houses during this incident.
7012Being covered in mud on top of being hungry and tired, they should feel at the bottom now.
7013
7014I don't need to supply the food, the king has released the emergency savings of the treasury and mobilized the prime minister, the generals, the supply cart units, and the lower bureaucrats and officials.
7015With this, there are only rebuilding and holding funeral services for the victims left to do.
7016
7017The dance party tonight is probably still going to be held in order to show the dignity of the kingdom toward foreign countries.
7018It's the big moment for our girls, so I'd like to be able to enjoy it without anxiety in the future.
7019
7020....Still, I'm tired.
7021
7022With the rising morning sun behind me, I teleport back to Pendragon Mansion where everyone is sleeping.
7023
702412-30. The Dance Party at the Royal Castle
7025 
7026Satou's here. In battle manga where battles come one after another, I feel that the scenes of everyday life are simply intermezzo. However, when I'm put into the situation myself, I become wanting to refrain from battles and rest in a peaceful place.
7027
7028~
7029
7030
7031"Ten-chan, I'm fallingggggg~~"
7032
7033While Mito was leaving such scream, the heavenly dragon returned to Fujisan Mountains as if fleeing.
7034Judging from the luminous points on the map, it seems Mito and Homonculus Ten-chan are with her too.
7035
7036If they don't come here until we're about to leave the Royal Capital, I'm going to Fujisan Mountains to meet Mito myself.
7037
7038....Oh right, I forgot to collect the scales dropped by the heavenly dragon.
7039I don't mind leaving them there, but if it caused some weird gold rush uproar, the local farmers would be troubled. I'll go quickly collect them.
7040
7041
7042~
7043
7044
7045Fuffufu~n, so I hum while teleporting back to Pendragon Mansion.
7046Actually, when I was collecting the scales, a call from Aze-san who was worried about me came through [World Phone].
7047
7048--The worried Aze-san was cute too.
7049
7050The girls seem to be still asleep, so I change to my everyday clothing and go downstairs.
7051There, the commuting servants have gathered in full force.
7052
7053"""Good morning, Master."""
7054"Ah, morning."
7055
7056I reply their sharp morning greeting, and tell the old butler that it's fine for them to take a day off on their houses since it's after the incident yesterday.
7057
7058"I am very thankful for your consideration--"
7059
7060According to the old butler, the houses of the commuting servants are all fine.
7061
7062A blue luminous point that signifies my friend are reflected on my radar.
7063I instruct the old butler to let the girls sleeping on the second floor until they wake up themselves and go toward the entrance hall.
7064
7065"Master, there is a visitor for you."
7066"Satou-san, good morning."
7067
7068Coming from the entranceway, the maid-san guides Sera-san who's wearing priestess clothing to the room.
7069I'm amazed that Duke Oyugock and his retainers let her go out even though it's after such incident.
7070
7071"Good morning, Sera-san. Has anything happened for you to be this early?"
7072"I'm sorry for coming so early. Satou-san, actually I have something to ask you--"
7073
7074Sera who was having a bit of hard time asking, asked me to accompany her inspecting the city.
7075
7076Of course it's not a pleasure trip, but to heal people who are seriously injured in the royal capital.
7077The people of royal capital have been completely healed by Nanashi though, but I can't say it as Satou.
7078
7079Putting that aside, even without asking me Sera has four knights accompanying her who've followed her to my mansion.
7080When I check about them to Sera, they are assigned as a condition if she wants to go outside the noble street by Duke Oyugock, and they are to mobilize with me.
7081
7082If you only hear that part, it sounds as if Duke Oyugock is trying to make Sera be together with me, but in actuality if I go with her, Liza who's an equal match to a Shiga Eight Swords and the others would surely also go along, that must be his hidden plan.
7083
7084I readily consent to Sera's request, and go around the royal capital while receiving appraising glances from the female escort knights.
7085
7086
7087~
7088
7089
7090"Even though there are so much damage, there doesn't seem to be anyone injured isn't it."
7091"Yes, that seems to be so--"
7092
7093I nod at Sera who looks perplexed.
7094
7095This neighborhood is the wealthy area, so golems, slaves, and servant-like men are gathered to remove the debris and such.
7096I also catch sights of magic soldiers and magicians wearing robes repairing the caved-in road.
7097
7098While looking at them at a glance, we pass through the wealthy area and enter the general citizen area.
7099
7100I look at the surrounding, and even though it hasn't even been two hours since the daybreak, the citizens have begun cooperating to clear up the collapsed buildings.
7101I don't see many golems and magicians over here.
7102
7103Even though we're just here to inspect them, the citizens who noticed us stop their work and fall prostrate, so we continue moving while inspecting as much as possible so that we won't get in the way.
7104
7105"Hime-sama, even though the surrounding houses are destroyed to such degrees, there isn't a single debris on the road."
7106"Yes, the military engineers of the royal capital are excellent aren't they."
7107
7108One of the escort knights talks to Sera like she's in awe while advancing the horses.
7109The military engineers are certainly excellent, but these are my works. As expected, without cheat, the royal capital lacks the man power needed to remove the debris two hours after the incident.
7110
7111I also catch sights of life magicians hired by Echigoya Firm cleaning the citizens' dirt, and giving food in the public park.
7112The housewives from the neighborhood seem to be helping too.
7113
7114Since there are some people who look dead tired nearby the public park, Sera gets down from the horse and call them.
7115
7116"Are you feeling unwell?"
7117"N-no, priestess-sama. These people are the people who have been saved from under the debris--"
7118
7119A nearby old woman who's fallen prostrate tells Sera that they're just sleeping from exhaustion.
7120
7121"Hero-sama saved my grandchildren who were trapped under the debris."
7122
7123After hearing the old woman, the people on the surrounding also lift up their head and each begins to boast about hero.
7124
7125"I was saved from the monster by Hero-sama's magic."
7126"It sure was amazing. From somewhere far away his figure couldn't even be seen, several hundreds magic arrows defeated the monsters, that even the knights had trouble in a blink of an eye."
7127"I had got injury big enough my arm was almost torn off, but the golden armor Hero-sama healed it fer' me."
7128
7129--It's ticklish, so please stop there.
7130
7131"I'm able to live on thanks to Hero Nanashi-sama."
7132
7133When the surrounding people see the old woman putting her hands together and praying, they also began to pray, namu namu, too.
7134
7135....Like I said, please stop with the praying.
7136
7137Unable to endure any longer, I urged Sera to leave the park, and headed toward the low income people area this time.
7138
7139As we advance the road, the people gradually look more disorderly.
7140The crowding nearby the square where there's a food distribution is particularly bad. There's a food distribution too in the general citizen area, but it's on the verge of becoming a riot here.
7141They don't line up, cut each other's line, and have fist fight with every little thing.
7142The expression of Sera who's disconnected with violence begins to cloud when she sees such scene.
7143
7144--CLAP.
7145
7146I stop the noise in the square with the sound of my clapping palm.
7147The secret is to create Magic Edge right before they hit.
7148
7149"O-oy, aren't those nobles-sama."
7150"There are knights-sama too."
7151
7152People who have begun to notice us prostate themselves one by one.
7153It would have been over with [What, it's just a noble huh] if this were in Labyrinth City, but it became this period-drama-like since nobles from big family tend to strut around, and they can easily dispose of people they deem rude.
7154
7155"Everyone, the food has been prepared by the King, it's enough for everyone's share. Please act orderly befitting of Shiga Kingdom people."
7156
7157Sera speaks to the citizens with a dignified smile.
7158
7159"Oy, the heck is 'orderly'?"
7160"Dunno. Rather than that, what does 'befitting' mean?"
7161
7162I picked up such conversation with my Attentive Ears skill.
7163Nevertheless, it seems the rough nuance has been transmitted, the people who are taken aback with Sera's smile, start to form lines as instructed by the officials who are distributing the food.
7164
7165We wave our hands to the officials who are bowing toward us, and then we set out to return, closing the royal capital inspection.
7166
7167
7168~
7169
7170
7171I part with Sera in front of Duke Oyugock's mansion that's next to the royal castle, and stop by the royal castle's guest house where Baron Muno and the others are staying.
7172I'm relieved that there's no victim in the baron house except a maid who fell down the stair in panic.
7173
7174Lady Karina seemed to visit us during my absence, but she didn't seem to have any particular business with me.
7175She was probably checking the well-being of our girls.
7176<TLN: Reminder that Satou's expression of "Our girls" can be interpreted as "My family's children".>
7177
7178I finish lunch with everyone quickly and hasten everyone to begin the preparation for the evening party early.
7179I'm the lowest class of noble, so I have to enter the venue before upper ranking nobles.
7180The party begins after sunset, but it seems we need to enter the venue one hour before.
7181
7182While everyone is finishing their preparation, I become Nanashi to meet the king and the prime minister in the royal castle.
7183When I showed up my face in the king's office, both of them thanked me so vigorously like they'd fall prostrate many many times.
7184It was beginning to become annoying along the way, so I forcefully interrupted and began my true objective coming here--I told them the details of the incident and the true identity of the black lines.
7185
7186Both of them were shocked but it seemed they knew that I was not an ordinary existence from the reports of their retainers, so they believed it relatively easy.
7187
7188"Partial summoning of Demong God...."
7189"Yeah, that's why I'll have to seclude myself in the forbidden library."
7190"Certainly. We will prepare an excellent librarian, so please order that person if you need necessary documents."
7191"Thankies."
7192
7193Searching things seem like it'll be fun if it's with a 'tsun' female knight.
7194
7195After I've finished my report, I ask them about the treatment of the incident's criminals.
7196All remnants of [Light of Liberty] and [Wings of Liberty] are to be publicly executed after the Kingdom Conference. The noble who provided the base for [Light of Liberty] is condemned the crime of treason, and every family members are to be executed--
7197
7198"Are the young children too?"
7199"No. In accordance of the law enacted by Na-, Ancient King-sama, children who are 10 years old and younger are to spend the rest of their life in the monastery located at the foot of Fujisan Mountains."
7200
7201I see, that law sounds like what that guy those days would insist enacting.
7202
7203Since I've understood, the prime minister continues talking about the treatment of the other people.
7204As for other nobles who cooperated with that noble, they'll be treated with various punishments depending on the degree of their cooperation, ranging from the family head's execution, to fine penalty.
7205The temple knight who attacked the Shiga Eight Swords seem to be dispatched by a Cardinal who transferred from Holy Kingdom Parion at the continent's west, but that guy seemed to have escaped by taking advantage of the confusion during the incident.
7206
7207All people connected with Holy Kingdom Parion are confined under the castle under the pretext of sheltering them.
7208
7209And, about the carefree occult group, "Wind of Freedom", their members aren't free of blame, several members who did radical speech and conducts are to be punished lightly as a warning.
7210
7211
7212~
7213
7214
7215"Ja, Ja~n!"
7216"Ja~n?"
7217"Ja jan nanodesu!"
7218
7219While I was relaxing in Pendragon Mansion's living room after finishing the general affairs, Arisa, Tama, and Pochi appeared to show off their dresses while saying those things.
7220
7221Simply put, their dresses are Cinderella-like.
7222There are frames called panniers inside, upping the volumes of the skirts. The big ribbons on both sides are cute.
7223The three are wearing matching dresses with the color as the only difference. Arisa's is white, Pochi's is yellow, Tama's is pink.
7224
7225The gems on the circlets on their foreheads are also matching each of their dress. Every one of them is a different colored diamond, I've got a hard time making them in fake brilliant cut.
7226Holy sword Durandal was quite the achiever during the process.
7227Holy swords really cut well aren't they.
7228
7229"Everyone looks great."
7230"Dehehee~"
7231"Wa~i"
7232"Nanodesu!"
7233
7234When I praise the three, they're twirling in their places, expressing their joy.
7235The swelling skirts look like spinning tops.
7236
7237"Master, requesting inspection of new equipment."
7238"Nana-sama, you're wonderful."
7239"Masita, Nana-sama's dress, praise praise?"
7240"Master, I really should have, with armor...."
7241
7242Next, Nana and Liza entered the room.
7243Nana who leads Shiro and Crow looks somehow proud while still being expressionless. We can't take the two children along so they're wearing their everyday wears.
7244
7245It's Liza's second time in dress after the banquet yesterday, but it seems she's still not used to skirt.
7246Liza's dress today is more showy than yesterday.
7247Several thin clothes cover her chest area, retaining Liza's sharpness while displaying woman-like brilliance.
7248
7249On that point, Nana's dress lack such ingenuity. It's a normal design with emphasized breasts valley. I just had to be careful so that it wouldn't be vulgar. The bra top is sewed on the dress, so her back line is exposed magnificently.
7250
7251Liza's dress uses deep blue color, while Nana uses red color fabric.
7252
7253"It suits you two quite well. Liza, your collar is in disarray. Come here, I'll fix it for you."
7254"T-thank you very much, Master."
7255
7256Maybe they're envious to see me fixing Liza's collar, Arisa and the others are trying to disarrange their dresses, but it's not happening since only Liza's dress has collar.
7257
7258"Master, I'm sorry to have kept you waiting."
7259"Satou."
7260
7261The last ones to enter the room is Lulu and Mia.
7262My eyes are captivated by Lulu in white dress. Lulu who's smiling sweetly is attractive enough to almost make me fall in love.
7263
7264"Mwu."
7265
7266Maybe because I was fascinated with Lulu, Mia sulked and kicked my lower leg.
7267
7268"Sorry sorry, you two look very cute."
7269
7270Mia's dress is of elvish plant-like taste.
7271Several transparent cloth that look like leaves are stacked to paint green gradation, and a blue rose-like decoration goes from her left waist to her right shoulder.
7272I think there was three-dimensional way of sewing in the former world, but since I didn't know the way to do it, I reinforced it with thin mithril wires.
7273
7274Lulu's dress is a neat wedding-dress like white dress.
7275At first glance, it looks pure white, but since there are embroidery made with special Adamantite threads, the bottom has chandelier-like illumination, it draws glittering pattern as a surprise.
7276Of course it's a secret to Lulu.
7277
7278In addition, I've incorporated the world tree's branch as the lining and weaved fiber made of the whale's beard on every dress, so the defensive power is authentic.
7279
7280
7281~
7282
7283
7284Riding two wagons, we arrived at the guest house inside the royal castle.
7285This pavilion seems to be used only during the dance party.
7286
7287Going to the annex from the main building, we head to the first floor of the annex, the venue for lower class nobles. It seems the venue for the upper class nobles is the second floor of the main building, while the first floor being used for their guards and followers to stand by.
7288
7289After getting off the rotary wagon, we walk on the blue carpet spread on the hallway toward the venue.
7290
7291"Are those mithril explorers?"
7292"Lizardkin, Dogkin, Catkin, oh my, even Elf-sama is there."
7293"A group leads by a black-haired boy-- So those are Pendragon the 『Woundless』!"
7294
7295I heard such things from a group of lower class nobles who are gossiping around.
7296It's not particularly a bad gossip, so I bow and smile radiantly when we pass them.
7297
7298The venue is large enough for around 300 people to dance all at once.
7299Moreover, when I look closer, there are two rooms that are as wide connected to this.
7300There are a lot of lower class nobles, so these much space are probably needed.
7301
7302"Prety~?"
7303"There's a lot of chandeliers nanodesu."
7304"It's pretty so I praise."
7305
7306Tama, Pochi, Nana look up many chandeliers illuminating the venue and admire it.
7307
7308"Those don't seem to use candles, I wonder if all of those are magic tools?"
7309"That seems to be the case."
7310
7311Arisa asked, so I appraised them, and understood that they were magic tools that made use of Light Drops.
7312There are also ventilation magic tools on the four corners of the room.
7313As expected of a venue of a large country, it seems there are also crime prevention magic tools installed too.
7314
7315"It's really gorgeous. I feel that I'm out-of-place."
7316"That's not true. Liza is a splendid lady you know."
7317
7318I tell Liza who's being worried that it's not a flattery, it comes from my true feeling.
7319In actuality, among the nobles in this floor, about 5% of them aren't humans. Most of them are lifetime honorary chevaliers, but there are also those who hold honorary baron pedigree.
7320
7321"You too Lulu, relax your shoulders a bit."
7322"B-but. Even if a girl like me dresses up...."
7323
7324Even though it's dormant lately, Lulu's inferiority complex resurfaces after coming to a showy stage.
7325From my point of view, she's the most lovely and beautiful in this place, having her beauty shadowed by her inferiority complex is too wasteful.
7326
7327Right then, the orchestra preparation is complete, and relaxing tune starts to fill the floor.
7328Even though the host hasn't opened the meeting, some impatient couples have started to dance while matching the tune.
7329Lulu quietly leaks envious sigh while seeing the dancing couples.
7330
7331"Young lady, would you like to dance with me?"
7332
7333I present my hand to Lulu, and ask her to dance with me with slightly pompous tone.
7334
7335"U-um.... I-if you're fine with me."
7336
7337Lulu timidly takes my hand, and then I escort her to the open space where the couples are dancing.
7338Matching the relaxing music, we dance like wandering fish.
7339At first Lulu was tense trying not to fail, but she was diffused after seeing me purposely took some wrong steps, and it became a relaxing dance.
7340It was worth clowning around.
7341
7342The two of us spin and dance, enjoying the peaceful night.
7343More than fighting demons, really, I'm more suited to this kind of relaxing time.
7344
7345We continued dancing for several tunes until Lulu was satisfied.
7346
7347Furthermore, when we returned to where everyone was after finishing the dance, they looked at me as if wanting to dance, so I asked them to be my partner in turns.
7348
7349"Arisa, you're fine with not dancing?"
7350"Fuhfuhn, the star performer adorns the closing performance you know!"
7351
7352I heard Arisa bluffing like that with my Attentive Ears skill.
7353And, as if that was a flag, blue luminous point besides our girls reflected on the radar....
7354<TLN: No specific number, thus left as is.>
7355
7356--The night of dance party seems going to be long.
7357
7358Intermission: New Year Dish
7359 
7360"Lulu Onee-sama, I earnestly implore you."
7361
7362....What should I do, Arisa is acting even stranger than usual.
7363
7364"Do you want something you'd like to have for the evening meal?"
7365"Banba~gwu~?"
7366"Leaving out the whale karage is hard too nodesu."
7367
7368It was Pochi-chan and Tama-chan coming from behind Arisa who answered my question.
7369Liza-san would have surely requested yakitori.
7370Nana-san loves kids' lunch.
7371Mia-chan would be curry I think?
7372
7373"Luluu~"
7374"Ah, I'm sorry, Arisa."
7375
7376I inadvertently forgot about Arisa as my consciousness wandered about dinner.
7377
7378"So, what is your request? Don't be something too strange or something that Master dislikes okay?"
7379"Master won't dislike it mon."
7380
7381Arisa sulked like a child, turning her face the other way with swelling cheeks.
7382She rarely sulks like this.
7383
7384"Please Arisa, won't you talk to Onee-chan?"
7385"....Okay."
7386
7387When I matched our eyes and asked her, Arisa sheepishly nodded.
7388--Ah, it's been a while since I feel like an older sister.
7389
7390
7391~
7392
7393
7394"New year dish? What kind of dish is it?"
7395
7396Arisa was asking a dish called [New Year Dish].
7397However, I've never heard something like that.
7398
7399"It's the dish from Master's hometown."
7400"Then let's ask the way to make it from Master--"
7401"No!"
7402
7403--I thought of asking Master, but Arisa stopped me with both her arms spread open.
7404
7405"Why can't we?"
7406"We're always getting surprises from Master, so I want to give him some surprise present sometimes."
7407"Okay. Leave it to Onee-chan."
7408"Un, I love you Lulu!"
7409
7410Arara, it's back to 'Lulu' already.
7411It's unfortunate, but I won't be able to calm down if she keeps calling me Onee-sama, so it might be alright once in a while.
7412
7413I rolled my sleeves and then went to the kitchen.
7414
7415However, the real problem was from here....
7416
7417
7418~
7419
7420
7421"Seaweed roll, fish omelet roll, eel roll..."
7422"Are they all dish with roll?"
7423
7424I tilted my head in puzzlement, and then Arisa denied with a strange word, "Nein."
7425Apparently, she doesn't remember the dish's name.
7426
7427"U~n, I usually only ate them, so I can't remember the name. You boil carrot, taro, lotus root, and kuwai, there are also sliced kamaboko and ham I think."
7428
7429Arisa is telling me about it too haphazardly, I can't imagine what kind of dish is it.
7430I wonder if it's like Nabe where you put many things inside?
7431
7432"Oops, I mustn't forget, black soy bean and Kurikinton! Sweetened boiled sweet potatoes are also the staple aren't they."
7433
7434....Even if you tell me that it's the staple.
7435Were those just now for the dessert after dinner?
7436
7437"Right, right, prawns! Boiled prawns on boudara sea bream served whole! And then, and then, herring roe! There must be herring roe after all. With katsuboshi on it, you put a biit of soy sauce.... U~n, it's unbearable~"
7438
7439Arisa is grinning widely like when she's fantasizing about Master.
7440
7441"It's totally unbearable nodesu."
7442"Unbear-bear~"
7443
7444Pochi-chan and Tama-chan who imagined the dish from Arisa's words have their mouths open wide like they'll drool.
7445
7446"So, do you know how to make them?"
7447"Abbsolutely not."
7448"Arisa?"
7449"....Can't Lulu's transcendental cooking skill do something about it?"
7450
7451Oh you Arisa. She's way too unreasonable.
7452
7453"I'm not Master, so it's impossible. Since the eels are sold in the market, I think we can do something about it if you tell what kind of taste the boiled vegetables should be like."
7454"Really?! Asxpected of Lulu. The favorite pupil of the phantom chef!"
7455"Even if you praise me. I think we can substitute the prawn with river shrimp or crayfish, but I don't think we can get our hands on the sea bream. We have katsuboshi and soy sauce in stock, but what is herring roe?"
7456
7457To my question, Arisa crosses her arms and frowns.
7458
7459"Something that has eggs in it. Something that's yellow, lumpy and delicious!"
7460
7461I waited for Arisa's explanation to continue, but Arisa just kept crossing her arms and breathing roughly.
7462
7463"U~n, I don't think I've ever seen them even in the royal capital's and the trade city's marketplaces. If I only know the kind of fish it is, I could ask the marketplace people to get it..."
7464"Then can't we just ask the fish dealer old man at the marketplace for that?"
7465"Right. That might be good."
7466
7467Arisa and I, with Pochi-chan and Tama-chan as the guards, went to the royal capital's marketplace.
7468Come to think of it, why and what are the rolled ingredients for seaweed roll, fish omelet roll, and eel roll I wonder.
7469
7470
7471~
7472
7473
7474"I could get ya river fish, dried and smoked cods, octopus and river shrimp, but sea fish are impossible. Even if an Item Box-holder merchant runs on the fastest horse, it's absolutely impossible to keep them fresh."
7475
7476The old man of the best wholesale fish dealer in the royal capital told us so when we asked him.
7477
7478"Hey~, can't you do something somehow?"
7479"Like I said it's impossible. A falconkin airmail man can make a round trip to the trade city in one day, but there's no way you're paying 10 gold coins to buy fish right?"
7480
7481The pocket money I got from Master whenever we return from the labyrinth is quite enough.
7482However, using it like this feels wasteful.
7483
7484"Oh right, I've got some sakura salmon if ye' like? I don't know no herring ore, but the eggs of sakura salmon have this popping sensation, I recommend them y'know?"
7485
7486The fish dealer old man shows a sakura salmon that's as long as Pochi-chan, trying to sell it.
7487The sakura salmon's eggs are scarlet colored aggregation of grains.
7488
7489"It's salmon roe! Pouring this on rice and then eating them is delish ain't it~"
7490"Oh, lil' lady, you come from seaside? There aren't many people who eat this 'round here. I'll give them free of charge, so spread it around the people around you."
7491"Le~ave it to me. We have two excellent cooks, I'm going to make royal capital's people crazy about salted salmon roe!"
7492"How reliable~"
7493
7494Arisa finds a kindred spirit on the old man, going gahaha together.
7495....Oh Arisa. I have to instill her more woman-like behavior when we get back.
7496
7497
7498~
7499
7500
7501"Teleporting four people is hard after all."
7502
7503A few minutes after leaving the marketplace, we've arrived at the hill overlooking the trade city.
7504Arisa drinks the magic potion with great relish.
7505The sweet smell is the new peach taste isn't it.
7506
7507"Now, let's do the last spurt."
7508"Faighto~"
7509"Nanodesu!"
7510
7511After some slight floating sensation, we arrived at the corner of the warehouse block on the verge of the trade city.
7512This is the warehouse of Echigoya Firm that Master uses whenever he buys fresh fish.
7513
7514"Now, let's go everyone!"
7515"Ou~"
7516"Nanodesu!"
7517
7518Tama-chan and Pochi-chan answers Arisa's order with Shupin pose, and then we go to the unloading market while they're pulling my hands.
7519
7520"This is a good sea bream isn't it."
7521"Huge"
7522"Big~"
7523"It seems to be worth eating nanodesu."
7524
7525Arisa is being too surprised, but a sea fish that's as big as your spread arm should be the norm.
7526
7527"Young ladies, you have some sharp eyes. That sea bream is three gold coins."
7528
7529U~n, it's a bit too expensive.
7530The market price is around four silver coins I think?
7531
7532"Yes, here's three gold coins."
7533
7534Arisa quickly paid before I could negotiate.
7535The unloading market broker-san grins like he's found an easy mark ignorant of the world, but Arisa returns it with an even worse smile, and continues speaking.
7536
7537"Hey, I have some ingredients I want, is it alright with you?"
7538
7539Apparently, the gold coins earlier were for information exchange.
7540In just about a bell-ring long, the broker-san found the ingredients requested by Arisa.
7541
7542"Found crabs~?"
7543"There are even lobsters crowding on the plate nodesu."
7544
7545Tama-chan and Pochi-can found found them to be delicious.
7546The broker-san even carries them to the warehouse, and then from there on is no problem since we have the magic bag and Arisa's space magic.
7547
7548The fisherman-san whom we bought the herring roe from taught me the way to cook it, so it seems doable somehow.
7549
7550
7551~
7552
7553
7554"....■■ Infiltrate"
7555
7556Mia-chan uses cooking magic to shorten the time for the water to soak the black beans.
7557It's a water magic created by Master, but since it has no use other than for cooking, everyone half-jokingly calls it cooking magic.
7558
7559"....■■■ Ripen"
7560
7561Now then, I'm going to leave the processing that take time to Mia-chan, the problem is the fish omelet roll which recipe I don't know.
7562
7563"Wrong, this is just omelet."
7564
7565I've made so many kinds, but it never be like how Arisa wants.
7566I could have gotten precise hint if Master or Liza-san were here at a time like this....
7567
7568"Keepatit~~"
7569"True nanodesu. Leave the cleaning up to Pochi and Tama nodesu!"
7570
7571Tama-chan and Pochi-can who are holding rolled eggs on both their hands are eating the failed ones enthusiastically.
7572
7573"You won't be able to eat dinner if you eat too much you know?"
7574"Another stomach~?"
7575"It's fine as long as the flavor is different nanodesu."
7576
7577Flavor huh--right! Seasoning!
7578
7579"Arisa, tells me the seasoning from Master's hometown."
7580"Uumm, the seasoning is called 『Sashisuseso』. Sato (sugar), Shio (salt), Su (vinegar), Se... Se, Seabura (back fat), So, Soysauce--Shoyu!" <TLN: http://justhungry.com/2003/12/japanese_basics_2.html>
7581
7582Back fat, that's something I'd have never thought to use as a seasoning.
7583
7584"Lulu~ This, not it~?"
7585
7586Tama-chan picked up a small bottle with Mirin inside from among the seasoning in the kitchen.
7587I tried them all in turns, and it turned out the Mirin that Tama-chan found was the correct answer.
7588
7589"Right right, this is the flavor! Now Lulu! Let's make the seaweed roll next! Putting herring inside the roll is good, but since we have sakura salmon, let's make sakura salmon seaweed roll!"
7590
7591--Putting salmon in the seaweed roll?!
7592
7593The inner part of New Year Dish seems to be quite deep.
7594
7595It's said that mochi is necessary for New Year Dish, so Pochi-chan and Tama-chan are making mochi on the garden, pound pound.
7596Mia-chan, Nana-san and the others are also participating, I can hear their cheerful voice.
7597
7598Let's complete this before Master and Liza-san come back from the banquet and surprise them!
7599And then, I'll be praised "It's delicious Lulu."!
7600
7601P-perhaps, he might even say, "The man who makes Lulu his bride is a fortunate man."
7602
7603While crushing the chestnuts for making Kurikinton, I unconsciously have such delusion.
7604Tomorrow is the dance party, and the day after tomorrow is the Kingdom Conference.
7605
7606It's Master's big stage, and there's my Coming-of-age ceremony in the afternoon.
7607Ehehe~, it's matching with Master.
7608
7609Feasting, and then congratulating, let's make it a fun new year.
7610Ufufu, it'll be fun when Master comes back.
7611
7612-Intermission 1 End.
7613
7614SS: Dance Practice
7615 
7616"Fluttering~?"
7617"Pochi's dress is soft and fluffy too nanodesu."
7618
7619The dresses that Master has made for us are very beautiful.
7620Tama is also dancing round and round with Pochi nodesu.
7621
7622"Pochi, Tama, we're going to Oppai-san's place in the castle, are you coming?"
7623"Come~"
7624"Pochi will go too nodesu."
7625
7626Pochi nods to Arisa. She says that Lulu is also coming.
7627Pochi hasn't been moving much ever since she comes to to the royal capital, so she wants to do some training with Karina nodesu.
7628
7629Nana seems to be doing something in the garden. Together with Shiro and Crow too.
7630
7631We go to Karina's house in the royal castle.
7632But, Karina wasn't in the lesson room.
7633
7634"Huh? Karina-sama?"
7635"She's feeling a bit sick, she's retiring in her bedroom."
7636
7637Erina shakes her neck while saying, "Gyoukusai ssu." <TLN: Got your confession completely rejected>
7638Pochi wonder if Gyokusai is an egg dish? It sounds a bit delicious nanodesu.
7639
7640"I see, then everyone start your lesson ahead, I'll motivate Karina-sama for a bit."
7641
7642Arisa said so and then left the room.
7643Pochi also wanted to go with her, but she said, "It's maidens talk, so leave us two alone", and leave me in the room nodesu.
7644
7645"Tama is a maiden too~?"
7646"Even Pochi is a maiden nanodesu."
7647"N, maiden."
7648
7649We have to firmly protest here!
7650Lulu too, it's not the time to giggle nodesuyo?
7651
7652However, since a mansion's maid came to the room bringing snacks, we're going to protest after eating the snacks nodesu.
7653You cannot protest with a hungry stomach nodesuyo.
7654
7655~
7656
7657"Fulla~"
7658"It was delicious nodesu."
7659"N, satisfied."
7660
7661Eating snack is happiness.
7662Pochi can't make light of the mansion's maid skill nodesu.
7663
7664"I wonder if it uses ginger as the secret ingredient? If you just decrease it a bit more, remove the alcohol and add a drop of brandy, it should taste better. I should try it when we get back."
7665
7666....Lulu's monologues sounds so tender to Pochi's ears like a lullaby nodesu.
7667
7668~
7669
7670"Hey Pochi. The lesson is starting."
7671
7672Arisa woke Pochi up, swoosh swoosh.
7673Hau, Pochi's stomach was full, making her fell asleep nodesu.
7674
7675Karina is standing with enough fighting spirit beside Arisa.
7676Her face is like when Pochi and the others challenged the [Floormaster] nodesu.
7677
7678"I'll display the best dance and make the gazes of the surrounding men gather to me. And then, I'll make Satou regret and be jealous desuwa. A flower is chased by men. I won't become a cheap woman who chase after men desuwa."
7679
7680Pochi completely doesn't understand what Karina is saying, but Pochi loves doing chasing.
7681Da da da, da so Pochi chases and then enters the burrowing hole entirely, it's really fun nanodesu.
7682
7683Tama and Pochi leans our heads to each other.
7684
7685"Mia, music start."
7686"Nn."
7687
7688Karina dances with Lulu.
7689The two's foot-stepping are wonderful nanodesu. Pochi should train her foot techniques too nanodesu.
7690
7691Dancing and spinning together with Tama.
7692
7693"Good good, keep it up!"
7694
7695Arisa is encouraging everyone with folded arms.
7696
7697However, Pochi can't step her partner's feet as well as Karina and Lulu.
7698Tama's evasion is amazing nodesu.
7699
7700However, Master's evasion is even more amazing nodesu.
7701Someday, Pochi will show Master that she can dance well enough to step on her partner's feet like Karina and Lulu nodesu!
7702
7703--However, is it alright for Arisa not to practice dancing nodesu?
7704
7705-Short Story 1 End.
7706
7707SS: Arisa and Intrigue
7708 
7709"Master, about Lulu's coming-of-age celebration, which do you think is better, white or black? Ah, there's red too."
7710
7711Arisa asked while showing me some silk cloth.
7712
7713"Which you said, doesn't white suits Lulu the best?"
7714"Right isn't it. Pure white is nice after all."
7715
7716It'll looks good with Lulu's black hair--
7717
7718--Wait, pure white? The fact that she didn't just say white feels a bit off.
7719
7720"Wait."
7721"What?"
7722
7723I halt Arisa.
7724
7725"There are two things I want to ask you."
7726"My secret is expensive you know?"
7727
7728I ignore Arisa who's posing like a strange evil woman, and ask her what I need to ask.
7729
7730"You said coming-of-age celebration, is it near the time for Lulu's birthday?"
7731"Ara? I didn't tell you? There aren't many countries that celebrate birthdays here. Most only celebrate at ages seven and fifteen during new year."
7732
7733Fumu.... I confirm the date on my Menu.
7734It's 28th October right now, so it's about two months left huh. With this much time, I should be able to create a long-sleeved kimono.
7735Arisa continues speaking as if sneering me who's relieved.
7736
7737"Since one year is 10 months, it's the day after tomorrow."
7738
7739--Wha!
7740
7741Come to think of it, Arisa did tell me that one year is 10 months once.
7742
7743"....Two days left huh."
7744"Don't tell me, you really haven't prepared anything?"
7745
7746I have the best clothes prepared for when Lulu won the cooking tournament, but I feel that wearing Chinese dress for her coming-of-age ceremony is not good.
7747She would likely cry if I gave her the bunny suit I made for Arisa's joke....
7748
7749--Think! Satou!
7750
7751While skimming the items in my Storage, I imagine what kind of item I should make.
7752
7753--Show me the power of that uselessly high INT!
7754
7755Something that would make women happy are sweets, ornaments and cosmetics, and also a trip huh.
7756
7757There's nothing special with sweets.
7758Accessories too, I've always given her the trial products whenever I make dresses and maid uniform, so it'll feel too little too late.
7759A tiara with a lot of philosopher's stones...is not a good idea. Gift isn't about the amount of money.
7760
7761I have several repertoires regarding cosmetics, but with Lulu's beauty it'd harm it instead.
7762Then maybe something like perfume--right, a lipstick might be good.
7763
7764When my childhood friend asked me a birthday present, she was really happy when I randomly give her a lipstick.
7765I was running out of money at that time, so I bought the lipstick from a hundred-yen store, I felt like running away when I saw my childhood friend dancing in joy from the cheap lipstick I gave, but I remember giving her a proper lipstick after I got the earnings from my part-time job later on.
7766
7767"I'll present her a lipstick."
7768"Ah, she might be pleased with that. I'll even overlook it if I see it on Master's lips."
7769
7770Arisa said so while laughing amorously.
7771....She said that in case of Lulu kissing me right? I don't have a hobby of dressing as a girl you know?
7772
7773--Huh? Arisa asked me about the color just now, can she even make a kimono in two days?
7774I thought so and confirmed to Arisa.
7775
7776"Ah, of course it's for battle underwear! Does Master like string for the side? Or maybe you're in lace-faction?"
7777
7778After spanking Arisa who laughed guhehe, turned out the white cloth from earlier was for the half-finished dress for Lulu.
7779She's using unraveled whale beard which is used for dress armor for the lining cloth, so the defensive power is way higher than normal metal armor.
7780
7781In addition, since it could be sexual harassment, I checked if Arisa really made a battle underwear.
7782
7783
7784....On later days, Lulu who used the lipstick I gave her while wearing the white dress was really wonderful.
7785The offensive power is really too high, enough to make me feel dizzy.
7786It was dazzling enough that I would have proposed her here and then if it wasn't for Aze-san.
7787
7788"It's my turn in three years. At that time, you have to absolutely, absolutely make a face like just now!"
7789
7790Arisa who crossed her arms while posing dauntingly roughly breathed, muhhaa, and declared so.
7791Toward Arisa's reckless objective that seems like a knight challenging a windmill, I cheer for her only in my mind.
7792
7793--Do your best, Arisa.
7794
7795-Short Story 2 End.
7796
7797SS: Lulu and Ingredients Shopping
7798 
7799"Huh? Lulu, you sure are early."
7800"Good morning, Master."
7801
7802I stop my hands from changing clothes, and greet Master.
7803Even though Master said I'm early, Master wasn't in the bed when I woke up in the middle of the night, so maybe he didn't sleep tonight too.
7804
7805I can't imagine Master collapsing from overworking, but even my mother collapsed suddenly.
7806It might be presumptuous of me, but I harden my heart, I must tell Master to get some sleep!
7807
7808"Master--"
7809"Lulu, you're in the middle of changing right? I'm troubled where to look, so can you at least put your underwear?"
7810
7811--Eh?
7812
7813Underwear?
7814
7815I move my line of sight awkwardly to below.
7816
7817That is, just now, the one I was trying to wear, brassiere.
7818
7819I cover my breasts and squat on the floor.
7820Ah, my face is hot.
7821
7822To let Master see the body of an ugly girl like me.... I've polluted his eyes.
7823
7824"I-I'm sorry. To show such a thing to Master."
7825"Ah, sorry. My reaction was late due to my slightly lack of sleep. Moreover, it was a sight for sore eyes, so there's no need for you to apologize."
7826
7827Master who had turned his body the other way gently said so.
7828
7829I put up the brassiere in a hurry. It seems the bust-up exercise has shown its effect recently, they've grown bigger and the brassiere size becomes wrong.
7830I have to ask Arisa to adjust the size next time.
7831
7832"Lulu give this package to Arisa when she's woken up. It's dangerous, so be careful about the children opening the package okay."
7833"Yes, I understand."
7834
7835I put the package from Master into my own magic bag temporarily.
7836I want to put it in Arisa's magic bag, but it can't be helped since you can only put and take out things from your own magic bag.
7837
7838Master waves his hand to me and then leaves the room.
7839
7840--Ah! Maybe he was hungry.
7841There's still some time before the commuting maids come, so I have to make it!
7842
7843I grab the apron in a hurry and chase after Master.
7844
7845
7846~
7847
7848
7849"Is it alright with just plum rice porridge?"
7850"Yeah, it's nice for the stomach, and above all, Lulu's cooking is delicious."
7851
7852Ehehehee, I got praised.
7853
7854"Right, there's a morning market opening near the royal capital's gate during this hour, do you want to see it?"
7855
7856For Master's invitation, I check the clock that Master's made hung on the wall.
7857There's still two hours before everyone wakes up--it's alright isn't it?
7858
7859"Yes! I want to go."
7860"Then we'll be going after I've finished eating this, so fix your clothes okay."
7861
7862--Eh?
7863
7864Aaaa..... I've done it again.
7865To have only my underwear under the apron, there's a limit to being improper.
7866Like this, I'm just a female pervert.
7867
7868While reflecting on it, I went back to my room in a hurry to change.
7869
7870
7871~
7872
7873
7874"As one would expect of the royal capital, there's an abundance of goods huh."
7875"Yes! It makes it hard to choose."
7876
7877There's a lot of seasoning, there's a lot of ingredients I've never seen, just thinking how to use them makes me feel giddy.
7878If possible I'd love to study cooking together with Master just like it was before we went to the elf hometown.... Such thing is too luxurious for me.
7879
7880"Ah, Master, although they're small, aren't those tuna?"
7881"It's true, let's go see it Lulu."
7882
7883Master pulled my hand while smiling happily.
7884Oh Master, he really likes tuna.
7885
7886I hold my cheeks with the unconnected hand so that it won't loosen, and enjoy the brief happiness.
7887
7888
7889~
7890
7891
7892After we've finished the shopping, I'm sitting together with Master on a bench next to a stall, enjoying some light meal.
7893Maybe because I've walked a lot, the fragrance of the soba that's just been milled stimulates my appetite.
7894
7895"It's the first time I've eaten soba made of buckwheat dough, but it's surprisingly delicious isn't it."
7896"Yes. It's not firm like the soba I ate before, but this is delicious too."
7897
7898It's the first for me, but it seems it's the first too for Master who has extensive knowledge.
7899
7900It seems there's still a lot of dish unknown to me in Royal Capital.
7901The money I received in the Labyrinth City has accumulated so much I don't know if it'll ever be used up, so it might be good to eat out at various places.
7902I won't ask something luxurious like wanting it to be together with Master.
7903Exploring a lot of delicious shops with everyone, it'll be fun.
7904
7905Eating the local dishes in various regions, and then next time, I'll be treating those dishes to someone else in another region.
7906Recently, I sometimes dream like that.
7907
7908It might be an unreachable dream with this slave body, but someday I'll save enough money and make it a reality.
7909
7910And then, at that time, beside me will be--.
7911
7912-Short Story 3 End.
7913
7914SS: Tama and Bad People Suppression
7915 
7916"Night strolling~?"
7917
7918Tama found Master who was going out, so it's an emergency capture nano.
7919I mean, Arisa and Mia asked me.
7920
7921"Ah, you found me. Keep it a secret from everyone okay?"
7922"Aye"
7923
7924Master puts Wing Boots on Tama, and then we go together.
7925
7926Mia and Arisa said, "Catch Master when he's going out alone."
7927But, right now he's with Tama, so it's alright.
7928
7929--It's alright right?
7930
7931From on top of the neighboring mansion, Tama flies pyo~n departing!
7932Master's black mantle is fluttering, he looks so happy. The white mask is also laughing.
7933
7934Tama can't fly well, so Master holds her in his arms.
7935
7936"To where~?"
7937"A bit more--look, it's over there."
7938
7939We land at the top of a spire with a thump.
7940Even though the mantle is shaken by the wind, Master doesn't shake even an inch.
7941
7942--As expected, nano.
7943
7944"Look there, I'm going to suppress those bad people."
7945"Bad people~?"
7946
7947When Tama looks at the place Master is pointing at, there are people in black clothing full of weapons lurking in the back alley.
7948
7949"It seems they're going to attack the homes of our employees--wait, we can talk about that later."
7950
7951Master comes before Tama's face.
7952When you stare so hard, it's embarrassing, nyan.
7953
7954"Listen now, they are far weaker than the labyrinth monsters, so don't forget to hold back okay."
7955"Aye!"
7956
7957Tama replies with shutan pose.
7958
7959"Now, let's start the ninja time."
7960
7961Tama nods to answer Master.
7962I mean, Ninjas don't talk.
7963
7964While holding Tama, Master lands in front of the black clothed people.
7965
7966"Who the hell are you!"
7967"Your enemies."
7968
7969Tama hides behind the shadow as soon as we land.
7970
7971"What? The pink lump disappears?"
7972"Rather than that, kill this suspicious mask!"
7973"""Ou!"""
7974
7975The black-clothed people attack Master all at once.
7976Tama cannot go help.
7977
7978I mean, there is no need.
7979
7980--Ammazing!
7981
7982Master increases to six, and then attack the black-clothed people who're attacking from six directions!
7983Every one of them fell to the floor without even having time to swing their swords.
7984
7985Tama has to learn it too!
7986I mean, she's a ninja.
7987
7988~
7989
7990Tama will get scolded if she just watches. She has to work too--
7991
7992"It's noisy on that side."
7993"Maybe they got found out by the guards."
7994"Even if it's just us, let's quickly plunder, kill and escape."
7995"Right."
7996
7997Discovered bad people.
7998Shuriken, shu, shu, shu~?
7999
8000--Huh?
8001
8002"Hmph, you seem to be quite skillful, but it's not enough against this great me who's an ex-Red Iron ya'know?"
8003
8004Tama held back too much.
8005Uncle-san attacked with a great axe.
8006
8007Iai flash nano.
8008When a Ninja 'shupan', draws, and then 'shushut', sheaths, something like a great axe is cut in two.
8009
8010"Wo, what? Red blade flew?"
8011
8012Unyu, Magic Edge Cannon came out.
8013--Ah, Master catches the Magic Edge Cannon on the other side.
8014
8015Tama waves her hand, thank you Master.
8016
8017Huh? But wasn't Master fighting over there?
8018When she turns around, Master is standing over there too.
8019
8020Afterimage! Arisa often said, "That's an afterimage!" when she played as demon king nyan!
8021As expected of Tama's master.
8022
8023"Magic weapons huh. You cheater!"
8024
8025Uncle-san is angry, punpun.
8026
8027Tama is not a cheater.
8028Besides, the one saying cheater is the cheater themselves nano.
8029
8030I mean, Ninjas are an ally of justice.
8031
8032Tama too, will afterimage.
8033
8034"Kuh, Twinkling Movement huh!"
8035
8036Uncle-san takes some distance while blocking the kunai with his axe.
8037U~n, it's a bit wrong.
8038
8039While evading the daggers thrown around by Uncle-san, Tama sees Master who's fighting over there.
8040
8041U~n, it's difficult.
8042Does Tama move slightly like, gyun, maybe~?
8043
8044"Tsk, they were easily evaded, then how about this!　『Flame』"
8045
8046Uncle-san points a short wand with fire stone here.
8047A small fireball comes flying.
8048
8049It's useless nyan.
8050If Tama just, cut-this-one--done.
8051
8052"WHAT! This guy cut a magic!"
8053
8054Next is Tama's turn.
8055
8056Moving slightly, like, gyun.
8057
8058"Wha, this guy increased?!"
8059
8060Looks like it's a success.
8061But, Tama hit Uncle-san's stomach too enthusiastically.
8062
8063Uncle-san who spurted blood like he was dying got healed by Master's magic.
8064Master, thank you nano.
8065
8066"Looks like Tama has cleaned up her part too. The guards seem to be coming here, let's go back after I've given these guys to them."
8067"Aye!"
8068
8069After Master give the bad people to the guward people, we return to the mansion.
8070We remove our disguises along the way and eat [Yonakisoba] on a stall that sounds [pipuu].
8071
8072"Who would've thought that there's a ramen stall here."
8073"Delish~"
8074
8075Tama wants to eat [Yonakisoba] with Pochi and everyone next time.
8076
8077"That's right, let's go with Pochi and the others next time."
8078"Aye!"
8079
8080Therefore, so happy from Master's words, Tama answers with energetic shutan pose.
8081
8082-Short Story 4 End.
8083
8084Intermission: New Year Greeting
8085 
8086"Wish you a happy new year."
8087"Satou! W-wish you a happy new year!"
8088
8089Receiving my surprise happy new year greeting, Aze-san greeted back like she was surprised.
8090
8091Making use of the time difference between the royal capital and Boruenan countryside, I came to Boruenan to do happy new year greeting.
8092I had prepared the pretext of using the new Unique Skill [Unit Arrangement], but everyone was fast asleep since they were making merry until late at night during the evening party and the after party yesterday.
8093
8094Today Aze-san is even cuter than usual.
8095No, I should say that that she's beautiful on her miko attire huh.
8096
8097"I like your normal clothes, but that miko attire is also lovely isn't it."
8098"T-thank yu--"
8099
8100She was saying the last part embarrassingly and sheepishly I couldn't hear it, but since I was able to see blushing Aze-san, I deemed it good.
8101
8102"Are you not using the little girl illusion today?"
8103"T-that's! I-it's not like that! That's--"
8104
8105When I was playing around with Aze-san, Lua-san came in wearing miko attire.
8106
8107"Ara, Satou-san. Is it fine for you to be away from Shiga Kingdom already?"
8108"Yes, fortunately."
8109
8110I had told them about the greater demon and the summoned part of Demon God ahead with [Telephone] magic.
8111
8112"It's about time for the ceremony, let's go to the world tree."
8113"Satou will also come right?"
8114"Yes, of course I'll be observing."
8115
8116I came here for that sake after all.
8117They tell me that they will perform offering dance at the time of sunrise in the observatory of the world tree, so they need to prepare various things.
8118
8119An altar like the one in Shinto shrines has been prepared in the observatory, and including Aze-san, there are more than 100 miko and diviners preparing things.
8120The light is put off when everyone has taken their position, the room is wrapped in silence.
8121
8122When the first sunlight begins to be seen on the faraway horizon, the sound of transverse flute and organ begin to spread.
8123The 'shan-shan' sound I heard sometimes are probably from the kagura bells the miko and the diviners are carrying.
8124
8125And then when the sunlight illuminates the observatory, Aze-san who was standing by begins to dance the Kagura Dance with dignified expression.
8126The other miko starts to dance one after another, while the comforting sound from the diviners fill the altar with solemn atmosphere.
8127
8128Their movements are accurate as if they've programmed to it.
8129And yet, they don't look mechanical. Looking from the elves' perspectives, it's probably a dance they've performed for hundreds, thousands of years, so it probably has become as natural as breathing to them.
8130
8131The dance continues on for about 30 minutes, and I've perfectly recorded it from start to finish.
8132I'll show it to Mia and the others later.
8133
8134When I was gazing at the prime and proper mode Aze-san, she seemed to notice me and came over while taking Lua-san along.
8135
8136"Satou."
8137"Good work Aze-san. It was a very wonderful dance."
8138
8139I hand over a fluffy towel to Aze-san.
8140While looking at her who's wiping her sweat from the side, I ask her the question I've been having in mind.
8141
8142"Aze-san, I forgot to ask before, but which God was the dance dedicated to?"
8143"It's to Dragon God-sama."
8144
8145--Dragon God Akon Kagura?
8146
8147"D-does the elf revere the Dragon God?"
8148
8149If that's the case, then I have to confess that I've killed their deity....
8150
8151"No, it's not like that. Rather, the elves only revere us and the Creator God who created the seven pillar gods."
8152
8153Oops, some last boss-like name came out of Aze-san's mouth.
8154
8155"This is the first time I've heard of Creator God--"
8156"That's only natural. It's a God that came from a far far away world together with the seven pillar gods after all."
8157
8158Lua-san answered my doubt.
8159Come to think of it, the same thing was written in the picture book about myth from before.
8160
8161"It's independent?"
8162"Yes, about 100 hundred million years have passed since they came to this world, but not even once an oracle came from Creator God. There are many gods who leave their worlds, and that particular God has non-interference policy."
8163
8164The time span is strange.
8165Rather, so there are a lot of gods in other worlds huh.
8166
8167Oops, the story has been diverted.
8168
8169"But, then why is the dance dedicated to the Dragon God?"
8170"That's because--"
8171
8172The thing that Aze-san told me was close to the content of the myth picture book I read before.
8173As a thank for the Dragon God who welcomed the gods coming to this world, they've been doing the offering dance for generations in the span of 100 million years.
8174
8175100 million years huh....
8176Then keeping silent about will be too dishonest of me.
8177
8178I steeled myself, asked to meet the demi-god mode Aze-san who's linked with the world tree's archive, and confessed that I had killed the Dragon God.
8179
8180"....to the Dragon God?"
8181
8182Demi-god mode Aze-san looks perplexed for the first time.
8183
8184"Apparently, you are not lying."
8185
8186After a while, she greatly breathes out and turns her tranquil eyes to me.
8187
8188"Satou, I have been surprised by you so many times, but this is the first time I'm this shocked in the 100 million years after I came to this land."
8189
8190I wanted to lower my head from her sublime voice, but I psyche myself and stare at the dignified face of demi-god mode Aze-san.
8191
8192"However, there is no problem if you just merely killed the Dragon God."
8193
8194――ＷＨＡＴ？
8195
8196"When the gods had just came to this world, God Zaikuon and God Garleon challenged the Dragon God and got themselves killed, but they were revived in 1000 years time. If it's the Dragon God then it will probably be revived in 100 years."
8197
8198As expected of God.
8199Or rather, does that mean it would seek revenge in 100 years?
8200
8201....Well I guess it's alright. There's no great difference since my life would've ran out in 100 years anyway.
8202
8203"Fufufu, Satou sure thinks some interesting things."
8204
8205Oops, demi-god mode Aze-san could read your mind in this room only was it.
8206
8207"Dragon God hates to lose, but it doesn't mind the method of fighting. If you don't want to fight with force, then you can fight with wits or games."
8208"--I see."
8209
8210Then I have to develop PCs and game consoles in the 100 years before the Dragon God gets revived.
8211Even better, aiming for VR games seems fun too.
8212
8213"Please let me participate when that happens."
8214"Yes, of course."
8215
8216I express my gratitude to demi-god mode Aze-san, and then I get back to the usual tree house together with the usual Aze-san.
8217
8218
8219~
8220
8221
8222"Oh right, I've brought new year dishes since I thought of eating it with everyone."
8223"Ara, then we have to call Nea."
8224
8225Lua-san who's followed along with us asks a pixie flying nearby to be a messenger.
8226Nea-san is an elf cook researcher who bets her life to reproduce the Japanese dishes told by the late hero.
8227
8228"Hey, Daisaku said that you eat new year dishes with your family, is that true?"
8229"Yes, that's true."
8230
8231Of course, you also treat your friends who visit you with the dishes, but most are eaten together with your family right?
8232
8233"--Is that so."
8234
8235It seems Aze-san is pleased with my answer, she sits down happily beside me.
8236There's just enough space for Mia to sit between us.
8237
8238....You can sit closer you know?
8239
8240
8241~
8242
8243
8244"My! Are those neyyear dishes?"
8245
8246When I spread the six-tiered food boxes, Nea-san who came from the window with wind magic asked with peculiar pronunciation.
8247
8248"Happy new year, Nea-san."
8249"Ara, me of all people--"
8250
8251Nea-san apologizes for her bad manner.
8252No no, Nea-san's tension is always like this when it's related to food.
8253
8254"Satou-san, happy new year. Please take care of me this year too."
8255
8256Nea-san is keeping appearance like a graceful lady, but her eyes are shining fiery like she's found a prey, scrutinizing the new year dish.
8257
8258I quietly hands her the recipe collection without any bribe.
8259She should be able to perfect the "faux" new year dish that I and Lulu made.
8260
8261"Then let us eat."
8262"Wa~i"
8263
8264To Lua-san's signal, Aze-san approved it like a child.
8265Looks like she's weak to delicious things like usual.
8266
8267"This omelet is tasty!"
8268"That one is called datemaki."
8269
8270I explain the dish simply to Aze-san who stuffs her mouth with the datemaki.
8271Aze-san is listening happily, "uh-huh", but since she's absorbed in tasting the food, she's probably going to forget it tomorrow.
8272
8273"Daisaku said. If you shout out your love as you eat datemaki, you'll learn the six-swords style right?"
8274
8275--Hero Daisaku! Please be more moderate when you play around with Aze-san!
8276
8277I complained to the late hero in my mind.
8278
8279"Is this soup a clear soup?"
8280"That's called Ozouni."
8281"Eh~. --This mochi! There's red bean paste inside! Ozouni is sweet, I love it."
8282
8283--Love!
8284
8285Repeat, please!
8286
8287"Aze-san, does the Ozouni suits your taste?"
8288"Yes, it's so sweet I like it very much."
8289
8290--Like it very much.
8291
8292I'll compile the voice record from this time, and make it into hearing item for when I feel down.
8293I want to praise my past self who decided to make not the light-brown miso ozouni that Arisa requested, but the ozouni that Aze-san likes.
8294
8295Usually Lua-san would have looked like she would vomit sugar, but today it seems she's busy with dishes she's seen for the first time, it doesn't seem she pay any attention to me and Aze-san flirting.
8296
8297Rather than calling it flirting, it feels more like a relationship between a guest and a waiter, but that's not true.
8298Subjectivity is important at a time like this.
8299
8300"The prawns' husks are...."
8301"If you hold it like this and do this, you can take it off easily you know."
8302"It's true! As expected of Satou."
8303
8304While teaching the way to break the sea bream into pieces, I teach Aze-san who's having a hard time with the prawns the way to shell them, we pass the time while talking about various stories.
8305
8306As I've thought, Visiting Boruenan countryside really heals me.
8307
8308As the multi-tiered food boxes get emptied, Aze-san mutters "I can't eat anymore" happily while curling on my lap looking satisfied.
8309
8310I wanted to enjoy this happiness a bit more, but since Arisa contacted me "It's about time to depart for the Kingdom Conference" through [World Phone], I bid my farewell to Aze-san and the others.
8311
8312I'm going to stock fresh shrimps in the royal capital, and make some shrimp curry.
8313New year dishes are nice, but curry is also nice isn't it.
8314
8315-Intermission 2 End.
8316
8317The narrator is a big-wig of the demon lord believers [Light of Liberty]
8318
8319Intermission: In the Shadow of the Royal Capital
8320 
8321"This is the artifact entrusted by the previous Earl Bobi."
8322
8323The thing on top of the cloth that the man presents is a bracelet that looks like it's made from braiding of violet-colored hair.
8324
8325"Fire Magician-dono, is this really it?"
8326"Umu, I will even bet the house name of Dasles on it."
8327
8328It doesn't look like an artifact blessed by Demon God-sama, but we should know whether it's real when we use it.
8329If it were a fake, this man could just pay with his soul then.
8330
8331"As for the rewards--"
8332
8333I leave it to one of my underlings.
8334This fire magician seeks a certain information as the reward.
8335
8336"The tigerkin girl is in a district in the slum where they don't let humans in. Important as it may, it would be slightly troubling if fire magician-dono makes a big fuss. Therefore, for our friendship, I have ordered for that girl to be abducted, and get her to fire magician-dono."
8337
8338The fire magician nods like he's displeased hearing the underling.
8339I don't know what grudge he has, but to come far from the east, quite the hard work he's gone through.
8340
8341
8342~
8343
8344
8345"....■■■■■■■ Summon Artifact"
8346
8347In exchange of 100 sacrifices, a black short horn falls on top of the altar.
8348
8349"So this is 『Short Horn』. The demon god-sama's artifact that can sublimate people into demons...."
8350
8351I was tempted to reflexively used it, but such imprudence is not allowed before our ambition.
8352Because I'm yielding it to His Highness to sublimate into a demon and ascend the throne.
8353
8354I continue to spend everyday changing the souls of the poor who are no different than trash to become artifacts.
8355The voices of resentment and curses of the poor when their souls are offered to the artifact fill the Holy Grail.
8356
8357
8358~
8359
8360
8361"This pill can produce monster huh?"
8362"Yes, and as it is a military secret of our Empire, we kindly ask Cardinal-sama to keep it a secret."
8363
8364The weaselkin merchant brings a box full of small pills on his little fingers.
8365Used separately, this is nothing more than lowest-grade magic potion, but it changes normal creatures into monsters if you give it to one that has a magic core buried inside its body after it's gone critical state from taking Fiend Drug and then give it magic wave through the activation magic tool.
8366
8367Getting the fiend drug is a bit hard, but thanks to the help of His Highness, and his accomplice, Honored One, it has become possible to mass produce it in the labyrinth's underground.
8368
8369With this, we can turn the royal capital into monster paradise like Heki territory.
8370
8371
8372~
8373
8374
8375....What is happening.
8376
8377For the lower-class noble who was making the Fiend Drug in the labyrinth city to get arrested, and for even the fiend drug that were being transported to the Royal Capital to get seized as well....
8378
8379"『Mirage』"
8380"I am here...."
8381"Disguise yourself as Marquis Kelten, and dispatch 『Violet』 to the Labyrinth City. Dispose of Sokel before all of the underground fields are found."
8382"Is it alright if I do not go myself?"
8383"I do not mind. There should be some demi-humans with wings in 『Violet』. Let those people go there."
8384"As you wish."
8385
8386I leave the 『Disguise』 artifact given by Honored One to [Mirage]. If one disguise oneself with this artifact, one cannot be seen through even with Personage Appraisal and Malice Appraisal.
8387
8388I do not think that it could deceive the appraisal ability of Parion's hero, but that hero should be far in the weaselkin kingdom, chasing after the present demon king.
8389
8390This is the time of [Union Season] that only happen once in every 666 years.
8391
8392It's the time of the demon lords revival, the [Great Demon Lords' Season] so to speak.
8393I have to thank Demon God-sama to have blessed me the fortune of being born in the year of the holy season that hasn't happened since the time of [Golden Wild Boar King] that destroyed Furu Empire.
8394
8395
8396~
8397
8398
8399All of the fiend drug fields in the underground labyrinth have been found by a man who called himself hero's follower.
8400Moreover, he even unashamedly snatched the noble daughters who were left chastise for the sake of demon possession.
8401
8402I had stealthily carried away the stored fiend drug in the warehouse of the army headquarter but half of them were confiscated by the authorities.
8403
8404Right before the drug were all destroyed, [Mirage] who disguised himself as Marquis Kelten stopped it, but most of it had been carried to the Royal Research Institute in order to be disposed.
8405The real Marquis Kelten has been arrested by the prime minister too, so [Mirage] can't disguise himself as him until the successor is selected.
8406
8407Yet, my underlings managed to bribe a knight, and we were able to scatter the fiend drug in the underground waterway.
8408With this, I can simply wait for the right time to sow the seed I got from the weaselkins.
8409
8410
8411~
8412
8413
8414The first experiment was a success.
8415I was able to change the rat that had eaten fiend-drug absorbing slimes into rat monster by giving it the seed and using the activation tool left by the weaselkins.
8416
8417The artificial monsters had red-rope patterns, and they displayed strong power and vigorous appetite compared to the common monsters.
8418
8419....But one problem remains.
8420
8421"Every monster got debilitated in less than three days and disintegrated."
8422"Damn weaselkins, to leave us with these defective products..."
8423
8424Reports from my underling are not favorable.
8425I cannot turn the royal capital into monster paradise like this.
8426
8427--It's unavoidable.
8428Let's prioritize hatching His Highness now.
8429
8430I instruct my underling to sow the seeds in various places in the royal capital and continue the preparation for the hatching.
8431
8432Afterward from there, if we get our hands on the Orb, our ambition should come true.
8433
8434
8435~
8436
8437
8438The fire magician who got irritated from the abduction plan of the tigerkin girl that wasn't going well turned one section of the slum into blaze. He's a fool who can't be patience before the more important matter.
8439
8440--It'd be bad if we are exposed through that guy.
8441
8442I gave several of my subordinates [Short Horns] and the valuable [Long Horn], and dispatched them to the blazing section of the slum to dispose of the fire magician.
8443Every one of my underlings that had turned into lesser and mid demons met their ends on the fifth seat of Shiga Eight Swords the gun-user that happened to be there, who also got killed in the process.
8444How pathetic of them considering he lost his seat to Prince Sharlick the holy sword user.
8445As I thought, the upstart sublimated demons can't be compared to the natural demons.
8446
8447Unfortunately, we couldn't find the fire magician in the royal capital afterward.
8448He probably got caught in the fire he created himself and died.
8449
8450Two days later, there was a bizarre case where the corpse of a white furred tigerkin soldier in cruel condition was left in front of the gate.
8451It might be the handiworks of the fire magician in question.
8452In order to secure his arrest, I'll send Sir Jizon the former temple knight in the royal capital.
8453
8454
8455~
8456
8457
8458"How is the condition of His Highness?"
8459"Yes, he spend the days uneventfully like usual."
8460
8461I nod back to my underlings reports.
8462
8463"I see.... So have you found out the location of the thing from before?"
8464"It is in the Treasury of the royal castle after all. It's enshrined in the deepest one."
8465
8466One of my underlings proudly reported the information he got from bribing the vice chief who was in control of cataloging.
8467I endure not to say that he should have been proud about getting the thing from before--the orb instead.
8468
8469"Good grief, it has become unthinkably troublesome since we failed at shooting down the airship that was staged to be Duke Bishtal's assassination."
8470"It was also for disposing the Mithril Explorers to stop them from being headaches in the future, but it was too greedy."
8471"The plan to steal the orbs under the pretext of helping them was...."
8472"To do three things at once, this greediness is your fault!"
8473"If you have to say that, then you're also--"
8474
8475I strike the tip of bishop's staff I have in my hand to the floor.
8476
8477"Leave it at that."
8478
8479I stop the tedious complaints of my underlings, and confirm several things.
8480
8481"『Mirage』, can you not break into the royal castle?"
8482"It is impossible. Because normally there is the annoying seal left behind by Ancestor King Yamato...."
8483
8484If I borrow that person's power, getting the orb is a simple matter, but I cannot give such an odd chore to Honored One. I have to exhaust my resources in order to do it.
8485
8486
8487~
8488
8489
8490....The tactics is underway.
8491I finished the preparation for the tamed monsters for bombing the obstructive Shiga Eight Swords.
8492[Mirage] who disguised himself as the Naval General Staff had fed false information to the soldiers of the royal capital's gate, stating that it's for practice.
8493I have also slipped in Sir Jizon into the banquet in order to exterminate Shiga Eight Swords who escape the attack.
8494
8495The anxiety of the royal capita's people should be at its peak after the frequent attacks of the monsters.
8496Judging from the uproar of the ignorant people during the manifestation of the [Dog-head Demon Lord] the other day, they would surely dance as I've predicted on the stage this time.
8497
8498...The whistling arrow from the megalith far away rang the bell of the beginning.
8499
8500Now then, dance you people of Royal Capital.
8501The time for the manifestation of the true demon lord is near.
8502
8503The Light of Liberty--
8504
8505
8506●Profiles
8507【Light of Liberty】 Demon Lord believers based in Holy Kingdom Parion.
8508【Mirage】 A member of Light of Liberty. A high level scout that can use holy magic.
8509【His Highness】 An unknown person who has appeared many times in only name.
8510【Honored One】 First appearance. Judging from the Narrator's view point, it's possible that this person is a demon.
8511【Wings of Freedom】 Demon lord believers based in Oyugock Dukedom.
8512【Previous Earl Bobi】 A noble of Oyugock dukedom. Supported Wings of Freedom.
8513【Fire Magician】 Has grudge against tigerkins. It's unknown whether he's the same pyromaniac whom Satou once arrested in Puta Town.
8514【Dasles】 A house name of Makiwa Kingdom's marquis. It has died out now.
8515【Tigerkin Girl】 It's unknown whether she's the same Princess Runya who was being sold in the black market of the Duchy capital.
8516【Tigerkin Warrior】 It's unknown whether slaughtered man is the same person as Sir Galgaoron who saved Princess Runya from the black market.
8517【Prince Sharlick】 Fought the yellow greater demon in Oyugock dukedom into cripple.
8518【Gun-user of Shiga Eight Swords】 The fift seat of Shiga Eight Swords. Killed each other in a fight against a mid demon.
8519【Marquis Kelten】 The noble who's framed. Has srong influence in the military.
8520【Violet】 A military unit formed of crime slaves. Mainly does dirty works.
8521【Hero's Follower】 It's Satou who's disguised himself as Kuro.
8522【Sokel】 An underling noble who was affiliated with the fiend drug manufacture.
8523【Noble Daughters】 Saved from the Lost Thieves by Kuro. Employees of Echigoya Firm.
8524
8525-Intermission 3 End.
8526
8527END OF VOLUME 12
8528
8529Skill Table of the Protagonist up until Chapter 12
8530 
8531It's written as: [Name (Skill Level) The chapter where it's acquired].
8532Skills that have been acquired but not written in the chapter, are written here. I added ※ in the end to distinguish them.
8533
8534Skill Standards
8535Lv1....Beginner
8536Lv3....Standard
8537Lv5....Expert
8538Lv7....Master
8539Lv9....Genius
8540Lv10....Godly
8541
8542
8543● Weapon Skill (61p )
8544
8545Shooting　　　　　　(　Lv10　)　1-9
8546Spear　　　　　　　(　Lv10　)　1-9　◎Went UP from 0 => 10 on 3-8
8547Bow　　　　　　　(　――　)　1-9
8548One-Handed Sword　　　　　(　Lv10　)　1-9
8549One-Handed Mace　　　　　(　――　)　1-9
8550Dagger　　　　　　(　Lv10　)　1-9　Went UP from 0 => 10 on 6-2
8551Throwing　　　　　　(　Lv1 　)　1-9　▼
8552Two-Handed Mace　　　　　(　――　)　1-9
8553Two-Handed Sword　　　　　(　――　)　1-10
8554One-Handed Axe　　　　　(　――　)　1-10
8555Two-Handed Axe　　　　　(　――　)　1-10
8556Two-Handed Hammer　　　　　(　Lv10　)　1-10　◎Went UP from 0 => 10 on 3-8
8557One-Handed Hammer　　　　　(　――　)　1-10
8558Fighting　　　　　　(　Lv10　)　1-10　▼
8559
8560
8561● Physical Battle Skill ( 255p )
8562
8563Aiming　　　　　　(　Lv10　)　1-9
8564Sniping　　　　　　(　Lv10　)　1-9
8565Surprise Attack　　　　(　Lv10　)　1-9　Went UP from Lv0 => Lv10 on 6-2
8566Reckless Courage　　　　　　(　――　)　1-9
8567Iai　　　　　(　Lv10　)　1-9　Went UP from Lv0 => Lv10 on 6-2
8568Shield　　　　　　　(　Lv10　)　1-9
8569Evasion　　　　　　(　Lv10　)　1-9
8570Parrying (　Lv10　)　1-9
8571Shield Bash (　Lv5 　)　1-9　Went UP from Lv0 => Lv5 on 6-2
8572Kicking　　　　　　(　Lv10　)　1-9　Went UP from Lv0 => Lv10 on 6-2
8573Helmet Splitter　　　　　(　Lv10　)　1-10　Went UP from Lv0 => Lv10 on 6-2
8574Air Battle　　　　　(　Lv10　)　1-10　Went UP from Lv0 => Lv10 on 6-2
8575Weapon Destruction　　　　(　Lv10　)　1-10　Went UP from Lv0 => Lv10 on 6-2
8576Dual Wielding　　　　　(　Lv10　)　1-10　Went UP from Lv0 => Lv10 on 6-2
8577Continuous Attack　　　　(　Lv10　)　3-8　Went UP from Lv0 => Lv10 on 6-2
8578Mind's Eye　　　　　　(　Lv10　)　6-3
8579Thrusting　　　　　　(　Lv10　)　6-3
8580Heavy Blow　　　　　　(　Lv10　)　6-3
8581Penetrating　　　　　　(　Lv10　)　6-3
8582Magic Edge　　　　　　(　Lv10　)　6-3
8583Spiral Spear Strike　　　　(　Lv10　)　6-3
8584Flash Slash　　　　(　Lv10　)　7-20
8585Holy Edge　　　　　　(　Lv10　)　7-21
8586Foresight: Anti-Personnel Combat　(　Lv10　)　8-23
8587Magic Edge Cannon (Mana Blast) (　Lv10　)　inbetween 9-29 to 10-3
8588Armor Penetrate　　　　　(　Lv10　)　11-19(new)
8589Mana Strike　　　　　(　Lv10　)　11-19(new)
8590
8591
8592● Tactics Skill (60P)
8593
8594Retreat　　　　　　(　Lv10　)　1-8　Went UP from Lv0 => Lv10 on 6-2
8595Cooperation　　　　　　(　Lv10　)　1-9　Went UP from Lv0 => Lv10 on 6-2
8596Command　　　　　　(　Lv10　)　2-8　Went UP from Lv0 => Lv10 on 6-2
8597Formation　　　　　　(　Lv10　)　2-8　Went UP from Lv0 => Lv10 on 6-2
8598Strategy　　　　　　(　Lv10　)　2-12　Went UP from Lv0 => Lv10 on 6-2
8599Provocation　　　　　　(　Lv10　)　6-13
8600
8601
8602● Movement Skill (80P)
8603
8604Dashing　　　　　　(　Lv10　)　1-4　※
8605Jumping　　　　　　(　Lv10　)　1-4　※
8606Three-Dimensional Manuever　　　　(　Lv10　)　1-4　※
8607Herculean Strength　　　　　　(　Lv10　)　1-10　Went UP from Lv0 => Lv10 on 6-2
8608Off-Road　　　　(　Lv10　)　5-14
8609Sky Drive　　　　　　(　Lv10　)　7-7
8610Ground Shrink　　　　　　(　Lv10　)　7-20
8611Space Walk　　　　(　――　)　9-23
8612Flash Drive　　　　　　(　Lv10　)　9-31
8613
8614
8615● Magic Skills ( 150p )
8616
8617Summoning Magic: Foreign World　(　Lv10　)　1-2
8618Force Magic: Foreign World　(　Lv10　)　1-2
8619Prayer　　　　　　(　――　)　1-4
8620Lightning Magic: Demon　　(　――　)　1-9
8621Fire Magic　　　　　(　Lv10　)　1-10　Went UP from Lv0 => Lv10 on 7-7
8622Wind Magic　　　　　(　Lv10　)　1-10　Went UP from Lv0 => Lv10 on 7-7
8623Lightning Magic　　　　　(　Lv10　)　1-10　Went UP from Lv0 => Lv10 on 8-7
8624Earth Magic　　　　　(　Lv10　)　1-10　Went UP from Lv0 => Lv10 on 7-7
8625Water Magic　　　　　(　Lv10　)　1-10　Went UP from Lv0 => Lv10 on 8-7
8626Ice Magic　　　　　(　Lv10　)　1-10　Went UP from Lv0 => Lv10 on 7-7
8627Light Magic　　　　　(　Lv10　)　1-10　Went UP from Lv0 => Lv10 on 7-7
8628Life Magic　　　　(　Lv10　)　2-1
8629Holy Magic: Parion Belief　(　――　)　2-1
8630Contract (　――　)　3-3
8631Mind Magic　　　　(　――　)　3-4　※
8632Shadow Magic　　　　　(　――　)　5-9
8633Force Magic　　　　(　Lv10　)　6-7
8634Name Order (　――　)　6-Intermission: Satou's House Name
8635Gravity Magic: Demon　(　――　)　7-20
8636Space Magic: Demon　(　――　)　7-20
8637Destruction Magic: Demon　(　――　)　7-21
8638Explosion Magic: Demon　(　――　)　7-21
8639Holy Magic: Tenion Belief　(　――　)　8-26
8640Flame Magic　　　　　(　Lv10　)　8-7
8641Explosion Magic　　　　(　Lv10　)　8-7
8642Destruction Magic　　　　(　Lv10　)　8-7
8643Space Magic　　　　(　Lv10　)　Inbetween 8-13~15
8644Lightning Magic: Dragon　　　(　――　)　9-10
8645Dark Magic: Dragon　　　(　――　)　9-10
8646Flame Magic: Dragon　　　(　――　)　9-10
8647Wind Magic: Dragon　　　(　――　)　9-10
8648Forest Magic　　　　　(　――　)　9-13
8649Soul Magic　　　　(　――　)　9-19
8650Soul Magic: House Fairy (　――　)　10-18
8651
8652
8653● Resistance Skills ( 254p )
8654
8655Lightning Resistance　　　　　(　Lv10　)　1-9
8656Paralysis Resistance　　　　(　Lv10　)　1-9
8657Pain Resistance　　　　(　Lv10　)　1-9
8658Shock Resistance　　　　(　Lv10　)　1-9
8659Fear Resistance　　　　(　Lv10　)　1-9　Went UP from Lv 3 => Lv10 on 12-27
8660Poison Resistance　　　　　(　Lv10　)　1-9
8661Petrification Resistance　　　　(　Lv10　)　1-9
8662Fire Resistance　　　　　(　Lv10　)　1-10　◎Went Up from Lv0 => Lv 10 on 3-8
8663Wind Resistance　　　　　(　Lv10　)　1-10　Went UP from Lv0 => Lv10 on 6-2
8664Earth Resistance　　　　　(　Lv10　)　1-10　Went UP from Lv0 => Lv10 on 6-2
8665Water Resistance　　　　　(　Lv10　)　1-10　Went UP from Lv0 => Lv10 on 6-2
8666Ice Resistance　　　　　(　Lv10　)　1-10　Went UP from Lv0 => Lv10 on 6-2
8667Light Resistance　　　　　(　Lv10　)　1-10　Went UP from Lv0 => Lv10 on 6-2
8668Decay Resistance　　　　(　Lv10　)　1-10
8669Mind Resistance　　　　(　Lv10　)　3-4　※
8670Shadow Resistance　　　　　(　Lv10　)　5-9
8671Alcohol Resistance　　　　(　Lv1 　)　7-4　 Went UP from Lv0 => Lv1 before Chapter 8
8672Gravity Resistance　　　　(　Lv10　)　7-20
8673Space Resistance　　　　(　Lv10　)　7-20
8674Destruction Resistance　　　　(　Lv10　)　7-21
8675Explosion Resistance　　　　(　Lv10　)　7-21
8676Instant Death Resistance　　　　(　Lv10　)　7-22
8677Dark Resistance　　　　　(　Lv10　)　9-10
8678Stink Resistance　　　　(　Lv3 　)　10-29
8679Life Drain Resistance　　　　(　Lv10　)　11-9 (new)
8680Curse Resistance　　　　(　Lv10　)　12-26(new)
8681Chaos Resistance　　　　(　Lv10　)　12-26(new)
8682
8683● Production Skills ( 150p )
8684
8685Woodwork　　　　　　(　Lv10　)　1-4　Went UP from Lv4 => Lv10 on 6-4
8686Leathercraft　　　　　(　Lv10　)　1-4　Went UP from Lv4 => Lv10 inbetween Chapter 6 and 7
8687Weapon Creation　　　　(　Lv10　)　1-4　Went UP from Lv4 => Lv10 on 6-10
8688Blacksmith　　　　　　(　Lv10　)　1-10　Went UP from Lv4 => Lv10 inbetween Chapter 6 and 7
8689Compounding　　　　　　(　Lv10　)　4-9
8690Alchemy　　　　　　(　Lv10　)　4-9
8691Weapon Reinforcement　　　　(　Lv10　)　6-3
8692Armor Creation　　　　(　Lv10　)　6-4
8693Sculpture　　　　　　(　Lv10　)　6-10
8694Engraving　　　　　　(　Lv10　)　6-10
8695Magic Tool Creation　　　　(　Lv10　)　6-10
8696Bonework　　　　　(　Lv10　)　7-12
8697Glasswork　　　　(　Lv10　)　8-5
8698Sewing　　　　　　(　Lv10　)　8-12
8699Counterfeit　　　　　　(　Lv10　)　8-21
8700
8701
8702● Science Skills ( 111p )
8703
8704Arithmetic　　　　　　(　Lv10　)　1-4
8705Lost Knowledge　　　　(　――　)　1-4
8706Shiga National Language　　　　(　Lv10　)　1-5
8707Demon Language　　　　　(　Lv5 　)　1-9　Went UP from Lv1 => Lv5 on 7-13
8708Appraisal　　　　　　(　Lv10　)　2-2 ▼
8709Inference　　　　　　(　――　)　2-6
8710DeRiddle (　Lv10　)　3-8
8711Experiment　　　　　　(　Lv10　)　4-5　Went UP from Lv0 => Lv10 on 6-2
8712Inspection　　　　　　(　Lv10　)　4-5　Went UP from Lv0 => Lv10 on 6-2
8713Education　　　　　　(　Lv10　)　5-2　Went UP from Lv0 => Lv10 on 6-2
8714Ash Ratkin Language　　　　(　Lv1 　)　5-4　Went UP from Lv0 => Lv1 on 6-2
8715Green Scalekin Language　　　　(　Lv1 　)　5-4　Went UP from Lv0 => Lv1 on 6-2
8716Elf Language　　　　(　Lv10　)　5-4　Went UP from Lv3 => Lv10 on 6-10
8717Dissection　　　　　　(　――　)　6-2
8718Etiquette　　　　(　Lv5 　)　6-14　Went UP from Lv0 => Lv5 right before Chapter 7
8719Social　　　　　　(　Lv5 　)　6-Intermission: Satou's House Name
8720Heraldry　　　　　(　Lv5 　)　6-Intermission: Satou's House Name
8721Decryption　　　　(　Lv10　)　8-26
8722Tigerkin Language　　　　(　Lv1 　)　8-25
8723Dragon Language　　　　　　(　Lv5 　)　9-10
8724Silga Language　　　(　Lv3 　)　9-11
8725
8726
8727● Art Skills ( 43p )
8728
8729Singing　　　　　　(　――　)　1-4　※
8730Painting　　　　　　(　――　)　1-4
8731Game　　　　　　(　――　)　1-4
8732Amplification　　　　　　(　Lv3 　)　2-7　▼　Went UP from Lv1 => Lv3 on 6-2
8733Tongue-twister　　　　(　Lv10　)　6-1
8734Smooth Talking　　　　　　(　Lv10　)　6-1
8735Performance　　　　　　(　Lv10　)　6-6　Went UP from Lv0 => Lv10 on 6-7
8736Acting　　　　　　(　――　)　6-22
8737Ventriloquism　　　　　(　Lv10　)　8-5　Went UP from Lv0 => Lv10 on 9-10
8738Dance　　　　　　(　――　)　8-11
8739
8740
8741● Commerce Skill ( 70p )
8742
8743Negotiation　　　　　　(　Lv10　)　1-5
8744Excuse　　　　　　(　Lv10　)　1-5
8745Estimation　　　　　　(　Lv10　)　1-6
8746Haggling　　　　　(　Lv10　)　1-6
8747Poker Face (　Lv5 　)　1-7　Went UP from Lv0 => Lv5 on 6-2
8748Nonchalant (　――　)　1-8
8749Persuasion　　　　　　(　Lv5 　)　1-8　▼　Went UP from Lv3 => Lv5 on 6-2
8750Bribing　　　　　　(　Lv5 　)　1-8　Went UP from Lv3 => Lv5 on 6-2
8751Lip Service　　　　(　Lv5 　)　2-3　Went UP from Lv3 => Lv5 on 6-2
8752Tact　　　　　　(　Lv10　)　6-22　Went UP from Lv0 => Lv10 inbetween Chapter 6 and Chapter 7
8753
8754
8755● Labor Skills ( 75p )
8756
8757Camping　　　　　　(　――　)　1-4　※
8758Washing　　　　　　(　――　)　1-4　※
8759Reclamation　　　　　　(　Lv10　)　1-4　Went UP from Lv0 => Lv10 on 6-13
8760Cultivation　　　　　　(　――　)　1-4
8761Harvesting　　　　　　(　――　)　1-4
8762Mowing　　　　　　(　――　)　1-4
8763Lumbering　　　　　　(　――　)　1-4
8764Cleaning　　　　　　(　――　)　1-4
8765Surveillance　　　　　　(　Lv10　)　1-7　Went UP from Lv0 => Lv10 on 6-2
8766Arresting　　　　　　(　Lv10　)　1-10　Went UP from Lv0 => Lv10 on 6-2
8767Service　　　　　　(　――　)　3-4
8768Carrying　　　　　　(　――　)　4-3
8769Marshalling　　　　　　(　Lv5 　)　4-6　Went UP from Lv3 => Lv5 on 6-2
8770Packing　　　　　　(　――　)　5-14
8771Cooking　　　　　　(　Lv10　)　6-2
8772Dismantling　　　　　　(　Lv10　)　6-2
8773Picking　　　　　　(　Lv10　)　6-13
8774Mounting　　　　　　(　Lv10　)　6-15
8775Horse-riding　　　　　(　――　)　6-15
8776Taming　　　　　　(　――　)　9-26
8777Training　　　　　　(　――　)　9-26
8778
8779
8780● Labyrinth Skill ( 59p )
8781
8782Trap Release　　　　　(　Lv10　)　2-10　◎Went UP from Lv0 => Lv10 on 3-8
8783Trap Usage　　　　　(　Lv5 　)　2-10　Went UP from Lv0 => Lv5 on 6-2
8784Trap Discovery　　　　　(　Lv10　)　2-10
8785Excavation　　　　　　(　Lv10　)　2-10　Went UP from Lv0 => Lv10 on 6-2
8786Treasure Discovery　　　　(　Lv10　)　2-10　Went UP from Lv0 => Lv10 on 6-2
8787Treasure Chest Unlocking　　　　(　Lv10　)　2-10　Went UP from Lv0 => Lv10 on 6-2
8788Item Box (　Lv4 　)　3-5　◎Went UP from Lv2 => Lv4 on 5-2
8789
8790
8791● Spy Skill ( 140p )
8792
8793Deception　　　　　　(　Lv10　)　1-5
8794Lip-reading　　　　　　(　Lv10　)　1-5　Went UP from Lv0 => Lv10 on 6-2
8795Attentive Ears　　　　　(　Lv10　)　1-6　Went UP from Lv0 => Lv10 on 6-2
8796Spy　　　　　　(　Lv10　)　1-9
8797QuickDressing　　　　(　Lv10　)　1-10
8798Disguise　　　　　　(　Lv10　)　1-10
8799Behind-the-scene　　　　　　(　Lv10　)　2-6　Went UP from Lv0 => Lv10 on 6-2
8800Abduction　　　　　　(　Lv10　)　2-6
8801Assassination　　　　　　(　Lv10　)　2-6　Went UP from Lv0 => Lv10 on 6-2
8802Plot　　　　　　(　――　)　2-6
8803False Accusation　　　　　　(　――　)　2-6
8804Evidence Destruction　　　　(　Lv10　)　6-33
8805Concealment　　　　　　(　Lv10　)　7-19
8806Invisibility　　　　　　(　Lv10　)　7-19
8807Tiptoeing　　　　　(　Lv10　)　7-19
8808Strange Voice　　　　　　(　Lv10　)　8-20
8809
8810
8811● Magic Power Skills ( 81p )
8812Self-Healing　　　　(　Lv10　)　1-9
8813Magic Operation　　　　(　Lv10　)　6-3
8814Magic Bestowal　　　　(　Lv10　)　6-3
8815Magic Healing　　　　(　Lv10　)　6-22
8816Ghost Seer　　　　　(　Lv1 　)　7-4
8817Magic Perception　　　　(　Lv10　)　7-8
8818Magic Control　　　　(　Lv10　)　9-18
8819Spirit Light Control　　　(　Lv10　)　9-18
8820Spirit Seer　　　　　(　Lv10　)　9-18
8821Magic Armor　　　　(　Lv10　)　Used it on Chapter 12-28 (Acquired on 11-20)
8822
8823● Specialty Skill ( 110p )
8824
8825Condemnation　　　　　　(　――　)　2-6
8826Questioning　　　　　　(　Lv10　)　3-4　Went UP from Lv5 => Lv10 on 9-6
8827Sex Technique　　　　　　(　――　)　4-10
8828Friendly Talk　　　　　　(　――　)　4-10
8829Temptation　　　　　　(　――　)　4-10
8830Enemy Search　　　　　　(　Lv10　)　6-3
8831Crisis Perception　　　　(　Lv10　)　6-3
8832Space Grasp　　　　(　Lv10　)　6-3
8833Distant View　　　　　　(　Lv10　)　6-32
8834Bird's Eye View　　　　　(　Lv10　)　6-32
8835Telephoto　　　　　　(　Lv10　)　6-32
8836Night Vision　　　　　　(　Lv10　)　7-3
8837Light Intensity Adjustment　　　　(　Lv10　)　7-3
8838Pacification　　　　　　(　――　)　8-22
8839Survival (　Lv10　)　9-23
8840Coercion　　　　　　(　Lv10　)　10-29　※It was not described
8841「」　　　　　　(　――　)　12-28　※A skill that cannot be chosen
8842
8843
8844・Total Point Used: 1699 points (1421 remaining points)
8845※Main Character's level has become 312
8846
8847――――――――――――――――――
8848●Title List
8849
8850It's written as the chapter where the title is gotten, and then the title.
8851
88521-2　Demon Slayer
88531-2　Scalekin Slayer
88541-2 Calamity of Scalekin
88551-2　Natural Enemy of Scalekin
88561-2 Wyvern Slayer
88571-2 Dragon Slayer [Lesser]
88581-2 Dragon Slayer [Infant Dragon]
88591-2 Dragon Slayer [Mature Dragon]
88601-2 Dragon Slayer [Elder Dragon]
88611-2　Dragon Slayer [※Peculiar Name※]　　※Omitted since there are a lot
88621-2 Natural Enemy of Dragonkin
88631-2 God Slayer
8864
88651-4 Ardent Believer
8866
88671-10 Combat Ready
88681-10 Skilled Warrior
88691-10 One who Dances with Demon
88701-10 Hero
8871
88722-1 One who Pray for the Dead
88732-1 One who Saves
88742-1　One who Protect Books
8875
88762-7 Labyrinth Explorer
8877
88782-8 Insect Slayer
8879
88802-9 Tamer
8881
88822-12 Undead Slayer
88832-12 Demon Slayer
8884
88853-8 One who Traverses Labyrinth
8886
88875-12 Undead King Slayer
88885-12 One who Traverses Maze
8889
8890
88915-13 Survivor
88925-15　Elf's Friend
8893
88946-3　Blacksmith of Magic Spear
8895
88966-5 Bounty Hunter
8897
88986-7 Magician of Dining Table
8899
89006-22 Doctor
89016-22 Healer
89026-22 Saint
89036-22 Ham Actor
89046-22 Clown
8905
89067-4 Blacksmith of Fairy Sword
89077-4 Hard Drinker
89087-4 Heavy Drinker
89097-4 Heavyweight Drinker
89107-4 Friend of Dwarf
8911
89127-7　Magic Blacksmith
89137-7　One who Flies Without Wing
8914
89157-22 Demon Lord Slayer
89167-22　Demon Lord Slayer [Golden Wild Boar King]
89177-22 True Hero
89187-22 Unsung Hero
8919
89208-14 Magic Sword Blacksmith
89218-14 Magic Weapon Blacksmith
8922
89238-19 Great Monstrous Fish Slayer
89248-19 Illusionist
89258-19 Light Art User
89268-19 Sky Chef
8927
89288-21 Holy Sword Blacksmith
89298-21 Counterfeit Artist
8930
89318-23 Sword Dancer
8932
8933Intermission Friend of Orc ※Intermission: Orc Alchemist
8934
89359-4　Tribune
89369-4　Condemner
8937
89389-11　Friend of Black Dragon
89399-11　Mountain Crusher
89409-11　Hearty Eater
89419-11　Big Eater
89429-11　Savior
89439-11　Worshiped One
8944
89459-13　Guest of Forest
89469-13　Lover of the Forest Maiden
8947
89489-26　Sky Deer Rider
8949
89509-31　Fast One
89519-31　Conqueror of the Sky
8952
895310-29　Natural Enemy of Lost Thief
895410-29　Guardian of Order
8955
895610-49　Demon Lord Slayer 『Dog-head Ancient King』
895710-49　Favorite Child of Goddess
895810-49　Earth-splitting Magician
895910-49　Sky-tearing Magician
8960
896111-7　Rescuer
896211-7　Fugitive
8963
896411-17 Dragon Tamer
896511-17 Dragoon
8966
896712-28　God Spirit
896812-28　One who Violate the Taboo
896912-28　Torture King
897012-28　Sadist
897112-28　Natural Enemy of Heavenly Dragons