60 Episode 60 "The Anger of the Person (Self-proclaimed) Who Received the Blessing of the Sea Dragon and" Soul Brother "".txt (1/2)

”Act fast. A lucky wind only takes the wind out of your sails once.

It's a proverb from the port city of Irgafa.

Neuel-Hafeumea had been taught it many times by his father.

So he decided to follow the proverb and do it promptly.

The regular soldiers who had fortified the entrance to the dungeon were defeated by the 'Order of Divine Life'.

Perhaps because they had been ordered by Iris not to allow anyone to enter the dungeon until they returned, the regular soldiers desperately tried to stop Noel's companions.

As expected of the Ilgafa lord family's regular soldiers, they were faithful to their orders.

Although it wasn't accompanied by merit, it was commendable.

In particular, the captain, Darus, who resisted to the end, was admirable.

''When we re-hire regular soldiers under the new system, I'll register him as a B-rank.

As they walked through the dungeon, Noel-Hafemea murmured.

'Noel-sama. We'll be in the second level of the basement shortly.

A masked girl walking next to me said.

'I know. What's the golem's reaction?'

She - the EX rank 'Blast 1' of the 'Divine Life Knights' - shook her head at Noiel's answer.

''There isn't. I thought you were defeated.

I knew it.

Oh, no. My darling princess' wish to lose everything.

Can you revise your plan?

'We'll just have to pretend that Iris-sama's people failed to defeat the golem. They lied about defeating it and called Lord Iris into a dangerous place. And we covered their asses.

It would be better to take Iris-sama to Eterina-sama. The rest is up to you, Noel-sama.

There was nothing wrong with the original plan itself.

The miscalculation was that Iris had returned from visiting the grave earlier than expected.

And that the adventurers she hired were more skilled than she had imagined.

Another reason was that the instructions from the Marquess Eterina-Harsburg to the 'Divine Order' were later than planned. Because of that, they were forced to enter the dungeon before us.

Originally, it should have been just Neuel and the 'Order of Divine Life'.

''Iris, keep it to wounds that can be recovered with magic. As long as he is not in mortal danger. As for the others ...... needless to say.

Neuel-Hafeumea shrugged.

'We'll pretend they were killed by a golem.

Are you sure?

'We can't let the plan (scenario) that our beloved Eterina made for us go to waste, can we?

As Neuel and Aetherina requested.

”They're strong enough to take down a golem. Can you defeat them with the tactics that are in the realm of the 'Order of Divine Life'?

''Yes. Since all of us here are high level wind magic users.

'You were in your element slicing and dicing and crushing the enemy in tight spaces.

''The advantage of the 'Divine Order of Life' is that we have those who meet our employer's wishes. And all of them have passed through the C and B ranks to get to the A rank. I will prove their abilities. Noiel-sama.

The Knights of Divine Life is a thoroughgoing meritocracy.

Otherwise, there is no way to silence the Adventurer's Guild.

Those who join the guild start with a C-rank. After making a ”contract” and wearing a mask, they become a member of the ”Knights of Divine Life” system in both name and reality.

All you have to do now is complete quests to move up in rank.

As you move up to the higher ranks, you'll be paid 100% of the reward, and you'll also receive the skill crystals of those below you. You will also be able to force the lower ranks to do things.

There are different ways to move up in class. You can pay a superior payment, or you can recruit C-ranked people to join your class. Those who join the ”Order of Divine Life” will automatically move up to B class. Sometimes the recruiting process can be a bit heavy-handed, but that doesn't matter to Noel.

Those of rank C are rewarded less because they are in a position to be protected from rank A in the quest.

As a result, that would lead to a reduction in the cost of orders.

Of course, there is a benefit. By having rank A's protect them, rank C's can take on more advanced quests. They can gain experience and level up faster. Those that couldn't keep up will literally disappear, but that's not an option. That's just the way the system works.

Noiel-Hafeumea reminds me. The words of his beloved Eterina-Harsburg.

''I would like the system of the 'Divine Order of Life' to be adopted by the regular soldiers of Ilgafa. Of course, I know that the 'Knights of Divine Life' are shunned by the Adventurer's Guild.

Eterina-Harsburg said, shaking her beautiful dark hair.

''New things are hard to accept. Therefore, Neuel-sama, the vessel of a hero, please use the Knights of Divine Life to accompany you on your adventures. If you, as a hero, make an achievement as your companion, people will be satisfied. My beloved.

It's quite reasonable.

It's not just about the system. It's also what she's offering.

This ties you and her together.

All it takes is one small step to do that. Just to add some flowers to the Festival of the Sea Dragons.

The connection between myself and Eterina will also benefit the port city of Ilgafa.

The wedding ceremony of the central noble family, the Marquesses, and the Ilgafa Lords.

Cost savings by adopting the ”Divine Order” system.

And - to drag down Iris, who is higher than you, as a decoration for the festival.

I will be able to leave behind a name for the port city of Ilgafa as something new.

Even if they don't understand me now. Someday.

”Then let's go, 'Blast One'.

Neuel-Hafeumea clutched the hilt of the rapier he carried around his waist.

'For a man to turn the world against him for his love for a girl is the last thing he wants!

「「「「「...... hee. That's right: ............」」」」」

I heard a voice.

The second level of the basement. A door to the center, from a passage a little before the great hall.

There were six people in number.

The one in the front is the green-haired girl - Noel's sister, Iris-Hafeumea.

And five people behind her. The adventurers whose faces are unknown.

They were wearing 'sea dragon masks' sold at the stall.

A few minutes before that.

Nagi and the others were having a short strategy meeting in the great hall when they received Raphilia's report.

'A man with grey hair and blue eyes ...... probably my brother.

After hearing the story, Iris let out a very long sigh.

''And ”The Order of Divine Life”?

Before entering the dungeon, Iris told the regular soldiers, ”No one is to enter the dungeon until you return. Especially my brother.

Because those guys can do anything.

The fact that they're here means that they've broken through the regular army.

Iris, it's confirmed. If Iris's brother is the mastermind and he attacks us, would you be willing to beat the shit out of him?

It's Iris who needs to be hauled up out of action.

So, what's the quickest way to lure them all in here and then open the door and intimidate them with central pressure?

'That would be the last thing we would do if we could ....... If they raid this place again, the sea dragons won't come back. In the unlikely event that they attacked the door or the center, the ritual itself would be ruined.

So that means we have to intercept them before they get here.

According to the story, Iris's brother is skilled enough to use ”Sword Art Lv 3”.

The strength of the 'Divine Order' is an unknown quantity.

However, there's no doubt that they are highly ranked adventurers.

When they attack, the best way to defeat them as easily as possible is to go to .......

''You know what, Iris. Noiel-Hapheumea knows about the sea dragon's pressure too, right?

''Yes. Because every person in the Ilgafa Lord family is baptized at least once.

The sea dragon is feared as a guardian god. There's no doubt about this either.

Yes, sir.

”Okay. All of you wear your sea dragon masks!

clapper

In time with my command, Cecil, Rita, Aine, and Rafilia put on the sea dragon masks.

I didn't know when I would meet with the 'Divine Life Order', so I made preparations.

''Souma-sama. What do you intend to do?

In my hometown, which wasn't my world ......, you can get a bee in your bonnet if you destroy the place where God is.

But this is a different world where there are demons and demon kings, as well as dragons that are the guardian gods of the port city.

It's not a good idea to have a maidservant in your life.

In the name of the sea dragon's maiden, let's take a shot at it.

And now. Near the second underground level of the dungeon.

''Let me ask you point-blank. It was your brother who planted the golem in this dungeon, wasn't it?

Iris stood in the middle of the aisle, gazing at her brother, who was a dozen or so meters away.

The gray-haired man - Noel-Hafemea flinched under the gaze of his sister and the sea dragon mask party.

''I don't understand it at all, Ili...''

I found pieces of the golem in the hall. At the same time, there were magic crystals. The ring that was intended for Marquise Eterina Harsburg had fallen there!　And it is the Ilgafa Lords family who control the keys to the dungeon.

We know that someone took the key and entered the dungeon while Iris was away. The sea dragon is also angry. It's already puissance!

It's not too late. How could you do that!　Confess every word and apologize to Kerkator the Sea Dragon!

Well, you can't talk that fast!

'Nah, 'it's my desire to turn the world against me for the love of a girl'!　If the ring is there, that means it was thrown away!　It means you don't care about your brother!

'No!　They threw it away because ...... that ring was cheap!

...... I knew it was the ring your brother gave you.

Iris glared at Noel-Hafeumea.

My eyes are glazed over here.

It's a bluff that me and Iris came up with, but you're going to fall for this.

Are you okay, Ilgafa Lordship?

''Your brother brought the marquise here, didn't he?　You planted a golem in it, didn't you!

I don't know what ...... is.

'What in the world is your brother up to?

Iris raised her voice.

But Noel-Hafeumea just looked away and didn't answer.

'I ask you as one who has received the blessing of the sea dragon Kerkator.

I said.

I stood beside Iris and looked at Noel-Hafeumea at the end of the aisle.

His shoulders are shaking.

Yeah. After all, this mask also seems to have a bit of an intimidating effect.

”...... Who are you, my dear?

”I am a person who has a deep connection with the sea dragon girl. You are right. Iris Hapheumea.

Oh, yes. This man...

I've told them to keep the words 'Sea Dragon Brave' out of it because it's going to be complicated.

Only here, if it's a title that will make Noel-Hapheumea and the others flinch, that's fine.

If it's the word that will shock Iris' brother the most, even better.

That is──.

This is the most important person in the world to Iris, who was given to her by the sea dragon in place of the sinful Noel-Hapheumea, and is her most important 'big brother of the soul' in the world!

”...na?!

Neuer-Hapheumea exclaims.

Of course it is. My own brother was introduced to me by my sister as the brother of a stranger.

But couldn't you come up with a more suitable title?　Iris.

'The sea dragon sees it all.

Well, all right. Let's keep talking.

I don't care about Neuer-Hafeumea. Honestly.

We need to know the identity of the marquise behind him, the daughter of the prince, Eterina Harsburg.

”And what you know about Eterina Harsburg. The sea dragon has already seen through it.

I said it anyway.

'What?'

'The sea dragon speaks through me. She is one who possesses 'otherworldly skills' that go beyond rare skills.

Neuel-Hafeumea and - the 'Divine Order of Life' behind them reacted.

As if surprised, they looked at each other.

It's just a hunch. They said it was a 'cheat skill' that made the golem.

But looking at this reaction, it seems to be a hit.

''You planted an evil golem here, the site of the Sea Dragon Festival, to incur the wrath of the people, and what are you planning to do?''

'Answer me, Neuer-Hafeumea!　In the words of my 'soul brother'!

Neuel-Hafeumea and the 'Knights of Divine Life' are not attacking us.

This one, though, is always ready to take Iris and evacuate to the dungeon's side-hole with her.

''It's for love.

After a long silence there, Neuer-Hafeumea said.

'What about ........................?'

Iris nodded her head, as if she didn't understand what her brother was saying.

Yeah, we agree. We're in agreement. It doesn't make any sense at all.

You know that the Marquesses of Hersburg in Eterina are of military lineage, right?　The Marauders have served His Majesty the King for generations, slaying demons and defeating demons, among other accomplishments.

What is it?

”I love Eterina. ”I love Eterina and she loves me. But the Ilgaffa lords are nothing more than shipping merchants. The Marauders of Harsburg don't recognize me because I've never been in a fight.

Did the Marquesses say that?

It was Eterina. She is not the biological child of the Marquess family. She was the child of an acquaintance of the king and was taken in by the marquises because of her excellence. So, no matter how much she loves me, she can't be selfish.

Eterina Haasburg is not the real child of the marquis' family.

She was introduced by the king and taken in by the princes - right?

...... I see.

”The only way for me and her to bond with her is if she has a good ...... record in history that will convince the princes. So we decided to make it.

Noiel-Hapheumea squinted her blue eyes and looked at Iris.

She was afraid to look at me.

''First, we have to slay the mysterious golem that ravages the dungeons of the local Ilgafa. Then, the many adventures with the 'Divine Life Knights' in tow. Furthermore, I'll use the 'Order of Divine Life' system to reform the regular soldiers and the town's employment. With achievements like that, the marquis family will have no choice but to recognize me, right?

'Did you plant a golem in this dungeon ...... for such a thing?　To distort the wards?

We were going to take care of the golem anyway. I mean, what's the problem?

''What if you do that and the ...... sea dragon Kerkator doesn't come back?''

'Can't we take a break from the festival for a year or so?　In the meantime, the ”Order of Divine Life” will be guarding the shipping. That will be my achievement too - and that's what Eterina said.

This guy is insane. You sound like you're really good at this.

Do you have no idea what you've done?

'The ships in the port city of Ilgafa are protected by the sea dragon Kerkator. That's why everyone brings their cargo here in peace. Even if it's only for a year, once that blessing is gone, Irgafa will fade away in no time at all!　Neuer-Hafeumea!　You don't know what you're doing!

Oh, come on, child.　You think you're the only maiden who's special?　I didn't let you out to protect you. Why don't you realize that if people know that the scaled monster is a miko, it will make them question the dignity of the lord's house!

''You ...... say that?　The blood of the sea dragon, like that: ......

Yeah, don't get me wrong. I'm thinking of Iris, as well.

Noiel-Hafeumea continues to talk like she's good at it.

Even though Iris already has her ears half covered.

'Iris wanted to quit being a priestess, didn't she?　That's why my girlfriend, yes, the Marquise, has found so many suitable matches for Iris!　He's a nobleman in King's Landing, nobleman.

He's the one who makes his mistress bear children, so we know he's capable of making them. He's a curious guy, so it doesn't matter if Iris has scales on his head.

The sooner Iris has a child, the better. My position will be raised through political marriage. The Ilgafa lord's house is safe.

Yeah. I feel like I should be covering my ears.

Iris is shaking next to me.

In a faint voice, she says, ”...... for what, Iris ...... all the time. I'm ...... thinking I've been boring ......” - he mumbles.

Iris's brother did something he shouldn't have done.

To me, I honestly don't care about the blessing of the sea dragon or the 'Sea Dragon Brave'.

But Iris is one of the few 'friends' in this world that I can trust.

She was in danger for her life because she was a priestess and couldn't go out freely, but she still did her job properly. And then her own brother tried to blow it all away.

He says he's thinking about Iris, but all he's doing is making a career for himself by marrying the Marchioness.

He's cutting up his family and using them for his own reasons. ......

............ Don't be silly.

''Originally, we were going to go out to defeat the golem after it had rampaged a bit more. For the sake of achievement, the enemy has to be famous, right?　It shouldn't have been because Iris did something unnecessary. You should have just shut up and let the 'Order of Divine Life' handle it.

But Neuer-Hafeumea is laughing.

'Come on, Iris, come here. ”Come here, Iris,” he says, ”you'll forget all about them as soon as you get to the new world. I'll get rid of all the memories that you don't need. You won't even have to leave a trace.

...... Enough. Shut up.

I said.

”I'm not going to let you hurt her anymore,” I said, as Iris spilled tears on her face and grabbed the hem of my dress.

'I will not allow you to hurt her any more.

...... 'Soul Brother'!”?

Iris looked up at me, with tears in her eyes.