Shinka no Mi, Vol 3

[Ha… ]

I Hiiragi Seiichi, was worried as I ate breakfast. The source of my trouble —- [Oh… tsu!]

— is Altria. Just now, Altria who had walked out of her room, quickly diverted her eyes, leaving the inn at a hurried pace after catching sight of me and Saria.

[…I was completely avoided… ] Well, it did seem like a proposal.

And if you say it can’t be helped, then I guess it can’t be helped.

In addition to being confused, if you look at it objectively, a terribly bold thing was done.

To iron out the misunderstandings of yesterday, I wanted to meet her. But I mean still, being avoided is painful in various ways. I mean, it’s sad.

[How should I do it… ]

t r a i t o r A I Z E N 7 | 240

Saria, who had continued to eat her meal silently up until now, opened her mouth. [It’s ok Seichii, because she doesn’t hate you]

Because Saria said so with a smile, my mind felt at ease a little. [Thank you, however why did you say such a thing?]

[Hmm… wild intuition?] [Wild?!]

Not a woman, but!? No, because she is a gorilla, that might be right… !

My surprise state seemed fascinating as it drew Mary, the poster girl of this inn whom was curious.

[Ne~ene~e, did you do something to Altria?] [Eh?]

[Because Altria is avoiding Seichii… Isn’t it natural to think that way?] [That is… ]

Due to Mary’s sharpness, I hesitate instinctively. At this, Mary approached showing interest as she questioned me further.

[Then? What happened? Worries about the relationship between a man and a woman? Seiichi is unexpectedly popular. She is a beauty too… ]

[Err, even if you say that… ]

Mary seems to be a girl who is interested in love stories. I didn’t expect that i would be made her target…

[No, it isn’t such a grand thing… ]

[Aya? Do you not see it like that? What happened? ~Nn? Won’t you say?] [What on Earth are you!?]

To Mary who had asked many times, I tsukkomi-ed.

As I continued to evade the onslaught of questions from Mary. The owner of the inn, Fina who is Mary’s mother got angry at her for not working and so she reluctantly returned.

[Fu… incidentally… Saria, how do you do today?] [Nn?]

[After all, the subjugation mission was cancelled. Are you still going to become a guild member?]

Saria got a formal guild card yesterday from Gassur and had the explanation of the guild along with me.

In short. There are ranks in the guild applied to both adventurers and requests.

F is the lowest rank, then E… D… C… B… A then finally S. Saria and I started from the lowest rank, F.

A request can only be received if it is at the same rank or one above oneself.

It’s possible to receive many requests at once, however the maximum is 3 at any one time.

If the rank of the request is the same as me, I need to succeed 10 times to rank up. If it is one above, I only need to succeed 5 times.

While it may be true that you have to register with the guild to get requests, you don’t have to take any unless expressly asked.

At this, I was a little relieved.

Because my purpose was to thoroughly collect information, I can’t only focus on requests.

Besides, I wasn’t interested in taking any requests at this time, so I thought I’d collect a little information.

That was my plan, however… Saria seems to have another idea. [Well… I want to go to the orphanage today.]

[Did you receive a request?]

[Yes. Clare said i was always welcome. Even if there’s no request, I can come] [Is that so? then let’s split up for today. Will you be careful?]

[Yes!~]

Being satisfied with Saria’s answer, I finished my breakfast at once and began gathering information immediately.

[As I thought, this town is really lively… ]

That was the impression I got as I separated from Saria at the inn.

People cheerfully conducting business at their stalls. Aunts making small talk. Everyone was smiling, a scene not thought about on Earth due to work and study. In a country such as this, do slums even exist?

I don’t want to think like that, but if there is light, there is also a shadow. I wanted to believe there were no slums, but as I didn’t know the country well, I couldn’t prove it.

[Oh, will I even be able to investigate today… ?]

Whilst thinking of such things, the town began to get noisy. [Hmm? What?]

The usual liveliness of the town seemed to be different. As I listened carefully, a woman’s scream could be heard.

[Whoa, why did the town become dangerous when I just thought it was a good town.] Whilst thinking so, I turned my attention to the commotion.

[Stoppppppppppp!] [Quick! Chase him!]

[Hahaha! You can’t catch me! Freedom is the best!]

[If you think freedom is the best, then wear some clothes!]{TLN: Ummm… }

What came into view was a stark naked Ossan being chased by Claude and some men dressed in matching armour.

The ossan in question was the one with the dangerous lolicon in the guild.

He was running through the bustling crowd, with a refreshing smile on his face.

Looking into the surroundings, women were looking away with crimson faces, whilst men showed a wry smile.

[I will not permit this today!]

[I’ll throw you in prison no matter what it takes!]

[What a dangerous thing to say, however I will get away! With the right heart and mind, you can go anywhere… !]

[Where are you going to go? Just get dressed!]

[Rejected!] [Why!?]

[My body and soul are crying to be stark naked… !] [Pointless!]

During that exchange of words, the group of armoured troops and the stark naked ossan ran right in front of me.

…

[Fuu… today is peaceful… ]

As I murmured so, I started to walk towards the guild. Tsukkomi? doing so might be pointless.

Along the way, there were no more of those type of events. Whilst thinking so, I stepped foot into the guild.

Surprisingly, the pervert didn’t seem to be in today. Ellis also was standing behind the receptionist’s desk as usual.

However, Gassur is standing next to the desk, striking various poses. I wonder if he’s doing work.

Whilst considering why Gassur was the guild master, I decided to speak to Gassur as he was the person I needed to speak to.

[Good morning, Gassur]

[Unh? Oh, it’s Seiichi! Various things happened yesterday, are you tired?] [Hmm, I’m ok]

My stats are monster class.

[Is that so, come to think of it, Saria doesn’t seem to be with you today]

[Saria decided to go to the orphanage today] [I see, then what is Seichii doing?]

As Gassur had questioned me, I decided to gather some information

[Actually, I want to gather a little bit of information. I think Gassur being the guild master should know some]

[Hmmm, information… ]

In response to my words, Gassur gestured as if in deep thought.

I had thought as much, there is some information that can be easily given, but there is also some which is difficult to obtain.

As i was thinking such things, Gassur looks up and says to me.

[There is an introductory course on how to efficiently put on muscle, would you like to sign up?]

[That’s not the information I want!?]

Because he was thinking unusually seriously, I thought I was going to get some good information. I mean really is it so complex it needs an introductory course!?

Gassur seems to be surprised by my reaction. [Uh? What information besides that exists?]

[THERE IS! You’re the strange one, you know? Why are we talking like I’m the weird one here!]

I Tsukkomi at full force as Ellis came to work at the reception.

[It is so. Such good for no-good information, and you wonder why no-one requests it? Only a muscle manic like you would… ]

[Good for nothing!?]

At Ellis’ words, Gassur became visually depressed. He does look like a muscular daruma doll though…

However, it was good there was someone that had common sense like Ellis. When she’s got a whip she’s nothing but a pervert but otherwise she’s a rare member of the guild whom you can talk to normally.

I pulled myself together and thanked Ellis.

[Oh Ellis, I also said this to Gassur, but I’m looking for a little information… ] [I see, I understand]

[Oh!]

[There’s an introductory course in S & M… do you want to sign up?] [Not you too!]

I was foolish to have any expectations!

Ellis whom receives a tsukkomi, shudders for some reason.

[I take pride in my S & M lecture… it is overwhelmingly popular… ] [Am I strange? Hey, am I strange?]

I instinctively say the same thing twice. I mean, how astonished Ellis seems is abnormal.

Are there no more decent human beings?…

To me who showed a troubled face, Gassur smiled. [Oh, I was only joking.]

[Say that from the start!]

I felt like punching him, but I decided against it.

[You want information? Well, the current news is not worth mentioning. There’s no new information either.]

[In that case, please tell me about the big events that have happened in the past half year here]

[Half year? in that case… ]

The reason why I said half a year is because that was the time when I was in the [Forest of endless love and grief] .

If there was a hero moving in between this period, I wanted to know. Also, it might seem strange to ask about the hero directly. I figured the hero should be known to at least some extent.

Gassur who had been seriously thinking about the events this past year began to tell me.

[…umu. Well, the biggest event is probably the Isel empire successfully summoning a hero.]

[I’ve also heard of that] [!]

Bingo.

The information I wanted came out surprisingly easily. [Hero summoning… ]

Really, how do you not know such a thing? Was the attitude they seemed to emit. [Oh? Don’t you know about the hero summoning?]

[Hm… ]

[Is that so? it was quite a big affair. Well, if you don’t know, I guess I’ll teach you]

[The Isel empire summoned a man from a different world, to subjugate the revived demon king.]

[…My words… ]

Gassur, who was depressed after having his words stolen by Ellis is disregarded as I listen about the demon king.

[What is the demon king?] [Eh? You don’t know?]

[Well… I just came to this country… ]

When you are issued your guild card, you don’t have to write your home town. Because of that, it is very easy to lie, however my conscience hurts.

[I that so? Well, simply put the demon king is the leader of the demons] [Leader of the demons… ]

[What type of existence is it? Well, I don’t know, perhaps you can find more detailed information in the library?]

[I see]

Library… On Earth i found reading to be irrelevant, however i had taken an interest in this other worlds library.

However was it a devil group? Bell that I met in the forest near this town? I feel like they were definitely the demon squad suicide team. As I was thinking such a thing, I suddenly noticed.

[Oh, is the Isel Empire the ones who summon the heroes to fight the demon king?] [That’s right]

[Then what are the other countries counter-measures?]

If the demon king is as brutal as they say he is, is it really ok for people to be living life so unconcerned?

For me who knows the past of the Black Dragon God, i don’t get the impression that he is brutal at all.

To my question Gassur answered.

[There are also hero summons in other countries, however our country doesn’t summon heroes]

[Is that really ok?]

[You shouldn’t worry. This country has two of the strongest knights. One of them never leaves the king’s side, whilst the other is a genius in defence. Even if the demon king attacked this town, it’s unlikely we’d be defeated.]

That’s incredible.

Was there really such a strong knight in this country…

What kind of knight is it? As I was thinking this, Gassur continues. [Moreover there are a few demon S-Rank adventurers]

[Really!?]

Demon S-rank… something like that is cool. In general, if it’s a demon, isn’t it evil?

It seems my inner thoughts leaked as Gassur floated a smile.

[Although we don’t know what type of existence the demon king is, is it okay to deny someone because they’re a demon?]

In the memory of the Black Dragon God, it seems humans could be worse than the demon king.

But Gassur doesn’t seem to be worrying about the demon army.

I thought about Altria, in such a guild where strong personalities gather. I’m sure the demon king probably doesn’t matter.

Gassur that runs such a guild, although he never looks like he’s working. Perhaps he’s more capable than I thought.

[Also, the king of this country seems to have many connections with other races, the demon army included. Well, since he’s been revived, it doesn’t seem like friendly relations can be made. Because people never suffered damage from the demon army directly, it seems the king’s idea was favourable amongst the people.]

[…]

Usually, the demon king is a hated existence much different from man. However, it looks like I don’t need to worry. Though it is filled with perverts, they understand Altria, me and Saria, they must be good guys. I was pretty impressed so far, Gassur continued.

“…”

[Also, since the summoning of the hero various technologies have been drastically improved.]

[How?]

[From the Earth where the heroes live, various technologies spread across the Isel Empire. Clothes, weapons, meals and entertainment were improved.]

[…]

Hey Hero! Be a little prudent!… is what I wanted to say, but! [But the Isel empire didn’t monopolise the technology]

I honestly didn’t expect that.

Because the country where the heroes were summoned seems to be very selfish. Whilst thinking this, Gassur continued with a wry smile.

[Haha! Of course the Isel empire tried to monopolise it, because the technology far surpasses any other country. Everyone knows the importance of possessing it.]

[Then, why?]

[The merchant’s spirit, the empire was not able to suppress it] Merchant’s spirit?

[The merchants, how did they make it known without permission?] [Well it’s the consequence of being a merchant]

[It’s a merchant’s work to sell goods and make profit. Doesn’t the merchant who moves to a different country first to sell the new technology make the most profit? There is far too much competition in the Isel empire.]

[Certainly… ]

Of course, in a country without advanced technology, any new improved technology is going to sell for easy money.

[Therefore, the technology that the hero brought in, spread to many different countries. Although, the merchants certainly risked their lives to make the technology widely known… ]

Well… the Isel empire is an unsophisticated country like that.

When thinking about the people’s wellbeing, it’s understandable that you wouldn’t want the technology to spread. However, I don’t know the details of the domestic affairs.

I secretly consented to this inside my head, Gassur unexpectedly remembered something.

[Ah, Seiichi] [Nn?]

[Do you have a horse yet?] [Horse?]

By horse… does he mean the animal?

Although that was what instinctively came to mind, this is a different world.

From my appearance, Gassur must have guessed that I don’t have a horse. However, I don’t know why he said such a thing so suddenly.

[As an F-rank adventurer, it’s better to have a horse. You’re likely to be travelling to do requests]

[Ha? I don’t particularly need a horse]

After all, I don’t really plan on working seriously in the guild.

Besides, most of my request have been subjugation missions. I don’t really intend on travelling around a lot.

Also, travelling by horse is slower than my running speed… it’s ridiculous.

[I guess you’re right. But with your ability, what would happen if you get chosen for an escort mission?]

[!?]

At the words of Gassur, I felt nervous.

Why did he say ability? My status should be camouflaged…

I didn’t know if my status was seen through, so Gassur explained. [Well… that’s what Altria said.]

[Eh? What did you say?]

[Hm? Well she said “Although I don’t know why, it seems like Seiichi is hiding his true abilities. He managed to defeat something even I could not defeat. Without that ability, I doubt any of us would have returned”]

[…]

[Well, you should be ok right now anyway. However, nobles don’t leave such strong men alone. I have a contact that can get you some escort missions if you like. You could become a person of great influence one day.]

[…there is no need to do such a thing.]

If I did that, I would feel like a total cheat.

Gassur seem to think I’m very strong, regardless he continues.

[Anyway, if you receive an envoy request, you will undoubtedly have to move a long distance. If you’re attacked by thieves, you may have to run away. Therefore, amongst adventurers, the horse is one of their most valuable tools.]

[Hee~ even if i buy a horse now, i have nowhere to put it… ] [Well aren’t you staying at the Tree of Peace like Altria?]

[There’s probably a stable in the back there. It costs a little bit of money, but in return they look after your horse]

Wait, really?

Although it doesn’t seem necessary right now, just like Gassur said, there might be a time when I need one.

When I’m amongst other people I can use the horse, and when I’m alone I can just run. [Then, I’ll buy a horse]

[Oh, do you have enough money with you? I’ll give you some advice. Is that ok?] [It’s alright, I have enough money]

[Is that so? then wait just a moment]

Saying that, Gassur disappears into the interior of the guild. When he returns, he is holding a sheet of paper.

[This is a map that shows the place where they sell horses. It also shows where the library, smith and second hand goods shops are.]

[Oh, thank you]

Forgive me for thinking you did no work. [Is there anything else you’d like to ask?]

[I’m ok for now. If I think of something else, I’ll be relying on you] When I say that, Gassur and Ellis nod repeatedly.

[I see! If you ever want to join my introductory course for muscle building, feel free!] [You’re also welcome to join my S & M lecture]

[That’s good]

After exchanging goodbyes, I left the guild.

“Ah, speaking of which… I received the seed of evolution from the sheep”

Right after exiting the guild, I suddenly remembered. I completely forgot about it… Well, I was busy partly due to the matter about Black Dragon God and Altria-san.

“First I’ll research about the seed of evolution in the library, rather than buying a horse”

I think I am the only one who knows the most about the seed of evolution. I knew the reason Saria evolved was thanks to the wonders of the seed of evolution. I also have been saved many times…

That’s why, it was important for me who can not be compared with a demon king.

Fortunately, I am on a errand to the second-hand shop. That’s because I wanted to make recovery potions.

“A proper tool and bottles are necessary”

The clever monkeys were amazing because they had even reproduced the bottles. “Errr… the tool shop was unexpectedly quite close”

As I looked at the simple map that I had received from Gassur, the location of the tool shop was not far from the guild.

“Alright, first I’ll take a look at the tool shop”

I’ve decided to immediately head towards the tool shop.

Along the way, a lolicon old man was peeking at a little girl eating candy, not caring about his rough breathing. Ah, a guard. There is a criminal over there

But… aside from Gassur who I did not care about, if you look closely around enough, the people here reminds me of Japan. After that, the gap between Earth no longer made

me feel uncomfortable.

Besides, some people are wearing ordinary-like clothes back on earth. Heroes, be a little more prudent.

While I was thinking of such things, I quickly reached the tool shop. “Is it here?”

Arriving at the tool shop, it did not look strange. It was just an ordinary shop. I opened the door and entered, unfamiliar tools were lined up in rows inside. “Oh? A customer?”

While I was surprised by the amount of strange tools, an auntie had come out from the back.

“Ah, hello. Gassur introduced me”

“Ahaha. I see. Please look as much as you like”

Auntie said so while laughing, and went back inside the shop… No, I’m troubled if you leave!?

I hardly recognize most of the tools in the shop!? “It can’t be helped… oh look here”

A brand name and a price tag was stuck on the goods, let’s imagine it from the name what kind of tool it is.

In the worst case, I’ll use the “advanced appraisal” skill. “Well… this is?”

While saying so, the first thing I grabbed is a white sphere, unsure of what it was. The price was 100 gold pieces.

“The price is reasonable, so what is it?”

I tried to check the name. “Merely a ball”

“Hey shopkeeper come here!”

Merely a ball! What the heck you mean!

No, it is too early to make assumptions. Merely a ball could be the name, but there may be some hidden effects.

I tried to convince myself while activating the appraisal skill.

“Merely a ball”… It is really just a ball. It can even become a cat’s plaything, and when encountering a demon, throw it to draw the attention of the demon… maybe.

“Damn, it is really… just a ball!”

I was a fool for expecting something!

Recently, I feel there are many expectations that have been disappointments. Primarily… such as Gassur or Ellis. I tired myself out from retorting the goods, but I immediately pulled myself together.

“Hmm, what about this pot?”

The next thing that caught my eyes was the pot with an unusual atmosphere. What I mean is, it could be used for alchemy.

Perhaps, it might be that kind of tool. It has quite a price, 100,000 G. I wonder if it is correspondingly valuable?

This time, without checking the name, I directly activated the skill to identify.

“Pot of Happiness”… I have the feeling the happy one will be the owner. If it sells well, the shopkeeper will be happy.

“Guards!”

“It’s a scam! Right here there are some people doing unscrupulous business!”

What is going on in this store!? And, more than that, didn’t Gassur introduced me to this store!

Is that it? A rookie who knows nothing can be hurt, did you introduce it to rookies to learn a lesson!? If so, it is too evil!

Already, my trust for this shop had fallen. But, if you look around carefully, there are also decent goods as well.

For example, “Paper from another world”, this is made from a paper-making method that a hero had devised when he had been summoned to this world. It is still inferior in quality compared to Earth, but the parchment is still relatively easy to use.

The price was 500 G for 100 sheets. I don’t know whether it was cheap or expensive, but the amount is not extreme, it would still be better.

Another one, was made using an item called magic stone, called “Magic Camera”. Perhaps the idea of this camera was also told by someone from the heroes.

Though I was saying that, in the guild I heard someone sneaked voyeur shots, was it because of this… But there are still many things I don’t know, I shouldn’t be wasting time and went looking for the necessary equipment again.

Then, without any particularly difficulty, I found what I wanted immediately.

“There it is. Well… a mortar and pestle. And, empty bottles… for now I’ll take 10”

In order to grow the seed of evolution, I’ll need a planter and a water can, I’ll also need to buy soil that has been put in jute bags.

Once I picked everything I wanted, I called out to the Auntie in the back. “Sorry, what’s the bill?”

“Oh? Did you finish?” “Mm, yeah”

The reason my response was so sloppy was, probably because I knew quite a bit about this shop.

With no reason to speak, I indifferently paid the bill. The price was 3000 G; but I still do not know whether it was expensive or cheap.

Well, I’m not troubled for money at the moment. Upon exiting from the store, the lively scenery appeared into my eyes.

“Now, what should I do next?”

To be honest, it will be better if I bought the horse last. If I buy it now, it will be troubling in various ways.

“Then the library?”

I would also like to look around for Demon King and Heroes, as well as magic. While I confirmed my destination with the map I had received from Gassur, I headed towards to the library.

“…it’s huge”

Arriving at the library those were the first words I said. In front of my eyes, this huge building resembles a famous fine arts museum back on Earth. There were beautiful stained glass and a clock tower, really standing out with its clean atmosphere.

“Here’s the Royal Library”

If it’s this huge, there should be plenty of spell books.

While I was thinking that, I stepped into the library. In my view, the insides were beautiful with an incredible amount of bookshelves.

There is no admission fee, but, on the other hand, I hear the library doesn’t seem to lend books.

It seems only ordinary books are opened to the public.

There was anti-theft magic on each of the books, if someone attempts to take it even one step away from the library, it forcibly teleports the book back onto the original bookshelf. Magic sure is great.

However, since there is no such thing as a receptionist, you’ll have to look for books by yourself.

So I also started to search for books, but there were too many books, I lost myself halfway through.

But, thanks to such hardships, I was able to find some of the books I was concerned about.

With all those books, I took a seat in the library. Surprisingly, I was the only one occupying this vast library.

“Right, first I’ll start to read”

While saying so, I opened the book titled “A Hero and the Demon King”, and looked over the contents.

As a history book, rather than difficult contents, it seems more like a story for children, but I’ll have to tentatively check.

…Well, it was useless after all.

This is because the contents of the story has been distorted as humans were the good side, while the demons were portrayed as absolute evil.

I was looking for something unbiased, described in a third-party perspective. Well, in the first place, it was strange to look for such stories.

While I was having such thoughts, I kept rummaged through for other books about other heroes and the demon king.

But, I couldn’t find the content I wanted. All the books wrote, the demon king was evil, and the heroes embody justice.

Perhaps, it might be the truth. But after seeing the past of the Black Dragon, I did not think so at all.

“It didn’t go well… ”

I muttered unintentionally. However, there was one strange thing.

In the history books, after the hero defeated the demon king, it was written that everyone lived peacefully. After I read the diary of the Hero Abel, I cannot believe that. If the contents of that diary was authentic, then the hero should have been killed by the country.

“The country that summoned the hero… the hero’s death should have been recorded”

If such records were known to the heroes, Kenji and the others would have escaped. Those guys wouldn’t purposely accept their fate to be killed.

“It can’t be helped… I’ll give up about the demon king”

At least, I decided not to the trust the information about the heroes and demon kings. “Well, now that is taken care of, I’ll look at the other books”

While I was saying that, I opened the book concerning our status.

Until now, I been relying on the knowledge from games and manga, but I was convinced that it may be different if I closely examine it.

So I brought this book. However, I recognized most of the contents. Still, only a portion of the contents were different from what I know.

Up to now, I thought charm represented the quality of the appearance. Of course, it is not actually so.

Surprisingly, the atmosphere clad in the body of the person seems to be one of the charms. So, even in poor appearance, if you have high charm, it will still attract people.

Well, I am interested if charisma is related to charm… Hmm. With that notion, what about me with a blank charm stat? Is there even a factor that attracts the person?

I was slightly depressed by such things, but I recovered immediately. This is because I’ll read the book written about magic now. There is no way I wouldn’t be interested.

In an excited mood, I opened the book titled “How to use magic”. When I read further, there was an explanation about magic itself.

In brief, magic consumes the energy called magical power… which can interfere the

world directly it seems.

As a condition to invoke magic, magical power are necessary and it is important to imagine the spell as well.

To make it easier to imagine, chanting exists as well as discarding chanting, a first-class magician could do that naturally.

…That’s strange? I’ve been using magic without any image at all.

That’s why, at the time during the battle with Saria, I dropped a large quantity of water above myself. Because I didn’t know any magic at all.

Although perhaps, the reason I had used magic was because I had already acquired it… Wow. While I was having such thoughts, a voice abruptly resounded in my mind.

“You’ve acquired [No-chant] skill”

…

“…sigh”

Well that was boring. Indeed, it felt like an empty achievement. I, who knew nothing, had suddenly acquired a first-class skill.

There was no self-respect by easily having it delivered to you. I was thinking about such worthless things seriously while having a distant look.

However, since I knew I am no longer a normal human, I recovered quite fast.

Then the book divides the respective attribute separately, I read from Beginner to Advanced. As expected, the books did not contain information about the purgatory attribute.

Unexpectedly, the books did not contain written information about space magic. I thought the book at least would have that since an item box exists.

So, in the book the attributes was labeled as Fire, Water, Wind, Earth, Lightning, Ice, Light and Darkness.

Fire, Water, Earth and all the magic that had been written in the books, was the same as the knowledge I had.

Therefore, I was able to completely understand the magic when I finished reading the books about those attributes. All except space magic.

“Good, Now I will use magic properly unlike the first time”

Before I didn’t understand the magic consumption, but the book was written in full details about the effect and powers.

However, the magic I can use, is far superior so I should not rely on that…

In this manner, I finished reading about Fire, Water, Earth, and Darkness, I decided to read the remaining Wind, Lightning, Ice and also Light.

Although I cannot use it right now, it may become available later, or there is a guy who can use it so I thought I could accommodate.

Fire and Water magic is likely to have high attack power, but if anything, Wind and Lightning can also be if the universal magic system exists. In that sense, Wind and Earth are probably easier to use.

What I care about is non-attribute magic, the application is very large. Be it body- strengthening, or simply floating, I think since it can attack directly, it is very powerful depending on how you use it.

Anyways, I finished reading the books about all the magic attributes. The time I read is considerably faster than back on earth. Is this perhaps, one of the benefits of evolution?

“Phew… I finished!”

I said that while stretching.

“You’ve acquired [Non-magic attribute], you’ve acquired [Wind attribute], you’ve acquired [Lightning attribute], you’ve acquired [Ice attribute], you’ve acquired [Ice attribute], you’ve acquired [Light attribute], and you’ve acquired [Arch mage] title, to make sure you have mastered all the magic at the highest state. You are given [Composition Magic], [Numerous Deployment], [Magic Creation], you’ve mastered [Inscription Magic], you’ve mastered [Battle Formation Magic]”

The inhumane voice, once again resounded in my mind. “…”

It’s strange. Why won’t bitter tears stop flowing from my eyes? No way… Isn’t it weird? I, I was just reading a book? How did this happen?

Does this mean I can’t even read books casually? Will this happen again whenever I read? A curse?

Argh, I don’t have the willpower to complain anymore, and continued to check the acquired magic skills.

However, I’ll skip over Fire, Water, Wind, Earth, Lightning, Ice, Light, and Darkness attribute, and continue to check the rest.

[No-chant]… You can use magic without chanting.

[Arch mage]… The title sent to one who mastered all elemental magic. Magical attack power is doubled.

[Composition Magic]… Different or same magic attributes can be combined to create powerful magic.

[Numerous Deployment]… You can use many magic simultaneously without being restricted to the attribute.

The unprecedented [Magic Creation]… It is now possible to create your own magic. After creating, you can activate without chanting. Prior to creation, requires clearer image and a name also needs to be decided.

[Inscription Magic: Master]… It is possible to inscribe magic onto swords and accessories.

[Battle Formation Magic: Master]… It is possible to use magic formation to use more powerful magic.

“It’s no good, it’s getting out of hand!”

I seem to be very far away from a human being.

“…”

As I came out from the library, I was tired mentally.

What should I do? What should I aim? Hero? Or Demon King? Now, I can easily be both. I’m in the mood to go to the convenience store. Haha, really. My mood remained darkened as I was walking down the streets, heading toward the open city.

“…Mmm, it’s crowded”

A large number of street stalls were lined up in the neighborhood centering on the fountain which perhaps contain magical power to keep it functioning.

The shops sent off an appetizing smell and a man was selling a huge painting giving off very flashy impact. Various people had been there to buy or sell.

“Come to think of it, I didn’t eat lunch”

Due to the library, I didn’t realize the time, it already passed noon. Even so, it is still past noon, with that many books you would think it’s abnormal.

“Somehow, I don’t feel like eating around so many people… ”

Right now I feel, rather than eat in the lively square, to go eat inside a peaceful area.

While I was thinking of such things, walking around the square, one stall came into my view.

Unlike the other stalls, there seems to be no customer around.

However, there was just a sheet covered on the ground. It seems to be selling paintings.

Back on Earth, I wasn’t interested in art. But for some reason, I was naturally walking to this stall.

Near the stall, a depressed girl was sitting there. She also seems to have dog ears. Perhaps she would be the shopkeeper. I really… want to touch those ears.

A little bit younger than me, with an adorable face too. As I walked to the front of the store, she raised her head.

“Ah… H-how can I help you!?”

She removed her sunken expression and gave a cheerful greeting. While observing the circumstances of the girl, I also looked over at the paintings.

” ! ”

This is… I had unintentionally stared at the paintings arranged there.

It wasn’t flashy. It was a strange painting. Speaking clearly, there was no major characteristic, but when every painting formed into a line, it was visibly attractive if I say so.

Painting of a bird drinking water, a painting of people having a pleasant chat, a painting of the town’s sunset, a night sky painting, the paintings subject was day to day trivial.

When I came here, I saw the person who had been selling flashy picture was lined with a lot of people, but there is not even one person here. It was strange to me. I mean that flashy painting… I don’t even know what it is. Picasso drew ordinary objects and it was said to be a unique picture, impressing people, but from that painting I did not feel anything at all. Well, even a painting of Picasso seen in the textbooks was drawn amazing, in the first place I think he had very art sensitivity.

“This, did you drew all of them?” I’ve unconsciously asked.

The girl opened her eyes, she was surprised to be asked so suddenly and immediately answered “Yes!”.

Wow… I couldn’t draw pictures at all. I feel younger than I should have. In any case, I was impressed by the paintings of the girl.

After coming to this world… I’m interested to buy a painting for the first time. I decided to buy the painting of the city dyed in sunset among them.

“This painting, how much is it?”

Mmm… I still don’t know the price of a painting. Was it expensive? Cheap? Either way, I liked it and I won’t regret buying it.

“Ok, I’ll take this painting”

“A-ah… t-thank you very much!”

The girl was deeply moved when she received 1000 G from me, and carefully wrapped the painting.

This time, I’ll have to buy a picture frame. While I was thinking of such things, the package was completed and passed to me.

“Thanks”

Upon receiving the painting, I immediately put it away in the item box. I’d hate it if it gets damaged.

“T-thank you very much!”

The girl stood up from the store and bowed. That reaction was amazing, but did you really not sell much? These are good paintings. Remaining somewhat unconvinced, I decided to look for a shop to take a break.

“Are there people inside?”

Away from the square, I was looking for a shop to take a break.

However, along the road there was a store full of customers. It was not likely to be slowed anytime soon. It’s just afternoon.

Since I found it too excessive, I decided to look for another place with less people.

I don’t want to remember but after arriving at the guild, that place had contained a frightening amount of homosexuals.

That area was not very popular, so I found the store after leaving the central square.

However, it was surprisingly a popular little establishment. “Akkoriente Cafe… ”

…What is Akkoriente? A new type of food?

While thinking such nonsense, I entered another shop. A bell attached to the door reverberated. The interior had a gloomy mood. There was a bar counter and a bitter elderly man with grey hair that stood over there seems to be the bartender.

…This is a cafe? Isn’t this a bar? I, I’m a minor… I was overwhelmed by the atmosphere, there seems to be only one other customer besides me. In addition, the person had noticed and called out to me.

“Huh? You, don’t be standing around, are you coming in or not?” “What? Oh, yes… ”

I unconsciously replied as I approached the bar counter. Then, I saw the face of the customer who had talked to me.

“It’s the first time seeing your face. You, are you an adventurer?”

The man had asked, he had wild, messy blonde hair, clothes generally worn in this world. He appears to be around 40 years old, with a face giving off a very cool uncle- like feeling.

“Umm, yesterday I was finally made an official adventurer”

“I see, name’s Ranze. A humble poor citizen. Nice to meet you” “Ah, thank you. My name is Seiichi”

“Seiichi? I see, from the sound of your name, it seems to be from a country in the east. The name is quite convincing.”

“Is that so?”

Again, the country of the east. Adriana-san also said the same thing… I was thinking inside my mind while Ranze-san said so, amazed.

“Oh? Speaking of the country in the east, aren’t they famous for strong warriors? The name of [Heaven’s Blade] is widely known all over the continent, and his looks seem to resemble the heroes summoned in the Kaiser Empire. There seems to be many guys having black hair lately… was it because the country is involved in a lot of trouble so you’re waiting for things to cool down? Or, am I wrong?”

“Y-yes, that’s right! Aha, hahaha”

Hey, country of the east! Why is it so troublesome!

And, strong warriors… where can you find such battle folks! In the first place, who is [Heaven’s Blade]!?

Well, well, that means they have black hair as well. The only people with black hair are heroes, the country of the east should likely be descendants from Earth.

I floated a dry smile while keeping an innocent face desperately. Suddenly, cakes and black teas were placed before me.

Surprised, I turned my face towards the bartender, who quietly opened his mouth. “…This is service for first time customers”

What an amazing voice! I was involuntarily charmed!? The voice didn’t sound too deep or small, just listening was very comfortable. I got my service. Looking at my interesting reaction, Ranze-san said while laughing.

“Hahaha! This guy here, is the shopkeeper Noado” “…I’m Noado, from now on, pleased to meet you” “O-oh, please treat me well”

After a beautiful bow, unexpectedly, Noado began to wipe the dishes… Really like a bartender… While I was having such thoughts, let’s start to eat the cake placed in front of me.

“Mm!?”

W-what is this, it tastes so good!? Since it was a different world, I surely thought the taste would be subtle, but it’s not like that at all. A fluffy, exquisite, sweetness of the cream as well as the harmonizing sour fruit on top, I can eat any amount of this. I was surprised that Noado-san told me politely.

“…That cake, was brought by a summoned hero from another world. I only applied the resulting recipe. The tea is not as well-known but the tasty, refreshing scent uses the characteristics of Rendell leaves”

Yeah, I do know about Rendell, but I found Noado-san amazing. I mean, just by using the recipe brought by the hero is not enough to make such delicious cakes. And, as Noado-san said, the tea’s refreshing scent requires a little deep taste of habit.

“This is so good, why are your customers so small?”

I’m aware that was rude, but I couldn’t help but ask. Then, Ranze-san answered instead of Noado-san.

“Well, first it is less crowded, and Noado himself didn’t want customers that much. Right?”

“…Yes. I want to allow the customers who visit this store to feel at ease”

“That’s the reason. Besides, the few customers like me and the others didn’t tell

anybody about this. Since we knew that, it was translation to hide the well-established store’s presence”

“I see now… ”

I didn’t understand. Only you know yourself the best, I felt there was a bit of sense of superiority. I was slightly convinced, and asked Noado-san what was troubling me.

“Well then, what does [Akkooriente] in the name of the shop mean?” “Oh, I do not know that as well. Noado, what is it about?”

It seems even Ranze-san didn’t know, I started to regret my question. Then, Noado-san smiled gently and spoke.

“Somehow it happened, I guess”

” Don’t tell me there is no reason!?”

We were surprised, Noado-san continued on.

“…Because, when I started this shop, I floated by this name. I still do not know what it means but since I liked the sound of it, I didn’t worry too much about it.”

“Is that so… ”

“Mm… well, that sounds interesting. There is no meaning huh… ” Looking at our reaction, Noado-san smiled gently again.

I —- Altria-gram, was baffled.

Regarding yesterday case—— since the time my curse was removed, I couldn’t help but be conscious of Seiichi.

Yet, this morning, looking at the figure of Seiichi, somehow my chest is… as if being squeezed, is attacked by a painful sadness.

Moreover, even though it should be painful, somehow it feels good.

But, as it was a new experience for me, I was baffled. What is the cause of this sadness?

Furthermore, even though it has been like this from the beginning, looking at the familiar exchange between Seiichi and Saria, somehow I get this… depressing feeling, and start becoming displeased.

And, I start to feel really sad for some reason.

That’s why, when I looked at Seiichi’s figure, I ran away.

…I want to know the identity of this feeling.

But, once I know the identity, I somehow feel that there would be no return. That I might lose something important. That is the feeling I have.

And that is… very scary.

“I… just what’s happening with me… ?”

As it wasn’t directed at anyone, she murmured to herself. “Then, want me to give you some advice?”

“Eh?”

“Good morning, Altria-chan”

The one who talked to me, was the person who contracted us in the quest I did together with Seiichi, Adrianna-san.

By chance, she met me in the city, and just like that I was invited to Adriana’s house, where she would give me a consultation.

“…I, am somewhat weird” “Weird it is?”

“Do you remember Seiichi?” “Yes, of course”

“That… Since yesterday, whenever I see him, my heart accelerates… I can’t find the words even though it’s painful, I am happy, it’s warm… that type of feeling” “Fumufumu” (TL: nodding)

Adriana-san, while listening to my story, took a sip of tea.

“And it’s not only that, well… that Seiichi, might have a girlfriend… I think, that girl is really cute, and when she is talking happily with him somehow… like I said earlier I get this painful feeling”

“I see… ”

When Adrianna-san finished listening to my story, took a sip of tea again. As expected, am I weird in some way?

Is it a side effect of removing the curse?

To me who was having uneasy feelings, Adriana-san took a breath, and affirmed. “That’s love. Whats more, a bittersweet first love at that”

“Wha!? Lo, love!?”

Without realising I, made a weird voice.

To the confused me, Adriana-san continued.

“Yeah. Altria-chan… you, have fallen in love.” “~ ~ ~ ~ Tsu !!”

Being told directly at my face, it’s like a fire burned my face, it is crimson. Th, that… love, me… ?

“Im, impossible! That me!? Absolutely not!”

For some reason, I denied it desperately.

However, even with such a negative response, Adriana-san shook it off lightly.

“But, what other explanation can there be? Moreover, Altria-chan is a very charming woman as well. It’s fine to have one or two loves, it’s nor weird at all. What’s more, is that you didn’t fall in love until now is weirder”

“Th, that is——“

“Well then, what is that ring you have on your left hand ring finger for?

“Tsu!”

On reflex of being asked, touched the ring in my left hand.

On the ring finger of my left hand, is a ring embedded with beautiful purple gem.

And, the fact that the men gave a fitting ring on the left hand of the ring finger of a woman means—-.

“A promise of eternal love… That’s common sense no?” “~~~~~~~~~~ Tsu!”

As though looking in my mind, Adrianna-san confronted me with the appropriate words. With a face reddened to the maximum, with embarrassment so great it couldn’t be exlained in words.

Then, without minding such an appearance, Adrianna-san continued on.

“Thanks to the ring that Seiichi-san gave you, your curse has been lifted, no?” “…yes”

“Seiichi-san, is most likely from the east countrys, so his common sense may be different, the ring may not have a deep meaning”

“…”

My heart is, weird.

If that is true, then that is good. Seiichi has Saria.

But he gave me a ring, isn’t that dishonest!?

That’s why, I shouldn’t need to think about it too deeply. By chance, the ring fitted perfectly on my ring finger.

Isn’t it fine?

…even so… Even so, why I am so sad? So lonely?

If there is a deep meaning, there is the curse… Isn’t it fine? My own heart, I don’t understand myself.

Why, is it so painful… I don’t understand…

Unbeknownst, tears had accumulated my eyes.

While I had my head down in silence, Adriana-san spoke gently. “Altria-chan, won’t you admit it already?”

“…”

“You, about Seiichi—— love him” “——“

With tear filled eyes, I slowly turn my sight to Adrianna-san Mou, I can’t evade it anymore.

…I, about seiichi… came to love him.

The moment that I admitted it, tears overflowed from my eyes. Until now, there was not a guy who got close to me.

The guys in the Guild, and in the city… they were kind to me, but didn’t get close due to my curse, the first one who apprached me seriously was Seiichi.

When Seiichi, said I was needed, by everyone, that Seiichi liked me, I was really happy.

Gently, as to calm me when he hugged me from behind… my heart felt warm. I see… I—– was in love.

To me that barely me noticed it, Adriana-san smiled gently and embraced me.

“To the clumsy Altria-chan, I will tell you one thing, if the boy you like is talking to another girl, it is not weird for your heart to feel sad you know?”

“…Is, that so… ?”

“Yeah. It is jealousy. Excessive jealousy is bad, but a little bit is okay. Is it Altria-chan first love? To be confused is a very natural thing, it’s normal.”

“…Un”

“What’s more, even if Seiichi-san has a girlfriend, it doesn’t matter. It all depends of the resourcefulness of the man, bigamy, it might be common outside the continent. If you don’t like that then, Altria-chan it is fine to become the first for Seiichi-san.”

“…such a thing, I can’t do that. In the first place… I am not cute at all. Such a toned, rough womam. It’s obvious that Seiichi will think bad of me.”

As I said so earnestly, Adrianna-san made a wry smile.

“mou, Altria-chan be more confidente in yourself. Next, I will introduce you to my friend that is well versed in romance, but first if Altria-chan doesn’t admit her own charm nothing will begin, Futhermore, Seiichi-san, do you thing he is the type to think such a thing?”

“…”

I shook my head in silence.

That guy is not the type to worry about such a thing.

If not, then he wouldn’t help me, that time when I stepped onto the metastasis trap. To seriously get close with me.

With the <Disaster> me, he properly caught me. “…I, wonder if is good for me to fall in love… ?”

“Yes.”

“…Won’t I be a nuisance… ?”

“not at all. Rather, he should happy”

“…I see… ”

I too, am glad I fell in love.

Mo, I won’t be tied down by <Disaster>, I am glad…

—-Finally, I can take the first step.

At that moment, I was attacked by a different feeling than the one until a while ago.

It is, unlike the feelings of a while ago, it was a very positive feeling.

“…Adrianna-san. I, what should I do to make Seiichi look my way… ?” “eh?”

“Until a little while ago, it was painful, and lonely… although it was very hard, now I feel very happy. This feeling, it’s the first time that I had it”

“…”

“Like I said… my feelings, I want them to reach Seiichi. Even though this me is without a woman’s attractiveness… I still love him, and I want him to like me”

“Altria-chan… ”

“Thats why, Adrianna-san. That… first the things about love I don’t know about can you teach me about it? What should I do… ”

Adriana who was listening to my serious thoughts, nods and say at once with a smile. “Leave it to me! The perfect way to bring down Seiichi-san, I’ll teach it to you!”

After such a promising remark, I had Adriana-san teach me a lot of things.

“——So there that happened”

“haaa～ Adventurers have it hard”

I Hiiragi Seiichi, had a small talk with Noado-san in the “cafe Akkoriente” that i entered.

Right now, I spoke about the story where I and Altria-san was mysteriously transported to a strange labyrinth.

“uhn, there is one thing I am curious, what happened to that <<disaster>> girl?” When I reached the part about lifting the curse, Ranze-san asked that.

“About that… for some reason I don’t know, she is completely avoiding me” “Ah? Why? Thanks to Seiichi her curse was dispelled no?”

“That’s true… well… it may be a weird thing to ask but, a man, putting a ring on a woman left hand ring finger… does that have any meaning?”

“Un? That’s true… Seiichi wasn’t born in this continent, you were from the east country, then it is normal not to know… n? Wait a minute. That you ask this means… ”

“…As you have guessed. The item for lifting the curse happened to be a ring by chance, and without giving it a lot of thought, I put it on her left hand ring finger”

“You are lying!?”

At my confession, not only Ranze-san opened his eyes wide, even Noado-san did so as well.

What should I do. I only have bad feelings. “Etto… is it as bad as expected?

“It is not at the level of being bad… ”

While Ranze-san was surprised, Noado-san properly explained to me.

“…Seiichi-san. In this continent, when a man gives a woman a ring, and put it on her left hand ring finger, it means a promise of eternal love”

“Bufoa!?”

It was outside my expectations, what an absurd thing I did!

As I involuntary coughed, at the impatient me Noado-san said with his eyes half opened.

“…I think it is beyond reparations in various ways. Even though I lived longer than you I’ve never made such a mistake”

“…it was unexpected to me too”

“What’s more, such an important oath? That is a lie, try to say it was a misunderstanding, there is no doubt you will be killed.”

“Ugh!”

“Love alone is an important thing to a woman. In your country could be different, but here it is the most important”

“…that true. After hearing the talk, Seiichi-san was actually a bit… too thoughtless” “Gaha!?”

The words just now stabbed my chest! It did it! Stabbed! But… that’s true

No matter how much I try to ignore it by thinking it didn’t happen, without a doubt I messed with a woman’s precious love. If there is a misunderstanding, then it has to be cleared. I don’t want to become dishonest, but that is…

“What should I do… ”

To think I would be at my wit’s end .

In the first place, is not like I am well balanced with Altria-san! With Saria too, I don’t think we are well balanced!

Then, Ranze-san said with a laugh.

“What to do you say, there is no other choice but marriage” “haa!? Ma,marriage!?”

“Ah? What are you getting surprised for? Anyways, a promise of eternal love, there is no other choice but marriage”

“Th, that’s true… But I have… ”

Yes, i already, have an important woman called Saria… she is a gorilla though. To such an answer, Noado-san got close silently.

“…Seiichi-san, so you had a woman who you set your heart on.” “…Well, yes”

“Oioi, seriously!? You, even though you have such a suspicious get up are popular?” “Suspicious you say… ”

Well yes, a man with his face hidden by a hood is quite suspicious. I am already used to it though.

“But well… if you had a woman you like already. Then, together with that woman, just marry both and that’s all.”

“Aahh!? Both!?”

At Ranze-san outrageous remarks, I raised a load voice instinctively. “Did I say something strange?”

“Iye, it was quite strange! Normally you do it with one person in a marriage!”

As I tell them with a loud voice, Renze-sam and Noado-san made a strange face for a second, then suddenly made a convinced face.

“It can’t be, is the east country different?” “Eh?”

“Well, in this country polygamy is allowed. Heck, it was so common that I thought its not only this continent but everywhere was the same… ”

What did you say!? Is polygamy allowed!?

Seeing me surprised, both of them made convinced expressions. “It seems I was wrong”

“…Well, even though polygamy is accepted, is rare to see it outside royalty or nobility”

“Mou, I am completely recognised as a person from the East, and polygamy hasn’t been approved there. Why?

Well that won’t become a problem, I hope.

More important than that, first is Altria-san. Really what should I do…

As I was suffering from a headache, and thinking desperately, in front of my face tea was placed

“…it’s a tea made from Artel leaves that have a relaxing effect” “Eh? But I didn’t order it… ”

“…Let’s say is my treat. Next just once, let me give you one advice as an elder” “?”

“…Absolutely, don’t give an ambiguous answer. But I think it will be okay, Seiichi knows what should be done, and how heavy love is. So accept it or reject it, please be sure to do it firmly”

“…”

…true.

An ambiguous answer is not allowed. More importantly, I won’t allow it.

Even though I ended like this without realising, giving an ambiguous answer, it’s the worst.

…If unknowingly I end in a situation similar again, I think I will be the worst “…I understand, I with my mouth, will say it properly”

“…is that so”

Noado-san heard my answer, and smiled contently

I drink the tea that has been prepared for me with much trouble, somehow getting my strength back in my body, and feeling in a better mood.

The taste, was a perfect mild sweetness.

Upon drinking it all, I am reminded of the time.

Come to think of it. I was talking quite a long time, it might be better to return soon. As I thought so, thanked Noado-san, and stand up,

“Thanks for the meal. The tea, was delicious”

“…Thank you very much. I look forward to your next visit”

“That so, let us talk the next time we meet.” Ranze-san said that to me with a smile.

“Yes, by all means!”

It was a good shop. Let’s return again..

With such a determination in my chest. I left the shop.

“Whew… Youth”

After Seiichi went out of the store, Ranze muttered so. To such a Ranze, Noado quietly said.

“Ranze , it is fine for you not to return home?”

“ “Aah… if i want to go back. Someone will come to pick me up” At Ranze’s words, Noado sigh.

“…No matter that I am here, coming here alone, isn’t it too much defenceless?” “Be at ease. I am not alone so its fine, Ruise is following me properly”

“…haaaa. To come following you here everytime, Ruise-sama sure has it hard”

“That can’t be helped. It’s his job after all.”

“…if you the boss stop coming here, i think it will make it easier.” “That’s your fault because your food is so good!”

“…It is so easy passing the Buck”

While sighing, Noado showed his bad state.

You can feel everywhere the peaceful atmosphere of Acorriente

“It’s evening already… ?”

I left the coffee shop Acorriente, Orly to find the sky stained orange, and muttered so.

“Today, it seems I won’t be able to buy a horse… ” Well there is no hurry, it’s fine to do it tomorrow. “Hmmn… let’s head back to the inn?”

I don’t know when Saria will be back.

And… there is also the matter with Altria-san “…Really, I am so useless,”

I made the decision, but when the time to convey the facts came. I became afraid. In this world, the act I did, is something more important than on Earth.

“…I was thrown out of destination, I know I am useless but… ” While muttering so, i was heading to a certain location.

That is the orphanage where Saria was.

…Really so pathetic, I am the lowest.

While I was feeling anxiety alone, I naturally went to Saria.

This lowest and miserable me, I fell into a murderously dull mood. I, with a dull mood, headed to the orphanage.

Before long, the church where the orphanage came into view. “…I arrived”

I sinked into a more depressed mood.

With such a mood, it happened when i was about to enter the church. “—-Seiichi”

“!!!!”

In a speed that surprised even myself, I turned around.

“…Altria-san”

The one that was standing there, is the person I should confront with the truth… Altria- san

“…”

“…”

Altria-san and I, we both stay silent facing each other.

The sunset is on Altria-san back, so I can’t see her expression. There is no one around, just Altria-san and me alone.

For a while, there was a time of silence.

…Altria-san is in front of my eyes.

Now, isn’t it the time to tell her the misunderstanding of the ring. I might not receive forgiveness, but shouldn’t I apologize?

Of course, I am scared that my relation with Altria-san might end.

…It is scary. Super scary.

But… To keep silent, to cheat her… is even worse. That’s why, say it me. Open your mouth.

What do I fear.

Say it, say it, say it, say it… !

“Ah… Altria-san! That… The ring—-“ “—-“

Finally I summoned the courage, but the moment I thought words were flowing. My mouth was closed by something soft, and I was unable to speak.

“Tsu!?”

“…”

Within reach of my face, there is Altria-san face that has her eyes shut with all her strength.

And, my lips and Altria-san lips are… overlapped

I… now, what I am doing?

Why are my lips, and Altria-san lips overlapped? This is… kiss… kiss, a kiss?

…

“～～～～～～～～～～Tsu!?”

I who understood the situation, suddenly felt my face become hot. I… I… and Altria-san, kiss… kissed… !?

After I analysed the situation I can only stand there with my face bright red. Still, Altria-san without minding, gently… continued with a clumsy kiss.

Now, I and Altria-san were in a posture of confronting each other.

In addition, from the impact of receiving Altria-san attack, the hood hiding my face fell of.

Altria-san, who finished the long kiss, downcasted her face. “…That, don’t say it”

“Eh?”

“…I knew, that Seiichi, didn’t have that kind of feelings, when you gave me that ring… ”

Such a thing… in other words, that I didn’t give it to her in order to swear eternal love. “ Well that—-“

“But, it doesn’t matter”

My words have been blocked by Altria-san words with a clear tone. Then, Altria-san buried her face in my chest.

“A relationship, I don’t… !”

“It doesnt matter… ! Because… I came to like you”

“!”

Altria-san, shouted so in my chest.

“It’s the first time, this feeling! I know Seiichi has Saria. Even a woman like me knows how super cute she is!”

“…”

“But… but… I fell in love with you! My chest hurts looking at you!”

“Altria-san… ”

“I am… no good? I can’t be beside Seiichi?” “That’s not… !”

“It can’t be helped. falling in love! I am not feminine, not cute at all, without charm it was impossible! But even so, I, fell in love with you Seiichi… ”

After Altria-san said that, she started sobbing in my chest. I, what should I do?

I already, have Saria.

Polygamy may be allowed, but I am an Earthling. Earth… specially, Japan ethics are getting in my way. I am pathetic.

Altria-san is important.

But this, I don’t know how should I cherish… someone from the opposite sex. Shit!

No matter how much strong my status is, now it’s useless.

I have, to make a choice “…I—-“

“Can you accept her? Seiichi”

“!?”

At the abrupt voice we heard, Altria-san and I are surprised. Following the origin of the voice… Saria was there, standing. “Sa, Saria! This! That… !”

“It is fine, I understand”

I feel like a dad caugh in an affair

“Seiichi, about Altria-san, can you accept her?” “Bu, but… is that fine with you?”

Though it is a bad talk, I want to cherish Altria-san, as a member of the opposite sex. But, I already , have Saria.

Because Saria is here, I about Altria-san, can’t look at here that way. But, Saria was, with a little lonely smile, nodded.

“Un. Of course, I think is sad that I won’t be able to keep Seiichi for myself, but, Seiichi’s charm, as I thought it is impossible to keep it all for myself”

“Saria… ”

“Futhermore you know? Seiichi. A Strong male, will atract women naturally, that is the law of nature”

A, a male she says…

To me who knows Saria was originally a Gorilla, this is not particularly strange, but Altria-san who doesn’t knows tilts her neck.

“Thats why Seiichi, about Altria-san, acept her ok? Because, I too love Altria-san!” “Saria… ”

Altria-san, is staring at Saria in a state of admiration. “Saria… is it fine?”

“Un!”

Unlike before, with a big smile, Saria said clearly Ah, shit

I am so clumsy.

Saria…

If a woman doesn’t give me a push in the back, I can’t even make a single decision.

Because I began to fall in self-loathing, I shook my head immediately to switch my thoughts.

I return my line of sight to Altria-san in my chest.

Then Altria-san noticing my sight and looked at me.

For a moment, her eyes opened wide open, for seeing my face for the first time. Her clear gold pupils, now wet with tears, were looking up at me anxiously. “Altria-san”

“…Al” “Eh?”

“About me, call me Al. Thats is what people close to me call me, it is my nickname… So dont use honorific!”

Saying so very shyly… Altria-san made a wry smile. “I understand, Al”

“…Un”

Making a happy face, Al stared up-from-under me.

I extend my hand, to Al cheek naturally, the me from before couldnt do it normally. But, now for some reason, without worrying, I can do it naturally.

…think, you can do it

The most important thing is, Al “I too, about Al—- I love you” “!”

So next, from me this time, a kiss was given to Al.

The problem from before, I can’t feel them anymore…

The kiss with Al, tasted like tea of Artel leafs that brewed Noado-san. A faintly sweet, very gentle kiss.

Very slowly we separated our lips.

“Al, even though I am unreliable, shameless… I will work hard, so that you don’t regret falling in love with me.”

“…Un”

“I will cherish you” “…Un!”

As I declared clearly, I hugged Al.

“With this, you are the same as me!”

From behind me, Saria comes and hugs us. Seriously… I can’t win against Saria.

In front of the church stained by the sunset, as if to bless us, the bells resounded in the city.

“Nooooooooooooooooo!”

I, Hiiragi Seiichi, am writhing in agony in the room I’m staying in.

“It’s so embarrassing!”

I don’t want this anymore! Just remembering it is enough that I want to die!

What am I remembering about? Of course it’s Altria-san… no, the conversation with Al! “Just why did that embarrassing line pop out!?”

From around the time I stopped using honorifics, I was weird, right!? Suddenly, I remembered what I said at that time.

[I also――――like Al.]

Who the hell are youuuuu!?

No, it’s just me though! But, it’s different! It’s really different! I absolutely can’t say those kind of lines!

…It feels like, I’ve suddenly became calm.

But, thinking about it, I don’t understand those kinds of lines.

For me, it sounds like the kind of thing a conquerable character from a shoujo manga or otoge would say.

But really, at that time, I understood that I was going to say that.

Because I don’t know the reason why, I’ve been in confusion and embarrassment for a while.

In addition, the [Endless Love Necklace] divided and then appeared on Al.

Although she was surprised at the uses and effects, as for me, I was overwhelmed by our conversation at that time.

[…Could you put it on my neck, Seiichi?]

[Is that… a no? Since it’s matching with the person I’ve first come to love… that is… I want to… do it with Seiichi all the way… ]

[…]

Ugaaaaah!

I’m blushing! I’m turning really red!

First Saria, now Al… what is with the power level of puppy eyes!?

I bury my face in the pillow, single-mindedly enduring the embarrassment.

For a long time, I buried my face in the pillow, lie around on top of the bed, breathe deeply, and calm down my heart.

“Haa… when will this agony stop… ”

Because, Saria’s presence isn’t in the room, and she is on the dining room to eat breakfast… Together with Al.

I said would also head there soon, so I can’t not go there.

“Meeting Al is still embarrassing, but… I guess I should resolve myself.” I left the room as I muttered.

When I arrived at the dining room, there were quite a number of people eating their meal, so it was livelier than ever.

Since Saria and the others should have reserved a seat, I start walking and looking around, and come to hear various voices.

“Hey, did you know? Recently, it seems that there’s a lot of wolf-type demon sightings in the vicinity of this town.”

“Hee, a Grand Wolf?”

“No, it seems they still don’t know the species. Therefore, even if the request is a subjugation quest or an herb collecting quest, it might be better to take care when working near town.”

“Oh, that’s info to be thankful for.”

I heard that conversation as I passed by a certain seat. But still, a wolf-type demon, huh…

Speaking of wolves, the only image in my head is the Aqua Wolf. With those thoughts, I also heard another voice.

“That reminds me, the heroes of Kaizer Empire went to a magic academy.” “Is that right? What magic academy?”

“I think… Barbador Magic Academy, was it?”

“Ah, that only neutral magic academy. However, why Barbador magic academy? Didn’t Kaizer Empire have an excellent magic academy?”

“Like I know that!”

Eh, seriously? Shota and the others are going to attend a school, huh…

And here I am, almost dying and then before I knew it, I evolved and became a monster, and they get to live such a good life… as expected from a hero. I wonder if the country that summoned them is a good place? It doesn’t really give that feeling though…

Well, if Shota, Kenji and the others are safe, then it’s good. I-it’s not like I’m lonely or anything!

Going to the academy, it’s probably something to do with the Demon King. Thinking about it like that, it might not be anywhere near as laid-back as I thought.

While quietly sorting out the information I overhear, at the counter I see some men looking troubled over something while conversing.

I wonder what happened. They look a bit serious… “Hey, listen to this… ”

“Oi, what is it.”

“That is, you know how yesterday a few new adventurers came, right?” “Ah, those guys who were yakking away.”

“Yeah, them. Really, those guys are really deplorable, you know?” “What is it?”

“When they came to this town, what do you think they said they were going to do? Flirting, you know, goddamn flirting.”

“Ah? I don’t see a problem with it. What’s so bad about it?”

“Look, hear me out. What do you think they chose their targets by?… The face.” “““W-what did you say!?”““

…Eh? What are they talking about?

“It ain’t possible, is it? But I pick out women to hit on by their napes! Is this the upper class?”

“Nono, that would be the lips.”

“That’s no good, It could only be the collarbone.”

“Fu… You guys are too naive. But the best would have to be… facial moles.]

“““O-oh! Are you a god!?”““

“Don’t praise me so much… It’s embarrassing, ya know?”

After such an exchange happened, the men brought it to a close.

“However, well… ”

“…While our tastes are all over the places in the end… ” “Yeah, I guess… something like choosing by the face… ” ““““Deplorable… ”“““

What a disappointment!

Because they’re exerting such a uselessly serious atmosphere, when I’m trying to think of what they’re talking about… isn’t this like revealing each other’s fetishes! Your type of people are the most deplorable!

I was a fool for worrying about it…

After getting tired from so much, while looking around again, I finally found Saria and the others. It seems that they’ve found a round table just for the three of us. Why is it so tiring just to find Saria and the others?

While heading to where Saria and the others, I heard them talking over. “Come to think of it, why is Al not in the same room as us?”

“I mean, you like Seiichi, right? Then, you should’ve stayed together with us… Is what I thought. If we tell this to Fina the innkeeper, she would’ve probably been able to prepare a room for the three of us, you know?”

“T-that is… You are maybe right… B-but, um… it’s embarrassing, right? You know… Staying together with the person who you like… ”

“Ehhhh~?”

As Saria tilted her neck as she didn’t understand, Al’s face got red, as she muttered it shyly.

“And also… if Seiichi stays with me… I’ll die of happiness… ” “Lovetalk, disperse!”

Bakii!

I punched my cheeks with full force.

It’s useless. I’m just making myself suffer needlessly here.

Well, the pain causes the embarrassment from before to decrease.

Thanks to that, my cheeks really hurt. But, as one would expect from a monster-class status. My attack power is monster-class, but the defence power is also monster-class. If I can only feel the pain, and no blood is coming out then my teeth aren’t broken. I wanted it to produce a nice sound, ya know!?

Even so, just now, it really was a love affair talk.

Aaa… It’s hard to deal with beautiful girls like Saria and Al, in quite a few ways since my immunity against females dropped severely since entering high school.

Up until middle grade school, I only rarely concerned myself with my childhood friends Kannazuki-senpai and Shota’s little sister Miwa. After entering high school, I avoided people so I’m struggling now.

No, I was bullied back then, wasn’t I?

No matter how much you try to clean yourself at home, you’re still going to get dirty again if you go to school, right? With the way people treat rubbish, just saying it makes me feel disgusted. And yet, the way people treat filth, even though it’s not my fault… it’s unreasonable.

That’s why no matter how much I cleaned myself at home, I continued to be unmindful of getting dirty and ultimately receive cruel treatment from girls too.

There’s no way that my immunity against girls could continue after that. It’s gotten to the point where I have what could be classified as mild gynophobia.

But at some point while living in the [Forest of Endless Love] with Saria, those feelings came to pass. Maybe it’s because that she didn’t appear as a beautiful girl, but appeared as a gorilla that I was able to overcome it little by little.

While thinking about the past, and thinking about Saria being the opportunity to slowly overcome my trauma, I arrived at the table.

“My bad, I made you wait.” “No, it’s alright~!”

Saria said with a big smile on her face.

Looking at Saria, I sat as I’m enveloped in a feeling of kindness.

“Well then, let’s order our food.

As I said that, I called Fina’s husband, Lyle the cook over.

“Sorry to keep you waiting. Haha, Seiichi has flowers on both hands.” “I also think that.”

Really, I can’t help but feel being out of place.

While thinking that self-ridicule, I kept it to myself and we ordered our dishes. After a while, our dishes were carried here.

“Today, it’s [Ruruno Berry’s jam] and bread, the salad with [Bebefish’s soup] . The soup might be a bit hot, so be careful.”

When Lyle-san said that, he went back to the kitchen.

But still… what’s this Ruruno Berry? Bebefish? Crap, I don’t know those names.

But I occasionally eat dishes made with ingredients I haven’t heard of at this inn, but since they are nevertheless delicious I’m not worried about that.

By the way, while I was still living in the forest, Shota and the rest of the heroes had the cuisine reformed as Gassur said. They incorporated Eath’s style in cooking here in this world making it more delicious.

Suddenly, while I was thinking about it, Saria and the others asked me. [Come to think about it, what will everyone do for today?]

Then, Al answered first with a look on her face that showed she was thinking.

[Let’s see… I want to move my body for a little, so I’m going to do a subjugation quest.] [I see. Speaking of which, immediately after returning from the labyrinth, you were tired because all that happened.]

[It’s like that. And also, um… thank you… for saving me at that time. ] As Al said so shyly, I shook my head.

[Don’t worry about it. I only saved you because I wanted to save you.] [I see.]

Hearing my answer, Al laughed joyfully. Then we resumed eating. [Today, I will go to the orphanage!]

[Hee. Did something happen there yesterday?] After Al said her plans, Saria spoke up.

[Hmmm… Though nothing really happened but I promised that I’ll make snacks for the children.]

[I see.]

I still think it’s mysterious how Saria was able to make such delicious food in the middle of that forest. Well, it’s not like there was some kind of problem with it, so it’s fine.

Well, Saria’s a good cook, so the children will surely enjoy it.

[For me, today I’m thinking of buying a horse.] [A horsie?]

While I said so, Saria tilted her neck, and Al asked me curiously.

[Hee. Seiichi is buying a horse. But, why?]

[Well, Gassur recommended me to. If you’re living as an adventurer then isn’t it like a necessity?]

[Well, yeah. It’s not like everything can be put in the item box. So, they help carrying tools that can’t fit in the item box, and can play a great role in escorting, so horses are important to adventurers.]

[Hohoou]

Well, in my case, I don’t think I need horses, though.

I mean, my running speed is comparatively overwhelmingly faster, my power is overwhelmingly stronger too.

But, as I’ve heard, to live as an adventurer it seems it’s a good idea to have a horse.

It’s not like I’m planning on taking on any subjugation or escort quests, but still, it will at least serve as camouflage.

…At first I was just planning on taking on collection quests to make a living, but my power has already been found out by Al, and Gassur seems to have noticed a few things too.

While I was thinking about a lot of things while finishing our meal, we moved out respectively to where we want to go.

Al returned to her room to prepare for her equipment, while Saria went to the orphanage as planned, and I accompanied Saria partially along the way.

[Everyone’s healthy today too!]

While watching the people in the city, Saria said that with a smile. To Saria, the people also looked at us with a pleasant smile.

[You’re right. I hope that we could spend our time peacefully without anything big happening peacefully.]

While I was also enticed by Saria’s smile, I laughed as I said that.

But to think that my words would trip a flag, I didn’t think about it at all. Right—-.

[Hey, bro. You’ve got a pretty girlfriend there.]

[Hey girl, why don’t you just leave that shady guy and have fun with us?] [We can treat you some tea~?]

—–To have gotten caught in such a cliche development… !

And, this kind of invitation… Even on Earth, there’s no skirt chaser who’d do it like that…

While thinking those things, I was glaring at these three who’re messing around.

I don’t know if this world has hair dyeing techniques, but from what I can tell, their hair seems pretty damaged and their ears pierced. The looks are so cliche that it contrarily left me astounded.

Probably, these three are the ones the men talked about back in the inn. The adventurers from another town.

How to say this, their atmosphere is different from the townspeople. […Who’re you?]

Then, the person who is being hit on, Saria, after thinking for a while asks this. She genuinely just wants to know who the three in front of her are.

[Hey, Seiichi. Do you know these people?] [No, I don’t know at all.]

[Hmmm. Then, do you need something?]

When Saria asked while inclining her neck to the side, the leader of these three wears a disgusting smile.

[Yes,yes. We just want you to follow us for a while~.] [We won’t do anything bad to you.]

[Ah, but you won’t be joining us.] Politely, a gun was fired at me.

If it was still the me from Earth, I would be scared and be on my knees immediately. But, what is this… I’m not scared at all.

Is it because I was fighting with the Clever Monkeys, and Zeanosu, also the Black Dragon (God), those kinds of monster-classes continuously? I think that my status is also a part of why I’m not scared of even monster-classes.

Anyways, from what I’ve seen from these three, there is nothing that makes me remotely scared about them.

While thinking of such things, Saria makes a look as if she’s figured out and is convinced of something.

[Ahh! I see now!]

I don’t know if they know about picking up girls, but it seems that at least Saria knows about it. Because she seems to understand it… She’s conscious of being picked up I think.

Then, Saria turned towards me.

[Seiichi, it’s alright. Leave this to me!] [Wha? Saria, What do you mea—]

Before I was able to spoeak to Saria, she moved in faster, and spoke to the three. [Okay. I’ll come with you! Where are we going?]

While Saria asked in an innocent way, the three’s disgusting smile deepened.

[Hehe, it’s good you’re fast at undestanding.]

[You see that alley there, there’s a really nice shop at the back of it.] [Yeah,yeah. Well then, shall we go then?]

For some reason, Saria was planning to follow them, so I hurriedly stopped them. [H-hey! Saria, you… ]

[Don’t worry! I’ll be fine!]

Well, it’s obvious you’ll be alright.

Because Saria-san, you’re over level 700 you know!?

Even if these three group together, they will certainly be instantly annihilated. While thinking that, Saria and the three disappeared to the back alley.

I became worried and went after them. Who am I worried at?

Of course who. It’s—.

—Those three!

I rushed at the back alley.

But, the moment I reached the back alley, I watched the three of them, pale-faced, run away at full speed.

Just what the hell did you do!?

As I arrived, I peeked at the back alley.

And then, what’s there was…

[Ah, Seiichi. It’s already over.] [GYAAAAA! A GORILLAAAA!!]

…Gorilla-form Saria—Shortened, Goria stood there. —–In a one-piece dress.

Since I wasn’t sure what to do, and it’s the first time I’ve seen Goria come out, I involuntarily shouted out.

Stop transforming while wearing a one-piece like that! Your bursting pectorals are going to stretch the one-piece!

This, if this one-piece wasn’t from that sheep, it’s certain that it’ll burst off, right!? As I involuntarily screamed inside my head, looking dissatisfied, Goria says.

[Muu… how cruel, yelling like that.] [Ah… S,sorry.]

[You might as well become madly in love with me?] [You’re asking the impossible!]

No matter how hard I try, I’m not going to be able to fall madly in love with a gorilla wearing a one-piece!

After having such a conversation, I asked what suddenly came up to my mind. [Come to think about it, why did you went along with those three?]

[Eh? But, didn’t they approach me because they wanted to see my transformation?]

[I think it’s different!?]

To begin with, I should be the only person who knows that Saria can transform.

In other words, Saria didn’t even realise that she was being hit on by those three… How sad.

[More importantly, you should revert back to being a human again, Saria.] [Well, if someone sees you—-]

[Well? If it isn’t Seiichi-kun! Do you know about the muscle training?]

This is why you should have transformed back… !

As I let out a cold sweat and looked behind me, Gassur takes on a Muscle Pose and stands there.

[Ga,Gassur… ]

[What an unexpected meeting! Right now, I am doing my daily routine, just finished my running! Not only muscles, but physical strength is also important! You should consider doing it too!]

Well, concerning health that’s certainly true… !

It’s just that, I don’t want to meet you in this kind of situation.

However, as Gassur shouldn’t know that, he is looking at my back where Saria is. [Oh? The one at Seiichi-kun’s back is—-]

As he saw Saria’s appearance, Gassur’s face was astonished. Ah, this… How should I explain this…

But, I misunderstood.

In the first place, Gassur isn’t the type of person to press me for details like that. In other words, what I wanted to say is—-.

[I, I LOSSSST!]

Gassur suddenly dropped his head and started lamenting.

[Bursting with chest muscles…Spine swelling… The biceps reminiscent of mountains… They all far exceed my muscles… !]

[In this town… no, in this continent, I am confident that no one can beat my muscles! But someone just easily… ]

[Kuuuuuu! I can’t be left behind… Seiichi-kun! I’m sorry but I need to train even more now! Well then, I shall excuse myself!]

While shouting that, Gassur looked back at Goria.

[Fuu… I don’t know who you are or where you came from, but you opened my eyes that had been ignorant to the world. I thank you… Farewell!]

After saying that, Gassur disappeared from our sights while bunnyhopping.

[…Saria. Hurry up and revert back to being a human.] [Okay.]

In this town, if you cannot sufficiently pick up girls, it’s not strange for them to turn into gorillas.

[What the hell was that… !]

[Like I knew something like that… !]

[Damn right! Who would’ve thought that woman can transform into a gorilla! On top of that… It was wearing a one-piece dress, ya know!?]

[[[WHO’D LIKE THAT!]]]

The three who were flirting Saria said that at the square, catching their breaths.

[Ah… Damn it! From yesterday, we haven’t succeeded in flirting even once… !] [Really, what’s wrong with this town!?]

They said while being dissatisfied while letting the time pass. [You guys, haven’t seen your faces around?]

Someone spoke to the three of them.

As the three faced the direction of that voice, they saw somemean-spirited, similar- looking people to the three standing there.

[…Who the fuck are you?]

One of the three asked with caution.

And then, one of the mean-spirited guys, responded.

[Well, it’s nothing really… it’s just that, we thought that you’re newbies since we don’t recognize you three.]

[Ah?… Well, we came to this town yesterday.]

The three, not knowing the mean-looking guys’ intentions, inclined their necks. But on the contrary, the mean-looking guys had a look as if they found their prey.

[I see, I see… You guys, do you want to do something reeeally nice??]

—-At this time, the fate of the three was decided.

At the words of the mean-looking guy, the three’s eyes sparkled and nodded without hesitation.

And the result was——.

The three’s screams were resounding throughout the town. Kaizer Empire; The Emperor’s room.

There, the current emperor of the empire, Shelder. Wol. Kaizer and an old man wearing a robe… Helio.Roban were talking concerning the heroes.

[Your majesty. There’s something I’d like to report about one of the heroes… ] [N? Did something happened?]

[Actually, the heroes have apparently been saying they wanted to have combat experience.]

[What? Shouldn’t they already be gathering battle experience under Zaika??]

[Perhaps, that Zaika, probably doesn’t want to send the heroes to fight the demon king.] Hearing Helio’s words, Shelder frowned.

[According to my subordinate’s reports, by now, Zaika is making the heroes get used to handling weapons mainly, but in terms of combat training, they haven’t done it once.]

[What is that guy doing… !?]

Shelder was furious after hearing Helio’s report.

[You understand this? before we can exterminate these damn demons so that I can gain the resources in the Makai, the Demon Lord is in the way! In the first place, the demons have since long ago raised the same livestock as us… and the same as us humans, building a country is not something that we can forgive!]

[You are absolutely correct.]

[In spite of this… They still haven’t started their combat training? If the Demon King is completely revived, do you know how much damage it’ll cause!?]

While hitting the desk with all his might, Shelder screamed.

Helio advised indifferently to calm Shelder down.

[Your majesty, at this rate, don’t even mention the heroes being a threat to the demons, they won’t even end up gathering the diversion supplies to other countries. ]

[Well then, summoning them will be all for nothing!] [It’ll be alright, your majesty.]

At that time, Helio smiled for the first time.

[As I’ve said a while ago, I heard that the heroes wanted to have combat experience.] [Okay.]

[From there… I’d like to recommend them to be enrolled to Barbador Magic Academy.] [What did you say!?]

Hearing Helio’s words, Shelder’s eyes opened wide.

[Why’d you enroll them to that place! There are a lot of students from other countries studying in that magic academy, you know!? Even in the case where the heroes commute to the academy, instead of such a plebian academy as that, commuting to our country’s Academy is much more beneficial, is it not!?]

[I understand that so much it hurts. But still, when the lot over at that other country gather this time… it will work out well.]

[…What do you mean?]

After hearing Helio’s words, Shelder got interested and encourage him to go on.

[The heroes, despite not doing combat training, I will make them practice magic training. And, with the heroes’ nature, all of them can use at most 3 attributes in magic and they are at the level where they can use intermediate magic.]

[Barbador Magic Academy, just as their name implies, focuses on magic. And as I said earlier, the heroes can use intermediate-level magic at least. And there, there are almost no nobles or talented people studying there.]

[Fumu.]

[But, if the heroes were to attend that academy, they would inevitably end up monopolising the top. In other words, the heroes will end up displaying their power for a lot of people in the other country if they go to Barbador Magic Academy, where a

lot of foreigners assemble.] [I see.]

As Helio wanted to show off the power of the heroes to the other countries, dared to enroll to Barbador Magic Academy .

Because such a large group of multinational students assembled together, it just means that the information about the heroes can be spread all around the country.

[And, there is also one more advantage.] [And what is that?]

[In Barbador Magic Academy, there is a lesson of acquiring combat experience, to satisfy the heroes. If we always grant the heroes needs, we can easily control them with gratitude.]

[Will it go well?]

[It’ll be alright. The Adult heroes are still in the prison… Even if the heroes train, in the end they are still kids. To take advantage of this opportunity, I will give you one condition.]

[What are the conditions?]

[I’ll have them wear the [Bracelet of Slavery]]

The [Bracelet of Slavery] is originally a forbidden magic tool, but the heroes are from another world and didn’t know about it, Helio and Shelder thought.

[Just, the bracelet of servitude can only have two orders engraved. Then, depending on the revival of the Demon King, you can smoothly have a subjugation order ready, and for the case of the demons deciding to invade our country, you can have an order etched into it immediately cope with it. If we do that, even with the Magic Academy being there, they absolutely cannot escape. Even if the bracelets are removed, we still have our power.]

[But, the problem is to keep them docile while installing it… ]

[For that, you can just lie about the effects to them. In the end, it’s not like they will find out.]

[I see… That’s also right!]

Shelder at first was in a bad mood, but now in a good mood.

[Well then, let’s immediately make our move. Helio, can I leave this to you?] [Certainly, your highness.]

In the Emperor’s room, a conspiracy is made without the heroes’ knowledge—-.

“It’s here huh… ”

I who separated from Saria, safely reached the shop which sells horses, using the map drawn by Gassur.

Incidentally, the shop’s name is called [Monster Store] . On the noticeboard placed outside of the shop, , [We sell cute demons who go straight to chewing your head whole] has been written on it.

…Wtf!?

Wait a second! Could demons who chew heads whole really be cute?

No no, Milk-chan in Adoriaa san’ s house matches that description, but… ! I-if it become domesticated, they will be adorable, I guess… ?

Before I enter the shop, the uneasy me resolves myself and step into the shop. “Hm? Welcome! What kind of monsters are you looking for ? “

When I enter the shop, the relatively handsome Ossan, seemingly full-of-energy, who has a cleanly shaved bald head/ Saitama Ossan called out.

“Etto… I want a horse.”

I promptly inform him of my intent that I wished for a horse. And, the Ossan broadly grinned.

“Haha~. You’re participating in the upcoming tournament as well?” “Eh? Tournament?”

As I heard this word out of nowhere, I reflexively gave out a stupid voice.

Looking at me, the Ossan realized his misunderstanding and smiled bitterly.

“Ahh, What the, I am mistaken. No, I am very sure that you will participate in the [Royal Cup] that is held this time round.”

“Ehh… What’s that?”

To my stupid question, the Ossan without feeling bothersome, taught me courteously. “To put it simply, it is a 1 lap race around the Royal Capital castle walls. The monsters

to be ridden on are of course the horse type. This race will determine the best rider in the Royal Capital. The winner of the race are always rewarded with a gift. Looking at your response, it seems you don’t plan to enter this race, do you. “

“Err. To tell the truth, I am in the midst of a adventurer’s request, I was told that I will probably need to use a horse”

But… Race huh. Is that something like horse race ?

Well, from Ossan’s way of speaking, It seems like anyone can enter the race. “I see. Well, come along I will show the horses that adventurers usually use.”

Being led by Ossan,when I enter into the depths of the shop, Wolf-type monsters, Clever Monkey-like monkey-type monsters, etc.. The various monsters are locked in strong-looking cages.

“We’re here. This one is what Adventurers usually use.” “This is… ”

Within the cage that Ossan has guide me to, there are multiple black horses with silver scales on the flank and the legs.

“It’s a [Dragon Horse] type. Wild Dragon Horses are ferocious but if they are domesticated, they will listen to human’s orders and become a gentle horse. Since it has strength/power/horse power, it can pull carriages easily. In addition, if you ride it, the speed will be immense. “

“Wow”

Dragon Horse huh.. Just by the name itself, sounds really cool and majestic.

Well, In the first place, there is no need for a horse itself so this horse seems good. By good fortune, I am blessed with tons of money.

“This Dragon Horse seems good. How much is it?”

“Let me see.. It will cost you 5 gold coins… Ahh! I had forgotten to ask you… ”

In the midst of telling me the cost of the horse, Ossan frantically enquired me. “Do you have the [Riding] skill?”

“Riding Skill.. No, I do not have.”

“If that’s the case, this horse is impossible.” “Eh!?”

It was said too suddenly so I am now stunned.

There’s such a skill as ‘Horseback riding’? Furthermore, even though I heard the skill name, it seems that even with my cheat skill I can’t acquire it.

To learn it, do (I) need to ride a horse at least once?

Thinking to that extent, I suddenly came across a good idea.

If hearing the skill name didn’t work, perhaps hearing about the method of horse riding will (activate/cause) the acquisition.

Thinking so, I decide to ask the ossan straight away.

“Oh! Though it seems like a weird thing, will you tell me how you ride a horse?” “I cannot ride a horse!”

“What the hell… !”

Even though he sells monsters, it appears somehow or another that not just the Dragon Horse, he can’t ride the rest of the monsters either. チクショウ!’God damn it / Son of a bitch.’

When I was thinking about it, a robotic voice resounded in my head.

[All Language Comprehension Skill Activate ―――― Successful. You are now able to understand Dragon X Horse language.]

Eh? W-What (Wut?)

With such an abrupt development, I who was surprised, immediately understood the meaning of the words that was spoken just a while back/

Ah, I see. [All Language Comprehension] is the skill which was obtained from the treasure chest when I defeated the black dragon god labyrinth.

Although it cannot be said to be a success in definite, but it is written that it will be effective on monsters as well and this time round, the skill has activated.

As I was thinking of that, I move look towards the Dragon Horses and trying listening to what those Dragon Horses were talking about/

It’s not like I can actually understand what horses are talking about. Now, horses… what kind of conversation are you having!?

[Oi, that hood covered human… it seems like he can’t fucking ride a horse?] [Uwaaa, laame.]

[Ora, Humans who can’t even ride a horse leave now immediately!] [Dudes who can’t ride a horse, we will never follow their orders~] Earth shattering regret.

…I am being labelled as an Idiot by the horses…

If one were to notice, sweat is flowing out from my eyes. They aren’t tears. It’s not like that.

The Ossan who did not notice anything, continued talking normally to me who took a

huge amount of damage mentally/emotionally.

“Besides, there are other horses that are geared towards beginners. If it’s those type of horses, you do not need riding skill as well. While riding the horse, you are also able to obtain the riding skill. “

“Ah, is that so?

Oh, well if it’s like that then it’s fine.

On top of that, if it’s supposed to be for beginners then it’s perfect for me right now. “Since just a while ago, there’s been exactly one left. Follow me.”

I’m once again guided by the ossan to a different cage.

“This guy is that one.” “Oh!”

There was a sharp-looking horse with deer-like antlers and a beautiful, deep brown coat standing elegantly.

Different to the dragon-horses from before, he has a refined appearance. Also rather than scales he has horns.

“This guy’s species name is [Dolt] .”

Fairy: It’s a pun . 馬鹿 which means Idiot Osura: Deer/colt; dolt.

Although it has a harsh species name.

Dolt (ウマシカ)… if put in kanji, it would mean 馬鹿(baka/horse deer) right? Wasn’t there any better name?

Although it is true that it’s a horse with deer-like antlers…

“Although I said it’s geared towards beginners, but this guy is amazing in a lot of ways, you know? First, its horsepower is on another level. It’s double that of the Dragon Horse from before.”

“Double!?”

Dolt is amazing!

“Its speed is abnormal so it has the ability to overtake those even in the upper strata of horses. On top of that, it’s loyal, and not ferocious even in the wild unlike Dragon Horses. Well, overall it’s a good horse.”

It’s true! Its image is completely taking over the Dragon Horse from before!? It loses in name, but in performance it’s unreal!

I’ve already engraved ‘This dolt is mine!’ into my heart.

But, the ossan walked over here and said something astonishing.

“But, you know? This guy is… to an astonishing degree, a dolt.” “Exactly as the name!?”

To think that the ‘dolt’ really was a dolt!

To that astonishing truth, I unintentionally retorted and the ossan continued on.

“Hmm, to say to what extent of a dolt it is… first, it can’t reach its destination.” “Already a fatal blow-!”

“It would forget that it has already eaten.” “Seriously!?”

“It forgets who its owner is.”

“That’s the worst out of all of them!” “And finally… it forgets to breathe.” “It’ll die!?”

“Yeah. And because of that, it doesn’t even notice that it has died… ” “It’s the ultimate dolt, isn’t it!”

There’s no way to save it… !

Even though it’s got such damn uselessly dignifying features, when you take a look inside the gift horse’s mouth, It’s nothing more than a nag!

Those rare high-specs are completely going to waste!

I’m tired in a lot of ways because of the dolt that is full of opportunities to retort at. While I’m catching my breath, I suddenly realise something.

…Why is it that the skill was able to unconditionally activate with the Dragon Horse, yet it won’t activate with the dolt?

When I tilt my head to that question, the ossan has, before I knew it, entered the cage.

“Well, while it’s true that he is a dolt, if you properly train him, he can be used as a proper horse. Okay!”

While saying that, the ossan hits the dolt’s neck.

…thud.

In that instant, the dolt, still in a standing position, falls in the opposite direction to that of which the ossan hit its neck from.

While looking at the dolt who has suddenly collapsed, the ossan says one thing. “…Ah. It kicked the bucket.”

DOOOOOOOOOLT!

So it really ended up forgetting to breathe and died!? I’m pretty sure that’s not on the same level as ‘dolt’ anymore!?

So when I thought that the skill just wouldn’t activate, it was because it was dead!? Although it’s true that to a corpse, words don’t mean crap!

But the most idiotic-looking thing is, the dolt which should be dead is still wearing that dignified expression… !

Before acting all cool, do something about your head…

I can’t help but feel pity for the dolt after his stupid act that went above and beyond in a direction I wasn’t expecting.

Then, the ossan who had been gazing at the dolt in silence for a while suddenly opens his mouth.

“Well, if he’s dead then there’s nothing we can do. I guess I’ll make him into basashi and eat him.”

“OSSAAAAAAAAN!”

Don’t you have any sense of affection! At least hold a memorial service for him… ! I wonder if he realised my feelings for he faced towards me and explained.

“You can eat dolt. That’s why, when they die, the owner always eats the dolt.” “I see… ”

“It’s all part of a ‘stable’ diet!”

I ignored the old man joke that the ossan made with all his might.

“But… since this guy died, I only have two species left I can introduce to you… Moreover, there are some special circumstances surrounding these two… ”

“Uhm… why?”

To my question, the ossan fell into thought for a moment, then guided me to another different cage.

“Well, it’s faster if you see it. Follow me.”

Like that I follow him to a cage that’s solidness can’t even be compared to the dolt or Dragon Horses’.

On top of that, rather than bars like those of before, the cage is completely covered in iron plates, and there doesn’t even seem to be any way to confirm what’s going on inside aside from a small window on the door.

“Listen, okay? This guy is a being that even I don’t understand.” “Eh?”

“Since it has a somewhat horse-like appearance, I’ll introduce it to you, but… anyway, take a look.”

Then I, who was prompted by the ossan, peek inside the cage from the small window. “OooooOOOOOOOOOOooooo”

I immediately shut the window.

……

“That’s weird… instead of a horse, I feel like I saw a monster… ”

To confirm, I once again peek inside the cage from the small window. “OooooOOOOOOOOOOooooo

Inside the cage, there was some kind of incomprehensible creature with yellow skin and walks on four legs, without eyes or a nose, and three mouths.

…

“I didn’t imagine it… !”

That’s no horse! That’s a monster! On top of that, it’s more monster-like than the Dragon Horses or any of the monsters I’ve fought until now!

While I’m confused in a lot of ways, the ossan says with a serious tone,

“Yeah… as always, it’s incomprehensible. Over the years I’ve seen all kinds of monsters, but this one is the most nasty-looking one that I’ve seen. To tell the truth, it’s gross.”

Amazing. Its appearance is sufficient enough to cause even the person selling it to reel back.

I try peeking into the small window one last time to appraise it.

[Unidentified Life-Form Lv???]

It’s the rumoured UMAAAAAAA!?

That’s not a horse (uma), it’s a UMA (Unidentified Mysterious Animal)! I thought it was strange! For it to be more monstrous than monsters!

On top of that, the level is a question mark!?

“O, ossan… I’ll ask anyway, but what’s with this UMA?”

“If I remember it correctly… when I was procuring feed for the horses and other monsters outside the castle walls, it fell from the sky. Well, that really surprised me!” “That’s not the kind of story that would end with you just getting surprised”

It wasn’t a girl but a UMA that fell from the sky!? Even Ghi○li would be surprised!

When I’m making a stronger retort than normal, like the time with the Dragon Horses, a robotic voice resounds in my head.

[All Language Comprehension Skill Activate ―――― Successful. You are now able to understand Unidentified Life-Form language.]

It seems like it succeeded.

With this, I fulfilled humanity’s dream… I am able to establish contact with aliens!… Huh? Why is it that I’m not happy at all?

I timidly peek into the cage from the small window to try to listen to the UMA’s voice.

[…KILLKILLKILLKILLKILLKILL… HUMANS,ABSOLUTELY,WON’T FORGIVE… ]

“Ossan, let’s go see the last horse.”

I’ve decided that I never heard the UMA’s voice.

Yeah, I didn’t hear anything. That’s right, I didn’t hear any kind of grudge-filled voice…

!

“Oh? You done with this fellow?”

“Yeah, I’m completely satisfied. I absolutely don’t want him so rest assured.” “Is that right? Well, I guess that’s fine.”

I’m once more led by the ossan to a different cage. Then, he furrows his brow.

“I’ll tell you straight, okay? The horse  I’m about to show  you is the one I can’t recommend the most.”

“Eh?”

“After all, it doesn’t listen to its master. Even if I try to get it to copulate to get it to birth a new horse, it kicks all the male horses away. That’s why, this girl hasn’t copulated once since birth. If any humans come close, she tries to kick them away; even me. Really, a mare that won’t give birth and just sits around is a waste of food and space. Well, as long as I don’t die naturally, I’ve made sure that she won’t be culled. I give her food, and I am at least going to look after her until the end, but… The reason I feel like she is in the way might be partially my fault, so.”

“Ee? But if that’s the case, then the UMA from before is more dangerous right? I couldn’t sense any kind of friendly atmosphere from it. ”

As I say something blatantly obvious, the ossan heaves a huge sigh.

“It is true that in terms of degree of danger and obedience that monster is probably the worst. But, that guy has value in the form of being a creature I know nothing about. Since it still has value as goods in that aspect, the chance of it being sold is high. And this horse that I’m troubled about doesn’t have any value like that. Or rather, it loses even to a normal horse. Do you understand now? That horse is――――.”

I’m prompted by the ossan, and peek inside the cage.

It has a beautiful brown coat, smaller than the Dragon Horses and dolt… or rather smaller than normal horses by around a size, and its legs are strong-looking.

With long eyebrows and beautiful russet-coloured eyes, she is very beautiful, dignified and adorable.

That’s right, the horse that is inside the cage is a―――― “――――a donkey… !”

The ossan’s bitter cry resounds in the room.

I was very puzzled when I looked at the donkey in front of me.

…No matter how I look at it, it’s just a donkey, right?

Why the Ossan was negative to this extent, I don’t understand at all.

As I wondered while tilting my neck, Ossan entered the cage.

As though approaching close to the donkey is scary, Ossan is trembling. And then, I witnessed something.

“You Listening? I really can’t recommend this guy at all!” “O-Ossan!”

——- A second where I saw the donkey’s foot driving its foot to the face of Ossan… ! “Y-you see that… ? I-it’s… too… ferocious… ?”

“Yeah, I was really surprised.”

I was seriously surprised. Thanks to my Mind’s Eye cheat skill, I was able to see the hoof caving into his face.

Thanks to Ossan’s sacrifice which explained clearly the situation, I now know how painfully violent this donkey is. Though the person in pain is not me but Ossan.

The Ossan nodded at me with a serious look on his face, showing a thumbs-up, while looking exhausted.

Somehow or another it seems that the ossan is expecting a tsukkomi but I’ll ignore it. It’s too bothersome.

While thinking about it, inorganic voices resounded in my head

“Activating All-language Comprehension skill—– Success. You are now able to understand the language of the donkeys.”

No, I’m good. Honestly, I don’t want to understand donkey’s language as well. My desires were in vain, for now I’m able to understand donkey language.

“Fuuun. Only the people I acknowledge are the ones who can touch me.”

Uwaaa… this donkey’s a clean-freak.

As I was thinking that, the voice resembled a frigid woman.

Hearing the donkey’s voice, I reflexively got drawn towards her. The donkey then realizes my presence.

“Hm? Who the hell are you!?” “Eh!? I-I’m Seiichi!”

Oi, me! Why the fuck did I reply seriously!? The other party is a donkey!? From the eyes of Ossan who couldn’t understand the words of the donkey, aren’t I just a guy who did a self introduction abruptly a weird freak!?

I, who answered in reflex when she suddenly talked to me, timidly looked at Ossan. “Hehe. I see a garden of flowers… ”

Ah, it seems it’s okay-ish. Though it may be too late for his head.

I look back the donkey again and it seems like it’s completely changed before when it was picking a fight a little while ago.

“Seiichi, right? Okay, Seiichi. Come inside the cage for a moment.”

“C’mon, hurry up! Or else, I’ll bust this cage open and kick you!” “This donkey’s seriously dangerous!?”

What I originally wanted was… a friendly horse.

It seems like I might end up having to continue like this without buying a horse now… When I think about it, if I don’t enter the cage, it seems like she’d really bust the cage open and break free. So in the end, I obediently entered the cage.

“Hey, come inside the cage proper—-” “Divine Punishment!”

The moment I entered the cage, the donkey kicks at me at a tremendous speed. When I twisted my body in order to evade it, the donkey muttered destestly.

“You’re good, even though you’re just a mere human being.” “What the hell is a mere ass saying…

“But, you’re head seems a little weak! You just went and easily trespassed on my

territory!”

“You just said to come inside, that’s why I entered here, ya know!?”

What the hell is with this donkey!? It’s really unreasonable!

While looking at the donkey with half-opened eyes, it tried to kick me again. “Eiiii, no more questions! Just accept my kick and grovel!”

As I confirmed it with my Mind’s Eye, the sharp kick are coming right into my face. And also, what “no more questions” bullshit? Aren’t you the one who is one-sidedly trying to kick me?

But still… Even if I evade this, the kicks are never-ending…

Though it was the same with Saria back then, why are there so many muscle-brains? This donkey doesn’t seem to be a demon though. Although we are able to converse, it seems we can’t have a discussion.

Do I have no choice but to show my power in order to silence this donkey as well? Well, recalling back of my first encounter with Saria, I was attacked one-sidedly too.

While thinking many things, the donkey’s kick is coming right at me. So as for now, I grabbed it’s foot and raised the donkey up. Ohh, as expected of a monster-class status! The donkey’s light.

“Naaah!? Re-release me!” “Ahh? Why would I do that?”

“I won’t be able to kick you like this!”

“Okay, I absolutely won’t let you go.”

As I seize the hind legs of the donkey and lifted it up, the donkey is now lifted up in midair.

But even in this state, it was still trying to land a single hit on me, and was rampaging around.

For a short while, while still being lifted up, it rampaged around for a while. Before long, when it realized that its attacks aren’t reaching me at all, it immediately calms down. And then, the donkey muttered in a weak voice.

“I-I surrender… So, please let me down… ” “Okay~”

I gently brought the donkey down to the ground, the donkey rose to it’s feet and approached me.

I tilt my head at the donkey’s behavior and then suddenly, she lowers her head to me.

…What just happened?

“The lowly me had experienced your power to my heart’s content. Please kindly forgive all the rude actions that I’ve made before”

Anata-sama? Eh, what are you talking about?

Suddenly, the donkey’s attitude turned a 1800 turn made me confused. Un, the confusion doesn’t make sense!

While I couldn’t grasp the current situation, the donkey continued.

[From the moment I was born, my mother taught me that… “Other than those beings whom you have acknowledged, you must not be touched. In addition, if a person whom you’ve acknowledged appeared, serve him with all you have”, like that… ]

“Okaa-san!?”

Hey, Donkey’s Okaa-san!? Just what are you teaching to your daughter!?… Are? Did Donkey’s Okaa-san is an ass as well? My thoughts are messed up.

As my brain’s processing speed reached its limits, I don’t understand anymore. What’s with this ass?

“Being stronger than me is important as well but more than that, I’m happy that you treated me equally even if I’m a donkey.”

Yeah, being treated as an equivalent, for example being able to understand the donkey’s words, thus we reached a mutual understanding…

Well, with this, I’m able to make conversations with animals, but at the same time, I can no longer interact with them normally. ( Normally in the sense as normal animals)

It’s like, treating them like human beings.

Even animals have their own will and emotions.

This All-Language Comprehension Skill is, is really valuable. Treasure Box, the things that you’ve left, are all very valuable and important things.

Even though it is weird for I, who killed him to do this, I saluted him in my heart. While thinking those things in mind, the donkey arrived at a conclusion.

“Concerning about Anata-sama, I wish for you to be my Master. Even though I’m still inexperienced, please take care of me in the future.”

“Aren’t you too quick in jumping to conclusions!?”

It’s already decided!?

No, no matter how you look at it, it’s just a donkey and it’s not like that it’s good enough! In the first place, even if it’s not a horse it’s fine so for this time, shall i settle for this donkey?

In the first place, since this donkey had already acknowledged me, so I decided to buy this donkey.

“All right. To begin with, I’m not really fixated on buying a horse. You’re good enough.” “Master. I am called “Rurune”, Please call me by that name in the future.”

“Saria was also like that. Why are you animals are named with a bishoujo-like names!?”

Is it a fashion? Even among animals, it’s fashionable to have bishoujo-like names!?

…No, these kind of thoughts are just for humans only. In the animal kingdom, they have a custom of having names as well.

In other words, while raising a dog, even if the owner named it Pochi, it’s real name might be Watson. Somehow, I don’t like it.

While lightly doing that and wearily, I informed Ossan that I would buy Rurune.

“Ossan, I think I’ll buy this donkey.” “Fuhehe. It’s a fishie!”

What should I do, he’s seriously not sane at all… !

When the invalid Ossan is blabbering nonsense, Rurune quietly approached Ossan. “Master is delayed, because of this pig!”

Ossan is kicked again by Rurune, and collided with the wall. And then——-.

“Haaa!? Th-this is!?”

“Ah, he finally regained his sanity.”

As Ossan regained his sanity, I told him again that I’ll buy the donkey, his eyes opened wide in surprise.

“O-oi. Is it really okay? This guy won’t really listen no matter what you say, ya know?” “It’s really okay. Hora.”

“Master’s hand feels so good.”

As I caress her neck, Rurune leaned towards me as though she felt really good.

Ossan was even more surprised when he looked at this scene.

“This guy’s amazing… He seriously tamed that crazed tomboy lass so easily… !” “Hahaha… Well then, how much is this donkey?”

When I asked for the price, surprisingly, since this donkey was so wild that no one wanted to buy it, it’s at a cheap price of 10 gold coins.

I was surprised of how low the price is, and Ossan continued.

“There are various goods that aren’t selling well but for you who is acknowledged by this lass, I’ll add in a full set of reins as a service.”

“Really!?”

Although I’m not troubled about the money, but I got additional freebies. So I am really grateful.

While I was happy about it, Ossan went to the back of the shop and showed up again with the reins.

“Okay then, I’ll attach the reins of it–tsu!?” “O-Ossannnnn!”

Ossan tried to attach the reins to Rurune but got kicked once again by Rurune. “The only one who can touch me is Master only.”

This girl’s heartfelt loyalty’s scary.

But just by grabbing her legs a little, she became helpless.

Due to that incident, I was instructed on how to attach the harness and attached it onto Rurune.

And then, when everything was finished, I paid Ossan 10 gold coins.

“Thank you for your patronage! If there are any other demons that you wish for, please come here anytime! If you request for the maintenance of the harness, I will do it as well. Though, it’ll cost you a small amount of money.”

“I understand. Umm… ”

“Oppps, It seems like I have yet to introduce myself. My name is Baruzasu. Baruzasu.Aura. Nice to meet you. “

“My name is Seiichi. Well then, if there’s something I need, I’ll come here.” “Okay!”

As Ossan smiled as me leaving—— I bid farewell to Baruzasu and walked around the town while pulling Rurune along.

“Because I was born in that establishment, this is the first time I am going outside… It is quite a lively desune.”

“That is true.”

Taking Rurune along, we walked through the town.

Speaking about the donkey Rurune, she was the donkey I had bought tentatively, Therefore, after that we did not do anything much in particular, For the time being we decided to go around the town, thinking what to do until Saria and co return.

Even so… what should I do?

The reason I entered the Guild, was because I thought I would be able to get easily information about Kenji and the rest.

However, it seems like Kenji and the rest started going to a school somewhere. I, for one, want to reunite with them.

I had forgotten the school’s name, but there is much information about the heroes going to school So if you enquire people about it, you will be able to gather information really quick.

The problem is after that.

As for me who was not summoned as a hero, there is no need to subdue the Demon Lord.

Furthermore, after fighting the Black Dragon God and learning the story about the demon lord I do not find him evil.

From the viewpoint of me who had defeated the Black Dragon God, no matter how

much I persist on it, I do not think that the demon lord is not a bad person.

For argument sake, after Kenji and the rest defeat the Demon Lord, what will they plan to do after that. Just like what I had read in the [Forest of Endless Love and Sorrow] the “Hero Abel Chronicle” and just like Zeanosu, after getting used, won’t they be killed?

According to the perpetrator God who sent us to this world, our existence seems to have been erased from the world.

That is why even if we were to return to Earth we do not have a place we belong to anymore.

However, this is another world.

Magic to return our existence(memories) may exist in this world. Even if that is impossible, there might exist a magic which can turn back time to the point before we lose our memories. Something along the lines of magic or items to revive humans. I guess that the existence of that sort of thing is not uncommon in this world.

Even if it is impossible to remember everyone, I might be able to recall a few people. For example, just my parents or something.

However, I want to remain in this world.

Saria and AI are two important people that I had met.

My parents had moved on, and I am certain that I do not have any pleasant memories on Earth. However, being apart from the world that I was born in, I felt somewhat lonely.

However, even so, I do not want to be separated from those who needed me. With my own hands, I want to protect them.

…Well, this sort of feelings are embarrassing so I will never talk about it to other people.

Anyway, the short term objective is to reunite with Kenji and the rest. Moreover, after that when we are reunited I will think about the future.

As I walk about thinking optimistically, Rurune suddenly said something earnestly.

“…If I had not met Master, I probably would’ve spent the rest of my life in that cage.” “Nonono, If Rurune were to compromise on prospective owners, it would have been

easy for you to leave or so I believe.”

That is a really useless way of thinking. What the hell. Following someone who is stronger than you. Seriously what a donkey!

“Well, more importantly than that, I am damn surprised that I can speak donkey language and horse language.”

Animals like Rurune and Dragon horse, humans, are unable to understand their language. Considering in that manner where animals of the same kind speak normally to each other, each of them has their unique language.

…Then I wonder what kind of meaning is encompassed in “Saria” and “Rurune” names. In their language.

While I was thinking of those things, suddenly Rurune said somehow proudly.

“Master. My name comes from the Donkey’s Hero—– [Rurunerion] or so my mother told me.

Deciding on a single Master throughout its life. Running for the sake of that one Master… I always thought of it that way as well!”

“Mouu I do not get this!”

What’s this? Donkey’s hero! What’s more, there is meaning to her name!

Even though the conversation was so short, my mental strength is getting drained gradually.

As a guy, I am getting tired of tsukkomi…

Although I was exhausted for various reasons, with the existence of the Hero from Rurune’s words, one may consider those other animals may have stories of heroes transmitted down. So I wanted to try enquiring about it.

While I am thinking about inconsequential matters while walking, I look around the streets, and there was a nice smell coming from the stores which made my stomach growl.

“Nn—I am hungry. Rurune, what do you want to eat?”

“Will you buy food for me as well? Even though I am a Donkey?”

“What are you saying now?”

In spite acting unlike a donkey since a while back, she abruptly insisted acting like one now which made me troubled. Well, considering leaving her as is, eating in front of her will make me feel guilty.

I go to the closest stall and buy two [Bakudan] (note: Bomb). The reason I bought this food? I was interested in the name. After all, it is a bomb you know?

Why is it so dangerous, is why got interested in it.

On the other side, I realized after buying it, aren’t donkeys herbivores? Well… it will be fine!

I who thought it would be too troublesome, pass the bakudan to Rurune just like that.

“Master, what’s this?”

“It seems like it is a food named Bakudan . I never ate it myself as well, but there were a surprising number of people queuing for it, isn’t it popular?

While saying so, I took the bakudan in my hand.

The Bakudan looks like an ordinary pure white Manjuu, and it is in bite-size.

I hesitated for a moment, but I resolute myself and threw the bakudan in my mouth… That is just like what the word says. It is an incredibly dangerous thing!

“~Mu!?”

At that moment, a bomb exploded in my mouth.

However, that bomb certainly wasn’t harmful at all in the slightest.

What overflowed out from within the Bakudan was voluminous meat, and after which the meat juice flowed out.

Also, I do not know what kind of meat juice it is, but it is something that is richer than ordinary meat juice which filled the entirety of my mouth.

The more I chew, the more the meat juice got mixed with the Dashi and the meat gradually swelled in size.

I guess the meat used is from some monster that does not exist on Earth. I do not

remember eating meat whereby each time you chew, the meat and the juice get mixed which makes the meat swell.

The juice that is about to overflow from my mouth, I wonder how was it packed inside that bite-size Manjuu? What’s more, without causing the juice to flow out.

Well, if I understood it, the business will be no more.

Thinking this and that, the meat that was swollen slowly began to turn soft. And, I swallowed just like that.

Thinking about it; the swelling meat, mixing with the juice which made it soft and swallowing it like that.

“Aaaaah, it was good.”

After finishing eating it, I was satisfied.

After eating something delicious, one will feel marvelous

While thinking of such things, I got worried for Rurune and turned to her.

“Rurune how wa———“

“Ah, Master, amazing desu! It is so good that it made all the hay I ate till now taste like weed!

“I-I see.”

It seems like somehow or another, Rurune likes this Bakudan. What the hell, is this fine even though you are a donkey… ?

“if you liked it that much, want me to buy another?” “Se-seriously!? Then please!”

Moreover, thus, I for the sake of Rurune went to buy another Bakudan again. As expected, it is so dangerous much like its word’s meaning.

“Master! Next time, let’s eat that!” “Rurune-san?”

“Ahhh, but leaving that food behind is hard… “Oiii, Rurune-saaan”

“Master, What should I do?” “Un, first hear me out!”

After Rurune had eaten the Bakudan, she seemed to have gotten entranced by human food. Thus, from a while back, we walked through the streets looking at the stalls. I am full to the point where I do not think I can put anything more in my stomach. However Rurune was far from getting full, her appetite increased.

Furthermore, since I am getting tsukkomi-ed by Rurune the donkey, people are looking at me quizzically. Well, a conversation between a donkey and a human; to the onlookers, that person would certainly be labeled nothing but a weirdo.

Rurune’s appetite is amazing, the people around us are looking at us with strange eyes… my Luck stats, where did I lose them? As I was thinking about it while walking.

“N? That is… ”

Suddenly, a pair of a woman and a man come into sight. If you looked properly, a group of curious onlookers had gathered around them.

I do not have recollections of that man, but for the woman, I clearly remember her. “Are? Isn’t she the one who sold me the painting?”

Yeah, the painting I bought in this town, was from this woman.

…For what I can see, there seems to be a quarrel. “Rurune, just a moment?”

“Ah, that food called Bakudan was delicious, but this crepe dessert as well… ”

This ass is hopeless. Let’s leave her here and go over.

I leave Rurune in the middle of the street and head to the girl just like that. The pedestrians are looking at Rurune with weird eyes, but that is none of my concern.

As I get closer to the girl, I was able to hear the contents of the conversation.

“Artists should be more creative. Therefore, one must exceed the imagination of the ordinary man. Based on that, there is nothing great about your art and everything seems so mundane. Therefore, it is boring!”

“I- I only paint what I want! I have no reason to follow your opinion!”

“Such a waste. With that much artistic ability, you could have drawn a much more wonderful painting!”

“…Eto, are you making fun of my art? Alternatively, praising it?” “I do not know!”

“…Eee… ”

…Are they doing comedy? I think they were arguing at the start… Hearing their conversation. I think so instinctively.

The people around them guess that a quarrel will probably not start and left with relieved looks on their face… They were all worried as well.

As I, who was baffled about their conversation get closer, the girl notices me.

“Oh, you!”

“N? You are… ”

The man too, after the girl noticed me, turned his line of sight to me.

Taking a close look, the man has excessively pomp with a little frizzly hair and brown eyes. IKEMEN. (Rumashi’s fav). Age wise, he might be a little younger than me.

After such an analysis, the girl came running towards me.

“Thank you very much for that time! Nothing is selling at all. Just when I was thinking of giving up and stop selling, you came and bought one of them which motivated me!” “I did not have that kind of intention… but it is a really good painting. I am also grateful to you as well.”

While I am still alive, the chance to get moved by a painting by chance are scarce. So with that, it is thanks to my high luck stats.

After I have such a conversation with the girl, the boy spoke.

“…I was listening to your conversation, and you had bought her painting?” “Eh? Ah, it was a good picture.”

“Then, have you bought my pictures before?” “No, I did not.”

With my answer, the boy’s eyes widened.

“Ba-baka!?”You did not buy the painting painted by me!?”

“Iya, there is no reason to be so surprised… In the first place, I do not know you… ”

After answering it honestly, the boy *futto* laughed while sweeping his hair back. He is an Ikemen, so it is cool.

“I am very surprised that you do not know me… This must be fate. Allow me to introduce myself to you. I am Clay Berger. The eldest son of Berger Marquis. Seeker of the Arts! It is a pleasure to meet you.”

“I am Mei Cherry. Etto… Thank you so much for buying my art!”

Clay who introduced himself with a strange pose, and Mei, who bowed politely, showed several contrasting meaning

When it comes to Mei, when she bowed her dog ears *Piku Piku* twitched, it’s so cute.

“I am Seiichi. Well, I had bought the painting from Mei, I do not know about Clay’s art. I am sorry.”

“ Fumu… From your name, you are from the East?”

The East came out again. Well, it is convenient, so it is fine. “Well, from that place.”

Hearing my appropriate reply, Clay nodded once.

“Fine… Seiichi, why don’t I especially give you one of my paintings!” “Eh no, I do not especially want it… ”

“Saa, Do not act so reserved and take it!”

My words were ignored, and Clay forcibly passed me a painting.

I reluctantly received the painting. Seeing what was painted there, I became speechless.

…What is this? This weird Deja Vu feeling… “I will ask just in case… What’s this?”

The painting I received from Clay, was just a triangle drawn on a big canvas. There is no color at all; Just a triangle. When Mei peeped at the painting that I received, her face cramped.

“Can’t you tell by looking? This paint is, [at sunset, looking at the setting sun, the maiden thinking about him]”

“I cannot see that at all!”

No matter how you look at it, isn’t this just a triangle!? Besides, I will be able to agree more if you tell me it’s an Oden’s fishcake!?

Furthermore, now that I think about it I feel like I’ve seen this painting style somewhere… when Mei bought this in the plaza, it was the art sold in the plaza didn’t really change! During the time as well, I couldn’t understand what was drawn on it!?

“I lost to this kind of painting… ”

Mei, who was beside me, was stricken with the cruel truth… !

We-Well. Mei’s art is certainly excellent, and I am deeply moved by it. However, if you say it’s common, there are certainly some aspect of it being common..

As though he heard Mei’s murmur, Clay suddenly pose a question. “Mei, How long since have you started painting art?

“Eh? Etto… About 1 year.”

Considering from the point where she has 1 year of drawing experience, I think it’s really fabulous.

But hearing Mei’s words, Clay started laughing loudly.

“Hahaha! It can’t be helped even if you lose to me!. You are a novice. Certainly, I have my eyes set on your drawing ability. But, I am a genius that surpasses your ability!”

“Then, how long did Clay started painting?” “3 months!”

“Aren’t you more of a novice than her!”

But this is certainly crazy! Can he really draw a sellable art in 3 months? I do not want to admit it, but he is definitely a genius… !

As I was pondering of such things, Clay seems discontented with my tsukkomi and frowned.

“Seiichi… From awhile back you seemed to have said quite a bit to ridicule me… Do you know how to draw.”

“Un. Well, if it’s the same as Clay’s art, I certainly believe that I am able to draw as well.”

First of all, that art that I felt are well painted, done by famous people I know are definitely an art that cannot be painted by novices.

However, as for Clay’s art, even I believe I am able to paint it.

With that, Clay suddenly passed me a brush and a piece of paper.

“If you say to this extent, show me your painting! Saa, draw it for me!”

While I thought of it being troublesome, leaving as it is certainly will result in my comments being lip service, so I can’t help but take the brush and paper and start painting.

Well, even though I am painting, I just changed Clay’s art a little and just painted a square.

“Hora, it’s done.”

Clay, who received the painting from me, looks at it with a serious expression. Behind him, Mei was peeking at the art and after confirming the square drawn on the paper, she frowned.

But, Clay was the only one that is different. “W-we just have to do it right… ”

Are you kidding me!?

I thought so too, but isn’t this just horrible!? Because it is a square? There is no colour or anything attached to it! Not to mention, the lines are not even drawn using a ruler, it is so messed up!?

“Seiichi… do you want to become my disciple?” “Stop! Any more of this, my HP will be shaved!”

Although it’s a half-hearted painted art, I didn’t expect it to be evaluated to this extent! For this reason, it’s too embarrassing!”

When I concealed my unintentional reading face with my hands, Clay gave a single

cough.

“Kohon. We-Well, I just want to evaluate your art. It’s a regret, but it seems like you have the ability as well.”

“…Please stop it… ”

“Nevertheless! The one who will win the [Kyarasuti art competition] this time, the round will go to me! Mei, Seiichi, You two are certainly strong, but nevertheless, I am a genius!”

“Kyarasuti… ”

“Art Competition?”

Mei, who does not seem to know the words that Clay talked about, tilts her head in puzzlement just like me.

When we do that, Clay who looks at our expression become surprised.

“Oya? You two don’t know about it? There is this race the [Royal Capital Cup] being held at the Royal Capital this time, isn’t it? After the race, it will be exhibited, and it’s the largest art competition in Einberg kingdom. The art pieces being exhibited at Einberg kingdom. Suppose that you win the competition, it will have a great influence to the extent where you will be famous throughout the whole world as a famous artist. This competition is a place where throughout the world, only ingenious artists like me will gather and attend it. If one is to be an artist, it is a dream to try participating in it even just once.

“ I see.”

Seiichi does not seem to be an artist so it’s probably a related conversation to you… But, Mei isn’t participating no?

“…Such an awesome competition, it does seem likely for amateurs like me to take part in it.”

“There is no need to worry about things like “experience.” There is no particular requirement for participating. As long as you have the ability, one will be able to participate in the competition.

I see. Therefore, someone like Clay who is more amateur than Mei is participating in it.

.

Understanding on his own accord; Clay, with a nod, enquire me.

“This is my guess but isn’t Seiichi, in front of the one who is participating in the Karasuti Competition, planning to take part in the Royal Capital Cup? I believe that artistic ability of yours is regrettable but judging from your appearances, you are an adventurer?”

“Ahh… Certainly, I am an adventurer. But there are no plans to participate in the Royal Capital Cup, I guess.”

When I answered in that matter, a surprised expression floated on Clay’s face.

“Really? Every year, the overall champion’s rewards are wonderful. Also, even if it’s the 2nd place or the 3rd place, if one were to be an adventurer, they will obtain weapons or items where anyone will wish for it. Therefore, I believe it’s beyond doubt that you will participate in it.”

“Ehh… But even so, I don’t think I wish for weapons as for now.”

“Seriously? ( Lies?)… Ahh, speaking of which, the content of the rewards has already been released for the 5th price to the 10th price. Do you know?”

“No, I do not know.” “Not me as well.”

When Mei and I as well, meekly inform that we do not know, with a single nod, Clay explains it to us. Adriana is also someone of the same impression, but Clay is a nice lad. However being a noble, he had that image where he will look down on others unconditionally.

“From the 10th place to the 6th place, the necessary superior recovery medicines, difficult to obtain [Elixir of Life] which replenished your strength, magical power and heal your injuries which are necessary for adventurers. If you wish to buy them, they require a huge sum of money… As for the 5th place Prize, it seems like you will receive a huge phantom fish… [Bahamut] .

“Bu!?”

Ba-Bahamut?! Although I do not know the details, that sort of prize can be easily obtained ?!

The name of this Phantom even exists on Earth!? Perhaps, the Earth’s Bahamut and this world’s Bahamut are totally different things?

No, Clay certainly said that it’s a phantom huge/gigantic huge as well. Considering that, what are the rewards for the 4th place and above?! Although I don’t think that I particularly want them, it does not mean I am curious about what are the rewards for the overall champion!

Furthermore, in the 6th place and so on, the [Elixir of Life] seems like it has excellent effectiveness as well!?

I who made light of the horse race is shocked by the level of prize one could get in the race.

After which, Mei, who is also surprised as well, raise her doubts to Clay.

“Etto… How was the Bahamut being obtained? According to what I know, even if it’s A class adventurers, it is being classified as a dangerous monster… ”

Although I do not know the details, when the king of this country went for discussion with other countries, they discovered it by chance swimming in the huge lake. One of the 2 great knights that the country boasts,≪Sword Knight Knight・Obu・Sword≫ Ruiesu sama subjugated it. In addition to that, in an instant.

“I don’t quite understand but it’ so cool.”

Gassur has also said it as well. It seems like the 2 great knights are a cheat existence. What about me? I am what the humans call, a monster. My tears are flowing but don’t worry about it.

“Well, in any case, I heard that you can receive that Bahamut.” “No, even if I received it, I will be troubled?”

After receiving that huge fish, what shall I do with it? Take care of it? Clay gave an answer that was different from what I had imagined.

“What are you talking about? Eat it.”

“Ahh, Eat it!”

I had not thought about it… !

I do not have the choice of eating the monster that even I do know the name. If it is that great of that animal, I guess there is naturally no way to raise it. That kind of aquarium fishes like Arowana. Are those eatable as well?

Suddenly realizing that I was worried about trivial stuff, Clay closes his eyes as though he was trying to recall things and said.

“ I had tasted Bahamut just once… It is in at the pinnacle of the fine arts. Honestly speaking, I have not tasted any fish that tastes better than that.”

Hee… Since it is coming from Clay who is a noble, it must be tasty. It seems like nobles usually eat lots of delicious food. I probably want to try eating it.

During the moment when I thought of that.

“Master. Let’s eat it! Bahamut!” “Uwoh?! Since when?!”

Rurune, who was left there till now, draws close to me when I did not notice it. “Hmm? Seiichi, this donkey is?”

“Eh? Ahh. This is Rurune. I had just bought her today, but I guess she is a friend that will

travel with me from now on?”

“Ehh! Rurune chan? Comparative to a donkey, she has superb looks.

Mei, who is a beast man, seemingly have an interest in Rurune and approach her to caress her.

At first, I was worried if she will be kicked just like Baruzasu in the Monster’s store. But it seems like females are fine.

That is nothing to be worried about, but I who noticed Rurune’s previous words quietly inquired her to prevent Clay and Mei from noticing it.

“Rurune. Did you say that you want to eat Bahamut?”

“Yeah! If there exist such delicious food, there is no reason not to eat it, is there.” “No, I guess I want to eat it as well… ”

“Also, I do not have my first group work with Master yet! I believe that’s appropriate for us?”

“Yeah. The word Group work is somewhat wrong?”

While having such a Tsukkomi, I guess I will try to participate in it a little. Since it’s a fact that I as well have that interest in the Bahamut.

“Clay. I am interested in the taste of that Bahamut, so I guess I will try participating in it.”

“Really? I don’t quite understand but, if that’s the case, isn’t it better to quickly do your registration? If you go back to the Monster Store where you bought the donkey earlier, I believe you will be able to register. However, I understand that today is the deadline for the registration.”

“Is that so? Then I will return now quickly to do the registration.” “But, I believe getting 5th place is difficult with a donkey… ”

With a bitter smile, Clay commented.

On the other hand, Rurune in words where only I can understand declared proudly.

“ Fun! That dude doesn’t know my strength so he is saying in the manner. Master, please do not worry. This Rurune has confidence in her legs. I will definitely not lag behind other horses!”

“First of all, Donkeys don’t talk.”

“Well, I can understand Seiichi is not participating in the Arts Competition and participating in the Royal Cup. And? Mei. What will you do?”

Mei, who was being questioned by Clay, answered seemingly dejected (  lack of confidence).

Even if someone like me were to enter the competition, the result is certain. Clay-san is a genius unlike me, so you will probably win… ”

“I do not deny that I am a genius but I think you are over underestimating yourself too much. There are people who also started challenging the Royal Cup recklessly. Isn’t there meaning in trying to participate in it ?”

“Oi Kora”

What’s reckless. Reckless. It’s a brave challenge. Don’t make such a mistake.

Even after receiving words of encouragement from Clay, Mei’s expressions darken.

“But even so… ”

Well, Certainly if one were to just sell that piece of art in the plaza, one will lose their confidence.

Even if you draw as you like, if those arts aren’t bought by anyone, it is the same as not getting acknowledged at all.

Looking at Mei whose is casting her eyes down, Clay let out a sigh.

“Well, if you were not to participate in the competition, it is also one of your choices. It’s just that my rivals will decrease by one. Well, the only winning will only be me!

Where the hell did he obtain his confidence from? In spite of drawing at the same level as me.

While being amazed by Clay’s words, I inquired the downcasted Mei.

“Although I am unsure how does Mei views her own art, I really like your art. Therefore, I bought it. Also, I believe getting more recognised/evaluated is fine as well. Therefore, if you have such a chance, why not try challenging it once?”

“…I understand that as well, but… ”

“As expected, you do not have any confidence… ” To my enquiry, Mei gave a small nod.

I had thought of it as well during the time I bought the art. But, she is a timid girl. Since that’s their personality, I guess it would end up like that.

However, as for me who really like Mei’s painting, I wish to give her confidence. What can I do…

When I am troubled by the method to let Mei regain her self-confidence, I hit upon an

ingenious idea.

“OH! Clay. Regarding the Kyarasuti Art Competition, when is the deadline for the registration?

“Ng? It’s about 1 week after the closure of the Royal Cup. Art that is drawn till now is fine as well as new pieces. The competition will start 1 month after the deadline for the registration has passed.”

“If that’s the case, I will definitely obtain my objective Bahamut in the Royal Cup.” “Eh?”

“Clay had mentioned earlier, but he had clearly said that it’s impossible for a donkey to obtain the 5th prize. Obtaining the 5th prize under such extreme circumstances, don’t you think it’s cool?”

“That’s definitely cool.”

“For that reason, I will definitely show results and obtain the 5th prize. If I do so, won’t Mei have more confidence in herself?”

“Ahh… ”

Even though Mei tends to create well-appraised paintings, she just doesn’t have the self-confidence.

If that’s the case, “If I were to do things that are thought to be impossible, won’t Mei have more self-confidence in herself” or so the proposal is.

It is a plan to push Mei’s back a little from the back. Even if it’s a little, it’s fine for I wish to have more confidence in herself.

When I was thinking about it, Clay *futto* smile.

“This is interesting. Mei, I, as well wish to see your painting at the competition. I request from you. The art that you had freely drawn. Prove to me that your painting is definitely not boring!”

“Clay-san… ”

I don’t quite understand but somewhat or another Clay is saying that he recognises Mei’s painting. Although Clay’s paintings are so original that I can’t keep up with them. Mei who was being pushed forward by Clay and my words hung her head in shame for a short while but before long she showed a determined look.

“…I understand. I am not sure where I stand now but… I will try challenging it!” “I see! As one would expect, you are an artist that I recognised!”

“Master, I don’t quite understand but, we will definitely get the Bahamut!”

Clay and Mei mutually as an artist will bring each other to greater heights. Setting the Bahamut, the delicacy fish that Rurune have not tasted as a goal.

After this, both Clay and Mei will paint paintings for the competition. I sent both of them off respectively and returned back to the Monster shop and did the registration for the Royal Cup.

During that time, Baruzasu with a shocked look surfacing on his face, and next laughing at the impossible feat of Rurune getting the 5th prize got a kick in the stomach and flew. That is a story for another day.

And, the rapid development leading to the Royal Cup tomorrow is trivial… Or not.

…I, will be able to obtain the prize peacefully? I suddenly felt uneasy.

“Well then Seiichi, please do your best!”

“We’ll be cheering you on from the audience’s seat.” “Okay.”

I, Hiiragi Seiichi, am happy because Saria and Al are cheering for me, while heading to the stables where Rurune is.

By the way, when I talked to Fina-san about Rurune, she guided us to the stables and let me use it.

Today, it can be said that it’s the most awaited and reckless challenge; the day the Royal Capital Cup commences.Crap. At this late hour, what should I do?

Yesterday, after separating from Mei and Clay, I just went home and introduced Rurune to Saria and Al.

It was the same back then with Mei. I thought that Rurune won’t attack Saria and Al if they meet and I was right. Rurune was able to befriend them.

So, it didn’t take much time for Rurune to get along well with Saria and Al, since Saria was originally a gorilla, for some reason, she can communicate with Rurune like me. As for how a gorilla and a donkey can come to understand one another, I will not think about it for now…

Thereupon, when I inform them about the events that led to me participating in today’s Royal Cup, they were surprised at first but they immediately supported me. Even so, Al did say that they’ll be cheering me on in the audience’s seats but… just where in the audience’s seats are they?

It’s nice, receiving their support. If possible, I want to win this.

Rurune did say that she was confident that her speed is fast enough to win, but even if winning the overall championships is impossible, I guess we will get into the rankings? Or so I thought.

However, I wonder why do I have this bad feeling? I’m feeling weird.

No, in the first place, to say that it’s difficult or so on, it definitely due to (me) challenging the impossible. There has been no weird feeling at all (for the past few days). It’s only just today.

While thinking about it, I realized that I’ve already arrived to the stables where Rurune is at.

Inside it, there are the other adventurers’ and the merchants’ horses in the cage, spending their time eating the grass.

While looking at the other horses, I went to where Rurune is.

Rurune, having noticed that I was approaching, despite being a donkey, greeted me with a pointlessly gallant face.

“Master, good morning! Today is a good day for donkey riding!”

“I don’t know if it’s good weather to ride, but still, good morning. Please take care of me today.

“Please leave it to me! This Rurune, in order to protect master’s honor, will certainly make Master win!”

“The real intention is?” “For the Bahamut!”

“Then don’t aim to win the overall championship!”

The Bahamut is given to the 5th placer so, even if we win this, we won’t get it. Before the race starts, the other 4 ranks prize will be revealed to the public…

If you think about winning the overall championships, at the very worst, the food that Rurune was drawn to was not the overall victory prize. As stated previously, since Rurune is a donkey, winning the overall championship is hopeless.

“Oh well. There isn’t much time left, shall we go?” “Okay!”

I led Rurune away from the stables and moved towards the starting point, which is near the checkpoint of the entrance to the imperial city Terviel’s gate.

When we reached the gate, the participating adventurers that are pulling different types of horses, are gathering there.

“Ohhh, wow. Aside from the ones that I know of, there are other types of horses… There are dolts around as well. Will I be alright?”

While looking around at the many horses and muttering to myself, someone called out to me.

“Seiichi!” “Seiichi-san!” “Hmm?”

When I turned around, Clay, dressed in luxurious clothes, and Mei who wore a blouse and long skirt was approaching towards us.

“Clay and Mei, huh. What’s the matter, both of you?”

“I came here to see how far you can go with your donkey!”

“For me, Seiichi-san gave me courage to keep painting, so… I thought that I must cheer you on. Therefore, I have come here to see you..”

“I see. Well, I’ll work hard for Mei.”

As Mei says so with an apologetic face, I replied to her with a wry smile under my hood.

“Seiichi-san. I’ve already decided that I’ll join the painting tournament. Although I have still yet to decide on what to paint… Therefore, Seiichi-san shouldn’t worry about me and run with everything you have. Besides, Seiichi-san’s goal is the 5th place reward, the Bahamut, right?”

“For the time being.” Mainly, that’s Rurune’s goal.

“If that’s the case, don’t think about winning this and just focus on your objective! We’ll cheer you on!”

“Thanks.”

But still, what’s with this? There is this implicit meaning that getting the overall championships is impossible.

While thinking about it, I suddenly noticed something.

“Come to think of it, for the people watching this game, how are they able to see the race?”

The course of the Royal Capital Cup is, simply going around the castle walls.

However, Terviel City’s castle walls are ridiculously long. It’s like in Earth’s stations. are there stations in various points for assistance like Earth?

Al and Saria are watching from the audience’s seats, but… (Watching a sports game)

As I tried to forecast various matters, a blank look surfaced on Clay’s face

“They will probably watch using the [Magic Projection], but I’m not sure.” “…What the hell is that?”

When I reflexively stuttered a question, this time it was Mei who answered.

“Etto. The so-called magical projector is one of the magical tools used. Numerous “magical cameras” float in the air and project the images taken into the air. It is an object that allows people away from the venue to view the scene itself. The source of the magical power required for the projector is provided by the imperial court’s magicians.”

The power of magic is unreal. I believe I have seen recovery magic and so on, but I don’t need to know the science behind it to know that magic is astonishing. Everything can be solved with magic already, can`t it? The dead can even be resurrected.

“Tentatively, the watching place is being established. Basically anywhere in the capital will be able to watch the images projected. Therefore, each respective place will be able to view the race. Clay-san and I plan to be at the audience stands watching the race and cheering you on.

“I see… ”

Hearing Mei’s explanation, I understood.

Even though it’s relatively safe, there’s still demons outside the walls. With that reason, people cannot watch it up close.

“Ah! If we don’t move soon we’ll be out of seats… ”

“You’re right… Seiichi, Mei and I will now be going to the audience seats. I have great expectations on your activities!”

“Please do your best!”

After all, before I can reply their greeting, they immediately went to the audience seats. “Well… Shall we do our best then?”

As I muttered that, I pulled Rurune along and head to the starting point.

“Now, it’s finally starting! The Royal Capital Cup where we will award out extravagant gifts yearly! I, Loma Kirizazu, member of Knights of “Sword Saints of the Holy Maiden(Valkyrie)”, am delegated to be the Master of Ceremonies for this Royal Capital Cup. For this short time, I hope to get along with you!”

Female voices resound throughout the entire city.

Assembled at the starting line are the participants for this round of the Royal Capital Cup, whose faces are being projected into the air.

I’m not in the mood to tsukkomi but, the official’s voice is loud enough to be heard all over… It seems like it’s magic. So there is no need for Science? Contrasting to me getting mentally-tired, the surrounding participants’ and the MC‘s tension is rising.

“Before I explain the rules and we start… I believe everyone wishes for me to announce the 1st prize to the 4th prize that everyone is so anxious about!”

When the official announced that, everyone in the surroundings heated up greatly. “UOOOOOOOHH!”

“What’s the amazing prize this year?!”

“I’ll absolutely won’t hand over the overall victory! “ “I’ll obtain the victory!”

Everyone around here is scary… !

Each time one of the surrounding people around me raises their voice, my body

*Pikkuto * shakes and shivers

Not losing to the competitive heat around, Rurune silently raises her fighting spirit.

“Bahamut Bahamut Bahamut Bahamut Bahamut Bahamut Bahamut… ” “I can’t take this child anymore!”

This girl can’t think of anything else but food! But I want to eat it as well! While I was shrinking away, I heard the official’s enthusiastic voice.

“U~n, what a nice enthusiasm! In order not to lose to that enthusiasm, this year’s prizes are pretty amazing! Moreover, this year’s 1st prize is a unique item that will be given for the first time. “

A new one? Just what is that…

Hearing the official’s words, Rurune reacted and tilted her neck in wonder.

“A, a new one, you say?! C, could it be… food ingredients that surpass Bahamut?!?! “Just for once, get your thoughts away from food!”

“Kuh! I must have that Bahamut no matter what but, if the overall champion’s prize is a food ingredient as well… Just what should I do?!

“Listen to meeeee!”

As my tsukkomi was in vain, Rurune started worrying by herself. She’s about to cry. Rurune is obsessed about food. As she’s about to cry, the official announced the prize.

“Well then, From the 4th prize! The 4th prize is… obtained by the leader of the Valkyrie, Riesu-sama in a dungeon, A Legendary-class weapon [Sea Splitter] ! The reason that we are making this one of the prizes is simply due to the fact that we knights have no Axe users at all. Well, even if this legendary weapon were to fall into the hands of another country, we still won’t lose!”

As one looks casually up into the skies, the video that showed us as the participants a while ago, is changed into the image of the prize which is a beautiful blue-colored edged axe. I dare say, that’s the prized Sea Splitter.

And also, the 4th prize is a legendary weapon, huh. Just what is the Champion’s prize? Moreover, they would give away this legendary weapon as a prize. Just how strong are

the Valkyrie Knights?

Although Gassur had said this before, it seems like there are 2 super strong knights in this country.

“Next is the 3rd prize! The 3rd prize is… similar as well., A legendary-class armor that Riesu-sama had obtained from a dungeon. [Haja’s Gauntlet] ! The reason that this became a prize is still the same as the 4th prize, the Sea Splitter! Come and get it, thieves!”

“““Uooooooohh!”““

In response to the words of the official, the surroundings cried out.

The video changed from the Sea Splitter to a Silvery-white Gauntlet, which is probably the Haja’s Gauntlet.

But still… This is amazing. From an adventurer’s perspective, they would want the 4th place Sea Splitter, and the 3rd place Haja’s Gauntlet. For prizes like that, they’d want to win this tournament.

To begin with, this Imperial City Cup, was intended for the adventurers, it’s obvious that there are no goods meant for the general public.

“Following is the 2nd prize! The 2nd prize is… our leader, Riesu-sama’s appearance in a precious picture! How is it? You want this, right!”

We don’t need it! Why is a picture the 2nd prize here?!

“It’s a rare gem of a peeping photo by paying the ultimate price using the [Magic- Formula Camera] ! Well, after this tournament, I’ll definitely get scolded!”

Are you an idiot?! Peeping shots and noble sacrifice and so on… ! I can’t call you anything but an idiot! Moreover, if you knew that you’d be scolded, why’d you still do it?!

The video changed from the Gauntlet to a picture being covered in mosaics. This mosaic is… an unneeded technology!

Just what the heck is this?! From the 4th to the 3rd place prize were amazing! A picture for the 2nd place?! Who the hell would want that?!

“I’LL DEFINITELY WIN THIS SHIT!”

“ONEE-SAMA’S PICTURE IS MINE, YA KNOW!” “UOOOHH! BANZAI, RIESU-SAMA!”

This can’t be compared from the enthusiasm from the Legendary weapons prize?! This country is fucked up… !

I’m not surprised that the men are frenzied, but also the women too craved for the picture, everyone’s eyes are bloodshot. I was seriously scared… I wanna go home.

While I unintentionally thought that in my head, the official finally announced the champion’s prize.

“Well, well, finally for the last one! The announcement for the Champion’s prize!” Hearing the words of the official, the crowd’s tension rises again.

“The shining glorious 1st prize is… What’s this, a right to spend 1 day with us, the Valkyrie Knights!”

We don’t need it! Gimme back the impression I got from hearing the 3rd and 4th place! While I did a magnificent tsukkomi in my heart, the surrounding participants, as though it was a lie, had subsided compared to their previous excitement.

Well, that’s a given! That prize is unreasonable, right?! If someone were to get that, there will be definitely no one who will be happy… —–.

“““VICTORY IS MIIIIIIINE!”““ (For the males)

“““VICTORY WILL BE MIIIIIIINE!”““ (For the females)

SOMEONE DEAL WITH THESE GUYS!!

The participants who were silent for a moment, shouted out loud with the highest voltage.

“It’s a good frenzy! Well, given the opportunity to meet Riesu-sama directly, it’s natural for anyone to wish for it. Before this excitement subsides, I’ll now explain the rules!”

The official who seems really amused by the spectacle, smiled and, began to explain.

“Even though it’s a rule, there is not even one rule that’s difficult! Anyways, you just need to run around the walls of the Royal Capital Terviel once completely! However, interfering with the others, doing obvious dangerous acts, or doing foul acts, will be immediately disqualified! In other words, if you want something, do it fair and square, ahahahahahaha!”

“““UOOOOOOHH!”““

While listening to the crowd’s’ shouts, the official adds with a calm voice.

In addition, the participants for the original Royal Capital Cup are mainly adventurers. Normal people aren’t able to join. One will not be able to enjoy themselves just by looking at the race. Therefore, from this time onwards, betting on which participants will obtain the overall victory, [Horse Racing ] will start! With this, normal people will not just enjoy themselves. If they have great luck, they will be able to enjoy more at the competition. Also, about the money wagered, so that we can avoid bankruptcy, we’ll limit the bet to a maximum of 10,000G! Everyone, let’s participate!”

Horse racing?! We’ll also do horse racing?! Certainly, just watching there is kinda boring…

Really, whether the horse racing will be a good result, I don’t know. Well, I’ve been saying this the whole time, but there’s also a test implication.

While thinking about it, the projected image in the air changed, the participants’ names and their horses are displayed with their odds of success.

“And these are the participants for this Royal Capital Cup. As expected, the most popular one is the horse that is the fastest even among the horses, [Shooting Star Horse

( Meteor Horse)] and Michael the rider! Michael is the previous winner of the Royal Capital Cup and it’s right to say that he is the main contender for the overall champion.”

Heee… The previous victors of the last tournament are here too. He must be super fast, huh.

“However, in this tournament, there are many promising players too, We will not know who will win the overall championship till the end!”

Well, it doesn’t matter to me. After Rurune knew that the upper prizes aren’t Bahamut, her mood is set on getting into the 5th place for it.

The official is looking at the participants and analyzing each of their abilities, and told them.

“Nn?! W,What does this mean?! Wow, there’s a ridiculous pair that has odds of 120 times!”

…Are? Somehow, I have a bad feeling about this…

“The participant’s name is Seiichi, the horse he’s riding with is a… do, donkey?! Player Seiichi, do you have chances of winning?!”

Stop ittt! I know that the best! Being reckless by challenging with a donkey! That’s why at least… at least be gentle with me! Don’t bully meeee!

As I suddenly look around my surroundings, the other participants, looked at me with

lukewarm eyes. Don’t look at me with those eyes!

“W, well that should be fine! Like this, the rule explanation and prize announcement is over! Next is… just competing! Now then, everyone, since we’ll be starting now, please move to the start line!”

In the end, I am still seen with lukewarm eyes while the other participants moved to the starting line.

Although I heard this story later, this video was broadcasted throughout the town, and everyone laughed out loud… Is there any hole I can hide in?

Leaving jokes behind, I started searching for a hole to hide in.

Peerless Rurune

Obeying the words of the official, each of the participants started to move to the start line.

In this King’s Royal Cup, it’s like a relay back on Earth was adopted here.

Moreover, so, the ones on the start line already have an advantage, and the ones further away are disadvantaged.

This is because there are many participants, so it cannot be helped. And, the participants agreed to the conditions, so they can’t complain about this.

The other participants have large horses, made me look smaller because I’m riding on a donkey. As well as unfortunately having to start all the way at the back.

[Fuuu… Starting at the back makes me feel ‘It can’t be helped’… And unexpectedly to just go along the flow.]

As I’m not really interested in the race itself, I easily got on Rurune’s back, and was slightly impressed as we can properly move.

If it were the me before my evolution, I wouldn’t have been able to ride Rurune in the first place…

While I was thinking that, the group of horses is suddenly entered my line of sight. The group of horse for some reason was not moving to the starting line.

At this time, the official also noticed that and called out.

[Otto~? The players over there! What on earth is happening there?]

But, the people who’re addressed by the voice didn’t hear it as they were desperately calling out to their horses.

[Hey, Johnson! What’s wrong?] [Why aren’t we moving, Kelly!] [Johnny, please move!]

Even the horses’ names are human-like.

The tsukkomi isn’t that far, but I instinctively felt like that.

But still… What’s up with them? I wonder what’s the reason why the horses suddenly don’t want to move?

After seeing the situation over there, I’ve thought of some possibilities, but I’m not a horse specialist, and so I still didn’t understand what was happening at all.

Somehow, I looked towards the people riding the horses. [Tsu!?]

And I finally understood the cause of this ruckus.

After understanding why I was surprised. Seeing that their horses didn’t move, the other contestants got off from their horses and spoke to the horses.

[Really, what in the world happened… ?] [Are you feeling sick somewhere?]

[I’m not having you to run the impossible… ]

Each of them was worried about their horses, stroke the necks of their horses. Thud.

Suddenly, all the horses fell to the ground.

Moreover, if you look closely, all that remained were that useless expression of pride. Were you able to understand?

In other words, all the horses that suddenly stopped moving were——. [[[… Ah. They’re all dead!]]]

This Stuuuuupiiiiiiiiiiid horseeeees!!!!

And you over there! Just how stupid are you!? No, within the participants, certainly there was someone who noticed something.

No matter what you do, there’s no salvation for the horses’ lives. The official, who’s face expresses an ‘I don’t know what to say’ look unpleasantly says.

[I wonder what happened… Before the race started, 20 people are down for the count… ]

The number of people participating this race is that many!? Even with that many high- spec horses, isn’t this already a problem, right!?

Somewhere in my heart, I continuously made a tsukkomi in my rage.

Ever since I came to this world, there’s nothing that I haven’t made a tsukkomi at. I don’t know why but, I can’t help but think that way.

Being in a good mood, Rurune says something while drooling.

[Tonight’s dinner, we will be having a large serving of horsemeat!] [Rurune-san. That joke isn’t funny, ya know.]

[Well, I do feel pity to those horses but, it doesn’t mean that it will cancel the race! Everyone, rejoin the race as soon as you can, and good luck in the race!]

While Rurune and I were having a silly conversation, the official said so and blew the whistle.

Even though a stupid incident occurred, the other participants that were safe, moved to the start line.

[Everyone, you’re in your respective starting positions? Well then, I’ll now start the count! 3!]

Okay, it looks like the race is finally starting.

Somehow, it took a long time to start the race, but now, let’s just focus on it.

[2!]

When I heard the count on my ear, I spoke to Rurune. [Well then Rurune, I leave it to you.]

[Please leave this to me!]

After hearing Rurune’s firm response, I thought that we can really win this thing. [1!]

That’s right. Ever since we’ve been here, we have been treated as useless so far. However, I can’t let them treat Rurune as an ordinary donkey.

While firmly gripping on the reins, I tightened my feelings. C’mon, our race has———-.

[Staaaaaaaart!!!!]

———Only begun!

–The horses started all at once.

As the cloud of dust soared, my vision was instantly obscured. However, it’s a shame, fellow participants!

My Rurune is, dashing towards all of the horses———. [——-has not left!]

[Haa,haa,haa.]

As a result, Rurune remarkably gave me a betrayal to my expectations. No, in reverse, is this what I’ve expected?

Rurune’s speed is, surprisingly slow, was being left behind by the other horses in a blink of an eye.

Even the footsteps.

Pa-tsu… ka, pa-tsu… ka.

Right? These footsteps are surprising, right?

[Hey~? Rurune-san? We’re the last, you know? Hey, you need to get serious!]

It’s not over yet. Still, Rurune’s seriousness is not this… ! As I re-think this, I reminded her so.

However, Rurune’s pace still hasn’t changed one bit. Pa-tsu… ka, pa-tsu… ka.

[Ah, this is no good.]

The time it takes to make a step isn’t good. Let alone winning, making it into the 5th place is impossible.

Let alone giving up, I don’t give a damn anymore! While thinking like that, I hear the official’s voice.

[Whoa!? Players Seiichi and Rurune pair aren’t progressing much! As I thought, using a donkey in this tournament is impossible!? They are in last place in a blink of an eye!]

It’s useless.

[While player Seiichi is still on the starting line, the top 10 players are already halfway through the entire course!]

[They’re that fast!?]

Already halfway!? Getting 5th place is absolutely impossible!

While I was surprised by the speed of the other horses, Rurune said in a pained-like voice.

[Kuh… haa,haa.]

[Oi Oi, are you alright!? Don’t push yourself too hard! I know that you’ve already done your best!]

And, I also know that you’re slow.

While I say that to be considerate to Rurune, painfully muttered. […My… Stomach… is… ]

[Huh? Your stomach is what?] […My stomach is… hungry… !]

[THEN EAT SOME GRAAAAAAAAASS!]

I unintentionally cried out. Well, it can’t be helped. Is it because you’re hungry!? That you’re so slow!?

While I didn’t try to accept that, I asked just to be sure. [Hey, Rurune. By the way, your breakfast pasture is… ]

[Master, you’re making me eat like the other domestic animals… !?]

[YOU’RE A DONKEY, AREN’T YAAAAA!?]

Why the hell did I say that!? Just why the hell did I say something stupid to her!?

[Wait! For now, eat all the grass you can find here to your heart’s content to satisfy your hunger! You can run if your stomach is full, right!?]

[I am no longer be satisfied with grasses, so I don’t want to eat that! Human food is the best!]

[LIKE I ASKED, AREN’T YOU A DONKEEEEEY!?]

No matter how much more I screamed, Rurune won’t eat the grass on the ground.

Even though I tried to motivate her by bringing in the Bahamut on the conversation, but she still won’t eat it. It seems like she won’t eat anything other than things that humans tend to eat even if it meant dying.

For animals, you shouldn’t let them eat human food.

And for me, who was too late to realize that, really regretted it.

[Argh! At this rate, I’ll definitely lose and in this way, I definitely look like a loser… ! Is there something that I can give her food with… !?]

As I searched the contents desperately in my item box, all of them are raw ingredients to be cooked, so there isn’t anything that can be eaten right away.

Aah, I’m completely finished… Yes, it’s about time to give up. […Hmm?]

Within my Item Box, my eyes stopped on a certain item.

That is—–the [The Real Cultivation of the Fruit of Evolution Set].

If I recall, the contents are how to properly cultivate the seed of evolution, and the fruit of the seed of evolution and so on and so forth…

[Maybe, a fragment of the Fruit of Evolution is inside here… ]

While having a pale hope on it, I took out the [The Real Cultivation of the Fruit of Evolution Set]

And then, a Zuta-like bag appeared.

When I looked inside, there really is a booklet of instructions on how to cultivate the Fruit of Evolution, and there are 15 Fruits of Evolutions in it too… Huh?

[The Fruits of Evolution are in here, but there’re no seeds?]

Even though I’ve scurried on the contents, the Fruits of Evolution are here, but the seeds aren’t.

While tilting my head because of that, I noticed something.

[…Ah, come to think of it, when I ate the fruit of evolution, the seed never came out, right… ?]

Yeah, when I ate the 10 Fruits of Evolution at the [Forest of Endless Love], I ate all of it. In other words, I didn’t see the seeds. My skin is really lucky.

That is, in fact, evolution probably comes from the seeds. That’s why these Fruit of Evolution is similar to Earth’s Almond. Exactly like seeds or nuts.

Even though I said that, I somehow found something for Rurune to eat. Well, even though she has her preferences, at least it’s not grass that she doesn’t want.

[Rurune! Can you eat this!?]

[T, this nut is… ?]

Rurune asked with a weak voice. And, just why the hell she doesn’t want to eat grass?

[This is the fruit which saved me from dying and Saria from a pinch. It’s name is the [Fruit of Evolution].]

[Fruit of Evolution… ?]

[Yeah, that’s right! My thanks can’t be summed just with that; I can’t thank it enough. It had that much of an effect!]

[I’ll eat it!]

[That was a fast revival!?]

While listening to me, Rurune instantly took a Fruit of Evolution and ate it. [T, this is… !]

[Hey, what’s happeni——] [Gross!! This is really gross!] [Ah, I see.]

Rurune’s expression was rather refreshing even though the fruit was gross. It made me remember the taste when I ate the Fruit of Evolution back then. Yeah, it was indeed gross…

However, the effect is amazing.

[Nnn!? M, my stomach is… already full!?]

Right, the Fruit of Evolution whenever you ate one, it has an amazing effect which is that it instantly fills your stomach full.

[Master! With this… With this, I can make it!] [All right! Well then, I’ll leave it to you!]

Again, I held tight on the reins on now the revived-Rurune and braced myself. Well, I do feel that I’m now too late again!

While I’m thinking about it, Rurune asked me. [Master, are you holding the reins firmly?]

[N? Ah yeah, it’s ok. I’m ready whenever you are!]

To be honest, I’m not really holding the reins properly.

Since it won’t be that dangerous anyways, as a response to me being optimistic.

However, because of that optimism, it turned into something dreadful in an instant. [Then—– Here I go… !]

[Uh! ——— AHHHH!?]

Immediately after I replied, my body felt like it was floating.

While I still didn’t understand what’s happening, then all of a sudden, I felt a strong impact on my ass.

[-tsu-tsu-tsu-tsu!!] And then again, my body felt like it was floating again.

While I still don’t understand what’s developing right now, I desperately racked my brain, noticed something.

[HAHAHAHA! Bahamut… I’m coming to eat you… !]

Rurune made a great leap, is now running through the race’s course. [EEEEEEEEEEEEEEHHH!!??]

FAST! IT’S SPEEDING UP EVEN MORE!

Rurune made her first run look like a lie, now showed an amazing run.

As I sometimes didn’t hold the reins properly, it made me feel like I’ll get thrown off on Rurune’s back several times.

[GYYYYAAAAA! SCARY! THIS IS SERIOUSLY SCARYYYYYY!]

[There is no one who can stop this Rurune… !] [SOMEONE, STOP THIS CRAZY DONKEEEEEEEEEYYY!]

As I involuntarily screamed, I still can’t match up to Rurune’s speed, ended up being dragged on her back while continuing on the race.

I—- Mei Cherry, am watching the video feed on the magic projector.

The reason is that I’m watching the race of the one who gave me the courage to participate in the painting tournament, the one who participated Seiichi-san.

But, as expected, using the donkey, Rurune-chan to participate in this race is reckless, immediately after the race started Seiichi-san was instantly in the last place.

While in such a state, the one watching the video on the magic projector with me, the son of Marquis Berger, Clay Berger sighed.

[Well, I know that it was impossible. But still, it’s still disappointing, right? Even I wanted Seiichi to do his best.]

Clay-san has absolute confidence in his paintings, and it is true that he competed with me because of that, but that doesn’t make him a bad person, or rather I’d even say that makes him a good person.

However, even though he’s a natural airhead, he still says some things that made him stood out.

[Mei. What happened to Seiichi is unfortunate, but… you are you. You can make a great work to compete with me at the Kyarasuti Art Competition! ]

[Clay-san. By those words, it sounded like Seiichi-san’s dead.] [That in your imagination!]

I didn’t understand why I was stubborn, but Clay-san’s behavior is as if he was busy with something.

Just after having that conversation.

Suddenly, the official announced in a loud voice.

[Na!? What should I say about this… ! Suddenly, in front of the leading racer groups, a pack Grand Wolves appeared!]

[Eh!?]

[What?]

When I shifted my focus to the reactivated projection, the Grand Wolves are blocking the course, and the contestant Michael and the others who were in the lead, without thinking, stopped their horses.

Indeed, there were sightings of a pack of Grand Wolves within the vicinity of Teruviel recently.

There isn’t anyone here in this event that would’ve thought that they’d suddenly appear in this competition.

However, the security countermeasure is perfect, they would’ve suddenly dispatched a subjugation force to deal with it but…

[Nn!? P, please wait! If you look closely at the pack of Grand Wolves… and A-Rank Monster [Hell Wolf] is among them! T, this is beyond a joke already! R-Riesu-sama! Help! At this rate, the horses will be eaten!]

Well, just as I thought that shouldn’t be a problem, after hearing that, indeed it’s worse that I thought.

Just as the official said so, within the video projected, within the light-brown colored pack of Grand Wolves, a big jet-black colored wolf was behind them.

Hell Wolf… is similar to this race’s 5th place prize, Bahamut’s value is enough to buy a small castle, or make a town, is a really strong monster.

The Bahamut is usually in the depths of the lake, and unless it’s been attacked first, it won’t fight back. But the Hell Wolf is different.

Acting basing on its wild instincts, if it’s determined to eat, it’ll really attack without hesitation. In short, it’s an aggressive monster.

Fortunately, Seiichi-san and Rurune-chan is ranked last, so it’s unlikely for them to be attacked… Them being last, it’s lucky for them, but that wasn’t the case.

For this kind of things, we can only pray that nothing bad will happen on to the participants.

[Why did something troublesome appeared at a time like this! I still haven’t prepared countermeasures for the punishment of taking that spy photos of Riesu-sama! And with this, if the king misunderstood that I neglected the security of the town of Teruviel I’d get more scolding!]

Um… wasn’t the official’s name, name Luna-san, right?

…Don’t mind it.

In my mind, I prayed for Luna-san. But, she reaped what she sowed by secretly taking photos. When I thought about it, it can’t be helped.

While thinking like that, suddenly, Luna-san noticed something.

[N?… Hey!? J, just what does this mean!]

After hearing Lorna-san’s surprised voice, the image in the video changed.

Some people were still confused as to the sudden change in the video and was more confused as to the one who’s projected in the video.

[W, why… !?]

[Hahaha! This is becoming interesting!]

Clay-san is laughing next to me.

Wait, this isn’t a laughing matter, you know! Why are you able to laugh at this situation!?

I mean, the man projected on the video is——-. [HIHIIIIIIIN!!]

[SOMEONE STOP MEEEEEEEEEEEE!]

As Rurune-chan zooming in, Seiichi-san’s appearance was swaying!

[Hey, that’s enough! It’s seriously dangerous, ya know!?] [BAHAMUTOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!]

Ah shit, she isn’t listening anymore! It’s like talking to a brick wall! [THIS ISN’T GOING WELLLL! ONLY THIS HORSE… !]

…Well, this isn’t the time to talk about it!

Seriously, someone stop her! Or else… [R, Rurune-san… is drooling… ]

[My Bahamut is only a few steps away!] [Ah, don’t go vomiting halfway, all right?]

While my face is bright red, I’m still swaying on Rurune’s back.

Furthermore, since she didn’t hear me talking, she will definitely vomit halfway.

As I continued to fight desperately with nausea, I suddenly saw many horses up ahead. [W, what’s that!?]

While I’m still in a foul mood, as I looked closer, it seems like up ahead a pack of wolves suddenly stand in the way of the race’s course. Uh oh, the nausea got stronger…

Apparently to Rurune, she’s too focused on the Bahamut that she didn’t register the existence of the pack of wolves.

Moreover, the wolves are about to attack, closing their distance to the horses looking for an opportunity.

[Rurune! There’s a pack of wolves in front!]

[Is that true, master? Then there will be many horses that’s stuck.] [That’s how it is. That’s why drop your speed——]

[I see, this is our chance! To regain the time that we lost, I will speed up even more!] [Huuuuh? You still want to speed up!?]

[I am Rurune! A proud donkey knight! Well, for the Bahamut’s sake… I shall press on!] [STOOOOOOOPPPP! MY INTERNAL ORGANS ARE SHAKING!]

As my restraints were in vain, Rurune raised her forefoot high, like as what she said earlier, she sped up, and we’re dashing in on where the horses and the pack of wolves are.

As I couldn’t keep up with the situation, my body felt like it was floating again.

As I regained my sanity, I tried to look around on my surroundings… […oh… ]

I jumped over the horses and realized that I’m about to land in the middle between the horses and the wolves.

As Rurune disregarded my scared state, charged towards the pack of wolves. [Small fries… DON’T GET IN MY WAAAAYYY!]

Today, my common sense is breaking apart.

I never thought that a donkey’s legs are this fast. Ahahaha, the wolves are getting kicked.

As the pitiful wolves became prey to Rurune’s kicks, continued to receive sharp hooves on their faces.

And, for a while, Rurune became peerless against the wolves… [AWOOOOOOOOOOOOON!]

As the howl resounded, a jet-black wolf confronted us.

That wolf is obviously different to the ones that Rurune kicked so far. This wolf will be a difficult opponent for Rurune———.

[GO TO SLEEP!] [GYAN!]

———-As I thought. Huh? Strange.

Indeed, this wolf had a last-boss atmosphere but, got blown around 20 meters away when it received Rurune’s jump hoof kick in the face.

[…Come to think of it, my All Language Comprehension maybe didn’t activate because he got kicked.]

As I am swaying on top of Rurune, I calmly talked about it. It might be related to one’s ability.

As I started to think philosophically, Rurune continued her rampage. And, I noticed that we’re closing on the goal tape——.

[G,goooooooooooooaaaaaal!!]

Rurune made it into the goal in her peerless state.

[Hahaha! Amazing, it was truly amazing! They made it into the goal under that situation!]

[T, they really won first place… ]

I… Mei Cherry still don’t understand what happened on the projection screen.

It might be so. At first, Rurune-chan and Seiichi-san were in the last place, suddenly charged to catch up. Then a pack of Grand Wolves appeared with a Hell Wolf among them. However, they got kicked about.

As the Hell Wolf, the pack’s boss got defeated, the remaining wolves panicked and fled.

Thanks to that, the people who couldn’t proceed earlier have reached the goal, and somehow ended the Imperial City Cup.

[Anyway, with this, can you now freely draw a picture then?] [Yeah… ]

Right, as I looked on the video, I have decided… on what to draw. [After this, I will hurry to get home to paint my work!]

[I see… Well then, I shall not lose too! It’s because your work is very formidable. The next time we meet will be at the Kyarasuti Painting Tournament? Let’s do our best!]

Clay-san said so laughingly as he walked away.

From the time, we met for the first time, despite having been falsely charged, to recognising the skill of my picture… a person, whom I don’t really understand really well.

As I smiled wryly, I remembered the video projected awhile back.

That, Seiichi-san and Rurune-chan saved a lot of players in that predicament. Ugh, I don’t know what I will paint anymore.

[…Alright!]

As I rekindled my fighting spirit, I also left the audience’s seats.

At that time, I suddenly realized something and thought it out loud.

[Ah. In the end, he won the first place… Seiichi-san, didn’t he aimed for the Bahamut?]

[Now I’ve doooneeee iiiiit!]

In front of me now, I… Hiiragi Seiichi am in front of a donkey named Rurune, bawling

in sadness.

[I! ORIGINALLY WANTED! THE BAHAMUT!]

Right, Because of Rurune being peerless, as a result—— We won the race. [Well… cheer up. We won the first place, ya know?]

[I don’t really, want to spend my time with the Valkyrie Knights!] [Yeah, I don’t want too either.]

As I hear Rurune’s heartbreaking voice, it also hurt me too.

I too also wanted the Bahamut as much as possible. I mean, it’s delicious, ya know? I wanted to eat it too.

[My… My Bahamut is… ]

Incidentally, at the awards ceremony, as I see the person who’ll be receiving the Bahamut, he had a joyful smile. As he can eat it with his family. Because of that, I can’t bring myself to exchange my prize with him.

Furthermore, as I don’t want to add to Rurune’s mental damage as it already was so big, for her sake, I didn’t participate in the awards ceremony.

Well, originally I hate to stand out, so it was a good opportunity too.

But still… I never thought that the top-runners would’ve avoided them. Surely it’s because I originally thought that they would’ve outrun the wolf pack.

But, as Rurune kicked them off, it seemed like the jet-black wolf was an annoying opponent, and so they didn’t want to advance further.

Because of that, Me and Rurune misunderstanding being late, and reached the goal at a breakneck speed.

[Gusu… I won’t be able to eat it anymore… ]

Rurune was more depressed than expected, that even for me to stay calm was impossible.

Because of that, I sit beside Rurune, and stroke her head gently.

[Well… It’s useless to think about it now. It’s not like the Bahamut is only one in the world, right? That’s why, if we ever meet a Bahamut, we’ll defeat it, and eat it together!]

[Gusu… I, is that true?]

[Yeah! And also, besides the Bahamut, there are also many delicious food around too. Since we’re going to travel around anyways, we’ll visit other lands and we’ll find something more delicious than the Bahamut together?]

[Ah, Master… ! UWAAAAAAHH!]

Rurune jumped onto my chest and started to cry out loud.

It’s fine that I know Rurune’s voice, but from an another person’s perspective, the impression can only be that of a person being attacked by a robber who is for some reason crying out loud. What’s more, the cry was [Hihi~n!]. Crap, just imagining it is making me feel surreal.

While I am hugging her with that impression, I gently stroked Rurune’s head. Suddenly, Rurune’s body began to emit a faint light.

[Eh? Wait, what now!?]

As I got impatient, Rurune herself wasn’t aware of what’s happening to her. Before long, the pale light was gradually getting stronger and… !

Pikaaaaaaaaaaa!

[MY EYES ARE BURNIIIIIIING!]

As I saw something with an intense light right before my eyes, my eyes were attacked by an unusual pain.

I, who was wriggling due to the intense pain while hugging Rurune, felt like I had faced a similar phenomenon before.

After a while, when the light subsided, as my eyes have recovered from the damage, I slowly opened my eyes.

And then, I noticed something.

…Somehow, there’s something soft on my chest… Timidly, I lowered my gaze and——-.

[Gusun. Master… ]

Having brown hair and reddish brown eyes which were tearing badly, a girl who can be seen as a beauty or beautiful girl, looked at me with upturned eyes, and came hugging me. ――――And while being naked.

…

I wonder if my hallucinations are getting severe to the level it became perverted that it transformed Rurune to this beauty? If that’s so, then please let it stay like that…

…

No, could what happened to be understood?

To the surroundings around me, it appeared I am hugging a naked girl out of nowhere, and were surprised.

In other words, it’s like that? Rurune evolved? She did eat the Fruit of Evolution. And kicked many wolves.

Well, unlike Saria and me, she only ate one and I didn’t think it’d bring that much of a dramatic before and after changes? But well, I don’t know if I understood this? Yea.

You know, the hair color, her eyes are similar to Rurune the donkey. It’s certain that the girl I see in front of me is definitely Rurune.

Or rather, I’m already good.

In other words, as I’m the only one talking here, only one word came out from my mouth.

[UWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!??]

Yeah, the only thing I can do is yell!

Referred to as the devil‘s territory, Hell is spread beyond the dark forest and the devastated earth.

In the centre of that Hell exists a mega-city: Gran Boige. In that place, there live many demons, and the Demon Castle is located in its centre.

Surrounded by fortress walls, the Maou’s castle intimidates the viewer.

That Castles whose appearance is truly the symbol of fear is where the Maou lives is very fitting.

In the conference room of the Maou’s castle, a discussion between the 58th Maou corps was about to begin.

I… Reiya Farza, after helping with the revival of the Black Dragon-sama, am headed to the Maou Castle.

The reason is for the maou’s Army conference. However, I still do not know the contents.

Due to helping the Black Dragon-sama’s revival, I have been delayed slightly and am heading to the conference room at a fast pace.

While walking down the long marble floor covered in a red carpet, I arrive at the destined conference room.

The door of the conference room is made of heavy wood, and it makes a weird sound every time its opened.

I adjust my breath, knock on the door and then announce my name. “Maou´s army 3rd corps, captain Reiya Farza has arrived.”

After speaking my name, the door automatically opened.

Inside, as expected, there are the other captains beside me. All of them are sitting around one big table.

At the farthest point of the table, there is an intimidating crimson door. Because I can’t keep standing in front of the door, I sit in a vacant set.

Although it doesn’t matter, everytime I sit in this chair I feel like taking it to my room. As I thinking such a thing, another demon spoke to me.

“Oi, Reiya! What are you doing, being late for such an important congress!” “So noisy… I had errands to do.”

“As if there are errands more important than this conference! Take the time into account!”

“Seriously, you’re such a pain in the ass. I did come properly, what’s the problem with being slightly late?”

“What did you say!!?”

The demon telling me about every single thing is the 5th corps captain, Urs Banyu. He wears perfectly the black uniform of the Maou’s army with a blue cloak on top.

His muscles bulged up, enough so that you could tell even through the military uniform.

…I constantly felt it might be more irritating than hot.

Dark skin and huge horns sprouting from his temples are his proof of being a demon. Urs’ species is one that is common among demons, he is one of the oni races.

But, not any normal oni race, but the leader of the King Oni race of all Oni races. Ignoring Urs’s words, the demon woman sitting next to him opened her mouth.

“Its no good, Reiya. You have to be on time properly. And more, Urs don’t get too heated, ok?”

“Nu.nuuuu… if Riareta says so… ” “I understand… ”

The woman who stopped both Urs and me is the 4th Corps captain Riaretta Barheim. She has cream coloured wavy hair and kind looking brown eyes.

With her slightly dropped eyes and a mole below her right eye, she somehow gives a sexy feeling. It’s bad to say it myself, but she is a beauty that doesn’t lose to me.

That’s a given as her tribe is succubus, and she is the most beautiful one at that – the succubus queen.

That girl to me, as the only women executives, we get along well. I call that woman Ria.

Since Ria’s skin colour isn’t dark or anything of the sort like Urs’, her appearance is almost like that of a human’s.

But Ria’s bat-like wings that grow from her back make her identifiable as a demon. “Next time be careful, ok?”

With a troubled smile, Ria says so. I, and Urs as well, somehow feel bad. It’s strange, isn’t it. Even though Ria and I should be the same age…

When I’m with Ria, I can’t help but feel like she’s like an elder sister to me.

But, despite Ria being a succubus, after seeing things like how a long time ago I lent her a slightly extreme romance novel and she came to give it back to me with her face beet- red, she seems to actually be really innocent.

And despite that, her breasts are huge. Even now, they threaten to burst out from the females’ black uniform.

I too, don’t think I have small breasts, but I lose to Ria.

Ku-… ! If I had those breasts right now I would have hot nights with a boyfriend… !

“Hey, Reiya? Why are you looking at my breast like wanting revenge from your parents killer?”

“That, put your hand in your heart and think about it.”

Ria put her hand on her chest seriously and tilted her breast (lit. neck).

And her hand couldn’t hold her breast at all… What’s with this feeling of defeat?

While was thinking of such foolish things, a listless man sitting a bit away started talking.

“Hey, when are we gonna start? If nothing’s gonna happen, I wanna hurry up and get home to sleep.”

Saying so, the man took one huge yawn.

—-the demon Corps second captain Zorua Wartor.

That is the name of one of the true strongest of the demon army, unlike Black Dragon- sama and White Dragon-sama.

Although he wears the same uniform as Urs’, he doesn’t wear the cloak and dresses completely sloppily.

He has tied-back long silver hair, and his red eyes hold no spirit at all.

Unlike Urs and Ria, it would be difficult to find how he is any different to a human with his appearance alone.

However, if you look properly, you will find that the canines that poke out from his mouth are longer than a human’s.

Zorua is a vampire. Moreover, surpassing his own ancestors, the True Vampires, he overcame all his weaknesses as a vampire and is now a perfect vampire.

Because he is such an existence, even Urs, who warned me about my tardiness, couldn’t reprimand Zorua. The burly coward.

As I stared coldly at Urs, he noticed and averted his gaze awkwardly. Well, Zorua is so powerful even Lia was reluctant to warn him.

So powerful he is called ‘The Black Crimson King’.

…Although, there are two other monsters of a similar calibre. “- Do not complain, Zorua.”

“Ah?”

A quiet voice… yet one intimidating enough to make all that hear it shrink away unintentionally.

That voice, was directed at Zorua, was emitted again. “Wait in silence.”

The one who, despite being taciturn, spoke up is one of the few people here that can rebuke Zorua.

Demon Corps first corps captain, Zelos Albana.

The leader of the first division, called the strongest among all the demon corps, named [Annihilator (Deleter)], one of absolute strength.

Wild blue hair, and sharp gold eyes like a dragon’s. Expressionless, but virile features.

He was wearing the black uniform. But, unlike with Urs muscle packed uniform, he gives more of a smart vibe.

Unlike earlier, Zorua glares at Zelos with strong willed eyes. “Shuuut up… don’t give me orders.”

“Do you plan on causing trouble for the one who called us here, Rutia-sama, just because of your selfishness?”

“That’s got nothing to do with this. I just hate these kinds of troublesome things.”

Zelos directed a sharp gaze to Zorua, who just explained that as if even having to explain it is truly bothersome.

“I see—- then, do you want to disappear here? Bat”

Zelos, while releasing an ominous magic from his body, quietly said. Looking at that situation, Urs told me in a small voice.

“is, isn’t this bad? As expected if Zelos goes berserk, I won’t be able to stop it.”

“You know, even if only Zorua went berserk you wouldn’t be able to stop him, would you?”

“Th, that’s not true!!”

For goodness, not convincing at all.

More important, if Zelos really go berserk, this Maou castle no… the entirety of Gran Boige will be annihilated.

“Ze, Zelos! Calm down!”

Riaretta tries to appease desperately, but Zelos ignores her completely.

At that time, from the body of Zorua that are opposed to the Zelos, a jet-black darkness oozes out of him.

He was called ‘bat’, a word that is absolutely taboo as a scornful-like word to vampires. It would be more strange if he didn’t snap.

Zorua, with his body dressed in darkness, returned the words to Zelos. “—- I’ll crush you, lizard”

Why are you declaring something that will make your opponent even angrier. I involuntarily thought so.

Although I’m not really one to talk since I also like making a fool of the enemy and

harassing them.

Incidentally, it’s not known what Zelos’ species is.

Like Zorua said, his eyes are like that of a dragon’s, but by no means is he a dragon. q Thats because Zelos’ parents are from the normal Oni races.

And so, Zelos, born from such parents, and without the sign of one of the Oni races, the horn, was able to surpass Uls of the King Oni, and born with such overwhelming power, would be a so-called mutant.

[The Black Crimson King] and [Annihilator]… if these two clash, us close by will be erased.

As I was casually thinking of those kinds of things, Ria said to me as if yelling. “Hey Reiya! You help as well!”

“Impossible, after all they are both in a completely different dimension of strength” “That why I am saying help me!”

By the way, without Ria having to say it, I had planned to use the “space magic”, which is my own unique magic, to stop these two.

But, Zorua crushed my magic with his darkness,and Zelos blasted the magic itself away. I think any more resistance will be in vain.

So, I give up, and began to eat the sweets which is put on the table. “Ahhhh mou! Urs! You help as well!”

“Eh!? I, I am, that… ye,yes! Stomach! My stomach is hurting a bit so helping is impossible! Iya, what a pity!”

“Hey! You’re joking, right!?”

Urs, on the outside he seems like a intimidating guy, but inside he’s not worth anyone’s time.

Well anyway, you could truly say that the atmosphere between Zorua and Zelos has become explosive.

And aside from Zorua and Zelos… the last of the strongest finally made his move. “Zolua-chan, Zelos-chan, fighting is no good ok?”

Like that, that man with an elder-sisterly tone of voice, slapped both their heads. Zudo~o~o~o~o~ooooooon!

Only, he just hit them in the head yet they were both slammed down onto the conference room table.

Or rather, that’s not the sound of someone getting slapped on the head is it?

Despite having undergone such an… impactful method of stopping them, they both, uninjured, showed somewhat embarrased expressions.

“…Sorry, I got too hot-blooded” “…tch, my bad”

—-Demon army Disciplinary corps captain, Jade Lowen.

His race is incubus, and as you would probably guess from his race, he is quite the ikemen as well, but… uu

Un, he is not interested in us females,and he is always chasing men. More than me. un, he has a terrible obsesion with men.

But, its seriously a pity.

Beautiful blonde hair, and purple eyes. His face and expression is the perfect example of a ‘gentleman’ and lady-killer, yet he’s actually a man-eater.

If it wasnt for that, he would’ve been so popular with the girls by now. FROM HERE ON ITS JAPANESE UP AND TL DOWN.

Well, even without that being the case, he often gets into girls’(?) talk with Ria and I, and he talks with people now the same way an actual woman would.

When Zorua started scratching the back of his head, and Zeros stood aside with an emotionless look on his face, Jade shot a flirtatious glance at the two people..

“Good kids. I’ll reward you with a kiss later” ““I don’t need it”“

Oo, Jade’s pretty amazing.

Zorua and Zerosu, who are normally at odds with each other, rejected him in perfect harmony.

Various problems seem to pop up in the Demon King’s Army, but I feel like it will somehow turn out okay.

After that little scene and spending a bit of time settling down, the crimson doors further inside the room opened.

We all stood up in the moment it took for the door to open. From behind the door, two humanoid figures appeared.

One of them had indigo colored hair, with eyes as dark as the night sky.

She was expressionless, with features like that of a doll. It was a person who truly carried the timeless and perfect beauty that dolls often had.

Adorned with a deep black dress, and wearing on top of that, a similarly coloured furlong coat.

She was walking towards us with an intimidating aura, truly like that of a Ruler’s (or King’s)

And her identity was —- The Demon King’s daughter, Rutia Byuto.

Rutia calmly enters the meeting room, before coming to a stop at the head of the table.

And so, taking a look around at us, she began to speak.

“ —- Everyone, for attending this meeting, I thank you. “ Just that one sentence.

The moment we heard her words, we placed our weapons, the embodiment of our pride and souls, down and knelt with our heads bowed.

This salute is the highest form of respect for us Demons.

To pledge one’s body and soul to Hell, to give one’s everything for the sake of this land… That is the meaning of this action.

I was worried whether Zorua would not be willing to salute, but it seems that it was an unnecessary worry, and even Zorua was firmly expressing his loyalty.

As we saluted her, the other person who entered the room with her started to speak. “Fumu. umu umu, Keep up the good work”

However, when he spoke it only served to stir us up.

Kurai… That was the name of the man who entered the room with Rutia, and it was the man I hated the most.

He had a greasy face and fat body. His breathing was rough, almost as if snorting, and he had a small body. To top it off, his disappointingly tiny horn upon his head was a clear giveaway that he was from an onithe Demon race.

But I didn’t particularly dislike him for his appearance.

What I hated about him was his condescending attitude, as he was always looking down on us just because he was Rutia’s Father’s (The Demon King’s) Aide.

Even now, we were only assembled by Rutia’s will, as we would never listen to that trash of person called Kurai.

Unlike us, that person did not hold any significant position in the Demon King’s Army… Instead, he was only appointed the Demon King’s aide for his Clairvoyance. (Author

uses Fortune Telling)

Unfortunately, his fortune telling ability has always been accurate, and he was able to predict every attack by the Humans.

That’s why he always stays close to the Demon King so he can foresee any dangers that might occur.

But I can’t help but feel this guy is too suspicious.

His normal behaviour also makes it questionable whether he’s really loyal to the Demon King.

It’s likely that I’m not the only one who thinks that way, and the other Generals seem to feel so too.

Kurai continues to prattle on as if he couldn’t read the atmosphere.

“ Nifu. It’s only natural all of your to gather for my sake… would be about right to say! Nihi Nihi Nihi!”

What a weird way to laugh. It’s the first time I’ve heard any thing like it.

Well, it didn’t really matter that much, but as I thought that Rutia began speaking. “…Kurai. Silence yourself.”

“…Nufu. My sincerest apologies.” I wonder if he truly feels so…

Having reprimanded Kurais, Rutia told us to lift our heads up, and signalled for us to take a proper seat.

When we had taken our seat, Kurais started to talk again.

“Nufu. And? Rutia, what is the meaning for calling all of us to gather today?”

Because Kurai came out from the door with Rutia, i assumed that he knew the contents of today’s meeting, but it seems that he’s somehow clueless about it.

“…Un. The reason why everyone is gathered here today… is because I wanted to talk about an alliance with the Winberg Kingdom.”

Our eyes shot wide open at Rutia’s words.

That’s because, to be bound in an alliance with the Winberg Kingdom… would mean to be bound in an alliance with Humans.

Those very same humans who sealed away the Demon King, and have long abused our kind.

To form an alliance with these humans…

Moreover, why is it the Winberg Kingdom of all things?! Where my unreliable subordiante Bell had, without permission, scattered Teleportation magic formations around it’s imperial capital Terveil.

…What should I do if they really establish an alliance?

I-It’s alright right? There’s only about a 100 of them, and there’s a chance that Demons might be teleported instead of the humans.

Tha- That’s right! The most important thing is to think positively! “ ? Reiya, you seem somewhat pale though… ”

“ Eh?! T-t-t-t-t-there no way my face is pale ! Mou, stop saying such strange things Ria!” “…Are you really alright?”

Ria looks really worried about me, but i can’t obediently just tell the truth here.

…When those guys return, I’ll be thoroughly punishing them.

While i smile wickedly in my heart, Kurai suddenly shouts out in distress.

“ Na, What are you saying ! Humans and Demons bound by an alliance? What nonsense are you spouting… !”

“…Uun, I’m being serious here”

At the Rutia who seriously is thinking of an alliance between Humans and Demons, Kurai is at a loss for words.

“Certainly, Humans have always been a destested existence for us. That’s because they’ve always treated as like animals, something that has continued for generations untold. Even my father… The Demon King, was seal by them”

“The- Then… !”

“…But that… that’s why it’s necessary for us to reach a compromise” “ I don’t understand you ! Are you out of your mind ?!”

“…I’m serious. If we continue to be held back by grudges of the past, we will never have a tomorrow where we can smile. In order to get back the smiles we’ve lost… in order to overcome our past, I feel that we must learn to co-exist with the Humans”

Rutia declared, with eyes filled with determination.

Those eyes that seem to entrance any onlooker… Almost as if she was the Demon King

“…In addition, among my friends, there’s a child who works as an adventurer there. According to her, the King of the Winberg Kingdom is trying to establish friendly relations with the Demons there”

“Tha-That story is definitely a l—–”

The moment Kurai tried to say that, he was immediately scared off by the bloodthirst Rutia was emitting.

“…Those who speak ill of my friends… will not be forgiven” “Nufu, Nufu –… “

Hit by the wave of bloodthirst, Kurai’s snorting became rougher than usual, and his face turned pale. Serves him right.

But Kurai, who doesn’t know when to give up, started to shout.

“Nufu… Th-That’s right! Rutia ! My… My clairvoyance! When I looked into the future before, it showed me that if Demons were to concern ourselves with the Humans, we will meet with disaster! That’s why, we should stop the alliance with the Humans! “

“…If, at that time your clairvoyance was right… then at that time I will take responsibility and offer my life as compensation.”

“Tha-That kind of thing, the citizens would nev—-” DON!

Suddenly, before Kurai could finish, he was interrupted by the sound of someone forcefully hitting the table.

I scowled at Kurai, and even Zorua, who would normally hide his irritation, openly glared at him in disaproval.

“Oi, Pig. Nonsense is all I’ve heard from you for a while now. Just shut up and obey Rutia. Unless —- You wanna get trashed?”

…Is Zorua the so-called “tsundere” type of person?

Well, after all, he has sworn fealty to Rutia and the Demon King.

While I was thinking of such a trivial thing, Zerosu, who is normally at odds with Zorua, also stood up to speak his mind.

“Although I don’t like having the same opinion as Zorua… Kurai. If you want I could make you vanish off the face of this planet right now you know?”

Faced with the bloodlust emitted by the 2 strongest members, Kurai could only revert to his former panicked attitude.

And just to drive the point further in, Jade added,

“ Nnn~ Don’t you think you’ve been a little too selfish Kurai? If you insist on maintaining that attitude of yours… Then tonight, i’ll have to put you through some hot, hot punishment, won’t I?”

“ Hi-Hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!”

In Jade’s case, Kurai’s face turning pale was for a different reason, but when faced by all 3 of the strongest members of the Demon Army together, Kurai’s face had already gone beyond pale, to the point where it was almost ghostly white.

As expected, Kurai couldn’t endure it for long and rushed to the crimson door from which he entered…

“Re-remember this! You talk of an alliance with the Humans now, but you’ll soon realise it’s impossible!”

Dropping a line akin to what small fry would say, he ran off.

…What did that fellow intend to achieve with that?

When the atmosphere of the room finally returned to normal with Kurai gone, Ryutia started to speak again.

“…Everyone, thank you. Indeed, like the Kaizer empire, there are still many countries that want to see us defeated. In the midst of all this, to form an alliance with the Humans, definitely has many risks… and I know that. But still, we have no choice but to move forwards. That’s why… everyone, please lend me your strength”

Towards the end, Rutia’s voice gradually softened. Mou, it’s obvious what our answer would be.

As one, we rose from our seat to offer our finest salute to her in response. [Our hearts are one with the Demon King’s—-]

In the darkness, a single man muttered hatefully to himself. “Shit Shit Shit… ! If that happens then my plan will… !”

He stopped himself there, taking a deep breath to calm himself down, before continuing.

“Well, my plan may have deviated a little, but it’s at a stage where it can still be set straight. There is no one who could ever stop my plans. Nihi Nihi Nihi!”

In the darkness, the sound of one man’s disgusting laughter echoed…

<< Main Character Side>> [Hiiragi Seiichi]

• Protaganist

• Cries very often, but still is the protagonist

• His appearance… , I’ll leave it to your imagination for now. There will be a description soon.

• Through eating Seeds of Evolution, evolved away from humanity only to circle back.

• Seiichi’s parents died a little after he was enrolled into high school. He managed to live off of the money from inheritance and insurance somehow, but wasn’t able accept his parents’ death easily as he was very close to his parents. And because he didn’t even have the willpower to leave the house, he gained weight because he only indifferently ate ordered meals that were delivered to his home.

• The type to eat a lot when stressed out.

Many consider his positive thinking to be his strong point, but there are many times where he can’t be optimistic about his future.

• He was blessed with friends, but because of his arbitrary judgment and pride, he decided to stay away from them.

• Has a bad habit of making conclusions on his own.

• Was bullied because of his ugly appearance and body odor

• The only one who wasn’t summon as a hero with the rest of the school.
  

[Saria]

• Gorilla heroine.

• A beautiful girl (bishoujo) with burning red hair. But, she’s a gorilla.

• Originally a type of demon called Kaiser Kong.

• Can only speak in broken sentences in gorilla form, but can speak properly when in human form.

• Her way of thinking seems to be more mature in gorilla form, but in comparison her way of speech is more developed in human form.

• Despite having lived in the wild, she is unexpectedly reliable.

• She takes pride in being a capable heroine who can handle all the housework perfectly.

• Because she grew up in the wild, she’s naturally motherly and easily picks up on others’ emotions.

• Loves Seiichi.

[Altria Guremu]

• An adventurer with the nickname <Calamity>

• Brown skinned beauty with silver hair. But if you get too close to her you’ll get hurt because she has a curse on her.

• Because of her curse of being “The Person Who Is Burdened With Disaster”, she has brought misery to those around her since birth.

• After accidentally involving Seiichi (and co.), she somehow conquers a dungeon, and after that is released from her curse because of a ring given to her by Seiichi.

• Big-sisterly and good at taking care of others.

• Due to her curse, she’s never experienced any sort of romance, so she’s very innocent.
  

• She earnestly yearns for Seiichi even though she’s awkward.

• She’s having Adrianna teach her the basics or love since she’s new to it.

• She’s trying her best so that Seiichi will pay attention to her, even if just a little.

[Rurune]

• She’s a donkey.

• Just a donkey… or so we thought, but when food is involved, things get crazy.

• A gluttonous donkey.

• Ate a Fruit of Evolution and is currently trying to get used to being a human.

• Wants to present herself as a knight, but food’s a higher priority for her.

• Because of the aforementioned issue with her priorities, she’s an absolute failure of a knight, but has no awareness of it. What can one do?

• Hopefully we’ll see something from her soon?

<< Kaiser Empire ・ Hero’s Side >> [Takamiya Shouta]

• Seiichi’s childhood friend.

• IKEMEN. (Means he’s a good looking man for the non-otakus)

• He cares for Seiichi, but they’re not on the same wavelength and feelings don’t come across well.

• Basically quite composed.

• Is in the Kendo Club.
  

• Takamiya Miu’s Ani (Elder brother).

• A summoned hero, and currently raising his status in the otherworld’s school.

[Araki Kenji]

• Seiichi’s childhood friend.

• IKEMEN with short brown hair.

• He cares for Seiichi, but they’re not on the same wavelength and feelings don’t come across well.

• Usually friendly, but is scary when angered.

• In the Boxing Club.

• Indebted to Kannazuki Karen.

• A summoned hero, and currently raising his status in the otherworld’s school

[Takamiya Miu]

• Seiichi’s childhood friend.

• Bishoujo with a flower pin in her shoulder long, raven black hair.

• Calls Seiichi “Seiichi onii-chan” and yearns for him.

• It wasn’t possible to meet easily because she was in a different grade from Seiichi, and it was also difficult to concern herself with Seiichi like Shouta and others.

• A summoned hero, and currently raising her status in the otherworld’s school.

[Kannazuki Karen]

• Seiichi’s childhood friend.

• Beauty with waist length, raven black hair.
  

• Student council president of Seiichi’s school.

• Most popular person in school, regardless of gender.

• Daughter of head of the Kannazuki group.

• Has nerves of steel.

• Seems to hold special feelings towards Seiichi that are more than that of a childhood friend..?

• Captain of the Kendo Club.

• A summoned hero, and currently raising her status in the otherworld’s school.

[Hino Youko]

• Seiichi’s friend.

• Bishoujo with mid-back long brown hair and wears a headband.

• Concerned about Seiichi despite not being his Childhood friend.

• Doesn’t belong to any idol groups, but is an idol-like existence in the school because of her kind nature.

• A summoned hero, and currently raising her status in the otherworld’s school.

[Niijima Eri]

• Seiichi’s friend.

• A Bishoujo with child-like facial features, and can easily style her own hair neatly.

• Concerned about Seiichi despite not being a childhood friend.

• Shouta’s girlfriend.

• Is a member of a pretty famous Idol group.
  

• Despite being part of an idol group, her love isn’t particularly prohibited.

• A summoned hero, and currently raising her status in the otherworld’s school.

[Murata Rika]

• Seiichi’s friend.

• Bishoujo with droopy eyes and slightly wavy black hair.

Concerned about Seiichi despite not being a childhood friend.

• Kenji’s girlfriend.

• Is a member of a pretty famous idol group.

• Despite being part of an idol group, her love isn’t particularly prohibited.

• A summoned hero, and currently raising her status in the otherworld’s school.

[Aoyama Hiroki]

• Seiichi’s classmate.

• IKEMEN.

• Captain of the soccer club.

• Main culprit of tormenting Seiichi in class.

• A summoned hero, and currently raising his status in the otherworld’s school.

[Ouki]

• Seiichi’s classmate.

• Typical mob character.

• Has done things like intentionally exposing Seiichi’s status, has a horrible personality.

• A summoned hero, and currently raising his status in the otherworld’s school.
  

[Nojima Yuuka]

• Half British and half Japanese, but has a Japanese name.

• Beauty with waist length straight blond hair.

• The famous Ladies’ president.

• Head of an infamous group.

• A summoned hero, and currently raising her status in the otherworld’s school.

[Shimizu Noa]

• Super famous model.

• Beauty with short black hair with blue highlights.

• Belongs to an infamous group.

• A summoned hero, and currently raising her status in the otherworld’s school.

[Seto Airi]

• Looks like a Gyaru but isn’t really.

• A beauty.

• A bit… no, quite an airhead.

• Usually is with Nojima Yuuka’s group, but is on good terms with the other girls too.

• Belongs to an infamous group.

• A summoned hero, and currently raising her status in the otherworld’s school.

[Amakawa Rumi]

• Typical Gyaru.
  

• Beauty with slightly wavy brown hair.

• Super modern girl.

• Belongs to an infamous group.

• A summoned hero, and currently raising her status in the otherworld’s school.

[Bald Minister]

• He’s a shiny baldie.

• Has a complex about his bald head.

• Is hoping for hair growth in the future. (Not gonna happen bro)

[Scheld Wohl Kaiser]

• Emperor of the Kaiser Empire

• Main culprit for summoning the Heroes to this world.

• Human supremacist.

• A person who schemes about various things.

• Expect more in the future.

[Helio Lauban]

• An aide of Scheld.

• Court magician.

• Human supremacist.

• Has a nickname. ※Nickname will appear one day.

• A person who schemes about various things.
  

[Zakir Gilford]

• Leader of the knights of the Kaiser Empire

• Is indebted to Alf Dear Kaiser, the previous king.

• Nicknamed the “King’s Sword”.

• An influential person in the empire.

• Against summoning Heroes.

• Sometimes Awkward.

[Orpheus Almond]

• Aide of the Knight Leader.

• Mild tempered man with curly brown hair.

• Strong even among the knights of the empire.

• Respects Zakir.

[Alf・Dear・Kaiser]

• Previous emperor of the Kaiser Empire.

• Seems to be the type of person who will help the people in need regardless of family or position.

• Not dead, but currently in retirement.

<< Demon King’s Army Side>>

[Leya Falzar]

• Captain of the Demon King’s Army 3rd platoon.

• Beautiful woman with long purple hair.
  

• Is very popular, but ends up getting dumped because her personality is… that.

• Has gone out with 666 good looking men from the demon group.

• She possesses [Gas Magic], which is a unique attribute.

• As for her family… well, coming soon™.

• Considerably capable as Captain.

• Expect more in the future.

[Bell Giselle]

• Subordinate under Leya’s direct control.

• Sub-unit [Victim]’s reliable leader… supposedly.

• Macho.

• He’s married and has a child that’s about to be born. How joyous.

• Treats Bosco and Terry as family.

• Respects Leya for her ability as a leader, but feels she’s disappointing because of her personality.

• Expect more pleasant participation in the future.

[Bosco Dan]

• Subordinate under Leya’s direct control.

• Member of [Victim]

• A tall and quite thin man.

• Has a wife and a child.

• On good terms with Terry, and while saying this and that, respects Bell.
  

• Respects Leya for her ability as a leader, but feels she’s disappointing because of her personality.

• Expect more pleasant participation in the future.

[Terry Hemt]

• Subordinate under Leya’s direct control.

• Member of [Victim].

• He’s short in stature and quite fat.

• Has a wife and child.

• On good terms with Bosco, and while saying this and that, respects Bell.

• Respects Leya for her ability as a leader, but feels she’s disappointing because of her personality.

• Expect more pleasant participation in the future.

[Urs Bermeu]

• Captain of the Demon King’s Army 5th Platoon.

• Very strict.

• His cowardly nature doesn’t fit his appearance.

• Very muscular.

• Belongs to the King Oni race.

• There are plans for him to make an appearance.

[Lealetta Balheim]

• Captain of the Demon King’s Army 4th Platoon.
  

• Sexy and beautiful lady.

• Queen of the Succubus.

• Quite innocent depite her race.

• Very close to Leya, and is called Lea by her.

• Person of common sense.

• There are plans for her to make an appearance.

[Zorua Waltore]

• Captain of the Demon King’s Army 2nd Platoon.

• Ikemen with a languid demeanour.

• One of the strongest members of the Demon King’s Army.

• Perfect Vampire.

• Nicknamed the [King of Black and Crimson] Really hates to be called a bat.

• Has a relationship like that of a cat and mouse with Zeros.

• There are plans for him to make an appearance.

[Zeros Alburner]

• Captain of the Demon King’s Army 1st Platoon.

• A taciturn handsome man.

• Leads the strongest platoon of the Army.

• One of the strongest members of the Demon King’s Army.

• His parents are both Oni, but his race is unknown. So he’s a mutant.
  

• Nicknamed [Annihilator].

• Has a relationship like that of a cat and mouse with Zorua.

• There are plans for him to make an appearance.

[Jade Leiben]

• Captain of the Demon King’s Army Disciplinary unit.

• Ikemen.

• Gay. Speaks in a way that makes him sound like an elder sister.

• Belong to the Incubus race.

• Often has girls talk(?) with Leya and Lealetta.

• His punishment methods… Well, that’s up to your imagination.

• One of the strongest members of the Demon King’s Army.

• There are plans for him to make an appearance.

[Lutia Bute]

-Daughter of the Demon King

• An expressionless bishoujo, much like a doll.

• Doesn’t talk much.

• Wants a friend.

• There are plans for her to make an appearance.

[Kreis]

• Fat, greasy, and also really short, but somehow is always full of confidence in himself.
  

• Arrogant, and has a disgusting laugh.

• 0 Combat ability, but served as the Demon King’s aide.

• Seems to have the power to see the future.

• He seems to have correctly predicted humankind’s attacks many times in the past.

• He seems to be plotting something but… ?

• There are plans for him to make an appearance.

<<Imperial Capital Terveil, Adventurer’s Guild Side>> [Claude Schleizer]

• Knight who serves the kingdom

• Middle-aged man with a languid demeanour.

• If he fixed up his appearance, he would look like an attractive middle-aged man.

• Good at taking care of people.

• Has only known Seiichi & co. for a short time, but treats them as friends.

• He’s an thought of as an acquaintance of Altria.

[Gassur Clute]

-Guild Master of the Guild Headquarters.

• A pervert managing perverts.

• Naked muscle man wearing only a pair of brown Speedos.

• Muscles are everything.

• Splendid physical beauty. In other words, muscles.
  

• Weight training, ever heard of it?

• Not sure about his ability as head of guild, but he is popular.

[Ellis Maclaine]

• Receptionist of the Guild Headquarters.

• Daughter of head of Maclaine family.

• Huge sadist.

• The gap between her normal appearance and her “S” mode is terrifying.

• If you want to get hit, feel free to go to the guild.

• Unexpectedly has common sense… common sense?

• Seems capable as a receptionist.

[Bad Men of Gara]

• A group of HOMOS!

• They’re newbie crushers… But only target men.

• Their names… will they even appear?

[Loli-Loving Perverted Gentleman]

• He’s in the guild, so he’s an adventurer… I think.

• Always protects little girls from the shadows.

• His entire network of information is made up of solely little girls.

• Thinks that little girls, aren’t things to touch, they’re meant to be beheld and loved from afar.

• He often gets thrown into prison by the soldiers of Terveil.
  

• On good terms with the Exhibitionist Pervert Gentleman. These two are useless.

[Exhibitionist Pervert Gentleman]

• He’s in the guild, so he’s an adventurer… I think.

• Formal Attire? Birthday suit, right?

• The form you’re born with, as it is, is beautiful.

• There isn’t a place in Terveil where he hasn’t been to while nude… other than the Imperial castle.

• He often gets thrown into prison by the soldiers of Terveil.

• On good terms with the Loli-Loving Perverted Gentleman. These two are useless.

[Claire Huster]

• A sister of the Bellfille religion.

• Also works as the director of the orphanage in the church.

• She really likes Saria, who was originally helping out at the church because of a request put up at the guild.

[Adrianna]

• Her husband is a count.

• Beautiful lady.

Despite being an older woman, she has an easy going attitude.

• Acquaintance of Altria.

[Fina]

• Owner of the inn [Tree of Tranquility].
  

• Beautiful lady.

• Runs the inn with her husband Lyle and daughter Mary.

[Lyle]

• Chef of the inn [Tree of Tranquility].

• Lyle isn’t a stern old man, he’s an Ikemen.

• Manages the Inn with his wife Fina and daughter Mary

[Mary]

• Postergirl of the Inn [Tree of Tranquility]

• She’s a bishoujo. I mean, she is the postergirl after all.

• Manages the Inn with her parents Lyle and Fina.

[Ranze]

• Seems to be a plain old lower middle class citizen.

• Cool Uncle type of person.

• An acquaintance of Noado, owner of coffee shop Akkoriente.

• Somehow comes off as a mysterious person.

[Noado]

• Owner of coffee shop Akkoriente.

• Refined elderly man.

• His figure standing behind a counter is like a bartender.

• Has an air of calmness about him.

• Seems to be an acquaintance of Ranze.
  

• Somehow comes off as a mysterious person.

[Clay Berger]

• Eldest son of Marquis Berger.

• Ikemen with brown hair.

• Confident to the point where it’s kind of refreshing.

• Artist… Well, you could call him a painter.

• His paintings are “original”.

• They seem to be selling for the time being.

• He’s an amateur that has only been painting for 3 months.

• Expect to see him more in the future.

[May Cherry]

• Dog demi-human.

• Bishoujo with dog ears.

• Likes drawing scenery of normal everyday life.

• She has skill, but her paintings don’t make an impact.

• Her paintings never sell.

• Started painting a year ago.

• Is a painter.

• Expect to see her more in the future

[Lorna Kirizasu]

Holds the title of [Master Swordswoman Warmaiden (Valkyrie)] amongst the knights.

(Subjected to change to match other version of title)

• High Tension.

• Served as Master of Ceremony of the Imperial Capital Cup.

• Expected to make her reappearance very soon.

<<Others>> [Hitsuji-san]

• Dungeon Administrator.

• Doesn’t have any combat ability, but in order to keep the monsters inside the dungeon, has strong power with limitations.

• Real name is Edward Lucenstein Balhead Habertus.

• Sleazebag, unlike his outlook.

• Good at messing with other people’s pace.

[Dark Noble Zeanos]

• The demonized version of the duke Zeanos Zeford.

• Belonged to the Halmaar Empire.

• Gave his all to try and revive his love, the maid Mary.

• A person who lived a tragic life.

• Was very strong.

[Mary]

• An war orphan who was picked up by Zeanos, and became his maid.
  

• Earnestly loved her master Zeanos from the very start to the end.

• Deceased.

[Black Dragon God]

• A large black dragon.

• It could be said that it was the first friend of the first generation demon king.

• Regrets not being able to protect the demon king to the end.

• Hates humans.

• A pitiful dragon.

• Very strong.

• Expected to make a reappearance soon… He isn’t dead, you know?

[Hero Abel]

• Owner of the diary that Seiichi read.

• A Hero who existed in the past.

• Betrayed by his companions and his country.

• Deceased.
  

[Master… ?]

While my thought process was at a standstill from the abrupt development, the human version of Rurune anxiously looks at me with upturned eyes.

…Even though she’s a donkey, she’s wearing a ponytail, laughable right? Eh? That’s not where the problem lies? I’m escaping from reality, notice you idiot!

I wanted to stay frozen as I was, but Rurune is naked and above all, there were some very dangerous stares coming from the surroundings. No, I don’t have the leisure to look around scared.

[Hey uh… Rurune… right?] [Huh? That’s right, but… Hm?]

Rurune was puzzled by my question, but I guess she noticed something felt out of place, because she looked down at her own body.

[…]

She slowly turned her eyes to me, and then with great force asked, [A-aaah, Master?! W-w-w-why have I turned into a human?!]

[Uhh… Calm down? I’ll explain properly, so. Rather, more importantly… ]

While Rurune was panicking, I who had instead calmed down, draped my robe over Rurune in order to hide her nakedness.

[Ah… ]

[As one would expect… being naked is a bit… ]

Rurune, having finally noticed that she was naked, wrapped herself in my robe while

blushing.

Sheesh with that sort of reaction, I’ll get embarrassed too, you know. Actually, wasn’t Rurune naked as a donkey? Why this shyness now? With Saria, it’s the exact opposite.

However… In order to hide Rurune’s nakedness, I have finally taken off my robe.

Well, right now I don’t have the leisure to worry about the Hero stuff. Rather, at the moment, hugging a naked girl in public is a much bigger issue .

Worst case, ‘I’m from the eastern country, because of my black hair I was an unwanted child’, if I make up some suitable excuse, it should be fine… I don’t care anymore!

Well, even if I’m an unwanted child or whatever, the people of this town probably won’t care. After all, even with Al’s curse, they were that kind to her.

With that, even though I took off my robe, I didn’t feel that reluctant. Now then, more importantly… What do I do after this…

I breathed a deep sigh while stroking the head of Rurune, who had her face buried in the robe trying to hide her embarrassment. Right then,

[ Seiichi! ]

[ Woah, what’s with this crowd… ] Saria and Al both came towards me.

If it was the usual me, this wouldn’t have been a big deal. But… my current circumstances are bad, very bad.

As the two came into view, I broke into a sweat of unusual quantity with a pale face. I’m begging you, don’t come over right now, please. Really, seriously… !

However, my hopes were in vain, as the two reached us.

When we, with Rurune naked in a robe, were seen, the two’s eyes opened wide and they

stiffened.

…This seems to be commonly known as a scene of carnage? I ,who had lived life at the pinnacle of unpopularity, didn’t think I would experience this. I guess it’s true you never know what’ll happen in life…

[Y-you… ]

Al looks at me as I try to escape reality, gradually tears begin to fill her eyes. Wait! This is really bad!

As I try to explain myself, my mouth only flaps open and closed uselessly and no words come out.

Ah, I’m doomed.

I sensed my life coming to an end, but Al’s words were not what I expected at all. [The robe… you finally took it off!]

[I’m really sorry!!… Eh?]

I unconsciously did a double take on Al.

Eh? This is strange. Our conversation is not matching up at all.

As I tilt my head in confusion, likewise, Al makes a mystified expression.

[Ah? Why are you making that face? You haven’t taken off your robe up until now. For you to take it off now, and expose your face, isn’t it because you trust this town from the bottom of your heart? I was happy about that… ]

[…]

I’m dumbfounded by Al’s words.

In other words, Al hasn’t noticed Rurune who has been clinging to me in the nude, and instead seemed to be deeply moved by me having taken off my robe.

That was so unexpected that I’m dumbfounded, but it seems my neck is safe for now. [Seiichi, who’s this young woman that’s clinging to you?]

Yes, there goes my neck!

I began to sweat again as I turned to face Saria, but looking at her, the curious look on her face seemed to say that she asked the question out of pure curiosity.

That’s right, only Saria is―. […Seiichi.]

[Uh, Yes.]

[Lend me your ear.] […]

I looked at Al who was calmly smiling, and thought everything was over. […So in other words, you’re saying that woman is Rurune the donkey?] […Yes.]

After that we returned to the inn, and I was made to sit straight(seiza) in front of Al in the room Saria and I share.

When we got back to the inn, fortunately only Lyle-san was there in the dining room. He had a surprised look for a moment after seeing my real face, but after that he looked at me with lukewarm eyes. What should I do, I want to disappear.

But, I was given a chance to explain myself to Al, and I had just about finished desperately explaining everything.

After Al had heard my explanation she sighed once, and looked at me with reproachful eyes.

[…Can’t you make up a better excuse?]

[It is the truth! Please believe me!]

No, it is certainly unbelievable that a donkey turned into a girl! But… it can’t be helped, can it? It really happened!

Well, my explanation was also heard by Rurune, who is also half in doubt about it. As I desperately ask her to believe me, Al has a fed up expression.

[Then, show me some evidence. If you do that, I’ll believe you.] [Ev-evidence?]

[Yes, evidence. If there isn’t any, there’s no way I could believe you, right?] Quite so.

However, how should I show her evidence? Should I ask Rurune to turn into a donkey temporarily?

While I was thinking of that, Saria who had kept silent up to now began to speak. [Al, what Seiichi’s saying is true you know?]

[…Huh?]

[What I’m saying is, this girl is Rurune-chan.]

When Saria said this, she turned a smile to Rurune who was huddled up next to me. [Even so… Ahh, Rurune-chan also ate a fruit of evolution, huh.]

[Wa-wait just a minute! Saria, are you honestly believing such lies?] [Yes. Cause, I’m like that too.]

[…Huh?]

While Al was questioning Saria’s impossible to understand statement with a difficult expression; Saria smiled, and transformed into the Kaiser Kong gorilla.

[I, originally, monster. But, ate evolution fruit, became human. Now, will you believe?] […]

Once again returning to human form, she grinned at Al and said [See!] .

Al, who witnessed an incredible phenomenon not seen by ordinary people, froze for a while. Before long she seemed to come to a conclusion.

[Alright. I’ll stop thinking. Nothing makes sense anyways.]

She escaped from reality?! But she looks like she was able to completely assent to it..!

But well, if impossible things keep happening in front of you one after the other, there’s not much you can do but give up trying to reason it out in your mind.

Having experienced something similar in the [Forest of Endless love and Sorrow] , I really sympathize with her.

[Haa… But, to think this girl really is Rurune the donkey… ]

While sighing, Al turned her eyes towards Rurune, who was wrapped up in my robe next to me.

[I-, I also didn’t think something like turning into a human would happen to me… ]

After seeing Saria’s transformation, Rurune also seems to have accepted having turned into a human because of the Fruit of Evolution.

[But still… A-all the same, clinging to someone while naked, is a bit… Th-that type of thing is for after you marry, right?]

Al said so, her face flushing red.

Seeing Al like that, both Rurune and I remembered our previous situation and blushed. […Wi-will I too, someday… d-do things like that..?]

[…Eh?]

[-! No-nothing at all!]

Al was murmuring something silently, so I asked what she said, but for some reason she got mad at me. How unreasonable.

While we were having such exchanges, as if she suddenly noticed something, Saria asked,

[That reminds me, why did you put your robe on her?]

[Wha? But, if I didn’t, Rurune would have remained naked, right?]

[Then, it would have been fine if she put on my clothes. The clothes we got from Hitsuji- san, you still have them, right Seiichi?]

[Ah.]

Told that by Saria, I noticed for the first time.

That’s right! The ones we got from the bastard Hitsuji, I still had those clothes made specially for Saria, didn’t I? What’s more, they’re even the type that can change size to fit the wearer!

I can only be dumbfounded at the fact that I forgot those.

Th-then, what was the point of taking off my robe in front of everyone? And the time I spent coming up with the unwanted child setting?

Eh, it was all in vain? Seriously?

… [Aaaaaaaaaa… ]

[…Well, don’t let it get to you?]

Al said nice words to me while I was at my wits’ end. Yet why is it that the sweat won’t stop pouring from my eyes? Tell me, Ojii-san! (TLC Note: The tell me, ojii-san part is

probably a reference to a song from the anime Heidi, Girl of the Alps.)

Well, there’s no point in worrying about things past, so I pulled myself together and passed 2 gold coins to Al.

The reason was because I intended for her to buy clothes for Rurune.

Saria is wearing a one piece dress for now, but since she’s originally a gorilla, it’s not like she knows much about human clothes. That’s why I decided to rely on Al for this.

Rurune has become able to turn into a human, after all. Clothes are definitely necessary.

[Al. Could you use that money to buy some suitable clothes for Rurune? As expected, I really don’t feel like having her wear Saria’s clothes at this late hour… ]

[Ah? I don’t mind but… I can’t tell Rurune’s size, you know?]

[There are clothes with automatic size adjustment magic, right? If possible, I’d like to get several of those. If you could get shoes and underwear too, that’d be great.]

[Well, sure. Just wait a bit.]

Saying that, Al left to purchase Rurune’s clothes.

About 20 minutes later, when Al came back with the clothes, we immediately got Rurune to change into them.

During that, I was thoroughly blindfolded by Al, but that’s another story.

Finished changing, she wore a black shirt and a brown leather jacket over it, with a pair of pants of the same brown color. Something like a black colored belt is strapped around her thigh, and with the short black boots she had on coupled with the dignified air she carried herself with, she looked very cool.

[I more or less randomly picked some clothes, but is it fine with this? Well, clothes with size adjustment magic are all expensive, so there’s no change left, but… ]

This kind of fashion sense, is “randomly picked”… you say… ?!

I was surprised at how good Al’s fashion sense was. In my case, my appearance isn’t what you’d call smartly dressed… Even though I’m thin now, I don’t think I’d fit in adventurer gear. Even what I’m wearing now is just a white shirt and black pants, a very simple style.

While I was thinking that, Rurune came to ask, embarrassed. [Um… Master. I’m not very confident, but does this fit me… ?]

[No, it really suits you super well. Al too, your fashion sense is too good.] [I-is that so… ?]

[That’s the first time I’ve ever been told that… ]

Rurune’s cheeks were dyed red, and she had a happy smile on her face, while Al with a similar expression averted her eyes while scratching the back of her head.

While watching the two of them like that, I put on the robe I got back from them, and once again pulled the hood over my head.

When I did so, Al had a disappointed look on her face. [Hey, Seiichi. You’re putting the hood back on?]

[Hm? Well, since I’ve had the hood on for so long, I feel more relaxed this way… ]

Those words were what I truly thought, as life wearing the hood was unexpectedly pleasant. It also acts as a sunshade.

Thinking that far, I suddenly remembered something. It was, the thing regarding my hair.

My hair is black, but I wanted to know if that held special meaning in this world.

Thinking so, I tried asking Al.

[Speaking of which, is my black hair rare?]

[Eh? Ah, let’s see… You’re from the Eastern Country, right? [Um… Something similar.]

[Huh? Oh well. I’ve never been to the Eastern Country, so I don’t know, but I’ve heard there are lots of people there with close to black hair. Though it’s true that in this continent it may be rare. Ah, speaking of which, I’ve think I heard something along the lines of that the Heroes summoned in Kaiser Empire mostly had black hair… ]

[I-I see.]

I was relieved by Al’s words.

It seems like the Eastern Country is a more convenient place for me than I thought. The fact that it’s in the east is also similar to Japan.

Just as I was sighing in relief, the disappointed look returned to Al’s face. [But you know, I really think it’s a waste?]

[Eh? What is?]

[Well, if you took off that hood you’d be popu—Ah!!]

Stopping mid-sentence as though she just realized something, Al suddenly grasped my shoulders with a really upset look.

[Yo-you can’t-!]

[You absolutely cannot take off your hood! Especially in front of women!] [Isn’t that different from what you just said?]

[A-anyway, you just can’t! Understand?! Definitely don’t take it off!!]

[E-ehh… ? We-well, I don’t think I’d take it off on my own accord, but… ]

When I said that, Al looked relieved.

[Ah, that was dangerous… If he were to take off his hood, he’d get super popular with girls… I really don’t want that… ]

She quietly murmured something, but I couldn’t quite catch what she said.

Various things have happened, but since Rurune is a human now, there was a need to rent out a room for her.

Or well, there’s no need to do so if Rurune returns to being a donkey, but she seems to like the human form, so I decided to rent a room.

Actually, if I’m going to spend an extended period of time in this country, it might be easier to just buy a house… Luckily, I’ve got too much money on my hands. I don’t think I could spend it all during my lifetime.

It’s just, if I’m to join up with Shouta and the others, I’ll be leaving, so it might be better to leave buying a house till after I decide what I want to do from now on.

While thinking a bit about what to do from now on, I went to the receptionist’s desk. Fina and the others weren’t there yet, so I explained the situation to Lyle and rented a new room.

Though I call it explaining the situation, I didn’t tell him that Rurune is a donkey. Rather, if I did say that, he would doubt my sanity, you know?

Unexpectedly, Rurune was quite stubborn about sleeping in the same room as me. Well, she does call herself a knight, so it’s probably because of the protect-the-master- mindset that she’s stubborn about that… Even so, when it comes to food, her improper behavior for a knight really stands out.

In the end, it was decided that a single room would be rented for Rurune. She seemed really disappointed, though.

And so, since we already rented a room, we were about to head back to our rooms to rest, when…

[Excuuse mee–!]

[…We’re not exactly trying to conquer a dojo here, so what’s with that way of entering?] (TLC Note: The so-called dojo yaburi. The “tanomo-” she said while entering is traditionally said when coming to challenge a dojo.)

[What are you saying, Clau-chan! The war has already begun-! With that attitude, you’ll be the first to go you know?!

[What in the world are you fighting, Lorna?] [How should I know that.]

[…Of course.]

[Eh? Why are you looking at me like you’re looking at something pitiful?] Suddenly, the inn’s door was flung open and two noisy people came in.

One was a short girl with medium length orange hair. The other was a tall girl with short indigo hair.

The two of them had completely different personalities and height, but both had one thing in common.

It was the armor they wore.

It looked similar to the silver colored armor Terveil soldiers like Claude wears, but the armor these two wore was a bright silver, not having the unrefined image like Claude’s armor, but rather gave off a feeling of gorgeousness. They even had swords hanging from their belts.

You could tell they were knights at a glance.

Just when they entered, they suddenly started quarreling, making us all dumbfounded.

It doesn’t really matter, but the both of them have excellent appearances. Doesn’t this town have an abnormal amount of beautiful girls and handsome guys? Proportionally to that, there’s also an extraordinary amount of perverts, though.

And then, Lyle, being the first to regain his senses, called out to them, confused.

[Um… Who might the two of you be?]

[Hm? Ah, my apologies. Because my partner is like this, it seems I forgot to introduce myself.]

[Hey, Clau-chan. What do you mean by “like this”?] […Hahaha.]

[Could you not try to deceive me with that forced laugh?]

Once again they started with their two-person comedy act, while we only got more and more confused.

As if noticing the situation, the girl with short indigo hair coughed, then began to introduce herself.

[Ahhh… Ahem. I am Claudia Asterio, affiliated to this country’s Master Swordswoman Warmaiden Valkyrie.]

[Of the same Valkyrie affiliation, Lorna Kirizasu-! I was the announcer for the Royal Cup, did you notice?]

[I see… ]

After hearing their self-introduction, we were still confused. Actually, we might be even more confused than before.

I mean, why would this country’s knights come to this inn? Rather, Lorna-san was the person who was the announcer in the Royal Cup, huh. She’s as energetic and enthusiastic as you would expect.

In contrast, the girl with short indigo hair – Claudia-san was as cool as the actresses playing male roles in the Takarazuka. (TLC Note: Takarazuka Revue is a musical theater troupe that’s female only, so male roles are also played by women.)

While I was thinking of such things while observing the two, Lyle-san spoke up. [Um… Ladies of Valkyrie, what business might you have here?]

[Ah, I almost forgot about that.]

[Eh—! Clau-chan, doing stuff like forgetting about your work, isn’t that no good—? Pfft-

]

[…Leaving her aside, we came because we have business with a certain person.] [A certain person… is it?]

To Lyle-san who asked while tilting his head, Claudia-san nodded. [That’s right. Except, I’ve already found that person.]

Saying that, Claudia-san turned her gaze to me for some reason. [You’re, Seiichi-kun right?]

[Eh? Ye-yes… But, why do you know my name… ?]

[Fufufu… You won the Royal Cup riding a donkey. Besides, that robe stands out. I immediately recognized you.]

[…Um, and so, do you have some business with me?]

When I asked that with a confused expression, Claudia-san answered. [Yeah, I’ll put it simply. Come to the Royal Palace for a bit?]

[…Eh?]

[Sorry, but you have no right to refuse.] [Why not?!]

No, really why?! Did I do something wrong?!

Actually, saying “to the Royal Palace for a bit”… It’s as if a police officer asked you to go down to the station with him, that type of feeling, right?!

Furthermore, I have “no right to refuse”… Why are the human rights in this world so

insignificant?!

Claudia-san’s words shocked not just me but Saria and the others too.

But, without paying any attention to us being like that, Claudia-san and Lorna-san each grabbed one of my arms and started dragging me away.

[Now then, innkeeper, Seiichi’s companions. We’ll borrow Seiichi-kun for a bit.] [Give up-! Your evil deeds end here-!]

[…Lorna. It’s not really like Seiichi-kun did something bad, you know?] [Buut, I think things like these are important, you know—.]

While being pulled along, I was at least relieved to hear from their conversation that Claudia-san said I hadn’t done anything wrong.

It’s just that, right before being dragged out of the inn, though I’m not Lorna-san, I thought I just had to say this.

[I-I’m innoceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeent—!] This phrase can’t be left out.

[Eh… and? Isn’t it about time you told me why I’m being dragged away?]

I asked, while being dragged along by Claudia-san and Lorna-san downtown.

The image of me being dragged around town with a beauty holding each arm was rather surreal. There were tears of jealousy in the eyes of those around us. In addition, my head’s been going *DONA DONA* for a while now though! (TLC note: The “dona dona” is a reference to a Yiddish song, about a calf being led to slaughter.)

[Ah, that’s right. I haven’t told you yet, have I.]

Claudia-san, who heard my question, replied as if she just recalled that fact. [Seiichi-kun. You’re the one who won the Royal Cup right?]

[Eh, well yes.]

[That’s the reason why.] […Huh?]

I asked, not understanding what she meant, so Claudia-san continued.

[Don’t you remember? The victor gets the rights to spend a day with us, the Valkyries (Master Swordswoman War-maidens)] (TLC Note: Valkyries being the pronunciation, the longer title is the way it’s written in kanji.)

[Looks like you finally remembered. You didn’t attend the award ceremony either, so I was thinking “by some chance, does he not care about the winner’s prize?” but… Seeing you like this, you really don’t seem to care about it, huh.]

This is bad, I completely forgot about that.

I, who is supposed to have the skill “Perfect Memory”, totally forgot about it. What’s the

meaning of this fraudulent skill? Skill fraud? No, it’s kefir. (TLC Note: This is an expression that got popular after a Japanese kefir commercial with the phrase “… yoghurt. No, it’s kefir.”)

Well, I can perfectly remember things like magic skills, and all the necessary things too, so maybe the skill decides what information is necessary and what isn’t and removes the unnecessary things… Is that how it works?

Enough about that, I didn’t think the reward would be put into effect the very day the cup ended. Although it ended before noon, it’s still too sudden.

As if she guessed what I thought, Claudia-san let out a strained laugh.

[Hahaha. Well, it’s because we don’t have much free time. I’m sorry about that.]

[Ah! Look at that Clau-chan! That stall over there is selling delicious looking grilled skewers! We should come by tomorrow and have some! Also, there’s an accessory shop here too! There’s clothes and all sorts of new works too, my, so busy!]

[…We’re really not slacking. Please trust me.]

At Lorna-san’s words, Claudia-san face-palmed, looking up towards the sky. You really have it hard huh.

As the exchanges went on, before I knew it we had somehow ended up in front of the Royal Palace.

[Well then… This is the Winberg Country’s castle — the [Arcshell Castle] ] Claudia-san declared proudly.

But, I was in a state where it was as though I didn’t hear what she said, and was merely staring at the castle in front of my eyes.

It may be rude to ignore what Claudia-san is saying, but that just goes to show how huge and overwhelming the castle was.

It was the first time since we came to Terveil, that I’ve felt as excited about something as watching the city with Saria from afar.

[Amazing… ]

Castles were a thing that I never had a chance to see while I was still on Earth. No, I’ve seen the castles in Japan before, and also the castle in the land of dreams that a certain mouse lives in, but this was the first time I’d seen a proper western styled castle with a King living in it.

That’s why I was overwhelmed by the presence of the Arcshell Castle.

As I stared at the castle in utter amazement, Claudia-san smiled, seemingly satisfied with my reaction.

[Mm, I’m glad that you like it. Then, shall we enter immediately?] Following Claudia-san, I head towards the castle gate.

As we got closer to the gate, on the side facing the town, there was a guard wearing armour like that of Claude-san’s, who saluted Claudia-san and Lorna-san. Amazing… I’m like a grade-schooler with my simple impressions, huh.

Past the gate, there was a large, luxurious garden filled with flowers of various colours, all at full bloom. Despite the numerous types of flowers, there was no conflicting scents, and each could be softly smelt. Amazing.

In the centre of the garden there was a fountain, which was probably some sort of magical tool. Amazing… With myself unable to say anything but “amazing”, I was starting to want to cry.

Secretly hurting inside, as I was accompanying Claudia-san, we stopped at a certain place.

[Here is the training ground of the soldiers of the Winberg country.]

[By the way, there’s a magical barrier here that can withstand the full onslaught of the Magic Division of the army without a scratch! Though, if you use such dangerous magic, Ruiesu-sama gets mad!]

[…Well, in Ruiesu-sama’s case, even if she’s angry she always has that serious attitude so you can’t really tell. Even before we went to pick Seiichi-kun up, while Lorna was being punished by Ruiesu-sama about the incident during the Royal Cup, her

expression was completely unchanged, as if there was nothing out of the ordinary… ]

[D-don’t remind me of that! George-kun from the intelligence section, who together with me secretly took a picture of Ruiesu-sama, was unable to take her punishment, and before fleeing towards an inn, [… Haha, a wooden sword… a wooden sword that can cut through steel is… is coming towards me… ! Don’t come hereeeeeeeeeee!] is what the broken man was screaming!]

[…Did you properly take him to the doctor’s office?]

[He was too troublesome to look after, so I left him alone. Ku-… George-kun, I will never forget your valiant figure!]

[…George-kun is alive… right?] [George-kun? Who’s that.]

[You’re a demon… !] [Can i leave yet?]

I couldn’t take being ignored anymore, so I interrupted the conversation between the two.

I mean, isn’t that, right? If I were to just keep silently listening, I would likely never hear anything decent… !

I didn’t really want to stay in such a dangerous place for too long after all. No, who would want that?! Furthermore, George-kun is way too pitiful! Even though it was mostly his fault!

But before I could get away, Claudia-san grabbed onto my shoulder.

[I’m sorry to say, but you’ll just have to give up. This is the what this country is like… ] [The guild is also like that but, it’s like this even within the royal palace?!]

This country, it only has perverts and weirdos doesn’t it! But that pervert-style is somehow heading in a good direction, how unsettling… !

But here, it’s possible that because they’re made up of only weirdos, that everyone can be happy… Is it alright? With that.

[Nn? Oh, perfect timing. Seiichi-kun, look at that.]

Suddenly, prompted by Claudia-san, I looked in the direction she was pointing.

I could see a number of girls with the same type of armor as Claudia-san and Lorna- san, using wooden swords in a corner of the training grounds.

[Is that… practice?]

[That is so. It is the training for us Valkyries.]

[And over there, is our group’s leader —- Ruiesu-sama-!]

Taking a closer look at the group of girls armed with wooden swords, I saw one particular person was at the centre of the group, surrounded by the others. I could make out her shape, but I couldn’t really see her face.

[Come on, let’s get closer to get a better look!]

[Good idea. That should be pretty exciting for Seiichi-kun.]

While being urged by the two, I approached the group of girls.

Then, I could finally get a good look at the face of the girl in the centre of the circle.

Her light blue straight hair flowed down to her waist. Her face was well-featured to a surprising degree.

Her blue armour had a polished and sleek (Author uses “smart”) shape, and didn’t give off the impression that it was roughly made at all.

Although she was encircled by women wielding wooden swords, her wooden sword hung at her waist, her eyes were closed, and with the pure white mantle fluttering

around her form, it was as if she was the embodiment of a dignified and noble knight. Rurune-san, please watch and learn from this person!

[Can you see her? The one in the centre over there, that’s Ruiesu-sama.] [Please look very carefully! Because it’ll be over in an instant!]

Lorna-san excitedly said that, so getting interested, I decided to observe their training.

Then, the girls wielding wooden swords simultaneously launched an attack at the girl called Ruiesu.

The Zeford-style defensive sword technique I had was just a skill I had obtained from defeating Zeanos, unlike techniques obtained from training for a long time, so in terms of swordplay, I was actually an amateur.

But, even for the inexperienced me, I could easily tell that their technique was very polished, and their swing was that of an expert.

Their swords’ speed was, even to me with my mind’s eye skill, shockingly fast.

The girls’ synchronized attack came down towards the concentrating Ruiesu-san’s head.

Surely, all those swords directly hit Ruiesu-san—right at the moment we thought so…

Ruiesu-san calmly opened her eyes.

The instant the swords were approaching, with her sky blue eyes as calm as the surface of a lake without a single ripple, she caught every single sword, is what I understood with my eyes.

And―――― […]

A flash.

Ruiesu-san, even among all the women around her, drew her wooden sword out at an overwhelming speed.

A speed so fast, that having the mind’s eye skill was almost pointless.

What Ruiesu-san cut… were the swords of every one of the women around her. And what’s more, they were cut so cleanly that it would be hard to think that someone did that with the same kind of wooden sword.

The girls were staring at their cut swords, dumbstruck, while Ruiesu-san simply shook her sword lightly before sliding it back to her waist.

[――――The speed of your slashes is getting faster. However, your slashes are too straightforward. Make sure to devote yourselves.]

[-! Hai! Thank you very much for your guidance!]

Suiting the somewhat strange, otherworldly atmosphere, she instructed the girls with her beautiful voice, and the girls replied cheerfully.

…Oi oi oi, that one person’s ability towers above the rest. What was that? Those superhuman movements. Makes me think she’s a monster even stronger than me, you know.

While I was stunned by the ridiculous show of strength, Claudia-san and the others smiled wryly.

[Hahaha… As usual, I can’t see her sword slashes at all. Even though those girls are level 250 or higher, and I’m even level 380. Lorna, did you manage to see?]

[If even Clau-chan can’t see it, then there’s no way the level 360 me could see it right?]

[Hmm… But in Ruiesu-sama’s case, even if she were to fight someone of level 500 like herself, I feel like it’d still end up the same.]

[No, as expected that’s a little… huh? I can’t deny it?!]

Apparently these two were unable to see Ruiesu-san’s strikes just now. But still, to think Claudia was level 380 and Lorna was level 360. And exceeding that, they said Ruiesu-san’s level was 500?

While I was thinking of such things, Ruiesu-san noticed us and came towards us. [Claudia, Lorna. You’ve returned.]

The two who heard those words straightened their posture and saluted her. [Hai, we’ve brought him along.]

[Everything’s perfect now!]

[Lorna, if only you hadn’t done anything unnecessary then we wouldn’t have had any trouble in the first place.]

Said Ruiesu-san indifferently.

Lorna-san averts her eyes and starts whistling to hide her guilt, while Claudia-san smiles wryly at her.

Then, Ruiesu-san turned her attention to me. [And so, you’re Seiichi-san?]

[Eh? Ah, yes.]

[I am the leader of the Winberg Kingdom’s Valkyrie (Sword Saints of the Holy Maiden), Ruiesu Barze.]

Even while she was introducing herself, there was absolutely no change in Ruiesu-san’s expression. Anyway, she seems to really be expressionless.

[Well then… In that case, here.]

While I was looking at Ruiesu-san to a degree that wouldn’t be impolite, Ruiesu-san suddenly handed me a wooden sword.

[Let’s have a mock battle.]

[Is it alright for me to leave instead?]

I blurted out without thinking, but I don’t think I’m at fault. However, Ruiesu-san quietly shakes her head in rejection.

[If my subordinates hadn’t prepared such a strange prize, then this sort of thing wouldn’t have happened. But you won the Royal Cup, and the prize for winning is to spend a day with us, thus I have to fulfill that obligation.]

[I feel that your sense of responsibility is admirable, but why a mock battle?]

[? Even if you ask me why… I thought the “spend a day with us” thing would be to participate in our training, but… is it different?]

This is bad, this person doesn’t have any self-awareness at all.

I think that Lorna-san, who prepared this reward, definitely intended for the winner to have fun together with Ruiesu-san and all the other beauties in Valkyrie.

Unfortunately, Ruiesu-san seems to have been misguided in her thinking that it was to join them in training.

Or rather, how could training even be considered as a prize?

[Well in any case, why not just show me what you can do. If there are any errors in your form I can point it out, and if you can fix them, you’ll be able to get stronger than you are now.]

[Eh? No, wai-… ]

I was going to call out to Ruiesu-san, but all the girls had already separated from me, and it was at a state where the battle could start at any time.

And so, Claudia-san and the other Valkyries were far away from us, and were already in Spectator Mode. I can’t get away… !

While I was still dumbstruck, Ruiesu-san called out to me. [I’m alright to go at any time, you know?]

[Eh? Um, I… ]

[Well then, why don’t we start with seeing how well you can defend.]

Stupid me… ! Spit it out clearly! The atmosphere is already one where I can’t really say any more at this point, isn’t it?!

While I was harshly scolding myself, Ruiesu-san was calmly drawing her sword. [Now then ―――― Here I come.]

Ruiesu-san, like in the previous battle, approached at a speed where my Mind’s Eye skill was almost useless, and swung her sword towards my stomach to smash into it.

I, pretty much reflexively, jumped backwards with all my might to avoid the attack.

In doing so, a small crater was made in the ground where I was, but… yup, let’s not mind it.

[…I’m surprised. To think my first strike was avoided so easily… ] [No, it wasn’t easy at all… ]

[Well then, I shall come at you with my full strength now.]

[Why are there so many people who don’t listen to what others say?!]

Even though I said it wasn’t easy to avoid her attack, Ruiesu-san still declared that she would come at me with full strength. I’m just about to cry here.

While I was thinking of that, Ruiesu-san once again came towards me to strike me, but this time it was at a speed where my Mind’s Eye skill couldn’t detect her at all.

…Shupan-! (Sound effect)

[Wait a second?! The movement and sound of her attack don’t match up though?!] (NOTE : Means she moving faster than sound)

Just when i thought Ruiesu-san’s slash was silent, I heard a slightly delayed slashing sound. Even I○koku Dou-san would be surprised! (NOTE : Censored name)(TLC Note: Japanese ventriloquist)

And so, in a stance chasing the surprised me down, she slashed at supersonic speed. [Mou, I don’t want this type of person!]

I avoided the slash by jumping away sideways. However――――.

…Shupapapapan-! (More sound effects)

Once again more supersonic slashes were sent my way, 4 of them even!

What’s with those supersonic slashes?! If this hit someone who hadn’t quit being human like me, they would definitely die!

First of all, that isn’t even an attack a wooden sword can perform! I don’t understand how the sword could cleanly cut through the floor after I dodged it!

Supersonic slashes come after me one after the other, and I continued to dodge them with all types of postures. UO-! That almost hit my face, you know!!

[…Ruiesu-sama is plenty inhuman, but Seiichi-kun who is dodging her attacks unharmed seems like he’s quit being human too, huh.]

[As expected of someone who won the Royal cup riding on a donkey. What’s his level?]

[No, even before that, Seiichi-kun who can avoid Ruiesu-sama at full power unharmed is abnormal. Even supposing he’s level 500, the highest a human can be, there’s no way he should be able to dodge the same-leveled Ruiesu-sama’s attacks without a scratch. Is he really just an adventurer?]

[Hmm… Just in case, I had George-kun investigate him, but apparently, he really just came to this town recently, signed up at the adventurer’s guild, and is a newbie adventurer.]

[George-kun has really played an active role in all this, huh.]

While I was here desperately trying to dodge the chain of attacks, I faintly heard Claudia-san and Lorna-san bantering. Damn it!

[…I’m honestly surprised. To think it was possible for my full power to not work… ]

When I was dodging Ruiesu-san’s attacks with undivided attention, she muttered, seemingly having received a bit of a shock.

[…Then, how about this?]

Just when I thought the storm of supersonic slashes had stopped, this time she approached me with a speed surpassing what she had showed at the beginning.

And so, Ruiesu-san came at me from overhead.

I can’t dodge that speed or sharpness. No, this is really bad for me, you know?!

Though it’s true, I could probably dodge it if it’s okay to get a bit serious, like I did with the first attack.

But she’s swinging the sword down faster than that time, exceeding my reflexes’ speed.

To begin with, there’s no need for me to fight seriously either, so I thought about getting hit on purpose and letting her point out a flaw, to end this.

But you know what? Isn’t that unreasonable? What kind of attack would let a wooden sword carve a scar into the ground?! If I were to be hit by this attack, that’s similar to the black dragon god’s attack [Touka(penetration)] , I would be made into mincemeat! I’m scared, there’s no way I can take that attack!

During the first attack, the one that made the crater was me when I slightly seriously tried to avoid the attack, but Ruiesu-san is plenty inhuman too, right?!

At any rate, if they knew I was from the same school as the summoned heroes, then I might get treated as a hero, so I wanted to avoid standing out as much as possible and so have yet to reveal my full strength in front of people.

But Ruiesu-san’s attack was dangerous, to the point where I unintentionally got slightly serious to avoid it.

…If I took this attack on, I wonder if I would survive? Even if I don’t die, it seems like it’d be painful, huh…

While watching the sword gradually approaching me, when I had resigned myself, right then.

[ The effect of skill [Evolution] has activated. Hereby, your body shall now be adapted for battle. Accordingly, skill [Mind’s Eye] and [Detection] have been synthesized and transformed to skill [World’s Eye] . Furthermore, Skill [Reflexive Defense] has been acquired.]

The emotionless voice I haven’t heard in a while resounds in my head.

While I was still surprised by the sudden intrusion of the voice, Ruiesu-san’s sword had gathered power and was just about to strike me.

However――――.

My body reversed the situation.

In order to avoid the full force of the sword that struck the top of my head, I squatted down faster than even the speed of sword, then I back-flipped to take some distance, and during the upwards swing of my leg, I kicked Ruiesu-san’s sword arm, knocking the sword out of her hands.

Thus, in the moment where Ruiesu-san stood still, shocked with eyes wide open, I landed with the edge of my wooden sword pointed at her neck.

It was such a quick development that Claudia-san and the Valkyrie group were stunned.

Though this is weird, I who was the one who thrust the wooden sword at Ruiesu-san, also don’t understand why this happened, and am also stunned.

Then—-

“Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeh!?” x4

“Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!?” (Seiichi)

“Nonono! Why are you, the one who defeated Ruiesu-sama, getting surprised as well!?”

“…as expected of Seiichi-san who won with a donkey. To think that someone more of a monster than Ruiesu-sama would exist… ”

Claudia-san tsukkomi’d at me, who along with the Valkyrie group, was also surprised, and Lorna-san said something really rude.

No, I mean! I, too, can’t understand why I was suddenly able to move like that!

Ah, speaking of which, for the first time in a long while, I heard the voice in my head, but, was it because of that?!

I immediately pulled my hood further down to hide it from my surroundings, and checked my status.

When doing so, on the skill-list column, are two names that I am not familiar with.

[World Eyes] , a skill that interferes with the world itself. It’s possible to do a detailed search for enemies, with a range reaching 500 meters. However, it normally stays passive with a general enemy search, and it can be activated to perform a detailed enemy search. The effect of the skill [Mind’s Eye] has been raised, and it’s become

possible to respond faster than ever before. Even unnecessary things have become able to be seen. Passive skill.

[Reflexive Defense] , a skill that automatically moves the body in order to defend against attacks that one is unable to react to. However, it does not react to attacks that come from a blind spot. Passive skill.

STOP THIS ALREADYYY!

What’s with this!? Has it settle down recently?–was what I had been thinking, but… It was just the calm before the storm!

This body of mine is not respecting me at all?! Before I knew it, my human rights had been taken away from me by my own body, damn it!

In order to prevent the Valkyries from thinking I’m suspicious, I did not show this on my face and only made the outburst in my heart.

But even so, such a strong skill… am I truly able to handle it?

Due to the skill [Reflexive Defense] just now, my body’s movements too, while I wasn’t understanding why, my body was moved, you know?

Even the other skills, until this very day, rather than me using the skills, it’s the skills that are using me!

Really, the human-specific skill “Evolution (Shinka)” is really not restraining itself. Well, I do hold a “Knows no Self-Restraint” title, but still!

…Dear Father and Mother, when I die, will I be able to properly go to heaven as a human?

I silently look up at the sky and when tears started flowing out of my eyes, Ruiesu-san who has been staring at her hands until now quietly approaches me.

“E..erm… ?”

In front of me, to Ruiesu-san who is hanging her head down without a word; just what should I say to her?

…What should I say. I did defeat the country’s strongest knight after all… Will there be a tomorrow?

The Valkyries too, seeing Ruiesu-san like that, they all went quiet. Please… say something! Hey, weren’t you people making a racket just now? Lorna-san, now’s your time to shine as an announcer! Being silent is really the worst!

I secretly peeked at Ruiesu-san’s condition.

Doing so, Ruiesu-san slowly raised her face and stared at me… Huh? What is it? I feel like her eyes are really sparkling, but…

While I was thinking of that, Ruiesu-san finally spoke. “…May I call you Shishou?” (TLC note: Teacher/master)

“DON’T SHAVE OFF ANY MORE OF MY LIFE POINTS THAN THIIIIS!”

Although she finally spoke, why was it such a shocking statement!?

Hey, try looking at the surroundings! Aren’t all your members flabbergasted?!

It’s understandable, isn’t it? After all, the strongest knight is calling some suspicious robe-wearing guy, shishou. Not being surprised is what would be unreasonable.

However, Ruiesu-san unsheathes the mysterious silvery blade that was hanging on her waist, stabs it into the ground and lowers her head.

“From now on, please take care of me, Shishou!” “Are you kidding me?!”

Before I knew it, in a manner to declare loyalty, I was called shisou. Holy shit!

While I am in a daze, the Valkyries approach Ruiesu-san and give their congratulations.

“This is great, Ruiesu-sama… you have finally found someone else who’s at least on par with you besides Black Paladin (Black Holy Knight).

“Far from equal, he completely overwhelmed you! With this, Ruiesu-sama, from now

on you can become stronger and lovelier than before!”

“Ruiesu-sama, you are always in the position of the teacher, right? It’s great you finally found someone who is really strong.”

There is already no place for me to cut in. Why?

While my eyes were like dots and I was dumbfounded, Claudia-san approaches me.

“Well, you’re really strong, Seiichi-kun. Oops, you have become Ruiesu-sama’s Shishou. Is it better to address you as Seiichi-sama?”

“Please spare me.”

As I sincerely asked, Cladia-san refreshingly laughed. What an Ikemen. “Fufu. Well, but… I am really glad that you are stronger than Ruiesu-sama.”

Claudia-sana’s atmosphere when compared to before is different. This time her expression is somehow sad-looking.

“Ruiesu-sama, is… she was born a genius in swordplay, you know?” “Eh?”

“The truth is, Ruiesu-sama can’t use a single skill or magic.” “…what?”

The secret that came out of Claudia’s mouth was so outrageous, it made me answer sounding like I was a dunce.

…uh, nononono, that can’t be right.

I mean, that person came flying really absurdly, you know? There is no way those kind of superhuman attacks are not skills…

Thinking that far, I came to a realization.

That the inherent [Skill Steal] and [Arrange] skills I have did not activate.

For a second, I thought it was a skill I already had, but during battle, through my Clairvoyance skill, I couldn’t see the effect indicating that a skill had been invoked.

If I think of the fact that when I fought the black dragon god it wasn’t possible to see through (the true effects of) [Penetration] , there may be no meaning in having a skill that is always active, but if that were the case then even more so it doesn’t make sense that my inherent skill didn’t activate.

After all, because of passive-type skills I don’t have any skills that let me perform flying slash attacks.

“However, Ruiesu-sama was hiding monstrous talent that was ignoring such a handicap. That, is swordplay. Just by seeing it once, Ruiesu-sama can reproduce any and all kinds of swordplay, not as a skill but as her own technique. Not as much as with swordplay, but she also has amazing talent for martial arts. She even transcends the pros in those lines of work.”

“…”

Ruiesu-sama seems to be more amazing than I thought.

“Because Ruiesu-sama is like that, there aren’t any strong people, in not just her generation, but in other generations, who are able to stand next to her. That’s why Ruiesu-sama is… always alone.”

“…”

“Fortunately now this country has Black Holy Knight-sama. I’ve never met him before though. In addition, his strength… Is equal to Ruiesu-sama. But, it’s only to the extent of being equal.”

“…”

“Black Holy Knight-sama seems to be similar as well, but during training, Ruiesu-sama sometimes inadvertently shows a lonely expression her face… That’s why, thank you. For defeating Ruiesu-sama, and being a strong person.

After Claudia-san said that, she walked towards Lorna-san.

In my case, after coming to this world, I somehow obtained ridiculous power, but in

Ruiesu-san’s case, she’s been harboring this kind of power since she was born.

…Being alone is really harsh. On top of that, she has that absurd power. I can’t imagine what it was like, it must have been lonely.

While thinking of that, I gazed at Ruiesu-san. Having noticed my sight, she approached me.

And, tearing down her expressionlessness, a small smile was on her face. “Shishou, please take of me in the future.”

“Ah. Yes… ”

Even though it’s such a small smile, that huge destructive power charmed me, and then, once again Ruiesu-san reverted back to her expressionless face.

…huh? Just now, I kinda gave a halfhearted reply, but…

Just what are you telling me to do?! Is it fine if I just train her the same way she trains the rest of Valkyries?!

Even if my status is that of a monster, I’m a complete amateur when it comes to battle. As if there’s anything I can possibly teach her!

“Erm, Ruiesu-san. I don’t think there is anything I can teach you… ” “No, It’s okay. Because I will look at your techniques and steal them.” Oh dear. What a surprising superhuman proclamation!

While thinking that within my heart, once again the inhuman voice resounded in my head.

[Skill [Evolution] effect activated. From this, the body will adapt to the situation. Accordingly, skill [Guidance] has been obtained.]

Half giving up, I checked the skill that I had suddenly obtained.

[Guidance] , a skill for teaching things like skills and magic, as well as techniques, knowledge, etc. in a detailed and easily understood way.

Yaaay, with this I’ll be able to teach her, right!

Due to the skill [Evolution] running wild, I shed unseen tears of blood.

Or rather… can’t I go home now? I mean… I’ve finished what I came here to do.

Yeah, there shouldn’t be a problem if I leave now. I did relay the situation to Saria and co. via the [telepathy] effect of the [Undying love necklace]. Disregarding Saria, Al was hella surprised.

Still, there is nothing to do anymore, so it should be fine to leave.

In the moment I was just about to speak up to ask Ruiesu-san about this… [KYAAAAAA]

Suddenly, within the palace grounds, a girl’s shriek reverberated.

The Valkyries as well as Ruiesu-san were bewildered by the sudden scream as the figure of a maid came desperately running towards Ruiesu-san. Oooh, it’s a real maid. Awesome.

“Ru… Ruiesu-sama! The King… The King… !”

“Please calm down. What has happened to His Majesty?”

The maid, being asked by Ruiesu-san sharpened her gaze and took a deep breath. Having done so, she reported in a loud voice.

“The king was attacked by someone… and has collapsed… !”

The instant they heard these words, Ruiesu-san and all of the Valkyries immediately tensed up and rushed into the castle as though the atmosphere up until now was a lie.

…Ehh? You’re leaving me here?

No, I understand that it’s a very grave situation, but…

But the current me can’t move carelessly.

Because if I, being an outsider, were to recklessly wander around in the castle, I might be mistaken as an accomplice of the assailant.

There isn’t much I can do right now. So I need to say at least this.

“Medic! Mediiiiic!”

Hmm? Something’s off. It wasn’t that one. “Combat medic!”

…

For the time being, I decided to stop fooling around. No, it was too much of a rapid development, so my head got all messed up.

Having calmed down, I activated the [World Eyes] that I had obtained just now, to see if I am able to find the assailant.

Change of location, going back a bit in time.

— The Capital of Kaiser Empire. Valtzard.

Existing in the center as if to control the Empire, a huge castle… Tsezaar Castle.

Within that Tsezaar Castle, in the King’s room, the present Emperor of Kaiser, Sheld Wohl Kaiser and a robed old man, Helio Lauban as well as the strongest knight in Kaiser Empire, Zakir Gilford are present in the room.

Sheld and Helio have a nonchalant look on their faces. Zakir, on the other hand, looks full of bitterness.

“…Your Majesty, what on earth is the meaning of this?”

Towards Zakir who spoke quietly, Sheld replied with feigned ignorance . “What are you talking about?”

“…The heroes!”

When Zakir couldn’t stand it any longer and raised his voice, Sheld laughed scornfully.

“Ahh, those slaves? If it’s about them, right about now aren’t they at Barbador Magic Academy fighting monsters? Well, the world those slaves came from was apparently a considerably safe place… A good number of them may have died already… ”

“Good lord..! It’s still too early for them! Just as Your Majesty says, their world was a safe place! I cannot imagine they, who lived in such a world, can possibly fight without any resolution.”

“Zakir. You bastard, saying whatever you want, but in the end you just don’t want to put the heroes in harm’s way right?”

As Zakir appealed to Sheld, Helio who was quiet till now spoke up. “…What’s wrong with that?”

“It’s obviously wrong! After all, for the sake of our, Kaiser Empire’s, prosperity, those guys are nothing more than sacrificial pawns. If these sacrificial pawns aren’t of any use, they won’t even have meaning as sacrificial pawns.”

“Helio, you bastard… ”

“That’s why, I am troubled. You, an existence that pampers the heroes. They are heroes meant to kill the demon kin without us having to dirty our own hands, you know? If those heroes are weak, they are merely useless… and will soon end up having to be eliminated.”

“…If that’s so, supposing they get stronger, what will you to do if they revolt against you?”

Zakir, after desperately suppressing his anger, quietly asked. However, Helio sneers at Zakir’s actions while answering.

“Hmph, there is no need for such concerns. In order to go to the Barbador Magic Academy, the heroes were forced to wear the [Subordination Bracelet] . If the heroes, who have equipped the [Subordination Bracelet] try to inflict harm on the ones who put it on, they can be made to endure extreme pain, or even killed. In other words, there is no way they can oppose us.”

“Wha-?!”

“Of course, these heroes have the [Judgement] skill. If you give it to them normally, there is no way that they will wear it obediently. That is why I deceived them. Zakir… You are aware of my nickname aren’t you?

“It can’t be..?!”

Zakir understood what Helio wanted to say.

A huge grin was on Helio’s face as he looked at Zakir’s eyes widening.

“My second name is―――≪Illusion Demon≫. I’m the only one who can use the [Illusion attribute], a Great Magician, you know? Deceiving them with elementary-level skills is easy for me.

Due to Helio’s magic, the Heroes do not know that the bracelets that were put on them are dangerous items that controls their life and death.

That is to say, the Empire’s top magician, Helio’s magic has snatched away their means of knowing.

The robed appearance isn’t just for show. “Bastard… ”

It was the instant Zakir leaked out a deep and sharp voice. “-?!”

Suddenly, an arrow pierced the Emperor’s room’s window and flew towards Sheld. As it was too sudden, Sheld, and even Helio, couldn’t react to it.

But, the empire’s strongest man, Zakir, using his superhuman-like reaction speed, ran towards his king, and cut the arrow down at tremendous speed.

When he looked out out of the window, a strand of white smoke could be seen rising into the air.

“Wha, what happened!?”

Sheld, who received a sudden sniper attack by an arrow, lost his composure.

Helio who similarly got surprised immediately calmed down and said to Sheld.

“Your Majesty. It’s probably the work of an assassin who’s aiming for Your Majesty’s life… ”

“A-an assassin!? Wh-what are you doing! Hurry up and protect me!” Sheld raised hell from behind Zakir.

While Zakir sent an unnoticeable, cold gaze at the King’s state, and amplified his voice through the use of wind magic, giving out an order for his subordinates to assemble.

“This is an emergency. Someone sniped at His Majesty. Fortunately, I was able to block it, but there’s still the possibility of being sniped again. Hurry up and gather in His Majesty’s room and guard his life.”

After saying that, Zakir was hit again by the still panicking Sheld.

“Hey, Zakir! What are you dilly-dallying for! Hurry up and catch the culprit that aimed at me already!”

“…With all due respect, Your Majesty. Right now I cannot afford to be separated from—

—“

“Shut up, shut up, shut up! I will make him regret aiming for my life..! Go catch that assassin at once and bring him here! You must absolutely not kill him, you hear me?! If you’ve understood, then hurry up and go!”

“…As you wish. Helio, I leave His Majesty to you.”

“Humph. Quit nitpicking and go already.” “…”

Under Sheld’s orders, Zakir went out through the window with speed unimaginable to man.

If you compare the height of Sheld’s room to earth, it’s like a 5-story apartment house. To a normal human, you won’t get out of it unharmed.

But, Zakir landed on the ground without difficulties, and ran towards the direction where the arrow was fired from at tremendous speed.

At that time, in order to avoid the crowds, he even moved on top of the roofs.

Immediately after he left to search for the assassin with those superhuman movements, Helio and Sheld talked with a heavy atmosphere.

“To think that His Majesty was targeted… ”

“What’s with the guards here! Are Zakir’s subordinates even doing their work?! In the first place, who would… ah?! Could it be the demon race bastards are waging war?! Agh, that damn annoying race..!”

Without concrete evidence, Sheld just one-sidedly and arbitrarily decided the demon race was the culprit.

Towards that Sheld, Helio passed on a certain piece of information.

“Your Majesty, we still don’t know if this is really the demon race’s work, you know?” “What? What do you mean?”

“Recently, within Winberg Kingdom, a certain rumor has been spreading.” “A rumor, you say?”

“Yes. It seems, the king of Winberg Kingdom chose to coexist with the demon race and won’t they soon form an alliance with them? Is what the rumors say… Perhaps Winberg Kingdom saw Your Majesty as a hindrance, and commissioned a known assassin to

assassinate you?”

Hearing Helio’s words, Sheld finally snapped.

“Again, that weak nation is trying to get in my way..! They want to coexist with the demon race, you say?! With those guys, who’re the same as livestock?! Many other countries agree with our Kaiser Empire’s cause, why is does that foolish country choose a path of opposition?! They have always been like that! They won’t give in to us, the Kaiser Empire! Thanks to that, lately the foolish countries, like the emerging country Valsha Empire’s young girl and the eastern country, are increasing and gaining power..!”

“Those guys are foolish people after all. Not only can they not understand Your Majesty’s noble ideas, they can’t even understand the greatness of their own race, [human beings]. Even though the beastmen-like demi-humans born from the crossing of a human and beast are such a filthy existence.”

“Despite being [humans], they can’t even understand a single thing of what makes the race great, these worse-than-livestock trash. It’s to the extent that I even want to crush them this instant!”

“…It’s a shame but that will probably be difficult. On top of the distance from Kaiser Empire to Winberg Kindgom, those “Mountain” and “Ocean” live there. (TLC note: Probably not referring to landscape, but rather two monsters or people.) In addition to that, they have the Valkyries (Master Swordswoman War Maidens) and their captain Knight of Sword (Sword Knight). And with their counterpart Black Paladin (Black Holy Knight), if we were to fight them, we need to have a fitting resolve for this.”

As Sheld got rebuked harshly, after hearing Helio’s words, his atmosphere changed greatly from before and he had a repulsive smile on his face.

“Certainly, even if they’re just a weak nation, our forces don’t have the time to spare against them. Their territory is small, it isn’t well developed either. Well, I do admit that they have good human resources, you know? However, that’s all they have. As soon as we have control over the territory of the demon race, we’ll immediately———crush them.”

“Until then, will they be quiet?”

“Hmph. Well, befitting of a foolish country, they’ll probably show us some futile

resistance. But if we can destroy the demon race before they can join hands with them, then it’s fine. After destroying the demon race, not only Winberg Kingdom, let’s take good care of the young girl of the Valsha Kingdom too.”

“…How do we deal with the eastern country?”

“Don’t worry about that place. While I don’t like the fact that they wouldn’t work under us, they don’t have many resources. Yet, they are even now in a hellish, fierce civil war. Although I’ve heard that they are an ancient race of warriors, those savages also notably enjoy war. It would be pointless to go up against those battle-fanatics. Well anyhow, they probably don’t intend to leave their own country and aim for world domination. Although if they did end up leaving their country, I’ll just destroy them. It is also said that they have a woman of beauty enough to ruin a country, so really that’s all that they are worth to us.”

“And also,” Sheld continued as his repulsive smile deepened.

“I’ve already played my hand within Winberg Kingdom. Of course, that is without using a large amount of forces… you know?”

“Your Majesty, what do you mean by that?”

“Well, it’s simple. What I’ve experienced today, I will make them experience it too.” “! So, you mean—”

Sheld smiled pleasantly as he saw Helio’s surprised face. And had a ferocious smile in the end.

“——–I sent the Twilight Assassin to them.”

“…”

Zakir sharpened his senses to the limit and rapidly ran while searching for the one who tried to snipe his lord.

Except, rather than searching, it’s more accurate to say that he’s already set his sights

on a location and is advancing onto the site.

That location is the place where the white smoke was rising from after he witnessed the attack.

While running throughout the city, Zakir thought about two things. The first thing was about himself.

The current Zakir had become unsure of how he wanted to be.

He understood that he isn’t suited for politics or jobs where you use your head. That’s something he had known to some degree since the era of the previous emperor Alf Dear Kaiser, when he had rushed into war as Alf’s sword and became well-known enough to be called the ≪Emperor’s Sword≫

But that is why Zakir doesn’t know what his own will is.

During the time when Alf was emperor, all he had to do was to just believe Alf and continue to swing his sword.

Of course there is also the fact that Zakir personally thought Alf was not wrong.

However, no matter what he did, Zakir was unable to understand the current emperor… Sheld’s political moral compass.

Despite having all the resources necessary for prosperity within the country, he still invades other countries.

Under the pretense of helping the people he enforces heavy taxes while invading demon race territory and calling for the subjugation of the Demon King.

Alf’s political policy was the exact opposite of that.

If it was Alf, he would never try to expand his territory. He was a pacifist who believed in coexistence with other countries.

However, against a threat that tries to threaten his country, he severely and thoroughly beat them down.

Similarly, Alf wanted to protect his country even if he received criticism from other countries.

Zakir thought as he jumped from one roof to another. Does Sheld really feel the same way though?

Of course, the knights… or rather I, as the leader of the knights, as the vassal of the Emperor, and as a sword, will be faithful to the Kaiser Empire. Even if the Empire has changed from Alf-sama’s time, that will not change..

But, above all that, shouldn’t I be a knight that’s supposed to protect the people of this country?

That thought took over Zakir’s mind.

In the end, Zakir wasn’t able to choose by his own will.

Even if he thought “That’s no good. It’s wrong”, he avoided having to make the decision by using the excuse of being a sword.

It seemed like he was about to be pulled into the darkness of his deep thoughts, but he shook his head to shake it off.

All he did was put the issue off until later, but being unable to do anything else about it, Zakir unconsciously bit down on his lip.

In order to forget those thoughts till now, this time he thought about the other matter… which is about the sniper’s identity.

Zakir, considering the skill of the assassination on the King, conjectured that the assassin has remarkable abilities.

And among the assassins, there are only a handful of people in the underworld who have the skill to kill the target by sniping.

Even though Zakir himself had no connections to the underworld, they are skilled enough that their names would be known to anyone.

The sniping this time as well, the arrow was fired from a distance where it would

definitely not reach if a normal bow was used.

Being able to definitely kill the target despite that, there was only one assassin that could fire an arrow with such force.

In addition, due to the smoke that was rising from where the assassin probably was, the assassin’s identity has essentially been confirmed.

The assassin’s alias is Shien (Death Smoke).

The name originates not only from his inability to be caught – as if you were grasping at smoke – but also because whenever he does a job, there will always be smoke rising from somewhere in town.

Of course Zakir is guessing that the smoke has some sort of meaning to it.

Under normal circumstances, the smoke should have cleared out by now, but having confirmed that even now the smoke is still rising, Zakir thought it was suspicious.

“…Is it a trap?”

While increasing his vigilance, he rushed towards the smoke.

Indeed, as the alias Shien (Death Smoke) implies, just like smoke, his existence is not something that can be pursued. However, thin white smoke is still continuing to rise into the air.

Is that a trap? Or is it a simple mistake made by Shien..?

Zakir, in an instant threw away the thought of it being Shien’s miss.

For humans, everyone will make mistakes, but in the assassins’ world, a small mistake will lead to not only his own death, but to death of the commissioner as well, so there should be no mistakes. Especially a simple mistake like forgetting to get rid of the smoke.

If that’s the case, what is it really for?

Zakir, as he continued to repeatedly reason and deny possibilities, finally reached the place below the white smoke.

At that place, even among the surrounding buildings, there exists a noticeably tall building. It’s probably some sort of a big firm, Zakir reasoned.

Zakir jumped onto the roof in one go, and standing in the center of the rooftop was one man smoking a cigarette.

“…Ah?… Man, you’ve finally arrived huh.”

The man who muttered this had an appearance and atmosphere about him that was a bit sloppy, but also contradictory.

A tattered and worn out black robe. And the clothes worn underneath were also really commonplace and made of hemp.

Equipped on his right hand was a wine-red gauntlet that was clad in a mysterious atmosphere.

He had deep green swept-back hair, fierce golden eyes that gleamed brightly and an unshaven beard.

Although his attire is dirty, the atmosphere surrounding him is overwhelming. His gaze was sharp, as though it could pierce through everything.

“…You’re Shien (Death Smoke)?”

At that question, with the cigarette still held in this mouth, the corner of his mouth raised into a bit of a smile.

“Ya really got an interesting way of asking. I didn’t think you would go straight to asking about my alias instead of [Are you the bastard who shot at the king?!] ya know?”

“Silence. Answer my question.”

Zakir said in a tone to make him to answer the yes or no question, but the man’s attitude and atmosphere did not change.

“Ohhh, scaryy. Ah~ Yeah yeah, don’t glare at me like that. That is correct. I am the great Shien (Death Smoke)-sama… There, ya satisfied now?”

An unserious tone that would irritate anyone.

However, Zakir was unperturbed and continued to ask his questions.

“Why didn’t you put out the smoke? If there wasn’t any smoke, I probably wouldn’t have been able to find you.”

“Hey hey, are you telling me to stop smoking?! You say some pretty damn cruel things man.”

“Answer my question seriously.”

Zakir sharpened his gaze and said so, and suddenly, the man’s look sharpened. “It’s simple――――≪King’s Blade≫, you are a hindrance.”

“…What?”

Ignoring Zakir who couldn’t follow the conversation, the man continued.

“You are the strongest knight in this country. Even I acknowledge that. However… Before killing that piece of shit, you, without the previous emperor to follow, are the epitome of hindrances.”

“-!”

A terrific wave of blood thirst gushed from his body.

Under the pressure of the blood thirst, even the battle veteran Zakir, held his breath unconsciously.

Ignoring Zakir’s reaction, the man continued.

“Do you know? The current state of the country. You probably don’t know? Well, that pretty obvious. You can’t leave the side of that piece of shit after all. Then, want me to tell you? About how much the people are starving, the deterioration of the public order, the progression of discrimination.”

“…”

“Ahh, right… I’ll tell you one thing. I wasn’t tryna to kill that piece of shit because I was hired by someone. The reason I want to kill that piece of shit ―――― is for revenge for

my friend.

“…What? What do you mean?”

Because it was too much of a commonplace reason, Zakir unintentionally tilted his head.

After seeing how Zakir reacted, the man laughed with self-deprecation.

“Just now, you thought that it was such a boring reason didn’t you? Well that’s because for you that kind of reason is so commonplace.”

“…”

“But you know what? In this country, just saying it’s commonplace doesn’t quite cut it, these cases are overwhelmingly everywhere.”

“-!”

The man’s words tore deeply into Zakir’s chest.

Then, as if he were looking to some far off distance, his eyes narrowed.

“He was a good guy… He wasn’t in some dark occupation like me, he was a gentle guy who ran a flower shop. Always smiling as he watered the plants… To the extent of the only thing left in my memory is him laughing, is how often he was laughing.” (TLC note: The gender is never explicitly mentioned, so this could be a girl he’s talking about.)

“…”

“But you see… that piece of shit destroyed that.” “…-”

“Even though you impose such high taxes, you start some worthless war… Thanks to that, a lot of people can’t make a livelihood. In addition, to the women of the households whose men are being drafted into the war, it’s gotten hard to live through the day.”

“…”

“And my friend was ―――― demon race. Just for that he was killed.” Zakir shuddered from the man’s cold voice.

After taking a glance at that Zakir, he continued again.

“It’s not that he did anything wrong either. The imperial soldier suddenly arrived when I was talking happily with my friend in the flower shop and without any notice, stabbed through my friend.”

“…”

“At the time I had just put my foot in the door of the underworld business… I was stupidly weak and unable to do anything. I couldn’t do anything but watch as my friend got killed in front of my eyes.”

“…”

“To the very end, my friend was smiling. With a ragged breath, he told me to run away while painfully smiling.”

As if the man were throwing out all of his bottled up feelings, his tone got stronger.

“Why does just being part of the demon race have to get you killed?! What did my friend do?! He, who waters flowers, that smiling guy, what’s no good with him!!”

“…”

“At the end, the guys who killed my friend… What do you think they said? [A demon race running a flower shop? He’s already an existence below livestock, but he’s also running a useless flower shop… He sure found a way to become a greater piece of useless garbage!]… they said, laughing.”

“…”

“What’s so wrong with the demon race? Is being able to battle that admirable to you? The power to protect your people, the talent to wield a weapon, in the end, it’s still [Power that takes lives] . Compared to that, no matter how plain, no matter how uncool, [Power to nurture lives] is obviously hundreds of times better than that!”

“…”

“…Those bastards that laughed at my friend, and this country that killed my friend

―――― I will never forgive. That’s why I’ll destroy this country, ideals, anything and everything. For that purpose, I got strong. But ――――”

The man cut his words off there, and sharply glared at Zakir.

“You are… too strong. First off all, in front of a crowd of soldiers, even I would be troubled. So, first, face-to-face, I’ll take care of you. Don’t get me wrong. My objective is that piece of shit, you’re just someone standing in the way of me achieving my objective, that’s all. Since you prevented the sniping assassination, this time I’ll take care of you first. Or would you be willing to turn a blind eye?”

As he said this, the man’s eyes were honest and unwavering.

Zakir, who had stayed quiet and listened up until now, slowly opened his mouth.

“…No matter what the circumstances are… I cannot overlook someone who wants to take revenge on the empire.”

“…I see. That’s… a shame. It seems you are… just a puppet.”

After hearing the man’s words, Zakir’s emotions exploded all at once. Then, he drew the sword that was sheathed at his waist.

The sword pointed at the man had 5 different colored extravagant gems embedded into the guard, but it’s not by any means just for show, it gives off an intimidating air.

“…I am not a puppet.”

“Wooaahh! That’s scary. And? Is that the rumored [Demon Treasured Sword Fiftear] ?”

“…Indeed. And you’re a sniper. There is no way you can beat me, a knight, in close quarter combat.”

Even while he was taking Zakir’s cutting words, the man’s attitude was unbreakable. “Certainly we snipers are inferior in close quarter combat. But you see… A sniper had

lured you all the way here. Do you really think that I haven’t made any preparations?” “? What are you ―――― ?!”

A chill ran down Zakir’s spine.

At that moment, Zakir followed his instincts and ducked.

When he did, something cut through the area where his head had just been moments ago at horrendous speed.

“Hey hey, seriously? Normally, that shouldn’t be dodgeable.” Said the man, with a voice that was both surprised and annoyed. But Zakir wasn’t as composed as the man thought.

The man had made no movements whatsoever.

But even so, he attacked without showing any sign of doing so.

Not knowing the reason behind this, a bead of sweat rolled down Zakir’s forehead. “Hah. Your face is telling me you don’t know what’s going on, <<King’s Blade>>.” “…”

“Too bad, but I don’t think I can beat you after telling you the secret. So I will be continuing like this.”

The instant the man finished talking, Zakir followed his instincts and tilted his head, and doing so, sharp pain ran through his cheek.

“You’re seriously a monster, <<King’s Blade>>. I thought that attack just now would finish the job… But with this, its over.”

Saying so, the moment he snapped his fingers… “Wha-?!”

Zakir became speechless.

That’s because, surrounding Zakir, hundreds, thousands of arrows had suddenly appeared with their arrowheads set to target him.

“A little something to bring to the afterlife. You can take it all the way to your grave.”

As if those words were a signal, all at once the numerous amount of arrows were shot toward Zakir.

“——-!!”

Normally, after becoming victim to all of the arrows, living would have been impossible.

But, Zakir was different.

Demon Treasure Sword Fiftear was instantly raised to an overhead position and with an enormous force, was swung down.

“ [Hatenshou] !” (TLC note: For those curious, this is written with 3 kanji, 1. supremacy/ domination/victory, 2. sky/heaven, 3. important point/important role/opposition)

The force of the sword caused the atmosphere to tremble, creating a windstorm around Zakir.

The windstorm heaved up the arrows that were heading toward Zakir and pulverized them.

After seeing that, the man broke out in cold sweat.

“…I thought you were a monster, but I didn’t think you were this much of a monster… ” “…”

In front of the man’s eyes, Zakir had already recovered his stance, and was completely unharmed.

Zakir stared down the surprised man, and spoke up.

“…Is that all you’ve got?”

With just those words, the man understood his disadvantage.

Even if he had to run away, the man couldn’t afford to die here. For that purpose ――――. “…Bye-bye?”

“Huh?”

“This time is my loss. It would seem that you’re more dangerous than I thought.” “…Then, be obedient. I’m arresting you.”

After hearing Zakir’s words, the man chuckled.

“Are you kidding? Certainly this time is my loss but… I didn’t necessarily say I won’t run, you know?”

“! You can’t be… ”

Zakir understood what the man meant, but by that time the cigarette smoke had already spread over the area, concealing the man’s body.

“Later, <<King’s Blade>>. I pray that the next time we meet, it won’t be the puppet, or the <<King’s Blade>>, but that I’ll be able to face you yourself.”

“Wait—-!”

Zakir rushed over to where the man had been, but by that time, the man’s entire body had been completely clad in smoke, and shrouded in smoke, he disappeared.

Zakir had barely missed the opportunity to chase after him, but more than that, the man’s words dominated his heart and mind.

“…A puppet… ”

As he quietly murmured those words, Zakir bit down on his lip and strongly clenched his fist.