《I Work As A Healer In Another World's Labyrinth City (LN)》
Chapter 1 — Becoming Jobless
Chapter 1: Bing Jobless.
Labyrinth City Merhatz.
At the edge of this city that spreads out from thebyrinth that lies at its center, Im working hard as usual at Eris hospital.
Uwah, you didnt treat this wound properly, did you? Its starting to fester. Youll need Dis-Poison for this too. Along with the Heal, thates to 400 Zeni.
Before my eyes is a girl with vivid red hair, long enough to reach her shoulders. She has a rough style, with moderately-toned limbs, a simple buttoned shirt, and shorts. Theres a boyish air to her.
On that girls left arm theres a wound from being caught on something sharp. However, contrary to the painful-looking scar, the girls reply is cheerful, and she shows no sign of being especially bothered by the wound. Yes, for this girl, wounds like that are an everyday urrence. Because this girl is an adventurer.
When I cast healing magic on the girls arm, a faint light gathers on the affected part, and the wound mends.
Ehh, 400 huhhh. Shiki, cant you lower that just a liiiittle more? My equipment broke too on thatst exploration, so Im low on moneyyy.
Thats impossible. If I lower the treatment fee on my own, Eris is gonna fire me for sure this time. Im in a tough spot as a hired healer.
I, Satou Shiki, was originally a college student from modern-day Japan. Then one day, all of a sudden, I came to this world. I was stabbed with a kitchen knife by a sher, and the moment I thought I had died, somehow I was here in thisbyrinth city.
Originally, I had earned a modest sum of money in Japan as a counterfeit antiques dealer, and a much greater sum of money by building up a psychic healing group as a new religion. And I dont know whether its rted to that or not, but I acquired Appraisal and Healing Magic skills upon my arrival in this world. And then, in order to make a living in this other world, after various twists and turns I began to work at Eris hospital. Its been three months or so since then.
Ehhhh, its fiiine, she wont find out. Cmon, just the Dis-Poison amount! Im begging youuu.
Squish.
The redheaded girl squeezes her freshly-healed arms together. You wouldnt guess it from her boyish demeanor, but shes pushing up somerge tits.
This is dangerous. In many ways.
Without herbyrinth exploration gear, the only thing covering the girls breasts is that single shirt. Of course shes wearing underwear, but the underclothes in this world dont have anything so unromantic as fixed support wires. Unimpeded by the thin garment, her abundant twin peaks jiggle and sway.
But you see
The manager of this hospital, Eris.
Soon after I came to this world, I was looking for a job. I ran into her by chance on the street, and I was charmed by those giant tits that were crammed into her monastic habit and looked ready to burst free. With a teensy bit of stalking I followed her to this hospital. And thats how I started working here.
However, to be honest, the environment isnt great. First of all, maybe because of its location far from thebyrinth at the center of town, there arent many customers. Since customers donte, the ces treatment fee is set impossibly low to attract customers from elsewhere. Of course, thanks to that management style the hospital has no money, and ordingly, my sry is low too. Although Im a live-in worker, so I dont really care that much either way about the sry.
If I give discounts at a hospital managed like this, what will Eris say? No, actually she scolds me, and even tells me the next time I do it Im fired. And thats happened countless times already.
But man, the only type of adventurers that would go out of their way to a hospital so far from thebyrinth are money-grubbers and sly old dogs.
Looook, its fine if you wanna touch em just a liiittle?
Faced with the negotiation skills of exceptional women, I resist in vain, and I get forced into giving them discounts every time. Its all gods fault for bearing forth such sinful fruits. Ah, since I was revered like a god by parts of Japan as the founder of a new religion, you could argue that its my fault too though.
I gueesssss theres no helping it. Alright, 200 Zeni for the Heal portion!
Waaah, thank you! Well then, just a little, kay?
The redheaded girl sticks out her chest, pushing out those big twin peaks. When I stare intently at her face, her cheeks blush slightly and she quickly turns her head to the side.
This. This is it. That devilish behavior that makes men dance on the palm of her hand. Her soft, seductive voice. This girl is like this every time. I just need to see this kind of thing once and the price discount is already a done deal. Its not that Im weak-willed; this girls ability is incredible.
Then, when I reach out my hand to the girls chest-
What are you doing?
An absolute-zero voice.
It reverberates throughout the treatment room.
Wh-, ah, Im on my way out. Thank you very much for the treatmeeeent!
Ahhh. Boyish-chan dashed off. Thats an adventurer for you. What a magnificent body. I didnt even get to rub it yet. Wait, she didnt pay the fee either! Pay up.
The reason she ran away goes without saying.
At the entrance to the treatment room, striking a daunting pose, theres a woman with waist-length blonde hair, Eris. 18 years old, shes a girl with a bit of a harsh personality who runs this hospital by herself. Her arms are crossed, pushing up some plump, voluptuous breasts thatpletely overshadow the earlier Boyish-chans, and the re shes pointing at me is sharp enough to stab me to death.
Ahhahahaha.
Secret to sess #1: When youre in trouble, go withughter.
I told you, didnt I? I told you not to reduce the treatment fee. Over, and over, and over, and over.
No effect.
Look, that was, yknow, that. Ah, her chest! It seems her chest was injured, so I had to treat it, didnt I? Okay?
Secret to sess #2: I had a valid reason for it.
And why would physical contact be necessary, just to cast healing magic? Besides, I was watching from the start.
No effect.
Please find it in your heart to forgive meeeeee!!
Secret to sess #3: Prostration.
An enthusiastic, perfect-form dogeza. Put your head against the floor, and just earnestly beg for forgiveness. With this disy of wretchedness, surely even the furious Eris cant help but to forgive me.
Even though I hired you when you told me wanted to work here no matter what, you never listen no matter how many times I say it. Any opportunity you get, whether its me or the customers, its just sexual harassment, sexual harassment, sexual harassment. And despite that you eat enough for two people. Ive been putting up with it until now only because your healing magic skill was so incredible, but. I. have. had. enough. You are fired. Never show your face here again.
Yep, it was useless. Three outs. Ive made her mad plenty of times before, but never this angry. At least shes never said anything about showing my face and all before.
Sorry, look, I wont do it anymore. If you get so angry itll spoil your pretty face, yeah?
Tch!!
Ah, this is bad.
Eris-san is truly angry. Instantly clicking her tongue, looking at me like rotten waste, I can feel her true disgust pointed at me. Her bluntness is scary. Considerably scary. The only time Ive ever seen her this scary before was yesterday when I inevitably ended up seeing her swimming nude and on top of that my foot inevitably slipped and I inevitably fell over onto her and inevitably ended up rubbing her breasts a little. Okay yeah, that was going overboard.
I seriously just got fired 5 seconds ago.
My next words will surely decide my fate from now on. Get moving, brain. Think. Find the words that will bring me back from the dead.
With all my brainpower, I search for the loving phrase that will make Eris go So dreamy, take me! as her cheeks blush out of delight and shyness.
Heres your luggage. Ive already packed it.
Times up.
Eris tosses arge jute bag my way. When I look inside, there are a few mens habits and a single bank card. Yep, these are my things. Shes quite thoroughly prepared.
Um, Eris-san?
Just like I told you. Youre fired. Get out.
-And thats how I was thrown out of Eris hospital on the spot, and became homeless and jobless in another world.
Chapter 2 — Buying a Slave
Chapter 2: Buying a ve.
Having been kicked out of Eris hospital and now officially homeless, Im at a loss. Eris is unyielding, and hanging around at the hospital entrance making an unsightly scene like a petnt child hasnt changed her mind.
What do I do now
My present concern is my future living expenses. The money Ive deposited at the bank amounts to three months sry at Eris hospital. The sum total is 60,000 Zeni. Considering the prices ofmodities in this world, thats equivalent to about 600,000 Japanese yen?
By the way, thats not muchpared to the median sry. Generally, employing a healer at a hospital requires about 50,000 Zeni a month. And, I may be saying this myself, but my healing magic ability is outstanding for this world.
I realized this after I came here, but even on Earth where mana almost doesnt exist, I seemed to be able to use a minor amount of healing magic already. Thats precisely why I was elevated to the position of the founder of a new religion. What happened when I, who was able to use healing magic from the beginning despite having basically no mana, came to this world thats overflowing with mana? My mana-starved body greedily absorbed mana from my surroundings, and as a result came to store an iprehensibly enormous amount of it. Im able to make efficient use of healing magic thanks to my understanding of the human body based on modern knowledge, and as the founder of a new religion in Japan who garnered faith like a living god, I had an exceedingly high affinity with this worlds healing magic which originates from the power of faith.
Well, thats all well and good, but right now I need to focus on the matter of my living expenses. At an average inn with no bath Eris hospital didnt have a bath either, though a single nights stay costs around 500 Zeni. A solid meal is 100 Zeni, or thereabouts. In brief, one day of living with three square meals and a roof over my head costs about 800 Zeni. Which means that with my current savings, after 75 days Ill be t broke. This is exceedingly unpleasant. Even if I try to work at a different hospital, there arent many ces that would hire an otherworlder like me; a suspicious character who has never studied at any church. In that respect, Eris, who took me in when I had just arrived from another world, was a kind and deep-bosomed person. Although maybe she just saw my talent for healing magic and caught the whiff of money.
If I use my talent with healing magic to appeal to them then perhaps Ill be picked up somewhere, but standing out too much wouldnt be good either. As a healer with ability the likes of which has never been seen before, if I handle it poorly, some health-maniac aristocrat or whatever may conscript me against my will and keep me under house arrest. I have no power to resist something like that, and authority is a terrifying thing. I want to try my hardest not to get involved with it. Also, since this is another world and all, if at all possible I want to make a harem.
Ah, its Shiki. Whatcha doing here at this time of day?
As Im having an early lunch at the tavern near the center of town thats a popr hangout, the red-headed Boyish-chan from earlier calls out to me. Saying Dya mind? she takes a seat next to me and orders.
I got fired from the hospital, so Im stress eating.
I give her a sullen re. Oh yeah, I gave her a discount but in the end I didnt get to touch her boobs. Actually, she never even paid. Lemme rub em. Not like I can say that in a ce like this though. Given that its a popr tavern, we have plenty of gruff-lookingpany around us. The second I groped a beautiful girls chest in here, Id be surprised if these ruffians didnt step in. I basically have zerobat ability. All I can do is heal. Thats why I dont want to cause any trouble in a ce like this.
Ahaha. My condolences.
Boyish-chan awkwardly averts her eyes. She must be self-conscious about shouldering part of the responsibility for my firing. Well, since Eris was so thoroughly prepared this time, the various things I did while peeping in on her swimming yesterday were likely the primary reason she was pushed past the limits of her patience, though.
Oh yeah, I didnt catch your name?
Ive met Boyish-chan a number of times over the past 3 months, but I dont remember her ever introducing herself. Im not sure how she even knows my name.
Na-, Ehhhh!! After I let you do all those things you dont even remember my name!? Havent we known each other for three months!? Eh, You really dont remember it!?
Dont say something that might be misinterpreted, youre gonna cause a scene. Besides, we havent interacted outside of giving medical treatment on a handful of days.
I guess youre right, huhhh.
Ruruka, Im Ruruka. Remember that, kay?
Is it that vexing for me not to remember her name? Shes sulking.
Yeah, I wont forget.
Since youre the devilish character whos partly responsible for me getting fired. Really, what am I gonna do from now on? No matter how much cheap liquor I drink, no good ideas areing to me. Sigh.
Whaaat? You just sighed.
Im just wondering what Im gonna do now that Im out of a job.
Hmmm, why not try bing an adventurer or something?
Adventurer, huh. I cant use anything but healing magic, you know?
Yeah, I think thats asking too much if youre on your own, but wont it work out if you form a party? Im pretty sure theres a demand for healers? If I didnt have my own party Id go with you, yknow.
Is there no way I could join your party?
Ahaha, my party has a pretty uptight girl in it, so
A girls-only party, huh? I really want to join, though. And given that Ruruka is often showing up at the hospital, she probably doesnt have a healer. Is it no good? If I were Ruruka theres no way I would introduce a habitual sexual harasser to my friends, especially if theyre girls.
Hmmm, wont it be hard for a newbie adventurer to find partners? Im not proud of this, but I dont exactly have many friends or acquaintances.
In the first ce its only been 3 months since I came to this world. I dont have anyone I can depend on.
Wah, that looks yummy! Well, Im sure itll work out, good luuuck.
How careless. Looks like her attention has shifted to the food that was just delivered. I cant expect anything out of her anymore.
Sigh, what am I going to do from now on?
I finish my meal and aimlessly wander around, at which point Ie across a side street off of the main street where a crowd has gathered.
In the middle of it there are men and women wearing thin sheets of cloth lined up in a row.
Its a ve market. There are ves in this world. Because theymitted crimes, or they ran up debt, or they wanted to go on living even if they had to give up their freedom. There are various reasons for bing a ve, but theyre basically handled the same way. The master guarantees the ves bare necessities. The ve unconditionally obeys the masters orders. If they dont, a magical seal known as a ve crest activates, forcing them toply.
Thats it, how about I be an adventurer by forming a ve party? If its a ve, I dont have to worry about being backstabbed inside thebyrinth, and I can take all the earnings. The question of whether I can trust my partner is hugely important as a healer who has almost nobat potential. I just might have hit upon a great idea.
I take a look, and there are various races. Every one of them is wearing a single filthy sheet like a poncho, but there are dog ears and elf ears, and their ages range anywhere from 10ish up to 40ish. But man, theyre all expensive. Even the cheapest 40-something human auntie is 200,000 Zeni. An elf ve thats good-looking, and moreover hasbat experience as a wizard, is over 4 million Zeni. You could build a house with that kind of money.
The amount of Zeni in my possession is 60 thousand and change. No matter how I look at it, I cant afford one.
Im reluctant, but I should give up. Theres nothing I can do if I dont have the means. But the second I decide to turn around and go find an inn for the night, a 50,000 Zeni price tag enters my field of view.
Over there is a young girl of about 12 years. The first thing that catches my attention is her face. Theres a huge wound on it like she got caught by a monster or something, and with the exception of her mouth its all ruined. Looks like shespletely lost her sight in both eyes. The color of her skin is a pale brown, about the shade of a tan? Her hair is a dull gray, and an elf ear is poking out from the side of it. Only one side. Perhaps she cant eat very well, but her figure is too thin. I get the impression that if I leave this dark elf girl alone, shell die.
Just from a quick inspection, shes missing both eyes, her nose, and one of her ears. Itd probably take quite a pile of money to heal them. To heal missing body parts, especially eyes, requires bishop- or archbishop-ss healing magic from the church. Even if she doesnt get healed, a ve that cant see wouldnt be very useful, and Im not sure anyone would want her as a pet either since her face is all smashed up. It makes me wonder why shes even up for sale.
I activate Appraisal, and find something very interesting in her status.
Name: Yuel
Race: Dark Elf
Possessed Skills: Dagger Arts
She has a Dagger Arts skill.
A skill holder. Skills vary widely, but the highest-grade ones guarantee you enough ability to take on several lowest-ss monsters at the same time, thats how skills work in this world. She might not have much power since shes still a child, but dark elves are a nimble race. I bet she could get by with a fighting style that makes use of her agile movements to dance around her opponents.
Hey man, I want that dark elf kid over there.
That dark elf? Errr, Yuel, I think it was. That ones eyes are totally shot, you okay with that?
Yeah.
Really! Oh boy, am I d to sell that one. Thought I was gonna have to dispose of it. Thatll be 50,000 Zeni, so how would you like to pay?
By bank card.
I ce my bank card over the ve merchants. Then I visualize a 50,000 Zeni payment. Bank cards, magic items that can transfer money ording to the owners wishes, are used by most people. They enable to you deposit and withdraw funds freely, like electronic currency where you can make transactions with nothing but a card.
Yes, certainly.
The ve merchant retrieves the dark elf. Is her gait unsteady because she cant see out of her eyes, or else because shes malnourished? Maybe a little of both?
The ve merchant takes the magic-imbued seal hes carrying, sprinkles a drop of my blood onto it, and lightly presses it it against Yuels shoulder.
With this, the ve contract isplete. Please be advised that we do not ept returns.
The ve merchant leaves Yuel behind and quickly takes off. It sounded like he meant that all she can do is sit around and eat with no hope of being sold, so I better not change my mind.
I am known as Yuel. Pleased to make your acquaintance.
The dark elf girl introduces herself facing in the wrong direction. Looks like she really cant see.
Yeah, how do you do. Im Shiki. First off, why dont we go to an inn?
For 2000 Zeni I buy her one set each of female undergarments and used clothes, plus some cheap shoes, then we enter a luxury inn that has a bath in each room.
Rooms with attached baths are often used for that sort of purpose. If its a couple, well, thats usually the goal. And Im bringing along a not-very-aged girl with a smashed face. No matter how you look at it, I can only be seen as a dangerous man with unique tastes, and furthermore rather extreme ones. Thats a misunderstanding.
Enduring the gaze of the Onee-san, I fork over the high price of 2000 Zeni for one night and two meals, and we enter the room. I dont have the money for double or twin or anything, so of course its a single room. First, I need to get off all the dirt and filth thats clinging to her.
Were gonna take a bath first. Okay?
Yes, thank you very much for purchasing me. I have no experience, but I will do my best to service Master adequately.
Incidentally, this is the first thing shes said since her self-introduction. She waspletely silent on the way to the inn. Though that mightve been unavoidable since she couldnt see what was going on around her and had no idea what I was up to either.
Even so, that proposal just now was dangerous. If you ask me what I prefer, I like big boobs, and Im no lolicon, but her earlier words sent a shiver down my spine. I wonder if this feeling is immorality? For a second I thought I was gonna smirk like a corrupt nobleman.
Be cool. Stay calm.
Even with my tiny, opportunistic conscience, I would definitely feel guilty for doing something to a kid of this age. Besides, I cant get excited with those horrible wounds on her face. Or rather, I dont have a taste for lolis in the first ce.
No, your treatmentes first.
Treatment, is it?
Whether shes surprised or bewildered, I cant read her expression. Although it might be more urate to say that rather than it being unreadable, she doesnt have one in the first ce. Yeah, I should really get around to healing her.
Yeah, dont open your eyes right away. EX Heal.
I feel my mana rapidly flow out. EX Heal is the highest-ranked spell of single-target recovery magic. As you might expect for EX Heal, I can actually feel my mana decreasing. And, right before my eyes, Yuels eyes, nose, and ear rapidly regenerate.
Eh? Ah, eh? Uwahhh!
Ahhhhh, didnt I tell you not to open your eyes? You wont be able to see for a while, so keep them closed and wait right there. Ille back once I get our meals.
Leaving Yuel behind temporarily, I grab some sandwiches at the dining hall on the first floor. Oh hey, theyre free. Thats a high-ss inn for you. Well, this ces rates are high enough to cover sandwiches for dozens of people, though.
When I return to the room, Yuel isnt there. Eh, no way, did she run away?
No wait, I can hear a sobbing voice from the direction of the dressing room.
She didnt run away. Thank goodness. If the young girl was spotted running off by that front-desk Onee-san, I cant imagine the look I would get the next time we met.
When I check the dressing room, Yuel is there, standing in front of the mirror and skillfully patting her face over and over as she looks into the mirror, sobbing.
My eyes are there my nose, my ears are there uwahhhh
Oh, looks like you can see already. Cmere, I got some food.
Nh, that voice, Are you my Master?
The very same, aint I handsome?
In a sh, Yuel embraces me.
Yes, so very cool. Cooler than anyone Ive ever seen!
Sure. How do I react to a reply like that? Or was it because shes my ve?
Thank you very much. You healed my face. I thought I was I was going to die just like that back there because of it.
The face looking up at me is all soggy with tears. Well, in this world theres no safety like Japans public assistance. You could call the very system a safety of a sort, but still, a ve with no eyesight wouldnt know when they might stop getting fed and starve to death. Thinking about this girl, even my rtively heartless self cant help but feel sympathy for her.
Its okay, youre okay now. Look, wanna eat a sandwich? I have some water too.
Sniff, yesh, thank you very much. Thank you, so much.
Yuel begins to voraciously devour the sandwich. Perhaps the ve trader had already stopped feeding her. I guess that means she was left in a corner to rot and die as a useless item when I bought her. That treatment seems cruel, but that may just be how ves are dealt with. Its forbidden in this country to needlessly take the life of a ve, but its something to the degree where so long as the ve doesnt actually die, theres no problem. In addition, if its your own ve, outside of brazenly killing them in the presence of the public, anything goes. The implication of thew is to not spill blood in public ces, and to not do anything barbaric. In the event that a ve were to grow weak and die unnoticed, it likely wouldnt even be investigated.
Well take a bath once youre done eating.
Yes, Master is my savior. To the best of my ability, I will wholeheartedly service you.
Wrong. Thats not it. Although I must admit, Yuels healed face is well-featured to the point that I would have no problem calling her a beautiful girl. Its enough to surprise me a little. But its at least 3 no, 4 years too early for that.
Ahh, Yuel-san. Thats not what I had in mind when I bought you. I bought you so we could explore thebyrinth together.
Thebyrinth? Master is an adventurer? I thought for sure that you were a high-ranking priest, though.
Ah, you see, I can use healing magic, but Im not actually a priest. Whats more, today I got fired from the hospital I was working at so Im jobless now. I had just decided to be an adventurer when I saw you, Yuel. You can use daggers, right?
Is that so. Err, indeed I have a dagger skill, but how did you?
From the way your muscles are built.
Actually, I was blessed with an Appraisal skill, so that has nothing to do with it, and Yuel is emaciated so she doesnt really have muscle tone in the first ce-
To think that you could tell just from a nce, as expected of Master. Incredible!
Yuel gives me an innocent look of reverence.
Being ttered by a girl feels great.
Im thinking of entering thebyrinth first thing tomorrow morning, so Ill be counting on you.
I dont have much more than 5,900 Zeni on hand. That amount of money would disappear in 3 days at this inn. Yuel is emaciated, but so long as I give her plenty to eat today and tomorrow morning, if I cast healing magic she should be able to move normally. I dont intend to overdo it, but exercise is important for building muscle.
Yes, please leave the fighting to me. I will protect Master with my life!
Shes extremely fired up.
Well then, time for a bath.
Yes. I-Its my first time, so, um, please be gentle.
No, Im telling you, thats not it.
Without anything particrly eventful happening, I wash Yuel and change her into the clothes I bought for her. When we leave the bath, she asks me things like You really arent going to? and So Im not appealing enough after all?, but I cant possibly follow through on that. Plus Im not a lolicon.
After that, when its time for our meal, Yuel eats with gusto. She easily goes through as much as two or three adults. I visit the dining hall on the first floor to get her snacks so many times that the staff think Im overeating and tell me to stop. My Engel coefficient seems to have climbed steeply, but with Yuel crying tears of joy and eximing delicious, so delicious as she chomps down the food, I cant possibly tell her to stop. Even so, she still seems unsatisfied, so in the end we leave the inn and have a second meal at the tavern where we ate lunch. My remaining Zeni is now a little over 5,700.
Leaving the tavern, we go to a weapon store to buy weapons for Yuel. Yuel is awfully serious about choosing, and finally she settles on two 20cm-long iron knives. Together theye to 5,000 Zeni. Im left with barely 700 Zeni.
Uh oh.
We return to the inn, and after another meal I climb into bed.
Yuel lies down on the floor.
No, wait, wait, its fine for you to get into bed, Yuel. Youre small, so theres still room.
As youd expect, Id feel guilty getting into bed myself and making a girl sleep on the floor.
Um, is it alright? I, well, dont have any charm and all.
Lowering her gaze, she hangs her head in shame.
Should I have said something to follow up after not putting my hands on her? I did say its because shes a child, but apparently she didnt understand. What should I do?
Button A: Yuel is a charming woman.
Isnt it strange not to put your hands on a beautiful ve?
Game Over.
Button B: I already think of Yuel as family.
How could you possibly think of someone as family on the same day you met them? Besides, for someone in her circumstances, the word family isplicated. She might be delighted, but the possibility of it being a horriblend mine is rather high too.
Game Over.
Ahh, err, thats a little, look. Yuel is cute, but youre still a child. But in three of four years Im sure youll be a finedy. When you do Ill have you sleep with me even if you hate it. For now, you can get used to sleeping in the same bed.
Three years is it? Yes, I understand. Ill look forward to it with pleasure!
No, thats not it. Yuel wouldnt get up off the floor. I just wanted her to sleep in a bed so I went with a future promise, thats all.
Oh well. I temporarily get out of bed and lift Yuel up.
Picking Yuel up when shes not even 140cm tall is an easy victory.
Hyaah!?
Ignoring Yuels surprise, I transport her to bed in that manner.
Then, using Yuel as a body pillow, I pull up the covers and go to sleep. Theres not much of a sexual feeling, but as a kid her body temperature is nice and warm.
I should have done this from the beginning.
Chapter 3 — Entering the Labyrinth
Chapter 3: Entering the Labyrinth.
After having breakfast at the inn, then bringing the unsatisfied Yuel to the tavern for a second breakfast, we head to thebyrinth. Yuel can really eat. I only have a bit over 500 Zeni left now. If we dont earn something in thebyrinth today, its gonna get rather unpleasant. This wontst us a single day. Uh oh.
If this isnt profitable I may have no other choice but to sell Yuel.
After a bath, Yuel became pretty beyond recognition. That waist-length dull gray hair became the glossy silver hair thats characteristic of dark elves. I dont know if its because she just ate or what, but herplexion has improved a ton, and her lips have turned a girlish scarlet. Her wounds are healed, and now that shes no longer filthy, you could surely say shes a beautiful girl. At this point there should be some demand for her as a pet, so I bet I could make a solid million Zeni by selling her back to a ve merchant. Although shes still a bit slim, and a child, even deducting for those I still think shed have plenty of market value.
-Ah, I wonder if selling her would be better?
As far as a million Zeni goes, for an inn with no bath and three meals I reckon I could live there for 1,250 days. Yuel is still a child thus not to my tastes, and I just bought her yesterday so our attachment is weak. If Im gonna sell her, its now or never. Besides, with the money from selling Yuel I could buy multiple other male skill holders, or maybe I could just live off the profits.
I nce back at Yuel whos walking diagonally behind me, as shes smiling pleasantly and looking happily back at me, and our eyes meet.
Grin.
When she sees me, a delighted expression lights up her face.
I cant do it.
How the hell could I take a girl making a smile like that and knock her down into despair? Its as if shes an infant turning to her parent, such a genuine smile. My conscience is condemning me severely for lightheartedly thinking of selling her just now. I cant bear this smile. I feel so guilty. Just looking her in the eyes is making me feel ashamed.
As Im tormented by guilt, we arrive at thebyrinth thats at the heart of thisbyrinth city.
Thebyrinth in this city is just thebyrinth, it doesnt have a special name. If I had to give it a name I guess itd just be Merhatzsbyrinth, as is.
This so-called byrinth is surely a dungeon, the very same thing that appears in games. There are over a hundred floors to Merhatzsbyrinth, and each floor has monsters prowling around it. With every floor after the first, the monsters be stronger and more diverse. When you defeat a monster, they drop magic stones and raw materials. Upon their death the monsters corpses immediately vanish, leaving behind said magic stones and asionally the raw material. I think its an extremely useful thing, but as for whether thisbyrinth is a test given by god, or its actually bait to draw in lots of living things, there are various opinions but apparently nobody actually knows for sure. Incidentally, magic stones are the raw materials for magic tools, as well as catalysts for spells, and have various other uses. Outside of those, there are also rare drops and treasure chests, so I hear plenty of stories about get-rich-quick schemes.
Well, all you need to know is that if you defeat monsters, you obtain money. The deeper you go, the higher the quality of the magic stones and raw materials, and the more money you obtain. Search for treasure chests with all your power. Thats it.
Inside thebyrinth that stands before me, or rather inside this huge box-shaped structure, there arent that many people since its morning.
This would be this citys adventurers guild, and inside it is the entrance to thebyrinth. When we enter, theres a line of reception desks like a municipal office, respectively for new sign-ups, magic stone exchange, raw material exchange and so on.
I head to the new reception counter first, and register as an adventurer.
Having said that, all I do is write my name on a form, receive some simple advice, and borrow a certain bracelet. As for the advice, it was on the level of always sell magic stones to the adventurers guild, dont fight with other adventurers, and finally be careful not to die.
And then, the bracelet. This bracelet has Item Box magic, magic that detects murder, and magic that makes it impossible to remove in reaction to thebyrinths internal mana cast on it.
Item Box, as the name implies, is magic that allows you to store items, so Im told its an indispensable magic for adventurers to be able to keep fighting as they collect magic stones and raw materials.
Murder detection magic is a spell that reacts when an adventurermits the crime of murder within thebyrinth; apparently in the times before this existed there were frequent robbery and assassination ambushes within thebyrinth.
Also, this bracelet is required to be worn upon entering thebyrinth, and cannot be removed once inside.
This bracelet is the symbol of an adventurer, its a convenient Item Box, and its also used as a cor to regte adventurers.
Master, Im looking forward to it!
After putting on the bracelet, Yuel is all smiles. That smile is conveying her restlessness and excitement. Whats with this feeling? I get the feeling Ive see it somewhere before for some reason.
Yeah, its that.
Its the same mood as a child tugging on their parents hand, saying hurry, hurry! in front of an amusement park.
Were about to go to abyrinth swarming with fiendish monsters, though. Its a ce where if things go poorly theres the risk of death as well. Saying shes looking forward to it, is Yuel that confident in her own skill? Or does she just think that her kind, gentle master wouldnt take her somewhere dangerous? If thats the case, Ill feel pretty guilty. I feel like Im gonna have a nervous breakdown soon. But our livelihood is at stake, so Im taking her either way.
Apparently she was quite self-assured.
Leaning forward damn near parallel to the ground, Yuel dashes through thebyrinth with a knife in each hand. Opposite us are two Goblins, monsters from the third floor of Merhatzsbyrinth. Goblins are monsters about the same size as human children, with strong physical strength despite their short stature, a dangerous monster to face in numbers even for an adult.
Yuel easily evades the Goblins club as it tries to intercept her, then slips her knife through and shes as if stroking its arm. The club falls from the Goblins hand. Looks like the tendon on the inside of its arm has been cut. Running past the other goblins attack, she twists the upper half of her body to avoid it. Having taken their backs, Yuel aims for the neck of the uninjured Goblin, the one on the right from my perspective. Given the shortness of the knife she cant behead it, but Yuel cleanly slices its artery from behind in one stroke. Paying no heed to the Goblin as it copses in a spurt of blood as the light fades from its eyes, Yuel returns her attention to the Goblin whose arm she previously sliced and thrusts her knife into its eyeball from the front. Hardcore. The knife must have reached its brain; the second Goblin crumples and falls.
Even Goblins are instant kills, huh?
Yuel, 12 years old. Now that I think about it, Yuels age is exactly as she appears, 12 years old. Since she was a dark elf, I considered the possibility of she looks like a child, but shes actually hundreds of years old!, but even though elves and dark elves have a long lifespan, they grow at the same rate as humans until about the age of 15. That Yuel-san is 12 years old.
Shes crazy strong.
These arent the movements of a child. Dodge and strike, dodge and strike, theyre totally sharp. She easily dispatched the Fang Rabbits on the first floor and the Salt Puppets on the second floor with no challenge, and even the third floor Goblins cant contend with her. Moreover, because her physical condition has been perfect so far, I cant even tell the extent of her ability. Incredible.
The Goblin corpses transform into particles of light and dissolve into the air.
Master! How was that?
Picking up the magic stones and clubs dropped by the Goblins, Yuel rushes over to me in a way that screams praise me, praise me!. Her elf ears are twitching, and her upturned eyes are gazing at me in anticipation. She feels like a dog that was ordered to wait and is dying to be rewarded. I guess all I can do is pet her.
Whos a good girl, whos a good girl, yes you aaaare.
As I rub her silver hair all over and praise her, Yuel bes bashfully happy. This is kinda soothing.
It turns out Yuel was quite a bargain.
To be honest, I wasnt even hoping for anything more than her to have enough skill not to lose against the weakest-ss monster from the first floor, Fang Rabbit. I mean, shes still a child. Its the weakest thing in thisbyrinth, no bigger than a normal rabbit. Its a monster that pretty much cant give you a fatal wound so long as it doesnt get its fangs into your throat, but its movements are agile so its fairly difficult to hit. And yet Yuel is able to urately thrust her knife under its chin when it pounces at her. All of her battles with Fang Rabbits were one-hit kills. And she made it through the first floor unharmed.
The Salt Puppet on the second floor is a humanoid monster with a body made of salt, and chunks of salt are what it drops. This guys movements are slow, and its not that powerful, just a tough monster with no apparent weak points. I was sure that it would take Yuel a while to deal with it, but in one swing of its arm, Yuel had waved the knives she was holding in each hand 5 times. She hacked away at the Salt Puppet in a way that reminded me of the Dual des style from a certain hunting game, ending the fight before 20 seconds had psed. In that fashion, she made it through the second floor unharmed as well.
And this time its the third floor, Goblins. Goblins are powerful, and more agile than a Salt Puppet. Furthermore, some of them have weapons like clubs or knives. Unlike the previous monsters, even one-on-one theres the possibility of dying if things dont go well. And yet she crushed them wlessly just like before, not to mention two of them at the same time.
If I had to name a problem, its that Im not doing a thing. Yuel is unharmed. No, its not like I want her to get injured, but I havent used healing magic once since we entered thebyrinth. Theres no meaning to my existence. And not just in battle, Yuel is also finding the monsters and monitoring our surroundings. Its not quite to the degree of beast-kin, but dark elves senses are fairly well-attuned. Ive just been walking behind Yuel, observing her brilliantbat, and praising her when she rushes back over. Ive be a mere leech.
No, were master and ve so there shouldnt be any problem with that, but looking at my circumstances objectively I cant help but feel like Im doing something terribly wrong. Well, I do have the role of recovery if it happens toe to that, but I get the feeling I could send Yuel off into thebyrinth alone with you can just use recovery potions, right? and nothing would change. And all of the ie would go into my pockets.
As far as I can tell from Yuels expression shes happy, so maybe its fine like this, but I feel awfully ashamed, or perhaps I should say obligated. If the ve was some middle-aged guy rather than Yuel, I might have no problem working him to the bone, but Yuels young outward appearance is shaking my conscience.
And yet Ive never even held a weapon before. If I swung around a sword Id probably just get in Yuels way, and if I used a bow Id likely end up shooting her in the back. Ive had customers back at the hospital teach me a little about attack magic before, but I wasnt able to use it at all. I cant think of any ways to fight. Besides, I dont want to face off with Goblins and stuff in the first ce. I do have the confidence that I wont die since I can immediately recover from even a fatal wound, but this and that are different stories.
As Im contemting, Yuel is still energetically hacking up Goblins, recovering their dropped weapons and bringing them over while holding her head in a position thats easy for me to pet.
About all I can do at this point is pet her with all my heart. Now that I think about it, Im pretty sure there was a game where you made monsters into your allies that had a system where grooming them improved their motivation and increased their stats. Yuels motivation is already full, but if I continue to pet her half-heartedly, eventually that may end up falling as well. This is it.
Yuels hair is long and straight. I take her rustled hair and carefully brush it along its natural direction, causing Yuel to twist her body ticklishly.
Youre really great, Yuel.
Squatting down to look her in the eyes, I gently pet along her cheeks and the contours of her chin. When I do, she nuzzles her face into my hand and bashfully closes her eyes in bliss. She responds with a shy ehehe, and meets each of my continued pets with a cute reaction.
Yeah. My job is to get along well with Yuel. Im starting to feel like things will be fine this way. And its soothing. Besides, its getting kinda fun.
Chapter 4
Chapter 4:
"Well, let''s go eat at the tavern" (Shiki)
"Yes, my master!" (Yuel)
After Goblin hunting throughout the afternoon, the drops I sold at the Guild earned me a little over 2,000 Zeni.
We only spent roughly 4 hours in the Labyrinth, but earned a decent amount of Zeni. Given that the typical wages of dayborer does not make even 1,000 Zeni. Yuel''s pretty excellent to have earned 2,000 Zeni in half a work day. She''s turning out to be a good purchase. In addition to her excellent performance in the Labyrinth. Yuel is a very obedient child.
Yuel looks at the sushi with a innocent child like smile. I was anticipating this moment. Looking at her eat, gives me a sort of healing feeling. I feel like I can now understand how a mother hen feels feeding her chicks. And earlier when I patted Yuel''s head at the end of each battle, I also started feeling less tense.
"Well Yuel, what do you think?" (Shiki)
"It is delicious, master!" (Yuel)
Looking at Yuel stuff her self, made me happy. Yuel with a radiant smile directed me to sit with her face to face as she ate. If this was Eris eating in front of me I''d probably think she was hiding her scary personality.
"Hey" (annoyed voice)
I turn around to see the tom boyish girl, Ruruka. Ruruka is also someone that I would think was hiding her scary personality. I wonder what I did for her to greet me like that. Ah, maybe she''s lonely.
I''d like tofort her in the bed if possible.
"Hello" (Shiki)
"Yo, I''ve been waiting for you so long, I was beginning to wonder if you were even going toe. Because I wanted to talk with you." (Ruruka)
She turned to the side when she said "Because I wanted to talk" This is way too good to be true.
I don''t think her remarks and attitude are genuine in the least. Ruruka is clever, she knows what gesture to use to depending on the man to get what she wants. She''s that type of person.
"Who is this person, Master?" (Yuel)
I Should probably introduce Yuel to Ruruka, since this is their first time meeting. But, Ruruka is likely to call me a lolicon if I introduce YuelI don''t feel like introducing them.
"Master? So this cute little girl is your ve? I didn''t realize your preferences were like that." (Ruruka)
Uwa, I got called a Lolicon without even introducing them. It''s an unavoidable misunderstanding considering that you would never think that Yuel is abat ve at first nce. Still, I don''t consent.
"Yuel, this is Ruruka. She was a regr when i worked at the healer clinic. Ruruka, this child is thebat ve I bought yesterday for my for my party." (Shiki)
"I see, it''s nice to meet you Yuel-chan" (Ruruka)
Yuel quickly hides behind me. It seems she''s scared, or maybe she''s just a shy person. Now that I think about it, she also acted like this when we first met. Ruruka doesn''t seem to think much of it.
"So you''re going to take the cute little Yuel-chan to the Labyrinth?" (Ruruka)
"We already explored lightly into the Labyrinth today, we fought up to Goblins" (Shiki)
Although I didn''t get to check the level of enemy Yuel can handle, it''s fine to do thatter, Yuel isn''t perfect and I should research demon the hierarchy as well.
"Oh? For such a cute girl to be so skilled at this age, isn''t that amazing?" (Ruruka)
That''s right. Yuel is so cute it''s a sin. Somehow I feel like I''m a Bragging father boasting about his child.
"Ah, it seems that Yuel has skill proficiency with Dagger." (Shiki)
"I See. Since I''m the only front line attacker in my party, I wonder if Yuel-chan would like to join my party if she everes to hate Shiki." (Ruruka)
"Hey! What are you trying to pull, poaching someone else''s party member?" (Shiki)
Well, saying that it''s not like Yuel would ever leave my party. What a joke. Yuel is to earnest for that, although I guess it''s not like Ruruka is serious anyways.
"I, I will never evere to hate Master!!!" (Yuel)
I thought so. That would absolutely be impossible. Though me saying that makes me happy, I wonder why I can trust Yuel so much? Ah, must be because she''s my ve, I convince myself.
"Hey, Shiki. Did you really only buy her yesterday? For Yuel-chan to be so attached to you, isn''t that strange?" (Ruruka)
"Are you saying that it''s strange for someone to get attached to me so easily? *Sigh* After I bought Yuel, I treated a wound on her face." (Shiki)
"Yes! Master also healed my copsed nose, missing eyes and my torn and battered ears. All while treating me gently as if he was my husband. Master is my precious person!" (Yuel)
"Eh? It doesn''t look like there was such a terrible wound. There are no scars at all!" (Ruruka)
"Well that''s thanks to my ability." (Shiki)
To be so precise as to not leave a scratch with healing magic, it''s said that there is significant technology and magic needed. Well, in my case, it''s do to my healing ability, so I don''t use high amounts of magic to heal, nor do I really do much research on the matter.
"Oh? Then I hope I can continue be apart of such an ability." (Ruruka)
"I don''t" (Shiki)
I expected this, I hope she doesn''t think I''ll heal for free. Although there''s it''s not like it''s a disadvantage for me to do it for free, I can''t really afford to do so. I have to consider how and when I work.
"Eh? Is this because of what happened at Eris''s shop? Where else am I going to find a healer who heals scars for a good price!? I''ll properly pay 200 Zeni and a give special service, this is a fair price right?" (Ruruka)
Speaking of Eris, she also has said that it''s considerably hard to get rid of scars. That it takes time to do such dense work when it needs great concentration and control of magic. However, the price is reasonable if you consider her special service. Though I am cheap inparison to the market, it is the same price I used at Eris''s Clinic. Still, it''s cheap indeed. Although, it is a great feeling to grope through cloth''s in this world, considering they don''t have undergarments. I also wonder if I can take the special service by force if i have to?
"Fine. You better properly pay up this time." (Shiki)
I''d rather not give the discount, but since I''m low on money anyways. I think it''s fine. Although I''m wondering if I should do this in the tavern.
"Good, good. You''ll heal the wound properly right?" (Ruruka)
Ruruka pays up front with the money taken out of her bank card. Prepaid? That''s unusual. I have a bad feeling about this. It''s the same kind of atmosphere that the ve trader gave off when he quickly left after selling Yuel. "I want to do this fast before he changes his mind" I get that kind of feeling.
"Hey,e over" (Ruruka)
There were two girls in the direction Ruruka called. One person with a witch like feeling who had blonde twin tails. The other one was a girl with blue hair in a bobbed style hair cut carrying a bow, she had a gave aposed feeling. The Blonde girl about 16, while the Blue haired girl looked about 18.The two girls rise from their seats and walk over. The twin tailed Blonde gives me a re as shees over. Blue hair sighs at the Blondes re.
"The Blonde is Franc, and the other girl is Sera. They are my party members" (Ruruka)
"Hmph " (Franc)
"Thank you for always taking care of Ruruka" (Sera)
Franc scoffs at me, while Sera politely gives her greetings.
"Ah, I am Shiki and this is my party member Yuel" (Shiki)
We exchange greetings. And then Yuel gives her greetings as well.
Speaking to Ruruka''s party is a bit painstakingly annoying. Definitively because of the Blonde
Even now her face is turned away from me with a dour look. It seems that she doesn''t bother with men.
"I''d like you to treat Franc''s shoulder, it''s not a life threatening wound, but, she was bitten by an Assault bat and suffered a side effect that''s causing hemostasis, and that can very harmful." (Ruruka)
I understand why adventures why adventures go into thebyrinth, but I don''t think that women should be fighting again''t the demons, even if they have skills. Labyrinth searches especially have a lucrative amount of danger in them. However in this world it appears that the difference in ability is smaller than in my original world.
Anyways, onto Franc. Although itself is not visible injury from wearing a robe, a lobe is torn a little, and you can see a small bandage covering it. I try to avoid eye contact with her. Usually I would I get a good amount of pleasure from watching my cute clients turn away with embarrassment over the fact that a handsome healer was staring at them as I gave them treatment. This is not the case with Franc. Franc looks at me with a mixture of contempt and disgust. There''s no value in a woman who has is all tsun and no dere. Let''s not be honest about that part.
"Hey hey, why do you have drills for twin tails?" (Shiki)
I don''t understand why she has them. Anyway, somehow I fell like I want to fool around the drills and feel the full force of such a distinctive hairstyle that is hard to set every morning.
"Shiki, it seems we won''t be paying anymore?" (Ruruka)
Ah, this is why she payed upfront. Ruruka knows my personality well. I can already imagine Franc leaving the tavern in a fit of rage. Although it''s not sexual harassment to say "So I can take a better look at the infected area, take of your robe?" Franc would still probably exit in a fit of rage. And since I can''t say I won''t cure her after I''ve already received the money, it will be tricky to sexually harass Franc without offending her. Although even if i try something Ruruka would stop it.
I Really have no idea how I would do it.
Though. if you look at them per breast. Franc''s chest is as much of a shame as her personality.
Shame indeed. Especially since Sera has ager bust to the extent that you can see the package and Ruruka also has her nice bust hidden behind her breastte. It''s a hidden type of busty. it''s a shame that these are the only tits i met this time.
"Healing fires" A warm light gathers over Francs shoulder.
I can''t really confirm it, but the wound is probably healed. Franc doesn''t let up on her bad expression even after confirming the state of her shoulder. It seems to have healed.
"Are you Not going to give thanks?" (Shiki)
"I think it''s rude to ask for appreciation" (Franc)
That pissed me off a bit, but i''m not so inclined as to show it here. It''s a healing thing to have Yuel here in many ways. I don''t want to be showing her an unsightly appearance. I thought want her to be frightened by an angry me. It''s a strange feeling, considering I''m a whirlpool of a personality.
"Although she has that expression on her face, Franc isn''t a bad girl." (Ruruka)
Saying this doesn''t seem to disturb Franc''s bad expression at all. Even so, there should be a degree to how much you can be a man-hater. It''ll be difficult to live if a majority of your conversations are unpleasant and you can''t even say thank you.
Ah, so that''s why she became an adventure.
After the treatment is over, Ruruka and her party leave the tavern.
Just before she left though, Ruruka gave her regards and said that she would of gave me the special service of groping her chest if I had insisted. I had determined that her adamant refusal would stay the same, so I did not ask again for the special service. It''s a shame, but there''s not point in crying over spilt milk.
It''s still a shame though
Chapter 5 — Feed the Sandwich
Chapter 5: Feed the Sandwich
Day after the treatment of Franc.
I wake up with Yuels face directly in front of mine. We''re on the same 1 person sized bed that we were on yesterday, in the same manner as yesterday. Still, for a single sized bed, it''s pretty warm andfortable. It''s Spring right now and the weather is a bit chilly.
In this world there are four seasons, it''s almost exactly like Earths calendar. The difference is in the terms, it is January of Spring now. In the sense that the first month of Spring in Japan is March.
The morning is decently cool.
Clinging onto me, it was easy to understand that Yuel is extremely thin. Although it''smon to think that slim girls are the best, there''s a profusely noticeable feel of bone. I was thinking of exploring deeper into thebyrinth, but that may still be impossible for Yuel. It will be troubling if a mistake is caused by herck of strength or agility. It''ll be easy to heal physical wounds, but if she looses confidence or get''s a fear of monsters because of a mistake, I can''t heal mental wounds. And I can also afford to not go deeper into the Labyrinth for now. I have enough for tomorrows amodation fees as well. And since defeating Goblins is a cinch, it might be nice to not go deeper for now.
While inspecting Yuel''s body, I think all that. Yuel awakens with a slightly red face and is staring at me with a surprised facial expression. She then closes her eyes as if waiting for a kiss
Wrong!
This is a misunderstanding. I didn''t mean to be toying with Yuel''s body, I was only checking to see if her body was healthy. I didn''t mean for her to be embarrassed. But now I''ve been misunderstood and Yuel is closing her eyes and waiting for a kiss.
I wonder if should give the kiss or nor. I feel that I wont be able to escape being called a Lolicon.
It''s also impossible for me to correct Yuel''s misunderstanding. This is dangerous, there''s a possibility of this escting past just a kiss. To make matters worse, Yuel has changed from her face being slightly red, too being dyed in bright red. But in the end, this is my mistake. This is embarrassing.
I don''t think I''m blushing, but i wonder what state I''m in. In this situation it''s possible to start pointing your finger andughing at a woman, for example if the woman was Franc. But this opponent is the pure and lovely Yuel. Getting out of this situation could ruin her pure and innocent smile
What to do
Mission "Get rid of this opportunity without hurting Yuel" Start!
Normally in this situation one would kiss. However this is very likely to create problems in the future. It''s a risk of our rtionship escting. A sinful rtionship between a loli ve who yearns for you. If possible I want to continue a pure rtionship for a few more years. Too sexually assault a loli ve is respectably too evil. If I were to have any sort of respectable sex, it would likely be with Ruruka. And although it is true that I''m yearning to do it when I see the Pure Yuel giving me such an expression and that I feel like i''m being ripped to pieces for tricking such a girl. Such a thing, I couldn''t. I have to choose another option other than that.
Ah, it''s useless. There''s not enough time to think. Yuel is still red from ear to ear and her eyes are starting to water.
"tsu" (Yuel)
Oh sheet. Yuel feeling ashamed is dangerous, that''s also something I have to watch out for. This could be bad if I don''t take precaution. I''ll just do this for now. Immediately I begin stroking the back of Yuels head. I rhythmically stroke her smooth silver hair. Her very soft and light hair. And with every stroke I ask myself what I should do.
What to do.
What to do.
Perhaps because I''ve only failed at this up till now, i don''t have enough experience tofort her.
The only thing I can think to say is "HueHueHue, youngdy-chan, I''llfort you in bed,"
It''s useless.
Saying that kind of thing here is fundamentally wrong.
"Well, let''s do that kind of thing when you''re a little older. okay? For now we are going to sleep well, eat plenty and work in moderation" (Shiki)
Children''s General weapon skill "I wish" lvl up.
I fell like I''ve used this skill before. This is the onlyfort skill I have, It''s main use isn''t even forforting. Also I''d rather wish to just say "For now sleep well and eat plenty", since Yuel is still a child. But since we''d have no money if I didn''t have her work, I have no choice but to limit my kindness.
~Depressed~ "As I thoughtI really don''t have any appeal" (Yuel)
"I don''t think that" (Shiki)
Yuel still has a sulking expression. It would be best ot not be flimsy with my action here. I can''t afford for this to go wrong.
"Right now Yuel is a child, but in a couple of years. Yuel will be a charming woman. I guarantee this." (Shiki)
"Me? A charming womanYes. I''ll do my best to be a charming woman!" (Yuel)
Yuel''s facial expression brightens up. Easy-peasy
I was a little afraid to give her to much praise, but it seems to have worked out. I''ve safelypleted my duties.
Mission Complete!
Although staying at this inn cost 500 Zeni a night, not staying in a ce with a bath would be bad.
I also have to buy some good clothes for Yuel, and pay for food at the tavern. The tavern''s food taste pretty good, so I also always leave a decent tip for the mini-skirt wearing waitress. It''s a Japanese style tavern that changed from a mercenary type establishment. In addition to the style, the menu as well as the personnel were changed, The new menu is much more bnced and is suitable for the growing Yuel. The older Menu was aimed more at bodybuilders, focusing farm more on the protein aspect. For today''s lunch we ordered about 4 servings of sandwiches as our bento, I ced them in my item box. Engel''s Law is a dangerous thing.
The entrance to the Labyrinth is in the adventurer''s guild. There''s a stone stair case that leads down to the floor to the entrance of the Labyrinth, The path to the Labyrinth from there on has rugged stone for walls and the only light is at the destination. The Labyrinth is just like one you would see in the Rouguelike game series. The Labyrinths opening is very tight and only has enough room for a person and their equipment,ter on the rooms berge. The Labyrinth is very maze like and is built in abination of small room and passages. There''s a good chance to get lost or at least you would if it wasn''t for the route.
The shortest route to the lowest floor is connected through intervals and is paths with a good amount of signpost as well. The Labyrinth is regrly explored by the adventures guild and so far have cleared up to the 56th floor. Because of this it''s very unlikely for someone to get lost if you follow the signpost. It also only takes a couple hours to fully search each floor and proceed onto the next floor. However the amount of monsters in the vicinity of the regr route is low. That''s due to the plenty of adventurers that frequently go back and forth on the route. So to hunt on a floor you need to search after entering a side path from the normal route. There is also a higher chance of finding treasure boxes on the the side paths, rather than the main route.
Today''s goal is to look for treasure boxes while hunting goblins on the 3rd floor. I hold onto our bento''s while watching Yuel fight Goblins like she did yesterday. This time it was a group of 4 Goblins.
Yuel immediately rushes forward and cuts down two Goblins easily. As she does that 1 of the Goblins rushes towards me.
Only to be killed by Yuels throwing knife. She then moves onto thest Goblin and inserts her knife deeply into its eye-socket. Although the fight wasn''t harsh, fighting groups of 4 might be our limit. Yuel aside, if a Gobline towards me I''m likely to be beaten. Yuel by herself is likely to be fine fighting againstrger groups, but I would be a problem as i don''t have any sort of weapon. The only thing I have at hand is our sandwich bento''s. I don''t fight with Yuel, because most likely I would just be in the way. Though I do have the defensive option of healing myself and I can use an abundant amount of magic, I might die if don''t heal myself before I''m beaten. Such a situation I don''t even wan''t to think about it.
The easiest thing to do, would be to send Yuel into the Labyrinth alone. But if I can easily Imagine that after Yuel diving into the Labyrinth, I would be fidgeting in frustration, worry and guilt while at the inn. I feel far better being with her. I need to be a person who can only smile andugh, someone who doesn''t get mad. It seems to be necessary to have some self-defense options, before we venture further into the Labyrinth.
After retrieving the drops from the Goblins, I stroke Yuels head gently. We then begin eating our sandwich bento''s. Because Yuel''s hands are dirty I feed her like lovers would going "An". Looking at Yuel gnaw on her sandwich made it feel as if we weren''t just fighting Goblins, like it was an illusion. The Sandwiches are made with a green leafy vegetable that resembles lettuce, chunky ham, a type of salty-sweet dressing that''s white with various spices.
The sandwich I held for Yuel slowly started to disappear until I could only hold it with 2 fingers. As I was feeding thest piece of sandwich, Yule grabs my hand. And then I felt a sudden warm sensation on my fingers.
Yuel licked me. Yuel is licking my fingers. She''s slowly licking off the white dressing off my fingertip. She licks my middle finger, then my index finger and even my thumb. I tried to withdraw my hand, but Yuel held onto my wrist firmly.My thumb in particr was drenched in dressing. And with my thumb hanging from her panting mouth I can feel the heat and the wetness of her mouth. Yuel licks and sucks on my thumb with a shallow breath.
"The dressing is spicy" (Yuel)
This, this could jeopardize my lower body. No all that happened was a ve cleaning her masters dirty hand. Surely it was for the sake of hygiene. Don''t get me wrong, I don''t want to be misunderstood. Even soIndeed this is. What Yuel did only seems immoral. Trying to reason with this is dangerous.
Somehow while maintaining my reason, I make it to the purchase counter. Todays earning is 3,100 Zeni. This time we continues to hunt until about 3 o''clock, but we still didn''t discover a treasure box.
From what I heard at the Guild purchase counter, it seems it''s easier to get treasure boxes the deeper you travel into the Labyrinth. The deeper you go in, the less adventures you find, so it''s easier to find treasure boxes. Apparently treasure boxes are relocated once they''ve been discovered, but it seems to take a while.
I want to venture deeper into the Labyrinth, but I''m afraid I would be beaten. For now we''ll continue fighting Goblins until I''ve umted enough gold to buy some self-defense equipment.
Chapter 6 — Choosing a weapon
Chapter 6: Choosing a weapon
Soon it will be the first day of the month. We continued to hunt Goblins on the 3rd floor. I already have amassed and secured the necessary budget of 5000 Zeni to purchase a weapon.
What I am buying this time, is a one-handed mace, a weapon that is oriented solely towards beginner adventurers.
There are surprisingly a lot of advantages to a mace.
Although you have to possess some physical strength to use mace skills to a certain extent, you can also handle it without them.
It is different from a sword which you cant straightforwardly swing without having any n regarding the direction of the de. Even simply swinging down the mace with all ones might will allow you to expect plenty of damage. You could even say that the mace covers the users inability to use skills to some extent.
Furthermore, the weapon degradation is small.
For example, something like the knives Yuel uses where their sharpness are an important aspect, would end up with a chip in the de before long after continuously striking the hard monster parts like bones and ws.
There is also the possibility of shattering the de if the attack of the opponent is intercepted poorly.
To put it bluntly, the mace is just an ordinary iron shaft.
Even though the grip portion is coiled with leather to allow grasping it, it has a shape where the center of of gravity is located at the upper portion of the shaft.
However, due to that the mace has different sturdiness than an edged weapon, allowing it to be used to stop monster attacks without worrying about the weapons durability.
For someone who doesnt possess the necessary skill to evade the iing attacks of an enemy, it is very user-friendly.
Maa, if you talk about the priest ss it has to be blunt weapons anyway, isnt that so? Even though such simple way of thinking was just an excuse, after listening to the arguments and examining it, I got the impression that blunt weapons are easy to handle.
Thus, it will be the mace.
This time I will purchase an iron rod simr to a metal bat.
The only difference from a bat is that its upper portion slightly increases in width towards the tip.
Though I wanted it to be something stylish like a club covered with thorns, I was advised by the han from the weapon shop to give up on something like that.
Such things as nged maces and maces bearing spikes are apparently difficult to use for repelling attacks.
I dont want to be defeated by monsters just because I tried too hard to act like a Gori Gori macho either! But thats not all there is to it, receiving an attack while in a disturbed defense position can send you flying due to the impact and lead to a quick loss. Apparently there have already been situations like that.
The stairs leading towards the 4th floor of thebyrinth.
Going beyond this point, there will be the monsters of the fourth floor, Greenbies.
Greenbies are nt monsters who imitate people. At the same ce on both arms they have something resembling ivies to attack with as characteristic.
By delivering whipping blows, it appears that the ivy restricts the approach of the opponents.
Restraint.
As the female adventurer is tied up and suspended in midair, she will be single-mindedly groped there
There might also be such an unpleasant development like her loudly crying as the ivies spread her open, huh?
In case the female adventurer were to be surrounded by a great number of Greenbies, she might also be weakened due to quickly being covered all over with ivies and thus bing immobile, isnt that right?
The delusion advances.
I definitely want to see Rurukas party battling these by all means.
We advanced following the signpost.
There was only one of them in arge room.
Yuel, who saw the Greenby first, started dashing towards it.
Today I am holding the sandwiches and water sks as well while spectating.
Although I brought the mace along carrying it on my back for the time being, I dont have any intention to fight on a regr basis at all.
I have no doubt that I would only be a hindrance to Yuel.
The Greenby, who wielded the ivy like a whip, made it difficult for Yuel to close the distance.
Using the green ivy with great vigor, it decided to aim at Yuel describing an arc.
And then, drawing the same trajectory was Yuels knife.
The ivy was cut and flew away.
Following the flow, the second ivy likewise flew in the direction of the day after tomorrow.
The Greenby already lost all it means to mount an attack.
Yuel thrust her knife into its neck as it simply stood stock still.
It became light particles and vanished without being able to stop the dashing Yuel even once.
Thebat was merely a few seconds.
But even so, originally the ivy attack, which is just like a swinging whip, is a formidable threat.
Even if I tried to block the ivy with my mace, I am sure the flexible ivy would KO me by hitting the back of my head without change.
Maa, since you might as well call this monster a nt, its offensive ability might not be that high, but I am surely not able to go ahead like Yuel and insta-kill it.
Apparently Yuels level is too high.
In the first ce, Yuel can exterminate them by herself without me apanying her.
There is no need for me to forcefully try to participate in the battles.
To the bitter end I only got the mace for self-defense in case we are surrounded by a great number of enemies.
We advanced a considerable distance through the 4th floor.
It is about time for us to see the entrance to the 5th floor soon, isnt it?
As I was carefully, delicately, tenderly caressing Yuels hair like a treasure, unexpectedly two figures of people appeared on the other side of the signpost.
One person was lending their shoulder to the other person as they steadily walked towards us.
It was a pair of male adventurers.
Both of them are around 20 years old, huh?
Watching them getting close, the short man carried the tall man half on his shoulders as they walked.
And then there was a line of blood in their wake.
It was the injured person.
Oi, are you alright? (Shiki)
Are you a priest? Thats good. This guy lost his leg when a Giant Ant bit him. We didnt encounter any other adventurers on the pathway today, either. As it is, I dont know whether hellst until we reach the surface. I beg you, its fine to only stop his bleeding, too. Can you please heal him? (Shorty)
I have entered thebyrinth wearing my usual habit, but I am not a priest.
Although I am not a priest I can still use Healing magic.
Maa, exining it properly is just too troublesome, just think what you like.
There is nothing left from the left leg below the thigh Was it eaten? Thats terrible. Ex-Heal. (Shiki) (ED: He took a bite to the knee.)
Should I rip them off in regards to the reward for the medical treatment? I considered this as well. After all he bled quite a lot.
The tall mans face, man A, is quite pale resulting from the hemorrhage. His body is shivering due to the loss of blood, too.
If man A is left alone in this state, they would resent me quite a bit for starting such a thing like negotiations to overcharge the amount of reward money.
Furthermore, as the man is worn out, negotiations are pointless, too.
You (Man A)
Ex Heal? (Man B)
Man A and B were surprised by the instant reformation of the leg.
There arent many people able to use healing magic to the degree of Ex Heal.
Or perhaps I should say that it is rather quite rare.
Although I didnt intend to excessively show off either, if there is a injured person in front of my eyes, I wont conceal my ability to the extent of not healing them, not for such reason at least.
You are lucky to meet such a skilled healing magician like myself. (Shiki)
Incredible (Man A)
Who are you that you can instantly heal such levels of damage No, it doesnt matter. Thank you for saving him. (Man B)
With an astonished face Man A was making sure that he could feel his leg.
Separating from Man B, he is now able to stand on his own two feet by himself.
Ah, it ispletely healed.
Although I dont have such courage to leave an originally wounded person unattended, I healed him and for that healing my greed appeared.
I want remuneration.
I want money.
However, are these fellows so admirable as to pay arge amount of money by deferred payment?
I dont know.
They might pay or might not pay.
Well, the Giant Ant is a monster of the 6th floor.
These guys seem to have received lethal injuries from the monsters on the 6th floor.
Also I was shown at this ce today that it isnt a good idea to rush through the floors without counterbncing your abilities after all.
I have a feeling that it is unlikely for them to have saved up plenty of money considering the situation at hand.
As expected of Master! (Yuel)
Witnessing my healing magic, Yuel faced me with a sparkling gaze of reverence.
What a pleasant feeling.
I think it can be summed up as The injury was cured by healing magic. at this point, dont you agree?
My face was watched with a mixture of excitement and fascination.
What an awfully pleasant feeling.
Thats right, I have to be Yuels esteemed master after all.
Somehow thats the feeling I got.
I want Yuel to respect me even more.
I want her to stare at me with more and more reverence.
Instead of money, this will serve as a stepping stone to resolutely appeal my virtue.
It has an atmosphere of a mysterious brilliant healing specialist traveling the dangerousbyrinth and gantly moving around treating the injured he encounters.
In this very moment I can say with confidence that I am the master of the unselfish and pure Yuel.
There is no need to pay me money. Take good care of the life you were given. Yuel, lets go! (Shiki)
Choosing a magnificent turn, I departed without waiting for their response.
Tsu! Yes, master! (Yuel)
As its just about time anyway, it is fine to return, too.
I wonder if Yuel is moved by my attitude of not wanting to receivepensation for the medical treatment? Her round and cute eyes are more and more glittering as she looked in this direction.
Ah, it feels good.
I am sure, within Yuels mind my stocks undoubtedly must have risen depicting a 90 degree line.
I am most likely extremely cool right now.
Is it fine? Well, you are incredibly skilled, couldnt you be employed by the royal castle as a junior? I am d to have met you, hahahahaha ! (Man B)
I felt a slight shock running through my back.
It is Man B.
Holding my shoulders against my will, he firmly beat them without me knowing what was so enjoyable.
Niichan, you are a good fellow! Even if you are smelling of blood and got dirt under your nails, I want to go drinking with you! (Man A)
Before I became aware of it, Man A was energetically talking next to me.
Furthermore apanying me all the way.
A~re, somethings different.
It is different from my mental image.
In my mental image Man A and B are supposed to be dumbfounded by my overly amazing healing magic.
After my gant departure, I expected them to say This unselfish, stylish and mysterious Shinto priest, who the heck was that! or something along those lines.
Man ABs recovery is much too early.
Oh well, as expected of adventurers, huh?
They quickly change gears.
Although I nned to separate here from Man AB, the direction to return to is the same, isnt it?
I am an idiot, huh?
I thought it would be stylish to turn my back on them and leave them be as is, but I perfectly dug my own grave.
I got excessively spellbound with myself and thus my ability to think dropped.
Haa, it is only revolting and has no meaning if its men clinging to me.
Really, Shiki? This fellow Eris is a really cruel fellow! (Man A)
Thats true, isnt it? Firing me for just identally touching breasts a bit? Thats not something you would do, would you? (Shiki)
I tell ya, there arent so many excellent guys like Shiki. What was that person thinking. (Man B)
Ah, really, you arepletely right there! (Shiki)
Hahahahahaha!! (San Baka)
The location changed to the usual bar.
Well, considering my story with a very good heart, those guys are really nice.
The tall guy, who was injured earlier, is Eight
The short guy with the crudenguage seems to be Geyser.
Like that, me and Yuel were treated to a meal in a corner of the bar.
However, even if you are able to only use healing magic, you should be very popr with any healing institution, dont you agree? (Eight)
No, speaking between you and me, the problem is that I am not really a priest. I havent studied being one either. I dont want others to stick their noses into these circumstances too much. Please keep it a secret that I can use Ex Heal, too. (Shiki)
It is possible that not being a priest isnt a problem either, but there is a possibility of bringing unnecessary trouble onto myself.
Even if there is no problem with it, going by Eriss information, it is necessary to intensely practice for many years to somehow reach the degree of being able to finally heal damage with the exception of severe injuries.
The sort of Though I have trained at the church this much, whats up with that guy! jealousy is scary.
Ah there are special circumstances. Ah, but isnt it fine to open a private medical treatment institution then? (Eight)
Thats true. You are hanging out here every day, no? Isnt it fine to borrow one table here? Something with the feeling of a healing business stall. (Geyser)
With your skill, I dont minding here. (Eight)
Likewise it will be fine to spread it amongst our adventurer fellows! (Geyser)
Healing business stall.
Such a concept doesnt exist.
After all, I will always dive into thebyrinth for about a half day, I havent yet visualized to eat or drink or gaze at Yuel in a mini-skirt in the bar.
It is a possibility.
Thats true, it might be possible! (Shiki)
As there wont be any noble-samasing to this bar which is aimed at the masses, the customers are mostly adventurers andborers.
There might be demand.
After taking care of talking to the master of the bar to have a trial run, I easily received permission to open the healing business stall in a corner of the bar.
Even if it is a bar, they still will warmly wee something that attracts customers. At a round table with a billboard, I prepared a partition resembling curtains.
Getting ready the obtained curtain is necessary for the medical treatment
It is not necessary for the negotiations.
You never know when such a customer like Rurukaes along.
As the healing business stall is authorized by the bar now, I suspect there wont be any customersing who will involve the bar in a weird situation. But still, that way ofpensation is a bit too tempting for the eyes.
Since I dered it to be necessary, it is necessary.
Chapter 7 — Consultation
Chapter 7 - Consultation
A few days have passed since I was given the space for medical treatment in the bar.
Throughout the morning we searched for a treasure chest on the 4th floor. In the afternoon I got drunk while gazing at the smiling Yuel in her shy miniskirt.
While I was at it, I healed 1 or 2 customers per hour who came for medical treatment.
You could say that the Healing Business Stall in the bar was a hit.
Or to say the least, there is no demerit in it for me.
While always eating and drinking at the usual bar in the same way, all I had to do was to appropriately use some healing magic.
Doing nothing more than that yielded me an ie of several hundred Zeni at once.
Furthermore, it was a good kickback for the bar as well.
Although there are many customers, I didnt have to take care of the venue portion andbor cost. I probably even yielded more profit than some worthless medical institution around here.
For example Eris ce, huh?
Moreover, Man AB what were they called again?
Ah, Eight and Geyser.
It seems they announced thepletion of the Healing Business Stall in the bar to their adventurerpanions.
If the effectiveness further spreads, I am sure there will be even more profit.
Above all, the location of the bar is excellent.
The patients, who would be so seriously injured that I would need to use Ex Heal, donte here.
If the degree of damage due to thebyrinth exploration is so heavy that they need immediate medical treatment, they will got to the medical treatment ce of the adventurers guild to get healed as a standard.
Even if an ordinary citizen bes seriously ill or sustains a critical wound, they wont consider such things as going to a bar with something like a healing ce to have it taken care of.
Usually you can expect them to be taken to a big medical institution with proper hospitalization equipment.
In other words, I am doing fine.
I am doing extremely well.
Although it is going well.
For the time being, there is only one urgent problem that hasnt been resolved yet.
This unsettled problem might potentially cause great trouble.
However, I cant speak loudly or cry about it either.
As everybody might have this problem potentially, for now, I am just barely keeping the precarious bnce in this situation I have been ced at.
Something that mustnt be talked about, must be kept secret after all.
I mustnt let my libido spill out.
To put things bluntly, there are no means to reduce my sexual desire.
It might be a stupid matter.
It might be a very stupid matter.
But, just because of such reason not resolving it is no good.
In the morning, at the time I suddenly woke up.
There was a tent swelling on the surface of the thin futon. Yuel-san intently stared at it with a look as if she wanted to bite into it.
A sense of impending crisis ran through me.
It is wrong.
As it is, it is wrong.
As it is, it is absolutely wrong, is what I thought.
Because she is my ve, because she is still too young, thats certainly why.
But, sleeping together with a girl on the same bed I dont intend to make a move on, thats a mistake in the first ce.
Therefore, I tried to divide the room.
Yuel looked at me with a facial expression which was filled with sadness and close to sobbing.
For me it was impossible.
After that I wondered whether it was fine as long as it was the same room and so I tried to choose a double room.
Yuels facial expression got even more depressed, she tightly bit her lower lip andrge droplets of of tears rose at the corners of her eyes.
And then her hand firmly grasped the hem of my clothes as she weakly trembled.
For me it was absolutely impossible.
Considering the circumstances, there is nothing else left but to deal with my libido issue one way or the other already.
However, Yuel is always together with me.
During thebyrinth exploration, during meal times, and we use the same bed, too.
Also, going to an adult shop, there hasnt much time passed since she became alone.
And telling Yuel to wait for me a little bit so I can head out from the inn, her facial expression bes, what do you call it like an abandoned puppy.
Likewise, there is no one else I could consult about this matter with.
It has been a little more than 3 months since I came to this world.
However, I have been a live-in employees at Eris medical institution all the time until recently.
I have no male friends.
Although daringly meeting a woman for consultation is possible, it would just cause even more problems and furthermore erge this whole matter.
How typical of my character.
It is already hopeless.
Dead End
Ah, no, I was.
Which reminds me, I have male friends.
Thats right. Lets try and consult with them.
For this reason, I head to the bar.
I dragged Man AB to the male toilet, also known as Eight and Geyser.
Uhahaha! Well Shiki, isnt it the easiest solution to eat up the sweet Yuel-chan then? Certainly, she is still a bit small and has no breasts, but dont you react in any ways to such a level of cuteness? (Geyser)
Was Geysers opinion.
No, Geyser, you have to consider why Shiki came to us for consultation. He doesnt want to make a move on Yuel-chan, I think he wants to resolve this situation without having his actions exposed, dont you think? (Eight)
And that was Eight.
Somehow I came to understand their characters by now.
Anyway, Geyser is a baka and Eight is rtivelyposed.
Eights way of speaking has a subtle feeling of courtliness.
Although only a small amount, you can sense his intelligence.
As Eight said. I dont have any intention to make a move on Yuel. Rather, in order to not make a move on her, I am looking for a way to resolve this. (Shiki)
How troublesome, ah, since we are already in the toilet, just get your relief properly. (Geyser)
Geyser said while swinging his sped hand up and down.
Please stop it.
Please stop these movements.
It isnt aughing matter if Geyser-whatever-his-full-name-is does such a thing.
I want to throw up.
Also, th-the smell. Yuel knows it too well to conceal it. This isnt a ce I am able to immediately go and wash my body. Im afraid that she will notice it. Isnt there some better method? (Shiki)
Yuel often buries her face in the vicinity of my abdomen.
Recently when I caress Yuel she is already in a state of embracing me, I cant think of anything else but being clingy with such a degree.
Furthermore, she probably sniffs my smell.
Is she a dog?
An adorable pet is cute, but.
However, as I went to the toilet with such an intention I didnt suffer a you-want-to-do-that gaze either.
There is a way. A good method. (Eight)
It was Eight.
Although I thought it was the end, there seems to be a way.
As expected of Eight.
From his facial expression and his behavior I got a feeling of overflowing intelligence and dignity.
He is a man you can rely on.
Come to think of it, the wisdom of Eight, I sense that it resembles something.
Really?! Please, teach me ! (Shiki)
You can use the slime drop slime jelly on the 7th floor of thebyrinth. (Eight)
Slime jelly.
I also know of it.
I frequently happen to see something processed into powder being sold at foodstuff shops.
It is mainly used simr to potato starch.
It is different from potato starch though, since the quite bad smell vanishes once used together with meat, I thought it would be used to decrease the time used for preparations.
Slime jelly? Thats, eto, that, right? It is used to in order to increase the thickness of cooking. (Geyser)
Ah, Geyser is in the brothel faction, so you dont know, huh? At the time when it drops, the slime jelly mucus is an approximately 20 centimeter long, soft, transparent lump. That is processed and used then. (Eight)
I began to see the whole picture.
In other words, its that.
That red and white stretchable and grow-able, so far as even famous, down there. Although I guess you should say it is used in a simr way.
That means, slime jelly X.
But, in that case I can clear the problem of smell, dont you agree? (Shiki)
Even if I have or havent a tool, it will have no significance if I cant solve this.
No, there is no problem. You didnt realise yet why slime jelly is used in cooking, did you? If you use it in cooking, it will remove the bad smell of meat. But have you ever eaten uncooked slime jelly? (Eight)
Now that he mentioned it, I dont feel like I did.
Even if you make ankake or soup, you usually heat it up.
Even if you process inferior meat, you will always cook it afterwards.
Raw slime jelly mucus, not only meat, but all kind of smell ites in contact with will be adsorbed. Since it is fairly weak to heat, applying heat on it will immediately kill this disposition, but. Things like high ss ryoutei, which are particr about the taste of ingredients, definitely wont use slime jelly at all. (Eight)
Whatever.
That being the case, it might work.
Even so, you are well-informed.
Probably, you used it yourself.
You said Geyser belongs to the brothel faction, huh?
Then, to what faction do you belong?
There is one more thing. If you spill water on the slime jelly mass, it bes a slippery pleasant feeling. I can say with confidence that it has a superb texture. And it doesnt disappear by dissolving if you add arge quantity of water. In case of the intelligent you, you understand, dont you? (Eight)
It is the style of the toilet flush of this city.
To sum it up, thats the situation.
Ah! Thank you very much, Eight. You are my soulmate!! (Shiki)
Arent you my lifesaver? This much is a trivial matter. (Eight)
I felt something hot gathering in the corners of my eyes.
Eight, we are buddies.
Only this can be called camaraderie.
For the first time aftering to this other world, I am truly grateful to have such a friend as you.
Geyser? I dont know that baka!
But, there is only one problem (Eight)
Problem?
Although there didnt seem to be a problem when I listened to his story.
Generally there is no distribution of the slime jelly mass. From the adventurers guild it is directly sold to merchants and then it is processed into powder in a batch. In other words, there is no other way but to dive into thebyrinth and procure some by yourself. (Eight)
You, what?!
Such a crisis.
No, wait.
Calm down.
Normally, couldnt I just buy it from a adventurers guild staff member with profit? (Shiki)
You really want to say that in front of those beautiful reception women of the adventurers guild? I want to buy such a thing like slime jelly mass, so I can use the slime jelly mass afterwards for indecent acts do you want to make an announcement like that? (Eight)
Yare yare, Eight said with an amazed expression.
I tried to imagine it.
I am at the usual guild purchase counter, the girl with the cut and evened up at the back hair dyed brown and the supposedly tufty dog ears on top of her head.
Her age is around 20, huh?
With her bright, round and cute eyes open and her refreshing business smile.
I guess she works there for around 2 or 3 years as beginner?
The freshness of an innocent nature having already vanished, just right at the time when she bes more confident in her work experience.
I greet her.
At first, she gives a gentle smile as she deals with me.
However, in the moment she hears my request, that smile freezes and bes cramped.
Not being able to conceal her scorn, she is in conflict with her high business sense.
While also cursing at me in her mind, she faces me with a slightly stiffened smile.
Within her mind being reluctant, she decides to hand over the slime jelly to me.
And the moment he receives the slime jelly, that man tightly grasps the womans hand.
I watch intently from the front at the face of her as she experiences this surprise and slowly lowers her gaze downwards, while raising the corners of her mouth like a thresher shark.
Tearing off her mask of a receptionists smile, pure repugnance bes exposed on her facial expression.
Embracing my own body in order to protect it, I pull back from the reception woman by reflex.
Somehow, I got slightly aroused.
Well.
Thats no good.
Thats hopeless.
Calm down.
There is no way that it will be good to drop until the rumored bottom of the earth so I can surrender myself to a pleasant feeling for a short while.
I properly understand that.
Buying it is no good.
In other words, there is no other way but for me to get down to the 7th floor of thebyrinth.
However, we are still at the 4th floor of thebyrinth.
Sheet! Just when I reached this point with great pains! It is no good, huh! Dont I have any choice but to give up?! (Shiki)
What a situation!
Reaching the 7th floor of thebyrinth with still take a number of days.
Will I be able to endure it or will I snap?
Assuming I would need to hold on for a few days until the 7th floor, my libido is already at its limit.
Before me, who drowns in grief, a hand is presented.
It is Eights hand.
Shiki, dont grieve so much. I thought I told you that I am your friend, didnt I? (Eight)
And then, there was a slime jelly grasped in that hand.
You will let me have it? (Shiki)
Ah, of course (Eight)
Eight smiled refreshingly.
That smile was excessively radiant.
For me it was as though I experienced a sensation simr to being tinged with a mild spring sun.
Just now I understood Eights feeling slightly as he hung on to receive healing magic cast on him in thebyrinth.
A single light pierced through the gloomy darkness of despair.
I feel like the world is full of light.
Now I was truly saved by Eight.
Eight! Eight!! (Shiki)
Thank you very much.
I have really obtained an excellent friend.
Being saved by Eight, it is truly pleasant.
The red light streaming in from the window was from the beautiful sunset marking the end of the day.
Raising my face in one deep breath, fresh air entered my lungs filling them up.
Looking at the world outside the window, it was a scenery totally different from my birthce but still apparently held a little quantity of nostalgia.
But, while holding onto the jiggling and trembling slime jelly I pondered.
It is really great for me to havee to this other world.
Chapter 8
Chapter 8:
After handing me the slime jelly, we drank for a bit. Then Eight and Geyser left saying Well go back first.
Although Ill have to suffer for a little bit, I cant bring myself to use it just yet. The main reason being that I cant seem to get the image of Geyser using it out of my mind. Such an unpleasant image is difficult to forget easily.
Quelling my libido is an important issue, however I feel like using this is lowering my quality as a man and a human being.
Unfortunately, the number of times I can use it is equal to the number I got from Eight. When should I use it? I should think carefully about that.
I return to the table and nce around my surroundings. My eyes meet with Yuel who returns a pleasant smile as usual. Looking at her, it seems shes recently be a little plump from eating too much everyday. Lovely round eyes, faint blushing cheeks, soft full lips. Whilst lowering my gaze, a childlike modest bulge lifts up her shirt slightly.
Yuel tries to reach for dish in the centre of the table, her body is made to incline forward. Due to gravity, her neckline is slowly exposed. The scruff of her neck, her corbone. Her gentle swelling
Immediately, I cover my face with my hands.
What was I just about to see? was what I thought.
I certainly wanted to put that image of Geyser out of my mind. Id like to overwrite it with a different image. I also want to use the slime jelly.
As for what Im looking at now. Its Yuel. The young dark elf girl who adores me. Im a useless person, a bad person.
I feel a strong sense of self-hatred. If I rxed my mind for even a second, I knew my libido would take over.
Ill resist.
I know, Ill try focusing on eating.
I examine the food diligently, then gently ce it into my mouth. The smell passes through my nose as the taste spreads throughout my mouth. The texture of the food is examined by my tongue, the sound the food makes as it is eaten is examined by my ears. All five senses are used to fully immerse myself in the meal. Concentrating on this meal seems to work well as a diversion.
In the centre of the table, there seems to be arge piece of meat resting on arge te. I take some from therge te and put it onto my small te, carrying it to my mouth. It is light and simple, it tastes like chicken. Actually, it tastes slightly different to chicken, it has more depth. After finishing what was on my small te, I was interested in it. I wonder what meat it is.
Yuel, what meat is this?
Its soft-shelled turtle
Tsu!! Why!?
Why? Why did they choose a soft-shelled turtle? Are those turtles different in this world?
Well, because Geyser rmended it. Was it useless?
So it was because of that idiot. You shouldnt listen to the words of an idiot like Geyser. Because I raised such a loud cry, Yuel seems to be slightly frightened.
No its not useless. Its not useless at all. Yuel didnt do anything wrong
Master?
Yuel utters with her usual voice. A childlike soprano, much like the sound of ringing bells. However to me, her voice sounds very sweet, more so than pancakesyered with plenty of honey. Although Yuel was on the other side of the table, her voice sounded like a gentle whisper in my ear.
Dont worry about it
Judging by my current libido, this could be bad. Also, Geyser is bad. My instincts seem to be eroding my sense of reasoning. I dont know what effect the soft-shelled turtle of this world has, but my body feels hot for some reason. This shouldnt be on the level of a cebo. Dangerous.
Id like to run to the rest-room right now, however the slime jelly cant be used yet.
Its because Im with Yuel. If I use it right now, shell definitely be the image in my brain.
I cant allow that. In my mind she is innocent and cute, I dont want to smear that image.
Its non-negotiable.
I remove Yuel from my line of sight and look around restlessly.
That waitresses miniskirt is fluttering. Im shaking.
She was wearing a buttoned shirt, with a frilly cor. A corset was covering the bottom of her chest to her hips. Due to the corset, her chest was pressed up. Surely its ok to call them milk bags now? She seemed to be around 17 years old, with a cute youthful face.
Her long, blonde hair seemed to shine every time she went around a table to fetch an order.
She doesnt seem to be very good at her work. She often gets the orders wrong and has to apologise to the customers.
The hem of her miniskirt rises every time she bows down and says Im sorry!. Her thighs are as white as snow. However, due to the interference from the thighs, the thin cloth is not visible. Even when Im absolutely sure Im about to see it, it doesnt appear.
Still not enough. The images Im seeing arent profound enough to erase my images of Yuel, thus allowing me to use the slime jelly.
I stare intently at the waitress who is currently apologising to a customer.
Of course, Yuel is not aware of this. I held my hands just above my eyes, so that my line of vision cant be seen. I wrinkle my eyebrows, giving the atmosphere of someone in deep thought.
Appearwont appearappearwont appearappear
Whilst I was looking at the hem of her skirt, how much time has passed? Not much, the angle of the sun shining through the windows hasnt really changed much. Barely any time has passed. My impatience seems to be making time appear to be moving much slower.
Whether it will appear or not, I keep waiting for the decisive moment.
And that moment came. It was magnificent.
Falling out of the hands of a drunk man, a tankard rolled on the floor. This man is the true MVP.
Facing that direction, the waitress slowly walked towards it. The tankard is between me and the waitress.
As she is only one step away from the tankard, some customers call out to her. This is the second contributer.
The waitress turns to face the call and starts walking.
As she was walking, her right foot got caught on the tankard.
Under the pressure from the waitress, the tankard span diagonally, spinning the waitress a full 180 degrees.
Kyaaaa!!!
She loses her bnce and starts to fall.
Provocative ck.
The ck underwear from the girl still seems to leave an impression of childishness.
As she had spread out her hands to protect herself from the fall, her rear end was currently in the air. Her legs arepletely wide open, theres no way to hide it.
Hyuaaa!
The waitresses face is instantly dyed red as she closes her legs forcefully.
But its already toote. That vivid ck colour has already been branded into my retinas.
I speak to the waitress whilst stepping forward Are you okay?. Just looking at her there doesnt seem to be any injury, just pain.
Although Im speaking directly to her, I couldnt help eyeing her red dyed face. It feels refreshing, my face reveals a smile that has no secret intentions behind it at all.
Because it was done without permission, you do not need to pay me
Thank you very much
She probably has no idea how much my heart is spinning because of those few words. So I try and make an effort, offering my hand to the red faced girl. She takes my Right hand nervously. I can feel the warmth from her hand as a moist texture is transmitted. I use a slight amount of force to pull her up.
As she stands up she seems unsteady on her legs, so I use my hand on her lower back to support her.
The feeling of tender meat.
From my touch, her body turned stiff for a moment.
Even if she shows aplicated expression, she didnt seem to reject it.
Oh, Im sorry!
I release my hold immediately and take some distance from the waitress. She opens her eyes in surprise, from her facial expressions she seems topletely believe I touched it by chance. Its already been ten minutes. Dont make a mistake when knowing when to quit.
Oh no, thank you very much
She doesnt seem to doubt my actions as she says so. It looks like Ive been appreciated, Id also like to extend my hand and thank you. Should I say, thank you for the meal?
In the end I merely say Try to be more careful next time in my most gentlest tone possible.
After a while I return to the table and put Yuel on my knees. It was by her request. Its quite rare to see her expressing intimacy in public.
From this location, her head bes easier to stroke. Also, her ass has be pretty plump recently, its going punipuni on myp. She also seems to be moving around a lot, it must be ufortable.
I was interested about whether or not this was the case, so I turned my head to look at Yuels face and I instantly flushed red from ear to ear.
I have a bad feeling about this.
Because of her constant shifting around, a pleasant sensation ising from between my thighs.
I have a bad feeling about this.
When I look on the table, the soft-shelled turtle had beenpletely picked clean.
This is bad. I shouldnt let Yuel sit on my knees any longer.
Was what I would say if it was the usual me.
I now have the slime jelly.
Even though Yuel is sticking to me a lot, I can calm my heart.
I can defeat Yuel.
And its all thanks to Eight and this slime jelly.
Chapter 9 — Comforting by Petting
Chapter 9: Comforting by Petting.
Merhatz Labyrinth, 5th floor. Aiming for the 7th floor where the slimes are, Yuel and I are advancing through thebyrinth all fired up.
And, as we approach the center of the 5th floor-
Master!
Woah, close one!
I dodge as Yuel cries out.
The monster on the 5th floor, Big Chick. The chicken monster, which is about as tall as the distance from an adults waist to their chest, gives us our first tough fight.
There are four of them. At the adventurers guild, I heard that a thrust from theirrge beak can easily pierce flesh, and that their charge is powerful enough that we need to watch out for it.
Right, that charge is troublesome. Maybe because theyre chickens that cant fly, theyre quick on their feet. Moreover, they dont just target Yuel whos right in front of them, they alsoe plunging towards me, on standby in the rear. Its a relief that they move in a straight line, but either way I have to choose between taking evasive action or defending. If I dont, Ill be a tasty snack for their beaks.
By the way, I dont even consider attacking. Everyone has their specialty. Fighting is Yuels. And with my novice skills, trying to attack would likely just get me counterattacked. I can just evade or endure until Yueles to my rescue.
Is it finally my maces turn? I thought about it, but my opponent attacks by putting all its body weight behind its charge. Although a Big Chicks height is only from my waist to my chest, Im not quite sure whether or not Ill be able to parry it. If I manage to stop its body but then I get pecked by its beak, the scene will be hard to look at. Rather, Ill lose my eyes entirely. Too dangerous.
Even if I try to parry, theres a feeling like how exactly do I do that?. Evading is faster.
Which is to say, Im running. Im keeping a tight grip on my mace just in case, but Im just dodging to the left or right when a Big Chickes charging. If I keep a careful watch, avoiding their linear charge isnt so difficult. However, this is my first face-to-face battle with monsters, so I end up getting a little nervous. My excessively fleet-footed chicken opponents have me feeling chicken.
I take evasive action once again, but the Big Chicks charge slightly grazes me. There isnt much damage, but I lose my bnce and stumble.
Ahh!!
Yuel sees that and shrieks.
By the time I regain my posture, Yuel has apparently already defeated the other three. She turns to face the Big Chick that rammed me and runs toward it in a rage. Yuel slices open the Big Chicks neck, stabs its breast with a knife, then thrusts two knives through its head from both sides.
How thorough. Its clearly overkill. Besides, the knives look damaged. Yuel-san is a little scary.
Then the Big Chick turns into particles of light and vanishes. However, Yuel doesnte over to me. Even though usually she rushes over with a Master, I did it! feeling. Shes looking down and not moving.
When I walk over to her instead, a tiny pool of tears appears at her feet. Still hanging her head, Yuel begins to speak.
Im so sorry even though I said I would protect Master with my life. I wasnt able to protect you.
Oh yeah, Im pretty sure she said something like that on the first day. Itll be troublesome if she really offers me her life or something because she didnt protect me, though. And besides, Im not injured.
No, Yuel has protected me plenty. Even this time, it just barely grazed me.
But but I decided to protect Master
Somehow, it looks like that Big Chick ended up trampling Yuels pride. Its not like Yuel could stop four charging monsters all by herself anyway, though. In Shogi terms, that would be like one piece saving the king from fournces that were aiming at him. Thinking of it that way, Yuel is already plenty excellent for pulling aggro on three of them.
Besides, you could say its my fault for rushing into the 5th floor because I wanted Slime Jelly, and for not being able to avoid an attack of that degree. If I end up making Yuel cry any more than this, my guilt is going to balloon out of control.
Ahh, what should I do. Yuel is pressing her head into her hands and crying. It hurts my heart. Really hurts. I want Yuel to smile. She rushes over with a smile, and I pat her head. I cast healing magic, and she gives me a look of reverence. I want our rtionship to continue like that the whole time.
And yet, this is Yuels own problem. Yuel told me shed protect me, and she didnt. Im sure thats where the problem lies. But its already over. The past cant be changed. Nothing can be done about it. When you lose self-confidence, the only way to get it back is with your own power, through your own actions. No matter how much I twist my words or pat her head, something tells me this isnt a problem I can do anything about.
Well, as for whether Im going to pat her head or not, Im still going to.
And no skillful words that would clear up Yuels heart areing to mind, so petting her head is about all I can do. Im bad atforting people. At best, I can onlyfort my own Shiki Jr..
Yuel.
When I call her name, Yuels body shivers with a jolt. This condition is serious. My injury is a scratch. I mean, a wound isnt even forming.
All I can do is pet her, but even if its just a little, I wonder if I can clear up her feelings?
I ce my hand on Yuels head. However, she makes no movement to nuzzle her head against it like she usually does. Is it because shes discouraged? Maybe shes thinking something like I dont deserve to be petted. Seems like it. I call and she responds, I pet her head and she smiles, that kind ofmunication was fun, though.
From the center of her head, I slowly, deliberately run my hand down the gentle lines of her head. From my experience so far,pared to having the surface of her hair gently brushed, Yuel probably prefers being thoroughly stroked, to the point that the heat of my palm is transmitted to her scalp. Somehow I get the impression that thetter gives Yuel a happier expression, and given her age and her circumstances as a ve, she seems starved for the warmth of physical affection.
Holding my left hand on Yuels back, I slowly, steadily move my right hand up and down. However, Yuels expression is still dark. Does that mean this isnt enough to bring back her smile?
Continuing to pet her with my right hand, I lift up my left hand. Now that its free, I put it on her drooping elf ear. Theyre usually pointing straight out perkily. Continuing to observe Yuels expression, I search for her pleasure points as I slowly rub my fingers into her soft ears.
Ffhnnh
A shallow sigh leaks out. Its here.
I focus on rubbing the spot that made Yuel react with my left hand, and match it by intensifying the strokes with my right hand.
Mmmmh
I continue rubbing Yuels head to the point that a hint of sweat forms on her brow, then switch my hands so I can firmly massage her right ear.
Yuel flushes slightly, and the sadness visibly fades from her expression. Although it doesnt seem to be enough to recover that bashful smile of hers.
I temporarily stop petting her head, and this time I massage both of her ears simultaneously. I tightly squeeze the cartge of her elf ears which are just a bit softer than human ears, gently tickle their inner sides, tenderly wrap them up in order to transmit the heat from my palms, and softly stretch their pointed tips.
Fwammhyahaaah
I continue rubbing her ears. I keep rubbing, but.
Somehow I get the feeling that Yuels expression is different from normal. This is, how do I put it?
Rather than calling it bashful, melted would be more urate.
Not this. This is different. This isnt the expression I wanted to see on Yuel. I wanted a more, I dont know, heartwarming smile. Not this syrupy expression thats overflowing with immorality. That reminds me, this right hand thats currently rubbing Yuel was used in the toilet yesterday to-
No dont. Dont think about it.
Thats it, I get the feeling Im making a mistake.
I lift both hands to stop for a moment.
Ah
Yuel makes a saddened voice and her expression darkens again.
I can tell from a nce. Surely, this expression is anxiety.
On the first day, I didnty a hand on Yuels body, and told her that I bought her since she could use Dagger Arts. Precisely because of that, Yuel would seek to establish her worth as a ve in battle. And her pride over being useful in battle was just destroyed.
That expression of Yuels is surely the very same as a child whos been abandoned by their parents.
When I removed my hands from her ears, she felt anxiety.
That adorable Yuel. Shes making such a heartbroken face.
Just looking at it makes me feel like my chest is tightening.
I cant do it.
Its too unpleasant. I cant stop anymore.
Helplessly, I return my hands to both of Yuels ears.
Nnh
Ohh. Shes a little bashful. It wasnt a mistake after all? This is the moment where all my effort pays off. Yuel lovingly caresses my hands with her fingers as I rub her ears. Its back. Yuels assertiveness is back. Keep going.
Squatting in front of Yuel, I ce both hands on her cheeks while gazing at her expression. I brush the moisture out of the corners of her eyes with my thumbs. I softly trace the skin under her eyes, gently stretching it. I slowly knead her cheeks along the lines of her cheekbones.
Mmmh
The blush on Yuels cheeks intensifies, but she wraps her hands over mine. Shes bing proactive. Which means that her feelings of I dont deserve to be petted have gone away at this point.
I was right. I wasnt making a mistake.
While my thumbs are vigorously rubbing her cheeks, I dont let my other fingers remain idle. I hold Yuels jawline steady with my pinky and ring fingers, and tickle the interior of her ears with my index and middle fingers.
Hiahnnuh
Yuel trembles with a jolt. As I keep rubbing her cheeks like that-
Suddenly, a shadow appears behind Yuels back.
A monster hase.
Well, if were spending this much time in thebyrinth, I suppose its only natural.
Yuel, theres a Big Chick.
Yuels face instantly switches to a tense expression. No, rather than tense, perhaps angry over being interrupted would be more urate.
Drawing her knife, she plunges directly towards the Big Chicks charge on a collision course. Just before colliding, she nimbly sidesteps the Big Chick like a matador. And as she evades, she swings her knife towards its neck. Spurting blood, the Big Chick topples over as it runs.
Yuel collects its drop andes close, as if begging for a continuation of earlier. She looks slightly reserved, but mixed in with that expression is a hint of anticipation. I pet her, of course.
Once I pet Yuel, shes okay. She has recovered. I guess in the end, shes still a child. All thats left is to keep this up until theres not a shred of reservation left on her face.
Its about time we head back, Yuel.
Yes, Master!
Upon my words, Yuel makes a bashful smile and gives me an enthusiastic response.
We return to the city and buy equipment.
Yuel told me that she wants throwing knives. ording to Yuel, if she has a bunch of throwing knives, she may be able to protect me next time.
That reminds me, earlier Im pretty sure she defeated a Goblin with a knife throw. Is it a benefit of her skill? There was quite a lot of power to it. Besides, if she can protect me the next time we face off against 4 Big Chicks again, perhaps shell gain some confidence as well. That should lead to her smiling face. If having throwing knives means shell be able to do that, then how can I not buy them?
Fortunately, thanks to my dual sources of ie from adventuring and healing, theres enough in my wallet to spare.
For Yuel, I buy four knives for throwing, and two that are slightly longer than the ones she currently has, and supposedly made by the disciple of a highly practical master craftsman. I end uping back practically penniless, but with this, Yuel will be fine even if multiple enemies show up.
The day that Yuel bes a knife artillery may not be far off.
Chapter 10 — Ruruka and the Inn
Chapter 10: Ruruka and the Inn.
Hey, wanna go into thebyrinth with me tomorrow?
We go directly from the weaponsmith to the tavern, and as were having a meal, Rurukaes over to our table and says that. Then she cheekily sits down and starts taking food from our tter and even ordering additional alcohol. Seems like shes by herself today.
Wait, didnt you tell me I couldnt join you or whatever? Besides, that t-chest would totally hate it.
Perhaps, just maybe, this is headhunting? Her objective isnt me, but Yuel. Did shee to poach my cute, excellent, lovely Yuel-san?
You better not say that in front of that girl, okay? Shes really sensitive about that. Err, didnt I also say that if I didnt have a party Id want to enter thebyrinth with you? Frans in poor health, so for the next few days, were just taking a little break from party exploration.
Yeah,e to think of it she did say that too, huh. I get it. So its okay to go with Ruruka individually on one of her days off? A so-called temporary party. And I do feel a little concerned about ourbat potential, so maybe I should go ahead and test how far we can get with three people?
Ahh, that so? But Frans in poor health, no? Cant you do something for her? If that brat asks me personally, its not like I wont heal her?
Ahh, ahaha. Err, its not like that, so dont worry about it. Shell be fine, alright?
Whats with that, shes being evasive.
Poor health. Its not like that. The next few days. Taking a little break. Dont worry, shell be fine.
Ahh. The corners of my mouth spontaneously curl up. I see, there are days like that asionally, arent there. Its a girl thing. That thing where about once a month, their health bes poor.
I see, so it started today?
I wonder how long a cyclests? Usually about a month or so?
Yeah, Im starting to feel like calling out to her a month from now with That time of the month, huh?. At first, Fran wouldnt understand what I meant and stare nkly at me. But seeing my smug grin, shed realize what I meant, and be so confused over why I know, and ashamed that I found out. I wanna take a look at her expression, soaked with disgust at me for bringing it up.
Right, if I run into Fran today or tomorrow, why dont I try asking her about her period? Surely, seeing Frans infuriated expression with those twin drills raging up to the sky would be well worth it.
Dont do anything to make her too angry, okaaay? That girl really hates things like that.
Ruruka sighs and says that. Did she guess my thoughts just from my expression? She knows me well, doesnt she.
Well, in the end maybe I wont actually do it. Shes one of Rurukas party members and all. If I end up saying it, Ruruka would understandably hate me. Id like to think that Ruruka has a rtively tolerant personality, but that doesnt extend to someone who offends her party members. Wait, since its Fran were talking about, shes liable to call the guards or st me with magic or something. Shes known to be uptight and all. Yeah, that would be unwise.
But if I do happen to run into Fran, I may end up saying something. If she takes a nasty attitude like I despise you, Ill naturally want to dye that expression of hers with shame. It wouldnt be seen as taking the first swing anymore.
Hey, Shiki, I wanna stay at the same inn as you. You dont mind, right?
On our way out of the tavern, Ruruka brings up an idea like that.
Is it that? That Im drunk, could you escort me back? one. Have I finally reached my popr age? Her face is faintly flushed too. Perhaps she wants me to take her back to my ce. Surely, this is what youd call ae-hither look. To think, suddenly going straight to bed without dating. How assertive. Has she always been this aggressive? No, at most its been on the level where she jiggles her clothed breasts, presses them against me, and lets me touch them for just a moment. Plus, that was in exchange for a treatment fee.
I guess my popr time hase after all. Making Ruruka be this proactive, what a what a sinful man I am. Whoops, I ended up letting a grin show on my face. Gotta be careful.
Ah, of course I dont mean it like that, just that its bothersome to arrange a meetup, so why not use the same inn? Separate rooms, obviously.
Ah, it was a misunderstanding? Of course. And her face is reddened because she was drinking alcohol, naturally. Im a bit annoyed at myself for getting my hopes up. And extremely disappointed. Maybe I should have a drink too and clear my head a little. Well, since Yuel is there, even if we shared the same room and the same bed, nothing would actually happen, though.
Speaking of that, do you and Yuel-chan sleep in the same room?
Im interested in what her intentions are, asking me that question. Is she getting jealous over the intimate rtionship between me and Yuel? Or else is she trying to figure out whether Im a lolicon or something? Id like to know.
Yeah, thats right. Dont wanna waste money or anything.
The truth is that Yuel was against being separated, but theres no need to mention that.
Master always lets me sleep in the same bed with him.
Yuel-san, theres no need to mention that either.
When she hears what Yuel says, Ruruka stares intently at my face. A serious expression, like shes searching for the truth.
Yeah, I knew it, she suspected me of being a lolicon.
I must not avert my eyes. Surely, if I avert my eyes here, Ill be treated as a lolicon in Rurukas mind. If that happens, Ruruka may draw back and stop giving me negotiation time service. No, far from that, its not unthinkable that she could entirely stop looking me in the eyes and never speak to me again. For women, who give birth to children, lolicons would likely be shunned to that degree.
Thats not it. I really havent made a move on her.
I stare back at Ruruka with an exceedingly earnest expression.
Im gonna go have them change my room to the one next to Shikis after all, kay?
I wonder if thats to make sure there are no strange sounds or voices in the middle of the night.
The walls of this cheap inn are thin. If you were to do this or that, the neighbors would notice it instantly.
Looks like she doesnt trust me. Even though Im always going out of my way not toy a hand on Yuel. Somehow this feels just a little bit unreasonable.
How exactly should I vent these feelings?
Nnh haaahh how does it feel, Masteerrr?
In the mood to try her hardest, Yuel is stimting a part of me that feels good. The ce shes touching gradually grows hot and stretches out, giving me an intense feeling of pleasure.
Yeah, so good. Yuel is the best. It feels incredible.
Yuel seems to be having a tough time. Besides, I wont say this out loud, but her techniques arent that skilled. But its her first time, so I suppose that cant be helped. Im fine with that, though. Im sure that the fact that Yuel is doing it for me is why it feels this good.
Hahhghfuhhh its hurting me, nh, but Ill do my best!
As Yuel touches my stiff meat, although she lets out a pained voice, she continues stimting me with all her might. Is it painful? Perhaps this is too intense for the 12-year-old Yuel after all.
Does it hurt? Dont push yourself, we can stop if you want?
No, nh, I, nh, Ill try my hardest for Masterrr.
So brave. Yuel continues to stimte me with all her strength, to the point that her sweat drips down onto my body.
Breathing roughly, leaking her voice, dripping sweat.
Hold on! What are you doing to Yuel-chan!? Youd better not beying a hand on
And along with a cry from Ruruka, the door to the room flings open.
Ruruka bursts into the room, observing the scene.
The scene of Yuel massaging my shoulders for me.
Just as nned.
Hmm? Whats the matter, Ruruka? Youre all flustered. Something bothering you?
Err, umm, well.
It was on purpose, of course. I asked Yuel to massage my shoulders, and massaging shoulders with a childs strength is difficult. So that our voices would be audible from across the wall, with exaggerated feelings.
Even for Ruruka who initiated all sorts of things at the hospital, as expected, this misunderstanding must have embarrassed her. Shes stammering as her face blushes. If I had to say which, Ruruka is the type who prefers to be on the offensive.
Rather than me sexually harassing her, I get the impression that its more appealing the other way around. And when I fall for her tricks, she rips off some money from me.
This isnt an expression I see very often. She showed me something rare.
Even Im not going to just let her get away with taking advantage of me all the time.
Whats wrong, you must have some reason toe bursting into my room all upset? Why dont you tell me?
As Rurukas face blushes, I re at her scornfully.
You cant say it, huh. Thats right, huh. Theres no way you can say that you assumed we were doing indecent things, huh. Its embarrassing, huh.
Moreover, Yuel is wiggling her thumbs next to me, shaking out the pain in her fingers. All the more reason.
Ruruka is wearing an expression dyed with shame, as well as some thin pajamas. A Henley shirt, and some shorts made of soft-looking material. No, are they culottes? Usually she dons shorts made of some thick denim-like fabric, but just changing the fabric gives it apletely different atmosphere. Enough to make me think that if I look from the back, her underwear lines would probably be visible through it.
I look her up and down, getting a full, thorough view. Pulled by gravity, the thin cloth slightly emphasizes the curves of her flesh. Her typically unseen expression makes a nice ent to it.
And yet Ruruka closes her eyes, takes a single deep sigh, and goes back to an exasperated expression. Ahh, its already over, huh?
She must have realized that I prepared an intentional misunderstanding for her. As I thought, Ruruka knows me well. Besides, she switches gears quickly.
I thought she might get angry, but I havent actually done anything. I merely had Yuel massage my shoulders, thats all.
Sure, Im the one who told Yuel that I wanted her to massage my shoulders, and I did pick words that would be easy for Ruruka to misunderstand, but my voice was merely expressing my satisfied emotions from having my shoulders massaged by Yuel. I did flex my shoulders a little to create a situation where Yuel would have to put more force into massaging them, but Ruruka doesnt know that. There were no lies. The one who made an embarrassing misunderstanding was Ruruka herself. Precisely because of that, Ruruka is likely making an exasperated expression because theres nothing for her to get mad about.
I suppose you could call this payback. As for the fact that she suspected me of being a lolicon, with this, Ill consider us even.
Thats what Ive decided today after seeing Rurukas figure in those thin pajamas, and that blushing face of hers.
Chapter 11 — Being Concerned
Chapter 11: Being Concerned.
[Ne~ Shiki, er, do you always do this?]
First floor of thebyrinth.
After defeating the Fang Rabbits, Ruruka asks me while Im lightly petting Yuel who was retrieving the dropped items.
[Thats the case, whats wrong?]
I carefully use my right hand to slowly stroke Yuels hair and my left hand to tickle her chin.
Possibly unable to forget about the battle yesterday, although Yuel doesnt resist having her hair stroked, she doesnt hug me as tightly as she did in the past.
While I feel slightly unsatisfied about it, I still continue stroking the soft, silvery hair in front of me.
Ruruka shows aplicated expression but doesnt say anything further after watching this scene.
[No, its nothing]
She sounds somewhat dissatisfied.
As expected, I wonder if she thinks Im a lolicon.
However, this is my [Job].
This skinship is for the sake of increasing Yuels motivation.
There is no way I could stop doing it.
Besides, if I stop doing this, then all I will be doing is following behind the party.
My whole worth in thisbyrinth is stroking Yuel.
Acting like a pimp, I praise Yuel, stroke her, encourage her and put in my best effort to make her motivated for the next battle.
At the same time, petting Yuel is also one of my joys in life.
The joyous feeling of being respected by Yuel.
It is just impossible to stop this.
After weplete the first floor and in the middle of the second floor, I understand the basic battle style of Ruruka.
Ruruka is a warrior who uses a one-handed sword and shield and fights by deflecting enemy attacks, evading and attacking when she sees an opening.
From my observation, she can use shield skills and specializes in evading and attracting the attention of the enemy.
She throws small stones to attract and disrupt the attention of monsters trying to get behind her.
Although her attack does not seem strong, she is able to bring a sense of reliability to her teammates by drawing the attention of multiple enemies.
This is the so-called shield user.
Thanks to Ruruka attracting the attention of the enemy, Yuel can focus on annihting the enemy and we proceed through the dungeon more smoothly than usual.
We reach the fifth floor.
There are four giant birds in front of us.
Except for the presence of Ruruka, it is the same situation as yesterday.
The image of Yuel crying as she was unable to protect me shes in my mind.
This is a good opportunity.
[Please wait a moment]
I stop Yuel and Ruruka the moment they are about to rush forward.
This is an opportunity for Yuel to regain her confidence.
[Ruruka, could you leave this battle to Yuel?]
To ovee her previous failure, she must redeem it with her own ability.
Different from yesterday, she is carrying throwing knives with her now.
I believe the current Yuel can handle this situation.
[Uwa~, thats amazing]
The four giant birds fall to the ground after the small knives pierce through their throats.
This is the result of Yuels throwing knives.
As expected, Yuel is definitely amazing.
The battle ended faster than normally fighting with a hand-held knife.
Even though the giant birds would only move in a straight line, it is still extremely difficult to urately pierce the monsters throat 10 meters away using a small knife.
Although I am respected by Yuel, I felt that I am beginning to respect Yuel instead.
[I did it, Master!]
After Yuel retrieves the small knives and dropped items, she happily runs over and leaps into my chest with all her momentum.
It seems like she did not hold back.
Casting aside her previous gloomy face, Yuels whole face is smiling widely.
Yuel overcame her past failure and regained her confidence.
Looking at the innocent Yuel being so happy, I am so pleased for her.
[Amazing, Yuel is so amazing!]
I gently hug Yuel who leaped into my chest and caress her head.
Yuel hugs my waist and rubs her head on my chest while sticking her body to me.
I use one hand to hug her back and the other hand to gently stroke Yuels head.
I feel Yuel react to my stroking by rubbing her head against my hand.
Such a nostalgic feeling.
Such a nostalgic reaction.
Despite Yuel feeling depressed for only one day, I feel that it has been a long time since I saw such a reaction.
I feel extremely happy.
I wonder what kind of feeling this is.
Oh right, it feels like my cute daughter getting first ce in her athletic meet.
I have this urge to praise her even more.
I want to fully express this joy.
More, I want to praise Yuel.
I will not do with only caressing her head like usual.
It wont do with only this.
Today is the day Yuel overcame her past, yes, today is such a memorable day.
I squat down, loop my hands behind Yuels leg and back and carry Yuel.
A princess carry.
Yuel lets out a surprised voice for a moment but immediately loops her hand over my head and rubs her head on my chest.
I let Yuel do as she pleases after she stabilizes her upper body while using my left arm to stabilize her lower body.
I caress Yuels head with my freed right hand, and lightly press Yuels head into my chest further.
[Yuel is so amazing]
Praise her, stroke her, praise her, stroke her.
Yuel gives out a happy sound and rubs her head even more.
Just when I want to hug the head of such a cute Yuel
[Wait a moment! This is strange, is it not!?]
All of a sudden, I hear Rurukas voice. (T.L I forgot she is still there when I trante half way)
Ruruka, whose face turned red, is looking over here with eyes wide open in surprise.
[Whats wrong?]
I am only praising a hardworking child with some skinship.
I am not doing anything weird.
[E, eto, no, but, you wont do anything to Yuel-chan?]
I didnt do anything weird.
I am just rewarding Yuel for her hard work with a princess carry and stroking her head.
There is nothing sexual about it as it is just skinskip between a parent and their child.
Or is the matter of not doing anything to Yuel referring to not even being allowed to touch her?
It is so unfair if I am judged as a lolicon just by this.
[I am only stroking her?]
[Although thats the case but you see, princess carry as such]
Ruruka says such a thing while behaving suspiciously.
It seems like she is unable to calm down.
I wonder what this reaction means
When my attention turns towards Ruruka, Yuel starts squirming around.
It seems that it is due me stopping my hand movements.
Behind my head, with all the fingers on her hand intertwined, Yuel seems like she wants to hug my head.
Yuel uses her fingers to caress my head and locks my neck with her elbow and says:
[My, Master]
Yuel is whispering into my ear just a few centimeters away from me.
Just like this, Yuels cheek closes in onto my face.
Soft silvery hair and cheek.
Yuels moist skin approaches my cheek and I feel a contact.
And then, Yuels cheek is pressed against my cheek and she starts rubbing.
Her face is sticking to my face.
In addition, I can smell a faint sweet scent of shampoo used by her during bathing.
My soul is being healed and my heart bes warm.
[Hey, you know a girl must not stick so close to a man?]
This time, Ruruka forcefully sticks her body between Yuel and me.
Closely sticking between Yuel and me.
In other words, in front of me.
It is a distance where I will touch Ruruka if I slightly move my face.
And different from usual, Ruruka is showing a desperate expression.
Contrary to the gentleness of her voice, she forcefully pulls Yuel away from me.
[Ruruka?]
And then my eyes met with Rurukas.
She might be surprised by her own actions as her eyes grow wide in shock by our close proximity.
Matching her bright red hair, I can also see her big and beautiful green eyes in detail.
This is too close and I feel something weird.
Ruruka is also the same as her face bes red no [her whole head is red like a tomato].
Huh, what is this.
I feel something weird about this flow of events.
[Ruruka-san?]
[Wh, what is it!?]
Her body stiffens when I try to talk to her and she immediately moves a great distance away from me while still having a bright red face.
She avoids looking at my face by looking downwards and shows an uneasy expression.
Whats with this.
This reaction.
Furthermore, stopping Yuel from having close body contact with me.
Could it be.
Could this really be it.
No, I must not get fooled.
Stay calm.
If I look back on Rurukas past actions.
Even back in the clinic, how many times has a misunderstanding ured which leads to a reduction in treatment cost.
This must all be an act.
However, is this really all an act?
Rurukas anxious look, bright red face and her suspicious behavior.
If all of this is an act, I might never be able to believe the creatures known as women ever again.
Up until this date, there is no reason for Ruruka to like me.
After all, there is no event of me saving Rurukas life during danger and we did note into contact for long.
Eris whom I lived together with for three months in the clinic has a higher chance of liking me.
I do not have any idea why Ruruka showed such an expression.
Our contact is only limited to treatment at the clinic and payment for the service.
Furthermore, Ruruka is an extremely charming woman who will not fall in love with just anyone.
No, she might like me since she allow me to touch her breast.
No, no, she did all this to lower the cost of the treatment.
This is all for the sake of money.
However, what if she appears money-minded in order to hide her shyness.
No, because, I only got to her name recently.
Our rtionship is only till the level of knowing each other.
Huhh, but yet Ruruka knows my name.
I do not recall introducing myself to her.
What?
Is that it?
Like when I go to a convenience store and secretly look at the name tag of a cute clerk
No, this is not about the matter of naming.
The main question is, how does Ruruka feel about me?
Although I felt over-conscious, it seems too obvious judging from Rurukas behavior.
Asking [Do you like me?], it feels so direct that I cant say it out loud.
If, by any chance, I misread Rurukas behavior, I will bebeled as [Misunderstanding-kun].
It will then only cause me to go [Aahhhh] every time I remember it at night during bedtime.
I cant afford to ask, but I am very curious.
What is this, it makes me feel very ufortable.
Chapter 12 — 7th Floor and the Boss Room
Chapter 12: 7th Floor and the Boss Room.
In the end, I couldnt say anything to Ruruka who had returned to her usual attitude, so I keep exploring thebyrinth with a dizzy feeling.
And thenDD
He, hey, do I really have to do this?
It cant be helped you know? Its the best way to do it. Even if me or Yuel do it, our weapon will get damaged.
DD And then now, a Giant Ant, a big ant-shaped monster, was knocked down in front of my eyes.
Yes, it was scattered. Its belly was facing upward, all the limbs were cut cleanly at the joints and were scattered by Yuel and Ruruka.
The special trait of a Giant Ant, a monster from the 6th floor, is their hard carapace. When fighting with a de, it wont be a problem to cut the thin limbs if you aim skillfully for the joints, but a sword could get damaged if you forcefully cut the torso.
Thats why, I was given a role to finish the Giant Ant as a wielder of a blunt weapon, a mace. Looking at the Giant Ant that was scattered on the ground, I noticed its big jaw first. Its a big savage jaw with jagged teeth, which cut off Eights() leg earlier. (Yuz: Reminder- Eight was Man A from chapter 6)
nk-nk The Giant Ant opened and closed its jaw repeatedly, desperately trying to attack me who stood in front of its eyes yet it will never reach. It wont reach because it cant move. It will by no means reach me, but
After looking at Eights grave injury, when I see the Giant Ant who was still retaining its fighting spirit even after losing all of its limbs, I get a little bit scared. No, its just being pretentious. It was all pretty scary.
I looked at its eyes that were filled with fighting spirit, the moment I went in close, it felt like it could jump like a freshly caught fish at any moment and bite me off. With its big jagged jaw. It makes me want to give the mace to Ruruka, and have her substitute the role to finish it instead.
Hey, Ruruka
And besides Shiki, you havent done anything since we came to thebyrinth right`?
Kuh
Her words felt like a stab to the chest. If it was Yuel she wouldnt have said such a thing. After all Yuel is a nice and gentle girl. Lets pat her thoroughlyter.
Im already relieved that Shiki who can use healing magic could stay with us, but I still want to see the cool parts of Shiki, I think?
Ruruka said it in a light tone. Even after she said that, if you listened to her in ttery tone, one could understand it. She doesnt really mean that.
It was that right. I want to see Shiki-kuns good parts! or something like that. But, Im not that naive. Im an adult man who wont do things like leaving the role that was entrusted to him.
Like that time with Eights injury, when a lot of blood was gushing out, a cold sweat had broken out on my face that left me as pale as a dead man. Just by looking at the Giant Ants jaws makes my legs want to give in. (Yuz: He has a fetish for jaws) Im probably going to end up hurt.
And so, I averted my gaze from the Giant AntDD
DD Yuel was looking at me.
She was looking at me, who stood still holding the mace in front of the Giant Ant, with sparkling eyes as if expecting something.
You too huh. Youre also telling me to do it huh. No, Yuel herself is just only looking at me.
This wasnt like Ruruka who did it to make me move. Because it was the pure Yuel. She is really expecting to see her masters cool, gant figure when defeating monsters. I didnt know that there was this much evil presence in front of Yuel until now. I dont feel like stopping at all though.
Yuel gazing at me waiting for my move, her round pupilspletely dyed with expectation. It seems she wants to burn her masters gant figure, my fighting stance,pletely into her eyes. With those sparkling, shining eyes.
Ugh, I cant betray those eyes
DD I prepared myself
I try to remembering the kendo ss I took at school, while as much as possible trying to not look at the Giant Ants jaw. I grip the heavy mace, take an overhead stance, and yell as I move my center of gravity and swing it down.
HAAAAAH!
A dull sensation.
The Giant Ants head cracked with a breaking sound, and its contents started rushing out from the crack.
Gu, gruesome (guro)
But, I defeated it. For the first time, just now wasnt that a good blow?
As expected from Master!
Yuelplimented me at the same time that the Giant Ant turns into light and disappears. For the time being, its good that I matched Yuels discernment. I seed in protecting my dignity as her master. Lets give her a pat in return.
Shiki, that wasnt bad!
Without missing a beat, Ruruka also gave herpliment.
Really?
Yup, it was a beautiful swing. Have you been doing some martial arts? It was really cool! Shiki is amazing~.
Ah, your muscles are so splendid, theyre hard! she praised me while poking my arm that still held the mace.
Apparently I also suited Rurukas discernment.
Ah, so you did figure it out?
All purpose schools kendo. Since I could crush a Giant Ants head in one blow, perhaps it was truly a critical hit. Besides the amount of people who can learn fighting techniques in this world were probably quite limited. Especially for adventurers, most likely they are self-taught. Hooray for Compulsory education.
I found it out I found it out~. Eh, erm, it was a full strength strike right! It was a charming blow even for a vanguard like me~.
I see. I got found out huh. It makes you charmed huh.
Master, youre really cool!
Yuelplimented me again after having been outdone by Ruruka. Well thats true. Right now, I have a weapon. And also the opponents feet were severed so it couldnt move. There isnt anything to be feared. Besides, as far as I can see the Giant Ants movement were also slow. If its one-on-one, I also feel I could still do it.
Yosh, next time I will try to start fighting from the beginning!
Ah, erm, I think its too intense for Shiki. Could you just do the finisher?
Yes.
Thanks to the thorough praises from Ruruka and Yuel, I could erase my fear towards Giant Ants, and I did a good job in swinging down the mace. Of course only to deliver the finisher. Its important to know your own capabilities.
DD And then.
Finally. We made it.
To the 7th level.
The monsters at the 7th level were Slime. The drop is slime jelly. A slimes jelly. With this, atst, I could replenish those unreliable slime jelly stocks.
The bar waitresss miniskirt. The inns poster girls cleavage. The soup stall Onee-sans wet see-through. Various scenes pass through my mind.
Ahh, I want to fight soon. Well, the only ones who were fighting were Yuel and Ruruka though. Yuel and Ruruka are already fighting against several slimes. A slime is a gtinous jelly-like monster with about the size of ser ball. They have a nucleus in their center, and that is their weak point.
You have to carefully aim at that nucleus to beat it, but it seems Ruruka and Yuel can do it without a hitch. They easily evade the slimes body m, and their thrusts urately prated its nucleus. Because it was the only means of attack.
But the slimes power was unexpectedly high. Slimes harden their body a moment before an attack, so it seems there are possibilities of bone fractures if you took a direct hit. However, thats all.
A slime couldnt always harden its body, and it was neither a poison nor a body made from strong acid. Yeah, the slime isnt as strong as a 7th level monster. But, there seems to be a reason for that.
So, is that the boss room?
It will be tough for our partyposition~. Physical attacks are hardly effective for the Boss here.
The Boss.
In the Mel Heartsbyrinth, on the 7th level floor, there is a room called the boss room in the middle of it.
It seems, there is a theory that the monsters in the level where the boss is located are weak because the boss took all the mana resource on that level. Actually, it is said that both of the 14th level and 21st level also have rtively weak monsters.
The boss in this level is a Huge slime. In terms of body structure and ways to defeat it, it isnt that different from a normal slime, but its huge size is a different story. It is huge, with 3 meters in diameter. Even for a weak slime, with just by changing its size, its strength can jump considerably.
For the Huge slime, a normal sword wont reach its nucleus, and on top of that because of its bodys viscous nature, even if you cut it with a sword, the wound would close soon. Moreover, the power thates with its huge mass also poses a threat. It could easily crush people beneath it. Even the guild was urging people to not lessen their guard when going to the 7th level.
Itll be tough if we have no one with a high fire magic skill.
Exactly`, its not impossible to beat it by scraping from the outside, but I dont want to do that. Well sometimes it gives us a rare drop if we defeat it.
While Ruruka said that, Yuel was staring intently towards the doors that lead to the boss room, but Im not worried about that. Im sure she was just distracted by the ornaments on the doors. I want to believe that Yuel isnt a battle junkie that wants to fight strong enemies with badpatibility.
What is the rare drop?
Etto, there is slime drop that used as material for recovery magic. If Im not wrong it should have quite the good sale price right? Well, most of time I only get slime jelly as a drop though`.
Hee, but well, it doesnt matter to us.
It wasnt Ruruka who told him that clearly, but the girl who had been staring intently at the boss rooms door.
Thats right`. Well, lets just beat the slime in there and go home. Well start getting hungry soon.
Oh right, it feels like it will be lunch time soon. Itll be alright if we just follow the main route without detourster. I feel that I want to collect more slime jelly, but as I thought I cant let Yuel get hungry.
Ahh, youre right.
The ce we went to after the exploringbyrinth, is the guild purchase counter. I have forgotten very important things up to now. That is, inbyrinth exploration this time, I was just looking at the battle behind Yuel and Ruruka. Though its just the usual.
However, there is a problem. When a monster was defeated, in its ce it will give us a drop. In other words, inevitably the one who will pick it up is also the one who is closest to the monster, the one who fought it.
What I want to say is, I want to include the slime jelly we got in this exploration in my item box. And now, Ruruka and Yuel want to hand over the materials to the receptionist at the materials purchase counter.
I couldnt find the right time to stop them from selling them off. No, I have thought about it, but I cant bring it up in a way that wont make my honor fall to the ground. Even while being troubled, the receptionist kept her smile, and indifferently informed them the total amount of Zeni from their sale.
And then.
Finally, two-thirds from the total amount, for Yuel and my portions DD are transferred to my bank card.
Along with the receptionists natural smile.
Chapter 13 — Occasion to Celebrate
Chapter 13: asion to Celebrate.
Its the day after I explored thebyrinth with Ruruka.
Yuel and I are in a corner of the adventurers guild.
Itste afternoon, around the time when the exchange window starts to get crowded.
Oh, Yuel. Before I go to the exchange counter, can you hand over all the raw materials?
Yuel and I managed to clear the 7th floor of thebyrinth while hunting slimes by ourselves without any trouble.
With this, I can finally replenish my precious supply of Slime Jelly.
All of them?
Yeah, so far Ive just been selling them without really counting, so I thought itd be good for future reference if were gonna keep entering thebyrinth.
Im sure the pure Yuel would hand them over without a second thought if I just came right out and said, gimme the Slime Jelly.
But what if, a few yearster, the memory pops back up?
If Yuel in her difficult yearses to revile me, and I go to pat her head and sheshes back I dont want to be touched by Master!
I might just keel over from the shock.
No, really.
The current Yuel is cute.
Meek, adorable, fond of me.
But in the future, what will happen when Yuel grows up?
Will she have a rebellious age?
Dye her hair a shy color and get a tan?
She already has silver hair and dark skin though.
Um, Master?
I turn my eyes toward the voice, and theres Yuel taking the raw materials out of her item box, head slightly tilted, gazing up at me.
Ah, Yuel is so cute
Those words casually escape my lips.
! No way, me? Cute?
Yuel yelps in surprise and her cheeks turn slightly red.
She bashfully nces around and fidgets nervously.
Obviously, shes shy.
Such a cute, girly reaction.
she must not be used to being praised.
Come to think of it, even I, the one closest to her, have never really praised Yuels appearance.
I feel like Ive only everplimented things like her fighting ability.
This is no good.
Yuel is a girl.
If she doesnt get ustomed to some degree of praise from a young age, one day she might get taken advantage of by some bad guy who tters her.
Its not like I want her to be tough like Ruruka, but with how pretty she is, I cant let her self-esteem stay this low.
I mean it, Yuel is cute. You have a nice smile. I feel like Im being healed just by seeing Yuels smile.
Thats not
Yuel hides her face in her hands and shakes her head.
Her face may be covered but I can clearly see her bright red ears.
This is kinda fun.
No, this still isnt enough praise.
Its dangerous for a girl to have no resistance to being praised.
For the sake of Yuels future, I must praise her more.
Yuels hair is so smooth and nice to touch. It looks so glossy its like an angels halo. Yes, Yuel is as cute as an angel!
As an angel?
With one hand still pressed against her cheek, Yuel fiddles with her long, silver hair with the other hand.
She must really be embarrassed, squirming around like that.
So fun
Have I ever gotten such a great reaction just from praising a girl before?
No, theres no way.
Eris cold, chiding response even though I only told her you have a pretty face is still fresh in my mind.
Yuels skin is beautiful too. Its an exquisite shade, not too light or dark. I love how healthy it looks. You always wear pants, maybe you could try a skirt next time?
Love!?
Come to think of it, I dont remember buying anything for Yuel to wear other than practical clothes.
Shes probably at the age where girls start to be fashion-conscious.
And today was a payday, so why dont I buy Yuel some cute clothes?
Yuel is cute. Its fun just being with you. Im so happy, I want us to be together forever.
I-I want to be together with Master forever too!
Yuel responds with tears welling up in her eyes.
Shes so ovee with happiness at my praise, shetches on to me and starts to sob.
Uh, arent these waterworks a bit overboard?
Im starting to really worry about a bad guy taking advantage of her someday.
And I feel a little guilty seeing her so overjoyed from my half-teasingpliments.
Well, its not like I was lying about the aspects I praised.
Feeling a bit awkward, I avert my eyes from Yuel
and onto Eight and Geyser, watching us from the line in front of the exchange counter.
Oh yeah, we were in the guild this whole time.
Having justmitted the reprehensible act of (apparently) driving a little ve girl to tears with backhandedpliments in front of the entire Adventurers Guild, I hastily made my exit along with Eight and Geyser.
Hey, guess what, we made it to the 7th floor by ourselves today.
Eyy, that far already? Nice going!
I knew you two could do it, but I didnt expect you to make it so far this fast!
I talk with Eight and Geyser as we walk down the road toward the tavern.
The tavern is located closer to thebyrinth.
Its not that far away, but at the moment Im thankful even for this short distance.
In the guild, they probably didnt hear what I was talking about with Yuel, but what was certain was that I made a little girl blush and cry.
The looks I got from around the room were painful.
The only saving grace is that Eight and Geyser know that my rtionship with Yuel is pure.
Im a little worried about their giant grins, though.
Well, exploring thebyrinth is Yuels specialty, Im not doing anything.
But isnt it reassuring to have a healer like Shiki for support? You can use EX Heal, you not only healed my leg but before I knew it all the scars on my body were gone.
Ah, as for the scars, I was in a hurry when I saw Eights injury back then. That happens sometimes when I use healing magic, asionally it heals ces other than the injury.
When I first came to this world, my magic power rose dramatically.
Its rtively stable now, but for the first few days I couldnt control the excess magical power very well, and when I tried healing a small cut on a fingertip I ended up casting EX Heal around the targets whole body.
Im just d that it didnt end up making my healing magic weaker or entirely unusable instead.
Well, Ive heard that magic wont even activate if you rush it. Whats with your healing magic?
I dont even know, myself. Well, whatever, todays a celebration!
When we get to the tavern, I order better quality alcohol than usual, and a steady stream of food.
The healing clinic is closed today.
Why is that? Because todays the special day that I got my hands on Slime Jelly.
The day that my friendship with Eight and Geyser paid off.
Cheers!
We clink our mugs to celebrate reaching the 7th floor.
Yuel has no idea what the celebratory mood is for or why were clinking mugs, but she clinks her ss of juice too.
It wouldnt be right to leave her out.
Um, Master. What are we celebrating for?
Its to celebrate Yuel working so hard to explore thebyrinth.
Theres no way I can tell her its to celebrate getting the Slime Jelly.
I have to deceive her somehow.
Huh? Its for the Sl - ouch!
I wont forget to stomp on clueless Geysers foot either when he nearly exposes it.
Well anyway, todays a celebration. Shiki, lets order more.
Eight picks up on my behavior and changes the topic.
Thank goodness Eight can read the atmosphere.
Not like Geyser.
Im blessed to have such a good friend.
Okay, today is my treat. Order as much as you want!
Really, Shiki! In that case, some soft-shelled turtle and- We dont need that.
We keep eating and drinking and eating and drinking, the suns probably gone down by now.
I feel like I drank too much too fast, caught up in Geysers pace as he kept ordering expensive liquor without restraint.
Geyser can really hold his liquor, he treats it like hes just chugging water.
If I try to match drinks with this guy, Ill end up like Eight who crawled off to the toilet and hasnte back.
I nce over at Yuel and find her staring intently at the waitress miniskirt.
I wonder whats up.
Theres no way she could be hoping for a panty shot.
Oh, now that I think about it, I told her earlier today that a skirt might suit her.
Thats probably it.
That reminds me, I need to give Yuel a present.
A present?
She looks puzzled, maybe because it was out of nowhere.
Yeah, since Yuel is always working so hard. As a reward for that.
No, I cant
Yuel hangs her head shyly.
Shes trying to show restraint.
But I kinda want to see how she looks in a skirt too.
I couldnt make her wear it in thebyrinth while I watch her battle fiercely from behind, but there shouldnt be any problem with it as casual wear around town.
Im doing it because I want to give you a present. As thanks for always taking care of me.
I push back again.
I-In that case Hey Shiki, we got some Red Dragon Killer! Come have a drink!
Geyser thoughtlessly calls out while holding a bottle.
He really does not read the atmosphere.
Yuel and I were in the middle of talking.
But, its a time of celebration.
Ill put up with it for now.
Wow, is it a good drink?
Well it costs 5000 Zeni. Ive never tried it, but its gotta be good, right?
This guy really doesnt hold back.
I said it was my treat, but 5000 Zeni, is he really going to help himself to 50,000 yen worth of liquor that thoughtlessly?
While Im shuddering at the thought of todays tab, Geyser is pouring the 5000 Zeni liquor generously into his own ss.
The bottle is small, so at this rate hes going to finish it off by himself.
Hey, wait! Ill drink too!
It would be unforgivable if I paid for a 5000 Zeni bottle and didnt get to drink any of it.
I wrench the bottle away from Geyser and pour the remaining quarter of Red Dragon Killer straight into my mouth.
It burns.
Its stronger than I expected and makes me want to cough, but I cant spill such expensive liquor.
I swallow it all in one gulp.
I feel a heat boiling up from the pit of my stomach.
This is pretty strong booze.
I feel my consciousness immediately start to slip away.
Isnt this way too strong?
Really? Seems fine to me.
Im about ready to give up and pass out, but Geyser has drained his ss and seems none the worse for wear.
Geyser is short. Maybe hes actually a dwarf? Theyre supposed to be natural drinkers.
Ahh, Yuel says something to me, but I cant understand any of it.
Maybe she wants to continue the conversation from earlier?
Its impossible, my consciousness is cutting out, I dont know what shes saying.
Red Dragon Killer was too strong for me.
Yuel somehow looks like shes full of motivation.
Im sure the thought of receiving a present is making her say stuff like Ill try even harder in thebyrinth from now on!
Ah, do your best.
I dont know if the words came out well.
But Yuel looks happy.
Im sure I got the point across.
Its impossible.
I cant hold my head up any longer.
Im so sleepy I cant help it.
I let my face fall onto the table and close my eyelids.
Chapter 14 — A Chance to See
Chapter 14: A Chance to See.
Ah, good morning, master.
When I awoke, Yuels blue eyes were right in front of my face.
Yeah, good morning.
Yuel is propped up next to me in bed, intently gazing at my face. Apparently she was watching me as I slept. I bring a hand to my lips and feel a trickle of drool. Its a bit embarrassing.
But its unusual for Yuel to be awake before I am. Normally she wakes up a little after I get up. Well, its not like shes never risen early to stare at my tent.
The atmosphere feels slightly different than usual, though. Mixed in with her smile, theres a sense of aplishment like a feeling of satisfaction or something along those lines. She seems a little tired too. I wonder what happened?
Oh right, I got wasted at the tavernst night. How did that turn out? I remember passing out on the table, but Yuel and I are together on the bed. And why is the tired Yuel wearing that satisfied expression-
No, it cant be.
Looking closely at Yuel, instead of the usual thinfy pajamas, shes dressed to go outside. Why has she already changed her clothes? Did she wake up early and have nothing better to do than to get changed? Or maybe, did she do something to get them dirty while I was aslee-
No no, theres no way that would happen.
I surreptitiously inspect my clothes beneath the nket.
Everything seems to be in order. Its the same outfit as yesterday. My pants and underwear are still in ce. The belt is tightly tied, and nothings particrly dirty.
Thank goodness. Nothing happened.
But if nothing happened then why is Yuel
She happened to wake up early, got dressed and then got bored of waiting for me so she slipped back into bed again? She looks tired because she didnt get enough sleep? Is that how it went?
Did someone carry me here yesterday?
Yes, Geyser-san brought Master back.
I see
I need to thank him wait, why should I? Its Geysers fault for ordering the Red Dragon Killer that got me wasted in the first ce. Sure, Im the one who physically drank from it. But I meant it on an emotional level.
For breakfast, we head to the tavern. Wemute there every day without fail, so at this point were the most regr of regr customers. Well, its only natural since I run the treatment stall there.
As I look inside the shop, Miniskirt Waitress-san nces over and waves. Um, the girl with the ck panties. What color are they today? I really want to know.
Ive spoken with her maybe 2-3 times since the day she fell down and I healed her, but there havent been any particr developments. Id like to get close enough with her that shed willingly lift up her skirt for me, so Ive struck up a conversation with her a few times, but maybe on ount of her clumsiness she has her hands full with work and doesnt have much time to chat.
In other words, she and I arent very close.
But having said that, shes being friendly today for some reason. Waving enthusiastically with a warm smile. Id rather see that skirt wave though.
I start to wave back- then the realization sinks in.
Shes not waving at me.
It feels like shes looking slightly to the side. I lower my hand and look over
Yuel is bashfully waving to Waitress-san.
Yuel-san, when did you be so close with her? Arent you getting along better with her than me, who healed her for free?
I wonder if you got a chance to while I was asleep yesterday.
Even so, while I was struggling to make progress, you captured Clumsy Waitress-san in a single night? You devious child. You absolutely must teach me your techniques.
Yuel stops waving, and Waitress-sans attention shifts over to me. When our eyes meet, she smiles sweetly. She stops her work, and walks over to me in a hurry.
Has she fallen for me?
No, thats not it. What could it be?
We havent taken a seat yet, so she wouldnt being to take our orders. Maybe she had something to talk about with Yuel? But that smile was definitely aimed at me.
Whats with this? Im getting my hopes up.
Yesterday, did Yuel portray me in a good light? Maybe now shes feeling like I already thought you were nice, but you truly are a kind person! Take me!
As these thoughts are running through my head, Waitress-san arrives in front of me. And then, with a big smile, and a cheerful voice-
Last nights billes out to 12,000 Zeni!
Right.
We finish our meal at the tavern and enter thebyrinth. Our goal is the 7th floor.
I have enough Slime Jelly for the time being, but now I want money. This morning, the contents of my wallet have all but disappeared, and I promised to give clothes to Yuel.
Since its a present for Yuel, I should get something new rather than used. As long as Im buying new, I want it to be high-quality. And good clothes arent cheap. An outfit typically goes for thousands of Zeni.
Thats why I want to secure the biggest budget possible.
Slimes are weak, but the mobs on the 7th floor drop magic stones at a reliable rate. That makes the 7th floor a good ce to farm for money. Its not like I havent thought about the fact that Im buying Yuel a present with the earnings from monsters that she defeated, but Im sure she doesnt mind that sort of thing.
Getting to the 7th floor feels like second nature by now. Monsters up to the 3rd floor cant even be considered opponents for Yuel anymore, and we can ignore the slow Green Ivy and Giant Ant if theyre not in our way. She takes the initiative against Big Tick by throwing knives as soon as they appear to reduce their numbers, so we make quick progress.
And just like that, we reach the 7th floor. It seems to be a well-known hunting ground for adventurers, and we asionally evene across groups that bring tents to camp overnight. Since they managed to make it past theparatively dangerous 5th and 6th floors, they probably want to hang around the 7th floor as long as possible.
But the overnight hunters need one person to stand watch while the others sleep. That would be pretty difficult with just the two of us. Theres also the problem of losing track of time if you stay in thebyrinth too long.
We could potentially use consumable magic items that create a barrier with a certain duration, and watches exist too, but wed need money for those things. Theyre not items you could afford just by spending a few days in thebyrinth. And Im broke now anyway. Shopping will have to wait.
We continue hunting around the 7th floor and eventually arrive at the boss room.
Within the boss room awaits the Huge Slime. Its rare drop is Slime Drop. From what I overheard at the adventurers guild, a single one apparently sells for 200,000 Zeni.
200,000 Zeni, huh
Although its a rare drop, a single one wouldnd us twice what we make from a half-day hunt on the 7th floor. Thats quite a lot of money. I want money. As much money as I can get.
But hold on. What if we cant beat it?
Huge Slime is around 3m in size. Yuel would be facing it with a 20-30cm knife. I cant possibly see us winning against it by ourselves.
I nce over at Yuel and shes staring at the boss door with a pumped-up expression like Im ready whenever! But we cant go in like this.
Its safer to continue to hunt slimes normally, and the efficiency isnt bad. Were not so desperate for money to justify it.
Theres no need for such a high-risk method.
Im ready whenever!
No, were not going.
Yuel said exactly what I thought she would, but theres no need for us to do it.
She looks disappointed, but theres nothing I can do about that. Shes certainly talented, but theres a reckless side to her. Ill have to keep that in check in the future too. Thats my responsibility as her guardian.
Master, Im just going to go fix my hair.
After thebyrinth exploration we head to the usual tavern. As soon as Yuel leaves for the restroom, Ruruka drops by my treatment stall. Her timing is suspiciously convenient.
Shiki, I got hurt. Heal meee.
Ruruka closes the curtain behind her back as she enters the stall with a wry grin. Yeah, she knows where this is going.
This isnt Eris hospital, you know. One Heal is 400 Zeni.
Cmon, cant we decide on the fee after you take a look at the injury?
As she speaks, she pops open her shirt buttons one by one. Her chest gradually bes visible. From the gap in her shirt a valley peeks out from between two plentiful peaks. I catch a glimpse of a cute white undergarment decorated with frills, unusual for an adventurer.
Once Ruruka unfastens the 4th button, she exposes her shoulders assertively. Theres a cut that looks like she got caught on something sharp.
Its such a teeny-tiny wound, dont you think?
The treatment fee depends on the magic used, it has nothing to do with the size of the wound.
I firmly refuse. Of course, this is the start of our negotiation y.
-How does Ruruka feel about this, though?
Her expression when we went to thebyrinth together two days ago That attitude made it seem like she was jealous of Yuel.
Up until then I had thought she was just the kind of woman who didnt mind fooling around a little to save money, but I have a feeling thats not quite urate. This is a good opportunity to find out.
Ill see how far shell let me go and judge ordingly. Or rather, I want to push it as far as shes willing to let me go.
Ehhhh, its really a small wound though? Why dont you get a closer look
Ruruka stands up and bends her body forward. Her lovely face is nearly touching mine. As I look down, that bare valley greets me. Her bountiful breasts jiggle and sway under the effects of gravity.
She said to get a good look, but all it took was a nce to know that Heal would take care of the injury. Yet Ruruka is letting me continue. You might say this is proof of our mutual understanding.
Regardless, what a refreshing view. I still need to determine how far Ruruka will go today, though. I cant let it end here.
Hmmm, its still hard to see
Ehh? Well, it cant be helped
Ruruka looks around nervously and double-checks the curtain before turning back to me. Her face seems somewhat flushed.
I-In that case can you tell by touch?
Then Ruruka grabs my hands and pulls them onto her breasts.
Mmh
I feel a soft sensation as my fingers sink into her flesh. Through her shirt, that is. My palms press into her abundant mounds and they squeeze together impressively along her exposed midline. Ruruka cant meet my eyes anymore and shes looking away in embarrassment.
Weve done this a few times before, but the fact that she might actually be into me adds some exquisite spice to the experience. I start to waver.
But this much is just the default route. It always ends here with the discount. This is the critical point for me to find out how far I can take it.
Hmm, I cant tell from over your shirt.
Eh? Ah ummm.
Is it no good after all? Shes hesitating. Casting furtive nces in my direction, face flushed, considering it.
Shiki
Ruruka opens her mouth. Theres a soft sensation on my fingertips and a sweet voice pleading in my ear.
-But Im no longer paying attention.
Because my eyes met hers.
Eh?
Yuels. She had returned.
Chapter 15 — Lie
Chapter 15: Lie.
Master?
Behind Rurukas back, Yuel has returned from the bathroom and is staring at us in shock. Her eyes are vacant and her mouth is slightly agape. Its as if she cant understand the scene in front of her eyes.
This is bad. Extraordinarily bad.
Right now, my hands are stretched out to grab hold of Rurukas plentiful peaks, and Ruruka herself is opening her shirt far enough to expose her shoulders and a great deal of skin.
The circumstantial evidence is all here.
Yuel is standing on the other side of Ruruka, so she cant exactly see if Im actually rubbing her breasts.
But with my outstretched arms, Rurukas state of undress, and the distance between us
Of course Yuel will assume were doing something indecent. After all, we are.
If I had to put it into words, I was rubbing Rurukas breasts in lieu of a treatment fee.
I cant let Yuel find out about that.
If I told the trusting-to-a-fault Yuel, my carefully constructed image as a respectable master wille crumbling down in an instant. I cant let that happen. That star-struck admiration reflected in Yuels eyes is one of my greatest pleasures. I cant make any mistakes at a time like this.
Think. Think, dammit.
This is the turning point that will decide whether or not I remain a master worthy of Yuels respect. This is my Battle of Mt. Tennou.
-Theres no choice but to deceive her.
Man, that sure was a tough wound to treat. Right, Ruruka?
I remove my hands from Rurukas chest and give her a look that says to y along. Ruruka has good judgment. Shell probably respond with something like Thats why you had to cast the healing magic carefully with direct skin contact! Thanks for going to the trouble!
I look into Rurukas eyes expectantly. In response, Ruruka stares back with an intense expression.
Our gazes remain locked for a good 2 or 3 seconds. Did she get my message? A grin floats up on Rurukas face-
-and she grabs my right arm.
With one hand, Ruruka deftly unfastens the remaining shirt button and fully reveals the delicate undergarment. Then she takes the hand she grabbed and starts to forcefully knead it into her breast over her underwear. Ahh, its soft.
Mmh so, how is it?
Does she
still want to continue our price negotiation?
This development is bad. I wont be able to convince Yuel at this rate. Does Ruruka not realize that Yuel is here?
No, that cant be. True, she cant see Yuel behind her, but she must have heard Yuels voice.
Even if she somehow failed to hear it, she should at least question my sudden change in attitude.
But now what? This is a bad situation. Its getting worse. So soft. What do I do? Shes moving my arm back and forth. I can feel the sticity of her breast. What should I do? Her skin is sticking to me. Those frills on her white undergarment are cute. Ohhh its soft. My hand runs over the soft-as-silk cloth and I feel the swell of her even softer flesh. I want to squeeze them. To topple those twin peaks. To feel them squish and spring back.
Mmh
When my hands brush over the parts of her breasts that arent covered by the undergarment, the sensation of them gently clinging to my fingers is-
Ahh mmmm
The sensation
How long have I been fondling Rurukas breasts with both hands?
Rurukas face is flushed bright red and her breath is getting ragged. Her exposed chest and stomach are tinged cherry pink. Its quite a turn-on. At this rate, she might even let me go all the wa-
Ah, Master was
-A trembling voice breaks me out of my animal fervor.
Right, its Yuels voice.
I rapidly return to my senses. Bad, bad, bad! rm bells are going off in my head.
I tear my eyes away from Rurukas chest and look behind her-
-Yuels anguished face is on the verge of tears.
s-stolennn uuuh, uhuuu
When our eyes meet, Yuels mouth hardens into a grimace and her clenched fists tremble as she looks on. Those eyes are full of sorrow. Enough tears are gathered in them to overflow at any second.
And then-
Uuh, uehh, ueeeeeeeeeeeh, uwaaahh
She breaks down. Shes not just sobbing, shes bawling. Trying but failing to hold back her tears.
Ah, um, Yuel, this is, well
Oh no. This has turned into a disaster. Yuel is crying. I have to do something to fix this.
I have to do something, but but the words wonte out. Even if it was just for a moment, what could I possibly say to Yuel when I forgot about her and let myself getpletely swallowed up by lust.
What should I doDD
Ah, eh, No way!? Sorry, Im so sorry, Yuel-chan!
Ruruka spins around at the sound of Yuel crying and hastily tries to calm her down.
I-Im really sorry, ok? I didnt mean to make you sad Um, uh, I was just borrowing him for a bit, I diddidnt steal Shiki from you, ok? Uhhh hey, see, it was treatment! Yeah, it was a serious case, so I was just having Shiki check that it was really healed! Thats all it was, Right, Shiki?
Ruruka takes on a gentle tone tofort Yuel. And, probably unable to bear Yuels sobbing, she twists the facts. A fine performance.
Thats right! That was palpation, a traditional medical technique. It was such a tough injury, even after casting healing magic I needed to make sure there werent any abnormalities!
Its a flimsy excuse, though. No matter how trusting Yuel is, this might be hopeless.
I-Is that really true?
Yuels head snaps back up. Tears are still clinging to her bloodshot eyes.
But, she stops crying.
This might just work. I have mixed feelings about her being so easy to fool, though.
Of course its true, Yuel-chan!
I-I wouldnt lie to you!
But the only option here is to lie.
Really, do you really mean it?
Hearing our words, Yuel looks at me with pleading eyes. I can tell from her expression that she wants to know the truth.
I feel so guilty
But I dont know what it would do to Yuels mental state if I told her The truth is I gave in to my lust and fondled Rurukas breasts.
Right, this is a white lie.
A lie in order to avoid hurting Yuel. I suppress my feelings of guilt and desperately resist the urge to look away. And then, with no hint of shame and the sweetest tone possible, I speak.
Look, Yuel. Take a good look at Rurukas chest. Theres no wound anymore, right? Thats because I just healed it, see?
The injury was on Rurukas shoulder rather than her chest, though. Besides, its not like the fact that theres no injury proves anything about how tough it was to heal.
But between Yuels gullible personality, the trust Ive built up with her so far, and my co-conspirator Ruruka backing up my alibi
With any luck
! Thank goodness oh thank goodness
As I sit down, Yuel rushes over and hugs my chest.
We pulled it off. Turned it around by the skin of our teeth. We managed to trick Yuel.
Shes still sniffling, but these are surely tears of relief. Its gonna be okay.
Dont worry about the fee, Ruruka. Were going home now.
The sun is still up. Its a little early, but Im not in the mood to get drunk. Its better to send Yuel straight to bed. Im sure the usual energetic Yuel will be back after a good nights sleep.
By the time we reach the inn, Yuel haspletely stopped crying. However-
Lets try to make it to the 8th floor of thebyrinth tomorrow, Yuel.
Okay
Ohh, or we could find some more party members and try going to the boss room. Its rare drop is supposedly pretty valuable. Maybe Eight and Geyser can introduce us to the other adventurers they know.
Is that so
The cheap inn is located far from thebyrinth. There arent many customers, so its dead quiet even though its still early. The light from the setting sun streams in through the wooden window and tinges Yuels face red.
Yuels expression is gloomy.
For a long time, Yuel seems to be lost in thought. Has my lie been exposed? It was a pretty flimsy excuse. Has she started to see through it now that shes calmed down?
Better test the waters.
Yuel, whats the matter?
A vague question. But it gets a response out of Yuel.
It still hurts.
Yuel mutters softly.
It hurts? Oh no! EX Heal!
The light of my healing magic envelops Yuels entire body. I go all out, putting a great deal of MP into the spell. Enough to instantly fix any incurable disease out there.
That didnt help. Ever since I saw Master and Ruruka together, its been painful. I know that it was just for the sake of treatment, but my chest has been hurting since then.
Ah, thats not something that can be cured with healing magic.
Even so, it looks like she bought the lie. Im worried for her future after all.
Wellllll, thats
Is it jealousy? Or rather, insecurity? Its obvious that Yuel has strong feelings for me. Whether thats as a parent or as a man, the sight of the person she cherishes rubbing another womans breasts must have had a serious impact.
Master, wont you do that palpation thing for me too?
Yuel blurts that out and starts to peel off her shirt.
Is it no good?
She begs me with upturned eyes. Yuel raises the shirt over her chest and exposes her light brown skin. Theres nothing left to cover that skin but her long silver hair.
Thats not
I have no idea how to respond to her request. Since Yuels problem is emotional rather than physical, touching her chest wont resolve the issue.
Yeah, that wont solve anything. However,
Yuels eyes are clearly trembling with anxiety.
Mixed in with that, is a sense that Yuel feels insecure about her appeal. If I reject her now, its going to end up being a severe blow to her ego. Thats the feeling I get from her look.
I have no choice.
Right, this is a medical procedure. Okay even if it isnt, its a therapy of sorts for Yuels troubled mind.
Theres nothing questionable about it. Nothing questionable at all.
It has to be done in order to protect Yuels peace of mind. Then, as I reach out to Yuels chest-
-a certain phrase crosses my mind.
ying doctor.
Suddenly, something in my head clears up, and I see myself from an outside perspective.
Its back when I was in kindergarten, and Im ying doctor with a neighborhood girl named Eri-chan. It seems harmless when its two innocent kids, but if I swap my adult self into the scene, the atmosphere turns seriously immoral.
Theres Yuels petite figure standing before me. And reaching toward it are therge hands of an adult. If I keep going, it will probably cate her for the time being.
But, I cant do it after all. I cant go through with it.
I feel like it would be crossing a line as a human being.
Besides, I dont know how long my reason can hold out if she keepsing to me for palpations from now on. The current Yuel is still developing. Im happy just to receive her bashful smile; its not like I want it to turn into that kind of rtionship at this point.
I have to draw the line.
Besides, Yuel is still a child. She cant make a distinction between dependence and love at this age. If its just dependence, all I have to do is relieve her worries. If its love no, its still too early for that.
Lets think of an alternative.
I wrap the hand that was reaching towards Yuels chest around her back instead. Instead of palpation, Ill cuddle her and pet her head. The things I always do when we explore thebyrinth.
What I said before about wanting us to be together forever, is the truth. I dont want you to worry about that.
Yuel is silent. Now that Im holding her I can no longer see her expression. She isnt reacting at all.
Even so, I keep petting her. This has always worked in the past. It should work out this time too.
As I continue to pet her, Yuel abruptly speaks.
Master said he would buy me a present because I worked hard, right? If I work even harder, then will Master give me a reward?
Sure.
Im a bit concerned about what kind of reward she means, but I cant refuse at this point.
I give her a nod. Ill dly put it off for some other time.
epting my words, Yuel lets go of me
Im fine now. Good night, Master.
She says with a bashful smile.
My eyes snap open.
My surroundings are still dark, illuminated only by the moonlight streaming in through the window.
Its probably closer to midnight than morning. I must have woken up at a strange time thanks to going to bed so early yesterday.
Guess Ill go to the bathroom.
I lift up my body, and then it hits me.
Yuel is gone.
Chapter 16 — To the Boss Room
Chapter 16: To the Boss Room.
The bed is empty. I dont hear the sound of her breathing; the room is silent. Yuel should be right here, but shes gone.
Itste at night. Moonlight is faintly streaming in from the window. Dawn is still far off.
Where could she possibly have gone at a time like thi-
-Suddenly Im reminded of Yuels trembling expression from yesterday.
My stomach sinks. I have a bad feeling about this.
Maybe she just got up to use the restroom. Thats the first thing I should check. I climb down to the first floor of the inn and knock on the restroom door.
Theres no reply.
If I work even harder, then
I recall Yuels words from yesterday.
Work harder at what,byrinth exploration? Dont tell me she went into thebyrinth at a time like this? All by herself.
No, no way. To enter thebyrinth while Im still asleep, even Yuel wouldnt do that. She would at least ask my permission first. Or have I driven her so far into a corner that shes no longer able to ask?
What if, just maybe, she did enter thebyrinth? Knowing Yuel, she could make it to the 7th floor by herself. Rather, its probably easier for her to make it without me.
But, if by work harder she meant to produce better results than she has thus far
-And so she went to the boss room?
I even told her about the rare drop and how much it would help our results.
That would be really bad. Yuel cant win against that boss.
Huge Slime has a body thats 3m in diameter. Yuel would be facing it with a 20-30cm knife. No matter how agile Yuels movements are, or how skilled she is with the knife, her body is that of a child.
How much time would it take to whittle down that giant body with such a tiny knife? As the battle dragged on, shed eventually start to get exhausted from running around while attacking and dodging. Once her movements became dull, the Huge Slime would crush her. That image-
-just thinking about it is making my pulse race.
I need to find her. Yuel might already be on the way to the boss room by herself.
Yesterday, Yuel said that she was okay. She was smiling by the end. Maybe she didnt enter thebyrinth after all? The moon is nice tonight, maybe shes just out for a walk.
But theres no way I can sit around and wait patiently.
Huff Hah
I run along the main street toward thebyrinth. The streets are quiet. I still have a long way to go.
Did Yuel really go to thebyrinth? I have no proof. But, thinking over yesterdays conversation, its definitely possible.
I suddenly spot a drunkard sitting on the road ahead. Could he have seen Yuel?
Nh Hey you, did you see a dark elf girl pass by here?
If you saw her, please tell me. And please tell me she wasnt heading toward thebyrinth. If that were the case I could return to the inn and wait for Yuel. And I could shake off this growing unease.
Huhh?
Tell me, did you see her or not?
I did, why?
! How long ago? Do you know where she went?
Hurry and tell me. I unconsciously grab the drunkard by the shoulders and shake him.
Wha, whats your problem? Sh, she went that way. bout 10 minutes ago!
The drunkard shrugs off my arms and points.
His fingertip aims toward the center of town, in the direction of thebyrinth.
Thebyrinth walls give off a dim light, illuminating the signposts that indicate the shortest route as I dash through thebyrinth.
I advance through the passages and soone across a Fang Rabbit, which is nimble enough to catch up with me if I try to run from it.
I rush over to it and swing my mace down.
Gh!
It easily dodges, and a sharp pain runs up my arm. Looking down, the Fang Rabbit has sunk its fangs into my right arm. My sleeve is torn, and blood is oozing out.
I try to pry it off, but the Fang Rabbits jaw is firmly mped on my arm. I try shaking it off, I try pulling it off with my left arm, but it wonte loose.
Sheet!
I cant be wasting time on the first floor like this.
-If I dont hurry, Yuel could make it to the boss room before me
I m the Fang Rabbit against the wall with both arms.
Aaarghh!
At the moment of impact, its fangs pierce even deeper. The sharp pain turns into a dull, unpleasant ache that runs along my entire arm.
But, I can heal it. Its a treatable injury.
Reassuring myself, I m it even harder against the wall. After countless blows, the Fang Rabbit dissolves into light.
Hah huff
Without Yuel, even a Fang Rabbit is such a difficult fight for me?
Do I need to go back and find someone to team up with? No, its the dead of night. I could probably convince Eights group or Ruruka toe, but I dont even know where theyre staying. The adventurers guild will be nearly deserted too. And convincing a stranger to cooperate will take time. I dont have enough money to recruit someone on the spot.
Once Yuel enters the boss room, she wont be able to leave until the boss is dead. Which means I have to stop her before she reaches it. And she already has a 10 minute head start over me. If I go back now I doubt Ill make it to her in time.
I can only press forward.
Theres no need to defeat any monsters. I just need to outrun them.
Plus, I have my healing magic. As long as I dont die in one hit, I can recover. I just need to catch up with Yuel, then we can return together. With each passing second, Yuel gets deeper into thebyrinth. I cant turn back now.
I run and run and run, getting bitten by monsters and mming them into the wall, never stopping.
Atst I reach the stairs to the second floor. But I havente across Yuel yet.
I run from the second floor to the third floor in a daze. There arent a lot of monsters along the designated route, but they still appear.
Ignoring the Salt Puppet, I keep running. Stabbed by the Goblin, I keep running. Enduring the Green Ivysshes, I keep running. Sending the Big Tick flying, I keep running.
Its painful. So many times, I felt like I was going to die. Surrounded by Goblins, chased by Big Ticks, swinging my mace, I somehow keep running.
I want to turn back.
I want to go back to sleep at the inn. I want to go get wasted at the tavern.
But, if I go back now, Yuel might make it to the boss room.
If I went back knowing that, my heart couldnt handle it. There should still be enough time.
Following the posts, I whip around the corner of a passage.
And I suddenly lose my bnce. My body bes airborne. From the force of my momentum, my head hits the ground. The ridges on the floor scrape against my cheek and blood starts to flow.
I press the ground with my hand to stand up, but my hand slips.
What in the-
I look behind me, and theres a Giant Ant covered in blood thats chewing on something. In its mouth is a light brown leather shoe.
Thats my foot?
The end of my right leg is gone.
Red. My thoughts gopletely red. Im done for. Im hurt. It burns. It feels awful. In the shadow of the passage, I didnt notice it. The blood continues to flow. The Giant Ant draws near. Its huge mandibles, stained with blood, keep making a crunching noise. This is bad, this is so bad. I need to heal.
-EX Healngh!
My flesh ripples out and forms into a new foot. A pleasant warmth soothes the pain. I jump away from the Giant Ant as its mandibles snap shut around the ce where my right leg was, just a moment ago.
I keep running. I havent caught up with her yet.
I descend the staircase to the 7th floor. Yuel must have already gotten this far.
My clothes are soaked with blood, ripped and torn. The result of running past the monsters to catch up with Yuel.
I could still catch up with her. She might actually be just around the corner.
I dodge an attacking slime and continue to run. I sprint toward the center of the level.
-And finally, I arrive at the boss door.
I made it here. I made it here, without running into Yuel.
Did I fail to get here in time?
No, if Yuel was inside the boss room, surely she would still be in the middle of fighting.
Compared to the humblebyrinth, the huge, extravagantly decorated door sticks out like a sore thumb.
If I open the door now and go inside
Huh, Shiki? ! What happened, youre covered in blood!
Man, youre a mess. You okay?
-Some voices suddenly call out to me from behind.
Its Eight and Geyser. Looking around, a few other adventurers are gathered. Theres a magic user, too.
There are many parties that hang out on the 7th floor overnight. This must be one of those.
Im saved. It should be doable now.
Eight! Geyser! When I woke up, Yuel was gone Yuel Yuel might be fighting the boss right now!
Upon hearing my words, Eight looks at me in shock.
And then Geyser
makes a face like What is this guy saying?-
What are you talking about, Shiki. Yuel-chan should be in the tavern right now?
He says something ridiculous.
Huh!?
Like I said, Yuel-chans at the tavern. What, did you forget?
I dont understand.
Eh, what? What do you mean forget? This is the first time Im hearing about it!
Yknow, back when we drank the Red Dragon Killer? Yuel said she wanted to earn some money by herself to buy you a present? She said she would work while you were asleep so she wouldnt cause you trouble, and you told her do your best? Man, shes a hell of a girl. Oh, by the way, I was the one who suggested she work at the tavern.
Ah, she did ask me. Or rather, she asked but I couldnt hear anything so I just nodded along. So thats what she was talking about.
Then that drunkard wasnt pointing toward thebyrinth, he was pointing toward the tavern thats in the same direction as thebyrinth.
What the hell. Its my mistake? All the pain I went through, all the times I nearly died. I was just jumping to conclusions?
And yet, its a relief. It may have all been for nothing, but I can rx knowing that Yuel is safe.
No, I cant rx.
Uh, umm, Eight-san? Gazer-san?
Whats with the formalities, man?
Please take me back to the surface?
Chapter 17 — Cleanup
Chapter 17: Cleanup.
Eights party escorts me back to the entrance under the condition that I join them the next time they go hunting.
Umm, thank you very much for today
Eights group had to interrupt their hunt in order to escort me back during the twilight hours just before the break of dawn. I cant believe I recklessly charged into thebyrinth alone and had to be carried out.
What am I, a cat that got stuck in a tree?
Well, these things happen. Dont worry about it.
Youll help us next time, so its fine.
Their kindness is killing me. Im covered in blood, even my hair is stiff from it. One of my shoes is missing, and my clothes are full of holes. I must look like an old wet rag right about now. Considering Yuel was safe the entire time, there was no need for any of this.
Yeah, hit me up anytime.
I ruined an entire outfit and lost a shoe. I was in such a hurry I didnt pick up anything the monsters dropped either. Im totally in the red. You could say it was aplete waste.
Well hey, its pretty gant of you to push yourself that far for a girls sake. Right, Geyser?
Im deeply moved by Eights warm follow-up. Hes a real friend.
It was all just a misunderstanding though, huh? Buhahhhahahahahaha!!
Wai, Geyser, dontugh! hheh No, it was really cool, really heh
A real friend
Bbbbhhhhahahahahaha!!
Hhhhhheh ahaha
A real
Geyser is openly howling withughter while Eight is barely stifling it. Theughter only gets louder as the other adventurers start to join in.
I wanna punch these assholes.
But, they did cut their hunt short just to bring me back. Hitting them would be ungrateful of me. No, well, after the first hit Id be the one getting beaten. All I can do is clench my fists and endure it.
I-Ill remember this!
Apparently Eights group is going to call off the hunt for today and adjourn at the adventurers guild. I want to go see for myself that Yuel is okay, but I cant show up at the tavern looking like this. Ill head back to the inn, wash up and change my clothes. Honestly, Id rather clean off all this blood at a public bathhouse, but they probably arent open at this time.
When I get back to the inn-
-theres a ck-haired ~16-year-old girl sitting at the front desk, drowsily resting her chin on her hand, watching the entrance with lidded eyes.
Eh, wait, blood!? Are you okay!?
Its the inns poster girl, Downblouse-san. Why do I call her Downblouse-san? Cause I can see down her blouse all the time. She wears loose-fitting tops and sleeps leaning on the reception desk. Her tits arent that big, either. When she puts her hand on her chin she leans forward, and her loose clothing falls away from her small breasts. As a result, I can see her breasts right down her blouse. Therefore, she is Downblouse-san.
This inn doesnt get many customers, probably because of the location. And its not attached to a bar so it doesnt offer any meals. A lonely inn with just the basic aodations.
So why do I still frequent this inn? Downblouse-san here is the reason. Well, I mean, it doesnt hurt that its significantly cheaper too.
Usually shes sleeping and I can call out to her after I get my fill of the view, but today shes already up. Its quite early. Is she diligent orzy? I dont get her. This ditzy girl.
Ah, Im fine, my wounds are already healed. Sorry, but could I get some water? Preferably a lot of it.
I ask while feeling my blood-soaked clothes. The blood is already drying, so it might be toote to save these clothes. Theyre full of holes anyway.
Are you truly unhurt? Um, well then, please wait in your room, I will bring it shortly.
I will retrieve itter, please be careful not to spill it.
I thank Downblouse-san for bringing the washtub to my room.
I remove my clothes. Yeah, these clothes arent usable anymore. I should just throw them out. For now, Ill stuff them into my item box.
I dip the towel in the water to start cleaning myself, then-
-I hear the sound of the door flinging open.
Master!?
Turning my eyes toward the door, I see Yuel standing there in a waitress uniform, out of breath.
The skirt is shorter than I expected.
No, now is not the time. This is bad. Shes back sooner than I expected from what Geyser told me. Yuel supposedly works in the tavern until around dawn.
It was my own misunderstanding, but her master went to thebyrinth to look for her and ended up in tatters. How will Yuel feel about that? In the worst case scenario shell decide, Its my fault that Master
Are are you hurt!?
Seeing me all bloodied, Yuel runs over with an upset face.
Ah, well, you see
How can I talk my way out of this one? If I said it was all from my enemies, that would sound kinda cool, but shed still be worried.
Geyser-sans group were talking about it at the tavern. That Master went looking for me by yourself in thebyrinth.
She already found out, huh? I thought they would just make fun of me for a while, but to immediately turn it into a drinking story, I sure have some great friends.
Ill remember this.
Im so sorry. I-I
Yuel hangs her head with a forlorn expression. But its not Yuels fault at all. I got hurt because of my own misunderstanding. A feeling of guilt wells up in me.
It was all my misunderstanding. Yuel did nothing wrong.
But
Im just d were both safe. Isnt that what really matters?
I guess so.
Silence. Yuel is quiet, eyes downcast, contemting something.
I wonder what it is? This is awkward. I dip the towel into the water and start to wipe my body.
Master. Let me help.
Yuel takes her own towel out of her item box and soaks it in the water. Shes still dressed like a waitress, though.
Wont your uniform get dirty? Its fine, Ill do it myself.
Ah, thats true. Ill take it off.
Okay thats not what I was getting at.
I hear the rustling of clothes. With smooth motions, she unties her corset and removes her skirt, shirt, and slip. Shes standing there in nothing but her panties. It wouldve been fine to leave the slip on.
Look, I can handle this by myself, okay?
Your back is sticky with blood too. I need to wipe it properly or it will get on your other clothes.
Of course.
Yuel, um, shouldnt you put something else on?
It would get dirty.
Of course.
Shes right, I cant argue. This is a problem, though. Im in my underwear, getting my back washed by a young girl wearing nothing but panties. Did I feel the same way on that first day after I purchased Yuel? At that time I was only focused on how thin she was, I wasnt really conscious of much else.
But Yuel has be a lot more girlypared to then. Shes put on some weight, herplexion has improved, and shes softer.
Dont look. If, just if, by some infinitesimal chance, that got like that, Yuel might want to help me with it. I try my hardest to wipe my body without looking at Yuel.
Neither of us speaks.
I wash my hair and wipe my shoulders and arms. And then, once my back is clean-
Thank you very much, Master.
I suddenly feel a warmth on my back. Its Yuel, hugging me from behind. Her upper torso is bare. Through my moist skin, I feel her modest, childish swellings directly.
I was frightened when I heard that Master went into thebyrinth by yourself.
She hugs my lower back even tighter. Im sure this situation wasnt her aim. That much is clear from her earnest tone of voice.
Seeing Master like this made me sad, but also really happy. I understand how important I am to Master.
I thought it was a waste, but it unexpectedly turned out not to be.
Ive said countless kind words to her, but actions speak louder than words. She must have been worried about what would happen to her, if she would be thrown away or sold. The fact that I shed so much blood in order to find her must have done wonders for her self-confidence. This should calm down her feelings of insecurity as well.
Thank goodness. Its such a relief.
Im relieved, but.
I still need to do something about this situation. Were having a serious conversation, yet I cant help but notice the various things pressing against my back. And Yuel has no intention of letting go.
This is bad. This is bad in various ways.
The longer this silence goes on, the harder it will be to say anything.
Anyway, how are things at the tavern?
There are a lot of nice people. My senpai waitresses, the kouhai I got today, everyones nice to me, so its fun. Its all thanks to Master!
No, Im pretty sure its thanks to your personality, Yuel-san. I doubt it has much to do with me. No matter what I do, it feels like eventually somehow youll give me credit. Your respect feels more like religious reverence.
That reminds me, about how long do you work?
This is something I have to ask. Yuel has been working while Im asleep. Which means theres a good chance shes not getting a decent amount of sleep herself.
Ummm, they are always short-staffed, so I was told toe whenever. Today I worked since 4 hours before dawn or so.
Is that alright? Lets say dawn is at 5am, that means shes been working since 1am. And it takes time to get ready, so she probably has to get up by midnight. We went to sleep in the evening yesterday, so she got 6 hours of sleep at best?
If thats how it usually is, then shes not getting enough sleep. But she looked so happy when she talked about the tavern, so I cant just tell her to quit. And I already gave her my permission, apparently. Hmm, what should I do?
Could you change your working hours? Like to the evening. Thats usually when I go to the tavern anyway.
Then I wouldnt be able to stay by Masters side.
But you arent getting much sleep like this, are you?
Yuels head droops. She doesnt have time to sleep after all.
You know, Yuel, that uniform looks really good on you. Id like to see you work while wearing it. But I cant do thatte at night, right?
I-It looks good on me?
Yuel lets go of me and starts to put on the waitress uniform. Finally Im free.
Yeah, I was thinking of giving Yuel a skirt as a present before today. But, if I can see you wearing a skirt in the tavern every evening, Id be happy to buy you something else you want?
Something I want? Umm, I will try to discuss my hours with the barmaster.
To be honest, it feels like Yuel would be happy no matter what I gave her, which makes it hard to choose. On the other hand, Yuel rarely talks about what she wants for herself. I should make use of this opportunity. Frankly, I have no desire to enter thebyrinth today, so Id be fine spending the whole day shopping.
While Im thinking about it, I hear a knock at the door.
Here is some additional water, once you are done please bring it down or leave it in the room as is.
The voice of the inns poster girl, Downblouse-san, calls out.
Upon hearing that, Yuel notices. That weve only wiped the upper half of my body.
Ill help with the lower half too.
Ill do it myself.
Chapter 18 — Shopping
Chapter 18: Shopping.
After somehow managing to fend off Yuels help while washing all the caked blood off of my lower body, we head to the tavern.
I speak to the barmaster about possibly changing Yuels working hours. And the result is-
If possible Id like to have her keep working thete night shift for one more week, will that be a problem?
The barmaster says with a fatigued expression.
The barmaster is a fairly stylish middle-aged man with thin, swept-back hair and a refined atmosphere. Not so much today, though. His image is marred by deep circles under his zed eyes. He looks utterly exhausted.
I try to be flexible about schedule changes, but recently a number of staff have quit due to marriage, moving or whatnot. Were terribly understaffed, particrlyte at night.
You do look pretty tired.
I can tell from the dark circles under his eyes that he hasnt been getting much sleep either. To manage a business while short-handed, the employees work day and night to make up for it.
Its amon story in Japan, too. This man knows the pain of the working ss.
Ah, these dark circles? I asked my wife for some S&M y yesterday and she left me tied up all night in a painful position and I couldnt sleep, so, theyre unrted.
Nevermind, hes just a pervert. Despite the refined atmosphere, this barmasterughingly admitted something like that. Im not so sure Imfortable leaving Yuel at a tavern run by a guy like this. Maybe I should make her quit after all.
Although, I havent heard any mention of him putting his hands on the waitresses, and above all, Yuel herself wants to work here. Plus hes married; Im sure its fine. When Yuel asks what S&M y is, I pat her head and change the subject.
Ah, arent you hiring new waitresses?
We are, but not many have applied.
This ce pays pretty well, doesnt it? I thought the townswomen would be flooding in.
This tavern has many cute waitresses. That is to say, it only has cute waitresses. The pay is better in order to maintain that, or so Ive heard.
I earned a thousand Zeni today!
Yuel says while smiling from ear to ear. This must be what it feels like for a grandparent to give their grandkid a little pocket money. Thats great! Pat pat.
But really, 1000 Zeni in a few hours. Thats quite high. Comparing it to Japan, its probably around what a maid makes hourly at a maid cafe.
Yes, they did, but there werent many cute ones. Only Yuel and one other girl made the cut. We still dont have enough staff Working while surrounded by cute girls has always been my dream, its the one thing I dont want topromise on.
As a man, I dont know whether to admire that or shout Are you kidding me!? No, it might not be a bad policy for a bar. After all, I myself kepting here because of the cute miniskirt waitress. Its absolutely not something a middle-aged married man should be saying, though.
Just for one week, would that be okay?
What to do. Since hes letting me use his tavern for free for my treatment stall, its hard to say no. I suppose I could let my biological rhythm slip a bit. If we leave the tavern in the early evening like yesterday and go right to bed, there wouldnt be any issue with Yuel getting enough sleep.
Im fine with that!
Yuel is willing, too. Oh well, Ill go with the flow. Its just for one week.
While we have breakfast at the bar, I think over our ns for today. Usually wed go to thebyrinth, but in all honesty I dont want to do that today. I especially dont want to see any Giant Ants. My mental scars will start aching. Yuel may be all enthusiastic about Ill work even harder from now on! but I think Im going to make today a holiday.
What should I do? Oh yeah, this morning Yuel reacted when I offered to buy her whatever she wanted.
Why dont we go shopping today? Theres something you want, right?
Apparently Yuel did have something she wanted to buy. While I was still finishing my meal, she ran around asking the waitresses which shops they would rmend. Hey, why dont you introduce them to me sometime?
Master, this way!
Yuel tugs on my hand as we walk down the main street. Shes smiling from the bottom of her heart. Ignoring the carts along the road, ignoring the grocers, even passing up the weapon shop with a wistful expression, she steadily marches along.
And then, we arrive.
At a womens lingerie shop.
Hold on.
This is the ce where you wanted toe, Yuel?
Yes, right here.
Still grinning, looking right at this underwear store that has a bit of an upscale feel. Apparently its not a mistake.
Yuel, you can get whatever you want, you know? It cant be too expensive, but an essory or some pretty clothes would be fine. Or a yummy pastry, maybe some perfume? Ahh, a cute stuffed animal would be nice too. Right, isnt there some other ce that would suit you better?
Here is fine.
Is it.
Frankly, I dont want to go inside. Even from the outside I feel an atmosphere of no men allowed. A man like me will stick out like a sore thumb in such a ce. The only men who would enter are the ones who consider themselves to be female. I really dont want to go inside.
Peeking in through the entrance, a variety of beautifully decorated undergarments enter my view. Women in their teens and 20s are exchanging intimate conversations with underwear in hand. Underwear, women, underwear, women.
I want to go in no, I dont. I cant do it, the way theyre looking at me is too painful.
Perhaps picking up on my thoughts, Yuel says Master, please help me choose and drags me along by the arm into the store with her. Now what? Nobody wants a man barging into theirdies-only lingerie store.
The clerk shows a look of surprise upon seeing me enter, but once she notices Yuel next to me she goes back to dealing with the other customers. I guess theres no problem. I nce around the store, but I dont see any other men in here. Id have been fine with them driving me away, but for some reason they overlook me.
Thats right, Im merely chaperoning a little girl on her shopping trip right now.
As her guardian. Theres nothing to feel guilty about. Or even if we dont look like parent and child, we could be brother and sister. Yes, siblings. My little sister wanted to buy underwear but couldnt go by herself, so I had to apany her. Lets go with that.
If I think of Yuel (whos still dragging me by the arm) as my little sister
I take a look at Yuel. Light brown skin, blue eyes, and shimmering silver hair with elven ears sticking out. Yeah, not happening. In the first ce, were not even the same race.
Master, lets look over there.
That way of addressing me is no good either. No matter how you look at it, we can only be seen as master and ve.
But thats not a problem. She may be a ve, but I really am just apanying a little girl on her shopping trip. Im getting a few stares on ount of being a man, but I dont feel any outright scorn. Right, there shouldnt be any problem with this.
Master, what do you think of this one?
While Im thinking, Yuel brings over a single garment. She bashfully smiles up at me while holding the lingerie up to her body.
Its a chic violet number adorned with lovelyce. A female-only type of sleepwear known as negligee. The fabric is soft and thin, so Im sure its veryfortable to sleep in. No problems here.
Other than the fact that its so thin that you can totally see through it.
Yeah, when Yuel holds thecy violet negligee up to her body, her clothes are clearly visible behind it. How can you even call this product clothing? Itpletely fails to hide ones skin or regte temperature.
Youll catch a cold, Yuel-san.
Lingerie is sleepwear. Yuel has always worn a shirt and pants of normal thickness when we go to sleep together, but from now on shed be wearing this? That seems a little unsavory. I feel like the looks from around the room are getting colder, too.
A 12-year-old girl is looking over at me, holding a transparent negligee up to her body and grinning.
Nevermind, I cant do this. If you ask me what I cant handle about it, it would mostly be these looks Im getting from around the room. As the other women notice Yuel holding up the negligee, they start to whisper. Even under normal circumstances theyd be suspicious of male customers.
From their perspective, Im a lolicon dressing up a little girl in vulgar outfits. If Yuel were holding childish drawers then maybe it would be a heartwarming scene, but what shes holding is unquestionably a sheerce negligee.
How did it end up like this?
Master, it doesnt look good on me?
While Im trying to endure the looks from around the room, Yuel bes dejected when she doesnt get a positive response from me. Whether it suits you or not, please put it back on the shelf already! But I cant leave Yuel disappointed.
Its not bad, but something cute might look better on you.
Cute? Umm, in that case, how about this one?
Yuel ces the violet negligee back on the shelf and picks up the item next to it. Then she holds it up to her body.
A cute, see-through pink negligee.
All you did was change the color though. You really like transparent negligees, huh? Im getting the feeling that she had already decided what to buy before we got here.
Yuel, why do you want that negligee so much?
Umm, Geyser-san said if I wanted to get along better with Master then I should pick something liYou are not to listen to that man anymore.
Eventually, we settle on an ordinary, opaque negligee.
Since then, weve been going into thebyrinth in the morning, rxing at the tavern in the afternoon, and returning to the inn in the evening to sleep. Fromte night until early morning, Yuel goes to work at the tavern. Thats roughly how we spend the day.
Several days pass like that.
Lately, Yuels daily routine is to talk about her work while were having breakfast at the tavern. How she made friends with one waitress, or how another waitress turned the tables on an unruly hooligan. Theres also stuff like what the other waitresses like, the things they do on their days off, what guys are their type, whether they have lovers, and so on. Its extremely useful information.
But today its a bit different.
One of the waitresses I work with is having money issues. She even had to sell her house. She was having trouble picking an inn so I told her about the one were staying at.
Thats a pretty heavy story. The inn were staying at costs 500 Zeni per night. Theres no bath, just a clean room with a lock and key. Its certainly a good rmendation for a girl whos down on her luck.
Huh, I guess waitresses have it tough too.
Yes. She told me she works at a hospital during the day and the tavern at night, but it still wasnt enough to repay her debt.
A hospital thats struggling with business. That story sounds familiar somehow. Wait, no way.
Just wondering, but whats the name of that waitress?
Umm Eris-san.
Chapter 19 — Reunion
Chapter 19: Reunion.
Did she just say Eris? Maybe I misheard her. Or rather, I really hope I misheard her.
Sorry, I didnt quite catch that. Could you repeat it?
Its Eris-san.
Nope, I didnt mishear anything.
It has to be that Eris. No no, Eris is a popr name. It could still be someone else. There could be some other Eris in some otherpletely unrted hospital.
What kind of person is this Eris-san?
Umm, shes pretty, she has blonde hair, and shes really nice.
Its probably her.
But she made a really scary face one time when she kicked out a drunkard.
Thats Eris.
What else, umm oh, she has really big boobs!
Yeah, its definitely Eris.
It seems the waitress who had to sell her house due to debt is none other than that Eris.
But, this is the first time Im hearing that Eris was in debt. Her hospital didnt have a lot of money, but its a hospital after all. All you need for a hospital is a single healer and a building.
Of course, if a typical healer treats many patients in a row, theyll run out of mana, and treating a severe injury could deplete all of their mana at once, sorge-scale hospitals employ as many healers as possible.
However, the only other person who was working at Eris hospital was me. It was a small hospital made from a remodeled house. The debt couldnt possibly be from employee wages.
Moreover, I heard that Eris inherited the hospital from her parents who operated it for many years. Eris herself wouldnt have inherited arge debt from the construction. Has she been paying the property tax?
Running a hospital under those circumstances, what could possibly make her run up so much debt that she had no choice but to sell it? No matter how bad the location is or how few customerse, Eris living expenses arent that high. Also, when I was working there, Eris was getting more customers than she could handle on her own.
Is it possible that my treatment clinic stole some of her business? No, besides Ruruka there were only 2-3 customers who Id seen at Eris ce before. I dont know if Ruruka could really be considered a customer, anyway.
Also, I havent made my prices as low as the ones at Eris hospital, so the quality of clientele I attract is different. Its pretty far away too. Such a minor amount ofpetition shouldnt have been enough to impact her hospitals bottom line.
Yuel, do you know how long Eris has been working at that tavern?
Umm, since the day after I started.
So it was just before she sold the hospital? Did Eris decide to sell the hospital first and then decide on the tavern as her next job? Or was she desperately trying to put together enough money so she wouldnt have to sell the hospital?
Do you know where Eris is right now?
We went to the inn together after work, so I assume shes still there. Um, is she an acquaintance of Master?
You can certainly say that. This is Eris, who gave me a job when I had just arrived in this other world. Who taught memon sense while eying me suspiciously when I dered that I came from a farawaynd. Our rtionship cant be summed up by a mere word like, acquaintance. Maybe I shouldnt be saying this after she tossed me out for sexual harassment, but it feels right.
Eris is my benefactor.
We leave the tavern and return to the inn.
Yuel apparently knows which room Eris is staying in, so I have her guide me there. From the corner room on the second floor, one room over.
Its right next door to the room Yuel and I are staying at.
Yuel knocks on the door.
Eris-san, are you there?
Yuel calls out, and the door soon opens. A beautiful girl with shoulder-length blonde haires out. At 18, she has a slightly mature demeanor and a bursting bust. Without a doubt, its Eris.
Oh, its Yuel-chan. Whats the matter? Didnt you say you were going to thebyrinth with your master today?
Umm, it seems Master has something to discuss with you.
Eris greets Yuel with a sweet voice and pats her head- then she sees me standing at a distance.
I-Its been a while
What brings you here?
In contrast to the sweet voice she used with Yuel, her tone toward me is icy cold. Where did those kind eyes you were showing to Yuel go, I wonder? Your pointed gaze is practically a re. I guess youre still angry, huh.
Eris-san, he is my master!
Yuel is all smiles.
Shes sticking out her ck of) chest with pride.
Eris smiles sweetly at Yuel once again- then walks right up to my face and speaks in a low voice.
Yuel-chan told me her master was an honest, kind, respectable person. So why the hell is she calling someone like you, Master?
But I really am h No, nevermind.
Please stop giving me that look from point-nk range. You could kill someone with that re alone, Eris-san.
Haaaa, for you toy your hands on such a small girl
Im getting treated as a lolicon again, huh? If youre going to criticize my daily behavior I cant argue though.
Ive done no such thing! Im an adventurer now, so we enter thebyrinth together.
Adventurer Im just kidding. Yuel-chan even said how happy she was that her master treasures her. So, why are you here?
I thought for sure I was going to get the lolicon treatment, but apparently not. Moreover, shes willing to talk. Shes definitely still mad, but shes probably cooled off for the most part.
Youre working at the tavern, right? I heard that you had to sell the hospital.
That has nothing to do with you.
Eris averts her gaze slightly.
Lately, Ive been offering treatment at the tavern.
I may have been getting many fewer customerstely, but that has nothing to do with it. Things just went back to the way they were before I hired you.
The way things were before she hired me. She didnt have many customers to begin with, so business only picked up while I was there? And business suffered after I quit
Even if you hadnte I was nning to sell that house before spring. Even with you there, it was failing anyway and I couldnt afford to pay you a fair wage. It was doomed to fail. Of course Im mad about your discounts and the bathing incident, but none of this is your responsibility. I decided on this from the beginning.
But if I had continued to work there, couldnt she have held out for longer?
But still
I didnt ever tell you this, but I have a younger sister. Shes aiming to be a knight. 3 years ago, just before our parents died in an ident, she entered the Royal Knight Academy. She was determined toe back as a knight no matter what. But, when our parents died I was left alone, and the customers left in droves. Im not as skilled as my parents were I went into debt to pay for her tuition and allowance. So, it doesnt involve you.
She had a younger sister? I never knew but I suppose Eris isnt one to reveal her own weaknesses. I guess she didnt want me to feel sorry for her or to buy my sympathy.
Eris hospital was originally owned by her parents. It was doing well enough at the time to pay for tuition, so they sent their younger daughter off to the knight academy. But shortly after, Eris parents died in an ident. The only one left was Eris, with less mana than the average healer. Abandoned by the customers, the hospital could no longer pay for her sisters tuition or living expenses. So their savings dwindled as she kept sending her sister money. The savings dried up, and Eris had to start borrowing money using the hospital as coteral. The debt kept growing, and I showed up just as things were getting desperate. Eris had already decided to sell the hospital, but upon seeing my proficiency with healing magic she might have entertained thoughts of reviving the business. Or maybe she just employed me because she felt pity for me in my jobless and clueless state. But in the end, she got fed up and fired me due to the sexual harassment. Then for the second time, business suffered and she lost any hope of repaying the debt, so she gave up on the hospital as she had originally intended. Im just guessing, but its probably something along those lines.
Did you pay off all the debt?
If sheste on the debt, its possible that shell be sold to a ve trader by her creditor and forced to be a servant. If she hasnt paid back all the debt yet, I have to help her.
The auction for the hospital will take ce in a week. It shouldnt go for anything lower than 1 million Zeni, and that would cover the debt. My sisters tuition is already paid in full, so thats not a problem anymore.
How much is the debt itself? Say, if you didnt have to sell the hospital, as much as I can, Id like to
When I say that, Eris chuckles-
Its not something you need to worry about. The hospital was going to be sold whether you were there or not. I dont have any lingering attachment to it. Im fine. Ill search for some other hospital to apply to while Im working at the tavern.
She says that in a tender voice, then returns to her room.
After talking to Eris, I dont feel much like going to thebyrinth, so I spend some time at the inn thinking about Eris.
About how Eris hospital will be auctioned off in a week. That the proceeds should supposedly be over a million Zeni. And the fact that she has a sister going to a knight academy.
She says she intends to sell the hospital, yet shes going out of her way to workte at night at the tavern. It gives me the impression that she doesnt want to give up on the hospital until thest moment.
I bet she wanted to hold on until her younger sisters return, to the hospital their parents left them.
I lean against the wall and think about what to do next. If possible, I want to attend the auction and prevent anyone else from buying Eris hospital. I could lend Eris the money, but I doubt that she would ept bing indebted to me.
The only way for me to prevent Eris hospital from falling into someone elses hands at the auction is to buy it myself. But to make over a million Zeni in a week, in the worst case 1.5 to 2 million Zeni, is too much to ask. Between adventuring and healing, my total daily earnings are around 7000 Zeni.
The only way I could make that much money would be to get in touch with rich nobles and merchants and perform EX Heal. But I have no proof that Im trustworthy. I dont have a title with a court rank like Bishop or Archbishop, nor have I studied at any church. If such a person approached you iming to be able to use EX Heal, you would assume hes a chatan.
Besides, if a rich person gets severely injured they will go to the church right away and pay an eminent priest to get treated. To find someone whos rich and injured but hasnt been treated yet, theres no way I can do that when I have no connections.
I cante up with any method to earn a lot of money. But I have to think of one. Yes, within a week.
Eris might not know this since she just came to this inn, but the walls are thin. Im only leaning against the wall, but the sounds from the next room are mostly audible. Eris said she had no lingering attachment to the hospital.
And yet. Why then.
Why, on the other side of the wall, do I hear Eris crying?
Chapter 20 — Moneymaking
Chapter 20: Moneymaking.
Thinking back on it, Eris had always been nice to me.
-For example, the time when she hired me.
Theres no helping it. That Heal was incredible Well, Ill be counting on you from now on.
When I shamelessly pleaded on my hands and knees, half out of desperation for a job and half with an ulterior motive, Eris gave in and epted me with a kind smile despite her concerns.
-For example, the first time I sexually harassed her.
That wasnt on purpose, right? Honestly, be more careful, ok?
The first time I identally brushed Eris ass and sheughingly forgave me. Eris was nice then, too. That novice reaction tinged with a little shyness excited me.
-For example, the Nth time I sexually harassed her.
There wont be a next time.
Her voice was cold. But still, Eris didnt kick me out. She understood my character, and she may have sent me a death re, but when I prostrated myself and sang her praises she eventually forgave me in the end.
Then the day before I was thrown out-
On the other side of the door that was slightly ajar as if to tempt me. The room with a tiled floor that only contained a tub and a drain certainly used to be a bathroom. But the magic item for generating hot water had already been sold due to the debt, and the tub that wasnt designed to be heated by firewood could no longer be called a proper bath.
The sshing of water was faintly audible,ing from that ce that was only good for swimming.
In my wild delusions, it was a foregone conclusion that as a man I would impulsively peep into that room.
-On the other side of that door swam the body of Eris. Indeed, it was the Garden of Eden.
You could say it was inevitable that I would throw caution to the wind, and identally burst in and stumble onto her chest.
Just how badly, HOW BADLY do you want me to kick you out?
Eris had veins popping out of her forehead and was looking at me with a level of rage that was unbing of a girl.
She only kicked me out after I had saved up enough money to get back on my feet. That probably wasnt a coincidence, either.
Master
As Im lost in thought, Yuel gazes up at me as if she has something to tell me. I already know what shes thinking. Theyve only been working together as waitresses for a short time, but Yuel has be extremely fond of Eris.
Shall we go buy back Eris hospital for her?
! Yes, Master!
After spending some time in thought, I hade up with a few methods.
The first thing I have to do is get Yuel to work at the tavern. In order to allow me to move on my own.
Yuel, were going to need some more money in order to buy Eris hospital. Id like you to go to work for a bit at that tavern thats always short-handed. Ille pick you up in the evening.
Well then, lets get this over quickly.
Youre not getting away! Follow him! Pulling that sheet on our turf, youre gonna wish you were dead!!
Had my doubts about that confidence, but he really foockin tried it! Like hell hes getting away!
Sheet, how can he run so fast!? You guys, over there! Cut him off!
So, as a result of trying to get it over with- Im currently being chased.
In order to make money quickly, I went to a gambling house, operated by some rather unsavory gentlemen.
In this country where gambling has been ouwed, its a fairly underground business. In a gaming room on the 2nd floor of a bar on the outskirts of town, a number of people hide their faces and identities and amuse themselves by gambling or so Ive heard.
There, theyve set up a gambling ring with something simr to ying cards. A simple game where whether you win or lose depends on whether the drawn card is higher or lower than the one on the table. Its a betting game where the rate of return ultimatelynds in favor of the bookie. However thats right, I had a handy ability known as Appraisal.
And then- naturally, I was caught by a magical tool that detects analysis skills.
It would appear that they have perfect countermeasures against swindlers.
Hahhh haaahhh
I cant rest my legs. I have to keep running.
It was the moment where I had to pick higher or lower after cing my bet. The minute that I activated Appraisal in order to ascertain the value of the top card on the deck, a shrill rm rang out through the building. The dealer, who was using some kind of magic tool, turned to face me. Since I was clearly guilty, I braced myself and leapt through the second-story window.
Somehow I was able to escape from the premises. But Im still being chased by some scary men. Whats more, theyre about to surround me.
Repeatedly casting Heal on my legs, I can maintain a constant sprint, but I still cant seem to shake them. I guess thugs who run an illegal gambling ring get a good workout. Its not just that Im not in shape, my legs are fine thanks to Heal, but Im running out of- out of breath. Healing magic wont help with ack of oxygen.
There he is! Over there!!
A bunch of ruffianse running from up ahead. Theyre still chasing me from behind too.
Not good, so not good. I-I only consider it for a second, but theres no way they would forgive me like Eris. If I get caught, only corporal punishment awaits. I could try shaking them off by running down an alley, but there are so many of them. Theyd catch up with me soon enough.
Get him! Geeeet hiiiim!!
I enter a side street to evade them. Isnt there something, anything I can do? I search my item box as I run.
Theres a hard metal sensation- its my mace. No good, I have no chance of winning in a fight, and no desire to fight in the first ce.
A hooded cloth- my bloodstained habit. I forgot to throw that out.
And then- a squishy sensation.
Thats it! I turn the next corner and scatter the item I just grabbed along the narrow alleyway.
-Yes, its Slime Jelly.
Its the Slime Jelly Ive been saving up instead of selling. I fill up the narrow alleyway with arge quantity of it. A short distanceter, I hear screaming and shouting behind me. No doubt they slipped and fell when they tried to run over it.
Im so d I have you, Slime Jelly.
Dropping Slime Jelly after Slime Jelly as I run through the streets, I finally manage to shake them. I had to run for an extremely long time, but I got away.
However, this was a failure.
I was trying to make money, but the 500 Zeni from the bet was a total loss, and my Slime Jelly stockpile has drastically diminished. I should have thought about it some more, but why did I even try something like this? I was so impatient that I lost sight of myself.
I have time. I can still think of ways to make money. Next time, next time for sure.
This time, Ill head to the ve market. Its something I came up with when I saw Yuel.
Thats right, I can make a huge profit by buying injured ves, healing them, and reselling them.
I still had some resistance to the idea of trading ves for the sake of making money, so I was putting it off, but then again I can choose which ves to buy. Picking a suitable older guy wouldnt particrly hurt my conscience. An older guy would probably be grateful just to have his injuries healed.
And then, heading to the ve market-
We dont normally stock damaged goods, so
Injured ves? I aint got any. Got a healer who treats em for me on the cheap.
You can use EX Heal? Gimme a break. Aint no way a shabby guy like you is a high-ranking priest.
-Aplete disappointment. Nobody with those qualifications would ever be caught in a ve market asking around for severely injured ves.
Apparently Yuel was an extremely rare case. The ve trade wouldnt be interested in buying people with low resale value in the first ce. Probably because of the maintenance costs involved in keeping ves.
This was a fools errand.
Going to the gambling den, running my legs off, thening to the ve market for no harvest. I ended up wasting a lot of time. Its almost evening. Itll be time to pick up Yuel soon.
After today, there will only be 6 days left until the auction for Eris hospital.
Master!
When I enter the tavern, Yueles running over to me. She looks adorable as a waitress.
Master, I got a lot of money today too! Umm, for buying Eris hospital? I want to make Eris happy too. So
Making such a pure remark, Yuel pulls out her bank card filled with thousands of Zeni. I would feel seriously guilty taking the money that Yuel worked hard to earn here, for such an admirable cause, after I just lost my betting money trying to fleece some gamblers.
Please hold onto that for now, Yuel.
I want to answer those feelings. But the two methods I thought up today ended up in failure.
What should we do tomorrow? Enter thebyrinth and search for treasure chests? I heard that many of them contain high-priced magic items. The most extreme get-rich-quick schemes are probably in thebyrinth.
Yeah, but I havente across a single treasure chest yet in all the time Ive spent in thebyrinth. I feel like it would be impossible to find one within a single week. But in that case, what should we
Yo, Shiki, got a minute?
A voice breaks my train of thought. Its Geyser. Eights there by his side, too. I notice a trickle of blood running from Geysers hand. Hes here for medical treatment, huh?
Whats the matter, Geyser? Need healing? One Heal is 400 Zeni yknow?
Nah, its just a scratch, Im fine. On my way here there was Slime Jelly all over the streets for some reason and I slipped and fell.
I-Im so sorry.
Hey, it was just a joke. I cant possibly ept money from you guys, right? Heal.
Ill definitely collect on itter.
Oh, seriously? Thanks man. Thats not why were here, though. We came to collect on the loan for taking you back to the surface.
The loan?
Oh right, they did say something about having me join their next trip in exchange.
You got it, Shiki. Can youe to thebyrinth with us tomorrow?
Sure, hunting slimes?
Well, sorta-
To be honest, I want to tell them Ill go slime hunting with them some other time. Right now I want to get rich quick. But I cant turn them down at this point. I told them they could call on me at any time. And the odds may be low, but its possible we could find a treasure chest while were hunting slimes.
-If thats what it was, we could handle it by ourselves. Were not talking normal slimes here.
Eight grins as he says that. If its not normal slimes, that means
Huge Slime.
Chapter 21 — Boss Battle
Chapter 21: Boss Battle.
By Huge Slime, you mean the boss of the 7th floor? Can we beat it with just us?
Huge Slime, the boss of the 7th floor, has a body diameter of 3m. Eight and Geyser are both skilled with longswords, butpared to Yuel, I cant say their movements are particrly sharp or that theyre especiallypetent. How should I put it? Theyre just okay with their weapons. To an average degree.
Weve beaten it once before. Remember, the party members that were there when we escorted you, Shiki?
Eight speaks.
Ah, back then, huh?
Now that I think about it, there was a wizard in Eights party, too. I guess when I went into thebyrinth to find Yuel it wasnt an ident that I ran into Eights group in front of the boss room. They must have been taking a break after hunting the boss.
But if you can beat it without me, whats the point of bringing me along?
Well, we were supposed to go with the same members this time too, but although its a slime, a boss is a boss, so even though we managed to defeat it we still took some damage. We had to use some expensive potions, so we lost money overall. Thats why were asking you to heal, Shiki.
I see, that makes sense.
So, they want to save on potion costs. Potions are a type of healing medicine. Depending on their effectiveness, they can probably get pretty expensive.
Be that as it may, Huge Slime huh? Its rare drop, Slime Drop, goes for 200,000 Zeni since its an ingredient for some expensive magic potion. Depending on how long it takes to beat it and the drop rate, we could potentially make a huge profit.
But, if we go after the boss tomorrow, the problem is Yuel. To be honest I doubt she would be very effective against this boss. With her small build and reliance on knives, it would be hard to face off against the massive Huge Slime. I feel like it would be best to leave her behind while shes working at the tavern.
Yuel, about tomorrow
And then, when I look over to ask Yuel to stay behind-
Yuel is looking back at me with sparkling eyes that clearly say Im looking forward to tomorrow, Master! Well arent you all fired up, Yuel-san. It seems she was paying close attention to our conversation.
This is no good. This is exactly what I was afraid would happen. Yuels smile doesnt show the slightest shadow of a doubt that shesing with us tomorrow. But Yuel is staying behind this time.
Well, but how can I say youre staying behind to such a radiant smile?
Im looking forward to tomorrow, Master!
I cant say it.
How could I possibly say Youre useless so wait here to such a genuine smile?
No, I need to harden my heart at times like these. Bringing Yuel with us will only be putting her at risk.
Yuel, sorry, but
And as soon as I make up my mind and call out to Yuel-
Ah, not just Shiki. Its better if Yuel-chan cane too.
Geyser butts in. What the hell?
Is that really necessary?
Well, attacks arent gonna reach the Huge Slimes core unless we prune it down bit by bit, but once it gets smaller it starts moving pretty fast. Faster than normal slimes, yknow? She doesnt have to fight it from the start, but we wanna leave thest step to her. Yuel-chans really skilled on top of being nimble, so shed be able to handle it. Its not like its attacks are gonna reach the back row, so dont worry.
Apparently he had a good reason. As long as she doesnt have to fight it from the beginning, it should be fine. The danger for her is its size. If she only takes on the Huge Slime once its smaller, there shouldnt be any problem.
Plus if Yueles well get arger portion of the rewards. From the perspective of earning money, maybe its better to let here.
The next day, Eight brings along the same members I met in thebyrinth. Theres one man wielding a cane and four who appear to be tanks. I didnt really notice itst time, but they all kinda give off a ruffian atmosphere. Birds of a feather flock together, I suppose. Yuel will be my onlyfort.
With these five as party members, we progress smoothly through thebyrinth, and make it to the 6th floor. And then-
Eeeeeeek!
Eight and I shriek in unison. In the middle of the 6th floor, we turn a corner and run into a group of five Giant Ants. Their mandibles are crunching in anticipation of their prey.
I sh back to the time when my leg was bitten off. Since then, no matter how many times I enter thebyrinth my heart beats out of my chest when I suddenly encounter them. Evidently Eight feels the same way. It was probably just as traumatic for him as it was for me.
Ah, these guys got you too, Shiki? Yeah, Giant Ant leg bites are the mostmon severe injury around these parts, ysee.
Geyser proims heartily. Who cares about that now, just kill them already.
Oh yeah, someone I know got caught by these guys just the other day. They dont have much money though so they cant get it treated. Hey Priest-san, Im a little short, wontcha just heal me real quick? Aint got no money though, hahahahahaha.
Ruffian A adds his anecdote. Stopughing and kill them.
Meh, not like Id care so long as they paid me back in the end.
Treating wounded adventurers. This could be used forworking. I could have Eight and Geyser introduce me to their acquaintances, and do the same with the adventurers I heal at my treatment stall.
But the type of adventurers who would get severely injured on lower floors, particrly by Giant Ants, wouldnt save up much money. Ignoring Yuels abnormally highbat skill, novice adventurers wear down their weapons and get hurt while fighting. The costs of things like weapon maintenance, potions and healing magic be a huge burden.
There arent many healers who can do treatment for deferred payment, so the market price is high. But I wont make any money where there is none. Plus, adventuring is a hazardous upation, and collecting on debts will be difficult. I need money right away in order to buy Eris hospital, but this could serve as a steady source of ie in the future.
Oh, really? If you say so. Alright, Ill let em know.
Oh, in that case can I ask for my buddy too? On credit, of course.
Piggybacking on Ruffian A, Ruffian B speaks up.
The payment may be deferred but Ill hold you to it.
As far as deferred payment is concerned, the average healers magic power cant cover very many heals per day. For a healer, its their precious source of ie. And living in thisbyrinth city, theres a constant flow of injured people. Thats why the average healer doesnt ept deferred payment. But as for me, I dont have to hold back on treatment out of concern for running out of magic power when I need itter. Theres not much of a downside for me if I ept deferred payment.
Im not exactly confident that the colleagues of these goons will follow through on the fee after the fact, though.
Anyway, we manage to make it to the boss room on the 7th floor.
All right, get ready.
On Geysers words, the ruffians take outrge shields from their item boxes. Theyre tall, rectangr shields made of metal. Tower shield would probably be the closest description. Eight and Geyser also put away their weapons and take out tower shields.
Same simple strategy as before. First, we concentrate on stopping the Huge Slimes attacks. Once its immobilized we shave it down with magic. Then repeat.
Geyser goes over the battle n, but its such a reckless strategy.
Oi oi, is that really safe?
Honestly, how much of a musclehead are you?
Its fine. We just have to block its first attack and hit it with magic, then the Huge Slime will only get smaller and we can repeat the same strategy. We mainly need to be careful with that first attack. If that n for the first hit fails, theres the possibility of getting badly injured, but if that happens you can heal us right away.
How we handle the first attack will decide the oue. Those tower shields must be for the sake of reliably defending against that max-power first hit. Well, if we can win safely then everythings good.
Alright, got it.
Should be fine with this many people.
Now then, everyone ready?
Eight calls out with his hand on the boss door, and everyone nods.
Lets do this!
Geyser boldly shouts as the door opens. A vast room lies beyond. Its huge, 30m in every dimension.
And at the center is a slime. A slime as big as a wagon wheel, jiggling in ce.
Line up in a single rank! Here we go!
The six tanks line up alongside each other and raise their shields. At roughly the same time, the slime stops quivering and begins to roll forward with a rumbling sound. It must be due to a slimes characteristic hardening at the moment it attacks.
It doesnt bounce around like a normal slime, probably due to its weight, but even so it seems like it has a lot of momentum. It gives off the impression of a car speeding toward us.
Aaand, its a direct hit.
The hardened slime makes a loud, dull thud as it hits the metal. The shield-bearing front line flexes severely. That must have been quite an impact.
Nevertheless, the tower shield formation properly halts the Huge Slimes charge.
Not surprisingly, many of them are holding their arms in pain. They must have taken some considerable damage. From the impact just now, I wouldnt be surprised if there were bone fractures. Its like making a wall out of meat.
Area Heal!
I heal the tanks with an area-of-effect spell. Its a low-difficulty healing spell that heals multiple targets at the expense of consuming more magic power. Its not any stronger than Heal, but thats good enough for simple bone fractures.
Man, this strategy is simple, but its surprisingly effective. Receiving the Huge Slimes charge solo could easily be fatal, but with that formation the damage is properly distributed across all of the members. Theyre guaranteed to take damage this way, but the overall risk is much lower than if everyone tried to fight the Huge Slime separately while dodging its attacks. If they take a little damage, it can be cured with healing magic, and moreover Im the one healing. Im inexhaustible. For once, Geyser actually thought things through, somehow.
Fireball!
The wizard finishes his cast at the same time my healing magic goes out. He fires off a zing orb the size of a ser ball at the Huge Slime.
A part of the Huge Slime explodes and its body bursts apart. It quickly reforms, but it seems about 10% smaller than it used to be.
Before the huge slime recovers from the magic, the tanks get back into formation and raise their shields.
After that the fight follows the same pattern.
As the Huge Slime gets smaller, its attack weakens. The multiple tanks have no trouble restraining it, and we fire magic at it.
In the end, Yuel throws a knife to defeat the no-longer-Huge Slime. Its extremely agile at this point, but Yuel takes it out in a single hit. I guess bringing her with us was a good idea after all.
And the drop is run-of-the-mill Slime Jelly. We grind the boss fight five more times before we finally get a Slime Drop, at which point its already past noon.
We head to the tavern after disbanding. Todays profit was around 20,000 Zeni per person. As expected for a hunt where healing magic or recovery potions are required, its quite tasty.
But, this isnt enough. Its a massive haul for the typical adventurer, but Im nowhere near reaching my goal. A single rare drop may be worth 200,000 Zeni, but divided between 9 people thats barely over 22,000 each.
I might reach a million Zeni eventually if we repeat the boss fight enough, but I dont have time for that now. After today, I only have 5 days left to make a million Zeni. No, I need to save up even more than that.
I sit in my treatment stall at the tavern and think. Usually Im watching the miniskirt waitress and wondering about the color of her panties, but I cant do something like that right now. I have to think up a method to earn money within the next 5 days.
Umm, I heard that it was possible to receive treatment for deferred payment here, is that true?
While Im deeply immersed in thought, a womans voice calls out to me. It seems shes missing part of her leg, and in its ce theres a in, wooden artificial limb.
Perhaps this is the injured adventurer acquaintance that Ruffian A mentioned earlier today? He must have gone and told her about me right away. Id rather get the money now, but theres nothing I can do about it if she doesnt have any.
Thats right. Is that your only injury?
Yes, Im afraid I was bested by a Giant Ant. I can use magic so Ive managed to get by, but I have no savings so I was unable to get it treated.
Giant Ant, huh? It figures.High Heal
High Heal is the spell between Heal and EX Heal. In Eights case he was weakened due to blood loss so I used EX Heal on him, but for simply regrowing missing limbs, this is enough. Not even an excellent healer could cast this many times in a single day, since theyd run out of magic power.
Thank you so much! Umm, will deferred payment really be eptable? I know you said so, but I was certain I would be forced to pay with my body
Well, since it was that shady-looking adventurers rmendation then its no surprise shed be worried. Now that I get a good look at this woman adventurer, shes got huge tits, and her face isnt bad either. Theres a certain charm to the idea of having her pay with her body the way Ruruka does. If a basic Heal costs a breast massage, then Im awfully excited to figure out the price for a High Heal but Yuel is right around the corner.
Having her pay with her body, I cant behave like that.
Its fine, Im only doing whats natural.
Yuel looks at me with pure reverence for the treatment I do. I cant destroy her image of me.
Having her pay with her body, I cant behave like that.
Thank you very much. Im so d to meet such a fine healer! I have no money right now, but Ill definitely pay you back before long!
The female adventurer shes me a delighted smile. My eyes wander south and spy a curvaceous, truly feminine body line.
Having her pay with her body, I can
Thank you so much!
As she expresses her thanks, her huge breasts shake violently.
There shouldnt be any problem as long as Yuel doesnt find out, right?
No, I cant. I cant. Its our first meeting. Its too premature. And even if I let her pay with her body, how could I hide it from Yuel?
-Eureka!
Thats right, of course, I could do that instead. I take it back! Please pay with your body after all!!
Ehhhhhh!?
Chapter 22 — Purchase
Chapter 22: Purchase.
Please, wait! I cant possibly do that! I-I had no no intention of paying with my Body in the first ce! High Heal is around 50,000 Zeni, is it not? I will surely repay that amount!
Shaking her head vehemently, the adventurer sps her giant tits to hide them. I guess thats an unsavory proposition for her after all. I gave her the wrong idea apparently.
Ahh, no, thats not it! I didnt mean it like that
My Eureka moment wasnt about a way to legitimately fondle this adventurers huge tits without Yuel finding out.
What I thought up was a way to buy Eris hospital, in other words a way to make money. Adventurer-chan will indeed be using her body to pay me back for the treatment, but not in a sexual way. I was just thinking along those lines right before, so it unconsciously came out in a misleading way.
Master! In that case, in that case I will!
Apparently Yuel misunderstood me too.
Sitting across from me, Yuel is squeezing my hands and gazing up into my eyes. Shes blushing out of embarrassment and restlessly rubbing her thighs together.
What could she possibly think Im nning to do?
I dont want to think about it.
I notice a few people nearby ncing over this way. Saying something like that in the tavern, and with such a loud voice, seems to have grabbed their attention. These looks are
My resounding solicitation for her to pay with her body after giving her medical treatment. This poor Adventurer-chan clutching her breasts and ring at me. And young Yuels bashful attitude.
Yep, these are definitely looks of disdain.
Oh crap.
No! That was a figure of speech I-I didnt mean it like that! Its just, rather than paying me with money, Id like for you to help me in thebyrinth! Right, you can pay me back in thebyrinth!
You want me to help in thebyrinth?
In any case I emphasize byrinth. Since shes an adventurer, that should make my intentions clear. I peek at Adventurer-chans face, and she seems convinced. At least Ive cleared up the misunderstanding with her.
The res from around the room have softened up too. They realize it was a misunderstanding. That was close. If a rumor got out that I demanded her body as payment for treatment, that would throw a wrench in my ns.
I turn back to Adventurer-chan. With those knockers back in my field of view, theres a rising urge to tell her I want you to help me with those giant tits! but I suppress it and continue.
Yeah, the truth is
I-Ill, Ill help you with it! Even if were in thebyrinth!
But apparently Yuels still under the wrong impression.
Yuel says that with a desperate expression, half on the verge of tears. Shes pleading with her eyes as she tugs on my shirt.
Just what exactly are you fine with doing, even if were in thebyrinth?
Listening to this conversation, what exactly are people going to think Ill make adventurers do once were in there?
Its probably not something I should think about. No, I dont want to think about it.
Well, Id better clear up her misunderstanding.
Thats not it, Yuel. I cant even remotely imagine what you meant by that, but Im sure thats not it.
Right, theres only one thing I want her to help with.
The thing I want help with in thebyrinth is Huge Slime subjugation.
And then, three dayster.
Alright everyone, Im counting on you!
YEAHHHHHHHHH!!
Were in the 7th floors boss room. The adventurers are lined up in a row in front of the Huge Slime, holding shields. There are eight of them, mostly members of the Giant Ant Victims Club. Not that such a club actually exists.
This turnout is the result of asking Eight, Geyser, and other customers of my treatment stall to introduce me to injured adventurers who cant afford treatment.
The adventurers Ive asked to cooperate with me this time are mostly novices.
In thisbyrinth, the drops on the 7th floor are quite juicy for the amount of effort involved. Slimes are about as weak as the Fang Rabbits from the first floor, but the magic stones they drop are 7th-floor-level. ordingly, a lot of adventurers want to hunt on the 7th floor.
But to get here, they have to make it through the 6th floor. And the 6th floor is home to Giant Ants. The terrifying Giant Ants that can easily ambush you and bite off your leg, even if youre an experienced adventurer like Eight or running with all your might like me.
There are many inexperienced adventurers who, captivated by the promise of money, try to cross the 6th floor with insufficient ability. And then their legs be delicious treats for the Giant Ants.
However, having lost a leg, no small number of them are unable to continue working as adventurers.
A big hospital or a church would be able to heal them.
But even if they tried to borrow money, theres hardly any ce that would lend money to a novice adventurer. Its not like adventuring is the only kind of physicalbor avable, but even if they can make enough to eke out a living, not many of them would be able to pay off their hospital bills promptly.
And thats why, by seeking out adventurers like that over the past three days, Ive finally put together a force capable of taking on the Huge Slime. The ones whove joined are mostly novice adventurers without much skill. Its not like everyones ability is particrly high. If anything its low. But thats not a problem. All Im asking of them is to be a meat wall.
The scheme to get rich quick by hunting the Huge Slime has a bottleneck.
Huge Slimes rare drop sells for the considerable sum of 200,000 Zeni. But to safely defeat the Huge Slime, quite a few people are necessary to make a meat wall capable of reliably stopping its massive body. And with every extra party member, each members share of the profits is reduced.
-Thats why I called upon these broke adventurers and offered to heal their injuries for free in exchange for spending a day hunting the boss with me.
I wouldnt make it in time for the hospital auction if I epted deferred payment for healing these penniless adventurers. So Im having them pay me back right away using their physical bodies.
The adventurers, who have no way of saving up enough money to pay for treatment, will be happy just to have their problem resolved in a single days work. And Ill be happy getting to monopolize all of the Huge Slimes drops. Its a win-win rtionship.
The Huge Slime collides with the adventurers, making a huge thud.
Since there are so many tanks, theres a bigger burden on the ones in the middle, and there will inevitably be injuries. The line will probably copse if they take another hit in this condition.
Area Heal!
But as long as Im here, I can put them right back into shape. As many times as it takes. And the pain onlysts a moment.
Fireball!
Plus, I was able to secure three wizards. After every collision, the defenseless Huge Slime gets blown apart by three spells.
Our clear time is much faster than when I came here with Geysers group. At this rate, I should be able to earn over a million Zeni over the course of a day.
Moreover, its pure profit. The Giant Ant Victims Club may no longer have any members, but it might be worth doing this again after some time has passed.
While Im thinking it over, Yuel finishes off the diminished Huge Slime.
Master! Its a Slime Drop!
I tenderly pet Yuels head when she runs over, and deposit the Slime Drop in my item box. First one down.
After that, we continue the Huge Slime hunt for an entire day.
Once I sell the drops, we return to the inn. The amount of money I have at my disposal now is 1,600,000 Zeni. Typically, it would be divided up between all the party members and further reduced by the cost of expensive potions, but theres none of that this time. As a result, this huge pile of money is entirely mine.
And then, the next day, the hospital auction concludes.
Ive ced the winning bid on Eris hospital.
Chapter 23: Eris’ Hospital.
Chapter 23: Eris Hospital.
Im in front of the door to Eris room.
I managed to ce the winning bid on Eris hospital for 1,500,000 Zeni, which was nearly everything I had. That being said, it was considerably lower than the market value. Eris hospital was originally the home of Eris family of four, so its a ratherrge house. If the location werent so bad, I probably wouldnt have been able to afford it.
But now I hold the deed for that very hospital in my hands.
The deed is currently under my name, but I n to transfer it back over to Eris as soon as I can. Its not like there would be any problem with leaving it like this, but if Eris hospital became no-longer-Eris hospital it would leave a bitter aftertaste in my mouth.
While Im mulling it over, I knock softly on the cheap, splintered wooden door.
But theres no response. Is she not there?
I try knocking again. Still no response.
Apparently Eris is out. Well, its not like Im dying to tell her that I bought the hospital right away or anything. Ill wait patiently.
As Im waiting in the inn room for Eris to return, I notice that Yuel has fallen asleep. Spending all day yesterday hunting the boss must have really tuckered her out. Shes sleeping soundly, taking soft breaths. She probably wont wake up for a while.
I have a sudden thought.
How is Eris going to react when she sees the hospital deed?
Eris was living in that hospital for many years. It must hold a ton of family memories for her. And she probably wanted to wait for her sisters return in that house. From Eris perspective, it must have been something she really didnt want to let go of.
And thats where I gantly swoop in, holding the title deed.
Ill hand her the deed without asking for anything in return. Shell be so moved, of course. Hell, maybe shell be so impressed that she goes all my hero, take me! on me.
The problem is whates after that. If by some chance Eris and Yuel start to bicker over me, things could get bloody. Up until now Ive just been absent-mindedly thinking I wanna make a harem, but if I actually try to do it I bet that some difficulties will arise. If I hook up with Eris then Yuel will cry, but if I hook up with Yuel then Eris will hand me over to the authorities. Nah, since shes a ve and all it probably doesnt work like that in this world.
As these thoughts are running through my head, I hear footstepsing up the stairs from the hallway. I stick my head out the doorway to find Eris just about to enter her room next door.
What do you want?
When Eris spots mee out into the hallway she calls out in a low, tired voice. Theres almost no light in her eyes. She looks exhausted.
And she seems pretty moody. Is it her time of the month?
Nah, thats probably not it.
Her outfit is the habit she used to wear at her hospital. I bet shes been going around to other hospitals trying to find a job.
Have you figured out where youre going to work yet?
Not yet, but Im fine. Ill work it out soon. Besides, today the hospital was sold, so I have a bit of savings now.
Her attitude is curt. I bet she hates making other people worry. Shes the kind of person who wants to solve her problems on her own. Living by herself from a young age probably gave her a strong sense of independence.
Be that as it may, she hasnt found a new workce yet after all. Since I bought back her hospital, that works out better for me. But I had a feeling thats how it would turn out.
Eris abilities as a healer arent especially amazing, but she does have an average level of skill. Besides, shes a blonde bombshell with magnificently ripe melons. Im sure she could get hired just about anywhere, but other hospitals dont think very highly of her.
Because Eris set her hospitals treatment fees a lot lower than market price.
Its not like this city has a union that establishes uniform treatment costs or anything, but theres a general market price of 400 Zeni per Heal. The fact that Eris attracted customers by shing that price in half likely didnt sit well with the nearby hospitals.
For her hospital to go bankrupt while operating like that, and then for her as the manager toe around looking for a job, they all probably either told her she got what she deserved, or approached her with obvious ulterior motives. Id be fully in the second camp by the way.
But once Eris sees the deed Im holding, her haggard face should perk right up.
Shes built up a lot of fatigue from not being able to find a job. Maybe the other hospitals said some awful things to her, and its wearing down her emotions. If I show her this deed at a time like that
Something like Y-You bought back the hospital for me! So dreamy, take me! is sure to happen. Eris will start calling me dear, maybe even with a "Heart ?" attached to it.
So what is it you want?
Eris worn-out face is giving me a look that says, state your business already. In front of those tired eyes, I dangle the hospital deed.
Eris, take a look at this.
What is this? Some official document?
Eris makes a suspicious face, but she takes a look at the deed. Then her expression turns to shock.
W-Why do you have this!? Even though today it was sold off
Eris keeps reading the deed over and over in astonishment.
Yeah, I bought it.
Once Eris realizes what Im sayingC
You did? B-But how that much money!
CI wait for her toe leaping into my arms but nothing happens.
But but you three months ago you werent you broke!?
H-Huh? Thats not quite the reaction I was expecting.
Far from rejoicing, its more like her whole body is shaking out of frustration. Shes choking back her trembling voice and clenching her clothes with her head hung low.
Whats with this reaction? That hospital deed that was so important to her is right here, isnt it? So whyC
Im sorry, I, I cant deal with this right now
Then Eris disappears into her room as if to run away, with tears trickling down her cheeks.
What just happened? Does Eris hate me so much that even the hospital doesnt make up for it? Since her hospital ended up in the hands of a man like meC
Nah, probably not. More likely its because she couldnt hang on to the hospital no matter how hard she tried, and then I bought it like it was no big deal. It was so important to Eris that she was willing to incur the ire of the surrounding hospitals by lowering her prices, just to protect it. I easily acquired the hospital that she desperately tried and failed to protect. That must be why she seemed so frustrated.
No doubt Eris just needs some time to sort out her feelings right now.
Yuel is sleeping softly on the bed in the room. I ought to give Eris more time before trying to talk to her again but without someone to talk to, theres nothing for me to do.
Wait, that reminds me, my item box is getting full. During yesterdays Huge Slime farming, along with the rare drops, I also got a huge amount of Slime Jelly. Adding in the amount I had already saved up, theres easily enough tost me a year.
I could spend some money at the adventurers guild to expand the size of my item box, but since I just bought the hospital I dont have much money left. Alright, Ill organize my item box.
As I dig through my item box, more and more trashes out. Street food skewers, fruit cores, a gravure photo taken by a magical projection tool thatst ones not trash. A frayed toothbrush made from some sort of animal hair that I never got around to tossing out, a chipped wooden cup
And a bloodstained, tattered habit.
Its the one from that time I went into thebyrinth to search for Yuel. I kept thinking about throwing it out, but it always slipped my mind.
Before I forget again, I should hand it over to the inns poster girl and have her throw it out with the rest of the trash.
Then, as I leave the room with the habit in my handsC
Sorry about earlier, I!?
CI bump into Eris in the hallway.
Shes staring at my arm no, at the bloody, ripped habit. Her expression shifts back and forth between surprise and sadness a few times while she looks at me.
Hey, is t-that
Eris covers her mouth with shaking hands, and gawks at my habit in shock. The very same habit that I was wearing when I went to look for Yuel.
Dont tell me for me? Did you really go looking for an expensive magic item in thebyrinth for my sake, and because of that?
H-Huh?
Looks like Eris is jumping to conclusions.
No, this is
Actually, wait.
Eris definitely thinks that I recklessly risked my life to scour the depths of thebyrinth for the sake of her hospital, or something along those lines.
Maybe I shouldnt go out of my way to correct her misunderstanding.
As far as I can tell, now that Eris thinks I bet my life to earn the money to pay for her hospital, it feels like her mood is much better than before. And shed likely be more willing to ept that I bought her hospital if the story was that I risked life and limb for it.
Sorry, I must have made a mistake. But how, how did it get like that?
Eris strokes the bloodstained habit as her eyes start to water. I can clearly feel thepassion in her tender gesture.
This is my chance.
For Eris sake, I risked my life to earn enough money, and bought back her hospital. Why dont I go with that? It makes me look cooler that way too.
Besides, it will improve Eris mood. Right, this is for Eris sake as well.
So I smile at Eris and casually exin.
Of course, I had to pay you back for the kindness you showed me, right?
Upon hearing that, an expression floats up on Eris face thats somehow simultaneously happy and sad.
You dummy, going that far. Besides, a hospital isnt something worth risking your life over.
I totally agree. I would never risk my life for the sake of a building.
Eris is still looking at me with that sad-yet-happy expression. I take the opportunity to retrieve the deed from my item box andC
Eris, I want to set things right with you. Back then, even though it bothered you, I just thoughtlessly did whatever I wanted. And I didnt see any problem with it. But thats not how it felt for you. Im sorry for not realizing it. I was in the wrong. But Id like to atone for that by returning the goodwill you showed me. So wont you ept this?
I kneel down at Eris feet as I speak.
I must look like such a stud right now. Risking my life to raise the money to purchase my benefactors hospital, and then returning it to her with no strings attached.
What a moving story.
I feel like I pulled it off wlessly.
! Im so sorry, I even kicked you out, and yet you still
Eris takes my hand thats holding the title deed and softly wraps both of hers around it. A single tear spills down her cheek.
I dont me you for that.
Since it was clearly my fault for sexually harassing you.
But we have a tender mood going right now. I shouldnt mention something so vulgar. Ill gently use my finger to wipe away her tear.
When you showed up, it felt almost like my father hade back. Your healing magic skill that could make up for the deficit, and how you would show kindness in one way or another. It felt almost nostalgic, somehow. But you know, thats exactly why I hated the sexual harassment so much. That was wrong though, youre not my father. Youre your own person
Sexual harassment is bad even if Im not your father you know. But Eris ispletely caught up in the atmosphere.
Its a good mood.
But dont ever do something that dangerous again. Look, the debt is gone, so Im sure we can live off of the hospital alone. Why dont you stop being an adventurer, okay?
Its a good mood, and yet.
And yet Im feeling a little guilty.
The way this is headed should be the best oue for both Eris and myself. But my chest feels like its getting jabbed by needles. Yet its for Eris sake that Im letting this misunderstanding continue.
Even so, I shouldnt earn her favor by taking advantage of the situation. I feel guiltier and guiltier every time she says something nice to me.
Yeah, even if its thiste, I should tell her that its a misunderstC
It was too embarrassing, so I never told you this, but you saved me just as much as I saved you. It was lonely running the hospital all by myself. and business was terrible. When you showed up at a time like that, I was sure that together we could get the hospital back on its feet.
CWhile Im still processing that, Eris continues talking.
And, in a voice thats barely a whisper, Eris mutters.
Thank you.
Then she lets her head thump onto my chest.
Since shes bending forward, I can feel her bountiful breasts. Along with her softly fluttering blonde hair. A sweet scent tickles my nose.
I decide to take this lie to the grave.
Afterwards, we head to the property broker near the center of town. For now, I left Yuel a note saying that I went out with Eris.
There are no issues with the title transfer, and its finished in an unexpectedly short time. Then, as we stroll down the main street on our way back, I try casually putting my arm around Eris waist.
! Honestly
Eris flinches and throws a questioning nce at me. But, she doesnt resist. She has an attitude like I suppose it cant be helped.
I think Ill have Yuel go work a shift at the tavern tonight.
Eris opinion of me has seemingly skyrocketed. If it was before, shed p my hand away from her waist and scowl at me.
We continue walking like that, and as we pass in front of the tavernC
Yo, Shiki! Your farmin with the venturers really paid off, huh! Come buy us a round!
Whats with the gal on your arm? Whatta hottie. Hoho, I get it, you went right to a brothel as soon as you got some money huh? Way to go, Shiki!
We run into Eight and Geyser, whose faces are flushed bright red from drunkenness.
Uh oh. This development is not good.
Youin with us next time? Just havin you there is crazy profitable! Whaaat, sfine if you hang back likest time n jusss heal! Let us take care of stoppin the attacks, its allll goood!
Yeah, leave the fighting to us! Hahahahaha!
H-Hang on! Lets talk about itter! Nows not a good time!
Not good. Whats not good, you ask? The fact that Eris-san is right here. I look to my side
Why might it not be a good time, I wonder?
And Eris is ring at me with eyes sharp enough to shoot me to death.
I really didnt think this through.
I confess. I confess everything.
About how the bloodstained habit had nothing to do with earning money for the hospital. About how I just decided to go along with Eris misunderstanding. And that I mainly did it to improve Eris image of me.
I-Im sorry
I prostrate myself. Without a doubt, its a perfect-form dogeza. With my head against the pavement stones of the main street, I beg for nothing but her forgiveness.
Eight and Geyser, perhaps sensing the turbulent atmosphere, flee the scene.
Hahhh, you really know how to spoil things. Its fine. You dont really need to apologize.
She must just be fed up with me at this point. I want nothing to do with you anymore, so dont bother, that kind of feeling.
I timidly raise my head and there is Eriss outstretched hand.
Seeing me in that state, you were worried about me, right? I get it, okay.
I take Eris hand and rise as she gives me a smile. The feel of her soft hand somehow makes me very happy.
It doesnt really matter how you did it. The fact is, you raised a huge amount of money to buy the hospital for me. Right?
Then Eris mutters But lying is bad, got it? while giggling.
Look, now your knees are all dirty.
Y-Yeah.
I brush the dust off my knees and look at Eris. Framed by the sun, her smile has an all-enveloping tender feel to it. It reminds me of the days when I used to work at her hospital.
Feeling a bit embarrassed, I speak while trying my best to stay calm.
Shall we go back?
And Eris repliesC
Yes, lets go back. To the inn where Yuel-chan is waiting. Then we can all go home to our hospital.
She says with a smile.
Side Story — The First Errand
Side Story: The First Errand
I want you to make dinner today.
Its been a week since I came to this world and started working at Eris hospital.
Out of nowhere, Eris brings that up.
Eris is great at cooking. Its on the level where if hers was mixed in with the food from a restaurant, you couldnt tell the difference.
And for this whole week, Eris has always done the cooking.
Despite that, now she wants me to make the food all of a sudden. What the heck is up with that?
Me, cook?
Yes, I have always been making it, but look, the magic tool we have here isnt the type that uses magic stones as fuel. The moremon type operates by the user pouring in their own mana, you know? And there were quite a few customers today, so I dont have enough mana to spare.
I see, so thats how it is?
In this houses kitchen, magic tools are used to provide the heat. This ones like a gas burner that runs on mana.
To use it, the user needs to constantly pour in their mana to keep the me going.
Since I seem to have more mana than others its no big deal for me, but apparently it bes a burden for Eris. Why is she using something like that, you ask? Because buying magic stone fuel is supposedly wasteful.
And yet, maybe this is a chance for me.
I definitely cant beat Eris when ites to cooking skill, but I have an advantage in the form of my knowledge of Japanese cuisine. If this goes well and I get a tight grip on Eris stomach, there may even be a development such as I cant live without your cooking anymore, marry me!.
I see, I see, in that case theres no helping it. Well then, just leave it to me!
Eris gives me a bank card containing the budget for dinner, then I head out into the streets in high spirits to buy ingredients.
She told me I didnt have to do the shopping too, but in order to make Eris taste buds sing, Ill have to carefully select the finest ingredients.
And yet this is the first time Im buying ingredients since I came to this world. I wonder just what kind of ingredients there are? Itd be great if theres soy sauce or miso.
I ponder such things while I walk down the road Eris told me to use, and eventually I arrive at the market.
Powerful voices are flying about, and there are tons of people. Seems like its thriving.
Keeping in mind that I want to buy meat or fish first for the main dish, I head towards a ce where there appear to be many such carts.
Wee, wee! Shopping for dinner, Onii-san? Ours is fresh and cheap, how about a piece!
A voice immediately calls out to me. When I turn in its direction, there are numerous hunks of some unknown meat set out on a cart. Looks like its a butcher.
Ooh, whatcha selling?
Its Orc.
Did I mishear that?
Did you just say Orc?
Yeah, its Orc, Orc meat! Those green-skinned, pig-faced guys. Their thick, fatty meat is delicious! Cmon, why dont you buy a piece!
I-Ill pass
I lose my enthusiasm all at once. The heck is Orc meat. Is it simr to pork?
Ivee to understand themon sense of this world little by little through my conversations with Eris over this past week.
Orcs are a type of monster. Its that Orc, the one that appears in fantasy-type games. Can you even eat them? I cant believe it.
I try looking out over my surroundings once again, and there are lots of ingredients I dont recognize. Its not like theyre all ingredients I havent seen before, but about half of them are new to me.
The culinary culture of this world seems quite different from Japans. Now that I think about it, the taste of soy sauce or miso didnte out in a single one of Eris dishes.
Perhaps making Japanese cuisine is going to be difficult.
Hey, you cool Onii-san over there! How about some eggs? Large or small, we got em all!
I look around the market a little after that, when a voice calls out to me again.
I turn around to find not eggs, but peaches. Thats right, peaches. Wrapped in cloth, gently packed, perfectly ripe peaches.
The woman who called out to me has wide-open cleavage, and on top of that shes pressing in with her arms as if to emphasize it.
Cant we just get takeout?
No no, this isnt the time to get distracted by such things.
Shopping, I came here to shop. I should leave.
This egg-seller Onee-sans smile reeks of suspicion. If I try to haggle with this sort of woman, I will undoubtedly lose. I couldnt even win against the redheaded adventurer who came to the hospital yesterday.
I can predict how things are going to develop from here on out. No doubt about it, Ill be ripped off.
I should leave immediately.
Wait a second, Onii-san! These eggs, theyre just a little high-priced, but thats because theyre really yummy! Look! If you buy a dozen right now, Ill throw in a special favor!
When I try to leave, she calls out to me from the side. Man, its no good, I mustnt listen.
Onii-san! Wait, please wait. Please dont walk away. Look, Ill do something wonderful.
Something wonderful!?
No, no, no good, its no good.
My bank card currently holds the precious dinner funds entrusted to me by Eris. I cant afford to frivol them away.
But, but maybe just looking would be okay. Its not like I have to use the money she entrusted me with, so long as Im only looking
When I nce over, the Onee-san grins.
And, in the valley between her breasts, sunken deep, deep into her soft flesh, theres an egg wedged in there. What a violent spectacle.
Once my eyes are pointed at that egg, as if to make doubly sure, she implores me with upturned eyes.
Wont you harvest my eggs?
I ended up buying them. I ended up harvesting them. Almost all of the money in my possession has been converted to eggs. Two heaping omelettes are lined up on the table at Eris hospital, and shes gazing at them with a delicate expression.
Hey, why is it just omelettes?
I-Im sorry.
Theres no way I can answer that. If I tell her I got hustled into buying expensive eggs by some Onee-sans seduction, Ill unmistakably be scorned.
Even if I dont get fired, shell be resistant to living together.
As Im hemming and hawing while I agonize over it, Eris seems toe to a conclusion on her own.
I see theres an orphanage close to that market, isnt there. In any case, the children were trying their best to sell eggs, so you ended up buying them against your better judgment, am I right?
Thats wrong. I dont know how it would have gone if that situation dide up, but emotions aside, what got me carried away this time was my sexual desire.
However, I cant exin the details to Eris, so I cant deny what she said either.
As Im prevaricating with an ambiguous expression like that, Eris starts to reach for her omelette as if the conversation is over.
You arent going to eat?
Ah, no, Ill eat.
The two of us attempt to level our omelette mountains. I feel a little guilty, but this is quiet time.
I mull it over as I eat my omelette, which certainly cant be called delicious.
In one way or another, this hospital feelsfortable. Its probably thanks to Eris personality.
Im a weak-willed, useless guy, though.
But one day Ill return the favor to Eris.
Chapter 24 — Sleeping
Chapter 24: Sleeping.
I want to sleep with Master if possible.
Yuel tugs on the hem of my clothes while facing Eris.
Were currently at Eris hospital, where we moved our belongings after picking up Yuel. We had dinner at the tavern and informed the barmaster that Eris probably wouldnt show up as often since I transferred the hospital back to her. Then, when we got around to saying, alright, lets go home and get some sleep thats when the trouble began.
But you know, Yuel-chan. Certainly, nothing may have happened yet, but that doesnt mean it wont ever, right? Besides, Yuel-chan is a girl, so its improper for you two to keep sleeping in the same bed forever, dont you think?
When it gotte and we said goodnight to Eris, Yuel naturally tried to follow me into the same bedroom afterward. Eris wasnt having any of that.
Look, we have plenty of beds avable, okay?
Eris tries to persuade Yuel like you would a young child, in a gentle tone of voice. Eris is a strict woman when ites to things like this. It feels a little lonely, but I guess I wont be sleeping together with Yuel anymore. I mean, its weird that we have been so far. She may still be young, but sleeping in the same bed with a girl I shouldnt be putting my hands on? Thats certainly not proper.
Hearing Eris words, Yuel looks down, lost in thought. Then seemingly understanding the situation, she faces me.
Eventually summer wille around, and it will be difficult to sleep together all the time. Itll be hot, too. Some convenient air-conditioner-like magic tools do exist in this world, but other than the ones that have been sessfully mass-produced for heating, lighting, plumbing and whatnot, magic tools are basically unaffordable due to the high price.
Thinking about the future, Yuel should give up and either sleep by herself or have Eris sleep with her. I nod in response to Yuel to indicate that I agree with Eris. Yuel confirms it and opens her mouth-
Um, Master promised to embrace me when I grow up, so there isnt a problem.
-and, fidgeting bashfully, she brings that up.
Uh oh.
Care to exin?
Eris cross-examines me in a low voice. I sense some anger in her gaze.
This is awkward. If I bungle this, I dont know whats going to happen to Eris impression of me. I feel a nervous sweat drip down my cheeks.
No, I need to calm down when Im in a pinch. First, let me take an objective look at it. How do I look right now to Eris?
Promising a young girl Ill marry you when you grow up, a sweet young man whos good with kids
To embrace such a little girl you made a disgusting promise like that?
Or not. Eris is looking at me like I seduced an innocent young ve girl in order to prey on her sexually. Shes treating me like a sex offender.
This is not good. Just when I finally managed to make peace with Eris, I feel like my reputation keeps plummeting.
However, its true that I did tell Yuel that at one point. Once youre older, okay?, I promised.
But that was just so I could get her to sleep on the bed instead of the floor.
Eris, hold on, thats a misunderstanding.
Eh?
When I deny it, Yuel makes an anguished noise. I look to the side, and Yuel is gazing up at me. A sorrowful expression is spreading across her face.
Its an expression like she trusted me and I betrayed her.
Its impossible. I cant do this. I dont want to see Yuel make a face like that.
Ahh, well no, not exactly a misunderstanding.
So its true, then?
When I take back my denial, disdain creeps into Eris low voice. Her arms are crossed and shes ring at me. Eris is livid. Its a bit scary.
This is bad. Theres nothing I can do.
If I deny Yuels words then shell be hurt, but if I confirm them then Eris will detest me. What to do? What can I possibly do?
I might as well honestly admit Yuel was trying to hold back by sleeping on the floor, so I just said whatever was convenient to get her to use the bed.
No, thats no good. Yuel would go into shock. Although it was just for expediencys sake, throwing away that promise would be awful. Theres no way I can cloud over that face full of sunshine.
I need toe up with a better excuse wait, Yuels my ve in the first ce, so what I do with her shouldnt be any of Eris concern, should it?
No no, even if thats the case, Ill be spurned if I tell her thats none of your business.
This time for sure, Eris would be done with me.
Eris wont want to live with the kind of guy who buys a young girl as a ve and ends up venting his uncontroble lust on her underdeveloped body. As the one who bought back her hospital, she probably wont kick me out, but theres a high probability she would leave herself. How do I get out of this without making Eris hate me or hurting Yuel?
Eris, youre so beautiful.
Im not falling for that.
Of course not.
What happened to that pleasant Eris from the time before my lie was revealed? After that dogeza, I tried nonchntly patting Eris ass when Yuel wasnt looking, and she hit my arm. I heard that girls be docile when you pet them, but that was a lie apparently.
Eris,ter, lets talkter. There are someplicated circumstances, so I cant exin right now.
I speak while ncing back and forth between Yuel and Eris. Based on Yuels expression earlier, Eris should be able to guess the reason that I cant exin. But will she? If she doesnt well be at an impasse.
Eris sighs at my attitude and looks me straight in the eyes. She seems more astonished than angry. Did she understand? No, now that I think about it, Eris didnt think I would really make a promise like that to Yuel. The subject being what it is, she just wanted an exnation. She should have said that from the beginning.
Fine But, Yuel-chan, sleeping together with a man is no good after all. If its lonely sleeping by yourself, why dont you sleep with me?
Then the conversation goes back to where it began.
I-I
Yuel is considering Eris words. She doesnt say she hates the idea.
Looking at Yuel her fingertips are tightly gripping the hem of my clothes. In her eyes, tears are welling up and about to spill over, and her lips are clenched in a pained frown.
I can pretty much tell what shes thinking. But even so, she doesnt say that she hates the idea.
Im certain she thinks that if she insists I want to sleep together with Master any further, it would be selfish of her. Yuel very rarely mentions her own desires. She properly draws a line between what she considers to be good behavior and bad behavior. I dont know if its because of her position as a ve or the way she was brought up, but Yuel definitely has some criteria she uses to restrict her own behavior.
She wants to sleep together, but continuing to say so would be crossing that line.
On one hand, she wants to sleep together no matter what. On the other hand, she doesnt want to be called selfish. Those two feelings are at conflict, and thats most likely why shes making that face and remaining silent.
So so pitiful
I feel ashamed for thinking it would be fine if she slept by herself or with Eris.
Sorry, sorry Yuel-chan. Come sleep with me. We can still sleep together from now on.
! Yes! Yes, Master!
I get down on my knees to match heights with Yuel and hug her. Right, Yuel is still a kid. Of course a child wouldnt want to be separated from their parent. Im not her father, but Im the nearest thing to that for Yuel. The feeling is probably simr.
Yuel was being forced to make a tough choice. I gently hold Yuels head against my chest and slowly brush her soft, silver hair like you would pat a childs back.
I was wrong. Since Yuel cant express her own wishes, I have to do it for her.
Cmon, Eris
While Im hugging Yuel, I stare into Eris eyes resolutely. Im determined to hold my ground now. I cant let Yuel suffer any more than this.
Maybe Im spoiling Yuel too much, but I dont want to see that mournful face anymore. I want Yuel to be able to smile.
Fine, I understand. But in that case, Ill be joining you.
It turns out she didnt mean that we would all share the same bed.
Now there are two bedsid out in this 8-tatami room. Yuel and I will be sleeping on one side, and Eris on the other.
To be fair, I didnt expect Eris to even go this far. Shes quite the prim-and-proper type. It might be thanks to Yuel bing good friends with her. Our beds are separated, so you cant exactly call it sleeping together, but just sleeping in the same room with me is major progress.
If were together in the same room, I could slip into Eris bedte at night when Ie back half-asleep from the restroom, or pass out onto her when I get drunk.
This time Ill be careful not to overdo it.
Chapter 25 — Bathing
Chapter 25: Bathing.
Yuel stabs a Goblin in the throat. The Goblin copses and vanishes into particles of light.
Were on the 3rd floor of thebyrinth. After buying back the hospital yesterday, were in thebyrinth to earn money. Why are we still doing that now that we have the hospital? Because no customers areing.
From morning till noon, I waited for patients at the hospital, but not a single person showed up.
Yep, not a single one.
Its not like I cant understand why. The fact that we raised our treatment prices back to market value, and that it was temporarily closed, probably caused it. The customers that previously went out of their way for the low prices no longer have any reason to, and the regr customers have left due to the closure. We may have raised the prices, but only to the market value. So customers living in the neighborhood might return eventually, but that could take some time. We have to make it appear like its not going out of business.
Eris repaid her debt so its not like we desperately need to earn money, but with so few patients theres no point in me being there. It should be fine to leave all the hospital-rted matters to Eris for a while.
ordingly, Yuel and I are exploring thebyrinth together. In thebyrinth, we can earn a steady ie without relying on customers. Eventually, if we can organize a Huge Slime hunt with Eight and Geyser, it should be more profitable. Besides, if the hospital never gets more patients, Ill end up paying for Eris living expenses via thebyrinth. Since she has a strong sense of responsibility, shell most likely feel obligated to pay me back somehow. When that timees Ill absolutely request for her to do so with her body.
And thats why Yuel and I are hunting Goblins. Since it was already afternoon when we entered thebyrinth, I dont n to go as far as the 7th floor today. Earn a little, praise Yuel a lot, drink at the tavern a little, observe the miniskirt waitress a lot, then head back to the hospital. Thats the kind of feeling Im going with.
I take a skewer out of my item box and munch on it as we stroll through thebyrinth.
Yuels movements have be increasingly sharptely. I wonder if its because her physical condition has improved now that her nutritional bnce is better? Yuel continues to dispatch the Goblins, and not even a single monster makes it past her in my direction. The difficulty level of the 3rd floor is like taking a walk at this point.
I pet Yuels head when she runs over with the drops. Yuel bashfully epts my hand as it strokes her head.
Speaking of petting, I had nothing to do while I was waiting for patients at the hospital, so I amused myself by petting Yuel over and over while showering her withpliments. Eris was watching with a delicate expression. If Im too affectionate with Yuel when were at the hospital, Eris mightbel me as a lolicon. So in order to have some skinship with Yuel without being judged,byrinth exploration time is still necessary.
Master, theres something up ahead.
While Im thinking about such things, Yuel suddenly speaks up.
What is it?
Umm, in the distance it looks like a box.
Box. Box treasure chest.
So its finally arrived? How many weeks has it been since I first entered thebyrinth? Finally, my time hase!
Treasure chests. There are various theories, such as theyre bait that thebyrinth produces in order to lure people in, or a result of thebyrinths magic umting within the possessions of bygone adventurers, but they usually contain valuable gems, catalysts, magic tools and so on. Of course the contents vary widely, but among them is a crystal that shatters in your stead when you receive a fatal attack, a magic tool that draws in mana from the air to produce an infinite supply of water, and other magic tools that are worth enough money to fill an entire house and then some. Theyre synonymous with getting rich quick.
I look in the direction that Yuels pointing, and theres definitely something there that resembles a box.
As I approach, thebyrinths stone floor rises unnaturally and forms the shape of a box. Its structure is simple, and it doesnt seem to require a key. Many games include monsters that mimic chests or chests with traps inside, but I havent heard of anything like that at the adventurers guild.
With a heart full of expectation, I carefully open the lid
A pistol?
Theres a 20cm-long pistol-shaped object inside. No, its a bit different from a pistol. Its shaped like the letter L and made out of some sort of glossy, inorganic material.
Piss toll? Master, do you know what it is?
Looking at the magic tool in my hand, Yuel questions me eagerly.
This magic tool. It looks a lot like a pistol, but its not one. On top of it having no trigger or hammer mechanism, the form is slightly rounder. Of course, I dont have any idea what this actually is, but-
For something like this, I can tell with just a nce.
! Amazing, Master is incredible!
Yuel is innocently delighted upon hearing my words. I can feel a tinge of reverence in her eyes.
Thats right, Im a brilliant master who knows everything. At least, in front of Yuel.
Its not entirely a lie this time. I have my Appraisal skill. It should turn this lie into the truth.
Yuel, this magic tool is
Then, I activate Appraisal.
Magic Tool
Properties: Emission - Water
Its a squirt gun, aint it?
I point the muzzle at a Goblin and fill the tool with mana. A stream offortably warm water raises wisps of steam as it arcs gently toward its target. The warm water makes a sshing sound as it washes the dirt off the Goblins body.
The muzzle velocity of the warm water is about the same as a fully-open faucet. Looks like it feels pretty good for the Goblin, too.
Its useless after all, huh. I was hoping maybe something like boiling water or a waterjet cutter woulde out, though
This magic tool only spits out water when you fill it with mana, apparently.
It seems that the temperature of the water can be adjusted to some extent, by about 50 degrees as far as I can tell with my hand. The force with which ites out is the same as a fully-open water faucet. As a result of various tests, putting in more mana doesnt seem to increase the temperature or the force. In other words
A hot water dispenser?
Its not useful for offense in any way.
Diss pen sir?
Yuel asks as she finishes slitting the now-clean Goblins throat.
Umm, its a magic tool you put in a bath.
We visit the tavern then return to the hospital. Thats right, Eris hospital doesnt have a hot water source. I wouldve rather obtained a magic tool that allows me to fight, but this could be useful in its own way.
Ill use this magic tool to heat the bath.
Magic tools from thebyrinth are supplied with mana directly by their user, and there are many different types of magic that they can invoke. Compared to the artificial magic tools that use processed magic stones as fuel, the ones from thebyrinth are morepatible with someone who has a lot of mana like me. It might be a bit hard to use for Eris with her average level of mana, but my supply is limitless. Ill have Eris pay the toll afterwards for using the hot water.
Then when Im about to jump into the bath naturally, a problem arises.
I-If possible I want to go in together with Master.
When I go to enter the bath and Yuel casually follows behind me, Eris objects. I get a feeling of dj vu.
Yuel-chan, bath time is no good either. That man sexually harasses at the slightest opportunity, hes a hopeless man who creates opportunities even if you dont give him any. Just sleeping together is bad enough, but getting into the bath together, naked, is absolutely unthinkable.
So far Eris has never spoken ill of me in front of Yuel, but shes making an exception now. With her strong sense of ethics, theres no way Eris will allow a man and a young girl to enter the bath together. Well, its not like I havent thought that its getting to the point where we shouldnt bathe together. I just havent said lets go in separately because shell get that look in her eyes, like an abandoned puppy.
Master is not that type of person!
Master is that type of person. I cant particrly deny it.
But Yuel rejects Eris allegations. Her tone is strong, and shes trembling slightly. Its obvious that shes truly upset about her master being insulted.
Seeing the state that Yuel is in, Eris glowers at me.
Shes unable to crush Yuels misguided feelings of respect for her master, yet unable to allow such an indecent activity to ur. Thats why Eris is ring at me for continuing to y the part of the ideal master in front of Yuel. So thats how it is.
It cant be helped. Ill offer her some timely assistance.
Everything will be settled if Eris joins us.
Dont screw with me.
Of course not.
I-It was just a joke. Yuel and I will both wear towels. Look, in that case it wouldnt matter, right?
Well hide behind towels. That much should be good enough to cate Yuel and just barely permissible enough for Eris.
Well, in that case
Eris begrudgingly assents. She clearly doesnt want to, but she would hate for it to turn into a rehash of yesterdays argument. I have a feeling that Eris is just as overprotective of Yuel as I am, in different ways.
We leave the bath without anything special happening like Yuel bumping into me and having her towel identally fall apart.
Ah, Yuel, could you let Eris know that the bath is open?
Yes, Master!
After I send Yuel to call Eris over, I return to the bathroom.
Then, I retrieve arge spider corpse from my item box. The kind you often find in the back of a cupboard.
I hide it behind the soap. In a ce where youll end up touching it when you reach over. If someone who hates spiders reaches for the soap and screams upon suddenly feeling a spider, the other residents would surely be concerned for them.
By the way, Eris hates spiders.
With a heart full of expectation, I leave the bathroom.
Chapter 26 — Cutoff
Chapter 26: Cutoff.
A few days have passed.
The number of customers at Eris hospital still hasnt increased. Its not zero anymore, but raising the fees back to market price seems to have had a pretty severe impact. Only one or two patients show up.
Eris would prefer for me to work at the hospital too, but under these conditions she cant even afford to pay me what I was making previously. Although on asion I received independent physical payment for the share of the treatment that I helped with.
Besides, right now I have a job thats overwhelmingly more profitable than the hospital.
Thats right, Huge Slime subjugation. For the past few days, Ive been meeting up with Eight, Geyser, and the adventurers I treated from thest time, and hunting nothing but the Huge Slime. Even today weve been doing the same thing. For some reason our luck is better than usual, and were able to obtain many rare drops. Its somewhat fewerpared to when I was taking back Eris hospital, but even so its a huge windfall for the party as a whole.
We made out like bandits today, oi!
Geyser cheerfully smacks my shoulder as we walk through thebyrinth.
Yeah, 5 Slime Drops even after dividing it up thats at least 100,000 Zeni each. Awesome, this is awesome!
On the other side of Geyser, Eight calctes the profits from todays hunt.
Theres some danger involved when hunting the Huge Slime. You cant leave the boss room until the boss is defeated, and on top of that theres the risk of getting severely injured if you dont handle it well. But thats exactly what makes it profitable. In terms of Japanese currency, 100,000 Zeni is about a million yen. Thats a huge sum of money for an adventurer whos barely scraping by.
Indeed, Ive obtained a huge pile of money.
Yet the lifestyle Im currently living doesnt require much money. As far as clothing, I always wear the same type of habit. For food, I can eat as much as I want and not spend more than 500 Zeni per day, and on top of that Eris has been preparing portions for me and Yueltely. And for shelter, we live at the hospital, so there are no expenses at all in that column.
Theres no need for me to set aside funds in case of illness or injury, since I can maintain my good health with healing magic.
In short, that means that I can do whatever I want with this huge pile of money. I can use it however I like, and it wont matter.
So why dont I have a little fun with it?
Ive been trying my hardest. Although that time I went looking for Yuel was my mistake, I desperately plunged through thebyrinth while braving injury. I also recovered Eris hospital by making clever use of my healing magic.
Wouldnt you say its about time for some recreation?
Ive made all the necessary arrangements to prepare for this day. When I head to the tavern after this, the barmaster will tell Yuel, were shorthanded, so wed really like you to help out. Theyre not actually understaffed, but thats the arrangement. Once Yuel starts working, Ille up with a suitable excuse and leave. Then Ill thoroughly enjoy myself at an adult establishment, properly wash off all the evidence, and head back to pick up Yuel. This way, Yuel will be none the wiser. After that, well return to the hospital as if Id been with Yuel the whole time, and Eris wont find out either. Its a perfect n.
As Im borating on my fantasies-
Oi oi, can you believe it, 100,000 Zeni! Awright, wanna hit up the flower shop? Youing too, Shiki? We got the ce rented out.
-Geyser spouts that out while twisting his fingers into that shape and makes a big grin.
Apparently Geyser was thinking along the same lines.
Yuels too young to understand this, but flower shop is a euphemism for a brothel. Intentionally speaking in code must be Geysers way of being considerate around Yuel.
But it backfires.
Renting out a flower shop, Master? What will you do there?
Yuel asks me with bright, sparkling eyes. On the contrary, it would seem shes very interested in the term flower shop.
Of course the idea of renting out a flower shop wouldnt make any sense if you didnt know the meaning behind it. Right now, is Yuels imagination filled with thoughts of her master surrounded by flowers, having a tea party with a bunch of gruff adventurers? I dont understand why that would make her eyes sparkle like that though.
Welll, you see
I cant exactly tell her what were up to. Ide up with a suitable deception, but nothing goodes to mind. Yuel might not realize it, but shes tugging on my clothes again in search of a response shes alreadypletely curious about it.
Does she like flowers? She probably likes them. Yuel is a dark elf, and elves have their roots as people of the forest. She must be fond of pretty things like flowers.
I stare at Yuel in her restless excitement. On either side of her head, those cute elf ears are waggling too.
Not good. This is not good. Her eyes are full of expectation now. If I ditch Yuel at the tavern after this, just how devastated is she going to be?
No, even if it didnt sadden her, Yuel could still propagate the problem. Like if she asked Eris, Master said they rented out a flower shop, do you know what theyre doing? or something. Eris opinion of me would hit rock bottom. Were not in the kind of rtionship where I could be med for going to an adult establishment, but Eris would surely despise me for doing it. If that happens, she wouldnt let me get away with the tiniest bit of sexual harassment. I cant leave any doubts in Yuels mind.
Im sure that Yuel will still have questions if I take her to the tavern and leave by myself. What might master be doing right now, etc.
If it was just wondering what Im up to, that would be fine. But its toote. Since she heard our earlier conversation, Yuel will be thinking Master is doing something at the flower shop they rented out.
And if one day Yuel came to know the meaning behind the term flower shop that angelic smile shes always giving me would turn into a look of scorn
Geyser, Im not going there. Yuel, would you like to go buy flowers with meter?
After struggling through that exchange, I make it to the adventurers guild for a different kind of exchange. However-
Im terribly sorry. After this transaction, we will be suspending the purchase of Slime Drops.
-The dog-eared receptionist girl exins and bows her head in apology.
Oi, you gotta be kidding.
Suspending purchase? What do you mean!?
Eights group starts kicking up a stir at the receptionist girls announcement. Now that I think about it, when I was buying back Eris hospital, the face of the receptionist girl who handled the exchanges was twitching. I suspected the price would fall eventually, but for them to suddenly stop buying it outright, I wonder whats going on?
Ummm, you see, Slime Drops are
ording to the receptionist girl, Slime Drop is an ingredient for a specific medicine thats used to treat an endemic disease that urs rarely in this region. The local lord had been purchasing them from the guild as an emergency stockpile, but recently hes collected a sufficient number of them, so he stopped buying them. Since the disease is endemic, theres not much demand for the medicine outside of this region, plus its not being consumed unless theres an outbreak. Having said that, if the exchange price is low then the supply will dry up, so the guild has been maintaining the price so that adventurers will stille to sell them asionally.
Thats the situation, buttely the supply has mysteriously skyrocketed, so they had to hastily suspend purchases.
To sum it up in a single word, oversupply.
I thought that Huge Slime could provide for me in order to live out the rest of my days infort, but I guess the storys not that simple.
At the flower shop, I stuff therge quantity of flowers I bought into my item box and head back to the hospital. Yuel was cocking her head to the side slightly in confusion, but in the end I ced a gand atop her head and she left the store smiling. Maybe she thought that buying a lot of flowers is what renting out a flower shop means? It seems Ill need to correct herter somehow.
When we get back to the hospital, Eris asks me to hold the fort while she goes shopping for our evening meal. Eris has been taking care of lots of different household chores. Ill pet her to show my appreciation.
I spruce up the ce with the bundles of flowers I ended up buying, then sit Yuel on my knee and start adorning her hair with flowers while I wait for patients.
At which point a customer finally arrives.
Ah, ahh! You really were here!
Or not a customer. The one whos here for treatment is the red-headed adventurer, Ruruka. When she sees me with Yuel on my knee, she makes a subtle face. She doesnt say anything, though.
Oh right, thest time we met was when I was rubbing Rurukas breasts and we convinced Yuel it was a misunderstanding, huh. It wasnt a misunderstanding though.
Yuel hasnt realized the truth about that time, has she? With a little apprehension, I take a peek at the side of her face as she sits atop my knee.
She seems pleased with the gand on her head. She bashfullyughs ehehe as she feels the flowers. I was worried that she realized it was a lie after some time had passed, but she doesnt show any concern.
Well, if it isnt Ruruka. What seems to be the problem?
You havent been at the tavern muchtely, I was looking for you yknow? I never expected you toe back to Eris ce, though. Did you two make up?
So she was looking for me. Now that I think about it, I never told Ruruka that I returned to the hospital. Well, we dont have any contact outside of meeting at the tavern by chance so its not like there was anything I could have done about it.
Yeah. So what brings you here today, dont you need any treatment?
To suddenlye looking for me, I figured she was hurt, but apparently not. No matter how you look at it, she seems perfectly healthy.
Ahaha, you should know already. Cmon, its that, yknow, that.
That?
What, letting me rub her breasts? But Yuel is here right now, so Id rather wait until the next opportunity. If a certain thing happens while Yuel is on myp, I wont be able to look her in the eyes anymore.
Ehehe. I heard you were making a killing from the Huge Slime? Wontcha lemme in on a piece of that?
Ruruka grins as she solicits me. Its a nice, flirtatious smile. I see, so thats what it was. But too bad, her timing is off.
Ah, about that, they just stopped buying Slime Drops today. Im not doing any more Huge Slime hunts. Its a shame, huh.
Its a shame for me too. If they hadnt suspended purchases, I wouldve been able to set suitable conditions for joining the Huge Slime hunt. If a price cut on healing magic is worth a breast massage, just how far would a boss hunt with tens of thousands of Zeni in profit have gotten me? Im awfully curious.
Eeehh!? No way, that cant be true? I-I even tried so hard to persuade Fran and bought a new weapon
Its true. Bad luck, huh.
Hahhh now what should I do maybe Ill take that request from the board
The request board? Dont those have pretty poor rewards?
The request board. A bulletin board at the entrance of the adventurers guild, wheremission notices are disyed. However, just because its in the adventurers guild doesnt necessarily mean the guild is involved. Many of them are individual requests written by townspeople, just pieces of paper stuck to the board with a contact address and reward amount listed.
And the remuneration is generally poor. Important jobs like monster extermination along the highways and bandit subjugation are the duty of the knights that guard the city, so not many ever make it down to adventurers. The ones that do reach adventurers are mostly small-scale, personal requests like guarding a field or exterminating pests.
I dont know how far Rurukas party has made it into thebyrinth, but I think exploring thebyrinth would typically be more profitable.
Umm, apparently there have been more monsters outside of town for some reason yknow? And theres an unusual request from the knight brigade. Seems unexpectedly lucrative. Its just small fry like goblins, but supposedly the knights are giving a nice reward for subjugation.
Ordinarily, the knights bear the burden of defending this city. The fundamental duties of the knights are to patrol the highway, drive off bandits, and periodically thin the number of monsters in the nearby forest and mountains. However, this area doesnt usually have many monsters appear. There havent been any warstely either, so I heard that the number of knights isnt that high. Perhaps they werent able to handle a sudden explosion in the monster poption.
Huh. But, arent there dangerous monsters outside the town? Will it be alright?
The knights act as a group, and whats more they all meet a certain standard of ability. If a fairly strong monster appeared, they shouldnt have any problem dealing with it.
Besides, adventurers areparatively fewer in number, and their proficiency varies widely. Unlike in thebyrinth, theres a possibility of suddenly running into a powerful monster outside the town. If your party encounters a monster thats beyond your ability, youre out.
Its cause there arent many strong monsters around here. Ive subjugated monsters plenty of times outside of thebyrinth, so I think itll be fine?
Well, be careful.
By the way, whats with those flowers? Not just the ones on Yuels head, theyre all over the ce.
Ruruka asks while looking at the gand on Yuels head. Shes wondering about it after all.
Yeah, these are
What should I do? I cant answer poorly. Yuel is here and we went to buy them together. If I say something vague, Yuel wont befortable with it.
While Im worrying about it-
Its because he rented out a flower shop! Right, Master?
Yuel answers with a smile.
Chapter 27 — Teeth
Chapter 27: Teeth.
Shiki, you went? Not to mention, rented it out? By yourself?
I was gonna go to a brothel, but I didnt. I was gonna rent it out, but I didnt. I was considering using all of my 100,000 Zeni, but I only considered it. I still havent done it. It was only intent. Im innocent.
Thats, look, well, how do I say this
I nce at the back of Yuels head as shes sitting on my knee, then back to Ruruka. Making eye contact. Nows not a good time for this conversation. I cant discuss the details in front of Yuel.
Geyser invited me to a brothel. However, I cant let Yuel find out about that. Since Yuels master isnt the kind of person who would buy women with money. Im an honest, noble, kind master. I wouldnt be invited to a brothel and I wouldnt consider going. I dont even poop.
If it wasnt like that, Yuel wouldnt look at me with that reverent glimmer in her eyes. Yuels admiration is one of my greatest pleasures right now. As it is, Eris attitude has been getting more severetely. I couldnt handle not having Yuels smile to heal me. I couldnt handle being unable to bask in her reverent gaze. Thats why I cant allow Yuels image of me as her ideal master to be shattered.
Ruruka nods slowly at my eye contact. Does she understand? Ruruka has good judgment. Im sure she understands.
I-I get it. Yeah, Shiki youre a man, right? You get that urge now and then. I understand, it cant be helped.
She doesnt understand at all.
Ruruka blushes and repeatedly presses her fingers together as her eyes dart around the room. Our eyes suddenly meet, and she immediately looks away. This is hopeless.
You dont understand! You dont understand at all!
No, I get it. I totally understand. Men get, uh, Backed up and it makes them want to go do that kinda stuff, I get it.
I appreciate your understanding. But thats not it. Youre always pushing me to rub your breasts, so why are you only reacting like that now? Suddenly youre pure and innocent?
I guess the only upside is that shes being careful to not use any definitive terms that Yuel would understand. Unable to follow the flow of the conversation, Yuel is tilting her head as if shes pondering something. Ill have toe up with a suitable pretense for herter.
All thats left now is to clear up Rurukas misunderstanding
Im telling you youre wrong. Later, alright, lets talkter!
Nah, its fine, you dont have to mislead me. I dont mind that sort of thing!
I appreciate you not minding it. But Im not misleading you. I never went to a brothel to begin with. I was ready to rent it out and try out some magistrate y, but I didnt go.
Now what? I have to clear up this misunderstanding somehow. Wait, she did say she isnt bothered by it, so maybe its not necessary to clear it up in the first ce. Although if I leave it like this, in Rurukas head Ill be a man who uses brothels. Moreover, shell think of me as the kind of hopeless guy whod blow a fortune on renting out a whorehouse for a night of depravity. In reality I am such a person, but Im not okay with having other people see me that way.
I have to set her straight after all. As Im thinking about it-
Ummm, its too bad about the Huge Slime, but invite me if any other tasty opportunities pop up, okay? I-Ille again.
-Since Ruruka seems like shes getting ready to leave, I try to get up from my chair. But I cant get up right away since Yuel is riding on my knee.
Wait a minute
I can only watch on as Ruruka makes her escape.
After Ruruka leaves, Yuel starts to ask things like Men get backed up? What exactly gets backed up?, so I pat her head and try to convince her to keep the flower shop talk a secret, at which point Eris gets back from shopping.
And then its time for dinner. The food that Eris made isid out on the table.
Hey Eris, doesnt it seem like my stew has less meat in it?
Eris sulks at me from across the table.
Who knows, maybe youre just imagining it?
It seems like Eris attitude has be rather pricklytely. Even though she was so incredibly soft-hearted right after I bought back her hospital. I feel like her mood got worse right after that time she let out a shriek in the bathroom and I came running to see what was wrong. Apparently a spider corpse somehow showed up in the bathroom, and she suspects that Im the culprit. The nerve of that girl! What would I do if that was a false usation?
Well, setting aside whether or not I was falsely used, Eris mood has been terrible recently. I need to lift her spirits to some degree or were going to end up repeating the same breakdown all over again.
Thats why-
Eris, you truly are beautiful. And you have such nice style, surely youre the ideal woman.
-Im ttering Eris. Shes bothered by my rtionships with women, so for now its a good idea to praise her. Im doing it entirely out of self-interest, but Im not particrly lying about her. ttering Eris shouldnt make her mood any worse, at least.
And thats why you peeped in the bath?
Theres a hint of irritation in her sullen voice. Seems like Eris really holds a grudge. Shes not going to forgive me that easily. At the very least, I dont get the impression that telling her because its you in a sultry tone would go over well.
Besides, Yuel is right here. Itll be troublesome if I dont deny the rumor that I peeped on Eris in the bath.
Its not like I was peeping, right? When I heard you scream I thought something had happened, thats all.
When I say that, Eris just silently res at me like shes looking at a pile of trash. Even now shes giving me a reproachful expression. Shes not buying it, huh? Maybe my daily conduct has been too reprehensible. Id better change the subject.
Oh thats right, the meat in this stew its Fang Rabbit, right? Its amazing that you were able to make that stringy meat so tender, Eris. It just melts in your mouth, its incredibly delicious.
Thats just chicken.
Mmm, nah, be that as it may, you really are amazing to be able to make such delicious cuisine. The vor isnt too heavy or too light, its perfectly bnced. I can tell that you keep the diner in mind. I always appreciate it. Im sure youll make a great wife someday.
Eris makes a pouty face and doesnt reply, but she doesntsh back or anything either. This is the right flow. If I keep up thepliments, she might just tell me oh well, it cant be helped. For now, lets try another push.
Master, I helped out too!
As Im pilingpliments on Eris, Yuel interjects.
Yuel will make a good wife someday too.
!
When I say that, Yuels face turns red and she lowers her head in embarrassment. Unlike Eris, her reaction is meek and lovable. Its so cute that I unconsciously start petting her head, but then Yuel counters by nuzzling her head against my hand. Adorable. Praise is super effective with Yuel. Part of me wants to praise her more but my priority right now is to improve Eris mood.
Oh right, Eris, between the hospital job and the housework, arent you sore? Want me to give you a massageter?
That wont be necessary.
She replies immediately. I wonder why? I thought we had a good feeling going. What other ways do I have to improve Eris mood?
Ah, thats right, the flowers. I bought these. Arent they pretty?
When I pull out a bouquet from my item box, Eris eyes widen in surprise.
Even the hallway is decorated. You sure bought a lot of them.
As Eris exims in amazement, the smile that breaks out across her cheeks doesnt escape my notice.
After dinner, Yuel and I enter the bath. Eris switches with us once we leave, but this time I dont nt any spiders for her to find. I cant sexually harass Eris for a while. Ive studied thest time, when I got kicked out, in depth. Ascertaining just how far I can go with the sexual harassment means sexually harassing her to the point that its no longer okay.
After bathing, all thats left is to go to bed. Ill get my toothbrush from my item box and brush my teeth. There are proper toothbrushes in this world, and toothpaste too. Of course the quality isnt as highpared to modern Japan, though.
I go to sit on the living room sofa like always and scrub away at my teeth, when-
Does Master like people who are good at cooking?
-Yuel, who has already finished brushing her teeth, asks me that. Where did thate from? Ah, its because I was raving over Eris cooking.
Which option should I go with? If I had to choose between good at cooking or bad at it, of course Id prefer good. I have no idea how good Yuels culinary skills are, but sure, its better to have them than not. Besides, if I tell her yes, shell be motivated to tackle cooking. I nod and keep brushing my teeth.
I thought so also, um, earlier Eris said that Master peeped at her in the bath, is that true? Does Master prefer someone with big breasts like Eris-san?
The toothbrush snaps in my grasp.
No, Yuel. Thats not right. I heard Eris scream, so I went to see what happened out of concern. I wasnt peeping, I was just worried that something happened to her. Got it? Ill say it again, I was worried about Eris, so I only went to make sure she was okay. I was absolutely not peeping. It was an act of god, an unfortunate ident. Also, and this has nothing to do with it, but youll get bigger too eventually so dont worry about it.
Yuel nods slowly, muttering bigger, and starts patting her chest. Apparently thats where her thoughts have shifted. For a moment I thought she still had concerns about my behavior, but that was probably a result of herplex about Eris mammoth mammaries. I shudder. I thought my lie had been exposed.
Yuel continues to dab at her chest. Its certainly no surprise that shed develop an inferiorityplex from looking at Eris huge knockers every day. But Im ending this conversation here. I have a feeling it could go in an unsavory direction if it continues.
Then, when Im about to go back to brushing, I notice it.
The toothbrush
Near the head, its cleanly broken into two pieces.
The toothbrush handle is made of wood. Its weak enough that squeezing it a bit with an adults grip could snap it.
I fish around in my item box but theres no recement. Oh yeah, I inadvertently stepped on it earlier and broke it.
While Im figuring out what to do, I notice Yuel staring intently at her own brush in her hand. Im not sure what shes thinking about, but just to make sure, Ill gently reprimand her.
Its not good to borrow someone elses toothbrush, okay.
Theres no helping it. Im a little annoyed at having to stop halfway, but Ill go buy another toothbrush in the morning and finish then. As I make my decision, Yuel speaks up.
Master.
Yuel is looking at me. I didnt notice her pick it up, but shes holding the head of my broken toothbrush in her hand. Theres already toothpaste on it. She grins at me and speaks.
I will help.
Holding the 2-3cm toothbrush head in her hand, shes going to help.
I realize what she means by that. Yuel must be nning to brush my teeth using that tiny brush head. That might just work for the front teeth, but what about the mrs? Is she really nning to stick that brush into my mouth with her fingers? No, even for Yuel, doing such a thing would be totally imaginable. If its Yuel, she might just do it.
This cant possibly end well. This has to stop. I have to stop her.
Yuel, Ill make do with just toothpaste today, so leave it at that, is what I try to say.
But that doesnt happen. The second I open my mouth- Yuel slips her fingers inside. Unable to close my mouth, only unintelligible noises escape my throat.
Yuel grins at me with an expression that merely says leave it to me, and proceeds to brush my teeth.
Lets look at this situation objectively.
I have no toothbrush, so a young ve girl is polishing my teeth with her fingers.
Allowing this to continue is out of the question.
I need to stop her. I need to stop her, but Yuels fingers are already inside my mouth. If I try to speak to her to convince her to stop, I might end up biting down on Yuels slender fingers. I cant possibly do that.
While Im still worrying about what to do, Yuel gently presses the brush against my teeth and rubs her fingers along my gum line as if to massage it, scraping against the inside of my cheek. Yuel stares into my open mouth in order to concentrate as she brushes. Shes so close that our faces could easily touch if I cough. Yuels balmy breath hits the nape of my neck. Maybe its because she just took a bath, but the aroma of soap wafts up with every movement she makes.
As I thought, its impossible. This is impossible. As I jerk my face back, Yuel presses on my shoulder-
-and pushes me down towards the back of the sofa. Ive fallen deep into the sofa, and Yuel is looking down on me from above, that kind of position. Maybe the angle was bad, and it was hard to see into my mouth. Thats what Id like to believe.
Gazing so deep as if to be swallowed up by my mouth, Yuel continues to move her fingers. Incisors, canines, mrs, then behind the teeth and the gaps I can feel her carefully and diligently taking her time to polish up my chompers.
Nhh
Then, perhaps because its still hard to see inside my mouth, Yuel shifts her posture to one where shes straddling my hips. Im sure that getting into a proper sitting position makes it easier, but why did it have to be this position? Even so, it still seems to be hard for her to see, and she keeps adjusting her position slightly as she brushes the inside of my mouth.
Brush, brush. Ssh, ssh. And then theres the faint sound of Yuels breath.
Yuel continues brushing. She suddenly starts restlessly moving her thighs and adjusting her position frequently, but shes only brushing my teeth.
So why is that redness spreading from her face to her ears?
No, its not like I dont understand. She might be brushing my teeth, but when you think about it, its like Im constantly kissing her fingers. Yuel probably noticed that while she was in the middle of brushing. That might be why she got all worked up on her own.
All of a sudden, Yuel stops moving her hand, and strokes my lips. She rubs them over and over. Her fingers creep across my lips.
I guess youre done brushing my teeth. If youre done Id like you to get off me. Im no lolicon, but if you stroke my lips as you stare so closely at me, eventually that might get like that. And right now Yuel is thoroughly aroused. If it gets like that, itll probably be devoured.
Abruptly, Yuel tears her gaze away from my mouth and raises it up. When our eyes meet, her body trembles.
Master Masterrr
Yuel is already flushed from ear to ear, and her wide eyes are watching me. Brushing my teeth must have required a lot of concentration, since shes panting. She suddenly takes her free hand and lovingly caresses my cheek.
Yuel and I remain like that, our eyes locked. Five or six seconds pass, and Yuels throat makes a big gulp.
Im gonna be devoured.
I need to tear her off of me. But if I shove Yuel away with all my might here shell probably take that as a sign of rejection. From Yuels perspective, shes just devotedly taking care of her masters oral hygiene, and I forcefully reject her? Just how hurt would she feel if I did that?
While Im still lost and unable to act, Yuel gazes intently at my face and rubs my lips and cheeks with her hands.
Pulling Yuel off of me would hurt her. But if I dont do something, at this rate Ill be defiled. What do I do? What can I possibly d!?
The door to the living room flings open.
What are you two doing?
Eris, still dripping wet and drying herself with a towel after leaving the bath, is staring at us in astonishment. Her mood seems to have improved a bit. She was most likely pleased with the rose-like flower petals I left floating in the bathwater.
When Yuel sees Eris, she reluctantly runs her hand across my lips onest time as she hops off of me.
All done, Master.
Yuel says with regret, as she stashes my broken toothbrush in her item box.
Chapter 28 — Giving Treatment
Chapter 28: Giving Treatment.
Maaan, it was incredible yknow? The monsters were like 2 meters tall, as big as a bear. And I shed them like *zubaaa*, right? Yeah, its only a little but this sword has some adamantite in it. I bought it not long ago with the money I saved up.
A few days ago, having missed out on the Huge Slime hunts, Ruruka was grumbling about taking on a monster subjugation request from the knight brigade. She came back around to the hospital just now; apparently shepleted it.
Well, they were surrounding us, but I only got a few scrapes. I was thinking that being the only tank for a party sure is tough.
As Ruruka says that, she nces at Yuel, whos sitting next to me. Whats with that look? Id like you to stop looking at Yuel with those greedy eyes.
Im not giving you Yuel wait, what? Hold on. Didnt you tell me there werent many dangerous monsters near the city? Why were you fighting monsters like that?
I have a feeling Ruruka said earlier that there werent any dangerous monsters on the outskirts of town. But now shes saying that she fought against 2-meter-tall monsters, and moreover that they had her surrounded.
Ahaha, well, you see at first we were just going to hunt small fry like goblins and kobolds on the outskirts of the forest, but since the reward from the knight brigade was so high, there was a lot ofpetition from other adventurers. It wouldnt have been worth it, so we went a little deeper into the forest. Then it started to rain and some fog rolled in, and so we kinda got lost and ended up deep inside the forest. The fog cleared up pretty quickly so it turned out okay, but it was nearly a disaster.
Rurukaughs as she says such a thing. Tough about flirting with disaster in a forest where monsters appear, is she brave or is she just carefree? Nah, Rurukas party might just be capable enough to be surrounded by monsters ande out with only a few scratches. Shes likely confident that she wont be done in so easily by the monsters around here. Still, she did get wounded.
Well, even deep in the forest, strong monsters almost never show up around here. Guess we were unlucky. Ah, but well prepare for the worst from now on so its fine? Alright, I talked my head off, could we get to the treatment?
As she says that, Ruruka ces her fingers on her shirts hem and prepares to lift it. I indulged Ruruka in that long conversation and finally the wait is over. But at the moment, Yuel is right here. What were going to do now isnt something that Yuel should watch.
Oh yeah, Yuel. Im kinda thirsty. Id like to drink hot tea, could you go brew me some?
Hot tea, is it?
Yuel responds questioningly. Its still spring, but the temperature is rather high today. Shes probably wondering why I specifically asked for hot tea on such a hot day. Its so that Yuel wont see what were about to do.
Yeah, hot tea. I want to drink some piping-hot tea, steeped in boiling water. Get it to a proper boil, got it?
Yes, Master!
Yuel responds enthusiastically at my words and runs off to the kitchen. Its not like I dont feel a little guilty, but theres no avoiding it. Thats right, its unavoidable.
Now that I think about it, whens thest time I had a discount negotiation with Ruruka? I feel like it was quite a while ago. Around two weeks? I cant let this opportunity go to waste. As Im thinking about it-
Umm, you dont really have to give me a discount today, okay?
Ruruka blurts that out.
Then she shows me the wound on her abdomen. She only raises her shirt a little. Just the tiniest bit.
What in the world happened to this girl?
Yuel is in the kitchen, and Eris is out making house calls to elderly patients. Previously she didnt hesitate to negotiate a discount even when it was a tricky situation where Eris might have been watching.
I-Its 400 Zeni, you know?
Yep. You raised your prices, right? I understand. Heal, please.
Strange.
400 Zeni is a high pricepared to what it used to be. And usually she would rush into discount negotiations without hesitation. For a wound on her abdomen, Ruruka would show off by stripping her shirt until it just barely covered her breasts, starting with her perfectly tight abs then exposing her elegantly thin waist. Then when I raised my voice again, shed lift her shirt a bit higher, giving me glimpses of underboob. Id be in agony, and at the end of my rope Id reluctantly, with great hesitation, lower the fee. Thats how its supposed to go.
So whats going on this time?
Ruruka can barely look me in the eyes, and shes only lifting her shirt a little. Forget about seeing underboob or waist, not even her belly button is visible. All that I can see is a patch of flesh, norger than my palm, in the gap between her shirt and her shorts. Theres a small cut on it.
Hey, Shiki get on with it
While Im looking at the wound on her belly and pondering, Ruruka mutters at me.
Whats up with her? Did she decide to change her image to be pure anddy-like or something? Sure, I like it better when theres some shyness, but its not like Ruruka wasnt shy before. Showing herself to me while still being shy about it, that attitude was great. So why
Hey, its fine if you want a discount?
I unintentionally let that slip. Its not something that should ever be brought up from the hospitals side, but Im unable to let it go unsaid.
I dont have much money but Shiki, if you get turned on you can just go to that brothel, right? So I figured we should stop. Not like Im bothered by it or anything, okay?
A misunderstanding! Im telling you, that was a misunderstanding!
Whaat, so thats what it was? Ahaha, I jumped to conclusions, huh.
As long as you understand.
While Yuel was steeping the tea, I managed to sort out Rurukas misconception. I sorted it out, but
Master, Ive brought your tea.
The minute we finish our discussion, Yueles in carrying my tea on a tray.
Then she plops down right next to me as usual. What was the point of fixing the misunderstanding if we have no time left for price negotiations? I receive precisely 400 Zeni from Ruruka, pat Yuels head for bringing me the scalding tea, and down it indifferently.
After Ruruka goes back, I continue doing medical treatment at the hospital. In the past few days, the number of customers at the hospital has risen a little. Its probably a result of the monster subjugation requests that the knight brigade has been sending out. Rather than the hospitals near the center of the city, this one near the outer edge is no doubt easier to use for the adventurers whove been hunting monsters outside the citytely.
Between sips of the piping-hot tea that Yuel (under the impression that I enjoy piping-hot tea) has been tirelessly making for me every time my cup is empty, I treat patients injuries. I use Heal for light wounds, an asional High Heal for more severe injuries, and Heal again for tongue burns.
Thats how weve been spending our days.
That night, a knocking noise wakes me up. Its still dark outside. Feels like itste at night.
Its from the entryway. Who could it be at a time like this?
On the neighboring bed, Eris sits up and rubs her eyes sleepily. Indeed, I can hear a noiseing from the direction of the entryway. Someone must be knocking on the front door, even though its thiste at night. A visitor at this hour though since theyre expressly knocking on the door, theres no way its a prowler or burr.
Shiki, Shiki! Please, get up!
Then I hear a familiar voice. Its Rurukas. As I wonder what might have happened, I head to the entrance.
Whats the matter, at a time like this?
When I open the door, Ruruka is there, out of breath and shoulders heaving. It looks like she ran all the way to this hospital. From her expression I can tell that shes desperate and in a hurry. I dont suppose she was unable to endure her young bodys urges and came for a night visit.
Thank goodness, youre awake! Please,e with me! Fran and Sera they copsed!
Chapter 29 — Late Night Treatment
Chapter 29: Late Night Treatment.
Hurry, hurry! With Ruruka speeding me along, we traverse the darkened city. Because of the time, only the two of us are heading to Rurukas inn.
ording to Ruruka, while they were maintaining their equipment after dinner, Fran and Sera suddenly copsed with a high fever. She wanted someone to use healing magic on them, but since it was alreadyte most hospitals were closed, so thats why she came to me.
Shes concerned about the fact that they both developed a fever at approximately the same time, but doesnt know what could have caused that. The three of them had the same meal for dinner, so it doesnt seem to be because they ate something bad. Rurukas still lively, after all.
Which reminds me, Ruruka was saying that earlier that day, they narrowly escaped disaster while they were on a quest inside the forest. Maybe all that fatigue caught up to them after they returned to the city, or something along those lines?
After a while, we reach the inn where Rurukas party is staying. Its quite an ordinary inn, neither good nor bad, and not particrly close to or far from thebyrinth. It looks a bit more expensive than the one Yuel and I were previously staying at, though.
We enter the inn, and Ruruka unlocks the door to their 2nd-story room.
Its a fairly spacious room with three beds.
Two of the beds have girls sleeping on them. If Im not mistaken, the blonde-haired t one is Fran and the blue-haired busty one is Sera.
Their faces are flushed, no doubt from the fever, and their skin is covered in beads of sweat. Both of their nkets are pushed off and crumpled into the corner of their beds. Im guessing it was too hot for them.
Theyre wearing not pajamas, but normal clothes. I guess Ruruka prioritized fetching me over things like looking after them or changing their clothes. Their breathing is ragged, and their eyes are clenched shut. It certainly looks like theyre in pain.
However, how can I put it, this is
Hey Shiki, Id appreciate it if youd stop staring at Fran and Sera while they sleep.
Ruruka speaks up as Im inspecting the two of them. Yeah, their sleeping figures are rather alluring to the eyes.
Since theyre wearing ordinary clothes Im only a little intrigued, but if it had been thin pajamas then this scene wouldve been quite immodest. Dont tell me thats the reason why Ruruka didnt change their clothes into something morefortable? She might have suspected that Id do something to the two of them under the pretext of medical treatment. How rude.
Ruruka, dont get me wrong. Im just examining the condition of the patients, thats all.
Examining?
Yeah, the way to treat an illness differs depending on the problem. For example, if its caused by toxins building up within the body, that requires not just Heal but also Dis-Poison, right? Its essential to consider Fran and Sera when dealing with their illness, so the meticulous observation Im doing right now is necessary.
I dere to Ruruka. For them to both fall ill at the same time, I still have no idea what could be the cause. If they ate something with poison in it, that would require Dis-Poison, but if it was a fever brought on by simple exhaustion then Heal would be enough. Its not like I have any ulterior motive for looking at them. Its important to use magic properly, thats all.
Well whatever. I may as well use both Heal and Dis-Poison. I mean, I have no knowledge about the diseases of this world.
Oh, I see. Sorry, I misunderstood. Even though I made youe all the way here at a time like this.
But please dont look at Frans skirt or Seras chest so much, alright?
Ruruka makes a dubious expression, bet she still apologizes in response. It has some bite to it, though.
Im d you understand.
I return my gaze from Ruruka onto the sleeping pair and take a peek at Frans slender, sweat-soaked thighs beneath the hem of her skirt, then at Seras chest as it trembles softly each time she takes a shallow breath.
Neither of them show any reaction as I approach. I dont know if theyre asleep or just out of it, but they dont seem conscious. And then, when I go to start the treatment right away-
Hey Shiki, wait a minute. Why are your fingers on Seras shirt button?
-Ruruka tells me to stop.
Of course theres a reason for this.
You see, when the body is weak from illness, its important to loosen the chest to make breathing easier.
Is that so?
Yeah, uncovering the chest makes it easier to breathe, and allows heat to escape. See, look closely at Sera. Doesnt it look painful for her with those clothes constricting her chest?
Oh, that makes sense. Sorry, I misunderstood. But you dont need to do that; could you please just use healing magic?
Ruruka makes an expression thats relieved yet anxious. Clearly shes not sure whether or not Im telling the truth.
Sure, I will after I thoroughly, carefully examine Seras condition.
When she hears that, Ruruka inserts herself between me and Sera. No matter how you look at it I think shes being too cautious, but I suppose thats just how important herrades are to her.
However, I cant even give her medical treatment like this. Since it cant be helped, I turn to Fran on the opposite bed.
Fran. Now that I think about it, this little sheet has been pretty rude to me ever since our first meeting. I dont particrly hold a grudge, but looking at her face like this, some slightly murky feelings rise up. Nevertheless, after Ruruka brought me all the way here and begged me to treat them, I cant really tell her that Ill only heal Sera. I have no intention of neglecting a patient put in front of me.
Then, when I go to begin Frans treatment-
Hey Shiki, wait a minute. Why are you trying to lift Frans skirt?
-Im told to stop by Ruruka.
Of course theres a reason for this too.
Just figured Id have a look at this annoying girls panties?
Get away! Get away from Fran this instant!
I-Im only joking, dont take it seriously.
Im worried because I cant see it any other way
Ruruka makes a tired face and sighs. If youre that worried, then you shouldve brought some other healer. But she might not know any other healer that she couldve called thiste at night.
Alright, I suppose I went too far with the joke. But when Im about to turn a sincere eye to the treatment, something suddenly catches my attention.
Hmm? Whats this
Because I was holding Frans skirt and getting ready to flip it, the skirt is raised slightly. Underneath, I discover something that interests me on her inner thighs, so I lift up the skirt. Her panties arent what Im interested in, by the way.
Ah! You actually did it! You flipped an unconscious girls skirt! Shiki, youre the absolute worst!
Ruruka shouts at me, but I didnt flip Frans skirt in order to look at those pink,cy panties. I had a just cause. I had to do it. Im sure Ruruka will forgive me.
Then, I point at it and speak.
No, youre wrong. You take a look too, Ruruka. At this.
On Frans inner thighs, theres an unnatural, sickeningly purple rash.
Its pervading her thighs as if it spread from the center of her body.
What do you mean loo what is that!?
When Ruruka sees the purple rash on Frans thighs, shes so surprised that she forgets about covering Frans exposed panties.
Ive never seen symptoms like these before at the hospital. Perhaps this could be the cause of her illness? Ruruka, undress Sera too and take a look. Theres a possibility that she might have the same rash.
Okay, got it.
At my instruction, Ruruka ces her hands on Seras clothes, then gives me an exasperated look. I wonder whats wrong?
Could you please leave the room for a minute?
Dont worry about me.
Get out! Im begging you, get out!
I wait outside the room for a while, then she calls me back in.
As you suspected, there was a purple rash.
Ruruka mentions, having confirmed what was beneath Seras clothes. It seems they share the same symptoms after all.
Is there anything you can think of? Back when you were in trouble in the forest, did they eat any mushrooms that were growing there or something?
They didnt eat any. We were lost in the middle of the forest but we made sure to bring food in our item boxes. I try to be prepared too, yknow.
And yet the cause is still unknown.
Well, Im not at all familiar with the diseases of this world. Although Eris hospital didnt get many customers, I did spend 3 months working there, so I should at least be familiar with all of the major ones. But that knowledge is probably only at the level of ayperson from this world. Thinking about that wont change anything though.
For the time being, I treat the two of them with Heal and Dis-Poison.
Frans breathing softens as she continues to sleep. To make sure that her rash has disappeared, I reach for her skirt again and let Ruruka do it instead since shes ring at me. I take my payment and leave the inn behind me.
Chapter 30 — Knight
Chapter 30: Knight.
Its the next day after I treated Fran and Sera. While Im gazing out the hospital window, theres one thing in particr on my mind.
Depending on how I deal with it, the direction of my life might change from now on. Its that important of a concern.
Yuel-chan, I baked cookies, want some?
! Thank you very much, Eris-san!
Surveying the inside of the hospital, Eris seems to have made some pastries for her afternoon tea, and Yuel receives them with an ear-to-ear smile and runs back over to me.
Pinching a cookie, I pop it in my mouth and it crumbles apart. Delicious. However, that has nothing to do with whats troubling me.
Yuel-chan, is it tasty?
Ifts delifiouf!
Neither does the fact that the habit Eris is wearing today is getting a little tight around the bustline, yet she continues to wear it since itd be wasteful to throw it out. Nor the fact that I cant help but notice how her breasts are straining against it. The fact that Yuel is happily munching on the mouthful of delicious cookies stuffed in her cheeks has nothing to do with my concern either.
Theres only one thing troubling me.
Visible from the window, half-hiding behind the rustic hospital gate, theres a green-haired woman in armor peering in this direction. An unknown woman, whom Ive never met. Im racking my brain to figure out how to deal with this woman who neither Yuel nor Eris have noticed.
It would be great if the woman at the gate were just an ordinarydy. Oh, a fan of mine? and that would be the end of it. However, even though I dont recognize her face, I do recognize the armor that shes wearing.
Ive seen it at times defending the city gates, at times subduing violent criminals. asionally lined up in ranks, marching through the gates to subjugate monsters outside the city.
That is the armor of this citys knight brigade.
Why is there a knight peering in at this privately-owned hospital? Moreover, it looks almost like shes performing surveince.
The first thing thates to mind is that this female knight hase to the hospital for medical treatment. But that cant be it. The knight brigade supposedly has its own dedicated healers. Excellent ones, capable of using High Heal.
After I overhunted the Huge Slime, word got around among adventurers that I was an excellent healer who uses High Heal, although I didnt show them that Im capable of using EX Heal. Eris, Yuel, and Eights group aside, nobody should view me as anything other than a healer merely capable of using High Heal. I did im to be able to use EX Heal at the ve market, but they never believed me in the first ce.
Since the knights have their own healers who wield that same level of healing magic, and not to mention wholl use it free of charge, she should elect to use them. Besides, shes peeking in from the gate and not even entering the hospital in the first ce.
Though she came to the hospital, that female knights purpose is not treatment. In other words, shes here not as a customer but as a knight, which means she must be here to carry out her duty.
Thats right, arresting criminals.
As far as what job the knights have within the city, thats it. Who did shee to arrest? Theres no need to think about it.
Its me.
Neither Eris nor Yuel are the type who would evermit a crime. If they had their backs up against the wall and were forced to choose between thew and their lives then maybe it would be different, but they wouldnt engage in criminal behavior during their everyday lives.
But what about me?
Im the type of person who gets kicked out of a hospital due to sexual harassment. Ive peeped on a chaste sister in the bath, and Ive groped a waitress ass at the tavern. Ive rubbed a fellow adventurers breasts, and flipped another ones skirt. Ive been involved in so many other minor incidents up to this point that I cant even remember them all.
It wouldnt be strange if one or two people reported me.
No, but, its hard to believe that a knight would expresslye to arrest me over such things. Its only at the severe reprimand level, hopefully.
However, in addition to all that I also visited an illegal gambling den to try and make money. I hid my face at that time, though.
Its not like nothinges to mind. But rather, I cant think of a reason that would be enough to cause a knight to set up a stakeout in front of the hospital.
No, theres still the possibility that its a personal acquaintance of Eris. And the probability that its a stalker of mine isnt zero. Its not zero. In any case, if the knight really is here to arrest me, I wont try to run. Ill go out with my head held high.
And, as Im thinking it over, the female knight at the gate begins to move.
The female knight shakes her head, does a guts pose, makes a determined expression and walks through the gate.
Then, the front door opens and the female knight enters the room.
Without waiting to see if our attention is focused on her, the female knight opens her mouth-
Marietta of the Merhatz knight brigade shpeaking! Im Here today to inquire about an excellent hyealer!
and bites her tongue.
Um, would you like some tea?
Ah, thats, Not necessary.
When the female knight flubs her self-introduction and panics, Eris sits her down at a chair and gives her some tea for the time being. Eris shes a look in my direction, suspicious about what might have brought the knight to the hospital. She doesnt seem to be one of Eris acquaintances. The female knight, Marietta, doesnt appear to know about me either, so the stalker premise is out. Whatever, not like I thought thats what it would be.
Hey, Mariettasan, may I ask why you were watching from outside the hospital for so long?
Uh, errr, Im sorry. Im terribly shy. For me to enter an unfamiliar ce, the timing has to be just Umm, anyway, please dont mind the formalities.
I see. This woman, Marietta of the knight brigade, apparently wasnt standing guard outside the hospital but rather waiting for the right timing to enter. How misleading.
Well then, what brings Miss Knight to this hospital? It must be something other than medical treatment, no?
Eris speaks. Certainly, looking her up and down, no injuries can be found. At least she doesnt seem to be here to arrest me. I dont feel any tension from Marietta like shes about to capture a criminal. From her attitude and her humble impression, its more like shes cowering. She seems like a weak-willed girl who gets all the odd jobs pushed onto her.
Err, umm, I heard that theres a healer by the name of Shiki-san living here
Marietta mentions as she timidly looks in my direction.
Me?
Yes. Errr, where should I begin Ah, were you aware thattely arge number of monsters have been appearing on the outskirts of this city?
Yeah.
Its the same thing that Ruruka was talking about earlier. Oh yeah, those subjugation requests came from the knight brigade, didnt they?
Errr, this morning, we confirmed the cause of the increase in monsters. In order to resolve the matter, the captain has ordered us to quickly assemble as many capable healers as possible. Um, well, ording to the information furnished by the adventurers guild, youre an adventurer with a taste for young girls whos always running around with one, and youre an excellent healer capable of using High Heal numerous times you must have quite a lot of mana, right?
Marietta exins, ever more timidly. She doesnt appear to have positive proof. Shes probably just following up on a rumor she heard. Along with some other cruel, unfounded rumors. Eris gaze is a bit painful.
However, for her to especiallye all the way to the hospital, there must be some sort of reason.
Mmmmmm ah, its true that my mana capacity is somewhat higher than average but doesnt the knight brigade have its own healers? Excellent ones that use High Heal. Why gather healers at thest minute? Also, Im not a lolicon, okay?
Eh? Errr, yes. Um, the monster behind the recent monster outbreak is a somewhat special monster known as the Krankheit Turtle. Its a giant tortoise monster that, in order to find prey, emits a special poison from its body that can spread for dozens of meters. Depending on the individual, it can spread over a hundred meters, and its said to have the troublesome characteristic of weakening its prey. Errr, to cope with this poison mist, its necessary to periodically suppress the symptoms by casting Heal, but the present members of the knight brigade would be unable to keep up with the required healing, based on the captains judgment.
Krankheit Turtle. Its the first time Im hearing the name, but it sounds like a troublesome monster. To put it in game terms, doesnt a wide-area poison attack give off a boss monster vibe? Im betting the reason they say it was the cause of the monster outbreak is because it drove other monsters out of the forest as it drew nearer to the city or something like that.
If Im not mistaken, it would be a disaster if it reached the town. Yet in that case the customers would also! No, nevermind.
Upon Mariettas words, Eris eyes widen as if shes realized something, but immediately afterwards she vehemently shakes her head in shame. Did she imagine how many customers the hospital would get? Maybe its because of all the money troubles shes been dealing with until just recently.
Then, as Im watching Eris feel conflicted-
-abruptly, one of the buttons on her chest snaps off with a *ping*.
The button traces a slow arc through the air.
Having lost a button, her chest spreads slightly.
Holding her head and stooping over while wrestling with guilt, Eris herself doesnt notice.
At that very moment, as my eyes are being drawn towards the delta zone born in the gap between the cloth, Yuel enters my line of sight. As Yuel follows the buttons flight, her jaw drops and she pats her own vacant chest as she stares on dumbfounded.
And then, for just an instant, our eyes meet. I wish she wouldnt look at me like that.
Its impossible. No matter what she does, its impossible. I cant console her.
Lets pretend I didnt see anything.
Pretend I didnt see anything, and resume the conversation.
That sure sounds like a troublesome monster, doesnt it?
Eh? Ah, err, thats right. The Krankheit Turtles poison is slow-acting, but its extremely potent. If the Krankheit Turtle were toe to the city, it would outpace the treatment and there would most likely be enormous casualties. But the Krankheit Turtle is slow, and its still deep within the forest, so theres no need to be concerned about that point.
Marietta nces briefly at Eris chest, but continues talking. Good girl, you can read the atmosphere. Yuelposes herself, then carefully takes a peek at the gap in Eris clothes.
Although its within the forest, if youre going to subjugate it, do you know its exact location?
Yes, it was early this morning, but an adventurer came to us asking for separatepensation for the treatment fee when her party members came down with a strange illness after entering the forest. Those girls were exposed to a small quantity of the Krankheit Turtles poison mist, so if we go to the location where the incident urred then it shouldnt be far off.
This sounds like a familiar story somehow. Is it about Ruruka? That shamelessness certainly sounds like her. Its probably Ruruka. I see, so that monster called Krankheit Turtle or whatever was the cause of their fever. They ended up like that from the Krankheit Turtles slow-acting poison after they were exposed to just a small amount of the poison mist. And the symptoms didnt develop for Ruruka because she came to me and received healing magic right after they got back from the forest.
While Im making connections in my head, Marietta corrects her posture and opens her mouth.
Although the Krankheit Turtles movement speed is by no means fast, if we allow too much time to pass, theres still the possibility of losing sight of it within the vast forest. In order to counteract the poison mist and safely subjugate it, we wish for an excellent healer like Shiki-san to apany us by all means.
And then, after informing me with a sincere expression-
Also, um your chest button, came off? Its impressive.
she approaches Eris, and says that.
Eris face turns red and she hides her voluptuous breasts as Yuel stares at them in amazement.
Chapter 31 — Bracelet
Chapter 31: Bracelet.
After Marietta points it out, Eris quickly covers her breasts. Yuel stares at Eris in amazement, then looks back at me like shes scrutinizing my facial expression.
Even if you want me to do something about your chest situation, theres nothing I can do to fix it.
About all I could do is show Yuel my own chest and tell her, Dont worry, Im the same, we match to console her. If I did that Yuel would cry.
So yeah, lets pretend I didnt see anything and keep talking to Marietta.
Am I the only one the knight brigade is asking to cooperate?
Errr, Yes, at present that is the case.
Marietta nces in Eris direction as she answers. Its a bit of a loaded statement. Does saying at present mean that there might still be the possibility of calling out to her eventually? Like if more capable healers turn them down, theres still the possibility that average healers like Eris will have their turne up? Meaning that if the quality is bad then theyll have to settle for quantity.
But then what should I do? To be honest, I kinda feel like its a hassle. If monsters are swarming outside the city, theres a part of me that just wants to stay safe within the city and spend my time observing Eris breasts.
It would be easy enough to say Please ask someone else.
But Yuel is looking at me right now. With a somewhat nervous expression, shes steadily watching me.
And before my eyes there stands a timid female knight whos in great distress. Shes here to implore me to lend my strength in defense of the city where we all live. I get the feeling that as Yuels master, whos respectable for his nobleness, kinder and more altruistic than anyone, and totally the coolest, I cant refuse.
Right, to Yuel, my personality wouldnt allow me to hesitate.
The respect for me in Yuels eyes is slightly clouded now, but it would be unpleasant in a lot of ways if it were to disappear. Like if she were to find out the precise reason why I got kicked out of Eris hospital, or what exactly I was doing to Ruruka under the pretense of medical treatment. My evaluation would no doubt plummet from respect to contempt.
Well, knights are strong enough to easily capture former adventurers whovemitted crimes. If Im protected by that group, I doubt Ill have to face much danger anyway. So long as I dont get lost within the forest, Im sure everything will be fine.
Besides, if I were to refuse this invitation and some other healer went in my ce and died, that would leave a bad aftertaste in my mouth. I can use EX Heal, so I wont die so easily, and if anyone gets mortally wounded I can deal with it. I have no intention of showing EX Heal to people who might have noble connections such as knights, but thinking about the possibilities, its probably best if I go along.
While Im thinking about it, I suddenly raise my head. Perhaps taking my silent deliberation as a sign of my intent to refuse, Marietta bes teary-eyed. Its a bit cute. With thatck of self-confidence she feels kinda like a small animal. Now that I get a closer look, her tits arent bad either.
Then, with her head slightly lowered, Marietta nervously asks for my response.
Is it too much to ask?
Its not.
Its not too much at all. In fact Id like for you to pay me the reward with your body, if possible. I dont say that out loud though.
Really!? Thats such a relieeef. I couldnt even meet with any eminent members of the church, and other hospitals turned me away since they had their own business to maintain. I dont know what Id do if I was refused again!
Upon my words, Marietta shows a relieved expression. Yuel nods as if she can rte. As were about to conclude the discussion-
Wait a minute, wont it be dangerous?
Eris cheeks blush shyly as she opens her mouth. Her face is red, but her expression is serious.
But rather than that, wouldnt it be better to go change clothes right away? Youre hiding your chest with your hands but its not hidden. Or what, are you that worried about me?
Oh my. Oh me oh my. Yourepletely hopeless, Eris.
If Shiki goes, then wont Yuel-chan go with him? Yuel-chan can fight, but Im still worried about her.
Ah, of course. I wont die that easily, right. Since I can use healing magic, right.
I-I will follow Master wherever he goes! Master, I will protect you!
Then, Yuel responds to Eris words with that. As far as I can tell from her expression, she seems considerably determined. Im a bit worried that she keeps ncing back at Eris chest, though.
Errrrr, there shouldnt be any problem with bringing a personal guard. Back at the adventurers guild, they did mention that the dark elf girl whos always with you is quite strong. And as for the knight brigade, we will ensure your safety although we cant make any absolute guarantees.
It would be quite disgraceful for the knight brigade to deny someone an escort and then have them get injured, I suppose. Honestly, Id be morefortable if Marietta vetoed Yuels involvement at this point, but it seems that would be unfavorable from the knight brigades stance. Well, Yuel has skill andbat experience from the dungeon. She shouldnt be a hindrance. Maybe its fine for her toe along. And itd probably be difficult to convince her to stay when Im going. Lets give it a shot.
Ah, but dont worry, alright? The knight brigade will properly protect you! No matter if its an Armor Ogre variant infesting the highway, or a flight of Forest Drakes in the depths of the forest, the knight brigade wont fall behind!
Ive never heard of those monsters, but from the names I get the feeling that theyre strong. Are those the types of powerful monsters that exist in this area?
Looking at Eris, shes displeased, but it seems she wont say anything further. Maybe she sensed from the look on Yuels face that it would be difficult to dissuade her.
Well then, please excuse me for today. We set out early tomorrow morning, so please assemble at the south city gate.
Then, after her parting remark, she looks at Eris on the spur of the moment-
Also, umm, if possible, Id like to know how did they get to be that big? Does rubbing them help after all?
-and asks her for some advice.
After Marietta leaves, Yuels expression turns dark.
Eris told Marietta that she didnt rub her breasts or anything in order to increase her bust size. She waved her hands fervently while exining with embarrassment that she didnt do anything special.
Is it because of that?
Lets not talk to Yuel right now. Its not impossible that shell take Mariettas they grow if you rub them seriously. Theres also the possibility that shell ask me to do it.
A whileter, Yuel recovers and calls out to me. Her facial expression feels a bit stiff, though.
Master, could we go shopping?
Shopping?
Yes, I want to make adequate preparations for leaving the city. Besides, that
Then Yuel starts fidgeting with her bank card which shes holding.
I see. I get it. Yuel has been paying close attention to the bnce disyed on her bank cardtely. When she finds the time, she asionally works part-time at the tavern. I guess she finally saved up enough money.
We do as Yuel suggested and head out into the streets to buy spare knives, food rations, and other provisions.
Afterwards, Yuel leads me by the hand to an essory shop near the center of town.
ncing over the shelves, there are a wide variety of rings, bracelets, and earrings.
Whats going on? I have a bit of a bad feeling about this.
Dont tell me Yuel is going to present me with a ring? The kind that gets put on the fourth finger of your left hand?
If Yuel uses up all the money shes been working so hard for to buy me a ring, and then looks at me with those pure eyes full of expectation, could I disregard that?
After giving me the ring, those blue eyes would stare at me intently, watching to see which finger I put it on. I can easily imagine Yuels tears if I put that ring anywhere but the ring finger on my left hand.
If that situationes to pass, I might just end up putting the ring on my ring finger. Then Eris would be disgusted when we return to the hospital. Thats most likely how things would develop.
While Im thinking about it, Yueles over with something in her hand.
Master, this is a return gift.
In Yuels hand is a bracelet, set with processed magic stones.
A bracelet?
Thank goodness. Its not a ring. Im truly relieved that its not a ring.
Yes. Its not much, but theres an enchantment on it that will take a fatal blow for you. Once it activates it will break, though.
I thought it was just decorative, but its an awfully practical item. Nah, knowing Yuel, this is so like her.
And its expensive. Although the effect is minor, its an enchanted essory. The price must be high enough to eat up all of her part-time job earnings. Even though I only bought her a negligee for like a thousand Zeni.
Is it my imagination or did Yuels expression darken a bit? Maybe it doesnt suit me after all.
Ah, excuse me, could I have another one of these bracelets in a different color?
Very well. Lets see, that will be 20,000 Zeni.
So in Japanese currency this bracelet costs about 200,000 yen? White Day presents are only supposed to be up to three times more expensive, but it would seem Yuel has returned my gift twenty-fold. Im taken aback by the price, but only a little. I mean, for an enchanted essory its probably on the cheap side.
Yuel looks somewhat crestfallen as Iplete the purchase and receive the bracelet, but then I attach it to her wrist.
Now we match, right?
! Yes!
Yuels face lights up as she softly strokes the bracelet in delight.
Chapter 32 — Earring
Chapter 32: Earring.
Its the next morning after receiving the Krankheit Turtle subjugation request from the knight brigade.
Were off, Eris-san!
In front of the hospitals gate, Yuel calls out to Eris in a chipper voice. In contrast, Eris has worn aplicated expression ever since yesterday.
Even during meals and before going to sleep, Eris has been casting worried nces in my direction. She can say whatever she wants, but I think she cant help but be worried about me.
Looking at Yuel as she slept with her arms around my waist, or at the matching bracelets on both of our wrists, Eris was making a critical face. Is she possibly concerned that I might actually put my hands on Yuel?
Have a safe journey, Yuel-chan. And please try your best to be careful.
You too, Shiki.
Woah. Apparently Eris is honestly worried for my safety. Thats great. She didntbel me as a lolicon for wearing matching bracelets with Yuel.
Then Eris face turns serious as she continues.
If you do anything like sexually harassing a knight, you wont be able to pass it off as a joke. And you certainly wont get off with just a severe warning. Id hate to have to go to the knights station to bail you out, got it?
Oh, that. Thats what it was? Well sure, that Marietta-san knight was pretty cute. But even I wouldnt do something like sexual harassment without considering the consequences. Im at least mindful of my self-preservation.
Also, I wish you would stop saying things in front of Yuel that could invite a misunderstanding.
I-I wouldnt do something like sexual harassment! Well then, we should get going.
As I hastily put an end the conversation, Eris looks at me and giggles. Oh, she was teasing me?
Wait.
Then, Eris takes a step towards me. A light thud reverberates through my chest.
As if shes trying to reaffirm my body warmth, Eris grips my clothes and lets her head fall onto my chest.
Her breasts are almost touching me. No, only a little bit but they are.
Yeah
What in the world is going on? Its unusual for Eris to let her guard down and stick so close to me. Even though she usually avoids physical contact with me so that I cant take advantage of it. Has she gone dere? Dont tell me she actually went dere on me? I only agreed to this request because I couldnt refuse it in front of the reverent Yuel, but maybe Eris is hugging me because Im sincerely working for the sake of the city?
I know somebody has to do it, so I cant tell you not to go, I understand that but please, make sure youe back safely.
Then, looking up at me, Eris says that.
I realize when I look into her eyes.
This is different.
Her eyes tell me shes seriously anxious about my safety. Theres some bitterness in there too.
That reminds me, Eris told me that her parents died in an ident. I didnt ask her what happened, but no doubt they left one day saying theyd be back and then never returned. I dont think this time will be that dangerous since Ill be protected by the knight brigade, but for Eris it might not feel that way.
And yet, with Eris level of healing magic ability shed only be a hindrance. Theres no certainty that shed be able to defend herself from monsters, either. So she cant evene along with the subjugation party. Because of that, how powerless must Eris be feeling right now?
Dont worry.
I set my hand on Eris as I mean, on her head. Come on, Im not so insensitive as to rub her ass when the mood is like this. To be honest, I want to keep hugging Eris to get my fill of the sensation of her breasts, but were in front of Yuel.
It will be fine, Ill protect Master no matter what!
Then, looking at Eris, Yuel says something so reliable.
So, when we get back, please teach me how to make those delicious cookies!
But Yuel-san, thats what they call a death g.
Leaving the hospital, we head to the city gate to meet up with the knight brigade. Apparently Yuel haspletely recovered from yesterdays Eris chest button shock; shes beaming while she walks beside me.
As were walking, I observe Yuel, when suddenly her attention shifts.
Yuel briefly nces at my bracelet. Next, she gazes at her own bracelet and softly strokes it. With a satisfied sigh, she looks back at my bracelet again. Then, perhaps realizing that Im watching her, she bashfully ps her hands over her cheeks in embarrassment. Adorable.
Yuel seems extremely pleased with her bracelet. Shes certainly happy that we match.
However, if these essories activate, theyll supposedly break. I ended up buying the same magic item as Yuel on impulse, but maybe a normal essory would have been better.
Its great that Yuel likes it, but will she be alright if it activates and gets destroyed? I have a feeling shed cry.
She shouldnt receive any lethal attacks, so I doubt it will activate. But in case it does end up activating, Ill put some thought into how tofort her in that scenario.
While Im mulling it over, we arrive at the meeting ce. Looking around the area, I see knights in armor as well as wizards and healers wearing uniform robes bearing the knight brigade emblem. Scattered among them are other healers like me. There are about 50 members of the knight brigade, and no more than 10 of my fellow healers. Seems a bit low, but I suppose you could call us the select few.
While Im absent-mindedly looking out over the group, a red-haired girl in light armor pushes through the crowd as she approaches while waving her hands.
Good morning, Shiki. Thanks for the day before yesterday. So they called on you too for the Krankheit Turtle subjugation, huh?
Its Ruruka. She has her usual adventuring equipment. Why is she here? I thought that only the knight brigade and a few excellent healers would being.
Why are you here?
Ehehe, you wanna know?
When I ask, Ruruka responds in a bit of a boastful tone.
Nah, not really.
Well, its not like I cant guess. Rurukas party took damage from the Krankheit Turtle, so the reason theyre here is most likely rted to that. Like to serve as guides, for instance.
Why not, ask me! The truth is, Were the ones who confirmed the location of the Krankheit Turtle. Thats why were here as guides for the knight brigade. Arent we awesome? You surprised?
Yep, theyre guides. But, rather than confirming its location, didnt they just happen to run into the mist by ident? At least thats what I remember Ruruka telling me earlier. Like, we got rained on and then a fog rolled in and it was almost a disaster or something.
I look at Ruruka with cold eyes, and perhaps remembering that, she quickly averts her gaze.
Hey, whats with that bracelet?
Then, Ruruka takes a nce at my bracelet.
Oh, this? Actually, Yuel
Although, how should I exin it at a time like this? If I just honestly say Yuel bought it for me Ill look like a total deadbeat. And I feel that saying Yuel and I got them as presents for each other would go over even worse.
Master said that it was a present from someone hes always taking care of.
As Im hesitating, Yuel gives that exnation. Then, in a whisper, she mumbles as she strokes her bracelet.
Master and I match.
She sighs contentedly, with apletely, utterly happy expression.
Did Ruruka hear what Yuel said, or not? Looking at my bracelet, then at Yuels, then back at mine again she bes solemn.
Yeah, shes not pleased about me and Yuel matching after all. It may not be a pair of rings, but its still a pair of essories. It wouldnt be strange if she called me a lolicon and backed away.
Hey, in that case, what about me?
While Im thinking about it, Ruruka blurts that out, somewhat nervously.
In that case must be referring to what Yuel said earlier about taking care of people. But that was just a pretext for Yuel since shes so reserved. As for Eight and Geyser whove been reasonably helpful to me, I have absolutely no intention of gifting them anything at this point.
As for Ruruka nothing?
Ehhh!?
You could say that Ruruka has taken care of me in a way, but I dont feel like I can give her a present. It would be unwise to set that precedent. If Ruruka pressed her chest against me and asked will you buy it? Im confident that my wallet would end up empty.
Why But, but, its a good opportunity, so Im giving you this.
Saying that, Ruruka removes one of the earrings shes wearing. Its set with a red gem and looks fairly expensive.
An earring?
Look, its to thank you for treating Fran and Sera, okay?
No, even if you say its a gift, its troublesome if you only hand over a single earring.
Ignoring my thoughts, Ruruka quickly attaches the earring to my ear.
Now we match, right?
Then, lifting her hair, she shows off the earring on her other ear.
My heart skips a beat. What was that? I wonder if she got jealous over Yuel and that got herpetitive spirit burning? No no, hold on, she might just be flirting. Remember, how many times has she created misunderstandings so far by getting me to reduce the treatment fee?
Also, if this is just a performance, how expensive of a return gift is she going to demand from me?
Chapter 33 — Fran
Chapter 33: Fran.
As I fiddle with the earring that Ruruka attached to my ear in a peculiar mood, Marietta, Fran, and Serae walking over while discussing something. Marietta is making a troubled face, while Fran looks somehow satisfied, and meanwhile Sera is sighing at her.
Ah, Shiki-san, thank you foring. Errr, well be moving soon, so please make your way to the gates.
When Marietta finds me, she makes that announcement. It seems well be departing soon.
Then, when I turn to Yuel to tell her lets move-
Yuel is staring steadily at my ear. Keenly, intently staring at my ear. Now that I take a good look, shes clutching her sleeves slightly too.
I cant read her expression. What could be on her mind?
No, I can guess if I give it some thought. Shes most likely feeling jealous towards Ruruka. That might have put a damper on her delight over the fact that we had matching bracelets.
Do I need to follow up with her somehow? But its not like I can say the bracelet Yuel gave me is way more important than Rurukas earring right in front of Ruruka either. First of all, if I said something like that to Ruruka she would be pissed. Even if she doesnt hold any romantic feelings for me, she would definitely be pissed. And shed probably be convinced that guy is totally a lolicon.
What should I do? Guess Ill just pat Yuels head until shes satisfied.
Um
Nah, thats not a good way to handle her. Children are sensitive to that kind of treatment. If by chance Yuel was feeling a special connection because of the matching essories, its not impossible that tears could start steadily welling up in her adorable eyes. I need to think this over seriously. Should I promise to go shopping for something with Yuel next time? But, if that means every time we go outside the city from now on
Shiki-san?
Wait, is Yuel really jealous of Ruruka in the first ce? I dont sense any jealousy or grief in her expression. Shes just staring at the earring. Maybe unexpectedly shes thinking I want an earring too. No, but-
Um, Shiki-san? You and Yuel-chan are Within your rights to stare at each other all you want. But, um, please quickly make your way to the gates
Sorry.
As we walk towards the gate, Sera interrupts her conversation with Fran and greets me.
Umm, I was informed that you went out of your way to give us medical treatment in the middle of the night. I would like to express my gratitude. You truly saved us.
How exceptionally polite.
Nah, dont worry about it. Ruruka properlypensated me.
When I say that, Sera lifts her head and smiles sweetly. It feels like an adult smile.
When I treated them, I thought for sure that the two of them were asleep at the time, but they must have heard about it from Ruruka.
I cant sense any hidden meaning in Seras attitude.
I look at Ruruka. She makes a bit of an embarrassed face and averts her gaze from Fran and Sera.
It seems that Ruruka kept quiet about the things I was doing when I gave them treatment.
Though at the time I said it was a medical procedure, to be honest I just couldnt suppress my impulses when faced with two defenseless girls lying in bed. Being so courteously thanked makes me feel somewhat conflicted, like it makes my own sleaziness stand out. I kinda feel like a piece of garbage. If someone ever calls me that I cant deny it, either.
As Im ruminating, Sera nudges Fran with her elbow.
Fran slumps a bit and knits her brows, showing some hesitation. Then for some reason she nces in Mariettas direction.
Huh, now that I think about it Marietta is really shy, but she was speaking normally with Fran and Sera earlier. Perhaps they already knew each other.
Well Thank you.
Then, Fran mumbles that in a barely audible voice.
Whats with that? She actually thanked me normally. I thought she was the prudish, man-hating type. Was it that? Did she be strangely meek after her illness?
But theres still a bit of a conflicted feeling. As for the fact that I flipped her skirt and saw her panties, that was half due to her disparaging attitude towards me up until that point, but half because I was honestly concerned about the rash on her thighs.
Being treated normally after all that, how do I say this, Im troubled. I feel distinctly guilty in retrospect. Not that I have any regrets.
But, Im probably making a pretty unpleasant face right now.
I quickly avert my gaze, and theres Ruruka silently pping her mouth, trying to tell me something.
When I tilt my head, Ruruka gets annoyed and starts moving her mouth again. Thats-
R-E-S-T-R-O-M? What, were about to leave, go take care of it quickly.
No! Its that, the haras no, nevermind! Errr Im trying to tell you not to do that anymore!
I get it. Ruruka must be a bit angry after all. Ruruka allowed me to see her underwear and massage her, but that wasnt the case for herpanions. Or wait, maybe she means that I shouldnt do those things with anyone but her.
? What do you mean?
Watching the exchange between me and Ruruka, Sera tilts her head curiously.
Were outside the city. nked by the knights, we advance down the highway. I was sure we would be riding in a carriage or something, but apparently were going on foot. Well, since we have item boxes theres no need to use a carriage to transport our luggage, and they said itll only take about an hour on foot to reach the forest in the first ce. Besides, horses probably wont enter the forest, either. It might be too much effort to specifically bring horses for such a short distance and then have to post them outside the forest or send them back to the city.
As we walk, I watch the city of Merhatz gradually disappear into the distance. The weather is unfortunately cloudy, but the high stone wall surrounding thebyrinth city looks quite splendid.
Now that I think about it, this is my first time going outside the city. Ive spent my days almost entirely in the hospital, the tavern, or thebyrinth. Even though its the city Ive always been living in, just seeing it from the outside makes me feel like a tourist.
I never realized this until now, but the city is pretty huge, huh.
Thats right. Its such an impressive city, isnt it?
Yuel backs me up in a voice full of admiration. That reminds me, back when I bought Yuel she wasnt able to see anything with her eyes. This might be her first time seeing the city from the outside, too.
My, so you do understand.
An arrogant voice. I recognize it as Frans in an instant. She has a boastful expression, snickering with her hand on her hip.
What strange wind is blowing? I certainly didnt think she was the type to ever strike up a conversation with a man. She must be overflowing with patriotism.
Youve good eyes for such a young one; Father would surely be delighted.
Of course. She was talking to Yuel, of course. Wait, what does she mean by Father would be delighted? Was her father the construction foreman or something?
I have a feeling Im way off the mark on that one.
Noticing my bewilderment, Rurukaes up beside me and whispers.
Yknow, Fran is actually the daughter of the lord of this city.
Huhhh!?
Ruruka moves a little further away from Fran and asionally gestures at her.
Frans real name is Fran Luluna Meirhartz. Shes a noble daughter of the family thats ruled over this city for generations. Its not like shes particrly hiding it, but I thought I should let you know, Shiki. If you get in trouble for sexually harassing her, I wont defend you, got it?
Hold on a minute. Why is someone like that acting as an adventurer of all things?
Youll freak me out if you suddenly tell me such a thing. Whats that all about?
Err, thats, you see, how do I say this In the past, Frans father the lord, arranged a marriage interview for her. But Fran hated the idea of getting married to a man, and her marriage candidate well, apparently she rejected him by firing a magic attack into hisher regions. So that her father would never bring up the topic of marriage interviews again.
Whoa. I knew she hated men, but thats being way too harsh on them. No matter how much healing magic exists, thats not something you should ever do. Oh, maybe thats why Ruruka kept her mouth shut about the details from the time I healed Fran. I cant thank her enough.
That exins the thing about Marietta talking with her earlier. Its no surprise that the lords daughter would have connections within the knight brigade.
No, but even if shes acquainted with Marietta or the other knights, is it alright for them to bring the lords daughter outside the safety of the city walls? Fran is strong-willed, so maybe she demanded for them to bring her along. Theres also the fact that they needed her as a guide for this particr mission.
But apparently, Fran was driven out of the house because of that incident. If youre that against him, I dont care if its amoner or whoever but go find some man youd rather be with, or go fix your misandry, and donte back until you do!. Well, I say she was driven out, but he was still worried after all. She had always gotten along well with Sera, so he had Sera go with her as her attendant. Seems that Fran still wants to inherit the title herself someday, so shes trying to win her fathers approval by stacking up enough achievements to overshadow her man-hating. And trying her hardest not to reveal her man-hating in front of her fathers acquaintances and so on.
Learn about the outside world and beat your personality into shape by yourself, something like that? Even if Frans father tried to fix her man-hating by setting up marriage interviews and soires and whatnot, I doubt theres any nobleman whod want to go anywhere near a girl who might shoot magic attacks at his crotch. Her father might have had his hands tied.
When I take a peek in Frans direction, shes earnestly telling Yuel about something. I try to listen in, and it seems like it has something to do with the construction of Merhatzs city walls. That sounds terribly boring, but Yuel is listening intently. Fran seems like shes kinda enjoying it too. Perhaps the two of them have something inmon tomiserate over? Their chests, for instance.
By the time I finish my conversation with Ruruka and return to Yuels side, Yuel has gone on the offensive. Shes going on and on about Master is amazing!, Hes an honest, respectable person! and the rest of my wonderful qualities, which Fran is listening to with a bored expression. I wonder why shes humoring Yuel at all when its about a man she hates, but I suppose even for Fran, ignoring that joyful face would pain her conscience.
It seems that in my absence, Yuel has been proselytizing about my greatness. That reminds me, Eris also told me, I heard that Yuels master was a wonderful person. I see, so thats how these misunderstandings have been spreading. Im in a good mood, though, so I dont think Ill stop her.
And then, as Yuels monologue ising to a close, we arrive at the forest.
Chapter 35 — Deep Into the Forest
Chapter 35: Deep Into the Forest.
nked by knights, we advance into the center of the forest. Progress has been fairly safe so far. The monsters around these parts dont seem to pose much of a challenge to a knight, and the wizards in the back make short work of them as we march on.
There are a few times when small monsters like slimes slip past the knights notice, but they cant escape Yuels sharpened senses and she skewers them with a knife. Ever since we entered the forest, Yuel has stuck close to me, and her ears twitch as she constantly monitors our surroundings. As if shes trying to pinpoint any lurking monsters locations from the slightest movement or sound. Were safe. No problems.
Firebaahh! Curses! I almost had it!
If only this slightly irritable blonde twin-drills werent next to me, or rather next to Yuel. The blondie, Fran, has been recklessly itching for battle ever since we entered the forest. Seems like she cant wait to ughter some monsters.
Oh yeah, before we entered the forest, Ruruka was saying something about Fran getting driven out of her house and wanting to stack up achievements in order to return home. Shes likely trying to make a name for herself as a prominent magic user even among the knights in the hope that word will get back to the lord. Too bad, but the knights are taking out the monsters before Fran can even finish her chants.
However, how do I say this, personally I find this girl really hard to deal with. Theres a precariousness to her, like you cant be sure a magic attack wonte flying at you. Like if you happened to touch her bare skin, yourher region would be reduced to cinders. Now matter how good I am at healing magic, something like that is no joke.
I wish this unstable girls guardians would keep a tighter leash on her, but right now it looks like Ruruka and Sera are busy deliberating with a male knight over a map. No doubt theyre discussing which direction we should go from here.
Also, I dont appreciate the way that Fran is greedily leering at Yuel every time she dispatches a monster. Yuel seems to have captured her interest in some way, but-
Come now, Yuel, wont you consider joining our party?
I really dont appreciate her trying to poach a ve right under her masters nose, either. Although the same thing happened with Ruruka before.
Um, I want to stay together with Master, so.
Its unthinkable. You may be fine at the moment, but for a man to procure a female ve, he must surely have wicked intentions. In fact, just now he was eyeing Ruruka and Sera with a most lecherous gaze.
Nor do I appreciate her unabashedly bad-mouthing me in front of my face. I most certainly was not looking at them like a total lech. I was just ncing at their chests a teensy-weensy bit, thats all.
Master is not that kind of person!
Well, I shall leave it at that. Nevertheless, Ruruka can be rather careless at times, so having a vignt vanguard such as yourself would be quite reassuring. If anything were to happen, I shall take you under my care, so you are wee anytime, alright?
In other words, if I were thinking about selling Yuel? Maybe I would consider it if Yuel told me she wanted to leave me of her own will, but Im being cautious to avoid it evering to that. So I wont be selling her in the first ce.
Um sorry!
Then, with a single word, Yuel turns back around and starts restlessly moving her ears. She seems to be monitoring our surroundings again. For Yuel its quite the curt attitude, but she might want to remain vignt. We dont know where monsters might show up within the forest, after all.
When Yuel cuts off the conversation, Fran turns her re my way next. I wish shed cut it out already. As Yuels master I shouldnt respond immaturely, but I wont be satisfied unless I retort.
Oi oi, give it a rest. Youve sure been running your damn mouth. As for Yuel, I have no intention of doing such things to
-And, the instant I mention that.
Yuel, who was monitoring our surroundings with a knife raised, whips her head around.
Then,pletely dropping her guard, she stares at me dumbfounded.
Yuel is watching me.
When I say I have no intention of doing such things its not like I wouldnt ever? Maybe in the future, though?
At my reassurance, Yuel looks relieved and returns to monitoring our surroundings.
And Frans face distorts as if shes about to say uwahh.
Objection overruled.
See, I knew it, I knew it had to be like that! Filthy!
Of course the abusees flying. But I couldnt help it. I couldnt betray that look in Yuels eyes just now. Even just suggesting that I dont intend to get involved with her made her anxious enough to stop her lookout, so I dont know what would happen to her if I confirmed it.
Whats more, you may not be aware of this, but I am the daughter of the lord of this city. A man like you shouldnt even be speaking to oooh.
Fran continues to scorn me. Honestly, if some guy said Im gonna put my hands on this kid once shes older then naturally hed be condemned. Even I would denounce him.
But then Fran unexpectedly stops her abuse.
Because Ruruka and Sera have returned.
Ouch!
Sera bops Fran on the head.
I let you out of my sight for one second and you pick a quarrel with a man. Goodness, Fran, what am I going to do with you
With a hint of anger in her voice, Sera admonishes Fran. With experienced motions, she grinds her fists into Frans temples.
That hurts! That hurts, I say! Wait, Sera, just listen to-!
Hey, how did the atmosphere get so serious in the short time we were gone? Lets all try to get along better, okay?
Rurukaes to mediate as well.
But I dont say anything to Ruruka about the fact that Fran was scolding me for saying I would put my hands on Yuel. Please just ignore that.
After that we proceed a bit deeper into the forest, when suddenly theres a cold sensation on the tip of my nose. I try touching it, and it feels damp. Its rain.
Huh, is that rain?
It does seem that rain has started to fall. The weather has taken a turn for the worse since before we entered the forest.
Looks like Ruruka and Sera have noticed it too.
Well then, should we take a break and wait for it to let up?
Its around thete afternoon. About 3 or 4 oclock, roughly. Weve taken a number of breaks so far, but seems like its not gonna be possible to get the subjugation done in a single day.
Mmm, it probably wont anytime soon, ording to the knight I was just talking to.
Shiki-san, this is something I just heard from the knights, but the Krankheit Turtle supposedly loves water. It usually makes its dwelling along the river, but its been known to migrate elsewhere during periods of heavy rainfall. We should probably hurry.
As I thought, their conversation with the knight earlier was about the Krankheit Turtles whereabouts. It migrates during rainfall, huh? As expected for a monster with Turtle in the name, its ecology must be simr to a tortoises.
Following the river upstream on this map, theres a good chance that it will be somewhere around here. Were less than an hour away, so we might be able to subjugate it before it moves.
Sera takes out a map andes to show us.
Besides, I think the subjugation will be easier when its raining. Ysee, the rain will weaken the poison mist.
Ruruka has a fitting perspective for an adventurer.
Is Fran sulking? Having distanced herself from Sera and Ruruka, shes currently prodding Yuels ears and fiddling with her hair. Shes being a real nuisance. I can only see the back of Yuels head from here, but I can easily imagine the dissatisfied expression she must be making. I wish Fran would stop.
The rainfall is getting more intense. All of a sudden, the knights halt their march.
Just now, we received a report that one of our scouts has discovered the Krankheit Turtle. Its reportedly dead ahead along the riverbank, in a small clearing. We will now conduct a brief strategy meeting. Everyone, assemble!
One of the knights issues instructions.
The Krankheit Turtle is in a clearing along the riverbank. Its lying in a nest-like structure that it built right next to the river.
Its appearance is that of a tortoise with a somewhat distinctive shell.
But it has a fiendish, monstrous face, and its body length is close to 5m. Its probably bigger than the Huge Slime.
There are a number of spiny protuberances along the shell, with holes at their tips. Those holes are
At which point the Krankheit Turtle looks in our direction. It must have noticed us approaching. Perhaps because the knights armor was making noise? Shouldve gone with bikini armor.
As soon as the knights fan out, the Krankheit Turtle spouts fog from the holes in its shell. That must be the poison mist.
Itsing out with a lot of force. But the rain is obviously erasing it significantly. Visibility is poor, but its not like we cant see.
Alright, Im counting on you to counteract it.
Ruruka calls out to me as well, then plunges into the mist.
My job is to counteract the poison by treating Yuel, Rurukas party, and the few other knights assigned to me.
The Krankheit Turtles poison is slow-acting. However, if you approach it within melee range, it apparently takes effect in less than a minute. Thats why the healers were each assigned a group and instructed to periodically cleanse the poison to ward against its effects. I move close enough to avoid missing, and cast Heal and Dis-Poison on the knights and Rurukas party.
Yuel doesnt leave my side. Well, she probably understands that her tiny knives wont do anything against that giant body. Or maybe she prefers to be my personal bodyguard.
The attacks from the Krankheit Turtle that we need to be cautious of are supposedly a charge attack and its bite. Its movements arent particrly fast, but it seems iparably heavier than the Huge Slime. It wouldnt be possible to stop its charge. As for its bite, Im not at the front lines so thats none of my concern.
The details of our strategic n are straightforward.
The Krankheit Turtles charge isnt fast but it cant be stopped. So, the tanks attract its attention, the rear guard encircle it and barrage it with magic attacks and the healers periodically cleanse poison and treat the injured. With this many healers, it probably wont be that difficult to handle the monster. That poison mist is the main concern.
Actually, the knights on the front line arent getting injured. They skillfully avoid its attacks and draw aggro by slicing it with their swords. The knights movements are quick, but more importantly the Krankheit Turtles movements are slow. Maybe that slowness is precisely why it evolved to use poison to weaken its prey.
At the strategy meeting, I was only told to avoid its charge at all costs, and to dodge away from other people, but so far it hasnt given any indication that its ever even going to charge. Rather, the Krankheit Turtle doesnt look like its even attacking all that much. Its remaining fixed in ce, as if its just trying to endure.
I easily deal with the poison using Area Dis-Poison as magices flying at the Krankheit Turtle from the rear guard. Sera also fires her bow at its exposed sections outside the shell. And Frans magic hasnt gone off. Shes reciting some sort of extremely long chant.
Im surprised at how smoothly this is going. The Krankheit Turtle has gotten all beat up without offering much resistance. It should go down easily.
In a few minutes, the Krankheit Turtle wont be able to move at all. As if its just trying to endure, its steadily huddling in that one spot. Such one-sided torment doesnt really sit well with me, but it cant be helped. This monster is harmful. Just by being here, its driven the monsters in the forest out onto the highways and closer to the town, not to mention theres the possibility of it approaching the town itself. If that were to happen the consequences would be dire. Right now, with only the knights here, we have enough healers to outpace the poison, but if the Krankheit Turtle got near the town with all of its residents the treatment couldnt keep up. It would surely be a catastrophe.
Wherever the cures fall behind, I expand the range of Area Dis-Poison to cover any gaps.
But man, tortoises sure are sturdy. Its not going down easily. I think its only a matter of time though.
-In the middle of all that.
Fran, who has been reciting some sort of long chant ever since the battle began, approaches the knights. Then, she whips her cane into the air.
Wait, step back! Everybody fall back!
When Ruruka sees that, she urges the knights to evacuate. I have a bad feeling about this. Perhaps sharing my apprehension, the knights distance themselves from the Krankheit Turtle as well.
I shall put an end to this! Thunder Rain!!
Theres a sh, followed by a thunderous roar.
For a moment, my eyes are dazzled.
When my vision returns, smoke is rising from the Krankheit Turtle. And, for a few meters surrounding it, the ground is burnt pitch-ck.
Fu, fufu. Do you recognize my greatness now, I wonder?
Fran mutters to nobody in particr. That must have used a considerable amount of mana though; she seems lightheaded.
But man, that spell just now was amazing. I bet itd be powerful enough to evaporate the Huge Slime in a single hit.
Its over. That was unexpectedly quick. The mist disperses from around the Krankheit Turtle. Onest poison cure, and my job here will be done.
Master, not yet.
At the same time Yuel mutters.
-!!
Theres a resounding roar.
With ck smoke rising from its giant body, the Krankheit Turtle stands up. Even that spell didnt finish it off.
Ignoring the nearby tanks, the Krankheit Turtle locks its gaze onto Fran and plunges straight towards her. I thought it was defeated. Evidently the knights thought the same, as even they are surprised.
Rear guard, fall back! Evade it!
One of the knights promptly shes at its legs. However, it doesnt stop.
One of the knights stabs its head with a sword. Even then, its direction doesnt change.
It steadily closes in on Fran. Theres something almost vindictive about it.
As for Fran shes fallen on her butt. Maybe due to the sudden roar she received while she was lightheaded. Or perhaps she just cant move from expending too much mana on that spell just now.
Because Im the one in charge of curing Frans poison, Im the closest to her. And the Krankheit Turtle is still far enough away.
Dont get mad.
I lift Fran into my arms and distance myself from the Krankheit Turtle.
!? Wai
I was surprised at its sudden charge, but tortoises are slow after all. I run to an area free from bystanders while carrying Fran. Shes unexpectedly light, maybe because her chest doesnt have much weight on it? Its a little heavier than Yuels, I guess. Even though Im running while carrying her, I manage to avoid the charge. Im a little worried that the ground is so slippery from all the rain, though.
Master, here ites!
Or so I thought, but it seems to have adjusted its direction. The knights are trying to somehow put an end to it by repeatedly attacking it, but it still doesnt go down. Perhaps thanks to the knights attacks, the Krankheit Turtles speed is fallingpared to the initial charge, but it would still be better to create a bit more distance.
But man, why did it suddenly charge like that? Even though before that point it was huddled up and couldnt move very well.
-When I quickly nce at the ce where the Krankheit turtle used to be, theres something burnt sitting there.
Something ckened, cracked, and round.
Its- an egg?
Was the Krankheit Turtle protecting that? And thats why it couldnt move? Thatst area-of-effect spell from Fran must have broken it.
But it seems the Krankheit Turtle is at the limits of its endurance, too. As a knight delivers one final sword stab to the head, it shudders with a jerk, and its movements be dull.
Then, the Krankheit Turtle falls to the ground with a huge, thudding impact. Its not moving anymore.
This time, it looks like we finally won.
Hey, Wait, let go of me! Where are you touching!?
Fran seems to be aware of me again, and blushes furiously as she starts to struggle.
Look, Im setting you down now, so dont struggle.
-At that moment, I hear an awful snapping noise.
Looking towards the sound, countless cracks are running through the ground below me.
Master!
A few meters away, Yuel cries out.
I didnt notice.
While I was avoiding the Krankheit Turtles charge, and carrying Fran to a vacant area, I ended uping right up to the edge of the river.
Originating from the Krankheit Turtles corpse, countless cracks - no, fissures - are spreading in all directions. The ground at my feet is about to slide into the river.
Due to the downpour, the soil is loose and the river is high. When the Krankheit Turtle fell, it sent out a huge shockwave.
The color quickly drains from my face. By reflex, I fling Fran in the opposite direction of the river.
My foothold slides away, and I fall towards the river.
Yuel and the knightse rushing over, but they dont make it in time.
I plunge into the river. Right before Im swallowed up by the muddy water, I feel like I see somethinge diving towards me.
Chapter 35 — Falling Into the River
Chapter 35: Falling Into the River.
I awaken from the sensation of something touching me softly. Something long and thin is stroking my chest. It feels kinda ticklish. Also theres something heavy.
-When I open my eyes, Yuel is there.
Her ear is poking into my chest as she presses her head into my body. Her expression is somewhat uneasy. Her eyebrows are furrowed, and her eyes are clenched shut.
That sensation just now must have been Yuels hair brushing against my skin.
When Im about to speak out to Yuel, I notice. There was something out of the ordinary about that sensation.
Yuels hair touched my bare skin. Thats right, my bare skin.
I inspect myself. How did I end up in just my underwear?
Strange. Where the heck did my habit go? And why is Yuel clinging to my body?
Its essential to remain calm at a time like this. One by one, Ill sort out the circumstances.
First, where are my clothes?
When I glimpse around a little, I soon spot them. Theyre folded neatly, next to my head.
Next, where are we?
It appears to be a small cave, a grotto. Our surroundings are dimly lit by a campfire, and I can hear the sound of a river running.
River.
Oh right. I fell into the river.
Masterrr!
When I utter those words, Yuels eyes snap open.
Master, are you hurt!?
Nah, Im fine now ow ow.
When I shift my posture slightly, pain shoots through my entire body. I dont feel like I have any broken bones, but Im bruised all over. Also, my head aches. I dont remember very well, but I may have hit it after I fell into the river. First things first, Ill give myself medical treatment.
Heal! Are you hurt anywhere, Yuel?
Errr, Im
She stammers a bit. I inspect her closer, and theres blood oozing from her palms.
Youre bleeding! EX Heal!
But man, what happened after I fell into the river?
I wasid down in this grotto by the riverside. Yuel and I are currently alone. And I saw a shadow as I was about to be swallowed up by the river. I think I can piece together the general picture.
At the time I fell into the river, Yuel probably dove in after me. But I hit my head or something soon afterwards and lost consciousness. Yuel somehow rescued me and brought me here. Something along those lines. And there are tracks along the ground from me being dragged in from outside the grotto.
However, I dont know where this is. Im unsure how much time has passed since then, either.
First, its important that we share information.
Yuel tells me matter-of-factly what happened. To give a brief summary:
It seems that after I fell into the river, Yuel also jumped right in after me. She somehow managed to grab a hold of me, and clung to me so we wouldnt get separated. Although she did well trying to save me, the river current was fast. And I soon lost consciousness as well, so it was difficult for her to rescue me by herself. We were swept along by the current for some time.
During that time, Yuel frantically thought about ways to save me. Then she came up with one.
She would take out a rope from her item box, tie one end to my hand, and fasten the other end to a knife. Then she would throw the knife at one of the trees along the river. After several failures, she managed to lodge the knife into a tree and pull us onto the riverbank.
So the bleeding on her palms was from the rope burns when she fished me out of the river. After that, she dragged me into a nearby grotto andid me down there.
As for my clothes, they were soaked so supposedly she stripped them to prevent me from catching a cold. And because she couldnt retrieve a change of clothes from my item box, she decided to dry them by a campfire. And she only had her head on my chest just now in order to listen for my heartbeat.
The more I hear of her story, the more Im impressed by how hard she struggled.
I mean, it takes some serious courage to dive into river rapids. And some real cleverness to improvise a way to save me. And some real heart not to me her pitiful master for falling into a river and losing consciousness right away, but instead to just keep taking caring of me.
Whats with this excellent brat.
Yuel herself is disappointed that she dropped one of the knives she received from her master into the water, though. And she seems pretty depressed about it.
But such a thing is truly trivial. Considering that she sessfully extricated me from the river, shes already repaid me a million times over.
It makes me want to do something for Yuel to make her happy, but shell probably be happy no matter what I do. Whenever she defeated monsters in thebyrinth, she was happy just with a light head pat, but if I only pet her head after all this, she might not be entirely satisfied.
But for now, Ill start with petting her.
Yuel, you really did a good job. You saved me.
As I thank her while petting her head, Yuel shyly presses her head into my hand. She seems thoroughly pleased.
I guess this is good enough after all.
While I pet her head, I continue talking.
By the way, do you have any idea how much time has passed since then?
Um, including the time that Master was asleep, I think its been about three hours.
3 hours since then, huh? Then its around 7 pm now? I was having quite the power nap, it seems.
Any idea how far we went downriver?
Im sorry, I dont know. But the current was fast, so I think we went quite a long distance.
Apparently she doesnt know precisely, but weve covered a long distance. Or conversely, it was far enough to make it impossible to tell precisely?
That reminds me, a long time ago I watched a drama with a scene where the protagonist saves a puppy that fell into an overflowing river. In that drama, an adult was able to run in parallel alongside the puppy as it was swept along by the river current. In the present situation, I feel like the river I fell into was flowing at about the same speed.
By my calctions, if we spent say 20-30 minutes floating in the river, as a rough estimate we wouldve moved around 5km. It mightve been more, depending on how long we were in the river.
I wonder if we can reunite with the subjugation unit. Visibility is poor, and were in the middle of a forest teeming with monsters.
Suddenly, the word that Ruruka used previously at the hospital springs to mind.
-Disaster.
No, no, its fine, we should be fine.
Its obvious because I fell into the river, but rivers are an easily identifiablendmark. If we follow the river upstream, we should be able to meet back up with the subjugation unit led by the knight brigade.
If the subjugation unit hasnt left the river.
However, if the subjugation unit hasnt given up on my survival, theres a possibility that theyll follow the river downstream ande searching the perimeter.
Nevertheless, before the battle with the Krankheit Turtle, Sera showed me a map. If I recall correctly, this river leaves the forest and follows along the highway that connects to the city of Merhatz. If we follow the river downstream, well eventually reach the highway. I dont remember exactly how far it is, but it probably shouldnt take an entire day.
Whats our best option?
First we could go upriver and aim to reunite with the subjugation unit. If we dont meet up with them by the time we reach the location where we fought the Krankheit Turtle, well turn around and follow the river downstream instead, out of the forest and onto the highway. That approach might be better.
Master?
As Im contemting, Yuel calls out to me. I guess I was thinking too hard and stopped moving my hand.
Yuel, as far as what well do next, Im thinking of following the river upstream to try and meet up with the subjugation unit. Its possible that theyre searching for us too. What do you think?
Yes. I also think it would be better to meet up with the knights sooner if possible. Its very dangerous outside the city.
Well then, shall we get going as soon as the night is over?
Master, it might be safer to move at night.
Yuel makes a serious face as she speaks.
Inside the forest, the scariest situation is getting surrounded by arge number of monsters. At least at night, the monsters that cant see in the dark will be sleeping.
I see.
No, but, itll be dark, right? We cant see either, so how could we fight with monsters?
I can see clearly at night. Since Im a dark elf.
Yuel sure is high-spec. She evenes equipped with a night vision mode.
We spend ten-odd minutes ascending upriver. The sky is fairly clear, and moonlight shines along the riverside. Theres moonlight, but this is a forest rampant with monsters. There are truly terrifying things out here.
As Yuel twitches her ears to detect any signs of nearby monsters, we advance little by little. And then, perhaps noticing something, she abruptly breaks into a run.
For an instant, a knife glimmers in the moonlight.
I creep closer, and theres a corpse there of a demihuman-type monster with a doglike face. Its neck is sliced open from a single sh.
Moving discreetly and always attacking preemptively as soon as she spots a monster, its an aggressive style. Almost like an assassin. Im seeing a talent in Yuel that should not be nurtured.
Nah, it may be that in Yuels case there was a reason that she had to take up such a style. Her body is tiny, and its not like she has any skill with shields like Ruruka does. Her physical features arent suited to protecting another person. So she might have had to adopt an offensive style to prevent anything from getting close to me and bing a threat in the first ce. Its perfectly logical now that I think about it.
As Im rationalizing, Yuel suddenly stops moving. Then, with her ears prickling, she restlessly observes the surroundings.
Master, up ahead there is most likely a Kobold vige.
You can tell?
Yes. There are indications of many monsters. A veryrge-scale group there might be more than a hundred. That Kobold just now was probably a guard for the vige.
Do you think you can win?
Im sorry, I think it would most likely be impossible for me on my own.
Of course. That was an absurd suggestion.
Could we get past them without being noticed?
Kobolds can see in the dark too, so it would be risky. If we go any further, I think theres a chance that well be surrounded before we know it.
Arge-scale Kobold vige, huh. What should we do?
For a moment the thought urs to me of sending Yuel charging in on her own while I continually cast EX Heal on her from the trees, but no, that would be a waste of resources. Or rather I should say, I dont have the least bit of interest in enacting such a strategy.
So then, a detour? Kobolds can see at night, and from the looks of it their hearing and sense of smell are sharp too. If were spotted and have to battle arge number of Kobolds, itll be gruesome. We should take a significant detour.
No wait, taking a detour means moving further away from the river. In this vast forest, losing sight of andmark such as the river would be painful. And theres also the chance that well pass by the subjugation unit without noticing.
What to do.
Yuel watches me as I think. And then I notice it.
The fact that Yuel is making a slightly tired, sleepy expression.
I feel a cold sweat drip down my back.
-Thats right, what will I do if Yuel falls asleep?
This is bad. I didnt put in enough thought.
Theres nobody else here but me and Yuel. Yuel can both search for enemies and fight, but I cant do either very well. I cant perceive any wild animals that approach silently, nor would I be able to protect Yuel from sudden attacks while she sleeps.
Maybe theres no need for us to continue upriver.
Even if we do, if we cant meet up with the subjugation unit, getting back to town would take twice as long, or maybe even longer.
Under normal circumstances, just from rescuing me from the river and nursing me, Yuel would be pretty exhausted. I may have gotten some sleep, but Yuel likely spent that entire time on high alert keeping an eye out for monsters.
If we take a detour around the Kobold vige now, continue upriver and dont meet up with the subjugation unit? I dont know if Yuel has the stamina for that. No, she may have greatbat skill, but her physique isnt much different from a normal girls. She likely couldnt hold up.
As soon as she hits the limits of her endurance, shell fall victim to the monsters.
If we head downriver immediately, and at least make it out onto the highway, theres a chance we could meet up with a knight patrol or some merchants. In terms of sheer distance, we should be able to return to the city in a shorter time than if we tried to meet up with the subjugation unit. And theres no guarantee that the subjugation unit ising downriver in the first ce.
For a moment I consider staying in ce and waiting patiently to be rescued, but there are monsters in this forest. A prolonged struggle is out of the question.
Fortunately, it hasnt been 20 minutes since we started heading upriver. The loss is small. We can still turn back.
Yuel, lets give up on going upriver. Well head downriver and aim for the highway back to town.
Chapter 36 — Fatigued
Chapter 36: Fatigued.
Downriver to the highway, is it?
Yeah. Taking a detour around the Kobold vige and leaving the river would be unwise. I was thinking itd be better to follow the river until we get onto the highway, to minimize the amount of time we spend in the forest.
When I propose to go downriver, Yuel quietly closes her eyes and starts to think. My number one reason is that Im worried about Yuels stamina, but even if I say that, I doubt Yuel will take it into consideration. Thinking about that time when she started working at the tavern, Yuel is the type to disregard her physical condition and overexert herself for the sake of her goals. I need to keep an eye on her to make sure she doesnt overdo it.
Yuel deliberates for a while, then nods gravely.
Certainly, a detour could be dangerous. Besides, with that many Kobolds living here, its very likely there are multiple nests nearby of the small monsters that serve as their prey. If we were attacked by many of them at once, I might not be able to protect Master I think theres a better chance that I would be able to protect Master if we go towards the highway.
Nests of small monsters. I didnt consider that possibility. Yuel is really knowledgeable. To the extent that I wonder if shes had previous experience with survival in the forest. It wouldnt be strange if she did.
With the discussion settled, Yuel stands a few steps ahead of me and starts to move. All the while restlessly monitoring our surroundings.
We proceed downriver. By following the river, we should be able to reach the highway in less than a day. Itll diverge somewhat from the route back to town, but this is the shortest distance to get back onto the highway without getting lost.
However, theres one thing Im concerned about.
Its about Yuel, whos walking a few steps ahead of me. I sense something off about her.
With every slight sound, even the wind rustling through the trees, she has a pronounced nervous reaction. I feel like shes being overly sensitive. Is it me or is she too worked up?
During the times we explored thebyrinth, Yuel was a little more rxed.
Vignce is important, but theres a long road ahead of us. At this pace, I wonder how long she can endure.
Yuel, we have a long way to go. If were attacked by monsters, so long as I dont get knocked out or die in one hit, I can recover as much as we need it. And we have these protective bracelets too. So dont strain yourself too much, okay?
Yes.
Yuel speaks hesitantly, but her appearance doesnt change. Perhaps that means this is the minimum level of vignce required in this forest. Honestly, its not like I would know. Yuel could very well be more knowledgeable than me in that area.
Yuel, have you had experience with survival in the forest before?
Those words unexpectedly leave my mouth, and Yuel stops moving.
I immediately regret asking. I might have just stepped on andmine. I ended up asking Yuel about her past.
Up until now, Ive tried to touch upon Yuels past as little as possible.
Since it concerns the times when her status became that of a ve, I doubt her past is something she would want to talk about.
For example, her parents could have sold her into very, or they could have been killed by monsters. Simply by asking her about it, I might have just dug up painful memories for Yuel.
Yes. Back when I was in the orphanage, I would go to the forest to earn money by picking medicinal herbs or hunting monsters. Since I was apparently abandoned by my parents as soon as I was born.
And yet Yuels response doesnt show any particr indication that shes bothered by it.
Orphanage. So Yuel used to live in an orphanage, huh?
Its just a conjecture, but Im guessing she was sold to that ve trader by the orphanage. Though I have no idea if it went bankrupt, or if she was raised from the outset in order to be sold.
Well, setting that aside, if shes always been hunting monsters since her days in the orphanage, she must be familiar with the dangers of the forest. Perhaps I shouldnt be critiquing her mindset.
I fully understand now that Yuel has detailed knowledge of the forest.
Yuel, was that orphanage in the city of Merhatz?
But I did end up hearing a bit about her past. I have a feeling it isnt something I should ignore.
If that orphanage still existed, and Yuel wished to, thered be options like providing financial support. She might still feel some emotional attachment to it. Maybe even now shes thinking that shed like to go visit it.
Although theres also the opposite possibility.
No, it was a bit further away, in a small town known as Crusell. Besides, the orphanage was going bankrupt when I was sold, so its not there anymore.
So it did go bankrupt. Which must mean that Yuel was sold due to financial difficulties. And thats when she was transported from that town named Crusell or whatever over to Merhatz.
Well, Merhatz is a big city. Business was probably much better over here. And Yuel hadbat skills, so the ve merchant mightve thought shed fetch a higher price in Merhatz since its abyrinth city.
But then whats the right thing for me to do at a time like this? Theres not much I can do for Yuel since the orphanage is already gone. Having said that, Im not that great atforting people. Its a bit awkward.
As for me, just being with Master right now makes me incredibly happy.
When I remain silent, Yuel says that with a pleasant smile.
Now Im the one whos beingforted instead.
So courageous. So innocent. Lemme pat your head.
Then when I reach over to Yuel-
Yuel abruptly whips around and runs off.
Brandishing a knife.
There must be a monster nearby.
Taking asional breaks for rest and meals, we continue downriver. Food and drinks arent a problem. Theres plenty of food in my item box, as well as the warm water magic tool we found previously in thebyrinth.
Perhaps thanks to Yuels vignce, we havent encountered any enemies that she couldnt defeat, nor anyrge groups of monsters. Although I didnt really notice when we were surrounded by knights, monsters attack suddenly and frequently. We cant ever let our guard down.
But even so, weve been able to cover a great distance so far. Seems like a lot of time has passed, as the sky is beginning to lighten.
I only looked at the map for a moment, so I dont know the exact distance to the highway. But it probably shouldnt be much further now.
Yuel, are you alright?
Yes.
However, or should I say after all? Yuel is obviously getting exhausted.
Her gait is wobbly, her pace has slowed down, and her head asionally droops and snaps back up. She seems considerably drowsy. I get the feeling that she hasnt been holding her knife arm as high either. Staying focused for who knows how many hours, her nerves must be shot.
If I think back on it, Yuel was constantly monitoring our surroundings even when we were with the subjugation unit. Ever since yesterday, shes constantly been straining herself to remain vignt for nearly an entire day. Her body may be at the limits of its endurance.
I wonder if we need to take a break.
No, wait, even though weve taken a few breaks so far, Yuel has barely rested. Even during meals, she doesnt let down her guard at all. Just letting more time pass will likely be counterproductive. At this point we may just need to try to make it out of the forest as quickly as possible.
-In the middle of that, Yuels ears flicker again and she runs off.
Her attention is on a lone wolf-like monster up ahead. Before it notices her, Yuel twists a knife into its throat. Its her tried-and-true instakill pattern.
However, the wound is shallow.
Yuel draws the knife back, but the wolf isnt dead.
The wolf makes a sharp cry and struggles violently to ward off Yuel. As I thought, Yuel seems exhausted. The usual Yuel would have taken it down in one hit.
Yuel immediately swings the knife down again and finishes off the wolf.
This time for sure, the wolf is no more. And yet, the battle caused quite amotion. That cry wouldve been audible from quite far away.
Yuel scowls and her eyes dart around rapidly.
Master, we need to leave immediately. Theres a chance that monsters will be attracted by the noise. Please follow me.
As I was afraid, the noise of that battle was bad news for us. Yuels tone indicates that theres no time to waste. She immediately starts to run, and I run after her.
Running and stopping, running and stopping, Yuel advances while repeatedly changing our direction in small increments. Most likely shes avoiding monsters.
Nevertheless, simr wolf monsters as the one earlier sporadicallye at us.
Yuel meets the iing wolves throats with her knife while trying her best not to lose any time as we continue on.
Master, this way!
Yuels expression is stiff, and her voice shows some desperation. She probably doesnt have much left in her.
Then, suddenly, theres a rustling sound from the thicket between me and Yuel. From it, a wolf monsters face pops out. It must have escaped Yuels notice. Its extremely close.
When Yuel hears the sound, she trembles with a start, and instantly turns her gaze to the shadows within the bush.
-And at that instant, I notice something.
When Yuel turns her gaze to the overgrown bush, and sees the face of the wolf monster emerge from the shadows, she makes an expression of relief.
-Theres a strong sense of incongruity.
Then a single doubt arises within me. Even though were being attacked by a monster, why is Yuel showing a relieved expression?
I look at Yuel again.
Have I perhaps made a huge misunderstanding?
Yuel instantly kills the wolf monster and begins to run again. I reflect as I run after her.
Yuel has been more vignt for monsters than necessity would dictate. This entire time, shes never dropped her guard.
Why would that be?
Yuel is exhausting all her strength in order to protect me. Shes the type to continue pushing herself past her limits.
Im sure thats part of it. And yet, by some chance-
isnt she just afraid?
Yuel reacted excessively to a noise from the shadows. Then the instant she saw the wolf monster, an expression of relief.
Theres one possibility. Yuel was only afraid of something. If I think of it that way, everything about her behavior thus far falls into ce.
What could Yuel possibly be afraid of? Why would Yuel, whos always been hunting monsters since her days in the orphanage, be this afraid in the forest?
Somethinges to mind.
Come to think of it, at the time that I bought Yuel, didnt she have a huge injury? As if she was maimed by a monster?
Yuel was transported to Merhatz from another town as a ve. The ve merchant wouldve considered Yuel to be valuable when he bought her, since a ve merchant makes purchases with the intent of turning a profit.
And yet, at the time that I bought Yuel, she was gravely injured. Her eyes and nose were ruined, and she was missing an ear. From the scars, didnt it look almost as if they were torn off by the ws of arge monster?
Its hard to imagine that the ve merchant would damage his own property. Actually, the injured Yuel wasnt selling, and as soon as he found a buyer in me, he left in a hurry as if to escape. With such an unsightly ve, he mustve been in a real bind.
In which case, Yuel was injured in the time between when she was sold to the ve trader in Crusell and when I bought her.
She was injured while being transported. Attacked by a monster on the way? And they wouldve been using the highway for transportation.
Yuel and I are going towards the highway now. I may be trying to head for the exact ce where Yuel was taken out by a monster.
Its only a theory. But right now Yuel clearly looks like shes afraid of something. This theory is starting to feel more realistic.
Near the highway, theres something that would strike fear into Yuel.
Do we need to keep following the river?
No, Yuel has been on edge ever since we left the city. Even if we had continued upriver, she surely wouldve been just as overly vignt. Then, with Yuel on the verge of exhaustion, we wouldve been surrounded by a horde of Kobolds or small monsters. Things easily could have ended up that way.
Besides, we should already be close to the highway. Theres no way we can turn back at this point.
Master, Im going right!
Just before we change directions, a wolf jumps out of a thicket again.
Yuel makes that same expression of relief again when she confirms that its a wolf. Even though we encountered a monster.
Promptly eliminating it, Yuel maintains our route. I re-think things as I run after her.
What kind of expression was Yuel making when I told her I would be going outside the city?
I have a feeling I missed it when I was preupied with Eris chest.
Back when Yuel bought me the bracelet, didnt her expression darken? I brushed it off as her being gloomy because she had aplex about her own chest or whatever.
A bracelet that can only nullify a single powerful attack and then breaks after a single use. Why did she spend all of her hard-earned money up until now on buying me such an utterly practical magical item?
Now that I think it over, maybe what Yuel has been afraid of this entire time is going outside the city. And yet, despite that she came with me because she wanted to protect me from danger.
Yuel suddenlyes to a halt.
Master, Im terribly sorry. Weve been surrounded.
Wolves appear from the thicket. From the front, from the sides, and from behind.
There are five six no, more.
Sweat drips down my cheeks. I can no longer tell whether its ordinary sweat or a cold sweat.
This is probably too much for Yuel to handle alone in her exhausted state. I wield my mace.
Encircling us, the wolves slowly close the distance between us. However, Yuel acts quickly.
She takes the knives shes holding in each hand and flings them at the two beasts in front of us. Without confirming whether or not they hit, she produces a new knife from her item box and stabs it into the eye of the wolf to my side. Three down in an instant.
If its Yuel, she might be able to defeat them without any injuries. She might just manage it.
-!
The air reverberates. Its a wolf howling. The one on Yuels side just raised a piercing howl.
Then, as if in response to that call, three additional wolves approach from the distance.
Not good. Not good. I understand now why Yuel said that the scariest situation in the forest is getting surrounded by monsters. Even if a lone beast is weak, if youre surrounded by many of them, youll eventually be overwhelmed. Yuel might possibly be able to escape if she was by herself, but Im here. Theres no mistaking it, at this rate its not going to end well.
-But then the wolves stiffen for a moment.
With no hesitation, Yuel takes out three of them. I bring one down too with a mace to the head.
At which point the wolves abruptly turn tail and run off.
Whats going on? Did they run because too many of them were sacrificed?
While Im in the middle of thinking Yuel suddenly shudders.
Then she immediately turns to face me.
With a desperate expression.
Masterrr!
With all her might, Yuel shoves me away.
I feel myself sliding along the ground. The slightly muddy soil feels disgusting.
What the-
Yuel, whats wrong?
I pick myself up and turn around. Yuel isnt there.
In her ce, there stands an ogre.
A massive physique, over 2m tall. That ogre just mowed down the ce where I had been standing with its giant arm.
Some sort of glittering shards are dancing in midair. What could those be?
I remember that color, that pattern. Its Yuels bracelet.
My heart leaps into my throat. I look beyond the area mowed down by the giant arm.
There lies the figure of Yuel, having flown a great distance, smashed into a tree.
Chapter 37 — Ogre
Chapter 37: Ogre.
Limbs thick enough to wrap my arm around. Over 2m tall, a massive physique. A single horn growing out of its head.
That ogre is standing there with its arm extended from a full swing.
Yuel was hurled several meters away, and is leaning limp against a tree.
So those wolves hadnt run off because their packmates died, but because they sensed the presence of this guy?
The ogre begins to walk towards the copsed Yuel.
Oh no. Thats no good.
Its obvious what it ns to do to the weakened Yuel. It intends to finish her off.
Right now Yuel is struggling to stand, but unable to. Because she defended me, she must have taken an incredible amount of damage. Yuel cant avoid the monsters attack in her current state.
Moreover, Yuel no longer has that bracelet. Eating another attack from this guy might really kill her. I cant let that happen. Thats the one thing I cannot allow.
I absolutely cant let it reach her.
I jump to my feet, and grasp my mace tightly.
Haaaaaaaaah!!
I strike the ogre with my mace. It directly impacts the ogres undefended back-
and bounces right off.
It makes a hard sound, as if hitting an iron te. The recoil is so intense that I almost lose hold of the mace.
The sensation is almost metallic.
Wrenched by the deflected mace, my upper body is thrown backwards. I lose my bnce. My foot gets stuck in the mud beneath me and I fall on my rear.
The very next instant.
A sturdy arm sweeps just over my head. It generates a powerful gust of air. My body sways from the wind pressure alone. The puddles of water at my feet ripple.
-I cant win against this.
If I hadnt fallen over, that one blow might have crushed my head. Thats how powerful a single strike was.
Im convinced. Im no match for it.
Besides, that rigid skin. Even though I hit it with a blunt metal weapon, theres no indication that it took any damage. From the looks of it, Im not sure it would even be injured if Yuel shed it with her knife. Even if Yuel and I attack together, we probably cant defeat it in the first ce.
I cant fight this guy. Theres no way I can win.
No, this is no time to be thinking about winning or losing. Yuel is top priority. The first thing I need to do is save the wounded Yuel somehow.
I rise to my feet and run towards Yuel. In an instant, the ogres fist grazes my back.
I feel a heat on my back as if its on fire. I nearly lose my bnce, but I recover and run over to Yuel.
I quickly pick her up, and cast healing magic-
then a shadow appears on the ground in front of me. I have a bad feeling about this.
Wrapping my arms around Yuel, I dive to the side.
The sturdy arm smashes into the spot where Yuel and I just were. The ground bursts open. Showered by stone fragments and mud, we roll along the ground.
Dangerous. This is truly dangerous. If I take a direct hit from an attack like that, Ill die. No mistaking it, Ill die. If its a direct hit to the head, I might very well perish without even having the opportunity to cast healing magic. Even in the best-case scenario, Id surely lose consciousness.
I can only run. Right away, I grab a handful of soil and fling it at the ogres eyes.
EX Heal! Yuel, are you alright!?
Without losing any momentum, I stand and run while holding Yuel. I flee from the ogre without looking back.
The ogres angry bellow resounds from behind me. Apparently the dirt got into its eyes. Thatll earn us a little time. My body is nearly frozen out of fear, but I have to create some distance right now.
Master, Im sorry.
Looking up at me, Yuel apologizes. Is she apologizing over letting that monster get so close without noticing it? Her voice is trembling.
As I thought, that monster may be the something that Yuel was afraid of ever since we left the city.
The circumstances are what they are. I need confirmation from her.
Yuel, is that guy the one who ruined your eyes?
!
Upon my words, Yuels eyes widen in surprise. Dead-on, huh? This guy may very well be the one Yuel was watching out for this entire time.
Master, Im fine, please put me down. I will gain some time, so please escape!
Yuels expression turns serious as she speaks. But thats impossible. That thing is different from the kind of monsters that weve fought in thebyrinth thus far. Yuel could die in a single hit. If she does die, I cant cure that.
Besides, and I can tell this because Im carrying her; Yuel is trembling right now. To be crippled by it in the past, and then to receive an injury like that again now, theres no way she isnt afraid. Moreover, shes worn out from everything up to this point. She cant possibly contend with that monster.
What do I do?
Yuels bracelet has broken. Furthermore, shes totally exhausted. Although she may have been preupied with the wolf monsters, it wasnt to the degree that that monster could get so close unnoticed. So her mental state is abnormal too. Shes trying to hide it, but I can tell that shes frightened.
Fleeing is our only option.
Fortunately, perhaps thanks to that ogre monster, no other monsters are appearing. Considering the fact that the wolf monsters ran away, other monsters must be keeping an eye out for that one too.
Master, Please let me down!
Yuel cries out to me desperately. I nce behind us, and the ogre has already drawn near.
It moves faster than I expected. At this rate, well be overtaken.
Its arge monster. Just having its killing intent focused on me makes me want to curl up into a ball.
I cant fight such a monster.
What will happen if I fight it? How did Yuel look at the ve market? Her face was smashed, her ear was ripped off, and she couldnt fight anymore.
Im scared. My head fills with dread.
But that ogre sure is fast. Its steadily closing in on us. With my legs, I dont know if I can escape.
In order to get away, someone would have to stop its movements.
-A single thoughtes to mind.
Yuel might hate me for it.
Now that I think about it, this is the first time Im using this on Yuel. There wasnt anything this dangerous up until now. I didnt really think it would be necessary.
But I have to use it.
I softly set Yuel down on the ground. She immediately goes to face the ogre, but I grab her shoulder to stop her.
When Yuel turns around, our eyes meet. Her face makes an anxious expression thats determined but somewhat tense.
Then, as if having realized something, she gasps. Looking at me, she seems to have guessed what Im about to do. But I ignore it and continue.
I infuse mana into my voice. Then Imand her.
This is an order. Yuel, run away until you reach the city.
A crimson-red pattern rises to the surface of Yuels shoulder.
Masterrr!?
Yuel screams.
The ve crest. A magic seal thatpels absolute obedience tomands.
I wasnt confident in how to use it correctly, but infusing mana into my voice and giving amand seems to be enough. Its good that a chant isnt required. Its working properly.
Theres no way I can allow Yuel to fight a monster like this.
Im this afraid of it so Yuel must be even more frightened.
Ill gain some time, so escape for me!
I have to act cool here. As her master.
Yuel turns in the direction of the city. She looks at the gleaming red ve crest in shock. Then, as the ve crest operates her body, she runs off while repeatedly looking back. If shes by herself, Yuel should be able to make it back to the city.
I set my gaze upon the ogre before me. When I raise my mace, the ogre looks at me with great interest andes to a halt.
This is fine. Even though its a strong monster, its only weapons are its fists. And I can use healing magic. As long as I defend my head, I shouldnt go down that quickly. Ill gain time for Yuel to get further away.
I look at the massive ogre monster.
The wounds that Yuel had back at the ve market. Her constant vignt appearance ever since we left the city. Her expression when she said she would fight, while her arms were trembling.
Looking at this monster, various scenes sh before my eyes.
I can feel myself getting fired up.
I know that I cant win if I try to fight it head-on. All I intended to do was buy time. But, if I use healing magic as we exchange blows, maybe by some chance I can pull out a win. Thats the feeling thates over me.
I want to defeat the monster that Yuel is frightened of; her trauma. That kind of feeling steadily builds up in me. Saying I want to be a girls shield and battle a powerful monster, I may just be getting drunk on the atmosphere.
Even so, I still really want to defeat this monster. So that she doesnt have its shadow looming over her anymore.
First off, lets use Appraisal.
Armor Ogre (variant)
Apparently that monster is known as Armor Ogre. I was hoping to discover its weakness, but looks like it wont be so easy. Is it called Armor because it has skin hard enough to deflect a mace? No idea what variant means though.
For now, Ill hold the mace so its always protecting my head, and slowly close the distance. Neither the Ogres attacks nor mine can reach yet. Little by little, I creep closer to it.
The most important thing about fighting a monster is being ready to receive its attacks. Its important to keep in mind that I could receive an attack at any time, and keep healing magic prepared. With my healing magic, I can immediately recover from even a fatal wound. In theory, if I can just keep my head safe, I absolutely wont die. Even I should be able to fight it.
As Im thinking that-
the Ogre looks at me with my weapon raised, and suddenly swings both arms.
Huh? Theres still some distance between us. Im outside the reach of its arms. What in the-
At that moment, something de-like slides out from both of the Ogres arms.
Springing out of each arm, something around 50cm long.
Are those swords? No, ws?
Oh yeah, in the Appraisal results, it said that guy was an Armor Ogre variant.
Are those the variations? With just a nce, I can tell that thoserge ws have extremely sharp points. And theyreing out of both of the Armor Ogres arms.
This could be dangerous.
My head quickly cools down.
Those might be too much to handle. No, Im pretty sure theyre too much. Those ws are too much. Most likely, those ws are too much.
If it were fists, I could maybe endure them depending on how and where they hit me. But those ws are too much. Theyre not something I could somehow handle. I can only envision myself getting sliced in half. In other words, theyre scary. Those ws are really scary. They make me think back to my trauma from the Giant Ant.
That reminds me, Yuels face, it looked more like ws rather than fists that did that. Right, yeah, it has ws, yeah.
I feel the bnce scales in my head mming to one side.
I should try to run away too after all.
A tactical withdrawal. I had a little bit of hope against those fists, but those ws are impossible. The hard skin, the brutally pointed ws, its surely offense and defense in one package. I dont feel like I could possibly win head-on.
I got a little carried away by my own coolness, but looking at those ws cooled me off in a hurry. Right, Im neither a swordsman nor a warrior. Im an ordinary guy who can only use healing magic. I cant fight a monster like this. It would easily turn the tables on me, and that would only add to Yuels trauma.
-While Im still thinking about it, the Ogre swings one of its arms.
Eeeek!
I avoid a direct hit by diving to the side at once, but my billowing clothes get shredded.
This sharpness.
Its great that I decided to escape, but the Ogre is right in front of me now. And Im down on the ground from dodging.
Im seriously gonna die within 5 seconds. No, more like 2 seconds maybe.
Isnt there something, anything I can do? I throw a rock from the ground, and its struck by the Ogre. With one swing of its arm, the rock shatters into tiny pieces.
I remove some clothes from my item box and throw them at the Ogres face. Before they hit its face, theyre cut in half.
I fish around in the item box ande upon something good. Its the warm water magic tool I previously found in thebyrinth.
Perhaps I can make use of this.
As I stand up, I aim the warm-water-emitting magic tool at the Ogres eye.
The output is at best the same as a fully-open faucet. Its indeed a squirt gun. A trivial nuisance.
But, at point-nk range it would have an effect. Getting water in its eyes would be annoying, so the Ogre would protect them with its arms. For a moment, the Ogre would lose sight of me.
If the Ogre guards its face, Ill sprinkle water at its feet. The ground at its feet would turn to sludge. By just the slightest bit, I could slow down its pursuit.
This could work. It might just work.
Maybe because the ground is already muddy from yesterdays rain, but a small amount of water has arge effect.
Run away, run away, at any rate just run away.
But I cant forget that Im buying time. It may be pointless to fight it head-on, but I at least want to eliminate the possibility of this monster catching up with Yuel.
I wonder if Yuels alright? No, this is Yuel were talking about, she could probably make it through even if she were surrounded by monsters. At least, she has a better chance of making it back to the city safely than if she was dragging me along. I have faith that shes safe.
I keep running from the Ogre. Ites after me, cutting down the branches and trees between us. Oh my god this is super scary.
This might be good enough. Although shes tired, at Yuels pace, even after this short time she should have enough of a lead that this guy wont catch up to her.
This hose of a magic tool is plenty useful. I might not be able to shake off the Ogre, but its seemingly possible to maintain a certain distance while running from it.
I can run from it. I can run from this scary monster with those brutal ws.
But before I run away, I at least want to give this monster a good knockin.
Its scary. That monster is certainly scary.
And yet, as Im running, I think up something good. If this goes well, I may even be able to subjugate this monster; that good of an idea.
I flee through the forest, spraying water at the Ogres face and the ground in front of it as I run.
The warm water from the magic tool can only reach a distance of about 6-7m. Due to the speed of my feet as well, the magic tools effective range wont go any further than this. And if I fall, its all over. I choose my steps carefully as I run. Avoiding mud, stepping on solid rocks as much as I can, jumping over tree roots, I continue running.
At which point a huge puddle appears in front of me.
Spraying water as I go, I keep running in circles around the same area. Due to yesterdays rainfall, there are puddles everywhere. And right before my eyes is a huge puddle, just wide enough to fit the Armor Ogres body.
This is the ce.
As I jump over the puddle, I drop something into it from my item box.
The thing that flies out from my item box is Slime Jelly.
I absolutely cant let Yuel see this method of fighting. No doubt about it, this is totally uncool. If Yuel asked me something like Why do you have so much Slime Jelly? Id have no answer. This isnt the time to be bothered by such things, though. But Im d that I made Yuel run away.
The highly-soluble Slime Jelly rapidly dissolves in the water. Its a perfect instant trap.
Then, the Armor Ogre sticks its right foot into the puddle.
Its foot slips. Unable to stand firm, its right foot springs up. Withical ease, the Armor Ogrepletes a half rotation. Shouting loudly, it sinks into the puddle head-first.
An ogre in a lotion pool. I really wish my opponent wasnt an ogre, but rather a beautifuldy.
The Armor Ogre struggles to free itself and stand up. But it will take some time for it to get back on its feet.
This is my chance.
If Im going to get a hit on this monster, it has to be now. Being careful not to step into the puddle, I approach the Armor Ogre. Then, I raise my mace up high.
Where should I aim?
The Armor Ogres skin is tough. A normal attack wont be fatal. Even if, for example, I swing this metal mace down with all my strength, I doubt it will deal a fatal blow to this guy.
In that case, it doesnt have to be fatal. Itd be great if I can prevent this guy from moving freely, even just slightly.
The difference between me and this guy is that I can heal my own wounds and it cant. With this blow, Ill prevent it froming after me and Yuel. Ill prevent it from moving.
I want to aim for its eyes, but thats not possible. Itd be hard to smash both of them, and theyre too close to its arms. It could most likely easily protect them with its arms, and the probability of a counterattack is high.
I aim for its ankle, at the joint there.
A joint has to be flexible in order to move, so that thick skin should be a little thinner there. Breaking its ankle would be best. Just fracturing it would be fine; just dislocating it would be fine.
Ill rob this guy of a fraction of his ability to move.
I cast healing magic on the arm holding the mace. Theres no special significance to it, but this way even if I break a bone or tear a muscle, I can quickly repair it. Its not like it will increase the force. But I want to put everyst bit of power that I can muster into this swing.
To the very end, I wont let the mace leave my hand. Strongly, firmly, I grip the mace.
Putting all of my body into the swing, I strike the Armor Ogres foot with my mace.
Man, it sure is tough. The recoil nearly makes me let go. But my hand remains tightly gripped around the mace. Pain runs through my muscles, and my bones. I quickly recover from it with healing magic.
-I feel the response from the mace biting into flesh.
Before the Ogre can hit me with a counterattack, I quickly distance myself from it. I move far, far away. Then a little bit further away.
20m away, hiding behind a tree, I observe the condition of the Ogre thats still struggling in the puddle.
How was that?
After several seconds, the Armor Ogre crawls out of the puddle.
The Armor Ogre stands up and
starts dragging its right leg.
All right!
I did it. I finally did it. With this, I just might be able to shake off this guy.
I dealt damage to its right leg. With that huge body alone, the burden on its legs must be quite severe. For a while, itll most likely be difficult for that guy to move.
When I get back to the cityter, I can just report this to the knights, and have them search the area. Im sure the knight brigade wont ignore a monster that previously caused damage on the highway. Then I can request the knights to show Yuel its corpse. That way Yuel will no longer need to be afraid of it.
That monster that injured Yuel will invariably be subjugated. Its just that I wont be the one to do it.
Lets leave the fighting to the professionals, and entrust the monster to the knights. What Im doing now is just limiting its movements somewhat and making it difficult for this guy to leave the area. Making it easier for me to run away is killing two birds with one stone.
In order to defeat this monster, its fine if I use EX Heal in public. Its fine if I get hired by the knight brigade too. The next time we meet, Ill use my bottomless EX Heal freely and fight alongside a brigade of immortal knights.
Perfect. Well, subjugating it like this by myself would be best, but if it turned the tables on me, that would just traumatize Yuel.
I should quit while Im ahead. I mustnt overestimate my ability.
Its not like I looked at those ws and got scared of being hit by them or anything. I just considered the risk and chose the best avable move.
If I were to drive my mace into that Ogres head, I dont think it would be fatal. In order to deal a significant amount of damage, I would have to strain myself to my full power like I did earlier. Although I damaged its foot, the Ogre is still healthy. Its bnce is bad, but its still standing on two feet. I can only envision myself being killed by its counterattack.
Getting a good hit in satisfied my personal grudge somewhat. And I demonstrated my coolness in front of Yuel as her master. By dealing damage to its foot, I alsoid the groundwork for the next step.
A temporary retreat is a strategic victory.
Turning my back on the Armor Ogre, I run.
Im worried about other monsters, but I shouldnt be far from the highway anymore. I can more or less shrug off any damage and run through without stopping.
Right, maybe I can meet up with Yuel? Nah, thats impossible huh. If the ve crest is functioning normally, she should be considerably ahead of me. The ve merchant didnt do a great job of exining it to me, and to be honest I have no idea how to cancel it either. I figure itll probably fade once the order is carried out, though.
While I think about that, I run in earnest.
-At that instant, something impacts my back.
It knocks the breath out of me. Even though I shouldve been running, my feet dont reach the ground. My body is floating in the air. And starting to keel over.
Suddenly, something glittery enters my field of view. Its a spectacle Ive seen very recently. A bracelet. A bracelet, shattering.
My momentum doesnt stop. I crash into the ground head-first and tumble along it.
It hurts. I cant feel anything below my back. I cant put any energy into my body. I cant breathe.
What happened?
Did the Armor Ogre catch up with me? No, I shouldve had a good 20m head start on it. It shouldnt have been able to catch up to me this instantly.
Then was there another monster hiding somewhere? I nce around, only moving my eyes.
-Thats not it.
A rock. A bloodstained rock is rolling on the ground.
From right behind me, a rock came flying.
Who did it?
When I look behind me, I see the figure of the Armor Ogre shaking its arm as it watches me.
I cant tell what expression its making, but I can pretty much figure it out. Thats rage.
By damaging it half-assedly, I might have made that guy get serious. I screwed up.
My body is bleeding. My vision is growing dim. I can barely move.
Oh yeah, healing. I need to heal myself.
EX Heal!
Along with warmth, strength rapidly returns to my body.
Im okay, Im okay. I can heal. If I stay behind trees, I should be able to get away somehow. In any case, lets run.
As I go to stand up, a stone smashes into the tree in front of me.
!
Splinters of wood hit my body, and I lose my bnce. I fall on my ass into a mud puddle.
The mud feels gross. Also my leg might be sprained.
But I dont have time to worry about that.
EX Heal!
I gotta run. I raise my head and use the tree beside me as support to stand up.
By the time I stand up, the Armor Ogre has already drawn near. Itsrge ws are extended above its head.
Its movements are faster than I expected.
What the hell, it can move just fine, cant it? My attack caused it some pain, but apparently not enough damage to limit its movements. Maybe it didnt reach the bone.
A w strike ising.
Theres a tree at my back, so behind is no good. And I dont have time to evade to the side.
Its unavoidable. I dont have a bracelet anymore either.
-If I get hit directly, Im dead.
Then, at the moment it swings down its arm, the Ogres arm stops.
The Ogres raised arm stops beside its head.
And then, the sound of metal. A light clinking sound rings out.
Hitting the Ogres arm and falling to the ground, a single thin piece of metal.
Its something I recognize; a knife.
The Ogre nces to the side. In its line of sight is a silver-haired young girl.
How? Why did shee back? The ve crest should have made her run away. As long as the ve crest is there, the ve cant disobey an order. Thats how its supposed to work. I have so many questions.
Yuel is pressing on her shoulder, gasping for breath as she watches the Ogre. And on her shoulder are countless stab wounds. Its as if the area where the ve crest appeared was gouged out.
Yeah, all the skin where the ve crest used to be is gone.
So there was a loophole like that?
Perhaps its a thing where ves are ordered not to injure themselves, and then further orders areid down on top of that?
Im sorry for disobeying your order.
Yuel mutters while looking at me.
But I have no intention of running away by myself! I came this far with Master in order to protect you!
Yuel exims. Then, she raises her knife.
Chapter 38 — Battle
Chapter 38: Battle.
Showing no indication that shes bothered by the wound on her shoulder, Yuel quickly engages the Armor Ogre inbat. Like a bullet, she thrusts herself into the space between me and the Armor Ogre without hesitation.
A w attack sweeps in from the side. A punch pulverizes a hardy tree. Even a ncing blow from one of the Armor Ogres tempestuous attacks could very well lead to death.
Yuel continues to evade them.
She isnt just dodging. After I find an opportunity to treat her shoulder, she swings her knife at the Armor Ogres joints, tendons, and eyes. Aiming for the ces where its skin is thin, she finds openings to get in a few strikes.
The monster that dealt her the grievous wound that put her out ofmission in the past is standing before her. Not faltering for a single step, Yuel is fearlessly battling it.
She saved me. I was in a really bad spot. Having the young girl I sent to safetye to my rescue instead is beyond pitiful, but she got me out of that predicament.
And yet. And yet, this is hopeless.
Yuel shes at the Armor Ogres arm with a knife. However, the de only etches faint lines.
Exercising her ability, Yuel stabs the Armor Ogres side with her knife. However, the de merely splits the skin lightly before its stopped.
Yuel throws a knife at the Armor Ogres eye. But that too is blocked by the its arm.
Yuels attacks cant pierce the Armor Ogres defenses.
Ive realized that our offensive ability isnt high enough. For Yuel, she can earn time, but she cant defeat the Armor Ogre. Even if they keep fighting like this, it doesnt seem like Yuel will win. Even supposing there were some possibility that she could pull out a win, it would no doubt be a protracted struggle.
And if she merely missteps once and gets her foot caught in the mud, or her fatigue reaches the limit, Yuel will easily be killed by the Armor Ogre. Above all, I absolutely cant let that happen. Its too dangerous for Yuel to challenge it in a drawn-out war.
What do we do?
Even at this point, do I take Yuel with me and run?
Nah, even if we try to run, there are those projectile stones. If we turn our backs, itll easily get us with those. If Yuels small body gets hit directly, theres even the risk of instant death.
Let her keep fighting?
Its hopeless, Yuel cant deal a decisive blow on her own. She wont get through that tough skin with her strength. Even at the joints, she cant pierce that thin skin deep enough to draw blood. At best, her knife would likely only puncture things like its eyes.
Yuel is surely aiming for its eyes already, yet when she goes to attack, the Armor Ogre immediately protects them. Destroying both of its eyes would be ideal, but the Armor Ogre wont allow its own weak point to be targeted so easily. Eating a single blow from the Armor Ogre could mean instant death. Even for the adept Yuel, getting past its guard and gouging out its eyes while still evading those attacks the entire time would most likely be a challenge.
We cant get away, and Yuel cant win. So what do we do?
There is a way.
Perhaps Yuel has alreadye up with it even though I havent said anything to her. Its something that simple.
I should fight too.
Rather than Yuel fighting on her own, the two of us should fight it together. If I shoulder the responsibility of dealing with the Armor Ogres attacks, Yuel wont need to evade them. She can move freely and attack however she likes. In the openings created when I lure its attacks towards me, Yuel can aim for the Armor Ogres eyes.
If we do that, theres a chance that even Yuels attacks will get through.
Im afraid of sharp objects. Im even more afraid of huge monsters. But Yuel could be defeated by the Armor Ogres brutal attacks at any moment. Theres no time to hesitate.
I grasp my mace and approach the Armor Ogre. Pinned down by Yuel, the Armor Ogre turns its eyes to me.
Master! You mustnt! Its dangerous! Please get back!
Yuel cries out anxiously, but the Armor Ogres eyes are fixed firmly on my mace. From the Armor Ogres perspective,pared to Yuels knife that barely scratches its tough hide, my mace that caused it to limp (if only for a moment) should be the greater threat.
Just as I expected, the Armor Ogre turns away from Yuel to face me.
Yuel, Ill draw its attention. Find an opening to destroy its eyes!
This is my first time fighting alongside Yuel. Although Ive watched Yuel fight from the back, Ive almost never gone up front to join the battle.
I stand in front of the Armor Ogre. In front of that giant body with those thick arms and those sharp, dimly gleaming ws. Just standing before it, I feel my instincts crying out run away, run away in rm. It must look even bigger to Yuel with her short stature.
Theres no way I can make Yuel continue to confront such a monster.
But! What if Master!?
Dont be unreasonable, Yuel. Believe in me. Yuels master is not that soft!
Well, its not like I have enoughbat experience to earn her confidence. Even so, Yuel slowly gives me a small nod. Yuel herself may understand in her innermost thoughts that this is the only way. And I suppose shes putting her faith in me.
Its not particrly like Im not going to duel it to the death. Im just going to have Yuel attack it while Im defending against one or two strikes. Its good enough if I just create an opening from the Armor Ogre.
I brandish my mace.
My target is its right foot. I have no intention to neglect defense and go all-out on the attack. Its mostly a feint, a strike with no power behind it. However, the Armor Ogre hastily raises its arm over its head, aiming at me.
I guess that blow to its ankle must have really hurt.
I immediately bring the mace back and hold it out in front of me. In the first ce, all I need to protect is my head.
The Armor Ogre delivers a blow using its physical strength. With terrific speed, the Armor Ogres wes at me.
But I must not falter. I must not close my eyes.
Pay attention. Ive always been observing Yuels movements and theyre faster than this.
The Armor Ogres strike is certainly quick.
-But Yuels movements are absolutely much sharper than this.
I can undoubtedly follow it with my eyes. Then its fine if I just meet the Armor Ogres arm with this mace.
Violently, the sound of metal rings out.
With the screech of scraping metal, the Armor Ogres w slides along the side of the mace. And its trajectory is deflected slightly. I feel a burning heat on the left side of my face.
I cant feel my ear. Im getting concerned about what might have just happened to it.
But it doesnt hurt as much as that time my leg was bitten off by a Giant Ant. Besides, Im still alive.
-Nows the time. The instant it stretches out its arm, Yuel moves behind the Armor Ogre.
Brandishing her knife from behind its back, Yuel is observing the state Im in on the verge of tears. I signal to her with my eyes.
A silver sh streaks in.
Something pops with a *buchuri* sound.
!!!
The Armor Ogre roars.
It shakes off Yuel, whos no longer holding her knife.
And there it is Yuels knife is thrust deep into the Armor Ogres right eye.
She did it. Yuel sure is excellent. I really must pet the hell out of her after this.
The Armor Ogre lets out a howl and res at Yuel with its remaining left eye. Itspletely ignoring me. This time its furiously trying to smash Yuel.
Yuel is strong. I just created a momentary opening, and she precisely destroyed one of its vital points. Theres no mistaking that the Armor Ogre is being wary of Yuel.
But thats not where you ought to be looking right now.
-I tighten my grip on the mace again.
The Armor Ogre is surely in a fervor right now attempting to dull its ws on Yuel. The handle of Yuels knife is sticking out of its right eye.
-I take a step towards the Armor Ogre.
Perhaps because its remaining eye is so bloodshot, the Armor Ogre doesnt notice me at all. Its focused on following Yuels movements as she avoids its attacks.
-I wind all the way back with my mace.
My eyes meet with Yuels as she continues to evade. She starts dodging further away from its attacks, leading it right in front of me.
-All of the muscles in my body flex.
Then,shing out in vain at Yuel, the Armor Ogre passes in front of me. The handle of the knife sticks out of its right eye and makes a perfect target for my mace.
Haaaaaaaaahh!!!
I feel the slightest resistance from it forcefully plunging into the flesh.
At that moment, the Armor Ogre goes stiff. Its legs that were pursuing Yuele to a stop.
-Looking at the Armor Ogres right eye, I see the end of the knife handle plunged deep into its eye socket. Looks like its not so solid behind the eyes.
Then, like a snapped thread, that giant body flops over. The Armor Ogre copses onto the ground.
Did we do it?
The Armor Ogre doesnt move.
I try poking its foot from a distance with my mace, but once again there are no signs of movement.
I-Is it really not going to move? I try lightly smacking the Armor Ogres body with the mace.
Even still, there are no signs of movement.
Master! Are your wounds alright?
Yuel immediately rushes over. Still concerned for my safety, she confirms the Armor Ogres condition, and exhales in relief. Looks like it really is dead.
Even the whites of its eyes are turned up, and its fingers dont twitch in the slightest. Perhaps because the only obvious wound is its right eye, Im still afraid that itll stand up even now, but theres no doubt that its dead.
We won. We held out.
All of my feelings of tension rx.
Then Yuel suddenly looks at my face in concern, and I notice that shes looking at the left side in particr. She looks really worried, staring at the vicinity of my ear.
When I try touching it with my hand to check my entire left ear is gone.
Eh, whats with this pain? Its super painful.
Heal! Heal! EX Heal!
I instantly regenerate it, but I have the feeling I added another trauma to my heart. Why do I just keep getting all beaten up like this? No, considering I only paid a single ear for the Armor Ogres blow, I mightve been lucky.
Well, whatever. Were finally safe.
Then, when I go to tell Yuel that we should head home, I notice.
Yuel is focused, ears twitching, on a single point in the forest.
Master.
Yuel mutters with a slight quiver to her voice.
In front of Yuels eyes theres a wolf. Ten-odd meters away, a familiar wolf monster is intently looking our way.
Then, that wolf howls.
Still? Its not over. Oh yeah, we defeated the brutal monster known as the Armor Ogre, but were still not out of the woods yet.
That wolf. Just before we encountered the Armor Ogre, we were fighting the same type of monster.
Dont tell me that instead of running away back then, theyve been observing us this entire time? Aiming for the fishermans profit, huh.
-From the right and from the left, new howls rise up.
I start to hear rustling through the underbrush from in front, from behind, and all around us.
The energy drains from my body. This is hopeless. We might not be able to get out of this. Werepletely surrounded.
The thicket sways, and a wolfs head pops out right ahead of us. As more time passes, their number continues to increase. In the blink of an eye there are more than 10 of them, and thats just the ones I can see.
The wolves dont immediately rush at us. As if theyre cornering weakened prey, they slowly close in.
Yuel raises her knife but the situation is grim. Even Yuel cant handle this many.
The wolves howl again.
Then once again theres the conspicuously loud sound of something else approaching. Fresh troops keeping.
Its probably too naive to hope for both of us to make it out of this alive anymore.
But I at least want to allow Yuel to escape. Raising my mace, I gather mana into my voice to order Yuel to run away-
-and just before ites out.
At the limits of my vision, tearing through the tangled vegetation, I see somethinge running in a straight line towards us.
Red hair, fluttering in the wind. A shield in one hand and a longsword in the other.
Huff hahhh hah I-I made it, I made it in time!
Then she wedges herself between me and the wolves and ys one that was just about to spring forward.
Indeed, by a hairs breadth.
The blue-haired adventurer looses an arrow that pierces a wolf right between the eyes.
Hhhh *sniff* Fireball!
A giant ball of me generated by the blonde-haired girl instantly burns up a wolf.
Then, shortly after, there are multiple metallic sounds. Knights areing to assail the wolves.
-Its the subjugation unit.
To my astonishment, in just a short time they exterminate the wolves one after another.
Hey, you alive? Youre okay, right?
Its the red-haired girl in front of me. Ruruka greets me while patting down my body. Maybe its because my clothes are torn here and there, but it kinda tickles.
Yeah.
Thank goodness we made it in time. Sheesh, I really panicked when your reaction disappeared, yknow?
Apparently I made her worry. She must havee in quite a hurry, with how out of breath she is. Her breathing is suitably ragged.
Were saved. While we were fighting the Armor Ogre, we ended up moving pretty far from the riverbank, though. I didnt expect that any help woulde.
Ah, youre making a face like How?. Look, didnt I tell you at the hospital? Its because I was lost in the forest earlier. I told you, I properly prepared for a disaster.
Rurukaughs as she points to the earring on her right ear.
This is a magic tool thates in a set. Whoevers wearing the right one can tell the location of the one wearing the left one, ysee. The truth is, I bought it so that if I wandered off I could use you as a beacon to get back to the subjugation unit, but it ended up working out the other way, huh. When your reaction suddenly disappeared I really panicked, you know?
Oh yeah, the earring I got from Ruruka was attached to my left ear, wasnt it? With that blow from the Armor Ogre it must have disappeared somewhere along with the ear itself.
So that was the purpose of that item.
Wasnt it out of opposition to me and Yuel having matching bracelets? Out of jealousy? I thought it was that sort of thing. Even though I should be happy we were saved, my feelings are somewhatplicated.
Thats a designated subjugation target, Armor Ogre, isnt it?
A female knight raises her voice, one that sounds kinda familiar. Who is that? Oh, thats right. Its the female knight who came to the hospital earlier. Marietta. She was with the subjugation unit too.
With just the two of you? This monster couldnt be subjugated that easily
Marietta expresses her disbelief.
Master protected me.
And Yuel replies immediately.
If I had to say who was protected I feel like it would be me though. But perhaps Yuel sees it the other way around.
Marietta looks at me in amazement.
Master defeated it with his mace!
Yuel heaps the praise on me. I start to see some respect in Mariettas eyes, too. It feels pretty good, though, so I wont deny it.
Ooooh, this monster sells well, you know? Like these ws. Im concerned that theyre a little crusty, though.
That would be the dried Slime Jelly. Please dont worry about it.
Thank you for saving me.
I hear a soft voice thats barely a whisper. Looking over, theres Fran with swollen, bloodshot eyes. Now that I think about it, Frans been sobbing this whole time. Sera is soothing her, but she seems to have an emotional personality whether its positive emotions or negative ones.
You wish to thank me. While youre at it, Id like you to share some of those thankful feelings with Sera-san over there and raise her opinion of me.
Um, Shiki-san. Would you be willing to allow the knight brigade to take custody of those remains temporarily? As we must allow the client to confirm its condition. I think there will be reward moneying your way in the future, so please look forward to it.
Sure.
I feel slightly concerned leaving the crusty corpse in their custody, but its not an atmosphere where I can refuse. Well, precisely because its crusty, they probably cant tell that its Slime Jelly. Even if they do figure it out, they shouldnt go so far as to suspect the reason why I was carrying Slime Jelly on me.
After a careful inspection of the condition of the raw material, if you wish, we can also buy it for a high price!
Thats what Id like to believe.
Carrying Yuel sound asleep on my back, we walk through the forest. Before even 20 minutes have passed, we make it out of the forest. Spreading out before my eyes is a vast, gently sloping in. Paved with a road. Its the highway.
Together with a few knights and Rurukas group, we walk along the road. Unlike when we left, there are considerably fewer people. Theres only a few knights, one of the healers attached to the knight brigade, and Rurukas trio.
When I ask about what happened after I fell into the river, it seems the knight brigade split into two groups after that.
One group became the search party, consisting of Rurukas party who volunteered for it, a few knights including Marietta, and a single healer.
And the other groupprised the main force, with the rest of the knights, healers, and wizards. The main force apparently marched straight toward the city in order to escort the civilian healers. Also, it seems they had another reason to return to the city in a hurry.
As for the search party, they proceeded in a straight line toward the response from Rurukas earring, and they finally caught up with us this morning as we were up against the wolf monsters.
Hahhhh, its broken. That earring.
Suddenly, Ruruka mutters apathetically.
After we collect the Armor Ogres corpse, we also recover the earring which was an expensive magic tool, but mine was broken. It was split in half by the Armor Ogres w.
Ruruka is really regretting that. Well, it was a fairly expensive magic tool.
But theres one thing I want to ask Ruruka about that magic tool no matter what.
Hey Ruruka, that earring, you gave it to me right?
Yeah? Thats right, why?
Ruruka answers with a quizzical expression.
Even after this subjugation was over, you were going to let me keep it, right?
Well, thats right.
Rurukas voice slightly raises in pitch. Perhaps shes already guessed what I want to say to her.
In other words, I wouldnt have had any idea that that earring was a magic tool, and youd be able to determine my whereabouts at any time?
Ruruka immediately stiffens. Theres a brief silence.
Eheheheheeeh.
Then Ruruka leans her whole body cutely and gives me a sweet smile. Her deception ispletely exposed.
I can pretty much imagine what she was thinking. I bet she was thinking of identally running into me when Im eating at the tavern and sponging a meal off of me, or encountering me in thebyrinth and getting free treatment, things like that.
That was dangerous. That was truly dangerous. If that earring hadnt been destroyed, and one day I slipped away from Yuel and Eris and visited the adult establishment rmended by Geyser, the odds that Ruruka would find out are fairly high. I wouldnt have a shred of privacy.
She casually did something outrageous to me. Well, thats also how we were saved, so its not like Ill speak too harshly.
Look, its just a little further to the city! Once were over that hill, well be able to see it!
Ruruka tantly tries to change the subject.
But I guess what shes saying is true. We can finally go home. I spur on my tired body along the road. Then, at the summit of the gentle hill.
From that point, the high ramparts of the city of Merhatze into view.
However, the cityscape that gives off the feel of a bygone era doesnt enter my vision.
Because theres something more eye-catching than that. Not even a hundred meters from the city, just a stones throw away.
Over there, theres something one sizerger than the one we subjugated. A Krankheit Turtles corpse is lying there.
Chapter 39 — Poison Mist
Chapter 39: Poison Mist.
Less than a hundred meters from the city, a stones throw away, a second Krankheit Turtles corpse isying there.
While we were travelling along the highway, Rurukas group told me the reason why the subjugation units main force separated from the smaller search party and hurried back to the city. Seems it was because they discovered a Krankheit Turtle egg.
Oh yeah, I have a feeling I saw it. Back when we were subjugating the Krankheit Turtle, that ckened egg that Fran burnt to a crisp with her area-of-effect magic.
Outside thebyrinth, monsters pair up, mate, and bear children just like regr animals. Which is to say, the fact that there was an egg means that there were at least two Krankheit Turtles within that forest. I didnt have time to think about it since I fell into the river, though, so it slipped my mind. But the existence of an egg must have been an unexpected bad omen for the knight brigade.
Sera told me this while we were on the march, but the Krankheit Turtle has the tendency to migrate during heavy rainfall. And yesterday evening, when we subjugated the Krankheit Turtle, it was really pouring down. Supposedly the knight brigade hurried back in case the second Krankheit Turtle was moving closer to the city.
As of yesterday evening, a number of the knights tasked with defending the city were off with the subjugation unit, so there were fewer of them around than usual. In particr, most of the healers attached to the knight brigade were sent out with the subjugation unit. Additionally, civilian healers in the city also answered the call for exceptional folks to participate in the subjugation.
The Krankheit Turtle is a special monster thats difficult to face head-on without healers periodically casting curative magic. Even if knights within the city managed to detect the Krankheit Turtle at an early stage, they might not have been able to subjugate it before it approached the city. That seemed to be what they were concerned about.
And now, that Krankheit Turtles corpse is lying mighty close to the city. That means their concern turned out to be right on point.
The Krankheit Turtle turned up at the city in search of prey, but they were short on healers. As a result, the knights were unable to fight it head-on due to the poison mist, and the Krankheit Turtle ended up getting that close to the city. That about sums up the details.
This situation is awfully unpleasant. The Krankheit Turtle scatters poison mist over vast distances. What will happen if such a monster gets that close to the city?
The poison might mightve spread inside the city.
That cant be!
Seeing the corpse of the Krankheit Turtle right next to the city, Fran moans out. Her expression gives off an impatient feeling. Shes stunned for a second, then seemingly makes up her mind and rushes into the city.
Just a moment!? Fran! Wait right there!
Fran, calm down!
Sera and Ruruka race after her. They enter the city with me hot on their heels.
When I enter the city, things there are different from the usual Merhatz.
Theres none of the usual bustling, cheerfulmotion. The number of street carts and pedestrians is much lower than normal. Instead there are priests, in their characteristic monastic habits, and armor-wearing knights, busily running about.
And, along the streets of the deserted city, the hospitals. Those alone have gathered huge crowds.
This is just
Among the knights of the search party, Marietta speaks out in surprise.
The city is in a bizarre state. The masses crying out anxiously, the knights trying to manage the disorder, thats what the city hase to. Its especially awful around the hospitals. Looks like the townspeople have alreadye to understand the situation.
We will head for the station immediately. We need to receive our next orders. Im afraid the discussion regarding your remunerations will have to wait for another day, so please excuse us.
One of the search party knights speaks quickly. Time is precious, thats the kind of feeling hes giving off. They just returned from the subjugation, but the knights probably wont get any rest.
Yeah.
The city is just about on the verge of panic. Well, if they were battling such a huge monster so terribly close to the city, of course the residents would notice.
Im worried about Eris, running the hospital by herself. I need to hurry over to Eris hospital.
When I reach Eris hospital, unsurprisingly it too has gathered a crowd. Its never seen business booming quite like this. But Eris probably isnt happy about that. There must be 20 no, 30 people there.
Theres no way Eris can handle that many by herself.
Im in front of the gates. I get a better look as I approach, and theres a knight in the middle of the crowd. The knight is raising his voice trying to restrain the people who are scrambling to enter the hospital first.
This is chaos. Perhaps the knight brigade has been dispatching personnel, simultaneously serving as security for the hospitals. I was worried that Eris would be getting shoved around by the crowd, but it seems that wont be an issue. I leave the knight to deal with the crowd, and use my key to sneak into the hospital through the back door.
Its the same hospital as always, and Eris is there.
Eris has her eyes closed and brows furrowed, casting healing magic on a single patient. However, it looks like shes struggling considerably. So much so that she hasnt noticed me entering the hospital. Her face looks pale too.
Eris seems to be out of mana already. I muste to her aid.
Must be rough, huh?
When I call out to her from behind, Eris gives a huge sigh of relief.
Ah, Shiki, so youve returned. I presume you understand the situation since you came from outside the city, but the townspeople are in a panic due to rampant rumors that poison mist has spread inside the city. And because of that, I dont have any mana left, so gah!
Then she starts talking as she turns around, but once she sees my appearance her eyes snap open.
Wait a minute! Youre in tatters! Are you alright!?
Eris attention is on the habit Im wearing.
Oh right. I got carried away by the bizarre atmosphere of the city and utterly forgot. The clothes Im currently wearing are blood-spattered, smeared all over with mud, and shredded.
Now that I think about it, even though the hospital has gathered such a crowd, nobody has solicited me for treatment. It may be in tatters, but Im wearing a monastic habit.
Dont tell me they saw me not as a healer, but as a homeless bum or something? Its lucky that I avoided getting bothered, but I have mixed feelings about it.
But theres nothing I can do about that. My change of clothes was bisected when I threw it at the Armor Ogre. I couldnt exactly return to the city wearing a habit thatspletely missing all the fabric from the waist down. I wish I had put more clothes into my item box, but considering that there was Slime Jelly straining nearly 90% of the capacity, I wasnt able to.
Ah, Im fine now, no injuries.
Well, Eris is worried, but I dont have any injuries anymore. For the time being, I give Eris custody of the still-sound-asleep Yuel and cast Heal and Dis-Poison on the customer in front of me. That should be good enough for the Krankheit Turtles poison.
-I heard about the characteristics of the Krankheit Turtles poison at the subjugation units strategy meeting. Although from what I heard, it sounded closer to bacteria than poison.
The features of the Krankheit Turtles poison are as follows.
The Krankheit Turtles poison mist contains a unique, slow-acting poison. Once exposed to the poison mist, after a certain amount of time has passed, the symptoms of a high fever ur. Its what Fran and Sera had earlier when they were bedridden.
The amount of time before symptoms develop varies depending on the amount of exposure. If youre in melee range of the Krankheit Turtle they can ur in less than a minute, but for a minor exposure it can take a long time for symptoms to develop. And depending on the amount of poison, they apparently may not ur at all.
And after developing a high fever, ck spots break out all over the body as time passes, and if left untreated, death urs within a week. Thats the kind of poison the Krankheit Turtle produces.
Its seriously vicious. For dyed symptoms to develop even from a small amount and so on, Im convinced that the poison mist is actually a cloud of germs. And if the amount exceeds a certain level, the human immune system loses and the germs produce toxins throughout the body that cause the high fever. Thats the kind of image Im going with. I dont know a whole lot about things like bacteria, and in the end the knights didnt really understand and were saying it was a poison curse.
Well, thats all beside the point.
First of all, Dis-Poison is necessary to treat the poison, and it should be even better to add Heal which is effective at strengthening immunity and reducing fever.
Changing ces with Eris, I treat customers and new ones rece them. I steadily proceed with the treatment. I treat them one after another. Another one. Another one. And another one.
It starts getting tedious after 10 people.
Eris, how long until this is over?
Its not going to end. Theres a rumor going around that a slow-acting poison mist entered the city I dont know who started it, but a few hours earlier there were sounds of battle from outside the city, and a fog really did roll in to the city. This area is particrly close to the gates, so everyones in a panic.
Assuming theres someone who spread the rumor intentionally, its most likely one of the healers living in the city who knows about the Krankheit Turtle. In consideration of the profits it would bring to their hospital. Nah, once you develop a high fever from the Krankheit Turtles poison you can barely move, so urging people to seek treatment at a hospital before that happens could be considered an act of goodwill.
There are probably also a lot of people who dont need treatment, huh.
It could also have been because I treated her wound with Heal earlier, but unlike Fran and Sera, Ruruka didnt develop a high fever. If only a small amount of diffuse mist made it into the city and got inside buildings, symptoms wouldnt develop all that quickly. The fact that the citys inhabitants are panicky is likely because the Krankheit Turtles poison is slow-acting and they dont know when symptoms might possibly develop.
Mmm
And, as were discussing such things, I hear a small moan from Erisp. Looks like Yuel is awake.
Rubbing her eyes, she stares at me in a daze.
Master, where are we?
Good morning, Yuel. Its the hospital. You really worked hard today.
I praise Yuel and pat her head. She looks around restlessly, then makes a tiny relieved smile.
-But that smile quickly turns solemn.
Yuels eyes go wide; shes staring at a single point. Staring fixedly at my arm as I pet her head.
Each time my arm moves to pet her head, her pupils sway from side to side. What shes staring at is my wrist.
Then, having confirmed something, she shifts her attention timidly to her own arm.
Yuels expression darkens at once. Its as though shes lost something important. With that same expression, she keeps ncing back and forth between my arm and hers.
The bracelets were
Then Yuel mutters in a quivering voice.
The bracelets. Oh yeah.
They shattered during our battle with the Armor Ogre. She didnt have the leeway to feel down at the time since we were engaged inbat, but now is different.
Yuel is such a delicate girl that she became gloomy just from losing a single cheap knife that I bought for her. So if ites to breaking enchanted essories? Moreover, to improve her mood at the time we bought those bracelets, I gave her a special feeling by saying that we matched. To Yuel, those were her important matching essories with her master.
I get the feeling itpletely backfired.
The matching bracelets, that Master and I bought for each other they
Tears gather little by little in Yuels eyes. But what should I do? Whats broken is broken. Buy new ones? No, that doesnt undo the fact that those bracelets were broken. No doubt Yuel mes her own shorings for allowing the bracelets to be broken in the first ce.
Gh! Hh uehhh
Yuels head tilts back slightly, and her thinned lips start to quiver.
Not good, notgoodnotgoodnotgood. I cant let this happen. Crying. Shes going to cry. At this rate Yuel is absolutely going to cry. No, shes going to weep.
Yuel yed an active part in the recent Krankheit Turtle subjugation. She rescued me by herself when I fell into the river, and she gantly came to my aid when I was about to be done in by the Armor Ogre. And she wrecked that very same Armor Ogre. She should be named the MVP this time.
But now Yuel is grieving. This is no good. She deserves a much better reward than this.
Someway, somehow, I need to do something. Isnt there something I can do? Anything!
Oh yeah I still have a trick up my sleeve.
I grab Yuel by the sides and stand her up. Then, as shes even now on the verge of tears, I grasp her hand-
Yuel,e with me! Eris, were going out for a bit!
Heading out of the hospital, we run.
Eh, Wait! What about the hospital!? Youre going out looking like that!?
Eris calls out from behind, but I have to hurry now. Yuel is making a gloomy face, but shes not crying yet.
If she stayed at the hospital like that, she was probably going to cry. Yuel is todays MVP. Theres no way I can let her cry. I need to distract her from the bracelets.
Yuel, go south. First off, head to the southernmost point of the city. Once we get there, look for a spot with no people.
As we run through the city, I give Yuel instructions. Yuel makes a bewildered expression at my sudden behavior and directions.
A ce with no signs of life?
But when Yuel seems to realize something, her expression brightens slightly. In this case what Yuel is thinking is probablypletely different. But if it can temporarily cheer her up, I wont correct her misunderstanding.
Master, something seems odd about the city.
Yuel mutters as she runs when she notices the state that the citys in. She doesnt know about the Krankheit Turtles poison mist entering the city, since she was asleep. I need to give her an exnation.
-Yuel, right now this city is facing a huge crisis.
At my sudden announcement, Yuel looks puzzled.
So that Yuel can understand the gravity of the situation, I consciously lower the tone of my voice and continue talking as we run.
A Krankheit Turtle. That monster with the poison mist that we subjugated, there were actually two of them. And before we got back, one of them attacked the city, and that poison mist spread all over town.
I doubt it spread all over the city. There should even be people who didnt take any damage. But urgency is important for this kind of thing.
Did Yuel understand the gravity of the situation? She nods seriously.
Look, Yuel. At all those people who are seeking treatment.
Yuel looks at the crowd of people gathered in front of a roadside hospital.
Then she looks back at me expectantly. Seems like Yuel wants me to give them treatment. But, I ignore that and urge her forward.
Though she seems a bit bewildered, following my go somewhere without people order, Yuel enters a back alley.
Yuel, you saw how tired Eris looked from using up all her mana, right? At this rate, treatment surely wont be able to keep up. Without a doubt, many people will die.
I doubt that very many people will die. They say that death doesnt ur until a week from the onset of symptoms, so between the knight brigade and the church theyll likely do something about it. Those who are unfortunately passed over for treatment, those who are physically weak such as children and the elderly, and abandoned ves like the former Yuel those sorts of people may die, though.
When Yuel hears my words, she makes an extremely sorrowful face. Giving Yuel a sorrowful face is not my intention.
However, this is the necessary staging.
Around here is good. Yuel, theres nobody watching us right now, right?
Then, we arrive at a point deep inside the alleyway. Its apletely deserted location. Hereabouts should be good.
Right
Yuel watches me with an anxious expression. With the city in the state its in, why did Ie to this back alley instead of treating people? She likely cant understand my reasoning.
I deliberately dont exin it verbally.
Instead, I invoke magic. With all my strength, I infuse it with mana.
-Area Heal!
At a tremendous speed, a warm green light extends far, far, far around us. The warm ball of light spreads over the tops of buildings, past the end of the alleyway, and even further beyond.
-Area Dis-Poison!
Once again, I gather mana and invoke a spell. A warm light of a slightly different hue drowns out the afterglow from Area Heal and extends into the distance.
!
As far as I can tell from the afterglow of healing magic that hangs in the sky, the range of the effect is probably around 300m. I wanted to go a bit further, but it seems like area-type magic cant withstand any more mana than this. I feel a bit sick to my stomach.
However, it looks like this is the first time Yuel is seeing suchrge-scale area-of-effect magic. Yuels pupils quiver as she watches me.
I face her as shes in that state and make a resounding deration.
Yuel, from this point on Im going to save the city.
Yuels eyes are transfixed on me.
I dont know whether its from seeing the healing magic or out of anticipation for whats going to happen from now on. But theres definitely excitement in Yuels expression now.
Were going to cast this healing magic on the entire city. If its me, I can do it.
Casting healing magic on the entire city. Theres a danger that my magical capacity and skill with healing magic will be discovered, but with area-of-effect magic of this scale, so long as Im not seen at the moment I cast it, I doubt Ill be identified immediately. With such a giant area-of-effect spell, it shouldnt be that easy to determine where the center is or who used it.
But, well, it doesnt matter that this is a risk. Ill use this timing to put into words what I wanted more than anything to tell Yuel.
And Im able to save the city like this, because Yuel protected me all the way until we made it back we may have lost the bracelets, but the only reason Im here now is because Yuel kept me safe. The fact that my bracelet is gone is proof that it protected me.
! Yes!
Yuel is taken aback, and stares at her own wrist. Then she holds that wrist to her chest and crosses her other arm over it.
-The image looks as if shes holding an important treasure.
End scene.
With this, the matter of the bracelets should be alright.
I doubt that it wouldve been effective if I just told her that while she was sitting in a chair at the hospital. No matter how many times I repeat the words, I dont feel like it would be enough to console Yuel.
Letting her see the current state of the city, showing off my extraordinary healing magic. Then dering that my healing magic is the only thing that can save the city now.
By putting on such a production, for the first time Yuel can truly believe that her actions led to saving the city. It will turn the very fact that the bracelets are gone into something she can be proud of.
And now that wevee this far, all thats left is to turn that into reality.
But this is something that must not be discovered by other people. If bad people knew about my healing magic ability, it could be dangerous for me.
Its not like Im doing something bad, but if its discovered, on the contrary they might fawn over me.
No, from a healers perspective it would also be a source of ie. I dont know what might be at stake, so its safer to hide it in the end.
And so that Im not seen by people, Yuels assistance is absolutely necessary. Wont you help me?
Yuel nods in reassurance. Then, I tack on anotherment.
This will be my secret with Yuel.
Sharing secrets. Kids love that, right? And when I mention it, Yueltches on and brings her face right up to mine.
A secret just between the two of us!?
Huh? Ah yeah. Thats right, a secret just between the two of us!
Although I say its just between the two of us, its a bitplicated. For instance, Eris seems to be aware of it. For instance if I, who can even use EX Heal, rush out of the hospital ande back having cast healing magic on the entire city, I expect shell figure it out. I dont particrly intend to hide it from Eris, though.
Even excluding Eris, if by some chance Im seen at the moment of invocation I might be found out, but if that happens then Ill deal with it at that time.
Or perhaps even if Im not found out here, if someday my healing magic ability is discovered via some other matter. If the fact came to light that I didnt rescue the citizens even though I could have, that would be extremely perilous. I cant imagine how much resentment I would garner.
Well, such a mercenary way of thinking also exists, but-
-Area Dis-Poison! Alright, next is west, Yuel, lets hurry!
Yes!! Master!
Yuel is having the time of her life.
With flushed cheeks, sparkling eyes, and an excited expression, Yuel runs on ahead.
This mood is like were heroes of justice. And what were doing now actually has that kind of feel to it. The fact that the bracelets were broken is surely already a distant memory.
From the south side of the city, we run west.
Sneaking down the citys alleyways, I invoke healing magic. This is also a chance for me to show off Masters grandeur in front of Yuel. Just by striking a cool pose at the instant I invoke the healing magic, Yuels eyes are glittering. This is getting kinda fun.
From the west, we run north.
Every time I cast healing magic, Yuel cheers. However, at the same time I can feel my mana diminishing. Its honestly hard to keep running with my stamina, but we dont stop running around even as the sun sets. I cast magic from the back alleys, and we keep running at Yuels pace as she guides me.
From the north, we run east.
My legs are already shaking, but I cant let Yuel notice that. However, this is harder than I expected.
I can sense my mana gradually diminishing. Perhaps that means the bottom of it hase into sight. Okay, casting healing magic on the entire city might have been overdoing it. The anemic feeling makes my whole body feel heavy. Maybe I shouldnt have done this after all. Im regretting it a little.
But, I wont earn Yuels respect if I quit here. Saying Im tired and leaving the rest for tomorrow would be too uncool.
Then, to the south. Im feeling dizzy, but Ipleted ap of the city through sheer willpower.
When weplete our circuit, there are no lines at the hospitals anymore. The warm light from healing magic and the sensation at the moment it goes off is distinctive. Anybody whos had healing magic cast on them before would recognize that it was healing magic and not ordinary luminescence.
The sun has already gone downpletely.
My body is heavy. On top of running ap around the entire city, I continuously fired offrge-scale area-of-effect magic. Its the first time Im feeling like this, but this must be mana deficiency. As expected, I dont want to use healing magic anymore.
Yuels reaction was fun at the beginning, but I got worn out in a hurry. I return to the hospital on trembling legs.
In front of the hospital, neither the knight nor the crowd is there anymore. Instead, Eris is standing in front of the gates.
Wee home seems like you did something incredible for us, huh.
She makes a briefment.
I guess she figured me out after all. Well, it would be strange if she didnt. Yuel is grinning profusely, and Im staggering. Theres the matter of the timing, too.
Well, its fine either way. Somehow, maybe from seeing Eris face, I feel rxed all of a sudden.
Then, when I go to enter the hospital my legs get tangled unexpectedly. Maybe due to fatigue, I can no longer support my body. Im falling.
Master, watch ou!!
Wait kyaa!
Right before I copse, I feel something very soft. My head plunges snugly between Eris plump, voluptuous, soft, meaty breasts.
Yuel makes a small cry as she inhales sharply. But I dont move. Not for any indecent reason, but because I really am exhausted to the limit.
Somehow it seems Ive fallen onto Eris as if Im pushing her down. I feel the soft sensation of Eris breasts from both my hands and my face. For sexual harassment like this I expected to be knocked to the ground, but Eris makes no sign of movement.
Its no good, Im so sleepy. My stamina and my mana reserves are both empty. I really overdid it today.
My eyelids are heavy. As I feel the sensation of something pulling hard at the hem of my clothes, I lose consciousness.
Chapter 40 — Reward
Chapter 40: Reward.
So soft. So squishy. I awaken to a supple sensation in my palms.
When I open my eyes, Im in the usual bedroom. And in front of my eyes is a sleeping Eris, still wearing her habit. Shes breathing softly, and her eyes are closed. Eris always carries herself with a mature air, but her sleeping face looks rather innocent.
Then, when I lower my gaze a little my hand is buried deep within her cleavage.
Why am I rubbing Eris breasts?
Moreover, when I quickly inspect my own appearance, theres something off about my attire. Im wearing pants, but my upper body is bare. What in the world is going on?
Im half-naked, sharing a bed with a defenseless, sleeping Eris.
Only one conclusion can be derived from such a thing. Eris and I must have crossed the line. By which I mean, Eris must have been charmed when I nobly saved the city with Area Heal and straight-up invited me into her bed. Well, I have no recollection whatsoever of that, though.
But even so, wow theyre soft. I mean, of course I wouldnt be so impolite as to grope Eris breasts while she sleeps, its just that my hand is caught between them and I cant seem to get it out very easily. I try moving my hand in various ways to get it out, but its no use. Ahh, I cant get my hand out. My hands reaaally stuck in there, huh.
As Im doing that,
Nnh
I hear a little sigh. If I had to say where I heard it from, it was no doubt from slightly above my eyeline; from Eris mouth.
I dont want to look away from Eris breasts and up to her face. But theres no way I cant look. Timidly, I try raising my eyes. Eris sullen gaze is fixed upon my hand.
What a refreshing start to the day. A pleasant morning to you, Eris-san.
It would seem she woke up.
Lets review the current situation. Ive crawled into Eris bed half-naked and now Im feeling up her breasts. It was an act of God, but the fact remains that Im touching what Im touching.
First let me hold my tongue back so I dont bite it when I get pped, and while Im at it let me get ready to dogeza too.
Come on, if youre awake then could you move? Or else I cant get up.
I-Im so sorry! Wait, huh?
All Eris did was ask me to move. Thats shes not mad? Even though I put my hand on her breasts, that Eris isnt mad. What the heck happened?
Dont tell me something actually happened between me and Eris yesterday? I dont remember it at all, though.
Taking a really good look, is it me or are Eris cheeks slightly flushed? Maybe if I try rubbing her breasts a bit more my memories will return. And I might recall something if I try unfastening her chest buttons.
-While Im lost in thought, Eris look quickly turns severe.
Just so there are no misunderstandings, after you fell asleep youtched on to my outfit, and wouldnt let go. So I gave up and put you to bed like that so please, stop making that disgusting smirking face.
I-Im not making a face.
Eris smacks my hand away and raises her upper body. Then she lightly rubs her temples and speaks.
Your garment wasnt wearable anymore, so Yuel-chan cut it off for you. I couldnt have you going to bed like that, thats all. There was no other motive.
I see. No, be that as it may, would Eris really sleep in the same bed with a man in my state? Well, Eris might have just taken pity on me after seeing how exhausted I was. And casting Area Heal on the city likely left a favorable impression on her. Although the fact that she was looking at my hand and sighing may mean her impression of me took 3 steps forward and 2 steps back.
Now that you mention it, wheres Yuel?
Shes right there, isnt she?
I follow Eris gaze. Now that I get a good look, she really is there. Yuel is looking up at me from under the nket. Only half of her face is visible beneath the nket.
Apparently Yuel was awake too, as shes staring intently at my hand that was groping Eris breasts until just recently. Peering into her pupils, I sense hints of carnage.
-Suddenly, I hear the ringing of the bell that announces a hospital visitor.
Two dayster, Yuel, Eris and I are heading to the lords manor.
As for when I groped Eris breasts two days earlier while Yuel was watching, what gave me an opportunity to escape from that awkward situation was the female knight Marietta from the knight brigade, ringing the visitor bell. After that I fled as fast as I could from the bedroom where Eris and Yuel were, and heard what Marietta had to say. The gist of her message was that the lord had opened his manor to the subjugation unit for a dinner party in recognition of our services, and I was invited. The mary reward for the healers who participated in thistest Krankheit Turtle subjugation will be given out at that dinner party, so by all means they urgently desired me to attend.
And, today is the day it takes ce.
Hey, is it really alright for me to attend as well? I didnt participate in the subjugation, so I feel like it would be inappropriate.
The knights are bringing their families too, so why not? There shouldnt be any problems.
! I-Is That so
Eris is feeling somewhat reserved, but having said that, it is a dinner party sponsored by the lord. Its not like well be hobnobbing with aristocrats, but even so, itll probably be luxurious. I bet theyll serve crab and stuff.
It wouldve been fine for only me and Yuel to go, but leaving Eris by herself would be problematic too. While Yuel and I are enjoying the banquet, I can just imagine Eris restlessly picking over a cold meal all alone back at the hospital.
Master, weve arrived!
As I think it over, we continue down the road and reach our destination.
Located at the very tip of the north side of town, the lords excessively huge mansion.
I hand my invitation to the knight in front of the gate as we enter. When we do, a Maid-san wearing a tidy maid outfit promptly guides us to the dining hall. I cant ogle her too much in front of Yuel, but shes a genuine maid. I want one for my own home.
The dining hall that were led to looks spacious enough tofortably hold a hundred people or so. There are knights and some women and children that are most likely their families, wizards and healers and Rurukas group, too.
Ah, Shiki! Over here, over here! There are some delicious meat dishes
When Ruruka sees me, she energetically waves her hands and calls out to me. However, her high spirits are short-lived. When her attention shifts behind me, her voice gradually withers. Following Rurukas line of sight, shes looking at Eris.
Seeing Eris, Ruruka makes an ambiguous smile while scratching her hair. She looks extremely ufortable. And Eris, for some reason, is looking at Ruruka with a slightly envious expression tinged with resignation.
I wonder why? I guess Ruruka is self-conscious about getting all those discounts at the hospital. She always ran away as soon as Eris showed up, so this might be the first time shesing face-to-face with her in a ce where she cant run away like that.
But I dont understand Eris attitude. Rather than being angry, Eris is looking at Ruruka dejectedly for some reason. Even though the usual Eris would give her a sharp re.
Next to Ruruka, Sera is making a gentle smile. After that is Fran, nervously biting her nails for some reason.
When Fran looks my way, she immediately hides her face. After that she hurriedly whispers something in Seras ear, and Sera listens and nods in amusement.
Whats with that? I mean, wasnt Fran kicked out of the lords manor after that marriage interview crotch Fireball incident? Why is she here? Wait, this event is to recognize the services of the subjugation unit, so it might not be unnatural to make a one-time exception for that.
A short whileter, escorted by an elderly butler, a lone middle-aged guy enters the dining hall. When the knights notice, they stand in unison.
Ah, nonono, its quite alright, please sit.
The beaming, forty-something older guy speaks in a light tone. That is probably this citys lord. A kindly middle-aged man wearing a gentle expression.
For some reason, when Fran sees the lord, she unconsciously begins to shake violently, in stark contrast to those luxurious twin drills. The lord converses a little with the knights, then he walks over to my side.
Ive heard about you from my daughter as well. It seems you risked your life to rescue my daughter, did you not?
Huh? Ah, yes. I only did what was natural
Apparently the details of the Krankheit Turtle subjugation have already reached his ears. Now that I think about it, I suppose it looked like I offered my body in order to save the lords daughter from falling into the river.
Hah hah hah, I see, I see, what was natural! No, that is truly wonderful. Today is a fine day. By all means, eat as much as you like. The softshell turtle and Orc liver in particr are exquisitely fresh!
The lord nods enthusiastically to my reply and smacks my shoulders while rmending various dishes.
Whats with this lord? Hes overly friendly. Well, since hes going out of his way to hold a celebration for the subjugation unit, the noble blood must not have clotted up his mind all that much.
Father, over there, why dont we go over there? There is some superb wine over on that side. A cask, lets go with a cask!
While Im pondering, Fran leads the lord somewhere else while spouting nonsense. I wonder if an older guy like him wont polish off the whole barrel.
Avoiding things like softshell turtle and Orc testicles, I assemble a suitable meal. Suddenly, a lone knightes out in front of us and speaks up.
We will hereby deliver the remuneration to those who lent us their assistance. Come forward as you are called.
Looks like its time to receive our rewards. The knight reads off a list of names, and one by one people in healer-like garb walk up to the knight. Then, checking against the list of names, the knight presents them with bank cards.
I wonder just how much Ill receive? I made a killing not too long ago by overhunting the Huge Slime, but thats not possible anymore. Im hoping its a lot. Im hoping its a hell of a lot.
Finally, Shiki-san. Come forward.
Just when Im getting fairly nervous that my name wont be called, it is. The knight proceeds to read off the paper hes holding.
Ehhh, for apanying the Krankheit Turtle subjugation, 100,000 Zeni.
Cheap. It doesnt quite meet my expectations.
Thats my immediate reaction, but when I think it over is it something like this?
That Huge Slime overhunting probably just threw my money sense out of whack. 100,000 Zeni, thats close to a tenth of what Eris hospital was worth, and Im making that for one or two days ofbor. I feel like thats a considerablyrge sum of money.
And, while Im mulling that over, the knight in front of me makes eye contact with the lord.
Furthermore, regarding your heroic conduct in risking your life to rescue Fran-sama, Lord-sama personally awards you 500,000 Zeni.
Then an addendumes.
Oohhh!?
All at once, quintuple the amount. Aint that a bit much? But well, that lord seems to dote on his daughter in his own way. Even though it must have been a huge disgrace when she roasted her noble partnershers at the marriage interview, her only punishment was temporarily being evicted from the house. I cant say I dont feel like that was lenient. Moreover, he even let her bring Sera along as an attendant. He must treasure his daughter a great deal. I can tell that much from the sweet smile the lord is beaming at me. I dont want to look at a forty-something guys smile, though.
Man, that knight has a loud voice. Whats with that? Ive been feeling somewhat ufortable since earlier.
Then the knight once again nces at the lord, and as if ying to the room, announces sums of money.
And the raw materials such as the skin and ws from the Armor Ogree to 600,000 Zeni. The remuneration from the knight brigade for ying a designated subjugation targetes to 300,000 Zeni. And the bounty from the ve Merchant Union on the Armor Ogrees to one million Zeni.
Ohhhhh!?
Addendums keeping over and over.
Was that such a formidable monster? Given that its such arge amount of money, the surrounding knights start to murmur. From the seat behind me, a conspicuously pleasant voice arises. Thats Rurukas voice, no doubt about it. I bet she intends to mooch.
All totaled, ites to 2,500,000 Zeni. Please receive it.
Oohhhh
Okay thats a ton of money. A huge sum. I receive the bank card with the money and hurriedly return to my seat. All at once Ive be slightly rich. This is more than enough money to buy a house. What do I do? What do I use it for?
Oi oi, looks like that Armor Ogre was subjugated. Aint he stronger than you? Even though yer a knight.
Come on, give me a break. It may look that way, but I got good results at the knight school, you know?
A little ways off, I overhear a conversation between an older knight and one who looks like a neer. Did Yuel hear their voices? Shes looking at me with radiant eyes.
The one fighting the Armor Ogre was mostly Yuel, though. But Yuel may have neatly wiped that from her memory. I have a feeling the scene transformed into Master with a mace in one hand, effortlessly mowing down the Armor Ogre.
Well, whatever. I earned money. I earned Yuels respect too. Without a doubt I can call this Krankheit Turtle subjugation a sess. I set into my meal in a good mood.
After hearing the size of the reward, Ruruka overtlyes snuggling up to me, and I deal with her appropriately. Im trying to get the oddly mncholy Eris to eat something when I realize that its almost time for the dinner party to end.
Then, just when Im thinking of leaving that middle-aged lord calls out to me.
Howzit, njoying thfood?
Ehh, well, yes.
His face is red, and his breath reeks of liquor. Seems like Fran made him drink a lot; his legs are shaky. Hes totally drunk.
Then the lord leans on me, putting his arm around my shoulder. His expression is thoroughly exuberant, as if to say he cant help it. That expression is fitting for Yuel. I dont want to see such an expression on a middle-aged man. I may have saved his daughter, but no matter how you look at it this sense of distance is way too close.
Father. Perhaps it would be best to retire. Please, to your bedroom.
Looks like Fran is ufortable with the drunken lords behavior too. Shes anxiously trying to put him to bed.
Nonono, fore that we needta have a tahhk.
His voice is inarticte and difficult to understand.
A talk?
However, the lords eyes are clearly focused on me.
Yer gonna take Fran off mhands, right? As fer thweddin date, m fine with whenever.
Abruptly, out of nowhere, the lord utters those words.
Huh?
Letting out a bewildered and dumbfounded voice, my eye twitches as I notice Fran quickly cover her face in the distance.
What the hell did this middle-aged lord just say? Something about a wedding?
Ahh, the cat is out of the bag.
Seeing Fran acting like that, Sera giggles.
Eh? Wait, ehhh, marriage!? Wait a minute, Fran! Thats impossible! I havent heard anything about this!?
Marriage hey Shiki, Whats the meaning of this?
Ask me all you want, I have no idea. I havent heard a thing about it.
Master is Getting Marr
Yuel alsotches onto my sleeve and gazes at my face with an uneasy expression. This cant be happening.
I-I havent heard anything! I havent heard anything about this, so I dont know!
Hahhh?
This time, the lord raises a hysteric voice. His mouth flops open and hes looking at me as if he doesntprehend.
Huh? Eh? Whats going on?
Ruruka also questions me. I dont know. I want an exnation. Just who should I ask? Neither I nor the lord know, so
Naturally, all attention centers on Fran.
Looking down and clenching her skirt, Fran trembles. Her mouth is slightly opening and closing as if shes hesitating over something.
Errr, ummm
Fran looks out over the room and back down again. Then, she takes a brief nce at me. Hanging her head in resignation, she slowly opens her mouth.
Thats this is a Misunderstanding.
And mutters that.
In other words, Lord-sama over there mistook our rtionship, and against your better judgment you gave in to temptation and ran with it. Is that about right?
Yes
Conscious of all the eyes on her, Fran trembles as she tells us what happened. In a nutshell, it was apparently a misunderstanding by the lord.
It all started the day before yesterday. The lord received a report from the knights of the subjugation units main force when they returned to the city. At that time he apparently heard the story that the man who put his life on the line to rescue Fran from a crisis has gone missing. Frans personality being what it is, there arent exactly any men who have a favorable impression of her. Basically the only people who would risk their lives to protect her are the knights, and thats because its their job. Meanwhile, an ordinary healer with no such obligations went and did such a thing.
At that point, the lord ended up jumping to the conclusion that Fran and that healer were in a serious rtionship.
In actuality, I didnt expect that I would fall into the river myself, and I only saved Fran because I waspletely confident that I could outrun the Krankheit Turtle. The fact that I fell into the river was only because I didnt anticipate that the ground would crumble.
However, the lord misconstrued it. He assumed that his man-hating daughter had gotten close enough to a male that he would risk his life to protect her.
Then the search party came back to the city. Fran, seeing the disaster that befell the city from the poison mist, headed to the lords manor to see if there wasnt anything she could do. At which point the lord brought up the talk about me.
When that middle-aged lord learned that I was safe, he apparentlyughed out, the city is in a crisis, but that alone is a relief! in delight. And Fran couldnt correct his misconception.
Then, when he ran with it and decided to let her return home, she didnt dare tell him the truth. Even when she consulted with Sera, Sera told her that it would be fine as long as she didnt say anything.
So she reluctantly went along with the flow, it seems. I thought that Rurukas party at least had one sensible person in Sera, but apparently I was wrong.
Then Fran takes a quick nce at Ruruka before opening her mouth again.
But! Its not as though I really wanted to get married and well, look, he isnt my type.
Is this b*tch insulting me? Or rather, Im surprised that this man-hater even has a taste in men.
But I like Masters face?
However, Im in front of the super-cute Yuel. As an adult here, I ought to calmly offer a few words of reproach.
Its no good thinking that its fine to lie so long as you dont get caught. Put yourself in our shoes. The ones who are lied to will surely be hurt.
Coming from you
Whoa, I forgot that Eris was there. Seems like she wants to say something.
Well, everybody makes mistakes. Look, Fran. Continue your story.
At my urging, Fran hesitatingly loosens her tongue.
Errr I thought to allow a day to pass for things to calm down before I told the truth, but at that time the knights everyone was in a festive mood and I couldnt bring myself to say it.
Now that I think about it, they brought Fran along on the Krankheit Turtle subjugation. The people around her, particrly the knights, might often be told to do unreasonable things. Its great that she was saved this time, but what if Fran had lost her life? Surely the knights would have taken the me. Wanting her to get married and calm down, perhaps even the members of the knight brigade had that same intention.
I fully understand the story.
Then, the lord who had been silently listening the whole time opens his mouth. Frans shoulders quiver in fear.
I thought to have you go outside, make contact with a variety of people and broaden your horizons, but for it toe to this I thought that atst, my daughter would finally be getting married
The middle-aged lord rubs his brow with a worn-out face. However, he appears to consider something and changes his expression as he opens his mouth.
Although, it would appear that it was notpletely in vain. Previously, my daughter would have flown into a fit at the mere mention of marriage. Shiki-kun, was it? If you need anything of me, do not hesitate to ask, so please take care of my daughter from now on as well.
Thats a little
Id prefer to refuse. I mean, shes t-chested. And that personality.
You have good eyes. Sincere eyes. Moreover, you subjugated that Armor Ogre, did you not? I can tell, you are well-trained.
I fully understand that yer godd*mn eyes are blind. The middle-aged lord looks my body up and down as if assessing me.
No, maybe this is something else. The middle-aged lords face is bright red, and theres something off about his artiction. By some chance, isnt his perspective just unsteady-
And, the moment I think that, the middle-aged lord abruptly copses.
Father!?
When I look closer, the middle-aged lord is sleeping, seemingly having fainted. I guess he drank too much alcohol after all?
No, it might just be from anxiety.
Such a monster as the Krankheit Turtle turned up at the city. He thought hed be pursued to deal with the poison mist, then some mysterious wide-range healing magic treats every single person in the city. Judging from Frans story earlier, they dont yet seem to know its origin, but the matter still needs to be investigated. And amongst all that, there was this marriage mix-up.
As for the investigation well, I dont think Ill be found out. I had apletely recovered Yuel avoiding public notice, so that wide-range area-of-effect healing magic should forever remain a mystery.
Even if it was from anxiety, I wouldnt know. Its not my fault.
Side Story — Everyday Life in the Labyrinth City
Side Story: Secret Wedding
We finish the wedding ceremony at the church safely, and prepare to make our debut on the streets.
Im sitting in a chair in the waiting room, when Eris and Ruruka approach me in their wedding dresses.
Hey, Shiki, I was wondering about this during the entire wedding ceremony, but that ring that Yuel-chan has been cherishing she definitely got it from you, right?
That must be a wedding ring for Yuel-chan, huh its not like I dont understand your feelings, but but shes still a kid, yknow?
!?
I break out in a cold sweat at their words.
They found out.
Its been exposed instantly.
H-, H-h-h, how did you know!?
Well, you see
With Yuel fawning over a ring that much, anybody could tell.
I didnt notice since I was nervous about the wedding ceremony, but apparently Yuel has been admiring the ring this whole time.
No, I purposely handed it to her before the ceremony since I didnt want her to be miserable about the wedding, so I guess thats fine.
But I didnt anticipate that Eris and Ruruka would notice.
I-Im sorry, Masterrr!
Yuel, who was waiting nearby, makes a surprised face and apologizes.
She most likely didnt realize that she wasnt supposed to show it off in front of people.
No, its fine for you to have that, Yuel. Dont worry.
But if I let Yuel worry about these things here, Ill be putting the cart before the horse.
Since I let Yuel have that ring as a reward.
Just in case, Ill pet her head.
I dont particrly intend to criticize you, either. And Ive been feeling worried for Yuel-chan.
Yeah, she did seem kinda pitiful.
Looks like neither of them n to criticize me for handing over the ring.
Moreover, it seems theyve been concerned for Yuels sake.
Well, although we cant get married since shes a kid, anyone can inly see that Yuel harbors affection for me.
There cant be many people who could watch Yuels expression steadily be gloomier as the wedding preparations progressed, and not worry about her.
Besides that isnt a wedding ring. Its an engagement ring.
Wedding rings and engagement rings.
Theres a big difference between the two. Though I did give Yuel, a young ve girl, an engagement ring to say Lets get married once you grow up, its not like I gave her a ring to say were married right now while shes still a young girl.
Thats where I draw the line, where my ethics absolutely will not yield.
I have to clear up this misunderstanding no matter what.
However, when Eris hears my statement, she looks surprised.
And she suggests this:
Is that so? But, if you intend to go that far, wouldnt it have been better to have a wedding ceremony for Yuel-chan as well?
A wedding ceremony with Yuel.
No, wait, that would be quite tough, to say nothing of my standpoint as the Sage.
Besides, isnt it good enough to conduct the ceremony once she grows up?
Well still be engaged and all.
My own wedding ceremony?
However, Yueltches onto those words.
Shes right. If youre gonna have one eventually, why not have it now?
Moreover, Ruruka even endorses Eris proposal.
I wonder whats going on?
Wait, I wasnt really looking at Yuel during the ceremony, but by some chance, she might have been making a bit of a lonely expression.
And Eris and Ruruka both seem concerned for Yuel.
Yuels face lights up when she receives Rurukas approval.
Even if they hadnt said anything, Yuel probably really wanted to have a wedding ceremony too.
However, Yuel seems to realize something, and her expression quickly darkens.
But, I I dont have a dress. Besides, if were seen by other people, it will surely cause trouble for Master
Thats right.
Therein lies the problem.
I thought it would be fine to have my wedding ceremony with Yuel once she bes an adult.
Of course, I couldnt deny the possibility that Yuel would be saddened a little, but the reward I gave Yuel was purely in the form of an engagement.
Even if we hastily say Lets hold a wedding ceremony, she doesnt have a dress prepared, and the room hasnt even been emptied.
If we started it now, todays debut around town and the reception schedule would end up getting dyed.
Im sure it will be fine.
However, Eris kneels down on her knees in front of Yuel and speaks to her tenderly while petting her head.
At the same time the saint, who had gone off somewhere before I noticed,es into the waiting room.
Atst, I have ushered the attendees out of the church. As the preparations are in order, shall we start over with Yuel-chan included?
And as soon as the saint enters the room, she proposes that.
I wondered where she had gone, but apparently she was clearing everyone out of the church.
And yet we only just got to the topic of doing a wedding ceremony for Yuel a moment ago.
Dont tell me she predicted that things would take a turn this way when she saw my conduct and Yuels reaction?
Thats the saint for you.
Having dodged her way through the churchs schemes, she demonstrates tremendous foresight.
But she doesnt have a dress, huh.
Looks like the saint has been working hard, but were missing something important.
A wedding dress is the centerpiece of the wedding ceremony.
If we end up having a ceremony without that, Yuel wont be very pleased.
And yet, as soon as I say that, the saint takes something white out of her item box.
Waaaaaah!
When Yuel sees it, she raises a delighted voice.
In the saints hands is a pure white wedding dress.
A dress rivaling the ones that Eris, Ruruka and the saint are currently wearing, and beautifully adorned. Whats more, the size is just right for Yuel.
Then, the saint smiles as she speaks to me.
When Shiki-sama slipped out of the room before the ceremony, I ordered my subordinate to have this made with all haste. I roughly understood that it would end up this way.
Shes way too perceptive.
With only Eris, Ruruka, and the saint in attendance, we enter the churchs ce of worship.
Yuel and I stand before the priest.
The two of you, exchange rings.
Yes.
Yeah.
Yuel bashfully carries out every little step of the Medine doctrines procedures in delight.
Even though my movements are still clumsy despite this already being my second time, Yuels are perfect.
Most likely, she paid close attention to Eris and Rurukas movements and scorched them into her memory.
Meanwhile, Im so tense I can hardly even remember how it went.
Then, once the priest makes sure that Yuel and I exchange rings, he proceeds to the next step.
Very well, do you vow here to join your two hearts as one, to support each other with constant mutual respect, in times of joy, in times of sickness, from this day forward unto eternity, and form a happy family?
Yes, I vow it.
Yeah, I vow.
Oh right, after the ring exchangees the vows.
Im pretty sure I did this part with Eris and the others too.
To make sure it goes smoothly, I try to dig up my memories from within all the tension.
-And then I remember something.
After this theres another ritual we have to carry out.
No, with Eris, Ruruka, and the saint, it was fine.
But when its with Yuel, the ritual that should being up next will be extraordinarily problematic.
Oh no.
That is extremely bad.
However, the priest makes the pronouncement indifferently.
And now, to seal the vows with a kiss.
Kissss!? Hey, thats
You have properly carried it out with everyone else, have you not? This is a mandatory, sacrosanct tradition for a wedding in the Church of Medine.
Filling the role of the priest is a bishop invited from Crusell, whos famous for his sincere and rigid personality. Hes an acquaintance of the saint, and supposedly extremely tight-lipped.
Looks like his personality is strict when ites to the Church of Medines doctrine as well.
When I let out a surprised voice, the priests expression sharpens a little.
This wedding ceremony ritual is a traditional rite shared by all Medine believers.
I guess that even the Sage wont be permitted to vite it.
No, but still
Certainly, I did get engaged to Yuel, but that doesnt mean I was nning to go so far as kissing her.
I had no intention to do such things with the still-young Yuel in the first ce.
Thats why I stopped at getting engaged.
Look, before Yuels mind and body are both properly mature, there are a number of problems with physical contact.
However, the saint interjects.
Shiki-sama, worry not. It is merely a formality.
Dont friggin talk to me like youre a rtive handing a sake cup to a child.
But its most likely exactly as the saint says, a ritual kiss is no problem, thats just the values of this world.
And neither Eris nor Ruruka are particrly objecting.
Yuel already has her eyes closed, tilting her chin up.
This is a wedding ceremony.
For Yuel, its her important wedding ceremony.
How could I possibly make Yuel cry by refusing to kiss her?
I-I guess I can only go through with it?
But is it really okay?
I feel like its not alright.
Really not alright.
Should I use Once youre an adult, okay?
No, thats all Ive been usingtely.
Besides, its not relevant for getting through this.
I-Its hopeless.
I cante up with any recement scheme for kissing Yuel.
My gaze falls upon Yuels lips.
Master
Her lips part slightly, inviting me.
Isnt there anything I can do other than resolving myself to it?
No, I should keep racking my brain until thest second.
Think, whats the best solution to break out of this situation!
But I cante up with anything.
The time limit is fast approaching, moment by moment.
Kuh What what the heck do I do!?
Chapter 41 — Strategy
Chapter 41: Strategy.
As summer approaches, the temperature gradually rises. The hospital gets just as few customers as ever, but the atmosphere of the city is different from usual.
From the hospital, the faint sounds of peoples voices and musical instruments can be heard. Where are theying from, you ask? Theyreing from the citys main street.
Master, this is my first festival; Im really looking forward to it!
What is it, you ask? Thats right, its a festival. Every year, it seems thisbyrinth city holds a festival around the start of summer to pray for safety and a good harvest. And the one this year is grander than usual. As for why the cause is my earlier city-wide healing magic.
That healing magic. I was worried about how the citizens would take it, but it seems that theyre treating it as a miracle from god.
A miracle from god, that saved the city.
I happened to hear that many tourists have flocked to the festival in order to take a look at thisnd of miracles. The healing magic of this world is deeply tied to religion. I suppose its something like a pilgrimage. The Krankheit Turtle subjugation led to fewer monsters appearing along the highway, so that apparently prompted a further increase in the number of tourists.
Although, what can I say, it became a huge story. Well, an ordinary person couldnt repeatedly fire off suchrge-scale healing magic, so perhaps it was only natural for it to turn out like this.
A festival, huh
It hitched a ride on the yearly festival, but that healing magic is currently the talk of the town. My healing magic is the talk of the town.
Im getting a little nervous.
At this point, you could even say that this festival is a celebration of my exploits.
For instance, what if I were to make an announcement right now that I was the one who used that healing magic.
I wonder if a crowd of women all going I-I was in such pain at that time! So you were the one who saved me, so dreamy! would form?
Ive been trying to conceal my healing ability, but Im starting to want toe forward about it. Since Im the perpetrator of that healing magic, rather than god, they should be giving their thanks to me, in person.
No, if it came out that theres a healer capable of healing the entire city, all the hospitals in the city would be in danger of going out of business. Theres the risk that my life would be targeted, and I even told Yuel something along those lines, so I wont do it.
Even though theres still a week left, its really bustling this year, isnt it?
From what Eris said, it seems the festival itself starts a week from now. But the number of people and carts in the city is steadily increasing. There are quite a few stalls selling things you ordinarily cant find here, too.
Lots of money is necessary, right? Ill work hard!
Yuel emphatically makes a little Guts pose. Apparently the tavern is busier than ever, and Yuel is in demand for as many part-time shifts as possible. Most likely, Yuel herself wants some spending money that she can use without restraint during the festival. And her wallet must be empty after buying that bracelet. ordingly, shell be working at the tavern today too. Im nning to idle around the hospital, myself.
Then, when Yuel leaves the hospital to go to her part-time job for some reason, she immediately returns.
Master, a letter has arrived.
I take a look, and Yuel is holding a sheet of stationery. Its addressed to Eris.
Hahhh, that girl is truly
After Yuel leaves, Eris reads the letter and sighs as she rubs her temples.
Whos the letter from?
Its from Aria my younger sister. Its her usual status update.
Her younger sister, huh? Now that I think about it, I dont really know much about Eris younger sister. Or more precisely, I didnt even know she had one until just recently.
About all I know is that she went off to the knight academy in order to be a knight. So her name is Aria, huh?
I wonder what was written in the letter. From Eris reaction, maybe she got held back with bad grades and she needs another years worth of tuition or something like that. In that case I could say, Eris, if you want me to pay for your sisters tuition, well you understand, right?. Not that I would ever do that.
Huh, let me have a look at it.
Sure, go ahead.
In a very ordinary mood, I receive the letter from Eris. I receive the letter, but
Oi, if you dont let go I cant read it.
Eris doesnt release her hand. She looks at my face, then back at the letter. And then, as if recalling something, she strengthens her grip on the letter.
Wait, I-I decided against it!
Eris hastily takes back the letter and hides it against her chest. Whats with that? What did she remember? What might be written in that letter? Its not like Im all that interested, but from the way shes hiding it, theres something she doesnt want me to see. Maybe the letter actually makes her out to be an outrageous siscon or something.
-And, as Im thinking about such things, a huge cheer suddenly erupts from the main street.
What a tremendous cheer I wonder what they might be doing out there.
Eris tries to misdirect me. Well, but, that was indeed quite a cheer. Just from the sound of those voices I can tell how festive the mood is.
Although the festival itself is in the preparatory stage, there are already numerous carts and people around. Its making me restless. I was nning to idle around the hospital and look for opportunities to sexually harass Eris, but I guess I should quit. Just now, Ive started wanting to enjoy this atmosphere a little.
Lets go y.
I almost call out to Yuel oh right, she just left for her part-time job.
Should I invite Eris? Theres no sign of any customers, so she shouldnt mind leaving the hospital empty for a while.
Eris, shall we go check out the city for a bit? Its not like any customers areing.
Nn err, Im sorry. I dont really want to leave the hospital empty today.
Eris seems a little indecisive, but she declines my invitation. Shes thinking about Yuel not being here due to work and decided to work too, huh? Well, people are flocking to the city for the festival. I suppose theres still the possibility that customers wille in the future. Shes so diligent.
Oh well, guess Ill go have some fun on my own today!
Im on thebyrinth citys main street. The number of tourists has been increasing day by day; there really are a lot of people. I try to determine where that cheer earlier came from, but there are crowds everywhere so its hard to tell specifically.
It might be a good thing that Yuel didnte with me, considering her height. If I lost sight of her for a second on this main street, itd be tough to find her again.
I wander around a little to check things out, and there are a variety of stores. Unusual magic tools that I dont even know the use of; shady-looking stalls selling matchmaking essories. Theres even target practice using toy-like bows.
Oh? If it aint Shiki-san!
As I tour the main street in that manner, a voice suddenly calls out to me. That throaty voice is unmistakable.
I nce in the direction of the voice, and there are Eight and Geyser, on a thin side street off the side of the road.
Although, what are they up to?
Geysers eyes are as big as tes, leering at the main street. He looks like a ruffian keeping watch over the street from a darkened back alley. Its terribly suspicious.
In contrast, Eight is unwittingly tapping his fingers together and fidgeting bashfully. Hes so nervous he cant rx. Its totally disgusting.
Watcha doin?
Cantcha tell by looking? Picking up chicks. Im waiting for that girl with the huge tits to pass by.
This guy, with that repulsive face, says hes gonna pick up girls? Is he sane? I turn to Eight for an exnation.
Well, seems like Geyser used up all the money he earned from the Huge Slime, so.
I see, since he cant go to an adult establishment anymore, hes looking to nab a girl around here, something like that. But with Geysers face and personality, I have a feeling picking up girls will be impossible. And that face.
Itll probably end in failure. Itd be more meaningful to just settle for using Slime Jelly.
Geyser, be a good boy ande earn some money in thebyrinth. Ill hang out with you for a while. Got nothing better to do at the moment.
Oi oi, dont mock me! I did pretty damn well for myselfst year, yknow? Well, she didnt have much time so we ended up only having a light meal though.
Thats gotta be a lie. I cant believe that Geyser seeded in picking up a chick. I mean, look at that face. I turn to Eight for an exnation.
Its not like I saw it either, but he mightve been saying something about thatst year.
No way. The spectacle of that Geyser, picking up a girl and amiably flirting over a meal.
Its a bit hard to swallow.
No, Geyser may be an idiot with a shabby face, but he doesnt lie for no reason. Maybe its fine to believe him. But man its Geyser, yknow?
Dont believe me, huh? Fer cryin out loud first of all, festival time is the easiest chance tond a woman in the whole year.
Geyser zips right up to me. His face sure is repulsive, but the expression on it is serious.
Got it? Think about it. A ton of chicks areing here from other cities to see the sights. They dont know their way around the city, right? Whaddaya think the first feeling theyre gonna have is?
That it looks fun, or something?
Geyser snorts through his nose at my answer. Then, gesticting enthusiastically, he gives me a passionate speech.
Wrong, that aint it, Shiki. The ones who just got to this city, when they see these crowds, its gonna make them feel anxious.
Anxious. Even though it seems like such an enjoyable festival?
You wanna know why? Theres still some time before the festival starts, yeah? Which means, since they got here today, they aint gonna catch a ride back on the same day. Thats why, what they need is an inn.
Im floored. Certainly, seeing crowds like this a week before the festival, theyd be anxious about finding an inn that still has rooms. There are a finite number of inns. And yet, tourists keeping one after another. And they arent leaving until the festival is over.
Theyll be anxious. Make no mistake, the first thing a tourist is gonna do when they get to the city is find an inn right away. But ysee, the inns near the city entrances are usually all full you followin me?
Im following, Im following you, Geyser!
In other words, these girls are worried they wont be able to find an inn, so us guys who are in the know can offer to guide them. And while were at it, try and seduce them, thats the general idea.
The girls will surely be in a hurry to find an inn. At a time like this, even if youre obviously hitting on them, once you drop the word inn, the odds are surely low that theyll ignore you.
Taking another look, Geyser seems to be watching the entrance of arge inn beside the main street. He must be shooting for tourists whove been turned away for a room.
Im thinking carefully about it. They say theres a fine line between genius and stupidity, but perhaps Geyser might actually be a genius. This could work. This strategy is unmistakably a viable one.
Oh, that group of three aint bad. Oi, Eight, Shiki, lets go.
So the target is a group of three. Should I go? Guess I have to. If Im not there it wont be 3 on 3, so theres nothing I can do about it. Theres nothing I can do about it, so Ill go along with them. Sheesh, these fes sure are a handful.
And, the instant Geyser and I go to approach the trio.
I-Its hopeless after all, look, Ill definitely get rejected. Shiki, Geyser, What will I do if I get rejected? I-Im alright, you two go by yourselves.
Eights face reddens as he falteringly spits that out. I thought he was acting weird a while ago; so thats what it was?
But thats no good. If Eight doesnte, it wont be 3 on 3. If the numbers dont match up in this kind of situation, that alone will be a huge factor leading to failure.
Then, when Im about to open my mouth to persuade Eight-
Youuu foockin idiot!!!
Geyser wallops Eight.
A straight right, with his entire body weight behind it. Eight reactste to the unexpected event and takes the punch square to the face.
In a sh, Geyser lifts Eight up by his cor. Then, pointing at the trio of girls, he asks Eight seriously.
Eight, can you see em? What are those?
Women. Big-breasted women whore so beautiful they sweep me off my feet.
Wrong, those are tits.
Theres a fine line between genius and stupidity. Thosest words from him just convinced me. This guy is definitely an idiot.
Tits!?
Look. Take a good look. Heeey, aint those incredible? Dontcha wanna touch em?
Geysers focus is on one of the trio, a beast girl sporting cow-like horns. Lowering my gaze a bit yeah, definitely cow down there too. My bad, Geyser. Those are indeed tits.
I-Incredible I-I wanna touch, I wanna touch, but
Eight leaks out a tone of admiration. But, even after seeing those, hes still hesitating.
Yet he cant hide his true intentions. Geyser slightly softens his tone, and speaks in a soothing voice.
The only way youre gonna get to touch those is if you sessfully seduce her. But yknow, that aint gonna happen if you sit around here bein scared.
Then, all of a sudden, Geyser smiles at Eight.
And besides, the ones here now are tourists who onlye to this city during the festival. Even if you fail, you aint ever gonna run into em again. Eight. As a man, I wanna peel back the curtain for you. No matter what, I wanted you to understand this feeling.
Sorry for hitting you, it musta hurt, huh?
After that, Geyser makes an awfully tender expression and holds his hand out to Eight.
A short pause.
The very instant Geyser starts to look dejected, Eight grabs his hand.
I-Im the one who should apologize, Geyser. So you were thinking of me that much! I-I was wrong!
Eight pulls on that hand and stands up. Geyser turns his face away like hes ovee with emotion, andughs happily.
Slong as you understand, heheh.
Dont heheh me. This aint some adolescent drama. And why am I the only one left out? Not that I want anything to do with that exchange, of course.
However, Eight has strengthened his resolve. I cast Heal on him, and we immediately go to call out to the trio but, we cant find them.
Aww, we lost sight of those three already, huh. Oh, that girl aint bad either. But shes alone alright, Eight, Shiki, pay attention. Lemme show you how its done.
Looks like those three already ended up going somewhere else. Too bad. Well, nothing we can do about that, guess Ill just watch Geyser work his magic for now.
We take cover and carefully observe Geyser.
Geyser goes out into the main street, and quicklyes back to the side street alongside a catgirl with some charming chesticles. Although Catgirl-chan is a little uneasy, she doesnt seem like she hates it. Looks like the strategy is a sess.
After that, Geyser says a few words to Catgirl-chan as they walk along the road. Geyser is chatting with Catgirl-chan with a cheerful smile but, Catgirl-chans expression gradually bes angry.
Ah, thats no good. She probably realized his goal was to hit on her, and hates that. I guess this is the limit for Geysers face and personality, after all?
-No, but, it doesnt look like shes leaving his side. Seems like shes going to follow him until they get to the inn. In any case, the n to target girls searching for an inn is highly effective. By some miracle, he might still have a chance. Will he be able to recover? This will be the turning point of the match.
But, the next instant.
Without warning, Geyser puts his hand on the wall to block Catgirl-chans path.
Perhaps Geyser sensed the hopeless atmosphere. That was the so-called kabe-don. He must have switched to the strategy of suddenly getting close to make the girls heart flutter.
After that, Geyser brings his face right up to Catgirl-chans and whispers something in her ear. Catgirl-chan turns bright red and her eyes open wide.
Then, Catgirl-chan-
gives Geyser a sharp re, scratches his face, and kicks him in the groin.
-Gh!! Ugoh
Geyser squats down, cupping his groin. Yeah, its hopeless after all.
But man, that catgirl is something else. That was quite a sharp kick. Shes likely an adventurer or something.
You Meowlester! Purrvert! I-Ill B-b-beat mew to death!!!
With a bright red face, Catgirl-chan shrieks loudly. When she does, the sound of nking metal soon draws near.
Ah, this is bad. This cant be happening. In the twinkling of an eye, a group of two knightses flying in from the main street and Geyser is held down.
The beautiful catgirl is ring at Geyser with righteous indignation. In the space of a few seconds, Geyser is restrained by the pair of knights. Just what did he whisper to her for things to end up like that?
Shiki, W-w-w-what do we do?
Eight, who watched the whole thing unfold, asks me in a panic.
Eight, calm down. Keep your cool. Absolutely dont look over there; act like a stranger.
Geyser most likely said a whole lot about those, Im sure of it. Theres a fine line between genius and stupidity. Geyser is definitely an idiot. To an unmanageable degree.
Stooop! Lemme gooo! I aint done anything yeeet! Eighhht! Shikiii! Help meee!
Geyser is hollering as he kicks and struggles, but I dont pay him any mind. I dont know what kind of sexual harassment he proposed, but I have no intention of bing an essory to a sex offender.
But, when they hear Geysers outcry, a knight rushes over to me.
Youre the one from the Krankheit Turtle subjugation is that man possibly an acquaintance of yours?
A male knight. Presumably he was a member of the subjugation unit. I dont remember him, though.
When Im about to say Nope, dont know him, my eyes meet Geysers.
Shiki! Help meeee!
That asshole. He looked right at me and called my name.
Now I cant talk my way out of being involved.
Wellll, sorry to disturb you, thats mypanion hes not great with words, so i-its possible he mightve said something weird.
I see, so thats what you were doing. The thing is, weve received information that a fugitive criminal has slipped away into the crowd. Were letting you off with a stern warning this time, so please refrain from any suspicious behavior
With some gentle persuasion, I manage to convince him that Geyser was just guiding Catgirl-chan and ended up making her angry with his inept speaking skills. No doubt thanks to my squeaky-clean image.
Catgirl-chan seemed to be in a hurry to find an inn too, so she quickly disappeared without exining the situation to the knights. Saved, somehow. Geyser, I mean, not me.
Hahhh, Im very sorry.
Watching as the knights leave, Geyser recovers before I know it and ps me on the shoulder.
Oh man, you really saved me, Shiki. That was so horrible of her, even though all I did waspliment her!
You need to do some serious reflecting. Wait, what the hell kind of sess was that! Didnt you say you did wellst year?
ats what I dont get, this worked out great for me before.
I figure shed have to be into some weird things to be swayed by a method like that. I wonder what kind of woman she was?
She was a really good girl, yknow? Treated me to a meal, and sold me some jars and paintings for lower than market price. The atmosphere was crazy good. Told me we should pick up where we left off next time we meet.
Into weird things? More like into money. Aint that a swindler? To counter a pick-up line with a scam, the women of this world sure are tenacious. Or maybe I should say scary.
Man, Im a fool for believing him.
Umm
And, while Im reflecting I notice theres a girl right in front of me.
Onii-san, youre so cool!
Saying that, the girl gives me a smile. She looks 16 years old or so? Her glossy blonde hair is tied into a ponytail, and shes giving off a lively atmosphere. A sporty feeling.
Although, did she just call out to me? When she said cool, was she referring to me?
Ehehe, so you heard me calling out to you. Err, Shiki-san, was it? Also, those garments youre a healer, right?
So it was to me. Dont tell me she was watching the whole time?
Ive be quite interested in you.
With a friendly grin, the blonde ponytail girl tells me that.
Yeah.
Whats with this girl? Im thrown off for a moment, but after I think about it I reach an understanding.
Sorry, Eight. Sorry, Geyser. This is what you call a difference in charisma.
I can understand it. She happened to see me desperately arguing for the innocence of my dear friend, arrested by the knights for a crime he didntmit, and she must have fallen for me. The handsome aura Im exuding must have shot this girl right through the heart.
Umm, theres somewhere Id like to go. If you dont mind, wont youe with me?
Saying that, Ponytail-chan takes my arm. Eight and Geyser stare in wonder at the sudden turn of events. I say a few words to the two of them.
Sorry you two, lets meet again next time. Well, good luck with thedies.
Per Ponytail-chans wishes, we visit the food carts together. Rather than from a single cart, Ponytail-chan buys a little from a variety of carts. A little from each, but it adds up to quite an amount.
Can you really eat all that?
I can eat quite a bit, you know? Besides, Im not eating by myself.
Ponytail-chan holds a skewer in front of my mouth and grins cheerfully. I see, shes eating with me so theres no problem, huh?
Oh right, didnt you have somewhere you wanted to go? Ill show you the way.
Ah, actually I used to live in this city. I know a really great ce. Id like to go there wont youe with me?
Whats with that, a really great ce? Those words are making me awfully excited.
No, remain calm.
There are two sides to every coin. No matter how you look at it, this is going way too well. Theres also the possibility of getting ripped off like in Geysers case.
Youre not gonna try to sell me any jars or paintings, are you?
Jars? Paintings? What are you talking about?
Ponytail-chan gives me a nk look. Its only intuition, but I feel like her reaction has a different feel to it. This may really be love at first sight after all.
Ah, more importantly! Shiki-san, are you always doing things like that?
Things like what?
You know, werent you doing it earlier? Hitting on women.
Ponytail-chan inquires casually, but I see something serious in the depths of her eyes. It feels like shes trying to confirm something. Id better not screw up here.
Nah, that was just an ident. Those two insisted that Ie along, so I had no choice. I have no interest whatsoever in picking up women. And besides, I was just observing.
That should pretty much cover it. And I was just observing, if I put it that way, it isnt a lie.
Hmmmm, in that case youre just barely safe, I guess.
Safe?
Fufu, nothing at all, please dont worry about it!
I dont really understand, but she probably hates frivolous men. That means shes an earnest girl. I wonder what kind of great ce such an earnest girl might be taking me to? Im interested. Im extremely interested.
By the way, this really great ce, what kind of ce is it?
Errrr, its a nice quiet ce? A ce where we can rx!
In other words, a love hotel? Wait, arent you moving a little too fast? No, this much might be normal for youngsters these days. Nows the time for me to stay calm and put on a mature air. Dont panic, dont get excited. Lets just keep it cool.
As we travel through the streets, Ponytail-chan links arms with me. Her quite normal-sized breasts, just barely too big to fit in my palms, squish against my elbow.
While Im preupied with that sensation, in just a short time, we arrive at Ponytail-chans destination.
The great ce that Ponytail-chan mentioned. A quiet, restful ce. A ce not too far from where we were hitting on chicks earlier.
Right here!
I had a bad feeling about this. On the way over, we were taking some awfully familiar streets. I was only thinking about Ponytail-chans breasts that were hitting my elbow, though, so it took me a while to notice.
This is Eris hospital.
Now that I think about it, this Ponytail-chans glossy blonde hair. Im used to seeing hair thats exactly this color.
Hey, now that I think about it, I never asked for your name
Me? Im Aria.
Aria. The name of Eris younger sister is also Aria.
You used to live in this city, right Do you perhaps have an older sister?
Yes, she lives here, why?
Pointing at the hospital, Ponytail-chan no, Aria grins andughs. The corners of her mouth are turned up, just like a child pulling off a sessful prank.
Onee-chan! Im home!
Wasnt this girl supposed to be at the royal knight academy? No, forget about that, this situation is bad. If Erises out at a time like this-
Eris, since you wouldnte out with me, I picked up your younger sister in town and brought her back for some fun.
Thats no good. For the time being, I just need to get away. And when I try to get away with all my might-
Aria squeezes down on my arm thats linked with hers, then grabs it with her other hand too.
Sheet! You, you tricked me! Let go!
Eris younger sister Aria, is gripping my arm like a vice. Before I can even struggle to shake free, I hear the pitter-patter of footstepsing from within the hospital.
I didnt particrly deceive youuu even so, Onee-chan wrote a whole lot about you in her letters, Shiki-san. Thats no good, going to pick up women even though you have someone like Onee-chan.
I want to run away. But I cant escape.
I dont know how mad Eris will get, hearing that Inded her younger sister while picking up chicks in town. Even the act of hitting on girls by itself, Eris surely hates that kind of conduct the most. I-I have to break out of this situation somehow, or else
-But, Im out of time. The hospital door opens.
Wee home; youre earlier than I expected wait, why are you with her too?
We met by chance in the city, so we came back together. But, before I have time to say that, Aria responds.
Ehehe, this guy was out hitting on chicks downtown so I caught him and brought him back!
I cant help but notice Eris cheek twitching.
Chapter 42 — Younger Sister
Chapter 42: Younger Sister.
Since were standing around talking, Eris younger sister- Aria, suggests that we go inside the hospital. Then the three of us take our seats around the table.
Onee-chan, you havent had lunch yet, right? I bought these on the way, so lets eat together. Ah, you too Shiki-san, help yourself.
Aria sets out the cuisine that she bought from the food carts on the table.
I see. While we were on our way here, I thought she was buying an awful lot, but theres no problem if were eating together with Eris. Right, she didnt actually say that the two of us would be eating them by ourselves.
The food looks delicious. Precisely because the festival is near, there are numerous dishes lined up that I dont normally see.
But man, this situation.
When she finishesying out the dishes, Aria rests her elbows on her chin and starts observing my appearance amusedly. Then, Eris makes a deep sigh.
I wonder how Eris will react to the fact that I brought her younger sister home for take-out.
Will she be angry, or shocked? Either way, a decline in my reputation is unavoidable. But its not like I have no excuse. Like the fact that I was just observing and hadnt actually done it yet myself. And that her sister was the one who called out to me, so I didnt do anything wrong in the first ce.
To be honest, I kinda doubt that shell believe me, though. Based on my habitual behavior.
Eris, this is, well, look, I cant quite put it into words, there were Complex circumstances
Its fine. If youre going downtown to pick up girls, I wont get mad or anything.
But, Im unexpectedly excused. Innocent. An innocent verdict.
Eh, you wont? Even though he came all the way here with me.
As for Aria, her eyes widen in total surprise too.
At any rate, werent you the one who called out to Shiki because you thought it would be amusing?
I thought that Eris would be under the impression that I hit on Aria, but nope. It seems that Eris is familiar with Arias behavior patterns. Thats an older sister for you.
However, after that Eris gaze falls as she continues speaking.
Besides, were not in that kind of rtionship.
I dont think you had to say that though. Look, Eris, why dont you try being a little bit more bashful? More like Dont get me wrong, were not in that kind of rtionship okay!. Wouldnt it be fine to do it that way?
Onee-chan, arent you and Shiki-san going out?
We are not.
Then that deration. Eris obstinate expression gives off an air of I dont want to talk about this anymore.
Huh?
Aria tilts her head at Eris attitude. Perhaps she didnt expect that reply.
Hmmmm, I was totally convinced that you were was I wrong? But in your letter Huhhh?
Aria grumbles as she twists her head in puzzlement.
And Im suddenly very interested in that letter word. My mind recalls Eris attitude this morning, and the way she refused to let me read the letter.
Dont tell me Eris openly wrote out her innermost thoughts about me in her letter and they were enough to give Aria a misunderstanding? I wonder if its a thing where her stubborn attitude and her innermost thoughts differ. Now Ive gotten kinda interested.
But Onee-chan, youre living under one roof with a man you dont have that kind of rtionship with? So this is what they call cohabitation, huh.
Then Aria, who was twisting her head in puzzlement, suddenlyes to a conclusion and says that.
!
Cohabitation.
Eris, who was looking the other way, trembles with a jolt. Then she looks at Arias face, silently opening and closing her mouth, unsure what to say. Shes obviously flustered.
Thats well
Eris isnt saying anything to Aria. Furthermore, every time she looks my way and meets my eyes, she hastily averts her gaze downward. Her bangs are in the way so I cant see her expression, but shes acting seriously suspicious.
Oh my, what could be the meaning of this?
By some chance, could it be
Did Eris want to make it look like she hated the sexual harassment, but in truth that was only lip service? I wonder if there could be a development like that. It might be a thing where she says I hate it, I hate it while actually liking it. Im starting to get kinda excited.
Shiki-san, youre living here too, right?
This time, Aria directs the question at me.
As a matter of fact, we always sleep in the same room together. Every night.
On different beds, though; Yuels the only one Im sharing a bed with.
Eh? No waaaay! I-Is that true!?
Aria asks me with her eyes fully peeled, but I just nod stoically in response. Its not a lie.
Whaaat, so you actually have some experience, Onee-chan! Ive always been worried youd be all lonely by yourself. Im sooo relieved!
Aria holds both hands to her mouth and squeals happily. By the way, Eris isnt experienced.
However, Eris panics even more.
Thats because I was worried about Yuel-chan, and Were in different beds! Theres really nothing going on! More importantly, arent you supposed to be helping to guard the city during the festival, as part of your knight academy training? I was in a hurry, so I havent done a thing to prepare your room yet.
Ahh, a misdirection.
But man, her reaction is funny. So amusing it makes me want to keep poking at her. I wanna try asking Eris, Hey, hey, whyre you living with me when were not going out?.
Nah, if I do that then shell surely say something like Youre right, thats abnormal., so I wont do it. Eris really follows through when it counts. I mean, she already kicked me out once.
Nnn, thats true, but I was nning on staying here while I work. Although in the knight brigade, apparently you have to live in the dormitory if youre unmarried so they can call you out at any time so dont worry about me, Onee-chan. I wish you two happiness, okay?
I-Im telling you, were not in that kind of rtionship!
Aria seems to be having fun teasing Eris. And yet, it also kinda seems like shes hoping to set Eris up with me. In other words, is this what they call family approval? Somehow, I feel like the moat around Eris is gradually getting filled.
Well, I also get the feeling that Shiki-san and Onee-chan dont suit each other, though. But Ill give you the benefit of the doubt.
But then she says too much. Besides, Eris is looking downtrodden, Im guessing from being teased too much. Shes worn out.
Well, we may be living together, but weve only returned to the rtionship we had back when when I was a boarder due to the fact that I bought back the hospital. The one thing thats changed is that we no longer have that clearly-defined employment rtionship. Assuming we ended up living together due to the course of events, Eris may not have thought about it too deeply.
Somehow, Im getting a little worried that thanks to Arias teasing just now, Eris will start to be conscious of the unwholesome arrangement and move out. Or maybe shell kick me out once she saves up enough money to pay me back the price of the hospital. Nah, no way. Probably not. Id like to believe its fine.
Alright, its a bit early, but I gotta get over to the knight brigade station soon. Actually, they were telling me to show my face as soon as soon as I got to the city.
Aria, perhaps satisfied from thoroughly teasing Eris about her rtionship with me, remarks as she stands up.
Ille again soon, Onee-chan! Ah, Shiki-san, I dont remember the location of the knight brigade station very well, would you mind taking me there?
Then, asking me for guidance, Aria takes me by the hand and we leave the hospital.
With her ponytail swaying back and forth, Aria advances through the streets in high spirits.
Shiki-san, what do you usually do?
Helping out with the hospital, entering thebyrinth, that kind of stuff.
Man, even though Im supposed to be guiding her to the knight brigade station, shes walking ahead of me without asking for directions. Moreover, shes been barraging me with questions the entire time.
Thebyrinth, huh! Onee-chan wrote that your healing ability was incredible in her letters, but you even fight monsters! Wow, youre amazing.
More or less.
Id win against a Goblin if its 1v1. Its not a lie.
What do you use for a weapon?
A mace.
Wow, I was certain youd use a cane, or magic.
So does that mean she sees me as weak?
Well, Id like to use offensive magic, but what I learned from the customers at the hospital previously waspletely unusable. Next time, maybe Ill have someone authoritative teach me.
Ah, if youre up for it, wanna have a match? Despite how I look Im the top of my ss at the knight academy, so Im pretty confident.
Top of your ss? Thats amazing. Well eventually, if theres an opportunity.
I shoulde up with a good excuse and refuse. Or have Yuel sub for me. I dont know if I would win against a knight cadet, let alone the top of the ss.
I have no idea how many students there are at the knight academy, but Im guessing thats pretty impressive. They specifically sent her away to a school in the royal capital, so they must have had high expectations for her from the outset.
And, as we travel the main street while discussing such things-
Suddenly, a warm green color faintly glows in the corner of my eye. When I look over, theres a lone woman in the middle of a crowd, treating wounded people. She has sleek ck hair, and shes wearing an expensive-looking ornamental habit. Shes still in herte teens at thetest. Shes quite a beauty. No tits though.
I stop walking to take a look for a little while, and it seems shes performing treatment on citizens free of charge.
Thats a priestess from the Church of Medine.
The Church of Medine. If I remember correctly, Eris taught me before that its a religion with close ties to this worlds healing magic. I have a feeling its the official religion of this kingdom, too.
Thats quite generous of them, to give out free treatment.
Isnt it strange? Theyve always done that at the royal capital. Giving out treatment in front of crowds and soliciting donations like that. Im guessing its because the festival is soon and lots of people have gathered here.
Huh
The priestess treats another wounded person. Furthermore, thats High Heal no, EX Heal. Using a normal healer as the standard, aint that priestess quite excellent? Although, knowing EX Heal, it must have used up the rest of her mana; she drops to one knee and breathes heavily.
Wait, this is the first time Ive seen someone other than me who can use EX Heal. And I heard that even among the eminent members of the church, only a handful of them can use EX Heal. Perhaps that beauty is quite a big shot.
As Im staring at the beautiful priestess like that, something tugs at the hem of my clothes.
Its Aria. When I take a look to see whats the matter, shes making a sullen face as if Ive done something wrong.
Shiki-san, thats no good.
No good?
Aria gives me an exasperated sigh and shrugs her shoulders in disappointment. Then her expression makes aplete change, tightening up as she looks at me.
Shiki-san, Ive been thinking for a long time.
Aria gazes right into my eyes and begins to speak.
The mood is serious. What could it be? I wonder if shes gonna preach to me like Shiki-san, this whole time youve done nothing but look at girls. Youre so unfaithful.? If she does I wont be able to deny it, though.
Ive been thinking. About Onee-chan. She never mentions it to me, but losing our mother and father and having to live all by herself, Im sure it was dreadful for her.
Never mind. So it was about Eris?
Certainly, Eris has had all sorts of troublestely, like the weight of the debt and having to sell the hospital. But, considering Eris character, taking on debt for her sisters sake and even having to sell the hospital, she wouldnt tell the person in question no matter what.
Ill stay silent about it too for the time being. Its already been resolved anyway.
In her letters, too, I sorta got the feeling she was trying too hard to write about cheerful things. I was a bit worried. Thats why wanting toe see her was part of it, but Im relieved that shes doing well.
I see.
Onee-chan is stubborn so she takes things seriously, but the way she feels about you, Shiki-san I dont think she thinks poorly of you. Onee-chan is not the kind of person who would live under the same roof with a man without a good reason.
Aria was originally saying that she wanted me to guide her to the knight brigade station, but perhaps she actually wanted to have a heart-to-heart talk with me.
What sort of person was her older sister living with? And was Eris actually doing things properly with him or not?
I thought that she just found me amusing, but it seems I was mistaken. Then, Aria scratches her cheek awkwardly-
So, please take good care of Onee-chan, okay? I want her to be happy.
and bashfully tells me that.
After that I escort Aria to the knight brigade and return to the hospital. Then, soon afterwards
Im leaving this ce.
With no preface, Eris announces that with a serious expression.
What in the world does that mean?
I havent even said What did you write about in your letters to your sister? or Why were you sleeping in the same room as me when were not going out? yet. I havent especially done anything to make her angr was it that? Was hitting on girls no good after all? No, it might have been due to Arias teasing.
Thats not what you told me, Aria-san. Didnt Eris supposedly not think poorly of me?
Dont tell me its because of what she teased you about?
Its not particrly rted to what happened earlier. I wouldnt leave the hospital over something like that. Its just, seeing Arias face, and hearing her talk about staying at the dorm, I thought it was the perfect opportunity.
The perfect opportunity?
Is it that she put up with living with me until now, but after being teased by Aria, she reconsidered me from a fresh perspective? She hates the kind of frivolous man who spends his free time picking up chicks downtown, so shes leaving? I mean if I were Eris, I dont think I would live together with a man like that.
When you went off with the knight brigade on that monster subjugation, thats when I decided to do this someday.
She must be referring to that time with the Krankheit Turtle. But I dont see how thats rted. How did me going to subjugate a monster turn into Eris leaving the hospital?
What does that mean?
At that time, I was the only one left behind at the hospital Ive been thinking for a long time. Why was it that I couldnte along?
Eris expression is earnest. Now that I think about it, Eris was worried for me at the time. I feel like she seemed a bit different from the usual Eris, both when we were leaving for the subjugation and when we returned.
Moreover, after the poison mist spread into the city, I couldnt run the hospital by myself, either even though you used such incredible healing magic.
Thats why, I want to at least be able to use High Heal, as a full-fledged healer.
Certainly, if she was capable enough to use High Heal, she might have been able to apany the subjugation unit.
But being able to use that, forget about full-fledged, thats already elite. Maybe its my fault, but I have a feeling that Eris perception is skewed.
Eris is by no means the leftovers. In the Krankheit Turtles case, since you have to treat quite a few people in one way or another, you need to have an average, no, a bit more more than an average amount of mana as a healer.
Thats why Im going to study at the Church of Medine in the royal capital. Over there, I want to retrain myself from the beginning.
I heard it from Eris soon after I came to this world. That the typical healer apparently trains at a church in the royal capital. It seems you can also do it at one of the churches in every town, but the royal capital is the ce to go to aim higher as a healer.
Eris purpose is solid. But this cant happen. Im worried. I have to hold her back.
I-I understand what youre saying but, what about the hospital?
Ill close it for a while.
This is dangerous. The diligent worker Eris is closing the hospital. Shes really serious.
But Im sure Yuel wont want to be separated from you?
In one way or another, Yuel is fairly attached to Eris. Shell undoubtedly miss Eris if shes gone.
However, Eris only knits her brows and looks down slightly. Then, she mutters in a tiny voice.
Even so, I want just to be capable enough that I could have gone along with you at that time. Im sick of waiting by myself for someone toe back.
That reminds me, theres something thats been bothering me. At the dinner party at the lords mansion, Eris was looking at Ruruka with envious eyes. From Eris perspective, the fact that Ruruka was there served as proof that she went along with the subjugation unit. And in reality, she did go along with the subjugation unit, as a guide. That look, that might have been envy over the fact that Ruruka was deemed capable enough toe along.
Besides, shes had to endure a fair amount of house-sitting on her own.
I have some idea about it. The matter of her parents idental demise. Im certain that one day, she was house-sitting by herself and instead of her parents returning, what came was a letter informing her of their deaths.
And then with this subjugation, I ended up returning to the hospital covered in blood and looking like a tattered old rag. That mightve dug up some old wounds in Eris heart.
I really screwed up. I get the feeling I stepped on andmine.
Eris is stubborn. This is no good. It doesnt look like Ill be able to persuade her.
Assuming you do go to study in the royal capital, about how long will it take?
Lets see err, if I start over from the beginning, up until I learn High Heal, if thats even possible for me 3 years of meditation at the sacred ground thats supposed to have a high concentration of mana, 1 year for the pilgrimage to the holynd of the Church of Medine, and after that the lectures and volunteer activities for the church about 5 years at the very least, I suppose.
Ill persuade her after all. Not 5 years. I thought itd be around a month, but 5 years is unthinkable. Out of the question.
Thats no good, absolutely uneptable.
Eris is currently 18 years old. In 5 years shell be 23. Whats going to happen to a girl around that age, whos a buxom blonde and furthermore a beauty, if I trustingly send her away?
If hes got 5 years to work with, without a doubt Ill get coocked by some handsome local priest. I mean, if I were a local priest, I have a feeling Id fully abuse my authority to make it a done deal.
If it were 1 or 2 months I still could have given in, but 5 years is really too long.
By the time she thinks shell be back, Eris couldve married a handsome, honest priest and became a mother of two. Thats how long 5 years is. That is totally not alright.
But how should I approach this? Eris seems to be seriously troubled by her ownck of healing magic ability. No ideas for how to quickly convince Eris areing to mind. Nothing but a sigh.
Do you want to go that badly?
Isnt it obvious?
I-Is that so
Although, how can I persuade Eris? Once she makes up her mind, she probably really will go off for 5 years to study. I need to stay calm and think carefully.
Perhaps theres one way to solve it.
Eris objective is to improve her healing magic. In other words, if I can just raise her healing magic ability, that seems like a likely means to detain her.
In that case, how should I go about raising her healing magic ability?
Lets think about it a little. This worlds healing magic involves mana, knowledge, and faith. These 3 elements greatly influence it.
Having a lot of mana enables you to use healing magic many times, and makes it possible to use healing spells like High Heal and EX Heal that consumerge quantities of mana. With knowledge you canprehend the structure of the human body and decrease your mana expenditure by using efficient healing spells. These two aremon knowledge in this world, and I have personal experience with them too.
Then theres thest one, piety. ording to the doctrines of the Church of Medine, this worlds healing magic originates from the power of faith. And, the more devout a follower you are of the Church of Medine, the more you can draw upon the umted faith in god to invoke healing magic. Plus, the more faith you have, the greater the effectiveness of the healing magic. I dont have much belief in the existence of god, but nevertheless my high healing magic ability could be rted to the fact that I amassed faith in the new Japanese religion of I myself.
Of course there are various other elements like affinity and talent, but in general these 3 have the greatest influence on healing magic.
Most likely, the current Eris iscking in all of them. Her mana capacity is average or not much higher, and she most likely hasnt studied human anatomy in depth.
And I get the feeling that she isnt that devout of a believer in god either. Perhaps because shes been living in poverty, but shes the type to work rather than pray.
I doubt that I can raise her mana capacity. Ive heard that its necessary to spend a long time in a ce with thick concentrations of mana in order to raise it. Thats probably the sacred ground that Eris mentioned.
Piety is also off the table. I dont have a shred of piety myself either.
But how about knowledge? In my case, I could possibly fill in Eris knowledge. This world has developed some degree of medical treatment, but even so, I came from modern Japan so my knowledge should be much deeper. The more detailed knowledge Eris has about human anatomy, the more she should be able to use healing magic efficiently.
This is it.
Eris, even if you dont go study, I can improve your healing magic ability. Ill prove it to you without fail. Thats why, could you please hold off on going?
Since I thought it up, lets try it right away. First, some preparations are necessary.
Master! I just got back!
As soon as I resolve to do it, Yuel returns.
Chapter 43 — Priestess
Chapter 43: Priestess.
Its not like I dont understand what made Eris want to improve her healing magic ability.
The fact that she couldnte along with the Krankheit Turtle subjugation unit. The fact that she couldnt handle the crowd of customers that showed up at the hospital after the invasion of the poison mist.
Certainly, theres been a demandtely for high healing magic proficiency. Whats more, the fact that I came back to the hospital immediately afterwards covered in blood made her worry. And on top of that, I ended up showing her that my healing magic could cover the entire city.
Perhaps it was inevitable that Eris would be distraught.
However, going to study in the royal capital for who knows how many years just because of that is still not alright. I want to hold her back somehow, but to keep her here its necessary to improve her healing magic ability.
And, as for what I can do in order to improve her proficiency with healing magic
I can teach Eris the anatomical knowledge that I possess from studying in Japan.
Alright, Eris, lets begin our lesson on the structure of the human body.
In other words, health and physical education lessons. With great attention to detail, one-on-one physical education lessons.
I wonder how much I should teach her? Just how far should I instruct the blonde, buxom, trim, diligent Eris? Eris, who just earlier was thoroughly teased by Aria and is surely a bit conscious of me now. What manner of health and physical education lessons should I give her in that state? Various idease to mind.
Master, I havent learned about the structure of the human body. This is fun!
Nope, its impossible.
Before I know it, Yuel sits down across from Eris with a pleasant grin on her face. This isnt one-on-one. Oh yeah, Yuel got back just a moment ago.
I was thinking of using weird methods, but Yuels voice cools me down a bit. Eris is currently agonizing over her healing magic, thats exactly why shes making a choice that could drastically change her life. Her expression isnt just serious, theres also some sorrow and anxiety mixed in. Such an expression tells me that shes truly worried about her ability with healing magic.
If I get carried away by earthly desires and sexually harass her in this situation, it could end in a lot worse than scorn.
The structure of the human body. You? Despite how it seems, I didplete my schooling at a church at one point
Besides, Eris is someone who received a proper education at a church. If I dont go about this seriously, I probably wont be able to teach her anything.
Well, hear me out. Im sure youre aware of my proficiency with healing magic, right? From now on, Im going to show you one of the reasons for that.
Master, I want to hear it too!
And Yuel is also watching. It cant be helped. Ill have to y the part of the intellectual Master and calmly, sincerely impart my knowledge onto Eris.
Im sorry, I cant understand a thing youre saying.
The result was, its hopeless.
Even if you suddenly tell me about cells and what telets are, I cant picture it at all.
As for whats hopeless, its the difference in our fundamental knowledge.
Besides, even if you just tell me that such things exist precisely what they are and how they heal wounds, if you dont properly exin from the beginning, I wont understand
Incidentally, I dont have the necessary knowledge to fill that gap.
This is just a feeling, but perhaps you dont understand it very well yourself? I know this from having tutored younger kids at the church in the past, but teaching is difficult if you dont have a firm grasp on the material.
Besides, human anatomy isplicated in the first ce, so teaching about it is impossible when I only have a smattering of knowledge myself.
Unlike me who received an education in Japan, Eris is an inhabitant of another world. I thought Id teach her a Japanese level of knowledge, but it might be necessary to start the discussion from the beginning, just like following along in a textbook. And yet, I dont have a single bit of reference material. This world doesnt have the things youd find in a textbook like easily-understood color illustrations or microscopic images.
Besides, this ispletely different from what I was taught at the church as far as what you said about being able to form a proper image at the time you cast healing magic, I think that it would be really difficult for me.
This is no good.
Now that Ive tried it, I understand for the first time. Teaching someone else my knowledge of the human body is beyond my ability. I mightve been able to pull something off if I at least had a single Japanese reference book to work with, but theres no way for me to obtain something like that.
Even Yuel, who was having so much fun, is currently nodding off next to Eris, swaying in her chair as if shes on a boat. She asionally snaps awake and shakes her head forcefully to stimte her senses. But then after a few seconds, her eyelids fall and her head gives way to the swaying of the waves again. Shes probably tuckered out from working at the tavern as well, but most likely she found my lessons too tedious and they put her to sleep.
Its probably just as Eris says. I cant say a word in denial.
Ah But, I could somehow understand that you were telling me some amazing things. Look, Perhaps Im even able to use High Heal now High Heal!
Eris tries tofort me, and concentrates on invoking High Heal. But, the High Heal she casts merely emits a faint green glow and disperses. Yeah, doesnt look like this method was effective at all.
To think that teaching people would be such a difficult thing.
But, it cant go on like this.
If Eris ends up going to the royal capital, just whose chest will I turn to from now on in order to heal my heart with a nce? Yuels? Thats even more uneptable.
In order to prevent Eris from spending who knows how many years training in the royal capital, I need to resolve her worries. Incidentally, while shes still conscious of me from Arias teasing, Id like to brilliantly solve Eris problems and take things to the So dreamy, take me! stage.
Its just that this time, I might have erred a little in my approach. But this isnt the only way.
Eris, this time was a failure, but there are still other methods. Ill definitely raise your healing magic ability, so please wait a bit longer for me before going to the royal capital.
Well, I dont mind, but thats
It seems like shell wait for me. Although, shes being somewhat evasive. Is there something she wants to tell me-
!
And, as Im thinking that, Yuel fervently shakes her head beside Eris. Then she opens her eyes wide and gazes at me intensely in order to concentrate on my words. It seems she hasnt realized that the lesson is over. But then her eyelids slowly fall, and her head droops. She must be really sleepy.
Well, lets leave Yuel be.
The three factors that influence healing magic ability are knowledge, mana, and piety. Knowledge is impossible, so that leaves mana and piety. In some way or another, if I can lift one of those up for Eris, even she should be able to use advanced healing magic.
The next day, Yuel is again leaving energetically for her part-time job at the tavern.
As for Eris, saying that she was going to go over the details that she couldnt understand from my lessons the previous day, shes secluding herself in the hospital.
And as for me, Im searching for something in particr among the city stalls by myself.
The city is showing more activity than usual, thanks inrge part to the festival. The number of stalls is also much higher,pared to normal. Stalls have even started to pop up along the side streets somewhat removed from the main street.
Oh, Onii-chan, you interested in that? Thats a magic tool that was just recently discovered in thebyrinth
Then, ignoring the salesmans exnations, I activate my Appraisal skill at a stall I came across. Keeping an eye out for a few items, Appraisal, Appraisal, Appraisal.
But, the goods that Im aiming for dont appear to be among them.
As for what Im searching for, its a magic tool that I can use to improve Eris healing magic.
In this world, there are various magic tools excavated from ruins or discovered inbyrinths. Among them there might even be magical tools capable of raising your mana capacity just by wearing them on your body, or of storing mana like a battery. Magic tools are generally expensive, but at present I can mostly afford them.
The 2,500,000 Zeni reward I received the other day from the knight brigade. In Japanese currency, thats a whopping 25 million yen. That should be enough to buy one or two magic tools and still have change left over.
If knowledge is useless then how about money. I could brute-force it with money.
Although, Ive been looking at countless stalls for a while now, but I cant seem to find a suitable magic tool.
Ah, Shiki! Fancy meeting you in a ce like this. Whatcha doing?
At that time, a voice casually calls out to me from behind. An awfully pleasant, flirtatious, coaxing voice. This voice is Rurukas.
Immediately afterwards, I feel soft breasts pressing into my arm. These breasts are Rurukas.
Looking at the stalls? Huh, wheres Yuel-chan?
Yeah, Im looking for a magic tool, but I cant seem to find it. Also, Yuel is at the tavern today.
Since theyre shorthanded due to the festival, the wages are apparently higher than usual. I have no idea what Yuel intends to buy, buttely shes been working at the tavern pretty much every day.
But for me to run into Ruruka with timing like this. This might be bad.
Izzat so I see, I see, Yuel-chan isnt here right now.
An awfully pleasant voice. Rurukas face is all smiles.
I can guess why she seems so pleased.
The other day, at the dinner party sponsored by the lord. Ruruka was there when I received the reward. Thats right, Ruruka is aware of the fact that my wallet is currently burning a hole in my pocket.
And the fact that as soon as she found me, she pressed her boobs against me.
For example, if Ruruka were to say buy this in the current situation. No, more like If you buy this, thenter.
I might just end up buying it. Strung along by the momentary pleasant feeling, I might end up buying Ruruka expensive jewels, magic items and whatever else she wants.
Well, assuming she feels somewhat remorseful and I receive appropriatepensationter, then its alright.
But right now Im supposed to be using this money on a magic tool for Eris. Right now, and only now, the timing is bad.
Oh yeah, what kind of magic tool are you looking for? Want me to help you look for it?
Ahh, something to raise mana capacity
Hmmm, so its like that oh right, recently arge magic tool shop opened, but I havent checked it out yet. Its a pretty huge store even for this city so you might be able to find the magic tool youre looking for? Lets go take a look together!
Saying that, Ruruka inserts my arm between those soft breasts and tugs me along. Inserting it between those breasts and forcefully tugging.
Lets think about it from the opposite point of view. I only have to endure the temptation.
Ruruka is an adventurer. There was the previous matter with that earring too; shes likely more familiar with magic tools than I am. If I let her guide me, I might be able to find the magic tool Im looking for sooner.
Its not particrly because the sensation of her breasts hitting my arm feels good and I dont want her to let go or anything. Not because her unprotected breasts feel so soft through a singleyer of shirt or anything. I just need to have a strong will and keep my wallet strings tied tight.
With that decided, lets get going!
Uwah, what is this skewer, its so delicious! Marbled beef from the royal capital is incredible, its my first time eating it, but its melting in my mouth! Thanks for buying it, Shiki! I knew it! Youre so cool!
While Im feeling the sensation of her breasts melting against my arm, we slip through the currents of people on our way to the magic tool shop.
Yeah, dont worry about it woah, youre gonna run into someone. Why dont youe a little closer?
Sheesh, I-I guess it cant be helped!
Ive only been walking along the streets with Ruruka for a short while, but Ive already spent thousands of Zeni. What Ive obtained are the incredibly soft feeling on my arm, a bunch of forcedpliments, and Rurukas spirited guidance.
Well, the price was expensive, but it was a cheap price to pay for such quality food. A single skewer is cheaper than a single Heal. If I think of it as the cost of being guided to the magic tool shop, its not high. Well, maybe its high, but not if you include the sensation of these breasts that keep hitting my arm.
Ah, take that street over there and go north.
Gotcha.
With a truly pleased expression, Ruruka stuffs her face with premium skewers. Looking at her, and how she got me to think I guess its fine to treat her just a little bit, I cant help but be impressed by Rurukas high skill.
Although, until I buy a magic tool for Eris sake, no matter what, I cant buy any luxury decorative goods. Magic tools are fundamentally expensive. Im pretty sure I have enough, but I cant let it turn into a scenario where I dont have enough money left to buy a magic tool by the time I get to the magic tool shop.
While Im thinking that, as soon as we leave the main street,
We cant get through this way, huh.
We run into a huge crowd thats filling the street. The magic tool shop that Ruruka mentioned is apparently on the north side of town, a little further off. We should be able to head north through here, but theres no way to get through this crowd.
Hmmm, what should we do?
Then, taking a look at the crowd, in the middle of it theres a familiar t-chested, ck-haired woman wearing an ornately-decorated habit. I saw her yesterday too; its that Church of Medine priestess.
Ah, looks like shes giving out free treatment again, that Church of Medine priestess. She was doing it the day before yesterday too.
It seems Ruruka has seen her as well.
But theres something bothering me a little about that priestess. Maybe its because shes as t-chested as Fran? I wonder if its easier for those to draw attention because an AAA-cup woman is rarer than a D-cup woman?
No, probably because it was the first time I saw a healer capable of using EX Heal.
Though it drained her mana in one shot yesterday, she was even using EX Heal. Among all of the healers that Ive seen so far, her ability is no doubt the best. At present she seems to be using High Heal to treat patients with missing limbs. Treating patients with a constant smile using High Heal, enveloping their hands in a gentle handshake, then waving to the surrounding onlookers.
Whats with this spectacle?
It feels so showy, as if shes an idol doing volunteer work. Aria was saying that its a performance in order to collect donations for the religious organization, so that might just be the way it is. That priestess looks to be around 17 years old, and on top of that, other than her breast size shes rather well-featured.
But maaaan, being able to use healing magic to that degree at such a young age. Even though Eris was saying that just to use High Heal, shed have to train for years.
Hmmm, but isnt it the same with you, Shiki-san? Being able to use High Heal at that age.
No, I can even use EX Heal. I havent told Ruruka that though.
But Im a special case. On top of being able to use a modest healing effect by nature, thanks to the fact that I came here from Earth where there was no mana, I have a unique constitution capable of storing enormous amounts of it.
Well, leaving me aside, there arent many people in this world capable of using EX Heal. The fact that she can use EX Heal at such a young age, you might call her a rather special existence even for this world. And theres no way she came here from another world like I did.
Is there?
The reason that priestess caught my interest. It might not just be over the matter of EX Heal.
Her ck hair. That priestess has pure ck hair, not verymon in this world. There are quite a few with dark gray or brown mixed with ck, but genuine ck hair is umon. By some possibility such thoughts cross my mind.
-Suddenly, I make eye contact with the priestess as shes waving to the onlookers. For just a moment. Its not like she was looking over this way; her gaze just happened to pass by.
But, I saw them.
Clear blue irises. Not ck, but blue.
Never mind. Shes not a Japanese person, at least.
Or rather I should say that if she hade from Japan like me, then yesterday that EX Heal wouldnt have used up all of her mana at once.
Although, in that case she must really be a uniquely gifted person. If I told Eris, shed probably lose confidence and be even further depressed. I dont know whether her mana capacity is amazing, or her knowledge is incredible, or else if shes drawing on the power of faith in the existence of the god called Medine or whatever from a great number of devout believers.
As Im pondering while I gaze at the priestess,
Wow! My hand is moving, its moving, Okaa-san!
Saint-sama, thank you so much, Ill never forget this favor for the rest of my life!
My eyes fall upon a young girl apanied by someone who appears to be her mother, giving their thanks and deeply bowing as if prostrating themselves before the priestess. Looks like the young girl was the one who just received treatment.
Please, do not concern yourselves. Providing sor to such an adorable child brings me great joy as well. Come now, pray lift your heads.
The priestess says to the mother with a smile. Then, unconcerned about dirtying her clothes, she kneels with one knee on the ground and extends her hand in order to get the mother to stand. When the mother sees this, shes deeply moved and starts to cry. With the free treatment just now, she healed a child who was surely too poor to receive medical treatment with High Heal. Its an emotional scene, as if right out of a drama.
Thank you so much, thank you so much!
Onee-chan, thank you!
The mother and daughter give countless thanks to the priestess as they depart. Cheers and apuse ring out from the surrounding onlookers.
Thats great, thats so great, she treated that girl
Ruruka too seems a little touched, seeing the exuberant mother and daughter.
But what was with that scene? Something feels off. I cant say exactly what was strange about it, but something was strange.
Then all of a sudden, I remember a certain experience from Japan. I see, so thats where that sense of incongruity came from
Slightly uneasy, I observe the state of the onlookers immediately following the priestess next treatment. I realize that the first people to loudly apud and cheer are equally spaced among the audience. After the next treatment too, the same people as before apud and raise a cheer as if theyre trying to stir up the ce.
Those. Those are shills.
The source of my sense of incongruity was: dj vu. Thats right, this modus operandi closely resembles that of a new religious movement. In the type of new religious movement where the founder is the object of faith, they use children to create emotional experiences, and shills to profess the founders greatness using mob psychology, using those as a source of faith. Ive seen it myself several times.
Although, if this is simple volunteer work by a religious organization in order to improve their image and solicit donations, like Aria imed, why would they be using audience nts
And then I realize.
Now I get it.
What do you mean by get it, Shiki? Ah, we should get going, its no use even if we keep watching.
Piety. Thats it, piety.
Perhaps that priestess, is gathering faith in herself, just like I did. If I think about it like that, her conduct finally makes sense.
The excessively showy atmosphere. That service-oriented attitude of waving to the audience while she provides treatment. Despite being a priestess, those ornately decorated garments. Shes almost like an idol or something.
And what settles it is the existence of shills and the fact that she can use EX Heal at such a young age.
In that way, by turning herself into a symbol and feigning greatness, she must be gathering faith in herself.
Eris didnt know that, rather than just believing in god, she can improve the effectiveness of her healing magic by umting faith in herself. I only realized it since I was a special case, but the fact that you can improve your healing magic ability by gathering faith in yourself shouldnt generally be well-known.
No, since the Church of Medine is also known as the official religion of healing magic, they may have realized it but are deliberately keeping it a secret between the higher-ups. Now that I think about it, Aria also regarded the free treatment as an attempt to solicit donations, so that possibility is high. If everyone and their mother were trying to collect faith in themselves, then the objects of faith would be diluted.
This could be useful.
If I have Eris do the same kind of thing, and gather belief
-Nah, that might be hopeless. Its hard to imagine Eris nodding in agreement to it.
Or rather, judging by that priestess garments and her escorts, shes a higher-up in the church. I mean, she was even called a saint just now. There might not be any problems if a person like that attracts a ton of attention, but if amon healer like Eris attracted that much attention, I have a feeling it could be dangerous. As a blonde beauty with an enticing body, if she acts congenially to everyone like an idol, I have no doubt that shed be involved in an incident. And Eris has nobat ability, so that wouldnt be good.
I thought it was a revolutionary idea that would elevate Eris healing magic, but Im gonna have to toss it out. Its not worth going so far as exposing Eris to danger.
Hey Shiki, Im talkin to you. Itll be hard to pass through here, so lets take a back alley. Thatll probably be a shortcut.
Yeah.
By the time I notice her, Ruruka is pulling my hand. Oh yeah, we were on the way to buy a magic tool. In order to improve Eris healing magic ability, as expected, finding a magic item to raise her mana capacity and buying it is a pragmatic approach.
Look, Shiki, this way.
It seems Ruruka intends to give up on getting through here and use a back alley instead. Well, naturally, I also want to refrain from cutting through this crowd. Then, when Im about to follow Ruruka, at that time.
Ahhhhh!! What do you think youre doing!?
A familiar, loud voice reaches my ears. I look over in the direction of the voice, and in the middle of the crowd theres a girl with a ponytail wearing knight armor, heading this way. The color of that ponytail is quite simr to Eris blonde hair.
Thats Aria. And, when she sees my hand being grasped by Ruruka, her face bes tantly sullen.
Eh, What? That girl, is that someone you know, Shiki?
Ruruka, perhaps surprised at the sudden event, stares at me with wide eyes. As for Aria, she rapidly closes in on me with some sort of angry face.
Who wouldve thought Id run into Aria with timing like this.
This might be bad.
Shiki-san, what are you doing!? Who is that person!?
Aria is angry. Doesnt seem like she came here to deepen her friendship with her older sisters roommate whom she just happened to notice. I wonder what her purpose is? If its what Im imagining, this doesnt bode well.
Aria, wait, just calm down a bit.
Aahhh,e on, youre even holding hands! Just answer me, who is that person!? Your mistress!?
This is an unpleasant development.
Mistreesss!?
Before I can give Aria an excuse, Ruruka cries out in a hysteric voice.
Me? Mistress, are you referring to me!?
Then, trembling all over while pointing at herself, Ruruka looks back and forth between me and Aria with a confused face.
Shiki, what does she mean by mistress!? Hey, Shiki, answer me!
This cant be happening. Ruruka must have really hated being called my mistress; shes half in tears. Does she hate being seen as fickle in the manner of a mistress, or does she hate the implication that the one Im serious about is a different woman? Id really like to know, but I dont have time to think about that right now. I need to give an immediate exnation.
No, thats a misunderstanding
What exactly am I misunderstanding!? Didnt I tell you just yesterday to take good care of Onee-chan!?
Then Aria bes even further enraged. Ah, this is bad.
Now that I think about it, you were hitting on girls yesterday too! So the part about you only being dragged along by your friends against your will was a lie after all!?
Hitting on girls!? Shiki, you were doing something like that!?
Aria is steadily getting heated up. This is bad. It doesnt seem like I can get away by saying that I have things to do. I cant dodge the question.
Since I saw it, I wont overlook this even for Onee-chans sake! Shiki-san, youd better properly exin who that person is and what exactly your rtionship is with her!
What do I do!
Chapter 44 — Dragon
Chapter 44: Dragon.
I need to remain calm in times of crisis. First, lets sort out the situation.
Mi-Mi-Mistress She called me a mistreesss
For starters, its not like Im in that kind of rtionship with anyone in particr. Eris doesnt seem to think of me as much more than a roommate, and even with Ruruka its only to the degree of asionally letting me rub her breasts aspensation for medical treatment. So calling her my mistress is a mistake.
But I probably cant say that to Aria. Aria seems to consider the fact that Eris is living together with a man to mean that Im more like her lover or fianc. Even if I tell her that Eris and I dont have that kind of rtionship yet, I dont feel like shell take my word for it. The reason that Im living at Eris hospital is due to the fact that I bought it back for her, though.
But how do I exin that to Aria? Shes considerably upset, crossing her arms beneath her chest and ring right at me. If I tell her that Eris and I arent in that kind of rtionship, shell probably go So youre just ying around with Onee-chan!? Toying with her!? and make things unnecessarilyplicated.
Ah, no, maybe its fine if I just exin normally? Usually there are many things to feel guilty about with my behavior so it slipped my mind, but this time I was only having Ruruka guide me to a magic tool shop.
Aria, thats a misunderstanding. Im just looking for a magic tool, but I dont know much about them. As an adventurer, Ruruka knows more than me, and she told me she knows of a good store, so she was guiding me there. Right, Ruruka?
Mistress
But, the crucial Ruruka is looking down for some reason, grumbling to herself instead of replying. Did being called a mistress shock her that much?
But Im counting on her right now so I wish shed help me solve this misunderstanding.
Why are you looking for something like a magic tool? Ah, but werent you just holding hands with that person!? I saw it clearly!
Thats, look. I was watching that priestess giving treatment for a while, so Ruruka was just pulling to hurry me up. Besides, the reason Im looking for a magic tool is
Suspicious definitely suspicious!
Without waiting for me to finish answering, Aria interjects. I guess she no longer has any confidence in me. Most likely, the amount of trust Id earned from Eris letters was used up between the hitting on girls in town incident and thistest one.
She wont hear me out. Aria is probably the same stubborn type as Eris. This is pointless.
Even if you say its suspicious
Unless I wait for her to calm down a bit, it doesnt seem like Ill be able to untangle this misunderstanding.
Although, why am I doing nothing but unraveling misunderstandings? I feel like this has been happening all the timetely. Well, many of those werent misunderstandings but rather hiding the truth. But anyhow if I have to unravel something, instead of misunderstandings Id rather it be panty strings.
While Im running from reality,
Those people arent the ones acting suspiciously! Quit ying around and get back to your post!
Aria gets knocked over the head along with a scolding.
Yeowch! Who wait, Deputy leader!?
The one who hit Aria is a female knight who appears to be a few years older than her. With a considerably angry face, shes ring intensely at Aria.
Youre on guard duty right now! Under no circumstances is there anything strange about this situation, do you understand!
Ugh I-I know that, but
Aria is being savagely reprimanded by the female knight she called the deputy leader. Somewhat self-consciously, Aria awkwardly averts her eyes from the female knight. The impression I get from listening to their exchange is that Aria was in the middle of work but she slipped away when she noticed me.
She deserved that scolding.
Look here, youre going back. This is neither a game nor a simtion. Failure will not be permitted. Why do you think that a student like you was even epted?
Ah, But please wait! I still have a few more things to sa ah, please dont drag me, Wait!!
Denied. Were really short on hands right now. And theres also the Krankheit Turtle incident investigation, escorting Saint-sama, mediating disputes between travelers. If the priests from the Church of Medine hadnt offered to help with the patrolling, the knight brigade wouldve fallen apart by now from being stretched so thin. Seriously
Then, Aria is dragged off by the female knight and disappears into the crowd. Even Aria cant disobey her boss, apparently.
Looks like the crisis has been averted. Im sure it was only postponed, but Im saved for the time being.
And the instant I think that.
Ill have you properly exin about that mistresster! Absolutely, no matter what, got iiiiiit!
Her shout carries over to me from within the crowd.
Oi, Ruruka. Whats the matter? Lets get going.
Ruruka?
Well, there was an unforeseen incident, but I cant forget my original purpose. As for as why Im walking through town with Ruruka, shes guiding me to a magic tool shop for the sake of leveling up Eris healing magic.
But Rurukas been acting strange for a while. Shes been looking down the whole time, as if shes thinking about something. She doesnt even respond when I call out to her.
Hey, were getting weird looks here thanks to Aria Ruruka, could you hurry and guide me to the store? Lets get out of here already.
Maybe because I was called a cheater in front of such a huge crowd, but by the time I notice it Ive gathered some disapproving stares. For me, this ce is a bed of nails at this point.
And as I continue to call out to Ruruka, she finally raises her head in realization.
Right, guiding, thats what I was doing!
Ruruka says that and sets off toward the back alley.
Although, her voice is cracking a bit. I thought she would walk into the alley, but she quickly stops after just a few steps. Then she slowly turns to face me and slightly lowers her head as she inquires.
Hey Shiki that girl earlier, who was she?
I was expecting that question from her. Frankly, I cant predict how shell react once I tell her that it was Eris younger sister. Though Im not confident about it, I get the feeling that Ruruka is positively inclined towards me. I wouldnt be surprised if Im treading onto andmine.
But she asked, so I have to give her an answer.
Yeah, that was Aria
Ah, Actually, wait! That blonde hair and Onee-chan, D-dont tell me Never mind, its fine, you dont have to answer! I-Im not particrly interested or anything!
Whats with that reaction. Although with a reaction like that, quite the contrary, she seems very interested. And somewhat nervous.
Cmon, the magic tool shop! lets get going! Its this way!
Well, as long as shes guiding me its fine. Ruruka turns on her heels and hurriedly heads toward the alley. I guess the conversation is over.
With Ruruka leading the way, we traverse the dim alleyways. Theres no light banter like from before we ran into Aria, just Ruruka guiding me inplete silence. Its been this way ever since then.
Man, I havent said anything since its kinda awkward, but just how much further is Ruruka going to take me? It shouldnt have been that far away, but weve been walking for quite a long time.
Besides, these alleys.
Since the sun doesnt hit between the shade of the buildings, there are still puddles left in the thin alleys from the rain a few days earlier. And because were nked by ancient buildings that dont seem like theyre being used anymore, I cant get a good view of our surroundings. And in the first ce the alleys themselves meander back and forth and arent maintained very well. Besides, I have a feeling I just heard some strange animal noises.
Its honestly freaky. But the streets are tooplicated, so I dont even know the way back anymore.
Hey Ruruka, for a magic tool shop, wouldnt it usually be on a big street? Are we really going to get there this way?
Theres no reply.
No matter how you look at it I dont think there could be a store this way though wait, is there actually like a hidden famous store there that only adventurers know about?
Theres no reply. Its as if Ruruka isnt even hearing my voice; she keeps going further and further into the alleys without changing her pace.
Ruruka?
Something is definitely strange, so I grab her shoulder to stop her, and Ruruka reacts with a jolt.
Eh, Whaat!?
Dont what me. Ive been calling out to you for a while now and you werepletely unresponsive is this really the right way?
When I say that, Ruruka starts to look around the area anxiously. She shifts her gaze between my face, our dark path, and then 2 or 3 of the surrounding decrepit buildings. Her face immediately turns pale.
Ah sorry, its not this way.
Thought so. Well whatever, lets hurry back. This alley is gloomy and its giving me the creeps.
Come to think of it, we havent even passed by a single person.
Even for an alley like this the houses themselves are numerous, so it wouldnt be odd toe across a person or two. This is kinda freaking me out. If its not a shortcut, I want to quickly turn back.
However, before Ruruka turns around, she stops moving and double-checks our surroundings.
After that, she stares firmly into my face. With an expression thats mixed with anxiety
Then she speaks.
Sure. But, Shiki thats, well. Before that, theres something I have to tell you.
I wonder what. Its just the two of us in this dark alley. Rurukas anxious expression and her nervous attitude. Plus her reaction to Arias diatribe earlier has been on my mind. Dont tell me the reason shes been silently walking all the way to a ce like this was for the sake of this something she has to tell me? To purposefully take me down the wrong street, to a ce with no prying eyes?
Just a little, just the tiniest bit, Im getting my hopes up.
Whats the matter, Ruruka. Anytime is fine with me. Im ready, so cmon, you can tell me.
When I say that, a bit of anxiety disappears from Rurukas face. Then, she gathers her resolve and speaks.
Sorry, I have no idea how to get back
Seriously?
Yeah.
Thats not quite what I was expecting.
Oh yeah. From an objective point of view, shes been spacing out while we were walking. Of course she doesnt know the way back. Of course its nothing like a confession of love.
I cant believe I got my hopes up.
Sorry, Shiki. I just kinda zoned out I can tell that weve entered the old town, but the streets are too windy, so even I have no clue which direction to go to get out.
This is bad, I dont remember the way back either hm, the old town?
Yeah, the old town is a ce where the housing district was really cramped back when this city was smaller. But because they were so close together and the sun didnt hit them, the houses got moldy. And the sewers werent maintained so lots of people got sick, and no matter how many healers there were it wasnt enough, so the area was abandoned.
So an entire district was vacated due to health issues? Nah, maybe the mold in this world is so toxic that it immediately affects the human body. Actually, as far as I can tell from looking at the buildings, it does seem like they were abandoned an extremely long time ago. Well, whether or not its harmful doesnt matter if you have healing magic, so I dont really care either way.
Youre surprisingly well-informed.
You see, Fran loves things like the citys history, so
Now that you mention it, I have the feeling Yuel was having a conversation with her before about the city walls. That girl, despite those blonde drills her choice of topics is refined.
Well, lets keep walking and pray wee out on the main street. Theoretically were in the center of the city, so we should hit it sooner orter.
Right, its a pain but its our only option. Im sorry, Ill guide you properly once we get to a road Im familiar with.
Well, you dont have to apologize that much
Ruruka getting lost is no doubt because she was deep in thought. And the impetus for that was Arias tirade.
Being called a mistress, what could be making her think that hard? Oh yeah, something like that happened back when we entered thebyrinth together too. Im interested. Im awfully interested. I wonder if I should strike up a conversation in order to figure it out.
While Im considering it,
Huh, wait, dont you hear some sort of voiceing from over there?
Ruruka murmurs. Then, cupping her hands to her ears, she starts moving her head around.
Oh?
I try straining my ears as well. Yeah, I can definitely hear something.
You heard it too, Shiki? Thank goodness, maybe we can ask them for directions!
The source of the sound doesnt seem to be very far away. Heading towards the voice along with Ruruka, we turn down two alleys. And there it is.
A monster.
Not a human. In a space that looks like it was forcibly created by crushing a house, theres a huge, lizard-faced monster. A monster covered in chains attached to stakes driven into the ground, with a cor around its neck.
Taking a closer look, this monster has scales covering its entire body that are brown and orange and every color in-between, andrge wings growing out of its back. Its overall size is somewhere around 4m long.
This thing, aint it a dragon? I get a feeling this is the monster known as Dragon.
When I try using Appraisal on it, Earth Dragon appears. Yup, its a dragon. Looks like what we heard wasnt the voice of a human, but the cries of this dragon.
What is a monster like that doing in a ce like this
Why is there a monster in the middle of the city, not to mention in a deserted area? What the hell are the knights whore supposed to be guarding the city doing? If this dragon came at us, could Ruruka and I win against it? No, would we be able to run away from it?
I have so many questions.
Wah, wahh, amazing, amazing, Shiki! Its a dragon! This might be my first time seeing one this close up! Uwaaa, its so cuuute.
But it doesnt seem like Ruruka is thinking about any of the same concerns that I am.
Pointing at the dragon, shes innocently delighted. Her eyes are sparkling, shes gazing at the dragon from different directions, talking about how its scales are nice and glossy, and how big and hard its ws are.
Huh? I feel like my senses are messing with me.
Ah, I might still have some of that royal capital marbled beef left there it is! Will it eat it? Wah, Shiki, it ate it, the little guy ate it! Ah, its nuzzling my hand with its head. Cuuuute!
Then, showing no sign of fear, Ruruka starts to feed it. By grabbing the meat by hand and holding it directly in front of the dragons mouth. This is crazy dangerous. But, the dragon is carefully eating the meat without taking a bite out of Rurukas hand, and watching it makes Rurukas eyes sparkle with glee.
I wonder why shes not afraid of it biting her even though its a monster? Im half-expecting it to suddenly chomp her like that round, ck doggy thing from a certain plumber game. Just looking at that dragons sharp fangs is bringing back my trauma from being bitten by the Giant Ant.
Oi, dont get so close. It could be dangerous.
Eh? Ah, yknow, dragons are different from other monsters. Theyre highly intelligent and sociable, so they wont attack you unless youy a hand on them first. And they can understand human speech; theyre not evil monsters Shiki, thats justmon sense, you didnt know that?
Seeing me drawing back from the dragon, Ruruka rifies. So that was the source of my disconnect. I had an image of monsters as aggressive creatures that attack humans indiscriminately on sight, but apparently that doesnt apply to all of them. Now that she mentions it, the wolves we previously encountered in the forest were waiting for us and the Armor Ogre to weaken each other, and the Krankheit Turtle became enraged when its egg was broken. So there are monsters with intelligence too. Depending on their level of intelligence, its reasonable for there to be monsters that dont attack people.
Rather, the way Ruruka puts it, that seems to bemon knowledge in this world.
Ah, nah, even so it might identally bite you or something.
Im fine. And look, its so friendly.
The part about it being sociable doesnt seem to be a lie. Towards Ruruka who fed it some premium meat, its nuzzling her profusely and licking her hand.
Besides, now that I get a good look at that dragons cor, from the way its decorated I get the feeling that its some kind of magic tool. When I try using Appraisal on it,
Magic Tool
Properties: Envement - Monster
Conditions: Target Surrender
It appears to be something like the monster version of a ve crest. I havent heard much about it, but perhaps theres something like that too in this world. Target Surrender probably refers to a condition such as having to make it admit defeat before the effect will activate.
Although, the fact that theres something like this attached means it must have an owner somewhere. Well, I figured as much from the cor and chains already.
Hello, its wonderful that you appreciate it though, please refrain from feeding it without permission.
No sooner do I arrive at that conclusion than a mans voice calls out to us from behind. A tall man with deep circles under his eyes. hes wearing a dark hood and theres a whip attached to his hip. Is he the owner of this dragon?
Eh? Ah, I-Im sorry. This dragon was just so cute that I unthinkingly!
Ruruka also notices and distances herself from the dragon a bit. The hooded man nces at Ruruka before turning his gaze on me. His expression is asking what were doing in a ce like this. By some chance, he may be suspicious that were dragon thieves or something.
Sorry to bother you, we got lost and we heard some kind of voice, so we thought there was a person here
I start with an exnation. Though the hooded man nods in understanding, hes still eyeing Ruruka and I with suspicion. Hes being wary of us. Well, most likely people dont normallye to a ce like this.
I say normally, but there normally arent dragons in a ce like this either.
Or perhaps I should say, who is this guy? Even if dragons are monsters epted by people, I cantprehend the reason why there would be one chained down in such a deserted ce.
Yeah, this dragon is a surprise participant in the martial arts tournament thats going to be held during the festival, so its being kept here. If word gets around then itll ruin the excitement, so, well, could you please do your best to keep this a secret?
Perhaps sensing the suspicion in my look, the hooded man gives us an exnation.
I see, a martial arts tournament huh? Im betting its some Showdown between the winner and a dragon!-style exhibition. And I heard that the festival is going to be grander than usual this year, so perhaps there are a number of events nned.
The martial arts tournament, huuuh I doubt I could win against this dragon though
Are you participating too, Ruruka?
Nah, Im not. Fighting solo isnt really my specialty and all.
Now that I think about it, Ruruka has nothing but shield skills. She might not be that great at the kind of swordy youd find in a martial arts tournament. Even so, without a doubt shes still stronger than me.
Besides, the cksmithing convention, the singingpetition, the beauty contest, there are so many events on the day of the festival! Participating in the martial arts tournament would take up the whole day, so thatd be a waste.
Theres even a beauty contest? I know what Im doing on the day of the festival. Lets go see some beautiful women. Lets go have a look at the number one buxom beauty in town.
Wait.
Beauty contest, huh maybe I should try to encourage Eris to join.
If theres really a beauty contest, rather than just watching I might be able to encourage Eris to participate. With her figure, if she enters then Im sure she can gain worshippers of a sort. And if she earns reverence there, her healing magic ability should increase.
Ah, but is that hopeless? If she stands out too much and attracts some nasty stalker, things could get ugly. Besides, even if I tell her to participate, I cant possibly see her nodding in agreement.
Eris-san entering the beauty contest?
While Im thinking about it, Ruruka questions me.
Ah, no, I was just thinking of encouraging her to join.
I-I see.
When I reply, Rurukas head droops slightly. She appears to be thinking about something. What is it, did I set fire to herpetitive spirit with something like if Eris joins then so will I? No, I wonder if shes just being a little overly self-conscious.
-The hooded man lightly clears his throat.
Right, you folks were here because you lost your bearings. If you head straight east along the street over there, thats the shortest route onto a major road.
The hooded man is looking at us with a bbergasted expression. His wariness from when we first met seems to have been cleared up. And I feel like hes implicitly telling us to go away already. Well, in front of someone connected to the martial arts tournament, talking about other events on the same day and calling participation in the martial arts tournament a waste, I guess thats how it would turn out.
Ah, thank you very much lets go, Shiki.
Yeah.
ncing reluctantly back at the dragon, Ruruka enters the alley the hooded man told us to use. I follow behind her.
All things considered, that sure was a cute dragon, right Shiki?
Shes looking for my affirmation, but I dont really understand her sensibilities. Or rather, she really likes dragons that much? Maybe she read some tale of adventure with a dragon in it and thats what made her decide to be an adventurer? Actually, what adventurers do in this city is basically just hunt monsters that they can handle, in thebyrinth. There are hardly any legends of epic adventures.
No, maybe thats exactly why shed yearn for such things.
I think it over while I make small talk with Ruruka as we aim for the main street.
Suddenly, I spy a muscr maning towards us from the opposite end of the road. Hes carrying a mace on his back and seems really robust. When I get a closer look, hes wearing the garments of a priest from the the Church of Medine. His physique isnt priest-like, but thats unmistakably a priest from the Church of Medine. Maybe he got lost just like we did.
Then, as hes about to pass us by.
I feel like the priest is ring at me and Ruruka. That look is as if hes sizing us up.
Something along the lines of You got a lotta nerve bringing a woman to such a shady alley, I wonder?
Even though hes a priest, hes giving me such a thuggish look. But Ive had quite enough trouble for one day. Getting involved in a Hey bro, nice woman you got there! incident on such a lightly-traveled road would be more than I can take. I try my best to avoid eye contact as we pass him by.
I think itd be great if Shiki were that well-built.
After we do, Ruruka blurts out something like that.
No, dont be absurd. Besides, I have no intention of fighting if I can help it. All I need to train are my running legs.
But at the very least you should really be able to look at a dragon without drawing back.
I got a good look, Ruruka-san. But dragons are scary after all.
Chapter 45 — Ruruka and the Wall
Chapter 45: Ruruka and the Wall.
Walking down the road that the dragons owner told us about, we came out on the main street before long. After that Ruruka guided me to the magic tool shop, and we reached it a few minutes ago. Presently, Im in the middle of scouring the shop for a particr magic tool.
Looks like it wasnt a lie that Ruruka also wanted toe see this store; she seems to be having fun looking at all the magic tools. After a while she approaches me holding one of them. Did she find what she was after?
Shiki, look, this magic tool is amazing! Just by putting mana into it, a magic toiletes out!
Magic toilet?
What the heck is a magic toilet? Doubts spring to my mind in an instant, but when Ruruka infuses it with mana, a simple portable toilet hut like the kind youd find at a construction site appears.
The price is uwaah, 500,000 Zeni? Thats pretty high, but Shiki could afford it! Itd be convenient when youre exploring thebyrinth, right? Wont you buy it?
How can a single toilet go for 500,000 Zeni? No matter how you look at it, its a normal toilet.
I open the door to take a look and theres a lone Japanese-style toilet enshrined inside the half-tatami space. What about this is a magical toilet exactly? Whats next, a washlet?
Ah, maybe the inside of the toilet room is a safe zone with a barrier or something?
In that case I wouldnt have an issue with the high price anymore; that seems like itd have a certain amount of utility. But wait, no matter how safe it is, how would I like being cooped up in a portable toilet all alone with Yuel every time we take a break while exploring thebyrinth? Something tells me I want to avoid that.
Nah, nothing like that. Ah, Shiki, be very careful where you step, ok? Cause if you fall in youll disappear.
I just heard some precarious words.
This toilet, whatever drops into it vanishes somewhere else by the power of magic. Thats the only effect, but you cant exactly flush with water in thebyrinth so its amazingly useful!
Put it back.
That does sound useful. It certainly does sound useful, yet the thought of spending 500,000 Zeni just for that is unbelievable. However, as if she didnt really intend to get me to buy it, Ruruka reluctantly puts the magic tool back where she found it.
Well, nows not the time for me to be concerned about items like that. The only thing Im seeking is a magic tool that increases mana capacity. By the way, theres a part of me that also wants to look for one with some sort of X-ray or irvoyance power. Im not telling anyone what Id use it for.
And, as Im daydreaming while looking at magic tools I finally find it.
Even though it would absolutely be better for you to have huh, whatcha looking at, Shiki?
As for what Im looking at, its the mana-capacity-raising magic tool Ive been searching for. More precisely, Im looking at the the number of zeroes written on the price tag thats attached to the ring-shaped magic tool. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 zeroes. I must have made a mistake while counting.
The amount written on the price tag is 10,000,000 Zeni. In Japanese currency, thats a hundred million yen.
And I have around 2,500,000 Zeni in my wallet. Even though I received such a huge reward at the lords manor, it doesnt even cover half the price of this magic tool.
Isnt this thing a bit overpriced? As far as how expensive that is, I could easily buy several houses with that amount of money. I try looking for a slightly cheaper magic tool with a simr effect, but it seems this 10 million Zeni one that raises your mana capacity is the least expensive.
Yeah, this is too expensive.
Uwaah, Shiki, you wanted this ring? 10 million Zeni, huh thats unreasonable, shouldnt you give up on it?
Yeah, guess Id better give up on it. No, but if I give up here then I wont be able to resolve Eris troubles. Besides, outside of buying this magic tool, no other methodse to mind for how to increase the effectiveness of Eris healing magic without causing any future issues.
I might be screwed.
But man, why is it this expensive? Even though all it does is raise your mana capacity, no matter how you put it, 10 million Zeni is
No, maybe its a simple matter?
For a healer who can only use Heal, this magic tool could enable them to use High Heal. Thinking about it that way, I understand why the price was set like this.
Compared to the market price of around 400 Zeni for treatment with Heal, 50,000 Zeni is suitable for just a single use of High Heal to regenerate tissue. Just being able to use High Heal would be a huge boost to your daily ie. And that will continue for the rest of your life. If a healer such as Eris were to obtain this magic tool, her total lifetime ie would skyrocket.
Its a straightforward concept. Wanting to improve the efficacy of your healing magic via a magic tool. A great number of people have gone down the same line of thought that I currently am.
Shiki, you have a lot of mana, so youll be fine without this kinda thing! More importantly, how about something like this one? Look, its not much, but its a bracelet that reduces the impact of a lethal blow.
Ah, no, its not for me this time, Im looking for a magic tool to give to Eris
To Eris-san?
I say it almost by reflex, then I realize. This isnt something I should be talking about.
Hold on, isnt the bracelet that Rurukas holding the same magic tool that Yuel and I had earlier? When I take a nce at it, the bracelet slips through Rurukas fingers. And makes a loud ng.
Spending 10 million Zeni on a ring, to give to Eris-san? Then that means, you and Eris-san really are
Ruruka mutters as her face turns pale. Uh oh.
Oi, Ruruka?
That mistress thing so all along, all along it really was like that.
I get the feeling she ended uppletely misinterpreting it. After that Ruruka takes a step back, then another. Shes chewing her lower lip in vexation, and trembling as she looks in my direction. Her condition is clearly abnormal.
!
Then, when our eyes meet, Ruruka races out of the store to try and run away.
Its a misunderstanding. Im telling you, its a misunderstanding.
Its not an engagement ring or anything. I just wanted to clear up Eris worries about her healing magic. I was about to say that, yet Ruruka is already outside the store.
For now, I can only chase after Ruruka as she runs away.
It might be fine to wait to solve this misunderstanding the next time we meet, but I dont know where Ruruka usually hangs out. If I wait for her to take action, its highly probable that well never meet again after today.
Besides, I get the feeling that she was clearly trying to hide her true feelings with that reaction. Even I can understand that. I cant afford not to chase after her here.
When I leave the store, I spy Ruruka running from the main street towards a narrow alley. Then, just before turning the corner, Ruruka nces back in my direction. Looks like shes noticed that Im following her.
But man, chasing after a girl whos running away kinda feels youthful. I mean, on the surface it seems criminal, but this time its youthful.
Despite those thoughts I continue to chase after Ruruka, and it doesnt take too long for me to catch up with her. I wonder if its like that? Maybe she actually wanted me to run after her, and secretly ran slowly because she was waiting for me?
Nah. That cant be it.
What the heck are you doing?
Dont ask.
After a bend in the alley I hit a dead end, and Ruruka is indeed there. However, all that I can see is her lower half, hanging out of a small window in one of the deserted houses along the back alley.
I can imagine what kind of situation led to this.
Ruruka was running away from me, but after the bend in the alley she ran into a dead end. Even in that situation, she was still trying to get away from me somehow. And her eyes fell upon a small window that was left open in a house that looked like it hadnt been used for a long time. She contrived to shake me off by entering the house via that window and escaping through a different exit.
However Rurukas lower half is dangling from the window frame. Shes iling her legs; looks like shes struggling to squeeze through. The result is failure; her hips are stuck in the window frame and shes unable to move.
Since the window frame is slightly high up, every time Ruruka exerts her strength to push through, her dangling legs jiggleically.
What, you stuck?
Dont say anything.
She was probably in too much of a hurry to get away and misjudged the size of the window frame. Then her hips got tightly wedged in the window frame and rendered her unable to move.
Well if you cant move then thats just fine with me. You can hear me out just like that. What Aria said was a misunderstanding. In the first ce, Im not getting engaged or anything to anyone right now, that was Aria jumping to conclusions.
Stop! Dont give me an exnation in this situation! I-I mean, look, if I cant even properly see your face
Having said that, all I can see right now is her ass.
Well, perhaps Im going about things in the wrong order. I should probably extricate Ruruka first.
Got it, wait a sec.
For starters, I try grabbing her legs and pulling.
Ow, that hurts, Shiki! Dont pull me! Right, push! Just a little further and I feel like I can get inside!
Just now she told me to push. I wonder if thats okay? To push somebody through when theyre stuck by their hips, where exactly should you push? Of course, you need to push their hips in the direction perpendicr to the building. In other words, you push on their ass.
You dont mind that?
Eh What would I mind? Ah!
In a sh, I start pushing with both hands. I dont really want to do this, but Ruruka did tell me to push her. So I have to do it.
Wai, Shiki ah Sto Dont! Never mind, dont push me! Let go for now!
But I only push a little before Ruruka protests and shoves me away with her feet. Such a shame.
Although, what I felt from pushing a little was that beneath that softness there was a muscr springiness err, not that. It was that her waist waspletely stuck in the window frame. Neither pushing nor pulling will work. I might be able to pull her out with a few more people putting their backs into it, but even in that case Ruruka would likely give up from the pain before we get her free. I feel like my only option is to do something about the window frame.
Oh well, guess its impossible for me. Gimme a sec, Ill call some more people over.
And maybe I need to bring back some sort of tools too, Im at the limit of what I can do by myself. With that in mind, as Im about to step away,
Wait, wait, Shiki! Im begging you, dont leave me alone in alley like this when I cant move at all! What if a man happens to pass by when Im by myself and Does whatever he wants to me!
I hear Ruruka desperately call out to keep me from going. That serious atmosphere from when she ran away from the magic tool shop, I wonder where it went? All I can see now is a talking butt.
I guess pulling is no, but oh yeah, my clothes! Try pulling on my clothes!
I want to get Ruruka out somehow, but she doesnt like me touching her ass. I guess that means she thinks pulling on her clothes is less objectionable than pushing on her butt.
If you insist.
Although, even if she tells me to pull her clothes, which part should I pull on? Nah, theres only one choice. Her upper body is on the other side of the wall, and shes only wearing shorts on her lower body. Those must be what she meant for me to pull on. Iy my hands on the shorts that Ruruka is wearing.
Dont touch me any more than you have to, okay?
I thought Id grab her shorts around her hips and pull from there, but I get a warning from Ruruka right before I do.
Got it.
Since theres no other option, I grab the pockets of her shorts and pull forcibly.
Ah, this is no good.
Rurukas shorts are going toe off before I can pull her out of the window frame. Or rather theyve already slipped off halfway, most unbingly. Id keep pulling like this, but I cant just strip Ruruka down to her panties.
Can I?
Wait, Shiki! Theyreing off, theyreing off!
Ruruka mustve felt her clothesing off too; shes iling her legs violently. I cant bear being kicked again. Ill back off temporarily.
Youre the one who told me to pull on your clothes
Man, it sure is going to be difficult to pull Ruruka out at this rate. Ah, thats right. If she hates being touched directly, I bet I could wrap a bunch of towels or something around her waist and pull her out that way. Ive got enough towels in my item box.
And, while Im considering that-
Ruruka keeps swinging her legs at the wrong ce, trying to kick me. From the momentum shes putting into it, her shorts slip the rest of the way off and fall straight down.
Then, with a flop, the shorts hit the ground.
The frantic movement of Rurukas legses to a sudden halt.
Then theres a moment of silence.
Since I cant see her face and shes not making any noise, I dont know what kind of expression Ruruka is making right now. I wonder if shes angry? In a situation like this, should I avert my eyes, or gently put her shorts back on? I wonder which one would be better?
Meanwhile, Rurukas legs begin to tremble,
Ueeeh How could, how could this
and she starts to cry.
Wait, dont cry! Just be patient for a bit! Ill get you out right away!
Crying is unfair. She looks really pathetic now. It feels like a waste, but I quickly take a towel from my item box and wrap it around Rurukas waist. After that, I try pulling with all my strength.
Ouch! Shiki, that hurts, it hurts!
Yet shes stillpletely stuck and theres no sign of hering free. But if I dont get Ruruka out as fast as possible, our rtionship is no doubt going to get more awkward than ever.
Isnt there something, anything I can do to resolve this situation?
There is. That something is right here in my item box.
I temporarily remove my hands from Ruruka and take that out. Then I use the warm water magic tool to melt that to just the right consistency. What Ive just created is: slime lotion. By that, I was of course referring to Slime Jelly.
With the lotionpleted, I dribble it onto the entire window frame around Rurukas hips.
Eh, Shiki, What are you doing!? Why does it feel so slimy! What are you nning to do to me while I cant move!? Shiki!? Please answer me, Shiki!
Ruruka is yelling at the sudden sensation, but shell understand once I show her how effective this is. I believe in the Slime Jelly.
Once Rurukas hips get real intimate with the Slime Jelly, I pull on her with all my might. At which point-
-With an audible pop, Ruruka easily slides out of the window frame.
All right! Youre out!
On the verge of tears, Ruruka sits down on the ground with a dazed expression as if simply because she cant understand what just happened. After a bit of time passes, she checks her own appearance.
Im d I could get you out. Seriously, you should be grateful for my quick thinking.
Ruruka looks at her clothes that have be sticky with slime lotion, and her shorts crumpled on the ground.
Yeah, thanks but, I could use an exnation
After Ruruka says that, her face makes a terriblyplicated expression like she doesnt know whether to be pleased or angry.
Even though this time I only did what Ruruka told me to do, I wonder if the fact that she didnt timidly thank me is due to my usual behavior or the Slime Jelly?
After that, Ruruka stands up. Looks like she put her shorts back on underneath the towel while I wasnt looking.
Uwaah, Im all sticky
It couldnt be helped, there was no other way.
I know that, I know that, but wait a minute, what was that slimy stuff? Why did you have it with you?
Ruruka questions me.
Yeah, Look, Im not very strong so I cant fight that well, right? When Im running from monsters I scatter that on the ground to buy some time.
Thats not the only reason, but Im not telling a lie.
Huh, seems useful. I often have to run when I get surrounded, so tell me where I can buy it.
Lets talk about that next time. More importantly, lets go back to that store from before, there might be a good magic tool.
While we discuss, we retrace our steps together. I wasnt sure how things would end up when Ruruka ran away from that magic item shop, but I cleared up her misunderstanding somehow. Incidentally, theres a part of me that wants to probe deeper into the reason she ran, but Ruruka seems a bit unstable today. And her misapprehension is resolved, so lets ask her about it again some other day. While Im thinking it over as we walk,
That talk about Eris-san earlier that youre not getting married, is it true?
Suddenly, in a weak voice that I almost fail to hear, Ruruka asks me something like that.
Its true. But why
I see.
As were walking, Ruruka tugs on my sleeve as if she wants to say something. When I turn my head to take a look, Ruruka is hanging her head down low.
I cant go back out onto the main street until I change my clothes.
What shes saying is quite natural. Certainly, theres no way a girl can go out onto the main street all sticky with Slime Jelly. But this is a problematic proposal. What might the problem be? Its the building were standing in front of.
The location where Ruruka stopped me by pulling on my clothes.
Right in front of my eyes, theres an inn that provides baths.
That is to say, inns with baths are often used for that sort of thing. If you enter as a couple, theres only one thing one thing youre going to do there.
Thats right, huh. Youre all sticky, huh. You want to change clothes, huh.
Yeah, and I cant go out onto the main street like this.
I wonder what her goal is? No, theres no need to think about it, its gotta be that.
But is it okay? I feel like were moving a little too fast. Besides, I still dont know why Ruruka is treating me favorably, and I havent asked her the essential details.
I wonder if Im making a mistake? Should I let it happen? Yuel wont find out, will she?
While Im still ascertaining the present situation, I notice Rurukas ears turning slightly red. I cant see her expression with her head bowed, but I feel like her body is trembling a little.
This isnt the time for me to waver. Shes surely inviting me. Its decision time. And that very instant-
Ah, were already full. Sorry, please find another inn well, Im not sure if any other inns are avable what with the festival going on, though.
-The clerk happens toe out of the inn, and mentions that to us.
Oh yeah, thats right. Ipletely forgot. As a consequence of the festival, the inns are mostly full now.
When I look over at Ruruka, shes also looking directly back at me. Her eyes are wide open, and her pupils are clearly darting around wildly. Did the situation finally sink in? She blushes deeper and deeper red. Her face was already slightly reddened, but now its practically the color of an apple.
This is embarrassing.
Thats not it I R-really just wanted to change my clothes. Thats all!!!
Then Ruruka runs off somewhere again, screaming. Twice as fast as when she ran away from the magic item shop earlier. No doubt about it, shes sprinting at top speed. Thats an adventurer for you, I wont be able to catch up to that.
Ah, my apologies, did I say something bad?
The clerk says with a grin. You did. You totally did.
I stare dumbfounded at the end of the alley where Ruruka ran off.
What am I gonna do about this?
How the hell should I act with her the next time we meet?
Chapter 46 — Magic
Chapter 46: Magic.
In the end, unable to buy a magic tool in order to improve Eris healing magic ability, it was time for me to return.
Hahhh, whyd it have to be 10 million Zeni
I tried visiting the magic tool shop one more time after that, but among the magic tools that could raise her mana capacity, that one was the cheapest. Even checking out other nearby stores, it was much the same story.
Seems like that sort of item is considerably pricey. Its probably the type of magic tool that cant be artificially reproduced. Theres no way to obtain it other than picking it up by chance from thebyrinth. The supply and demand are fatally out of bnce.
I kinda feel like Ive exhausted all the means at my disposal.
Honestly, what do I dooo.
Besides, theres also the matter of Ruruka. Its a secondary problempared to the fact that Eris might end up going to train in the royal capital, but I should still do something about this one as well. Yeah, the way we parted was too awkward. I want to patch things up somehow.
Well, even if I tell myself to follow up, I still dont know what I should do about it. If its Yuel I can generally manage it by petting her head, but I doubt thatll work in Rurukas case.
Or perhaps I should say, no matter how much I think about it, I cant figure out why Ruruka was acting like that in the first ce. From the course of events, it seems natural to conclude that shes irritated by the existence of Eris, but honestly speaking I feel like she doesnt have any reason to think that highly of me. Touching her ass, slipping off her shorts I can think of several reasons just from today alone for her to dislike me.
But still, seeing Rurukas behavior in front of that inn, theres no way that was really I just wanted to change my clothes.
In other words, even deducting todays minus points from her goodwill, Ruruka mustve been quite fond of me already. But I cant fathom why.
Is it because Im so handsome?
If thats the case, everything makes sense. And Yuel said I was, too. Also my grandma used to tell me the same thing when I was a kid.
As Im reflecting while I walk,
Marbled royal capital beef say, Sera, why dont we have some?
Fran, your allowance has beenpletely cut off since then, and in addition you were told to refrain from entering thebyrinth as well, or have you forgotten? You mustnt waste money.
But I know, lets split one!
Even if you dont eat it here, if you buttered up Lord-sama for some marbled royal capital beef Im sure he would buy you an entire cow.
I hate doing that. And that would be pointless anyway. Im hungry now.
I spot a natural blonde twin-drills and a blue-haired girl, about to get a meal at a food cart. Its Fran and Sera. I guess since then is probably referring to what happened after the lords sponsored dinner party. It seems as though the blue-haired girl, Sera, is about to buy a skewer of marbled royal capital beef.
Well, I only noticed them, its not like our eyes met. Im not good with Fran. If I try to strike up a conversation and inadvertently sexually harass her, shes liable to fire off attack magic at me.
Plus shes t.
I consider asking them for Rurukas whereabouts, but I usually run into Ruruka pretty often, so our spheres of activity probably ovep. Even if I dont ask them, I should be able to meet her again before too long.
Ill ignore them but as Im about to take my leave,
Why hello there. Are you alone today?
With a cheerful smile, Sera calls out. Handing the skewer she just bought over to Fran, she moves to stand in my way. It seems Ive been spotted.
Quite.
I wonder what she wants from me? They arent as big as Eris, but Sera is well-endowed. Ive got nothing against talking per se, its just that the drills-hothead over there is scary.
How fortunate. The two of us were about to go sightseeing in town. If you dont mind, how would you like to share a meal with us?
Hold on, Sera! I-Im against it!
But, Fran immediately barges in with a rough voice. And begins to quarrel with Sera in said rough tone.
Come now, Fran, isnt this the perfect opportunity?
The perfect opportunity wait. Sera, are you seriously talking about that!?
Of course Im serious. Fran, do you mean to say that theres no need to return a favor youve received? Or else do you mean that in return for saving your life, Lord-sama paid him some money and therefore its fine to say thats the end of that?
Gh!
Just because the other party is a man, this is not something you can just gloss over. As a daughter of the Meirhartz family, you cannot run away from it.
For a moment I wonder what theyre talking about, but somehow or other I have an idea. Looks like Sera wants to make Fran thank me. As for why, its probably over the matter of me saving her from that Krankheit Turtles charge.
I received a reward from the lord, but Sera appears to be dissatisfied with that alone. Although something tells me shes just using it as an excuse to work on Frans misandry.
Fine, I understand.
And, Fran reluctantly gives in to Seras persuasion. The phrase as a daughter of the Meirhartz family seems to have been the clincher.
When Fran nods, Sera turns her attention to me next.
There you have it, Shiki-san. If theres anything at all youd like Fran to do for you, please dont hesitate to ask.
Anything at all!?
My surprised outcry oveps with Frans. She did just say anything, right?
What are you thinking, Sera! Im a daughter of Meirhartz, arent I!? Are you telling me to offer up my virginity to this nobody of a man!?
I havent said a single word yet about anything like taking her virginity. In Frans mind, am I some beast with nothing but sexual desire in my head or something?
Well, I cant deny that though.
Certainly, it might have crossed my mind for a moment, but I have no intention of actually saying it. And Sera wouldnt actually listen to it if I did.
Fran, what favor did this daughter of Meirhartz receive? The gift of life. Shiki-san went so far as to risk his own life to save you, so shouldnt you at least have the resolve to ept whatever unreasonable demand he imposes on you?
She would listen to it. It bothers me a bit that shes assuming Ill demand something outrageous, though.
Although, these guys are Rurukas party members. If it ends up like I had your ally give me her virginity as thanks for saving her life, Ruruka will no doubt despise me from the bottom of her heart. I cant demand something like that in the first ce. Plus I have no interest in t chests, either.
But, even for a life debt, saying anything at all!
Fran, when it looked like you were going to fall into the river, at that time I regretted not putting my foot down more firmly with you. You can only be the next lord if youre still alive. If you hate such things, then dont incur any life debts anymore.
Sera addresses Fran with even greater fervor. Shes sounding like a preacher.
Somehow this is giving me the impression that I cant really make an unreasonable demand, and that Im just being used as a pretext for Frans education. I mean, thats most likely how it is.
When her sermon to Fran is over, Sera gives me a small wink so that only I can see it. As I thought, it means I cant really ask for anything at all; this is a kind of lesson.
Very well, Shiki-san. Please say whatever it is youd like Fran to do for you.
For starters, I look Frans body up and down as if Im tasting it with my eyes. That alone makes Fran sp her hands over her body in an attempt to hide it while ring at me. Is she that anxious about it? Her eyes are getting watery.
I think she should just reject it if she hates it that much, but perhaps because of that daughter of the lord title shes being excessively dutiful.
Though, what do I ask of her? I dont especially feel like theres anything I want from her
Wait, there is something.
Oh right, tell me where Ruruka is currently staying.
I want to follow up with Ruruka over todays incident, but I dont know which inn shes staying at. Her party members should know.
Thats it?
Frans eyes widen at my request. She must have been sure my request would involve her chastity, but shes thinking too highly of herself. I have no more interest in a t body than the average person.
Yep, thats it.
When I return it right back to her, Fran closes her eyes in contemtion. Perhaps shes wondering if theres some sort of catch.
Why are you asking about such a thing? Besides, now that you mention it, Ruruka said she was going to meet you this morning. She said she wanted to go sightseeing together with you in town. You still havent met up yet?
No, we already met. Hold on, Ruruka was saying something like that? Even though she was acting like she ran into me in town by chance, was it not entirely a coincidence after all?
Well, nothing to worry about there. If you know, tell me.
Did you do something to Ruruka? Even if youre my savior, I wont forgive you if you did something indecent to Ruruka. It hasnt even been four months since I met her, but shes still my preciousrade.
Even if I tell her that I thought Ruruka invited me to do indecent things but then she ran away and it got awkward, I doubt shell be able to trust me. She seems to be wary of me. Well, if it were me I would absolutely never give out a female acquaintances address to a serial sexual harasser, to be fair.
Wait, Ruruka hasnt even known these two for 4 months? Aint that about as long as shes known me?
I thought youd known each other for a longer time. Im a little surprised.
Four months ago, Ruruka was surrounded by monsters in thebyrinth, and we happened to save her. We were beginning adventurers at the time and we were experiencing difficulties even on the lower floors, so we desired an ally.
That reminds me, this girl became an adventurer because she screwed up a marriage interview and got kicked out of the house. Her getting to know Ruruka, an adventurer, couldnt have happened that long ago. It was probably a matter of course for Fran and Sera, who cant do much besides attack with magic and a bow, to form a party with Ruruka, who specializes in protection with a shield.
Well, if you dont want to tell me where Ruruka is, thats fine. Im sure well meet again soon anyhow.
Theres no need for me go out of my way to ask for her whereabouts. So long as shesmuting back and forth between the tavern I bet Ill run into her sooner orter.
When I respond like that, Fran calls out to Sera next.
Well then, lets leave it at that. Sera, isnt it about time we return? Ive finished my marbled royal capital beef.
Fran you ultimately havent done anything for Shiki-san.
Sera hands me a marbled royal capital beef skewer that she bought while I wasnt paying attention, and speaks out in an astonished tone. Now that I think about it, shes right. Even though this was supposed to be about me asking whatever I want of her as thanks, in the end Ive neither heard about Rurukas inn nor done anything erotic. I did receive a skewer from Sera just now, but thats it.
Gh
Taken aback by Seras words, Fran once again covers her body and res at me. Is this abnormal wariness due to her man-hating or because its me?
This is getting a little tiresome.
Okay, do you know of a magic tool that has the effect of raising your mana capacity? Buy it for me.
Thats quite an unreasonable demand out of nowhere. I myself have wanted one for a long time, but I could never buy such a thing on my own. Perhaps Father would buy it for you if you asked him in earnest, but in that case youd end up having to marry me for real this time.
I detest the idea.
Of course.
Ill pass on getting married to Fran too. But man, he may actually buy me a 10 million Zeni magic tool if I implore him? Thats incredible. I guess thats the lord of abyrinth city for you. If Fran had big tits and adylike personality I might consider it.
Oh my, is it no good? Fran can get married to the man who bet his life to defend her from a monster, and in addition, Shiki-san can obtain the magic tool he desires. I think its quite an ingenious idea.
Like I said, Thats out of the question!
Sera interrupts from the sideline, but Fran immediately shuts her down.
Though you would be taking your wifes name, as a noble it ismon to have mistresses and illegitimate children, so I expected Shiki-san to find it highly agreeable
Whats with that detail. In this world, monogamy is standard for the masses, but apparently thats not always the case for nobles. Ive always been considering building a harem somehow since its another world and all, but I get the feeling the goal is finally in sight.
Well, be that as it may, I cant possibly see myself getting married to Fran. My interest is slightly piqued though.
Whether or not Sera is aware of my feelings, she continues the discussion.
And Fran, Shiki-san has been recognized by Lord-sama moreover, the fact that you didnt try very hard to correct Lord-samas earlier misunderstanding, that proves that even if just slightly, you wouldnt have minded allowing the misunderstanding to carry on like that and be the truth.
~~~~~!
The moment that Sera says that, a ball of fire abruptly materializes above Frans palm.
Chantless magic invocation. The fireball is quite irregrly-shaped, and its size is rather small. It looks so unstable that it might disperse at any second, but Fran is ring harshly and brandishing it at me.
Oi oi oi, wait a minute! What are you nning to do!?
-The story I previously heard from Ruruka springs to mind. How Fran fired off attack magic into her marriage interview partners crotch and was expelled from her house.
Dont tell me this is the same feeling she was giving off back then? This girl hasnt grown one bit, has she!
Fraaan!?
Sera cries out at once, but Fran doesnt stop. Even if I try to avoid it, I waspletely taken by surprise and it doesnt seem like Ill dodge it in time.
Is this the same roast loin course that the noble was treated to at his marriage interview with Fran? A fireball of this size shouldnt be fatal, but at this rate my heart will give out. Yeah, maybe its better not to get involved with this girl after all.
-I lock eyes with Fran, who looks like she could throw the fireball at any moment.
Her face is bright red, perhaps out of shame, and her eyes are watery too. Is she that mortified by what Sera told her? But throwing a fireball just because shes embarrassed is intolerable.
Then- just before shes about to throw the fireball. At the veryst moment, Fran flings it onto the ground. Breathing roughly, she stares at the ck scorch mark that she created on the ground.
That was friggin dangerous! What the hell has gotten into you!
Somehow I get the feeling Ive realized one of the reasons why Sera was trying to hook me up with Fran. First, there likely isnt anyone who would ept such an aggressive woman. Second, if Im attacked it wont be that big of a deal since I can use healing magic. Sera mentioned that the lord approves of me and Im her savior and all, but something tells me the first two are the real reasons. I take a look at Sera, and shes just holding her head like shes done it again.
And yet, with zero remorse, Fran makes a sort of refreshed face and opens her mouth.
You are a healer, yes?
Yeah.
Even though her tone is normal, I can feel an air of intimidation. No doubt due to that scorch mark on the ground.
You cannot use offensive magic, yes?
Thats right.
Ive previously learned a little about attack magic from customers at the hospital before, but I wasnt able to use it at all. I dont really understand why, though.
Indeed. Very well, Ive decided how to repay you. From now on, I shall teach you offensive magic I trust you have no issue with that, yes?
She probably wants to put a stop to all talks of marriage right here and now. From her intensity I can tell that I have no say in the matter.
Chapter 47 — Eris’ Healing Magic
Chapter 47: Eris Healing Magic.
Well, its not something to be so concerned about. You are able to treat scars via healing magic, yes? If you can use it to that degree, it wont be terribly long before you can use offensive magic. Since Im the one teaching, perhaps youll even be able to use it before the day is through.
Attack magic. Ive learned about it previously from customers at the hospital as thanks for treating them, but I waspletely unable to use it. And yet, the fundamentals of attack magic and healing magic are the same. Manipting mana and invoking spells with it. Thats all there is to the fundamentals.
But, there are two key points in which attack magic differs from healing magic. The first one is that your piety and knowledge of the human body have no influence on its effectiveness. And the second is that it requires extraordinarily precise mana maniptionpared to healing magic.
Unlike healing magic which gets an assist from the power of faith, theres nothing like that for attack magic. You have to reproduce natural phenomena like mes and lightning simply by manipting your own mana.
I dont know the fine details, but by empowering your voice with mana and doing a chant, it bes easy to assert a certain degree of control. However, the chants themselves require precise mana maniption in the first ce.
Why is it that I wasnt able to use attack magic?
Thinking it over now, Im probably hopelessly poor at mana maniption. Its only been a few months since I came to this world where mana exists. Besides, I have an iparably higher amount of mana than the average healer. It must be like a newborn baby trying to control an amount of mana that even several hundred adults couldnt handle.
That reminds me, back when I just arrived in this world, there were situations like when I ended up giving the same amount of treatment as EX Heal with a normal Heal, or when I tried to treat a patients fingertip and ended up removing all the scars on their entire body. And that time when I regenerated Eights leg, I ended up healing other ces unrted to his severe injury as well.
Thinking carefully, even though healing magic is supposed to get an assist from the power of faith, Ive been inadvertently shooting it off quite frequently.
Im d that healing magic is the type I use. If it had been attack magic rather than healing magic that I was able to use in Japan, I might have self-destructed and instantly died the second I arrived in this world. Though at this point, Ive be able to exercise a certain degree of control.
Now then, are you prepared?
Yeah although, I doubt I can use anything other than healing magic.
You wont know that until you try.
However, Fran intends to teach me magic. Furthermore, for some reason theres an implication that I have no choice in the matter. If I decline here, a fireball coulde flying my way.
No, the fact that I might be able to use attack magic is fine in and of itself. And if I learn how to use attack magic, with my mana pool I feel like Ill be the strongest wizard ever.
Well then, try holding this.
Then, Fran hands over a thin metal te. Its about the size of a business card. I thought it was just an iron te, but its intricately etched with thin lines for some reason. I wonder if its a magic item or something?
This is frequently used as teaching material at magic academies; when you urately pour mana along these lines, they shine faintly. To begin with, I wish to see your ability. Go ahead and give it a try.
Now that I get a good look at this te, the pattern bes moreplex as it goes from left to right. Im guessing that once youre able to pour your mana along this maze-like pattern it means youre capable of finely manipting mana, and sooner orter youll be able to use attack magic.
For starters, Ill try infusing just the tiniest bit of mana.
Snap.
Where did that sounde from? Of course, from my palm. It was the sound of the metal te that Fran handed me breaking clean in half.
Ah, Wait! You put in too much mana! I said just to make mana flow along the lines, so why did you put your full power into it!
That wasnt particrly my full power or anything. I didnt even infuse 1% of it.
Nothing to be done about it I have a spare, so use this one.
Saying that, Fran hands over a metal te once again. I expected her to go all Ive had enough! If you wont do it seriously then Im going home! or something, but looks like shes going to continue. She might have an unexpectedly nurturing side to her.
As Im feeling my impression of Fran change slightly, I reach my hand out to the metal te that shes holding. At that very moment.
Ah
My hand touches hers. Her slender hand instantly stiffens.
Yeah, my bad.
Snap.
At the same time I apologize, theres the sound of a metal te breaking.
I thought it was my fault for a second, but I havent done anything. Which means that the one whose mana flowed just now was Fran.
I-I can see just how poor your mana maniption is.
No, wasnt that one your fault?
Fran tries to mislead me, but I didnt even insert any mana in the first ce.
Thats not it! I wouldnt let my mana leak out just because I was surprised. Youre the one whos leaking.
Fran objects as her face reddens. I see, so she was surprised when our hands touched. I feel like rebutting her, but Im not up for having attack magic fired at me again. I dont know what this girl might do if I get her too angry; Ill stay silent.
This is thest one I currently have with me, so use discretion.
Still in an irritated mood, Fran roughly holds out another metal te. Making sure our hands dont touch this time, I carefully receive it.
I observe it carefully, and just like the previous metal tes, its engraved with aplex pattern. Although, even though she told me to exercise discretion when imbuing it with my mana, I wonder how exactly I should do that? If I do it normally, itll probably break again. I have too much mana in the first ce, so this is like sculpting with a heavy machine gun.
While Im worrying about it.
Snap.
Theres the sound of something breaking again. The metal te in my hand is split clean in half. I didnt touch Frans hand this time, and I didnt even infuse any mana.
Why! Didnt I tell you to use discretion!
Wait. I havent even infused it with any mana yet are these defective products, or what?
How could that-! nno, by some chance
When I object, Fran makes a contemtive expression, as if shes realized something. Then, she gently takes out a round, crystalline object. When Fran brings it close to me, the crystal starts to shine brilliantly.
I knew it.
After she sees the light from the crystal, Fran nces at Sera. Sera shows some surprise upon seeing the glowing crystal, then averts her eyes and shakes her head. Whats that about? This atmosphere is a little unpleasant.
Its mana leakage disease. And furthermore, this concentration its quite serious.
Frans expression turns somber as she speaks.
Mana leakage disease?
A congenital mana disorder wherein the body is unable to retain mana internally. One might say its as if there is a hole in the vessel of your mana. But I must say, this radiance at this concentration, I fear your mana is discharging nearly as fast as it regenerates. Im sure that typically, you have almost no mana at all.
I wonder what that means? Far from having no mana, my mana capacity alone is probably top-ss for all of humanity. Is it because Im not originally from this world?
Wait.
Hey, do normal magic users not leak any mana at all?
Even the average user emits a small amount. But this amount is abnormal. I cannot conceive of it as anything other than mana leakage disease.
I see. Most likely, this isnt the mana leakage disease that Fran mentioned.
The cause is my mana capacity being too high. My automatic mana recovery rate is absolutely massivepared to other people. Even if a normal healers automatically regenerated mana overflows the amount will be insignificant, but its different in my case.
For that reason, Im emitting so much mana that Fran mistook it as a disorder. Generally, by no means would she ever imagine that the person in front of her has a mana pool that hundreds of wizardsbined couldnt match.
You have no aptitude for magic.
Then, Fran bluntly deres.
Hrm, and yet you can use healing magic
But, she immediately recalls the fact that Ive been using healing magic, and starts brooding with her hand on her chin.
Eh hmm? But how strange youve even used area-type magic with significant mana expenditure
Uh oh. I have to derail this train of thought. Despite the fact that I dont really want my ability to be known by anyone influential, its going to be discovered by a nobles daughter of all people.
Then Fran makes an astonished face like shes realized something, and looks to me. And, with an apologetic expression, she murmurs in a small voice.
It seems Ive somewhat misjudged you. You must be quite the devout believer in god.
Way off.
Did you dedicate yourself to studying twice as hard as others at church?
Ive never even been to a church in the first ce. Thats not it.
I thought you to be a man with nothing but obscene thoughts in his head, but that isnt so. For that alone, you have my apology as a daughter of Meirhartz. I am sorry.
How very polite. Let me likewise offer my regrets for causing you to misunderstand. My head is indeed filled with nothing but obscene thoughts.
I cant say that out loud, though.
Well, she did have a misunderstanding, but this is a good one.
If she did find out about my ability, and the matter of my town-wide healing magic came to light Frans from a noble family. For sure, I wouldnt put it past the lord to make me marry this girl because of that. Shes the type of woman whod shoot a fireball over a little teasing, so then what if ites to marriage? Id die for certain on our first night.
Looking at Fran being all meek, Im starting to feel a little guilty, but Ill leave this misunderstanding as is. I cant let it change my life.
But if its mana leakage disease, attack magic is impossible to begin with. What shall we do?
Fran mutters. To be honest I dont really need her thanks or anything, but it seems she still intends to keep going.
Fran, the sun has begun to set. Why dont we continue this another day?
But then Sera speaks up to Fran oh yeah, the day is gettingte.
Thats true, Sera it cant be helped, let us return for today.
By today, that means therell be a next day too? But Im fine with holding off on the next time until she fixes her habit of firing off attack magic.
Ah, Im giving this magic tool to you. As your emission of mana decreases, so too shall the intensity of the light. Though it may be a hereditary impediment, with a few years of effort, you ought to be able to significantly suppress the amount lost.
Sure.
Addressing me in a tender voice, Fran hands over the crystal. I cant believe it, this almost feels like sympathy. She may have misjudged me, but it feels like Im interacting with a normal girl now. Even though when I healed her at our first meeting she was such a man-hater that she said I didnt ask you instead of thanking me, now shes disying concern for me, a man. Maybe she actually has grown?
I get the feeling Seras eyes are sparkling as she observes Fran and me.
Feeling a little down, I return to the hospital. In the end, no more ideas for how to raise Eris healing magic ability came to mind. Its difficult for me to teach her knowledge, and increasing her mana is beyond my financial means. Even having her amass piety like that saint from the Church of Medine has some drawbacks. Seems like the only approach for these things is to go about it the honest way. Well, Im not okay with Eris going away to train because of that, though.
As Im reflecting on my way back to the hospital,
Eris-san, the evil god, what happens to the evil god after that!?
The saints borrow the power of the Goddess Medine to seal it away. Saints are great individuals that the church used to turn out in great numbers long ago, supposedly.
Who is greater, those saints or Master?
Eh!? Errr, well, thats
Eris and Yuel are reading a book of some kind. I get the impression that Yuel has been giving enthusiasticmentary as Eris opens the book and shows it to her. Come to think of it, Ive hardly ever seen Eris reading books before. I wonder what theyre reading? Im a bit interested.
Whatcha reading?
Ah, Master, wee home!
Oh, youre back. Its the Bible of the Church of Medine.
The Bible. So they have something like that too?
This book seems like a made-up fable so I dont care for it that much, but I thought every little bit might help to raise my piety. And it can serve as study material for Yuel-chan as well.
Looks like Eris is diligently exerting herself for the sake of her healing magic. I dont think she needs to go that far, though. Well, the idental death of her parents is also a factor in making her want to improve her healing magic ability. Maybe it was inevitable.
By the way, Eris, any interest in the beauty contest?
I remembered it when I saw Eris face. If she participates in the beauty contest on the day of the festival, perhaps she could gather something simr to faith. Ill just drop a mention for the time being.
Not at all I did go to see it just once, but standing nearly naked in public? No amount of money in the world could get me to participate in that.
Of course.
Man, now for sure Ive exhausted all my options. Isnt there any other way?
I guess not. Ive made all sorts of utterly ineffective attempts, and in the end Im all out. But theres no way I can abandon my lifestyle of seeing Eris giant tits up close. And its not like Eris said she was leaving for the royal capital right away. Theres still time. Lets keep trying toe up with other methods.
After dinner, were in the bedroom getting ready to sleep.
Master, amazing, youre amazing! Master is shining!
Since I couldnte up with any methods no matter how hard I thought, I decided to y with Yuel by showing off the crystal I received from Fran.
This crystal gives off stronger and stronger light the closer it gets to me. Seeing it again, the way it sparkles looks cool.
When I hold the crystal behind my back to create a halo around me, Yuel is delighted. And using it to y catch, it shines brightly every time Yuel tosses it to me, almost as if shes using magic. Shes finding that extremely fun.
I kinda feel like its shining brighter than when Fran gave it to me, but Yuels enjoying it. Even Fran does good things too, asionally.
What are you doing
But as were ying like that, Eris enters the room with an exasperated expression. Looks like shes done changing her clothes and getting ready to sleep.
We were having a nice time, but oh well. Ill put the crystal away into my item box.
Wait a second.
But then she tells me to stop.
Whats the matter? You wanna y catch too, Eris?
I wonder whats up? Did the sparkling ball stir up her yful side?
Thats not it. That magic tool. Dont tell me
Eris takes the crystal from my hands. Then she starts putting it on the floor, holding it up to the ceiling, carrying it out of the room, and doing other mysterious actions.
Did she want to y after all? If she wants to y then she should just be honest and say so. I fully intend to apany her whether its childs y or adult y, from ying doctor to unmentionable things.
I knew it the mana concentration in this room is abnormal. Its several levels higher than the holy ground I trained at.
However, she deres that with a serious face. Rather than ying, it seems she was measuring the mana concentration.
Holy ground, thats the ce where you went to train in order to increase your mana, Eris?
Yes now that I think about it, your mana capacity is incredible too perhaps the mana given off by your body has collected in this room and turned it into a makeshift holy ground.
Errr, in other words?
It means that the more Im near you, the more my mana capacity will increasee to think of it, it does feel like its a bit higherpared to before. I dont know the cause, and I thought it was just my imagination, but
Holy cow. The size of the increase is probably minor, but if it raised by a noticeable amount over a few months, then after a few years she may even be able to use High Heal.
So then, what about the royal capital?
Theres no need for me to go anymore.
I see. So that means I didnt need to search for a recement scheme; it was all settled from the beginning?
It woulda been fine for me not to do anything. Even though I worked my ass offing up with and testing ideas. No, if Fran hadnt given me this crystal, we wouldnt have noticed.
Well, my past hardships arent worth worrying about. Eris isnt going to the royal capital. Lets just ept that result.
Besides, just now Eris was saying that the closer she is to me the better.
If being closer is better, wanna sleep in the same bed?
I wont.
Did she hesitate for a second there? Seems like she hesitated.
Something tells me I should use healing magic as a pretext to push my luck.
Master, I, Ill sleep together with you.
But in a sh, Yuel clings onto me from behind. Well, it is what it is. Yeah, theres no way I can execute the operation to lure Eris into my bed in front of Yuel.
Then, Yuel speaks.
It looks like Ill be able to use magic too.
Youll even be able to use magic, Yuel-san? Certainly, it does appear that your mana will increase from being by my side, and you get along well with Eris and Fran who could both teach you magic. If you felt like it, you could probably learn to use both healing magic and attack magic within a few years.
Are you gonna be qualified as a melee fighter, a ranged fighter, and a support healer, Yuel-san? And furthermore, your high perception makes you skilled at finding enemies in the dark.
How strong are you going to be? Aintcha gonna end up being the strongest?
Hey, what are you nning to do from now on?
Suddenly, Eris murmurs.
What do you mean?
Look, say for example you move somewhere else, wont that mean I wouldnt be able to raise my mana anymore? I mean, its not right to leave things unfinished and all
I wonder if shes indirectly telling me that shes going to train in the royal capital so I should get out? No, if she was going to tell me to get out she would say it clearly. She shouldnt be at the end of her rope with me yet.
Ah, but now that I think of it, I did peep in on Eris changing clothes a week ago. Nah, I only took a quick nce, but its not impossible that I was discovered.
I-I wasnt particrly nning on leaving, though?
I tentatively speak while observing Eris expression. But Eris immediately turns her back and extinguishes the roomsmp, diving into bed. Is she actually mad? Going to bed in a huff?
Well its fine then. Sorry for asking you a strange question good night.
Then I hear Eris voice. I cant tell very well from just her voice, but at least she doesnt seem angry. Maybe she was just simply worried about her mana training.
Ready to sleep, Yuel?
Yes, Master.
When we get into bed, for some reason Yuel hugs me tighter than normal. A bit earlier it was like having a hot water bottle so it was just fine, but the current season is a bit toasty. It doesnt bother me that much, but I wonder if I should do something about it?
Master, I want to stay by your side forever.
As soon as I think that, Yuel murmurs softly. Whats with that all of a sudden? No, maybe its not that sudden. I get the feeling shes telling me thatparatively frequently. Shes probably worried Ill throw her out of bed due to the heat.
Well, the heat isnt that bad. I put my restlessness out of mind and go to sleep.
Chapter 48 — Beauty Contest
Chapter 48: Beauty Contest.
About what happened this morning.
Master, would you like to go look around the festival together today?
Yuel shyly asked me after I had just woken up. Nervously twitching her fingertips and thighs, Yuel gazed at me with those round, blue eyes, awaiting my response.
As for why Yuel was asking me something like that, its because today is the day of the festival. The few days of preparation have passed, and today, a great number of events are taking ce in the city.
Master? Is that a no?
When I didnt reply, Yuel made a slightly anxious face. Of course there was no way Id refuse.
No, its no problem at all. Alright, lets go see the festival today!
Yes, Master!
Yuels bright smile was radiant. Surely, today will be extremely fun. Thats the kind of feeling that Yuels smile was beaming out.
However, at the time I didnt realize that I was forgetting something very important.
After that, Yuel invites Eris, and the three of us go around the city. I didnt expect Eris to close the hospital ande along with us, but today is a festival after all. Eris must have wanted to have some fun; she readily consents to Yuels invitation.
Now, its time to decide on our destination and finally I remember.
Ruruka was telling me about it earlier on the day of the festival, theres a beauty contest.
Eris talked about it too the contestants in the beauty contest are awfully exposed.
So thats what it was. Today is the big event to decide on the number one beauty in town. Im sure therell be a ton of high-level buxom beauties gathered there. And whats more, theyll apparently be exposing a lot of skin. Theres no way I dont want to go to an event like that.
My destination today can be none other than the beauty contest.
However, Im already grouped up with Yuel and Eris.
Bringing the two of them with me would be problematic.
Of course, my reason for going to the beauty contest is to rubberneck. Even if I cane up with a suitable excuse to deceive Yuel, Eris will likelypletely understand that my goal is to observe scantily-d hotties the instant the words beauty contest leave my mouth. If I say we should go see the beauty contest, theres no doubt shell be disgusted.
Furthermore, since Yuel said she has somewhere she wants to go, were already on our way there. Theres no way I can disregard Yuels wishes at this point and steer the rudder towards the beauty contest instead.
Should I betray Yuels expectations and resign myself to being scorned by Eris by going to see the beauty contest, or should I give up on it?
This is surely the ultimate choice. But, as Yuels master, the decision I must make is obvious. Resolving myself, I drive my feet forward in the direction Yuel is pointing, towards the martial arts arena.
Were in the stands at the martial arts tournament, inside arge building that has the feel of a coliseum. Looks like this tournament has a round-robin format; were overlooking arge number ofbatants exchanging blows with wooden swords down below.
Seems like Yuels aim is to study this martial arts tournament. Since fighting the Armor Ogre, Yuel has often been practicing her knife thrusts in the garden. Shes likely trying to learn from watching other peoples fighting styles.
Oh yeah, the earnings she received from all her recent part-time work at the tavern went toward buying knives attached to long cords that can be retracted back to the hand after throwing, smoke bombs for running away from strong monsters, and low-grade recovery potions for when I lose consciousness. Looks like shes making arrangements to fight a wide variety of monsters. I dont n on sticking my head out into danger very much anymore, but Yuel is steadily preparing to fight. Shes probably getting ready to be able to protect her master no matter what happens. I think shes going a bit overboard, but I dont feel like stopping her when shes so enthusiastic about it.
Thats exactly why at the martial arts tournament today I hope that Yuel will watch, study, and enjoy herself to her hearts content. Thats the reason I decided toe here. I didnt want to see Yuels disappointed face.
So I would never do something like head to the beauty contest lightly.
Ow ow ow ow!! Ahh, My stomaaach!!
Masterrr, whats wrong!? Are you okay!?
Ahhhh, this is bad! Kuh the pain I-Ill be alright somehow! Yuel, I may need to be in the toilet for a while. Im going to the restroom, so make sure you stay close to Eris and dont get lost. Got it?
Masterrr, Ill escort you!
I-Its fine. Believe in your master. Okay? Yuel, dont leave Eris no matter what, alright? Itd be terrible if you got lost! No matter what, okay?
-Im calling it the Eternal Toilet strategy.
Ill act like my stomach is upset, and head to the beauty contest. Its simple, but this way Yuel can watch her much-anticipated martial arts tournament and I can go see the beauty contest with my dignity intact.
The weak point of this strategy is that if time drags on as Im watching the beauty contest, its possible that Yuel wille all the way to the restrooms out of concern. But by giving her such detailed instructions, she shouldnt do something like that.
Im concerned about how Eris was looking at me dismally, but theres no use worrying over minor details. More importantly, its beauty contest time.
The number one buxom beauty in town. Beautiful girls in skimpy outfits. Theres no room in my head for anything else.
Lets get going, hurry up, right away. I cant contain my excitement anymore.
Just like that, I escape by myself from the martial arts tournament arena.
The beauty contest is located in a za a few minutes away from the martial arts arena. A big, temporary stage was constructed in the za, and its already surrounded by a great number of people. However, it doesnt look like the event has started yet. It seems I arrived a bit early.
Im sure Ill be at this ce for a long time. Before I enter, Ill buy some drinks and snacks from a food cart.
With that in mind, I check out the nearby carts. And when I do
at some point, I spot a priestess. Before I know it, the ck-haired, t-chested woman who was called a saint is standing next to me.
You have quite beautiful hair.
Then she hits on me. No, just because Im suddenly praised, its too hasty to assume shes hitting on me. All she did was call out to me.
Ah, please excuse my impertinence. I am known as Philine. That color is not often seen around these parts, so you caught my interest.
While Im still stupefied at the sudden greeting, the priestess introduces herself.
But man, I wonder why she called out to me? She must be an eminent priestess in the Church of Medine. Enough to be called a saint.
Besides, right now there are multiple people nearby in priest garb who seem to be guards. My wariness is taking precedence over the happiness from having a girl call out to me.
How do you do.
Then, after Philine carefully assesses my appearance,
Might you be a healer?
she asks me that. Im wearing my usual monastic habit thatsmon among healers. She could likely tell from this garment. I dont know why she asked me about it, but I cant exactly ignore someone with high social standing. And Im scared of what could happen after.
Yeah.
For the time being, I answer her.
When I do, Philine peers directly into my face. Its almost as if her rational eyes are evaluating me.
Whats going on? What reason would a higher-up in the church have for assessing me? There shouldnt be any
Wait, there is one. Quite a dangerous one. At the time of the Krankheit Turtle incident, the healing magic that covered the entire town. Its that.
Certainly, this city seems to be treating it as sacred, calling it Goddess Medines miracle. The members of the church must want to find out who was responsible for it by any means necessary.
Huh, isnt that bad? A higher-up of that church called out to me, and furthermore shes peering at me in order to evaluate me. Moreover, she asked me might you be a healer? just now.
Dont tell me that back then, I was spotted by someone at the moment I used an Area Heal? Something tells me Im in an extremely unpleasant situation.
Heyyy, did you need something? Im a little short on time right now.
Before I crumble under pressure, I need to withdraw. Whether or not Ive been found out, I get the feeling that talking to this person is unwise.
Ah, a thousand apologies for suddenly calling out to you. Until our next meeting.
I thought Id be detained, but Philine doesnt try to stop me.
So I havent been found out? Did she really just call out to me because we have a simr hair color? Who knows. However, it seems better for me not to get involved with that priestess named Philine.
Slightly apprehensive though I may be, I return to the beauty contest area. There was an ident, but my heightened mood wont be quelled by something of that degree. Right now Im just going to enjoy myself as much as possible.
Looks like the contest is just starting; I can see a beast girl with cow-like horns walking out onto the stage swinging those massive udders. Her preferred outfit is a bikini-style swimsuit. Luminous magic tools that are set up on the temporary stage further enhance the whiteness of her pale skin.
It seems shes the first one. As expected for someone participating in a beauty contest, she certainly is quite lovely. And those breasts that sway back and forth with every step she takes probably exceed Eris. In terms of bnce Eris would win the judges decision, but that size alone is an aspiration.
Wait, havent I seen those somewhere before?
And, while Im contemting and appreciating the big-breasted babe,
Ah, Master! Is your stomach alright now!?
From behind, I hear the one voice I shouldnt be hearing. I turn around, and as I feared, Yuel is there. The question of why shes here arises, but its shortly answered when I look right behind her.
Leaving Yuel-chan behind, what are you doing
Its Eris. Shes looking at me and making an exasperated sigh.
Earlier, you asked me whether I was participating in the beauty contest, didnt you? Thats why I expected you toe here.
I see. Thats Eris-san for you, she really understands my character.
Master, is your stomach okay?
Yeah. I felt better on my way to the toilet, ha, ha ha ha.
Or rather I should say that if I did have stomach pains I could just cure them with healing magic. Eris realized that, so thats likely why she was giving me a dirty look back at the martial arts tournament arena. Maybe because it was impromptu, but it seems there was a hole in my strategy.
Although Yuel doesnt appear to have noticed. I wish shed learn to be a little more skeptical.
But man, this is bad. Stomachache aside, I need to exin why Im here. My dignity as Yuels master is on the line.
Yeah, Yuel, Im sorry. Its just that, the truth is, somebody I know is participating in this contest. So I wanted to cheer them on no matter what.
Thats a lie, of course. But it should definitely give off a better impression than Im here to appreciate the sexy babes. And so long as theres no chance to speak with the contestants on stage, the lie shouldnt be so easily uncovered.
Eris gaze grows even colder, but recovering with her is impossible this time. Yuel is the only one I can deceive now.
As Im giving Yuel my exnation,
Ah, its true!
Yuel raises a happy voice and points toward the stage.
Ruruka-san, its Ruruka-san!
There actually was someone I know.
Looks like Ruruka is the second contestant; I can see her walking around on stage in a ck bikini. Her face is slightly flushed, and shes covering her body in embarrassment as she walks. However, her expression isnt just embarrassed, but somehow angry?
So it was true
Eris mutters in surprise. It was just a lie I told that happened to turn out to be true, but lets not mention that.
Although, I wasnt expecting Ruruka to participate in something like this. Maybe shes aiming for the prize money or something? No, at any rate, she doesnt have enough appeal. I mean, that Cowgirl-chan earlier was squeezing her tits together as service for the crowd. I cant feel any motivation from Ruruka to take the top prize in a contest like this. Shes just hiding her body as much as possible and nervously looking around the audience.
Ah, Shiki!
And as Im watching her doing that on stage, our eyes meet. Whats more, she calls my name.
Whats with that? She cant possibly intend to pick up where we left off in front of that inn right now? That would definitely be bad. And in front of such a huge crowd. Plus, Yuel and Eris are here too.
Hey, what did you do to that girl? Her face is absolutely livid.
But apparently thats not it. Indeed, when I take a look at Ruruka, her body is trembling and shes chewing her lower lip while ring at me. Whats with that expression? Its a mixture of embarrassment and resentment.
No, I have no memory of making her angry though.
Then why is she ring at you?
As Im conversing with Eris like that, Ruruka begins to tremble once again. Shes clenching her fists and ring right at me.
Whys she ring at me? I dont think Ive done anything to Ruruka to deserve a re like that. In the first ce, I had no idea that she was participating in the beauty contest until just now.
Wait, beauty contest?
Are you sure you didnt do something after all?
Eris asks me, nervous for some reason.
Thats it, its Eris.
I remember. Certainly, I said it back when Ruruka told me about the existence of the beauty contest. That Ill try to encourage Eris to enter.
At that time, Ruruka had received a shock from Aria calling her my mistress with Eris. Furthermore, right after, I was invited to enter an inn with baths together. Even I realized that she must have felt no small amount of goodwill towards me. Im sure she did that due to her rivalry with Eris.
Now I feel like I understand why Ruruka entered the beauty contest.
If this isnt me being overly self-conscious, Ruruka may have wanted to establish her superiority over Eris through this beauty contest. And she wanted to clear away the stigma from being called a mistress.
It was most likely for that purpose alone that Ruruka endured the high exposure of an embarrassing bathing suit and faced the beauty contest. And yet the vital Eris isnt participating. Furthermore, shes chatting amiably at my side.
Yeah, that would make her angry.
But I did encourage Eris to enter the beauty contest. Its just that she refused. Ruruka must have been under the impression that she would be participating, though.
While Im thinking it over.
Oi, aint that the Saint-sama!?
Saint-samaaa!
Youre so beautiful, Saint-sama!!
A huge cheer assaults my ears. Looking at the stage, the priestess from before is there. Its Philine.
Compared to Ruruka or Cowgirl-chan, Philine is wearing a rather modest one-piece. Im surprised that someone referred to as a saint of this countrys state religion would be participating in such a vulgar event as a beauty contest, but this too is probably linked to gathering faith. She seems to be doing the same thing I tried to get Eris to do.
Although, if someone with a title like Saint appears, this race is already over. Looks like there are a number of shills here as well, so her victory in this contest is surely already decided. I dont think that Rurukas figure is inferiorpared to the saints, but for a poprity contest such as this, name value carries more meaning than anything else.
Everything from here on is a throwaway match. The moment I think that.
Hey, those what are they? Dont tell me
I-Impossible! Why, in the middle of the city!?
The audience starts to mor noisily. Then, a lone spectator points at the sky. In that direction, theres an enormous number of ck shadows.
My first thought is that its a flock of birds, but be that as it may, theyrerge in size. I strain my eyes to get a better look, and theyre actually big, bat-shaped creatures with fangs sticking out of their mouths.
Those are monsters.
Chapter 49 — Saint
Chapter 49: Saint.
Cries ring out in session from the nearby audience members. The ck dots floating in the sky, those are unmistakably monsters.
Kuh, why are so many monsters!?
One of the knights on guard speaks out.
The audience is already in a state of panic. Theyre starting to run in every direction. All the hectic rushing around conversely makes it harder to escape.
Trying not to get separated from Eris or Yuel, I move a little in order to get away. While were still relocating, the knights have already started to engage the monsters in battle. And, as the bow-wielding knights are about to fire arrows at the monsters,
Wait, dont shoot arrows! Youll hit somebody!
a different knights voice restrains them.
With this number of spectators, if they loose arrows upwards, rather than hitting monsters theyre more likely to hit people on their way back down.
Sheet, is it a raid targeting Saint-sama!? Protect the audience!
A portion of the knights fire off magic into the sky, but unfortunately its not enough to handle the trouble. The number of monsters isnt decreasing at all. Moreover, while the knights are busy facing the bird-model monsters, boar-like monsters charge in from the main street adjacent to this za.
I-Impossible! Flying types are one thing, but even monsters like that have entered the city!?
One of the security knights cries out. Yeah, where exactly did these monsters show up from? For bird monsters, I wouldnt think much of them crossing over the ramparts, but for those boar-type monsters to be inside the city is obviously strange. Ive never heard of monsters from inside thebyrinthing out, and the city is surrounded by ramparts with knights standing watch. Such a sudden attack by monsters shouldnt be happening.
This attack is happening too fast. Its as if the monsters have been inside the city this whole time, but thats not
No, wait it is. Thats right, they were in the middle of the city.
Thats right, I witnessed a monster in the middle of the city. Taking a closer look, I can see cor-like magic tools attached to all of the monsters. As I thought, those are the same as that time
-That instant.
Arge shadow falls upon the ground. When I look up, I see the form of arge-scale monster circling above the za.
I remember those colors, that shape.
Dragon. Its the one we ran into before in the old town, that dragon.
Just now, that knight yelled something about an attack aiming for the saint. And there are those cors controlling the monsters too. No doubt about it, this monster attack is man-made.
That dragon was tied up in the old town in order to hide it. By some chance, were all of these monsters concealed inside the ruins of the old town?
But even if there was a ce to hide them, itd be impossible to carry such arge number of monsters into the middle of the city.
Wait, just recently there might have been a chance. The Krankheit Turtles poison mist incident. At that time, when coping with the panicked citizens, the knight brigade was temporarily unable to carry out its function.
At that time, taking advantage of the chaos, it wouldve been possible to bring monsters into the city.
This might be a bit Bad.
While Im still thinking about it, possibly unable to handle the sheer volume of monsters, the defensive line of knights lets a number of monsters slip through. Around 10 of the boar monsters approach.
We havent gotten out of the za yet. Since our way is blocked by the spectators fleeing randomly, we cant get out of the za even if we try.
And while were doing that, the boar monsterse plunging towards us.
Master, please stand back!
Yuel meets them by throwing knives, but there are many of them. Her attacks sessfully protect me, but the surviving boars are still charging toward Eris.
!
This is bad. Eris has no power to fight monsters.
Eris!
As for what I should do, its obvious. Ill fight the monsters. Ive even faced off with that dreadful Armor Ogre. Monsters on the level of those boars shouldnt scare me at this point.
On the contrary, this is my chance.
If I risk my body and save Eris in this predicament, her goodwill towards me will no doubt skyrocket. Well, bing a shield against a boar once shouldnt be enough to kill me. At worst Ill break two or three bones.
Alright, lets do this. Imagining what will happen after I save Eris, I stir up my heart with earthly desires. Preparing my resolve, I take a step forward to drive my mace into the monsters.
And the next instant- a spray of blood rises up.
That doesnt mean I hit the monsters. Someone wedged themself between Eris and the monsters. In an instant, that person cleaves several of the approaching boar monsters clean in two.
Aria is there, in a suit of knight armor.
Aria
Eris murmurs.
You alright? Onee-chan.
Aria flicks her sword to remove the blood, smiling at Eris. When she does, Erises to her senses and opens her mouth.
Yes, thank you.
Seeing Eris relief, Aria chuckles. Somehow, she looks like a child having mischievous thoughts. And, as if she was waiting for Eris to say those exact words, she responds.
I dont need your thanks, Onee-chan.
In order to defeat the next monster, Aria turns her back to Eris. And, as if making a deration, she immediately follows it up.
Cause Im a knight.
Aria annihtes the nearby monsters with incredible intensity. She slices all of the monsters in half. Forcefully, not to mention quickly, she reduces the monsters numbers. Even among the knights, her movements stand out as exceptional. It seems as if shes showing off to Eris, too.
Aria
Eris covers her mouth with her hands, tearing up as she watches Aria intently. Perhaps shes deeply moved by how splendid her younger sister has be. A beautiful woman doing that really paints a perfect picture.
But Im the one who was supposed to be receiving that look after defeating the monsters. She was supposed to swoon over me when I showed her my manly side.
No, well, nothing I can do about it this time, so Ill yield. And Eris seems happy.
And yet, at the same time Aria is acting in front of us.
-The dragon circling in the sky dives toward the stage where the saint is standing.
The sound of the temporary stage copsing rings out around us, apanied by a loud shriek.
This is bad. Ruruka was over there, too. Shes not wearing a shred of protection right now either. She could have been seriously wounded by that attack.
Aria! Ill leave Eris to you! Yuel,e with me!
If I entrust her to Aria, theres a million-to-one chance that Eris wille to harm. From her fight with the boars just now alone, I can easily tell that Aria has extraordinary ability.
I hurry to the temporary stage where Ruruka is. Over there, there should be a number of injured buxom beauties other than Ruruka. Ive gotta treat them all right away.
Near the broken stage, there are multiple lightly-dressed women along with the saint and her escort knights. Ruruka is there, too. However, their injuries there arent any.
Looks like that saint has already given them treatment. After the dragon attacked, it rose high up into the sky again, and now its turning around and getting ready to dive at this stage once more.
Shiki! Hey, that dragon thats the one we saw in the old city, isnt it?
Yeah, its the one from back then.
Thats weird! Dragons shouldnt be attacking people like this!
Rurukas expression is frantic for some reason. Oh yeah, Ruruka loves dragons, huh?
Well, this attack has nothing to do with the monsters wills. Those cors are magic tools tomand the monsters. Somewhere, there should be someone controlling the dragon and the other monsters.
Please be careful! The Earth Dragon uses petrifying breath!
One of the saints guards raises her voice. Breath, huh? Although, even if you call it petrifying, I dont really get what that means. But then the Saint herself supplements the guards words.
If the breath falls upon you, and it is not treated by EX Heal or personal medicine before your bodypletely turns to stone, it will assuredly end in your death. Please avoid being hit by it under any circumstances.
Thats some bad breath. In other words, the flying monsters and terrestrial monsters are likely there to distract the knights and keep them busy while this one aims for the real target, the saint.
The way this is going, were no doubt going to get dragged into it. We need to get the hell out of here.
Ruruka, hurry and run. Well get dragged into this if we stay here.
I call out to Ruruka,
The Earth Dragons weakness is fire magic. Should I shoot it down with a me spell?
but at nearly the same time, one of the wizard-looking guards asks the saint for instructions.
! Umm, isnt there any other way!?
And Ruruka reacts to the guards words she probably doesnt want the highly-intelligent dragon to be killed. It was only for a short time, but she hand-fed it and was affectionate with it. Ruruka might have be strongly attached to that dragon.
Those cors that are controlling the monsters are often used by believers of the evil god. If the cor can just be destroyed, I believe it will stop attacking, but please understand.
The saint exins to Ruruka with a sympathetic face. Shes likely indirectly saying that its hopeless. For the safety of the people on the ground, they cant fire arrows into the sky. By necessity, magic bes the only means of attacking the airborne dragon. And when using magic, a feat like destroying the cor alone with pinpoint uracy is impossible in the first ce. Moreover, the opponent is a formidable enemy that uses petrifying breath. They likely dont have any room to be concerned about the dragons life.
Yuel, do you think you can do something about that cor using your knives?
Im sorry, the reach isnt long enough.
I take a shot at asking Yuel, but I guess its impossible after all. However, Yuel seems toe up with something and opens her mouth.
Ah, but if I throw a knife from that rooftop, it may possibly reach. And because its a high ce, if I use a corded knife it wont hit anyone below either.
Yuel is pointing at a 5-story inn. Certainly, from there it seems like it could reach. And the dragon is apparently continuing to aim for an opening among the saints group, circling at a low altitude.
Yuel, Im counting on you.
Yes, Master!
When I tell Yuel, she takes off toward the building at full speed. Slipping through the gaps between people, jumping off of peoples shoulders, at full speed. The building is right in front of the za. The way shes going, she should reach it in no time.
Well, I dont know whether the saints guards will kill it first or Yuel will get a direct knife hit on the cor first, but Ive done what I can for the time being.
From here on, I should get the hesitant Ruruka to run away with me. Either way, being near this saint is unpleasant. Like I said, I dont want to get involved.
Ruruka, enough already. Lets get out of here!
-Then, the moment I pull on Rurukas hand in order to run over to Aria and the others.
Fire Lance!!
A giantnce of me appears over the head of one of the saints guards, and flies toward the dragon. The dragon avoids it, but another mence appears above a different guard and flies off to shoot down the dragon.
And the second mence pierces the tip of the dragons wing membrane.
The next moment.
Seemingly enraged from being shot at, the dragon swoops down toward the ground. It drops at an angle that looks like it will impact the ground, then beats its huge wings to suddenly decelerate. It hovers a few meters off the ground and opens its jaw wide.
From its mouth, a gray breathes billowing out.
This is bad.
The ashen breath nkets my field of vision. I try to get some distance right away, but I dont quite make it. Im going to be hit by the breath.
-Then, when the breath is about to reach me, somebody pushes me down.
I fall face-first on the ground, pinned under someone. I can see red hair hanging down onto my shoulders. Theres a soft sensation on my back. Looks like Ruruka is the one who pushed me down.
Oi, are you okay?
I raise my body and look at Ruruka. When I do,
Ahaha it got me.
there she is, with her feet turning gray, feeblyughing. Apparently she just barely got caught by the breath. I take a look at the petrified parts of her body, and the gray color is gradually spreading over time.
Moreover, the dragon is opening its mouth in our direction in order to emit a second st of breath. This is bad.
Wait.
Something even worsees into view.
On the rooftop of the building that Yuel went into. She just jumped off of it. Literally, Yuel just dove from the top of a 5-story building with no lifeline.
With her knife pointed downward, Yuel is dropping from above onto the dragon that lowered its altitude in order to use its breath. Shes probably trying to destroy its cor.
But those acrobatics are way too dangerous. Maybe she lost her patience when it looked like I was going to get hit by the breath, but shes going overboard. I didnt tell her to go that far.
Yuel!!
The dragon suddenly beats its wings, and moves out of Yuels downward trajectory. This is hopeless. If Yuel falls down like this, shell pass beside the dragon and crash into the ground. A fall from a 5-story building wont end in just bone fractures. This is beyond reckless.
Even if I try to get to Yuels drop site at this point, I wont make it in time. My heart tightens in my chest.
However, Yuel doesnt drop down. Throwing her corded knife at the dragons neck, she uses her falling momentum to swing around and up onto the dragons neck.
Then, she plunges her knife into the cor and the two of them plummet together. Using the dragons body as a cushion, Yuel neatly dampens the impact of hernding.
All I can say is she never fails to impress.
The second breath wont being anymore. My safety is guaranteed.
I am sorry, my mana is no longer
However, after the saint treats the 3 people close to her with Ex Heal, she falls to her knees. Seems like the first shot of breath epassed an area with 10 people in it. And Ruruka wasnt among the 3 that the saint treated.
Rurukas face warps in despair.
The petrification doesnt advance that quickly. All of the people who received the breath are still alive. I have no choice but to do it.
This isnt the time to be concerned about whether or not my true ability will be discovered. Rurukas life is irreceable. When I gather mana in order to invoke EX Heal towards Ruruka first that very instant,
What was that!?
This is smoke!? Are there more enemies!?
All of a sudden, white smoke begins to billow out and cover us. For a moment I wonder if its another monster attack, but thats not it this is Yuel.
-A smoke bomb.
Now that I think about it, she said she was buying them in order to run away from formidable opponents, huh
Also, theres what I told her. That my healing magic was my secret with Yuel.
Happily, this ce is separated from the battlefield between the knights and the monsters. The smokescreen probably wont interfere with their battle. Honestly, I was thinking that I had no choice but to reveal my ability, but if I dont have to reveal it then I dont have to deal with the consequences. Well yed, Yuel.
Before the smoke disappears, I need to get this over with. First I treat Ruruka, then I systematically take care of everyone else in the extent of the breath.
Then, when I finish treating everyone,
Shiki, where?
I hear Rurukas frail voice. Theres no power in it.
Dont tell me the treatment failed? I have no experience treating petrification, so its possible. I hurry back to Rurukas side.
Whats wrong!? Are you hurt anywhere!?
Maybe I wasnt able to treat her petrification somewhere. I look over every nook and cranny of Rurukas body.
Her pretty red hair. Beneath that ck bikini, herrge breasts shake softly, her abs are nice and tense, and her feet stretch properly.
Yep, she isnt petrified.
Ah, Shiki, thank goodness. I can see your face in the end
However, when Ruruka sees my face, she says that. I check her body again, and nothing appears to be petrified. The exposure is erotic though.
Dont tell me she doesnt realize that shes already been healed?
Well, since the smoke from the smoke bomb is so thick, it may be difficult for her to ascertain the condition of her petrification by sight.
Shiki, Im sorry for suddenly running away back then.
I lock eyes with Ruruka.
Having our faces close together like this is making me kinda embarrassed. And we left things off the way we didst time. If that inn hadnt been full, it mightve meant we would cross the line.
And when I avert my gaze, I feel a warmth on my cheek. Rurukas hand is touching it.
I was never able to tell you this, but Shiki. I, I
Then, Ruruka tries to tell me something while gazing straight into my eyes. Whats with this? Could it possibly be that? I wonder if its that?
But if it is that, her timing is extremely awkward. Ruruka is probably under the misapprehension that shes about to meet her fate from petrification. The saint who can use EX Heal dered that shes out of mana. And Ruruka has no idea that I can use EX Heal myself.
It must be the kind of that that she can only say because shes dying. Thats no good, Ruruka. You cant do that now. No mistaking it, youre in perfect health. Youre absolutely going to be embarrassed after the fact, so!
But, my prayers dont reach her.
I love you, Shiki.
With her hand on my cheek, Ruruka speaks in a frail voice. Theres no reason for her voice to be frail, but shes likely under a strong misconception.
Man, it was that after all? Somehow or other, I did get the feeling she was fond of me. Its just that I dont understand her reason for it. Perhaps noticing my state, Ruruka continues speaking.
Even though I can only use shields, I became an adventurer on my own. I wasnt great at killing monsters, so until I joined up with Fran and Sera I couldnt earn any money. Weapons and armor took money, and receiving attacks from monsters just caused the injuries and scars to add up.
Oh yeah, I feel like Fran was saying that they only joined up with Ruruka just recently. Ruruka only has shield skills. Its not like she can evade enemy attacks like Yuel can, so yeah, she must constantly be taking equipment damage and getting wounded.
The first time I met you was around four months ago, Shiki. I dont think you remember, but at that time, my body was full of bruises, it was painful, and even though Im a girl my skin wasnt fit to be seen by anyone. Ive had aplex about it for the longest time.
Aplex.
At Rurukas words, a certain scene springs to mind.
At my first meeting with Fran and Sera. even though I healed her wounds when Ruruka begged me, she got angry and said I didnt ask you. Up until now I thought that was due to her man-hating, but maybe that wasnt it. I see the nuance wasnt that I did it on my own, but that Fran had no choice but to ept the treatment because Ruruka insisted on it. After all this time, it finally makes sense.
But you healed all the wounds and scars on my entire body. You didnt even take more than the price of a single Heal that was definitely High Heal, right? A single Heal wouldnt normally heal all traces of wounds on my entire body.
Rurukas monologue continues. But that probably was just Heal. Shes likely talking about the time when I had juste to this world, and I had no experience controlling mana. I simply screwed up my mana maniption and identally fired off healing magic.
Sorry Shiki, for telling you this in myst moments. It must be troublesome for you.
Ahh, your face is getting dim.
Thats the smokescreen.
Its not from the petrification. Ruruka has no wounds or scars anywhere. I guarantee it.
But I cant say it. Yeah, telling her now would be too cruel.
As I remain silent with my eyes transfixed on Rurukas, a wind blows through the za. Gradually, the smoke clears.
Looks like the monstermotion is already wrapping up. The dragon fainted after its cor was destroyed, and the other monsters were exterminated by the reinforcements that rushed in. Im guessing theyre the participants from the martial arts tournament. Perhaps through the actions of Aria and the other knights as well, there are few casualties or seriously injured people. Looks like that dragon whose cor was destroyed really was aiming for the saint.
Eh Huh!?
While Im still confirming the state of our surroundings, Ruruka seems to notice the incongruity.
Rurukas eyes turn to my face, then to her own body, then they stop. She freezes for a few seconds, then looks back at my face once again, then at her own body.
Has she realized everything now? Rurukas face turns a deep crimson.
Eh, Why!? The petrifying breath shouldve hit me!?
Ruruka loses herposure. Well, the number of people in this world who can use EX Heal is truly limited. In her wildest dreams, she wouldnt have expected that I could use it.
It should be obvious that somebody within the smokescreen did it, but thankfully there are many people gathered here. It shouldnt be possible to narrow it down to a particr person.
You mustve just barely avoided it?
Eh, but Huhhh?
Ruruka tilts her neck and starts to brood. However, she stiffens with a jolt when our eyes meet.
Then she seeks my reaction.
About those things I said just now
Yeah, about that theres something I need to tell you.
I softly clear my throat and speak.
My control over my healing magic was just poor. The fact that I used High Heal on you was purely an ident.
I need to clear things up for her right now. The fact that she bears such goodwill towards me is due to a misunderstanding.
When I say that, Ruruka mutters I see. and gently hangs her head.
Ah, maybe I didnt have to tell her that. I was feeling a little conflicted so I suddenly blurted it out, but the more I think about it, maybe something like that doesnt matter. With this, Rurukas good impression of me wille to nothing.
Ah, no, what I meant by that
And, when I try to exin my previous statement,
But you know, Im sure that when you noticed my scars, you healed them without a second thought. You like to sexually harass and you lie all the time, but youre extremely kind.
Ruruka gazes into my eyes as she speaks.
I really do love you, Shiki.
Then she says it again. Rurukas face is red, but mine probably is too. What do I do? Maybe its because all Ive done so far is sexual harassment, but when Im struck head-on with appreciation like this, on the contrary I dont know what I should do.
I-I see. Thats, what should I say to that, errr
Then, when I try to put it into words for Ruruka somehow,
-I feel something pulling tightly at my clothes.
At the sensation I feel on my back, my consciousness that waspletely focused on Ruruka returns all at once.
Its Yuel. Without me noticing it, she was right behind me. I wonder how long shes been there?
Its Yuel were talking about. After she set off the smoke bomb, it wouldnt be strange for her to cling to my back in order to guard me.
Not to mention that further behind Yuel, Eris is there too.
When Eris eyes meet mine, she reflexively turns away. I dont know what mental state shes in, but seeing me being confessed to by a girl cant possibly lead to a rise in her goodwill towards me. This is bad.
Master?
Pinching my clothes with an uneasy expression, Yuel stares right into my eyes. She must have heard the whole thing after all. This is really bad.
Ah
Then Ruruka seems to notice the two of them as well. She pulls out a cloak from her item box and drapes it over her body to hide it. Then she rises to her knees and extends her body-
and her lips lightly touch my cheek.
!?
See you again.
After that she whispers into my ear, and runs off without showing her face.
She was probably embarrassed. I sure am.
But what do I do?
Timidly, I nce toward Yuel and Eris.
Eris is looking down and doesnt attempt to raise her face,
Ahh, Master was, Mas ter was
and Yuel is staring at me on the verge of tears.
She left me with an unbelievable mess! This is worse than anything thats happened in the past. I cant possibly think of getting out of this with mere words.
I look around our surroundings for something to cling to, some way to escape.
When I do, theres that saint 10 meters away. My eyes suddenly meet Philines. And then she says something to me.
Shes too far away, so her voice doesnt reach me. But, somehow or other, I can tell what she said.
My elevated temperature due to Ruruka quickly chills. Yuels voice too goes in one ear and out the other.
I dont know how to lip-read or anything. I could be mistaken. But I get the feeling that her lips definitely moved in that way.
Found you.
Im certain thats what she said.
Chapter 50 — Archbishop
Chapter 50: Archbishop.
I meet eyes with that ck-haired saint, Philine, and she smiles sweetly. Even though shes smiling, her mouth movements just before definitely sent a chill up my spine. I didnt hear her voice, but I get the feeling she muttered found you.
What does that mean?
Without a doubt, it cant possibly be a development like The cool ck-haired man from that time. We didnt speak for long, but to think I would meet you again so soon in a ce like this!. True, we did meet once before I entered the beauty contest za, but it wasnt an especially romantic conversation. As for what we talked about at that time, it was just that we had the same hair color and confirming that Im a healer. Its not remotely possible.
Besides, saying found you means that that Saint-sama was searching for me.
Well, its not like I dont have any idea why the saint of the church would be looking for someone, though. Most likely, its the person who used thatrge-scale healing magic on the city at the time of the Krankheit Turtle incident. I mean, the city is referring to it as a miracle from god.
The one who cast thatrge-scale healing magic on the city was me. In other words, Im the one she was searching for.
And she found me.
How did she find me? Back when I treated Ruruka and the others with EX Heal, she shouldnt have been able to see me since Yuel set off that smoke bomb. And there were plenty of people within the smokescreen other than me. I wonder if she happened to have some sort of magic tool to circumvent the smokescreen?
No, maybe thats not it?
That saint called out to me before the beauty contest. This is just a guess, but that saint might have already known that there was a powerful healer in this city. And she talked to me before the beauty contest because I was already under investigation as one of the excellent healers in this city, or something.
Thinking about that situation, a smokescreen was set up and everyone under it was cured of their petrification. And within that smokescreen, only one of the excellent healers that she had marked was present. Looking at it from the saints perspective, even if its not definitive, theres a very high probability that shed conclude its me. Thats likely what happened.
Yeah, recklessly firing off EX Heal was unwise after all, huh? Well, whether or not there was a smokescreen, I was going to heal Ruruka and the other contestants. As a man, theres no way I could have allowed those big-breasted beauties to die before my eyes. My healing magic ability wouldve been discovered either way.
Besides, thinking about it any more isnt going to change the fact that I was found out.
Whats essential right now is that the Saint-sama of the Church of Medine, this countrys state religion, has been searching for me for some reason. Depending on her intentions, my actions from here on out will change. There are two main options: do I run away immediately, or do I give up and go quietly?
-And, as Im considering the options.
My goodness, Saint-sama. I had received word of a monster attack, but
A middle-aged man in priest robes approaches the saint and greets her. His physique is on the plump side. To put it less kindly, hes as chubby as an Orc. A procession of muscr guards in priest garb follows behind him. I dare say this guy holds a high position in the church as well.
Archbishop Darnaud.
The priest, whom the saint addressed as Archbishop Darnaud, nces at the copsed temporary stage and the scattered monster corpses while he surveys the premises. After that, his attention fastens on the unconscious Earth Dragon. Then, eyeing the traces of petrification spread out along the ground, he speaks.
An Earth Dragon, hmm? The treatment of the petrified looks to be finished already. When I received word of the monster raid, I thought of lending my humble ability to aid with the treatment, but it seems there was no need. As expected of Saint-sama, naturally.
Nay, you tter me. Were the knights and guards not present, who knows what might havee to pass.
Saying hed help with the petrification treatment, I wonder if that means that this Archbishop Darnaud or whatever priest can use EX Heal too? Well, I did hear from Eris that archbishop is the top position in the church for this city. It wouldnt be strange if he could use it. That would make him the second person I know of who can use EX Heal.
But thats not what I want to know.
What I want to know is that saints goal.
While the saint is talking to that archbishop, I wanna gather intelligence rted to the reason she was searching for me. But being 10 meters away from the saint and the archbishop with their multitude of guards, I may already be a carp on a cutting board.
Though I must say, Im astonished that there would be a raid aimed at Saint-sama in thisbyrinth city. I had heard that the evil gods adherents were operating out of the royal capital. Good gracious, more than anything, it is truly well that you are unharmed.
I was quite taken aback when the Earth Dragon appeared, but thanks to it quickly being rendered unconscious, the damage was blessedly kept to a minimum. If it had released even one more breath, even my mana capacity might not have held out.
The archbishop and the saint continue their discussion. I wonder what those evil god adherents are? I feel like the saint was saying something about them too during the raid. Oh yeah, in the Bible that Eris was reading, wasnt it written that the evil god threatened humanity in the past? I guess there are religious conflicts in this world too.
Wait a minute, that saint said earlier that her mana was empty, but now shes talking like she still has some left over. Dont tell me that statement about being out of mana was a lie to fish me out? I kinda thought this when she was using shills to gather faith too, but this b*tch is a schemer. And shes had that same smile painted on her face this entire time as she continues to speak with the archbishop.
I see, I see although, Saint-sama must be tired as well. By all means, please make use of my church to rest yourself.
Archbishop Darnaud, I am thankful for your kind words, but I must speak to Meirhartz-sama immediately concerning thistest raid. And the matter of the continued donations from the other day is as yet unfinished, so I believe I will be indisposed for some time at Lord Meirhartzs mansion.
Is that so? Well then, theres no helping it.
Meirhartz was Frans family name, if Im not mistaken. In other words, that means the saint is going to talk to Frans father, the lord.
I wonder if the knight brigade will have to bear some responsibility for thistest raid? Well, an incident did ur right in the middle of the city. Moreover, it was aimed at the saint, an important person who holds a title within the state religion of this country. Normally, the knights would take the me as the ones in charge of protecting the city. And each citys knight brigade is unified under themand of that regions lord.
The knights responsibility is the lords responsibility. He might end up being questioned. I hope that middle-aged lord doesnt copse from anxiety.
Now then, please excuse me. Until we meet again, Archbishop Darnaud.
And, their dialoguees to a close.
The saint turns around, and increasinglyes closer to me. Her found you words immediately after the smokescreen cleared, and the movement of her lips at that time spring back into my mind
What the heck is going to happen to me from now on? What is the saints goal? I have no idea. Somehow, the bits and pieces are giving me a bad feeling about this. My legs were itching to escape earlier, but the more I calm down, the more I get the feeling that running is pointless.
The saint of the state religion. I dont know how much authority she has, but at least it seems like she has enough to arrest me if I try to run. Even if I manage to slip away into the crowd immediately, if she felt like it, it would only be a matter of time before Im captured.
I wonder if Ill be confined in order to make use of my healing magic? But it might still be fine if the Church of Medine wees me with open arms as the savior of the city.
Im saying so myself, but I have a high utility value.
I only realized it from that incident with the Krankheit Turtle earlier, but I have enough mana to envelop the entire city in healing magic. Which is to say, no matter what kind of sickness or disease sweeps through town, I can do something about it all by myself.
Those in positions of power would be desperate to get their hands on me. Furthermore, if said power is with the great church which has deep ties to healing magic, I ought to be a potential recruit that they wish to secure by any means necessary. If Im only taken into their custody then its still okay, but I wouldnt be surprised if they took advantage of their influence to forcibly inscribe me with a ve crest or something in order to further restrain me.
I havent even put my hands on Eris yet. It was even finally going well with Ruruka. I still have things I need to do.
But I cant possibly fight before the mighty authority of the state religion. And running would be inane too. Id just be in a worse position after Im caught.
In other words, what I need to do now is negotiate.
It will be a battle against this saint to establish my rights as best I can.
Even now, the saint approaches. Shes not giving me any more time. I gather my resolve and prepare to speak to the saint, when-
-she passes right by me, without a single nce in my direction.
The saint and her guards pass directly by my side and exit the za. Theres no sign of hering back or even looking behind her. Most likely, theyre heading to the lords manor.
Huh?
A magnificent snubbing, as if she wasnt even conscious of my existence. We even talked a little, she could have at least thrown me a brief nce if she was gonna walk so close by me. I mean, Id rather nothing happen if at all possible, but for nothing to happen aftering this far makes me feel ufortable in its own way.
Dont tell me that found you was my misunderstanding? No, but, I definitely saw it. And our eyes met, plus she was looking over here for a long time after that, not to mention that smile ever since. She mustve had some sort of reason.
As Im pondering, I suddenly meet eyes with that Darnaud or whatever archbishop.
Ah, maybe hes the reason? When I think about it carefully, the saint is still young. She has talent with healing magic, but she might not be able to decide the important matters.
That archbishops serious expression. Those sharp eyes, that seem to see through everything. His appearance makes me feel like no matter what kind of lies I tell, theyll be exposed.
Taking over for the saint, that middle-aged archbishop is going to discuss whats going to happen to me from now on. I wonder if thats what it means.
No, thats not it either.
The archbishops focus is a bit off. Now that I look closer, hes not watching me.
The archbishop is looking behind me, at Eris. At her sensual body, covered by that habit.
I see, so what hes seeing through are Eris clothes, huh? That sharp glint in his eye must be him squinting to try and perceive Eris a little more vividly. His serious expression too, that must be him trying to imagine whats underneath Eris clothes with all his willpower.
Well, its not like I dont understand that feeling. And Eris is a beauty. Im probably looking at Eris in that exact same way every day.
But since hes concentrating on licking Eris all over with his eyes, hes not paying attention to me. The archbishop and his escort priests dont show any sign ofing to talk to me either. Besides, now that I think it over, neither the saint nor the archbishop have said a single word about me.
Was it really my misunderstanding? But I could have sworn
No, in reality, the people of the church arent aware of me. Even though it really looked that way, it only looked that way.
It must have been my mistake.
Guess I should go home. Its not like the beauty contest can resume anymore.
And when Im about to head back, I realize once again.
I was preupied with the saint so it unintentionally slipped my mind, but all that stuff happened with Ruruka. Whats more, Yuel and Eris were watching it.
Now that I get a good look, while Aria is clearing away monster corpses in the distance, shes staring daggers in my direction. It doesnt look like she can abandon her duty toe over here, but shes totally focused on me. I guess Aria was watching at that moment, too.
I forgot. Theres still this awful mess.
I lower my gaze, and Yuel is right beside me, silently looking down.
Oh yeah, I get the feeling shes been tightly clenching my clothes this whole time. The situation being what it was, I unintentionally ignored her, though.
She seems depressed. First things first, how am I going to soothe her feelings?
Side Story — The Redheaded Adventurer
Side Story: The Redheaded Adventurer
Its been a week since I came to this world.
How did I end up in this world? I dont know the reason.
However, even if I dont know the reason, Ill starve without something to eat.
If I give in to drowsiness outdoors, Im liable to freeze to death in this cold, winter climate.
In order to go on living, in order to buy food, in order to secure lodging, I need to earn money.
Its like an unavoidable curse for those who possess living flesh.
Thats why I decided to beg and plead with Eris, the big-breasted beauty whom I ran into on the streets, to let me work at this hospital.
I suppose its about time for lunch. It will take me a little time to prepare, so please take care of things for a while.
Yeah, got it.
During this week, Ive learned various things from Eris, like where we are, what magic is, and so on.
A world where magic exists. A world of diverse races.
Itspletely different from the Japan I was living in up until now.
Of course, Ive had my worries but well, when I gaze at Eris giant knockers, none of that seems to matter anymore.
Im not the type to dwell on things I cant change. And for a little while, it seems like Ill be able to get by somehow thanks to Eris kindness.
Besides, my healing magic ability was apparently amazing enough to shock her.
By helping out here, I should at least be able to keep my stomach full.
Well, its not like there arent any problems, though.
Has Eris never lived together with a man before? Shes overly defenseless.
Like yesterday, she was casually drying her underwear in the room.
How long will my reasonst against this defenseless Eris and her massive melons?
I dont have a shred of self-confidence as far as thats concerned.
A customer?
Im mulling that over, when the door to the hospital suddenly opens.
And in walks a girl.
She has red hair that just about reaches down to her shoulders.
Shes wearing a cloak long enough to cover her entire body from the shoulders down, securely fastened in front.
It makes her look like a teru teru bzu.
She sits down in the chair in front of me,
Um, one Heal, please.
and says that. Then, she gingerly sticks her right arm out from under the cloak.
On it, theres some purplish-red discoloration of the skin; perhaps from internal bleeding?
It seems to be a bruise.
No, there may even be some bone fractures. That looks painful.
But well, if its just on the level of bone fractures, a single Heal will do the trick.
Since I started working at this hospital, Ive gotten used to healing magic.
I could heal something on this level with my eyes closed.
Well then, Heal.
Then, I invoke healing magic.
When I do-
the girl in front of me glows brightly enough to dazzle my eyes.
Ahh
Eh!? Whats this!?
Oh crap. I was careless.
When Heal is invoked, usually it should emit a faint, green glow.
But the one just now was clearly different.
No matter how you look at it, that wasnt normal.
With brightness like that, its as if I cast EX Heal on her entire body.
Even though I only cast Heal on her arm.
Ehhh? That light, that wasnt Heal!?
Redhead-chan seems confused, but I know the cause.
I messed up my mana maniption.
The day before yesterday too, the same sort of thing happened with a different customer.
Afterwards, as a result of verifying my healing magic with Eris, we established the fact that my mana capacity is out of the ordinary.
Having an enormous mana capacity is a strength for a healer, but in a certain respect its also a weakness. That being the precision of my mana maniption.
Manipting this enormous amount of mana precisely is like trying to pour juice from a steel barrel into a tiny cup.
If my attention wavers even a little, my mana will easily overflow and go out of control.
All better?
Its not like theres any particr problem if I screw up with a customer, but this one shined unusually bright inparison.
By some chance, theres a possibility that the healing magic didnt go off correctly.
I need to confirm.
Redhead-chan looks at her own arm, at which point she seems to realize something and peeks beneath her cloak.
I-Im healed eh, no way, even the scars? Everything, everything is healed!?
So shes healed. Apparently it worked fine.
I see, thats great. Well then, one Heales to 200 Zeni.
You only want 200 Zeni!?
Redhead-chans eyes widen as she speaks.
This is something I heard from other customers, but this hospital is apparently cheappared to other ces.
asionally, customers who came without knowing that are surprised.
Yeah, since its an ordinary Heal, that costs 200 Zeni here.
But
Redhead-chan is bewildered.
She might even be feeling guilty over receiving healing for cheaper than market price.
Although shes showing me an apologetic face, she looks at her bank card and seems to be hesitating.
She probably doesnt have much money.
If it bothers her that much then Id like for her to show me her gratitude with her body a part of me thought that, but in the end, her teru teru bzu appearance with zero exposure or sex appeal isnt doing it for me.
She should at least take off her cloak since were indoors.
Well, dont worry about it.
And the one who set the price wasnt me, it was Eris.
Thank you.
Redhead-chan expresses her thanks. Before I forget, I receive the 200 Zeni with my bank card.
Man, is it just my imagination or is she kinda staring at me?
Then Redhead-chan acts a little perplexed and asks me a question.
Umm, about that healing magic just now
I wonder if shes suspicious after all, since that wasnt the glow of a Heal.
And nearly all the healers of this world study at this religious group known as the Church of Medine or whatever to learn healing magic, so in that respect Im something of an unlicensed practitioner.
I also get the feeling that itd be bad if anyone grills me too deeply about my healing magic.
-Then, at that moment.
Something even worse happens.
Its Eris.
Erises over from the inner hospital, face twitching.
Hey, Shiki. One pair of my underwear is missing; You wouldnt happen to know anything about that, would you?
Well then, miss customer, that will be all! Eris, of course it wasnt me. But missing underwear, how terrible! Lets search for it together!
It wasnt me.
Okay, it was me, but I havent used it for obscene purposes.
Its just that there was underwear within my reach, so I unconsciously grabbed a pair and ended up stashing it under my bed, thats all.
Im interested in girls bodies, but Im not some pervert who gets off from a mere pair of underwear.
Thats why it wasnt me.
Wait a minute! I I mean, That healing magic just now that mustve been!
The redheaded girl is calling out to me, but I dont have time for that right now.
I honestly didnt have any special reason for it, it was merely a passing fancy.
You could call it a reflex, or an impulse.
Even now, I dont know why I did such a thing.
I simply acted on instinct and ended up hiding it before I realized what I was doing.
If I had to name a reason, it was because it was right there in front of me.
Thats all.
I-It really wasnt you?
Of course not, Eris! I dont have a clue what happened to your white panties!
But man, this situation is extremely awkward.
I have to get to Eris underwear right away and pretend I found it by chance!
A few dayster.
Although Eris was suspicious, I seeded in maintaining a natural appearance to a certain degree while returning her underwear, and safely finished my work today at the hospital.
Thank goodness I didnt actually get kicked out.
Moreover, Eris started drying her underwear in her own room, so thats one less thing I have to struggle to exercise reason over.
I do kinda get the feeling that she knows I stole it, but Im probably still okay.
As Im contemting, another visitores to the hospital.
Hello.
Its the Redhead-chan from earlier.
But her atmosphere is different from before.
Thinking about whats different, its her clothing.
Shes not wearing the cloak that was covering her entire body like a teru teru bzu.
Today its just shorts and a shirt.
Did she remove the cloak upon entering the hospital? Shes dressed in clothes with abination of a girly feeling and plenty of exposure for ease of movement.
Somehow theres a bit of a boyish atmosphere to this outfit.
And theres a shield on her arm and a sword attached to her belt. Looks like she was an adventurer.
Err, can I please get a Heal?
Redhead-chan sits on the chair in front of me today as well, asking for treatment.
No, there are other redheaded customers, so lets call her Boyish-chan from now on.
I dont know her name, either.
On Boyish-chans arm, theres a wound that appears to be a sh from a monster.
The bleeding seems to have stopped, but it still looks painful.
From what Eris told me, adventuring in this city is a job where you fight monsters for a living.
Injuries like this are probably an everyday urrence.
Sure, Heal it is.
This time, I pay careful attention when manipting my mana and cast Heal.
Once I do, Heal safely invokes and Boyish-chans arm is covered in a faint green glow.
Alright, sess. The price will be 200 Zeni.
This time was a sess.
As youd expect, I cant afford to screw up twice with the same customer.
I was able to cast a genuine, normal Heal.
With this, I shouldnt be questioned about my healing magic.
I knew it, even the scars are healed
However, Boyish-chan looks at the arm I cast healing magic on and mutters that.
Scars.
Now that she mentions it, Im pretty sure Eris said something like for treating scars its fine to charge a separate fee or refuse.
Because healing scars is difficult or whatever.
For me, though, its so simple that I dont really understand whats hard about it.
But Eris is probably right when ites to themon sense of society.
I wonder if I messed up? No,pared to the bright shst time, this time shouldve still been normal.
Im just a little skilled at healing scars.
That shouldnt be enough to make her harbor doubts.
Rather, itd actually be harder for me to intentionally avoid healing the scars.
And Boyish-chan doesnt seem to intend to pry too deeply; she takes out her bank card from her pocket without asking any questions in particr.
Then she ces her bank card over mine.
However
Oi oi, the moneys noting out. Maybe you dont have enough of a bnce left?
Eh, Huh!?
I check, and the money hasnt passed over into my bank card.
Boyish-chan seems to have noticed as well; her face pales as she stares at her bank card.
Come to think of it, I was so happy that my scars were healed that I ended up buying clothes too There was also the cost of the inn! Ah, plus I got the shield repaired, so
Apparently she has some idea; Boyish-chan holds her head in her hands.
You dont have any money?
Ah, thats, err ahaha.
Scratching her cheek, Boyish-chanughs and averts her eyes.
Looks like she doesnt.
Now that I think about it, I didnt notice when she was covered up with a cloak like a teru teru bzu, but this Boyish-chan has a pretty nice body.
Her breasts arent quite as big as Eris, but shes rather buxom.
I wonder if I couldnt have her pay me with her body?
No way, right? That would be impossible, right?
As Im ogling Boyish-chans breasts in that manner.
Ah
Boyish-chan quickly covers her chest with her hands.
I guess I was staring too intensely.
While its true that shes dressed a bit lightly, as expected, I didnt have any delicacy, huh.
Perhaps shell be on guard and stoping here anymore.
However, Boyish-chan looks at her bank card, then at my face, and finally down at her own breasts, then starts fidgeting for some reason.
And, gazing at me with upturned eyes, she speaks.
Um, theres something I wanted to ask you about when you healed me before um, that treatment, was it actually
About before?
I wonder what the heck shes talking about, but if shes bringing it up with this timing it can only mean that.
This Boyish-chan is currently worried about not having enough money for treatment.
If this goes poorly, I could end up handing her over to the authorities.
And as for topics that coulde up in that situation
Say no more. I can waive the fee this time. Just dont say a thing and go home.
theres the matter of me stealing Eris underwear.
Shes using that as a threat.
I cant think of anything other than that.
Its possible that this Boyish-chan was listening to my conversation with Eris earlier.
If I dont want her to spread rumors that theres a pervy healer at this hospital who steals his roommates underwear, then waive the fee.
Im sure thats how this is gonna go.
Got it? Ill heal you whenever you get injured. So please, please dont mention it.
My honor, or a paltry 200 Zeni per time fee.
Its obvious which one Ill choose.
And besides, I dont really mind yielding to a threat from a cute girl.
But Boyish-chans reaction is kinda strange.
After I say I dont need the fee, her face turns solid red, and she stares straight into my eyes.
I wonder if waiving the fee wasnt enough and now shes mad?
No, going any further than this would be extortion.
Maybe I should resign myself to beingbeled a pervert and hand her over to the authorities already.
However, it looks like my thought process was way off the mark.
My breasts you wanna see them?
Mumbling that with a red face, Boyish-chan ces her fingers on her chest buttons.
I dont have enough right now to pay the treatment fee, but maybe you can excuse it today with this?
Then she starts to undo her buttons.
Oi, wait a
As she unfastens her buttons, beautiful, white skin peeks through.
Her ck undergarment pushes up the soft mounds of flesh beneath it, asserting their existence.
And when our eyes meet, she shyly turns her head away.
What the?
What kind of development is this?
Does that mean she wasnt threatening me?
So many questions areing to mind, but looking at the tits in front of my eyes, I stop caring either way.
Dont you think my skin is pretty?
Yeah.
Despite being an adventurer, there isnt a single scar on her beautiful skin.
I dont really understand, but right now shes apparently showing me her breasts in exchange for the treatment fee.
Im full of questions, but just knowing that is enough.
It looks so soft. I end up reaching out unconsciously with my hand.
I-Its too soon for that!
But Boyish-chan pulls her body away from my hand and quickly refastens her buttons.
Well, thanks for the treatment.
Then, with that single line of thanks, she races out of the hospital.
Just when I thought I was being threatened, she showed me her tits.
Not to mention how she bashfully left like she was running away.
What the hell is going on?
Im concerned about it, but no amount of thinking is going to help me understand.
About all I know is that the girl didnt pay the treatment fee, and her underwear was ck.
Its no use thinking.
I decide to devote all of the resources in my brain to etching those huge tits she showed me onto my memory in vivid detail.
Since then, that Boyish-chan has beening to the hospital often.
Perhaps since shes an adventurer, as I figured, she seems to get injured frequently.
I dont know whether she doesnt have much money or shes just stingy, but shes mastered the art of price reduction negotiations to sh the treatment fee by paying with her body instead.
Nevertheless, whenever I do a price reduction negotiation with that Boyish-chan, its witnessed by Eris nearly every time.
To the point where I wonder if she isnt aiming for that.
Andtely, I kinda feel like Eris anger has been getting scarier.
But Boyish-chans discounts have been steadily escting.
At first it was just looking, but then she started letting me touch.
Then me touching her became her pressing herself against me.
Every time Eris gets mad I decide to stop the discounts next time, but I always end up giving in to the escted negotiation methods.
At this rate, I get the feeling that sooner orter Eris really will throw me out.
I have to be a diligent employee before much longer.
Alright, that settles it.
I wont ept the next price discount negotiation.
I absolutely wont lose to Boyish-chans seduction.
Taking that determination to heart, I start my work at the hospital again today.
Chapter 51 — Relationships
Chapter 51: Rtionships.
A few days have passed since the beauty contest raid incident.
In the end, neither the saint nor anyone rted to the Church of Medine has paid me a visit. I thought that maybe the saint just didnt want to talk with me in public and shede to visit a few dayster, though.
The Area Heals at the time of that Krankheit Turtle incident were called a miracle from god by the citizens. So, in order to preserve that rumor, there might have been no way she could talk to me in that jam-packed beauty contest za. That thought urred to me after the fact, but seems like it was off the mark too.
Theres a possibility that shes observing me without making contact, but if someone was shadowing me then Yuel wouldve noticed them to begin with. I indirectly asked Yuel about it, and it seems she hasnt sensed any indications of that.
Somehow, it would appear that the found you really was my misunderstanding.
Which is to say, things are peaceful.
Master, heres your towel.
Yeah, thanks, Yuel.
I was worried about what Ruruka kissing me would do to Yuels mental state, but she didnt particrly have a problem with it. Well, its not like it had no effect, but she isnt sobbing over it like she did thatst time when I rubbed Rurukas breasts.
As far as the effects are concerned,tely theres been the danger of Yuel starting to sleep in such a way that her lips will touch my cheek just by rolling over in her sleep. Or the danger of suddenly noticing her staring intently at my cheek at such a close distance that it seems like Ill bump into her. Also, like just earlier, the danger of feeling her gaze more intensely than usual when we enter the bath together.
Its at most to that degree.
If Yuel were to be severely depressed or anguished, Id be stressing out about how to deal with it, but at this level its fine. I get the feeling her behavior has had this sort of aspect to it since the beginning, too. Well, this time, in the end all I did was get kissed by Ruruka, so its not like I did anything myself. Perhaps for Yuel that was just barely on the safe side. She recovered surprisingly fast.
Unexpectedly, she may not be bothered that much by Ruruka.
Which is to say, things are totally peaceful.
I take the towel from Yuel, wipe my body, and put on my clothes. Im about to leave the bathroom just like that but,
suddenly, in the dressing room, I notice Yuel stop in the middle of changing and start craning her neck around. Plopping down on the ground, arching her back against the wall, all the while moving her neck this way and that. What the heck is she doing? Is she stretching or something?
That reminds me.
The tavern where she asionally works part-time as a waitress is flourishing, so its a reasonably strenuous job. Quite possibly, she might have hurt her body somewhere while working. Knowing Yuel, theres a chance that shed hide injuries and fatigue like that so as not to trouble me.
I cant ignore it.
Yuel, whatcha doing?
Umm, a waitress at the tavern told me that breasts get bigger if you suck them, but it seems impossible for me after all I was hoping that my body would soften up after a bath and Id be able to suck them myself, but
I should have ignored it.
And Rurukas are big, so if mine get big too then
The waitress said she could do it by herself, though.
As shes saying that, Yuel shyly lowers her head.
So she was worried about Ruruka after all, huh.
Although, looks like it was something I should really pretend I didnt see. Saying I cant suck them myself, Yuel makes a face like she just realized something and stares intently at me. But I cant sympathize with the intent behind that gaze.
Hold on, that Waitress-san can do it by herself? Thats awesome. Just how limber is her body? No, maybe shes not t-chested like Yuel. I bet she has huge tits and apparently shes making them bigger by sucking on them herself. I want to be introduced to her by all means, but right now Yuel is restlessly rubbing her fingers and thighs together as if shes going to turn to me and say something at any moment. This isnt the time to think about such things.
Umm. Maste-
Cmon, Yuel! Hurry and get dressed! Thats right, Im gonna teach you healing magic today! Apparently when youre with me your mana increases, So you might be able to use a spell or two soon!
If you dont mind, could you su-
Alright, Ill be waiting in our room, so get dressed and join me! Make sure youre properly wearing clothes, okay!
I ramble on in order to drown out Yuels voice as I escape towards our room. Im not listening. I cant hear a single thing.
Man, what do I do?
As I feared, Yuel is seriously worried about Ruruka. At the time, Ruruka herself quickly left, so I was somehow able to calm Yuel down. But I wonder how shell react the next time they see each other? After that beauty contest, I was kinda nervous about what I should do the next time I see Ruruka, but at the moment my emotions are aplex mixture of wanting to meet her and not wanting to.
As for what I really think, I want to meet her without Yuel or Eris finding out. In secret. Eventually, I want to raise my goodwill with both Eris and Ruruka and create a harem.
Come to think of it, Eris as well. The way she is,tely as soon as I think shes making eye contact frequently, she makes a difficult face and immediately averts her eyes, which is to say its happening increasingly often. She too seems to have a lot on her mind about that thing with Ruruka. I justified myself more or less, but it didnt feel very effective.
Well, with Eris personality, she seems like shed be considerably resistant to kissing and stuff between an unmarried couple. It wouldnt be strange for her to have such a strong sense of virtue to the level of kissinges after marriage. I mean, she makes a subtle face even when Im just rubbing Yuels head or her ears.
I get the feeling that Eris would absolutely never ept a harem.
No, but, polygamous harems are apparentlymon among a part of the noble and wealthy sses. Although monogamy is standard formon households, and those are the values that Eris and Ruruka both hold.
But, beyond being approved institutionally, as long as I keep steadily raising my goodwill points there should still be a way to bring her into my harem. I dont have any definite prospects yet, though.
-And, as Im contemting the future,
the very same Eris shows up,ing from the other end of the hallway. Perhaps shes nning on taking a bath. When our eyes meet, she abruptly looks away as she continues down the hallway.
Yo, Eris. Going to take a bath?
Yes.
Ah oh yeah, I think Yuel is in the dressing room, so if shes not dressed yet could you tell her to put on some clothes?
Alright. Ill tell her.
When I call out to her, Eris keeps looking down as she gives curt replies. Our rhythm is always like thistely. Its undeniable, that issue lowered her opinion of me after all. I made progress with Ruruka, but I feel like I took a step back with Eris. Wait, rather than losing favor I could still see it as her feeling down and just getting lost in thought. But with Eris personality, its natural to think that I lost favor with her due to that issue.
I take a look at Eris as Im thinking it over. A real good look at her body thats about to enter the bath.
Suddenly, Eris raises her head.
Ah
And, the moment she sees my eyes, she immediately averts her gaze again. I wonder whats the matter? It looked like she was about to say something, but I also get the feeling that she just noticed that I was openly staring at her tits.
Master, I got dressed!
Whoa, you sure are fast, Yuel-san. Alongside her voice, Yuel herselfes racing out from the dressing room.
Im worried about Eris, but letting Yuel speak freely right now would be exceedingly unfavorable. As much as possible, I need to lead the conversation away from the topic of breasts.
Yeah! Healing magic, right, healing magic. Leave it to me, if Im the one teaching then youll be able to use healing magic in no time!
Yes, Ill work hard so I can heal Master when you get injured!
But I can just heal myself. Although, Yuel is brimming with motivation. Like this, she probably wont blurt out anything dangerous. Yet the second I feel relieved, Yuel suddenly nces at Eris.
Eris-san, whats wrong?
I take a look, and Eris hasnt moved from that spot. Even though she said she was going to take a bath, shes been watching me and Yuel in a daze.
Then when she notices me looking at her, Eris hurriedly averts her eyes,
Nothing at all, Yuel-chan. Well then, Im off to take a bath.
and she quickly enters the dressing room.
As I thought, somethings definitely a bit off with Eris.
I wonder if I should ask someone like Aria for advice? No, but if I show my face in front of Aria now, something tells me shes going to cross-examine me about Ruruka first. After that incident, between the monster corpse disposal and directing the spectators, Aria didnt have much time to talk to me.
When we meet, shell no doubt use me of cheating and whatnot. Or perhaps I should say, if things dont go well with that overprotective Aria, then I can kiss my chances goodbye of ever including Eris in my harem.
Besides, maybe its because Aria is busy with her knight brigade job, but she hasnt shown her face once at the hospital and we havent been able to meet in the first ce. Well, with a monster raid incident happening in the middle of the city, I guess theres no helping that shed be busy.
Master?
Perhaps sensing a problem when I show no sign whatsoever of heading towards the room, Yuel timidly peers into my face. Well, I cant think of a good solution. Guess Ill teach Yuel healing magic for now.
Nah, its nothing. Alright, why dont we do some healing magic practice!
Yes!
As she answers, Yuels ears twitch up and down. I can tell the flow of her emotions just from her ear movements. She seems considerably pleased to learn healing magic. It makes me want to teach her not just to the level of Heal, but all the way up to EX Heal.
-However, those ears of hers suddenly go stiff.
And, for some reason shetches onto my clothes.
I check Yuels expression, and its a mixture of anxiety and loneliness.
Shikiii, you theeere!?
And the reason soon bes clear. Its a familiar, cheerful voice. I can hear iting from outside the hospital.
Coming by sote at night its Ruruka-san.
Chapter 52 — Mark
Chapter 52: Mark.
Were in the hospitals exam room. Sitting on a chair, facing Ruruka. Obviously somewhat nervous, Ruruka keeps adjusting her posture on her chair as she observes me. Even though this is a scene Ive experienced plenty of times before, just having her tell me she loves me somehow makes it look extremely different.
Ahaha Long time no see!
Ruruka shyly wraps her hand around the back of her neck and averts her gaze as she speaks. Its not like its been that long since we talked. Just a few days.
Sure. Whats the matter, thiste at night? Need treatment?
Perhaps shes bing conscious of it. When she misunderstood that she was dying after the beauty contest, she confessed, and on top of that she even kissed me. At the time, there was the tension that she might die from petrification, and a sense of liberation when that went away. It was an extraordinary situation. Precisely because of that, she likely got caught up in the momentum and went so far as to kiss me.
But now its different. Weve had some time, and both of us have calmed down. Facing each other in such a manner, she must be thinking about that time.
Its kinda awkward besides, Im bing a little conscious of it too.
About how she had me rub her breasts using the treatment fee discount as an excuse. About how she was eager to enter thebyrinth together as adventurers. Moreover, about those magic tool earrings and how she came running right for me when I got lost in the forest.
After being told she loves me, I ended up thinking about it in rtion to this and that.
Ruruka is cute. Her features are well-ordered, and I think her red hair is pretty. Her tits are big, too. I saw her in a swimsuit at the beauty contest, and even though shes big-breasted, the ces youd expect to be firm on an adventurer are tightened up, and have a healthy eroticism to them. Plus her personality is light-hearted and shes easy to talk to.
And unlike Yuel, shes at an age where I can put my hands on her. If I tell her that I love her too right here, I wonder what will happen? Just thinking about it is making me restless.
-But, I cant do that.
Putting aside how I feel about Ruruka, at the very least, I cant do it now.
Yuel is sitting on myp.
I dont mean shes just sitting on myp. Im sitting in the chair, and Yuel is sitting facing me so she can cling to me. I can see Ruruka over Yuels head, but its covering the lower half of my field of view.
At that point-nk range, Yuel is staring right into my eyes. I dont have the courage to say something like that to Ruruka in this situation.
I-Its not like Im particrly hurt or anything I dont need treatment Does that mean that unless its for treatment, I cante here?
At the same time that Ruruka blushes shyly and asks that, I feel Yuels hands clutch my clothes. Its no good. I dont mean that its no good for her toe to the hospital if its not for treatment, but that I cant speak with Ruruka honestly when Yuel is this close.
I thought about having Yuel go brew some tea for me or something, but from the look on her face, that seems impossible as well. The dams of Yuels eyes are about to burst from just that single bashful line from Ruruka. Trembling as if to implore me, those blue eyes are earnestly fixed on me alone.
I cant burden Yuels mental state any further.
With Yuel being so obedient, if I told her to go brew some tea she would leave, but if I do that then without a doubt Yuel will cry. I dont want to drink tea that Yuel brewed while crying; sorrowful tea with a hint of salt.
For the time being, Ill handle it by tenderly petting Yuels head.
Nh
When I do, Yuel nuzzles her head against my neck. At the same time, at a volume that I almost dont hear it, she unintentionally chokes out a tiny sob.
Hopefully petting her head makes her feel a little relieved. As if reassuring herself of my warmth, she wraps her hands around my neck and rubs her head into it.
Ahhhh!? Wait, Shiki!?
When Ruruka sees that she cries out, but I cant stop Yuel at this point. If she were only trying to provoke Ruruka as a woman then I would put a stop to this kind of behavior, but for Yuel thats most likely not the case.
Yuel is just in insecure.
Yuel isnt paying attention to Ruruka, but simply gazing into my eyes. So as to avoid missing the slightest change, simply continuing to peer earnestly into my eyes alone. In other words, what Yuel is worried about isnt Ruruka getting closer in and of itself, but a change in my heart because of that.
Like if I ended up thinking I want to be alone with Ruruka.
Would Yuel, a ve, still have a ce at my side?
ves are beings bought and sold with money. The moment I saw her as a hindrance, Yuel would be put up for sale in the ve market once again. Well, I would never do such a thing to Yuel, but in this world themon sense is unquestionably that ves are that kind of existence.
Right now, the existence that Yuel depends on the most is without a doubt me. Perhaps its natural for her to think that if I get close to Ruruka, Ill see the ve at my side as a hindrance. That she wont be able to stay by the side of the only person she can depend on.
Just how deeply disheartening would that be?
Yuel is still young. Besides, as someone with no rtives, the bond between Yuel and me is just a one-sided master and ve rtionship. Considering Yuels circumstances as well as her present mental state, it feels rather pitiful. Were in front of Ruruka, but Ill try petting Yuels head one more time.
Youre petting her again!?
-The very instant that Ruruka protests.
At the nape of my neck, theres a lukewarm sensation. The location of that sensation was about where Yuels mouth is.
She licked me. No mistaking it, Yuel just licked the base of my neck.
No, perhaps Yuels tears ended up hitting the base of my neck, and she was just licking those off. There shouldnt be any deeper meaning behind it.
And it doesnt seem like Ruruka has noticed, so Ill ignore it for the time being.
Well, lets leave the matter of Yuel aside.
The fact that Ruruka didnte here for treatment means that she came to see me. And furthermore, the fact that she specifically came thiste at night
Now I get it.
Ruruka, I get that you want to pick up where we left off at that inn, but you should really pick a more appropriate time
In other words, a night visit. Ruruka came for a night visit. Right now she must want to do what we couldnt do that day due to the inn being full.
But of course, thats impossible in this situation since Yuel is here now. She would cry, and even if she didnt cry she would probably want to join in. As a ve, its extremely likely that she would assist me. And for some reason shes still continuing to lick around my neck.
Inn? Ah, Thats not it! I-I came here thiste cause I had to sneak out of Lord-samas ce Lord-sama was concerned because of thetest monster incident, so he said not to leave the mansion! See, Fran invited me as well so Im staying with her right now! Just earlier, I finally slipped past the watch of the knights on guard duty!
What, so thats what it was?
I see, so thats why she came here at such a time? Sheesh, I wish she wouldnt mislead me so much. In this situation with Yuel riding on me, letting my delusions grow out of control would be extremely awkward.
Yeah! Especially Fran, Lord-sama ordered her not to go outside under any circumstances!
Well, that middle-aged lord does seem excessively doting. I guess thats how hed be when monsters run riot within the city.
Wait, Ruruka is currently living at the lords mansion? I was wondering where she was staying, but to think it was the lords mansion of all ces. Nah, she did join Frans party, so I guess its not such an odd story.
And I feel like I heard that the lord prohibited Fran from entering thebyrinth recently, so as her party member, Ruruka probably has no source of ie either. Perhaps thats why theyre taking care of her in the meantime.
Whats Lord-sama so wary of, that there could still be monsters hidden in the city like the ones from the beauty contest? Some fiendish ones like that dragon?
Mmmm, I dont really know. But seems like the knights are investigating, and theyre giving Lord-sama a bunch of reports all the time.
Ah, now that you mention it, that dragon, Im keeping it in the garden at the lords mansion.
Is it me or did Ruruka just say something incredible?
Just now, did you just say that youre keeping that dragon?
Yeah, Im taking care of it. I feed it every day, yknow?
Apparently shes raising it as a pet.
Can you keep a monster like that as a pet? Its not just arge-scale carnivore, that dragon breathes petrifying breath. I dont think that someone with normal nerves would want to get anywhere near it.
Wait a minute, didnt Ruruka almost get petrified by it? Something like that should be enough to make her hate even the dragon that she imed to be fond of, though.
I-It doesnt act out? Besides, your legs were even petrified by that dragon is it really okay?
Its fiiine. Dragons are really smart, yknow? The fact that it attacked people was entirely that cors fault.
Huh? But Shiki, do you mean I was hit by that petrifying breath too after all?
Whoops, I misspoke. I was hiding the fact that I can use EX Heal from Ruruka. Well, this girl does seem like shed carelessly let it slip to someone like Fran and all. And I did end up telling Yuel that my healing magic was my secret with her.
Ahhh I-I wonder what happened.
But Ruruka doesnt seem to care that much either way about the petrification,
Besides, because that dragon was there, I was able to Ehehe.
and she starts fidgeting as she says that. Her words cut off, and she gives me a look full of meaning. When our eyes meet, Ruruka lowers her face as it reddens slightly.
-My heart skips a beat.
Ruruka has shown me gestures of goodwill before. Though until now, I thought she was just acting in order for the price reductions to go well.
But there was a good reason behind her goodwill. It wasnt acting. It was merely a simple reaction. That in itself makes Ruruka look all the more cute.
-And yet, I mustnt forget that Yuel is here too right now.
I wonder what expression Yuel is making now? Rurukasst line was dripping with meaning. At the previous point she was already about to cry, so it wouldnt be odd for Yuel to have broken down sobbing. I should check up on her.
However, I cant see Yuels face very well.
But shes probably not crying. Or rather, shes most likely not listening to the conversation between me and Ruruka anymore.
Shes licking me. For some reason, Yuel is licking me around my corbone.
Even when I stop the conversation to look at Yuel, she shows no signs of stopping her licking. I cant see her face due to the angle, but the sensation of being licked itself is constantlying across, no doubt about it. Shes licking me with her undivided attention.
Is it that? When children are anxious and they suck their thumb - has she developed that sort of mentality? Thats probably it. Im sure thats it.
Well, if its fine then thats all well and good, but
Errr, besides, its gotten really attached to me, yknow. Even though it never lets anyone else ride it, for some reason it lets me sit on its back! Its sooooo cute!
Ruruka exims delightedly.
Oh yeah, I remember. During the raid, Ruruka tried to protect that dragon. She tried to convince the saints group to spare it somehow when they were going to shoot it down. The saint instantly rejected her, though.
And dragons canprehend human speech. If it still retains its memory from when it was wearing that monster-manipting cor, its only natural that the dragon would feel an attachment towards the sole person who voluntarily tried to protect it. If Ruruka hadnt remained in that spot to stick up for the dragon, I probably wouldnt have told Yuel to destroy the cor, at least. I wouldve taken Ruruka and ran away from the targeted saint at full speed.
The saint. Thats right. I remembered something else thats really important.
Well, thats great. Oh right that reminds me, is the saint at the lords mansion right now?
That saint should currently be staying at the same mansion as Ruruka. Im worried. The found you was my misunderstanding, thats the conclusion that Ive reached, but in the end somethings still bothering me. I want to try investigating the saint indirectly through Ruruka.
Saint-sama? Yeah. Seems like shes talking with Lord-sama every day?
Huh, with that middle-aged lord I feel like she was saying something or other about donations, but do you know what they talk about?
Are you interested in Saint-sama, Shiki?
Ruruka seems to have misunderstood something; shes giving me a disapproving look, but I dont have that kind of interest in the saint at present. Shes t and all.
No, nothing like that. Look, this monster raid stuff isnt somebody elses problem. For the sake of our own safety, I want to have you find out what kind of things that saint and the lord are discussing.
Hmmm, well, I guess I can. Fran and I heard a bit of their talk, so I know a little? Lets see, apparently the Saint-sama shows her face at the festival every year, only this year she had a separate goal, and thats why she was consulting with Lord-sama.
When I give her an adequate excuse, Ruruka makes a reluctant face but exins anyway.
And, that goal is?
She came to search for something.
-Searching for something. Time to resurrect that found you lip movement theory.
Was my healing magic discovered after all? But wait, there hasnt been any action towards me from the saints side for a few days now
No, I see.
I get it. The middle-aged lord sees me quite favorably, since I saved Fran and all. If the saint was marking all the excellent healers in this city for the sake of the Krankheit Turtle incident investigation, it wouldnt be weird if she asked around beforehand.
Shed want me, who saved the citizens with my incredible ability, to ept a suitable position within the church. But since she knew of the connection between me and the lord, she went to negotiate with him first.
However, the lord was trying to hook me up with Fran. The lord couldnt let the church take away his heir candidate, so the negotiations were going rough. And a few days ended up passing in that manner. It may be something like that.
No, I give up.
I dont want to stand out very much. But if the church does end up presenting me with a suitable position, Im sure Id have a handful of young priestesses following me around and fussing over me all like Kyaaa, you saved the city, my hero!. I truly am reluctant, honest. But oh well, if I got discovered then theres really nothing I can do about it. Developing connections with that middle-aged lord doesnt seem too bad either; if I told him I absolutely needed an important office then, well, something tells me hed be willing to cough one up.
Ohhh. So then, what was she looking for?
Hmmm, thats the thing. Apparently its something she didnt really want us to hear, so well, Fran and I were only eavesdropping from across the wall so I couldnt hear it very well.
You heard what you heard, but you were eavesdropping?
Ruruka aside, Fran does seem like the type to eavesdrop if she was excluded from such an important-sounding conversation. Its likely that she made Ruruka help her.
Well, if that lord is involved then I shouldnt need to worry that much about it. That middle-aged lord would speak well about me to the saint, and if something were to happen I get the feeling he would aodate me.
No, but.
Whats the matter, Shiki?
Between the lord of a regional city and the Saint-sama of the church, which one is more important?
Religions often have strong clout in politics. Furthermore, in this world the Church of Medine is the headquarters that controls the genuine miracle that is healing magic. Thinking about it that way, the title of regional lord starts to look a little overshadowed. It starts to seem distinctly like a dead-end middle-management position.
I get the feeling he told me previously that I could rely on him if I had any issues, but I wonder if that guy is actually dependable.
Ah, now that I think about it, I do remember!
As Im thinking about it, Ruruka suddenly cries out.
Errr, to purge someone? Saint-sama said something about that too. Sounds dangerous, huh
Purge!?
I heard a term I shouldnt be hearing.
Did she say purge just now? As in the meaning of an organization erasing an inconvenient existence, that kind of purge?
No, its too early to freak out. Maybe I misheard, or maybe it wasnt (political purge) but some other shukusei.
shukusei, shukusei, (star of fate). Thats it, the star of fate. Shes something like my fated person, so she very much wants us to get along. Maybe thats what it means. And she did hit on me, saying my ck hair was beautiful.
Yeah, something about making the person who brought about an unfavorable situation for the church atone for their sins. Thats what she was saying.
Nope. Its a purge. No doubt about it, a purge.
Wait, that shouldnt be referring to me. Something disadvantageous to the church, Ive never done anythi
I have, huh. Something huge.
That Krankheit Turtle incident. By enveloping the entire city with Area Heal, I treated every little wound and illness in the city. Although people get injured a lot since its abyrinth city, for a few days the people who make their living through healing magic were no doubt out of work. And the biggest organization in this city that depends on healing magic for its ie is, you guessed it, the church.
Now that I think about it, that female knight who invited me to join the Krankheit Turtle subjugation unit. I forgot her name, but I get the feeling that she wasining about how none of the eminent members of the church woulde with the subjugation unit back then.
-Something tells me theres a connection there.
The spectacle I saw before crosses my mind. The image of the saint, using shills in order to improve her healing magic ability.
Putting on a charade.
What if, by some chance, the people of the Church of Medine brought that Krankheit Turtle to the city in order to reap the rewards from using their healing magic? What if the church orchestrated that entire incident to secure profits for themselves? If thats the case, and they went out of their way to prepare thatrge-scale monster to take advantage of the huge business opportunity, didnt I end up making it all go to waste?
I have a bad feeling about this. An unbelievably bad feeling.
If the church is already hostile towards me, even if that middle-aged lord supports me, the odds that the negotiation over my rights will go well are extremely low. If making an enemy of the church isnt worth it in the first ce, the lord may not support me at all.
And there are things such as ve crests in this world. With enough authority, its a simple matter to make someone submit unconditionally. The second an authority on the scale of a nation deres you an enemy, theres no way for you to oppose them as a private citizen.
I should run. I should run away with all my strength, right now, to some country where the Church of Medine has no influence.
She might not have discovered where Im staying yet, but there arent exactly that many ck-haired healers in this city. Make it a ck-haired healer apanied by a dark elf girl and you can pretty much narrow it down to one. With just a little questioning of the knights and adventurers Ive interacted with, shed quickly find out that Im here.
Thats it, Ill do a night flight.
Whats wrong, Shiki? Youre really sweating.
I-Im fine. No problems.
This is unrted, but Yuel is still continuing to lick around my neck. Im sure shes wiping my sweat or something. I cant pay attention to the fact that her ears are turning slightly red for some reason, or that shes starting to breathe heavily. At the moment I have no leeway to consider any other problems.
Err, and then, after we eavesdropped, Fran asked Lord-sama what kinds of things they were talking about, but in the end he wouldnt tell her.
Talking with the lord. Ah, something major was escaping my mind. I may be jumping to conclusions a bit.
Hey, just making sure, what you heard was a conversation between Saint-sama and that middle-aged lord, right? Yourepletely sure about that?
Yeah. Thats right? Whats the matter?
Thats right. Stay calm. What Ruruka heard was a conversation between the lord and the saint.
Theres no way that the saint would be having a conversation like when we were about to have the city be assaulted for financial gain, somebody interfered so we want to purge him with the lord whos charged with protecting the city. If the lord and the church have financial connections then I guess its possible, but at the very least the lord has been having everyone under hismand in the knight brigade protect the city with all their power. I feel like thats a very unlikely scenario.
This is getting kinda confusing. In the first ce, Ruruka said that the saints goal was to search for something. If she was searching for a person, that something choice of expression doesnt feel quite right.
Its good that I tried asking various things, but supposedly finding out the saints purpose just leaves me with more questions. What I understand is that shes searching for something, and shes going to purge someone. I also get the feeling that its not rted to me.
Or rather, if she really was going to purge me, it wouldve been appropriate for her to detain me within these past few days. Leaving me alone with no surveince, even though theres a chance that I could escape, is clearly strange.
Ah Shiki, Well, its gettingte, so I should return soon. I-Ill be back!
As Im thinking it over, Ruruka hurriedly stands. While looking behind me, she exits the hospital as if shes running away. I take a look behind me to see whats up and Eris is standing in the hallway outside the room.
Her hair is wet. It gives off a feeling like she just climbed out of the bath.
I wonder if Ruruka ran because of her habit of negotiating treatment cost discounts? By some chance, maybe shes bad at dealing with Eris since shes aware that Eris is angry over all the discount negotiations. Yuel as well, perhaps because Ruruka left, got off myp before I noticed.
Hey, you
And now Eris is looking at me ck-jawed for some reason.
I wonder whats wrong? Whether or not Eris feels any goodwill towards me, I get the feeling that if she thought Ruruka just came for treatment she wouldnt be that dumbfounded.
That mark at the base of your neck, dont tell me after all youve gone that far with that girl
As she inspects my neck, Eris makes a shocked face and speaks. Her voice is trembling. Its conveying a feeling like she doesnt want to believe what shes seeing.
The base of my neck?
I try touching it, but there doesnt especially seem to be anything there. No, there does seem to be something like saliva stuck to it, but there shouldnt be anything in particr.
No, wait, Eris was saying something about a mark. Tentatively, I check the silver mirror decorating the room, and
-one spot at the base of my neck has turned slightly red.
This is a mark from internal bleeding caused by sucking on the skin the so-called hickey. And theres a bit of saliva stuck there. I dont even have to think whose it is.
No! This isnt from Ruruka! Its from Yuel! I-Its a misunderstanding!
I was too focused on the saints objective, so I didnt notice at all. I take a look at Yuel, and shes hanging her head in shame. And, poking out from that silver hair, her long ears are tinged bright red.
I wasnt able to discern the saints purpose in the end, but I did determine one thing. I thought that perhaps she wasnt bothered that much about the matter of Ruruka kissing me. It turns out Yuel-san is ridiculously worried about it.
Chapter 53 — Yuel and Healing Magic
Chapter 53: Yuel and Healing Magic.
The next day.
I managed to sort out Eris misunderstanding, and now Im teaching Yuel healing magic. When I teach her how to handle mana, she immediately tries to invoke healing magic. And-
It failed even though Master went to great pains to teach me i-it failed
feeling regret, Yuel mutters in a frail voice. Shes just hanging her head and trembling, unable to show her master her face.
Dont worry about it, Yuel. You didnt invoke healing magic itself, but your palms glowed a tiny bit. Just being able to do that from the beginning is plenty.
I guess even for Yuel, seeding on the first try is impossible. But the study of healing magic usually takes on the order of several years, so being able to produce light like that on the first try is rather amazing. She might be a prodigy. My little Yuel-chan just might be a genius.
She can fight at medium distance with knives, has fine-tuned senses, and can see at night. If she ends up being a natural talent at healing magic as well, the meaning of my existence will be under threat soon. And I already feel like even though Im her guardian, Im the one being protected.
If she can use healing magic, she could likely even learn to use attack magic. On top of her mana capacity continuing to rise just by being together with me, dark elves are said to be a long-lived race. She has plenty of time to study. Yuel-sans potential is frightening.
Well, handling mana isnt all there is to healing magic. Faith and knowledge are also involved. If you practice those areas, youll be able to use it soon.
Faith and knowledge, is it?
As Ifort the disheartened Yuel, I think about it. Not about Yuel, but about yesterday. The saints purpose, which I heard from Ruruka.
When I heard the term purge I immediately considered running away at night, but I got the feeling it was in no way rted to me. Besides, even if I decide to run, Eris is here at this hospital too, and she wouldnt so easily leave this ce that holds so much emotional attachment for her. I cant tell her to abandon it just because of some vague uneasy feeling.
Which is why I want to do a little more intelligence gathering regarding the saint. Deciding what to do from now on will depend on that.
As Im absent-mindedly considering such things, I notice Yuel looking at me. When I meet her eyes, she nervously opens her mouth.
Umm, Master. If you dont mind, could you read the Bible for me? I cant read very well
Oh yeah, Eris was saying that just reading the Bible seems to deepen your piety. Reading a well-defined episode dealing with god is useful for believing in the existence of god? Perhaps its something along those lines.
The Bible? Ahh, Yuel, about how many characters can you read?
By the way, I can read this worlds writing. I dont know why, but I had a perfect understanding of this worlds words and characters as soon as I arrived here. Teaching Yuel should be easy enough.
I havent the slightest clue as to why I can read the characters or understand the words of this world in the first ce, though. To begin with, the second I thought I died I was here in this world, and I dont understand my current situation itself one bit.
Well, no matter how much I think about it, it wont change anything.
Perhaps theres some reason for it, but I dont have nearly enough material to consider. Theres no way I can reach a conclusion by continuing to rack my brain about it. Itd be more productive to try ande up with a way to look at Eris breasts without getting noticed.
I learned to read to a certain degree at the orphanage. But there are many difficult words in the Bible, so I cant understand very well
I see, got it. In that case, leave it to me.
Thank you very much, Master! Umm, well then, please start from the middle of chapter three!
Yuel says with delight.
Although, the Bible, huh. I havent honestly read the Bible of the Church of Medine before. I dont know the contents in detail, either. Though I do know that in this country where the Church of Medine is the state religion, the Bible is regarded as historical fact, and in general it covers how the Church of Medine seals the evil god and its apostles.
Lets see, chapter three chapter three
As I flip through the pages in search of chapter 3, theres an illustration of some dashing cane-wielding man facing off against a great host of monsters. I wonder if the illustration is there for use in childrens education? Slightly intrigued, I briefly scan the words, and it appears to be a scene of the churchs saint fighting an army of monsters led by the subus apostle of the evil god.
Subus, huh
Master, the subus, what happened with the subus?
When I quietly mutter a word that caught my interest, Yuel immediately reacts.
No, nothing at all, Yuel.
Why did she say subus twice? Nah, maybe it just means shes eager toprehend the contents of the Bible in order to raise her piety. Yep, having intellectual curiosity is a good thing.
But man, a subus, huh. Subus refers to that thing. The one that often shows up in dirty adult-oriented manga.
She shows you extremely pleasant dreams while youre sleeping. A girl who maniptes your desires and forces you to mate with her. She uses convenient magic to multiply human pleasure several dozen times over.
Written as ħ (inma), short for (inran) (na)ħ (akuma) (lewd devil), that subus, which can be seen doing plenty of that stuff in adult-oriented manga.
So it really exists, that subus. No, I cant dismiss the possibility that this Bible itself is a literary fabrication by religious authorities, but seeing the term subus makes me want to ept it as gospel.
I expected the contents of a religious book to be boring anyhow, but Im suddenly brimming with interest. The subus, a so-called apostle of the evil god, emerged as an enemy of mankind, but what exactly did she do?
I wonder if she made girls mate with her too? Multiplying the female knights sexual pleasure several dozen times and putting them into an aaahhh, Im feeling it just from the armor rubbing me! situation where they couldnt fight straight? My imagination is swelling.
Yuel, Ive found some very interesting descriptions in this Bible. Important descriptions, that may be applicable to advanced healing magic. I want to concentrate on reading them, so wait a bit for me.
? Yes, I understand, Master.
When I read a little more, the circumstances seem to be that the subus assembled a monster army by manipting the monsters desires, and was attempting to attack cities. Skipping over the inconsequential fight parts, I search solely for a description of the subus.
And there it is.
The subus has the ability to freely control living creatures desires, in particr sexual desires. Using that ability, itmands low-intelligence monsters as an army.
No, this isnt the right area. Im not very interested. Ill skim to the next page.
Not limited to animals and low-intelligence monsters, the subus can also manipte the sexual desires of humans.
This is it. That right there is a subus. Im getting excited.
Hmm, I see.
So that Yuel wont see through the excitement within my heart, I maintain a cool expression and y with a forelock of my hair as I read on.
Looks like this is the page where the misdeeds of the subus as an apostle of the evil god are written.
Posing as a human woman, it infiltrates a city. Using its ability, it stirs up the passions of all the young women within the city to their utmost limits, causing them to engage in sexual intercourse day and night and bringing the citys functions to a halt.
Its regrettable that theres no illustration on this page. Perhaps this city described in the Bible is closer to the world of dirty adult-oriented manga than anywhere else. By all means, Id like the subus toe to thisbyrinth city as well. I very much want to see Eris disheveled by the subus, caught between her heightening passions and her shyness.
-Abruptly, Yuel tries to take a peek at what Im reading, apparently interested in the contents.
This theory, its slightly dated but I may be able to apply it to current healing magic
!
Saying something suitable, I stand in order to obstruct her. If I do this, Yuel wont be able to see since shes short.
As you might expect, theres no way I can let Yuel discover that Im reading a paragraph about the subus forcing young girls tomit lewd acts. Yuel is giving me a look of reverence for my amazing-sounding statement.
At any rate, why isnt the subus around anymore? Ahhh, she was sealed by the church, huh. Sealing the subus, even the church does terrible things too. I want to bring her back by all means. Ah, but bringing back an apostle of the evil god whos an enemy of mankind wouldnt be cool, huh.
Feeling a bit of fascination for this world where an evil god exists, I go on reading.
By continuing to manipte the citizens sexual desires over many years, the subus caused a poption explosion across multiple cities. As a result of their continued fall in productivity due to following their passions and the ensuing poption explosion, some of the cities were ovee by starvation and poverty.
If you do the deed, children will be born. In this world, not to mention in the ancient era when this Bible was supposedly written, contraceptives dont exist in the first ce, so I guess its natural.
After some time, skirmishes began to break out between humans over food and resources. These disputes drove city against city, country against country, and before long all of humanity was plunged into a great war. With mankind unable to band together in opposition, the subus seized the opening and led an army of monsters to destroy cities one after another. With this war as the catalyst, mankind was inevitably forced to make arge-scale retreat from its territories, and one-sixth of the poption at the time was wiped out by the starvation and bloodshed caused by the subus ability.
The subus must never, ever be brought back. I guess thats an apostle of the evil god for you; her methods are way too nasty. Daring to increase the enemys poption, causing conflict over food distribution, and letting them weaken each other, huh.
I was expecting a more, yknow, subus-like double peaceful sort of development. This is no good.
I guess thats the difference between manga and reality? No doubt about it, this subus is the kind thates to kill people.
All of the excitement Ive been building up instantly subsides.
Alright, Im good now, Yuel. From chapter three, you said?
Yes, from around where the subus characteristics are written, please.
That was chapter three!?
I take a look into Yuels eyes. She looks puzzled. Is it because my agitation came across?
But she seems okay. Her ears arent red, nor is she fidgeting. Shes making an earnest face, like shes simply eager to learn the contents of the Bible. She doesnt seem to have an ulterior motive.
In that case shes not going to ask me stuff like What does passions mean? or What is sexual intercourse? or anything.
Earlier, Yuel was saying there were difficult words in the Bible, so I cant understand very well, wasnt she?
If youre going to ask those things, please dont ask them to me. You should ask Eris, and let me watch her bashfully struggle to exin.
Master, is something wrong?
Perhaps sensing my hesitation, Yuel asks me with those pure eyes.
Since that matter with Ruruka, theres been a side of Yuel that I cant quite figure out. Shes had a precariousness to her, like she might suddenly cross a line.
Frankly, I really dont want to read aloud a story where a subus drives young girls into wild child-making debauchery. Should I just honestly tell Yuel parts of it are unsuitable for your age, so I cant read it to you?
Thats hopeless. Her eyes are full of the drive to learn healing magic so she can be useful to her master. The chance that shell respond with anything besides I can handle it is close to nil. Well, Ill try saying it anyway.
Yuel, thats, well, chapter three might have a bit of a bad influence on-
I-Im fine! I can handle it!
She talked right over me. She even replied twice.
I take a look into Yuels eyes again. Somehow, theyre telling me that shes fully determined. Theyre extremely serious. All I can see is an earnest desire to learn healing magic. There really doesnt seem to be any ulterior motive.
Now that I think about it, Ive lost consciousness before, back when I fell into the river.
And whats more, at the time Yuel was terribly worried about my body. Precisely because she had that experience, she must be thinking that she wants the power to heal me when Im unable to use healing magic myself. Yuel is an ambitious girl. Something tells me that the chances of that are high.
Do I have any other option but to resolve myself? Any other option, other than resolving myself to read aloud a subus-driven babymaking fantasy to Yuel, a still-young ve girl? To this pure-eyed girl? This young girl whos likely to ask me Whats sexual intercourse? five seconds after I start reading?
Theres no way I can do that.
Ill mislead Yuel as though sorry, something came up so I cant read it and stroll around outside to kill some time.
Ah, but thats no good. Yuel will most likely follow behind me. If shees with me shell find out that I dont actually have anything to do. And just leaving her behind is somehow pathetic in its own way. Or rather, since there was that monster raid incident at the beauty contest, I get the feeling that Yuel wont leave my side anyway. And she hasnt been going to the taverntely either.
Ahhh, Yuel, sorry but its a little, well, now is
As Im trying toe up with an excuse for Yuel, abruptly a knocking sound rings out through the hospital. This is surely the sound of my rescue. Looks like a customer came at just the right time.
Unfortunately, thats all for the special healing magic training today. You shoulde help Eris with the cooking, Yuel. I gotta go deal with the visitor!
I cant stay in this room. I hastily pass the Bible back to Yuel and make my escape.
Alright, now who might that visitor be?
Chapter 54 — Return
Chapter 54: Return.
I want to run away.
Hello, Onii-san.
Escaping from the room where Yuel is, I open the hospital door to find a smiling Aria.
Heyyy, Aria. Been a few days, huh
Yes, Ive been terribly busy since then. I didnt even have the time toe see Onee-chan.
I-Is that so. Must have been awful.
I knew she woulde sooner orter. I already know why shes here.
Shes here to interrogate me over the kiss from Ruruka at the beauty contest za. Aria was referring to Ruruka as my mistress. I can already predict whatsing next. I mean, something simr already happened before.
From now on, Aria is going to grill me for cheating and whatnot. I bet shell respond to my excuse with I cant leave my sister in the hands of an insincere man who admits to wanting to make a harem. Its apletely sound argument.
But, sound though it may be, if Aria does say that, I could respond with thats not it.
For a person like me, who when tits are dangled in front of their face with You can rub them? will undoubtedly do so and end up being unfaithful, theres a certain definition of sincerity to the premise of a harem. The reason Im so fixated on a harem is because I know my own personality better than anyone.
For monogamy thats cheating, but if its a harem from the beginning then its not.
I dont want to make girls sad. If possible, I dont want to do anything to betray them either.
Thats why, I want to raise my goodwill points with Eris and Ruruka and take the course of a harem is fine too, so lets get married! Also, take me!. I havent yet thought about whether I can realistically pull it off or not. From now on Im going to explore the possibilities.
But that kind of sophistry wont fly with Aria.
Aria very much loves Eris. It wouldnt be weird if she responded with I cant leave my precious Onee-chan beside a man with such weak reasons in the first ce. Ill introduce her to a handsome, faithful knight!, either. Quit it. At the very least dont introduce Eris to a handsome knight. Seriously, cut it out.
Onii-san, whats with the weird look youre giving me? Is there something on my face?
I mean, a handsome knight, thats like right next to a handsome prince in terms of what women long for. You cantpare a sexually-harassing healer who drags around a young ve girl to a handsome, honest knight. You absolutely mustnt.
Wait, huh? Hold on a minute.
Aria did you just call me Onii-san?
Yes. Because Onii-san is Onii-san. Or would you prefer Onii-chan?
No, thats not what I meant.
Assuming Aria hasnt just awoken to a brother fetish, this sudden Onii-san moniker no doubt means brother-inw. In other words, calling me that means that Aria still wants me and Eris to get together.
Does that mean shes not here to grill me? That shes not here to pull Eris and me apart?
When I look at Aria questioningly, she peers into the hospital and inquires.
That reminds me, is Onee-chan here now?
Yeah, shes making lunch inside.
I see.
Asking only that, Aria returns her attention to me. After that, she takes a deep breath, and shows me a deep sigh. Then, with a reluctant feeling, she opens her mouth.
While Onee-chan isnt nearby, I have something to tell you, something important.
Seeing how Onee-chan reacted at that beauty contest convinced me. Onee-chan loves you, Shiki-san. No doubt about it.
Seriously?
What the heck is she saying out of the blue?
But wait, this is a valuable opinion.
As for me, I dont really understand what Eris thinks of me.
She threw me out of the hospital at one point. And Eris has a remarkably dutiful personality, so I couldnt let go of the possibility that the fact that were living together now is just you bought the hospital back for me so it cant be helped, either.
On one hand she could think of me as the special, lovely man Im sharing a home with, but perhaps its the sexual harasser Im allowing to live with me out of obligation. Theres still the possibility of the lolicon who buys ve girls too.
Its true. I know Onee-chan better than anyone, I guarantee it as her younger sister.
And yet, ording to Aria, she apparently loves me. Though I myself dont think that she could hate me all that much at this point. But as for whether Eris holds romantic feelings towards me, thats rather doubtful. I mean, she hates it when I sexually harass her.
But you know, Aria, I was thrown out by Eris at one point, so isnt that not the case after all?
Just earlier, I properly asked Onee-chan about how she threw Shiki-san out and the debt and all.
So you asked? You ended up asking, huh? You ended up asking about the story of me getting kicked out for sexual harassment, did you?
Lets take a step back and look at the scene. Police cadet Aria heard the testimony from the sexual harassment victim Eris, and I, the criminal, am right in front of her. Since Aria is only talking about her family it doesnt necessarily mean thats her intention, but this scenesposition alone is the worst. Im just waiting for the handcuffs toe out.
But, unaware of my innermost thoughts,
I think that the fact that Onee-chan threw you out was mainly because she didnt want you to know about the debt. Apparently it was almost as much as the cost of the hospital itself, and she didnt want to burden you with her troubles and anxieties. So its not like she hated you or anything, Shiki-san, Im sure thats not it.
she says that while slightly averting her gaze. She must feel bad about that debt. I mean, her knight academy tuition is what started it. And she went back to just calling me Shiki-san before I realized it.
Although I get it. Certainly, that does seem likely. I thought it might be the case too but even if that was part of it, the number one reason was probably different.
But yknow, didnt she say it was because I pissed her off the day before she threw me out? I really think that was the reason, though.
That? What do you mean by that?
You heard about it already, didnt you? About me sexually harassing her.
Se!? Se-Sexually harassiiiing!? Shiki-san, What the hell were you doing to Onee-chaaan!?
Apparently Aria wasnt expecting my reply? Her voice bes hysteric.
Huh? She didnt hear about it? But just now she mentioned that she asked
No, maybe the one thing she didnt hear about was the sexual harassment. So Eris left that part out, huh I just assumed she already knew about it.
Well, once she calmed down, I guess theres no way she would tell her younger sister about something like that. All the more so since its Eris were talking about here.
When I try to contain her agitation with Please wait a minute, she looks down and starts grumbling something. This is dangerous. I really saw the arrest course open up there. I should say something. I should say something to dodge the issue.
Well, lets leave that aside! The fact that Eris got mad at my sexual harassment means that she has no romantic feelings for me, doesnt it?
And, when I move on by saying that,
-Arias head whips back up.
She knits her brow like what are you talking about? and looks deep into my eyes. Her face is saying Huhhh?. No, maybe more like HUHHHHHH!?.
Umm, Shiki-san I cant imagine this is it, but dont tell me you think that for lovers, its fine to do perverted stuff anytime and anywhere? Theres no way thats what youre thinking, right?
To the degree that you wouldnt think that she was calling me Onii-san just a minute ago, Aria draws back in disgust. The look in her eyes is just about saying this is why youre still a virgin. Its saying that Im an unbelievable idiot. These eyes are dangerous.
Im a guy who can read the mood. I know what to do at times like these.
You moron, How could I possibly think that!? That was just a Joke! Dont take it seriously!
For now, lets deceive her.
But it was no good after all? Do girls get mad about sexual harassment even from the one they love? Does that mean its not okay to rub your lovers breasts whenever you want? Today I learned.
Well, if Onee-chan still loves you even after that, Ill support her, but Ill Support her, but
Aria makes aplex face and holds her head. She seems a bit conflicted. Apparently my previous statement was unwise after all. In Arias head, my stock probably just took a nosedive.
Nnnnh oh right, I dont have much time. Lets get back on track.
However, Aria instantly shakes her head and looks at me. She sure switches gears quickly.
Onee-chan loves you, Shiki-san. Theres not a shred of doubt in my mind. She may have thrown you out due to sexual harassment, but thats most likely because you didnt make the proper arrangements.
Arrangements?
Because Onee-chan thinks that even kissing shoulde after marriage.
When you were thrown out, I bet you did something like pushing her down without a word of romance, right?
I-I might have done something close to that
I got too excited from peeping at Eris fully nude in the bath and identally pushed her down and rubbed her breasts. I was only intending to peep at first, but Eris figure was too sexy and I lost my sense of reason. I apologized afterwards when I returned to my senses, but yeah, that would be going too far even now. Im carefully reflecting on my actions. So please just dont arrest me.
See, I knew it! Of course that would make her angry! If you sincerely propose, get married, and then tell her you want to have children, Onee-chan would dly ept it. Onee-chan loves kids, after all.
I wonder what would happen if, right now, I told her that since Eris and Ruruka both love me, I want to make a harem.
I absolutely cant say it.
Or rather, I wish you wouldnt so naturally encourage babymaking with your older sister. No, I dont mind the encouragement at all, but if you tempt me that much, I might really go for it if the opportunity presents itself. If I screw up to that extent, there wont be any recovering from it. Ill probably be thrown out of the hospital. I somehow got things back to normal the first time, but there most likely wont be a next time.
Well in any case, I want to support myte-blooming Onee-chan to fulfill her love, thats what ites down to.
So thats the reason for Onii-san, huh.
Yes. Its important to build up these small affirmations too, after all. But actually calling you that feels a little ufortable, so Ill ooooonly do it once in a while.
If its an established fact in Arias mind, then what happened to the established fact that Ruruka kissed me? Im pretty sure she was watching that too.
No, for Aria, maybe the fact that Ruruka kissed me wasnt as important as the fact that Eris saw it and what her reaction might be. Of course theres still the feeling that Im a cheater and whatnot, but Arias motivating principle is how Eris feels about it.
And we ended up having a long conversation, but this wasnt a good time for it. Shiki-san, well, could you hurry and call Onee-chan over for me?
Shes inside, so why dont youe in?
No, I really dont have time thats, its sudden, but Im going to apany Saint-samas return to the royal capital as an escort. And shes leaving immediately. Thats why I came here today, to say goodbye to Onee-chan.
What did she just say? Did she just say that the saint is returning to the royal capital? And moreover, immediately?
Returning to the royal capital?
Ruruka was saying that the saint had a purpose foring to this city. But in the end, she never contacted me. And now shes returning to the royal capital immediately.
In other words, that means the saints purpose had nothing to do with me after all.
Yes. The beauty contest if there were to be another attack of the same size, her safety wouldnt be guaranteed. I heard that Saint-sama judged that staying any longer would be dangerous.
Now that she mentions it, that saint didnt have very many guards escorting her. I wanna say there were like three or four of them at the beauty contest. Although they could use magic, and they were probably elites. But if Yuel hadnt been there, and the dragon had continued to rampage like that, it wouldve caused some serious damage. If another attack happened, wed be woefully unprepared for it.
But thats so sudden.
I still want to stay in this city, but about two days ago, Lord-sama sent out arge-scale investigation unit for the Krankheit Turtle incident. Looks like they really dont have enough personnel to guard an important person. I was personally nominated to escort Saint-sama, so I cant refuse.
Aria says, poutily.
Seems like the knights are seriously shorthanded. Well, Ive seen them fighting so many times now, and they were iparably stronger than Eight or Geyser. Maintaining that level of quality may necessarily result in their numbers being low.
Got it, Ill go call Eris. Wait a sec.
So the saint is leaving this city.
I feel like I just coughed up a bone that was stuck in my throat. The clouds that have constantly been hanging over my head are finally clearing up. Theres a part of me that still wants to ask Aria about Eris, but since she has work it cant be helped.
I return to the interior of the hospital to fetch Eris.
Sorry, but could you watch the fire for me? Please make sure the stew doesnt burn.
As requested by Eris, I switch ces with her and stand at the kitchen counter, watching the pot. While shes talking to Aria, it seems Ill have to do the cooking.
Man this is inconvenient.
I continue to feed a trickle of mana into the magic stove, an ignition magic tool, to regte the intensity of the mes. Itd be great if it was like a gas stove where you click once and the me continues to burn, but this shoddy thing needs you to continuously feed it mana while youre using it.
And whats more, the heating power is proportional to how much mana you pour in. This is simply a finicky, tiresome knockoff. And if you put in too much, just like shorting out an electrical device, it breaks and starts to smoke. Ive broken one before, when I first came to this world.
Frankly, this type of magic tool doesnt suit a guy with a massive mana pool like me. Yuel is here too, but since she just practiced healing magic, she doesnt have much mana left. I cant leave it to her, either.
I hope their conversation doesnt drag on too long.
Ive skillfully managed not to break it yet, but since my mana maniption isnt that great, the me wont stay stable. If I lose focus, the stew will burn.
Master, is there anything I can do to help?
And while Im thinking that as I watch the pot, Yueles asking. Looks like shes bored with having nothing to do.
Nothing in particr. Just do whatever you want.
Whatever I want?
Yuel replies in puzzlement. Well, since her master is cooking, maybe shes thinking that its not okay for a ve like her to be rxing. But there doesnt seem to be anything left for her to help with anymore. Yuels restlessly looking around for something to help with, but sorry, Im gonna have you sit tight.
-But Yuels expression suddenly brightens, as if shes thought of something.
Then, Yuel slowly takes out the Bible.
Yuel-san doesnt miss the slightest chance to study, howmendable.
She starts reading the Bible just like that. Can she read it by herself? I observe her out of the corner of my eye.
Yuel seems interested in the illustrations; shes started to gaze at one dazedly. Thats the same one I was looking at. The illustration of the subus and the saint in chapter three.
After a nice long look at that illustration, Yuels eyes slowly pass over the writing. However, her expression gradually grows cloudy. I guess there are words she doesnt understand after all.
Then, before a minute has psed, Yuels eyespletely stop moving.
She raises her head from the Bible. At that instant, I return my eyes from Yuel back to the pot.
Making sure not to nce in her direction, I try to sense what shes up to.
I can feel her gaze. No doubt about it, Yuel is watching me. Most likely shes pleading for help with those puppy-dog eyes. I cant possibly ignore her if our eyes meet, and something tells me those eyes are going to ask me for a detailed exnation of the story of how the subus drove mankind to depravity.
I stir the contents of the pot as I manage the fire. Praying for the conversation between Eris and Aria to end soon, I glue my attention to the pot.
Chapter 55 — Dream
Chapter 55: Dream.
When I open my eyes, Eris is straddling me. The morning sun hasnte up yet, and the room is still dark. Im face-up in bed, and Eris is perched just above my waist.
I close my eyes for a moment.
Calm down. Eris isnt the type to do something like this. Its probably Yuel and Im just seeing things. Its just my desire showing me a hallucination.
I try opening my eyes again.
Eris is straddling me.
Eris!? What are you doing!?
Whats with this situation? How did it end up like this? Is this a night visit? Could it actually be a night visit? Did that Eris, unable to resist my defenseless form sleeping beside her, embark on a night visit?
! I-Im so sorry
Realizing that Im awake, Eris awkwardly lowers her gaze. But at this angle I can still see her face quite well. It looks like shes simply bashfully trying to endure. Whats the meaning of this? I wonder what the hell has gotten into her.
Whats the matter, Eris? Did you eat something bad or what? Yknow, like Orc testicles, or softshell turtle
When I ask, Eris just knits her eyebrows in further embarrassment and shuts her slightly open lips. I wonder if she had some reason to climb over me? No, but she shows no signs whatsoever of getting off of me. Seriously, what the hell is going on?
Ah
As Im watching Eris and specting, her eyes meet mine again. Did that embarrass her? She averts her gaze once more.
Oi Eris?
However, right after I call out to her, she looks back at me with resolution in her eyes. And, just like thatys her body down onto mine.
Eris!? Seriously, whats the matter with you!?
Eris face is now level with mine. Her slender blonde hair is swaying softly. And above all, those breasts. Eris huge breasts are squashed between us, and things are getting very, very intense. This is dangerous. This is dangerous, really dangerous.
Im afraid I lied to you. I told you that Im sleeping in the same room because I was worried about you and Yuel making a mistake, but the truth is that wasnt it.
I hear Eris heated breath right next to my ear. The moonlight pouring in through the window illuminates her. Through her hair, her ears and her lovely nape are flushed red with arousal.
Its because I love you, and I always wanted us to be like this. But I didnt want you to think I was an indecent girl
Was she good to go? Was she okay with it at any point? Ive been ready and willing for the longest time, though.
I feel strange. My body keeps getting hotter and hotter, and I cant stand it anymore.
Suddenly, a line of sweat trickles down the nape of Eris neck.
Her body is hot? Eris is clearly not herself right now. Its as if she drank an aphrodisiac or someth
Wait. Thats it, the subus.
Most likely, the subus came back while I was asleep. And then Eris grew unable to bear her stirred-up desires any longer, and initiated a night visit with me, the man who had previously caught her interest. In that case, theres no helping it.
Having her tell me she loves me and initiate a night visit, refusing to put my hands on her is not something a man would do. Besides, this is medical treatment. In order to return Eris to normal after the mes of her sexual desire have been fanned by the subus, I need to temporarily release that desire for her. Theres no avoiding it. Finally, this day hase.
Then, I slip out from beneath Eris and strip off her clothes-
And thats what happened in the incredibly erotic dream I was having.
This time, as far as I can tell, Im actually awake now for sure.
That was a dream just now. It wasnt reality. It was merely an illusion, brought on by my desire.
The only one riding on top of me is Yuel, clinging to me in her sleep.
Because its right after I was having a dirty dream, this is a hazardous situation. In terms of a male physiological phenomenon. I should move Yuel over a little. Its a good thing shes asleep.
Man, I bet I had this dream because I read that book with the subus doing all that stuff. Its that Boobles fault . There was the talk I had with Aria about Eris, too. The details left a deep impression on me, so it all ended uping out in my dreams.
But maaan, I was this close
Just a little further and, even though it was in a dream, Eris and I would have crossed the line. Well, Ive heard somewhere before that the way dreams work is that you usually wake up when you get excited, so dreams like that often stop just short. Unfortunately.
Although, after seeing a dream like that, the feeling of wanting to actually revive the supposedly sealed subus wells up in me
I mean, were presently living under one roof, not to mention staying in the same room. If the subus does return and Eris bes unable to hold back her desires, my earlier dream could possibly be reality. Perhaps I could do erotic stuff like that with Eris every night. I wonder if there isnt anyone else like an apostle of the evil god who might really revive her?
Well, it was also written that after a while the subus caused a poption explosion and war broke out, so I guess its hopeless after all. Besides, Im pretty sure the Bible said that she was sealed, but I have no idea how she would be brought back.
If the Bibles contents are fact, the church shouldnt want an apostle of the evil god to ever be resurrected. I doubt that anyone but the top-ss members of the church knows about the sealing method. Its impossible for her toe back in the first ce.
Enough already. The term subus makes my delusions swell, but theres no point fantasizing about an impossibility. Im gonna stop thinking about it.
Right now its essential that I raise Eris affection towards me somehow, and open the path towards the harem route. Alright, whatll I do today?
Youre going to help out at an orphanage?
As Im observing Eris and looking for an opportunity to earn some points with her, she abruptly mentions that shes heading out.
Yes, its an orphanage in the neighborhood I might not have told you.
Its just before noon, the perfect time for lunch.
Its right after yesterday.
Yesterday, my stock with Aria fell drastically. She spoke with Eris immediately afterwards, so she might have realized that Eris doesnt really love me after all and gone off to introduce her to one of the citys handsome knights. You might have a chance to meet him if you visit his location indirectly during lunchtime on your way to the neighborhood orphanage, or so Ive heard.
Oh yeah, I heard you love kids.
Im pretty sure Aria told me that yesterday.
! Thats not the only reason. That hospital, its management situation isnt going well the director is someone who looked after me when my parents died, so Ive been helping them out asionally in any way I can, ever since.
Eris blushes slightly and tries to change the subject. I dont think that liking children is particrly something to be embarrassed about, though. And Im sure she doesnt mean that in a weird way.
Although, the orphanage is having financial difficulties, huh?
Now that you mention it
I take a sideways nce at Yuel, whos just finished brewing me some tea.
Yes, the orphanage I was at also went bankrupt from money issues.
Yuel told me that she became a ve because her orphanage went broke, and she was sold to cover its debt. Chronologically, it mustve happened a little before she became a ve, but thats still rtively recent.
I guess management is tough everywhere.
Well,pared to modern Japan where I came from, its not like this worlds social system is that well-developed. Even if the budget is tight, just having a proper orphanage must be better than not having one at all.
However, Eris expression bes a little grim, and her voice tightens slightly in anger.
No, its probably not so harsh elsewhere. The issue is just that all of the city orphanages in this region are under the jurisdiction of this citys Archbishop-sama.
Archbishop? Now that I think about it, I saw him at the beauty contest za. He was a chubby little pig-man. I wonder if theres a problem with that archbishop?
So the church runs the orphanages, huh if things are that tight, why doesnt that middle-aged lord shell out some money?
Its not exactly that the church operates every single orphanage itself. The church just receives an endowment from Lord-sama in exchange for the charity work he entrusts to it, and it spreads that out in turn to the privately-run orphanages. The church in this city is probably skimming a considerable amount of money off the top.
Whats with that?
Whats with that subcontractor arrangement? I feel like theres no need for the church to be involved. Moreover, like Eris said, theres a good chance that its keeping a share for itself.
But, austere though it may be, Ive heard that it isnt to the point of being unmanageable. Because of that, it seems our Lord-sama cant do much to interfere with the way the church operates.
Cant the lord just reduce his contribution to the church and give money to the orphanage directly?
There are certain kinds of concessions included in these things, too so its impossible to interfere too much.
Concessions? So the church carries out charitable work using donations from the lord, and its already factored in that theyll pocket some of it? Well, the Church of Medine is this countrys state religion and all, so the lord may have his own unavoidable reasons too.
Or perhaps I should say, one of those reasons alreadyes to mind.
Hey, Eris, how many people do you know outside of me who can use EX Heal?
Eh? Err, I suppose Ive only seen you, Saint-sama, and this citys Archbishop-sama. Other than that, Ive heard that some of the other archbishops can use it, but what about it?
Nah, just curious.
I knew it. So far, Ive only seen two people who can use EX Heal. And both of them were members of the church. Eris too doesnt appear to know any EX Heal users outside of the archbishop and saint from the church.
Healing magic is typically something you acquire by studying at a church. That means the church can capture any rising talents at an early stage.
-Due to that, the church has a monopoly on EX Heal.
That may be the reason that such lucrative concessions exist for the church.
Sickness and injury strike unexpectedly. Whats more, if its a wound or illness at the level where EX Heal is necessary, you might not have enough time to call in someone talented enough to use EX Heal from elsewhere. For that reason, its necessary to maintain favorable rtions with the influential church, even to the point of creating these artificial concessions. That may be the way of things. Well, thats just my guess though.
Man, Eris, the number of people who can use EX Heal must be really limited. To think that even you dont know of that many when you trained at a church.
Thats right. Ive heard that to use EX Heal, you need as much mana as ten or so healers who can use High Healbined. Rather, youre the strange one for being able to use it numerous times.
Just being able to use High Heal makes someone plenty elite, so yeah, doing the share of a dozen of those elites certainly sounds demanding. Now I understand why there are so few of them.
As Im digesting the information, Eris furrows her eyebrows as if shes having some doubts. After that, she opens her mouth.
Now that I think about it, you even used Area Heal on the entire city. And you can use EX Heal thats, you must have been through some incredible circumstances up until now to have that much ability, but I never thought to ask
With her hand on her chin in a thinking pose, Erisments to me. I wonder if she wants to ask now? Shes looking at me with inquisitive eyes.
But I do have some incredible circumstances, so I hope she doesnt ask. I dont know if shell even believe me if I tell her my mana capacity is enormous because I came from another world.
And, as Im considering it, Yuel enters the conversation.
Master, I want to learn to use amazing healing magic like yours. I want to increase my mana. So, well
Oh my, is she requesting for me tomentate the Bible again? But the subus passages are off-limits. I pet her head to distract her.
-When I do, Yuel contentedly nuzzles her head against me.
Ah, this is something else. She was just asking Can we cuddle? indirectly. Since being next to me increases her mana and all.
Yuel wraps both hands around my waist, and starts sticking to me like shes trying to nestle her face into me. She narrows her eyes in total delight.
Ahem
Seeing that, Eris clears her throat as she looks at me with a dissatisfied expression. Im worried about those looks too.
This conversation has dragged on a bit too long. I need to leave soon or I wont make it in time to prepare lunch for the orphanage. Ill be backter, alright?
And, saying that, Eris tries to leave the hospital.
Seems like her doubts from earlier have cleared up. Or rather, she might possibly have guessed that I dont want to talk about it from my expression. She hasnt pried too deeply into my origins up until now, either.
Although, helping out at the orphanage, huh?
Thats it.
Can Ie too?
I have no interest in the orphanage, but if Eris is going to help out there then so will I. Ill appeal to her by showing her my dependable side. Having more workers shouldnt be a bother, and Eris will likely be d too.
However, Eris looks at me with a conflicted face. No, at me and Yuel. Her attention is on Yuel hugging my waist, continuing to nestle her face into it.
I feel a little uneasy taking you to the orphanage, though
Furrowing her brows, Eris face shows genuine concern as she says that.
Chapter 56 — Orphanage
Chapter 56: Orphanage.
Sophia Orphanage. Its located not that far away from the hospital.
From the outside, it appears to be an ordinary standalone house thats been deteriorating. The number of orphans being raised there are: 1 baby, and 8 children anywhere from age 5-12. Its a very small-scale orphanage, being run by a single kindly granny named Sophia.
We arrived at this orphanage about 10 minutes ago. Eris and I greeted the director Sophia-san together, then immediately got to work helping out.
Well, I say helping out, but what Im doing is simple. Sophia is going to meet someone after lunch, so she just wants me to look after the kids during that time. Although since Eris is supposed to help prepare lunch, it looks like we got here a little on the early side.
And now, with the baby over her shoulder, Eris is assisting Sophia with making lunch for the children.
Onii-chan, awesome! Super awesooome!
One more time, do it again!
Heyyy, how do you do that? How does it work? Teach me, Onii-chan!
Please teach us! I want to try it too, Master!
In the meantime, so that these mischievous kids dont do anything weird, Im keeping them in the cafeteria. Im basking in envious and reverent looks from all the children. What exactly am I doing, you ask? its origami.
Hows that? This one is a bird known as a crane.
Awesoooome!
One more time! One more time!
Heyy, how did you fold it? Do you start off with a triangle fold?
Master, amazing, youre amazing!
Having animals steadilye into form as I fold the paper must be a novel experience for the children; theyre staring at my hands and eating it up. Apparently, the culture of ying with origami doesnt exist in this country.
By the way, if youre wondering why Im so good with origami, its because that was my topic of choice during free study in elementary school. You couldnt even really call it study, it was pretty much just copying an origami textbook page by page, but I generally remember the contents of that textbook even today.
There are patterns in origami. To a certain extent, if its something simple then I can even improvise the folds for it. ssics like the crane are a no-brainer, and with animal faces theres plenty of room to ad lib. I never expected that experience toe in handy thister on.
Frankly, when Eris told me While Im cooking, watch over the children and make sure they dont do anything dangerous I was at a loss for what to do, but when I tried this it unexpectedly worked out.
And, after my origami performance captures their interest,
Alright, Ill give you some paper, so try making whatever you want.
I-Im gonna make a Goblin!
I wanna do a Slime.
Hey, how do you make a bunny? Hey, tell me?
I want to try making Master with origami.
If I give them paper, all I need to do is keep an eye on them. Having them running around roughhousing wouldve been a hassle, but giving them a new toy like this keeps them under control.
The children obediently focus on folding paper. All thats left is for me to asionally give advice and show them a new origami sample at appropriate times, and that should keep them busy until Eris finishes helping with the cooking.
Well, when Im involved, childcare is a breeze. With this, maybe Eris will feel my paternal side and think if its him, raising children together might be nice
-As Im having those thoughts, I notice Yuel, who had mixed in with the children, stop moving her hands all of a sudden.
Now that I think about it, Yuel-san. She blended in on the orphan side before I noticed, but it was too natural so I didnt say anything.
I wonder if she wasnt able to fold a miniature Master very well, and she wants to ask me for advice? But thats impossible even for me. Its not like my folds are at a high enough quality to distinguish an individual person. I wish shed stick somewhere in the neighborhood of the cute animal face series, at most.
However, although Yuel stopped moving her hands, she isnt looking at me.
Yuels gaze is fixed upon a young girl who appears to be somewhere around 7 years old.
I wonder whats up with this kid? While the other children are going nuts for origami, Yuel is just staring at that girl.
Looking at that girl, I notice something. Shes not holding any paper. Shes not even looking at it. Rather, it doesnt seem like shes showing any interest in origami at all.
She appears to be holding something in her hands, though, since shes making a stroking motion. But it feels like her mind is elsewhere. Its as if shes just waiting for time to pass, just sitting and staring off into nothing.
Whats the matter? Is origami boring?
Nh
For some reason or other, I try calling out to her out of concern, but her eyes tear up and she hangs her head.
I wonder if shes shy? Well, when a stranger suddenly shows up, I guess some children will react this way too.
Well, theres plenty of paper. You can try itter if you feel like it.
For the time being, I call out to her again, and-
Ghuu uuuwah
the girl buries her head in her knees and starts to cry.
Oi, Dont cry! I-Im not doing anything, okay?
What should I do? I never expected her to cry just from being talked to. Yeah, I guess I still dont know how to deal with these kinds of kids. And maybe shes simply afraid of adult men. Right, shall I go call Eris and have her handle it instead?
-Then when I go to call Eris, Yuel (who saw the girls reaction) looks over at me for some reason.
Whats with that, those look like eyes of anticipation.
What could she be expecting? For me to handsomely put a stop to the girls tears now, or something?
No, I get the feeling thats not it.
Its just that I cant quite tell what Yuel is thinking. When I tilt my head,
Master, this girl may not be able to see.
Yuel offers a suggestion. The girls shoulders quiver.
Really?
It didnt seem that way to me, though.
Wait, Yuel had a period of blindness, so maybe she would understand.
The girl raises her head slightly, and looks in Yuels direction. Her face is curious, like How did you know?.
I take a closer look, and something does seems slightly off about her vision or focus or whatever you want to call it.
I get it. She cant see, so she cant do something like origami. Is that what it means?
Um, not exactly, I can see a little. But I cant see any small details since everythings blurry
The girl speaks to Yuel in a trembling voice.
So blurry that she cant even see as far as her hands. Ive heard of something like that. Most likely, this kid has extreme amblyopia. It may be that she can vaguely tell the state of her surroundings, but cant focus on minute details or anything, and everything looks hazy, that kind of feeling.
Her eyes, huh eyes are
Having a seeing disability must be terrible.
EX Heal is necessary in order to treat eyes. And since they cant be treated without EX Heal, this mere orphan of a girl may never be able to get them treated for the rest of her life.
She may still be alright while the orphanage is looking after her, but after that she wont have any options. If her eyes dont work, even searching for a job will be awful.
I can pretty much imagine how a sightless girl will end up in this world maybe a ve, maybe a prostitute? Most likely something in that neighborhood.
Perhaps the granny at this orphanage will keep looking after this girl even after she bes an adult, but that woman is quite old herself. Misfortune no doubt awaits this young girl in the not-too-distant future.
Even as Im mulling it over, Yuel is staring at me intently.
Yeah, those eyes are expecting something.
In the past, I healed Yuels eyes. Theyre clearly telling me shes under the impression that my kind Master would never abandon this pitiful sightless child. Mixed in with the expectation that her master is about to do something cool, as well.
While Yuel is still staring at me with those eyes, the girl begins to speak again with her head downcast.
Back at the festival, um, I heard that if I went to Saint-sama, she would surely be able to heal these eyes. But, um, she stopped after the person in front of me, so it didnt work out.
Ahhh. That, huh?
Now that I think about it, the saint was giving out free treatment since a few days before the festival. Was she hoping to receive treatment that way? But, judging from the fact that the saint couldnt cope with that Earth Dragons petrifying breath, the saint cant cast EX Heal multiple times. She must have used up her mana right before getting to this kid.
But, um, its okay. Saint-sama gave me this, right, and she said if I have it then something good will surely happen so dont give up.
Saying that, the girl shows us the object in her hands.
This is a ring?
From first nce, the ring looks expensive. Its made of gold, and adorned with arge gem. Plus the decorations are detailed; I get the feeling that in this world it would take quite a bit of money to make a ring of this quality. I bet it would fetch a rather good price.
Its not some kind of weird magic item, is it? Like that earring Ruruka gave me. When I heard she got it from the saint, for some reason my guard went up. And apparently she said that something good will happen just by having it. First things first, lets try using Appraisal.
Ring
Aint it just a normal ring? Doesnt seem to be a magic item or anything. Nothing unusual about it, just a luxurious golden ring.
Which means, this is just a type of charity? She might have meant for the girl to sell this when shes truly in need.
I heard that, um, Saint-sama is still in town. So as long as I have this, I know Ill get treated.
As she says that, the girl pats the ring.
She must not know that the saint already left town. When she finds that outter, I wonder what kind of face this girl will make?
I avert my gaze from the girl, and Yuel is still looking at me. With sparkling eyes, looking at me.
It cant be helped. I cant betray these eyes of hers.
If I abandoned this girl here, I wouldnt be worthy of Yuels respect.
Happily, that saint has already skipped town. Though Im not saying Ill bepletely open about my healing magic, its probably not to the degree that I need to hide it when theres a patient in front of me.
Besides, this girls eyes have always been able to see a little. As long as I make sure to forbid her to speak about it, I should be able to dodge the issue for a while. Then after some time passes, so long as she isnt told that person healed you, she wont remember who exactly it was that healed her.
Whats your name?
Me? Farah.
I see, Farah.
I have something to tell you. Can youe with me for a bit?
Well, lets hope that she grows up to be a beauty like Eris andes back looking to return the favor. Ill leave Yuel to keep the childrenpany and go treat this girl.
At the time of treatment, I gave the sightless girl, Farah, two conditions.
The first one is, until she bes an adult, shes not to let anyone know that shes now able to see. And the other one is that she can absolutely never tell anyone that Im the one who treated her.
Well, since shes such a young girl I have my doubts as to whether or not shell follow them properly, but I said what I had to say. Although she was just jubntly rejoicing about Something good really did happen! Thank you, Onii-chan!, so Im not convinced she was listening carefully. Well, even though she should already be able to see, she still lets that granny feed her during lunchtime, so it looks like shes abiding my conditions for the time being.
Eris-chan, Shiki-san, Yuel-chan thank you so much for helping me.
We finish lunch, and the orphanage granny politely gives us her thanks. Right, shes meeting someone after this, so we just need to look after the children in the meantime? Well, I say look after, but the baby is the only one that seems like itd be a handful, and Eris is here too. Im sure well manage somehow.
Ill be weing Archbishop-sama in just a little, so until we finish talking, Ill be relying on you for a while longer.
! So the person you were meeting was Archbishop-sama?
When she hears the word archbishop, Eris face distorts slightly.
Yes, he had something to discuss about the donations. It wouldnt do for the children to say anything careless around Archbishop-sama, so Im counting on you, alright? Im going to go wait for Archbishop-sama in front of the entrance.
The granny announces as she steps outside the orphanage.
Something seems to be weighing on Eris mind as well; shes making a difficult face. Oh yeah, before we came here she was saying that business is harsh here because the archbishop is skimming so much off of the donations. If that archbishop is here to talk about the donations, theres also the possibility that his n is to lower them. That may be what Eris is concerned about.
Aaahh, waahhhh!
-As Im contemting, the baby suddenly begins to cry in Eris arms.
I wonder if its because of the grim face Eris is making? When she realizes, she immediately switches to a gentle expression. After that, the next thing she does is check the babys diaper,
This doesnt seem to be it.
and when she confirms that its not the cause of the crying, she begins tofort the baby by cradling it in her arms and gently rocking it. She seems used to that. Apparently its true that she asionallyes to this orphanage to help out. The baby doesnt stop crying so easily, though.
Perhaps its hungry. But I just fed it
Now that I think about it, Im pretty sure she was giving it something like milk out of a baby bottle during lunchtime. So its not like it would be hungry again yet, either. Well, babies cry over the littlest of things. Rather, they even cry for no reason at all. And its not like itsplexion is bad, so finding a way tofort it is probably the best approach.
-And, as Im mulling it over,
Eris-san, wont you let the baby drink from your boobs?
Yuel blurts that out.
Instantly, Eris stops moving. Shes just looking into Yuels eyes like she cant understand Yuels intent. By suggesting to let it drink from her boobs, does Yuel mean that Eris should feed the baby her mothers milk?
Will anythinge out?
When my doubts arise, I try asking,
Theres no way theres no way it would, right!?
and Eris bes flustered and denies it.
Well yeah, if it did, that would mean that Eris is currently several months pregnant. If Eris got pregnant unbeknownst to me, I would probably keel over from the shock. And I still havent put my hands on her yet.
Perhaps startled by Eris shouting, the babys crying grows more intense.
Um, Eris-san, I-Im sorry
Yuel seems to misunderstand that Eris is mad at her, and lowers her head in dismay.
Ah, Hold on! Thats not it, Yuel-chan! I-Im not mad. Its just that, um, milk wont i-if youre not pregnant, it wonte out, alright? I-Its not something thates out just because your Breasts arerge.
Oh, is that how it is?
Thats right, thats why my, um milk, wonte out.
Eris demonstrates the high-level technique offorting Yuel with words whileforting the baby by rocking it back and forth. She clears up Yuels misunderstanding, and gradually gets the baby to stop crying as well.
But man, how do I say this the image of Eris taking care of a baby fits her to a tee.
Even though shes supposedly never been married, its as if Ive alreadye to see that baby as Eris child. I wonder why? Is it because of those huge tits?
That really suits you
By the time I notice, my thoughts have already leaked out. Did Eris hear that? She looks at me.
Eris stops rocking the baby, and shes staring at me. Her face seems a little surprised.
After that, she looks at the baby in her arms. I notice the hint of a smile in her expression.
Then once again, she looks at me. Shes staring intently. Wait, although shes looking at me, somehow it also seems like shes just staring off into space. I wonder what shes thinking about? It feels like her mind is elsewhere.
What do you mean, i-it suits me?
However Eris quickly turns around in a fluster, and resumesforting the baby. Whoa, I wonder what this-
The instant I try to think about it.
Master, Im picking up some strange signs. Im going to take a quick look outside. I dont sense any hostility, but if anything happens while Im away, please use this.
The moment I wonder if Yuel is going to say something about it, she hands something over to me and jumps out the window.
Strange signs? I wonder if theres something outside.
Hey, the thing Yuel gave me its a smoke bomb. The same kind she used before at the beauty contest za.
Out of curiosity, I take a look out the window Yuel jumped through but theres nothing there. Yuel must have gone off somewhere already; I cant see her.
Archbishop-sama, truly, thank you very much foring out of your way on this asion. It is not much, but please wee yourself to this humble abode.
At the same time, I hear the grannys voice from the direction of the entrance. Looks like the archbishop has just arrived.
What, dont tell me she was just sensing the archbishop?
Then, as Im analyzing Yuels behavior,
Looks like hes here Huh? Wheres Farah-chan?
Eris wonders aloud. I look around, and indeed one of the children is missing. Its Farah. Farah is gone.
She isnt here!?
Yes, Im fairly sure she was here until just recently, though
Did she end up going off somewhere while we were calming down the baby?
But this timing is not great.
I saw that archbishop once in person, back at the beauty contest. If an innocent child bumped into that chubby archbishop, they might blurt out Wahh, its a piggy! or something. The church is this orphanages lifeline. If they say something like that, he may cut off the donations to the orphanage and itll end up going bankrupt. And Farah is still young, so we need to find her quickly.
Oh right, should I have Yuel track her down? Ah, that may not work. She went off somewhere, and hasnt returned yet.
She said signs, was that not referring to the archbishop?
Oh well.
Ill go search for her. You look after the children, Eris.
Well, I can pretty much guess why Farah mightve gone off somewhere. She just obtained proper eyesight. Most likely, she wanted to go have a look at various ces around the orphanage.
Now then, where could she be?
This orphanage isnt very big. I should be able to find her within a few minutes. For starters, Ill check the nearby rooms.
Not here, huh.
Shes not inside this one. Ill search the next room.
No, wait?
Inside the room, theres arge closet that looks big enough to hide a single person. Dont tell me shes hiding in there? Ill check it just to be sure.
Not there, huh?
There are a lot of childrens clothes inside, though.
Ah, there are undergarments too. Well, its not like Id have any interest in the underwear of the children from this orphanage, naturally. And, as Im about to close the closet,
I swear, this ce is so dusty.
Im terribly sorry please, use this room.
-from just outside the room, I hear voices.
Sounds like the archbishop and that granny are about to enter this room. Within a few seconds, I hear the nk of the doorknob turning.
Mm? Did your hear a noise just now?
No, Im afraid I did not.
Ah, I shall go and fetch you some tea right away.
Forget the tea. You think I would drink anything in this filthy ce? Besides, this wont take long.
Im in a cramped, dark space. All I can hear are the voice of the granny and the sullen archbishop who just entered the room.
The fact that I reflexively hid inside the closet is that thing, yknow, a conditioned response. I mean look, they may be childrens things but theres underwear in here. And if I happened to be spotted opening the closet, I might be mistaken for some kind of lolicon pervert.
Let us get down to business. The donation to this orphanage is being increased.
I-Increased!?
Yes, until now there seems to have been an omission in the orphanage survey.
Although, how long should I stay in here? The archbishop said their talk would be over soon, so it probably wont take that long. And if I came out now, it would be totally suspicious.
Thank you very much, Archbishop-sama! Truly, thank you so much!
As Im listening to their conversation out of boredom, I hear the grannys gratified voice expressing her thanks.
Wait a minute, the donation is being increased? Eris was saying that the current archbishop is stingy with money, but I wonder if thats not actually the case?
My subordinates are currently surveying the number of orphans at this orphanage as well as the state of deterioration of the building. The exact amount of the increase will depend on the results. Now then, sign these documents. Theyre to verify that my eminent self personally performed a careful inspection of the orphanage.
No, just from the archbishops voice, I can sense some considerable unpleasantness. I mean, this archbishop just openly clicked his tongue. This increase was probably not what he originally intended.
-Now that I think about it, back at the time of that beauty contest.
Im pretty sure the saint mentioned something about having a talk with the lord concerning the donations. By some chance, did the ensuing conversation between the saint and the lord about this matter result in them taking a scalpel to the archbishops donation embezzlement?
Somehow, I get the feeling Im on to something.
The archbishop doubtlessly imed that there was an oversight in the orphanage survey as his excuse. I was wondering why someone in such a high position as archbishop would being to the orphanage in person, but this too must be his way of appealing to the lord. That middle-aged lord was doing his job properly, huh.
As Im pondering, I hear the sound of footsteps from outside. Then, the sound of the door opening. Apparently somebody else has entered the room.
Archbishop-sama, theres an urgent matter
What.
Im guessing its one of those subordinates that the archbishop mentioned earlier. They must be whispering since I cant make out what theyre saying, but I can tell theyre having a discussion
Really!?
After a short while, the archbishop bellows in excitement.
You really found one!? Theres no mistake, right!?
The archbishop goes on and on in a loud voice. I wonder whats up? Did something happen? Im a bit interested.
I nce around a little, and inside the closet, I find a ce where a sliver of light reaches. Its probably a venttion hole so the clothes dont get mildewed. I decide to peek through it.
Yes, of course.
Although, Archbishop-sama, if I may, a slightly lower voice would be
Yeah possesses saint moreover, a woman?
When I take a peek, I can see the archbishop and his subordinate having a conversation. But since their voices are low, I can only hear bits and pieces of it. All I heard were the words saint and woman.
Man he sure is chubby, that archbishop. Especially around the waist. His girth is pressing against his priest robes, and seems like it could break free at any moment. Whats more, perhaps because of all the rings hes got stuffed onto his hands for whatever reason, his fingers poking out from his sleeves end up looking like boneless ham. Its not very bing, in fact its a little unsightly.
Yes. I doubted my ears at first, but its reliable information.
The subordinate speaks. Although, what are they talking about? Is the information that made him doubt his ears rted to what the archbishop said about the saint and a woman? For a moment I was worried that they found out about my EX Heal, but I dont get the part about a woman. And something tells me its not rted to me.
Rather, those rings the archbishop is wearing. I decided to use Appraisal on them, and theyre mana capacity raising magic tools. All of those rings jangling around on his hands, everyst one of them. Thats insane, oi. It exins why that archbishop can use EX Heal, too. With a collection that big, just how many times can he cast it?
Archbishop-sama, whatever is the matter?
Perhaps suspicious of the archbishops state of affairs, the granny calls out to him.
No, nothing at all. However, it would seem Im going to be a bit busy, so I shall be taking my leave at this juncture.
The archbishop announces that as he hastily rises from his seat. I wonder if the orphanage survey is done already? Doesnt seem like it is, though.
Um, Archbishop-sama, the papers are still!
Hmph such things will no longer be necessary.
In contrast to the flustered granny, the archbishop leaves the room in a chipper mood.
What the heck was that all about? And that granny is standing frozen in ce with papers in hand, too. Besides, I thought that those papers were most likely a rtively important item to be delivered to the lord, but is that not the case?
Or perhaps I should say, wont you hurry up and leave the room too, granny? I kinda need to use the toilet Id like to leave this closet soon.
Weve finished taking care of the children, and were on our way back from the orphanage. The three of us, Eris, Yuel and I, are walking down the road to the hospital.
After I left that closet, I soon understood the meaning of the archbishops conversation. The ring Farah had, which she received from the saint. Apparently it was taken by the archbishops underling.
Taking things from children, how horrible
Eris says with an angry-looking face. Eris realized that Farahs ring was taken after the archbishops group had left. Doesnt look like she was able to get it back. Well, as far as I could tell from eavesdropping on them, it sounded like something fairly important. Even if she had asked him to return it, he probably wouldnt have given it back.
Yeah, I know.
Well, its a shame about Farahs ring, but theres nothing I can do. It was an expensive ring, but in the end a ring is just a ring. I dont want to make an enemy out of a powerful person over a mere ring. The risk is too great.
And Farah herself wasnt bothered about it at all, saying Something good already happened, so its fine. She also didnt understand how much it was worth, though.
Eris most likely didnt directly see the ring either. Shes a little angry, but just a little. She thinks that what was taken was just a ring the children were using to y house, though. If I told her it was a golden ring, she would likely flip out. Eris is scary when she gets truly mad. One slip of the tongue and she seems like she would go storm the archbishops ce. Lets change the subject.
Hey Yuel. That reminds me, what were those strange signs you mentioned?
I remembered something. At the same time the archbishop arrived, Yuel jumped out the orphanage window and went somewhere. Although by the time I left the closet and met up with Eris, Yuel had already returned. Leaving Farah aside, I wonder what exactly Yuel was up to?
Err, there was a beast girl on the roof of the orphanage.
A beast girl?
Yes, with doglike ears, a girl around the same age as me. She seemed to be monitoring the orphanage.
Why would a beast girl be on top of the orphanages roof? For a moment, I wonder if Im being watched by somebody connected to the saint, but the saint already returned to the royal capital. Besides, Yuel only detected the signs after we came to the orphanage. If I was under some sort of observation, I assume Yuel wouldve detected it while we were in the hospital, or the instant we went outside.
Dont tell me it was just a neighborhood kid who wanted to y with the children in the orphanage? In that case it would all fit.
And then what happened?
When I chased her, she ran away.
I can just imagine Hunter Yuel-san chasing down a beast with a knife, but thats probably not how it went down. She probably ran off when Yuel tried to talk to her, or something. And ording to Yuel shes still a child, so maybe she was just shy.
As my conversation with Yuel carries on, Eris sighs deeply.
Whats the matter?
No its just that Archbishop-sama, I really do hate him. And theres Farahs ring, too he passed by me on his way out, and he gave me this incredibly repulsive look for just a second.
Do you hate being looked at withscivious eyes? Well, as for me, I cant help but look at Eris nicely plump hips or her giant tits, though.
For the time being, I should be careful too. However, Eris expression quickly shifts to one of amazement.
At any rate, the children sure loved you. They were saying how they want Onii-chan toe teach them origami again.
She must have realized that talking about it wont change anything. Eris changes the subject. Apparently the kids properly reported my activities to Eris. Nice. With this, Ive achieved my goal for the day.
Moreover Farah-chans eyes, you healed them, didnt you?
Whoa, how do you know about that, Eris-san?
Did Farah tell you that?
I could tell from how delighted her face was. I told you, didnt I? Ive beening to this orphanage every now and then.
For a moment I doubted Farah, but looks like thats not what happened.
Well, since Eris visits the orphanage regrly, I guess she would notice the change.
It seemed like you didnt want your true healing ability to be seen, so I didnt ask you before, though You know, Ive been worried about that girl for a long time.
Eris remarks with a gentle expression.
I wonder if Eris, knowing that I want to hide my healing magic, has been troubled this whole time with the desire to ask me to treat Farah?
It wasnt really that big of a deal.
But well, in terms of effort, it really wasnt a big deal. It would be bad if I was discovered, but its not like there will be any problems from Eris finding out that I used EX Heal. However, Eris is staring directly into my eyes as if to say that it was an incredibly important thing.
Thank you for healing Farah.
Then, Eris says that and smiles softly.
Sure.
Maybe its because Eris rarely shows me such a genuine smile, but my heart skips a beat. This is bad. Even though it shouldnt be a big deal, my face is getting a little warm. Im having a little trouble looking her directly in the eyes, and I unconsciously end up averting my eyes.
Master?
Perhaps having doubts about the state Im in, Yueles to peer into my face.
Danger, danger. I cant let Yuel realize that Eris smile got my heart all aflutter.
I dont know if shell cry or what, but doubtlessly it wont have a good effect on her. I hide my face behind my hands for a second to reset my expression.
Dont worry about it. Lets hurry back.
After that, I lightly pet Yuels head to dodge the issue. Yuel is still tilting her head, but when I pet it again, she contentedly nestles her head into my hand.
Yes, Master.
For some reason, Yuels high voice echoes in my empty head.
Itste at night on the same day we returned from the orphanage.
A knocking sound on the door of the hospital awakens me. The room is dark. Judging from the moonlight streaming in from outside, its most likely still around 2 am. A visitor at a time like this?
Mm perhaps someone needs urgent treatment. Ill go have a look.
Yeah.
Looks like Eris woke up as well; she puts on her coat and leaves the room.
Although, treatment at this time of night? I remember the time Ruruka came to ask me to heal Fran and Sera. Dont tell me its her again?
No, Ruruka should be at the lords ce right now. She shouldnt need to go out of her way to ask me, there ought to be one or two excellent healers there already.
The knocking sound at the door stops.
Most likely, Eris is dealing with it.
Should I go too? Eris ought to be able to manage it by herself if its a cold or a minor injury, but its someone expresslying thiste at night. It might be a severe illness or a wound on the level of a missing body part. After I softly peel Yuel (whos clinging to me in her sleep) off of me so as not to wake her up, I head downstairs.
Huh, Eris where are you?
However, Eris isnt in the treatment room. Actually, there isnt even a light on in the room. Even though this is where she always listens to the patients symptoms and casts her healing magic
Shes not in the hallway either, nor is she at the entrance.
And then I notice.
For some reason, the front door is slightly ajar.
Eris?
Is she outside? But why would she go outside? I wonder if, by some chance, someone was transported here on a stretcher or something and she went outside to treat them? But wait, for the kind of wound that would require transportation via stretcher, she would havee to call me over right away.
I peer out from the entrance, and nobody is there.
Eris, seriously, where did you go?
I go out as far as the alley, and look around.
When I do, theres something there. But not Eris.
Its dark and theres some distance between us, so I cant see that well but there are the figures of about 5 men. I see their silhouettes running off towards a back alley.
Eris isnt in the hospital. The front door has been left open. The silhouettes of a group running away.
Its not like theres positive proof in that direction. But, the moment I spot that group running off, my whole body breaks out in goosebumps. I have a bad feeling about this.
Most likely, thats what happened.
Eris has been kidnapped.
Chapter 57 — Pursuit
Chapter 57: Pursuit.
In the distance, I see the silhouettes running off into a back alley. Im going to lose sight of them at this rate. Reflexively, I follow after them as they disappear into the back alley.
As I turn down the alley in pursuit, I spot five shadows a few dozen meters ahead. I strain my eyes and try to get a good look.
One of the five is carrying something over his shoulder.
Just what could he be holding? I have a bad feeling about this. The closer I get as I run, their figures gradually be more distinct.
Its a sack.
One of the five shapes is carrying a sack,rge enough to hold a single person. And that sack is wriggling, as if there really is someone inside
Tch stop struggling!!
One of them drives his fist into it, upon which it stops moving and goes limp.
-No doubt about it. Inside that sack, theres a person.
Eris wasnt in the hospital. And the front door was left open. The one inside that sack is Eris, presumably.
But why Eris? Is the public order in the city this bad? Whats their goal? Ransom? Or is it her body? Questions spring up, but I dont have time to think about them right now. If I lose sight of them once, its over. For now, I need to catch up with those men no matter what.
As the alley bends, the men run down one narrow path after another. But the silver lining to this cloud is that because theyre carrying Eris, I should be able to catch up with them. I quiet my footsteps as I get closer, and retrieve my mace from my item box. Im about to rush in and start swinging at them but I notice something as I approach.
All of them are armed.
They have swords, knives, and various other weapons in easy-to-reach positions. Even though Im at a 1 vs. 5 disadvantage, they even have weapons?
Should I have woken Yuel before I chased after these guys? No, Yuel was on the second floor of the hospital, and moreover, she was sound asleep. If I went back to wake her up, I very likely wouldve lost sight of these guys.
But facing five opponents by myself, my chances of victory are slim.
What do I do? Do I fight? Do I call for help?
Itste at night. The neighborhood is deathly still. It seems like these men have chosen ces with no signs of people to run to, as I havente across a single person I could call for help.
I wonder if someone woulde if I shouted in a loud voice?
Nah, itd be bad if those guys noticed my presence.
A 1 vs. 5 against armed men. No matter how advanced my healing magic is, its not like Im invincible. If I get surrounded by 5 people, and they thrust a sword into my head from behind, itll mean certain death even for me. Perhaps these guys will finish me off and run off somewhere else before any help arrives.
Besides, even if someone doese to help, there are five opponents. Even if I had people with knight-ss ability, I doubt we could win with just one or two of them. And even if people just strong enough to wine, its possible that a few of these men could hold us off while the one holding Eris escapes. If I lose sight of them once, I have no way of finding them again.
If that happens, its all over.
I could maybe have the knights investigate the next day, but the next day is no good. Eris is a totally charming woman of a marriageable age. If I let time pass after shes kidnapped, I dont know what will happen to her.
I continue to follow the men indecisively, making sure not to lose sight of them or let them notice me.
Think. Think, dammit. Of some way to save Eris from those men. Just rescuing her isnt good enough; Ill need to have a n for how to get away from those five once I have Eris in my arms.
Hit the man carrying Eris from behind, then once Ive recovered her, scatter some Slime Jelly?
No, such a makeshift strategy is no good. If Im carrying Eris, the men will probably catch up to me in less than a minute.
Oh right, I received a smoke bomb from Yuel at the orphanage.
Cant I use this to get away from them? No, but even if theres a smokescreen it wont erase the sound of my footsteps. Itste at night. Since there arent any people in the streets, my footsteps will ring out clearly. Right now theyre running too so they havent noticed my presence, but if they listen carefully for me, itll be a simple matter to determine which way I run off.
Rather, if I attack them from behind, can I even rescue Eris? Even if I attack the one carrying Eris over his back, I can only picture the other four immediately beating me up. Besides, if the five of them split with some carrying Eris while the rest detain me that would be the worst. In the end, I would lose sight of Eris right there.
Most likely, for Eris, everything is hanging on my actions. I absolutely cant screw this up.
What do I do? What would be the best approach?
As I continue to rack my brain, the men slow their running pace. I wonder if its because theyve gotten enough distance from the hospital?
Nice job.
Yeah.
Just like that, the men start a conversation.
Jeez, Archbishop-sama sure is rough on his men, huh? All like Today, quickly go kidnap that woman.
The hell did he just say? Archbishop? Why did that namee out just now?
Is the archbishop the one behind Eris abduction?
Seriously.
Well, its fine, aint it? This is thest job for us, right?
Yeah, true.
Besides, he said today, quickly. In other words, does that mean that the reason for Eris kidnapping arose today?
I was together with Eris all day today. Let me rethink todays events.
Havinge this far, I finally understand. The reason why Eris was kidnapped by members of the church.
That reason cant be anything other than my EX Heal, can it?
What happened today Eris and I went to the orphanage. At the orphanage, I used EX Heal on Farah.
At the time, the archbishops underlings were supposedly looking around the orphanage to confirm its state of deterioration. And, when I went off to search for Farah I couldnt find her right away.
Dont tell me that she met with one of the archbishops subordinates?
Since I healed Farahs eyes with EX Heal, she was suddenly able to see straight when she couldnt before. She was totally ted. Thats precisely why, when her precious ring that she received from the saint was taken away, she was able to forgive it with a smile. Im sure that everything she saw was fresh to her, so she wasnt able to contain her joy.
That girl is still a 7-year-old child. Maybe it was inevitable that shed want to share her joyous feelings with somebody. If she were to blurt out the fact that her sightless eyes were treated to anyone nearby there wouldnt be anything strange about that.
But if Farah had told the archbishops underling that Im the one who healed her, right now Id be the one inside that sack instead of Eris. Something feels a little off.
Wait, I reminded Farah to absolutely never tell anyone that Im the one who healed you. Im sure that even if Farah told the archbishops underling that she received treatment, she definitely wouldve obeyed that part. So, when the archbishops subordinate pressed her with questions, she must have said that.
Instead of me, she said Eris-san healed them.
If thats the case, everything makes sense.
The conversation between the archbishop and his underling that I heard while I was hiding in the closet. That wasnt about the ring that Farah received from the saint. It was about them misconstruing that Eris had the same level of healing magic ability as the saint.
Why was Eris kidnapped on the archbishops orders? Maybe the church has expectations rted to EX Heal for her after all. I dont know what kind of expectations, though. But stuffing her into a sack and carrying her away, I cant imagine theyre going to bepletely above-board ones.
This isnt some invitation to an important post within the church, like I naively imagined.
Kidnapping someone is a criminal act. Even for the church, if it came to light that they did such a thing, it would likely be a huge scandal. And yet, the fact that the church abducted Eris that means theyre confident that she wont ever report it to the knights or the lord.
Why would the church be so confident that they wont be indicted for kidnapping Eris? Either theyre sure that Eris wille to an agreement with them after a discussion, or they intend to take away her freedom to report it.
Theres no doubt in my mind, it has to be thetter. I dont know what method theyre going to use. Maybe a ve crest, maybe locking her up somewhere or maybe they even intend to kill her. At the very least, if I let these guys get away now, Im sure that Eris will never see the light of day again for the rest of her life.
But
My opponent is an archbishop of the church. He oversees this city and the surrounding region, a leader among leaders. Hes rich, plus he has influence and that unit of men that he can even order tomit criminal acts. In the worst case, he may have more power than the lord of this city.
Supposing I do seed in rescuing Eris, what about the aftermath? I could appeal to the lord, but the influence of the archbishop, and the Church of Medine as the state religion of this country, is great. Theres even the possibility that the lord would prioritize the archbishop over me.
In that case a fugitive existence.
Within the walls of this city, wed have to remain hidden while scurrying from ce to ce. Even if we fled from the city, monsters would be waiting outside.
The future ahead of me is looking grim. I cant make an enemy of authority. I should have known such a thing.
Follow the men. Just keep following them.
But no n ising to mind for how to rescue Eris and get away. I cant think of a single good way to overturn the circumstances, neither in the short term nor the long term. Eris is an important existence to me. I have to protect her no matter what.
Thats exactly why I wont be able to forgive myself if I jump in without thinking and lose sight of her.
And, as Im agonizing over it while I follow behind the men we arrive.
At the church. It really was the church. The men carry Eris through the main gates of the church without hesitation and head inside.
No, this isnt the time to be startled.
I need to follow them. Letting Eris out of my sight would be unwise. But after all, walking in through the front door would be a suicidal act.
I take a look around the church, and one of the windows on the first floor is open. Ill sneak in through the window; theres no other way.
Using the bushes as cover, I approach the window while staying out of the moonlight, and peek in through it.
There are 1, 2, 3 4 beds inside.
This appears to be a bedroom for people who work at the church. Doesnt seem like anyone is currently using it though; there are no signs of people. I enter the room through the window, and swiftly approach the door.
After that, to avoid making any sound, I open the door softly.
Nobodys there.
However, I can hear voices. Hurriedly, I continue down the hallway in the direction of the voices. Quickly, but making sure not to cause any noise.
After a short time, Ie out into an open area.
This ce, where ephemeral moonlight shines in through stained ss, must be the so-called ce of worship.
Concealing my body, I peek into the ce of worship and Eris is there. Looks like theyve taken her out of the sack; her arms and legs are bound and her mouth is gagged.
Also including the archbishop and those men, there are around ten church members present. I was hoping it was a lie, but it would seem the archbishop truly was the ringleader behind this kidnapping.
Eris is ring at the archbishop from a prone position on the ground. Looks like shes regained consciousness. I was worried when that man hit her from over the sack, but it must not have been anything serious.
Mmmh mmmph-!
Eris tries to say something to the archbishop in protest. But since her mouth is gagged, she cant form the words.
As I observe from around the corner, I notice Eris legs trembling slightly.
Well, naturally. She was abducted all of a sudden. Furthermore, she was struck, restrained, and is currently lying on the ground. Anxiety and fear must be dominating her mind.
I want to get her out of here right away.
But, there are so many enemies. If I rush in without a strategy, without a doubt Ill just die in vain. Its vital for me to stay calm and think carefully.
As I thought, it would be impossible for me to extricate her by myself. However, this is unmistakably the destination they were carrying Eris to. From now on, if I can quickly call for help, it may be possible to rescue Eris before any danger befalls her. And the minute I think that,
For the longest time, Ive been searching for a woman like you.
the archbishop takes something out of his pocket and turns to address Eris. Whats he holding in his hand a jewel? Its a small gemstone with a pale violet glimmer to it.
Enough mana capacity to even use EX Heal. And that body, as if you were the real subus in the flesh. You are assuredly the very ideal vessel I have been seeking.
!
When Eris hears EX Heal, her head droops as if shese to a realization. Then, not showing the slightest indication of trying to deny it, she goes silent. The archbishop pays her no heed and continues his monologue.
With you as the vessel, I can finally revive the subus sealed within this jewel in herplete form Ive waited so long, truly, Ive waited so long for this day.
Revive the subus? What the hell is this guy talking about?
Wait, it was written in the Bible of the Church of Medine that the subus was sealed by the church. And this guy is an archbishop of that very same church. Could he actually know the method to revive her?
And besides, that word vessel. I have an extremely bad feeling about it.
Think of it as an honor. In the final moments of your life, I will personally instruct you in the joys of being a woman, in full. You will need to be experienced, after all. And lewdness is also necessary in order to raise thepatibility between the subus and the vessel.
!
Is he already imagining Eris nude? The archbishops nostrils re as he proims with a vulgar face. His hands reach out towards Eris, tied up on the ground. Whats going to happen next? Judging from the archbishops repulsive face and his speech just now I can pretty much predict it, though Id rather not.
No good I dont have time to call for help.
-Even now, that mans hands are trying to touch Eris. And the other church members seem to beplicit; theyre gazing on with amusement.
The only one here who cane to Eris aid is me. I have to do something.
Its not a sure-fire strategy to get away from these guys. But if I leave the church now to call for help, Ill surely regret it.
I dont have time to hesitate anymore. I plunge my hand into my item box.
And I take out the smoke bomb.
In any case, Ill obscure their vision with a smokescreen and take Eris out of this church. After that, Ill bring her with me as run with all my might while shouting for help.
Although I have no idea how far away Ill get. They may catch me immediately.
But I have to do it.
Smoke!? Is there a fire!?
Its a smokescreen! Sheet, did the knights sniff us out!?
No, thats not it, its a lone man! The exit, bar the exit!
I approach within the smoke, lift Eris up with both hands, and run with all my might. Since I set off the smoke bomb indoors, I cant even see a meter in front of me in the current situation. Relying on my memory, I head in a straight line towards the exit.
Within the spreading smoke, my eyes meet with Eris in my arms. Her mouth is gagged, but I dont have the leeway to remove it right now. When Eris sees my face, her eyes be a little watery.
Sorry, Eris. This happened because of my healing magic but Im going to try my best to get you out of this.
Mmmmph
Eris mutters something or other and buries her face in my chest; perhaps her tension has loosened.
Im sure that she was truly frightened. But its too early to feel relieved. The struggle from this point forward will decide whether or not we get away.
Are you serious
Immediately after that, I pick up the signs. My way forward the exit, is already defended. There are perhaps three or four people there.
I turn on the spot to find a different way out.
I cant see that well in front of me due to the smokescreen, but at any rate all I can do for now is run away. I turn my head full circle, remembering theyout before I used the smoke bomb, and run with all my might.
Oi, over here! Hes over here!
At the same time Ie out into the hallway where the smoke is thin, I hear a voice behind me. My senses tell me that the sound of footsteps is getting closer. If were caught by that number of people, its over for us. In any event, if I dont find some way out of this church soon!
Holding Eris, I continue running down the hallway.
Dont think well let you get away with this!
Dont let the man return alive under any circumstances! Take back the woman!
The archbishops underlings are chasing us from behind. Their voices are steadily getting closer.
This is impossible after all. With me carrying Eris, theyll soon catch up.
And the second I think that- I see a door nearby.
I dive through the door and immediately nce around.
Looks like this is a resting room, too. There are multiple bedsid out within.
I hurriedly close the door, and go to lock it but this door doesnt have a lock. I can hear the footsteps outside getting closer. Oh crap, oh crap.
However, right beside the door theres arge closet. I lower Eris onto a bed temporarily,
U-OHHHHHHHHHHH!!
and then, with all my strength, I push the nearby closet over in the direction of the door. The closet makes a loud thud as it falls in front of the door.
-Immediately afterwards, the doorknob rattles. However, it doesnt open. The fallen closet is jammed between the pirs, sessfully blocking the door.
So much racket, what time do you think it is!? Lemme sleep! Fer cryin out loud.
My relief is short-lived. This time, a voicees from inside the room.
Bardas! So you were in there! Kill that man and open the door! Right this instant!
The voice of that archbishopes from the other side of the door.
I scan over the inside of the room one more time.
On the opposite wall, theres a window that looksrge enough for a person to fit through. Standing between me and that window is a big, muscr man.
Most likely, he was sleeping on a bed until just now. Since I was in a hurry, I didnt notice him. Then the man, whom the archbishop called Bardas, looks at me.
You
Whaaat? What exactly is goin on here?
This guy, I remember him.
Back when Ruruka and I discovered that dragon together in the old town. Hes that thuggish priest who passed by us soon afterwards on our way back.
-A certain possibility crosses my mind.
The dragon used in the raid on the saint at the beauty contest, and this priest who was nearby. Now that theyve kidnapped Eris, I dont think that the two are unrted.
Dont tell me that the raid on the saint was also the archbishops doing?
-Everything clicks into ce in my head.
That archbishop, he imed that his goal was to bring back the subus. And from the word vessel, the reason they abducted Eris in order to revive the subus, a woman capable of using EX Heal no, perhaps a woman with enough mana to use EX Heal, is necessary. For that purpose, the archbishop no doubt set up the attack to coincide with the festival so he could target the saint when she visited this town.
In the raid on the saint, they used monster-manipting cors that are often employed by evil god adherents. Theres a bit of a problem with that. Magic tools are fundamentally expensive. How in the hell would some evil god cult stock up such a vast quantity of magic tools?
Even if they bought up all the ones produced by thebyrinth, even if they were doing their own research and development, either way they would have needed a huge amount of money.
Most likely, the archbishop was using the welfare money he squeezed out of the surrounding region as his source of funds.
That man is trying to run away with the vessel woman! Kill him and take back the woman!
The man called Bardas looks at me and Eris and makes a short whistle. Then he speaks.
Oi oi oi oi, this heres the vessel woman you were talkin about? She got a niiice body, dont she! Hey, Archbishop-sama, yer gonna turn er into the subus like we nned, yeah? Innat case, aint no problem ifn I get a little taste of her first, riiight!?
Wait, I was going to do it! Youre just a mere hoodlum, who do you think hired you into the church! But, well, today is a day tomemorate. If you kill that man, youll get your turn too before we make her into the subus.
The man and the archbishoppletely ignore Eris will in their conversation. An ufortable sweat runs down my back.
These guys live in a different world than me. They dont feel the slightest hesitation towards killing me or harming Eris. It would seem that Eris has gotten dragged into something truly ugly.
Yeah, I guess. Anyhow, Im gonna get to do whatever the hell I want with the gals in town once the subus revives. Might as well warm up first, huh?
The man called Bardas looks at me. Hes a muscr man. And hes tall. His physique is overwhelmingly superior to mine. I try using the Appraisal skill and theres something called Grappling Arts.
Hes a skill holder, to boot? Even one-on-one, this could be seriously tough.
But if I dont defeat this guy, it doesnt seem like we can escape.
From outside, I can hear the door being hit hard in order to force it open. I dont know how long that door will hold. It seems solidly made, so it shouldnt be smashed that easily, but
Yet if they do bust down the door, Ill be caught in a pincer attack between this man and the others, and then Id be finished for sure. Ill defeat this guy before the door gets smashed in, and escape through the window.
He who strikes first wins. I put my strength into my fist and take aim.
UOOOHHHHHHHHH!!
Ill aim at his chin. Theres no time. Ill knock him out with a swift strike.
Yeah, lets go for an arm first.
However, he grabs my arm. Then, swinging the arm up, he proceeds to twist it.
Gh, Aahhhhhh!
However, the man instantly reduces the force slightly. As if he finds my pain amusing, he alternates between putting his strength into it and loosening up. When I look at his face, hes grinning.
Im being toyed with.
Aaaaahhhhhhhhh!
Then, theres a sudden snapping sound. A heavy, dull pain attacks my arm and echoes through my brain. Its broken. With no hesitation, he foocking broke it.
What gives, yer just a weakling, aintcha?
The man makes a bold smile as he speaks. I already knew it, but this guy is strong.
By the time I notice, Im drawing back. Step by step, I back away.
His Grappling Arts skill. Hes a size bigger than me, and has that muscr physique. I need to defeat him immediately and get out of here, but I cant see myself winning. Unconsciously, I end up taking a distance.
-When I do, my foot hits something.
Its a bit of a soft sensation. I look down at my feet and Eris is there, still gagged. Shes looking at my broken arm with a bitter face.
-The realization hits me. Its only a broken arm.
Im the only one who can save Eris now. This isnt the time to be backing away leisurely. No matter the cost, I have to defeat this man.
One more time, I turn back to the man. I prepare my resolve. The main swings at the other arm this time. I aim for his chin again.
Yeah yeah, thisll be the second one.
Its a reenactment of the previous time. The manughs in contempt and twists my arm forcefully. My joints scream in agony, and it feels like my whole body is being dragged along by my arm.
-Eris is behind me.
Resisting the force the man is putting into my arm, I push against it with all my power. With a snap, the sensation of stiffness in my arm disappears. With the exception of the arm thats being held, Im freed.
Wha!?
Surprised that I would break my own arm, the mans eyes open wide.
-I drive my right arm, the one he broke originally, into his dumb-looking face.
It was only a broken arm. I can use healing magic. Something to this extent doesnt even count as an injury.
Bastard, that arm yer a healer, huh. But yknow, this is how you throw a punch!!
Before I notice, his fist is sinking into my abdomen.
Its no use. My punch wasnt effective at all.
An unpleasant watery soundes from within my body. The contents of my stomach rise up to my throat. My knees grow unsteady, and for a moment, it seems like Im going to fall towards the man.
Mmh-!
I hear Eris muffled shriek.
EX Heal.
I cast healing magic.
-Losing is not an option.
Straining all my power that the healing magic returned to me, I grab the mans head, and bash my own head into it. I stagger a little from the pain, but the same goes for him.
Gah You bastard, dont get carried away!
Shaking his head lightly, the man raises his fist. He probably wasnt expecting a counterattack.
His attacks are bing more pronounced from his rage. If its like this, even I can tell. A straight right, to the head, thats what this guy is aiming for.
I cant move to avoid it. Because I was thinking the same thing. But, I dont need to avoid it. I throw a straight right at full force as well.
-My fist hits the mans face right on the chin, and his fist smashes into my chin.
EX Heal.
I cast healing magic.
I see the man look down as he stumbles unsteadily. Nows my chance. I have no need for something like moderation. I retrieve my mace from my item box, and aiming for the mans head, I swing it down at full power.
-With this, its over.
UOOOOHHHHHHH!!!
Sheet, shiiiiiiiiiit!!
However, just before my mace makes a direct hit on the man, he grabs my arm and crushes it.
Aaahhhhh!
Twisting my arm, he thrusts his knee at my face. His knee sinks into my face. My nasal bone breaks, and I feel his knee drive deeper in. As a reflex, I invoke healing magic.
Close one!
That was dangerous just now. For a moment, my consciousness was flying away.
Tch cocky foocker hm? Aint that a nice thing ya had.
The man picks something up off the ground.
Thats the metal mace I just dropped. Oh crap. I immediately protect my head, as the mace swings down onto it. I hear the sound of bone shattering.
Hey, heyheyhey, how ya like that!? Try an heal that! Lemme see just how long yer mana willst!
Again and again, he swings the mace down onto the same spot. I repair my arms with healing magic, but the next attack immediatelyes flying in. The pain never ceases.
Mh, mmph-!
From behind, I hear a scream. Its Eris muffled voice.
-I pull my mind together as its on the verge of surrendering to the pain. Every time Im hit, I recover my arms with healing magic.
It aint over yet!
Not just my arms; my shoulders, my torso, my legs. With each attack, my consciousness slips further away from the pain. But, so that my head doesnt take a direct hit from the mace, I continue to protect it with both arms.
A pool of blood starts to form at my feet. Perhaps Ive been bleeding a considerable amount. I dont even want to imagine how I look from Eris perspective.
The mace barrage continues. It doesnt let up.
Gh fffh
After a while, the man returns the mace to his shoulder, out of breath.
In the end, I have no feeling in the arm that received thatst mace hit. When I take a look, from within my arm thats dyed bright red, I can see bone sticking out.
Is this whats known as an open fracture?
When I notice it, a burning pain runs through my arm.
-But, from behind, I hear Eris frantically trying to tell me something with her wordless voice.
EX Heal.
-I can still fight. I stand up. And, one more time, I turn to face the man.
However, it doesnt seem that the man was expecting me to stand back up. Seeing me raise my fists once again, hes clearly confused.
Well, Im probably the only one whose mana wouldnt run out after healing wounds like these over and over.
You whats going on! How are you still standing!
The one thing I take pride in is my healing magic.
I dont know if he heard my answer or not, but the manes shouting while swinging the mace. Did I throw him off his game? Hes swinging even more wildly than before, making it easier to tell where hes aiming. Hes targeting my abs. Who cares about my torso. I dont try to evade. Before the mace hits me, I drive my right fist into the mans face.
Right after, the mace hits me dead on, and I hear the sound of several ribs breaking.
EX Heal.
Blood gradually rises and trickles from my mouth, but the wound is already healed.
I stand once again, and raise my fists.
Before I noticed it, the man known as Bardas has be unsteady on his feet. Countering like this appears to be working. Besides, even though this guy is a priest he somehow doesnt seem to be able to use healing magic.
Sheet, sheet, shiiiiiiiiiit!
The man swings the mace recklessly. Protecting only my head from a direct hit, I plunge my fist into the mans face once more. Then, I treat my injuries. We repeat these exchanges.
No, this way of doing things is inefficient.
Right, why am I conscientiously waiting until I receive an attack to heal myself?
I cast healing magic. Consecutively, I continue to invoke it.
EX Heal, EX Heal, EX Heal, EX Heal, EX Heal, EX Heal, EX Heal.
My entire body is enveloped in a soft, green light. Continuing to cast healing magic, I approach the man.
My arm takes a direct hit from the mans mace swing.
-The broken bone immediately mends itself.
The mans kick firmly impacts my torso.
-The pain vanishes in an instant.
What the what the hell are youuu! Why, why wont you dieeeee!!
The man backs away from me with a face thats somehow frightened.
-From behind, I hear Eris moaning. This voice, could she be crying?
If I lose here, Eris fate will be sealed. I have a reason that I absolutely cannot lose. Stubbornly, I clench my fists.
Shiiiit! Theres no way I can lose to this guyyyyyyyyyy!
When I take a step towards the man, he furiously swings the mace. However, in his frenzy, he doesnt put his hips into it.
If its like this, my fists should still be superior.
-The mans mace hits me square in the shoulder. However its already healed. Unflinchingly, I take another step towards the man.
How can this
The man looks at me like he cant believe what hes seeing. The mace slips from his hand and crashes to the floor.
-I raise my firmly clenched fist.
I can still count the number ofbat experiences Ive had so far. In terms of simple strength, this man is likely many times above me. If this were a back alley brawl with nobody else around, Id run away at full speed.
But, things are different now. Eris is behind me.
Putting all my power behind my fist, I drive it into the mans face. A simple straight right.
But, for the fatigued and disoriented man, it looks like this fist alone is enough. Hes blown straight backwards, and the back of his head ms hard into the stone wall.
Chapter 58 — Ceiling
Chapter 58: Ceiling.
The mans eyes roll back in his head. Ive managed to remove the obstacle. All thats left is to escape through that window.
Okay, Eris, lets get out of here.
I remove Eris gag and go to untie her restraints.
Hey, are you Alright?
When I do, Eris voices her concern, half in tears. I havent seen her make a face like this very often. It feels kinda fresh.
A guy like that is no challenge for me. Just a small fry. Cmon, lets escape.
You were all beat up, werent you
After that, Eris clings to me and sobs out a few words. Ordinarily Id stay like that and enjoy the the soft sensation of her chest, but unfortunately were not out of the crisis yet. I concentrate on untying Eris restraints.
Im not hurt anymore.
There we go, the ropes are untied too. We gotta hurry out of here.
I untie the ropes that were binding Eris arms and legs, and stand her up. The door still seems fine. Now we just have to escape through the window.
Its hopeless theyre already ahead of us.
Informed by Eris, I look out the window. Just like she said, outside the window there are the silhouettes of a number of priests.
Was I too slow? I needed to defeat that Bardas guy before we got surrounded from outside.
I see one of the priests raise a mace over his head in order to smash the window. From now on, who knows how many priests are going toe climbing in through that window. Among them, there may be another battle-hardened man like Bardas just now. But unlike Bardas who was just sleeping in bed, hed have a weapon from the outset.
Even though one-on-one would be hard enough, if there are more than one of them
Is it already hopeless?
No, not yet. If I give up, that will be the end for Eris. I wield my mace. If ites to that, Ill fight off everyst priest by myself.
-The instant I resolve myself, I hear a loud crash.
Its not the sound of the window in front of me shattering. Its a louder, thunderous boom that shakes the entire building.
-!!
Then, some kind of roar.
Uwaaaaaah!
Ee-Eeeeeeeek!
A Dragon!? Why is there a dragon here!? Eep, Donte any closer!!
Human voices, escaping in a panic. Those are most likely the voices of the archbishop and his priests.
Hold on, a dragon? What the heck is happening? The moment I try to think about it, apanied by an incredible noise and impact, one of the walls of the room is blown off. I shield Eris at once.
When I take a look at the wall theres a dragons face there. The face of a dragon I remember, jutting through the wall of stone.
I-Is this okay!? I-Its really okay, right!?
From the other side of the dragons face, I hear a familiar voice. Its Ruruka. Thats Rurukas voice.
Yes, Ruruka-san. Well done. Seeing the unsightly figure of that archbishop fleeing in terror, I am finally satisfied as well.
Thats the reason you had me and the dragon crash in!?
Indeed. I simply had to repay him in kind, you see.
I remember the voice thats talking with Ruruka, too. But it cant be. Im certain that Aria told me she was supposed to have returned to the royal capital.
-The dragon gingerly withdraws its head from the wall.
On the other side of the wall, theres Ruruka, and as I thought, the saint.
Drop your weapons and surrender!
When Ie out of the room through the newly-opened hole, I notice countless knights rushing into the church. Looking back towards the window, the priests that were outside just now have also been restrained by the knights.
Huh what kind of development is this? Why is the saint here in this city? Why did the knightse to this church? At the same time these questions arise, one of the knights who entered the church changes their expression and runs over.
Its Aria. The one who imed she was returning to the capital with the saint; even shes here.
Onee-chan!? Why are you in a ce like this!? Dont tell me, the woman abducted by the archbishop, that was you!?
Aria
Aria takes the hand of Eris who had sunk to the floor and pulls her to her feet. But why are the knights and the saint, not to mention Ruruka and even Aria, showing up at the church with this kind of timing?
Aria, what in the world is going on? Please exin.
Onii-san!? You look severely injured, are you alright!?
When I try questioning her, I get questioned instead. Oh yeah, Im all covered in blood thanks to that man named Bardas. So soaked with blood that its trickling down the sleeves of my clothes.
Eh, Shiki!? Wait, uwahh, blood!? Is that all blood!?
Maybe because she heard my voice, Rurukaes rushing over to me. And, patting her hands all over my body to examine me, she raises aint to the saint.
Hey, Saint-sama. What is the meaning of this!? Why is Shiki here!?
Come to think of it, he was an acquaintance of yours, wasnt he? My apologies, it slipped my mind.
The saint answers Ruruka inquiry bluntly without looking at her. Her cold eyes are currently fixed on the archbishop, who has fallen on his rear.
Ruruka and the saint. Thatbination makes me recall something.
-Purge.
If I recall correctly, Ruruka was saying earlier that the reason the saint came to this city was for a purge. By some chance, was that
The saint speaks while eyeing the violet jewel in the archbishops hand.
That is the one that was previously stolen in a raid by the evil god adherents, the subus jewel. As I thought, you were the one who instigated that. That is quite a perilous item I shall have you return it.
The saint suspected it, huh? The fact that this guy was trying to resurrect an apostle of the evil god. So thats why it was a purge. From the beginning, the saints goal was to purge this archbishop?
Why! Whyyyy! You were supposed to have fled back to the capitaaalll!
Still down on his ass, the archbishop directs his rage towards the saint.
How truly foolish. I was simply waiting for you to do something worthy of being purged. I slipped in amongst the knight brigades investigation unit and secretly returned to town, you see.
Now that I think about it, Aria was saying that a few days earlier, the lord sent out arge-scale investigation unit over the Krankheit Turtle incident. Apparently, unbeknownst to me, the saint and the archbishop were engaging in an information war.
Just holding the subus jewel amplifies the owners desires. Evil rumors constantly spring up around you. By continuing to observe you, I was certain that you wouldmit some sort of criminal act I must say, the results were somewhat beyond my expectations.
The saint was observing the archbishop? Which means, this situation where the saint stormed into the church is because she had the justification to purge the archbishop, due to himmitting the criminal act of abducting Eris? The way shes speaking kinda sounds like the police arresting a criminal on separate charges.
Apparently, Saint-sama was convinced that this archbishop was an adherent of the evil god from the unnatural flow of the donations. But that wasnt definitive enough evidence to mobilize the knight brigade so thats why she put on this act. I only heard about it myself after we left town, though.
Aria gives us an exnation.
So thats how it was?
It seems like everything yed out exactly ording to the saints n. Most likely, what the saint and the lord have been discussing up until now was how to get that archbishop to reveal his faults.
I never thought that you woulde to be connected to this, however. In order to reduce the likelihood that the archbishop would be aware of your existence, I deliberately avoided cing you under observation in all honesty, when I received the report from Astel, I was struck with terror at the thought that we may not reach you in time.
Keeping her gaze locked on the archbishop, the saint addresses me and Aria. Next to the saint, the beast girl with doglike ears whos around the same age as Yuel is there. I wonder if that kid is Astel? Shes contentedly getting her head patted by the saint.
Wait, this isnt the time to be watching that.
She didnt think that I would be connected? In other words, that means the saint was already well aware of my existence?
Ah, how terribly impolite of me. I must offer you my gratitude beforehand. I am truly thankful beyond measure for your treatment of the petrification in my stead. Not only the spectators, you also treated one of my subordinates whom I was unable to treat myself.
The saint nces in my direction, and smiles sweetly.
I guess that means that those found you words werent my misunderstanding after all. It would seem that my healing magic ability had already been discovered.
But I wonder what she means about preventing the archbishop from bing aware of my existence?
As Im contemting, I suddenly notice Ruruka looking at me. When our eyes meet, she says I-I knew it and gazes at her own feet, then starts to smile happily for some reason. Then, murmuring Oh you oh youuu!, she lightly jabs me with her elbow.
Archbishop no, Evil God Adherent Darnaud.
The saint turns back to the archbishop. Then, when hes held down by the knights and no longer able to move, she addresses him.
For the crime of attacking the royal capitals church and pilfering the subus jewel. For the crime of abducting a woman and attempting to use her as a sacrifice for the subus revival doubtless there is much more dust to beat out of you, but these alone shall be more than enough to send you to prison. Under my authority as a saint of the Church of Medine, I hereby purge you.
Guuhhhh
Creeping along the ground, the archbishop moans as he res at the saint. Its a reversal of the earlier scene he was forcing on Eris.
I suddenly feel anxious and look at Eris, and for some reason shes looking back at me. When our eyes meet, she lowers her head in a fluster.
Recover the jewel.
In a cold voice, the saintmands the knights.
No way! Absolutely nooot! I finally obtained this jewel after using every means at my disposal to attack the church in the royal capital! I-Im going to create my ideal world, where the subus exists!!
However, the archbishop twists his body despite being held down, resisting with all his might. Scowling at the saint, he somehow shakes off his restraints.
There is nothing ideal about that world. After a modicum of pleasure, a hopeless reality full of poverty and strife awaits.
An ideal world where the subus exists. A world where all of the women be lewd. I too found it fascinating, just a little no, quite a bit, but
Moreover, and a man like you who thinks of women as nothing but objects for sexual pleasure may not understand this, but for women, that world is merely hell.
Naturally.
Yes, of course, for women that would be hell, for sure. Please forgive me, I was just enjoying my delusions.
The knights spring into action and seize the archbishops arms. Then they try to pry the jewel away from him. The knights put enough force against his fingers that are frantically clutching the jewel that it seems like theyll break off. And that instant.
Sh, sheet, sheet, shiiiiiit!
Smoke billows forth from the the area where the archbishop is.
!
A smokescreen. The interior of the church fills with smoke.
Was he keeping a smoke bomb somewhere?
Stop struggling, you asshole!
The voice of a knight whos trying to restrain him.
You truly dont know when to give up Serena, do it.
Yes Wind.
One of the saints escorts, called Serena, uses magic. A wind kicks up and quickly clears away the smoke.
When the smoke clears, the archbishop is still being held down on that spot with no visible differences.
Fu, fufu fuha, fuhahaha!
However, hesughing. Unlike that desperate expression a moment ago, the archbishop has a daring smile on his face.
Never Ill never hand over the jewel
Then, he mutters with an air of madness.
! Where is the jewel!? Please find it quickly!
Looking at the archbishop, the saint apparently realizes something and raises her voice. The knights check the archbishops body, but they shake their heads. The calm expression of the saint distorts heavily.
You couldnt have you ingested it yourself? I-If you do such a thing
Gu, uuu, uwaaah
The archbishop stopsughing, seizes his chest, and begins to moan. His body twists with enough force to throw off the knights restraining him, and he emits a pained voice.
Somehow, his appearance seems unusual. Furthermore, that saint is panicking. He swallowed the jewel? By some chance, does taking that jewel into your body
Uwaahh!!
The knights who were restraining the archbishop realize the emergency and jump away.
A ck haze. A ck haze gushes forth from every part of the archbishops body. It covers his entire body, almost as if its wrapping him up in a cocoon.
Oh dear, weve been outfoxed wizards, chant your magic! All hands, please prepare for battle! An apostle of the evil god is reviving!
-An apostle of the evil god is reviving. At those words, I can feel the tension run through everyone around me.
At the same time, the ck cocoon in front of me begins to transform. It repeatedly expands and contracts as if digesting the existence within it as it morphs. After that, the cocoon shrinks, gradually beginning to form into a humanoid shape.
Then, the form bes female. Thats the subus, an apostle of the evil god.
Thats the subus?
Whats with thiiis!?
As tension spreads throughout the church, the woman no, the girl, raises a shrill voice.
I-Is that really supposed to be the subus?
What happened! The vessel was a Maaan!? And his mana was mostly fake!
Patting her hands over her own body, the subus cries out.
Long, pink hair. Soft-looking brown skin. Large, demonic wings. Red, brilliantly shining pupils.
Everything up to that point is certainly subus-like.
But shes small.
Her height isnt much taller than Yuels, and besides, more than anything
My, my breasts are gone!! Where are they!? Where did my breasts go!?
She has no tits. Patting her t chest, the subus throws a tantrum.
Oh yeah, the archbishop was saying something about a woman with enough mana to use EX Heal being necessary in order topletely revive the subus. The archbishop was not a woman. Moreover, his mana was inted by all those magic tool rings jangling around on his hands. His original mana capacity likely wasnt anything special.
They were my pride and joy my praiseworthy breasts
That must be the result of an iplete revival. The illustration of the subus drawn in the Bible had a more morous figure. In that respect it was exactly like Eris. The current subus I could easily call it a childs figure.
Why whyyy
As for the subus, those seemed to be considerably important; shes fallen into panic. Shes not paying attention to her surroundings one bit, just checking her own body over and over in that atmosphere. Her face is half in tears.
Offensive magic, fire.
The saint raises an audibly ruthless voice.
While Im still specting, the knights and the saints escorts finish their chants. Fire bombs, lightning, and balls of ice fly towards the subus, who only recently revived.
! Eek, Hot! Cold, S-stooooooop!
Screaming out, the subus spreads the wings on her back and dodges the concentrated fire of magic.
She kinda doesnt seem that strong. After she was called an apostle of the evil god, its a bit disappointing. Although with how shes dodging the magic in every direction, her only strength seems to be in running away.
Show no mercy! She positively must be brought down here!
The saints order flies out. Aimed at the subus flying around inside the church, even more magic shoots out.
Higiii!
Ah, the dragon just hit her with its tail and smacked her against the wall. However, although shes getting battered, the subus immediately resumes her escape. I can see tears spilling from her eyes.
Foul humans! Hey, this is a church! Foul humans, from the ursed church that sealed Evil God-sama!
The child-size subus is saying something in her shrill voice, but it has no impact at all. Screeching the asional Its hot or Its coldint, shes just buzzing around like a gnat.
I-Is that really the same subus that was written about in the Bible?
However, doesnt that mean shes had a lot ofbat experience as an apostle of the evil god? The subus manages to slip through the rain of magic as she hovers around the ceiling where the stained ss has already broken off. Although her hair is considerably burnt, and chunks of ice are clinging to her legs.
The dragon pursues her close behind,
Kuh hows this!
but the subus pupils shine red, and in the next moment the dragons movements stiffen a little. And the subus continues to stare at the dragon.
Guuhh, a dragon is impossible after all, huh
However, she seems to give up quickly, and stops looking at the dragon.
I-I wont forgive this! I absolutely wont forgive you jerks! A city like this, Ill crush it in no time with my monster army! Just you wait and see!
After that, in tears, the subus flees into the sky. She quickly melts into the dark of night, and can no longer be seen.
So she eluded us
The saint mutters with a shameful face.
I gotta say, she felt kinda underwhelming
How do I put this, at the very least she didnt feel like an apostle of the evil god. Calling that a threat to humanity doesnt seem fitting at all.
Do not be deceived by appearances. Her resurrection appears to be iplete, but that is unmistakably the subus, an apostle of the evil god. ording to the materials left in the church, at times she would periodically assimte herself within human society, and at other times she would lead a host of tens of thousands of monsters andy waste to numerous countries.
The saint advises me with chagrin.
Tens of thousands!?
Tens of thousands. Did she just say that the subus controls tens of thousands of monsters? Sure, it was written in the bible that she maniptes monsters desires and controls them as an army and stuff, but That many of them?
The subus is not the type of apostle that engages inbat directly. One must be wary not of her fighting strength, but her special ability to manipte desires. It would have been ideal to bring her down here, but
Furthermore, she dered that she will make an attack on this city. It will be essential for us to prepare countermeasures posthaste.
The number of knights in this city is perhaps not even a thousand. Despite that, tens of thousands of monsters are apparently going to attack us. I was deceived by the childlike form, but seems like thats really an apostle of the evil god. This is starting to feel dangerous.
Hey, Shiki. This may not be the right time to ask you this, bute to think of it, that Aria girl was calling you Onii-chan earlier, huh what what does that mean?
Completely falling for Arias trick, Ruruka asks me timidly. But this really isnt the time to be having a conversation like that. An army of monsters is supposedly going toe attack us, so we should really run away immediately.
-Suddenly, theres the sound of the ss window breaking.
Eeep!
Along with that sound, with incredible force, somethinges plunging into the church. That was fast. Way too fast. Did the subuse back with monsters already?
Or so I thought, but nope.
Something busts through the window and slides to a stop along the ground. A short body. Silver hair. Its Yuel. Yuel just dove through the window. After that, she quickly surveys her surroundings, finds me, and rushes over.
Masterrr!
Yuel, Why are you here!?
Yuel makes a beeline to me, then looks up at me with a tearful face.
When I woke up, Master was gone, the front door was open, and I was so worried that something happened! I heard a huge sound from the church, so I thought for sure that you would be here!
Yuel exins in a quivering voice. It would seem shes been desperately searching for me. I must have ended up making her worry. Actually, speaking of worries
I-Im not injured, okay. Im fine, Yuel, dont worry!
Im covered in blood. Its not like she wont worry just because I tell her not to, but for the time being I let her know that Im unhurt.
Master, Im sorry I couldnt be by your side, Im sorry
When I do, Yuel clings to me with no regard for getting covered in blood herself. After that, she starts sniffling and begins to cry.
After Eris was abducted, I myself disappeared without a trace, not leaving behind a single clue. Yuel too must have been in a cold sweat this whole time, scouring the city in that kind of mental state.
I pet Yuels head. At the same time, I hear a voice from the saints direction.
Ahh! That girl! Thats the girl, Philine-sama! When I was trying to observe the archbishop at the orphanage, shes the one who chased me all of a sudden!
When I nce over, the young beast girl who was getting her head patted by the saint not too long ago is there. Her name was Astel, I think? Her fluffy, light brown hair is disheveled, and shes pointing at Yuel.
Yuel chased her at the orphanage? Oh yeah, Im pretty sure she was saying something about a beast girl being on top of the roof so she ran after her. Yuel-san, did you chase away the surveince that the saint ced on the archbishop? Well, sneaking around near me, she might have thought that it was some suspicious fellow.
Yuel doesnt even seem to be listening to that voice; shes just clinging tightly to me like shes trying to ascertain my warmth, continuing to cry. Now that I get a closer look, her body is covered in wounds. Shes barefoot, and blood is oozing from her feet. She was likely in a great hurry to search for me. I cast healing magic on Yuel, then pet her head again.
The Astel or whatever girl gives Yuel an intense re as she vents her usation.
Philine-sama, hey, Philine-sama! Thats the girl! Its that girl!
Astel, be silent a moment.
However, the saint rebukes her, making an expression like shes deep in thought. Astel does as shes told and says no more, ears drooping as she hangs her head.
The saint continues to stare at the hole in the ceiling through which the subus left.
Remaining here forever will solve nothing. For the time being, shall we consider what to do henceforth at Lord-samas mansion?
The saint mutters that, then for some reason looks at me and smiles sweetly.
Chapter 59 — Countermeasure Meeting
Chapter 59: Countermeasure Meeting.
Were in a room in the lords mansion. After changing out of my bloodstained clothes, I headed right here as informed, and now were about to conduct a meeting to discuss countermeasures against the raid that the subus announced.
I entered the room and took a seat several minutes ago. At present, the meeting is just starting.
Well then, let us begin.
The one chairing the meeting is the saint. After a straightforward recap of the archbishops revival of the subus, she gets to the main topic.
ordingly, the subus most likely intends to spend a few days roaming the areas surrounding this city before returning to attack, apanied by everyst monster that lives in the vicinity. We must formte urgent countermeasures.
Mmm.
The lord nods at the saints words. It seems like shes already discussed the general situation with him.
By the way, the moment I entered this conference room, the lord said something about I knew my eyes didnt deceive me while pping my shoulders merrily. He was referring to my healing magic ability, and the fact that I was most likely the perpetrator of the city-wide Area Heal, which he had already heard about from the saint. I thought I had concealed it, but apparently the saint was already aware.
Well, thats the reason why Im seated here at this meeting as if Im some VIP, though.
There is one thing I want to ask; is it true that the subus ability is to manipte the desires of the creatures around her?
The attendees are the middle-aged leader of the knights (who just spoke), the saint, the lord, and me. Also Ruruka, for some reason. The five of us are seated around a table in the conference room. Ruruka must be nervous being around so many big names, though; she keeps ncing over at me like she cant calm down.
In addition, there are others in the room such as the saints escorts, some subordinates of the leader of the knights, Fran, and Yuel, but theyre standing back behind their respective participants. I didnt think the number of critical participants would be this small, but perhaps theyre against making the meeting chaotic by raising the number of participants.
Yes, exactly right. In addition to that, ording to materials from the Holy Demon War period, targeted creatures are less susceptible to the effect in proportion to their reason and intellect. Considering that the subus used magic of some sort on the dragon yet it manifested little effect, this is most likely true.
I wonder if the Holy Demon War is referring to the past war with the evil god that was written about in the Bible?
Hold on, thats when the subus made her eyes glow red. Was she controlling the dragons sexual desires? It was mentioned in the Bible that the subus uses her ability to manipte sexual desires to create an army of monsters, but when the dragon received that, all that happened was that its movements became slightly dull. That must mean her ability is ineffective on those monsters with reason and high intellect.
Therefore, there should be no problem with considering humans or highly-intelligent creatures such as dragons to be excluded from the enemys war potential.
The saint continues, making a deration. Hearing that is a relief. Looks like the subus wont be forcing any knight brigade members to betray us or spearheading a legion of dragons. If she could turn friends into foes or create an army of dragons, wed have no chance of winning no matter how much healing magic I fired off.
What would you say is your approximation of the enemys war potential?
From past ounts, the subus has the power to manipte tens of thousands of monsters, but
The saint responds to the lords inquiry.
Tens of thousands. I cant picture it from the words, but in the worst case, thats more than a hundred times the number of knights in this city. A hundredfold difference in war potential means that in the worst case, each knight will be thrown into a swarm of a hundred monsters and be defeated with no hope ofing back alive. It seems like theres nothing that Yuel-san cant handle when she tries, but demanding that from every member of the knights would be cruel. Ordinarily, that would mean death.
Tens of thousands, huh
The lord groans. I can feel the air in the conference room grow tense from those words. However, in order to quash that atmosphere, the leader of the knights rebuts.
That could vary widely depending on how far away the subus goes to gather monsters, but at the very least, she shouldnt be able to assemble an army of tens of thousands of monsters right away. You cant find that number of monsters in this area in the first ce.
That reminds me, one of the jobs of the knight brigade is to clean up the monsters outside the city. Perhaps they have a general understanding of how many monsters there are in this region.
But, if she really does have the ability to control tens of thousands of monsters, she should be able to assemble a host of monsters in a few days that would easily exceed the number of knights in this city. With the flying speed she showed at the church we ought to ount for somewhere around 6000 monsters within four days, or 9000 within a week.
The leader of the knights continues, amending his statement. So that means that in this region, there are enough monsters that the subus would be able to assemble 6000 over 4 days of roaming around and 9000 over 6 days? Thats considerably lowerpared to tens of thousands.
Mm, mmm
The lord groans again at the knight leaders estimates.
Well, it may be lower, but even so thats a tenfold difference in war potential. Something tells me that even with my Area Heal, theres still the possibility that well be overwhelmed by sheer numbers. My magic is purely healing magic, not resurrection magic. If theres such a difference in numbers that the knights are likely to be killed immediately, no matter how much I continuously cast Area Heal on the knight brigade, there will be casualties. Depending on the strength of the enemy monsters, its possible that the knight brigade will gradually be whittled down and face defeat.
In the end, if ites to a tenfold difference in war potential, the knight brigade will inevitably be dealt a blow to the degree of annihtion. The first thing Id like to do is request reinforcements from the surrounding cities Lord-sama, would that be eptable?
The leader of the knights makes a proposal to the lord.
Reinforcements. Well, I guess thats the conclusion hed reach. If we increase our number of allies, the difference in war potential will be lower. The knights are few in number, but theyre elite. If its reduced from 1 vs. 10 monsters to 1 vs. 3, I dont think theyll die that quickly. And theres my healing magic too, so I get the feeling we can repel them with that level of disparity in war potential.
Reinforcements, huh
However, when the lord hears the word reinforcements, he sighs.
Lord-sama, is there a problem with that?
The leader of the knights raises a questioning voice.
The subus, who has destroyed countless cities in the past,es leading an army of monsters. In a war where victory is not assured, it would be great if there were lords with the courage to lend out their precious knight brigades, but
Precisely because there is a risk, they may be reluctant to send out reinforcements, is that what you mean?
The lord nods with a bitter expression in response to the knight leaders query.
Ive heard thattely, theres hardly any war between fellow humans. I wonder if part of it is that theyre hesitant about that possibility?
The royal capital, at least, would assuredly send out reinforcements. But as for the regional cities, they ordinarily dont maintain much of a surplus in war potential. If the reinforcements they sent out were to be eliminated, it would pose a huge impediment to the future operation of the city. It is difficult to say this, but precisely because this is such a crisis-level situation, the lords governing the regional cities would be motivated to harden their own defenses and wait for relief from the royal capital.
Meaning that in a war where you dont know if youll win or lose, theres no way youll dispatch your important knight brigade? Well, unable to oppose the threat of monsters without the knight brigade, public order in the city would take a turn for the worse as well. Looking at it from the perspective of a lord, the knights are certainly an existence that they absolutely cannot afford to lose.
In other words the prospects of reinforcements from anywhere but the royal capital are slim.
Frankly, that is the case. Which is not to say that none wille at all, but we cannot expect much.
The leader of the knights and the lord both make a grim expression.
I wonder if we might offer conciliations to the other lords? The current matter is our blunder as the church. In terms of money, I would like to offer as much assistance as I can.
In the middle of that, the saint speaks of conciliations.
As far as the city lords are concerned, the elites of the knight brigade are vital for the continued development of their cities. They cannot be replenished quickly, either. For mary rpense alone, they would only participate opportunistically as reinforcements if victory seems assured.
Sounds hopeless.
By the way, I havent said a single thing so far.
Honestly, why am I seated here? The saint offered me a chair when I entered the room, but I dont know all that much about military affairs in general, let alone the fine details.
I must say, how unpleasant. Even by dragon it will take two days to reach the royal capital. If reinforcements are dispatched after that, it would not be unusual for them to take more than ten days to arrive.
Ah, now I finally understand the reason Ruruka is here. The flying speed of a dragon is most likely faster than a horse running along the ground. And the dragon seems attached to Ruruka, so they intend to use her as amunication method to call for reinforcements?
It is believed that the subus wille to attack this city within a week at thetest. In the materials from the Holy Demon War, there were simr descriptions. The subus ability can create an army, but simply being able to manipte monsters desires does not mean she maintainsplete control over them. It seems that after an extended period of time, she will lose control over the army.
One week in the first ce, reinforcements from the capital wont make it in time.
Yes.
The conversation between the saint and the lord continues, but the situation looks fairly bad. I can feel a gloomy atmosphere filling the room.
But its not an atmosphere of In that case lets turn tail and swiftly run away to the royal capital!. Let me suggest a different approach.
If knights alone arent enough, what if we add adventurers to the war potential?
Adventurers are numerous, but many of them would have their ability pushed to its limits simply hunting low-grade monsters. Without a certain level ofbat ability, they would be unable to maintain the battle lines and only serve to drag us down. They would just add to the number of corpses.
Of course. Well, I wouldnt want weak guys joining me in the line of battle either. So long as they have enough skill to avoid instant death they wont die that quickly thanks to my healing magic, but without that they really would just die like cannon fodder.
Doesnt look like adventurers like Eight and Geyser who hang around on the lower floors of thebyrinth will get their turn.
Then, the conference room grows silent.
The lord groans as he hangs his head. The leader of the knights crosses his arms and closes his eyes in contemtion. Only the saint is for some reason, looking at me.
This gaze is likely not the that guys ck hair sure is beautiful kind of gaze. Well, I more or less understand.
The truth is, I too havee up with a method to call for reinforcements, just one. I dont really want to bring it up, though.
If its me, perhaps I can persuade the lords of other cities not to be so stingy with reinforcements. Its quite simple, as well.
But if I do that, I will certainly stand out. And if Im conspicuous, the number of unnecessary risks like the time with the archbishop will increase.
Guys whod want to make use of my massive power can be found anywhere. Eris was targeted this time due to a misunderstanding, but if my abilityes to light, Ill be targeted directly next time. Yuel may be able to protect me if its on the level of mere thugs, but naturally there are times when Yuel isnt at my side.
I suddenly get concerned, and nce over in Yuels direction.
-My eyes meet hers.
Yuel is simply staring at me. The forecast from the meeting is doubtful, but I dont feel any anxiety regarding that in Yuels eyes. Shes just looking at me with the same unchanging pupils as usual. Theyre telling me that she doesnt feel threatened at all by the fact that arge quantity of monsters will be attacking.
Most likely, Yuel believes that well definitely win.
Why does she have so much faith? Because she knows the extent of the knights abilities? Because she thinks well pull through in the event of a defensive battle in a siege on the walls? I cane up with plenty of ideas, but after all, the definitive one would have to be
-because Im here.
Yuel knows my ability better than anyone. So long as we have my healing magic we can repel an army of monsters, thats most likely what shes thinking.
Sure, thats definitely possible. With my healing magic, even if we dont call for reinforcements, maybe we could repel them with just the members of this citys knight brigade.
But, just like the leader of the knights said, if we did that the knight brigade of this city would receive a blow on the level of annihtion. People are fragile. Smash their heads and theyll easily die. If the elite members of the knight brigade can demonstrate their true ability then they shouldnt receive fatal injuries so quickly, but if they get surrounded by superior numbers then they wont be able to.
In the end, reinforcements are necessary.
I stop looking at Yuel, and nce towards the saint.
As for her pupils, its as if they can see right through me. To the method that I came up with. The saint had probably thought of it too, a long time ago.
As for what I really think, I want to abandon the city and run away. I dont wanna stand out one bit.
But, my healing magic ability has already been discovered by many people. Its just a matter of time for it to spread. Even if I dont make this proposal, eventually arge number of people wille to know the truth about my healing magic ability.
This may be the necessary time for a policy change. In order to protect my own body, rather than hiding my ability, Ill use my healing magic to create loans. That way of thinking should also be eptable.
Besides, this proposal is sure to garner a look of respect from Yuel; its something her master would propose. Not just the members of the knight brigade, but most likely arge number of lives will be saved; that kind of proposal.
Hey, Saint-sama.
Fufu, please call me Philine.
When I call out to the saint, she makes a delighted smile.
Looks like she already knows what Im nning to say.
Besides, this reaction. It feels like she was evaluating me based on whether or not I would say it myself. It kinda doesnt feel great to be strung along for the ride, but there most likely isnt any other method outside of this one.
Alright, Philine. As far as methods to call for reinforcements go, I have an idea. It presumes that Philine will be cooperating with me, though.
Once again, I address the saint. When I do, the saint respectfully bows her head.
Yes. Shiki-sama, if theres anything that I can do, whatever it may be, please give me your orders.
Then she says that to me.
Chapter 60 — Defensive Battle
Chapter 60: Defensive Battle.
Five days have passed since the meeting, and its around noon. A report arrives from the knights that arge-scale swarm of monsters is approaching the city.
So she has finallye.
Putting down the fork in her hand, the saint mutters. Were in the dining hall of the lords mansion. Everyone whos staying at the lords mansion had just sat down to have a meal.
Looks like it.
It took her a long time. In these five days, Ive just been killing time at the lords mansion. Id already done everything I could do in advance by sending requests to the nearby cities for reinforcements.
Since we didnt know when the subus might attack, I havent left the lords mansion, which seems to have be our strategic headquarters. Its not like I can recklessly take peeks at Eris breasts with all this attention on me either. And Ruruka has already left to call for reinforcements from the royal capital.
Ive just been waiting for the subus toe, with nothing at all to do.
Since that meeting, with nothing but time on my hands, Ive just been earnestly petting Yuels head.
Master, this time for sure, I will protect you!
I pat Yuels eager head lightly.
Yuel has been bothered by the fact that I was severely injured at the church while she was sleeping. To the extent that she has already begun guarding me throughout the night without sleep. She mes herself for not being able to do anything when her master was in trouble.
Thats why Im petting her.
Even when the saint looked at me with a profound smile, I petted Yuel.
Even when Eris chest button popped off, I petted Yuel.
Even when the lord proposed a marriage to Fran, I petted Yuel while politely declining.
Perhaps because of that, Yuel, who was feeling down, is now giving off the feeling that shes trying to face forward and make up for her failure.
Well then, Shiki-sama, let us make haste toward the ramparts.
Yeah.
From the knights report, the surroundings are in an uproar. Theyve been sending out scouts, so the subus forces shouldnt reach the city right away, but its not like we have time to waste either.
We leave the lords mansion in a hurry, aiming for the citys ramparts.
In the meantime, I havent just been petting Yuels head; weve also been discussing our assumptions for the battle with the subus.
The subus forces, and how she fights. Weve had countless meetings with the saint as the core, since shes the one with the deepest knowledge concerning that apostle of the evil god.
The crux of the battle is me. In order to make the best use of my healing magic, Ill be stationed in this stronghold on top of the citys ramparts to get a clear view, with the knight brigade arrayed right in front of the gates below. Thats apparently the formation were going with.
I wondered if the knight brigade might not be too far away for me to cast healing magic on them, but the saint said she had just the magic tool to cover that. And when the monster forces collide with the knight brigade head-on, Ill heal them from atop the walls using that magic tool.
In the case that the subus brings more monsters with her than anticipated, the knight brigade will immediately return to the city for a siege. While we engage in a defensive battle from the ramparts, well wait for reinforcements from the royal capital.
Thats the strategy. Fortifying apletely defensive position, the saint will presumably issue suitable orders for everyone.
Oh yeah, what about that magic tool you mentioned earlier that lets your magic fly further?
On the way over, I try asking the saint. Fundamentally, healing magic cant be invoked if the target isnt close. From atop the walls, it generally wouldnt be possible for healing magic to reach the knight brigade dozens of meters away. Many healers would be watering at the mouth for a magic tool that can extend the reach of magic. Im a little interested in what type of item it is.
I have brought it with me. However, it is quite conspicuous, so I shall hand it over after we finish moving
Giving me a smile, the saint puts on airs. Well, if it happened to break while we were en route, the strategy would fail right then and there. I guess it cant be helped.
-In that manner, I climb the ramparts along with the saint, Yuel, and the other assorted escort knights.
Down below, I can see arge number of monsters approaching along the ins that spread out in front of the city. In the skies above that swarm of monsters, theres a single ck silhouette. Its the subus. The subus is guiding the swarm of monsters from above, almost like the light from a bug zapper.
Theres still a fair amount of distance between us. Although theyvee within eyesight of the city, at that rate it should still take them some time.
She appears to be pointing at us andughing her head off, does she not?
The saint peers at the subus through the telescope-like object shes holding in one hand. I borrow it to take a look, and yeah, it does feel like that. Shes holding her waist with both hands andughing idiotically with her head tilted back.
She seems to be confident in her victory. Well, I did hear that the subus has formerly destroyed countless cities. Most likely, she has a general understanding of the war potential of this city as well as how much war potential it would take to win.
Their numbers are around 3000, or thereabouts? Kobolds, Goblins, Forest Wolves she really did bring anything in this area that she could get her hands on. That number is fewer than anticipated, though.
3000, huh? Im sure that at the church, they were saying 6000 in 4 days. 3000 in 5 days is lower than half of our estimate. Certainly, thats considerably fewer than we anticipated.
Maybe because her revival was iplete, it takes her more time to manipte monsters?
That may be.
From what I heard at the lords mansion, the number of knights that the city can mobilize in its present condition is approximately 500. The enemy has roughly 6 times that number.
Whether well win or lose isplicated, but at the very least if we fight head-on, the knight brigade is bound to incur heavy losses. I get the feeling Ive figured out the reason why the subus isughing so hard. If the number of knight brigade members is reduced, they cant be immediately reced, but for the subus itd be just fine to go bring more monsters from some other ce. With two or three attacks of this scale, it wouldnt be unusual for this city to fall.
And the knight brigade was on standby inside the city so they haventpletely finished deploying yet either. The subus its inevitable that shed make a mistake in her reading of the situation.
Such an incredible number
Seeing the monster forces, Eris mumbles anxiously. I told her she didnt have toe this far, but she said she didnt want to wait for me and came along. As I thought, Eris seems to be against waiting for someone to return. Well, monsters shouldnt make it as far as this stronghold, though, so I dont really mind.
Worry not, Eris. With these numbers, we can win.
And reinforcements areing, too.
At the same time I reassure Eris,
Crusell knight brigade, 300 troops, deploymentplete.
a reportes up to the saint. Its from a knight wearing armor with a slightly different appearance from the one of this citys knight brigade. After that, a number of reportse up in session.
Arias knight brigade, 200 troops, deploymentplete.
Lumiere knight brigade, 500 troops, deploymentplete.
Latoa knight brigade, 300 troops, deploymentplete.
The reports continue further. Again and again, the reports continue to arrive. Looks like the knight brigade deployments are finallyplete. I take a look below the ramparts, and a great number of knights are in formation there.
That number is 5000.
-Calling for reinforcements was a sess. Which is to say, from all of the cities close enough to dispatch soldiers within 5 days, the majority of the forces have assembled here.
Such a magnificent view. This is also thanks to Shiki-samas proposal.
The saint smiles at me.
The reason that the lords of the other cities were hesitant to send out reinforcements. It was the risk that their knight brigades would be annihted.
If they sent out their knight brigade as reinforcements and it ended up being wiped out, that would pose an obstacle to the future operation of their city. Furthermore, the opponent is an apostle of the evil god, the subus. An existence that destroyed countless cities in the past. Since reinforcements wille from the royal capital anyhow, abandoning this Merhatz and fortifying their own citys defenses would be an extremely rational choice for the lords who manage those cities.
But I knew. For a powerful person, especially a person such as the lord of a city, my healing magic is something they would want to get their hands on by any means necessary.
Just by saying I will reveal my own ability, I can overturn the lords judgment. Because for the lords of this region, making an ally of me is worth the huge risk they would have to take.
-In this world, illness is seen as considerably serious.
Ive had plenty of material to consider so far.
For example, the purchasing price for a Slime Drop, a drop from the Huge Slime on a low level of thebyrinth, was high enough to be called abnormal. That was because a regional lord was purchasing it from the guild as an ingredient for a medicine to treat an endemic disease.
Another example, the derelict old town where people no longer live. For the mere reason that it didnt get enough sunlight and health problems were likely to ur, the entire neighborhood waspletely abandoned.
And, in the Krankheit Turtle incident, that state of panic among the citizens. Many citizens stormed the hospitals, and the treatment wasnt progressing at all.
In this world where monsters abound, what will happen if sickness runs rampant within a city? Even for people who havent fallen ill yet, they cant simply escape outside the city. As the sickness continues to spread within the city, it will be a huge disaster. If treatment falls behind like at the time of the Krankheit Turtle incident, disputes will ur over the distribution of medicines and healers. It will turn into the worst situation. At that point, it will be impossible to manage an independent city.
As the lord of a city, every one of them should understand that.
Thats why I made the proposal at that meeting, to offer the other lords the deal that if you send reinforcements, whenever a disease flourishes within your city, I will treat the entire city and put a stop to it.
Ordinarily, even if I made a proposal like this, they wouldnt possibly believe me. There shouldnt be any healer capable of treating an entire city. They would respond like that, and that would be the end of it.
But now its different.
That maximum Area Heal during the Krankheit Turtle incident. That was referred to as a miracle from god, and even became the cause for the city festival to be so lively.
At this point everybody knows that a real miracle urred in this city. After that, all that Saint-sama from the church had to do was drop a few lines. That there was a person in this city who was behind the miracle from god.
I never expected it to turn out like this.
That Area Heal, the one I used tofort Yuel when she was depressed over our bracelets shattering. I never thought that it would be the key to calling for reinforcements. Moreover, with that max Area Heal, I can reduce the knights losses. That made it easier for the lords of other cities to send reinforcements, too.
Well, we did assemble more troops than I was expecting, though.
Knights: 5000. Monsters: 3000. In terms of numbers, thats already overwhelming. Thats easily enough war potential to ensure certain victory even without my healing magic. Knights are powerful. If were winning by numbers, theres no way we should lose against this mishmash of hastily-assembled monsters.
Taking a look towards the subus, her army that was heading this way ising to a halt.
As I thought, she must not have expected so many reinforcements to be here. Well, Im pretty sure the Bible mentioned that when she crushed towns one by one in the past, there was ongoing conflict between fellow humans, though. If I had to put it in words, she was just waiting on the sidelines to nab the prize after they weakened each other. She might not have been thinking that a single city could assemble this many troops.
She seems somewhat irritated, does she not?
The saintments as she observes the Subus through her telescope-like device. I borrow it again, and yeah, it does look that way. Her face is bright red and her eyes look a little watery, as she shouts something at us. Maybe its something like Calling for reinforcements, you cowaaards!.
But without my healing magic, no matter how even the numbers, wed still incur a certain amount of losses. Perhaps knowing that, the subus once again resumes her advance towards us. Well, losing knights would be a serious blow to us, but for the other side she only threw together a suitable number of monsters. In the end, she may be thinking that even if she doesnt win, its good enough to deal a certain level of damage to us ande back with more monsterster.
As far as I can tell from the subus face, I can only see a look ofplete desperation forming, though.
Most likely, as the saint mentioned at the meeting, theres a connection to her not being able to subdue monsters for an extended period of time.
Man, theres a limit to how foolish a n can be. The subus wont even be able to deal any damage to the knight brigades.
So far, Ive entered thebyrinth by myself, and fought formidable enemies such as the Armor Ogre and Bardas one-on-one. And every time, I got the crap beaten out of me. But the reason I didnt die is because I was able to heal my own injuries.
But my way of fighting up until now wasnt making the optimal use out of my healing magic. Fighting directly isnt a healers role. A healers job is to provide support from behind.
I look at the knights in formation below.
Large army vsrge army. Furthermore, the ability of my allies is overwhelmingly higher. And they have me supporting them.
In exactly a situation like this, I can exhibit the true worth of my healing magic.
Shiki-sama, by all means, please use this equipment.
At the same time the subus presses onwards, the saint hands something over to me.
This is, a cane?
Yes. It is a venerable item handed down through the church. Not only does it allow one to cast magic from a distance, it also enables one to use higher degrees of magic.
Kinda sounds like an amazing cane. The extravagant decorations do make it look expensive, yet it also appears to have seen many years of use. But it seems to have been carefully maintained; even though its full of scratches, it doesnt look worn-out. Its as if it was brought out from a museum exhibit or something, thats the kind of atmosphere it has.
I try using Appraisal.
Magic Tool
Properties: Mana Capacity Up, Mana Amplification, Casting Range Expansion, Effect Range Expansion, Magic Effect Up, Mana Absorption - User - Persistent
Somehow, there are various effects attached to it that Ive never seen before. If I recall correctly, even a ring that only raises mana capacity costs around 10 million Zeni, though. This cane, how many millions of Zeni would an item like this be worth?
Something like this, is it really okay for me to use it?
Yes, this cane cannot be handled without an enormous amount of mana, after all. With your aptitude, Shiki-sama, I would like for you to use it by all means.
The saint says with a radiant smile. Apparently its okay for me to use it. Well, that was the n from the beginning, though.
But man, this cane, I get the feeling Ive seen it before somewhere. Although I have no interest in canes, so I shouldnt have had that many opportunities to see it.
Well, whatever. I hold the cane lent by the saint in my hand. Then, gazing at the subus army, I hold it aloft.
Master Master is amazing, amazing!
When I do, Yuel who was waiting by my side stares at me with a look of reverence for some reason and begins to shower me with praise. Whats going on? I havent even used any healing magic yet.
Hold on, something tells me that this look of reverence from Yuel is different from normal. Usually shes sending me a look of respect because she feels happy about my actions, that kind of feeling, but this time the look feels somehow distant. Like shes realized something incredible, surprise mixed with admiration.
! So thats what it was
Seeing Yuels reaction, Eris seems to realize something too. Shes looking at me with a face like shes somehow be convinced.
But well, I have no time to worry about that right now. Very soon, the knights and the monsters will collide. I mustnt misjudge my timing to cast healing magic.
However, right before the monsters sh with the knights. The subuses out in front of the monster army, at a distance where our attack magic may or may not reach, and shouts.
You may have the numbers, but your victory isnt decided yet!
Attack magic just barely wont reach. Maybe the dragon could attack her, but Ruruka and the dragon havent returned yet. Just to be sure, they went to the royal capital to call for reinforcements. If Ruruka and the dragon are going ahead of the reinforcements, in terms of days they should being back around today, though.
Foolish humans, who sealed Evil God-sama! You bastards, how many of your corpses will rot on this soil? Watch and see!
The subus is stubborn but she doesnt dere I will win, most likely because she realizes herself that she cant win.
Even so, she doesnt make a temporary retreat to assemble more monsters, probably due to the weakness of her ability to manipte desire. From the fact that she couldnt manipte the dragon, its not a perfect brainwashing type of ability. Besides, while their sexual desires still exceed their other desires theyll remain focused on the subus and she can influence them, but no matter how much she fans up their sexual desires, when they get hungry enough they should switch their target to the meat in front of them instead of her. Most likely, after the monsters are gathered for a while, theyll no doubt start to cannibalize each other.
And the saint was also saying something like if shes manipting them for too long, theyll break free from her control.
Moreover, there arent any airborne monsters either. This too is most likely because the subus is using herself as bait to lead the monsters. If she tempts monsters that can fly, shell likely end up being caught by them.
-As Im specting, I see the wide formation of knights intercept the monsters attacks. The battle has begun. Time to get to work.
Raising the cane, I recite the incantation.
Area Heal.
I sense the gathered mana be amplified. From the cane, I feel more than my full power being drawn out. When I invoke the magic, in a single shot its light envelops everyst knight.
The knights maintain their ranks, advancing over the monsters corpses. Each time the knights thrust their spears, arge number of monsters simultaneously fall the ground. However, no matter how much the monsters attack, no knight corpses are produced. In cooperation, the knights cover each other, and they steadily reduce the monsters numbers. Then for the second time, I set off healing magic there. In the distance, I can see the wounded knights promptly return to the front lines.
This is an incredible cane.
After using it, I understood this cane is incredible.
It doesnt just let me cast magic at a distance. Just as I expected, it also lets me precisely specify the maximum extent of my Area Heal. Moreover, that maximum extent itself is expanded. Furthermore, even though the light of my healing magic was that of a mere Heal, it shined as bright as the average High Heal. Most likely, it had the corresponding effect. Just holding the cane gives me the sensation that my mana is being sucked away, but for me the impact is negligible.
Yes. Among the magic tools possessed by the church, this is the highest-ss item, after all.
As I listen to the saints voice, I continuously fire off healing magic.
This is already a total victory. The monsters the subus brought with her are all small fry. Mostly low-grade monsters that the knights can cut down in a single stroke. I wonder if this is a result of the subus iplete resurrection as well? In a small amount of time, the twinkling of an eye, the monsters numbers are diminishing. Furthermore, even when a knight asionally gets injured from a monsters attack, they make an instant recovery within seconds. I knew this from before the start of the battle, but we have an overwhelming superiority.
I take a quick look, and the subus is gazing out over the battlefield with a dumbfounded face. The monsters corpses are piling up, but not a single knight corpse has appeared.
The subus didnt know about my existence. That was the biggest reason for her defeat.
I hold the cane aloft. And once again, on the knights who are fighting below, I cast healing magic.
Chapter 61 — Succubus
Chapter 61: Subus.
Why, whyy, whyyyyyyy!!
I can hear the subus voice, screaming like a child. Spread out below her is a pile of monster corpses. Theres not a single knight corpse among them. Ally casualties: 0.
Well, naturally. Our side has the overwhelming advantage in both numbers and quality. And Ive been incessantly firing off healing magic boosted by the cane. Once I got used to the cane, literally without stopping. Knights whose bodies are continuously being healed, and a horde of monsters they can cut in half with a single stroke. Rather than a war, calling this a bulldozing or a massacre would be closer.
Our victory is already decided. Id say about all thats left is to put an end to the few remaining small fry. My healing magic doesnt even seem necessary anymore.
Amazing, amaaaaziiing! Master, youre amazing!
When I lower the cane for the moment, Yueltches onto me and praises my actions. Was she moved by seeing her masters full power? Her eyes are totally sparkling.
When I saw thebination of my healing magic and the elite knights, I myself experienced just how overwhelming it is. It really is amazing. So amazing that, if we had shut our eyes to a few losses and idental deaths, we might have been able to repel that swarm of thousands of monsters with this citys knight brigade alone.
That cane! You, is it youuuUUU!?
As Im contemting, the subus suddenly cries out. Screaming as she looks this way, she flies in a straight line towards me. Looks like shes finally aware of my existence.
Immediately, magic flies out from the nearby knights to intercept her. However, the subus nimbly weaves through it as she approaches.
So thats what it was! Sheet, sheet, sheetsheetsheetshiiiit! Again!? Summoned again!?
Again? Summoned? Whats she talking about?
No, now that I think about it, this splendid cane. And this situation fighting against the subus troops. As I thought, theres something familiar about them.
But this is bad. This isnt the time to be thinking about it. The subus is steadily getting closer as she slips past the magic. There are less than 20 meters between us now. What exactly does she intend to do once she gets close to me?
Eeek!
However, the subus shrieks and takes some distance again. On the panicking subus cheek, the thin red line of a wound appears. And, gently fluttering in the air, some strands of her hair.
The cause quickly bes obvious.
Yuel, silently ring at the subus.
Yuels throwing knife has cut off a tuft of the subus hair. The subus tries to approach a second time, but Yuel meets that with a barrage of knives, swishing through the air.
When I take a quick look at Yuels eyes whoa, dangerous. Theyre sharper than Ive ever seen them before. Some serious killing intent. I can feel her firm resolution to absolutely never let anything get near me that would cause me harm.
Hold on, how many knives does Yuel have in her item box? Shes already thrown at least 20 or 30 of them with incredible force, though.
Gunununu
The subus res back at Yuel in vexation. I guess she wont get any closer than this after all. Shes tried to approach me countless times while evading the spells, but each time Yuel has thwarted her with a knife barrage.
However, the subus shows no sign of giving up. Over and over, shes repeatedly approaching and retreating.
And it seems like the subus has nobat ability, since she cant inflict damage on me either.
Wait, does she have a way to inflict damage? Wings. The subus has thoserge wings. If she gets close, she could use her momentum to grab me and withdraw in one motion. Then all shed have to do is drop me onto the ground from up high. Maybe thats what shes aiming for.
Sheet, shiiit just you, until youre dead, Im not leaaaviiiinnnggg!
The subus tries to get close to me again while screaming, but in the end, stymied by the magic and the barrage of knives, she cant get any closer.
-In the middle of all that, one of Yuels throwing knives grazes the subus again.
While the subus is twisting her body to evade it by a hairs breadth, the knife passes over her chest. And cuts it. What does it cut, you ask? The ck bikini top thats clinging to her chest. The string portion right in the middle of it is cut clean in two.
The subus outward appearance is slightly older than Yuel. Im not particrly interested in such a shabby body. But, should I call it male instinct? When something thats ordinarily hidden suddenly looks like it might peek out, even if youre not interested, your eyes will follow it.
Ah, it really does seem like theyre gonna be exposed.
While Im gazing at the spectacle, my eyes meet the subus as she takes her distance again.
She looks back at my face with a dubious expression for some reason. Then down at her chest that looks all-too-ready to be emancipated, then back at my face once again.
We lock eyes for 2 or 3 seconds.
Wait, dont tell me but
pping her torn ck bikini with her fingers, the subus continues gazing into my face. What could she be up to? If she does that they really will be exposed, though.
After that, she strokes the string part of her bikini with her fingers. I wonder if its not just an ordinary article of clothing? Just by doing that, the bikini returns to the condition it was in before it got cut.
It should be useless, but I suppose its worth a shot
Then, muttering that, the subus looks into my eyes. With those red pupils of hers. As they turn a glimmering crimson color, she stares at me.
That is You mustnt!
At the same time the saint cries out.
-With a thump, my heart leaps in my chest.
Hows that?
The subus makes an insecure face and looks at me. Her voice is weak, as if shes clinging to a minuscule hope.
Huh?
I didnt really care thus far, but now that I get a good look, this subus, shes pretty cute. As youd expect for a subus, her face is quite well-ordered, and each of her actions has a seductiveness to it beyond her outward appearance. And besides, she may have no tits, but her body is curvaceous, especially around the hips. If I had to say whether she suits my tastes or not, in the end shes got no tits so itd have to be a no, but for some reason theres some attractiveness there.
My head is going nk.
Unconsciously, I take a step towards the subus. Seeing my reaction, the subus cackles in delight.
Fu, kufufufu, fuhah fuhahahahaha! Good boy. Now,e, this way!
Then, maintaining a steady distance, the subus lowers her altitude. She stops moving at a location away from the ramparts, at a distance where magic cant quite reach.
I wonder why. That subus, despite her childlike figure, is starting to look like a very charming woman. Im by no means a lolicon. But that body, it makes me want to vent all my boiling lust onto her. I dont know why, but Im starting to feel that way. By the time I notice, Ive taken another step in the subus direction.
Masterrr!
Shiki-sama, you mustnt let her manipte you! Please, strengthen your reason! If a dragon can do it, then Shiki-sama should certainly be able to cast her aside!
The subus pupils turn red again. Her pupils are fascinating. Looking at these eyes, it feels like my head is boiling. My mind goes nk and stops working. But its not a bad feeling at all.
Hey,e over here.
If youe right now, Ill do anything you want, you know?
I can hear an extremely sweet voice, as if honey is flowing directly into my ears.
The parapet wall is right in front of me. If I climb over this, the subus will do whatever I want for me?
That vivid pink hair. Those small, soft-looking lips. Even if the tits are weak, that body with its womanly curves. Its looking very, very fascinating.
I want her to do whatever I ask. Lets go. Lets go right away.
Sh-Shiki-sama!? You must be joking!?
The saint is saying something, but who cares about that. I ce my hand on the parapet.
How can this be, even though a mere dragon was able to brush it aside!?
I get the feeling she just said my reasoning is lower than a dragons. But my mind isnt working. My eyes wont leave the subus body. Theres nothing left in my head anymore but the thoughts of what Im going to do to that body from now on.
This way, over here. Here boy,e this way.
Wiggling her ck bikini with both hands like a stripper, the subus invites me. I can almost see them. Just a little more and Ill be able to see them. I cant quite see them yet. My eyes wont look away. I want to get closer. I put strength into my arms on the parapet.
Masterrr! Master, please wait!
My clothes are being tugged from behind, but my eyes wont leave the subus body. Shes currently shaking her hips left and right emphatically, with her fingers hanging from her bikini bottom. Shes repeatedly slipping it down slightly and returning it back to its original position, sending me a meaningful gaze. She keeps stopping right before; this situation is like a stripshow.
This isnt the time to worry about whats behind me. I want that subus to do whatever I ask. I cant think about anything else anymore.
But, the subus ability simply enhances desires, so it should not apply to humans, who have reason No, but in actuality By some chance, does Shiki-sama have the same level of reason as a low-grade monster?
I hear the confused voice of the saint. I get the feeling Im being treated like aplete idiot. Then, the saint immediately raises her voice.
Kuh, it cannot be helped! Hold Shiki-sama dow-
-The instant the saint gives the nearby knights some sort of order.
You be quiet!
The subus looks at the saint with those red pupils.
Mmh~~!
The saint trembles with a jolt for an instant. But, with her strong will behind her eyes, she quickly goes back to ring at the subus. Then, with a flushed face and covering her own mouth with her hand, she instructs the knights to hold me down using hand signals.
The knights rush over to me.
This is bad. I cant let the knights catch me here. I need to have the subus do various things to me. To escape from the approaching knights, I kick off the ground.
-That instant.
Shiki! I-I will, I will do whatever you want! Soe to me!
From behind, I hear that voice. I didnt mishear it, thats Eris voice.
Wha!?
The subus exims in surprise.
My mind is somewhat blurry. I cant really understand whats going on.
But, the subus and Eris both said that theyll give me whatever I want. The subus is in front of me. Eris is behind.
I can only go in one direction.
I look at Eris behind me. So sexy. Shes extremely fascinating. And theyre huge.
I look at the subus in front of me. So sexy. Shes extremely fascinating. But theyre small.
One more time, I look at Eris behind me.
Incredibly huge.
Eris is better.
I stop climbing the parapet, and face back towards Eris.
Whaaa!? Cmon, look this way! You can see it? Just a bit more and youll be able to see it!? Hey, cmon!
I hear the subus shocked voice, but Eris said shell do whatever I want. That Eris did. The subus may be charming, but she cant win against the sensual shape of Eris body. This way is better. Eris. Eris giant tits are better. My thoughts are all being dyed in the color of Eris.
I-Impossible! Thats impossible!? Even with this much exposure!? Even though Im the subus!?
When I head towards Eris in that manner, I hear the subus disbelieving voiceing from behind me. Its a miserable voice, on the verge of tears. Was she that surprised that I went towards Eris?
Oi, she beat the subus at seducing a man
Whoa.
I can hear thements of the young male knights nearby. Eris face turns red in a sh. But that has nothing to do with me. Inside my head, the delusions of what Im going to do with Eris are expanding further and further. Just like that, I stagger up to Eris.
And, I embrace her.
Shiki!? This, D-d-dont tell me its!?
Perhaps because there was an unexpected sensation when she was embraced, Eris looks down and panics. I cant help it. I mean, my sexual desires are being controlled by the subus. That being what it is, its in quite a severe state at this point.
Gu, guguguguuu! Its because my resurrection is iplete! If it wasplete, something like this would never!
The subus miserable voice groans in vexation. She sounds like shes actually going to cry.
Something starts to bother me a little so I nce back, and below the ramparts I notice the few remaining monsters disperse and flee. As well as the teary-eyed subus, staring at me. Her pupils have turned an even more vivid red color.
The monsters are running away? ! She cannot possibly is she concentrating her full power on Shiki-sama!?
Huh? Somehow, the subus is starting to look very charming after all. Even though she has no chest, I really wanna touch that chest.
This way,e here! Thats it, I wont kill you, Ill make you my servant! If you be my servant, all of the beautiful women in the world will be yours! That woman included!
I hear the subus sweet voice. Shell give all of the women to me, Eris included?
I like the sound of that.
Servant!? That is no good! That is the one thing you must not do, Shiki-sama!!
The saint says in a rough voice, her face flushing even further.
But if I go over to the subus now, shell give me everything. Most likely I can have not just Eris, but other big-breasted babes as well. My delusions are swelling. My body tries to twist toward the subus.
No matter what I wont let go.
However, Eris is hugging me and wont let go. She squeezes me even harder.
Ah, wai, wait, Shiki i-its hitting, its hitting me!
As I struggle to turn, something seems to be bothering Eris and her face steadily blushes even deeper. However, even so, she keeps her arms around me and doesnt let go.
But its useless. Eris shouldnt be able to stop me with her power. I could shake free like this.
Have the knights hold him d wait, what if by some slim possibility the subus does take Shiki-sama away and actually make him her servant? If they were to join hands the world, the world would be
As for the saint, it looks like the subus trying to recruit me waspletely outside her calctions. The saint is in a panic, grumbling something in a low voice. Maybe shes the type whos weak at dealing with unexpected contingencies.
Kuh Eris-san, was it? You are in a serious rtionship with Shiki-sama, I presume. I have heard that once a gentleman isforted, his desires will abate for some time.
That is to say, we shall hold off the subus advance, so during that time can we depend on you? This is most likely the optimal approach.
Then, I hear the saint call out to Eris.
Once hesforted!?
Still hugging me, Eris asks back with a bright red face. Her expression is stained with shame. No matter how many times I see that I never get tired of looking at it.
However, when Eris realizes Im looking at her face, she hastily grabs the back of my head and clutches it against her. She definitely just wedged my head between those giant tits. I cant see her embarrassed face.
But, I wonder why. I feel like Im in total bliss right now.
But were not even married yet-
I can only hear Eris bashful voice. Then, trying to drown out her voice,
Hey,e here. Come with me, and lets make a monster army one more time. Join hands with me, and we could even conquer the world, you know? Gather all the beauties in the world, and create the greatest harem ever, all for you. Thats right, if you resurrect Evil God-sama, he will grant you eternal youth as his apostle. Come with me, and you can indulge in women for all eternity, never wasting away, you know?
another extremely sweet voice echoes in my ears. I bet that would be quite a wonderful world. A harem just for me with all the worlds beautiful women, what a lovely sound.
Thats it, my head isnt working well right now for some reason, but I feel like Im a man who can make calm judgments. Ill just get my fill of Eris breasts a bit longer, then head over to the subus.
Wait, cant I just bring Eris with me over to the subus like this? Thats more logical. I pull Eris restraining hands away to try and extract my head from her chest.
I-If, if Shiki-sama falls into the enemys hands here, there will be no opportunity to get married! If the subus and Shiki-sama join hands, a horde of immortal monsters will be born! Mankind, mankind will perish!
I can hear the saints panicked voice. I dont feel any of her usualposure. Her voice is cracking and absurdly flustered.
But its fine. The saint has no tits either, but shes a beauty and all so she can still join my harem. She has nothing to worry about.
Thats true, it cant be helped if it cant be helped, it cant be helped, right.
Then, when I somehow manage to raise my face from Eris chest, our eyes meet as she looks at me with resolution in her face.
-The next instant, theres a soft sensation on my lips. Right in front of me is Eris face, with her eyes closed.
Shes kissing me.
Not on the cheek, like with Ruruka. On the lips. The sensation of her soft lips. A sweet smell dances in my nostrils. Eris long hair tickles the base of my neck. Since were stuck together, her breasts are squished against me. My mind is beingpletely filled with information about Eris.
Everything about the subus gradually disappears from my head.
How was that?
Still glued to me, Eris asks, not meeting my eyes. Her face is flushed, and her eyes are slightly moist. As if shes feeling conscious of her own lips, shes covering her mouth with one hand, continuing to clutch me against her with her other hand.
My simmering head boils even harder. My mind gets even more fuzzy. I wanna push her down right here, right now. But the words kicked out again flicker through a corner of my mind. Instantly, my body stops moving.
Was that not enough?
Of course its not enough! Look, what Im telling you is to please put those huge breasts of yours to use and make Shiki-sama spurt out his semen once!
The saint is saying something decidedly sinful, but her eyes are serious. By some chance, the subus might have gotten to her mind too.
Spurt out his semen!?
Saint-sama!?
Perhaps never expecting those words toe out of the saints mouth, the nearby guards and knights are startled. I wonder if her pure image as a symbolic figure of the church is going to be okay? Rather, why did she mention Eris breasts? What is she trying to make Eris do? I wanted to go join under the subus, but after something like that was said I cant leave this ce.
But i-in a ce like this
Eris looks around. In front of her gaze, there are numerous male knights. She knits her eyebrows in agony and clenches her eyes tight.
Come, quickly cast that woman aside! You are a magnificent man of talent! As my underling, youll be given a life where youll never want for women! Thats right, a man of your caliber cannot be satisfied by a single woman. Come over here, and Ill prepare you the greatest harem ever to suit your exact tastes!
The voice of the subus, calling out to me. However, as if reacting to that voice, Eris looks at me. Shes simply looking into my eyes. A short time passes. Eris expression suddenly bes tender. Then, as if re-thinking something, she closes her eyes for a moment.
When she opens her eyes again, Eris makes a determined face.
I hate this embarrassment, but I would hate losing you even more
The next instant, Eris ces her hands on the buttons of her outfit.
At the same time, my belt is unfastened. The belt buckle makes a clinking noise as I feel it being pulled. Eris is unfastening her buttons one by one with both hands while she removes my belt.
Huh?
My head isnt working that well, but even I notice something strange about that. I look at Eris. As she finishes undoing half of the buttons on her outfit, I can already see the color of her skin in the center of her chest. But both of her hands are entirelymitted to unfastening her buttons. They arent going towards my pants. Even though shes taking off her clothes with both hands, somehow shes removing my belt?
I look down. My reason returns all at once.
Just like that moment when youre in the middle of appreciating a porno and someone suddenly enters the room, my erotic feelings are instantly blown away. I rapidlye to my senses.
Its Yuel. Yuel is there.
My pants are covering the lower half of my body, which has be quite severe. Yuel takes a long, hard look at that from point-nk range. Then, continuing to stare at it intensely she tries to slip my pants down.
I-Ill help too!
I feel Yuels slender hands pull forcefully downwards.
The subus is currently manipting my sexual desires. If my sexual desires are manipted, that is going to happen.
I gotta say, this is the most unbelievable situation Ive ever been in.
In a few seconds, when Yuel pulls down my pants. Right in front of her eyes, what will be exposed? In public view, just what kind of tragedy will ur? And what is Yuel nning to do after that?
The prediction forms instantaneously.
Reflexively, I support my pants with my hands. Yuel tries to pull down my pants along with my underwear at almost the exact same time.
I made it in time.
Sh-Shiki?
I-Im okay! Theres no way Id lose to the subus! It took a little time, but I managed to throw it off by myself! Im fine already, Yuel, so get your hands off my pants!
Master, You may end up being manipted again! To the end, I-Ill help you properly to the end!
However, Yuel doesnt remove her hands from my pants. Shes still trying to yank them down.
Yuel! I-Im fine already, Im good, so take your hands off my pants! Believe in your master!
When I emphasize it that strongly, a despondent Yuel finally removes her hands from my pants.
That was dangerous. If the subus had controlled not just my desires but Yuels as well, I might have been defeated, in a certain sense. Rather, even though there are so many knights on guard nearby, what the hell was I doing? I was on the verge of having an important part of me on open public disy.
The subus is way too frightening.
Kh, kuuuh it was just a little further but not yet, Im not giving up yet!
The subus starts to stare at me again with her red pupils. While resuming her stripshow too. Perhaps because shes floating in the air, she can pose freely as well. She turns her legs towards me and spreads them, then with careful timing where as soon as I think its going to peek out, she makes a dynamic half-turn and hides it again. I cant tear my eyes away.
Oh crap. At this rate, I really will end up being helped by Yuel in public. That would be the end of my dignity as a person.
However, at the same time.
!
Pugiii!
I hear a roar Ive heard before. And suddenly, from up above, a dragones swooping down. With ferocious speed, the dragon strikes the subus with its tail as shes making an M shape in the air. From the force of the impact, the subus ms into the ground.
Thats Rurukas Earth Dragon. Looks like Ruruka has finally returned from her trip to the royal capital to request reinforcements.
Ow sniff I-Its all grainyyy
However, although the subus gets covered in dirt, she escapes to the sky again in a wobbly orbit.
Facing the subus, the dragon emits its breath. The petrifying breath grazes her.
Higiii, piii!
As the breath sweeps over the tip of her foot, the subus begins to flee from the dragon at full speed. Making a shriek like none Ive ever heard before.
The dragon follows her like that. She desperately escapes whenever the dragon is about to strike or bite her. Ah, the breath hit her foot again. I borrow the telescope from the saint again to confirm it, and one of her legs is petrified up to the ankle. Shes seriously bawling. Sobbing as she flees.
Send out a pursuit unit immediately! With the nearby monsters eliminated, now is our chance! Follow the subus to the ends of the earth if you must, and cut off her head!
The saint hurls instructions at the knights.
Shiki-sama please take a moment of respite, if you would.
After that, the saint says that to me and smiles weakly. Her smile is a bit stiff. Well, she must not have expected that I would be susceptible to maniption by the subus. And Im pretty sure she said that my reasoning ability was the same as a low-grade monsters.
The subus may be my natural enemy. Even though having reason and intellect should prevent a being from being controlled by their desires, it had an instant effect on me. Even though when the saint had those red eyes staring at her, she was able to instruct the knights in no time at all.
I wonder if my reason really is on the level of a low-grade monsters? Im losing a little of my self-confidence.
But
If I had kept being manipted like that, what would have happened to me?
I peer down below the ramparts.
Falling would mean instant death from this height. At that rate, I would have climbed over the parapet willingly and plummeted onto the ground. I shiver a little.
Assuming I didnt fall, and I went along with the subus on a world conquest, building a world-ss harem?
I think that wouldnt be so bad in its own way, so Id probably end up being easily manipted.
I nce a little higher. Looking at the ins beyond the city, I notice that a group of knights have formed a pursuit unit and are galloping on horseback in the subus direction.
The number of monsters in the vicinity should be greatly diminished after that battle. As long as the subus doesnt have monsters to manipte, shes just a weakling. And in terms of flying speed, the dragon looks faster. If the knights and the dragon cooperate, they should be able to finish her off before too long.
Moreover, the subus leg has been petrified slightly. Even if she does get away, its only a matter of time before her whole bodypletely turns to stone.
There was a bit of an ident, but we won. The knight brigades didnt take any losses, either. Minus the part where I got manipted a tiny bit, you could call this a perfect victory.
The subus is running away! Victory is ours! Let me hear your cries of triumph!
The nearby Fran makes an exalted expression as she shouts.
So this girl was here? She was probably firing off interception magic from behind, but I totally didnt notice her.
Man, she sure is a lords daughter. In response to her voice, the knights raise their own. Propagating one after another, they merge into a single voice. The massive cheer from the knights rises up to me.
Chapter 62 — Cane
Chapter 62: Cane.
Its been a few minutes since the subus got away. After the saint finishes giving instructions to the knights, she calls out to me.
Shiki-sama, today was a magnificent sess. Though I knew of it in advance, for you to be able to use such healing magic continuously as a fellow user of healing magic, I was once again astonished.
With a smile, the saint offers me praise. I guess in the end, theres a difference between knowing something and seeing it firsthand.
Well, she was absolutely more astonished when I was manipted by the subus, though. The way she was all freaking out back then was amazing. And her smile was pretty stiff earlier, too.
But at this point, I dont sense any stiffness in her smile. While she was giving orders to the knights, it looks like she was somehow able to digest her surprise over the fact that I was manipted by the subus.
We confirmed it some time ago, but it would seem there was not a single casualty this time. Fighting against that many monsters, with no losses. This could surely be called a miraculous oue.
I see. Well, thats a relief.
It seemed that way when I was watching from above, but there really were no deaths among the knights after all? Well, they were only low-grade monsters and all. And I was constantly invoking healing magic, so as long as we didnt have terrible luck, it wasnt a battle where anyone would die that quickly.
This result as well was all thanks to your actions, Shiki-sama. I must express my sincerest gratitude.
Master, youre amazing!
The saint and Yuel praise my achievements without restraint. But thats just it. I can ept that Yuels praise is genuine, but Im starting to feel like theres another side to all this ttery from the saint. Rather, as the saint was expressing her sincerest gratitude, she grasped both of my hands and smiled sweetly. If only the saints breasts were more average, I might have fallen just from that smile, thats how charming it was. Everything is too perfect, which conversely makes it somehow suspicious. And theres the matter of the shills as well.
Well, its because the knights worked so hard.
For the time being, Ill continue the conversation while maintaining a moderate sense of distance.
Which reminds me, Shiki-sama, we have not yet discussed your reward. As for the knights and we members of the church, it could be said that protecting the cities is our professional duty, but Shiki-sama granted us the favor of participating out of kindness alone. Naturally, a reward is due. It follows that it would take ce in a formal location at ater date, but Shiki-sama, what type of reward do you wish for?
Wrapping her hands around mine, the saint asks me that. Now that she mentions it, is everyone here but me connected to the lord, the knight brigade, or the church? There are no adventurer-looking civilians, either. Ruruka is the one exception, but knowing her, shes probably having them give her separatepensation.
But man, a wish, huh?
If you ask me so suddenly, I cant think of anything right away.
Since this is so abrupt, nothing in particres to mind. No, one thing does, but I probably cant say that I want to create a harem with all of the beautiful women in the world.
If there is nothing in particr, then how would you feel about the position of archbishop in the Church of Medine? It so happens that a seat has recently opened up. If its Shiki-sama, you would doubtless receive approval from the church. The position is based in the church right here in Merhatz, so I wonder if the circumstances would not be convenient for you in one way or another.
Archbishop!?
Upon the saints words, Eris yelps out in surprise from nearby.
Her expression has me interested; theres the sense to it that her sexual desires that were stirred up by the subus are still smoldering a little. If I end up watching Eris now, I wouldnt put it past myself to remember various things and have an idental situation ur. My memories from when I was being manipted by the subus remain clear and distinct, after all. I try to remove Eris from my consciousness as best I can and chew on the saints words.
Archbishop, huh.
I know that its a highly eminent position within the church. But, other than the fact that its distinguished, I dont really know much about it. Even if Im offered the position all of a sudden, it doesnt feel real to me.
Whats up with that? For now, Ill consider the benefits I currently know about. First, since my healing magic ability is already revealed, I get the feeling that having an official position in an organization somewhere would be prudent for the sake of self-preservation. In exchange for letting them make moderate use of my healing magic, I can be protected from those who would target me. Such a rtionship may be necessary for my continued survival.
Even if I take the position of archbishop, Id just be filling a hole that opened up, not kicking down an existing archbishop. And the followers of the previous archbishop were arrested across the board, so I wouldnt be making unnecessary waves either.
Also if Im distinguished, girls will approach me. Thats the greatest benefit.
Or else, Shiki-sama, rather than a position, would you prefer a woman?
As Im envisioning it, the saint suggests exactly what was on my mind. I wonder how she reached that conclusion? Was it showing on my face? Wait, since I was manipted by the subus, does she think of me as someone whos loose with women? Thats exactly right, though.
In that case this may be audacious, but how about me? If choosing by lineage alone, I believe that I would be most suitable for Shiki-sama.
Moreover, as the subus death is not yet confirmed, it would be preferable to have as many women around Shiki-sama as possible. So even if it means sharing you with Eris-sama, I have no objection.
Then the saint continues speaking. Clutching my hands, she watches my face with her unchanging smile. Whats this all about? I wasnt expecting her to try and market herself like this. Not to mention the harem approval. It doesnt appear to be something like watching you fight the subus was so moving, either. If anything, itd be more natural for her to despise me for the way I got toyed with during thetter half. This totally reeks of politics.
Wait a minute! Thats, I-I I, Im
When Eris catches the saints words she tries to say something, but she cant get it out.
Judging from my experience so far, she was probably about to say something like Shiki and I arent in that kind of rtionship by reflex, but then she was at a loss over whether to say it, that kind of mood. Does that mean shes not going to deny it? I wonder if thats what it means?
Im extremely interested, but since earlier theres been a tugging sensation on my clothes from below thats telling me I need to put off this topic for now. Besides, if all of a sudden Im offered someone with the status of a saint of all things, theres no way I can reply right away.
Hold on a minute. Ill be troubled if you say something like that so suddenly! Besides, arent you someone with the status of a saint? No matter how
The moment I try to say Im not suited for her.
You think there is a disparity? That is not so, Shiki-sama.
As if she was anticipating my thoughts, the saint responds to them. Then, her gaze turns toward the cane Im holding.
The cane? Oh right. I didnt have time to think about it while we were fighting the subus, but when they saw this cane, Yuel and Eris, and even the subus herself, were surprised.
-Suddenly, a certain line ys back in my head. Its what the subus said when she was trying to approach me, after she saw this cane.
Again!? Summoned again!?
Certainly, the subus did say that. What did she mean by it? By some chance, does the fact that the saint is trying to offer herself to me have some connection to that?
Besides, back when the saint handed over that cane. Yuel and Eris both made a surprised expression when they were watching me wield it. As if they had realized something; thats the kind of face they were making.
How exactly did I look from the perspective of Yuel and Eris? Let me try looking at myself objectively.
In opposition to the forces of the subus, a man holding a splendid cane.
Oi, you cant be serious
Thats it. I remember. Ive seen that figure before.
Back when I was teaching Yuel healing magic, and tried reading the Bible. That scene from chapter three.
This ispletely the same as that illustration depicted in the Bible.
In the illustration, the man who was confronting the subus was holding a splendid cane. The one that I currently have in my hands no doubt about it. Its that cane, the very same one.
Besides, since the illustration was in ck and white I didnt pay it any heed, but now that I think about it, the mans hair in that illustration it was ck. Pure ck,pletely filled in. Jet ck hair, just like mine and the saints.
-I feel like Ive figured it out.
The words summoned again that the subus uttered. Their meaning.
I should have died in Japan. But before I realized it, I was here in this other world. I had no idea why. And I didnt think there was any way of knowing.
Thus far, I didnt know the reason why I was here in this world.
If these thoughts are correct, they would exin it.
Rather, there may be no woman in this world who is a match for you, Shiki-sama. Your ability with healing magic alone defies reason.
Shiki-sama, have you perchance had the opportunity to read the Bible?
The saint opens her mouth with that smile still intact.
The Bible. This cane thats the same one from the illustration. The word summoned. And the ck-haired man confronting the subus in that illustration. Even without asking, I can pretty much already tell where shes going.
When the evil god poses a threat to the world, the Goddess Medine sends her apostle from the otherworld thats right, that was in a passage like that in the first chapter of the Bible.
Eris murmurs to herself.
Maybe I should have read a bit more of the Bible myself. The reason that I came to this world has always been written in a book Ive held in my hands countless times already.
From the moment I came to this city, I have always been searching for you. While a sealing jewel was being stolen from the church and the menace of the evil god was about to threaten the world once again, in this city, you performed what could only be called a miracle by the power of god.
The saint strengthens her grip on my hands. Theres a tangible fervor in her voice and in her palms. Then, just like that, the saint kneels on the ground and gazes up at me.
Hailing from a distant world and granted the blessing of the Goddess Medine as the symbol of the power of god, our savior
And in a clear, unmistakable voice:
Sage-sama.
Side Story — Fran’s Recommendation
Side Story: Frans Rmendation
A day has passed since the subus countermeasure meeting. As Im petting Yuels head while she sits on myp in the guest room provided to us by the lord, the door suddenly opens.
I heard it. You, your mana was actually perfectly fine.
The second I notice that Fran has entered the room, she abruptly asserts that.
I sense a hint of anger in her voice. Her expression is also giving off a sullen, offended feeling.
Apologies for disturbing you so suddenly.
I take a look, and Sera is with her as well. She enters the room chasing after Fran, and immediately bows her head to me.
Because you did not tell the truth when I taught you about magic, I consequently misdiagnosed it as mana leakage disease, no? Why did you not say anything!
Fran nces at Yuel, but immediately returns her gaze to me, raising her voice at a constant rate.
Ahh, that
Oh yeah, Fran did teach me a little about attack magic before.
If I recall correctly, back then, she concluded from therge quantity of mana I was giving off that I didnt have enough left to use attack magic.
Since I could potentially fix it with training, Fran also gave me a magic tool for measuring the mana concentration around myself at that time.
I stayed silent since I didnt really want to reveal my true ability, but Im pretty sure that for her part, Fran was feeling fairly sympathetic for me.
Well yeah, no wonder shes mad.
But its not like I hid it from her just for the heck of it. There was a good reason for that.
My bad. But its not like I kept silent about it for no reason. I wanted to keep my ability hidden as much as I could unless absolutely necessary.
There was no need for that. What was the problem with letting me know!
Fran brings her angry face increasingly closer. Looks like she finds it hard to stomach.
This distance is close.
Her face is close.
This is dangerous, huh.
When this b*tch gets angry the fists reallye out.
No, rather than her fists, its magic thates out.
Furthermore, since she has some halfway-decent ability, she can cast chantless (albeit unstable) magic.
She cant very well shoot magic at me in this situation with Yuel on myp, but it pretty much feels like she could lunge at me at any moment. My legs tense up.
Then, when I open my mouth to try and exin,
Fran, I heard that Shiki-sans EX Heal was what got him wrapped up in the recent plot by the archbishop you also saw the shape he was in at that time, did you not?
Sera preempts me with that.
That was
Fran is at a loss for words.
Well, until I was able to borrow the baths at the lords mansion, I waspletely covered in blood.
Thinking back on it, when we arrived at the lords mansion, I seem to recall Fran looking at my appearance in shock.
Most likely, Fran remembers that too.
But, I heard it from Father. That miracle from god during the time with the Krankheit Turtle. That was your work as well, was it not? To do such a thing when you are loath to stand out, is that not a contradiction!
Nevertheless, Fran still wont back down.
Most likely, she doesnt know where she should vent her anger anymore.
Maybe its because she was trying to teach me magic so earnestly.
But I cant answer that question honestly. Yuels just quietly sitting on myp getting her head petted, but shes here.
That was, you see um, right it was for the sake of the citizens.
Thats what I told Yuel, but I was honestly just doing it to distract Yuel andfort her when it seemed like she was going to break down in tears.
In front of Yuel, whos still depressed about I couldnt protect you, I cant tell Fran that it was actually tofort Yuel.
For the sake of the citizens? You, you mean to say that it was for the sake of this very Merhatz? You took on such a risk to rescue this city from a crisis?
However, Fran ends up being more shocked than I imagined.
Oh right, Fran is the lords daughter.
In other words, you could say shes the next lord.
I didnt mean it that way, but I might havee off a bit patronizing.
Fran, who is all up in my face at this point, stops and looks at it.
Too close!
Then she quickly takes her distance as her own face reddens.
Flipping out about Too close! when shes the one who approached me, its totally irrational.
I am going back to my room.
After that, Fran turns her back to me in a somewhat despondent-looking mood.
And just like that, she leaves the room.
Fufu, please excuse us, Shiki-san.
Sera also exits the room with a somewhat pleased face after bowing to me.
Finally, they left.
All of the tension while Fran was here, that she could lunge at me at any moment out of nowhere, drains from my legs.
Maybe Im being overly cautious, but that girl has previouslymitted the offense of shooting attack magic into her marriage interview partners crotch. And it was only an attempt, but she did try to fire attack magic at me too.
Although I more or less understand that Fran isnt a total b*tch.
But shes the type where I never know when Im going to step on and mine and set her off.
Now that shes gone, I can finally rx.
Fran, whatever is the matter? In a ce like this.
Father
However, I hear voices from outside the room. The lords and Frans.
Sounds like she ran into the lord on her way out of this room.
Fran, by some chance, Did you consider our talk?
Fran!
Instantly, I hear footsteps running away from the room.
The shunned lords saddened voice rings out.
Fran appears to be in her difficult years. I dont know what kind of talk they had, though.
And yet I wonder what the lord came here to do?
This room is at the end of the hallway. He couldnt have just happened to pass by.
I wonder if hes going to hold another subus countermeasure meeting?
As Im pondering, theres a knock on the door.
Pardon me foring unannounced.
No problem.
The lord enters the room and sits down on the nearby chair.
Hisplexion isnt very good. Well, hes probably busy with the subus countermeasures and whatnot.
So what sort of discussion did you have with Fran?
The lord asks, leaning forward and looking at me eagerly.
That expression kinda looks like hes expecting something.
It wont make me happy when a middle-aged guy is the one giving me that expression, though.
It was about my healing magic ability.
I hesitate over how to answer, but I guess I dont really need to tell him the details.
Judging from the fact that he went out of his way toe to this room, the main topic is most likely something else.
Besides, Im busy petting Yuels head.
Its not like I cant spare a little time to talk to a middle-aged man, but only a little.
I see. Shiki-kun, no, Shiki-dono. What do you think of Fran?
However, the lord brings up the subject of Fran again.
That reminds me, this lord told me something to the tune of please take care of Fran from now on as well previously. By some chance, did the lorde to this room in order to
Hunching down defensively, I continue the conversation.
What do I think?
Look, I may be saying this as her father, but I think that Fran has a lovely face. I hear that Shiki-dono is unmarried. If you hold any special sentiments for Fran-
I dont.
Wait, I am not asking you to make a decision immediately. Look, surely if you continue to live together, your feelings may cha-
Ive got enough on my te already.
When I reply immediately, the lords face pales even further.
This middle-aged lord is doing his best too, huh.
He must want to find a suitor for his daughter quite a lot if hes searching for a marriage partner for her at a time like this when hes busy dealing with the subus.
Im gradually starting to pity him, but seriously, I have enough on my te.
Ruruka told me she loves me, and Eris reaction when she came into the bath yesterday while I was washing off the blood had me intrigued.
Also I dont necessarily feel any urgency to get my hands on Fran. Shes t-chested and all.
But you know, even Fran has many good sides to her. Look, she has nice facial features Also, yes, shes slender. Isnt she slender?
Dont just praise her outward appearance, Lord-san.
Most likely, he didnt expect such an immediate reply and now hes panicking.
However, the lord receives timely help from an unexpected ce.
Fran-san has taught me so much I never knew about history. Plus, she promised to teach me about offensive magic next time. Fran-san is a nice person.
Its Yuel. Sitting on myp, she mumbles that.
Come to think of it, back when I was taking a bath, Fran was keeping Yuelpany.
Besides, taking into ount her attitude back when she was teaching me magic, shes a surprisingly caring person.
But herck of chest and her extremely short temper end up spoiling everything else.
Indeed, that is true! She is surprisingly caring, that girl. Fran tends to go around in circles, but her sense of responsibility when ites to protecting this city is twice as strong as anyone elses. And while she may be a tad quick to fisticuffs on ount of her impulsivity, she is truly a kind girl.
The lord starts trying to sell me on Frans good points.
Rather than quick to fisticuffs, shes quick to hurl Fireballs.
More importantly, Fran is quite the man-hater.
The lord can say whatever he wants, but for her part, Fran would never approve a marriage.
You truly wont take her? If Shiki-dono were her partner, I sincerely believe it would turn out well.
The lord mutters in an imploring voice.
Frans face isnt bad. Besides, her attack magic is excellent, and she has her position as the lords daughter. I doubt hed bepletely unable to find a partner for her.
From the lords perspective, he must see me with my nonstandard healing magic as a superior article to some degree.
But I wish hed ask someone else.
At this rate, finding a suitor will truly be with that personality, once she exceeds a marriageable age ohh, what will I do?
The lord seems to shrink a little as he hangs his head.
Its been ten-odd minutes since the lord said Let us speak of this again and left the room.
Once again, the door opens.
My apologies for earlier.
Immediately I assume the lord hase back, but Fran and Sera are the ones who enter my room.
Fran charges into the room and stands in front of me.
Then, averting her gaze slightly, she begins to speak.
You saved not only my life, but the lives of the citizens that I will one day govern that is to say, I am not unwilling to make myself avable to you.
Fran says, fidgeting a little.
But I dont quite understand what she means.
Not unwilling?
What could that mean?
Wait, based on what the lord was saying earlier,
Dont tell me youre talking about marriage?
No! Where did you get that idea!?
Guess not.
Well, considering Frans personality, theres no way.
But then what did she mean?
I-I meant if anything were to happen again, do not hesitate to rely on me, that is what I meant to say.
Looking down, Fran adds that.
Oh my!
Sera covers her mouth, letting out an awfully pleased voice.
I-It is simply that as the lords daughter, I feel obligated to repay the debt for saving the city, that is all! That truly is the only reason!
As if reacting to Seras voice, Fran starts to panic.
Somehow or other I understand.
This is probably Fran trying her best to repay the favor out of obligation for my saving the city.
But shes wasting her effort.
Fran is too impulsive, and if I ask her for something I can only imagine it turning sour.
But still, Im not so twisted as to reject this wholehearted deration from Fran.
Well, Ill consider it.
When I answer like that, Fran puts her hand on her chest in relief.
She might have been anxious over whether or not I would ept. Although if she was that anxious about it, she may as well have just ignored the debt.
I thought the same thing when she taught me magic, but she really is a conscientious person.
If only she didnt have a quick temper, there would be tons of suitors after this side of her.
As Im contemting, Sera suddenly approaches me.
Please consider an engagement to Fran as well, alright?
Not happening.
Perhaps because its the same thing the lord was talking about earlier, I end up answering reflexively in no time.
But I only realize after the fact.
Fran is currently right in front of me.
Oh crap.
~~~~!?
No matter how I look at it, denying it in no time was unwise.
Even Fran is a woman, more or less.
No matter how little she thinks of me, she still has her pride.
Frans face rapidly reddens.
This redness is undoubtedly not anything in the shy category.
Shes mad.
Just from seeing herplexion, I can tell that her anger is amping up.
I, I-I, I should be the one saying that!!!
Then, a red light forms on the side of Frans face.
A chantless Fireball.
She ms it onto the stone floor.
Chapter 63 — Biblical Character
Chapter 63: Biblical Character.
Its now the night of the same day that the subus was repelled. In my room at the lords mansion, Ive been absorbed in reading the Bible.
-The reason Im here in this world.
Until now, I didnt think it would be possible to find out. I didnt have enough material to consider, so I had given up.
But now I know. In this book, there are details written about a character with the same circumstances as me.
At the moment, a victory celebration is being held in the lords mansion over our sessful repulsion of the subus. But, so that I could read this book, I slipped away early. The saint and the lord protested and tried to hold me back, saying that I was the leading role, but I insisted on returning to my room and locked the door. In order to concentrate on reading the Bible, of course.
Shiki-sama. Everyone understands that the fact that you were manipted by the subus was unavoidable. Lord-sama dealt with that female knight who was pointing andughing at you by telling her she would be getting a one-month pay cut. Therefore well, wont you cheer up ande attend the victory party?
The saints voicees from the other side of the door.
Its not like I withdrew myself into my room because I was embarrassed that so many people saw my desires being easily manipted by the subus. Im not saying it didnt factor in, but that doesnt mean it was the entire reason.
That didnt bother me at all. I just want to read the Bible. Leave me alone for a while.
Im barely even bothered anymore about the fact that, after staggering back and forth between the subus and Eris for ages, I just barely returned to my senses when Yuel was about to pull down my pants. Besides, Yuel is here in this room too. I wish the saint would stop suggesting that Id let such a minor thing get to me. The thing Im dwelling on is what happened after that.
-Those words the saint said are still echoing in my head even now.
Sage-sama.
At the time, while she was clutching my hands tight, the saint clearly said that. Sage refers to that character in the Bible who sealed the evil god. Ive only read a part of the Bible so far, but I was able to confirm that in terms of our ck-haired man who came from another world and has an enormous amount of mana aspects, we coincide. And, as for him being such a ridiculously powerful person that he forced back the evil god and his apostles, Im just getting to that part right now. From the events so far, considering my outstanding healing magic ability, to think that Im the same type of being as that sage its not difficult to imagine.
Understood. The truth is, there is a subordinate of mine to whom I wished to introduce you but if that is the case, I suppose it cannot be helped.
As Im reflecting, the saint says that.
Subordinate?
As far as I know, Im pretty sure all of the saints subordinates were women. Besides, I just remembered this right now, but when we were attacked by the Earth Dragon, I unknowingly treated one of the saints subordinates in addition to the beauty contest participants. Yeah, the saint was saying something about that back when she purged the archbishop. By some chance, is it possible that said subordinate became interested in me after I gantly saved her life with EX Heal without revealing my identity or demandingpensation?
Whaaat, if you wanna introduce me to your subordinate or whatever, you shouldve mentioned such an important detail sooner.
I put strength into my legs in order to stand up and unlock the door to the room. However, I notice that Yuel hasid down to sleep with her head on myp, and I stop. Because Yuel is making sure to stand watch over me throughout the night, shes taking a nap now. Plus she hasnt started breathing softly so she may not actually be asleep yet, and I cant risk her seeing me easily take back something Ive previously said.
Well, theres no need to hurry, right? Things have been going great with Eris and Rurukately. And Ill be introduced to the saints subordinate eventually, so I can meet her next time.
-Then from outside the room, I hear the saints footsteps leaving.
However, those footsteps soon stop and for some reason, return to my doorstep. And, after apparently taking some time to consider, the saint calls out to me again.
Umm Shiki-sama, by some chance are you perhaps in the middle of something?
The middle of something?
The physique and skin color of Shiki-samas ve girlpanion are simr to those of the subus and moreover, she appears to greatly adore you, so
I must admit, I did not exercise enough consideration, my deepest apologies. My knowledge of male nature is quite limited even though your sexual desires have been enhanced by the subus, I so rudely intruded upon your doorstep.
The saint says in a tone that actually sounds apologetic.
Is this b*tch implying that she thought I would definitely bite if she offered to introduce me to her subordinate, and because I didnt that must mean Im getting busy with Yuel? Wait, she sees me as the type of person who, when given the choice between finding out the reason for my existence in this world or meeting a woman, would always pick the woman?
Shes quite perceptive, but this time thats wrong.
Im not venting my sexual desire that was roused by the subus on Yuel. To begin with, it already calmed down on its own. I wish she wouldnt say such easily misunderstood things. Yuel might already be misunderstanding; her eyes are closed but her ears are rapidly twitching. Those long elven ears of hers are shaking intensely.
Oi, dont say something that could invite a misunderstanding. I really am just reading the Bible.
No, you need not hide it. We seeded in repelling the subus, but that does not mean we have already confirmed her demise. So that you do not suffer her maniption again, it is imperative to sate your appetite.
Though I say that, well, even if there is mutual consent, with a young ve girl such behavior will not lead to favorable rumors. Though if that is indeed the case, I thought it necessary to vacate the area just to be sure.
Seriously, please dont say any more. Right now, Yuel is most likely in an unstable condition again from Eris kissing me.
-When we got back to the lords mansion, we entered the bath together, but at that time I noticed.
In the dressing room, as she was removing her panties, Yuel was shaking her hips subtly, as if she was trying to imitate the subus behavior. Of course, when she saw that I didnt approach her back when I was ping-ponging between Eris and the subus, her face was a little disappointed too. On top of that, at the victory celebration afterwards when my eyes met with Eris and I averted them in embarrassment, the look of pessimism about the world in general in Yuel-sans eyes was a new one for me.
!!
Did she hear the saints words just now? Yuels ears stiffen straight out, and she excitedly shoots out of bed,es over to me, and sits on her knees in front of me. Then, with an expression that tells me shes definitely made a huge misunderstanding, she pats her head to fix her hair and corrects her sitting posture again. After that, unable to hide her tension, her body goes rigid and she looks down, asionally casting a furtive nce up at me.
I dont know what Yuel might be thinking, but this situation is not the greatest.
Thats wrong! Its not like that, really! I havent made a move on Yuel, and Im absolutely never going to! I honestly just want to read the Bible!
I deny it strongly. When I do, for some reason the saintsughter leaks out.
Is that so? I apologize for jumping to conclusions.
Well then, I shall call upon you again tomorrow morning, so please do be ready.
After that, the saint quickly departs from in front of my room. I wonder if she believed me? But something tells me she agreed too quickly.
Wait. By some chance, the saint may not have been thinking that I was in the middle of something with Yuel in the first ce. And she wasughing when she heard my voice. Besides, that saint, back when she purged the archbishop, Im pretty sure she said she had to pay him back in kind. Theres a chance that she just came to tease me a little for bailing out of the victory celebration.
But if thats what it was then I really wish shed cut it out. It may just be a mild tease to the saint, but if I mess up in dealing with this fidgety Yuel, one strike and Im out. Timidly, I take a look at her.
-Over there, Yuel is looking at me with eyes full of tears and a despondent expression.
Sitting on her knees in front of me and trembling. She looks like she could cry at any moment.
Absolutely Never make a move I-I knew it, someone like me anymore over Eris-san
I think back over what I just said. Oh no. Sure, I have no intention of putting my hands on the young Yuel, but saying that I never will must have crushed her hopes.
Although to bepletely honest, I cant at all imagine how Yuel will look when shes grown, so its not entirely like I misspoke. But I do know that every day without fail, Yuel always checks her breast size and measures her height when were entering the bath, anxiously tracking her progress. All I can do now is gloss it over.
Yuel. I only meant until you grow up. Who knows whatll happen after that. So, well Dont let it bother you, okay? Alright?
For now, I try to exin. But well, Yuel should understand that I wonty a hand on her while shes a child, so I dont think there should be a problem with this.
But Yuel is still looking down and trembling.
And she doesnt say anything.
No, for an instant she looks at me with a face like she wants to say something. However, after that, she quickly looks back down again.
Yuel? Whats the matter?
I ask, but Yuel doesnt answer. Shes just hanging her head and trembling.
-Then suddenly, I notice a drop of water fall onto her knees.
At the same time, I hear a sob from her.
Shes crying. Oh man, shes seriously crying.
Yuel!?
Oh no. This is bad. With a pitter-patter, drops of water keep falling onto her knees.
As Im feeling bewildered, I hear Yuels weak voice squeeze out of her throat.
Before I grow up, Im sure that Master will get married to Eris-san. When that happens I know I wont have a ce by Masters side anymore
From Yuels mouth, the words married to Erise out. Well, even though it was to save me from the subus, Eris did just kiss me. I guess its inevitable that Yuel would end up thinking this way.
Eris-san is super nice, even to me. Thats why I think I want Eris-san to be happy. And Eris-sans boobs are so huge too I know shes perfect for Master. But but I with Master forever together forever
Most likely, in Yuels mind, marriage = no other women allowed by my side, not even a ve, or something close to that. Even if I get married, though, I have no intention of sending Yuel off somewhere. Regardless of whether monogamy ismon sense in society, regardless of who I get married to, in all likelihood I would keep Yuel by my side. Besides, Im aiming for a harem in the first ce, so such societal norms have nothing to do with me. For me, its a trivial concern.
But, as far as I can tell from Yuels appearance, for her, its truly a massive obstacle.
Yuel.
Somehow,pared to the time with Ruruka, I get the feeling that Yuel is much more depressed. Maybe shes thinking that against Eris, she doesnt have even a one in a million shot of winning. Well, Eris is a woman whose unadulterated sexual charm triumphed over even the subus who has the ability to manipte desires. If you put it that way then yeah, I guess she doesnt have a shot.
Now that I think about it, I havent told you about myself yet, huh.
Thats why I need to turn Yuels thoughts in a different direction here. I came up with this entire n as I was reading the Bible with all my might until just now. With this, Yuel will stop crying. Im that confident in it.
About Master?
Yuel seems perplexed by the sudden change of topic, but I keep talking.
Ill say it again. Ive kept silent about this until now, but Im not from this world. It seems like Im a simr existence to the character from the Bible known as the Sage.
I-I have always, always thought that Master is definitely an amazing person.
Yuel informs me with a solemn attitude. Albeit in a tearful voice. But shetches onto the conversation. She appears to be interested in what Im saying.
Have you already read chapter two of the Bible, Yuel?
Yes, there were words I didnt understand, but Ive read that far.
I havent read past chapter two either, but the past Sage, it seems like he could only use a special sealing magic. He apparently had next to no close-quartersbat ability. For that reason, he always had an ally at his side to protect him. Did you read about that too?
Its written that the past Sage used special sealing magic. I dont know that much about it, but apparently it had an immense power that was enough to seal the evil god and his apostles one after the other in their prime. But, since a number of prior arrangements were necessary, it wasnt very user-friendly as an ability and his ally was always saving him from trouble in meleebat, which is what was depicted in chapter two of the Bible.
Yes, it said that when Sage-sama was assaulted by the evil gods apostle, he had a really, really strong ally who held them off all by herself and protected Sage-sama. I couldnt read her name, but it said that when it came to swords, nobody couldpare to her I really look up to her.
So she looks up to her. That makes this easy.
Yuel. The part you couldnt read, that wasnt her name. It was a designation.
Designation?
Thats right. That ally was known to the world as the Hero.
A talented swordsman who acted as a shield for the Sage during surprise attacks and meleebat. The two of them were together day and night, the Sage and the strongest swordsman alive who always protected him. ording to this Bible, thats the Hero.
This person known as the Hero, she protected the Sage at all times, and sometimes he even repelled an apostle of the evil god all by herself. Isnt that right, Yuel?
Yes, I think she was an amazing person.
Yuel answers, eyes still slightly downcast. I diverted the conversation from Eris, but in the end it still seems to be bothering her. Thats why Im saying this.
Isnt that just like what Yuel does for me?
!?
Yuels eyes snap open as she looks at me. Perhaps she thought of a ve such as herself as being too far removed from someone important enough to be written about in the Bible, so she didnt make the connection.
Yuel held off the subus, an apostle of the evil god, and didnt let her get near me. Besides, whether its in thebyrinth or the forest outside the city, Yuel is the one who always protects me.
When I continue, Yuel shows me a bewildered face.
But, Im not as strong as the Hero from the Bible.
Thats because Yuel is still a child. Most likely, in ten years, Yuel can absolutely be a peerless female swordsman. Whatever you put your mind to, you can aplish it.
I mean what Im saying. Her ability with des is already on the level where she wouldnt lose to a knight, and Yuel has even shown an affinity with magic. For healing magic, her mana seems to have increased from being next to me, so she should be able to use Heal after a little practice. And, being able to use healing magic with basically no piety or knowledge, Im sure shed even be able to learn to use attack magic. And yet shes only 12. If Yuel studies for a few years from now on, she has the potential to reach even the level of the Hero from the Bible.
Hero to Master, am I your hero?
Yeah, my hero. Hero Yuel.
A ve, yet a hero. ve Hero Yuel.
Nah, that titles no good, huh. Its got the same nuance to it as ve Female Knight. Thatd be more appropriate for a porno book title. Hero Yuel it is.
Amazing! I will try my hardest to be Masters hero!
Hero Acknowledgement Strategy, sess.
Such a joyful expression. Shes not crying anymore. Looks like that stuff about Eris has slipped her mind.
When I be strong Hero Masters hero
Yuel looks at me with sparkling eyes. Maybe shes even envisioning her future once she bes strong. If Im the Sage, its true that theres a possibility that Yuel, who always sticks by my side and is already quite capable, will be called the Hero.
However, Yuels face quickly clouds over. After staring at the empty space next to me, she hangs her head.
Then, as if she cant hold it back, she starts to tremble again. She must have ended up imagining a bleak future for herself. It seems that for Yuel, her concerns about Eris are quite deeply ingrained.
Hero Acknowledgement Strategy, failure.
Also, Yuel.
Looks like I have no choice but to reveal my hand. I didnt want to say this due to the risk involved, but theres no helping it.
Im a really amazing person.
Yes, Master is amazing.
In society, theres a system for the sake of such an amazing person, known as a harem.
Since Yuel is sad about monogamy, Ill let her in on the fact that Im aiming for a harem. I didnt tell her since I wasnt sure how shed react, but now that itse to this I cant avoid it.
Hair rum? Now that you mention it, the subus was talking about that too, I think. But I didnt really understand what it meant.
A harem means polygamy. Its where one man takes a lot of women as his wives.
!? No way! Is such a convenient arrangement really allowed!?
The word convenient startles me for a moment, but most likely Yuel didnt say it with the meaning of convenient for me. She was likely asking if something so convenient for her own circumstances would be allowed. Thats probably it.
Ordinary citizens arent familiar with the concept of a harem. At best, its likely just to the degree that some nobles and wealthy merchants form them. Its not surprising that a young ve like Yuel wouldnt know about them at all.
Its allowed, naturally. Because, as you are well aware, Im amazing.
To be perfectly honest, I dont know that Yuel will even enter my harem once she grows up. Shes still a child, and I dont want to look at her in that way either. And yet, for such a pure child, such deception is necessary. Or more precisely, I dont want her to cry anymore.
Harem
Yuel murmurs in a daze.
Harem, a harem!! Amazing, amaziiing! A harem is amazing!
After that, Yuels expression immediately brightens, and she starts skipping around joyously.
Huh? This reaction from Yuel might be better than when I recognized her as a hero.
I tried my hardest toe up with that idea, though.
I always thought that if Master got married, you couldnt be together with any other women!
Well yeah, usually thats how it would be. Theres no way I could say Im marrying you but Im gonna keep sleeping together with this ve girl every night. At the very least, unlike now wed have to be in separate bedrooms.
Ill go tell Eris-san and Ruruka-san too! This way everyone, everyone can be happy!
I reflexively grab Yuels shoulder to stop her from running out of the room.
Wait, Yuel! Its fine if you dont tell Eris and the others! Thats, well look, Yuel didnt know this, but among adults, its totally natural! You dont need to specifically mention it to them!
Maybe because shes a kid, Yuel epted it without resistance, but I dont think that Eris or Ruruka will approve it so quickly. The fact that Im plotting a harem was almost discovered. Its going to be revealed eventually, but the time isnt ripe yet. In order for them to ept it, I need to raise their affection levels more and more.
Is that so?
Thats right. Listen, Yuel. Everybody thinks its obvious, so you dont have to go out of your way to mention it, okay?
I ended up lying again on the spur of the moment, but Im sure itll be fine.
Understood, Master.
If by some slim chance the subuses back, Ill repel her without fail! Like Hero-sama from the Bible, Ill definitely protect Master! Ill work hard so I can stay by Masters side forever and ever!
Yuel smiles and continues to clench her fists tightly. Her beaming smile makes it hard to believe she was crying nonstop just earlier. Perhaps because I emphatically acknowledged her as a hero, she seems to be in extremely high spirits. Although the knights intend to keep protecting me here in this mansion until they can clearly confirm the subus death, so Yuel doesnt particrly need to try that hard.
But well, I guess theres no harm in Yuel remaining vignt. Ill keep an eye on her to make sure she doesnt go overboard, and spend some time in the safety of the lords mansion.
Chapter 64 — Enticement
Chapter 64: Enticement.
In a warm and unpleasant sweat, I open my eyes. The room is still dim. It looks like I woke up extremely early.
Good morning, Master.
Yeah morning.
When I get up, Yuel is standing beside the window. Shes awake even at a time like this? Apparently she really has been remaining vignt for an attack by the subus while Im asleep.
Arent you tired?
I took a nap beforehand, so Im fine.
Most likely, Yuel is thinking that if the subus does attack, shelle through the window. The window is shut tight, and Yuel is ncing outside through it. But, maybe because summer is approaching, the air is stuffy and its unsurprisingly hot. I walk up to Yuel, give her head a light pat, and open the window.
I peer through the open window, and the sun hasnt quite started to rise yet. As I thought, I woke up too early. Im pretty sure the saint said yesterday that shed visit my room early in the morning, but given the time, she must not havee by yet.
Hm? Thats
As Im gazing outside through the window, I suddenly spot a silhouette. It appears to be having a conversation of some sort with several of the knights acting as guards.
When I take a closer look- its a woman.
Long, glossy hair thats a striking, deep red color. Wearing a dress with lots of exposure around the open chest region. And her tits are huge. A sensual-looking woman in her early twenties.
That person, shes been trying to get into this mansion for a while. But the knights dont seem to want to let her in, so Ive been hearing them argue for a long time.
As Im gazing at that beauty, Yuel informs me.
The fact that the knights arent letting her pass means that shes someone the lord doesnt want to allow inside his mansion. Well, most likely she belongs to an antisocial organization, or is connected to one, something along those lines. Even her tits are antisocially avoiding each other, so thats probably it.
Why so early, though well, not like it has anything to do with me.
Im interested in the buxom beauty, but theres this feeling that if I stick my neck out itll cause trouble. Ill just keep reading the Bible until the saintes to my room.
As Im thinking about it- suddenly, the womans eyes meet mine. Then her expression lights up and she starts waving her hands at me.
Master, that person is waving.
She sure is.
The woman is waving her hand energetically, attracting my attention. Looks like she has some sort of business with me. But from the moment I saw her arguing with the knights, I knew it would cause trouble if I went over. Ill ignore her.
Master, that person, her dress is waving around where here boobs are.
It sure is.
The buxom babe, in order to purposefully create a gap between the dress material and her skin, is pinching her dress and pulling it apart. Maybe shes feeling hot. My gaze is drawn in a bit, but no, going down there would not be good. I need to wait here in this room for the saint toe.
Master, that person, her thighs are peeking out through the slits in her dress.
They sure are.
The beauty tugs on her skirt, exposing her bare legs underneath. Her white skin is radiant. It kinda feels like shes doing it on purpose.
Could that possibly be her trying to invite me out?
But if thats what it is, its a shallow attempt. Im a man who managed to withstand the temptation of that apostle of the evil god, the subus, by the skin of my teeth. Theres no way a man like me would be so easily lured out by a mere slightly lewd big-breasted
Master. That person, shes crossing her arms and pushing up her breasts Theyre jiggling.
I hear a bit of a quiver within Yuels voice.
They sure are. Look at em jiggle.
They jiggled. That beauty is making those huge tits of hers jiggle. I can really see her tits shaking and swaying through the wide-open neckline of her dress. Jiggle jiggle. Theyre jiggling. Since its a dress, she may not be wearing anything underneath. Theyre jiggling all over the ce.
I cant move my eyes away. Even though theres no sign at all that magics being invoked like with the subus, Im being drawn in by all that jiggling. Yuel is likewise transfixed on them, with a look thats a mixture of grief and dismay.
This is no good. Im gonna be lured out easily. Im gonna feel like going to the mansions gate to get a closer look at those heaving honkers.
-But even I have a sense of rationality. If I go readily here, I wouldnt put it past Yuel to harbor doubts about her masters human nature. I strain my meager amount of reason- and seed in closing my eyes.
With the visual information cut off, my rationality surpasses my instincts. The jiggling thats seared onto my eyes gradually fades away.
Im okay now.
-And yet. I may have closed my eyes, but Yuel did not.
Ah, aaahhh! That person, she started to bounce up and down! Ththeyre shaking like crazy like Boing, boing! Theyre going boing-boing, Master!
-Yuel abruptly blurts out in surprise.
Are they bouncing that much? Yuels tone of voice is nearly a shriek. Then, as if she wants to share the spectacle with me, she pulls on my sleeve as well to get my attention.
Amazing Master, its amazing Doesnt it hurt her boobs to go boing-boing so much? Arent they heavy?
Since Yuel is in a daze from the boing-boing spectacle, she most likely hasnt noticed that her master is clenching his eyes shut. She doesnt seem to have realized why Im closing them, either.
Amazing its boing-boing. Boing-boing. Theyre going boing-boing. Someday, will I have such big?
Sadness, envy, awe, curiosity. Theplex mixture of emotions in Yuels voice is unwittinglymunicating to me just how shocking that spectacle is to her. Before I realize it, my tightly-shut eyes are opening.
Yuel, it seems like that person has some business with me. There was just a, what would you call it, a serious affair with the revival of the subus. As shes trying to contact me so insistently, I cant dismiss the possibility that she came to visit over serious business that could influence the future of this city.
Why dont we head down for a bit and check it out?
Hello there, Sage-sama
Sage-sama, why are you here!?
When I go over to the mansion gate with Yuel, the knights on guard notice and greet me.
Ah, it looked like there was some sort of dispute going on, so I was concerned.
In that manner, I walk up to the buxom babe. When I do, the big-breasted beauty behaves like her breasts are bothering her (was making them boing-boing a little painful to them?) and opens her mouth.
ck hair, and a dark elf ve. As I thought, you must be Shiki-sama.
I knew you woulde for me.
Then the big-breasted beauty smiles when she sees Yuel, who draws close by my side. Just as I suspected, she seems to have some business with me.
Yeah, so what are you here for?
A pleasure to make your acquaintance. I am Marianna, the daughter of the head of the ve Merchant Union. I havee today to offer my greetings to Shiki-sama.
The beauty before me introduces herself, and makes a deep bow. The daughter of the head of the ve Merchant Union. The merchandise they deal in is that, but shes still the daughter of the head of a merchant association. Unexpectedly, shes someone with a solid identity.
But I cant think of any reason for her toe greet me. I wonder why its so necessary for the daughter of a merchant union to meet me, to the extent that shed go that far to ardently appeal to me? As Im feeling perplexed,
Oi, what are we supposed to do in a situation like this?
We were told not to let anyone pass, but to think that Sage-sama woulde here should we stop him?
No, I heard that Sage-sama is extremely fond of women yesterday, the knight that offended Sage-sama supposedly got her pay cut.
Oi oi, seriously?
from behind, I can hear the knights discussing in whispers. Im not the one who handed out that punishment. But it looks like the sudden appearance of the existence known as the Sage is too much for the knights to know how to handle things. While the knights are still trying to figure out how to deal with me, the beauty in front of me, Marianna, advances the conversation.
The previous archbishop, Darnaud-sama, paid exceptional consideration to our ve Merchant Union consequently, as a candidate for the next archbishop, we would like Shiki-sama to give some consideration to our ongoing partnership in the event that you be the next archbishop.
Consideration?
I dont really get it. I wonder if she means giving preferential treatment with EX Heal to injured ves or something? When I tilt my head, the woman in front of me, who introduced herself as Marianna, takes a step towards me. Then, as if seeking a handshake, she takes my right hand.
Shiki-sama is extremely fond of women. Moreover, you appear to be unopposed to the existence of ves. I do believe you will find building a rtionship with us to be mutually beneficial.
-As she says that, Marianna guides my hand to her huge breasts. She attaches my hand to one of them and ces her own hand on top of it. Then, as if massaging her own breast, she begins moving her hand. Of course, between her hand and her breast, my hand is still there.
Mmh by partnership, I mean establishing a friendly rtionship with Shiki-sama by any means necessary. As we are a worldwide organization, we should be able to amodate Shiki-sama preferentially with beautiful women of all the varied races as well.
Putting on a rough breathing act, Marianna offers that.
With her hand atop mine, Marianna makes it rub her breast even more forcefully. Thats right, rubbing her huge, soft breast. She forcefully makes me rub her giant tit with nothing but a singleyer of dress material in the way. Even though Im not moving my hand at all right now, the sensation is as if I were massaging it.
This is bad.
I feel like Impletely falling into a trap. And its really bad. The softness is rapidly filling up my head.
Additionally if Shiki-sama desires it, I will carry out any order whatsoever for you? If its for Shiki-sama, the Sage and a promising archbishop candidate, your wish is mymand.
She whispers sweet words into my ear. With those words, the delicate bnce between my rationality and my instinct utterly copses.
Its making me want to be friendly. I dont really understand why shes suddenly making me rub her breast, but its making me want to be very friendly with the buxom babe in front of me.
Most likely, if she asks me for a favor at this point, my non-functioning brain will agree to anything without really considering the details. But even though I realize it, that rationality simply melts away within my senses.
If its for Shiki-samas sake, I will do anything.
-And the instant I hear those words, I see the image of Eris superimposed over this big-breasted beauty in front of me.
My memories from yesterday are revived. With the words I will do anything as the trigger, that scene I was trying not to remember ys back in my head. Thats right, back during the subus battle, what happened right after Eris told me shed do whatever I wanted
Sure, the buxom babe in front of me is good too, but Im pretty sure I felt the happiest when my head was buried in Eris chest. In a mere moment, my head cools off. And the first thing it thinks about is the fact that Yuel is next to me.
I nce over at her.
Shes expressionless. With a nk face, Yuel is looking up at my hand as it rubs the chest of this beautiful woman. Is it because I announced the harem to her? Shes not getting all teary-eyed like usual. But shes staring poker-faced from point-nk range at my hand as it massages this beautys massive melon. Her emotions are unreadable.
-Suddenly, I notice something terrible. Yuel is holding a knife. The naked de is glinting in the sunlight as Yuel grips the dangerous weapon in her hands. Making no expression whatsoever.
Wait, calm down. This is probably that. Since I was suddenly approached by someone Im meeting for the first time, shes likely holding the knife so she can immediately deal with even the unlikeliest of unexpected situations as my guard. But when Yuel makes such an expressionless face while holding a drawn de, theres an indescribable intensity to her.
For now, Ill get away from this Marianna or whoever woman. And Im setting a bad example, too.
I-Im not that enamored with women T-thats not true. Doing such things at our first meeting is Troublesome for me.
Then, so that she wont approach me again, I bite back my heartbreak and utter some words of refusal. When I do, Marianna momentarily nces behind me.
Oh my, Ive been rejected. Well then I will excuse myself for today. By all means, let us meet again, Shiki-sama.
After that she bows deeply and departs from the gate. It was a dangerous situation, but I managed to get through it somehow.
But I get the feeling that, at thatst moment, Marianna wasnt looking at me.
She was looking at something behind me. What was it? And, when I turn around,
the saint is there.
Chapter 65 — Structure of Slavery
Chapter 65: Structure of very.
Shiki-sama, who was that person leaving just now?
The saint asks when I turn around to face her.
The daughter of the head of this citys ve Merchant Union; her name is Marianna, apparently.
I was curious when I saw her arguing with the knights so I came to check it out, and before I knew it the beautiful woman was making me rub those giant tits of hers.
And its not like I was particrly obligated to wait patiently in my room for the saint toe by; plus I dont need her permission to rub a hotdys rack.
But I cant look the saint directly in the face. Well yeah, thats because of course I feel some guilt. Or should I say, Im feeling nothing but guilt.
It would seem that the intel about Shiki-sama has already leaked outside. They must have already ascertained the fact that Shiki-sama is extremely weak to women
I thought shed say something to me, but the saint puts her hand over her mouth like shes lost in thought, and calmly mutters that.
I-Im not extremely weak to women, so
Since were in front of Yuel I deny it just in case, but the saint isnt listening. She just keeps tapping her finger, looking like shes pondering something.
Shiki-sama, are you aware of how a vees to be?
Then the saint abruptly blurts that out. After that, not waiting for a reply from me, she continues.
In this present era of stability where prisoners are not captured through war, the primary reason that ves are produced is poverty.
Poverty?
The way that ves are made. Now that she mentions it, Yuel told me the reason that she became a ve. Im pretty sure she said the orphanage where she lived went bankrupt, so she was sold off to cover their debt.
The former archbishop, Darnaud, greatly restricted the budgets of institutions such as orphanages, intentionally adding to the number of destitute people. As a result, the people who were rendered penniless and the homeless orphans had no other option but to be ves. As the number of ves increased, the ve merchants profited. And the archbishop received a portion of those gains as his reward, further lining his own pockets simply put, that was their arrangement.
Ah, so the consideration that woman named Marianna or whatever was talking about thats what it meant?
I wondered what the saints point was, but apparently shes exining why Marianna came here to contact me. If there are more poor people, they be ves voluntarily in order to keep on living, or theyre sold off to cover debt, or theyre pressed into very when their hardships lead them tomit crimes. Which means that from the ve merchants side, its ideal for the archbishop of the church to be stingy with money and continue forcibly exploiting the poor.
In that case, my predecessor Darnaud must have been quite the magnificent archbishop as far as the ve merchants were concerned.
To ve merchants, the archbishop who monopolizes the local welfare is an important figure who can greatly influence their future business. I was certainly expecting them to contact you but by no means did I anticipate that it would be this soon. That they were allowed to contact you was my blunder.
The saint grimaces like shes ashamed at the naivete of her thinking. I kinda sensed it already, but this girl has a strong sense of responsibility. Although I wish she wouldnt worry so solemnly about me rubbing a beautiful womans tits. This guilt is killing me.
From now on, there may be further temptation from beautiful women who are aiming at you, Shiki-sama. But at the very least, I beg of you, please do not be deceived by women connected to the ve merchants and end up bing their pawn. I shall consider countermeasures.
Then, she gives me a warning. But, well, I have no intention of letting that happen. If it did, as far as Eris is concerned, it likely wouldnt end just with scorn. And after all, I dont have the hobby of stealing money from orphans in the first ce.
Yeah, got it.
When I acknowledge her, the saint bows her head in relief. Shes making a face like her shoulders cant handle the burden.
Well, let us set that aside.
However, the saint immediately changes her expression. Seems like she still has something to say.
The saint takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly, gazing intently into my eyes.
Now that I really take a good look at her face, she definitely deserves all the praise she gets about her beauty. And as Im staring at the saint like this, for some reason she abruptly stands on her tiptoes. Then she wraps both of her arms around the back of my head.
Owah!?
-And she hugs my head tightly. In one motion, she brings my head to her chest and tenderly presses me into it.
Gh!
I hear Yuel emit a gasping noise, from her throat clenching in surprise.
Saint-sama!?
The nearby knights are also astonished at the saints behavior.
Oi, what exactly are you!?
Of course Im surprised as well. I thought we were having a serious conversation just now about the connection between the ve merchants and the archbishop, but before I know it shes hugging my head and pressing it into her chest. Im happy about it, more or less, but more so strongly confused. I dont have the slightest clue what this girl is up to.
How is it? Has your pulse quickened?
No, not really
In my overly bewildered state, I end up answering her question honestly. I was surprised, but Im not excited. Theres a nice smell wafting over to me, but I can feel her rib cage bonking into my forehead. And grinding against it kinda hurts. Plus I was just rubbing Mariannas massive mammary earlier, so to be honest this really isnt doing much for me.
I see.
Along with the robotic tone of the saints voice, I can hear a sound like shes grinding her teeth. I feel a turbulent atmosphere and look at the saints face and when our eyes meet, she smiles sweetly. But I definitely heard her grinding her teeth, and her voice just now definitely sounded tumultuous. No doubt about it, her facial expression and her inner thoughts dont match at all. Thisdy is a bit scary.
Then, muttering In that case it cannot be helped everyone has different taste in women, I suppose., the saint releases my head.
Nheless How about this?
Then for her next move, she gently takes my hand, and slowly guides it.
Oi!?
Onto her chest. But she doesnt just pull my hand to her chest.
She slips it beneath her clothes. She guides my hand under her clothes, onto her bare breast. I thought she waspletely t, but touching it directly, theres just a little something there. Its supple.
Saint-sama!? What in gods name are you doing!?
One of the knights whos been watching the whole scene cant hold back his outcry.
And Yuel is silently staring transfixed at my hand.
Shiki-sama, how is it?
However, the saint disregards both the knight and Yuel, and questions me. Even if she asks my opinion, I havent the slightest clue about the meaning behind her entric behavior.
Is your heart not pounding? Are you not in the mood to push me down and make babies with me?
As expected, shes averting her eyes as if she might be embarrassed, but both her words and her actions are radically extreme. What the hell is up with her? No, I did say Im not excited so I can understand what brought on this recklessness, but I wonder why she went down this road in the first ce.
The next time you are tempted by the subus or a beautiful woman like the one earlier, if I am nearby, wont you choose me instead?
Ahh I get it, Thats what this is about.
When I hear the word subus, I finallyprehend. I mean, now that I actually think about it thats the only thing it couldve been. Most likely, the saint must have been confirming whether or not she could be, in a certain sense, a war potential in opposition to the subus.
This saint really puts her body on the line. Although if were gonna talk about countermeasures against the subus, itd be fine to just keep someone like Eris or Ruruka near me at all times, so it shouldnt be necessary for the saint herself to go out of her way to do such things. In my wildest dreams, I never expected the saint to go this far. And yet, although I feel guilty that shes going this far for me,
But you cant rival the subus. Thats on a whole different level.
to say nothing of Marianna, even Eris I will do whatever you want offer was just barely enough against the temptation of the subus. Its probably impossible for the saint in the first ce. Shes hopelesslycking in the chest department.
Even if I go this far, is it hopeless for me?
This time, the voice the saint emits sounds truly heartbroken. To get barely any reaction after going this far might have been a considerable shock to her. Well, she is a beauty and all. And I got to touch the bare breast of an important person with the title of saint, no less.
But for me, titties are greater than titles. Since it was after I rubbed those bodacious boobs, in the end I couldnt hide my dissatisfaction.
If the subus appeared somewhere with just me and Philine, without a doubt Id be swept away by the subus temptation. I can guarantee that.
But if I told the saint something suitable here to protect her feelings and got abducted as a result, humanity would be in trouble. My wide-range healing is way toopatible with the subus horde of manipted monsters.
And Yuel is currently here too, not to mention the nearby knights. Its not like Ill be kidnapped that easily. But just in case, Ill properly convey my impressions.
I see
The saints head droops a little. Since Eris was able to get me back from the subus, the saint may have been thinking that she should be able to as well. But to be honest, the saints chest isnt much different from Yuels. No, Yuels might even be bigger. The saint is t beyond hope.
However, after letting out a single deep sigh, the saint soon switches to a serious expression.
I must say, this is somewhat irksome a night has passed, and yet the subus whereabouts are still unknown. She will require time to assemble more monsters, so the probability of an immediate repeat attack ought to be low, but we cannot discount the possibility that she remains lurking within the vicinity of this city.
I see but her leg was definitely hit by the Earth Dragons breath, so couldnt she also just be a statue by now?
Indeed, however judging from the battle thus far, an apostle of the evil god possesses a physical body that is far tougher than we had surmised. The petrification may not proceed at the same rate that it does with people. I have heard that,pared to humans, those monsters that have a strong vitality are abnormally resistant to petrification and poison. We cannot disregard the possibility that the same is true of the subus.
Now that she mentions it, even though the subus got fairly trounced by the dragon, she was okay. Even when she got smacked into the wall or the ground by its tail, she was still rtively lively. Although she did seem to be in pain. But if she had been an ordinary human, those powerful attacks would have turned her into mincemeat.
Ultimately, the better option seems to be to solidify Shiki-samas environs.
Then the saint mutters that and ps her hands peremptorily. At the same time, a small figurees hopping down from the roof of the mansion, and stops beside the saint.
Philine-sama, how may I serve you?
The identity of the figure is a beast-eared girl I sorta remember. Her age looks to be around the same as Yuels.
Shiki-sama, this girl is Astel, my escort. Shiki-samas ve is excellent, but it would seem that she has not received training as an escort forgive my impertinence, but while I am here in this mansion, let Astel here teach her the techniques of an escort.
Escort techniques?
I dont know what escort techniques is referring to, but, well, I guess it wouldnt hurt for Yuel to learn them. I take a nce in Yuels direction, and she seems eager. She looks into my eyes and nods, firmly clenching both fists.
Me?
But as for the kid named Astel, she seems a bit dissatisfied. Whats more, it looks like shes ring at Yuel a little. Oh wait, I only just remembered now, but this kid is the saints spy who Yuel mistakenly chased around back at the orphanage.
I get the feeling that she hates Yuel quite a bit. Something tells me this is going to get rather troublesome. Itd be great if they dont bicker or anything, though.
As Im fretting, a knight rushes over from outside the mansion. Then, when he locates the saint, he stops in front of her and reports.
Saint-sama, the subus has appeared in the city of Crusell!
Chapter 66 — Special Training
Chapter 66: Special Training.
I-In the city of Crusell!? Has she managed to assemble monsters and plot an attack so quickly!? What is the damage to the city!?
The saint raises a shocked voice. The subus has nobat ability by herself. It should take a few days for her to assemble a force of thousands of monsters in order to attack a city. And just yesterday, she attacked thisbyrinth city. For sure, this is way too soon for another attack.
Oi, isnt Crusell pretty close to here? Wont it be bad if we dont send reinforcements?
Thisbyrinth city was unharmed thanks to reinforcements from nearby as well as my existence, but I remember Crusell being a smaller-scale town than this one. If it received an attack from the subus without even gathering reinforcements, it would likely fall easily. If theyre still able to resist, we need to head over there with reinforcements as fast as we can.
No, that is not the case! I-Its a misunderstanding! Its not that the subus brought monsters to attack the town!
However, when the knight sees our surprise, he hastily corrects his statement.
Then what is the meaning of this?
The subus appeared by herself before the bishop of Crusell wanting him to heal her leg.
In response to the saints enquiry, the knight speaks with some difficulty.
Her leg? And in front of the bishop, unapanied? My apologies, but could you provide more details?
Yes. The subus initially tried to manipte Crusells Bishop-sama using her ability in order to get her petrification treated, but with his honest and virtuous character, it seems she was unable to influence him in the slightest. The subus attempted several methods, from seduction to using clever words to invite him to join the evil gods forces, but Crusells Bishop-sama wasnt moved and rejected her. In the end the subus clung to Bishop-sama, showing him her leg petrified up to the ankle while repeatedly sobbing and begging for her life like Its a once in a lifetime request, so please heal meee! At this rate Im gonna dieeee! and so on.
An apostle of the evil god was begging for her life?
When I hear the knights report, all of the tension drains from my body. I thought I needed to go back them up as soon as possible, but it sounds like thatll bepletely unnecessary. Seems like shes just been running around trying to get her leg treated. And furthermore, shes at her wits end to the point of ignoring her shame and forsaking her reputation.
I-Indeed, the bishop of Crusell should not be able to use anything beyond High Heal in the first ce, though What did Bishop-sama do after that?
Apparently he called soldiers over and they tried to capture the subus, but she just barely got away.
The ideal approach, and yet is that so, she was able to escape?
When she hears that the subus got away, the saint bites her nails.
Man, the subus image is steadily crumbling. In the Bible it was written that at times she moved in secret and at times she crushed cities from the frontlines, throwing mankind into disarray and carving out huge chunks of their territory. That she was an apostle who could certainly be called the right hand of the evil god. But like this shes just just a perverted young girl with a sheetty personality.
The subus sure sounded more impressive in the Bible.
Certainly, neither the number of monsters she maniptes nor her strategic nature are up to the level described in the Bible
The saint picks up on the surprise in my voice. However, she makes a sullen face as she speaks.
Yet we mustnt be careless. In biblical times, the subus once created internal strife within humanity, causing the ughter of many human beings without lifting a finger herself. Seeing through the weaknesses in peoples hearts and cleverly taking advantage of them to win people over to her side, that more than anything is her true strength. It is most disconcerting. Although presently her body is weakened, and it seems she is powerless against those humans with no openings, such as the bishop of Crusell
The saint nces at me as she says that. Is she implying that someone like me, full of openings and brimming with worldly desires, absolutely needs to watch out?
Now that she mentions it, the subus saw through my personality just from me gazing at her defenseless chest a little bit, and came to seduce me. Even after Eris intervened, the subus tempted me with honeyed words like If you join the evil gods camp Ill make you a harem with all the beautiful women in the world, using my true feelings to try to get me to betray humanity. She likely doesnt just use her own body as bait, she tried to make me turn traitor by giving me a glimpse of what I desire. I guess that being capable of such negotiation is why shes known as an apostle.
And yet, if that is the case, there is a possibility that the subus will appear at the churches in other cities. I shall entreat the surrounding cities to fortify the defenses around their churches and eminent priests.
After giving a concise message to the knight, the saint seems to think about something a little, and soon speaks to me.
There are currently no priests in the vicinity capable of using EX Heal other than myself and Shiki-sama. If the subus knew this, she would invariably return to attack thisbyrinth city. Particrly, there is the justification that Shiki-sama is the Sage, and given the fact that she was able to easily manipte you once before, the possibility that she will target you is extraordinarily high
Its extraordinarily high, huh?
I must speak with Lord-sama immediately concerning the defenses of this mansion and our coordination with the nearby cities. I shall prepare countermeasures, but please exercise adequate caution.
Well then, Astel, you have your instructions.
Then, leaving the rest up to the young dog-eared girl known as Astel, the saint hastily returns to the lords mansion.
Wait, was this dog-eared girl the subordinate she wanted to introduce me to? Just from her age alone of course her chest ispletely t. So much for getting my hopes up a tiny bit.
After the saint goes inside the mansion, Astel makes a pouty expression and sighs.
You got in my way at the orphanage, didnt you.
Then she nces at Yuel and addresses her in a critical tone of voice.
Looks like she still holds a grudge over being chased around at the orphanage after all. Shes around the same age as Yuel so her animosity doesnt have much impact, but her feelings of anger are well evident. Shes puffing out her cheeks and going Hmph!.
That was an extremely important operation to expose the true intentions of that Archbishop Darnaud. Thanks to your interference, Saint-sama got really mad at me afterwards.
She got really mad, huh? Sure, the existence of Yuel may very well have obstructed the saints operation or whatever, but at the time, Yuel didnt know that Astel was an observer on the saints side. I mean, in the beginning even I didnt think that the saint was an ally. As far as Yuel is concerned, telling her that she should have been considerate of Astel when she noticed her is unreasonable.
Um, I-Im sorry
You were sneaking around on the roof of the orphanage; Yuel was only thinking that you might have been aiming for me. She didnt do anything wrong. The problem was that archbishop and I just happened to run into each other at the orphanage by chance, thats all.
Yuel apologized, but just in case, Ill admonish Astel as well. Itll bug me if she mes Yuel too much over this matter. And even if she criticizes Yuel here, its not like Yuel can make use of that in the future. The next time a suspicious person approaches me, Id prefer that Yuel try to remove them, seeing as how shes my guard. If were going to make the best of our mistakes, the lesson here is most likely that I need to teach Yuel how to properly differentiate between an enemy and an ally.
Well, it doesnt seem like theres much point in me telling Astel that, though. She said that the saint was furious, so she probably wants to me Yuel whos around the same age as the cause of her failure. Plus she likely cant criticize me, now that Im being called the sage. I bet shell reject my argument.
However, Astel doesntsh back against my remarks. Rather, her mouth hangs open like she was taken by surprise.
Even though I was on top of the roof, you noticed me? You didnt just climb up onto the roof by chance?
After that, she hangs her head, grumbling about something in a small voice, seemingly depressed.
I was discovered I was discovered by an amateur
I wonder if, by some chance, she was confident in her ability as a spy to hide her presence? As a spy who works for the saint, I suppose its not good for her to be discovered by an amateur, much less a child such as Yuel. Shes staring stupefied at Yuel as if its a huge shock to her, that kind of atmosphere.
She may have the title of the saints spy, but mentally she seems to act her age.
Oi, arent you here in order to teach Yuel your escort techniques?
But its gonna be bothersome if she just stands around in a daze like this forever. For the time being, I try calling out to her.
Thats right! You, fight me! Before I train you, Ill measure your abilities first!
When I do, Astel is taken aback and immediately recovers herposure. Then, in a strong tone, she faces Yuel and challenges her. That was a fast switch.
But her way of recovering is a little off. Somehow its like shes trying to defeat Yuel to prove her own merit, theres that kind of feel to it. I wonder if this is okay?
A fight, is it?
I wasnt sure if I should stop it, but when Yuel hears Astels words, her eyes begin to sparkle. You wanna fight her, Yuel-san?
Well, after all, she doesnt have any experience fighting a child around the same age. Im kinda interested to see the extent of Yuels ability, too. Astel received training as the saints spy. Yuel is strong, but I can easily predict that Astel is stronger than she appears as well.
I have as much training in the fundamentals of interpersonalbat as a knight. Id never lose to an amateur elf like you, whos only ever fought monsters!
Astel takes out a wooden practice sword and throws it to Yuel. She seems considerably self-confident.
Yuel, do whatever you want, just make sure not to cause injury. It may be a wooden sword, but stop right before you get a hit.
Yes, Master!
Just to make sure, I remind her safety first, and Yuel replies enthusiastically. Shes hopping up and down, warming up. She doesnt have enough there to go boing-boing, but her chest seems full of motivation all the same.
!
Astel res at Yuel with a harsh expression. Whats she ring for now?
Wait I meant it for both Astel and Yuel, but to Astel, it might have looked like I was coordinating with Yuel in advance. Like Kukuku, my escort Yuel. Astel or whoever over there may be a pushover, but dont go overboard. Looking at it from her perspective, did it seem like we were looking down on her? I also get the feeling shes being too sensitive, though. Plus theres the fact that theyre around the same age, so I wonder if she sees Yuel as a rival?
But, well, having a rival isnt a bad thing. Theres nothing wrong with Yuel getting stronger, so lets have her train as much as she can without getting hurt.
Chapter 67 — Sleeping Powder
Chapter 67: Sleeping Powder.
A few minutester.
Somehow or other, I had a feeling it would end up like this. But I also predicted that there would be trouble if it did.
The garden of the lords mansion. A single no-contact match with wooden swords.
-The result was Yuel standing over a fallen Astel, holding a wooden sword to her throat.
Kuuhhhhhh
Astel, down on her butt, res intensely at Yuel.
You ended up winning, Yuel-san. You ended up winning against the sages spy who has the same amount of interpersonalbat training as a knight, Yuel-san.
Master! I won!
Yuel approaches me jubntly. Then, as if wishing to be petted, she holds her head in an easily essible spot and starts wiggling it. Im worried about how Astel will react, but Ill pet her anyway.
Unbelievable
Staring at Yuel bashfully getting her head petted, Astel makes a facial expression that no child ever should. Eyes half-covered in tears, biting her lower lip, ring furiously at Yuel.
So it ended up like this after all, huh? I wanted Yuel to win, but it was clear that this would happen if she did. I mean, as the saints escort, Astel seemed to be highly conscious of her professional status and all.
But its not like I cant understand Astels feelings. Astel most likely beats Yuel by a mile when ites tobat techniques. And yet shepletely lost in terms of specs; thats the kind of match-up it was.
Astels attacks mixed with clever feints werepletely ovee by Yuels reflexes. Even when she deftly moved into Yuels blind spots, Yuel twitched her ears to pinpoint Astels location and continued urately swinging the wooden sword towards her. Yuel ended up covering the difference in technique with her bodys ability. Imagining the potential once Yuel has properly honed herbat techniques, my expectations for her future prospects have risen, but this result is a little cruel for Astel.
Or maybe I should ask, with Astel being so vexed, will she even teach Yuel herbat techniques properly? Even under normal circumstances she has an attitude like she hates Yuel. Im concerned about Astels mental state.
Even from the perspective of the saint, this result was most likely beyond her expectations when she gave Astel her orders. If Yuel can win against the spy used by the saint, shell most likely trample over ordinary enemies. Surely, unless its one of a handful of big shots who are stronger than Astel or have skin too hard for her knife to prate like the Armor Ogre, nobody could win against Yuel.
But such things probably dont matter to Astel. No matter how strong Yuel may be, as the saints spy, Astel lost to someone of the same age, and furthermore someone with barely anybat training. As far as shes concerned, it would invariably be humiliating. Shes ring at Yuel as her eyes fill up with tears, and involuntarily trembling.
Hey, Astel, this is
Im feeling a little sorry for her. When I try to find the right words tofort her,
I-I lost because it was a practice match. I-If this had been a serious fight, and I had dipped my weapon in poison, it wouldve been my win. If it was a real fight I would have won!
Astel turns to Yuel, nearly crying, and insists that. Somehow, it looks like shes iming that even if she lost the match she wouldnt lose in a serious fight. Well, if Yuel just goes along with it, as far as Im concerned it doesnt matter who would win or lose. And theyre both young girls, so itd be a shame if Yuel aggravates her and makes her cry.
The rest depends on Yuels reaction and Yuel nods deeply at Astels words.
Yes, if it had been dipped in poison, I might have lost.
Then Yuel says that, echoing Astels assertion. Did she read the atmosphere?
No, now that I get a good look, theres a small scratch on Yuels right shoulder. I didnt notice it, but Yuel might have failed to dodge Astels attack. A strike of that degree could hardly be called fatal, but sure, if her weapons were dipped in poison for realbat, Yuel might very well have been immobilized.
I am Saint-samas spy! I pursue Saint-samas enemies, gather information, and now and then use poisons and chemicals to render my targets helpless. Thats my job. Of course directbat skills are essential, but there are more important things than that for a spy!
Yuel keeps nodding in agreement with Astels speech. Then Astel starts slowly lining bottles up before her eyes.
I wasnt sure what I should teach you, but lets go with this. These are all poisons that I concocted myself.
All of these? Amazing!
Bottles of poison, lined up in a row. When she sees them, Yuel makes an astonished voice andpliments Astel. With a twitch, Astels drooping dog ears shake.
I-I choose which of all these poisons to use depending on the situation.
Depending on the situation even though there are so many? Amazing!
Yuel praises her further. Astels dog ears shake again. Did she regain her enthusiasm? Her ears have perked up a little.
Not just poison, even antidotes, I can prepare them all!
Thats amazing! I havent ever used poison. Its incredible that you can use all of those, and even make the antidotes!
Taking a long hard look at the poison bottles, Yuel exims in admiration. Astels ears shoot straight up. Then they start waggling.
As long as you understand!
Before I knew it, the tears have disappeared from Astels eyes and shes stopped trembling. Yuel is looking at her somewhat gently, too. I thought I should say something to console her, but looks like she already recovered.
This kid is pretty simple, huh. Yuel seems to bevishing her with praise naturally, though.
First, this one is nerve paralysis poison. And this one is lethal hemorrhaging poison. These two are mainly used to coat weapons.
Is Astel in a good mood now? Shes giving Yuel an exnation of the poison bottles.
But man, poison, huh? Its not that scary to someone like me who can use healing magic, but to a normal person, when poison is used a mere scratch can be fatal. Since Yuels the type that has to do a lot of work to make up for her low power, it may be just the right thing for her.
And then this one is sleeping powder. This one is absorbed through the respiratory organs. Since it takes effect immediately and there are few side effects, its perfect for when you dont want to kill your opponent.
Astel continues exining her poisons. In the middle of her talk, theres something that piques my interest.
Oh? Sleeping powder, huh? Nice. Mind sharing some with me?
Sleeping powder. The risks are apparently low, and even I should be able to handle it. I daresay sleeping powder is well-suited for me. Ill try negotiating with Astel.
Sage-sama!? Even if youre the sage, you cant just put women to sleep and have your way with them!?
Thats wrong! No, look, you see, in my case, I could fill up the room with it and keep curing myself, and Id be able to perfectly incapacitate any enemy, right? If I had it, and I needed to fight someone, I could end it before it turns into a brawl.
By merely expressing interest in the sleeping powder, Im subjected to some unjust usations. Just what kind of person does Astel think I am? Or rather, something tells me my reputation has suffered considerable damage from the knights who were guarding the front gate.
I wonder if its because so many people were watching when I ended up being easily tempted by the subus. Now Im extremely worried about what has happened to my image among the people here in this mansion.
I-I see. However, Sage-sama, can you promise me you wont use it for evil purposes?
Of course.
After all, Im not that kind of viinous person.
Saint-sama is currently in an exceedingly delicate position. Depending on Shiki-samas conduct, her position may very well hang in the bnce. Please, at least promise me that much.
However, Astel emphasizes it further.
How low is her confidence in me? Im the magnificent person known as the Sage, arent I? Wait, hold that thought,
Hm the saint is in a delicate position? What does that mean?
this is the first time Im hearing that the saints standing is unreliable. She seems busy, but I havent especially asked her about it.
Saint-sama was unable to prevent the subus revival despite being present at the location. In the raid by the subus as well, she seeded in defending the city, but she allowed the subus herself to escape.
Its a huge opening to take advantage of. And Saint-sama has so many enemies.
When I try asking, Astel tells me like its not particrly a secret.
She has a lot of enemies?
Yes. As a descendant of the past Sage, Saint-sama possesses a strong sense of responsibility.
In recent years, corruption such as Darnauds has be rampant within the church. In the past, Saint-sama purged numerous corrupt priests and those connected to the church whomitted injustices. Thats why there are many who see Saint-sama as an enemy especially within the church.
When I hear the story from Astel, I remember.
Now that she mentions it, the saint expressly came from the royal capital to purge Darnaud, didnt she? Well, this time Darnaud did snatch the jewel that the subus was sealed in, but if shes been continuously carrying out such purges every time she uncovers corruption, that would certainly create enemies within the church. If I be archbishop and start doing as I please, it sounds like Ill be purged immediately. Id better be careful.
Saint-sama has been exhausting all of her power to correct the churchs decay from within, in order to aid the weak.
Just like when she saved me from being a ve.
Astel looks at me and puffs out her chest as she says that. Her eyes are totally pure; I cant feel any shadow or gloominess within them. Theyre telling me just how deeply Astel adores and respects the saint. Im pretty sure that being so liked by ones attendants is not verymon.
Yeah, the saint even gave a ring to the blind girl at the orphanage as charity. The matter of the shills made me think she was somewhat conniving, but when I try thinking about it calmly, perhaps shes a surprisingly kindhearted person.
Yeah. I wont misuse it. Absolutely not.
Very well. In that case, theres no problem. Here you go.
Um, Astel-san, well, may I have some too?
When I put away the bottle of sleeping powder, Yuel approaches Astel as if she cant wait any longer. Her ears are waggling. Looks like she wants to try using poisons. Personally, I wish shed get excited about more girlish things, but poisons really seem to have captured her interest.
Sage-sama is an expert at healing magic, so theres no problem for him. As for you, Ill teach you how to make the antidote first. Handling poisonses after that.
Okay.
Yuels ears lower in disappointment. Well, Yuel cant use healing magic yet, after all. But, even though I wasnt sure it would work out at the beginning, Astels stormy attitude from back then is nowhere to be found now. The meek Yuel unexpectedly has a good affinity with Astel and her strong sense of pride. Having the two young girls make friends with each other warms my heart. If I ignore the fact that theyre holding poison.
And, as Im watching the two of them.
Shiki, so you were here after all!
From the direction of the mansion, a voice calls out to me. When I look back, I see Ruruka waving to me.
Chapter 68 — Eris and Ruruka
Chapter 68: Eris and Ruruka.
Ruruka is waving at me.
No, that part is fine. But theres one minor discrepancy there.
Ruruka is walking over here along with Eris.
Picture this, Ruruka and Eris, together voluntarily. This is pretty unusual. Due to the matter of Ruruka getting under-the-table discounts at Eris hospital, Ruruka feels self-conscious around Eris, and Eris likely doesnt think very highly of Ruruka.
I wonder why theyre together?
Ysee, Shiki, Saint-sama came and told me you were about to fall into apletely obvious honey trap first thing in the morning, so since it cant be helped, I should stay together with you. Who knows what youll get up to if I let you out of my sight, so she told me to keep an eye on you at all times.
Now I get it.
That is what she told me, but I dont think she was talking to you.
She nced over at me too!
I pretty much get the idea.
Most likely, as an urgent countermeasure against the subus, the saint was trying to get Eris to stay by my side. And, at the time, Ruruka happened to be nearby as well. She felt a sense of impending doom from the idea of Eris remaining beside me 24/7, so she followed her all the way here. Is that about how it went?
Besides
Ruruka gets closer and whispers into my ear.
Weve already kissed, right?
Then her face turns red and she immediately moves away. Is she talking about that, the one on the cheek back at the beauty contest? Ruruka looks bashfully at me for a moment, then nces in Eris direction with a hint of superiority permeating her expression. As if shes asserting her ownership over me, before I know it shes holding my arm between her breasts. So soft.
Now that I think about it, back when I was tempted by the subus, Ruruka wasnt there, huh. Ruruka only got back from the royal capital after I had returned to my senses. Which means that Ruruka has no idea what Eris and I were doing back then.
And yet Ruruka keeps sending Eris a look of superiority.
I notice Eris expression be openly irritated by the way Ruruka is looking at her.
Hey Shiki, hey. Lets go see Dra-chan. Shes in the courtyard. Wanna feed her together? Shes so cute when shes crunching up Goblins, yknow?
Oi, Ruruka, wait a m
Ruruka pulls on my arm thats wedged between her breasts and tries to take me somewhere. I get the feeling shes gonna show me a repulsive scene, so I kinda dont want to go, but with my arm caught in her ravine like this, my body ends up moving on its own. I cant help but go.
-However, my feet are brought to a halt.
Theres a force thats enough to stop me in my tracks.
I see when Shiki gets tempted like this, I need to stop him, right?
!?
My opposite arm from the one Ruruka is holding its being held between Eris giant tits, with their overwhelming presence. My arm gets lodged deep between Eris breasts as she pulls me towards her.
Its no good. I cant move like this. I dont feel like I can take a single step from this spot.
Im not a honey trap, though. I just wanna go see Dra-chan with Shiki.
Do you now but I was told by Saint-sama to remain together with Shiki.
Eris res at Ruruka, and Ruruka res back at her. Hold on, whats with this situation? The atmosphere is terribly vtile. I feel like I need to do something about it, but the abundant sensation I can feel on both arms is severely interfering with my thought process. A flower on both hands. Big breasts on both arms. So very soft. Im starting to feel like its fine for me not to do anything.
I wanna go over to where Dra-chan is with Shiki, just the two of us, though.
Sorry, but I cant possibly throw out my promise with Saint-sama. Also theres a little something I want to discuss with Shiki.
If you have something to say, cant you just say it here?
I wish to speak with Shiki alone as well.
Thats Out of the question! Thats absolutely not okay!
Eris and Ruruka are arguing back and forth for some reason. The two of them staring seriously at each other is simply frightening. No, its not like they ever got along in the first ce, though. And Ive never seen them having a proper talk before.
At any rate, even though usually Ruruka flees immediately when she sees Eris, today shes stubbornly refusing to withdraw. Resistance to the bitter end, shes got that kind of air to her. Wait, what is it that Eris wants to talk about?
I wonder if I should intervene somehow, and break apart this tempestuous atmosphere? But with both of them being so stubborn, if I prioritize Eris or Ruruka, my rtionship with the other one will no doubt be fractured. Im starting to feel like I should change the subject here, and suggest a third option for the three of us to all watch over Yuels growth together.
As Im considering it, suddenly I meet eyes with Yuel. Somehow, it seems like Yuel has been watching the three of us the entire time. Shes making a curious face, like Why are they arguing?. The reason were bickering is just that Ruruka is having a crisis over me and Eris being close, though
-I just remembered something huge.
Eris-san, Ruruka-san, are you okay? You dont have to fight. Masters hare-Aaaalriiight, we havent had breakfast yet!! Eris, Ruruka, lets go eat together!! Cmon, lets go!!
I make an on-the-spot decision and insist in a loud voice, to drown out Yuels. That was close. The third option was the most dangerous one. Just a bit further, and the fact that Im nning to make a harem wouldve been exposed to Eris and Ruruka. Yuel aside, those two wouldnt so easily ept polygamy. In their present condition, Eris and Ruruka are hostile to each other, but they were in danger of both turning against me.
Cmon, arent you hungry? Lets go, right away! And itd be bad if we disturbed Astel and Yuel while theyre studying!!
Its regrettable in this situation with bosoms on both arms, but if I dont get moving immediately here, my reputation will hit rock bottom. Once I get away from Ruruka and Eris, I retreat inside the mansion at full speed.
Though its great that we got away from Yuel, the cause of the conflict between Eris and Ruruka hasnt been resolved. You could say that the two of them have been hostile from the start, over the treatment fees.
Its an explosive situation to begin with, and now its time for breakfast in this vtile atmosphere. I resign myself to that as we head to the mansions dining hall but fortunately, nothing that I imagined happens on the way there.
Were seated at the dining hall. Eris, sitting across from me, is looking straight down to hide her face, which is blushing and making an expression like shes been trying to endure something for a while. Shes silently trembling in apparent embarrassment. Since we arrived at the dining hall, Eris has been in this mood the entire time. What made Eris get like this, you ask? The cause was the crowd of knights here in the dining hall.
Currently, the mansion is on high alert. Within the mansion alone, no less than several dozen knights are stationed. That battle of temptation between Eris and the subus during the subus siege, multiple knights witnessed it firsthand.
And, it would seem that those eyewitnesses are among the knights here in the dining hall.
When Sage-sama was lured by the subus, thats the one who supposedly got him toe back with only her body.
She has to remain together with Sage-sama as a counter to the subus, apparently.
Compared to that chopping board subus, shes definitely way more subus-like
-Gossip about Eris is spreading like wildfire.
Subus-like!?
Hanging her head in shame, the fork that Eris was using to restlessly pick at her meal falls from her hand. Looks like she couldnt let thatst line go. Eris hangs her head even further and starts trying to hide her body thats covered in her demure monastic habit by hunching over. Shes blushing bright red all the way to her ears.
I can tell from a nce that her head is brimming with shame. Doesnt look like I have room to be worried about Ruruka anymore. Speaking of Ruruka, she seems concerned about the knights gossip too; shes ignoring Eris and straining her ears. Right now, theres more attention on Eris in this dining hall than on me, the Sage.
Thats not how it started. In the beginning,
So thats Sage-sama? He was the one who cast those maximum Area Heals when we were fighting the subus!
The Area Heals back at the time of the Krankheit Turtle were from that Sage-sama too, apparently.
with that kind of feeling, the knights were gossiping about me and the superhuman healing magic I used in the subus battle. Talking about how awesome my healing magic was, about the title of Sage, all of their attention was on me. But knights wont talk about the same thing forever.
Speaking of the Krankheit Turtle, back then, didnt they say he risked his life to protect Fran-sama? Cmon, you saw it too, right? Him getting all those medals from Lord-sama.
Now that you mention it, I heard he beat an Armor Ogre variant to death by himself.
Gradually, the stories got slightly twisted around,
He doesnt look that strong, but people arent always what they seem the only info I got was that hes extremely fond of women, though.
Yeah, he was getting manipted by the subus, I saw it too.
developed this way,
That reminds me, look, next to Sage-sama that blondie she and the subus both tempted Sage-sama, and she won.
She beat the subus at seducing a man!?
and ended up like that. Most likely, many knights read the Bible as part of their education. She beat the subus at seducing a man, that one line by a single knight, was apparently utterly unbelievable. Since then, the whole time the knights have been eating breakfast, a conversation has been unfolding around the subus and Eris.
Its not particrly like the knights have also been sending vulgar nces to Eris, or talking dirty. Rather than calling it trivial gossip, its more like theyre confirming the details of their protection target with one another, so that doesnt mean I should stop their conversations either.
Well, its not like theyre doing any real harm, so if I had to decide, Id say I dont really mind. And speaking of that, having them be able to share information with their fellow knights is connected to my own safety. Plus, theres also been a strange rumor floating around that I even cut one of the knights pay or something.
Disregarding the knights conversation and continuing my meal, I reach towards the food with my fork.
Oh yeah, what kind of rtionship do those two have with Sage-sama?
Yeah, I saw that redheaded adventurer confessing to Sage-sama.
Does that mean we should recognize her as Sage-samas lover? In that case, she should have a pretty high priority as a protection target, huh.
Abruptly, I hear the conversation between a few of the knights sitting nearby take a strange turn.
Hey, Shiki they said were Lovers!
Ruruka twists her body happily in the seat next to me. Looks like she heard it too. Her face reddens a little, and she prods my side.
No no, back with the subus, isnt that blondie the one who was all glued to him, even hugging and kissing him? Aint she his real lover?
That was so intense, it looked like she even used her tongue.
-This time, the fork falls out of Rurukas hand.
Oh no. At once, I avert my eyes from Ruruka. Oh man, if I get cross-examined here its gonna be about that subject.
Glued to him Hugging and kissing!? Tongue!? What do they mean tongue!?
However, my feeble resistance is futile, and Ruruka questions me in a loud voice.
Hey, Shiki, what are they talking about? You and Eris kissed!? She used her tongue!?
No, Ruruka, that was
I dont remember whether tongue was involved or not. A lot went on while I was being manipted by the subus. I meet eyes with Eris, but her face tells me she cant endure it all and she hides it. She clutches her arms against her chest and curls up even further into a ball, resulting in her voluptuous breasts being squeezed precariously.
Ahh, oh wow, so one of them is his mistress?
I can hear the knights muttering something in a whisper. Not good. That term is and mine.
Mistreeeessss!?
Rurukas voice is quivering; did it trigger her trauma? Her eyes are wide open, and she keeps opening and closing her mouth.
As for the knights, theyre making faces like Oh boy, Sage-samas got love troubles, as if they had nothing to do with it. These bastards.
Guess I shouldve put a stop to it on the way over after all. Lets ask the lord to cut their payter.
But, regretting it now wont turn back time.
Sage-sama aint doing too bad for himself. Wonder which one is his favorite?
The phrase which one is his favorite?, grumbled by a knight. With those words as the trigger, Ruruka and Eris both look at me at the same time.
Oh crap. A decisive crack is about to form in my harem n. The mood in the room is telling me to choose which one is my favorite, to clearly dere which one I love.
But theres no way I can choose one or the other. Given my personality, if the one I didnt choose solicits me afterwards, Ill be tempted and the rtionship with the one I chose previously will no doubt break down. The fact that I was easily lured by the subus reaffirmed it. In the end, a harem is the only choice for me.
And, as Im worrying over how to respond,
Shiki I, theres something I have to say to you.
Eris opens her mouth first. She has a serious expression, like shes troubled by my inability to choose.
I really wanted to tell you this when it was just the two of us. But I dont want to regret not saying itter on.
That reminds me, she did tell me she had something to talk about. I wonder what its about? Well, at this point I dont care what it is as long as it changes the subject. Ill listen to whatever she has to say.
What is it? Whats the matter?
I that side of you thats promiscuous with women, I really, truly despise it.
-I dont want to listen anymore.
Selfishly giving price discounts at the hospital, touching girls breasts the second I take my eyes off of you, and giving me those same looks every day.
No doubt about it. This is a sermon. Its like Eris is thinking back on the old days, thats the kind of distant look shes making. Seeing my present love snafu must have ended up reminding her of the troubles that got between us in the past.
Especially back then; to bepletely honest, just remembering it now makes me quite irritated.
Eris breathes out a small sigh. Back then most likely refers to around the time right before she threw me out of the hospital.
Wait, isnt this really bad? The way this conversation is headed, with Eris lecturing me, means
Oi, aint she gonna dump Sage-sama?
Does he cheat on her all the time? Well yeah, no wonder shes telling him off.
The conversation between the knights reaches my ears.
Is that what it means after all? Am I gonna end up getting dumped?
-No, its not like thats decided yet. Giving up on Eris is not an option for me. I should still be able to avert it.
Time out! Lets have this conversationter! Look, didnt you want to talk about this when its just the two of us?
I cant let Eris continue her speech. I absolutely cant let her make that deration. And at some point, maybe Eris will re-examine me and there will be a chance for recovery. I need to buy time somehow until then. Thats all I can do.
Im not stopping.
However, Eris makes a resolutely determined expression and cuts me off. Ive only ever seen her make an expression like this once before. It was back when she threw me out of the hospital.
When Eris eyes get like this, theres absolutely no changing her mind.
Hold on, Eris! If we just have a calm andposed discussion, Im sure we can
But you know, its different now.
reach an understanding, so! Wait eh??
What did she just say? Its different now? Does that mean
I love you. Even now, I cant stand the side of you thats indiscriminate with women. But even though theres that part of you, Im in love with you.
My head goes pure white in an instant as Eris words reverberate through it. As soon as Iprehend the meaning of her words, my heart thumps and I feel it leap in my chest.
When I look at Eris face once again, her cheeks redden slightly as she looks back at me unflinchingly. Looking into her eyes, my heart leaps again. I notice her face gradually grow redder and redder.
One of the nearby knights whistles.
That means?
Since Ive thrown you out of the hospital once before, you may not believe me, but
As our eyes meet again, Eris body shivers, and she lowers her reddened face to hide it. And, maintaining that position, she squeezes out her voice.
When you bought back the hospital for me, I was incredibly grateful to you. When I heard that you were going deep into the forest with the knights, I felt so worried. Having another girl confess her love to you made me terribly jealous. And when you used Area Heal on the city and EX Heal for Farah-chan at the orphanage, you chose saving others over having your true ability discovered. I came to care so much for you.
With each continued statement from Eris, the nearby knights raise up a So nice! jeer. Despite blushing again from the heckling, Eris doesnt stop weaving her words.
Moreover, when you saved me at the church you got so battered, but you kept standing up time after time. Even though you could have run away by yourself. But you didnt show the slightest sign of trying to escape. You protected me to the bitter end.
After saying all that, Eris raises her head.
That is why I love you. I want to marry you. I want you to choose me, not anyone else.
And, looking into my eyes, she says that. Its not just her, all of the surrounding knights are looking at me.
Eris I-I
I want to ept. The words Lets get married, right now. are right on the tip of my tongue. To marry Eris, and build a happy family. I can picture the scene clearly in my mind.
-But, its impossible.
If I ept here, invariably Ill be seeing Eris saddened face in the future. From the worst side of me, my unfaithfulness. Besides, I already ended up telling Yuel not to worry on ount of the harem. Yuel will cry too.
Not okay thats not okay!
From the side, I hear a shout. Ruruka is staring at Eris with her lips drawn tight, trembling.
You say something too, Shiki! That its not okay! Because, because if you dont!
Irritation. Rurukas expression is full of it. She might possibly have sensed that my feelings are leaning towards Eris in one way or another. She clutches at her chest as if shes in pain, then ms both hands on the table to vent her emotions that have no outlet.
My eyes flinch shut from the sound and the impact.
And, when I open them again-
a stew dish is right in front of my eyes. Its at a 90o angle to the ground, approaching my face from 30cm away. Ah, now its more like 25cm away.
Sensing the impending crisis, my brain starts to turn my head at high speed. Why is there a stew dish right in front of my face? I only closed my eyes for a moment.
-The scene right before I closed my eyes shes back in my mind.
Ahh, its that. When Ruruka mmed her hands on the table, one of them hit the edge of this stew dish. And, in the moment my eyes were closed, the other side of the dish wasunched up from the force of it, and came towards me at a 90o angle.
Thats as far as my understanding gets before the hot stew hits me directly in the face.
Ah, sorry, Shiki.
Ites out of her mouth by reflex. Thats the type of apology I get from Ruruka.
Ah Are you alright!?
A few seconds pass after that, and as if she fully realized the situation, I hear a more emotional voice from Ruruka. Maybe she encountered an unexpected situation when the stew hit me square in the face, and it took a moment for her thoughts to reset.
Wait a minute are you hurt?
Eris voicees to me from the other side of the stew dish as well. Thankfully, it wasnt hot enough to scald me.
If I had to say one way or the other, I guess Im fine, but
I peel the stew dish off of my face, but I cant open my eyes. After wiping the area around my eyes thoroughly with my hands, Im finally able to open them. When I look at my hands, theyre filthy to the point that its hard to find a spot thats not covered in stew. The same probably goes for my face and the rest of my head. Clumps of stew are clinging to my clothes as well, and I can sense the moisture from it seeping into the fabric as time passes.
I-Im so sorry, Shiki! I-It wasnt on purpose my hand, um, hit the edge of the stew dish um, I-Im really sorry okay!?
Do I look that terrible? Ruruka is apologizing profusely. And yet this could be convenient. A confession from Eris. And on top of that, Ruruka already told me she loves me. I want to give it some proper thought, but I cant do that in this situation, surrounded by Ruruka and the other knights. Its a good chance to get some time to myself for once.
Dont worry about it for the time being, Ill go take a bath and change my clothes.
Thats it, a temporary withdrawal. What I want more than anything right now is time to reflect. I want to leisurely soak up to my shoulders in a bathtub, and think slowly and carefully about Eris and Ruruka.
Me too Ill get in with you!
However, unexpectedly, I hear such a voice from beside me. Its Ruruka. Ruruka is saying those things with a reddened face.
!? How can you
Since I got you dirty, Shiki, Ill wash you!
Eris eyes snap wide open, but Ruruka deres that in a strong voice. I wanna go. I wanna go take a bath with Ruruka. I really wanna go. But now is not the best time.
Right now I want to ruminate over Eris and Ruruka. I cant let myself get carried away by bath time with Ruruka? and leave the things I need to think about unsettled.
And Eris is watching me, like shes waiting to see how Ill respond. If I get into the bath together with Ruruka, its obvious how Eris will feel about that. I need to properly do some rational thinking now more than ever.
See, even now Eris is opening her mouth to tell me something. I bet shes about to give me a warning.
I-In that case I-I will Join you as well
No friggin way.
Chapter 69 — Expectation
Chapter 69: Expectation.
This is awesome, this is so awesome
Im nervous. Im in therge bath at the lords mansion. While soaking up to my shoulders in the warm, cloudy water that fills it, Ive been feeling restless. In my excess nervousness, Ive been talking to myself for a while now.
Most likely, Ruruka and Eris both ended up saying theyd get in the bath together with me due to the course of events back there. Perhaps not wanting me to see them undressing, they said theyd wait for me to get in first, with a strong sense of embarrassment in their attitudes. Even after washing my face and scrubbing my body, I can still vaguely see the two of them huddled in the dressing room through the frosted ss.
But the two of them are probably still going toe in, right?
Eris and Ruruka have both told me they love me. Most likely, the two of them have gotten into a situation where they cant retreat even if they want to. If Eris retreats then Ruruka will enter and tempt me with her charm, and if Ruruka retreats then even Eris may very well do the same.
My heart is pounding now. Or should I say, its been pounding since some time ago. I-I wonder if theyll let me wash their bodies? Or wait what if it doesnt end with just washing?
Neither of them are the type to consider immediately having sexual rtions as soon as they fall in love. If I had to say theyre the type to steadily take things one step at a time.
-But that doesnt apply right now. Currently, theyve both ended up in a situation where theyre ying chicken over the extent to which theyll apany me.
For instance, lets say Eris and Ruruka are washing my body. First, one of them will be washing me from behind. In terms of personality, Ruruka is more likely to act first, so lets assume she washes my back. When she does, in order to counter that, it means Eris will have no choice but to wash my front.
Im getting in the bath together with the two of them; theres no way I can maintain a calm, tranquil, serene condition. In the sense that my front side strongly asserts its existence. Surely, Eris will inevitably avert her eyes while washing my chest and legs.
But she cant avert her eyes forever. Eris and Ruruka are both well aware that in order to do something about my feelings, seduction is the most expedient method. Its not like theres no possibility that it will go on like that and escte.
Calm down calm down, me
As my excitement rises again, it makes its way out of my mouth in the form of my internal monologue.
On the other side of the frosted ss, I can vaguely see Eris and Rurukas silhouettes. It looks like the two of them are slowly removing their clothes in silence. The only sound that reaches me is the rustling of their clothes.
Wha! Theyre amazing Ehhh!?
Then suddenly, I hear Rurukas surprised voice.
I-I dont think theyre really that incredible, though
I can hear Eris bashful voice too.
I know what just happened. Most likely, Eris removed her top.
They sure are impressive, huh. I was amazed too, the first time I saw them. So overly amazed that I immediately dove onto Eris in the bathroom, and got myself kicked out of the hospital the next day.
But no matter how much I look at them now, she wont throw me out. We have an agreement. Even touching them, maybe shell allow it. I doubt that either Ruruka or Eris would get mad.
Something like this is it okay for something like this to happen?
Somehow, I very much feel like offering my gratitude to something. But Im afraid I have no religion that I believe in. For now, I guess I could thank the subus for the part she yed in my rtionship progress? And having to be wary of the subus was also the reason behind the situation developing into this. Subus, apostle of the evil god, you have my thanks. And thank you too, evil god, for producing the subus at this point, I may as well be an evil god adherent.
Across the frosted ss, the scene in the dressing room is visible. Perhaps flustered by Eris removing her clothes, Ruruka too is evidently making undressing motions. My excitement is steadily rising.
Then, through the frosted ss, below Rurukas red hair, everything has turned skin-colored. I can only see a vague silhouette, but she has definitely taken off her clothes.
Cmon, all thats left is to open the door connecting the dressing room over there to the bath. Just a bit further, and their figures will be visible.
For a short time, both of them freeze and their movements stop. But slowly, they start to move again. Looks like theyve ovee their uncertainty. I get the feeling there was something I needed to think about, but the fact that the two of them are about to enter the bath is the only thing on my mind anymore. Now,e cmone in!!
Then, the door starts to open!
-That instant.
Its the subuuus! The subus has cooome!
The throaty voice of a knight resounds throughout the mansion.
That sheetty subus!!!
To think that the subus would actuallye around with this timing. But it was just a little further until Eris and Ruruka entered the bath. Even though we were so close, being disturbed at a time like!
No, wait?
The fact that the subus hase, that means that both Eris and Ruruka need to stay by my side. In other words, it means they need to enter this bath. Conversely, its possible that the subus arrival will make the two of them hurry inside.
My chance hasnt disappeared yet. Im gambling on the hope that arises in my mind. However, from the dressing room,
I-Its too soon, isnt it.
I hear Rurukas voice.
Thats right. I-Its certainly too sudden entering the bath together, that is. And theres no window in this bathrge enough for the subus to enter, either. Theres only a single entrance, so so its fine to wait.
Then I hear Eris voice, agreeing with Rurukas statement.
Thats right! Like I thought, its too early! I-I just got a bit impatient!
I can tell what state Rurukas in now even without looking. First of all, shes no doubt averting her gaze from Eris breasts, making a face that doesnt have a shred of self-confidence.
Most likely, she saw Eris devastatingly voluptuous breasts and ended up doubting herself. Despite being the one who decided on her own to enter the bath.
Our clothes should we put them back on?
Ah, Yeah!
Most likely, Eris is simply embarrassed to be seen naked. And we havent properly taken the right steps, so maybe shes thinking that this is a mistake. She wants to withdraw if she can, that sentiment is keenlying across to me. But I was hoping she wouldnt back down at this point.
-Then the dressing room grows quiet. Ive been left behind, alone in the bath.
Where should I vent these feelings? Since my chance has disappeared right in front of my eyes, all of my risen expectations simmer up to a boiling rage.
Just you wait, subus.
I spit out curses on the name of the evil gods apostle whom I was thanking until just now.
I will definitely catch you. Ill strip you down and parade you around the entire city!!
Ive renewed my determination to catch the subus!!
Apparently the subus charged into the dining hall by herself! Hurry to the dining hall!
Her targets are Sage-sama and Saint-sama! She must not be allowed to pass!
Bar the exits! She must be brought down in the dining hall!
When I leave the bath, the inside of the mansion is in an uproar. I can hear knights shouting from everywhere in the mansion. Judging by the contents of their voices, it seems the subus has rushed in without bringing any monsters.
That reminds me, about the story of the subus seeking treatment for her petrification in another towns church.
Is she being hasty due to the petrification progressing?
Perhaps the subus is really feeling the pressure. But this mansion is currently so prepared that you could call it the anti-subus strategic headquarters. It should be impossible for the subus, with nobat ability, to slip past the guards in this mansion and do anything to me or the saint. This attack is beyond reckless.
Itd be bad if Shiki got tempted by the subus and taken away, right? For now Hands, or something? Should we hold hands?
As Im thinking about such things, suddenly, theres a pleasantly cool sensation on my right hand. Its Ruruka.
She blushes in moderate embarrassment, and grasps my hand a bit shyly. Although rather than grasping my hand, I wish shed get into the bath together with me instead.
Thats right Hands, right. Holding hands is fine, right.
Piggybacking on Ruruka, Eris also softly touches my left hand. As for Eris, shes acting somewhat relieved.
By some chance, Eris may even be remembering the words the saint told her before, when I was being tempted by the subus. Although rather than holding hands, that option would be fine instead.
Eeeeeeeeeep! Whyyyy! Why are there so many of youuuu!
Dont let the subus get away! Swords, arrows, whatever works! Hurl everything youve got and pin her to the wall!
Thats it, her wings! Cut off her wings! Without her wings she shouldnt be able to flee all over the ce anymore!
Stooop! I dont wanna get pinned! My wings, not my wiiiiiings!
Man, to plunge into the dining hall of all ces, the subus sure is unlucky. There should be a crowd of knights having a meal in there. For sure, I can easily imagine it bing a like a moth to a me situation.
My petrification! I just want you to cure my petrificaaatiiooooonnnn!!!
She broke out through the windooow! After her, after heerrrr!
With a crash, theres the sound of a window shattering, and simultaneously the bitter cries of the subus and the roars of the knights resound throughout the mansion. When I take a look outside through the window, I can see the subus flying overhead.
The subus is running away, isnt she.
A bit of her wing got cut off around the tip, huh. And her hair is kinda burnt.
Her leg too, its already petrified past the knee I know its necessary to subjugate her, but shes starting to look a little pitiful somehow
After entering the mansion, within a few minutes the subus runs away with wounds all over her body.
Seems like the mansions defense is perfect. I was nning on getting my retribution, but I didnt even have to lift my hand. The subus ran away without even managing to discover the fact that Im inside the mansion.
At this pace, if the saint and I just hunker down within this mansion, the subus could very well be a statue in a few days. If her petrification has progressed past the knee in a single day, most likely in another 2-3 days, the petrification will have advanced to her wings and she wont even be able to fly anymore. And apparently there arent any other EX Heal users in the vicinity besides us. With this, the subus is already in checkmate.
Man, what a nuisance. Just a bit further and Eris and Ruruka would have entered the bath.
Oh maaaan. The subusing sure surprised me! Well then, you got off all the mess from the stew too, so why dont we go see Dra-chan! Dra-chan! Ah, Eris-san cane too, alright!
Thats right. Why dont we go see the dragon? We should try to be friendly, right
Neither one of them are in the mood anymore. Rather, they wont even touch upon the fact that we were about to get in the bath together. Theyrepletely trying to pretend it never happened. Most likely, even if I say we should go at this point, they wont get in with me. Plus they no longer have a reason to.
That reminds me, Yuel was in the garden. Just to be sure, I should let her know Im safe.
She might be worried and all. The moment I try to continue,
Master, Im here.
Uwoah!
she calls out to me from behind. That freaking surprised me. Like, really surprised me. It surprised me so much that I ended up letting go of Eris and Rurukas hands.
Yuel, you were here?
Astel-san told me. A spy must always erase their presence, it seems. In order for me to get used to erasing my presence by habit, she told me to first practice waiting to serve Master by your side without you noticing.
I wish you wouldnt make Yuel do strange things. Did they already finish their poison studies?
Hold on, how long has she been there? Since the dining hall? The bath? Or since the subus came?
She has been behind you since around right after you left the bath. You didnt notice?
Eris points it out, as if to say What are you talking about?. Whats with that, its super scary.
Yuel, You dont have to erase your presence near me. Look, I cant pet your head that way, right?
Scary. Too scary. When Yuel hides seriously, without a doubt I wont notice her presence. Ill need to remain conscious of Yuels gaze at all times. I wont even be able to use Slime Jelly in the bathroom without fear anymore.
Yes, understood!
And dont hide near me either, okay? Yuel is cute, so I want to always be able to see you.
Yes!
Yuel nods enthusiastically. Im d shes such a docile girl. Shes grinning, perhaps because she was called cute.
No, wait. Theres something off. Thats it, her gaze isnt directed towards me.
Yuels gaze is pointed at Ruruka and Eris.
Ah, this grinning is probably because the three of us were linking hands. And she didnt seem to want Eris and Ruruka to bicker. She must be thinking that theyve reconciled. Although in actuality, its just that between the bath and the subus and whatnot, things have gotten rather hazy.
But Ill let this misunderstanding remain in ce. Im worried that shell reveal the harem n again. And besides, if she knew that most people dont actually ept harems, Yuel would probably cry.
Chapter 70 — Collar
Chapter 70: Cor.
I head for my room while talking with Yuel. Yuel had been studying various things with Astel since morning, but seems like it got called off partway. Apparently the saint is going to head outside the mansion, so Astel will be apanying her.
Oh right, did Astel already teach you about poisons?
Yes. Today she taught me how to use paralysis poison, and antidotepounding. She shared a small bottle of paralysis poison with me, too. Shes going to teach me tomorrow as well, I think.
Eris and Ruruka are trailing behind, maintaining a bit of distance from me. When I turn around to check, both of them back off from me as if they choreographed it in advance.
As I suspected, trying to enter the bath together with me was excessively hasty for the two of them. They want to pretend it never happened and not bring it up again, I can keenly sense that kind of atmosphere.
Well, in the end, I dont intend to ask them to get back in the bath now or anything. And Yuel is here too. Theres nothing I can do, so Ive decided to make some idle chatter with Yuel to cure my sadness.
Ohh? Nice work. Whats she gonna teach you tomorrow? If today was paralysis poison, then is it gonna be hemorrhaging poison or something next?
Tomorrow is aphrodisiacs.
What was that?
Aphrodisiacs.
I-I see Aphrodisiacs, huh.
Why aphrodisiacs? How did we end up on aphrodisiacs? We were supposed to be having idle chatter. It should have been a safe topic.
I take a look into Yuels eyes.
Theyre no different from usual. Not especially impatient, no sign of embarrassment either. Shes casually looking at me just like normal. What the heck is Yuel thinking, aphrodisiacs of all things
No, I must be thinking too hard. Yuel wouldnt use aphrodisiacs with wicked intent. I mean, shes not me. Im sure she has a respectable reason.
Well supposedly be studying how to make antidotes for aphrodisiacs. In the event that the subus uses them, Master may no longer be in any condition to use Dis-Poison.
I-I see, right, of course!
See, it was a respectable reason. In Yuels case, I dont need to be worried. Thinking too much. I was thinking too much.
Also
Yuel abruptly mutters softly. After that, her face bashfully reddens, and she wiggles her head as if to shake off her earthly desires. Then, clutching the hem of her clothes, Yuel looks down.
Nothing, never mind.
I-Is that so. I-If its nothing, then fine.
If its nothing then theres no problem. There shouldnt be any problem, right?
-As I make small talk with Yuel in that fashion, having a problem-free conversation, a figure appears at the other end of the hallway. Those characteristic blonde drills are Frans, no mistaking it. Behind her, Sera is there too.
Ahh, there you are. Ive been looking for you.
Then she calls out to me.
Looking for me?
Indeed, just earlier I overheard a knight reporting to Saint-sama. It would seem that in the basement of the church, they have discovered Darnauds secret storehouse. Would you care to apany me?
For a moment I wonder what sort of business she has with me, but apparently shes inviting me to go somewhere. I dont really get why shes inviting me, though.
Apany you youre asking me?
I told you previously that I would teach you magic, did I not?
I ask for confirmation, and Fran makes a somewhat cross expression as she replies.
I have no intention of leaving that which I have once promised unfulfilled. Knowing that archbishop, he had surely amassed a plethora of valuable magic tools, the sort one would not be able to obtain in the markets. I suspect that there will be plenty of things suitable for use in practicing magic as well.
Now I get it. So the magic lesson that we left half-unfinishedst time, she wants to get it over with once and for all?
Darnaud wore a boatload of mana capacity increasing rings, that much I clearly remember. For sure, if that guy had a hidden warehouse, something tells me itll produce a big pile of high-priced magic tools. Just as Fran said, we might even be able to find something suitable for magic practice.
Wait, but is it alright?
This girl isnt she mad at me? She has no reason not to be.
-Back when she was teaching me magic, I pretended I had barely any mana.
It was in the form of running with Frans misunderstanding, but Fran was earnestly trying to teach me magic, and I lied to her about my own ability. I remember her unusually kind and sympathetic voice. Though considering how she normally acts, Im half-expecting to get hit by a Fireball every time we meet.
As Im pondering, Seraes close and whispers into my ear.
Fran seems to want the magic capacity increasing magic tools that the archbishop possessed. However, though she may be the lords daughter, unsurprisingly it is not as if she can just freely take such expensive magic tools. ordingly, she thought to request them using the justification that theyre necessary in order to instruct Sage-sama in magic.
Ah, I get it.
Shes just using me as a front, huh. Anyone who uses magic would want a magic tool that increases mana capacity. That being the case, their price is extraordinarily high. Though shes the lords daughter, be that as it may, she must not be rich enough to afford one.
But I do believe that she truly wants to teach you magic properly.
However, as if to deny my thoughts, Sera whispers.
The matter of the Krankheit Turtles poison mist. At the time, the one most thankful to the person who cast Area Heal on the entire city was most likely Fran, you see.
Now that she mentions it, when we got back to the city from the forest and heard about the poison mist spreading inside, Fran was the most flustered one, huh. When I nce over at Fran, she quickly looks away in a huff.
I only did it to prevent Yuel from crying, but I guess its a good thing I did.
Under Frans guidance, we move to the church. Along with Yuel, Sera, Eris, Ruruka, and a few other escort knights, we make quite therge family. When we enter the ce of worship, arge number of magic tools are already spread out across its paved stones.
Sage-samaaa!
When I enter, a lone priestess calls out to me.
My name is Salina! I serve as a direct subordinate of Saint-sama. I-Its an honor to meet you!
Yeah.
She has decent tits and a moderately pretty face. Looks like shes a subordinate of the saint. Is my Sage title intimidating her? She seems somewhat tense.
I wish the saint had introduced me to her over Astel.
And what might you be doing here?
Oh my, Fran-sama. I have been tasked by Saint-sama with managing the magic tools here. As the retrieval work is finished for the magic tools weve discovered, now Im more or less just waiting for the appraiser toe. By the way, for what purpose have Sage-sama and Fran-samae?
You see, in preparation for an attack by the subus, we came to see if there might perhaps be any magic tools effective for improving Sage-samasbat ability to any extent possible.
Is that so. If thats the case, I shall send a report to Saint-sama and Lord-sama. By all means, please have a look.
You need not inform Father
When Fran hears the part about reporting to the lord, her cheek twitches.
Did this b*tch not tell the lord she wasing here? Well, this was the property of the archbishop of the church to begin with. Judging from the fact that the management of the magic tools here is being carried out not by the knights but by the saints subordinate, they were probably collected by the church originally. Her n seems to be using me as an excuse to receive a magic tool for herself as well, but the lord, as her biological parent, will likely see through to her true intentions easily. I bet hes gonna get crazy mad at Fran afterwards.
Well then, that being the case, I shall have a look.
But Fran really seems to want a mana capacity raising magic tool. Though since she can use the kind of magic that fried a Krankheit Turtle in one shot, I get the feeling shed be fine without any magic tools. Well, back then it didnt die instantly even though it was burnt ck, so if she had a little more power, all that trouble afterwards with me falling into the river and all wouldnt have happened. Its not like I cant understand. Making her escape, Fran walks over to the area where the ring-shaped magic tools are.
Alright, guess well have a look too. Maybe therell be something good.
Is the title of Sage that powerful to a priest? The approval came easily. Charmed by our words, she decides to let us have a look. Im being taken advantage of by Fran, but if theres any magic tool I want, I may as well take it. And the archbishop abused his authority so much for his own benefit, so he may have had the sort of magic tools you cant normally find. If possible, I want one that lets me conveniently see through clothes or something.
Master, there are so many cors.
At a rough nce, there are all sorts of rings, bracelets, books, and canes, but the most numerous ones are the nes. Rather, among the magic tools spread out around this ce, about 80% of them are ck cors.
Most likely, these are the magic tools that were used back at the beauty pagent to manipte those monsters. Was he mass-producing these independently? There are an incredible number of them. Over a hundred, Id say.
It seems that the one who was providing these cors to the evil god adherents was Darnaud after all. Most likely, he used his ill-gotten funds to independently develop and mass-produce them
The saints subordinate priestess makes a regretful face as she exins. Well, the beings known as evil god adherents could be called enemies of humanity, and yet someone with the eminent position of archbishop turned out to be one of them. As someone connected to the church, she likely has strong feelings about it.
I see but man, there sure is a mountain of cors here. Is this everything?
Yes. Although they havent yet been appraised. Outside of those cors, there are many whose use hasnt been confirmed. I believe the appraiser will arrive before much longer, so
Ah, its fine, I can use Appraisal.
My goodness As expected of Sage-sama!
With nothing better to do, I try using Appraisal on the nearby cors.
Like I thought, theyre the same as the ones I saw before. By attaching one to a monster, the monster can be controlled at will. Thats the kind of magic tool they are.
With this many of them, I wonder if I could create a host of monsters like the subus does? An ability like hers to create an army has exceptionalpatibility with my wide-range healing ability. ording to the subus, enough to even conquer the world. If I could form even a small monster army, even if the subus brought along a great host exceeding it, I bet Id end up winning with room to spare.
I guess the bottleneck is how to assemble the monsters? Besides, the subus likely doesnt have the leeway anymore to gather monsters and attack us again shell clearly be turned to stone within another two to three days.
Seems like they wouldve been useful, maybe if I knew about them before the subus attack, but in the current situation I doubt Ill have a need for them. Seems like by the time I finish gathering monsters, the subus will bepletely petrified. Well, Im still gonna take them just in case, though.
Can I have these cors until things are settled with the subus? If I dont end up needing them, Ill return them.
Yes! By all means, Sage-sama!
Since I got permission from the saints subordinate, I start stuffing everyst one in my item box.
-As I do, I notice Yuel staring at me with a dazed look.
? I wonder whats wrong?
Yuel is holding a somewhat luxurious cor in her hand as she watches me putting away the other cors. Is the one shes holding the same kind? Its decorated with gems; maybe she mistook it as an essory or something. What should I do if she asks me to put it on her or something?
Master, you can use the Appraisal skill?
Yeah I can, why?
I realize as Im saying it. That nk look of hers was most likely surprise.
Up until now, Ive used my Appraisal skill to identify Yuels skill, and to determine the abilities of magic tools in front of her. But I didnt tell Yuel that I used the Appraisal skill to do so. I sorta forgot about that.
What should I do if she cries because her masters a liar or something? No, technically speaking I didnt lie about it though. Its just that her astonished reaction was amusing, so I didnt want to mention the truth about my having the Appraisal skill.
Is that so? To even be able to use the Appraisal skill, Master is amazing!
For an instant she seems flustered, but Yuel merely nods in agreement. Then she makes aplete change and starts looking at me with sparkling eyes.
Ah, Master, this one seems a little different from the other cors!
After that, simply remembering her original objective, she presents the cor shes holding to me. Looks like she doesnt particrly want to put it on. It merely caught her interest because it seemed different from the others.
Oh wow that archbishop, he even developed something like this?
When I try using Appraisal, its certainly different. But in the end, its toote. Now that the subus petrification is nearly certain, I shouldnt need it. Well, Im gonna take this one too, just in case.
Can I have this one too?
Yes, if Sage-sama says its necessary, by all means, please take it with you! Im indebted to Sage-sama for treating my petrification. If theres anything I can do for you, anything at all
Apparently the subordinate of the saint whose petrification I treated was none other than this priestess. Hold on, I thought the reason she permitted me to take whatever I wanted was because Im the Sage, but apparently it was entirely her personal feelings. I wonder if its actually alright for me to take these? Also, I dont think that the words anything at all should be uttered so casually.
Im well aware that Eris and Ruruka, who viewed essory-type magic tools as rare until just now, are carefully observing my behavior. Naturally, if I were to say something like Did you just say anything? here, that would leave a bad impression with not just Yuel, but Eris and Ruruka as well.
Even without using Appraisal, as expected, a magic tool that increases magic capacity can be identified simply by putting it on. Ive already finished. I heard you mention being able to use Appraisal; have you found any magic tools that seem suitable for practicing magic?
As Im contemting, a satisfied Fran forces her way into the conversation. Did she already finish securing her share of the magic tools?
Uwaah thats some serious bling.
Ruruka mutters when she sees Fran.
Shes certainly decked out. Much like that archbishop, her fingers are studded with mana capacity increasing rings.
They suit me well, no?
Replying thusly to Rurukas words, Fran holds her fingers up to her own face. After that, as if unfolding a fan, she spreads her bedazzled hands. Then she gives a prideful snort. But what is it about her? When Fran, with her blonde twin drills, does that how do I describe it
How should I put this its gaudy like new money.
New money!?
Was she shocked by Rurukas impression? Fran shakes violently. I think its gaudy too. Luxurious hair + extravagant essories = I feel like Im gonna hurl.
Hold on, more importantly, theres something bothering me.
Oi, all totaled, how much are those worth? Theyre probably gonna sell off the magic tools here to use for taxes or to add to the church funds, right? Wont it be bad if you walk off with a slew of them?
Im just borrowing them, though, so theres no problem for me. And Ill return them once the matter of the subus is sorted out.
I-Im only testing them for a while, I shall return them afterwards! More importantly, have you properly found a suitable magic tool for practicing magic!?
I wonder if thats true? Well, I dont particrly intend to get deeply involved either. Rather, I forgot until Fran mentioned it, but we were supposed to be looking for magic tools that I can use for magic practice.
Hurriedly, I cast Appraisal on everything from A to Z.
I have no need for magic tools that increase mana capacity.
And I received a cane from the saint, which is a legendary item used by the former Sage
Those bracelets seem to be mere decorations made of gold.
Theres not really anything usable.
Well, that archbishop didnt seem like the type to practice magic diligently, either. Rather, even without expressly fishing through the archbishops magic tools, I get the feeling that the cane I received from the saint will be more than enough for magic practice by itself.
No, now that I think about it, I received the Sages cane from Philine. There dont seem to be any magic tools better than this. Ill try practicing with it.
Is that so.
Well, sorry for making you apany me. It will be difficult here, so shall we return to the mansion?
There was no harvest for me, but Fran seems satisfied. Well, I also want to try using attack magic for once in my lifetime. Ill apany her for just a little while longer.
Chapter 71 — Accidental Discharge
Chapter 71: idental Discharge.
Thats terrific, Yuel!
Hahhh, Yuel-chan, youre amazing.
Offensive magic at this age truly incredible.
Its been a few hours since we returned to the lords mansion. Yuel is awkwardly being showered with praise by Fran, Ruruka and Eris. A brilliantly zing ball of me is floating above her left hand; the result of the magic lesson from Fran.
Even for Fran, who was once praised as a talented youngdy, it took two years after she began to study magic before she was able to use Fireball. To think that Yuel was able to use it after just a handful of magic lessons
Behind Fran, Sera raises her voice in wonderment at the sight of Yuel casting attack magic.
By once praised as a talented youngdy, does that mean shes not praised anymore? Shes reasonably beautiful, and her magic skills are excellent, plus shes the lords daughter. She certainly gives off that praised feeling.
Most likely, her personality was the cause of her no longer being praised. Im scared that before long, I too will bebeled as a pervert or something and stop being praised.
Well done, Yuel.
Yes!
From all the praise, Yuel bes bashfully delighted. By the way, I still cant use magic. Frans lessonsted several hours, but the only one who could use attack magic was Yuel. From sleeping together with me every day, Yuels mana capacity most likely crossed the minimum threshold for attack magic. Although I get the feeling that her being able to use it so quickly is mostly due to her mana maniption sense and innate talent. And it seems like shell be able to use healing magic, too.
Yuel is a prodigy indeed. I would hire her right this moment as my escort.
Maaan, you sure are amazing. Fran sometimes teaches me too, but I cant use it at all yet.
In the future, Yuel-chan could even be the Grand Wizard
Thats not
Perhaps embarrassed over the continuous praise, Yuel starts to tug on her bangs and hide her face. She must not be that used to beingplimented. Adorable.
Incredible, Yuel. As expected of my Hero.
Of course, Ill pat her head and praise her even further.
-Although, something tells me I need to show some dignity here as her master. Its uncool for me to be unable to use attack magic even though Yuel can. And she found out about Appraisal, so as her master I have to reestablish my worth a little.
But how do I infuse my mana?
Even if I try to imbue my cane with mana, maybe because I cant really form a good image for attack magic, my mana shows no sign at all of flowing out. And yet I can easily invoke healing magic.
I wonder if I have to properly remember the chant or something, after all?
Or maybe I should form a more urate image for the attack magic?
Look, like this, imagine inert organic matter floating in the air,bine it with oxygen and make itbust, then steadily elerate that with mana
-That instant. I feel a sensation like some sort of restraint popping off.
Whoahh, oohhhhh!?
If I had topare it to something, an avnche. Its like I was trying to tip a wine ss, but ended up toppling a massive water tank, that sort of surging intensity. I feel my mana flow endlessly into the cane with tremendous force.
Oh man!
Oh man, this is dangerous!
When I sense the danger I try to cut off the flow of mana, but I cant stop my mana by my own will.
With this amount of mana, whats going to happen when the spell is finished? This isnt my usual healing magic. I cant begin to imagine how far it will extend, or how powerful it will be. Fireball is attack magic that emits high-temperature mes.
-idental discharge.
Those words cross my mind.
You mustnt!!
Suddenly, a handes in from the side and knocks the cane out of my grasp. The cane falls to the ground, and the mana disperses without materializing.
Shiki-sama, just now! Was that offensive magic?
Its the saint. How long has she been here? No, maybe she just happened to pass by. Shes terribly flustered, breathing heavily as she looks at me.
You saved me, Philine! That was close!
The flow of my mana into the canepletely stopped when it fell from my hands. The mana that used to be gathered within me leisurely returns, attempting to meld back into my body. Looks like its over.
She really saved me. Without a doubt, that one was dangerous.
I-It was only supposed to be magic practice
Did Fran sense the strange signs as well? Shes gawking at me and the saint with a frightened face. Like she was about to cross a street and a 10-ton truck came barreling right past her, thats the kind of expression shes making. Most likely, she felt the disturbance from my abnormal flow of mana just now. Yuel started to stand up too.
Ruruka, Eris, and Sera are staring at Fran in puzzlement. Somehow, it seems that Fran, Yuel, the saint and I were the only ones who noticed the crisis.
I am terribly sorry, Shiki-sama. I should have told you sooner.
After briefly surveying the scene, the saint lets out a single sigh. Then, perhapsprehending the situation, she calmly begins to weave her words.
Shiki-samas mana cannot be handled so easily. The former Sage-sama once identally discharged offensive magic and vaporized an entire mountain by himself. And at that time, he too was swallowed up by his own magic and met his end, ording to church documents. This matter has been kept secret from all but the highest-ranking priests, however
An entire mountain. That expression most likely isnt an exaggeration or anything. There was the power of the cane as well, but my mana alone was being amplified to such a degree that I wouldnt be surprised if that level of damage happened. If I hadnt let go of the cane, the whole city might have been annihted.
!
Looks like theyve realized what sort of situation we were just in. Ruruka, Eris and Sera are speechless.
Shiki-sama. I think you ought to consider that a Sage-sama can only handle the type of magic in which he specializes. Before he was summoned, the previous Sage-sama was employed as a sealer of spirits, and on this side he was only able to use sealing magic.
I wonder if the previous sage was an exorcist or something?
That feeling earlier, the flow of mana was like a turbulent river. Ive released too much mana before when I identally fired off healing magic, butpared to that, the one just now was on another level entirely.
Comparing mana flow to water pipes, the times I identally fired off healing magic felt like yanking a faucet open forcibly. But thatst one felt like trying to use a rusty, decrepit supply line, and then having the water main explode. The fact that I can only handle my field of expertise, healing magic, was made abundantly clear just now.
Shiki-sama, most likely you too previously excelled at healing-rted talents.
You absolutely must not use offensive magic, for which you have no aptitude.
Yeah. Ill take that to heart.
Fran tried to teach me magic, but sorry, I dont think Im gonna try to use attack magic anymore. Yeah, that was way too dangerous. The way I am now, theres no way I could control it. Im confident about that.
Um, the previous Sage-sama losing his life due to his magic going out of control is that confirmed?
Eris inquires of the saint. For Eris, who studied at a church, the truth might be shocking.
Indeed it is. I presume you are aware that near the royal capital, there is a remarkably effective sacred ground? That ce is said to be the location where the former Sage-sama died from the idental discharge of magic. And that the flesh and blood of the Sage-sama, returned to the soil, gather mana from the surrounding area. It is said that shortly after Sage-samas death, the effect was dozens of times higher than it is today
Then, as shes exining to Eris, the saints body leans unsteadily. At once, I support her body with my hand.
Whoops you okay? You lost your bnce there.
Thank you very much.
I was all worked up earlier about my mana running amok so I didnt notice, but now that I think about it, herplexion is awfully pale. The term pallid would be appropriate.
Saint-sama! I knew it, please rest for a while! Certainly, the subus must be subjugated as soon as possible, but there is no point in Saint-sama working yourself to death! You need not concern yourself with what the bishop said!
Astel, who had approached beneath my notice, admonishes the saint in a strong tone. She must have been erasing her presence this whole time. Now shes staring earnestly at the saints face with an extremely worried expression.
Now that I think about it, I get the impression that ever since the subus revival, the saint has been running around constantly. In ce of the lord, whose evil-god-rted knowledge is sparse, the saint has been directing the knights and filling him in. But the subus likely cant make a move on me or the saint anymore, so I think itd be fine for her to rx a little. I wonder if that means its rted to what Astel said about a bishop?
What do you mean by What the bishop said?
Ah, yes. The reinforcements we requested from the royal capital for the battle with the subus apparently arrived at this city not long ago, and it would seem that those reinforcements are apanied by a bishop from the royal capital as well. ordingly, I am under investigation over the fact that the subus resurrected in my presence, and was allowed to escape numerous times.
Reinforcements from the royal capital, huh? Oh yeah, we did call for them. In the end, they didnt make it in time for the subus battle, though.
Thats not fair! Aside from Saint-sama, nobody else saw through the archbishops scheme or tried to quash it! That bishop didnt do a thing; he has no right to criticize Saint-sama! That bishop is merely searching for material he can use to attack Saint-sama and snatch the rank of archbishop away from her!
Astel is indignant.
I more or less get the idea. The saint hails from the royal capital. Based on what Astel just said, the saint must hold the position of archbishop with jurisdiction over the royal capital area. And, aiming for that position, this bishop from the royal capital is using the fact that she couldnt prevent the subus revival to pick a fight with her. Is that about right? Its an internal power struggle within the church.
Ahh, sounds a bit tough. But, well, shouldnt you get some rest? Look, like Astel said, if you keel over then youll lose everything, right?
No, until we capture the subus, there is a mountain of work I must attend to. The truth is, the subus was revived right before my eyes, and I allowed her to escape on two asions. And Darnaud is no longer around to bear the responsibility, so if someone must take the fall for this matter, it will doubtlessly be me.
At this rate, if the subus is not apprehended, at the next pontifical conve, it would not be unthinkable for me to lose my position.
That reminds me of something that Astel mentioned. That the saint, who has gone and purged countless rotten priests, has many enemies. Most likely, if the subus isnt captured before they have the next bishop conference or whatever, the saints position will really be in danger.
Moreover, that bishop cannot be trusted. I have no concrete evidence yet, but one of my subordinates reported the possibility of his collusion with ve merchants. That bishop must not be afforded even the slightest possibility of bing archbishop.
To add to that, ording to the saint, theres a good chance that this bishop from the royal capital is on the rotten priests side. If such a person is appointed to a higher position, the saint wont even be able to protect her own body.
Currently, corruption is rampant within the church. Because of that, many orphanages and nursing homes have gone under due to financial difficulties, and innocent young children are sold into very against their will.
That is inexcusable. And I am the only one who can correct the present situation, by throwing my weight around in the church as a descendant of the Sage. That is why I must not lose my archbishop position yet.
Then, with a noticeably fatigued expression, the saint borates.
Somehow, I feel like Im gradually starting to understand this person known as the Saint. Wanting to reform corruption and rescue the weak. Most likely, those are the saints genuine feelings.
If I really think about it, the saints actions did actually give off that impression. She performed treatment free of charge during the festival, and gave her own ring to an orphan whom she was unable to heal. And her use of shills to umte piety and raise her healing magic ability, that too might simply have been for no other reason than to be able to treat more people. Then there were her past purges of priests. For her to continue doing those purges, which most likely didnt bring much merit to the saint herself and even created enemies for her within the church, that too was solely for the sake of saving the weak.
The weak thats right, for example, those like Yuel. The first time I saw Yuel, she was in an absolutely terrible condition. Going from an orphan to a ve, without any decent medical treatment she was just waiting for death. If the churchs corruption isnt corrected, there will most likely be more cases like hers from now on.
Kinda seems like the saint really has it rough. Yuel is ncing back and forth between me and the saint out of concern, too.
Oh well. In front of Yuel, I cant very well refuse to extend my hand to a person in need, can I?
Just because youre a descendant of the Sage, theres no need for you to shoulder every single burden by yourself or anything. A genuine Sage is right here.
Ill help her out a little. Besides, if she copses here, it seems like therell be all sorts of trouble for me as well.
Is there anything I can do?
I offer tentatively. I doubt Id be able to do things likemand the knights or coordinate between all the cities, but theres gotta be something I can do.
Like, uh, Magic tool appraisal?
When I do, the saint looks at me in surprise like she wasnt expecting me to ask. After that, she makes a determined expression for a moment, then turns back to me and smiles.
Yes! Certainly, Shiki-sama! By all means, join me in the bath, and let us wash away our fatigue!
Baaaath!?
Before I can question her, Eris and Rurukas shocked voices reverberate throughout the mansion.
Chapter 72 — Mixed Bathing
Chapter 72: Mixed Bathing.
Mixed bathing is not permitted. Or at least thats what Fran started to kick up a fuss about as the knights forced her to leave while the saint headed to the bath. After that, paying no heed to the nces of the nearby knights, the saint entered the dressing room with me, took off her clothes right alongside me, casually washed her body, and submerged herself in the bathwater along with me and Yuel.
Since the water in the bath is cloudy, I cant particrly see anything, but before that she actedpletely indifferent about what was visible. In fact I did see quite a bit, and she didnt try to hide anything when I looked, either.
This saint, she manages to do things withposure that Eris and Ruruka couldnt pull off. Although from the saints perspective, this too is most likely just another part of her subus countermeasure n or whatever.
Master, this bath is so wide!
Yeah, it sure is. Incredibly wide.
Eris and Ruruka are still in the dressing room. Since the saint entered, maybe theyre hesitating over whether or not they should enter as well. The fact that they came along this far may mean that they tentatively intend to get in with us, but in the end theyre likely embarrassed over crossing the line that they drew. It seems like theyre going toe in, but they arent actually entering.
As for the saint, even though she was all for getting in beforehand to the point of calling her pushy, she hasnt said a word since we entered. Shes done nothing but close her eyes and soak in the water. Since her eyes are closed, I wonder if that means I can look as much as I want? Not like her body is all that much to look at, though.
But all the same, this is awkward. And look, the saint is more or less a beautiful woman as well. Her damp, glossy ck hair which she tied up so as to keep it out of the water, and the nape of her neck which is visible beneath it, are giving off a somewhat nostalgic appeal.
Should I start talking about something? As far as subjects that would get a response from the saint, would something along the lines of the Bible be the best bet after all?
On that note, I remember one thing that bothered me when I was reading the Bible. For starters, Ill try making that the topic.
Hey, Philine. Come to think of it, why did the evil god start attacking humanity? I read the Bible, but I didnt really understand that part.
Fwa, fwaihh!?
The saints shoulders jump with a jolt, and she makes a hysteric noise.
Nnnnh, Yes! What? What did you ask of me?
Trying to smooth over the noise she just made, the saint turns back towards me and replies. Somehow it seems like she wasnt listening. Moreover, she looks considerably shaken. Was the sound of her own voice that embarrassing? The saints cheeks redden.
By some chance, although she was fine with getting in together, perhaps shes more nervous than expected now that were actually here. Well, someone with a title like Saint wouldnt exactly have taken many baths with a man. It was her idea, though.
The evil god, I said, the evil god. Its a question that came up when I was reading the Bible. Why has the evil god been treating humanity as an enemy and attacking us?
Ahh is that what it was about? Well, the reason the evil god attacked humanity is, strictly speaking, yet unknown.
Once the saint determines the reason I called out to her, she sighs in relief. After that, trying to conceal her shame, she twirls her moist ck hair with her finger as she continues to speak.
You dont know?
I am afraid not, however one theory is that he wanted to destroy thebyrinths, or so it has been said.
Thebyrinths?
That was a slightly unexpected answer. The conflict between the evil god and humanity. Assuming a reason exists, from the evil god naming convention I figured it would be a religious reason like The world ought worship my greatness alone, therefore let humanity be destroyed for your belief in other gods! or some sort of reason like that.
Yes. Shiki-sama, are you aware of what sort of entities thebyrinths are in the first ce?
Ah I know theyve been called a bunch of different things a trial given by god, or gigantic living beings, or the remains of ancient ruins. But I heard that actually, nothing is known about them.
When ites down to it, I dont know what thebyrinths are. Theyre apletely separate environment where monsters dont leave corpses when they die. A magical system of drops and treasure boxes with an unknown creator. And so far nobody has reached the bottom of one; thats how mysteriously deep they are.
Even in this world where magic exists,byrinths are rather bizarre entities. There are rumors about them, but I cant state any of them with certainty. And the same should go for the saint.
I believe that they truly are a trial presented by god.
However, the saint looks me in the eye and asserts that.
A trial from god, huh? A fitting response from the Saint. Im not really the type to believe in such things, though. If I had to say, Im more the type to go along with the idea that theyre ancient ruins from the height of an advanced civilization.
A trial from god, hmm what makes you think that?
A few months before the evil godmenced an invasion of humanity, the former Sage-sama was summoned to a certainbyrinth city. Before he was summoned, Sage-sama was supposedly an elderly man, but when he arrived in this world, for some reason it was in the form of a strapping young man, ording to records. And the same applies to Shiki-sama as well. I know not your original age, but you were summoned to thisbyrinth city a few months before the subus was revived isnt that right?
Yeah. Thats true, huh. Right when I thought I died in my previous world, I was here in thisbyrinth city. I dont think my age was any different than it is now, though but now that you mention it, my wounds from being stabbed by the sher were healed, and my clothes werent stained with blood.
Listening to the saints speech, I recall the time when I was summoned.
I was stabbed by a sher, thought I was dead, then ended up here in thisbyrinth city. But back when I arrived in this city, my clothes werent dirty and I didnt have a fatal wound. Judging from the saints words, the godlike being who summoned me most likely summons their Sage in the prime of his youth. I was already around the age that could be called the prime of my youth, though, so my outward appearance didnt change.
I think of thebyrinths scattered around this world as points which god uses to interfere with the world perhaps even to turn back time, an apparatus for the sake of sending in the Sage-sama when the world is at the peak of a crisis.
Points which god uses to interfere with the world. Assuming there really is a godlike being watching over the world, that means theyre some sort of gates in order for the will of that god to influence the world?
At the deepest depths of those countlessbyrinth floors protected by monsters, there is surely something there. I presume that if one were to surmount the trial known as thebyrinth, perhaps they would be able to make contact with god.
The evil god, in the course of his advance into the territories of mankind, invariably destroys each and everybyrinth city along his invasion route. For humanity,byrinths are one of our important resources. There is also the theory that heys waste to them out of a desire to deal a blow to humanity, but I believe that the evil god is attempting to strip away gods contact with this world; that is the impression it has given me.
To strip away gods contact with the world, huh
Well, to this day, after hundreds, even thousands of years, none have ever reached the depths of abyrinth. I have no means of confirming it.
As expected from saint, I suppose; shees back with an original point of view which Ive never heard before. But I could do without all the god talk and the profundity; shes going off in a direction thats a little difficult for me to wrap my head around. Honestly, it reeks of suspicion. Yuel is listening and nodding with great interest, but my interest has already shifted over to the silhouettes of Eris and Ruruka in the dressing room.
Thank you, Philine, youve been a great source of information.
I was under the impression that Sage-sama did not hold much interest in the Bible that is to say, I am quite pleased. If there is anything else you do not understand, please, feel free to ask me anytime.
When I thank her, the saint says that and smiles pleasantly.
Being that shes the saint and all, maybe she enjoys discussing the Bible like this. Its the kind of smile that makes me want to apologize for not properly listening.
Also, I wonder if this is because the saint is immersed up to her shoulders in the cloudy water, but by concealing herck of chest, it gives off the illusion that theres something there. Talking to her face-to-face like this, Im starting to get like that a little.
This has be somewhat unnecessarily awkward.
Yeah, next time theres an opportunity
Lets temporarily clear the stuff about the saint from my head. And there are other things to be concerned about. Look, like the other side of the dressing room thats vaguely visible through the frosted ss.
But man, to think that my second chance woulde in this form. The saint is really doing something nice for me. And now that I think about it, the saint was the one who told Eris and Ruruka to stay by my side as well.
She also ordered the knights to remove Fran when she tried to prevent us from entering the bath. The knights seemed unsure over whether to obey Fran or the saint, but in the end they listened to the saint. Fran, who was shown their difference in poprity, made just a bit of a wounded face as she submitted to being carted off to her room. I felt a little sorry for Fran, though.
Master, I wonder why the water in the bath here is cloudy?
As Im recalling that, Yuel speaks out to me. Looks like shes taken an interest in this clouded water.
Yeah. Doesnt look like theres a hot springing out, so theyre probably using bath additives or something.
Bath additives?
Is she not familiar with those? Yuel tilts her head. I may as well give her an exnation.
Its a little slippery, so probably something in the alkaline group. Yuel, bath additives are things you dissolve in a bath to
-Then, the moment I decide to exin, from the direction of the dressing room, theres a noise like a sliding door opening.
!
Reflexively, my head turns in the direction of the dressing room. Its Eris and Ruruka. The two of them havee into the bath.
I-I wonder if it isnt a little too early for this sort of thing after all
But Saint-sama got in too, so we cant afford not to enter.
Eris has a towel wrapped around her body to conceal her voluptuous breasts. Ruruka, perhaps feeling my gaze, lowers her head in embarrassment.
This huge bath is spacious. Because its a bath, theres steam in the way and the area around the entrance isnt very clearly visible. But if I cant see, I can just keep watching until theye into view. At this point, no matter how much I look theres no problem. This isnt peeping or anything. Its consensual mixed bathing. Looking wont make them mad and it wont be called sexual harassment either.
Eris and Ruruka lightly wash themselves while covering up, and enter the basin. Then, perhaps relieved due to the cloudy water, theye closer without hesitation.
The two of them are silent, perhaps feeling ashamed. But this distance is close enough that if I just reach out a little, I could touch their skin. I wonder if touching would be okay? Its fine if I end up touching them, right? They said they love me and all.
As Im considering it, within the cloudy water, I feel the soft sensation of something touching my hand. A thin, gentle finger. Timidly, someones handes into contact with mine.
When I nce in the direction the hand came from, I meet eyes with Eris. Eris looks at me and cracks a small smile, then tenderly strokes my hand from above. After that, she shyly turns her eyes away from me.
-The scene from this morning ys back in my mind.
When Eris told me that she loves me. When she endured the heckling from the knights, and said she wanted me to choose her.
And even now, Eris is still touching my hand beneath the cloudy water. Without anyone else noticing, shes continuing to tenderly, affectionately stroke my hand.
Hell, shouldnt I just push her down now? I feel like it would be rude not to, thats the kind of situation were in. I mean, it was already like that just from taking a bath together with Eris, so in this state of being touched by her, I can no longer endure. The walls of my reason are rapidly crumbling. Like the time when I was manipted by the subus, my head feels like its simmering to a boil.
Currently, Eris isnt wearing anything. As it is, if I grasp her hand as it strokes mine and pull her out of the bathwater, Ill see her naked as the day she was born.
That reminds me, back during the battle with the subus, Eris was saying I will do whatever you want. Isnt now just the right time for her to fulfill that promise? Together with Eris, well get out of this cloudy water and!
-The term cloudy water makes me remember.
My gaze turns to the ce where Yuel was a while ago. When it does, Yuel is still there, looking at me with the same expression as before. Seems like shes been watching me this whole time. Hold on, Im pretty sure my conversation with Yuel got cut off halfway through and I ended up watching Eris and Ruruka for a while.
Has she noticed the fact that Ive been staring nkly at them? Im a bit uneasy.
Master, umm may I sit on yourp?
When I search Yuels expression, she suddenly blurts that out.
By some chance, from watching me look at Eris and Ruruka, Yuel may have gotten a little lonely. Shes fine with a harem, but to have me cut short my conversation with her, not to mentionpletely stop looking at her, it likely made her sad.
If its just sitting on myp, thats not a problem. Ive let her sit on myp before while I washed her hair, too.
-But its impossible right now. Absolutely impossible.
Im currently in the bath with Eris, Ruruka, and the saint. The saint has taken a little distance, and the water is cloudy, so I cant see any of her important parts. But Eris is stealthily brushing my hand with hers beneath the cloudy water, and as for Ruruka, shes close enough that our shoulders could touch.
Whats going to happen when a healthy young man gets thrown into such a situation? That goes without saying. Since the water is cloudy, nobody has noticed. Not even Yuel.
But if she sits on myp, without a doubt shell find out from the sensation.
Both of us are only covering our fronts with a towel. I mean, just having a towel in front isnt going to hide it. And its not like shes wearing panties, nor does she have pants on. Were in a state of extremely low defensive power.
Whats going to happen when Yuel lowers her waist onto myp in its current state? Imagining it, thats all the more reason not to let her sit there.
Pardon me, Master.
Perhaps taking my silence as a positive response, Yuel slowly tries to lower her waist down onto me. No good. Shes on the wrong course. An ident will ur.
Yuel!
When I call her name, Yuels movement stops for a moment. But I dont know what to follow it up with.
Well
Thus far, Ive always listened to Yuels requests on the level of I wish to sit on yourp. Ive never declined her modest wishes, and after she sat down Id repeatedly pet her head. Yuel must be thinking hell let me sit there. So in order to stop that, I need to give her some sort of valid reason. If I dont, she might misunderstand that Ivee to hate her, and feel hurt. But what, what should I say?
?
As Im at a loss for what to say next, Yuel tilts her head and begins to lower her waist again to sit down. Thus far, I havent denied one of her requests. Silence is permission; perhaps she decided that.
Yuels tiny tooshie dips into the cloudy water. This is bad. Theres no more time. Only a few dozen centimeters left. At this rate, if Yuels body traces an urate trajectory in ordance with thews of physics, then its point of impact will without a doubt be!
But I cante up with a diplomatic reason to get Yuel to stop. And since I took too much time deliberating, I may not even make it in time to stop her body by physically catching it. Its no good, I worried too much about my dignity.
The scene of Yuel submerging her body into the basin ys out in slow motion.
Once Yuels body finishes sinking deep into the bathwater, its the end for me. As a human being, as an adult, itll all be over.
-She might foster some doubts, but all I can do is stop her with physical strength.
I may not make it in time, but I have to try somehow. I quickly move both of my hands to support Yuels hips.
-However, Eris hand on top of mine obstructs it a bit.
I hesitate for the slightest moment over whether or not I should shake off her hand. However, its a fatal dy. One which could spell the difference between life and death.
My hand wont make it in time! Yuels body is sinking into the cloudy water!
Its hopeless now.
I know I was just thinking that all that god stuff smelled suspicious and that I dont believe any of it, but at times like these, everyone prays to god. Somebody, anybody, help me. In myst few moments, I sincerely pray to god.
-And, my prayer is answered.
Its the subuuus! The subus has coooome!
A knights rough bellow resounds throughout the mansion. Yuels body immediately freezes just a short distance away from mine. From the bottom of my heart, I thank the evil god!
Chapter 73 — Escape from the Bath
Chapter 73: Escape from the Bath.
Repeat attacks from the subus. One was yesterdaysrge-scale raid, another was this mornings attack, and this marks the third assault overall. But no matter how many times shees, its the same thing. This mansions defenses wont fall to the subus alone. Once again, she wontst more than a few minutes before she turns tail and runs.
-Or so I thought.
What is it!? What the hell is happening!?
The lights are going out!? Sheet, I cant see a thing! The subus went off somewhere!
Those bat-shaped monsters Could they be Light Eaters!?
However, against my expectations, the frantic voices of knights can be heard from all throughout the mansion. Somehow, it sounds like this time the subus has brought monsters.
Shiki-sama, let us leave this ce and quickly rejoin the knights.
Perhaps sensing the turbulent atmosphere, the saint makes a suggestion. However, before I can proceed with her proposal, I notice that somethings wrong.
-The lights are going out. Along with the sound of something breaking, the lights in the dressing room are steadily going out.
Those things, dont tell me theyre!
Ruruka shouts when she sees the spectacle. And, at the same time, several bat-like monsters crash through the frosted ss between us and the dressing room and break into the bath.
What!?
I knew it, those are Light Eaters!
Ruruka says in response to Eris shriek.
Light Eaters?
Light Eaters are, yknow, monsters that persistently attack sources of light. I think they live in caves around this area, so maybe the subus brought them!
Apparently those bat monsters are called Light Eaters. And the fact that the lights are going out is seemingly the work of those monsters as well. But even if we try to intercept them, as youd expect, were not armed in the bath.
Kyaaa!
Aaaah, the lights!
In the blink of an eye, all of the lights in the bath are destroyed.
Oi, is anybody hurt?
I-Its fine! Light Eaters dont attack people! I think theyll probably fly off right away to find other lights!
Along with Rurukas voice, I hear the saint and Yuel both confirm that theyre safe.
I was going to confirm Eris safety as well, but somehow it seems that wont be necessary. Theres a sensation touching my back with a mass that can only belong to Eris. The sensation of something soft being squeezed against me.
I wonder if she was scared because monsters suddenly attacked? Or else, was she actually trying to protect me?
Oi, Eris
But its not like Eris is wearing anything right now. If she sticks to me in these circumstances, that soft sensation touching my bare back will be risky in various ways.
! Thats, I-Im sorry.
No, its fine. I-Its totally fine.
Has she realized the situation? Eris practically bursts off of me.
Im d its dark in here. If there had been visual information as well, I might have acted on my instincts even with Yuel watching.
But man, I really cant see a thing, huh
This is an unfavorable situation indeed. The knights seem to be in disarray as well. We must meet up somehow or another perhaps we ought to have called someone, some female knights, into the bath with us.
Its a bitte to say that now. For the time being, lets get out of the bath Yuel!
Theres also the option of waiting until my eyes adjust to the dark, but right now we need to meet up with the knights immediately. The only thing we can do here is have Yuel, who is effective in darkness, lead us to the exit.
Master, this way.
Yuel takes my hand and begins to pull. Looks like she intends to escort me to the exit like this. Thats Yuel-san for you. Shes incredibly reliable.
But the dressing room ss was definitely broken. Yuel may very well avoid it, but Ill likely end up stepping on it inadvertently.
Yuel, give me livementary so I can understand the situation too.
I give Yuel proper instructions so that shell share information with me as well.
Understood. Well then, Master, I will lead you by the hand. First, we will get out of the bathwater. There is a significant level difference, so please step high to climb up.
Yeah, got it, Yuel.
In order to get out of the basin, the first step is to climb up following Yuels directions. I reach up out of the water with my right leg, take a big step, and climb out over the invisible raised edge.
-Then, my foot slips.
Whoaaahh!?
Against my will, my body tilts forward.
-As for why Im falling down, my mind begins to consider the possibilities.
Bath additives. Its those. When you get into an alkaline hot spring, theres that phenomenon where your skin bes slightly slippery. That slipperiness caused my foot to slide!
Masterrr!?
I hear Yuel shriek. I feel myself falling down, but I cant see a thing in this pitch-ck darkness. Nor do I know where I should put my hands, so I most likely cant perform a safe fall either.
However, that instant, something supports my body. Most likely, Yuel saw me about to fall over and is doing her best to hold me up. But with Yuels physical strength, she cant stop me when Im already in the process of falling. I just take her right with me as I fall over onto the floor.
Ow ow ow
Theres a dull pain in my head, but no sensation of crushing Yuel. I vaguely tried to hold my hands out toward the ground, but looks like I somehow managed to support my own body weight.
Master is, Master is On top of me!
By some chance, Yuel might have hit her head.
I call out to her to confirm that shes safe.
Yuel, are you okay?
I-I am fine! I-I am, I am fine whenever!
She seems okay. I dont really get what she means by fine whenever, but at least she doesnt seem to be seriously injured. I feel a little relieved.
Ah, Commentary. I was giving livementary! Umm, currently, above my nude body, Masters nude body is hanging over me. The distance is so close that we are nearly touching. My heart is beating like crazy.
I cant feel relieved at all. I wasnt saying toment on those aspects. Situation report aside, Im not asking her to go so far as confessing her inner feelings.
Wait a minute, you, what are you doing!?
You pushed her down!? Did you just push Yuel-chan down!?
Eris and Ruruka didnt understand the situation very well, but thanks to that report, it sounds like they do now. This is bad.
The towel hase off as well, so Master is currently not wearing anything. A-, a-, A-a, amazing its amazing
What is she calling amazing? In this situation, Yuel is the only one who can see clearly and distinctly in the dark. But as for me, I dont have the slightest clue whats going on. Yet Yuel is barely squeaking out her voice, repeating its amazing, its amazing over and over.
I-Im embarrassed, and my face is hot. But, Im really happy.
I can hear Yuels voice, almost like a whisper in my ear.
No wait, she really is whispering into my ear. Theres the sensation of Yuels sigh-like breath getting trapped in my ear. I cant see well, but we must be very close.
I only have a vague understanding of the situation, but in any case, Im starting to feel like things will get awkward if we dont separate.
My bad, Yuel. Im gonna move now.
Im currently in a posture with both hands and both knees on the ground. Yuel is most likely in a position tucked directly between my hands and my legs. I quickly move my limbs to cross over Yuel.
-That instant.
Whoooah!
My slippery hand slides. In my haste, I must have shifted my body weight too much. Having lost its support, my body drops straight down. I reflexively drop to my elbows and seed in arresting my momentum, but that was close.
Shiki-sama after all, Shiki-samas tastes That you had no reaction to me as well, it must have been because Shiki-sama has a taste for young girls after all
As Im struggling like that, the voice of the sainting to some sort of conclusion reaches my ears. But that is a terrible misunderstanding. I open my mouth to refute the saint. As I do,
Master and I are clinging to each other, naked!
Yuel cries out.
Master is lying on top of me. Were stuck close together. His muscles are rugged. Hes sturdy. Its very warm; I can feel Masters body temperature.
Then, as if delighted from the bottom of her heart, Yuel speaks. Now that she mentions it, beneath my body theres some sort of squishy sensation. It seems like, thanks to what just happened, I ended up pinning Yuel down for real.
Did Yuel misunderstand something? She wraps both hands around my back and squeezes tight.
Yuel, wait! My hand just slipped, thats all, my hand slipped!
Oh man, if I dont give her an exnation, who knows what Yuel will do thanks to that aforementioned false rumor. I try my hardest to clear up her misunderstanding.
Thats the same thing you said when you identally touched my chest before.
Eris remarks. Okay, something like that might have happened.
Eris probably holds quite a grudge over the sexual harassment. But please refrain from bringing that up now. Seriously, stop.
Shiki!? Is it true!? Thats no good! At least not with Yuel-chan!
Ruruka takes Eris words seriously and starts freaking out. Then, a sshing sound rings out.
Hyaaaaaah!
After that, theres a shriek and the sound of something tumbling on the ground.
She probably fell over. Because she was being reckless, even though she cant see well.
Ruruka-san got out of the bath, stepped on the soap and fell down. She dropped onto her butt on the floor. The towel she was holding fell into the bathwater.
Yuel calmly gives me an exnation of Rurukas situation as well.
So she fell over after all, huh?
But does that mean that currently, Ruruka ispletely nude? That Ruruka is stark naked, on the floor, down on her ass? I cant see her, though. Even if I strain my eyes in the direction of her voice, I cant see anything.
Master is staring intently at Ruruka-san sitting naked on her butt.
When I strain my eyes to try to look in Rurukas direction, Yuelments on that as well.
Ehhh!? Hey, dont look! Dont look at me!
I-I cant see!
Its no good. If I nce over, Yuel will report on it.
Eris-san and Ruruka-san are both looking over here. I-Its embarrassing, but if Master desires it now even if were being watched, Im fine with it!
Then Yuel deres that.
When I concentrate really hard, Yuels face appears before me. Looks like my eyes have grown slightly ustomed to the darkness. Yuels face is right in front of my eyes. Shes just a few centimeters away, taking rough, shallow breaths, staring intently at me.
Earlier, I heard what Saint-sama was saying to Eris-san. That against the subus, there is a very effective countermeasure. Masters se-
Yuel, dont say any more! I dont need livementary either, My eyes are already used to the darkness!!
Perhaps since some time has passed, the floor has be slightly visible. As long as I can see this much, I should be able to make it to the dressing room somehow.
Alright, lets hurry to meet up with the knights!!
I shout, in order to drown out Yuels voice.
Chapter 74 — Bishop
Chapter 74: Bishop.
Ah, Onee-chan! Someone said they saw you and Shiki-san go into the bath together, so I hurried over
Aria!?
As wee out of the dressing room, several knights who seem to be looking for us show up right in front of it. Among them, Aria appears as well.
I kind of thought they were just talking about Saint-sama and other girls going in together, but looks like it was true
What allowed them to immediately specify this location was the fact that, apparently, us getting into the bath with the saint has be a rumor. Eris is blushing in embarrassment over being seening out of the dressing room together with me, but its not like anything in particr happened between anyone. And Yuel was there too, but ultimately it was interrupted halfway through by the subus this time as well. She did save me, though.
Hahh, if youre fine with that, Onee-chan, then I wont say anything
But its embarrassing exining those things one by one. For the time being, I decide to ignore her and let it go.
At any rate, good job moving around in this darkness.
Its already getting dark outside. The knights are going around with torches, although if they carry something like that, those Light Eater or whatever monsters are likely toe over right away.
Light Eaters approach lights. Like this, when they get close you can just take them out in a single stroke. You can do it too, Shiki-san.
No I cant.
But right on time, the knight next to Aria strikes down a Light Eater as it approaches the torch. I guess for a knight, a feat like this is par for the course. If I were Yuel, Id probably say something like As expected of Knight-sama!. Although Im afraid that Yuel herself could do it too if she tried.
Higiiiiiiiiii!
-All of a sudden, the subus shriek resounds throughout the mansion.
Most likely, the other knights are already back in fighting shape. The subus may even have eaten a direct hit from magic or an arrow. The subus seems like she more or less uses her head, but in the end as long as the saint and I stay in this mansion, shes not likely to get near us so easily.
It would seem that the subus is being driven towards the west side of the mansion. Let us hasten over as well.
As were standing around rxing, for some reason the saint urges us onward.
Is it okay for us to go?
The subus must no longer be allowed to escape. If Shiki-sama is there, the subus will not likely flee so readily. In the event of an emergency, Shiki-sama can be held down with brute force. I see no issues.
Looks like the saint has decided to use me as bait, trying to reduce the chances of the subus escaping. Although rather than brute force, Id prefer a development such as Eris triumphing over the subus in a battle of seduction, for instance. I very much want a fair fight against the subus in her own arena. Well, itll be noughing matter if I actually get carried off, so I guess theres no helping it.
Master, I will definitely protect you! Since I am Masters Hero!
Hero the one from the Bible? Such a cute hero you are. But knowing Yuel-chan, you may very well be one.
Aria responds to Yuels enthusiasm. Well, if Yuel and Aria are there, we certainly wont fall behind against the subus by herself, I figure. And there will be a bunch of other knights as well. Letting the subus get away here and having the saint lose her standing would probably be worse.
Im not looking forward to fighting the subus very much, though
Eris alone looks at me and mutters that in embarrassment.
The windows are frozen! The windows are frozeeeennn!?
Therge conference room in the lords mansion has a wide-open construction, perhaps to aodate arge number of knights. The subus has been confined within it. The windows are all blocked off by magic, and the only exit is swarming with knights.
I can tell from a nce. This should already be checkmate. As expected, the knights have no intention of letting her get away a third time.
Fire, fire! She cant run anymore! Aim carefully and shoot her down!
Oi, go fetch more arrows! Shoot through those wings! Hinder her mobility!
I-Iyaaaaa!! Lemme out, lemme out of heeeeere!!
Maybe because the room is reasonablyrge, their attacks dont seem to be hitting the subus that much as she flies around, but she cant get away any longer. A substantial number of arrows must have been shot already; the ceiling is starting to look like a pincushion. Numerous holes are beginning to open up on her wings. WIthout muchbat ability, the subus cant break through those iced-down windows. The rest is just a matter of time.
There might not have been any need for me toe here. Whether or not the subus loses her desire to run, she has no means left to escape in the first ce.
Rather, I feel like it was actually unwise, given the possibility that I could be manipted. I entered the room in order to prevent the subus escape, but since shes beenpletely shut off in here, on the contrary its safer for me to get out.
If its like this, itd be better for me to leave.
Then, as I try to leave the room right after I entered,
! Theres still, theres still hoooooope!
the sharp-sighted subus detects my appearance and looks at me with her red pupils.
Oh crap. The moment I think that, theres a slight impact on my leg, and I instantly lose my sense of bnce.
Shiki-san, its alright. I absolutely wont let you get manipted. Youre my future Onii-chan and all.
No sooner do I wonder what happened than Im pushed down to the ground before I realize it. I manage to turn my neck to take a look, and Aria is sitting on my hips, keeping me pinned down. Even if I try to move, shespletely immobilizing my arms and I can hardly move. Its the same posture as a suspect arrested by the police, but I definitely wont be manipted like this.
But this is dangerous in its own way. Having my desires manipted by the subus means that Ill end up bing incredibly sensitive to the touch of a woman and things of that nature. Currently, Aria is literally lying on my butt. This is no good. Little sisters are dangerous. Harboring lust for Eris little sister would seriously not be good. I must clear my mind of impure thoughts. My eyes wander around in search of material to distract my mind.
Master, are you alright? Doesnt it hurt?
As my desires are being manipted, Yuel plops down right in front of my face. Then she begins to peer into my face from point-nk range. Shes likely worried over me being pinned down and having my arms restrained. The young Yuels uneasy expression is almost entirely filling my field of view.
-I close my eyes with all my might.
Yuel, dont worry about me. The subus, keep an eye on the subus for me.
But this time, although the sensation of my desires being manipted is there, for some reason my reason is still rtively intact. Most likely, its because the subus isnt able to concentrate. Even now, an incredible number of arrows are in the midst of being shot at her.
Evil God sama! Until I revive Evil God-sama, theres no way Ill die!
As Im being restrained by Aria, I gaze at the subus.
Man, she sure is tenacious, that subus. Shes been continuously slipping through the storm of arrows fired by the knights for several minutes already.
The sole apostle of the evil good whos been revived in this era is the subus, resurrected by Darnaud. No matter how much she perseveres, reinforcements wonte to save her. But it seems like the subus very much wants to revive that evil god.
Master, I sense something!
In the middle of that, Yuel cries out. At the same time- theres a thunderous roar. I shut my eyes once again from the force. When I open them, one of the windows has had its frosted panes blown off, along with the entire frame.
Aria releases me and draws her sword. I take a standing posture as well.
What is it!?
That just now was that magic!? Why the hell!
This is bad! Hurry, the window! Block the window! The subus is gonna escape!
The subus looks bewildered for a moment, but it doesnt seem like she intends to let this chance slip away.
Now shes gonna get away!
She makes a beeline towards the window.
Fire! Absolutely do not let her escape!
Eeeek!
Arrows from the knights fly at the subus, but she skillfully twists her body, evading them by a hairs breadth. And escapes outside through the window at full speed.
What was that explosion!?
Follow the subus at once! Go now, and theres still a chance to catch up!
Up until then, the subus had been perfectly cornered, but a single st of magic turned everything around. Perhaps frustrated over how close they had been, some of the agitated knights rush out of the room in order to pursue her.
But leaving the room now is most likely a mistake. Yuels gaze is fixed unmoving on the broken window. The subus certainly did run away. Theres no question that she needs to be followed.
However, theres also no question that on the other side of that window, someone is there who allowed the subus to escape.
Master, theyreing!
From the broken window, several ck shadowse leaping into the room.
-Theyre fast.
There are three shadows. The moment they enter the room, all of them race towards the saint in a straight line.
Assassins. That term crosses my mind.
Protect Saint-sama!
Perhaps due to their agitation over the subus, the knights reactions are dyed. Three women with daggers in hand approach the saint with a speed that my eyes cant follow.
I wont let you near her!
The one who moves first is Astel. She shes at one of the assassins legs. The assassin immediately tumbles down, stopped in her tracks.
!
Following that, Yuel shes at another assassin. The assassin seems to rapidly lose her bnce and topples over sideways. Most likely, she even applied fast-acting paralysis poison. The second one is rendered helpless.
U, Uoooooooooh!
One of the knights jumps at the final remaining assassin from the side. The assassin is swiftly tackled to the ground. That makes three. All of them have been incapacitated. I was stunned for a moment, but in the end its not like an assassination could be pulled off so easily under such heavy guard.
However right before thest assassin fell.
I saw her hand make a noticeable blur. Reflexively, I stick my own hand out between the saint and the assassin.
Shiki-samaaa!?
After a mild impact, a burning sensation runs up my arm. When I check, theres a knife lodged deep into my arm.
Looks like that assassin threw a knife at the saint as she was falling.
Shiki!? Are you okay!?
Dis-Poison!
Ruruka panics, and Eris casts antidote magic. Eris was probably wary of poison. I immediately pull out the knife and cast EX Heal.
Maybe its because I got all beat up before at the church, but I feel like the sight of blood doesnt bother me anymore.
Shiki-sama, are you unhurt!?
Yeah, Im fine. No problem.
The saint looks into my eyes with an astonished expression.
Theres some surprise over having a knife thrown at her as well, but this expression is astonishment over the fact that I took the attack for her.
I-I never thought that Shiki-sama would have a reason to protect me
The former Sage was such a hero that he protected all of humanity, right? Something of this level isnt worth acknowledging. More importantly, who the hell are those guys? Seems like they were definitely aiming for Philine.
Actually, I just had a bad feeling and my body moved on instinct. Also, please acknowledge it a little. It was quite painful and all. But Im in front of Yuel, so I have to act cool.
Nh!
For a moment, the saint makes a startled expression. Shes got a fantastic poker face, so Im pretty sure this is the first time Im seeing this expression. However, the saint quickly changes it.
Indeed, there is almost no mistaking that they are assassins aiming for me.
Then the saint approaches one of the paralyzed female assassins, delicately strips her clothes, and begins to grope around her chest.
Oi, what are!
My eyes are instantly drawn to her bare skin and theres something familiar there. A red, glowing geometrical pattern. I recognize it.
Thats a ve crest. The fact that its glowing must mean that its still active even now.
As I thought, a ve crest. Those movements most likely, they are criminal ves with past assassination experience, brought from elsewhere. It would seem that they have been given orders to seal their lips.
Given orders. Which means that somewhere out there, theres a person who ordered them.
Who in the world would do such a
Eris mumbles to nobody in particr.
There are many who would target me, but these methods, and moreover to aim for me with this timing the ve Merchant Union, perhaps. They might have decided that I will be an obstacle to their exploitation of Shiki-sama.
Come to think of it, the saint was telling me to avoid doing anything to benefit the ve merchants. For a ve merchant who wanted to make use of me, certainly, the existence of the saint would be a hindrance. Who would have expected them toe with this timing, though.
Ultimately permitted to escape again as a result.
The saint mutters. As for what shes talking about, its probably the subus. Thanks to those assassins, the subus ended up getting out. Most likely, if she was that close to dying, she wont consider approaching this mansion again even as her petrification progresses. If thats the case, itll be difficult to subjugate the subus. Even if we try to track down the fossilized subus after a few days, when we dont even know where shell go, it will likely take a lot of time. Being unable to confirm the death of the subus means that the saint will continue to be in danger of losing her position. Oh man, this could be a very unpleasant development.
If the saint is overthrown, the safety of her body cant be guaranteed. Besides, Im relying pretty heavily on this saint right now. I was nning on loaning myself out to the lord here and the saint, making allies of the church and the knights of this city. If the saint loses her status, Ill have issues ensuring the safety of my own body as well.
As Im working through those thoughts, the saintes and asks me with a contemtive face.
Pray tell, Shiki-sama, how do you think of me? You do not hate me, I trust?
Whats with this all of a sudden.
But Ill give it some thought. A strong-willed priestess whos acting in order to rescue the weak. As a descendant of the Sage, her sense of responsibility is strong. Shes kind to orphans, and adored by Astel who actually is a former orphan. Originally I wanted to keep my distance from her when I was hiding my own ability, but now that she knows about it, thats not particrly the case.
I dont particrly dislike you whats the matter?
Is that so. I did not wish to impose upon Shiki-sama, or to exploit you overmuch but it seems that I will need to use you as insurance. I am terribly sorry.
Insurance? I tilt my head, not understanding what the saint is getting at, when I notice a slightly skinny, balding mane into the room. Hes wearing a characteristic priest outfit, like the saints.
Bishop-sama. At a time like this, what sort of business could you have here?
I wondered who it was, but apparently this guy is the bishop from the royal capital. For sure, this guy is the one she mentioned whos suspected of having connections to the ve Merchant Union and stuff. The subus ran away thanks to an attack by assassins who we believe to be connected to the ve merchants. And speaking of people who would profit if the saint loses her standing because the subus got away
I wonder if this guy might not have had something to do with the earlier assassination attempt as well? Most likely, the saint is thinking the same thing. It doesnt seem like she intends to say it when she has no proof, but shes looking at the bishop with a cold expression.
I simply had to see Saint-sama, and I was given lodging in the mansion not too long ago, but I was wondering what could be causing all this noise ohh, might you be Sage-sama? As a priest of the Church of Medine, it is an honor to meet you.
The bishop greets me reverentially. But man, his timing sure seems deliberate. Toe here right after the subus got away. Just a littleter, and the saint might have been able to silence the knights and pretend the attack by the subus never happened. Like, saying it was training for capturing the subus or something.
Yeah.
Goodness, has there been amotion?
Looking at the copsed assassins, the bishop says that. Is it my imagination or is he being kinda transparent? The bishop nces at the saint, as if demanding an exnation.
Yes, but a moment ago, there was an attack by the subus and assassins.
Oho! So you were finally able to subjugate the subus! How marvelous!
As if being able to subjugate her is only natural. With that kind of atmosphere, the bishop returns the saints words. A slight frown appears on the saints face.
No, the subus was ultimately allowed to flee.
Good heavens! Why, that is!
The bishop feigns surprise towards the saint, who shuts her eyes and lowers her head as she answers.
This will not do.
That the subus would be suffered to escape numerous times in this manner, why, I daresay there may even be some who im that Saint sama is in truth an ally of the subus; an evil god adherent.
Nay, I do not mean to say that I believe so, simply that those who make such ims may appear.
You bastard to Saint-sama!
When the bishop makes a statement that could be taken as an abusive remark, Astel loses her temper at the saints side. However, the saint stifles her with a nce. The bishop ignores Astels existence and continues talking.
And how do you intend for responsibility to be assigned for this?
Hes likely implicitly telling her to take responsibility.
We are currently investing all of our efforts towards the subus subjugation.
Saint-sama, in that case there will still be those who do not agree. How does this sound? Why not consider leaving the subjugation of the subus, and the care of Sage-sama, to me temporarily? At this rate, your credibility may be affected.
I shall be looking after Sage-sama for many years toe.
The saint responds to the bishops inquiry with a stubborn attitude. It looks like she has no intention topromise with him. Well, Id hate for her to give in and have this baldy looking after me, though.
The bishop takes a deep sigh.
Saint-sama, such selfish statements are
The bishop uses an admonishing voice. It seems like the bishops aim is to use this opportunity to extract some sort of concessions from the saint. -However, the saint interrupts the bishops speech.
Sage-sama and I are already intimate enough to bathe together. In fact, I have arrangements to be engaged to him in a few days. As one of Sage-samas wives, that is. Therefore, I should think it only appropriate for me to look after Sage-sama. For the subjugation of the subus as well, of course I shall continue to bear responsibility.
With a shocking statement.
Engaged!?
The bishop raises his voice in surprise. Im surprised too. With a flustered expression, the bishop looks out over the surroundings. Did he consider the possibility that the saint is bluffing?
Come to think of it, I did hear that she went into the bath together with Sage-sama.
Somebody saw him rubbing Saint-samas bare breast, too.
Sage-sama hits it off quick, huh. But if hes going that far with Saint-sama, hes going to take responsibility, right?
The knights are gossipping. Even though the saint did it on her own, for some reason it turned into me doing it before I knew it. Why is that? I wonder if this is that difference in poprity thing? Wait, responsibility? Do I have to take it? No, if its as one of the members in my harem, well, theres not really any problem with that, though. Plus the saint is a beauty and all.
The saint was saying insurance. I get the feeling I finally understand the meaning of her words. This saint ns to use my existence as a shield, forcing the church to acknowledge her own existence. My overwhelming healing power. With this absolute power, if I go all out its enough to throw the reason for the existence of the church into question. For example, if I made a pilgrimage to every city in the country, going around casting healing magic on the entire city, the church would lose most of its work. Moreover, the church cant disregard the name of Sage. Because the sage is an apostle of god; his very existence could even be called the will of god. The saint, by making herself the pipe that connects me to the church, is likely trying to make her position unshakable.
You b*tch!
Did the bishop hear the knights gossip and believe the saints words to be the truth? His face reddens and he curses at the saint. I wonder if its okay for someone with a position like bishop to be using such words?
But well, its only been about a week since the subus was revived. Excluding our conversation before the beauty contest, Ive only gotten to know the saint since then, too. So for us to take a bath together to mean were also considering getting engaged, its definitely too soon for that. All the more so for someone in a position such as priestess where purity is demanded.
Say what you will.
Kuuhhhh!
The bishop must not have expected the saint to get so close to me this quickly either. His face has turned red and hes groaning in vexation. The saint nces at him in that state, then looks at me. And, making a slightly apologetic face, she whispers into my ear.
I am terribly sorry for imposing on you. But I do not dislike Sage-sama either. I am fine with bing one of your wives, Eris-sama and the others included.
Therefore, though I may be inexperienced, please treat me well.
While I was worrying over how to marry both Eris and Ruruka, somehow it turned into me marrying the saint. This is certainly outside my expectations. Wait, if I think carefully, back when the saint chased away the subus, she did say shed be fine with offering herself as a reward. That proposal might have been targeting this development from the beginning.
Marriage! Shiki is, getting married?
She got us
Ruruka is in a daze. Did Eris understand the saints aim? She holds her hand to her head and sighs. But if I say theres no such thing about my engagement to the saint here, the saint would lose her standing, and I would lose my supporter on the churchs side. I cant disavow this marriage. And I did end up telling the saint that Id do whatever I could to help. Unsurprisingly this was beyond my expectations, though.
And me!? What about me!?
Certainly, she did say that she would be fine with being one of his wives
Ruruka freaks out, while Eris seems to be ruminating over the saints words from back when the subus was repelled.
For a moment I feel like the saint could be deceiving me too but she did say as one of your wives. And yet I dont get the feeling that marrying someone with status makes it easy to broach the subject of a harem. This, in its own way could be alright. After I try thinking back over today, this is an option. If I had to choose between Eris and Ruruka, I wouldnt be able to do anything. Rather, Eris has most likely already realized my intentions. Shes looking at me as I inadvertently make a bit of a delighted smile, and sighing deeply. Most likely, shes guessed that Ill use the fact that I ended up having to marry the saint out of necessity, and force apromise between Eris and Ruruka via bigamy. I avert my eyes from Eris scornful gaze.
Mm?
When I nce outside the window, for a moment, in the distant sky, I feel like I can see a ck shadow. However, it melts into the dark of night, so Im unable to confirm its true identity.
Chapter 75 — Rings
Chapter 75: Rings.
Two weeks have passed since the subus attacked, apanied by Light Eaters.
Shiki-sama, I have ordered a wedding ring sample; what do you think of it?
You sure work fast.
Our days have passed peacefully since then. There were various matters that needed to be settled, but as far as problems that demanded urgency, my marriage to the saint cancelled most of them.
The fact that the crisis over the saint losing her position to the royal capital bishop went away was especially huge. The bishop immediately returned to the royal capital afterwards, and submitted a proposal that the saint be divested of her archbishop rank in light of her mismanagement. But that will most likely end in failure. As long as she has a marriage rtionship with me, the church cant cut ties with the saint.
ordingly, were currently in a room of the lords mansion, making arrangements for said marriage.
Pretty, isnt it
How do I put it its refined, huhhh.
Master, thats a very pretty ring
Eris, Ruruka, and Yuel are looking at the ring held out by the saint and murmuring.
-That shocking engagement announcement from the saint. Eris and Ruruka both protested to the saint afterwards, but if my marriage to the saint falls through, the odds are high that shell lose her position, and Ill lose my supporter on the churchs side for the sake of ensuring my own safety. Considering the future, now that weve allowed the subus to escape, the saint and I need to get married at all costs. Once the saint exined that, Eris and Ruruka both understood the necessity of the marriage.
But Eris and Ruruka both felt that the saint had no right to snatch me away. What the saint proposed in regards to their lingering resentment was why dont the two of them marry me as well? When the saint used her clever conversational arts to suggest that to them, it went in the direction that for the sake of getting along, Ill get married to all of them.
What made the two of them give in rtively easily to bigamy when they seem opposed to it was, most likely, the fact that it started with me getting married to the saint. If Eris would be losing to Ruruka or vice versa, they might have given up, but the saint was a dark horse who wasnt even on their radar. Maybe they hated the idea of it ending in me being stolen out from under them.
I wasnt sure how to bring up the harem, but thanks to the saint, it seems like its going to happen now in this form. For the saint, who has slogged through the underbelly of the church, this too is most likely another one of her masterful strategies. As a result, the scene I wished for is right here. Whod have thought that shed be this dependable as a wingman?
Will this be eptable?
Yeah, looks good to me?
Very well, I shall have four of them prepared posthaste.
The saint says, once she confirms our reactions. Four rings. One for me, Eris, Ruruka, and the saint.
Four
Yuel bends one, two, three, four fingers as she looks at me, Eris, Ruruka, and the saint in turn. Shes making a terribly lonely expression.
Sorry, Yuel, but there isnt one for you. These are wedding rings. In the end, theres no way I can marry a girl as young as Yuel. The fact that Im the Sage notwithstanding, Im not immune to criticism, and I myself am opposed to marrying a young girl like Yuel. No matter how much of a harem it is, thats still going too far.
I feel sorry about Yuels dejection, but even if we do end up getting married, it would at least have to wait a few years.
Four so it truly is bigamy.
Eris sighs.
Though Eris reluctantly epted bigamy, she asionally gives off a feeling like this, of finding it intolerable. Most likely, she was picturing some kind of ideal monogamous married life, with two kids, back at that hospital.
Yknow, Im kinda starting to feel like Im okay with it at this point.
!?
Ruruka replies like that to Eris mutterings. Eris must have thought that Ruruka shared her views; she makes a bit of a surprised expression. By some chance, is she going to lend support to my bigamy? Thats Ruruka for you. I knew I could count on her.
I mean look, Ive been thinkingtely. Could I get married to Shiki, just the two of us? If I did, I bet Shiki would definitely go off somewhere and cheat on me behind my back. And I mean, Shikis incredibly lewd. And simple. And weak-minded enough to get tempted by the subus. Plus whenever there are boobs in front of him, he never thinks of the consequences.
That may be true. But how does that!
Look, the point is, if its impossible alone then we can keep an eye on him with the two of us. Taking shifts, watching over Shiki so he doesnt cheat, right?
I thought a nice follow-up might being, but instead it was a rant. Im not particrly simple. I-Im just a little weak to boobs, thats all. Also, please dont say such things in front of Yuel. Itll invite a misunderstanding.
And besides, if hes gonna get married to a single person, wont it be Saint-sama, who already announced it in front of a bunch of people? I was like, I cant stand it ending like that.
Once Eris hears Rurukas speech, she lowers her eyes. Most likely, as far as those two are concerned, the fact that the saint acknowledged bigamy must have been the number one point after all. Although speaking of the saint in question, shes watching the two of them and grinning. Shes too bold.
Eris sits with her face frozen in a contemtive expression.
I wonder if shes going to say that she cant ept anything but monogamy after all? But my marriage to the saint is going to be rather seriously necessary from here on out. Also, its convenient for getting married to both Eris and Ruruka as well. Itll be a problem if Eris refuses to marry me unless shes my only wife.
Because if she does that, I may very well end up choosing her.
However, Eris raises her head and speaks with an oh well attitude.
So long as you look at me properly, then alright. Because I really do love you.
Yeah, thats fine.
Oh Im gonna get a real good look. On the contrary, if theres any ce my eyes will reach, my eyes are pretty much drawn there already. Theres no point bringing it up now. Well, I doubt that Eris meant it in that way, though. But no matter how many other women there are, I doubt I would ever lose interest in Eris. I wanna get married already. No, were going to get married.
Perhaps sensing that the matter is settled, the saint puts away the ring and stands up. She can never sit still, so maybe she has something else to do after this.
Come to think of it, concerning the assassins, one of the ve merchants has finally coughed up some information. He has confessed their involvement in the crime, so I believe that the matter can be settled with this.
The saint casually gives us a report as if shes just mentioning it offhand.
Confessed? What sort of methods did you use?
I was about to let it go, but drawing out a confession to beingplicit in an assassination is impressive. I dont know the details, though.
I have not been doing anything special. It is merely that the type of people who would kill others for money will easily betray their organization once their own bodyes under threat, that is all. With this, I ought to be able to annihte this citys ve Merchant Union with certainty. And as Darnauds exploitation is no more, henceforth the cirction of donations to this regions welfare and social institutions can be greatly increased.
Seems like Id be better off not asking what she did. Also, the ve Merchant Union will be annihted? I thought it was a fairly huge organization, though. I dont want to make an enemy of this saint, that much is crystal clear.
Assuming I be the archbishop in charge of this area as Darnauds sessor, lets be especially careful not to exploit it.
That reminds me, what about the subus? Still cant find her?
Hearing about the matter of the assassins reminded me. After that, I havent heard a word of news regarding the subus. I havent heard any stories of her attacking some other church, nor any mention of subus sightings anywhere. And Im pretty sure there hasnt been a report yet of locating the petrified subus.
Indeed by some possibility, she might have fallen to the bottom of a river orke upon her petrification. In that contingency, locating her would be extraordinarily difficult.
I see.
As I was afraid, it seems she hasnt been found. The saint holds a hand to her head, as if the subject has be a headache for her. But theres nothing we can do about something we cant find. About all we can do is spend a bunch of time and manpower searching all over.
Well then, please excuse me. I believe one of my subordinates wille byter to size the rings, if you would. Ahh, and the two of you are to be measured for your dresses, so please ask her for that ahead of time.
Then, giving us only a few informational messages, the saint leaves the room. Eris and Ruruka both leave the room as well to get that done.
The only one left behind in the room is Yuel, clutching her clothes tightly and hanging her head.
Ever since Eris and the others left, Ive been reading the Bible. Outside of the war between the evil god and humanity, this Bible also contains the churchs precepts, and episodes dealing with its major figures. Its fairly thick. I still havent read all the way to the end, but after all, its unthinkable for someoneuded as the Sage, someone who could be the archbishop of this area, not to have read this. As Im concentrating on reading the Bible and trying to get through it quickly by the time I notice, its gottente into the night.
Yuel, its about time for bed. And theres nothing left to do today.
Yes, Master.
Yuel has been somewhat absent-minded since earlier. I noticed it out of the corner of my eye while reading the Bible, but shes been vacantly staring at the floor for quite a while. As I thought, the matter of the wedding is bothering her. And the way Yuels been treatedtely, its like shes the only one left out.
Ahh
I do feel like I want to do something for her somehow but after all, Yuel is too young. And besides, no matter how much a kid says I love you, as they grow up and their perspective expands, its possible theyll no longer feel that way. When that happens, I dont want Yuel to feel regret. To the young Yuel, I may be something of a father figure. Until Yuel herself bes an adult, and can exercise proper judgment, considering such talk is probably impossible in the first ce from an ethical standpoint.
But be that as it may, seeing Yuel downtrodden is still heartbreaking. I want to give her some kind of pep talk. A feel-good talk, to subtly divert her attention so she wont cry.
Oh yeah, Yuel. I only read it in the Bible, but supposedly that cane wasnt the only catalyst that the former Sage used for his magic. Seems like theres a legendary magical sacred sword with the same level of effectiveness as that cane.
A magical sacred sword?
Yeah, thats right. If Yuel really bes strong enough to be called a Hero, lets try asking the church to lend it to you. And you can already use a little magic, so someday Im sure you can be a magnificent wizard as well as a swordswoman. I think itd be just perfect for you to have.
I dont know whether or not the church would readily lend us a sword like that, but my priority here is to deflect Yuels feelings. And assuming Yuel does gain that level of ability, Im sure she will already be an adult by that time. Even if they refuse to lend it to her, she probably wont be that sad.
As Masters Hero
Yuel murmurs, as if ruminating on my words. But the mood shes in is dark. I figured that something like the cool sacred sword the Sage used to use would tickle her childish imagination a little, but looks like its hopeless.
Perhaps her head is full of thoughts about my marriage. And she was so happy before when I told her about the harem; I didnt think she would be this crestfallen. But in the end, perhaps it was different when the reality that shes the only one unable to get married yet was thrust in front of her face. Its most likely not a rational thing. That alienation-like feeling that shes the only different one, even if she convinced herself, shed still end up feeling that way.
Looks like my only option here is that.
Yuel, its once you grow up. Youre still young. Marriage and stuff, you can think about that after you be an adult. Theres not really any need to be impatient about it. Right?
My sure-fire charm. Once you grow up, okay?.
By reciting this, I can misdirect Yuel using her future expectations. Nevertheless, although Im saying something close to it, Im not actually dering Lets get married. Its an ambiguous approach to deal with Yuels potential change of heart in the several years before she bes an adult. Ive managed to postpone the matter of my rtionship with her before using this same method. Knowing Yuel, if this will get her to focus on the happy future of We can get married once Im an adult, I can get the fact that Im currently marrying Eris and the others to vanish from her head.
Or so I thought,
Uuu
but tears slowly and steadily gather in Yuels eyes. Her throat keeps making tiny noises like she cant bear it, and she begins to tremble.
This worked out before, though.
Howe? Something is different now.
But what do I do? If this method is hopeless, what should I do?
And, as Im racking my brain, a knocking sound at the door shatters the awkward atmosphere.
Shiki-sama, may I spare a moment of your time?
Yeah.
Its the saints voice. And when the saint hears my reply, the door opens.
My apologies for disturbing you sote at night. However as I was able to put together a little avable time, I thought that I ought to make amends to Shiki-sama for forcibly pressing you into the marriage.
Have I interrupted you?
The saint says as she enters the room. On the contrary, she saved me. I was already running out of ideas for how tofort Yuel. Once you grow up workedst time, so I thought it would distract her this time too. In any event, she can steer the conversation elsewhere.
I dont really mind. Whats up? By make amends, you mean youre giving me something?
Though it may be forward of me, I am thinking of providing you with night service.
Steering it there is not good. Really not good. I wanna turn back already.
Look, Yuel is here and shes still on the verge of tears. Ahh, ahh I can tell right away from looking at Yuel that the proposal from the saint just now hit her pretty hard. The rtionship between me and the saint, whos already about to initiate night service, and my purely master-and-ve rtionship with Yuel. Did the saints proposal make Yuel see things in a new light? Her expression rapidly saddens.
I wonder if she thinks that even her presence here is a nuisance? Yuel starts to silently trudge out of the room. The usual Yuel would do something like ask May I help?, but it seems like shes alreadypletely disheartened. Past incidents aside, perhaps shes thinking that its uneptable for a ve to intrude on the intimate rtionship between a husband and wife. Were not particrly that intimate, though.
Ahh, Philine. Can we do this some other time? Now is sorta look, you understand, right?
I dont mind if Yuel-chan joins.
You should mind. I mind.
Wait, didnt thisdy say something like its not good to put a child through something so outrageous? As insistent as she is that unreasonable treatment is no good, I wonder if that means its fine so long as theres consent? And now that I think about it, she isnt questioning me at all about having Yuel as a ve.
Master, i-is it okay?
Look, Yuel reacted. No, I was going to hold Yuel back either way. Nor did I have any intention of throwing the mournful Yuel outside so the saint and I could get down to night service. Rather, I was nning on sending the saint away andforting Yuel by petting her head, all night long if thats what it took.
But what do I do about this situation? Yuel is looking at me like an abandoned puppy. If I tell her no here, itll end up looking like Im rejecting her. In her current insecure condition, I absolutely cant do that.
Even though I was trying not to make Yuel sad, why does she have to suffer so much?
-As Im anguishing over it like that.
Sage-sama! Saint-sama, is Saint-sama here!?
The second I think I hear someone noisily running down the hallway, a knights voice calls out from in front of the room. How unusual, thiste at night. He seems pretty frantic.
Yes, I am indeed here, but can it wait? We are currently in the middle of something.
The saint dismisses the knight. However, the knight immediately retorts.
Its urgent business!!
His rough voice seems desperate. Perhaps feeling the serious atmosphere, the saint approaches the door.
What sort of business would that be?
Then she opens it. Over the saints shoulders, I can see the knights face. His expression is pallid. I can clearly tell that hes quivering, and greatly shaken. Judging from the state this knight is in, its no doubt bad news.
-However, the knights report far exceeds my hypothesis.
The royal capital, there has been word that the royal capital has fallen! The subus has resurrected the evil god!!!
Chapter 76 — Fall
Chapter 76: Fall.
Wha? The royal capital has fallen!?
The evil god has been resurrected!? And moreover the subus yet lives!? Give me the details!
The evil god was revived. And furthermore by the subus, who should have turned to stone? The saint was just saying something about night service, but she too switches her expression and demands an exnation from the knight.
The details are unclear, but ording to the testimony of the knights who came from the royal capital the evil god suddenly appeared at the royal capital, sealed off all entry and exit with barrier magic, then instantly left the royal capital andmenced an attack on this city of Merhatz!
He is heading towards this city!? And moreover he usedrge-scale stationary barrier magic!? Does that mean it is the genuine evil god!?
Large-scale barrier magic.
Within the Bible, I read about the evil god using that once. If I recall correctly, its magic where a huge pattern is inscribed on the ground, then everything within its range gets cuts off from the outside world. Though it takes time to set up, once its invoked the effect is tremendous. Until the evil god releases it, nobody can undo it. It was supposedly an extraordinarily troublesome spell.
But that resurrected evil god blockaded the royal capital, and hes heading towards thisbyrinth city?
What does that mean?
-The questions keeping.
First, didnt the subus get petrified? The distance from thisbyrinth city to the royal capital is far enough that it takes a few days even by dragon. Taking into ount the advancement of the subus petrification from what I previously saw, she shouldnt have managed to reach the royal capital by any stretch of the imagination. And the saint was also saying that there are no priests around here capable of using EX Heal other than me and her.
Besides, how did they end up allowing the evil god to be revived? The royal capital shouldve had strict security in ce around the evil gods seal. Even if the subus brought along monsters and attacked, the royal capital wouldnt fall so easily, and if she went in alone she shouldnt have been able to somehow bypass the security easily either.
Hey, in the royal capital, werent there jewels not just for the evil god, but for the rest of his apostles too?
Yes, distributed in several ces, but they were being kept under strict guard
Then why did he take such wishy-washy measures and leave the royal capital in limbo by blockading it with a barrier, toe march on thisbyrinth city? If he had seized the royal capital, the country would no longer be able to fulfill its duties as a country. Besides, if he hadbed the capital to search for the other apostles sealing gems, he should have been able to find a few of them. I dont really understand the merit of leaving that ce so far behind and going out of his way to march on thisbyrinth city.
The evil god and the subus are advancing towards thisbyrinth city, gathering monsters along the way They are already approaching at two days distance.
And moreover, in exchange for guaranteeing the safety of the royal capital, the evil god is demanding that Sage-sama be brought before him, alone!
To hand over Shiki-sama!? I-Is that what ites down to?
Now I get it so the royal capital is being held hostage?
The knights remark cancels out my one doubt. The reason the evil god expressly blockaded the royal capital was to use it in exchange for me?
Most likely, the evil god is aiming for certain victory. The Sage is the only one with the capability to oppose the evil god. In order to kill me quickly and without resistance, hes holding the royal capital hostage and advancing towards thisbyrinth city. In the case that we dont obey, Im sure hell have some device to blow up the interior of that barrier or something withrge-scale magic.
The fact that knights came here from the royal capital is also probably because the evil god intentionally allowed them to escape in order to serve as his messenger.
I-I will I will protect you, Master!
Perhaps because she heard something like hand me over to the evil god, Yuel draws a knife. Then she forces her way in front of the knight and the saint in order to protect me.
Please calm down!
The saint gets flustered when Yuel points the de at her. Before I notice, Astel wedges herself between the saint and Yuel as well. Yuel and Astel, pointing knives at each other. The atmosphere is touch-and-go.
I-I have no intention of handing over Shiki-sama in resignation! If we lose Shiki-sama as the Sage, humanity will lose its only means of opposing the evil god. And should we hand over Shiki-sama, we cannot be sure that the royal capital will truly be returned unharmed. Moreover, the authenticity of this information has not yet been confirmed.
Yuel, Im fine. Rx.
I grab hold of Yuels knife hand and move her behind me. Incidentally, I also reach behind my back to pet her head.
The saint wouldnt actually present me to the evil god. At the very least, without me, its doubtful whether they could even win against the subus monster troops alone. The royal capital has already been isted and taken hostage. Considering humanity as a whole, we should abandon it at this point. And I think that the saint is most likely the type whos capable of such thoughts, even from her standpoint as the archbishop of said royal capital.
As Im patting Yuels silky hair, a single thoughtes to mind.
Ive been thinking about it ever since I heard that the subus resurrected the evil god. How did she heal her petrification?
-And Ind on a single person who might have been capable of healing it.
Hey by some chance, what if the one who healed the subus was that baldy bishop? If that guy could use EX Heal, couldnt he have healed the subus and intentionally let her get away to make Philine lose her position or something?
The saint was saying that she and I are the only people in this area who can use EX Heal. But what about that bishop, who came by this city afterwards? If it was that bishop, he might have been able to cure the subus.
What if, after that raid with the Light Eaters, the subus didnt escape right away, but stayed close and waited for an opportunity? Its possible that she was observing the conversation between the saint and the bishop. The subus true strength is perceiving peoples desires and taking advantage of them.
At that time, when the bishop was fuming at the saint, she might have targeted him.
Certainly, he might have had a motive to heal the subus but that bishop could only use High Heal at best. Healing her petrification would be extremely
The saint states in bewilderment. Looks like I guessed wrong. I figured that the bishop might have intentionally healed the subus and let her get away in order to ensnare the saint. As Im mulling it over, theres a voice from my side.
Master, I think that petrification could be cured even with High Heal.
Its Yuel. Even High Heal can cure petrification? Does she mean that by using High Heal, the spread of the petrification can be suppressed? I havent heard anything like that, though.
Thinking of myself as the subus and Master as the evil god if it was in order to revive Master, I think I would do it.
Yuel says with a tragic expression. That harsh expression makes me realize.
-No, but, she couldnt possibly
If I was the subus, I would cut off my own leg, and have it regenerated with High Heal.
Then Yuel asserts that.
Dont tell me she really ended upparing herself to the subus? Yuel is making a slightly sorrowful expression. Well, from the standpoint of working hard for the sake of their master, the two of them do have something inmon. And their appearances are a bit simr as well. But I dont want her feeling any sympathy orpassion for an apostle of the evil god who actually spent tens of thousands of years killing humans in biblical times.
Remove the petrified portion along with the leg, and heal the missing leg with High Heal I-If that is indeed the case, it would not be strange for the subus to go on living however, I could have sworn that the subus petrification was quite profound at the time of that attack, it might very well have spread to a portion of her torso
The saints shoulders shudder a little.
Cutting off a leg is easier said than done. Injuring ones own flesh requires sufficient determination. Moreover, in that subus case, I doubt she could have detached the petrified portion without dismembering her leg up to its very base, the hip joint.
No matter how much vitality an apostle of the evil god is purported to have, if she cut off her leg at the hip, very close to her torso, there wouldve been the possibility of death. And its not like the subus can use healing magic herself, so she had no definitive guarantee that her leg would be returned to normal after she cut it off. She must have known that if she couldnt get it healed, she would die of blood loss.
She sure is tenacious.
I dont know what makes the subus go so far, but she must have wanted to revive the evil god at any cost.
With the bishops cooperation, it would have been a simple matter to find her way to the evil gods seal as well.
Most likely, like the time with Shiki-sama, he might have been deceived and even offered to be an apostle. That bishop is a man of high pride, after all I suppose that losing to me would have been more unbearable for him than leading the world to ruin
The saint reflects regretfully.
As for the subus, she has no reason to make him one of her followers. Setting aside whether I have goodpatibility with subus-degree abilities, that bishop is just a priest who can use a little healing magic. Most likely, in the case that he was deceived, hes no longer alive. And being able to use up to High Heal, he must have had a fair amount of mana, so its also possible that he was used as a sacrifice for reviving the evil god.
Saint-sama.
A knight presses the saint as shes hanging her head with a sullen face. And the evil god is already nearing thisbyrinth city; its a race against time. I guess he wants her to hurry and give out orders.
Indeed, this is no time for regret. I shall go and ask the knights who supposedly came from the royal capital about the situation. And thereafter, consult with Lord-sama it will most likely take the form of calling for reinforcements from the nearby towns again. Shiki-sama, please remain on standby in this room.
Astel! You go and alert the knights guarding the ramparts. They are to report immediately should they discover anything unusual.
And, dering that, the saint quickly exits the room.
Ive been told to remain in my room.
Most likely, if I were to go out, it would be unfavorable in many ways. And Im sure there are plenty of folks with friends and rtives in the royal capital. Abandoning the royal capital would not be such an easy decision to make. The saint assuredly intends to hang onto me and stand up against the evil god, but for a while it may be difficult to unify the will of this city as well.
Master will it be alright?
Perhaps worried about the knights frantically running around outside the room, Yuel asks me with an anxious face.
To be honest, if I had to say whether its alright or not, its totally not alright. Even if we call for reinforcements right now, how many knights can we possibly assemble? Most likely, the best we could do wouldnt even amount to half of the number of knights that showed upst time. Now that the royal capital is being held hostage, we may as well already be caught in checkmate.
Its alright. You dont need to worry at all, Yuel.
But for now, Ill reassure her. And its not like weve lost yet. Even with hardly any knights, as long as we have my healing magic, we may still be able to turn the tables on the evil god and the subus.
For the time being, lets do what we can.
I reach for the Bible.
I have a good grasp of the subus abilities, but frankly I dont really understand the abilities of the evil god who she supposedly resurrected. Its written that magic is his forte, but in what Ive read so far, there wasnt much about what he can do or what sort of weak points he has, that type ofbat-applicable knowledge. I need to understand that. I start flipping through the Bible.
-Found it.
The moment of the decisive battle between the evil god and the former Sage. On the opposite page, theres an illustration of the cane-wielding Sage and a female swordsman who appears to be the Hero. The circumstances seem to be that, while the apostles and monsters were in the midst of capturing the surrounding major cities, the Sage led a great host of 10,000 against the isted headquarters of the evil god. When I read it in detail, the Sage apparently divided his army into a huge diversionary force and an ambush unit of a select few led by the Sage himself, and they each attacked the evil god from opposite sides. Its written that the diversionary force headed in a straight line towards the evil god through the open ins, while the ambush unit hid among the trees and approached beneath the evil gods notice.
However, reading the next sentence, I cant believe my eyes.
!?
-Before a few minutes had psed, the diversionary force was annihted. The army of close to 10,000 soldiers was nearly wiped out by a single direct hit from the evil godsrge-scale attack magic. Even when the surviving soldiers spread out to assault the evil god, there was nothing they could do against the excessive range of his devastating attack magic, and they were annihted. Its written that nothing was left in their ce but numerous craters and swirling clouds of dust.
Offensive-type,rge-scale magic, huh?
Outside of attack magic, the evil god can also use barrier magic like the one he ced over the royal capital.
Arge-scale magic expert. Thats probably an apt description. Sounds like the kind of wizard I would most likely turn out to be if I learned how to use all different types of magic.
-Hes aplete upgrade over me, huh
But such an evil god was sealed by the former Sage. Holding out hope, I continue reading.
The ambush unit led by the Sage slipped into the cloud of dust and drew near to the evil god, immediately engaging in a close-quarters battle with him. Over the span of a few pages, the Bible describes the grand duel between the Hero and the evil god.
But theres no mention of magic being used within it.
I might have figured out one of the evil gods weak points. The weakness of the evil god who usesrge-scale magic is being forced to fight at close range. If the enemy gets right up in his face, he wont be able to use magic that could possibly swallow himself up along with it.
Now I get it. That means we can make a surprise attack, creep up close to our opponent so he cant use magic, and win in close-quartersbat? Well, thats how it is with things like wizards. Get close to them and theyre finished, no big deal.
However, when I turn the page.
-The Hero was cut down by the evil god.
And apparently its not like the evil god used some sort of magic to give himself an advantage. It seems that the Hero, the one known as the strongest swordsman of that era, was defeated simply via pure sword technique.
You gotta be kidding me
Hes the strongest ss even in meleebat? Oh man, no wonder hes called the evil god.
Whether its at long range or short, it seems like we have no shot at winning against the evil god. As far as why the Sage was able to seal the evil god, apparently he capitalized on the momentary opening when that Hero was cut down to set off the sealing magic.
-Lets consider the contents of what I just read.
If we gather allies and fight the evil god head-on, we will no doubt suffer enormous damage from hisrge-scale attack magic. And the win percentage is most likely not high.
Even going with a surprise attack, he possesses sword technique that surpassed even the strongest swordsman of the era. Sess wont be very easy.
Isnt this hopeless?
The former Sages fighting method isnt one that we can reproduce now. I dont have something like sealing magic where one direct hit is an instant win. Besides, fighting by throwing away an army of over 10,000 as a diversion would be too severe, both from a material perspective and a psychological one.
Like the time with the subus, the saint most likely intends to gather knights, make use of my healing magic, and pull through somehow with that method.
But that will most likely prove to be difficult. Against therge-scale magic of the evil god, my healing magic is powerless. Their fragile human bodies will end up evaporating before I even get a chance to use healing magic. Ifrge-scale magic is used, I likely wont be able to save the knights caught within its range.
Even before we get close enough to be in range of hisrge-scale magic, the subus is there. The swarm of monsters shes bringing should slow the knights advance. Against the evil gods massive firepower, heals wont possibly make it in time. And even if by some minuscule chance we do manage to get close, the evil god himself is a peerless swordsman. Theres no chance of victory in the first ce.
And that evil god is already close enough that hell arrive in two days.
Master
My face must be looking rather pale; Yuel calls out to me.
Yeah, its alright. This city has me backing it up. You dont need to worry, Yuel.
I deceive her for now, but in the end its not alright. At least if the subus and the evil god wereing separately, we could manage somehow. With the subus monster forces at the evil gods side, we cant possibly pull off a surprise attack. I dont think theres any method to defeat the evil god other than a sudden strike, though. I get the feeling theres nothing I can do to break this stalemate.
But its not like I can give up trying to think. Being unable to win against the evil god means that Eris and Ruruka, and also Yuel, will continue to be exposed to danger. Somehow, some way, I have to do something.
As Im racking my brain, my throat bes dry before I notice. I stuff my hand into my item box for some water to drink. And my hand touches a certain something. I suddenly realize.
-I might have found a method to defeat the evil god.
If I head over to the evil god by myself, maybe I can use this. With this method, none of the knights will be sacrificed in vain, either. Ill settle everything on my own.
A shot at victory. As that thought lifts my spirits, I feel like a little weight is lifted off my hips. But then theres a sensation tightly tugging on those lightened hips.
Master I will, I will absolutely protect you. No matter what happens, I will protect you without fail.
So please, dont go by yourself, ok?
Yuel pleads, as if she was reading my mind. Shes clinging to me from behind, trembling a little.
Yuel?
I was surprised over why she would say something like that but most likely, its that.
Back during that magic practice, when my mana was going out of control, Yuel was there. And the saint was also saying that when all that mana runs amok, it has a dreadful power to it that could vaporize an entire mountain. It might have looked like I was going to try and force a draw with the evil god using that haywire mana.
But Im not one to do something like blow myself up. And I have no desire to die. I havent done anything with Eris or Ruruka yet. And besides, if Yuel ends up being left alone, shell definitely cry.
I wont die, and neither will the knights. Im only taking the very best approach I can think of to defeat the evil god.
Of course not. What could I possibly do if I go alone? Besides, Im a total coward. I wouldnt so readily go to face the evil god by myself.
Master, you have exposed yourself to danger countless times in order to save someone. You are an incredibly respectable, very very brave person.
When I retort, Yuel clutches my clothes tightly and says that. I can sense her will to never let go.
Its alright. Im right here beside you, Yuel.
Well, Im gonna go though.
This strategy most likely has a high win rate. Furthermore, precisely because of this timing, its extremely likely to work. If I let this chance go, we may not be able to win against the evil god anymore. And if that happens, Ill be killed by the evil god anyway.
Do you mean it?
I mean it. Yuels master wouldnt lie, right?
Master doesnt tell lies. Thus far, in front of Yuel anyway, Ive been a perfectly honest, kind, and respectable master. Knowing Yuel, if I say so, she should believe me.
Yuel, until the saint calls on us, lets take a nap. Who knows when something wille up.
And, as I tell Yuel that, I decide to get into the futon along with her.
Chapter 77 — Yuel
Chapter 77: Yuel.
The sound of her quiet sleeping breath permeates the room. Perhaps because itste at night as well, Yuel quickly fell into a deep slumber. I guess shes still a child after all.
Children should get a good nights sleep.
I slip out of the futon, being careful not to wake Yuel. And, trying to the best of my ability not to make any noise, I slowly open the door to the room.
Master, where are you going?
Instantly, theres a voice from behind me.
Did I wake her up when I was sneaking out of the futon? Although, this is a little awkward. Theres no way I can take Yuel with me. For now, Ill mislead her.
Ahh to the bathroom.
Master, please take me with you.
And what exactly do you n to do when we get to the bathroom together, I wonder? Id prefer to decline.
I-I really dont think that going to the bathroom together would be Yuel, wait in the room for me for a little while.
However, Yuel circles around between me and the door and stares steadily into my eyes.
Master, if you are leaving this mansion, please take me with you.
Then, gazing straight at me, she states it inly.
! Yuel!?
Apparently Yuel has unmasked my thoughts.
Now that I think about it, when I look closely, Yuels expression shows no signs of her being half-asleep.
I wonder if shes been awake the whole time? But I made sure to confirm her sleeping breath and everything. Perhaps she was even feigning sleep?
Feigning sleep that would mean that Yuel was convinced that I was lying
Master, I, Ive realizedtely that Master has been lying to me a lot.
Nnnnn!?
Then, some shocking words are fired from Yuels mouth. How long ago is tely? Which lies has she exposed? What exactly has happened to the image of me now inside Yuels head?
-Yuel has be aware of the lies Ive been telling her thus far.
I was about to go face the evil god alone in order to defeat him, but such things instantly vanish from my head. Is Yuel going to tell me I hate this lying, dirty Master? Oh crap. Its impossible. I cant bear it.
But if she really has noticed my lies, that would be only natural. Because Yuel loved the honest, pure, totally kind, ideal master. Yuel wasnt looking past the facade that I had built out of lies.
Yuel thats, Im sorry. Im not the respectable master that you thought I was.
Most likely, theres no point in trying to mislead her. Until now, she was deceived because she never doubted me. And my lies are all sloppy ones that youll immediately see through if you just think about it calmly afterwards.
I knew she would find out someday, but it looks like that day has finally arrived. Well, its a miracle that she didnt notice even for a short period. And if she knows what kind of person I really am, Yuel will surely spurn me.
I cant look Yuel straight in the eye.
No, my Master is a respectable one.
However, Yuels clear voice resounds in my ears. I look at Yuels face in astonishment. When I do, Yuel gazes fixedly into my eyes and continues.
Up until now, there were lots of things that I thought were strange. So, so very many of them.
But Im sure that unconsciously, I told myself that Master wouldnt tell lies, and tried to believe in you.
So, so very many, huh?
Like what, for example?
That I was silent about the reason Eris threw me out of the hospital?
That I was rubbing Rurukas breasts and giving her price discounts?
Or else that I kept silent about being able to use the Appraisal skill?
Or wait, maybe that time when I went off to the bathroom and slipped out to watch the beauty contest.
Honestly, I cane up with any number of them.
But then, I realized.
That Master really, truly loves big-boobed women, more than anything.
I-I wish you hadnt realized that.
Well, Ive been together with both Eris and Ruruka a lottely. And I think I was really ogling them pretty heavily in the bath. On the contrary, theres no way that Yuel wouldnt notice.
With that in mind, somehow I was able to understand what Master was always thinking about, and what you wanted to do.
What I was always thinking about, huh? In other words, tits. I get the feeling Im habitually gazing at tits, and thinking about things like how I should rub them. This is hopeless. Yuel said that her master is respectable, but how exactly is that respectable?
Yuel its true, Im that type of person.
Well, if you hate it, I can release you from being my ve. And Im sure that someone like Fran would hire you for a high sry at this point.
After this, theres no way that Yuel can love me anymore. If Yuel hates me now, I should respect her will. And the whole reason I kept her by my side as a ve was because she didnt seem to feel the slightest bit of dissatisfaction towards that. Now that my mary problems have been resolved, theres no need to keep her at my service against her will.
I would regret it, though.
I dont hate you, Master. There is no way I coulde to hate you.
Because when I realized that Master was lying, I was very, very happy.
However, Yuels words are different from what I imagined. She smiles at me as she speaks.
Certainly, Master was lying to me. But the lies that Master told me, to keep me from being sad, to stop me from crying, to prevent me from getting hurt they were all kind lies, I believe.
!
-Kind lies. That wasnt my intention. The fact that I was lying to Yuel, of course it was also for the sake of not making her sad. But if I had to say why I lied, it was to conceal my shorings, or to prevent Yuel from finding out the things I wanted to do, those sorts of self-centered reasons.
Healing my face for me, letting me eat delicious food, letting me sleep in a fluffy bed, and making me incredibly happy I think I selfishly pushed my own ideals onto Master. But Master avoided shattering those ideals for me. For the sake of a mere ve like me, Master was trying to be a kind, respectable Master.
Apparently thats how Yuel interpreted it. Acting out Yuels ideals, it sounds nice if you put it that way, but I just enjoyed showing off in front of her.
There might have been a little of that aspect to it as well, though.
Master may not be a wless person. But even so, Master was always being considerate of me, all the time. Whenever you found me about to cry, you always petted my head andforted me.
I really love that side of Master. Brave, cool, and kind. Thats the Master I am in love with.
But as for Yuel, it seems like she doesnt care about my faults. Its true that Ive been thinking about Yuel a lot. Not wanting to lose Yuels respect, not wanting to make her sad, covering up every time I do something thats out of character for her master. Trying to carry out the appropriate conduct for Yuels master has even reshaped my own habitual behavior, countless times.
I absolutely dont want Master to face any danger. I want to be together with Master no matter what happens.
Yuel seems grateful towards me, but I feel the same way towards her.
If you say that Ive been behaving as Yuels ideal master for her sake, that also means that I wouldnt have been able to behave like that ideal master if Yuel wasnt there.
If Yuel wasnt there, I wouldnt have been able to repair my rtionship with Eris.
If Yuel wasnt there, I wouldnt have even saved the city with Area Heal.
If that never happened, I absolutely never would have beenuded as the Sage like this.
If Yuel wasnt there, by this point I might even have be a minor viin in those circumstances.
I am Masters Hero. No matter what happens, I will protect Master without fail so please, take me with you.
Then Yuel repeats it again.
Thinking it over, I understand clearly. It seems that for me, Yuel really is a precious existence. Yuel told me she always wants us to be together, but I feel the same way now. Thats why Ill answer her like this.
I understand. With Yuel protecting me, I can safely fight even the evil god.
Lets go together, Yuel.
Yes! As Masters Hero, I will definitely protect you! Whatever happens, I wont let a single attack get through, just watch!
Once I answer, Yuels expression brightens in a sh. She seems really happy about being able to go together. With this much enthusiasm, shes practically hopping up and down. Its incredibly cute.
As expected of Yuel. Youre so reliable.
Just like that, I rub her head all over. With one hand- my left hand, I hug Yuels head close to me, continuing to pet her.
Ehehe
Whether shes happy over getting to go with me or getting petted, Yuels voice leaks out a little.
-And, unaware of my lie, Yuel delightedly nuzzles her head against me.
Yuel was saying she noticed my lies, but with this mood, she probably hasnt noticed all of them. To the extent that she realized a few of the lies Ive told, I bet she still hasnt realized half of them? Well, I think shelle to notice them naturally when she bes an adult. And my lies are all sloppy ones that youll immediately see through if you just think about it calmly afterwards.
-As Im hugging Yuel with my left hand like that, I insert my right hand into my item box.
Then I take out the sleeping powder. The fast-acting sleep medication I received from Astel, which supposedly has few side-effects. And, I sprinkle it over Yuels head.
Immediately, I cast Dis-Poison on myself alone.
It seemed useful so I insisted on asking for some but it really is useful, this medicine. Even the agile, vignt Yuel ispletely shut down with this. Although I never imagined that Yuel would be the first one Id use this on.
Perhaps noticing the odd smell, Yuel stares at me, then at the small bottle in my hand. She makes a surprised expression, but only for a moment. The strength quickly drains from Yuels body, and she falls against me.
I-I will pro Mas
Trying to resist her sleepiness, Yuel tries to tell me something. But in the end, this isnt something she can do anything about through willpower.
Yuel slowly closes her eyes, and starts making gentle sleeping breaths.
Sorry, Yuel.
I love you too.
Of course I dont mean that in a romantic way, though. I mean like, yknow, a family member.
I tentatively try stretching Yuels cheeks, but theres not a single reaction from her. Looks like this time for sure, shes asleep. I softly transport the sleeping Yuel onto the bed.
-Yuel was telling me that precisely because youre my beloved Master, I dont want you to face any danger. But the same goes for me. Precisely because she adores me so much, I absolutely cannot subject Yuel to this danger.
Im definitely going to make this strategy seed. And when I return, thats when Ill look after Yuel with all my energy.
Having decided that, I step out of the room.
Chapter 78 — Strategy
Chapter 78: Strategy.
Hiding out of eyesight, I start to make my way outside. ording to the knight, the evil god is apparently two days away. Assuming theyre most likely keeping pace with the monsters the subus is bringing along, that amount of distance should take me a single day on horseback.
In any case, I need to secure a means of transport first. Lets borrow a horse from somewhere. Ive never ridden one before, but if its just riding, Im sure I can manage somehow.
Whoops!
As Im walking through the mansion and mulling it over, a knight passes right by in the hallway in front of me.
Its not like I cante up with a suitable excuse if Im spotted, but I want to avoid trouble as much as possible. And Im on the first floor now, so maybe itll be harder to spot me if I leave the mansion.
-I open a window and go outside. And Ie out in the garden. Relying on the light escaping from the windows, I walk towards the mansions gate.
Cant see at all thiste at night, huh well, I think I can manage to get out, at least
On the way, I feel the sensation of something hitting my head. From the feel of it, it was probably a drop of water or something. I wonder if its going to start raining? As long as its not bird crap.
Sheesh, what now
I touch my head.
Its kinda sticky. What is this?
To determine the origin, I look up.
-Theres a dragon head there.
Whooaaah!?
Ipletely forgot. Oh yeah, Rurukas Earth Dragon was here in the courtyard. And itste at night, so since it was huddled next to the trees, I didnt notice it at all.
Guru
The dragon looks at me and growls. Man seeing it again like this, this dragon is scary after all. Its huge, it has fangs and ws, and it can emit that breath.
I really cant understand Rurukas sensibilities, calling this cute. I wonder if her cuuute! was referring to herself or something? It did seem like she really adores this thing, though.
Listen, dont move, okay? Im a little busy right now. I dont have time to worry about you.
It looks scary, but dragons can supposedly understand human speech. I hold my hand straight out, conveying a stop intent, while slowly backing away.
-That instant.
The dragon tries to bite my outstretched hand.
Hey, wai!!
I panic and fall right down on my ass. The dragons face steadilyes nearer.
Now the dragon is close enough that I can feel its breath hitting my face. Ah, this is hopeless. Before I fight the evil god, Ill be killed by Rurukas pet. Just how meticulously is she caring for it? The dragons faintly minty breath brushes along my cheek.
And then- it licks me. After that, the dragon starts to rock its head a little, trying to nuzzle against my roughed-up face.
Nn?
Well this is different.
Its kinda like its super attached to me. Why is that?
By some chance, I wonder if the dragon remembers that I ordered Yuel to save it? If thats the case, its got a rather strong sense of duty. Even though that was quite a while ago. If Yuel-san herself came, I wonder how it would express its affection?
Thats it. I was searching for a horse, but maybe I dont need to look any further. And this thing is way faster than a horse.
Hey, Id kinda like you to give me a ride somewhere would you do that for me?
I query the dragon. When I do, the dragon makes a little growl in affirmation.
Strong winds are hitting my face. Thanks to the saddle that Ruruka attached, the dragon is an unexpectedlyfy ride. So much so that I only need to hold on with one hand.
If I let Yuel ride it next time, shell probably be thrilled.
With me riding on the dragons back, we fly dozens of meters in the sky for just under half a day. Finally, I spot a ck cluster in the direction of the royal capital.
Most likely, thats the subus monster army.
Unlike the ones around Merhatz, there are some considerably strong-looking monsters mixed in. And the evil god who usesrge-scale magic should also be in there somewhere.
This is close enough.
The dragon lowers its altitude and I get off. When I do, the dragon flies off as if running away. I know why its running away. I cant really me the dragon for it either.
Just like that, I head towards the horde of monsters, walking slowly. Most likely, they already noticed my presence from far off.
If Im attacked here, one strike and Im out. I retrieve a certain something from my item box. After that, I wave it around exaggeratedly, making it highly visible.
-As I do, from within the mass of monsters, I notice one of them fly up into the sky ande towards me.
Most likely, its the subus. Once she gets within several meters of me, she calls out.
So you really came alone. Not to mention, a white g? You dont feel like fighting?
Thats right, what Im holding in my hand is an improvised white g. Emphasizing myck of fighting spirit, I shorten the distance between myself and the subus.
Yeah, I dont feel like fighting you guys one bit.
What dont tell me you were driven out? Since Evil God-sama took the royal capital hostage? We were only expecting something like that to cause some internal discord for a while, though.
No, its not like I was kicked out. I read the records concerning the war with the evil god, and I concluded that there was absolutely no chance of winning even with the knights fighting. I came here to be an apostle of the evil god. Also, while were at it, I want to create that harem you mentioned before. I wanna build the greatest harem, and pick the most beautiful women from all around the world.
The subus shows no particr sign of attacking. She likely already knows that I myself have no fighting ability. Perhaps curious about my reason foring here alone, shes maintaining a steady distance a few meters ahead of me as she converses with me. Theres no sign ofrge-scale attack magic flying this way, either.
Does that mean the first phase of my strategy has broken through? If he hadunchedrge-scale attack magic the moment he detected my presence, it would have ended with me unable to do a thing.
I was confident that I wouldnt be attacked, though. I estimated that there was a 60-70% chance that it would be fine.
I-Is that so. Well, Evil God-samas resurrection isntplete, either. For the sake of achieving Evil God-samas supremacy, you could prove useful from now on. Ill go consult with Evil God-sama. Wait a while.
The subus makes a bit of a disgusted face at my words and says that. After that, she flies off towards the horde of monsters.
Man, its just as I suspected, huh? The evil gods resurrection is apparently iplete.
I figured that was probably the case, though. For the evil god to userge-scale destruction magic, naturally he must have an enormous enough mana capacity to userge-scale magic. In order to revive said evil god, it shouldnt have been possible to find a priest anywhere who would serve as an adequate vessel. Thinking about how to truly revive the evil godpletely, about the only way would be to use me as the vessel.
Could that possibly be the evil god?
Even while the subus was talking to me, the swarm of monsters continued marching this way. I try straining my eyes, and I notice a small humanoid silhouette riding on top of a giant troll. A ck-clothed, ck-haired man. The subus is buzzing around that man, seemingly discussing something with him.
I wonder if that man is the evil god? He looks human-like from this far off, though.
The subus keeps gesticting; it seems like shes trying to convince him of something. Most likely, persuading him that he should want to make me their ally or something.
Knowing the subus, I figured she would be receptive towards me joining their camp. For the evil god faction, even if they destroy this country, the world is still packed with other nations of mankind. Though he may be the evil god, if his resurrection is iplete, a massive alliance between the nations of mankind could end up giving him a hard fight.
-And thats where Ie in.
My ability has extremely high affinity with the subus, and she can control me freely. Plus shes already aware of my heartfelt desire to create a harem, so she should want to win me over as an ally by all means.
Thats right, subus, persuade him. It wouldnt be an exaggeration to say that my strategy depends entirely on you.
-A few minutes pass like that, then the subuses near me once again.
Evil God-sama has agreed to make you an apostle. Ill take you over to him.
As the subus talks, her eyes glow red. Then she mutters with a sneer.
Well of course. Its not like he believed you.
Youll join us, but deprived of your reason.
Guh
Looks like tricking her wont be so simple. Like thest time, I stagger up to the subus.
Huhu
Seeing that, the subus lets out augh. She must be delighted that Im giving such a fitting reaction to her ability. Im about the only one whod sumb directly to this ability, after all.
Hows that, should I give you the kiss of obedience too? Youre about the only man I can tempt right now. Im in a bit of a good mood, so its not like I wouldnt do it? Once you know the taste of subus saliva, youll absolutely never be able to betray me.
Getting carried away by the mood, the subus purses her lips with a mmmm and shakes her hips in midair. She must think that I cant do a thing now that Im being manipted. Shes being totally careless.
Yeah, I would love that.
Since the subus is inviting me, I reach my hands out towards her. Theres not even a meter between us anymore.
Hm? Theres blooding from your mouth?
The subus remarks when she looks at my mouth.
Looks like you noticed my abnormality. But even if you notice now, its toote. At this distance, I can grab you.
-I take out a certain something from my item box. Its the one from the church, which originally belonged to the archbishop. This magic tool, the ornate one that Yuel presented to me.
Ive been questioning it this whole time. The archbishop was trying to revive the subus. That was in order to create his wonderful world where he can do dirty things to girls. But for that, he would naturally need some means of controlling the subus. How exactly was the archbishop going to try to control her?
And the answer was- this cor.
At the time, I thought the subus was going to be petrified anyway, so I wasnt expecting to get to use this. But now, in this situation, this cor will be my strongest trump card. This is no mere monster-manipting cor.
-Its a highest-grade Subordination Cor, which can control even an apostle of the evil god at will.
Thatd be cause I was biting the inside of my cheek to resist, of course.
I attach that cor to the subus without hesitation. She was careless. Since I was easily manipted before, I could be easily manipted this time as well? Such negligence is fatal.
-I was biting the inside of my cheek, enduring the temptation via the pain.
What the!?
Also, I dont intend to tell the subus this, but on the way here, I was using Slime Jelly while riding on the dragon.
Im currently in sage mode. Im most likely the only one in human history whos joined the Mile High Club with Slime Jelly. The dragon was moaning in utter disgust and squirming, but well, that was for the sake of humanity too. The dragon fled to the skies the instant I dismounted, but I hope it will find it in its heart to forgive me.
Although I bet Ruruka would be pissed if she found out. But Ruruka, your dragon was afy ride.
This is a cor!? Guh!
The subus is surprised at having the cor suddenly put on her. And she instantly tries to take it off. I empower my voice with mana and order her.
Do not remove the cor.
Wh-, My hands, my hands wont move!?
The cor glows red, and the subus movement stops. Sess.
But its kinda like a ve crest, huh. Perhaps they use a simr mechanism.
-Now then, havinge this far, theres only one thing left to do.
Hey, subus, that thing you told me? It left a huge impression on me, so I still remember it even now.
What did I?
That if you and I joined hands, we could even conquer the world. You said that, subus.
Well then, the power of the evil god who once set out to conquer the world, and ourbined power which could possibly conquer the world. Starting now, why dont we test which one is stronger?
The subus face twitches. She quickly turns around and tries to tell the evil god something. But its toote.
-If I lead a massive army towards the evil god from the front, well be blown up by hisrge-scale magic before we get close.
-Even if I lead a small unit on a surprise attack, well be cut down by his overwhelming sword technique.
As far as I can tell from his description in the Bible, the evil god seemingly has no openings. But theres a way out of this conundrum.
If I cant lead an army to attack him from the front.
If a surprise attack with a select few will end in my demise.
-Then why dont I lead a surprise attack with the horde thats already surrounding the evil god?
I give the order.
Manipte the monsters, subus! Strike down the evil god along with me!!
Simultaneously, the troll suddenly goes berserk. The evil god is immediately thrown off the trolls shoulder, falling amidst the swarm of monsters. And, at the spot where hends, I can see the surrounding monsters vigorously begin their assault.
Chapter 79 — Evil God
Chapter 79: Evil God.
Evil God-samaaa, Evil God-samaaaaa!! How could, how could this!
Shepletely fell for it.
Feign surrender, deceive the subus, and subdue her as my ve. Then make a surprise attack against the evil god using the subus monsters. This right here is the solution I came up with to subjugate the evil god. As for the evil god, he shouldnt be able to endure when hes in the center of that horde of monsters.
Its an exceedingly cowardly fighting method that I really wouldnt want Yuel to see, but my opponent is who he is. Ill stop at nothing and hit him with everything Ive got.
Subus! Dont let up the attacks from the monsters! Make sure that the evil god is killed by them!!
Kuh kuuuuh! This thing, when did you! Since when was there a magic tool that could dominate an apostle!
As I thought, the key to this strategys sess was this cor. This magic tool didnt exist within the pages of the Bible. Its an entirely new magic tool, recently developed by the archbishop. Im sure that neither the evil god nor the subus herself had ever imagined that her control could be stolen by such means.
But the evil god is quite tenacious as well. For a moment I thought hed be instantly crushed to death, but he stubbornly persists, kamming the surrounding monsters withrge-scale magic. Being able to survive against that many monsters at point-nk range, I guess that stuff about him being a sword master wasnt a lie after all.
Area Heal! Area Heal! Area Heal!!!
But, perhaps to avoid hitting himself, he isnt able to blow away all of the monsters at once. As I suspected, it seems like if you can get this close, the advantage of hisrge-scale magic can be drastically reduced after all.
Besides, unlike humans, there are many sturdy monsters. My healing magic wouldnt make it in time for humans, but as for therge monsters that dont die in a single hit, I can heal them back up right away.
Even if the number of monsters on the outer circumference seem to be decreasing, with my healing magic, the pressure on the evil god wont let up very soon. At this rate, no matter how excellent the evil gods sword technique is, he should go down in time.
Its working its gonna work!
Since I need to stay in range for healing magic, I cant get too far away either. To be honest, I want to use the subus to watch the progress from the sky, but if the evil god gets me in his sights theres a chance that I could get sniped. All I can do is focus on providing support from the rear with my view obstructed by monsters. Frankly, Im half-expecting to get swallowed up by an explosion at any second.
-For a few minutes, explosions and healing magic blend together.
The explosions stopped? No way, Evil God-samaaa!
Then, the explosions finally stop. The explosions were my proof that the evil god still lives, resisting the monsters. The fact that they stopped means
I did it?
For a moment, I feel assured of victory.
-However, that confidence immediately crumbles.
A beam of red light. I see it shining through from the center of the monster horde.
In the blink of an eye, that single beam of light increases to an enormous number of them. The next moment, the monster swarm vanishes into the light, apanied by a thunderous roar. A gigantic fireball rises up, as if to swallow up the horde of hundreds and thousands of monsters surrounding the evil god in its entirety.
Wh-oaaaahhh!!!
Higiii!!
At the same time, the st hits me and the subus. Unable to maintain my footing on the ground, Im blown back, knocked against the ground numerous times.
A hot wind scorches my throat. My eyesight grows hazy. I cant hear a thing over the buzzing in my ears.
In that manner, I tumble along the ground.
Ouch
Perhaps because I reflexively used healing magic on myself, I somehow survive. I check the subus as well but its no good. Shes copsed on the ground, making no signs of movement. She doesnt appear to be dead, but it seems like she fainted.
Well, even if I use the subus, theres no point if its gonna be like this, huh?
When I shift my gaze in the direction of the explosion, I see a slightlyrge crater. I couldve sworn that a huge meteor just crashed down, thats how super powerful it was.
The monster swarm with power like this, it was most likely annihted.
But in that case
The evil god himself shouldnt havee out unscathed. Rather, Id be surprised if he didnt die.
By some chance, did he blow himself up? He hated the idea of being killed and chose to die by his own hands, or something? He didnt want to be sealed away for a long time again or something?
No, thinking about it wont change anything, will it? In order to confirm the evil gods death, I walk through the thick swirls of dust, towards the center of the explosion.
But, out of the center of that explosion,
Wha!? How!?
with a rxed demeanor, a manes walking towards me. That same man who was riding on the trolls shoulder. Whats more, theres no sign that he was injured by that fireball just now. Hespletely unharmed.
To think that I would have to get serious in a ce like this. I ended up having to cancel the barrier magic on the royal capital couldnt this turn into a pincer attack now?
The man mutters. Oh yeah barrier magic. Ipletely forgot that existed. That magic he was imprisoning the royal capital with, he might have used it on himself.
But it was written in the Bible that preparations are necessary for it. He shouldnt have had that kind of time.
Wait, dont tell me!?
Its not like theres no possibility. If preparations are necessary, that means he just needs to make preparations.
While the evil god was fighting that horde of monsters from all sides, while he was sting away the distant monsters, he prepared the barrier magic.
-Then he set up a barrier around only himself, and immted the monsters in their entirety.
I wonder if thats what it means? What frightening skill. I guess thats why hes called the evil god.
That troll was afy ride, so I was quite fond of it. Such a shame.
As hes walking up to me, the evil god calls out to me. His expression is extremelyposed.
Now that the monsters are gone, I no longer have a road to victory. I may already be a carp on a cutting board.
Even if I run, Ill be attacked from behind with magic. I could stand and face him, but Ill clearly be cut down in a single stroke. Its not like reinforcements areing, either. And even if they dide, itd just end with them getting mowed down by the evil gods magic.
I guess this is checkmate.
Looks like its my loss, huh.
You didnt do half bad.
Well,pared to the previous Sage, your endgame was weak.
The evil god draws his sword. At this distance, a sword is likely faster than magic. As if to show off his drawn sword, the evil godes closer. It looks like Im gonna be killed at this rate.
I grasp the cane in my right hand tighter and tighter.
However, the evil god makes a slightly contemtive expression and lowers his sword for some reason. Whats going on? Hes not gonna ask me for myst words or something, is he?
Before I kill you, theres something I want to ask. How did you get here?
However, whates flying my way is just a simple question.
I rode in on a dragon, didnt you see it?
I came here riding on Rurukas dragon. The evil god should already be aware of that, though.
No, thats not what I meant. Im asking you by what means you descended upon this world from Earths Japan.
!?
From Earths Japan? Why are those wordsing from the evil god? No, wait, if I think about it carefully he has simr features. Thatrge-scale magic which would need enormous mana, and his ck-haired, human appearance.
Dont tell me, youre a sage too?
The evil god was a sage. I didnt think it was possible, but reconsidering it, something tells me its actually extremely likely.
Wrong. Sage is just abel the church came up with on its own. That name doesnt apply to me.
Not a sage, but an otherworlder. In other words, that means we share the same roots? When the evil god sees my surprised reaction, he grins and continues speaking.
So then, how did you do it?
I was stabbed by a sher in Japan the moment I thought I had died, for some reason I was here in thisbyrinth city. Thats it. I dont know why.
The evil god mutters byrinth city I knew it, then looks at me with scornful eyes. Eyes of contempt for an ignorant human.
Do you have any idea whybyrinths exist in this world?
No, I dont know.
Whybyrinths exist in this world, huh?
Ive had this conversation before, with the saint. Although in the end, with no means of ascertaining the truth, she didnt actually know.
As a favor to a fellow countryman, Ill tell you before I kill you. Thebyrinths are tools for god to interfere with this world. The devices that god uses to intervene in this world are at the very bottom of thebyrinths. You were summoned by abyrinth.
If I remember right, the saint was saying the same things back in the bath. I was only vaguely paying attention, but apparently it was actually true.
Ive travelled the world. When I previously attempted to conquer it, I also went to other continents besides this one. And there, I read a variety of this worlds myths including ones outside the Church of Medine.
Outside this continent!?
And when I did, I found that whenever a powerful dictator or a crafty invader appeared, a sage would suddenly show up from abyrinth city to put a stop to them. No matter which religion I looked at, they all went like that.
I was convinced. This world is being influenced by god, using thebyrinths as a medium.
Thats why I decided to destroy all of thebyrinths. So that nothing will get in the way of what Im going to do from now on.
No matter the religion, a sage appears from abyrinth to overthrow evil? In other words, does that mean there really is a being in this world capable of observing everything that goes on?
Thats a little hard to believe, though.
Man, looks like the evil gods objective was to destroy thebyrinths after all.
But what the hell does he want to do after he destroys thebyrinths?
What youre going to do from now on?
I obtained offensive magic with this much destructive force. Theres only one thing to do, am I right?
What hes going to do with such immense destructive force. Such a thing, it cant possibly be anything other than destroying stuff.
Looks like the evil god doesnt n on talking any more than this. He pokes the ground with his sword, gazing at me.
Hey, cant you overlook me or something? Cmon, as a favor to a fellow countryman?
I dont wanna die yet. There are still so many things I have left to do. But the evil god makes a sarcastic smile and silently raises his sword overhead.
Guess not.
Most likely, this guy is drunk off his own power. I bet he enjoys destruction just for its own sake.
In the Bible, the evil god was depicted annihting every city along his invasion route in its entirety, people and buildings included. He was also depicted intentionally suppressing the power of his magic, enjoying carving away at the cities with his magic like he was making sport of them.
For him to acquire offensive magic of that degree, I cant imagine what kind of experience he brought to this world. Nor can Iprehend how he came to think this way.
-But what is clear to me is what I have to do. If Im defeated here, without a doubt the evil god will head to thatbyrinth city where Yuel and the others are waiting. Thats why I return the evil gods smile with this:
Well then, Im taking you with me.
Chapter 80 — Together and Beyond
Chapter 80: Together and Beyond.
I have no victory routes left. Nor any paths that lead to my survival.
But I can take this guy out with me, and force a draw.
The cane Im grasping in my right hand. While talking to the evil god, Ive been storing mana in this cane right up to the critical point. That out-of-control attack magic.
ording to the saint, it had immense destructive power, enough to blow away an entire mountain. With this rampaging mana, maybe Ill be able to vaporize this guy.
Wha
The evil god makes a shocked expression. At thiste juncture, he must not have expected me to still have an ace up my sleeve. Perhaps he himself wasnt aware of a technique like this.
Based on the pattern for myself and the previous sages, this guy could probably use attack magic from the beginning. Just like the other sages, I shouldnt be able to produce attack magic in a situation like this. Well, I doubt any religion wrote about something like a sage making attack magic run out of control and blowing himself up in their scriptures. The Church of Medine was concealing it, at least.
-I take the mana that I was boosting to the very limits of my control, and release it.
I feel the same sensation that I felt before, back when I started to lose control during the magic lesson from Fran. My mana rapidly swells as it flows into the cane.
Most likely, once this goes out of control, I will inevitably die. I didnt feel like dying in the least, but now that things are like this, theres no escaping it. Theres absolutely no way I can let this guy trample over thebyrinth city.
Tch!
The evil god clicks his tongue and swings down his sword. He most likely felt my mana expanding. But its useless now. Before his sword splits my head, my magic is going to blow away this entire area. I resolve myself to death from the torrent of rampaging mana.
!
I shut my eyes.
Is this the part where my life shes before my eyes? Within the span of a moment, all sorts of thoughts run through my head. About Eris, about Ruruka, about the saint.
And, about Yuel.
I was supposed toe back. Without making Yuel sad, so that she wouldnt get hurt, I was nning on settling everything myself anding home to thatbyrinth city unharmed.
The evil god has forced me to go down along with him. But when I die here, just what sort of face will Yuel make? Yuel was saying I will definitely protect you, so if the evil god and I go down together, Im sure shell be tormented by that.
If itse to this, maybe it would have been better not to acknowledge Yuel as my Hero.
Yuel is still a child. And shes also a dark elf with an extremely long lifespan. I just hope she will forget about me and recover, to live out a fresh life in a world with no evil god.
Thoughts like those are the only ones that end uping to mind. I can no longer stop the rampaging mana even if I wanted to. And the evil gods sword is fast approaching me.
With my eyes shut, my life as the Sage is going to end like this.
-However.
From my hand thats holding the cane, I feel the sensation of another hand softly touching it. And then, for just an instant, a high-pitched metallic sound rings in my ears.
!?
The magic doesnt invoke. Furthermore, the evil gods sword doesnt hack me to pieces. What in the world?
-I open my eyes to take a look. When I do, theres an unbelievably beautiful woman right in front of them.
Her height is around 170cm or so? Even from over her clothes, I can tell that the stylish beauty in front of me has a magnificent rack.
Characteristic tanned skin, ented by glossy silver hair. And from within that hair, long ears are poking out.
It seems like shes a dark elf.
That beauty intercepted the evil gods sword in front of me, and added her hand to my cane. I can sense my mana steadily being drained through my hand.
Did this hottie stop my mana from going berserk?
But man, she truly is gorgeous. Her huge tits are good, her glossy hair is good, her facial features are good; she hits my strike zone dead in the center. For a moment, I end up forgetting about the evil god and staring at her.
Atst I was able to find out. After that, Master destroyed the evil god along with himself, and died.
The lovelydy in front of me turns her head around a little, giving me a smile.
Master?
By Master, is she referring to me?
Besides, I died? Im still alive, though. I wonder what the heck this beauty is talking about.
Thebyrinths certainly may have been a device for gods intervention. But they were also a magnificent trial from god that will grant a wish to those who pass, even turning back time.
The enchanting dark elf in front of me deres to the evil god.
Wha!?
For a moment the evil god is unable to digest her words; hes looking at the beautiful woman with a dumbfounded face. After that, he soones to his senses and shouts.
You made it to the end? Thatbyrinth? The one that even I couldntplete, you fully traversed it!?
The evil god bares his hostility towards the bewitching dark elf woman. After that, with no warning, he emits a heat ray from his palm.
-Chantless magic. That heat ray is unmistakably about to pierce through the alluring dark elf woman in front of me.
-I have to protect her, thats the feeling I get. At once, I try to dive in front of the woman to cover for her, but she instantly creates a giant ice pir in front of her which somehow reflects the heat ray.
For killing Master back then, I will absolutely never forgive you.
The evil god avoids the reflected heat ray then, their battle begins.
Tch!
Clicking his tongue, the evil god swings his sword. The dark elf easily catches it with her ornate sacred sword.
Every time the evil god swings his sword, the dark elf defends with her sacred sword in one hand and a thick knife in the other. When the evil god fires off chantless arcane magic, the dark elf counters it by casting chantless arcane magic of the opposite element. Riposting with swords and sorcery.
The evil god is terrifyingly skilled, but the dark elf doesnt fall behind in ability either. My eyes cant follow them as they move about the battlefield at breakneck speed. This is too high-level; theres no room for me to step in.
What should I do?
That second, max-level me magic fired off by the evil god crashes into max-level freezing magic fired off by the dark elf. The shockwave from their collision brushes past my cheeks.
What the hell! What the hell are youuuu! Youre not even an otherworlder, how are you getting in my way! What purpose did you even have foring here!?
For a moment, the battle stops.
The evil god is short of breath. By some chance, he might have run out of mana. Well, he did just finish fighting off that many monsters. And his revival was supposedly iplete, so he may not be able to engage in a drawn-out fight.
I will absolutely never permit a world where Master dies.
Dont foock with me!!
The evil god makes a terribly irritated expression at the dark elfs reply. After that, he turns in my direction and holds out his palm.
Ah, this is a dangerous one.
I try to take cover at once, but Im slightly toote. Its going to be close, but it will pierce me.
-Or so I thought, but that instant.
A giant ice pir rises up once again in front of me. It reflects the heat ray, and the heat ray gets magnified into an even more enormous heat ray as it bounces back at the evil god. The giant heat ray gouges out the earth as it progresses. Then, the evil god is engulfed by it.
When the heat ray disappears, theres nothing left. The evil god has vanished without a trace.
Is it over?
That evil god was done in as easily as twisting a babys arm. Just who the hell is that dark elf?
No, I cane up with one possibility. However, its so oundish that even though I can wrap my head around it intellectually, my heart cant fathom it.
But that appearance. Plus that attitude, calling me Master. And then theres that familiar-looking sacred sword the dark elf is holding. That sacred sword is the one I promised Yuel that wed go get from the church next time
As Im pondering, the dark elf rushes over to me.
Master!
Then, once shes standing in front of me, tears well up in her eyes as if she simply cant hold back.
I wanted to see you so, so much! For so very long, Ive wanted to see you!!
After that, she breaks down and starts to cry. This crying face. It lines up perfectly with Yuels face.
Could you be, Yuel?
Yes, Master!
This woman no, Yuel, said that she made it to the end of thebyrinth. She said that thebyrinth will grant a wish, even turning back time. Plus Im pretty sure she said that I died here.
Somehow or other, I get it.
I most likely died here once along with the evil god. But Yuel couldnt approve of a conclusion where I died.
Master, I, I tried my best. I wanted to meet you again no matter what; I tried so, so very hard. Toplete thebyrinth, to save Master from the evil god, I tried my very best! And finally atst, I was able to save you.
Yueles up and embraces me. Her head touches my shoulder. This height is considerably different from the Yuel I know. This Yuel looks old enough to be called an adult.
Master it really is you
She touches my face with her hands, staring at me like shes trying to absorb everyst detail. In this Yuels face, happiness, sadness, a sense of aplishment all sorts of expressions are mixed together.
The beauty who just defeated the evil god was Yuel.
I cant even imagine it just how much time did she spend studying, to be able to obtain that level of ability? That long, deepbyrinth that nobody has been able to traverse thus far, just how much perseverance did she have in order to get through it?
As Im looking at Yuel and wondering, she raises her head slightly and gazes into my eyes. Then, in a whisper.
Master, I worked incredibly hard. You told me, right? That if I worked hard, youd give me a reward way back when we used to enter thebyrinth together.
Yeah, anything is fine. What do you want?
Did I say that? I dont remember, though. But if theres something she wants, I should give it to her. It seems like she really worked hard and all. Its so sudden that I dont really know how to feel, but this Yuel did save my life from certain death.
And, before I can finish saying What do you want?, Yuels face instantlyes closer.
Master, I love you too!
And, along with her voice.
-Her tongue enters. Thats the first thing I feel.
Im being kissed. Im being kissed by Yuel.
Fmmh mmmh
Mmmmph!?
As if shes trying to take back something she lost, as if shes full of insatiable desire, Yuel kisses me over and over. While her tits are pressing against me and making me wonder if it wasnt a miracle that they grew out this much from that t chest, Yuel repeatedly kisses me countless times. Yuels delighted, contented face is right in front of mine, continually kissing me.
Im starting to feel a little strange.
Hold on, this is Yuel. Doing such things is definitely wrong.
No, isnt it fine since shes an adult? But its Yuel were talking about. I start to get a variety of unpleasant feelings. But I wonder why theyre unpleasant? There doesnt seem to be anything unappetizing at all about her now that shes be an adult.
And, as Im feeling conflicted.
Oi, youre kinda glowing?
Yuel starts to glow dimly. Moreover, I feel like her outline is bing somewhat vague, as if shes getting fuzzy.
Are you alright, Yuel!?
I may have never existed now.
When I ask, Yuel gives me that answer.
You never existed now?
I understood that. Because in a future where Master didnt die, the current me would not exist.
If I dont die anymore, this Yuel wont exist either. And she knew that? Which basically means that even though Yuel knew she would have to throw away her own existence, she still came to save me
Being able to meet Master in the end, I was content. That I can be together with Master for this moment, I am truly, incredibly happy.
The amount of light dancing around Yuel gradually increases. Yuels outline bes more and more indistinct.
Please give the rest of my reward to my younger self.
Yuel!!
I hug Yuel tightly. For a moment, I feel the sensation of her touch. However, she soon turns into particles of light and disperses.
The evil god was easily dispatched by Yuel. Through her all-too-sudden intervention, my life was spared.
But that adult Yuel, I wonder what she was feeling when she was about toe save me. For her to manage to get through thebyrinth, just how hard did she have to work before she was able to aplish that?
There are so many things I wanted to ask her. Most likely, there were many things we should have discussed as well. But Yuel has already vanished into particles of light. I have no means of confirming it anymore.
How did Yuel feel?
Here on this in, now that both the evil god and Yuel have departed thats all I can think about.
Chapter 81 — In Another World’s Labyrinth City
Chapter 81: In Another Worlds Labyrinth City.
Ten days have passed since the evil god was defeated. The royal capital was safely liberated, and peace has returned to the world. The saint has continued making progress in her preparations for our marriage, and today atst, the wedding ceremony between me, the saint, Eris, and Ruruka is taking ce.
Hey, my dress, dont you think its a bit shy? Walking through the streets like this will be a little embarrassing
I figure this level is fine, isnt it? Plus we only have to wear them once. Its no big deal.
Were in a room in a certain small church in thebyrinth city. ordingly, Ruruka and Eris have their wedding dresses on and theyre checking each others outfits.
-Theres a special custom in thisbyrinth city for wedding ceremonies. Namely, once the wedding is over, they parade through the streets, debuting their marriage to the people within the city.
Doesnt it suit you, Eris? I think its fine like that.
Being that its the Sages marriage, there will most likely be tons of spectators. Perhaps feeling shy about that, Eris keeps checking her outfit over and over.
I-Is that so i-in that case, very well.
Hey, Shiki, what about me? How do I look?
Did she dislike that only Eris got praised? Ruruka asks too, pointing at herself.
Yeah, of course it suits you.
You think? Ehehe
When I say that, Ruruka bes bashfully pleased. Once the marriage was decided, Eris and Ruruka have been getting along reasonably well, more or less. I daresay this is the Harem End. My dearly desired scene has finallye.
Well, after that day Ruruka somehow found out that I was using Slime Jelly atop the dragon and wouldnt speak to me for a few days. And sure, I tried making a night visit to Eris before the wedding and she kicked me out of the room and wouldnt speak to me for a few days either.
But its mostly been tranquil.
Are all of your preparations in order?
At which point the saintes into the waiting room and checks with the two of them. That saint is properly wearing her wedding dress as well.
I am terribly sorry for being unable to hold a satisfactory rehearsal due to the suddenness. After this, the ceremony with Shiki-sama and the three of us will be held in front of the church. It shall proceed as follows: Shiki-sama will give each of us the prepared rings there, and we will exchange vows. Thereafter, we will march through the streets dressed as-is to make our debut, with the reception being held at Lord-samas mansion.
-Looks like the ceremony will begin before long.
But itll be a problem if she starts it already. Itll be a problem if the ceremony starts before that arrives.
In a corner of the room, Yuel is staying out of the conversation entirely, looking somewhat lonesome. I nce over at her.
Ive been thinking about it ever since she fought with the evil god and gave up her life. Ever since, Ive been thinking about what I should do.
And the answer that I came up with as a result should arrive shortly. I special ordered it in the highest quality possible, using up all of the pocket money I had. I begged the merchant that I wanted it delivered by this morning but I wonder if by some chance, it wont make it in time? I was also told that since it was made-to-order, it would take a while.
-While Im worrying like that.
Sage-samaaa!!
A woman practically dives into the waiting room.
Here is the article you requested. As you ordered, the finishing touches were done using the highest-grade mythril. Please confirm your receipt
Ohh! So it came!
While trying to hide it from Eris, Ruruka and the saint, I check the article brought by the woman.
-Yeah, they did a good job. With this, there should be no objections.
Whats the matter, Shiki? Whats that?
Ruruka asks in an inquisitive voice. But theres no way I can answer her question. I put away what I received from the woman in my item box and immediately head for the door.
Ah, its no big deal.
Im just gonna go outside for a bit. Yuel,e with me as my guard.
Hold on, Shiki, where are you nning to go!?
Eris raises her voice in surprise. Well, its right before the wedding ceremony and all. Shed be worried that I might go off somewhere now. But precisely because its right before the wedding ceremony, specifically because its now, I have to do this.
The saint might have realized what Im about to do; shes giving me a somewhat tender look. Even if she realizes it, she understands well not to put it in words. And Im sure she absolutely wont say anything to Eris or Ruruka.
Its fine, Ill be right back!
I give the two of them a suitable excuse, and rush out of the room with Yuel in tow.
Still wearing my wedding ceremony tuxedo, I walk through the church. Its not like Im heading anywhere in particr. Its just that any ce is fine so long as theres nobodys around. Looking out over my surroundings, I proceed through less and less popted areas.
-Then, after walking for about a minute, Ie out into the churchs garden.
Theres no sign of anyone here. This ce should be good.
Yuel.
I call out the name of the girl following behind me.
Yes, Master.
Yuel replies. The tone of her voice is calm but somewhat lonesome, giving off a slightly resigned feeling.
Yuel stands in front of me, gazing intently at my appearance.
Her eyes are a little red. By some chance, she might have ended up crying when I wasnt watching. As I suspected, Yuel must feel lonely over being the only one who cant get married.
But I have no intention of making Yuel sad. Thats why I gave her theseforting words.
Yuel, marriage is for once youre an adult, okay.
Even though you cant get married now, you can once you be an adult. I presented those forward-thinking words to Yuel.
Once Im an adult
Yuels expression saddens from those words.
Well, I knew she would react like this. Yuel has already realized it. The fact that I tell her lies in order to avoid hurting her. The current Yuel wont be deceived by such superficially clever, trifling words.
Yuel, when you grow up, youll be an incredibly beautiful woman. So beautiful that you wont lose to Eris or Ruruka, not even to the saint.
Ill be a beautiful woman?
Most likely, Yuelcks self-confidence. The current Yuel has no breasts, and shes short. Shes stillpletely outside my strike zone, because shes just a kid. Even if I insist that her development will go well, she doesnt necessarily know that shell grow up ording to my ideal.
Because of that, she cant put her faith in my words.
But I have confidence. The current Yuel doesnt know this, but I alone clearly understand her future prospects. And of how exactly the current Yuel sees me, perhaps. I have reliable testimony from that time, from the grown-up Yuel herself.
-Ive been thinking about it ever since then, seeing that grown-up Yuel as she disappeared into particles of light. About exactly what kind of reward I should give the Yuel who went to such extremes for me.
Yuel, you are a child. So theres no way you can get married yet.
But I can still give you this.
Its not like I can get married to Yuel when shes still a child. I may have given her a verbal promise about how shes going to look, but she wont believe me.
-So I went to great pains, and worked out an answer.
This is that answer. I decided to establish a proof of that promise. In front of Yuel, I hold out the tiny box I just received.
Master, i-is this i-is this?
Did she guess from looking at the box? Yuel makes an astonished face. I slowly open the lid, making sure that Yuel can clearly see.
-Inside, theres a ring thats much the same as the ones Im going to give to Eris, Ruruka, and the saint after this.
But this is something that I used up my entire fortune to special order, a one-of-a-kind engagement ring for Yuel alone. Yuels eyes open wide when she sees the ring. Her cheeks gradually blush, and her gloomy expression brightens like a blooming flower.
A Ring i-is this ring For for me?
Yuel looks at me with an expression like she cant believe it. Well, I wouldnt have believed it myself if you told me just a short time ago that Id be doing something like this. Just what kind of lolicon would give an engagement ring to a kid? Im sure thats what I would have thought, no doubt about it.
But the current me wants Yuel to have this ring. From the bottom of my heart, thats how I feel.
Yeah, its an engagement ring, Yuel. Before the wedding ceremony with everyone, I wanted to give you this.
One more time, I look around.
Alright, nobodys watching. I pick up the ring, and gently ce it onto Yuels finger.
I-Its incredibly beautiful
Yuel takes her hand with the ring on it and holds it up to the sky. The ring catches the sunlight and makes tiny sparkles.
Then I take a deep breath, in order to say what I have to say. Yuels body quivers with a jolt. Im sure she understands what Im nning to say now.
Saying these words requires a suitable amount of courage. When the other party is Yuel, all the more courage is needed, a different sense.
A still-young ve girl. I can still turn back now, that statement crosses my mind. But I wont turn back.
-Why, you ask? Because Im Yuels courageous master.
Yuel, once you be an adult, lets get married.
Yuels eyes snap open upon my proposal. After that, she squeezes her eyes shut and lowers her head like shes trying to savor it. Then, she looks up at me bashfully for a moment, before jumping towards me with her arms outstretched-
Yes, Masterrr!
and in a voice that sounds delighted from the bottom of her heart, she gives me her reply.
Authors Note: The original story is nowplete. For staying with me until the end, thank you very much.
Im thinking of contributing some extra chapters in a little while, so please stay tuned.
Side Story — Secret Wedding
Side Story: Yuel GO 1.
Shiki, W-w-w-what do I do! Dra-chan, Dra-chan gave biiirth!
One morning, in a room at the lords mansion, Ruruka bursts in and announces that.
Gave birth it had a baby?
Yeah. Shes a dragon though so it was an egg, yknow? I never realized it this whole time, but Dra-chans apparently been pregnant for a while, and I just found her egg in the courtyard!
I never knew that dragon was actually pregnant. I mean, I didnt know it was actually a female in the first ce. Earlier, I ended up using Slime Jelly while I was riding that dragon, though.
Now I get why it disliked that so much.
Hey, Shiki help me! I-I cant do anything about it myself! Hey, Shiki, cmon!
Ruruka seems to be quite stressed out over this whole dragon birth situation; shes practically begging me in tears. But I dont feel like theres much I can do to help anymore if its already given birth.
Hold on, Ruruka, calm down. Its the dragons egg, so wont the dragon take care of it? It would be one thing if it were about to give birth, but if the egg has already beenid, whats all the fuss about?
If it were a selectively bred livestock animal that would be another matter, but I cant imagine that dragons would normally have any trouble raising their young without human assistance. Its not like I dont understand her getting worked up about her petying an egg, but no matter how I look at it, shes too panicky.
As Im having those thoughts, Ruruka retorts.
Thats wrong! Ysee, dragons have this trait where a strong male incubates the eggs! So the female Dra-chan will just stare strangely at the egg, see, and she wont keep it warm even when I tell her to!
Whats with that trait.
See, dragon eggs are supposedly reaaaaally really yummy, so lots of monsters target their eggs. Thats why they absolutely need a strong male to protect the egg and keep it warm.
Really really yummy, huh?
Then lets try it sunny-side up. Those words nearly leave my mouth for a moment, but that dragon is Rurukas pet. If I told her something like that, it wouldnt end in just disdain. And Yuel is also looking in my direction, as if shes interested in the dragon egg too.
Oh well.
Then for starters, why dont we go see just how its doing?
The courtyard of the lords mansion. When we head to the location, there certainly is an egg there. Its lying on its own near the pile of straw that the dragon uses for a bed.
And the dragon in question is just gazing at the egg, not attempting to incubate it.
Looks like what Ruruka said was true. Although dragons can understandnguage, in the end monsters will be monsters. I guess nothing can be done about its innate traits and instincts.
Its probably impossible to bring over a male dragon or something at this point, huh.
Dragons are extremely unusual monsters. Ive heard that they dont settle down unless they be emotionally attached to people, so bringing a male dragon here at this point would be difficult.
This egg is all alone, isnt it
Yuel mutters wistfully when she sees the dragon not attempting to keep the egg warm.
If it doesnt stay warm it wont incubate, and if its left unincubated long enough, the egg will die
A fretful look runs across Rurukas face as well. Then Ruruka turns back to me once again, and squeezes my hands as she speaks.
But yknow, I checked the books on dragons! And if its a male human the dragon isfortable with, a man, the dragon will trust him with her egg!
Now I get it. So thats why she called me.
After the Slime Jelly incident, the dragon forgave me once I properly exined the situation and apologized. Even if I approach it, it wont roar or snap at me. This dragon may have a scary face, but its smart. Its a good kiddo.
Does it have to be me?
Cmon, its no good if Dra-chan isnt emotionally attached
I get what Ruruka is saying.
But, though the dragon doesnt seem to hate me, I get the feeling that if you ask whether or not its attached to me, itsplicated. A bit earlier, when I tried to pet it with my right hand, it flinched and jumped back. I could pet it with my left hand, but it absolutely wont let me touch it with my right hand, the one that was holding the Slime Jelly back then.
Most likely, rationally it likes me but physiologically its impossible, thats what I am to the dragon. By some chance, I might have ended up inflicting some trauma on it.
I think thats probably not going to work?
But, cmon, Dra-chan wont let girls touch it! Please! Youre the only one I can ask for something like this, Shiki! I-It apparently takes three weeks for it to hatch, though.
No, Im telling you, thats not the proble wait, isnt three weeks too long?
When I show her a slight intent to refuse, Ruruka tries to entreat me again.
But touching the dragons egg is probably impossible for me. Moreover, asking me to keep it warm for three weeks is way too unreasonable.
Cmon, Shiki, please! Im begging you!
And yet it doesnt seem like Ruruka will give up. Through her expression, through her voice, her desperate feelings areing across.
Oh well. I think its probably impossible, but I guess Ill try touching the dragon egg. Although if it growls or tries to bite me, Im done.
Then, when I turn my gaze to the egg.
Its warm so this is a dragons egg
-Yuel is touching it. Patting the egg all over with great interest.
And the dragon is making a continuous, pleased hum while watching her for some reason.
? Yuel, a female, is touching the egg?
The dragon isnt bothered by Yuel touching the egg?
? She hasnt particrly done anything.
What does that mean?
-Dragon eggs are raised by a strong male. ording to Ruruka, theres no problem even if that male is a human, but Yuel is without a doubt a girl. And yet Yuel is able to touch the egg.
Even though it wont let Ruruka, why is it fine with Yuel?
Then, when Ipare Yuel and Ruruka visually, I realize. The difference that exists between Yuel and Ruruka.
Its boobs.
The size of their boobs ispletely different.
Dont tell me
Perhaps the point that dragons use to differentiate between human males and females is the shape of their bodies. And Yuel, how do I put this has no curves. From her head to her feet, its a straight line. And since the body structures of reptiles and humans are so different, they probably arent able to make minute facial distinctions.
From the dragons perspective, I wouldnt be surprised if it couldnt make the distinction between male and female with her.
Besides, her strength is certified. Yuel-san is the one who released this dragon from the evil god adherents cor, after all.
And,pletely unaware of whats running through my head,
Master, Ruruka-san, this egg has to be kept warm, right? Would it be okay for me to do it?
Yuel timidly suggests that.
-It seems that once female dragons entrust their eggs to a male, they hold little interest afterwards. When Yuel said I want to wrap the egg in a towel to keep it warm and went to take it into the lords mansion, the dragon didnt try to stop her.
Now that Yuel has brought the egg into our room, she starts by rolling a towel around it. Next, she takes out a type of cloth satchel that hangs from the shoulders and puts the egg inside. After that, she hangs the bag around her neck and ties it to herself.
This way I can keep it warm.
Then, sitting in a chair, Yuel wraps both arms around the egg in front of her belly to warm it. Like a pregnant woman. With that sort of affectionate expression, Yuel tenderly rubs the egg as she warms it.
Perhaps Yuel even empathizes with that egg, abandoned by its parents.
Its a bit awkward, but you can hang on to it all the time that way, huh. You know itll take three weeks to hatch, right?
Yes!
Yuel answers enthusiastically. Carrying an egg for three weeks sounds really tough, but Yuel seems motivated.
But doesnt it look weird?
Ruruka murmurs when she sees Yuels appearance.
Well, its not like I dont see her point. In order to keep the egg against her body, Yuel has a string wrapped around herself and the bag containing the egg. From a fashion perspective, its certainly hideous.
It looks weird?
Itd be cuter if you covered it up with anotheryer of clothing! Ill go ask a maid!
And with that assertion, Ruruka leaves the room.
One hourter. What Ruruka asked the maid for were some baggy clothes that Yuel could wear. And Yuel is now putting them on. Apparently the maid sewed them especially for her.
Theyre incrediblyfortable and easy to wear.
But, this this could be awkward.
Now the bag and the egg arepletely hidden!
Certainly, everything is hidden. Thus far it was a young girl with arge spherical object attached to the front of her stomach, but now its be a young girl whose stomach is unnaturally big.
Yuels current outward appearance could be expressed in a few brief words.
A pregnant young girl dressed in maternity wear.
Moreover, Yuel herself is rubbing her belly with a loving expression. What shes actually rubbing is a dragon egg, but from an outside perspective, you can only see it as an expectant woman rubbing her pregnant belly.
Oh man, hey
Yuel is always together with me. Even though she needs to keep the egg warm, that most likely wont change.
But just imagine it. If I walk around the mansion or through the streets with a young girl in this condition waiting upon me, how exactly will her rtionship with the man next to her, whom she calls Master, be viewed?
Yuel, with her unnaturally swollen belly, looks at me and says-
Master, does it suit me?
Her expression seems utterly delighted.
I dont know which maid created it, but the maternity wear that Yuel is currently sporting was made just for her. She must be happy that someone made an outfit specifically for her to wear.
Yeah looks great on you
I cant say it. Theres no way I can tell her anything like it looks unnatural or it doesnt suit her.
But it shouldnt be necessary for me to veto Yuels outfit.
Im not the one who suggested these clothes and went to go get them. The one who brought them ought to properly point out the uneptable part. I give Ruruka a grimacing look.
When I do, Ruruka looks around Yuels belly and makes a subtle face, then looks back up at Yuels joyous expression and holds her hands to her head. Seems like Ruruka has also precisely grasped the issue with the current situation.
Cmon, Ruruka, say it. The its unfitting has to properlye from your own lips, Ruruka. Thats your responsibility as the one who brought these clothes. I continue applying pressure to Ruruka with my gaze.
And then Ruruka abruptly averts her eyes from me.
Yep! I-It suits you! Alright, Yuel-san, Shiki, supposedly its good to rock it every now and then while warming it, so with that, I leave the rest to you!
Ruruka runs off at the mouth for a while, then runs off out of the room entirely.
Looks like Ruruka just pushed everything onto me.
Why dont I just smash that dragons egg? But no, Yuel would cry, so I cant.
Until this child hatches, I will do my best in this outfit!
You n to keep up that appearance for the full three weeks, Yuel-san? But with Yuel warming the egg this fondly, in the end theres no way I can tell her its uneptable.
Having a baby be born is fun.
Yuel remarks, rubbing her belly.
But please, properly attach the dragon to it.
Side Story — Yuel GO 1
Side Story: Yuel GO 2.
After Ruruka ran out of the room, Ive been thinking as I watch Yuel lovingly rub her bulging belly.
What the hell can I do to resolve this maternity situation that Yuel-san is in?
Perhaps because I told her it looks good on her, Yuel keeps picking up the hem of her baggy outfit to admire it, and she gets all bashful whenever we meet eyes. That expression looks like the words utterly content are written across her face. I cant possibly tell her at thiste hour to take off her maternity wear.
But, nevertheless, I cant afford to leave Yuel looking like this. Pretty much everyone living in this mansion knows that Yuel and I have a master and ve rtionship. In light of that, now that Yuels belly has expanded, theyll no doubt think that Im the father. Which is synonymous with saying that the people within this mansion will think of me as a lolicon whos made a move on Yuel.
To put his hands on such a child, that Sage-sama is a deviant after all.
I heard that he was the only one who was tempted by the subus childish body, and ever since then Ive had my doubts
Whenever were serving him meals or cleaning the mansion, he always looks at our skirts withscivious eyes. I knew he would do it eventually.
I can easily imagine the maids in the mansioning forth one after another with testimonies like that. At this rate, the image of myself within the mansion that Ive been carefully fostering, as at times the Great Sage of the Bible and at times the kind guest who cheerfully treats their cuts and burns, will be utterly destroyed. The respectful and familiar existence Ive built up with the maids will take a precipitous fall into being treated as a lolicon.
At the very least, I cant allow Yuel to leave the room in her present maternity wear.
If Yuel did happen to go outside the room, I wont be able to stay in this mansion anymore. Psychologically speaking.
Come to think of it, Saint-sama told me that she was about to build a mansion for Master, but would it be alright to ask them to make a shed for this child as well?
As Im contemting, Yuel speaks up to me while lovingly rubbing her belly.
A shed, huh.
Thats right, Im going to be living there, and so will Ruruka, so we need to build a dwelling for the dragon too, huh
Just as Yuel says, under the saints leadership, ns to build a mansion for me in thisbyrinth city are currently underway. It seems that funds are being provided by the country and the Church of Medine; Ive heard that construction has already started. Its most likely something like a portion of my reward for defeating the evil god. And some high-priced decorations and valuable magic tools have been arriving addressed to me. There were even some convenient-sounding magic tools such as one for recognition inhibition, which allows even a Sage whose face is well-known to naturally melt into the crowd.
Although its a pain that Ill probably be asked to have an audience with the king sooner orter.
Well, enough about that.
My new home will be built soon. Its a given that well need to build living quarters for the dragon there. Given how sensible the saint is, she likely included a living space for that dragon in her calctions, but she shouldnt be aware that this dragon egg exists yet.
Thats right, I guess well just tell the saint that there might be two pet dragons instead?
Yes! Well then, I will go tell her right away!
Then spontaneously, as if it were a matter of course, Yuel starts to leave the room. So naturally that it doesnt even ur to me to try and stop her until she opens the door.
Wait, Yuel!
I very nearly watch her leave since it was too natural, but I get her to stop at thest second. And yet if I stop her for no reason, Yuel will have her doubts.
Oh yeah, Yuel, I have something to tell you! Right, the two of us, in private cmere, next to mee sit over here on this bed and lets talk!
Ie up with a fitting excuse, and call Yuel back.
!? Yes, Master!
When she hears my words, Yuel happily returns to the center of the room. Holding her heavy-looking belly, she maneuvers right up next to me, and plops down onto the bed.
I somehow managed to stop Yuel. Now all I have to do ise up with a suitable justification for why she cant leave the room in her maternity getup. Well, that part may be difficult, though. From now on I have to work out a good idea that will conveniently keep Yuel from going outside in her maternity outfit without hurting her feelings.
Then, the instant I begin to think about a pretext that Yuel would be likely to ept.
?
I notice that Yuels attention isnt directed towards me, but somewhere else. Her gaze is on the half-open door that she left ajar a moment ago. And then I realize.
-That half-open door. Through the gap in it I can see maid clothes.
May I help you?
Yuel calls out towards the half-open door. I sense a nuance of youve been standing in front of the room for a while now but why havent youe in? in her words.
Umm, esteemed attendant, as we were asked to provide garments for you, we thought it only proper to confirm that the size and fit are to your liking um
In response to Yuels voice, the door slowly opens to reveal three maids holding cloth and sewing tools.
And in the eyes of those maids is a look of shock at Yuel and I sitting next to each other on the bed. What has them shocked, you ask? That would no doubt be Yuels bulging belly.
Those maids have most likelye to visit this room for the express purpose of making adjustments to Yuels clothes. And those maids had just arrived in front of the room at the same time that Yuel tried to leave. Does that mean the reason they didnt enter the room was because they were stunned from seeing this maternal Yuel? By some chance, my I want to talk to you alone which was meant to hold Yuel back might have ended up conveying a suggestive meaning to them. I was really only nning to invent some nonsense to confine Yuel to the room, though.
Um, if no adjustments are necessary, we will be on our way
Then, perhaps out of consideration for Yuel and I having a private talk on the bed together, one of the maids brings that up.
Yeah, the size of the outfit was just right. Sorry for the sudden request. You were a big help.
Master told me it looks great on me. Thank you very much for the clothes. I will treasure them!
I reply to the maid, but she hasnt been looking at me since the beginning. Shes not looking Yuel in the eyes either.
Shere merely staring at Yuels belly.
After staring at Yuels stomach for a while, she timidly looks in my direction too.
The look in her eyes is not one brimming with respect for the Sage-sama of the Bible. That look is shock and confusion. And then I notice a hint of disgust creep in.
No doubt about it, shes misunderstanding.
Hey, about Sage-sama and that servant girl
She is rubbing her belly quite lovingly
The other two maids keep sneakily whispering to each other. Theyre clearly curious about Yuels stomach. Moreover, perhaps due to their excessive surprise, they arent keeping the volume of their voices in check. I end up catching snippets of their conversation.
No, she was normal when we saw her yesterday and no matter how you look at it, that stomach in just a single day
Ah, really? Thats true. That would be strange under any circumstances
But from listening to the two maids chatter, I realize.
-No matter how you look at it, it would be weird for Yuels stomach to suddenly expand in a day or two. Rather than her being pregnant, ordinarily youd just interpret it as her having something in her stomach.
Maybe Ive been overthinking things. If I just act confidently as usual, no matter how much of a maternal atmosphere Yuel is giving off, theres no way those around us will think that shes pregnant. Because from the perspective of the inhabitants of this mansion who see me and Yuel regrly, having Yuels belly expand that rapidly wouldnt make any sense, rationally speaking.
I-Is that so? How fortunate. Well then, please excuse us.
The maid I was speaking to seems toe to her senses as well and says that. After that, she bows her head low and departs from the room.
But I wonder why, unlike the other maids, the maid who was talking to me was giving me a look of disgust? Even though she shouldve figured it out right away with a littlemon sense. As Im pondering, just across the wall, I hear the maids voices.
But, but yknow, its Sage-sama were talking about!? I didnt read anything about it in the Bible, but it did say he can use extraordinary magic that defiesmon sense so maybe he can make a girl eight months pregnant in an instant too!?
Like hell I can.
A few dayster.
Sage-sama, whose existence defiesmon sense, can knock up a girl and make her 8 months pregnant in a single day.
Touching Sage-sama will make you pregnant.
He can put a baby in you just by looking into your eyes.
Hes an outrageous lolicon.
Such rumors have begun to spread among a portion of the maids.
Using the recognition inhibition magic tool I received from the government, I make my escape from the lords mansion with Yuel in tow.
Authors Note: I wanted to show Eight and Geyser.
As I reader I knew I wanted to be a novelist, and before I knew it I started submitting a novel myself, it was made into a book, and it ended. It was a short time that felt longer than it really was, but I think it has been an incredibly important experience for me.
I am deeply grateful to everyone who took part in the making of I Became a Healer in Another Worlds Labyrinth City, and the readers.
It feels like the story came to a close rather suddenly, but looking back, the hints about the final showdown are there. More payoff at the end would have been nice, but at least it stayed fast-paced rather than getting bogged down in stale repetition like so many other stories. Its been fun reading all yourments, especially the ones with detailed analysis.
By the way, whatever happened to the subus? Thest mention of her was that she was knocked unconscious but not dead. Maybe she got killed off-screen, but knowing Shiki, what would he do with the enved subus? Feel free to draw your own conclusions~
Side Story — Yuel GO 2
Side Story: Yuel GO 2.
After Ruruka ran out of the room, Ive been thinking as I watch Yuel lovingly rub her bulging belly.
What the hell can I do to resolve this maternity situation that Yuel-san is in?
Perhaps because I told her it looks good on her, Yuel keeps picking up the hem of her baggy outfit to admire it, and she gets all bashful whenever we meet eyes. That expression looks like the words utterly content are written across her face. I cant possibly tell her at thiste hour to take off her maternity wear.
But, nevertheless, I cant afford to leave Yuel looking like this. Pretty much everyone living in this mansion knows that Yuel and I have a master and ve rtionship. In light of that, now that Yuels belly has expanded, theyll no doubt think that Im the father. Which is synonymous with saying that the people within this mansion will think of me as a lolicon whos made a move on Yuel.
To put his hands on such a child, that Sage-sama is a deviant after all.
I heard that he was the only one who was tempted by the subus childish body, and ever since then Ive had my doubts
Whenever were serving him meals or cleaning the mansion, he always looks at our skirts withscivious eyes. I knew he would do it eventually.
I can easily imagine the maids in the mansioning forth one after another with testimonies like that. At this rate, the image of myself within the mansion that Ive been carefully fostering, as at times the Great Sage of the Bible and at times the kind guest who cheerfully treats their cuts and burns, will be utterly destroyed. The respectful and familiar existence Ive built up with the maids will take a precipitous fall into being treated as a lolicon.
At the very least, I cant allow Yuel to leave the room in her present maternity wear.
If Yuel did happen to go outside the room, I wont be able to stay in this mansion anymore. Psychologically speaking.
Come to think of it, Saint-sama told me that she was about to build a mansion for Master, but would it be alright to ask them to make a shed for this child as well?
As Im contemting, Yuel speaks up to me while lovingly rubbing her belly.
A shed, huh.
Thats right, Im going to be living there, and so will Ruruka, so we need to build a dwelling for the dragon too, huh
Just as Yuel says, under the saints leadership, ns to build a mansion for me in thisbyrinth city are currently underway. It seems that funds are being provided by the country and the Church of Medine; Ive heard that construction has already started. Its most likely something like a portion of my reward for defeating the evil god. And some high-priced decorations and valuable magic tools have been arriving addressed to me. There were even some convenient-sounding magic tools such as one for recognition inhibition, which allows even a Sage whose face is well-known to naturally melt into the crowd.
Although its a pain that Ill probably be asked to have an audience with the king sooner orter.
Well, enough about that.
My new home will be built soon. Its a given that well need to build living quarters for the dragon there. Given how sensible the saint is, she likely included a living space for that dragon in her calctions, but she shouldnt be aware that this dragon egg exists yet.
Thats right, I guess well just tell the saint that there might be two pet dragons instead?
Yes! Well then, I will go tell her right away!
Then spontaneously, as if it were a matter of course, Yuel starts to leave the room. So naturally that it doesnt even ur to me to try and stop her until she opens the door.
W-Wait, Yuel!
I very nearly watch her leave since it was too natural, but I get her to stop at thest second. And yet if I stop her for no reason, Yuel will have her doubts.
O-Oh yeah, Yuel, I have something to tell you! Right, the two of us, in private cmere, next to mee sit over here on this bed and lets talk!
Ie up with a fitting excuse, and call Yuel back.
!? Y-Yes, Master!
When she hears my words, Yuel happily returns to the center of the room. Holding her heavy-looking belly, she maneuvers right up next to me, and plops down onto the bed.
I somehow managed to stop Yuel. Now all I have to do ise up with a suitable justification for why she cant leave the room in her maternity getup. Well, that part may be difficult, though. From now on I have to work out a good idea that will conveniently keep Yuel from going outside in her maternity outfit without hurting her feelings.
Then, the instant I begin to think about a pretext that Yuel would be likely to ept.
?
I notice that Yuels attention isnt directed towards me, but somewhere else. Her gaze is on the half-open door that she left ajar a moment ago. And then I realize.
CThat half-open door. Through the gap in it I can see maid clothes.
May I help you?
Yuel calls out towards the half-open door. I sense a nuance of youve been standing in front of the room for a while now but why havent youe in? in her words.
U-Umm, esteemed attendant, as we were asked to provide garments for you, we thought it only proper to confirm that the size and fit are to your liking um
In response to Yuels voice, the door slowly opens to reveal three maids holding cloth and sewing tools.
And in the eyes of those maids is a look of shock at Yuel and I sitting next to each other on the bed. What has them shocked, you ask? That would no doubt be Yuels bulging belly.
Those maids have most likelye to visit this room for the express purpose of making adjustments to Yuels clothes. And those maids had just arrived in front of the room at the same time that Yuel tried to leave. Does that mean the reason they didnt enter the room was because they were stunned from seeing this maternal Yuel? By some chance, my I want to talk to you alone which was meant to hold Yuel back might have ended up conveying a suggestive meaning to them. I was really only nning to invent some nonsense to confine Yuel to the room, though.
Um, if no adjustments are necessary, we will be on our way
Then, perhaps out of consideration for Yuel and I having a private talk on the bed together, one of the maids brings that up.
Y-Yeah, the size of the outfit was just right. Sorry for the sudden request. You were a big help.
Master told me it looks great on me. Thank you very much for the clothes. I will treasure them!
I reply to the maid, but she hasnt been looking at me since the beginning. Shes not looking Yuel in the eyes either.
Shere merely staring at Yuels belly.
After staring at Yuels stomach for a while, she timidly looks in my direction too.
The look in her eyes is not one brimming with respect for the Sage-sama of the Bible. That look is shock and confusion. And then I notice a hint of disgust creep in.
No doubt about it, shes misunderstanding.
Hey, about Sage-sama and that servant girl
S-She is rubbing her belly quite lovingly
The other two maids keep sneakily whispering to each other. Theyre clearly curious about Yuels stomach. Moreover, perhaps due to their excessive surprise, they arent keeping the volume of their voices in check. I end up catching snippets of their conversation.
N-No, she was normal when we saw her yesterday and no matter how you look at it, that stomach in just a single day
Ah, really? Thats true. That would be strange under any circumstances
But from listening to the two maids chatter, I realize.
CNo matter how you look at it, it would be weird for Yuels stomach to suddenly expand in a day or two. Rather than her being pregnant, ordinarily youd just interpret it as her having something in her stomach.
Maybe Ive been overthinking things. If I just act confidently as usual, no matter how much of a maternal atmosphere Yuel is giving off, theres no way those around us will think that shes pregnant. Because from the perspective of the inhabitants of this mansion who see me and Yuel regrly, having Yuels belly expand that rapidly wouldnt make any sense, rationally speaking.
I-Is that so? How fortunate. Well then, please excuse us.
The maid I was speaking to seems toe to her senses as well and says that. After that, she bows her head low and departs from the room.
But I wonder why, unlike the other maids, the maid who was talking to me was giving me a look of disgust? Even though she shouldve figured it out right away with a littlemon sense. As Im pondering, just across the wall, I hear the maids voices.
B-But, but yknow, its Sage-sama were talking about!? I didnt read anything about it in the Bible, but it did say he can use extraordinary magic that defiesmon sense so maybe he can make a girl eight months pregnant in an instant too!?
Like hell I can.
A few dayster.
Sage-sama, whose existence defiesmon sense, can knock up a girl and make her 8 months pregnant in a single day.
Touching Sage-sama will make you pregnant.
He can put a baby in you just by looking into your eyes.
Hes an outrageous lolicon.
Such rumors have begun to spread among a portion of the maids.
Using the recognition inhibition magic tool I received from the government, I make my escape from the lords mansion with Yuel in tow.
Authors Note: I wanted to show Eight and Geyser.
As I reader I knew I wanted to be a novelist, and before I knew it I started submitting a novel myself, it was made into a book, and it ended. It was a short time that felt longer than it really was, but I think it has been an incredibly important experience for me.
I am deeply grateful to everyone who took part in the making of I Became a Healer in Another Worlds Labyrinth City, and the readers.
Trantors Note: Thanks for sticking with the story until the end, and I hope you enjoyed it. If youve been following along since the chapters were first posted, we went back and added all the illustrations from the LN version to earlier chapters.
It feels like the story came to a close rather suddenly, but looking back, the hints about the final showdown are there. More payoff at the end would have been nice, but at least it stayed fast-paced rather than getting bogged down in stale repetition like so many other stories. Its been fun reading all yourments, especially the ones with detailed analysis.
By the way, whatever happened to the subus? Thest mention of her was that she was knocked unconscious but not dead. Maybe she got killed off-screen, but knowing Shiki, what would he do with the enved subus? Feel free to draw your own conclusions~
The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and
continue reading tomorrow, everyone!