Volume 3 Chapter 17 (1/2)
Volume 3 Chapter 17
Merrick II [Romance]
{Shuten POV}
Rudius · Fossalena · Grand Galea.
The Crown Prince of the Kingdom, and their strongest knight…yeah, it was written in the game manual like that as his introduction for Grimoire Lancer II.
…However, even though he is one of the heroes of this world he is still growing with a low level and has not yet reached the realm of the strongest. He was one of the weakest comrades in the beginning of the RPG when he first joined the group.
Putting all this aside, that Prince Rudius was standing in front of me. In this late-night hour, he was alone from his companions.
A cool breeze brushed past our faces as we stood on the roof.
”…How is your recovery going?” (Shuten)
”Oh, fine, thanks to your help.” (Rudius)
As I asked after him, Rudius' eyes widened in surprise and he nodded. Was he thinking that a demon like me wouldn't say that kind of thing? Or was it for some other reason? Hm.
”Should I leave you two alone?” (Hiragi)
”…Sorry. I would be grateful if you could do that.” (Shuten)
”…Then, Shuten, I will be going down in a bit. Let me know if you need anything.” (Hiragi)
”Yeah, Yeah~” (Shuten)
There should be no problem as long as she stays in the neighborhood. After raising my hand in goodbye to her, Hiragi turned to leap off the roof.
”Shuten.”
”Hmm?”
”Thank you”
”Mhm.”
Thinking about how she quickly disappeared after saying such a thing, you could say that she flew away.
I do not remember doing anything that would cause her to thank me so seriously, but it's fine. I suppose I am a bit pleased that we are getting along better now.
I look forward to levelling alongside her next time.
For now, Rudius seems that he has something he wanted to tell me.
“Oh well, have a seat. There was was something you wanted to talk to me one-on-one about right? It would be lonely sitting by myself.” (Shuten)
”…Yes, sorry…ah, please excuse me” (Rudius)
I moved to the top of the roof, where the main beam was, and sat on the opposite slope from Rudius.
“Well, even without bringing alcohol, there's a nice breeze right now.” (Shuten)
”Should I have brought some?” (Rudius)
“Oh no, that's not the case. In this kind of situation I just thought it would be stylish to be sipping Sake while talking, but I wouldn't want to bother you since you are a little young to be drinking. So you don't need to be so stiff?” (Shuten)
”…I see, stylish is it?” (Rudius)
Rudius once again looked out over our surroundings, where no building was tall enough to block the view. In this city crowded with little houses, starlight is the only reliable light source. The beauty of the starry sky that I look up at every day is certainly not bad. It is a normal scenery in this world, but that doesn't make it any less beautiful. Recognizing beautiful things whenever you see them is not a sensibility that should be thrown away.
”…Shuten, was it?”
”Hmm?”
Rudius' words faded out as he hesitated.
Perhaps he was trying to chose his words, or maybe he didn't know what kind of topic to start with in the first place. I don't know, but he can't just stay silent in front of me like this. I cannot read minds. Unlike that tomboy G.o.ddess.
“I was truly saved by you. I know that as a prince I shouldn't lower my head so easily, but…I want to thank you as just Rudius…Thank you very much.” (Rudius)
“Oh no…No, in the end it was mostly Yatano-chan's doing.” (Shuten)
”But still, if you hadn't come, then we would have died…but because you were there we were saved.” (Rudius)
”I see” (Shuten)
His tone is not one of an embarra.s.sed Prince. Rather, through his eyes and att.i.tude I can see that there is no despair in him but complete sincere grat.i.tude. This kind of atmosphere makes me feel like he is not a loft n.o.ble-born, but just a normal guy.
I think it is good to convey your feelings like this…although politicians use polite language it is clearly not them expressing sincerity. I saw it in the game while playing the protagonist, but…it is great how not just the hero is cool but so are his friends.
”…I would like to thank you for being more helpful than me. Although I currently have nothing to give you since I am in the middle of a journey, but when I return to the Kingdom I promise to do something for you as thanks.” (Rudius)
”Are you serious? Well only one…” (Shuten)
”If you have something, then I will do whatever is within my power to do. But before that, will you answer some of my questions?” (Rudius)
“Hmm?” (Shuten)
I thought this was the kind of flow where I would be able to ask 1 unreasonable favor, but my joking was brushed off so easily. Even though I am a demon, why is he treating me more like a friend?
“……Do you think we can win against the Demon King?” (Rudius)
”You can't do it right now, though?” (Shuten)
”…Sorry, I phrased that badly. Do you think if we work hard we would become strong enough to defeat the Demon King?” (Rudius)
”Ohh, so that's it.” (Shuten)
Yes, I was completely playing dumb.
It seems I been affected by staying in Anti-Demon territory for so long, and finding it was easier to act more submissively.[1] You could even say, subservient. The submissive idiot Shuten. Woww!
…Well, that's just how things turned out.
Rudius' eyes were trembling.
I know what he means. In other words, the problem is that the Heavenly Demon Lord that they encountered recently was too strong for Crane and the kids. That's why their worry is so obvious, because more than just their level being not high enough, they couldn't compare to Braument boosted by the pearl piece.
The original Braument of ”Reason” was supposed to fight them in the plains beside the Holy Capitol, the City of Eden. It was supposed to be a scenario where he then disappeared leaving clues about Reckless the Demon Lord of ”Balance,” but Braument had not only suddenly appeared on the Wagonless Road but also had an abnormal strength.
In addition, there was my existence and the appearance of Veloche. I was originally a mid boss that appears a bit later, and she is a strong character that should not appear until the very end. To top it all of they encountered Yatano who does not appear at all in the second game, and had collaborated with Desiree earlier.
For these young heroes who had not even changed their cla.s.ses, opponents with a vastly different grade from them have appeared like a boss rush. Even I would have been unable to take it and would have lost my confidence.
”….Crane is a terrible guy…He always looks forward and believes that he will definitely win, he always aims for the top while undergoing trial and error….I-I am not as bold as him.” (Rudius)
”How surprising, I thought you were more confident than him.” (Shuten)
Rather than thought, it was the case.
”I cannot have confidence when I don't consider myself as having enough ability. I have met so many people so much stronger than myself on this journey. You are no exception…No, you were the biggest turning point.” (Rudius)
”I'm sorry, but I haven't really done much with you besides when we met in the Alfan Ranges?” (Shuten)