Manowa

43th story – Let’s get raided.

With his complexion improving, one could clearly see King Mefire’s vitality returning.

And seeing this, Shelkin and Tiara cried happily. As expected of Alduin, his self control was still working, but even then, a couple of manly tears seeped out of his eyes that couldn’t be hidden.

What a sight. Really a cherished grandfather-chan.

Kazane calmly watched this scene; however, it really would be better to inform them of the discoveries she had made as quickly as possible. While looking for a good moment to speak up, King Mefires directed some words to her.

“Fumu. The last few years seem like a lie. Kazane, you have my profound gratitude.”

“No no, rather than your gratitude…”

To her side, Yumika mouthed the words “You should know better.” But, of course, they didn’t reach Kazane.

“Therefore, your Highness. There is a question I would like to ask.”

“What is it? Whatever it is, let’s hear it.”

“Your Highness, can you still feel, at this moment, the link to the Ruby Beast?”

At Kazane’s question, King Mefires knitted his eyebrows a bit; however, understanding the conviction of her words, he judged that there was nothing to be hidden and frankly answered.

“It is only a feeling. Still, with this weakened body, summoning it would be a foolish act and would only bring forth half of its presence.”

“Are you serious?” came from besides them. It seems Alduin also had not known.

“No Your Highness, I think this is a fairly accurate estimate. In fact, at least half of the Ruby Beast seems to have already been altered, ne.”

Upon hearing this, King Mefires closed his eyes, trying to sense something, and when opening his eyes again, directed them towards Kazane.

“Fumu. Certainly, now that you mention it, such a feeling may be there. Does this have a relation to the curse from before?”

To his question, Kazane replied with a nod.

“As for the curse placed on Your Highness, it seemed to be a tool to overwrite the Ruby Beast’s principal origin, the Flame with the Darkness attribute, ne. Because of this burden, Your Highness was weakened. Therefore, to be precise, rather than a curse on Your Highness, it may be more correct to call it a curse on the Ruby Beast.”

“Wait. So to say, the aim of this curse wasn’t Father’s life, but our Kingdom’s Guardian Beast?”

“Seems like it, ne” was the reply to Alduin’s question.

“Well, the curse could be lifted, and if ti’s His Highness’ own vitality, it should gradually return to normal.”

So, Kazane brought it to an end. At least, this was it for the information acquired from the the Infinite Keys. Also no matter on how much vigor he regained, King Mefires old body had long lay ill. Since he should rest, this occasion came to an end.

***

Tiara’s Bedroom — Night

“Fuu~~”

While Kazane’s group was still finishing their meal, Tiara returned to her room and slid into the Futon. Her excitement still hadn’t subsided.

Having merely saved me, and now even grandpa ended up saved by her. Kazane is really amazing…

When Tiara had lost her consciousness, from the onset, it could be said that it was Kazane who saved her from the ogre.

And without me saying anything, she decided to escort me to the Royal Capital.

The journey was very fun.

This Futon as well. It’s good and fluffy to the touch.

Besides her, a crystal ball containing a flame was glowing. It looked handy, so Kazane had brought them a

I still don’t understand the meaning of Hippo-kun’s name, but still, riding it felt pleasant.

Tiara had travelled in carriages before, but never on horseback. time she planned to attempt it.

When the two of us were alone, was it called fireworks? I didn’t knew there was such a beautiful thing.

And later, the angry Kazane was also cute. Kazane being consoled was also adorable.

The two of us were always together at the inn. I was so happy that I wanted to hold her tight.

It was so fun. I was so happy. I’m really glad that I met Kazane.

But now……Unnoticed, Tiara couldn’t stop the tears anymore.

The fact is that “this’ already came to an end.

Continuing this way, Kazane will leave this country as an adventurer. Tiara has to fulfill her duty as this country’s royalty. It seems that their lives won’t cross again.

Sometimes, Kazane may come to visit, telling the princess of her travels, teaching Tiara about many things she doesn’t know, and if called for help, she would surely come back.

But it’s only to that extent.

They couldn’t return to being together like this time. Certainly, they wouldn’t walk side by side while holding hands again.

“…….why can’t I be together with Kazane?”

The answer was much too clear; she understood completely that there is no way. So Tiara could do nothing but keep on crying.

This is until the room was engulfed in black flames.

****

Royal Castle Griffonias – Central Floor – Guest Room – A Few Hours Prior

“Uuun~”

Kazane lay sprawled out on the bed.

“As expected, the Indestructible Futon’s snugness is still better.”

“It’s snugness is truly memorable, ne.” Yumika agreed with Kazane.

“But still, the meal was delicious. There were also several kinds of seafood.”

“Even if it’s medieval-ish, it must be because there is magic. They can get their hands on cold storage, right.”

If seen like this, there are areas where this world isn’t outdone by their former world.

“And now, about the current quest? Step by step, we’ve come here, still … hmm. Did we clear the quest with this?”

“Now, this isn’t a game, I think there are also things without an end.” Kazane replied to Yumika’s question.

“Then, from tomorrow on what should we do?”

“We have the option of sticking around here for a while, but our current base in Winlard is good. Master is there and weapon creation requests are also cheap.”

“Ah it is. I also have the dojo, it’s nice there.”

“Well, let’s explore the town tomorrow. Should we return around the day after?”

“Yea, looks so…….but what to do about Tiara-sama?”

Yumika thought that, with the current degree of attachment, troubles seem probable.

“Hmm, adventuring together with her is fun~”

But the returned answer was just a wish. Towards the speaking Kazane, Yumika smiles. As ever, a character that easily succumbs to loneliness.

“Well, although it’s rare for you to be so invested…”

“Hm, maybe. Perhaps it’s because she looks like sister Yuko.”

Sister Yuko is a fellow gamer of Kazane’s. A university student from the neighborhood with a quiet character; however, in game, she was the opposite, being a user of Extermination Magic. A good acquaintance to both Yumika and Kazane.

“Looking alike, hee?”

Nevertheless, Tiara’s atmosphere is very different, thought Yumika.

“Nn. Yep, sorry. I lied.” And so Kazane withdrew her previous statement.

“There aren’t many reasons. I simply wanted to be together.”

With Kazane expressing this reason frankly, Yumika was a bit jealous, and for some reason, while letting out a short remark, embraced her.

However this calm time came to an end.

“–!?”

Suddenly Kazane with eyes wide open, stood up on the bed.

“Hey Kazane, what is it?”

“……it smells of blood.”

“What?” For an instant, Yumika couldn’t grasp what had been said.

“This, is it the soldiers outside?”

Having said this, Kazane jumped of the bed, opening the door.

“Honored guest. What happened all of a sudden?”

Outside were two guards on patrol. Surprised by the door being flung open, they ran up to Kazane’s position.

“Hey, wait, Kazane. What is this all about, mou~”

Yumika also butted in from inside the room.

“Enemy maybe. Yumika, call Zinray, prepare for combat. Call out to the other soldiers as well, ne.”

While talking, Kazane had already pulled out from the Item Bag the Immortal Futon and was putting on the Berserk Ogre Grieves. The Sword and Cane were also retrieved along with them.

“This is a bit troublesome. Inside the castle…”

Confronted with Kazane suddenly taking up arms, the soldiers became confused.

“Stop it, get it together and listen. Two have probably died already.”

At Kazane’s words, the soldiers’ expressions changed.

“Where and who died?”

“Don’t know. For now, if you could come along quickly. Alone, I would be treated like a criminal.”

The soldiers look at each other and confirmed it with a nod, following behind Kazane.

***

Royal Castle Griffonia – Court Yard

“Uug-“

If you came here, even if you weren’t Kazane, you could smell the blood in the air. Then, the group finally reached the source of the smell. 

“Reys, Cail!”

They had been acquaintances. Seeing the two crumbled down on the other side of the yard, the soldiers who came along with Kazane voiced their grief.

“This is bad, na…”

Kazane’s mouth formed a grimace upon seeing this.

“What is?”

Another soldier was trembling, but still asked with composure towards Kazane.

“There is no killing smell next to this corpse. This way of beheading is the same killing method found on the robbers employed by Blair Deckerman.”

At these words, the soldiers’ neck muscles tensed.

“This means, then, Blair came?”

To the soldiers’ question, Kazane replies with a nod.

“Also his aim is the King’s Summoning Beast. This is bad.”

“Is this true!?”

The soldiers staggered at the shock delivered from those words. As expected, they weren’t aware of things to this degree.

“What a night. Contact Knight Order Commander Reigel about it at once.”

“This incident” would have been the next words, but he didn’t continue beyond that because….

The castle’s best room was razed in black flames.

Clad in dazzling, shining black flames, out of the collapsing wall appeared the Tsuwara Kingdom’s Guardian Beast. Besides it, the man Kazane passed by in the corridor: Blair Deckerman stood there.

“That guy-!”

Kazane raised her voice, and in response, Blair faced towards her.

–!?

Their eyes met. Blair recognized Kazane’s figure, and his lips split into a warped smile, and he jumped together with the floating Ruby Beast.

In a straight line towards Kazane.

——————————-

Post Chapter Chat:

Kazane: “Our eyes met.”

Yumika: “Ruby Beast arc, at last. The climax.”

———————————————————–

***Trigger warning?

第四十四話　悪魔と語ろう