Chapter 146
“Are you sure about this now, Rue?”
This wasn’t the round table, but a world of darkness. It seemed to be a tightly sealed mental space…one that could only be entered when someone summoned someone else.
I called Rue here so the two of us could talk about everything that had happened.
“To be honest…I would have liked to stay there forever. But that would mean keeping Shizuma trapped here. I want to travel with Shizuma too, you see. Protecting Lindblum, doing it for the country, all that was an afterthought-ja yo. I simply…ended up wanting to stay with Melt-chan and Shizuma-ja. Maybe this too is because of the story I’ve carried on my back. But it’s my true feelings.” (Rue)
“…I see. Don’t worry, Rue. I’ll find it. A way to increase the number of summons, and a way to give you a heart.” (Shizuma)
It was me who made this kind Sword Saint remember the feeling of peace, of family warmth.
Then I fully intend to take responsibility for it.
“Ah, you may have heard it already, but Kokuri-san wanted to talk with you. It’d feel strange to go right away, but…we were supposed to go pick up the armor Melt-chan ordered after this, right? After that would be a good time to stop by.” (Rue)
“Got it. I’ll act as Seimu for now, and then move as my real body afterward.” (Shizuma)
“Hm… If I put aside my selfishness, the one you should prioritize is probably Seimu. If you want one to gain a will of their own, that is.” (Rue) True. Seimu held a clear position and influence in this country.
If I left Seimu behind in the capital, I’d be able to move freely.
Fortunately, Seimu’s thoughts seemed most in sync with mine, so it should cause the least discomfort.
“Well, in any case, once you get an extra core or find a way to bring a heart to the surface-ja.” (Rue)
“Yeah. Rue, thanks for everything up to now.” (Shizuma)
The darkness gradually faded away, and I regained consciousness inside the stone hidden door.
—————–
“I thought about sprinting through this underground passage as Seimu…but since I’m going all the way to the west, I might as well check whether there’s any structural damage.” (Shizuma)
With that explosion, even if the place didn’t collapse when Isaka and the others escaped, there might be cracks or distortions.
Well, that was on the north gate’s side, so honestly I doubt the east or west underground tunnels were affected much.
Walking at a brisk pace, I inspected the walls as I went, and in the end found nothing unusual. I arrived at the exit near the marshland close to the western highway.
“Phew… This exit is just a hollow in an old giant tree… At this rate it’ll end up turning into some animal or monster’s den.” (Shizuma)
I muttered to myself and crossed the marsh toward the highway.
Snow had mostly melted here as well…still not completely, but the marsh had mostly returned to its usual muddy state.
It seemed, however, that gathering and subjugation quests in the area still hadn’t been posted again. I don’t see any adventurers.
I followed the highway, with patches of snow still clinging to both sides. Tomorrow is already March… In Japan that means spring on the calendar, right?
This country too would be beautiful once the flowers started blooming.
“The city of Izbel… I wonder what it’s like. I want to visit other cities when spring comes.” (Shizuma)
Looking forward to the next spring, I made my way back to Lindblum.
—————–
“Wha… The whole city is clearly in a festive mood!?” (Shizuma)
Entering from the west gate meant passing near the Adventurers’ Den, where naturally many eateries were located.
And all of them were packed, buzzing with the energy of something close to a New Year or Founding Festival.
“W-What happened…?” (Shizuma)
I explained to a group of adventurers that I was away on an expedition and didn’t know what was going on, then asked for information.
“Hm? I’ve seen you before. You’re that insanely strong adventurer.”
“Oh yeah, right. Brother, you’re the guy who beat up those three female adventurers near here back in the day.”
“No one wins against three at once normally. But you did.”
“Yeah, that was amazing.”
Ah, it was that trio I hadn’t seen recently.
This was actually the first time we spoke.
“So, what happened?” (Shizuma)
“Oh! Listen, listen! So, my acquaintance who’s connected to a noble told me…apparently a natural Dungeon Core has been brought to this country!”
“Seems it’s not a false rumor either. People in different fields are all saying the same thing, so everyone’s treating it as confirmed news and going wild.”
“Well, makes sense. Once spring comes, vegetables will grow in abundance again, and the mountain plants too. That means tons of gathering requests, food circulating again, taverns getting cheap ingredients and lowering their menu prices, and with the excitement spreading, guests from other countries will increase too… They’re thrilled.”
I see! So the fact about the Dungeon Core had already spread among the people…!
Everyone must have been anxious inside.
“When spring comes, I’m returning to my village. If the dead fields are restored, I’m going to work security there.”
“I’m heading back to my hometown too to check the situation.”
“Seriously…? I’m from here, you know. You’re all leaving me? Unforgivable…”
These three all looked lively.
I thanked them and returned home.
Melt was surely back by now.
“…I wanted to see Melt in makeup and a dress in person…” (Shizuma)
Everyone got excited over it in the mental world.
Well, I already knew Melt looked mature and beautiful when calm.
It was predictable in a sense…but still, there should be a limit.
She really was beautiful…
Looking forward just a little to seeing her again, I headed home.
—————–
“No! This entire spot is for a shrimp pond! I won’t let it become a bath!” (Melt)
“Come on, Melt-kun! One open-air bath is fine! Look, there’s more than enough ponds for the shrimp, so let’s make just this corner a tub…” (Shuris)
“No! If the water mixes by mistake, the shrimps will die!” (Melt)
…Melt and Shuris-san were arguing, covered in mud, in a corner of the yard.
Strange… Yesterday both of them were breathtaking beauties at the banquet…
“What are you two doing…?” (Shizuma)
“Ah! Seimu, welcome back!!!” (Melt)
She stopped working and ran toward me.
Aah… When I see her like this in person, she really is adorable.
She hugged me with excitement; I caught her and spun lightly to absorb the momentum.
“Melt, a lady shouldn’t act so unrefined. I heard you were a stunning lady last night and the center of attention at the banquet.” (Shizuma)
“Really? …Was I being watched? But lots of weird people came up to me.” (Melt)
Ah, those people who were taken away by the men in black.
“Hey, welcome back, Seimu-san.” (Shuris)
“Shuris-san, long time no see.” (Shizuma)
She approached too, arms spread wide, waiting for something.
“I’m a lady, you know. I won’t jump into your arms. So go on, you jump in.” (Shuris)
“Well then, if you insist…” (Shizuma)
“W-Wait, that was a joke.” (Shuris)
“Hahaha.” (Shizuma)
If she thought I’d always be easy to tease, she is mistaken.
Also, I do not have the courage to actually dive into her chest.
“In any case, welcome home, Seimu-san. You really were away because of that announcement, weren’t you?” (Shuris)
“Yeah. I didn’t want to stand out any more than necessary. But it’d be bad if no one connected to the announcement appeared, and I didn’t want Melt on the frontline either. So I asked the captain who happened to be in town.” (Shizuma)
“Rue-dono, right? He was…someone whose depths I couldn’t read. A different kind of intimidating from Shilent-san.” (Shuris)
“Eh? That’s not true at all. Rue is a kind old grandpa.” (Melt)
Haha… He is kind, yes.
But I have seen what he was like in the mental world. Rue still had a bit of attachment to his own strength.
Or maybe that was just him getting angry at Schweigen’s arrogant words, holder of the [Strongest] title.
To Rue, who sought peace, Schweigen’s very existence was incompatible.
No…Rue wasn’t the only one. Everyone had a connection, a grudge even, toward Schweigen’s “job.”
And after that scene, it was confirmed…he is dangerous even in this world.
…A being I wanted to keep asleep inside me forever. And yet, I still hesitated at the idea of eliminating him.
“So, what were you two doing?” (Shizuma)
“I was taking care of the shrimp ponds. Then Bubbly-san came to play and said she wanted to wait here for you to get back.” (Melt)
“That’s how it is. But when I saw there were so many ponds, I suggested making a bath. She didn’t agree though.” (Shuris)
“No! If the drainage mixes with the stream, the critters will die! The shrimp need to reproduce in the stream too!” (Melt)
“Ugh… When you put it like that… This tiny stream won’t handle it…” (Shuris)
Her love of baths was truly unshakeable.
“Please use our bath instead, Shuris-san.” (Shizuma)
“Oh? Really!? Actually, I brought my bath set because I thought maybe I could! Well then, I’ll take you up on the offer!” (Shuris)
“Alright. I’ll prepare it.” (Shizuma)
“Fufufu, I’m so happy… A bath in a different environment is always exciting.” (Shuris)
So I went to prepare the bath.
…She must have something she needs to talk about if she waited for me.
—————–
After Melt finished fixing the ponds, the two of us waited for Shuris-san in the living room.
Then Melt suddenly remembered something…
“Oh! I forgot! Seimu, Seimu, the dress I wore yesterday…I bought it from Kokuri-chan! Just in case anything ever happens!” (Melt)
“Oh! Then I want to see you wearing it next time too.” (Shizuma)
“Yes, if something special comes up, let’s go together next time.” (Melt)
Something to look forward to.
“Right, should we look for a request headed to Izbel tomorrow? We might as well get an escort request since we have to go pick up the armor anyway.” (Shizuma)
“Oh, right! I forgot about the armor! I’ll show you around the city when we get there!” (Melt)
We heard the bathroom door open while we talked.
She must be done. I should prepare drinks.
“Melt, want me to make drinks?” (Shizuma)
“Yes! Then cola! I’ll get the ice!” (Melt)
As I made the cola, I remembered the fruit liquor and syrup from Melt’s home.
And…that strange mysterious bottle mixed among them.
“…I still need to examine that.” (Shizuma)
The syrup was running low. Then I will mix some lemon syrup this time.
“There, done. Melt, ice.” (Shizuma)
“Okay. One, two…three. Huh? It smells different today.” (Melt)
“I mixed lemon syrup because we’re running low.” (Shizuma)
“What!? Then we need a fresh batch!” (Melt)
“I’ll make it later.” (Shizuma)
She insisted “right now!”, but I needed to hear Shuris-san’s story.
…and check my supplies later. Spices might be running low.
—————–
“Phew! I’m out! It was wonderful…soaking in hot water while looking at a snowy forest… What luxury.” (Shuris)
“Being able to watch the snow in a bath really is a luxury. Shuris-san, here. This is our standard after-bath drink.” (Shizuma)
“Oh? What’s this? A black drink? I only know coffee.” (Shuris)
I handed her the cola (with lemon). Melt and I had lemonade soda.
“Bubbly-san, that’s the last cup! Savor it! It’s super good!” (Melt)
“Oh, then I must drink it seriously. Well then…” (Shuris)
Was it my imagination, or was Melt looking a little jealous?
“Gulp… gulp… haaa! This is delicious! The bubbly fizz like champagne, the refreshing spice… Nothing could suit a warmed body better!” (Shuris)
“Right!? I’m going to make more syrup later!” (Melt)
“Hm… I wonder if public baths would sell this…” (Shuris)
“Maybe? The creator submitted the recipe to the Chef Guild, so it should spread eventually.” (Shizuma)
“I see… Then I’ll look forward to it.” (Shuris)
Satisfied, Shuris-san sat down.
…She really is beautiful. Too beautiful.
Their friendliness made me forget, but I did see her too in the mental world…an absolute beauty. The level of both sisters is way too high. The kind even noblemen wouldn’t dare speak to.
“So, you had something to talk to me about, right?” (Shizuma)
“Mm, yes. Well… um… How do I say this…” (Shuris)
She seemed hesitant.
“I know you don’t like standing out, so it’s hard to ask but… soon, Glory Knights plan to temporarily move our base to the Dungeon Island. You know…the last natural dungeon of this country.” (Shuris)
“Even though you’re an Adventurer Guild clan?” (Shizuma)
“Yes. And…if possible, I personally would feel better if you came along…” (Shuris)
“…Meaning?” (Shizuma)
“To be honest… I’m lonely. We’ve never moved our base before, and I thought if a friend were with me, I might feel okay.” (Shuris)
W-What…!? This woman is actually being shy and honest…!?
But…unfortunately…I already had plans.
“Sorry… Melt and I are headed to Izbel starting tomorrow…” (Shizuma)
“I… I see. Well, I knew it would be unlikely since it was sudden. Izbel, huh… Actually, it’s a good time.” (Shuris)
“Good time?” (Shizuma)
“You know, the smithing contest. The SmiCon. It’s a yearly festival where unknown blacksmiths can get scouted by big clans, nobles, knight orders, or merchant groups if they perform well. You weren’t going for that?” (Shuris)
“No, we were going to pick up Melt’s armor…but that does sound interesting.” (Shizuma)
Oh… that sounded genuinely fun. And if I found good gear, I could buy it.
I am very rich after all.
“You should go see it. You’ll likely stay for a while, so I recommend renting a room.” (Shuris)
“But then I might be late getting to the island…” (Shizuma)
“No, I was just spoiling myself a little. I wanted to try and see if you would move if I were to act meek. Kokuri told me the other day ‘if you beg a little, most men would say yes.’ Apparently I’m very pretty, you know.” (Shuris)
…What have you been telling her, Kokuri-san.
…Well, she wasn’t wrong. If I had no plans, I probably would have said yes!
“Okay, that’s all. Sorry for the strange request. Don’t worry about it. Though…if you do come to the island eventually, I’ll expect a souvenir from Izbel, okay?” (Shuris)
“Ahaha… Don’t expect too much.” (Shizuma)
Shuris-san left while still warm from the bath.
…Yeah, I definitely felt my heart skip a beat for a moment. With that flushed face and “I’m lonely,” she nearly killed me.
“Seimu, should we go to the island first?” (Melt)
“No, we’re going to Izbel.” (Shizuma)
“I think Bubbly-san really is lonely…” (Melt)
“Hm… She should be fine. More importantly, I’m curious why they suddenly decided to move their base…” (Shizuma)
Was something unsettling happening in the dungeon…?
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