Chapter 176
It was an obvious abnormality…one that could hardly be called a minor change.
Lendia was gradually entering a warmer climate, and Yasha Island, lying near its border, was even hotter. Those who made this island their base had already put away their winter clothing and were living in relatively light attire.
And yet, those residents all began to shiver at once.
The temperature itself hadn’t dropped at all, yet they started trembling.
Thinking it was just their imagination, they tried to warm themselves…and only then did they realize this was not a shiver caused by cold.
Yes. This trembling was nothing more than fear…fear instilled in every living creature nearby for one simple reason: a single person was walking through the city streets.
He had been suppressing his emotions and his will.
So that the girl who was his family would not read his heart.
So that he would not frighten her. He kept everything tightly restrained.
But once he left the hotel, he made no attempt to hide or suppress his emotions…his killing intent. Scattering naked malice into the air… Seimu headed for the guest mansion…
—————–
At the luncheon, the focus was not so much on the exchanges between the Empire’s nobles in the delegation and Lendia’s nobles, but rather on the exchanges between local merchants and merchants belonging to the Empire’s delegation.
So what were the nobles doing, then?
They were holding full-scale “strategy meetings” in preparation for the evening banquet.
Naturally, this applied not only to the Empire’s nobles, but also to Lendia’s nobles…the hosts.
I was greeting the Lendian nobles who had gathered at the guest mansion together with Shuris-san.
“Just what is the meaning of this! Even if it wasn’t the primary objective, wasn’t Shuris-sama, one of the Thirteen Knights, invited in order to strengthen ties between the Empire and the Holy Principality?!”
“With a partner accompanying her… This complicates matters somewhat. You there…what house are you from? During the banquet, I would like you to separate from Shuris-sama…”
Presumably nobles from a faction trying to use Shuris-san for relations with the Empire were voicing their objections toward me, the partner introduced at her side.
“I refuse. May I kill you here and now?” (Shizuma)
They might not know me, but I already possess it.
That thing called ‘the right to have one’s sentence mitigated even after killing an objectionable noble.’
It was a promise from the Queen.
I made sure to receive that right properly.
Don’t interfere with me today. I really have no leeway left. So don’t provoke me.
“What!? Insolent wretch! Someone, seize this man—”
“Veil-dono! What is the meaning of this! Such a criminal—”
The guards who appeared restrained these two nobles in the blink of an eye.
“…I’m sorry, but this young man truly has received from Her Majesty the Queen…the right to carry out noble purges. I, too, do not wish to lose comrades of the same nation. Please wait for a while in another room. It seems…our country’s Dungeon Conqueror is in a foul mood.” (Veil)
“W-What!? Dungeon Conqueror…!? Then could it be…the one who brought a Core to our country…”
“The vice-captain of the Brigade…?”
“Shall I kill them? Veil-dono, are these two necessary to the country? They seem to have already built some connections with the Empire. Would it be acceptable to kill them here?” (Shizuma)
“…They are necessary personnel. I don’t know what offended you, but Seimu-kun, please…lower your spear.” (Veil)
“I understand… Today, I will attend the banquet for my own purpose. And I will remain right beside Shuris-san, where trouble is almost guaranteed to occur. If anyone interferes with that, I will kill everyone…even without Her Majesty’s permission. Understood? I will kill everyone equally.” (Shizuma)
I made it clear, unspoken, that even you would not be spared.
Shuris-san’s request, the nation’s intentions, inter-state relations…those were secondary now.
All I wanted was an opportunity to purge Angares with proper justification, in a way both nations would accept.
“Seimu-san…what happened…? You’ve been strange since this morning. What happened? You’re more frightening than when we first met… No, far more than that.” (Shuris)
“Yes, I think that’s correct… An imperial explorer injured my family. She returned yesterday in tears, hurt. If the conditions were right, I’d be willing to have the entire Brigade march on the Empire.” (Shizuma)
No, I could prepare equivalent force immediately without worrying about conditions or summoning limits.
But doing so might lead to something irreversible.
So I scrapped that plan this time.
The two nobles were taken away to another room, and once there was finally no one left opposing my attendance, I sank into a sofa and exhaled.
“…So it was him from yesterday, then? Reports of last night’s disturbance reached my clan as well…but for Melt-kun to be harmed…” (Shuris)
“It was truly a minor injury. But that doesn’t matter. What matters is the fact that she came back crying. The information has already been shared with all Brigade members. If Lendia were to come into conflict with the Empire, they’d gladly all join the fight.” (Shizuma)
“…Please don’t say things like that, even as a joke. I understand that you’re angry, Seimu-san, but…” (Shuris)
“You’re right. We can’t involve the nation. Well…the Empire’s standing has already fallen to the ground in my eyes. My apologies, Marquis Veil. It seems I can no longer remain a gentlemanly young man.” (Shizuma)
“…It seems the Empire has stepped on a tail it never should have. It can’t be helped. Everyone has a line they must not cross. I understand that you wish to settle this in a proper way. For now, I can only thank you for that careful decision.” (Veil)
Whether they directed exasperation, disappointment, or fear at me…
It no longer mattered. I simply closed my eyes and meditated in that room.
Hoping that this raging flame of anger might die down, even a little…
—————–
When the sunlight streaming into the waiting room turned a deep crimson, I gently shook Shuris-san, who had fallen asleep beside me.
“Shuris-san, please wake up. It’s almost time for the banquet.” (Shizuma)
“…Right. Seimu-san, have you calmed down at least a little?” (Shuris)
“To the point where I didn’t even notice a beautiful woman sleeping beside me, or enjoy her sleeping face.” (Shizuma)
“…Honestly. I never imagined you’d lose your composure like this. But…as a woman, I can’t help feeling a little envious that you’d get so angry for someone’s sake. Melt-kun is important to you, isn’t she?” (Shuris)
“…Sorry, that bit of sarcasm must have sounded unpleasant. I think this is as much for myself as it is for Melt. I include her among my reasons for living. I think I’ve been using ‘living for her sake’ as a reason to avert my eyes from many things. So half of this anger is for myself.” (Shizuma)
“I see. Still…I’m envious. The nobles you drove out earlier have likely made some arrangements with the Empire. Both houses are involved in overseas trade. Connections aren’t inherently evil, but being used without consent feels bad for me too. Whether Angares takes interest in me is uncertain, but at the very least, Duke Asimov will make a move. Most likely with Angares in tow.” (Shuris)
“Then I’ll be present for that moment. If it leads to a duel, or even better, a life-or-death battle due to so-called ‘withdrawal symptoms’, that’s fine. Today, I plan to go all out for the first time since coming to this country. I’ll show them power I didn’t even use against the Dungeon Master.” (Shizuma)
She swallowed audibly.
And I declared it…my roundabout declaration of Angares’s death.
Together, we headed toward the banquet hall as people began to gather.
—————–
The banquet venue took advantage of the island’s warm climate: part of the walls had been removed, opening directly onto the courtyard.
The courtyard was lavishly lit, where elegant ladies sipped wine under the starry sky, others chatted indoors while gazing outside, and since the guest mansion faced the sea, a large gazebo had been built at a slightly elevated point, offering a panoramic view of the ocean.
If there were no worries or anger, if we could simply enjoy the event, then watching the night sea from there, admiring the starlight reflected on the surface…it would have been a refined way to pass the time.
“…He’s here. He’s attending.” (Shizuma)
“Yes. But…if possible, I’d rather avoid making contact ourselves.” (Shuris)
“Understood.” (Shizuma)
Numerous seats were prepared, each accompanied by buffet-style dishes.
Many maids moved about serving guests, yet their motions remained graceful…one glance was enough to understand the high caliber of this event.
“Shall we get something to drink, Seimu-san?” (Shuris)
“Yes, just something light.” (Shizuma)
As I said that, I scanned the area for a server carrying wine.
Then…
“Are you looking for a drink, Seimu-sama? This is a superb white wine aged eighteen years on Yasha Island, with an aroma reminiscent of honey, and subtle notes of nuts and figs.”
A nearby maid brought wine for both Shuris-san and me.
She knew my name, or perhaps she knew the names of all attendees?
She looked young…her face hidden behind bangs, but surely not yet twenty.
She could properly introduce the wine, and her explanation immediately piqued interest.
“You have unusual hair.” (Shizuma)
“Now that you mention it, indeed.” (Shuris)
Though she wore a maid cap, the long hair spilling out was a beautiful, glossy black.
Her face was hidden by bangs, but perhaps her eyes were black as well?
“Yes, it may be a little unusual. Then, I’ll go serve wine to the other guests. Please enjoy yourselves.”
With that, the black-haired maid moved on, offering wine to others.
Why was it…?
For some reason, I couldn’t stop thinking about her.
Perhaps I had been unconsciously following her with my eyes, because Shuris-san said…
“That’s not admirable, you know. Staring at other women. Right now, you’re my partner.” (Shuris)
“My apologies… For some reason, she caught my attention.” (Shizuma)
“Hm…true. I found myself curious as well. Her hair… no, perhaps her voice.” (Shuris)
That made me realize…it was her voice. For some reason, her voice lingered in my mind.
The maid was already gone before I noticed.
…Right. I should focus on Angares now.
—————–
Then, once alcohol had spread pleasantly among the attendees, it happened.
Duke Asimov approached us, Shuris-san and me, as we gazed at the stars in the courtyard, with Angares in tow.
On the surface, he spoke with perfect gentlemanly courtesy, without any hint of condescension.
“Good evening. I apologize for not greeting you properly the other day. You are Shuris-dono, daughter of Marquis Veil and one of Lendia’s greatest strengths…the Thirteen Knights, correct?” (Asimov)
A smiling expression, yet mixed with a sharp, appraising gaze.
Indeed, upon closer observation, it was clear he was no mere social noble.
“You honor me, Duke Asimov. I apologize for not greeting you first. I am Shuris, eldest daughter of the Veil house.” (Shuris)
“As expected. A beauty worthy of the rumors… My heart nearly flutters despite my age.” (Asimov)
Whether mere courtesy or genuine admiration, he spoke so, but…
“Hey, don’t get all flirty, old man. But yeah, she’s seriously beautiful. And counted among the top combatants too… That’s wild-ssu ne.”
Angares cut in, speaking in a tone unbecoming of someone addressing a duke.
“Asimov-dono, who is this?” (Shuris)
“Haha, my apologies. Just as you are among Lendia’s greatest strengths…this man is likewise one of ours. His name is Angares, a warrior who has single-handedly conquered two imperial dungeons.” (Asimov)
“That’s impressive. You must be very strong?” (Shuris)
“Fufu. Indeed. How about it? As fellow warriors bearing our nations on our backs, why not talk privately?” (Angares)
I had sensed it faintly since earlier… This Duke Asimov hasn’t even been looking at me, treating me as if I didn’t exist.
Elitism… No, perhaps he simply deemed those unnecessary to his goal not worth acknowledging.
“I appreciate the offer, but I must decline. I have a partner, and cannot be alone with another man. He would grow jealous.” (Shuris)
Only then did his gaze turn to me. I met it with a polite smile and a bow.
“Oh? I didn’t notice. It seems you are someone who meets Shuris-dono’s standards. Are you also a person of note?” (Asimov)
“Yes. This is the one who brought a Dungeon Core to our country. His strength exceeds even mine -one of the few men I acknowledge.” (Shuris)
“Oh… That is intriguing.” (Asimov)
At last, I felt his interest turn toward me…not just his gaze, but an intent probing my very being.
The weight of a seasoned noble who had survived countless trials.
But the one who showed the most interest was not Duke Asimov…
“Oh? So you’re the Dungeon Conqueror-ssu ka. Hm…sounds fun. Let’s fight. Never fought a conqueror from another continent before… Got me curious.” (Angares)
Angares bit immediately, without any prompting from us.
…Then that’s fine.
“Hm? So you’re the Empire’s greatest strength? I felt no presence or intimidation, so I thought you were just a guard. Duke Asimov, was it? He seems eager to fight, but I’m rather bad at holding back. I’m worried I might kill him, so I must decline.” (Shizuma)
I provoked him openly.
Go on…this works in your favor too, doesn’t it?
Remove the nuisance and make it easier to connect with Shuris-san.
“Oh my…you’re quite confident. But the world is wider than you thi—” (Asimov)
“Asimov-san? I just got seriously insulted, didn’t I? Can I get permission? Can I go ahead? He was in the way anyway, right? So it’s fine-ssu, yeah?” (Agares)
“Hey now, calm yourself. Hm…what was your name?” (Asimov)
“My name is Seimu. This is troublesome… You seem eager, but I can’t just kill your man. Hm…what should I do? If I accept and accidentally kill him, could you promise not to hold a grudge? I’d rather not cause trouble for the country.” (Shizuma)
Carefully…grinding on their nerves.
Guiding them toward the words I wanted.
Toward the outcome I desired.
“Give me permission, Asimov-san. Come on, it’s fine, right? I couldn’t go all out on the ship! You promised I could rampage in this country-ssu, didn’t you?!” (Agares)
“Oh dear… Seimu-kun, was it? You bear some responsibility as well. Will you accept the match?” (Asimov)
“Then please promise, and announce it to everyone, that you will not hold us responsible even if I kill him. The banquet has been dull anyway. How about it? A duel between Dungeon Conquerors of opposing nations… Someone might even die. Wouldn’t that be an entertaining spectacle?” (Shizuma)
Come now, Duke Asimov. Accept the show.
This is a perfect opportunity to display the difference in national power.
“Hahaha, indeed, that sounds delightful! Very well…let’s move to the nearby beach. Angares, wouldn’t you be more motivated with a gallery watching?” (Asimov)
“Sounds good-ssu ne. You’ve got taste, dude. Putting suicide on as a show… That’s classy.” (Angares)
“Hm? Ah, sorry, sorry. You were talking to me. I wasn’t very interested in you, you see. But you’re a state guest, so I’ll humor you. If you die, blame yourself.” (Shizuma)
This is fun. Provoking someone freely like this.
Word spread through the banquet with Duke Asimov’s prompting.
Nobles hungry for curiosity and stimulation flocked toward the beach.
Riding that flow, Shuris-san and I moved as well.
—————–
The night beach was brighter than expected, thanks to moonlight and the illumination from the guest mansion above.
Duke Asimov’s cheerful narration carried amid the sound of waves and the gallery’s chatter.
It seemed he was explaining the situation to the assembled nobles, making sure to include the phrase “even if one of them dies, it is self-responsibility.”
“You even brought your weapons? Careful of you.” (Shizuma)
“You don’t need one-ssu ka? I can wait while you go get it. Oh…and no running away.” (Angares)
“Hm? Nah, bare hands are fine. Or…do you really think this will be a fight?” (Shizuma)
Provoking further.
Even with his emotions stirred, Angares showed almost none of it on his face.
At least in conversation, I couldn’t sense his anger.
Though the power filling his body was obvious.
“Well then…shall we begin?” (Shizuma)
“Yeah-ssu ne, let’s hurry and—” (Angares)
As Angares raised both arms fitted with gauntlets, a figure suddenly stepped between us.
It was the black-haired maid who had caught my attention earlier.
“May I offer a drink before battle? Ancient warriors are said to have taken wine to raise morale before combat. This is Dwarven Sakaram, long-aged in the port’s brewery. It’s rather strong, but said to heighten one’s spirits.”
She suddenly offered us mugs on a tray.
Her boldness and timing made both Angares and me laugh.
“Kuku… Nice-ssu ne, Maid-san. I’ll take one.” (Angares)
“Then I shall as well.” (Shizuma)
As I reached out, the maid teasingly pulled the tray back and handed the drink to Angares first.
I see… Perhaps she has been told there is a hierarchy of service to observe.
Then she handed me a mug, and just as she said, I downed the strong liquor.
“Like rum, maybe.” (Shizuma)
My face heated up.
Anger surged back.
Joy welled up at how perfectly things were unfolding.
Strength filled my eyes. Blood roared through my body.
“Then I will give the signal to begin. Duke Asimov, is that acceptable?”
“Of course. This is an official duel approved by both nations’ representatives. For everyone to know that even death will not affect future relations, please proceed.” (Asimov)
“Very well. I hereby commence the duel between Seimu and Angares! Begin combat!”
—————–
Once again, a shiver like a formless chill spread across Yasha Island.
Almost simultaneously with Marquis Veil’s signal, Seimu let out an enormous, utterly enormous, roar.
A hideous cry that shook the primal fear of all who heard it, as if rising from the depths of hell.
That cry was…
Swordsman/Thief: Ultimate Skill.
A roar imbued with extreme killing intent that restrains the target’s movement, followed by a linked strike that annihilates the enemy.
Power increases with the user’s level and number of uses, while the final damage multiplier fluctuates randomly.
Ranges from 6x to 666x.
Seimu’s strongest attack.
A guaranteed hit. Its preparatory phase unleashes a roar similar to [Crimson Howl].
But this…this was different.
A soul-shaking, inhuman, ominous, violently oppressive sound.
“■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■!!!!!!!!!”
No longer a sound the human ear could comprehend.
Angares froze for an instant.
The next moment, Seimu was right before him…so close their fists could brush each other’s faces.
“Die.” (Shizuma)
In that instant, sand erupted skyward.
It was the sand kicked up by Seimu’s step.
Even the heavy, seawater-soaked sand was hurled far into the sky.
…And beyond even that, beyond the stars themselves, a figure vanished.
Straight upward, without deviation, without any chance to act…Angares was launched sky-high.
The moment was too sudden, even the gallery fell silent.
Only the sound of waves remained.
And there stood Seimu, alone, at the center of a massive crater carved into the beach.
After several waves flowed into the crater, Seimu finally moved…leaping out as seawater pooled inside.
“See? It wasn’t even a match. He’s far too weak.” (Shizuma)
“Impossible…! Where did Angares go!? Where did he disappear to!? Angares!!”
Unable to accept reality, Duke Asimov shouted, even though he rarely raised his voice, as he called the name of the man who had just suffered total defeat.
Then, by coincidence or design, the Angares who had vanished into the sky fell back into the water-filled crater, sending up a massive splash.
“Oh, impressive. His body’s still intact. As expected of the Empire’s greatest strength.” (Shizuma)
“Angares! Answer me! You’re not your average human, right!? You shouldn’t lose to something like this! Angares!!!” (Asimov)
Asimov called desperately.
Then, miraculously, a sound came from Angares, floating in the crater.
But it wasn’t a voice…
Rather, it was the kind of miserable sound one might hear from someone rushing to the toilet after eating spoiled eggs and milk.
And the next moment, an overpowering stench spread, and the seawater turned a foul color.
In other words…massive defecation.
A pitiful display that stripped him of all dignity.
Before the eyes of nobles from both nations, a fate more terrifying than death -social death- awaited Angares.
“The Empire’s greatest strength can use such techniques? Seems he still has the will to fight, even in defeat.” (Shizuma)
Duke Asimov collapsed to his knees at Seimu’s sarcasm…
—————–
Around the time the battle on the beach concluded, a mysterious black-haired maid who had been observing from afar quietly left the guest mansion.
“Whew… My waist’s hot! My head hurts!”
Suddenly, the maid’s hips swelled, and from beneath the uniform emerged a tail that had been wrapped around her waist.
From beneath the removed maid cap, black-dyed fox ears popped out, springing upright.
“Phew… I wonder if I’ll get strong enough someday to change my fur color without medicine?”
Yes, the true identity of the mysterious black-haired maid was… Melt, who had infiltrated the guest mansion.
She hid her ears and tail, dyed her fur with medicine, changed her hairstyle, and concealed her face.
Using her natural learning ability, she perfectly mimicked a maids’ mannerisms and speech.
The reason Shuris and Seimu had felt uneasy…that was the one thing she couldn’t change: her voice.
“Aah… that felt good. Seimu’s attack was amazing… The fact that he didn’t die means he’s definitely not human. But thank goodness…the medicine worked.” (Melt)
And the final reason for the “tragedy.”
Melt had given Angares the strongest laxative she knew just before the match.
Not poison.
She chose to disgrace him, something more humiliating than death, to kill him socially.
Thus, Melt fulfilled her declaration and took revenge with her own hands…
“…Ah! I brought the maid outfit with me…!” (Melt)
(´・ω・｀) And with that, Arc 11 comes to an end.
(´・ω・｀) The start of Arc 12 will likely be delayed, and daily updates may pause.
(´・ω・｀) I plan to post a new work on Kakuyomu, so that’s the reason.
(´・ω・｀) If you’d like, I’d be grateful if you’d follow me over there as well.
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