295 292. World Tree.txt (1/2)

The tension in our party is lightly broken by the fact that we are able to see Maria again.

I'm relieved to have finished confirming the safety of my colleagues from a year ago.

We've also secured the mansion that will be our base of operations, although it's inevitable that we'll be able to do so. In the midst of the burning underground city, there aren't many enemies who can reach this mansion. This place is ideal for taking a breather.

As a result, the tension in Rustyala in particular was loosening up.

After the reunion, we use one of the tables in the room and start playing with a bunch of cards (playing cards) that we took out from somewhere. At first the game was played with Maria, but now Dea, Snow and the Reapers have joined in, making it a large group. I know they're trying to fill in a little bit of a year-long void, but I'd like to see them play a little later.

In that loose air, only Ryner and I are steadily preparing for the next one.

While keeping a close watch on Nosufi, we'll be gathering information about the World Tree Pollution Problem from Maria and the Reapers during the card game.

Then, we receive unexpectedly good information from these women who have stayed in the 'Great Holy City' longer than us.

''--Well, has Maria already met the 'Blood Stealer'?'''

That the culprit who contaminated the World Tree is Guardian Fafner Helvillestein of the 70th layer. The Guardian Fafner was summoned by Nosfy. ”The Guardian Fafner is an enemy of Nosfi and is in cooperation with Maria. These were the three.

Maria answered my questions while playing with Rustyala and the others with dexterity.

'Yes, we fought a little bit when we attacked Hoozeyards Castle. But he was quite a talker, so we were able to make peace with him quickly.

And you attacked the castle: ......

I have many things I want to say, but Maria doesn't mind and continues on with her story.

'Right now, Fafner-san is in a special situation, so please be careful. To put it simply, he is in a state where only his body is under the control of Nosfy. Whenever someone tries to approach the World Tree, his body seems to move on its own to fight. However, since I'm free except for my body, Fafner continued to tell me about his weaknesses throughout the entire fight with me. ...... It was a really weird fight.

Maria reminisces about the battle and casually calls her new guardian (Guardian) 'The One Who Steals Blood's Reason' 'Fafner-san'.

'Fafner-san is magical and bound by certain rules. His five rules that I was able to confirm in a little bit of combat were 'Don't leave the World Tree,' 'Keep the World Tree sealed,' 'Don't let anyone get close to the World Tree,' 'Don't let any dead people get near the World Tree,' and 'Don't attack Nosfy.'

And I can understand his awkward situation.

The culprit who got him into that awkward situation seems to be another guardian (guardian) Nosfi in the immediate vicinity. I glare at her, remembering that she inspired Titi in the labyrinth.

''...... Hmph. Uzumi-sama, are you curious about it?　You're wondering what kind of magic I put on Fafner, aren't you?　If you're worried about Uzumi-sama, I have nothing to hide. I'll tell you right away!　Hmmm, that's the magic of trauma-influencing light.

The moment I turn my attention to her, Nosfi starts talking, looking very happy. Rustyala has invited her to the card game as well, so the spell cloth on her mouth has already been removed.

'I don't want any more trouble making sure that's a lie,'

Thinking everything she says is an attack, I shake my head to stop her.

But Nosfi nods vigorously and goes on to speak.

'Yes!　Of course, it was no mean feat to brainwash the same 'reason-stealing thing'. The ”light” and ”blood” are compatible, but even so, it takes some ingenuity. So, in order to open up an opening in his mind, I took one of his important things as a hostage. Hmmm. As long as he has that thing, he will be obsessed and will continue to protect the World Tree until he dies. ...... Oh, by the way, once you put it on, it's a trauma that even I can't undo.

Even though I didn't ask, Nosfi flattened out his atrocities.

Thanks to this, I understand why Fafner hates Nosphy.

He has been held hostage to something important and then traumatized by him. There is no doubt that their relationship has broken down. And it's only natural that he would cooperate with Maria, who is hostile to that Nosfi.

'By the way, what's the most important thing about that Fafner: ......?'

'Do you want to know, Master Uzumi?　You want to know, right?　Huh, it's an item that allows you to control Fafner, so to speak. Of course, of course you want to know, right?

...... No, it's still good.

But I can't... I can't... I can't do it!　Hmph, hmph!

Putting down Nosfi as usual, I ponder.

It would be easier if I could use 《Distance Mute》, but right now her body is engraved with tattoos that nullify dimensional magic. There are also wards for the entire country, so it will be difficult to succeed.

There's another way to interrogate her and find out what she's saying, but ...... that can't be done where Rastiara and the others are. At least it wouldn't be the time yet.

I'm not going to be able to get any more than a few of the information I have.

I'm not going to be able to get the same kind of information from the guild as I did from Maria's story, so I'm sure of Fafner's current condition.

He has become a kind of guardian of the World Tree. However, he is not so completely manipulated as to be able to be called brainwashed.

Once Maria spoke with him after confronting him, she said, ”The only Lord I respect is 'Aikawa Uzumi'. He is definitely not a Nosfi.

Rather than being hostile to me, he is willing to cooperate with me. In fact, I'm already on good terms with Maria.

...... Fafner Helvirshine. If all goes well, he'll be an easy mate, just like he was with Rowen and Titi.

That's my honest opinion.

I'm not going to be caught off guard, but I'm going to judge that Fafner is easier to give than Nosfy.

I'll be able to get my thoughts in order, and then I'll get up from my seat.

I'm not going to be able to get away with it. I think we need to meet with them first. Let's go to Fuzzyards Castle right now.

We'll be leaving soon, he said, throwing a look at the faces playing the card game.

But first Lastiara raised her hand and shook her head, insisting that she wasn't going to get in.

'Sorry, I think I'd rather pass. The castle looks a bit messy ...... or rather, I don't think it would be easy to talk about if I went.

Rastiara, who has close ties to the Hoosiers, requested a detention. Incidentally, Dia and Snow, who could be detained by the state if they went, had a similar reaction.

It's not unreasonable since all three of them have selfishly thrown themselves into their roles in the Hoosiers and are on their own.

Maria and Reaper then tell a similar story.

'I'll get in trouble if I go too. I burned quite a bit of the castle when I kidnapped Nosfi, so I'm not sure. Probably wanted.

I know my face is exposed too. It's difficult to hide in there because the boundaries are so great.

Immediately I turn to the rest of the knights as well.

However, Ryner shook his head without looking at me as he continued to stare at Nosfi.

''I'm sorry, but I'm not going to go either. This woman is the only one I have to watch with, I have to stay with her and watch her. I have a feeling that if I leave this guy alone, it's going to be the 'worst' thing ever. ...... hunch.

Ryner, who has fought in person, seems to think that even though they have captured him, Nosfi is still caught off guard. It's clear that he thinks he should be responsible for keeping an eye on Nosphy because the women are caught off guard.

To which Nosfi responds in dismay.

'Huh ....... Reiner is really creepy ....... Go away. Go away.

Ryner is agitated, but he continues to watch without moving a single eyebrow. It seems that he intends to keep a watchful eye on them and not engage in useless conversation.

To be honest, it's a very helpful surveillance.

I don't trust Nosfi as much as Ryner does.

It's a really helpful story: ......

'So it's only me and Ragne who can go to the castle then?

--and it will be.

Two of them would be heading to the castle's world tree, and six would remain in this mansion.

If we were to do two things at the same time, escorting Yangtaki, who can't fight, and monitoring Nosfi, it's not a bad thing that the number of people in the mansion will be large.

However, as expected, I feel a bias in the formation of two against six. Still, Ryner doesn't seem to be willing to change his opinion.

''Christ, if we're going to formally visit Hoozeyards Castle, it's better to have a small group. It's not advisable to go in droves, and I have a feeling that if the guys here are in the same room with you poorly, the conversation will definitely be ...... sullied. ...... That's another hunch.

It seems to be a hunch.

But from experience, it's a story that's not unconvincing.

Maria also agrees with what Ryner said.

'If it's just Kanami-san and Ragne-san, it's good that we can investigate the World Tree with impunity. For now, I think it would be good for the two of you to take some time to hear from him alone. As long as you keep your distance from the World Tree, you'll be absolutely fine. And if something happens in the castle, I'm sure Fafner-san will take care of it.

From the way Maria talks, I can tell that she already thinks Fafner is on our side. It seems to be three to six instead of two to six in her mind.

'If you're dealing with Kanami-san, Fafner-san will definitely be able to tell you everything. He should be able to hear everything from his own mouth, including how to hear voices from the World Tree, the abilities and weaknesses of the 'Blood Stealer', and more. After bringing that information back here, I think it's best for us to slowly decide what to do from now on.

'Yeah, all the weaknesses and everything is ....... Really ......?

There's no doubt about it. After all, he's a big fan of that ...... pretty much Kanami-san. I was such a fan that I pulled out too. So I can safely see him off.

Maria seems to think that Fafner is the owner of power and thoughts comparable to her own.

However, not since Alti has a guardian (Guardian) won Maria's trust to this extent.

When I was wondering what kind of conversation took place between Fafner and Maria, Ryner summarizes the conversation with Ragne-chan.

'Well then, Lagne. Please take care of Christ for me.

Yes, sir. I'm going to take a step back and be the liaison. If something happens, I'm going to run here as fast as I can.

Nice. That's the kind of thing I trust in, Ragne. ...... only there.

Ryner seems to find Lagne-chan's cautious nature to be useful.

And when it was decided that Lagne-chan and I would head to the castle together, a final farewell greeting is thrown by Nosfy.

''Then goodbye, Uzumi-sama. I wish you good luck here with Fafner, the 'one who steals the truth of blood' who has been placed under my control.

'I'm not going to fight the good fight. I'm just going to go talk to him.

I retort to Nosfi, who no doubt hopes I fail.

''Fu--fufu!　Oh, I'm looking forward to it!　Just thinking of Uzumi-sama coming back in tatters when she went to the place where she believed she could get to know Fafner, hahaha--I can't help but enjoy it!　Haha, hahaha--gggg!　What?

Rustyala stopped Nosfi from behind, who was trying to agitate him again without s*xual discipline. To be precise, he suddenly picked up his body from behind and carried it to the side of their table.

'Yes, yes, Nosfi is over here. You'll play with us! Hey, hey, has Nosfi ever played with something like this?

And then he tried to join the circle of friends as it was. Nosfi was puzzled by this sudden invitation.

'Hah ....... No, there isn't one, but ......

'Well, let's do it together. But it's boring to play normally, so let's make a bet. Hmmm, let's say the loser answers whatever question is best.

What?　You can't have everything, okay?　I'm in the middle of an important plot.

Okay, it's decided. So, here we go.

Le rule!　Tell me the rules first!　Unfair is not good!

Rustyala is talking to Nosphy, waving his hand without looking at us and trying to look away from me and Ragne-chan.

I guess he wants me to go now, since he's going to keep Nosphy in check.

I wave goodbye to the rest of my friends as well, and then watch Nosphy, who is bewildered and ready to join the game - and walk out of the room.

As I walked down the corridor of the mansion, the last look on Nosphy's face lingered in my mind.

It was a natural expression to Rustyala and the others, without any malice or artifice that he had never once shown me. Even when I entered this room. When Maria and I were chatting and laughing together, she was like a normal girl.

''Nosfi's, why are you only doing this to me ......

I can't help but complain about the attitude that is too different.

Ragne-chan, who was walking next to me, heard the swearing she muttered as she walked, and answered her question.

''...... You really like Kanami's brother, don't you, Nosfi-san?

My attitude is different because I like it.

It was an immediate answer with no hesitation.

I was a little unhappy with that third-party assessment.

I'm not going to be able to say that I really like ...... that, do you think I really like it?　Lagne-chan.

Conversely, Kanami-san. Do you really think that's enough to make me hate you?

............

As for me, I can't give an immediate answer when asked back.

Without saying a word, I pass through the entrance of the mansion and exit into the underground city surrounded by flames. As we enter the tunnel of flames that was created beforehand, Ragne-chan tells me the rest of the story.

''-- If you meet them face to face, they will hate you. You say things that make you angry when you don't even hear them. If they really didn't like you, they wouldn't react like that. The real hate is more like--

Yeah, I know. I know it's not just that: ....... It's just that it's tempting to think so. He's doing too much stuff. ......

I interrupted before everything was said.

I'm not going to deny what Ragne is saying.

All along, Nosfi has been repeating that he likes me. As she said, she must really like me, not just dislike me.

It's just that her expressions of affection have become too distorted.

It's not just that she loves me, she wants me to hate her because she loves me.

--I'd rather be hated than have the person I love think nothing of me. I want to be angry. I want to be hated.

I don't think it's an impossible emotion. I've seen the guardians distorted in all sorts of impossible ways. I've seen some of them, and I still understand Nosfy's childlike charm.

But Nosfi does not stop at anything. The fact that he tried to trick Titty into locking me up in the labyrinth is not so easy to pretend that it didn't happen.

'You understand? ...... Kanami-san should know more about women's minds, shouldn't you? Otherwise, I feel sorry for the young lady and Ms. Nosfi. I heard that you had a date in the labyrinth. What are you doing?

As I think about Nosfi with a grim face, I get an unexpectedly angry look on my face. As I climb the stairs to the ground through the tunnel of fire, I gauge my defense.

'Yeah, no, ...... because that's what Rustyala says why ....... The truth is, I wanted to go somewhere else too. A restaurant or someplace more decent ......

If you think so, you should have taken her out by force. The young lady is just too short in life experience to think straight, but once she was taken out, she would have enjoyed it for sure. Kanami's brother doesn't have that kind of forcefulness.

That being said, I've never been on a date or anything like that before either: ......

...... Hmmm. So you want to practice dating with me then?　I can teach you a lot of things along the way, can't I?　Everything is about experience and training.

We climbed up the dimly lit stairs to the ground where the light was shining.

There is a big city that is perfect for a date. In the midst of the crowded streets, men and women who look like couples are regularly walking around. In addition, the city has restaurants, theaters, clothing stores, decorating shops, and everything in between.

It's not a bad thing to learn from Lagune-chan, who despite her appearance seems confident about her love life. I've been a good friend of Rastiara's since before I met him, and we're like childhood friends. I'm sure I'll be able to ask him about his preferences, which I don't know yet.

However, I'll refuse the proposal. This is the only thing I can answer immediately.

You can't go on a date with ......, even if it's a copycat. It sounds like something bad, and I can't do it .......

I guess it's no use. It's rare to be able to be alone with Kanami, so I tried my best. I'm not sure if this is the same way with Nosufi-san. Poor thing.

Just as I expected, Lagne-chan walks ahead of me down the main street of the Great Sacred City. As I followed her back, I asked her about the uncomfortable feeling I've been experiencing since a while ago.

''Lagne-chan, you've been holding Nosfi's shoulders strangely since a while ago,''

I feel like it's all for Nosfi's benefit to blame me in some distant way. It wasn't until after the conversation between me and Nosphy that I started talking about something strange.

Hearing my point of view, Ragne-chan replies while turning her face to look at the gorgeous streets of the Great Holy City.

''That's right. This is the first time I've met Nosufi-san, but I think I know a little bit about him. I'm like me, so I feel quite close to you.

Lagne and Nosfi look alike: ......?

I was surprised at the unexpected reason for this.

I didn't expect Ragne, who was quiet in that mansion, to be thinking about such things while looking at us in the back. And her unexpected story goes on further.

I thought to myself, ”He must be a very dark person. Just like me, they can't reach the things they want, they don't have anything to live for, so they desperately create themselves and somehow fake their fears and frustrations. ......

...... What?　Wait a minute. Is that, well, Ragne's, is that, you know, character building?

The seriousness of the conversation, which is not a joke, suddenly begins, and I hurriedly check it out.

I quickly used the word 'character creation', but the translation spell on me seems to have conveyed the meaning without misunderstanding, and Lagune-chan replied without tilting her head.

'Yes, it's acting (character building). It's easy to do a lot of things when you speak this way. Since it's been like this for a long time, it's easy to hide things (poker face). I've been doing this with everyone for a long time now.

I'm lightly speechless as the surprises start to pile up.

I'm not surprised that Ragne was playing. There are people everywhere who make themselves and live their lives in greater or lesser ways. I'm just surprised that I hadn't noticed her performance.

And more of her non-joking stories continue. She accuses me of folding up, blocking my escape, exactly like a nosy person.

'-But Kanami's brother is also (・・・・・・・・・), right?　You're making this because it's easy for you to put your sister first, right?　Nosufi-san, Kanami-san and I--we're the same kind. Haha.

Ragne, who was walking in front of me, turned around with a dry laugh.

The light brown eyes with no features catch my figure.

I'm not going to be able to see everything like ”sensitivity” or ”penetrating eyes”. It's not like they have some kind of advantage or skill to see through it.

It's just empathy (...), and Lagune was trying to understand the person I am.

She has an affinity for me as well as Nosfy.

But I can't accept that fact. After a pause just to let her look away, I deny it.