Vol 2 Chapter 1 (1/2)

Grimoire x Reverse V2 – Chapter 1

The Silverwhite Highway.

It is one of the places that connects the Hana Flower forest and the Empire a road filled with silvery tiles. Apparently, all the tiles once froze over by a sudden temperature change that occurred when a local research facility of the Imperial Academy took energy from different phases.

Moreover, it seems that the special magic contained an aqueous solution that coated it in moisture, which hardened and remained silverwhite even at room temperature. There is no influence on the surrounding trees, and the small monsters and creatures live normally. Among them, there is a carnivorous beast to be cautious of that projects dart-like weapons.

“That was quite a walk.” (Shuten)

“Why not run? We both have business there.” (Hiragi)

“Oh, don’t say that. It isn’t bad to enjoy the journey and walk to see the sights.” (Shuten)

“I don’t follow you.” (Hiragi)

“Why are you in such a hurry? Is it because of this Taros-san?” (Shuten)

“…Taros V doesn’t matter.” (Hiragi)

“I see.” (Shuten)

Good company is a mercy that makes the road shorter.

I’ve said it before, but it is hard living in a society that shows no mercy to demons. I’d like to go to the town where demons live, but I can’t go yet because I would probably be beaten up before I get there, and in any case I need to travel with Hiragi.

I have the ability of a mid-boss, so next time I would like to find out what a pair of pearl pieces can do. Though I think the G.o.ddess might get mad at such a use of the pearl pieces.

Well, because of that I was able to get a travel companion.

The person from just a moment ago, the strong girl with nine tails, Hiragi-chan (Around 200 years old or so). With silver-white hair that complements the highway and nine fluffy tails that are a charming point – though she hasn’t let me touch them since that time.

Unfortunately, due to a misunderstanding she made a contract and became my kindred.

“…I haven’t heard you ask, why I am heading to the Empire.” (Hiragi)

“No, I’ve heard the reason. Taros-san, right? Hehe.” (Shuten)

“I’ve already said that’s not it.” (Hiragi)

“I don’t mean to be indifferent, but it seems like you really don’t want to touch on this subject, so I don’t want it to interfere with our future relations.h.i.+p. It would be an awkward journey you know?” (Shuten)

“I didn’t know you cared to enjoy a journey so much…well, it’s okay. Thank you.” (Hiragi)

“U-i.” (Shuten) (うーい)

Enjoy the journey? Well I guess so.

As we proceed along the silver road, at a certain point monsters no longer come out. In addition to the village getting close, is it because there are fewer trees to hide behind?

As we continue walking the plants around us steadily decrease in height and the view becomes clearer. The sunlight shone brightly on the gra.s.ses and felt nice. It was a great day to walk, as the clouds flowed by peacefully. Occasionally swaying in the breeze, the wind-blown gra.s.s made a rustling sound.

“…I really am enjoying it.” (Hiragi)

“Hm?” (Shuten)

“It’s nothing…it’s already fine. But there is something like a rest stop nearby, would you like to take a break?” (Hiragi)

“Oh, that sounds nice.” (Shuten)

On one side was a small hut, standing alone. There was a bench facing east ward, towards the wind. It was a place similar in appearance to

a bakery.

How very pleasant.

“You don’t need to feel threatened, as demons are welcome.” (Hiragi)

“How about that, Hiragi-chan?” (Shuten) (それはどうなのさヒイラギちゃん)

“Even demons want to take a day off.” (Hiragi)

“You have become quite casual all of a sudden.” (Shuten)

While exchanging words with each other, we arrived at the resting place.

Since there were no people at the tables, I peeked in where I saw an older lady making something by herself.

“h.e.l.lo. Two demons here.” (Shuten)

“Hey now…it’s rare to see demons in the Empire.” (Cook)

“Ah well, you know. What do you have? Cookies?” (Shuten)

“Well aren’t you sweet? Wait a moment. I will bake something appropriate.” (Cook)

It seems that there is no mistake that this is a pastry bakery.

I sit on the bench and look up at the sky. Blue. Some of it is white. In that way it is the same as Earth. I feel refreshed.

“…Hey Shuten.” (Hiragi)

“Yeah?” (Shuten)

“Do you think vengeance is stupid after all?” (Hiragi)

“So you want to talk about it after all? It’s not something clearly white or black.” (Shuten)

“Just chat with me.” (Hiragi)

“Hm~…it depends on certain things. It can’t be unjustified resentment…I wonder…if I were you would I kill my opponent? If it was due to a flaw, perhaps I would cast it aside.” (Shuten)

“How vague.” (Hiragi)

“It’s a vague issue you’ve given me.” (Shuten)

“That’s true.” (Hiragi)

Looking over with a glance, Hiragi next to me did not have a particularly serious expression. It seems it really was just a chat…what a heavy chatting topic.

I already miss the Mad Wizard Gaius, but he’s broken so it’s too late.

“The sky is so blue.” (Hiragi)

“I cannot grasp what kind of tension is in today’s Hiragi.” (Shuten)

“Speaking strongly, I do not want to think much about tension.” (Hiragi)

“So then, count the number of clouds.” (Shuten)

“Haha, don’t you know Shuten? Since clouds are just a collection of moisture you can’t count them.” (Hiragi)

“Be quiet you.” (Shuten)

“—What did you say?” (Hiragi)

“The fact that I was just able to experience the frustration from the perspective of the marginalized just now is a harvest.” (Shuten) (マジレスされる側の苛立ちを経験できたことだけが今の収穫だわ)

“Huh?” (Hiragi)

…Well. Anyway.

Even with this kind of silly conversation, there are pieces of the conversation that are more fun than usual. Traveling alone was not bad, but it is a different kind of enjoyment that comes from traveling with a second person.

While waiting a while for the baked goods, it was a peaceful calm between us two.

“Oh, how unusual. Are you demons guests?” (Girl)

“What?” (Shuten)

I raised my face.

There was a little girl holding an umbrella. With a wide smile, she would not even be as tall as my chest if I were standing.

With flowers and bell ornaments in her short blonde hair she stood under the big blue sky, wearing a kimono dyed indigo from the top. This kind of contrast between j.a.panese and Western style is the best. But, there is something unusual with her; it’s not like there is anything wrong with her, perhaps the reason I’m sensing this kind of thing is because she is a blonde-haired girl wearing a kimono. It is hard to put it into words, but this legitimate loli feels like she is distorted in some way, as if I’m standing in front of someone hiding a tremendous power.

“…Well?” (Girl)

“Oh, sorry. I am—” (Shuten)

“Yatano-chan! You came!?” (Cook)

“Matilda, since I’m older, ‘chan’ is a little…” (Yatano)

The girl who did not look to be an older age had a troubled smile.

The woman called Matilda was the older woman who made the pastries. She came out of the shop with a tray that smelled delicious.

“Yes, here are your pastries I made for you. From this direction it is Hikamo gra.s.s flavor (ヒカモ草味), sakura (cherry blossom) flavor, and plain, in that order. It is also fine to eat them later.” (Matilda)

“Thank you.” (Shuten)

The woman retreated, saying that she will make something for Yatano-chan too.

…okay. Putting that aside, Yatano. Yatano. I feel like I’ve heard that name somewhere.

“May I sit next to you?” (Yatano)

“Oh, go ahead.” (Shuten)

Closing her umbrella she sat next to me with the posture of a proper lady.

I am happy to be caught between two pretty ladies…but I missed the words of Hiragi from a moment ago. When I glanced next to me, I saw Hiragi staring at Yatano with slightly surprised eyes. When I noticed, Yatano was also gazing over here with her round eyes in a subtle look, her hand hiding her mouth.

“It’s been a long time. Has the seal truly been broken?” (Yatano)

Wait. This girl. What is she saying at such a time.

“…why, you…!” (Hiragi)

Hey, are you acquainted with Hiragi? But you are a little girl.

Yatano dropped her gaze to her feet and then laughed mischievously.

“Oh…this is, it seems it cannot be helped. Sorry.” (Yatano)

“No, uh…eeh…?” (Hiragi)

I do not understand the situation, or the aura around Hiragi. Wait, what reason would make me unable to understand the situation?

“Eh, what? Yatano, and Hiragi who was sealed for 100 years? Are you two acquainted?” (Shuten)

“That’s right.” (Yatano)

“O, oh…I see.” (Shuten)

How shocking. On both sides of me are people who are far older.

Just how old are you?

I guess Yatano-chan is a freak of the Far East, as she is wearing a kimono and hair ornaments with an umbrella after all? Though it may be harsh, I cannot think of this blonde, blue-eyed person as a little girl…oh, she reminds me of a grandma. (金髪碧眼の幼女とは思えない渋さ……ああ、お婆ちゃんだったなそういや)

…Really though, I’m certain I’ve heard something to do with Yatano before. I feel like she absolutely came from Grimoire Lancer, but why can I not remember?

“Even so, you are?” (Yatano)

“Oh sorry, I’m Shuten.” (Shuten)

“Shuten, you are very fas.h.i.+onable.” (Yatano)

“Ah! I guess you could say that! I also think Yatano wearing the kimono and hairstyle with an umbrella is nice!” (Shuten)

“Hehehe, it is my favorite.” (Yatano)

Even though she looks to be around 8 years old, what is with this bewitching smile and laughter? The nape visible behind her head was excellent. I kind of wanted to brush her hair back.