Volume 22 (1/2)
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Lilia's Point of View[1]
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That day, Elinalize-sama had visited us
She came to our house once every few days and proceeded to make small talk about hoife should be
Gettingbirth to a child, her husband going to a distant place, she would be lonely Since I a
However, her behavior is as usual, and so like loneliness cannot be sensed
She ht have a bit of composure
Perhaps because of that, she frequently co and we receive consultation about the ways of a wife
At what age and how should a child be given education, from matters like that to trivial talk
”I wonder how soon until Aisha learns to behave more like an adult”
”Let's see It's not like she can't do so like thatuntil a time comes when she personally thinks it's necessary, she most likely won't do that”
”Personally, ?”
”If she will be able to love a man or the like”
”Would it be bad if it's Rudeus-sama?”
”You should know it as well The reason Aisha behaves like this is because she is Rudeus's little sister”
”A little”
”Then it's necessary to find a different person for her A partner who doesn't turn his face when Aisha doesn't behave herself like an adult”
”Hmmm~”
That day, the one taking the advice was none other than myself
Elinalize-saht, it ive a firm response
”That is absolutely rightnot relying on soer; people who carry excess adood”
”Excess admiration?”
”Yes, if it's Aisha, since the thing that is called reality can be taught while satisfying the longing of such boys
I aether with Rudeus-sama
Rudeus-sama as well does not wish for it, nor does Aisha
Having said that, I don't think she will ever bring a coe interview
”Well, I would like it if it doesn't become like that” [2]
”Yeshuh?”
Incidentally, when I hung ure was slowly revealed in the dining room
Lara-sa on his back
Probably playing Horse-horse
”Wau!”
Leo barked towards me
What ht it be? Given that he is very smart, he doesn't usually bark without any reason
Don't tellhappen to Sylphy-sama's body!
”Wau, wau!”
While wagging his tail, he is watching me and the entrance alternatively
No, that's not it This happy-go-lucky attitude If so had happened to Sylphy-sama, he would have cried out
Towards the entranceis it a guest?
No, Leo doesn't wag his tail during a visit by guests
Ah, it could be that Roxy-sama had returned?
On the occasions Eris-sama returns, Leo shakes his tail, but re
While thinking about such things, I raised achari' sound from the entranceway [3]
As I thought, it must be Roxy-sama
Since Eris-sama opens the door with such force as if to break it
In order to receive her, I rushed towards the entranceway
”Ah, Lilia-san, I've just returned”
”Welcome home, Rudeussama?”
The one standing at the door was Rudeus-sama
Eris-sama and Zenith-sama; Aisha is also there
But they've returned ed schedule
Even though the planned schedule was to stay in Millis for half a year, it's only been approximately one month
On top of that, Rudeus-sama's facial expression is unusually stern
I immediately understood at once
Ah, that soht have happened
Most probably, Claire-sama would be the cause
Claire-sama is not too flexible
To add up, Norn and Aisha as ere somewhat treated bitterly
Being a pious adherent to Millis, by no means do I think of her as a bad person, but I can't flatter her as a good person either Her affinity with Rudeus-saht be the worst
Most likely, they otten into conflict because of their difference in opinion regarding the family
”Might so have happened?”
On hearing that, Rudeus-sama's already stern expression warped more
I thought if it was Rudeus-saht be skillfully able to do iteither way, a hopeless matter is hopeless
”Yeah, well”
Rudeus-sa the words with a halfhearted attitude
”Is it Claire-sama?”
On hearing that, Rudeus-sama made a blank expression
”No, I had a fight with Ms Claire, but ere able to reconcile; I don't think she is a bad person”
With those words, I simultaneously tilted my neck and felt a bit relieved
Even though I thought that I would beco so much for this entire one month; it looks like that was just needless worry
But then, just what ht have happened?
”Then, just what?”
Rudeus-sama made a difficult face and then turned his eyes away
Aisha is standing with an unpleasant face on his side
It looks like some kind of different problem has risen up
Looking at Aisha's complexion, is she the problem?
”Did Aisha make a mistake?”
Just before this, I was consulting about her with Elinalize-sairl is already 15 years old, she still hasn't become quite an adult
Even though she has the ability, no matter how much time passes, her mind is still that of a child
Before ”A prodigy, with this I'll be able to repay my favor to Rudeus-sama” I would puff my chest out and call her y forever [4]
”No, she perfectly made sure of the matters at hand”
”Then, just what?”
I thought in an instant that any more than this would be intrusive, but I still tried to hear it
”W-wellit would be good to gather everyone else since it would beco story if I speak”
”Certainly, I deeply apologize”
”Noah, but it's not only just bad news, for one thing I also have good news”
While saying that, Rudeus-sama made a forced smile and proceeded towards his room with a quick pace
Eris-sama went ahead afterwards with an anxious look
Aisha and Zenith-sama were the only people left
Aisha was angry, but it looked like Zenith-saood mood
”Aisha, were you able to perform firmly?”
”blundered a little”
That's different
She isn'ta little down
That's unexpected
Aisha is a girl ouldn't htless mistakes since before
Even if she blunders, she is a child ould get over it after a while [5]
That is, if she is inforh she's a child, even if I think she is a child, she ht have become a little bit more of an adult
”Is it a serious mistake?”
”No, Onii-chan immediately settled the case”
Then, just what ht have happened?
Not tothat kind of face
No, we'll be speaking afterwards to confer, so let's just wait till then
Firstly, I must aid Zenith-sama, who just returned
””
As I was thinking that, Zenith-sama turned her face towards me
And then, while being in a good mood, she extended her arm towards me and came forward
I grasped that hand and accompanied her to her room
Afterwards, just when the evening was about to pass, all the athered
On Rudeus-sama's command, every member
At that place, Elinalize-sa with Norn and Roxy-sama, who just came from the school
Of course, we usually gather like this whenever Rudeus-sa period
Still, the nuather all of us like this are few; he generally considers Aisha or Sylphy-saathers all members of the family He does that many times [6]
On top of that, Rudeus-sama's serious face
Soht have definitely happened
While putting uard, we heard the report
”Reporting now, firstly, the activity in Millis came to a close with a success Cliff was able to skillfully e into the business Be relieved”
Claire-sama created a small amount of trouble, but Cliff-saanization just as planned, and the launch of the branch of the roup was also a success
On top of that, the Millis Organization noes a huge debt to us, andMiko-sama a subordinate of Orsted-sama was also a success
It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that it was a huge success
Elinalize-sa that Cliff had successfully risen himself up in the society
However, the real problem comes after that
”Gisu was hitogami's apostle”
Gisu
Paul-sama's former party member and a member of the demon race
It looks like he was the source of trouble this ti a declaration of war at the end
It struck to no one that Gisu had become an enemy
He had been socializing together with us since the events of the Begaritto Continent At that time, he was continuously worried about Paul-sama's and Zenith-sama's health
Still, his figure doing preparations for the sake of news gathering or labyrinth research was diligent and sincere, or so I remember
Gisu frantically operated in order to help rescue Roxy-sama
Having a reed the party h it was a natural thing to do and then selling the loomy Paul, unbeknownst to him
I can't understand that such a person was acting like that in order to trap Rudeus-sama and Roxy-sama in a bind
”I was thinking about it since when you contacted ht it not be some kind of mistake?”
Roxy-sama said so
With her skill as a labyrinth researcher, she had acknowledged Gisu with only but a glance
That, excluding the area of combat, someone more reliable doesn't exist
”It would have been niceif it was a mistake”
While saying that with a bitter smile, he took out one letter from his breast pocket
Roxy-sama received that letter and read over the contents, which made her usual sleepy expression cloudy
However, she immediately understood and accepted it with a nod and passed the letter onto me
Thereupon, I was finally able to consent to it
The contents of the letter did seem like Gisu's
Apart frooofy nature and jokes, but soht core was none other than Gisu himself [7]
He didn't particularly hate Rudeus-sa to trap the
He may have become an opponent necessary to deal with, but he is not so like that
”Even though he's usually randoentlemen occasionally is just like Gisu, isn't it”
Elinalize-sah
Co the old days in the inner palace(reserved for wos like this frequently occurred
In that country with violent disputes over authority, even though no hate was involved, the occurrences of people beco each others' mutual enemies were numerous
It's just that, now that they had becoht fair and square
This letterto comply with such an intention
”I ize to everyone for the ht with Gisuand end up killing him”
While declaring that, Rudeus-sama's face looked awfully painful
One es Gisu as well
Considering what I heard froh to the point that they called themselves out with nicknames like 'Senpai' and 'Newbie'
Gisu as well, he talked about Rudeus-sama's achievements as his own, and it looks like he had some fondness for him
It could be that the one hurt the most is Rudeus-sama himself
”Rudi”
Sylphy-sa at Rudeus-sama's expression
Roxy-sa a stern expression as well
She's also just likewith Gisu's party and receiving assistance
However, Roxy-sama's decision was too quick; her face doesn't particularly show any hesitation
Rather, she has a face like, ”If Rudeus loses, I will”
”In any case, I will once again be available in the house for a short while Even though we have Leo's protection, I don't knohat Gisu will try to do
Everyone should take extreer doesn't befall you”
In the end, Rudeus-saht this matter to an end
Of course, it does not even need to be said; we don't have any intention of beco Rudeus-sama's weak point
Rudeus-sao into battle with peace ofthis house while cooperating with the fa after myself
This is one good part of Rudeus-sama; that he always looks back here frequently without sy with that resolution, but he also has a small lonely place when he isn't dependent [8]
Our existence ree
”I understand Rudi, if Gisu has become an ene that needs to be done, please give a call out”
”Me too, though I can't th”
Roxy-sama and Sylphy-sama are just like before
The faces of Eris-sareement as a matter of course
Norn-sa a bit uneasy, but ascertained herself with a strong nod
”Thank you Toain; for now, let's end this fa”
”Ah, Onii-chan”
While Rudeus-sa, Aisha called out to him
”You have to tell them about Zenith-sama as well”
”Ah, that's right”
TheZenith-sama
I could feelto that
At the sa about that I didn't touch upon
My tension is rising
However, Rudeus-sama smiled with a puff
”Actually, themother's curse was made clear”
It looks like it was not a ood news
”Her curse allows her to read other people's minds; she can't read all of it, butshe appears to have a precise comprehension about our situation”
After saying that, Rudeus-sa us about what Miko-sama had told him
From there, the talk shi+fted towards how Zenith-sama sees this world now
Listening to that story, tears started spilling over from my eyes
At the sa like surging waves
Come to think of it, there were lots of times that she showed some ideas
She took initiative during the garden's maintenance, and when Lucy-sama was very small, it looked like she knew before Lucy would cry and then ly to precede it
Moreover, ould this matter be called
Zenith-sama actually knows about Paul-sama's matter and understands it
I thought that she ht not know that we had suddenly lost Paul-sama
I thought that if her memories came back, it would surely be a painful experience for her
But, Zenith-sa
On top of that, she had accepted it and was looking forward
If I think about it, the tears just won't stop
”Lilia-san”
”I apologizeRudeus-sama”
Within everyone as moved to tears, I was the only one who continued to cry out with a 'waaaa' while covering my face
Recently, I feel like nothing but crying
Since when I was young, I never cried so much that I would sink in my own tears
I considered
This e
I kept crying while Aisha patted me on my back,
After so, Zenith-saently on ain
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Rudeus's Point of View
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I finished reporting to my family
Just like always, it was kind of sufficient; I got a reliable answer
Particularly, Roxy and Lilia ht have some place in their mind about Gisu, but they didn't show any coht against Gisu
President Orsted is the next person to have the staffwith
Even if I say staff, Ariel, Cliff, and Miko are not here, but
Still, Sylphy, Roxy, Eris, and Aisha - with these four people, I was sitting with Zanoba to have hi for me
While e that is owned by the Mercenary Group, I picked up Zanoba in the middle and am now on my way to the office
”Then, Zanoba, I'll be relying on you about the ic Armor”
Along the ere planning about the powering up of the Magic Armor
Resu development of 『Mk III』
Oneto add to that is the; I want to add measures on this side for once as well
”I understand Master, since the aht just be possible”
”In that case, let me help you out as well”
While listening tohis chest
The one who cut in our conversation was none other than Roxy
”I have also been increasing ic battle formations; I think I can assist you on that”
An assistant, huh?
Certainly I would be grateful, but is it ok?
Honestly, its construction and maintenance is very complex to the point that even I am not able to do it sometimes
”Is it really fine? I think it's too difficult to just dabble in”
”Geez, Rudi, just who do you think you're facing towards and inquiring with?”
”S-sorry, that was rude of me!”
I recovered the balance of my mind! [9]
Even though there is no such thing that Roxy-sensei isn't capable of doing!
Just what a?
I aood if I died!
”Even I have been continuously studying for Rudi's sake
I could help out with theat Zanoba's or Cliff's research papers”
”Sensei”
Come to think of it, she was depicted as a Fire Saint Class in Magic in shi+rone, right?
It was not because she was able to do that in the for back froiven out results
”I understand I'll let you look after the Magic Armor and entrust my life to sensei!”
”Entrust it to me”
I was thinking that the Magic Arress would not advance much further since Cliff is not here; it's a pleasant miscalculation
If Roxy
Even if the raw materials only consist of cardboard, perhaps it would be able to crush three Orsteds put in order? [10]
”Don't underestimate me like that just because Cliff is not here”
While saying that, Roxy puffed her breasts
Looks like she has self-confidence in this If that's the case, then the plan for improvement may also become true
”Hahaha, I just can't match up to master's master!”
With Zanoba's single sentence, the entirety of the carriage rapped up with laughter
””
Inside it was an unexpectedly quiet character
It's Eris
While deep in thought, she is looking outside the
ErisGisu
Eris said one thing or another and fairly got e by chance with him in the Great Forest
There is also theby him
Eris's compatibility with various people is poor; Gisu was someone who matched her rhythm
”?”
Sylphy, as sitting next to htly
”Rudi, you alright?”
”Eh? Ah, I'ht”
I didn't quite get in ay or how I'ave that answer
The ht
Sylphy's stomach has also increased a little bit from before
It was discovered that she was 3some more time, it can be assumed that she's more or less 5 months in
”What about Sylphy?”
”Unlike others, I was not particularly acquainted with Gisu, so”
”I see”
That was not souess it's fine if that topic is not touched upon
She ht have some composure because there is a second person
However, caution is advised
A long tiami also said that
Sonancy, so it beco fate
The fact Hitogami said that remains, so a Demon Beast was summoned for protection on Orsted's advice
That's why it should be fine, but as I thought, some anxiety still remains
What to do?
I want one redient
If there is so that can be done
I think I'll be able to do so
Ah
”I think until Gisu is dealt with, we should stop doing erotic things”
I thought the words that came out of my mouth weren't mine
Sylphy was staring in puzzlelances; all three of them respectively looked at me
”Ummmif Rudi wants that, I don't mind?”
”I don't mind, butdo you want to have a Buddhist prayer?” [11]
”I a for that, so let's stop for a short while”
They look like they've heard that for the first time
Did I not tell them about it before?
I told theotten
”It can't be helped”
It looked like Eris was discontent, but she didn't object
She aze back to the
”But I don't think Rudeus will be able to abide by that promise”
That's a bitter comment
I don't have much confidence in the lower half of my body
I am untrustworthy
I ht now, but it's the male instinct to shoot when the bullet is loaded
And then, if the firing hammer is cocked, I'll probably shoot if it's now or never
”I don't think even Sylphy would be able to reject”
”Uuuueven I will be able to uphold it if that's what Rudi wants”
”No way Rudi will say 'just a little,' and then you'll allohile saying 'if it's just a little', right?”
”I'll probably allow it”
That ht be possible if I just feel they
'Just a little' - that feeling is fatal
”That's why I will always stay beside Rudi, and if he tries to do so, I'll hit him”
If I try to do so erotic
Eris will hit me
I'll lose consciousness And forget about it by the time I wake up
It's perfect
”I'll be in your care”
Alright, from today onwards I am the abstinent Rudeus
Be strong
We arrived at the office
If you look at the place, it e's castle; Orsted seems to relax here without the helmet when he makes a stay
No, it's wrong to just arbitrarily decide only on the atmosphere
Perhaps, it ht not beah, just now, I had a hunch that the atmosphere softened
Thought so, it's here
”Ah, President Rudeus! Adviser Aisha! Thanks for your hard work!”
The instant we entered, a young woorously bowed to us
A wo-eared race(elf-race)
She -eared race, but she's still quite young
She's Orsted's secretary, as hand-picked from the many candidates that were carefully screened repeatedly
She stays here throughout the dayti with Orsted by exchange of words without accidentallyhim, who sits inside the room
What was her naain?
”Thank you for your hard work Is the President present?”
”Yes, he has been staying in the room since this last month”
For 1there for almost the entire time since I've been to Millis
It looks like he's not out of the office much recently
It gives off the feeling of a shut-in
No, he ht have seen the situation of my house
According to the Miko's observation of Zenith's memories, he visited quite a number of times
”But, if I am the Chairman and Orsted-sama is the Coreater than him”
”Huhthen, what should I call you?”
What would be good?
If Rinia is the leader, Aisha the advisor, and if we assume I am the Chairman
”Co like that?”
”Should I comply with that?”
”That's right, u with you”
Anyhow, it looks like we're done with her ignorance
Any big problems have not risen up till now
Her wages were settled with a boost as well and she ht be tolerant about the amount
”Are there any problems besides that?”
”No, there are none”
”Is that so? If there are any corant the request as soon as possible”
”Eh!?”
She got surprised
Why was she surprised?
Certainly we don't have any Labor Standards Act, but we surely intend to become a white company [12]
”I apologize I ended up saying that because Orsted-sama talks like that”
”Ah, is that so”
”We have already gained a lot of convenience”
Even if it's usually indirect and such a suggestion is done, one would put hiuard if it's a contract with the devil itself
It's only thanks to the helmet Cliff made which alleviated Orsted's curse
I wonder if it's fine
”Even though I aed, it's a pity that I can't even look at his face”
”It's because of his curse Thenoould probably be changed to resentment or suspicion or the like”
”That's a rather dreadful thing”
”Yeah That's why, youinside”
”Be-bedding?” [14]
”Ahem”
Well, it should be fine if he'd put the helmet on at that time
Even Orsted wouldn't put it on at all times
”In any case, I'll beuse of the conference room now”
”I understand”
I passed the office worker and opened the door
Orsted was as usual, writing in a book on his desk
With the helmet equipped
”Rudeus, is it?”
”I have just returned”
When I bowed to greet, Orsted closed his bulky leather notebook with a snap
”What were you writing about today?”
”The sa”
”Is that right?”
I tried to take a peek in that notebook once when Orsted wasn't around, but it ritten in Dragon Race language, so I wasn't able to read it
One would think that it contains necessary information, since Orsted doesn't usually tell s
Having said that, if it is so his privacy
”Were you not i?”
”Before that, I would like to revise this ti hereafter”
”I have already infor else more from me to tell you”
”I expected to coe froation to report”
”I see”
Orsted said that with a sigh and reseated himself on the chair
I told the 5 people that I bought along with to sit on the chairs and then sat myself
”Why bring the?”
”I am concerned about Gisu's people, so just in case I also wanted your opinion, so”
On taking a glance at those five people, the girls looked demure
The straightforward hostility isn't there like before
Eris is almost displeased
”Then, make it brief”
I cleared h
”We've already discussed this over the Lithograph, but it looks like Gisu is asseht in front
We don't knohether it's true or not, but I a comrades of our own to oppose them”
”Yeah”
”Firstly, we need to call dibs on Death God in the Kingdo and then Atofe; after that we'll think about the North Godare you aware of North God's whereabouts?
After Atofe, I intend to call out at least the upper positions from the Seven Major World Powers
Rank 5 『Death God』
Rank 6 『Sword God』
Rank 7 『North God』
They're arranged in this order, but prior to thewith Orsted, it was likely that it would be easier to call out to North God
That is why North God would be given preference over Sword God
”I don't know Those guys are wanderers Just a little alteration in history and they end up at the opposite sides of the world The distinction can't be gripped with this es”
”How does it look like usually?”
”Second Gen North God in the Begaritto Continent and Third Gen North God ought to be in the Strife Zone in the Central Continent”
Both of them are too far, and it doesn't seem like there is a landmark for them
Then that ive up on the North God
”If war is that important, Ore God would be a nice installood quality arets accusto himself”[15]
”Understood Then, next would be Sword God”