Vol 2 Chapter 1 (1/2)

Chapter 01: I tried to consult someone

“Where…. Where is this place?”

I found myself in an empty white s.p.a.ce.

Come to think of it, who am I? Where am I from?……..I don’t know.

“Youki-san.”

I turned around after I heard a voice behind me. There stood a woman who was looking at me with a gentle smile on her face.

Is Youki my name?

“Erm….is that my name? Do you know me?”

“What are you saying? Youki-san is Youki-san, isn’t it?”

“Youki……That’s right! I’m Youki. Now I remember it.”

I was reincarnated as the Demon Lord’s underling or rather, a half-a.s.sed underling. I was originally a human in my past life, but currently I’m a demon. That was the reason why I have qualms about attacking humans and ended up shutting myself off.

“Youki-san is being strange. You’re not possibly going to say that you don’t know me, are you?”

The woman in front of me asked as she tilted her head.

I recalled my own name. If that’s the case, then I should remember the name of the woman standing before me.

How did I get acquainted with this woman even though I have been secluding myself from the outside world?

I had been waiting in the room located in the middle of the Demon Lord’s castle for a long time, but there had been no sign of any heroes showing up at all.

To begin with, it would be hard for me to get to know anyone actually.

“…….You’ve forgotten, haven’t you? That’s mean.”

“G-Give me a second. I will definitely, absolutely recall it.” [Youki]

Upon seeing that I was not able to answer her readily, the woman pouted.

Since I wasn’t really accustomed to woman, I became fl.u.s.tered at that sight. I tried racking my brain in desperation.

“You even confessed to me.”

“Ah……!?” [Youki]

All my memories came back to me at that single sentence from the woman.

The hero’s party that was led by Yuuga, the hero, got badly bashed-up by me in the Demon Lord’s castle room.

At that time, I fell in love at first sight with Cecilia, who is the cleric in that party. I wound up ignoring the defence of the room that I was supposed to be guarding and confessed to her. The end result was that I suffered an honourable defeat.

“Cecilia! It’s Cecilia!” [Youki]

“It felt like you just remembered, didn’t it? It gave me a somewhat complicated feeling about it.” [Cecilia]

“Aa, erm, I’m sorry. I got this weird kind of feeling. It’s like, my mind was completely blank.” [Youki]

I made an excuse as I scratched my head, trying to hide my embarra.s.sment.

I’m the lowest. It was unforgivable for me to have forgotten about the girl whom I am still in love with.

“By the looks of it, you seemed to have forgotten about everything else apart from me.” [Cecilia]

“Eh? Everything else apart from Cecilia?” [Youki]

“Here. Let’s go, Youki-san. Then try to recall them.” [Cecilia]

Cecilia and I held hands, and then began walking through the white s.p.a.ce.

As we ambled along, the memories of what had happened after I left the Demon Lord’s castle started coming back to me.

The memories of how I made my first friend, Raven, in this world.

About the incident whereby I was set up by Celia-san, Cecilia’s mother.

Then I was reunited with my subordinates, Duke, Happiness and Sheik.

After that, when we got thrown into a commotion after we b.u.mped into Yuuga and Mikana, even though Cecilia and I were supposed to be on date together.

How I found out that Happiness was the other party when Raven approached me for love consultation, and then Duke ended up getting involved as well.

When we went to Dagaz Village under a request, we met Gai the gargoyle, and Tiel-chan who is infatuated with Gai.

I wonder how far I should go on before I could remember everything.

Even though I became immersed in the memories swirling in my brain, the fact that I was holding hands with woman I like made me also lose my sense of time.

“……I remembered everything.” [Youki]

Cecilia halted her steps when she heard what I said.

Our walk seemed to have come to an end, possibly because I have recalled everything.

She turned towards me, while our hands remained connected.

“It appears that you have recalled them. Then, shall we go?” [Cecilia]

“Go where?” [Youki]

The moment I raised that question, Cecilia could no longer be seen beside me.

My vision narrowed, and then went black. When I regained consciousness, I found myself standing on a gra.s.sland that stretched out as far as the eye can see. The evening sky above me was a crimson red colour.

“Cecilia….?” [Youki]

I uttered her name spontaneously.

I started looking for Cecilia, who disappeared when the scenery around me had suddenly changed.

I managed to locate her immediately after enhancing my senses to the fullest.

When I ran towards her, she appeared to be standing there as if she has been waiting for me.

“Cecilia……..” [Youki]

I looked at her and threw my arms around her, as though I had given into my desire.

As I felt the warmth of her body against mine, I slid my hand into my jacket pocket and fumbled around. Once I separated from her, I took a small square box out and opened the lid.

“This….will you accept this….?” [Youki]

Inside the box was a diamond ring with a simple design.

“Youki-san….this is…..!?” [Cecilia]

There was a mixture of shock and joy on her face. I expressed my desire in a trembling voice.

“I-I would like you to marry me.” [Youki]

Although I couldn’t seem to get the words out easily, I managed get myself to propose.

The moment I said that, she clung to me by wrapping her arms tightly around me.

“…….Yes.” [Cecilia]

The reply whispered into my ear was the evidence that my proposal was a success. I thought my heart would burst with happiness, possibly because I have finally achieved my goal.

I was too ecstatic in getting that favourable response that when I realized it, Cecilia’s face was right in front of me.

“…..Do you, want to kiss?”

Cecilia blushed as she looked away bashfully. My brain seemed to have cease functioning for an instant.

As I stood rooted to the spot, she closed her eyes and raised her face.

I was momentarily confused since I have never kissed anyone before, even in my previous life. However, I instantly came to my senses, having understood what had just happened.

I wrapped my arms around Cecilia’s back and embraced her lightly as I brought my lips close to hers.

I had never imagined that I would be able to kiss the person I like. It was truly like a dream.

“Na?”

When I opened my eyes, Cecilia was no longer there. I was greeted by a familiar looking ceiling instead.

I found myself lying on my back, facing upwards. The fluffiness of the bed below me was fully transmitted to my body.

Upon examining the place around, I realized that I was surrounded by a common everyday sight as well.

The luggage and even chair were placed on the table in a disorderly manner.

In the corner of the room, sat Gai the gargoyle in the shape of Venus de Milo.

……..After further a.n.a.lysis of all that were mentioned above, I have reached the conclusion that what I had experienced a while ago,

“Was just a dreaaaammmm!?” [Youki]

This was the deepest despair I have ever felt ever since I was reincarnated. I tumbled off the bed because of the shock.

And, due the momentum from when I fell off the bed, I received a blow to my head.

I tried recalling yesterday’s incident while enduring the agonizing pain.

When Cecilia, Sheik and I were summoned to the castle, the King had wanted to grant us an award for repelling Gallis Empire’s heinous hero, Mirror. Nonetheless, probably because I had lost my mind at that time, I made a stupid and absurd request concerning Cecilia and ended up receiving a long sermon from her. In addition to that, I’ve been given a task by Celia-san to adopt a firm att.i.tude the next time we meet, and I am also forbidden from seeing Cecilia for half month.

There was no way the things in the dream can happen when we couldn’t even see each other. In the first place, how did the proposal scene suddenly come in when we are not even dating!? Hasn’t it suddenly taken a huge leap!?

“It was supposed to be such a happy dream yet, why did I have to experience it at a time like this……? It ended up becoming an unpleasant dream now.” [Youki]

This is just the first day I am sitting through the punishment, so it was not possible for a dream like this to manifest itself conveniently at a time like this.

I tried to give it a thought even though I have yet to compose myself.

Then, an answer came to me.

“Gaiiii!!!” [Youki]

I grasped Gai’s body, the suspect in my mind and shook him. I would not be fooled even if you pretended to be asleep.

“Mu, what is it, brat? You’re being noisy. Could you be a little quiet….what happened?” [Gai]

“What the heck do you mean by noissyyyy!! You have used 《Nightmare Sleep》 on me, haven’t you!?” [Youki]

Gai had a puzzled look on his face but he must be playing dumb there. I’m sure of it.

There is no doubt that he must have shown me that dream in jest.

“Eei, calm down! Explain to me what the h.e.l.l has happe-” [Gai]

“Don’t feign ignorance! It’s impossible for me to be experiencing that kind of dream at a time like this! You’re definitely showing me that dream to hara.s.s me. You have used your magic, rigghtt!?” [Youki]

“What are you talking about? I have not done anythi….” [Gai]

“d.a.m.n it, d.a.m.n it! Hara.s.sing me like this! I will change your appearance to something strange in returnnnn!!!” [Youki]

“Would you quit ittttttt!!!” [Gai]

I altered Gai’s form using my usual earth magic. This time I will change him into something appropriate that will make ten out of ten people criticizing it as trash.

Ten minutes later.

I calmed down and listened to Gai’s explanation. For the time being I repented on what I had done.

“……..Do you have something that you need to say?” [Gai]

“Something really sad happened yesterday. So, I became suspicious unintentionally. I am reflecting on what I’ve done for now. So, please forgive me!” [Youki]

I made my sincere apology to Gai by lowering my head.

It was my fault for jumping into conclusion. I can’t afford to make enemies in my present situation.

“Why am I being doubted due to brat’s selfish reason? Even to the degree of changing my appearance.” [Gai]

Gai shook his head as if he was saying “Good grief”. Taking everything into consideration after I have calmed down, I shouldn’t have lash out at Gai.

“It’s my bad. Yesterday I have done something that made Cecilia angry. Even though she has temporarily forgiven me, various things had happened after.” [Youki]

Celia-san has prohibited me from seeing Cecilia for half month and I don’t understand what she meant by a firm att.i.tude even now.

“I am not interested in human’s love affair so I can’t give you any advice on this.” [Gai]

“……despite being a lolicon.” [Youki]

“Oi, what did you just say, brat? Did you call me a rorikon again?” [Gai]

Despite having a scary demonic looking face, he ‘brainwashed’ a young girl like Tiel-chan.

Tiel-chan is usually an intelligent literary girl, but her image instantly crumbles as soon as Gai became involved in it. There’s no doubt about it. I even believed that he might lay his hands on Tiel-chan eventually.

“How many times do I have to say it, brat! I am not a rorikon. I am indebted to that girl so…..” [Gai]

“Aaa I got it. I got it. I’m going back to the subject since the conversation was derailed.” [Youki]

Our conversation veered off in a strange direction because of that unnecessary remark I made so I tried rectifying it.

The only thing that I wanted to know now is what I should do.

“Hmph. Well whatever. But like I’ve said earlier, I wouldn’t know anything about it even if you asked me.” [Gai]

Certainly, I guess it was useless to consult Gai about love when all he had been doing was sleeping in the ruins in the village’s small shrine all this time.

Then what should I do now? At this point I should seek advice from a successful man.

*******If you are reading this on a place other than rinkagetranslation.com, this chapter has been stolen and is neither the most recent or complete chapter.*******

“An? At that time, it’s that. Just be quiet as you are hit and kicked. If you could endure it, a lap pillow and lots of heavenly things will await you.” [Clayman]

“I was an idiot for even coming to get Clayman’s advice.” [Youki]

I had thought that I might be able to receive a possibly useful advice from Clayman who is in a lovey-dovey marriage relations.h.i.+p, but I have totally forgotten about it.

Clayman and Sophia-san are not an average every day couple.

“You were the one who came troubling me for a love advice during work………seriously. What’s so bad about that?” [Clayman]

“I can’t use it as reference! That lovey-dovey method only applies to Clayman and Sophia-san!” [Youki]

Aaa, why are there only weirdos around me. It’s hard since Cecilia, the sole person who possesses common sense, is not around.

Although, even if she is around I can’t consult her about it. It’s unimaginable to consult the very person whom I am in love with about my love problem.

“I don’t know what happened but, there’s nothing else you need right? It’s fine even if you don’t have any business in particular actually. Not having to work makes me feel at ease.” [Clayman]

“Please be more moderate even in your self-indulgence. But, what should I do now. The other person whom I can depend on is..” [Youki]

Just as I was pondering if there was anyone else whom I could rely on, I felt someone tapping my shoulder from the back. Wondering who it was, I turned behind to find a disguised Raven standing there.

“Isn’t it Raven? Are you having your day off today?” [Youki]

“……..Aa. So I thought of going shopping today.” [Raven]

Come to think of it, we did make a promise the other day. He possesses such a strong sense of obligation. It was unexpected for him to have come all the way to the guild just to faithfully fulfil his promise.

Seeing that it’s Raven, I might be able to consult him about it.

“I actually have something that I would like to consult you about. Would it be alright?” [Youki]

“Youki has helped me previously before. I’m not sure if I can be of any help but I don’t mind it.” [Raven]

Raven is also someone with common sense around here. Even though he doesn’t have experience in love as well previously, he is currently experiencing a one-sided love.

He might be able to give me a relatively good pointer. Otherwise it would be of help even if he could just listen to my problem.

“Then shall we change location? How about the inn that I am staying at now?” [Youki]

“…..Got it.” [Raven]

Hence I brought Raven, who seemed convinced, back to the inn.

As soon as we entered the room, our eyes fell on Gai’s newly ‘improved’ form.

Since I had not put in serious effort as I had previously done, he may comment that it looks weird again.

As I was thinking of that, I made myself comfortable on my bed while Raven sat himself on the chair.

“Nn? You have a new statue again?” [Raven]

Raven stared at Gai. I braced myself for the usual incoming negative comments.

“……Heh, that looks good.” [Raven]

“Eh? Are you serious? I just did that haphazardly in a short amount of time though.” [Youki]

The positive remark received has betrayed my expectation.

It was supposed to be something that was made indiscriminately so this absurd revelation couldn’t have been possible.

“……I think it’s the best one among the others so far.” [Raven]

…….I don’t really get this world. Am I the weird one?

That shouldn’t be the case though……probably.

“……..Was it something that I said?” [Raven]

Raven had misunderstood, thinking he had said something wrong when he saw me brooding over something. It was no big deal. We’re not here today to discuss Gai, so let’s put it aside.

“No, it’s not something that you need to worry about, Raven. Besides, what I really wanted to consult you about is not related to this statue.” [Youki]

“I see.” [Raven]

*Fuu* Raven breathed out in relief.

Even though this was a trivial matter, he was so concerned about it. I really did have a great friend.

The thought of me ordering Duke and the rest to throw him to a village after beating him to a pulp last time made me feel terrible. I wanted to sock my past demon self.

In order to consult a dependable friend like Raven, I finally spoke out.

“Actually, I would like you to give me some love advice.” [Youki]

“……From me?” [Raven]

“From Raven.” [Youki]

He displayed a somewhat complicated expression before placing his hand under his chin as if he was thinking about something hard. His facial expression gradually became serious.

Come to think of it, it was just a while ago when he asked me for love consultation.

I wasn’t sure if Raven and Happiness had met again ever since then but, would he be able gain experience about it within a short frame of time?

“……I was under your care the previous time. To be honest, I don’t have confidence if I can be of a.s.sistance but, would you like to try discussing it with me?” [Raven]

It became a picturesque scenario when an ikemen declared such an ikemen sounding line, with an anime-like voice though.

I slapped my cheeks with both hands so I could get a hold of myself.

Considering that he has already agreed on it, I should try explaining it to him.

“In truth, I have done something without considering the place and have angered the person I like. In the end, I was able to make up with her thanks to her mother, but her mother has prohibited me from seeing her for half month.” [Youki]

“…….that must be hard.” [Raven]

Seeing that we are both in love with someone right now, what I am experiencing was apparently transmitted to him. However, the problem would be after this.

“The mother of this person then asked me to adopt a firm att.i.tude the next time we meet. So, what do you think I should do?” [Youki]

“…….This is a difficult. I’ve not encountered such situation myself before.” [Raven]

“As expected…….What should I do then?” [Youki]

I guess the two of us are still beginners in matters related to love. No good idea comes to mind. Nevertheless, I wouldn’t be able to bring myself to see Cecilia in my present state without any preparation.

In addition to that, I don’t even understand the meaning behind Celia-san’s words. All these just made me feel pathetic.

“What about preparing a gift as a form of apology?” [Raven]

The beginner in love, Raven managed to squeeze an idea out after much thought.

Speaking of which, my previous date with Cecilia the was ruined because of Yuuga. I found a nice necklace in that accessory shop, but, due to the commotion, I didn’t manage to purchase it.

“Raven, that might be a great idea. During my last date with her, I did find something nice that I thought would be good to gift her as a present. I didn’t get to purchase it due to a certain reason at that time but…..eh what’s wrong?” [Youki]

Raven gradually grew depress as he listened to my story.

Did I say something wrong?

“……I see. Youki has already reached the stage whereby you have gone out on a date with the person you like. As for me, far from having a date with her, I don’t even know when is the next time I can see her.” [Raven]

Apparently, his relations.h.i.+p with Happiness has been stagnant ever since then. If only there was an opportunity for them to meet each other, at least.

“That’s right! Shall we go buy a gift together now?” [Youki]

“Buy a gift….me too?” [Raven]

“Aa. Raven should get something for Happiness too and then just give it her.” [Youki]

Doing so will give him the opportunity to meet Happiness.

“……….without any reason?” [Raven]

Certainly there was no reason for Raven to be giving Happiness a present but, it could also serve as a medium to deepen their friends.h.i.+p.

“It’ll be alright. Based on Happiness’s personality, she would accept it, as long as it’s not something strange. You wouldn’t be able to tell it from her expression but, she’ll treasure the things she likes. I could feel that she’s happy with them.” [Youki]

“……Really?” [Raven]

His solemn look brightened up slightly. Alright. Just another push.

“Really. There’s no doubt in it since I’ve been acquainted with Happiness for some time now.” [Youki]

“……Present, is it? Maybe I should buy one.” [Raven]

“Alright! Now that it’s been decided, let’s go!!” [Youki]

Grabbing Raven’s arm, I opened the door quickly and pulled him along.

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“Uwaa….” [Youki]

The moment we entered the shop, the sight that greeted us made our faces twitch.

When we looked around, all we could see were couples who were flirting as they shopped.

“……Youki, sorry. We just got here but, I feel like going back now.” [Raven]

“I know how you feel though…..” [Youki]

Since Raven whispered it in a low voice, I replied him back under my breath.

Being the only pair of male in a shop crowded with couples would make me feel really out of place.

But, seeing that we’re already here, we should get a gift before going back.

“Since we’re already here, we should just endure it. I’ve already decided on the item that I want so I’ll help Raven pick up something.” [Youki]

“Umm…..I understand.” [Raven]

“Then let’s look around.” [Youki]

Raven accepted my suggestion in a seemingly reluctant way.

We then went around the shop, deciding to choose something quickly so we could leave this place as soon as we could.

Raven began picking up accessories that interest him and examined them carefully in his hand.

I watched over Raven for around ten minutes as I thought of such things.

“May I know what kind of products are you looking for?”

A female shop a.s.sistant who couldn’t remain indifferent after looking at Raven who was at a loss, called out.

“……..” [Raven]

“Aa….erm, sir?” [female shop a.s.sistant]

He used his hand to signal her, asking her to wait for a moment while he pulled out a pen and paper to write upon.

Raven has a complex about his voice so the only people whom he speaks to are Duke and me.

A written communication is an important means of communication to Raven.

Raven showed her a memo with the words 『Hair ornament』 written on it.

“So you’re looking for hair ornaments?” [shop a.s.sistant]

When the shop a.s.sistant repeated the request for confirmation, Raven responded by nodding his head.

“I understand. I’ll first guide you to the counter.” [shop a.s.sistant]

She led us to the place where hair ornaments are displayed and recommended two to three different ornaments to him.

He firmly placed his finger on his chin as if engaged in deep thought before pointing at one of the hair ornaments in silence.

What Raven had chosen was a hair ornament with a feather motif.

I wasn’t sure if it was a sheer coincidence but, the design he selected matched Happiness perfectly. Yuuga might have no sense of taste at all when it comes to selecting accessories, but Raven didn’t seem to have any problem in that area.

As I was putting my thoughts into such unrelated things, Raven returned after making a quick purchase.

His expression has become slightly brighter, possibly because he had made a good purchase.

“I was able to buy a great gift because of Youki. Thank you.” [Raven]

“No no. I haven’t done anything at all.” [Youki]

The one who had guided him to the hair ornaments section and recommended the selections to him was the shop a.s.sistant while Raven was the one who made the final decision. The only thing that I had done was bringing him to this shop.

“…..It’s Youki’s turn next. If I’m not mistaken, you have already decided on something, haven’t you?” [Raven]

“Aa, I’m good.” [Youki]

I started searching for the necklace that I came across the other time.

Thank goodness it was still here.

“Whew, I’m glad it’s not sold yet.” [Youki]

I picked it up immediately and paid for it.

Just as I was wondering if he was interested in it, I was suddenly reminded of the dream I had this morning.

It made me wonder when that scene would become a reality. It would be good if it wasn’t in the too distant future.

“……You’re planning to buy a ring too?” [Youki]

Raven shook his head in response.

“……Just looking.” [Raven]

Raven murmured.

Hopefully, with this gift, it might reduce the distance between the two of them.

Although, I’m not in a position to be worrying about others. Even though it was the consequence of my own actions, it would be bad if I don’t take up a firm att.i.tude and hand the present to Cecilia after half month.

“We’re done here, so shall we go back? No, actually I’m hungry so let’s have lunch somewhere.” [Youki]

“……Aa, we finished just in time for lunch. I managed to get a good purchase today. Thank you.” [Raven]