Vol 2 Chapter 6.2 (1/2)

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Chapter 6.2

Chapter 6: I enquired the secret of the married couple (part 2)

With the help of Cecilia’s light magic, we proceeded ahead.

After the battle against the first wave of demons, we ventured deeper into the mine. We were attacked by demons numerous times, but we managed to defeat them without any trouble, and continued moving forward.

It was regrettable that I didn’t have the opportunity to join in the fight since Sophia-san and Clayman were just too strong.

Even though I was a.s.signed to protect Cecilia, all the demons were defeated before they even got to us, leaving me with nothing to do at all.

Thanks to that, Cecilia and I could take it easy, but somehow it didn’t feel right not being able to contribute anything.

Since the mine was well maintained by the workers here, and because we had obtained a map in advance, we could navigate through the area easily.

I had a feeling that we had ventured quite a long way into the mine, but we had yet to come across the demon mentioned in the request. All of the demons defeated by Sophia-san and Clayman so far were similar to the ones that we had encountered earlier.

“Hey, I think we’ve travelled quite deep into the mine now, but… we’ve yet to encounter the demon that we’re supposed to subjugate. What’s the meaning of this?” [Youki]

“Ah, we’ll probably encounter it once we reach an area deeper in the mine.” [Clayman]

“Hmm…” [Youki]

I had a suspicion that he gave me an ambiguous reply just for the sake of it, so I secretly strengthened all of my five senses. Upon doing so, I could indeed sense the smell of a demon that seemed different than the ones we had come across so far. However, I could also hear crunching sounds coming from that direction.

*crunch crunch*

It sounded like something was being munched on. It gave me an unpleasant feeling somehow, but I forced myself to move forward.

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

Shortly after, we finally reached our destination, but…

“Oioi, is that the demon that we’re supposed to subjugate?” [Youki]

That was quite a huge demon. It looked like an enormous version of a rock lizard, but the colour of its rocky skin surface seemed different.

“That’s a rock lizard, isn’t it? It’s a demon that eats rock as its staple food, but… the rock that it is eating now doesn’t seem to be a normal rock.” [Sophia]

“…What that demon is eating now is a magic ore.” [Clayman]

“What!?” [Youki]

Upon closer observation, I noticed that the rock eater was dexterously digging the magic ores from the wall and chomping on them noisily.

“It seems to have undergone some kind of mutation, so it began eating magic ores. A normal rock eater will only eat normal rocks.” [Clayman]

“No, save that for later. What we should do now is to defeat it quickly!” [Youki]

If that demon continued popping the magic ores like snacks, we would not have enough to fix Gai up.

However, when I tried to attack it after casting my usual body reinforcement magic, I was stopped by Clayman.

“Hold your horses. I’m not done explaining yet.” [Clayman]

“Hah?! What do you mean by that?” [Youki]

“I’ve yet to explain the condition of the request and the demon’s trait. I don’t know why you’re in such a hurry, but calm down.” [Clayman]

“…I got it.” [Youki]

I decided to listen Clayman after he soothed me. If I were to make any mistake here, I would only

end up troubling Cecilia and the rest.

“Then I’ll start. First of all, I’ll explain about its trait. Based on the information provided, probably due to the magic ores consumed, the attribute of the magic ore has become part of its const.i.tution.” [Clayman]

“Umm, if I’m mistaken, magic ore has a magic absorbing property… in other words…” [Cecilia]

“I wouldn’t say that magic doesn’t work… but the effect seems small. It is a natural enemy to the both of you.” [Clayman]

Clayman pointed at me and Cecilia.

Immediately, Sophia-san forcibly twisted his finger upwards. Cecilia stared at the scene unfolding before her round-eyed, as it’s not every day you see a wife breaking off her husband’s finger. It was probably disrespectful of Clayman to have pointed his finger at Cecilia.

“Sophia-san, isn’t that too much…” [Cecilia]

“It’s fine. My husband’s not that fragile.” [Sophia]

As Sophia-san said, Clayman, who was on verge of pa.s.sing out earlier, seemed to have made a miraculous recovery and resumed his explanation as if nothing had happened.

Clayman has an incredible recuperative power, indeed.

“If it’s still somewhat effective, wouldn’t it be fine if I attack it using advanced level magic?” [Youki]

“That would work, but that won’t do. If you use that level of magic in a place like this, this tunnel might collapse. Besides, Tarevoke Merchant Guild has made a troublesome request.” [Clayman]

“Troublesome request?” [Youki]

“Ou, that’s…” [Clayman]

According to Clayman, the hide of a mutated rock eater would make a rare material, so they wanted us to defeat it without injuring it, if possible.

That condition seriously made me feel that they were s.c.r.e.w.i.n.g with us.

“Dear… why did you accept a request with such an unreasonable condition?” [Sophia]

“Sophia, I’m not done explaini… g-give, I give up!” [Clayman]

Sophia-san put Clayman in a headlock.

I heard something that sounded like bones cracking.

Was Cecilia accustomed to this situation already? She laughed a bit as she watched the scene with a calm demeanour. Although, I was laughing, too.

In the first place, it didn’t seem as if Clayman was suffering at all. His hand was running over Sophia-san’s waist as he cried for mercy.

…I wished they would do this kind of things at home.

After Sophia-san was satisfied, she released him from the headlock.

“O-Ouch… Anyway, it’s not like I accepted the request without first thinking through it. I have a proper strategy for this.” [Clayman]

Although he made the declaration confidently, it gave me a bad premonition.

It must be a strategy that would put me at a disadvantage.

“What kind of strategy is it?” [Youki]

“The strategy is simple. I will first wrap your body with my s.h.i.+kigami, then you’ll enter the demon’s body and defeat it from the inside. How’s that? A perfect strategy, isn’t it?” [Clayman]

“Stop s.h.i.+tting me!” [Youki]

So that was the reason why this fellow invited me along! Was he planning to turn me into some kind of virus for the rock eater? Don’t even joke about it!

“It’ll be fine if Clayman goes, right?” [Youki]

“I have to control the s.h.i.+kigami, so that’s not possible. There, go. I will wrap them around you so it will be fine, probably.” [Clayman]

“You should be a.s.suring me that it will definitely be fine!” [Youki]

I flung him a retort as I watched the rock eater.

Clayman’s plan was to have me enter that demon’s body and go on a rampage from the inside. It would indeed be doable if I were to use my body reinforcement magic.

However, it was still questionable if Clayman’s s.h.i.+kigami could offer that much of a protection… It would be hard.

I guess I could think of it as doing it for Tiel-chan and Gai.

“I’ll handle that task.” [Sophia]

“What?!” [Youki]

While I was still conflicted about it, Sophia-san volunteered to take up the role of the virus.

It seemed that Clayman was surprised, too. His eyes were like that of a dead fish usually, but they were wide opened at that moment.

“No, no. I can’t have Sophia do this.” [Clayman]

“Youki-sama specializes in magic, so I should be a better candidate since I’m better at close combat.” [Sophia]

“W-Well that might be true but…” [Clayman]

“In the first place, isn’t this strategy itself dangerous?” [Cecilia]

Cecilia was right.

One could say that it could be likened to being eaten alive, too. After all, that demon seemed to be chewing ores easily as though it were eating candies.

“Cecilia-sama, there’s no need to worry. My husband’s s.h.i.+kigami is not something that’s so weak. Isn’t that right, Dear?” [Sophia]

“No, well that’s true. But…” [Clayman]

“Besides, Youki-sama and Cecilia-sama need to stop the rock eater’s movement with magic, since it will be considerably painful for the demon if I attack it from the inside. Youki-sama is capable of using stronger magic than me, too. So, he’s the right guy for the job.” [Sophia]

This was so the mine wouldn’t collapse due to the rock eater’s struggling.

Since magic wasn’t totally ineffective against the demon, we could still restrict its movement using restraining magic. There was no mistake when Sophia-san said that I could use stronger magic as well.

“Oi, Sophia…” [Clayman]

“Dear, could you please make the preparations then? I believe in you.” [Sophia]

“O-Ou, leave it to me!” [Clayman]

In the end, it was decided that Sophia-san would be the one to do it.

Clayman then started preparing his s.h.i.+kigami, applying all his effort in doing so. He might not have worked so hard on it if I were the one who took up that role.

“Even if she’s the right one for this job, why did Sophia-san volunteer herself for such a dangerous role?” [Youki]

“…I don’t understand it either.” [Cecilia]

“Shall I answer it?” [Sophia]

We were planning to discuss this secretly, but it seemed that Sophia-san could still hear us. Clayman was immersed in the preparation of the s.h.i.+kigami so he wasn’t aware of this conversation.

“Was it because I was throwing a fit?” [Youki]

“No, you’re wrong.” [Sophia]

Her answer was instantaneous.

Well, I guess Sophia-san wasn’t the type of person who would volunteer to do so just because of something like this.

She had probably wished to throw herself mercilessly into the mouth of the rock eater.

“You’re thinking of something impolite, aren’t you?” [Sophia]

“Ah, I’m sorry, I’m sorry.” [Youki]

“What were you thinking about?” [Cecilia]

There was a look of amazement on Cecilia’s face.

I had totally forgotten that Sophia-san has mind reading technique.

I should stop all the needless thoughts and ask her frankly.

“Why such a dangerous role?” [Youki]

“It’s just as I said earlier. I’m the right person for the job. Besides, it’s not dangerous. I believe in my husband.” [Sophia]

Sophia-san had a serious look on her face as she looked at Clayman, who was in the midst of preparing the s.h.i.+kigami.

In other words, that was all there was to it.

What kind of bond exists between this couple?

Cecilia and I were rendered silent after that. All we did was watched the two of them alternately until the preparation was completed.

The moment Clayman readied himself, Cecilia cancelled out the illumination magic and used a torch instead.

“Alright, go!” [Clayman]

At Clayman’s signal, Cecilia and I jumped out.

“《Earth Rock》” [Youki]

“《Saint Chain》” [Cecilia]

Cecilia and I cast intermediate level earth and light magic spells.

Upon activation of the spell, the ground began to raise up, restricting the rock eater’s leg movements, and chains of light could be seen restraining its body.

Nonetheless, probably because its meal was suddenly disrupted, it started struggling intensely, causing the chains to break and the rocks to crack.

“Oioi, we just invoked the magic.” [Youki]

“If we do not cast the magic repeatedly, we won’t be able to stop its movement.” [Cecilia]

We might have underestimated it a little. I should give my all and cast my restraining magic continuously.

“《Saint Chain》《Earth Rock》《Aqua Press》《Blizzard Gale》” [Youki]

Chains of light and spiky rocks that burst out began restraining it, and gushes of water froze its body, confining its movement. Even though Cecilia was also casting her magic repeatedly, we still couldn’t restrain it completely when the opponent started struggling.

“Vuooo———–!”

It let out a ghastly roar, possibly because it was getting irritated that it couldn’t move. The loud sound reverberated through the tunnel, causing my ears to ring.

However, it was also fortunate for us since its mouth was wide opened at that moment.

In that instant, Sophia-san, who was wrapped in Clayman’s s.h.i.+kigami jumped inside the rock eater’s mouth. Although the rock eater tried to spit her out after noticing that something had entered its body, it was futile.

Not long after, it began to thrash around as if it was writhing in pain. Sophia-san must have started attacking the rock eater from the inside.

“This fellow is going berserk.” [Youki]

“It seems to be quite painful. I feel a little sorry for it.” [Cecilia]

Cecilia sympathized with the rock eater. I am also a demon. While I wouldn’t say that I don’t feel sorry for it, I know that this has to be done. I wouldn’t be able to help Gai if I were to have any uncertainty in my decisions.

I should focus on restraining the rampaging rock eater.

“Oraa, stop struggling!” [Clayman]

The moment Clayman let out an angry bellow, a huge s.h.i.+kigami that was as big as the rock eater appeared and began to suppress it. Moreover, there wasn’t just one s.h.i.+kigami, but four of them all together.

It was my first time seeing Clayman look so motivated.

“It must be because Sophia-san’s inside the body. Clayman would certainly not work so hard if I were the one inside.” [Youki]

“I wouldn’t be so sure about that. He would’ve tried his best in Sophia-san’s presence, too.” [Cecilia]

“…Certainly, that might also be possible.” [Youki]

Cecilia seemed to have understood Clayman’s personality even though she had travelled with him for only a short period of time. Has she cleared her doubts concerning the maid uniform? …No, it would be better not to remind her about it again considering that the ‘misunderstanding’ was already resolved.

“Both of you, don’t get distracted and keep your mind on it until that fellow stops moving.” [Clayman]

“Yes.” [Cecilia]

“I got it.” [Youki]

Even though the rock eater tried to thrash around, it couldn’t move much after we restrained it.

After several minutes, the rock eater collapsed to the ground and remained motionless. Since it was Sophia-san who had taken up this role, we knew she wouldn’t take long to finish this task. Once we had confirmed that the demon was defeated, we cancelled out our magic.

Cecilia appeared a little tired, but I still have plenty of energy left.

I ran up to her.

“Cecilia, great job.” [Youki]

“Good job, Youki-san… It looks like you’re still fine.” [Cecilia]

“That’s because I’m not your average kind of guy.” [Youki]

While we were having such a trifling conversation, the area around the rock eater’s mouth started wriggling and a human covered s.h.i.+kigami could be seen pus.h.i.+ng herself out through the mouth.

Clayman then cancelled out his s.h.i.+kigami revealing Sophia-san, who looked totally unscathed with not a single bit of dirt on her body.

Cecilia called out to her and tried to approach her.

However, before she could do so, Clayman rushed over to Sophia-san and embraced her.

“Sophia, you’re safe. I’m glad.” [Clayman]

“Yes. As you can see, I’m fine. So can you please release me? Youki-sama and Cecilia-sama are looking at us.” [Sophia]

“It’s no big deal. If they want to watch, just let them watch.” [Clayman]

“That won’t do. Please release me. The request is not over yet. I still have to look for the herbs.” [Sophia]

“Uu… I got it.” [Clayman]

Clayman separated from Sophia-san reluctantly.

On looking at their exchange, what came to my mind was…

“They’re so lovey-dovey… “ [Youki]

“Isn’t it?…” [Cecilia]

Cecilia and I looked at each other. Our faces turned beet-red when our eyes met.

I wasn’t sure why we blushed.

It might be that we had felt something after looking at that couple.

“Oi, why are the two of you just standing there for? You’re here for something, right? Let’s look for it quickly so we can go back.” [Clayman]

“Ah, my bad. I’ll go now.” [Youki]

“I’ll look for them, too.” [Cecilia]

Thus, we began our search in the mine.

It was quite brutal though, since the rock eater had messed up the place earlier.

Nevertheless, it seemed that it had not eaten up all the magic ores, so we managed to find them easily. The problem laid in the medicinal herbs. Since stones and ores were scattered all over the places, it took Cecilia and the rest some time to look for the herbs.

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

By the time we achieved our objectives and left the mine, it was already dusk.

“d.a.m.n, we can’t go back today then…” [Youki]

“It’s dangerous to travel back at night and we can’t make the horse carriage go too fast, too. Well, let’s take our time and go back tomorrow.” [Clayman]

“I don’t have the leisure to take my time now.” [Youki]

We still had some time left, but I was concerned about Gai. I looked at the bag which was jam packed with magic ores in my possession.

I would be able to restore Gai’s body with these, so I wanted to give them to him as soon as possible.

“Youki-san, what’s wrong?” [Cecilia]

“Hey, can’t I just fly back by myself first?” [Youki]

I consulted Cecilia secretly.

It wouldn’t have mattered even if it was night time if I were to fly back. I should be able to make my trip back faster than a carriage.

“That would be bad. You’ll definitely be suspected later. Besides, what if by chance someone were to witness it while you’re flying?” [Cecilia]

‘The risk is high, but…” [Youki]

“Is there something wrong?” [Sophia]

While we were brooding over the problem, Sophia-san came over to us, so I tried to gloss over it hastily.

“Ahaha… I was just telling Cecilia that I was feeling tired.” [Youki]

“Is that so? I’m feeling somewhat weary, too. It’s been some time since I last did a guild request. At the moment, my husband is reporting to the mine workers about the subjugation of the rock eater and the dismantling of the materials. Once we return, we’ll rest at the inn.” [Sophia]

“Ah, yes. I understand.” [Youki]

I couldn’t say anything unnecessary in front of Sophia-san, so I decided to heed what she said obediently.

After Clayman came back, we returned to the inn where we stayed yesterday.

I had intended to sneak back to the capital at night, but when I recalled what Cecilia said, I crawled back into my bed.

Nevertheless, I couldn’t get to sleep at all. Even though Clayman had fallen asleep, I was still wide awake. The moment I closed my eyes, the image of Gai with cracks all over his body flickered in my mind. Then I started recalling Tiel-chan, who was worried endlessly about Gai, despite her own pain.