Chapter 158
“S-Seimu —everyone is my family! Marriage means being mates, right? That’s not allowed!” (Melt)
Shuris-san’s sudden declaration makes Melt raise her voice just a little.
No, honestly, if I hadn’t been in Shilent’s form… I might have raised my voice too.
“So…that’s why I want you to ‘treat it as such.’ It doesn’t have to be real, just pretend.” (Shuris)
“Melt, at least hear her out first.” (Shizuma)
“Mu…… mu……!”
A pretense…because the situation demands it?
“First…we need to properly explain about moving our base to the place called Dungeon Island. You might have already heard something from Seimu-san.” (Shuris)
“Just the basics. So what’s the reason?” (Shizuma)
“To begin with, that island receives many visitors from the neighboring continent, Rise Ark. With our country’s recent announcement, the number of envoys crossing over has increased dramatically. Because of that, Dungeon Island -its official name is Yasha Island- now serves as something like a checkpoint between other nations and our own.” (Shuris) If I remember right, that was the island with the natural dungeon called the Dead Sea That Devours the Land, wasn’t it?
I’ve also heard that many explorers make their base there.
“Dungeon Cores transfer ownership to whoever conquers the dungeon, regardless of their origin. The fact that our country is being enriched by Dungeon Cores has already spread to foreign nations. Naturally, some countries will ‘flip their stance and want to build equal relations as a nation,’ while others will think ‘we should conquer the remaining dungeons ourselves and stop their growth.’ Unfortunately, monopolizing dungeons as a nation is forbidden, so there’s nothing we can do about that. In short, both our country and that island are seeing an increase in visitors from outside.” (Shuris)
I see. I understand the situation. And…I can probably guess why they decided to move the base.
“So Glory Knights were entrusted with deterrence and autonomy?” (Shizuma)
“That’s right. And on top of that…we needed someone of status to welcome foreign nobles. With the Alheus family having been stripped of their title, the Veil family is now the only marquis house in this country. If we’re going to hold back high-ranking nobles from other nations at an island that functions as a checkpoint, it wouldn’t look right unless our family handled it.” (Shuris)
I see…an aristocratic society problem. That’s an area I’m not very familiar with…
“And because of that…I’ve already passed the headship to my younger sister, Kres. But my father, the current head, intends to give me a different role. Not as a sword of protection…but as material to strengthen ties with other nations.” (Shuris)
“I see. A familiar story.” (Shizuma)
“What, what? Could you explain?” (Melt)
“Yes, a very familiar story. One of the goals is probably to dangle me as bait in front of upper-class nobles of the neighboring great power on the Rise Ark continent, the Consold Empire. Of course, I know full well that this wasn’t ordered by Her Majesty. My father’s just gotten a little carried away after the Alheus family was stripped of their title. He wants to demonstrate his loyalty to the country once more, and he plans to use me for that.” (Shuris)
“I don’t really get it. From my perspective, and Seimu’s too, you’ve more than fulfilled your role as Lindblum’s protector.” (Shizuma)
“I’m glad to hear you say that. Well, it’s not like I’ve received a direct proposal for an arranged meeting or engagement yet. But…call it conceit if you like, but don’t you think it’s only a matter of time, given that I’ll be in a position to welcome foreign nobles? I’ve already been told that a large fleet from the Consold Empire -an envoy that includes dungeon explorers- will visit Yasha Island this spring. I’m betting that I’ll be proposed to at that gathering.” (Shuris)
Ah, yeah…we were able to confirm the atmosphere at the recent banquet, so I can say this with certainty.
Absolutely, without a doubt, she’s going to get proposals. There’ll be a flood of overseas nobles getting their brains completely fried.
“I think I could personally reject any proposals or engagements. But it would definitely affect the country. Of course, since I hold the position of one of the Thirteen Knights, other nations should take our circumstances into consideration to some extent. Even so, disputes are bound to happen. So I decided it would be better if, ‘there were already a man in my life’ beforehand. Naturally, that puts a burden on Seimu-san. In the worst case, it could even lead to duels, you know? Well, incidents like that actually happen quite often.” (Shuris)
Seriously? She was planning to ask Seimu -me- to do something like that…?
But if she’s asking not as a national request, but as a friend… I can’t exactly refuse to help either…!
“Why not just take a hard stance and say something like, ‘If you’re going to pressure me into an engagement, you’d better be stronger than me at the very least’?” (Shizuma)
“I considered that too, but…if someone genuinely stronger than me approached me, wouldn’t I be unable to refuse then? I’m not absolute, Shilent-san. For example…if you came after me, I’d have no choice but to marry you, wouldn’t I?” (Shuris)
“That’s true. Compared to Lendia, the Empire’s territory and depth of talent are on a whole different level. If they seriously moved to acquire you, the country’s national strength would drop all at once.” (Shizuma)
“Exactly. Well, I wouldn’t mind you as a marriage partner either, you know? After all, you’ve seen me naked.” (Shuris)
“I didn’t see anything. You’re the one who unilaterally joined the mixed bath.” (Shizuma)
Ugh! I’d finally forgotten about that… Why bring it up again?!
“Anyway, that’s why I want Seimu-san to accompany me as my partner at occasions where we welcome overseas guests. I do feel bad about it, Melt-kun.” (Shuris)
“It’s just pretend, right? You’re not taking my family away, right? If that’s the case…then I guess it’s fine…” (Melt)
“Really? Then please pass a message along if you get to see Seimu-san. Once this smithing tournament, this forging contest, ends, I’ll have to head to the port by fast horse. It would help if Seimu-san could come by spring… around May.” (Shuris)
“I’ll let him know. You’re in quite a troublesome position, a high noble’s daughter, one of the Thirteen Knights, and the leader of the largest adventurer clan on top of that.” (Shizuma)
“You’re telling me. But…choosing this path was my own decision. Originally, this situation is just one of the responsibilities I have to shoulder. Still… lately, I’ve had some thoughts about those kinds of matters between men and women.” (Shuris)
“I see. Well, I won’t pry. That’s what you’d call a ‘maiden’s secret.’” (Shizuma)
“I’m getting to the age where I can’t really call myself a maiden anymore, though.” (Shuris)
“Is that so? You still look plenty young to me. I’d believe it if someone told me you were twins with your younger sister.” (Shizuma)
“Fufu. You’re more smooth-tongued than I expected, Shilent-san.” (Shuris)
Saying that, she enjoys the ordered food and drinks.
…I see. So the country’s development through Dungeon Cores is giving rise to these new kinds of problems.
In a sense, these are problems that never arose back when the country was weak and looked down upon. In other words, Lendia is already starting to be acknowledged by other nations.
As I let my thoughts drift a little toward the nation’s state and future, this night becomes one where I decide to lend a hand…for the sake of a friend I’ve known for quite some time now.
—————–
After parting with Shuris-san, I head toward the bus for the first time in a while, still in Shilent’s form.
The campsite behind the town has more people than before, and the overflowing people were camping outside the town walls as well, so the number of people you see outside the town has increased.
“Melt, were you okay at night? There are more people around here now, and you were sleeping alone in the bus, weren’t you?” (Shizuma)
“Honestly, I was lonely. But I know you’re working hard making weapons as Shijima, so I endured it.” (Melt)
“You’re amazing… I ended up basically living at the workshop.” (Shizuma)
“By the way, why did you switch between Shilent and Shijima?” (Melt)
I explain about Shuris-san, who had been desperately calling out to the unresponsive Shilent earlier today.
“I see… Yeah…it’d be hard to explain if someone you know spotted you.” (Melt)
“Exactly. Right now, Shijima’s at the workshop making accessories.” (Shizuma)
“Accessories… Pretty ones! The kind girls want!” (Melt)
“Yeah, this time I’m making a bracelet. I’ll give it to you once it’s finished.” (Shizuma)
“Yay!” (Melt)
I’d been planning to make a fairly useful accessory…as a present, and also to protect Melt.
Honestly, aside from what my characters actually equip, I don’t have much stock of gear. I always sold things on the market and converted them to cash right away.
The equipment I plan to give Melt this time doesn’t boost offense or stats.
It just has a lot of convenient abilities attached.
Top-tier version of the 2024 Accessory Design Contest Grand Prize.
[Damage Resistance +20%] [Status Ailment Resistance +50%] [Stamina Consumption -10%] [HP Natural Recovery 1%/10s] [Magic Reflection Chance 20%] [Critical Chance Nullification 20%]
Award Winner’s Comment: “A simple bracelet fitted with a gemstone inspired by Japanese glass craftsmanship.”
Developer Comment: “Its simple yet refined design immediately caught our eye.”
This was the most popular item among the designs submitted for a user event.
At the highest rank, it comes with as many as six special abilities, making it a hit with players who like dressing up their characters, while still guaranteeing a baseline of performance.
“It should be finished by tomorrow, so shall we go pick it up together?” (Shizuma)
“I’m looking forward to it! I don’t think I’ve ever worn accessories before!” (Melt)
“You bought that dress, so I figured I should prepare some accessories too.” (Shizuma)
“I see… Actually, on my end, I was thinking of preparing a present for Shizuma, but I don’t know what would be good, so I haven’t decided yet.” (Melt)
Hm? A present for me? Why?
“Is it a thank you for the sword? You don’t have to, you know.” (Shizuma)
“No, that’s not it. It’s already passed, but…Shizuma’s birthday is February 3rd, right? So I wanted to try giving you a birthday present…” (Melt)
“Ah! Right, that’s true!” (Shizuma)
Well, strictly speaking…it was spring on Earth, but when I came to this world it was around autumn, so my original birthday probably hasn’t come yet. But doing the calculations is a pain, so I’ll just go with this world’s calendar!
“I see. Thanks, Melt. But honestly, I’d be happy with anything you give me.” (Shizuma)
“Really? Then…I’ll prepare something next time, okay? When you’re in Shizuma’s form, I’ll need to check body sizes and stuff.” (Melt)
I see. it wouldn’t be something I could always wear since I have different forms.
Someday, if I can summon all my characters, I’ll probably end up living as myself.
And on top of that… I really need to find a way to give them proper personalities too.
And so, as always, I slip into the fully camouflaged underground bus and prepare to spend the night.
“…By the way, there’s quite a bit of snack trash piling up here, you know? You brought all sorts of things just because you’re alone, didn’t you?” (Shizuma)
“Ah! I forgot to throw it away! But, but! There are so many food stalls at this campsite too!” (Melt)
Damn it… She’s too cute, I can’t bring myself to scold her!
I’ve made her feel lonely, after all, so I’ll let it slide this time!
—————–
The next day, after collecting the large number of accessories Shijima spent all night crafting exactly to order, and while calming Melt down as she declares, “These are all mine!”, we prepare for the main event of the tournament.
—————–
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