Chapter 41~Within The Forest~
In the end, after staying the night in the boss room, we finally stood in front of the magic circle.
It seems that Yoru too, didn’t know where this magic circle will take us.
Only, now that I knew that this dungeon was not suitable for the training of the sword, there was no longer any reason to remain here.
I couldn’t accept that fact that we stopped at the eightieth floor, I didn’t know if this was a good or a bad place to stop, but maa, it couldn’t be helped.
I didn’t know where we’re going, but maa, it didn’t matter.
Yoru, who had shapeshifted into the size of a kitten, was on my shoulder, and Amelia held onto my hand tightly.
If we get separated, Yoru and I knew the other’s location, but we wouldn’t know Amelia’s.
I had the confidence that I could locate Amelia no matter where she went, but you could never be too careful.
「Are you ready?」
「Yes.」
『I’m ready whenever.』
On my left came an excited and lively voice, but a bitter voice resounded near my ear.
I’m fine even when I’m by myself, but for there to be a reply at a time like this, was surprisingly not bad either.
「Alright, let’s go!」
We stepped inside the the magic circle that was shining blue.
The magic circle grew brighter and brighter, it was shining so brightly that we were not able to open our eyes.
We reflexively closed our eyes, and our feet floated off of the ground, after being struck with a floating feeling for a while, we once again landed on the ground in some place.
It seemed to have been this feeling as well when I was summoned to this world.
The difference would be that, when we opened our eyes, we were inside a building the last time, but this time, we appeared in a forest.
「…where is this place?」
「…!?」
『Miss Amelia?』
I looked around a little, when I confirmed that there were only trees, Amelia suddenly frowned as if she discovered something.
Yoru inquisitively called Amelia’s name.
Perhaps it was a poker face, or perhaps she was expressionless, but Amelia, whose facial expressions rarely changed, was strangely agitated.
Her eyes were fixated on a certain place.
When I followed that gaze, from the spaces in between the trees, a particularly big…or rather, an impossibly enormous tree could be seen.
That enormous tree that seemed hard to imagine was faintly glowing, there were clouds covering the middle of the trunk that didn’t have any leaves.
In a place that was far away, its entirety could not be included in my field of vision.
Its size was beyond imaginable.
Just how many hundred million years old was the tree.
I too recognized the tree, it was due to a completely different reason, but I also frowned.
And, gave a low groan.
『The sacred tree…elven territory, huh.』
「The sacred tree, you mean that tree?」
「That’s right. That, is the pride of the elves. It’s something that should be protected no matter what.」
Contrary to those words, Amelia stared at that tree as if annoyed.
I was going to say something, but I held my tongue.
Even I wasn’t sure what I wanted to say something.
However, it certainly felt like there was something between the sacred tree and Amelia.
Then, I pushed Amelia down onto the ground.
「!?」
「That was dangerous.」
『Nice reaction, Master-dono.』
Yoru carefreely raised his voice.
Ignoring that, I pulled out the arrow that had pierced into the ground that was a little further away while giving Amelia’s blushing face a side glance.
The arrowhead was a bit wet, I knew that it had poison on it.
As an assassin, I had read all of the illustrated reference books on poison that were in the the royal castle’s collection of books, and I memorized everything, but I didn’t know which poison this was.
This was definitely a poison that was uniquely made by the elves.
Not noticing until now, Amelia became aware of the arrow in my hand and the poison on the arrowhead.
「That’s….」
「It had come flying, precisely aiming at your throat. You’re, more or less, royalty, right? It doesn’t seem like it though.」
It was dangerous, so I let the shadow magic eat the arrow, and when I said that to lighten up the mood while being vigilant of our surroundings, Amelia stared back at me with blank eyes, and laughed.
「I was someone who was shunned by the others. This was not where I belonged.」
When I saw that look on her face, there was a throbbing pain in my chest.
Even though she’s finally been smiling a lot more recently, it felt like she instantly turned back to when we first met.
And that was, not my imagination.
「…then, that means that even if we counterattack, your reputation wouldn’t be damaged?」
I sneered and took out a small magic stone from the place where I stored my hidden weapons.
After checking its weight, I lightly threw it in the direction where the arrow had come flying from.
Maa, even though I said I threw it, it actually went flying with considerable speed though.
After a while, there was the sound of the magic stone hitting something, and the muffled sounds of that something falling from on top of a tree continuously resounded.
I approached that something while simultaneously using the stealth and assassination skills.
I asked Yoru to telepathically communicate with me in regards to Amelia, so they’re fine.
Because the trees were so close together, it would be difficult to swing my katana, so I took out one of the few hidden weapons that I had.
I crept up on the male elf who was in a place that was a bit further away and was trying to escape, and thrusted it at his neck.
「Whaa!?」
「Don’t move. If you move, your neck will separate from your body.」
When I whispered that into the ears of the male elf who was twisting his body trying to escape, he suddenly stopped moving.
The weapon right now, the length of the blade was not enough to decapitate, but because of the fear, the man did not have any ability to make that judgement anymore.
When the man lost his fighting spirit, I sent a telepathic message to Yoru, and after a while, Amelia appeared, guided by Yoru.
The moment he saw Amelia, although he didn’t move, I felt the man’s thirst for blood grow.
Amelia directly accepted that thirst for blood, and had a slightly sad look on her face.
「…Liam Gladiolus.」
「Amelia Rose Quartz. How dare you show up in front of the sacred tree again.」
It seems that they’re acquaintances.
When I forcefully pushed the hidden weapon against his throat, the man finally put away the thirst for blood that he was emitting towards Amelia.
「Soon, the elven elites, including Kirika-sama, will come here! You who sided with this woman will meet your end here as well!!!?」
For the time being, he’s noisy, so I stunned the man.
He might turn into a hostage, so I won’t kill him.
In the first place, I don’t remember giving him permission to talk, so I could’ve killed him though.
I scowled at the presences that were approaching with great speed from a considerably far distance away, and looked down at Yoru.
「Yoru. Become bigger and let us on.」
『Master-dono’s usage of a cat is rough. …maa, if it’s a serious matter regarding Miss Amelia, then there’s no helping it. This skill too, is not something that can be recklessly used like this though.』
While complaining, Yoru shapeshifted into a size that would be able to pass through the trees yet carry three people, and bent down.
I violently threw the man onto Yoru’s back, and I climbed on top as well.
And then, I held out my hand to Amelia who was motionlessly thinking about something.
「What are you doing, we’re running.」
「It’s impossible to run away from elves in the forest. We’ll be caught eventually. Kyaa!?」
I got annoyed with Amelia who was shaking her head, and forcibly carried her in my arms.
Amelia gave a cute scream and clung onto my neck.
Although Yoru was smaller than his original size, he was fairly tall.
She was probably surprised.
This was probably not the time to be thinking about it, but because I was carrying her, we were extremely close together.
In other words, it was pretty amazing.
「Let’s run away. It’s hard to swing my katana here, so we’re just moving to a more spacious area. Amelia, lead the way. You can at least guide yourself through this territory, right?」
「…but.」
「It’ll be fine, lead the way. As long as we get to a spacious area, I’ll take care of it one way or another.」
I gave this order to, Amelia who was vehemently arguing.
Even now, Amelia was making a face like she was going to cry, she pointed towards the sacred tree.
「There is a huge plaza that is used for a festival involving the sacred tree, over there.」
「Yoru.」
『Understood.』
Yoru got up, and rushed out like a bullet in the direction that Amelia pointed towards.
This speed, was not inferior and did not lose out to the those who were chasing us from behind.
Maa, I’m doing my best to hold on and support the man.
『Master-dono, we’re almost arriving at the spacious area.』
A while after breaking into a run with his nose twitching, Yoru said this.
「…aah, got it.」
I gripped the handle of my katana on my back.
Even if the elves hated Amelia, I alone will be on Amelia’s side.
—
Chapter 42~At That Time~Satou Tsukasa’s POV
In this world, there were none more ignorant than us.
Having been prohibited from reading books, we didn’t know anything about this world.
To begin with, we didn’t know why it was prohibited either.
Money, politics, geography, history, traditions, culture, religion.
Any one of these, was knowledge that we needed in order to live peacefully, and we didn’t know anything about any one of these.
They, did not allow us the knowledge.
We too, did not try to obtain it.
If it was Akira, what would he have done.
I hated Akira, but I acknowledged that guy’s talent and effort.
And yet, I was….
「…i, …oi, Satou!」
My consciousness that had sunk into my sea of thoughts had, in an instant, resurfaced.
Asahina Kyousuke-kun, who had his pure white katana lowered, was shaking my shoulders.
「Are you ok?」
「Oh, my bad.」
「Get a hold of yourself. If you become useless, we’re going to die?」
‘How exaggerated,’ I smiled and got up from the huge rock that I was sitting on.
Currently, we have passed through Retice Kingdom, and were going towards the kingdom that loved peace the most within the human territory, ‘Yamato’.
Right now, we were taking a break in the forest on our way there.
According to the merchants that we met on our journey, Yamato was similar to Japan…or rather, it seemed to be a country that was founded by the nth hero that was summoned from Japan, so it could be said to be the second Japan.
As one would expect, there was no way that there would be things like science and technology, the established time period was the Edo period, and there was, naturally, Japan’s staple food, rice.
It wasn’t because of something like we wanted to go there because it was similar to Japan, we were going there because we were tired of bread and were yearning for rice…something like that.
「Come to think of it, why did Asahina Kyousuke-kun follow me?」
When I asked him something that I had always wanted to ask, Asahina Kyousuke-kun frowned and didn’t say anything.
「If you don’t want to say it, then you don’t have to? I was just curious.」
「You might get angry though, is it ok?」
Contrary to his huge body, he was a man who cared about the small details.
The complete opposite of Akira who didn’t care about the small details.
「It’s in order to meet up with Akira. You and Akira are, in some ways, similar, so I thought that I would be able to meet Akira if I followed you.」
This time, it was my turn to nervously ask Asahina Kyousuke-kun who was nervously reading the look on my face.
「Similar you say, where specifically?」
「…where, even if you asked me that…the feeling that you give off, perhaps?」
Asahina Kyousuke-kun tilted his head to the side in confusion.
No, you’re the one who said that.
I got goosebumps.
Don’t tell me, so the hostility that I felt towards Akira up until now was just hate towards those who were similar to me?
…no, there’s no way.
「Could it be that, you hating Akira was just hate towards those who are similar to you?」
「Ughh!!」
Those words, pierced very deeply into my chest like arrows.
Even though I denied it in my heart and that was that, I was done in by the decisive blow from Asahina Kyousuke-kun.
「T, there’s no way that I would hate a classmate because of something like us being similar?」
「Then, is there any other reason?」
For the first time, I felt that Asahina Kyousuke-kun, who innocently asked that simply due to his curiosity, was frightening.
「Who knows. Now then, break’s over! Let’s hurry!」
「Nn? Aah, yeah.」
I dodged the question and called out to my classmates who were drinking water and lying down nearby.
They all gave a listless reply and stood up.
「Tsukasa-kun, where was Yamato again?」
Hosoyama-san stood next to me and asked that.
Afterwards, Ueno-san also came.
The two girls did not fight, if anything, they were close.
It seems that the two people who I have almost never seen talking together in class, got along well.
「Aah, Yamato is in the easternmost part of the human territory. It’s next to the elven territory. Retice Kingdom is located far away from those of other species, so it’s not that far away. It may be another day or two days?」
When I answered while calling to mind the map that the merchants let me see, Ueno-san pouted and said this.
「Even though it woulda been easier if there was a car, or an airplane, or at the very least, a bike. I didn’t think that going on foot was this tough.」
「After returning to Japan, everyone will be deeply moved by the science and technology.」
Certainly, it there were such things, the travel distance would be farther, and to what extent will the traveling time be shortened.
「…returning, huh. This world is also quite enjoyable, but as expected, the place where we live is in Japan. I can only live in Japan.」
A boy earnestly nodded.
I, looked up at the sky and muttered in my mind.
I want to go back.
I want to go back to Japan, to my family.
For this reason as well, I will defeat the demon king and bring peace to this world.
More than me being the hero, the demon king needed to be defeated.
Not by Akira, but me, the hero.
And, we will return to the castle triumphantly, join up with the remaining classmates who I entrusted Zeal-san with, and return.
The king definitely had a way of going back.
Akira will walk on his path, and I will walk on mine.
However, in the end, I will be the winner.
—
Chapter 43~Kirika Rose Quartz~
We, who were able to arrive at the plaza thanks to Yoru, were assaulted by the countless number of people’s killing intent.
However, perhaps it was because we had a hostage, they did not attack.
When I surveyed our surroundings, there were elves with their bows and arrows notched all around us, surrounding us.
「Amelia will stay on top of Yoru. Yoru, I’m counting on you.」
『Leave it to me, Master-dono! I won’t let them lay a finger on Miss Amelia.』
I pulled Liam Gladiolus who had fainted down from Yoru.
Perhaps it was because this guy was an ikemen, his treatment was also rough.
Maa, it couldn’t be helped.
Obviously, it would be best if everyone who are so beautiful that they enjoy everything that life has to offer perished.
「You bastard!! For you to treat Liam-sama like that!!!」
Among the elves who notched their bows and arrows, one hot-blooded elf shouted this.
I see, it seems that this guy was loved in his own way.
The fact that they’re not attacking meant that, his status too was high, in a way.
「If you want this guy to be returned uninjured, let us, let Amelia, pass.」
When I shouted that and thrusted my hidden weapon at Liam Gladiolus’s throat, the elves noticeably faltered.
Even so, they didn’t make an immediate decision.
Among them, there were also elves who were glancing back repeatedly, seemingly waiting for something.
Come to think of it, it seems like the elf who’s the leader was not here.
They were being lead, but there was no one issuing instructions.
「…sh*t! The likes of you barbaric humans, if Kirika-sama was here, even if Liam-sama was taken hostage, she would kill you in one blow.」
Flowing in the wind, even those kinds of words could be heard. I see, were these guys waiting for that “Kirika-sama”.
When push comes to shove, let’s chop down the sacred tree with shadow magic.
Un, let’s do that.
「You bastard! What are you smiling for!」
The elf who shouted before shouted again.
So annoying.
Why don’t I give him a taste of what I did to Liam Gladiolus….
I tried to take out a magic stone.
However, a voice filled with panic could be heard from behind me and I stopped what I was doing.
『…Miss Amelia?』
「No! Akira, Kirika is…!」
When I turned around, Amelia was bent over on top of Yoru.
Her breathing was rough, it was as if she was on the verge of hyperventilation.
「Amelia?」
「Kirika is…! No…!」
When I patted her on the back, her breathing settled down a little.
The elves saw such an Amelia, and were whispering.
「Look, she became like that because she did things like harassing Kirika-sama.」
「It’s divine punishment from Aitel-sama.」
「The unwanted child became like that because she wanted something that was beyond her means.」
I could hear the elves saying those things.
They probably spoke so loudly on purpose so that we would be able to hear them.
Amelia’s body was trembling.
Don’t say whatever you want.
However, I didn’t know anything about Amelia.
What I knew was, Amelia harassing someone and the like, she wasn’t a woman who would do something that had no benefit.
「However, that should be enough.」
I tapped on Amelia’s head with a ponpon.
Her breathing evening out, Amelia looked over at me although she was exhausted.
「Naa, Amelia, those guys are saying that you harassed that guy named Kirika, but what do you think of it?」
「….」
Amelia’s eyes widened, and didn’t say anything.
「If you say that you didn’t do it, I’ll believe you. …besides, they definitely think that it’s harassment though. You wouldn’t do, something so childish, right?」
「…un. I wouldn’t. I, didn’t do anything like harass Kirika.」
When I asked that in a way that those around us could hear, Amelia, who understood my intention, similarly said that loudly and clearly.
I grinned.
「That’s how it is? You elves.」
「That’s obviously a lie. Why do you believe the words of that unwanted child?」
A different voice, pierced through the plaza.
It was an unpleasant voice, one that was intrusive and disturbing.
I unconsciously frowned.
「Kirika-sama!」
「Now that Kirika-sama’s come, everything is fine now!」
Relief washed over the elves.
I turned towards the person who spoke.
「…Ame,lia??」
The colors of her hair and eyes were different, but an elf that looked exactly like Amelia came walking out from among the elves.
Also, the size of her chest was different as well.
Her attire as well, the clothes were of a much higher quality than the other elves.
Obviously, she was royalty.
She was the unpleasant sort of royalty.
「That is Kirika. My younger sister.」
I heard Amelia say that with a trembling voice.
I see, this guy’s Kirika, huh.
They’re similar, but not alike.
A golden dog tag was pretentiously hanging down to her chest, and she very obviously had an arrogant look on her face.
The shape of their faces were similar, but it was a big difference from Amelia’s expressionless face.
「Fuun, you’re not flustered even when you see me. How bold. Maa, I’m grateful that you brought back a criminal that had escaped.」
Kirika said that, and she brushed back her golden hair that was shining so much more than any other elves here, looking at me with her blue eyes.
After that, she brushed me, who was holding onto Liam, aside, and approached Amelia who was on top of Yoru.
「Aah, aneue. It’s been a long time. I, the injury that I received from aneue still hasn’t healed yet, you know? Here, please take a look.」
Kirika said that, and rolled up the sleeves on her arm in way that even I was able to see.
The elves around us grimaced.
There were traces of a cruel burn on that jade-like skin.
It had not completely healed, the new skin was not able to be restored to be like what it was before.
The elves around us saw that and they all grieved.
Amelia saw that and hung her head.
Kirika saw her like that and her eyes were glaringly bright.
「Aneue is fine right, since you’re the miko, no matter how injured you are, you won’t die.」
「…Ki, Kirika, apologize to Akira.」
「Ha?」
The beautiful face turned extremely unsightly, Amelia lifted her head and said that to Kirika, who declared that.
Kirika was instantly dumbfounded.
I too, looked at Amelia, wondering why she said something in a situation like this.
Amelia stopped making that frightened face that she had up until now and although she was trembling, she was looking directly at Kirika.
「Kirika, apologize to Akira, you tried to cast charm on him, didn’t you.」
「Even if I cast charm or something, this man is already mine. It has nothing to do with aneue, right?」
This time, Amelia looked at me.
The look in her eyes told me that, she believed in me.
I grinned.
「Just when did I become someone’s thing?」
When I said that, Kirika once again looked at me.
「Why, why are you not enchanted? This kind of man, even if I didn’t use something like magic, my own charm should sweep him off his feet?」
「That’s my line, why should I be enchanted by someone like you who has a terrible personality. Even I have the right to choose.」
When I met Amelia’s eyes, she was smiling happily.
Looking at this situation, Kirika impatiently shouted at the elves around us.
「Everyone, shoot Amelia and this man with arrows.」
「B, but, Kirika-sama, they have Liam-sama as a hostage!」
Kirika arched her eyebrows.
「Liam and I, which one of us should not be injured, I think you guys know.」
「Un, understood.」
The elves, enveloped their bows and arrows that they had notched until now with killing intent and drew them back.
Kirika, in an instant, separated from us.
Looking at that agility of hers, it seems that she actually had real abilities.
「Amelia, Yoru, come closer to me.」
『Are you ok? Master-dono.』
I did not answer them, I just held my hand in front of me.
「Te—!!!」
「Shadow Magic.」
Shadow magic activated at the same time as when the elves all simultaneously shot their arrows.
Because there wasn’t a lot of shadow, it could only protect us, but that was enough.
Our shadows wiggled, and ate up all of the arrows that came flying.
The plaza, fell into complete silence.
—
Chapter 44~The Country of Yamato 1~Satou Tsukasa’s POV
It was bustling, the scene of many people walking along the main street that was not uncommon in cities.
Including the place where we lived, if one asked which one was more like a city, I have walked in a crowd that had more people than the one in front of me.
However, we were all in the middle of the road, dumbfounded with our mouths gaping open.
We were definitely not surprised by the number of people.
What we were surprised at was, the appearances of those people.
「Aah, there was a certain theme park that is quite similar to this place. The one where you can experience throwing shurikens and things like that.」
「A period village?」
「Yeah, that.」
I kept the conversation between Asahina-kun, and the wind magician Nanase Rintarou-kun who got along with even Akira in the back of my mind.
The men were either fully dressed in a hakama or in a kimono without the hakama with a sword at their waists, and the women were either in a kimono or dressed as a miko with ornate hairpins in their hair.
TN: when the trouser was introduced, the its style was adopted by the Japanese in the form of the hakama. They are tied at the waist and fall to around the knees and are worn over a kimono. While men wear them during formal occasions, women rarely do, with the exception of graduation ceremonies. The most iconic hakama that women wear are those worn by mikos, or shrine maidens.
It was like a scene out of the Edo period period dramas that were often broadcasted in the evening.
Although the miko costume was somewhat strange, all the women who wore it were heading towards a certain building that I was trying not to look at, so perhaps the miko costume was a form of female attire.
「And, that over there, no matter how you look at it, that’s Himeji Castle, right.」
「Even though I was trying not to look at it….」/
Were you aiming for that, I responded to Asahina-kun who had accurately muttered what I had not wanted to say, and looked up at it.
It’s size was about, the same as the Himeji Castle in Japan that had been recently restored.
It looked extremely similar to it, but the castle walls being varnished with white plaster was the same.
It made me think that it was the Himeji Castle.
That huge castle that we could see even when it was so far away, it didn’t seem as luxurious and gorgeous as the royal castle, but it had the impressiveness that awed those who looked at it.
In addition, when I looked at that castle, my back was trembling, was I imagining it.
「Ah, sorry.」
「That’s fine, but onii-chans, don’t just stand there in the middle of the road.」
As we were looking at the castle, we bumped into a guy who came walking towards us.
When I reflexively apologized, the man laughed and quickly left.
「….」
「Asahina-kun?」
Perhaps something was on his mind, Asahina-kun just, stared at the man’s retreating figure.
Asahina-kun glanced at me, and chased after the man.
「Wait. Oi, somebody stop that guy, he’s a purse snatcher.」
「Eh?」
I was confused and checked to see if I still had my wallet.
「…it’s gone.」
My wallet that was definitely there when we entered Yamato was gone.
Come to think of it, how I had bumped into the man was obviously strange.
In addition, even though we were properly looking in front of us, there was no way that you would bump into people who were standing still.
「Tsukasa-kun? What’s the matter.」
Ueno-san, along with Hosoyama-san, approached me.
The surrounding people too gradually began to realize that something was wrong.
「My wallet had been pickpocketed. Asahina-kun helped me chase after him just now. Are you guys fine?」
Immediately searching for their wallets when they heard my words, the look on their faces were immediately filled with relief.
It seems that, it was just me.
「Luckily, there wasn’t even a single cent in that wallet, but there was something that I had from the other world.」
「Was it something that you receive from someone?」
「…aah, it was something that I had received from my older brother for my birthday.」
Although we never stopped fighting, it didn’t change the fact that they were important memories.
After a while, Asahina-kun came back.
「It seems that there are a lot of good people in this country.」
「!!」
He said that, and held out my wallet.
I gave a sigh of relief and accepted that wallet.
「Thank you. Even so, you were able to properly catch up with him?」
「Aah, after I yelled that, like the telephone game, the surrounding people copied me and yelled it, and people similar to the Shinsengumi arrested him.」
TN: the Shinsengumi was the shogunate police and military force located in Kyoto and were dedicated to suppressing anti-shogunate activites during the Edo period. The shogun was the ruler of the country and the shogunate was the government
It seems that, there was even an organization that maintained the public order.
It seems that the nth hero liked the Bakumatsu period.
TN: the Bakumatsu period was the end of the Tokugawa shogunate as well as the end of the Edo period.
「Pale blue-green haori?」
TN: the haori is a Japanese formal coat, usually worn over traditional Japanese attire, like the kimono or hakama, and is worn mostly by men.
「Yeah. they even had the headbands, so I thought that they were cosplayers for a moment.」
Asahina-kun said that with a serious look on his face, and Ueno-san looked on in envy.
Come to think of it, when we started learning about the Bakumatsu period during Japanese history class, Ueno-san was excitedly following along.
「Alright, for now, let’s look for an inn to stay in for the night. We’ll go to the Adventurer Guild after that.」
「Roger.」
Even so, pickpocket, huh.
Even though the public order was good and the standard of living seemed high, there will always be crimes being committed.
Come to think of it, this wasn’t an inn, but an Edo period lodging for travelers, huh.
TN: these lodgings, or hatago, are built on national highways as a place for travelers to rest. They offered meals as well as other foods for their guests. There are many traditional hatagos that still exist today.
Perhaps it’s the confusion from being pickpocketed for the first time in my life, irrelevant things were coming to mind at a time like this.
I focused my mind and ran after my friends.
—
Chapter 45~The Country of Yamato 2~
Staying in the inn called “Nightingale Pavillion”, we changed into the clothes provided by the inn in our own rooms, and gathered once more in front of the reception desk.
Ueno-san and Hosoyama-san requested it of the proprietress-san since they rarely get to do it.
「Naa, Asahina-kun, was there a need for us to change as well?」
「Don’t say that kind of thing in front of the girls. Besides, isn’t it fine. It suits you.」
While waiting for the girls who were taking quite a long time, we gathered in a place where we wouldn’t be a bother.
Mine was a pale blue with a red koi fish pattern, and Asahina-kun’s was black with a firework pattern.
Nanase-kun’s plain navy blue one was a safe choice.
The proprietress-san had forced us into it.
Asahina-kun had a good physique, so it looked good on him, but no matter how you look at it, it didn’t suit me.
Haa, I sighed and looked down at my own body.
Even if I said that I was stronger than Asahina-kun, that was thanks to my skills.
Based on genuine sword skills, there was no way I could win against Asahina-kun who was the captain of the kendo club.
Even if I use my skills, if it was short-distanced, it may be a close match.
「Thanks for waiting–!」
「Sorry, as expected, it’s difficult to put on a kimono.」
Turning around towards the voices that we heard, we froze.
「O, ooh.」
「Well? Does it look good?」
Hosoyama-san gave a twirl in place and then smiled roguishly.
Ueno-san too, spread out her sleeves and let us take a good look.
The stylish Hosoyama-san wouldn’t look good in Japanese clothing, or so we thought, but she looked great in the pink kimono with the butterfly pattern.
Ueno-san looked very nice in the deep blue kimono with the Japanese morning glory pattern.
The two people who usually just tied up their hair did their hair up, and their slightly sweaty nape that we don’t usually see was sensual.
It was difficult, for high school boys.
On top of that, because the both of them were beautiful girls that our class was proud of, the men had a lot of things to say.
「Aah, I’m happy to be alive….」
Among them, there were even those who were moved to tears and were praying.
「Ne, how does it look?」
「D, does it look weird?」
The two people wanted to know what I thought.
The guys other than Asahina-kun were shedding tears of blood.
「Sh*tt! In the end, it’s the face, isn’t it! It’s the face, isn’t it!!」
「If I altered my face….」
I gave those guys a sidelong glance and with a slight smile, I gave them my honest opinion.
「It looks great on you. If we weren’t in this kind of situation, I’d probably immediately confess.」
The two people’s cheeks were dyed red, and they seemed satisfied.
「Alright, then, let’s go eat rice!」
—
Chapter 46~The Country of Yamato 3~Satou Tsukasa’s POV
Asahina-kun found a restaurant called Osmanthus House near the Nightingale Pavillion that was flying a flag with the word “Don” on it, the seven of us went into that shop.
TN: the ‘don’ here is the type of food that had various meats and/or vegetables on top a bed of rice, like oyakodon (chicken and egg), unadon (eel), katsudon (deep-fried pork), kaisendon (various sashimi), magurodon (tuna), tenkasudon (crunchy bits of deep-fried dough that are the byproducts of deep-frying something). There are also the magurodon (tuna), the wasabdon (wasabi), and the negitorodon (raw tuna with green onions) that will appear later in the chapter.
「Uwah…there’s unadon!」
「There’s kaisendon as well!!」
「I’m glad to be alive…. I’m glad I left the castle….」
We looked at the various rice bowls that the other guests were eating, and we gave cheers of joy.
The quality was inferior to the ones in Japan, but for us right now, even the before-payday-mom-special tenkatsudon would definitely be so delicious that we could cry.
「What would the guests like? From what I can see, it seems that you’ve had rice bowls before though.」
An amiable obachan came out from the back to take our orders.
Her hair and eyes were definitely different from our’s, but her clothes were certainly Japanese clothing from before we were born, and the way she took our orders was taken in the same way as in the modern era.
「Do you have a menu?」
「Menu? What is that.」
It seems that they didn’t have a menu.
Hosoyama-san thought about it and asked once again.
「Do you have a food menu, or rather, a list of your goods?」
「Aah, a food menu, huh. If it’s the food menu, it’s right here.」
TN: the first ‘menu’ is ‘お品書き’ which means a catalogue of sorts, or a menu in a restaurant, however, the second ‘food menu’ is the katakana ‘メニュー’, which literally reads ‘menu’, so in order to differentiate the two so that the conversation makes a bit more sense, I used ‘food menu’, but know that the two words have similar meanings. ‘メニュー’ is what is normally used now while ‘お品書き’ was used back then. That used the latter first in accordance to the olden Japan-like city yet the borrow word ‘メニュー’ was used instead.
Based on the atmosphere, I thought that they would understand the word menu, but it seems that the nth hero was quite imprecise.
There were borrowed words blended in.
「Thank you very much. …maybe I’ll, go with the kaisendon.」
「Then me too–.」
「I’ll order the wasabidon.」
「Shiori-chan, I heard that it’s spicy though. Ah, I want the magurodon.」
Everyone ordered one after another.
Only Hosoyama-san’s order, felt somewhat strange, but maa, I ignored it.
Come to think of it, it seems that even during the journey up until now, Hosoyama-san had been dining on somewhat strange things….
No, let’s forget about it.
The gap between that and the face was too wide, so my memories were quite fuzzy.
「I will have the tuna with green onions rice bowl. Ok, the only one who hasn’t ordered yet is just Satou.」
「Ah, my bad. Um, I’ll take the oyakodon.」
「Aiyo—.」
I suddenly, thought about that guy.
Akira, was he eating properly.
…no, I’m not worried about him.
It’s because if he didn’t eat properly, I wouldn’t be able to defeat him.
And, when we return, I can’t tell Akira’s okaasan that Akira starved to death.
Akira’s okaasan, was scary when she’s angry.
No, people, no matter who it is, were scary when they’re angry.
However, Akira’s okaasan was different.
She’s just as scary as when people who were usually quiet get angry, but rather than saying that that was true, one time, Akira and I got into a fist fight, and the next day, both my mother and Akira’s okaasan were angry at me.
Akira didn’t remember who I was, but it seems that Akira’s okaasan remembered me.
In the first place, the reason for the fight was because I was angry that Akira didn’t remember me, so it couldn’t be said that it was unrelated.
I remember, at that time, Akira’s okaasan was much scarier than my mother when she’s angry.
She just simply, kindly, carefully, and thoroughly explained to me what I did wrong and how to do better while smiling.
I, who was still very young, could not understand Akira’s okaasan who was smiling even though she was angry, it was absolutely frightening.
「Thanks for waiting-! Let’s see, who ordered the oyakodon?」
「Ah, me.」
Just when I snapped out of my thoughts, my food came.
「「「Thank you for the me—al!」」」
And we, ate the rice that we had truly missed.
「Aah, it’s rice.」
「I’m glad to be alive….」
「You, that’s the only thing you can say, huh?」
「It’s so good.」
Excluding Asahina-kun who was expressionless like usual, we happily ate our rice bowls.
Akira loved rice, so he will definitely come to this country no matter what.
Asahina-kun wanted to meet up with Akira, but I will move forward.
We will make a big semicircle around the human continent starting from the east, and enter the demons’ continent and into the demon king’s castle while improving our abilities.
The hero was not Akira, but me.
I, need to complete this task.
I feel bad for Asahina-kun, but I will defeat the demon king before Akira.
I will defeat him, and then everyone will be able to return because of me.
Everyone will definitely feel grateful towards me.
Of course, Akira as well.
—
Chapter 47~Father~
The shadow magic completely swallowed up the arrows, and when I stuck my chin out as if saying that I could still keep going, a third party’s voice reverberated throughout the plaza.
「Both sides pull backk!!」
Used with the skill Roar, his shout stopped my movements, albeit slightly.
A tall person, appeared on top of the branches of a remarkably tall tree closest to the plaza.
That person who was emitting an overbearing pressure even when seeing him from afar saw that our movements had stopped, kicked the branch that he was standing on, and with one jump, he landed in front of Kirika.
Over there, was a king.
Not like the questionable king of Retice, but a king that everyone had dreamed of.
He didn’t flashily have a crown on his head.
He didn’t have the gentle disposition like the Emperor and Enpress of Japan either,
Rather, I felt a prickling pressure, but as if somewhat gentle, he had an air about him that was unique to those who were in a position where they always gave out orders.
「O, otousama.」
Kirika dumbfoundedly muttered.
It turned out, the man that exuded a king’s aura from his entire body was Amelia and Kirika’s father.
According to what Amelia said, her father, the king, was also being charmed.
It appears that, there were no limitations to the charm skill, and there was no target either.
No, it would be scary if the charm skill had that kind of ability.
「Kirika, what did you do to Amelia.」
「I, I….」
He turned to coldly look at Kirika.
And then, Kirika’s body was trembling.
What is going on.
Was the king not under Kirika’s charm.
I looked at Amelia, looking for an explanation, but Amelia was looking down, and did not notice my gaze.
I gave up looking for an explanation from Amelia, and looked towards the father of the two who had appeared.
Amelia probably, took a hit from the roar just now.
There were also some among the elves who fainted, so was Amelia not better than them.
Or rather, for the roar to make them faint just like that, was it true that Kirika was the strongest elf.
「I’m going to ask you one more time.you, what do you do to your older sister?」
「T, that person is not my older sister.」
Kirika declared that, her voice trembling.
However, her eyes widened with fear.
If it’s that scary, you should’ve apologized even if it was a lie.
「I see. I am disappointed in you.」
The king gave a short response.
The disdain in those eyes was obvious.
And then, the king looked towards Amelia.
「…Amelia, my daughter.」
The look in his eyes was completely different from just now, he seemed apologetic, as if he was going to kneel down.
Like a husband whose affair was exposed.
Amelia finally lifted her head.
She firmly looked him in the eyes.
「The various incidents up until now, it was truly inexcusable.」
The king silently bowed his head towards Amelia.
Amelia and Kirika’s eyes widened, and the other elves surrounding us were noisy as well.
He was exuding the presence of a king just a while ago, but he had completely turned into a father.
「For me to exile my daughter who knew nothing of the outside due to anger and left her on her own, I wasn’t thinking straight. Even if I had become strange because of Kirika’s skill, I am not qualified to be a father or a king.」
“It was inexcusable,” the king said, and he gave a deep bow once again.
「Why….」
These words finally came out of Amelia’s small mouth.
…I kept silent due to the atmosphere, but Yoru and I had completely turned into air.
In addition, if Amelia ended up staying in the elven territory, we will part on friendly terms.
In accordance to our link, if one of us died, the other will as well.
We didn’t test it out yet, but if we used Amelia’s Resurrection Magic, I think that we could avoid those side-effects as well.
I left to all up to Amelia, and the person herself acknowledged it too.
However, if Amelia said that she would remain in the elven territory and will not go with us, then there was nothing that can stop me.
There were many dangers if we’re going to the demons’ continent, there was the possibility of death.
It was like telling Amelia to die.
Truthfully, I could just ignore the demon king, but when I used the Eye of the World, the future that I was able to see in that instant ruled that out.
I didn’t know what was going on, but if I don’t go to the demon king’s castle, this world will end.
Of course, we won’t have the time to go back to our original world, we too will be swallowed up in it.
In the first place, this entire world was vague.
No, I should say that, from what I can see, it was vague.
Since I haven’t used the Eye of the World, it’s just my intuition, but there was someone within Retice castle whose status surpassed 100.
It was most likely so for the king, as well as the the knights and butler jii-san who we met in the beginning, and the maids.
Only, the princess’s status was low.
If that’s the case, were those words,『In this world, the limit of the average person’s attack power, is 100, even for someone with a battle-oriented occupation, the limit is 500』, lies.
Certainly, while I do complain about the hero, for me to have believed that jii-san’s words, I’m still naive as well.
However, what if those words were true?
I understand that the heroes have to leave the castle some day for the subjugation of the demon king.
If, if they truly intended on bringing the heroes over onto their side, then wouldn’t there be no merit in lying in that place.
If they leave and meet other adventurers, their lie would be discovered immediately.
They may have tried to brainwash us with the crystal, but it wasn’t used like that.
The princess’s crystal was most likely something that ate into one’s mind little by little.
It was something that amplified the negative emotions that one already had.
Different world summoning, to be blunt, it’s stressful.
I wasn’t one of the people who didn’t have any negative emotions.
Besides, roughly summarized, it’s a curse, but it’s closer to mind manipulation.
That’s why, even though the exorcist…the girl with the Kansai accent dispelled it as well, it took time.
Although our levels were low, my classmates, including me, were a group of cheats.
It would be strange if she couldn’t dispel something like a curse.
Not being able to do that was because the classification was incorrect.
It was my mistake for concluding that it was a curse.
At this time, wouldn’t they be able to make them have a falling out using the mind manipulation.
「…kira, …Akiraa!」
When I lifted my head, Amelia was worriedly looking towards me.
It seems that, perhaps due to the fact that there was no time to think in the dungeon, my mind wandered off too much.
「Are you okay?」
「Aah, no problem.」
When I looked elsewhere, the king of the elves was looking at me.
Those eyes were the eyes of a father whose daughter was taken away…was something that I’ve never seen before so I don’t know, but the look on his face gave off that feeling.
Amelia was there, so he’s smiling, but his eyes were clearly rejecting me.
「What are you to Amelia?」
I felt like a blizzard was coming through.
Depending on your answer, I’ll kill you, that kind of feeling, huh.
Why don’t I answer him honestly.
「It’s a relationship where it was just two of us in a narrow and dark place for about a week.」
The king’s face stiffened.
There was barely a smile left on his face, but the corners of his mouth was twitching.
「A, Akira, even if you don’t say it in such a misleading way…. Though it was certainly like that.」
The smile had completely disappeared from the king’s face.
「You are called Akira-kun, right?」
「Yes.」
「Please have a match with me.」
「Ha?」
Why did it become like this.
I glanced at Kirika.
This guy was glaring at Amelia.
Wasn’t she doing something to us earlier.
「My daughter wants to go with you. To the demon’s territory, of all things.」
I was surprised and looked at Amelia.
Certainly, I wanted that, but even though she finally reconciled with her father, did she not want to go home.
Perhaps she knew what I was thinking, Amelia shook her head.
「Akira, do you know the reason why otousama is not under Kirika’s charm right now?」
「No, I don’t know.」
When Amelia turned around, she looked at the elves who were still directing their killing intent towards us.
「It’s because otousama’s level is higher than Kirika’s. His skills as well as his status are inferior to his daughter’s, but in terms of level, otousama’s is higher. In this elven territory, only otousama can win against Kirika.」
Amelia suddenly stared at me.
「Akira not being charmed by Kirika is also because, Akira’s status is above her’s. Due to the same reason, my Curse Reversal is not effective against this charm either. It would be best if Kirika turned it off, but she probably wouldn’t do that.」
Glancing at Kirika who was clearly glaring at herself, Amelia said that.
How should I say it, she’s become strong.
Even though she was trembling at that gaze until just now, she’s become admirable.
What did she talk about with her father.
「I can understand that. But, why are you going to the demon territory?」
「…that’s because, Akira wants me to. You need my Resurrection Magic, right? Besides, I want to go with Akira too. We’ll always be together from now on.」
Perhaps, this was a proposal.
Her hand clasped in front of her chest, Amelia looked at me with tears in her eyes.
Perhaps it’s because there’s not much difference in our heights, it was unfortunate that she wasn’t looking at me with upturned eyes.
This was how she usually pleaded with me when we were in the dungeon.
I was weak against that, just how much meat was taken.
「…I got it. Rather, you want to ask me, but before that, do something about your father and younger sister.」
The king was glaring at me just like Kirika was glaring at Amelia.
Furthermore, Yoru, who had been completely forgotten, was leaning on me with its huge body.
『…am I, air? Master-dono.』
「Gulp…. 」
—
Chapter 48~Doting~
We couldn’t stay at the plaza the entire time, we entered the elven castle…or rather, something that seemed to be a building that was built on the side of the sacred tree.
Rather than saying that it’s a building, they were using trees that were tall and in good condition and living in them, or perhaps I should say, it was complicatedly entwined with the trees and looked like a castle….
In any case, it was hard to describe.
It seemed like it would be troublesome if it rained, but every generation’s king inherited the skill to manipulate the weather within the elven territory, among other things.
I would like to learn that skill by all means.
I hated the rain the most.
「Now then, you guys are, more or less, trespassers, but do you have some kind of explanation?」
The king was sitting at the head of the long table with his hands clasped together and looking towards us, and Kirika was sitting next to him, glaring at us.
It seems that the king was much calmer than before.
He didn’t stop glaring at me though.
「Before that, that younger sister over there is the number one problem though?」
She manipulated her own father, the king, and exiled her older sister.
It didn’t go so far as treason, but she should be punished for it.
When I said that, the king suddenly narrowed his eyes and smiled.
「I have already punished Kirika. In addition, perhaps because my subordinates had been idle for too long, most of them are cowards. This time’s matter would be a good wake-up call. The effects of the charm will be gone by tomorrow as well, so there’s no problem.」
Too, naive.
When I was about to refute all the more, this time, the one who stopped me was someone I didn’t expect.
「Akira, it’s fine already.」
「Amelia.」
Amelia gripped my arm, and quietly shook her head.
「Since this happens every single time. I’m an unwanted child. From the very beginning, I don’t even have any expectations of being loved by my parents.」
「…what is going on.」
My voice hardened before I realized it.
Kirika smiled with an unsightly look on her face, and the king was expressionless.
Amelia explained with her head hung low.
「Kirika and I are twins. It is said that in this world, twins were not a good thing. Since, without exception, one of the twins, or both of them, will bring about a calamity when born.」
Even though it wasn’t like she wanted to be a twin, it was a cruel superstition.
I furrowed my eyebrows without saying anything.
「To begin with, when I was born, my hair and eye colors were completely different from my parents. As you can see, Kirika has blond hair and blue eyes, taking after otousama. However, I had white hair and red eyes. The color did not bear even the slightest resemblance to okaasama. Otousama was the one who let me, who should’ve been killed at birth, live. He let me, who was an unwanted child, live, no matter what the other elves said. That’s why, I’m thankful.」
The king expressionlessly looked at Amelia.
In those eyes, there were no emotions at all.
If Amelia was an unwanted child, and even if she truly brought calamities, wasn’t it abnormal for a father to think to let a child live,
Besides, as far as I can see, it could be seen that the king properly loved Amelia as well.
Or rather, it could be seen that he doted on her.
If he really didn’t love her, would he come rushing out when he heard that Amelia returned.
Was he angry, when Kirika tried to kill Amelia.
Would he apologize.
I, can not understand what’s going on in Amelia’s mind.
It wasn’t because I was an idiot or anything, it’s because her way of living and way of thinking were undoubtedly different as well.
Or perhaps I should say, Amelia had nothing but negative thoughts.
「Naa, Amelia. Do you know the kind of personality that I hate?」
When I said that kind of thing that was completely unrelated, Amelia nodded although she was confused.
I had told Amelia, the other day in the dungeon.
「I think you said that you hated ‘people who are perfect’. But, what about it?」
I turned my gaze towards the king and Kirika.
「You say that that guy is perfect, but I can not see that. Rather, she’s full of flaws.」
「Wh, what did you say!?」
Kirika raised her voice hysterically.
See, it’s full of flaws, her personality.
「Besides, you said that you were not loved by your parents, but I think that the king is, on the contrary, an overly-doting parent, or perhaps I should say, he loves you a lot? That’s why, I don’t understand how you came to the conclusion that you were hated by your parents.」
「…Akira-kun, you really will be crushed later.」
The king who had been listening quietly until now said that with his veins popping up on his forehead.
Ooh, how scary, how scary.
「I don’t know what kind of circumstances you have, but right now, this is what I believe.」
That self-important elf that I took hostage of–I had forgotten his name–was, certainly frightened of Amelia.
It was already to the point where he even wanted to say that he would be killed if he didn’t kill her.
It was the same for the other elves as well.
They were seriously emitting killing intent.
With the exception of Kirika.
Perhaps, the superstition about the unwanted child itself, was it not a rumor spread by people who saw Amelia’s hair and eyes.
However, if that’s the case, why did they not tell Amelia.
「But, Kirika drove me out with her charm skill, and I was betrayed by everyone….」
As one would expect, I was not a psychic either, so there was no way I would understand everything.
However, I felt like there was an actual reason why.
No, it’s written there that I have the Negotiation skill.
「…a-ah, this is a mess.」
Suddenly, Kirika, who was on the opposite side of the long table, used a hand to comb her hair.
The look on her face that made it seem like she had a terrible personality that she had just now, disappeared.
It’s just their hair and colors that were different, but because they were twins, she truly looked exactly like Amelia.
Her personality was the complete opposite though.
At the magnificent change that even an Academy award-winning actress could not compare to, Amelia was at a loss.
The king gave another sigh as well, and placed his elbow on the table while resting his chin on his hand.
It was a languid posture one wouldn’t be able to imagine from the aura of the perfect king just now.
Perhaps this was the first time she’s seen her father like that, Amelia was at a loss for words.
「As expected of the man that my beloved daughter brought. I had wanted to see Amelia trembling in fear for a little while longer though.」
「Otousama, as expected, you have a terrible personality. Oneesama is so pitiful.」
「Kirika, is saying that?」
「My acting was perfect.」
The strained atmosphere suddenly dissipated, and turned lackadaisical.
As expected, I too did not know what was going on.
「Wh, what is…why?」
「Look, otousama, oneesama is trembling.」
「Ah, it’s true.」
Completely different from before, Kirika was using honorific language with Amelia.
The king rested his chin in his clasped hands, and gently smiled.
「Don’t worry, I will properly explain. As expected, I was thinking that I should tell you soon. And yet, because of Kirika, Amelia went to the human territory for some reason.」
「I apologize for it turning out like that. However, that was result of Liam, not me, behaving recklessly.」
Even though he said that he would explain properly, it was completely disregarded.
What nerve.
—
Chapter 49~Strength~
The king listlessly yawned, while leaning against the desk.
Really, what was the strained atmosphere from just now…..
「Now then, …I was thinking if I should explain, but come to think of it, we haven’t had our match yet, did we?」
「Eh, do you want to do it here? No, besides, there should be an explanation from the flow of the conversation just now.」
The king once again straightened his back and the atmosphere turned tense.
It didn’t fool anyone.
However, just the speed of his change was pointlessly fast.
「I will give you an explanation. But, after we cleanly settle Amelia’s matter. …there are also things that I’m curious about. If you win, I will entrust Amelia to you. However, if I win, I will have you separate from Amelia.」
Amelia started trembling, when her father said that with a cold voice.
I narrowed my eyes.
「Then, the opponent?」
「Naturally, it’s Kirika. Amelia may have already said it, but Kirika is a gold ranker of the Adventurer Guild. She is one of the few adventurers of the highest rank in this world.」
She should be a good match?
I meaningfully smiled, at the king who was smiling.
Bring it on.
「The match will be in five minutes. We will be waiting at the plaza from last time. If you get cold feet and are not able to come, have her act as a messenger since you’re going to separate from Amelia.」
As expected, doesn’t this king resemble a villian.
That was what I thought when I saw the leaving figure of the king who gallantly left together with Kirika after he said what was needed to be said.
He declared it to be in five minutes so as to not allow me to prepare.
And, they left first in order to make their own preparations.
He chose the plaza from before was because it was a place that they were familiar with it.
The matter of the match too, it was something that he said immediately after I had lowered my vigilance, so I knew that he had been aiming for the timing to say that.
He, certainly had the skills to be king.
However, I may have misread the opponent’s ability.
「It’ll be fine, if it’s Akira, you’ll win.」
「Aah, naa, Amelia.」
Incidentally, I was able to say what I wanted to say to Amelia who had cheered up.
「What is it?」
「You know, I may like Amelia quite a bit. No, I like you.」
「……??」
Was Amelia confused, she quietly tilted her head in confusion.
Her face and ears, all the way down to her neck had turned completely red, so it seems that she somewhat understood.
How convenient.
「Does, Amelia like me?」
「Hau…. Akira, what happened, suddenly?」
When I stared into her eyes, Amelia pressed her hand down near her heart and seemed to be in agony.
Was she ok.
「Nothing, I needed to say it now, since we’ll probably be busy from now on.」
Even if I said that, it was a situation where I myself didn’t know what I was saying.
It’s just that, I had a feeling that if I didn’t say it now, I wouldn’t have another chance to do so, perhaps I’m imagining it.
Patiently waiting, Amelia finally lifted her head up.
「M, me too…I, I like you!」
「I see. Thank you, I’m happy.」
I said that. I wasn’t particularly shy
Since I knew that Amelia liked me.
I wasn’t even the heroine of some otome game, and I wasn’t the thick-skinned protagonist either.
There, there, when I patted her head, Amelia’s face turned even more red.
What a cute fellow.
While I was fired up, I put my weapon that was in my hand down onto the long table.
「My hidden weapons are the several pieces of rope that I found in the dungeon, ‘Yatonokami’, and small magic stones for throwing, huh. In addition, including my shadow magic and stealth, which one should I use to win. …maa, what will be will be.」
Leaving the previous situation aside once again, I looked into the eyes of Amelia whose face was still red.
「Amelia, it’s fine to end it quickly, right?」
Even if I didn’t specify who, she understood.
「Un, thank you.」
「For what?」
「For fighting them for me.」
She said that, and gently smiled.
Because she always had a serious look on her face, the extremely rare smile that occasionally came out was dazzling.
Even though a line like「Don’t fight them because of me!!」would come up at a time like this.
The words were quite similar, but the nuance was completely different.
Amelia was much cuter than the heroines that were common in the other world, and she had a great personality as well.
Standing next to a guy like me who was not attractive, Amelia shined much more brightly.
「Don’t mention it.」
Amelia, who was shining brightly, shot me a look, telling me to do my best, and we headed towards the plaza.
「Should I praise you for coming without running away?」
「No, it’s fine, since I’ll win and Amelia will praise me.」
There was a rectangular stage where each side was about fifty meters that wasn’t there before in the plaza, and there was a huge crowd of elves gathered.
The stage was definitely created by an earth magician.
It was completely a show..
Maa, it’s probably because it wasn’t very often that the king would do something like organize a duel.
I urged Amelia to stand next to the king, and I ascended the stage by myself.
「Did you finally realize that you fell in love with oneesama?」
「No, it seems that I probably already realized it. I confessed just now, and I have no regrets.」
「…my goodness, oneesama is truly loved. Even though it would be great if otousama too would not be so stubborn and just shower oneesama with love.」
Kirika said that and gave a high-pitched laugh, and drew out her thin sword that was hanging on her back.
It was about as thin as a rapier, but it barely looked like a sword.
I too drew out “Yatonokami”.
I turned the sword over.
Kirika narrowed her eyes when she saw that.
「You’re not fighting to kill? How naive. I’m fighting with the intention of killing though?」
「That’s fine. It’s because I don’t have something like the intention to kill, not in the least. If you died, Amelia will be sad.」
「Could you not reveal personal matters in a formal duel?」
「That was my bad. However, regardless of what you say, I will not turn my blade on you.」
I stood at the ready, while using the back of the blade.
Kirika made light of it, thinking that it was just for show, and held her sword up to her chest.
It was a stance to quickly send a thrust to the chest, but it did not necessarily have to be a thrust to the chest either.
The two of us focused on nothing but the other person.
「Now then, the duel between Kirika Rose Quartz and Akira Oda for my daughter, Amelia, will now commence in the name of the king. The duel will continue, until either of the two are not able to continue or fall off the stage, or until they surrender. This time, the use of magic will not be allowed. Only one’s skills and techniques will be permitted. In the case that it is judged that magic was used, at that time, they will be disqualified.」
Thereupon, the king swept his gaze at those all around.
I see, so the referees were the elves all around us.
Perhaps it’s because they were still under Kirika’s charm, everyone was looking at Kirika with a look of ecstasy on their faces.
This was completely an away game.
However, it’s fine like this.
「Akira, do your best!」
Although her face was bright red, she yelled this loud enough that it wouldn’t lose to the surrounding noise, it was enough with just this voice.
I gave a nod in her direction, and closed my eyes.
「Now, begin!!!」
I opened my eyes as soon as the king’s words fell, and kicked off the ground.
「!?」
「…fuu, that’s all, huh.」
I let out the breath that I didn’t realize I had held in, and caught Kirika who had fallen down with one hand.
As if time had stopped, the king and the elves around us froze, only Amelia’s face glowed and was clapping.
「Ok, the verdict?」
「…th, the victor, Akira Oda.」
When I prompted him, the king’s face stayed frozen, moving only his mouth.
What a skillful fellow.
Hearing that verdict, the clamoring of the elves returned.
「Oi, Kirika-sama was defeated.」
「Impossible. It’s obviously foul play.」
「Right! Our Kirika-sama is our invincible general. There’s no way she would’ve lost.」
「Oh my king, isn’t that too much?」
Their dissatisfaction turned into words, took shape, and the noise returned to the plaza once again.
It seems that they did not even see what I did.
Were there a few people who was able to see it kinetically.
I ignored all those voices and approached the king.
「I will be taking Amelia with me. And you’ll be giving me an explanation as well.」
「A, aah.」
I put Kirika down in front the the king who was still confused.
As she had no chest, she was somewhat lighter than Amelia.
「Akira, did you just think about something rude?」
「No, I didn’t.」
「I see, that’s good then.」
—
Chapter 50~Wrath~
While I was whispering with Amelia, it became noisy behind us.
「There’s no way that Kirika-sama would lose to that kind of barbaric human! Everyone, wake up! Isn’t it obvious that he cheated!!」
After that voice sounded, the noise became louder and louder.
I thought I heard that voice that was inciting them somewhere before, it was the guy that I took as hostage some time ago.
He was shouting at us from under the stage.
He’s the guy who tried to kill Amelia, even though I made him experience something that was more or less painful, he didn’t learn.
「Liam, how did he cheat just now?」
Amelia bluntly said that while coldly looking down at him.
Yes, yes, his name was Liam.
I don’t remember the names of ikemens.
That also included the hero.
As far as I’m concerned, Amelia had become more imposing.
That’s good.
Instead of assertively coming out, Liam flinched at Amelia’s words.
Maa, that’s because Amelia’s killing intent was incredible as well.
Especially since she’s hungry right now, she’s even more irritated.
I turned my back on Liam so that I could descend the stage from a different place.
「It seems that you are also blind. Or should I say as expected of an unwanted child? You were still better back then, but as expected, you are an existence that will bring about a calamity to your brethren. Conspiring with humans….」
I grabbed Liam by the collar, and dragged him up onto the stage.
Perhaps I used a little too much strength, Liam was down on the floor, coughing.
Without even waiting for his coughing to stop, I kicked his side and made him look towards me.
「Guuu!? ……hiii!!!」
The instant Liam saw my face, he gave a small shriek.
What a rude guy.
Wasn’t I just strongly emitting killing intent with a bit of intimidation?
Aah, but, it seems like it’s been a while since I’ve been so furious.
I haven’t lost my temper like this since, the time in middle school when my younger sister Yui encountered a pervert on the train.
I unexpectedly came across him that time, and I beat that perverted man until those around me stopped me.
As one would expect, they even contacted my mother and the school, and for some reason, my mother and I had to apologize to the man, but as soon as we got home, my mother praised me, saying I did well, and I was hugged by my younger sister.
Although my mother had a weak constitution, she had a merciless personality, but it seems that she was truly scared.
Because of this matter, I was still labeled as a siscon until I graduated middle school.
Now, it was a memory I fondly look back on.
Come to think of it, before I give this guy a good thrashing, I have to confirm something.
「Naa, Amelia, who is this guy to you? Or to Kirika?」
When I asked, Amelia thought about it a little, as if puzzled, and then opened her mouth after recalling it.
「He was, my fiancé. He was always by my side when I was little, but after being charmed by Kirika, he became Kirika’s fiancé.」
「…hee, so this kind of guy was your former fiancé.」
Even though he used to be, it was somewhat unpleasant.
Because Amelia, was now mine.
Alright, let’s beat him half to death.
「Hi, hiiiiiiiiii!!」
「Now then, what did you say just now?」
Seeing Liam extremely frightened and unable to speak, I looked over my shoulder at Amelia.
When I asked her if I was making such a scary face, she responded by saying that it was scary.
I was slightly shocked, when Amelia said that to me.
「Maa, it’s fine. If you’re that dissatisfied, then I’ll have a duel with you, or if you can’t fight, your substitute. With that, there shouldn’t be any complaints.」
I briefly suppressed my anger, and very gentlemanly talked to him.
Since it would make me more irritated if we don’t finish this.
However, Liam was still groveling at my feet.
Perhaps I laid the intimidation on too much and he couldn’t get up.
The match was already decided with this, but because too many were dissatisfied in the end, the king also acknowledged it, and it’s been decided that we’ll have another match.
Incidentally, Kirika had not woken up yet.
It seemed like she would wake up at any time since I didn’t use that much strength to hit her, but perhaps I made a mistake, or she’s continuing to pretend to have fainted.
—-Liam’s POV
「Liam-sama, please let me be your substitute!」
「No, I will punish the human brat!」
「We must punish him for looking down on our goddess! I, the chief attendant of you, the fiancé of Kirika-sama, will go!」
While my attendants were all volunteering themselves, I didn’t say anything and closed my eyes.
My memories, were spinning around one by one in my head, getting all jumbled together.
In addition, the words of my attendants were mixed in as well, it was too much.
Kirika-sama?
I was Kirika-sama’s fiancé?
No, my fiancé was Amelia-sama.
Living nobly and straightforwardly even when told that she would bring about a calamity, those beautiful eyes and hair were the treasures of the elves.
Certainly, Kirika-sama was also strong, and beautiful, but she could not be compared to Amelia-sama.
And yet, why were the scenes of me bullying Amelia-sama, making false accusations and exiling her from elven territory, and exchanging vows to be Kirika-sama’s fiancé appearing in my head.
Kirika-sama’s distorted smile during the exchange of nuptial cups, flickered in my mind.
I see!
I was told by Kirika-sama that I was being called by Amelia-sama, and I went to that plaza.
No matter how long I waited, Amelia-sama didn’t come, and when I finally got tired of waiting and was about to return, Kirika-sama appeared and kissed me.
I was not able to react to something so sudden, and because there was a difference in our status, I was not able to shake her off either.
After that, I could not think about anything except Kirika-sama..
「Aah, I remembered. I…just what did I do….」
Aah, Amelia-sama, I am terribly sorry.
It was my mistake for not being able to notice Kirika-sama’s insanity.
My feelings for Amelia-sama gradually disappeared within me, as though submerged deep within the sea, and I, who, on the surface, thought of Kirika-sama, worked together with Kirika-sama and spread this thing that was like a curse.
Even for women and children, it was effective, though weak, and it reached that point where, including the king, the high elves, and everyone from the royal family all doted on Kirika-sama, and ignored Amelia-sama.
It was like, the Amelia-sama and Kirika-sama from before.
Kirika-sama certainly looked lovely.
However, no matter how much she looked like Amelia-sama, Amelia-sama was still more beautiful, everyone’s attention was all on Amelia-sama.
Was Kirika-sama, unable to take it anymore.
However, everyone acknowledged Kirika-sama’s abilities.
If Amelia-sama excelled in her studies, Kirika-sama excelled in martial arts.
Both sisters were exceptional people.
As expected of the royal family.
The two people were the treasures of us elves.
I needed to stop Kirika-sama.
「No, I will go.」
—
Chapter 51~Spell Broken~
「Now then, in the name of the king, the duel between Akira Oda and Liam Gladiolus is acknowledged. The both of you, make your preparations.」
I drew out “Yatonokami” from my back and reversed the blade, and Liam stood at the ready with his bow.
He didn’t have any kind of reaction like Kirika when I reversed the blade.
Perhaps he was just concentrating, he stood there, motionlessly.
According to Amelia, he was a civil officer and hated arguments or something.
His specialty was with the bow, which was typical of elves, but it seems that he was completely helpless with the sword.
In the first place, there was no other elf besides Kirika who specialized in the sword, they generally used the bow and magic as their weapons.
Liam too, even if he used the bow to hunt, he didn’t use the sword.
These were the elves who loved cleanliness, so the reason might be that they hated being unexpectedly dirtied by the blood or something.
Long distance vs. close range.
Close range would, of course, be at a disadvantage.
Even in the dungeon, there were monsters that had stingers that come flying and it was difficult dealing with them.
If I’m not mistaken, didn’t we aim for that short time period where it reloaded, approached it, and split it in half.
「Start!!!」
As soon as the king said that, an arrow came flying.
I’ve never done something like cut an arrow before, but I cut it down properly.
The speed of that monster’s needle was faster.
「Slow.」
By the time he notched the second arrow, I had gone around to the inefficient Liam’s back, and hit his neck with the katana.
Oops, he’s an ikemen, so I might’ve put a little too much strength into it.
He had nothing but ill will, and I didn’t regret it either.
「Winner, Akira Oda.」
With the king’s verdict, the plaza became noisy once again.
The three idiotic attendants were glaring at me while carrying Liam down from the stage.
In the end, it was my win.
Or rather, if Kirika was the strongest amongst elves, it would be meaningless to have any more duels, and to be honest, I’m getting annoyed with the elves who didn’t accept that it was their loss.
Also, Liam had, an extremely refreshing look on his face at the end, but what the heck was going on in his head.
Did the trick work?
「Liam, Kirika’s charm has been removed.」
「As expected, huh.」
I nodded, and opened my right hand that wasn’t gripping the katana.
In my hand was, a single wood chip.
That was, the wood chip that Amelia gave me before the duel with Kirika started.
I had, pushed this wood chip down on Liam’s skin when I grabbed him by the collar.
「The sacred tree, has the power to negate the effects of things like magic and curses. Last time, I was desperate and did not think of it, but if I realized it much earlier, Akira wouldn’t have wasted his time.」
Of course, there was my matter as well, but more importantly, I patted Amelia, who regretted shaving a piece off of the sacred tree that was considered more important than their own lives to the elves, on the head.
I really liked this despondent look on Amelia’s face, but as expected, I liked her smile the most.
As soon as I told her that, Amelia blushed and looked down.
「Akira, did you figure something out?」
「Aah, something like that. I decided to not think about something that didn’t agree with me.」
A beautiful girl like Amelia, truly wasn’t suitable for me.
Even if she was much older on the inside.
I broke the wood chip in my hand into tiny pieces, and sprinkled it all over the crowd.
「…eh, what was I doing?」
「Eh, what is with this stage?」
「Ah, it’s Amelia-sama!」
「She’s as beautiful as ever.」
The elves who were bewildered at first saw Amelia who stood on top the stage and gave shouts of joy.
I, sprinkled the rest of the powder in my hand on Amelia as well.
「Eh? Akira, why are we in elven territory?」
As I thought, was Amelia charmed as well.
With this, even Amelia’s strange persecution complex could be explained.
「Isn’t it futile? Kirika Rose Quartz.」
「…」
Kirika was there, when I turned around.
The sword from before was gripped in her hand.
「You, what do you understand?」
Kirika said that and drew out her sword.
I too held up my sword so as to protect Amelia.
Don
At that loud sound, Kirika came attacking with her sword.
The elves screamed.
I carefully stopped the attack.
Kirika saw the calm look on my face and she grimaced.
Like this, we exchanged several tens of blows.
It was pretty fun for me, but it seems that that was not the case for Kirika who wanted to quickly end the match.
「『Oh Wind』!」
In the end, she even started using magic, the enchantment of the wind.
Was it ok to use magic?
Then I will too.
「Shadow Magic.」
There were a few shadows on top of the stage, but maa, it should be fine.
The shadows gathered at the sword.
I embraced Amelia.
Kirika’s sword that was intertwined with the wind, clashed with the ominous-looking sword that was intertwined with black shadows.
—
Chapter 52~Truth~
There was an intense impact.
Because my shadow magic was swallowing up the raging wind bestowment magic, there were few injuries so far, otherwise, it would not just be a few elves flying away.
Amelia, who didn’t know what was going on, screamed in my arms.
I bore the brunt of it, so she was definitely screaming because of Kirika coming to attack us.
「Kirika! What are you doing to Akira!?」
Was her memories jumbled up, Amelia reached out her hand to Kirika.
Sorry, Amelia.
I muttered this in my heart and my hand that was holding onto Amelia fell onto her neck.
I caught Amelia who fell in my arms again.
Right now, I didn’t have the time to explain.
Besides, I didn’t want Amelia to know.
The fact that her younger sister had planned everything up until now.
「Oi, Kirika Rose Quartz. Why is your sword crying so much?」
After making sure that Amelia was knocked out, I asked Kirika that.
It was a question that I had always wanted to ask after we crossed swords during the duel.
Commander Saran said that the sword contained all the emotions of the wielder.
At first, I wonder what he was talking about, thinking that, in the end, this person’s head turned strange, but I finally understood.
We encountered a humanoid monster who had a sword as a weapon around the sixtieth floor of the dungeon.
Some parts of its body was rotting, so it might’ve been a Liche or something.
While exchanging swords with them, the thoughts that they communicated through the sword was transmitted to me.
Monsters were thought to be just killing machines and had no thoughts, but that was not the case.
Certainly, I could only think of most of them as assassins.
However, they too had the feelings of『wanting to live』.
The immortal Liche wanting to live, probably meant wanting to return to being a human.
In any case, I could feel from the sword that the person himself was not aware of it either.
「Kirika, what are you crying about?」
Swords interlocked, the distance shortened from our grappling.
Kirika was blown away, but she twisted her body in the air and easily landed.
Her hollow eyes stared at me.
Kirika’s face warped.
「I’m crying? Do not say nonsense. Look, aren’t I smiling.」
Aah, that’s a smile, huh.
Was she trying to smile.
I couldn’t see it.
「Naa, you, did you hate Amelia?」
「Hate?」
When I asked this question, Kirika looked down.
Before anyone realized it, the people, including the king, on which the charm had been removed, had stopped running away and perked up their ears, trying to listen to our conversation.
For now, I laid Amelia down in a place further away.
Kirika understood that and did not come attacking.
「Of course I hate her.」
「That’s, not because Amelia was an unwanted child, right?」
When I said that, Kirika once again came attacking with her sword.
However, because her emotions were in disarray this time, her magic was not even invoked, it was just a slashing attack.
Of course, I carefully stopped the attack so that nothing would happen to Amelia behind me.
Kirika’s eyes that were looking at me were much more hollow than before.
「Unwanted child? That kind of superstition, is made up. Certainly, there was such a thing a long time ago and it seems that one of the unwanted children was killed, but it was abolished after great-grandfather’s generation. That’s because there were no calamities and the like no matter how much time passed. To make matters worse, it is hard for elves to give birth to children. It would be disastrous to kill precious children because of an ambiguous superstition.」
Kirika said that and drew her sword back.
Those eyes were looking at Amelia who had been laid down.
「Aah, beautiful oneesama. No elf or high elf has the same hair and eye color that you were born with. You were born just a few seconds earlier than me.」
Kirika once again looked at me.
There was a fire burning in those eyes that were once hollow.
「You probably don’t understand. Up until several hundred years ago, the people who were discriminated against as unwanted children received a legendary occupation, something celebrated that would improve the continent. I, the younger sister, was just an enchanter. I would never be the miko.」
The inferiority complex and jealousy that she had always felt and had bottled up finally exploded.
In the corner of my eye, I could see the surprised look on the king’s face.
It seems that this was the first time he’s heard of all of this.
I admired the flawless acting ability that had not been seen through even by a blood relative.
「You wouldn’t understand. You, as well as oneesama! You people who are loved by everyone, and are properly acknowledged that you existed, and have been living carefreely up until now!」
Her impenetrable mask finally came off.
Kirika, who had been pretending to be an adult up until now, was sobbing as if she was a child.
「After all, I’m an accessory to oneesama. No one understands just how much effort I put in. Without fail, they would say, ‘as expected of imouto-san’. Most people wouldn’t even remember my name. No matter how much I refine my sword skills, they would only think that geniuses were skillful or that I did it to protect oneesama!」
I walked towards Kirika, step by step.
While crying, Kirika recklessly came attacking with her sword.
I did not stop it and received the attack with my body.
The spectators who saw that made a stir.
「I did not do that for oneesama! I did it for me! I did it so that I would be acknowledged! I polished my skills with the sword that was just as bad as the other elves! However! I am not a genius!!」
Her sword that didn’t have much strength weakly slashed down onto my body.
The resilience of my body was even on par with that of a monster’s, so I practically didn’t have any injuries, I just had a few scratches and the blade stopped before it reached the muscle.
Rather, it was Kirika’s sword that was the one that received damage, the blade of the sword broke in the end.
I stopped that hand, that gripped the sword, that now only consisted of the guard and handle.
「I, I…. Anything and everything was taken away by oneesama, even Liam-sama, the only one who acknowledged my efforts, was oneesama’s fiance. That’s why, I raised the level of my charm, and took everything away from oneesama. I snatched away Liam-sama, gained otousama as my ally, took the time to charm all the elves and had them betray oneesama. I had no such intentions of killing her, I just wanted, oneesama to go through what I went through. …no, I shot the arrow, thinking that it would be good if she died. Despite this, the arrow did not reach her, the charm was undone, and my prided sword skills could not do anything to you either.」
I too sat down at that place together with Kirika who had sank down onto the floor.
I patted Kirika on the head like I always did with Amelia.
Amelia would undoubtedly allow it.
Anyhow, it’s because she’s the younger sister who Amelia’s proud of.
「Naa, Kirika, why don’t I tell you about a folk tale for a bit?」
「Folk, tale? Right now?」
「It wouldn’t be good if it isn’t right now.」
I looked up at the sky that was gradually getting darker and smiled.
「In a certain elven country, that girl was born as a princess. And, as the older sister of a pair of twins.」
Kirika quietly widened her eyes.
Maa, she understood.
I’m, not good at making these stories vague.
However, Kirika needed to properly listen to it.
As well as the bystanders below the stage.
It seems that Amelia had already regained consciousness when Kirika’s mask was peeled off, and for her to not get up and come over until now meant that she entrusted it to me.
「The twins’ faces were exactly alike, but their eyes and hair were completely different.」
I slowly began talking.
──
The older sister’s name was Amelia.
The younger sister was called Kirika.
The two had such beauty that even among the beautiful male and female elves, even among the successive generations of high elves, they would be ranked at the top, the older sister excelled in her studies, and the younger in the martial arts.
However, there was one other difference between the two besides their outward appearances.
That was their occupations.
The older sister’s occupation was, a miko and in accordance with the name, a child of God.
Just with her existence, everything went her way, and she was endowed with an infinite amount of magic.
And, she could only use the bow, but she also had talent in the martial arts.
In contrast, the younger sister was a rare, but not uncommon, enchanter.
At this time, the elves were not yet a meritocracy, and because they were a peace-loving race, they did not care about the difference in rarity of the occupations.
And then, something happened.
Kirika was held in the arms of their father, the king, and escaped, she was a child so she probably didn’t remember any of it, but Amelia remembered everything.
That was, when seven years had passed after they were born.
The monsters had overflowed from the dungeon within elven territory.
It was because the younger sister had accidentally sprinkled bait that attracted monsters when she was training in the dungeon.
The dungeon in elven territory was the exact opposite of the one in human territory and there were nothing but monsters that could only be defeated by physical attacks, so it was ideal for intense training.
Elves also had items that could attract monsters.
The problem was the quantity.
The younger sister had sprinkled ten times the normal amount of bait.
Of course, the younger sister had no ill will.
It was probably because she thought that she could keep going since she could defeat the monsters by herself, it was just like children to do things without thinking.
At that time, they had reached the seventy-third floor of the elven territory dungeon.
However, because of that scattered bait, it even attracted monsters from an even deeper floor.
In addition to that, it was not several tens of them, it was several hundreds, even several thousands.
The king immediately had all the civilians evacuated.
A subjugation party was formed, and many elves died.
Among them, the older sister who should’ve evacuated was there, and she used magic creation, and gravitational magic, magic that existed only in ancient legends, and eradicated the monsters that were practically invincible against magic attacks.
Furthermore, a few days after that, she resurrected the dead with resurrection magic.
The damage on the elves’ side was essentially zero, and the people were grateful to the older sister and worshipped her.
The younger sister who didn’t know what she herself did or just how tragic it was developed an inferiority complex towards her older sister who was suddenly being worshipped.
The truth was, the incident was gradually forgotten by the people and should’ve faded from their memories.
However, a few hundred years later, an incident happened once again.
That was, when a minstrel came to the elven territory.
Because the minstrel wanted to hear about what happened, the incident was publicly exposed once again, and on top of that, all the elves now knew that the cause was the younger sister.
Although they were not happy, those who died remembered the moment when they had died and those who weren’t able to fight and those who lost limbs were also there.
There wasn’t anyone who was so driven by fear that they didn’t know what to do.
Perhaps the younger sister may have been exposed to danger.
The king, who loved his daughter, carried out a single action.
He used his own special skill to erase the memories of his brethren.
The older sister was not informed either, Kirika’s existence completely disappeared from the people’s memories.
Those who remembered everything were only the older sister and the king.
Kirika’s existence was erased from among the people, and Kirika, the person herself, was not aware of it and was suddenly ignored by her brethren.
…no, they had just treated her as someone they didn’t know.
──
That, was the truth.
Actually, I had heard this story from Amelia when we were in the dungeon.
At that time, I had thought that it was a made-up story, but the sense of reality grew after we came to the elven territory, and I had recalled the story itself when Kirika was screaming.
The reason why I had felt something out of place after coming to the elven territory was because of this.
「Why, why didn’t otousama tell me….」
The story was too long and as the stars were twinkling, Kirika muttered that.
Before anyone realized, the king was next to Kirika and was looking up at the stars.
Next to me was Amelia, but the other elves were standing where they wanted to and looking up at the stars as well.
It was not the starry sky that could rarely be seen due to the polluted air in places like Japan, but a dazzlingly beautiful and glittering starry sky.
「There were two reasons. The first was that, as said before, you didn’t remember anything, you only made a mistake in the quantity of the scattered bait. It’s because, it was the mistake of Kirika’s attendant who did not check it at the time. The second was that, although you were not at fault, it did not change the fact that our brethren were killed. I thought that you, who is kind-hearted, wouldn’t be able to accept that.」
Of course, the king planned to tell her eventually.
Even if there’s illness and they could die in battle, high elves lived almost infinitely long if they took care, so even the Amelia and Kirika right now would be considered babies.
Therefore, he was going to tell her after a hundred more years or something.
However, Kirika’s flawless acting tricked the king, and all the things that she bottled up finally exploded.
The king, who didn’t know that, believed in the lie about the training of the slacking soldiers and actually permitted the use of the charm, and Amelia was exiled from the elven territory and eaten by the monster that looked like a muddy slime, and then met me.
「O, nee-sama, knew everything? You knew and the charm…?」
「No. I did not realize that you had cast the charm. …as expected of Kirika. You practiced it a lot, didn’t you.」
There, there, Amelia patted Kirika on the head just like how it’s usually done to herself.
「Then, everything was my misunderstanding? Oneesama didn’t do anything wrong, and all my efforts were meaningless?」
「No, you’re wrong. The one who was wrong was me who had arbitrarily decided that you were still a child and didn’t tell you. I am truly sorry, Kirika. As expected of Kirika. I too, did not notice that I had been charmed because it was applied too thinly.」
The king said that and tightly hugged Kirika.
Kirika, who had not felt that warmth for a long time, shedded tears.
「I, did, something truly inexcusable to otousama, oneesama, and everybody else….」
「Kirika, I don’t mind it. I know how much effort Kirika put in, and how you do your best from early in the morning each day to late at night, so you did your best. At the time of the incident too, you fearlessly exterminated the monsters.」
Thank you.
When the smiling Amelia said that, Kirika broke down crying.
「Oneesama, otousama, Akira-sama, everyone, I’m truly sorryy! I’m, sorryy.」
The twins and Father hugged each other, while crying.
The surrounding elves were also crying.
I quietly slipped away from that place and climbed up one of the trees growing near the plaza and leaned against the trunk.
I couldn’t bear it.
I recalled my mother and Yui.
Actually, Yui and I, were also twins.
Immediately after I was born, the date changed, so Yui was a day younger, but we were born as fraternal twins.
Giving birth to two people, my mother’s already weak constitution got even worse, and my father practically raised us by himself.
It’s because I’ve grown up, that I understood.
Breakfast early in the morning, made lunch preparations and bento for three, woke us up, had us eat, sent us to kindergarten, and then went to work.
After work, he went to go get us at the kindergarten even though he was extremely tired, and when we got home, he made dinner, had us and mother eat, had us sleep, washed the dishes by himself and did the laundry, and then went to bed around midnight.
We probably cried at night as well, so he definitely did not get any sleep.
Even so, that guy raised us until Yui and I were in our fifth year in elementary school, until that time, he had always taken care of mother and the housework, and went to work.
He did it all by himself, without any help.
That’s why, I did not resent that guy who suddenly disappeared when I was a fifth grader in elementary school.
Certainly, I was angry that he left, but I was even more grateful to him.
That’s why, I was jealous of Amelia and Kirika.
And sympathized with them.
The matter this time, because each person shouldered everything on their own, a tragedy occurred.
If, they had discussed it, it wouldn’t have happened.
Just like with that guy.
After I return to that world, let’s seriously search for that guy, our father.
If he’s living happily, I won’t involve myself with him any more than this.
However, if, he’s in destitution, I’ll have him live with us once more.
Yui would definitely approve of that as well.
Let’s, do that.
After thinking that, my consciousness was submerged in darkness.
—
Chapter 53~A Walk~
『Master-dono, Master-dono!』
When I woke up to Yoru’s voice, I was on top of a tree.
A small Yoru was on my stomach and looked at me worriedly.
I felt like it’s been a while since I last saw Yoru.
During the duel as well, perhaps he had no interest in it, but he was sleeping on top of Amelia’s knee the entire time.
When I told him to help his master, he fearlessly laughed, and he displayed a strange confidence, saying that there was no way that Master-dono would lose to that kind of person.
I was happy, but should I be.
I came down from the tree and stretched.
Yoru deftly landed right next to me.
As expected of a cat.
Sleeping in a tree was certainly not comfortable, but it was much better than the hard dungeon floor.
I rarely toss and turn when I sleep, so I’m not too worried about falling, and I don’t mind the bugs either.
Perhaps there were no mosquitoes in this world, I wasn’t irritated by the annoying buzzing and was able to sleep.
「Good morning, Yoru.」
『Aah, good morning, Master-dono. It seems you slept well, that’s good. Not everyone’s awake yet, so won’t you take a walk with me?』
「It’s rare for you to invite me.」
At the suggestive look in his eyes, I understood that it wasn’t just a stroll, was it a matter that was important enough to wake me up.
Yoru transformed and turned back into his original size.
It glowed a little, and in an instant, the kitten-sized Yoru turned a little bigger than a large dog.
「That special skill, is useful, isn’t it.」
『If I had to say if it’s useful or not, it certainly is useful.』
After those words, the silence continued for a while.
Yoru’s paw pads absorbed sounds, so there were no footsteps coming from it, only the sound of my footsteps could be heard.
No, say something.
Perhaps he could heard the voice in my mind, Yoru started to speak.
It’s a coincidence, because we shouldn’t be able to communicate with each other if we don’t establish the telepathic communication.
『What does, Master-dono plan to do after this?』
「…is that, as the demon king’s subordinate? Or, as my familiar?」
When I asked that, Yoru widened his eyes in surprised and gave a bitter smile.
I felt like his steps became somewhat lighter.
『Of course, it’s as your familiar. Right now, my only connection with the demon king-sama are these five senses. I don’t have the intention of betraying him, but I don’t have the intention of cooperating either.』
「Is that ok? You, didn’t you have a considerably good position among the demons?」
There was also the feeling that it was a demotion, but since it’s the diligent Yoru, there was no way he made a mistake.
If that’s the case, there was this possibility that, he had the trust of the demon king, therefore he was entrusted with this job.
Because we would be able to communicate due to the special skill『Metamorphosis』, it should’ve been an appropriate position.
『Before, I was told that it would also be good for demon king-sama when something happened to Master-dono, I will not do that. If you don’t have a destination in mind, then I have somewhere I want to go.』
「It’s rare for you to say that you want something. Where?」
I changed the subject, but it’s a secret that I was slightly moved by Yoru’s words.
『The continent of beasts, ‘Blood’.』
「The beastmen’s continent, huh. Why is it that place again.」
『There are many excellent blacksmiths among the beastmen. That katana of Master-dono’s, you should get it looked at.』
I followed Yoru’s gaze and gave the jet black handle at the tip of my shoulder a fleeting glance.
The present from Commander Saran that had gone through life and death countless times together with me against monsters that were immune to magic was so exhausted that it looked to be at its limit.
Of course, it wasn’t that I was negligent in its maintenance.
Even so, I certainly overdid it, it’s worn-out.
「That’s true. Certainly, I should get it looked at.」
『Isn’t that so?』
I gave a bitter smile, at Yoru who proudly puffed up his chest.
It didn’t seem like that was the only reason he had for heading to the beastmen territory, but it’s fine to ask about it later.
「Then let’s get going. Today.」
『Today!?』
Even I thought that it was impulsive, but even so, we needed to leave today.
「To begin with, it was put off because of the trouble from Kirika’s matter, and I had actually planned to immediately leave this territory. Because the timing was bad, we had stayed here until now, but we don’t have any more business in this territory.」
「…I see, then I’ll make the preparations.」
That was not Yoru, when I thinking that it was a female voice, there was a beautiful girl with white hair trailing behind standing over there.
The red eyes were glittering like that of a mischievous child’s.
It seems that she was satisfied that she was able to see me somewhat surprised.
「Amelia.」
「Are you going to leave just me behind? I, will accompany Akira until the end.」
Amelia said that and smiled.
She had been smiling sadly ever since she came to the elven territory, but it seems that her smile was finally back.
「Of course, I wasn’t going to leave you behind. No matter what the king says, we will be together. Of course, Yoru as well.」
The scornful eyes from Yoru confused me and I added that last part.
The two people nodded, satisfied.
「Since I don’t know when we’ll be able to come back, go tell the king and Kirika properly?」
「It’s fine even I didn’t tell them. Since I’ll come back.」
I smiled at Amelia, who reassuringly declared that.
「That’s true.」
It’s probably only me who was slightly uneasy, at those words.
It’s fine, nothing will happen.
Yes, I repeated that over and over in my head as if it were a spell.
It’s going to be fine.
—
Chapter 54~Companions~
「Amelia-sama, how about some water?」
「Amelia-sama, how are you feeling….」
「Amelia-sama, ….」
「Amelia-sama….」
「Amelia-sama….」
「Daaaaaaaa! So annoying! Disappear!!!」
I waved those guys who were swarming around Amelia away.
And, I looked up at the sky, how did this happen.
──
「Leaving todayy!?」
「That’s…still unexpected.」
The king and Kirika’s eyes widened at my words.
The king stood up and the chair produced a loud sound.
The king paid no attention to the magnificent chair, and grabbed me by the collar.
Amelia, it’s fine, so don’t shoot a death glare at your own father.
Strangely, the king ignored Amelia’s glare and shook me.
However, due to the difference in our status, I only felt like I was being nudged.
「There should also be a limit to how abrupt it is! A child like you might not know, but there’s an order to things!」
「I know.」
When I smoothly responded, the king was at a loss for words, and held his own head this time.
I thought that he was a bit pitiful.
Actually, I knew why the king was this agitated.
「…even though I planned to have a party with all the elves since Amelia has finally returned.」
That’s right, I knew that, they were planning a large-scale party for Amelia under the king and Kirika’s name.
I knew, and purposely chose to leave right away.
「Isn’t this the perfect chance? Kirika, go experience for yourself what Amelia usually experiences.」
「I, I go through oneesama’s experiences? It shouldn’t be what I think you’re trying to say, but is it me disguising myself as oneesama and attending the party?」
「Is there anything else?」
Annoyed, I frowned, at the shocked look on Kirika’s face.
Certainly, rather than saying the Kirika and Amelia made up, they decided to let bygones be bygones.
However, I didn’t know if the hatred would, for some reason or another, come spilling forth once again.
It’s not that I don’t trust Kirika, but the elves were a race that lived for a long time.
I wanted to secure a guarantee.
For Amelia.
「I see, that’s a good suggestion.」
「E, even otousama!」
「I, don’t do anything that hard. It’ll be fine, if it’s Kirika, you can do it.」
「Oneesama….」
When Amelia patted her head with a pon pon, Kirika nodded absentmindedly.
There was undoubtedly no one who would be able to win against Amelia’s smile and head pat combo.
Similarly, I too, had never won against this and when her eyes requested something of me.
It was a mental attack that ignored even the difference in our statuses.
Defending against it, and counterattacking were impossible.
The rise of the doctrine of Amelia the all-powerful.
「I understand. I, will disguise as oneesama and attend the party!」
「Do your, best.」
「Yes!」
Hai, problem solved.
It was worth it to, purposely come tell them, with the resolution that they would get mad, after confirming that they sent the written invitation.
Since it would be too late for the organizers, the royal family, to cancel it if they had already sent the written invitation.
Low life?
Say that to that one who thought it up.
「Are you guys going to the demon king’s castle?」
「No, for now, we’re heading towards the beastmen’s territory to do some maintenance on my sword.」
When I said that, the king gave a small frown.
If I’m not mistaken, weren’t the elves and the beastmen on bad terms.
No, the beastmen treated other races, no matter the race, fairly and without contempt, so wouldn’t it be correct to say that it’s the elves who one-sidedly hated them.
The elves who cared about things like tradition and their pride and the rough beastmen were, originally, existences that were incompatible with each other.
「Fumu. In that case, I’ll escort you until the continent’s border.」
「No need.」
「Don’t be reserved.」
「No, I’ll refuse since I have a bad premonition.」
「A fellow who’s not honest.」
I’m fine with not being honest.
For him to purposely say something like he would escort us until the border of the unpleasant beastmen’s territory, how very suspicious.
I think that it’s a matter of course to think that he’s scheming something.
「There are almost no ships that go to the beastmen territory and on top of that, if you don’t have the authorization of the royal family, you would not be permitted to do so. Maa, I won’t know what will happen over there if you pass through the continent without going through the proper procedures though? With the exception of my daughter.」
「…tsk.」
「Yes, yes. Speaking of the proper procedures, how did you guys enter elven territory?」
Even though I thought that they had forgotten about it, it seems that they properly remembered it.
If I told them that it was a forced teleportation by means of a magic circle, I’m certain that I would be persistently interrogated.
I would like to be spared of that much.
I evaded it by forcing a smile.
「Fine. we will go through the proper procedures.」
「For now, stop looking down at me.」
「That’s impossible.」
Even though it was an exceedingly normal request, he’s a rude fellow.
I folded my arms.
「Now then, pack up your luggage and meet up at that plaza.」
「Yes.」
Amelia ignored, the king who was putting in his best effort in putting on airs to display his majesty.
Even if he said luggage, they were only things that I picked up in this continent.
Since I originally had barely any luggage.
I confirmed the number of hidden weapons, and when I was sorting out Amelia’s luggage, it was already time.
「Now then, why don’t we get going!」
「Hey wait, idiot king.」
There were a hundred suits of armor at the plaza.
Rather, the elven knights were standing in formation.
Because none of them were talking and they were completely motionless, in the beginning, I had even thought that they were only suits of armor.
「Otousama, this seems to be a little too much.」
Kirika said that with a shocked look on her face as well, but she had the appearance of a knight.
Now that I think about it, this person was the only elven sword wielder.
She probably won’t be a hindrance.
The other ninety-nine knights were, to be blunt, nuisances.
「There are many dangers on the way. It would be better to have more companions.」
The king said that as he avoided the fact that he too was dressed as a knight.
He couldn’t fool anyone though.
Besides, it truly wasn’t a good thing for there to be so many of them though.
「Maa, maa, isn’t it fine with this few.」
「Few? Is it few, this.」
In the end, in addition to Kirika’s persuasion, the number of knights decreased to one-fourth, and the king removed the armor as well.
──
And, we’ve arrived at the present time.
Even if I said that it’s one-fourth, there were twenty-five people.
On top of there being a lot of them, all of them were male.
How filthy.
And, even though she immediately disguised herself, they noticed that it was Amelia, and that led us to the beginning.
She’s loved.
To the point of me being jealous.
Even after I drove them away, they kept glancing at Amelia.
These guys didn’t learn their lesson.
—
Chapter 55~Enemy~
「We’re almost at the border of the elven territory.」
A young elf was smiling as he said this to me who had my arms crossed, irritated.
Even if I said that he’s young, he’s only young when compared to Amelia and the others, he’s much older than me.
Without exception, this elf was a beautiful male.
Ikemen, go die.
I, don’t know how he interpreted my gaze that contained killing intent, but that elf was surprised and confused and then came to introduce himself.
「You may call me William, it’s embarrassing to say, but my parents are fans of Liam-sama….」
「I see. They put Liam’s name into their own son’s name.」
「Yes. I myself respect Liam-sama, so I’m not dissatisfied with the name. It’s just a bit embarrassing.」
「…what so good about that.」
「Did you say something?」
「…no.」
Certainly, after Kirika’s charm was broken, Liam’s behavior got better.
He busied himself with the management of the elven country, announced the formal engagement annulment to Amelia and Kirika, gave an apology regarding that and prostrated in front of me and apologized.
That was a splendid prostration that was in line with a Japanese person’s.
『Akira-dono, not only did I try to kill you, I have deeply troubled you with everything, stopping Kirika-sama that I should’ve done, and saving Amelia-sama. I am truly sorry!!!』
『Ah, oi, wai, prostating!? Where did you learn that kind of thing! It’s pointlessly beautiful! I told you to raise your head!』
『In the country within the human territory, Yamato, it’s said that you do this when apologizing or when you have a request. It seems that your hometown closely resembles Yamato, so I would like you to accept my sincere apology.』
『I understand! I forgive you so raise your head!』
In the end, I lost to that spirit and forgave him, huh.
Without me who was looking into the distance noticing, William started talking about Liam.
「Liam-sama truly, is a wonderful person. Certainly, this elven tribe wouldn’t exist without the king, but the same could be said about Liam-sama as well. It seems that he manages the country’s finances day after day with almost no rest, but for me who is still studying, I completely do not understand. Unrelated to his civil official position, even among the elves, Liam-sama’s abilities are right up there next to Amelia-sama’s, and even when hunting, the prey never gets away. Liam-sama is definitely, one of those people who is accomplished in both the literary arts and the martial arts!」
「I–see–.」
When I chimed in at appropriate times, the person in front of me became noisy for some reason.
And, the amicable progression came to a stop.
William said that we were almost there, but it shouldn’t have been this quick.
As proof, William was confused.
「Sh*t! It’s an enemy!!」
「Enemy? Is it a bandit?」
Focused on protecting Amelia, we all took out our weapons.
Because we were still in the middle of the forest, I couldn’t use “Yatonokami”.
Besides, they had overwhelmingly more numbers.
「You’re wrong! They kidnap the girls who often come here to harvest! And, none of them came back!!」
「…kidnappers, huh. According to the template, because of that appearance of the elves, there’s a higher chance for them to become slaves of those of other races or something.」
「You’re well-informed. They, try to enslave my brethren and sell them off to the beast men and the humans!!」
Clenching his fist tightly, William’s palm was bleeding.
He was glaring at them and emitting killing intent at the presences that was gradually coming closer and closer.
The gentle face that was worshipping Liam until just now was nowhere to be seen.
This feeling, this was only a guess, but someone who was close to William was definitely kidnapped by them.
When I looked over, there were many other people who were in the same situation as William.
The elves were all of the same mind.
Even if there was absolutely no blood relations, just with them being from the same race, they would sacrifice their own life.
They would do anything to get revenge.
Those guys surround their enemies, but even so, for them to kidnap them so openly, they might have the backing of the country, or the continent.
I abandoned those thoughts.
We needed to think of a way to break out of the encirclement.
We could think about the other things carefully afterwards.
It’s regrettable, but I’m the only vanguard.
Since they were kidnappers, I wanted to bring Kirika along as well, but unfortunately, it seems that she had some business to take care of, so she tearfully gave up seeing off her older sister.
Or rather, why didn’t she warn us beforehand that there were kidnappers!
「Now then, ladies and gentlemen of the elven race, why don’t you give us the princess. If you do that, you can keep your lives.」
「Princess?」
「It’s Princess Amelia. Saa, give her to us now.」
When I thought that they would come closer so that their voices would reach us, this time, they told us to give them Amelia.
The one hidden weapon clutched in my hand shattered into pieces with a snap.
Can I kill them?
No, I won’t kill them, but could I tie them up with shadow magic for now?
Taking the opportunity, let’s give my shadow magic one or two arms.
「A, Akira-dono?」
「What is it, William-kun.」
「Ah, the hidden weapon has become useless though….」
「Aah, it’s fine since I have more.」
「Akira-dono, your tone of voice is strange?」
「What are you saying, William-kun. I’m just a little irritated.」
「I, I see.」
Just the elves around me, including William, backed away.
It’s because they were affected by the overflowing killing intent coming from me.
However, that rampaging killing intent too, changed into a gentle breeze when it reached a single girl.
「Akira, I believe in Akira. Don’t let me go.」
「…isn’t that obvious? Where would there be a guy who lets go of the girl he likes.」
Coming to stand by me, Amelia just touched my arm that shattered the hidden weapon, and I realized that I had calmed down.
Amelia gently sucked in a breath, and called out to the elves who got cold feet.
「The enemy had more people than us! However, as long as we have Akira, it’s impossible for us to be defeated! Show these enemies who kidnapped our brethren the power of the elves!」
「「「Oooooooh!!!!!!!」」」
Amelia used her special skill『Strategist』and gave everyone a command.
She herself made preparations for the invocation of gravitational magic as well.
It seems that she would fight together with us.
「For now, I will fight according to my own occupation. Amelia, don’t overdo it.」
「Akira too.」
I went into stealth.
For now, I will suppress the leader, and the small fry after that.
I, slipped out of the circle of elves by myself and moved toward where the voice came from.
Because of the leveled-up『Assassination』special skill, there wouldn’t be any sounds no matter how heavily I stepped while walking.
Those behind me were fine.
There’s no one who would be able to win against Amelia.
—
Chapter 56~Hostages~
There may be people who have the Evil Eye just like Commander Saran, I walked within the shadows of the trees and carefully approached.
However, they, who attacked us, didn’t even notice me approaching.
「Heh heh heh, aniki, will they give us their princess.」
A vulgar voice could be heard.
My anger was boiling up from that.
How could I hand my treasure over to these guys.
「Maa, no matter how much they say that the princess is the elves’ treasure, she could not be compared to all her other brethren. They say that it’s for the tribe or something along those lines, in the end, those guys are that kind of people.」
There was also a composed voice that sounded like their leader.
I drew closer to the voices with a hidden weapon in hand.
I used perception to locate their presences, and there were about fifty bandits surrounding us.
And, other than them, there were three weak presences that didn’t seem to be that of a bandit’s.
Were they hostages?
「Is it almost time to start?」
「Yes. It seems that Gram-sama wants to obtain Princess Amelia as well.」
Eavesdropping intently, a name that I’ve never heard of came up.
I filed that information into the back of my mind.
It seems that they’re about to move as well, so why don’t we make a move too.
「!!」
For a moment, the sunlight was hidden by the clouds, and it was a bit dark, but I aim for the time when my surroundings turned dark and ran forward.
「Gugaa!?」
「Doheee!」
「Oi, what happe…guuu!」
Incapacitating up to ten people in an instant, I kept going and swooped down on my next prey.
The bandits were in confusion, and they fainted without even being able to take out their weapons.
「Oi! What’s going on!!」
「Aniki! We’re being attacked!!」
「What!?」
The bandit leader certainly didn’t think that we would counterattack in a situation where there were hostages either
Truthfully, they should’ve withdrawn when they realized that they were being attacked.
However,
「Kuu! I don’t know what’s going on, but for now, destroy all of those who are hidden!!」
「「「Oooooh!!!!」」」
The bandits, without knowing what happened, noisily raised their voices and ran towards the center of the encirclement as if running from the fear of dying.
「…there’s ten more, huh. I’ll leave the rest to Amelia and William and the rest and I should head to where the leader and the hostages are.」
If it’s the strength of Amelia and the others, even if the vanguard’s not there, they would be able to deal with around ten of them.
Additionally, Amelia had the special skill『Strategist』.
There’s no way they would be defeated.
「Yoru, if it’s necessary, take care of Amelia.」
『Got it, Master-dono.』
When I called out to Yoru telepathically, a reassuring voice responded back.
It seems that he was happy that he could go crazy for the first time in a while.
As expected, was it because he was a monster, his savage nature was much stronger than other animals.
「…damn, what happened. Oi! Wake up!!」
The leader, pressed a dagger against the throat of a female elf whose face was filled with haggardness, while he kicked his comrades who had fallen over nearby.
Even so, the fainted enemy did not even move an inch.
At that violence that even his comrades were not exempt from, that young girl trembled.
And the other hostage had, fallen over, so I couldn’t see them well, but she was also a female elf.
Did she lose consciousness due to the fear.
Everyone’s hands and feet were bound and their mouths were gagged, and they were all completely unable to move.
For now, I will try to rescue the hostages, I approached the leader in stealth.
There was no doubt that the boss who was frantically waking his comrades would not notice me approaching even if I wasn’t in stealth.
For now, let’s carry the woman who was unconscious and not struggling and put her up in a tree, away from the boss where he would not be able to see.
I cut off the rope that bound her limbs and gagged her mouth.
Next, I drew closer to the girl to rescue her.
It would be troublesome if she struggled, so I struck her on the back of the neck and then moved her.
If Amelia saw that, she would definitely get mad, but it’s not a problem if she didn’t see it.
Besides, it would also be a problem if she saw me and then yelled while misunderstanding that I, a human, was one of the enemy.
Lastly, I tried to rescue the woman, but the leader had a tight hold on her.
Now then, what should I do.
「Oi, if you don’t want your head to go flying, take your hands off this girl.」
「Waaaaaaaaaaa!?」
When I said that while affixing my hidden weapon at his neck, the leader who had not noticed me approaching until just now, was so surprised that he jumped up and let go of the woman without thinking.
Okay, it saved me a lot of trouble that he’s an idiot.
Not letting go of that opportunity, I quickly pulled that woman toward me.
The woman who also didn’t notice me widened her eyes at the suddenness as well.
I cut that rope with my hidden weapon, and pointed at the tree I put the girl in.
Perhaps the woman understood even without me saying anything, she climbed up that tree while peeking over at me.
I prayed silently in my heart that, she would look after the other hostage who was in a nearby tree for me as it would save me a lot of trouble, while my eyes had never left the leader.
It seems that the leader was outraged, many veins were popping up on his forehead.
「You bastarddd!!! How dare you take the hostages from under Gram-sama’s nose!!」
「I don’t know. Or rather, who that heck is that Gram you’re talking about.」
「Like I would tell someone like you!」
Still, won’t you fall for it.
It seems that, those elven hostages were kept by that Gram-sama or whoever in order to catch Amelia.
The angry leader who lost them, was glaring at me as if looks could kill.
「Now then, there are various things that I want to ask you. I will have you, somehow or another, capture the fellows who are scattered around here.」
「You know that I’m the boss of the blue-ranked criminal guild『Shark』and you’re saying that?」
He’s a boss who’s self-confident.
Sorry, but even if I’m told about blue-class or Shark, nothing came to mind, rather, I just think of the color blue and sharks.
How high was the blue rank?
「I’ve never heard of any of that. Sorry.」
Thinking that talking with him anymore than this would be useless as well, I drove my hand that had clutched my hidden weapon into his stomach.
I was going to go easy on him, but the leader fell over without even groaning.
「Now then, Amelia’s side should be finished as well.」
I bound the leader with the vines that were growing around here and carried him on my shoulder.
Even if it was an attempt, in my mind, there were no human rights for those who try to kidnap Amelia.
When I looked up, it seems that the girl who I made faint had regained consciousness as well.
The mother elf was hugging the daughter tightly while crying.
Was it case closed.
I looked away from the happy scene of the parent and child, while taking a deep breath in.
However, I did not know.
That this was only the beginning.
—
Chapter 57~The One Acoompanied By Monsters~
「Welcome back, Akira. Are you injured?」
「There’s no way I would be, right? Leaving that aside, just what is this….」
When I moved towards the people who were surrounded until just now while avoiding the place where the unconscious enemies were piled up into a mountain, and Amelia rushed over.
After that, the extremely sleek Yoru came.
The elven warriors, frightened, got out of the way, not because of Amelia passing by, but Yoru.
Seeing that, I, without thinking, narrowed my eyes.
This guy, did he do something….
No, what did he do?
『I understand well what Master-dono is thinking, but I didn’t do anything?』
「Is that so?」
『Oi, you don’t believe my words, do you! However, it’s also a good thing that humans feel fear when they see me.』
I was somewhat uneasy about the villainous look on Yoru’s face (even though it’s the face of a cat), and when I confirmed it with Amelia, he pressed his paw against my cheek that was three times bigger than normal due him changing sizes because of the battle.
Umu, it had a nice feel.
Let’s squish it together with Amelia afterwards.
「Yoru, didn’t lie. These people, just collapsed the moment they saw Yoru’s face.」
If Amelia says so, then it must be true.
How weak, the enemy.
We left the enemies to the elven warriors to deal with, as we had that conversation, William timidly approached while avoiding Yoru.
「Um, Akira-dono, I have something I want to ask you, is it ok?」
He turned his gaze towards Amelia as he said that.
So he had to ask the person with the highest status, Amelia, first, huh.
What was the thing that a guy who always followed etiquette wanted to ask so much that he would go so far as to interrupt our conversation.
Amelia nodded, and William finally looked over to me.
「Um, is this Yoru-dono Akira-dono’s familiar?」
「U–n. Are you?」
『I am! If you look at the crest on my forehead, and the crest on Master-dono’s arm, it’s obvious!』
I ignored Yoru who was roaring gao gao, and looked at William.
「It seems so.」
「Excuse me, but may I take a look at Akira-dono’s arm?」
Something like a crest on my arm was very chuunibyou and although none of my acquaintances will see it, I was unable to lay it bare as I walk down the street.
So, my black clothes were always long-sleeved, no matter how hot it was.
I rolled up my sleeve all in one go and showed him the crest.
That crest was black, but it seemed darker than when I made a contract with Yoru.
「Th, thank you very much. However, as an elf, I live much longer than humans, for me to be able to meet ‘the one accompanied by monsters’ before I die….」
「‘The one accompanied by monsters’?」
The chuunibyou-like names were quickly increasing.
I thought that, this kind of shame would normally be assigned to the protagonist, but just where was our protagonist (the hero) and what was he doing.
Indeed, if we’re talking about that idiot, it would be hard to imagine him dying in some random place.
He probably left the castle, but because of that, I couldn’t really predict his where he will go.
「If I’m not mistaken, it’s an elven saying.」
『Aah, a long time ago, it was a phrase that indicated the abominable demons, but it’s talking about a person who was like the master of humans, elves, or beastmen who suddenly appeared.』
It seems that Amelia and Yoru understood the meaning of it.
「Normally, monsters are existences that are incompatible with people. It’s no different than not having any data on them. Because of ‘the one accompanied by monsters’, there is potential for further research!」
Breathing heavily in excitement, William looked at Yoru.
As expected of Yoru, perhaps he too thought that it was unpleasant, he adjusted to a smaller size and jumped onto my shoulder.
「I see, Yoru-dono’s special magic is size regulation!」
He was coming closer as he made various wrong conjectures.
Certainly, this was unpleasant.
This guy, only thought about being praised by Liam.
「William, I understand that it’s rare, but can you not frighten our child?」
「…haa!! I’m so sorry! It’s something rare that I may never meet again, so I unconsciously….」
He was apologetic, but William did not look away from Yoru.
「You’re a man who doesn’t quite know when to give up.」
「It’s already an obsession, that.」
『I hate that guy.』
As he freely expressed his thoughts, the leader who I had been carrying on my shoulder finally woke up.
Now then, we’re going to start the interrogation.
If possible, I don’t want to make it a painful experience.
Let’s hope that he spits it out quickly.
—
Chapter 58~Identity~
When I violently threw him onto the ground, perhaps he had completely woken up, the leader glared at me.
It seems that it was a good way to wake him up.
For me who had trouble getting up every morning, it made me envious.
「Now then, why don’t you tell us everything you know? Including the information about Gram.」
When I silently took out a hidden weapon and pressed it against his throat, the leader looked at me with obvious fear in his eyes.
I didn’t emit any killing intent.
I didn’t even have any intention of killing him in the least.
It was just a threat, but it seems that ordinary people didn’t have the determination to kill.
I’m deviating, more and more from the norm.
「I, I don’t have anything to say to you bastards!」
Although he had tears in his eyes, the leader declared that he would not sell his comrades out.
However, his body was trembling and seemed like he would faint at any time.
I sighed.
「I quit. Perhaps I don’t look like a bad guy. Besides, I’m not really interested in Gram. I just thought that I’ll ask anyway. If it seems like even you guys can’t settle it, you can call me.」
When I retracted the blade, everyone there, including the leader, their jaws dropped, flabbergasted.
I wonder if I said something strange.
「Akira, are you saying that you’ll no longer get involved in this incident?」
「Sorry, Amelia, that’s how it is.」
I wasn’t the protagonist who was brimming with a sense of justice.
Honestly, as long as those close to me weren’t sad, what’s going on with other people did not concern me.
The elves even had a country.
These kinds of incidents, would always happen at the country-level.
Besides, wouldn’t it be great if it’s so peaceful that there were no soldiers.
「Yes. Because I just follow Akira.」
「T, that!」
「Even Amelia-sama!」
William and the others raised their voices in despair.
Oi, oi, don’t say something that that hero would say.
「That’s how it is. Also, I had freed three hostages over there, so they should be coming over soon.」
When I pointed toward the gaps of the trees, the three hostages from just now came out from there.
The girl among them came closer and clung onto to me.
The other hostages too silently thanked me.
「Um, thank you for saving us, oniichan!」
「Aah, you’re welcome.」
Even though that was all there was to it, I could see Amelia pouting in the corner of my eye.
I have to take care of her later.
『Is this really ok? Master-dono.』
Only Yoru came closer to me and whispered that.
I recalled the crest, that was engraved on the sword that I caught a glimpse of when I threw that guy down just now, while stroking that fur of Yoru’s.
「Naa, Yoru, which country is the crest with three claw marks on top of a circle from?」
『Aah, if it’s that, it’s the crest of the beastmen’s largest country, Uruk, but…it can’t be!』
I nodded at, Yoru whose widened his eyes.
「Aah, their swords were engraved with that crest. These guys are, knights pretending to be kidnappers.」
『Th, the knights are kidnappers…. However, why did they have the crests that would expose them on the swords?』
「Who knows? It was only engraved on one person’s sword, and it could be that many of the swords were damaged so they had no choice but to use them or something like that?」
It’s only this guy, who was violently and unreasonably waving his sword around, so perhaps he didn’t want that crest to be seen.
Though, it seems that it was no match for my monstrous kinetic vision.
『Will you tell Miss Amelia and the elves about this matter?』
「I won’t. I barely have any evidence and the matter is too important to talk about based on speculations. Besides, Amelia is, more or less, a princess. Moreover, she may rule over the elves in the future.」
I said that to the elves, but I would most likely involved myself in this matter.
『I got it. I will do as Master-dono says.』
「Thank you, Yoru.」
I didn’t know why the country of beastmen, Uruk, would kidnap elven girls, and want Amelia.
I will never, give Amelia to them.
「What’s left is who Gram is.」
『The name of the current king is not Gram. If I remember correctly, the prime minister had a name like that, but….』
「Maa, it’s fine. I will destroy those who come and will not let anyone get away.」
『…Master-dono, isn’t that somewhat different?』
The gloomy atmosphere from just now completely changed, staring at the two talking harmoniously from further away, Amelia softly breathed out.
「Akira, I want to be Akira’s strength too.」
—
Chapter 59~Setting Sail~
For now, I set the leader who I captured free in the forest.
Since he didn’t say anything even when the elves interrogated him.
No, this guy most likely didn’t know anything.
He just seemed like the leader, his sword was crude, and above all, their scheme to pretend to be bandits was too ill-prepared.
And so, the elven forces were divided in half, one half were the guides and escorts who sent the hostages back.
And the other half were our guides.
Perhaps there was that matter from earlier as well, because the elven knights were escorting us without letting their guards down, though really, we were just walking.
Along the way, Amelia got tired and rode on top of Yoru who enlarged itself.
「Akira, was it really ok? If they were truly bandits that the guild had put a bounty on, we could’ve received a reward.」
I poked Amelia who was displeased.
Most likely, she wanted to use that money to eat something tasty.
「It’s good that we were able to get those people who were kidnapped back. Besides, there’s the proverb that says that those who chase after two rabbits won’t catch any.」
「Those who chase after two rabbits?」
I explained the meaning to Amelia and Yoru who tilted their heads to the side in confusion.
『I see, the inhabitants of Master-dono’s world use interesting phrases.』
Yoru and Amelia folded their arms and nodded in admiration.
Those actions resembled that of an ossan’s so I laughed a little.
「Saa, we’ve arrived!」
William, who was walking in front, his voice rang out, and the procession stopped.
The trees were in the way and I could barely see anything, but a large ship that was rarely used was anchored at the wharf.
Incidentally, Amelia and Yoru were bewitched by the blue sea that was spread out before their eyes.
「Akira-dono, that ship, “Orchid”, periodically travels between the elven territory and the beastmen territory, and this time, you will be riding that.」
William said that and presented to me, a letter with the insignia of the elven royal family.
He said that the king was giving it to me to use in the only beastmen port city, Ul.
Don’t do something so cool.
The king probably thought that he had paid back the favor with this, but too bad.
The one who saved the hostages, was me.
The king, would be glad that his brethren returned as well, but the thing that I’m most unhappy about would be not being able to see his face filled with despair.
「This is as far as we go. Akira-dono, Yoru-dono, to say this to you even though you are not elves, we are definitely a failure as a country. However, as William, I want to request something of you!」
William made a face as if he was holding back his tears.
「My beloved wife and daughter! Please save them!!」
「M, me too!」
「Please!」
The elves bowed their heads.
Definitely, if scholars studying the ecology of elves saw that, they would definitely be extremely excited.
Elves basically did not associate with other races, and were very prideful.
To want them to willingly bow their heads, it would never happen, with the exception of torture.
No matter how strong Akira was, they did so to a human who was much inferior than themselves even though their population was higher.
Their resolve could be seen.
「…sorry, but I left my sickly mother and younger sister behind in my hometown as well. I need to go.」
「A, Akira-dono!!」
「However, maa, if I come across them, I might as well pick them up along the way.」
It was a line that, I definitely would not have said when I left the castle.
I thought that Amelia too had changed a lot since the time I met her, but it seems that it was the same for me as well.
「Akira-dono, you have my gratitude!」
「Amelia-sama as well, take care!」
「Please take care of yourself!!」
When we boarded the ship, the elves shouted this.
I ran to the middle of the deck so that I wouldn’t be able to see them, and left everything to Amelia.
「Everyone too, take care.」
「Yes!!」
Like that, the ship set sail.
The small Yoru on my shoulder was hit with the sea breeze and was delighted by it.
『It feels good, Master-dono.』
「Aah.」
But, the sea breeze was too much, so I didn’t really like it.
Today, I need to carefully wash Yoru too.
「Akira, I have something to talk to you about though.」
「…Amelia.」
Amelia expressionlessly stood in front of me.
I knew what Amelia wanted to say.
「Akira, I too…isn’t there anything I can do to help?」
「There isn’t. It still isn’t Amelia’s turn yet.」
「…I see.」
Amelia hung her head.
Before, I would’ve undoubtedly patted that head, but I didn’t do so.
「Amelia, if your goal is different from mine, than it would be better to go our separate ways.」
「W, hy….」
I too, did not want to say this.
「Amelia, I’m close to the elves. I’m fine with just those around me being happy.」
「Am I not, among those people?」
「No, you are definitely one of them.」
Because you are, even though I don’t know what they’re trying to do, I would not forgive the Uruk Kingdom who tried to kidnap Amelia.
However, if we’re going to the Uruk Kingdom, it wouldn’t be the shortest route to the demon king’s castle.
The me who wanted to return to Japan as quickly as possible, and the me who wanted to protect Amelia were warring with each other in my head.
Perhaps Amelia sensed my internal struggles as she stood on tiptoes and patted my head.
「It’s fine to do as Akira likes. I will do the same.」
「…is that so.」
I gave a wry smile, at Amelia who decided everything.
This girl, was really soft on me.
If he said that, it seemed like he would be tsukkomi’d with ‘Akira too is soft on Amelia’, so he didn’t say anything.
『…Master-dono, I’m fine with it, but that’s not something that you should do in public…on the deck of the ship.』
Realizing it when Yoru pointed it out, everyone who was working, did their best not to look at us, and we were in the way.
Come to think of it, the workers in this world, most of them were humans.
The sailors working on the ship too, and the enemies who attacked us were humans as well.
Humans and beastmen didn’t change much, but because their population was overwhelmingly more, there was little to no people who go to the territories of other races to work.
The humans that we’ve seen so far were, merely a small fraction as well.
There wasn’t anyone who was dissatisfied, but it was definite that the treatment of humans was different than that of other tribes.
Wandering Muse Translation 
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