Chapter 134 (1/2)

Volume 2

Atelier Tanaka Volume 3 Chapter 2 Part 5

Conflict 4

“I was sure I was going to die.”

After having seemingly endless waves of light bullets sent after me, I finally managed to clear the last of them up.

I had cleared the stage.

When I gazed toward the group of robed men, I could see most of them doubled over with their hands on their knees. I guess they’re running low on MP. There are countless empty potion bottles littering the ground beneath their feet.

They went all out on that attack and have nothing left.

“That long-haired guy. I’ll make sure he regrets abandoning me.”

Once I’ve drunk the elixir of youth, I’ll take Drill-chan for myself.

There’s no better love than a forbidden love.

I’ll make him a cuckold.

“Tanaka, are you all right?”

A voice called out to me from below.

I looked down to see Gonzalez looking up at me with a worried expression while knocking enemies aside with his axe. He really is a good guy. The wounds to my heart caused by the long-haired man’s betrayal were instantly healed.

“Thankfully, I managed to survive somehow.”

I continued firing off healing waves as I responded.

“You really are an amazing mage! No human would be capable of using recovery magic in that situation! Now I absolutely have to have you join my clan and I won’t take no for an answer.”

“If there’s ever a time where I have nowhere else to go, I’ll gladly join.”

“I’ll be waiting! I’ll keep waiting until the day I die!”

He’s as lively as ever. Thanks to his leadership and efforts, our army is still fighting with the same ferocity they had at the start. Actually, it seems like they may be fighting even more intensely after witnessing me clear all of the light bullets.

Perhaps due to this, the next development in the battle happened.

A voice rang out from above me.

“Oi! A letter on an arrow arrived from the Pussy Republic.”

The noble mage had finished his break and returned to the sky.

“Have they finally understood our intentions?”

“Yes, it seems like they understand at least that much.”

“That’s what’s most important.”

The message I’ve been waiting for has finally arrived.

The strange situation happening on the frontlines had finally been conveyed back to the higher-ups. Or maybe, after seeing their ultimate seven-coloured magic be defeated, they’re ready to surrender. Well, either wayis fine.

I’m happy that we’ll finally be able to end this conflict.

“I can’t afford to leave this place. I’m sorry that I have to trouble you with this Fahren-san but will you take Ester-san and the Ahan Baroness with you to meet with the enemy?”

“You can count on me.”

Everything will be okay now.

It’s best if a noble lord goes to negotiate with them. I’ve already witnessed Ester-chan and Drill-chan’s negotiating skills first hand, so I know I have nothing to worry about there. And the noble mage will accompany them in case the enemy is planning anything.

This situation reminds me of when we had an audience with the King back in Kalis. At that time, the King seemed to have complete trust in the noble mage, and I’ve seen no reason to doubt either his combat or political abilities.

“I’m sorry for the trouble but I know I can count on you.”

“It’s no trouble considering how important this is to the country. There’s no need for you to apologize.”

“It’s because of words like that that I feel confident sending you.”

“Y-You don’t need to say anything like that.”

Of course. And, if I can ask you to please look after Ester-san.”

“If you’re the one asking, I don’t have much choice. It’s rare for noble families to interfere with matters concerning another house. Even if a relative belongs to another noble family, it’s considered inappropriate for you to interfere. I’ll make an exception this time and protect Richard’s daughter.”

“Thank you. I’ll be sure to repay the favour someday.”

“Really? You shouldn’t say something like that if you’re not willing to follow through.”

“I’m serious. You’ve helped me out in many ways before as well.”

“hmm. Then, I’ll be sure to think of something fitting when this is all over.”

“I understand.”

He helped with the dragon extermination party, allowed me to enter the academy, and even know he’s been aiding me. I feel like I owe him more than just a single favour. Every good relationship between two people must have equal amounts of give and take.

And I personally believe that I truly owe him a great deal.

“All right then, I’ll be leaving.”

“Thank you. I’ll be counting on you.”

“Who do you think you’re talking to? When I’m involved, you can count on a positive result.”

“Of course. I believe in you, Fahren-san.”

“Haha, of course.”

With a smile on his face, the noble mage turned and flew away.

It’s annoying how cool he can look considering we’re near the same age.

Why couldn’t I have been reborn as a cool middle-aged man?

No matter how much I regret it, there’s nothing I can do to change it.

The only thing left for me to do was continue healing all of the soldiers below me. If nothing changes, I’ll be able to keep the Twilight Company’s casualties in the single digits.

“All right.”

Let’s buckle down and finish this up.

I’m ready.

After everyone’s hard work, this meadow will finally be able to see peace.

***

It was the next day, and we had now left the battlefield and returned to Tricklis.