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- JA+EN here: http://pastebin.com/1TmT4GP8
- TL Schedule here: http://pastebin.com/hXyDtpNB
- Chapter 220 - Meeting with the Pope, and...
- "I will store your luggage."
- Before entering, we were searched.
- I guess they were looking for weapons to confiscate.
- From my favorite knife, to my scrolls, I had to leave everything behind.
- However, my armor itself wasn't considered a weapon, so I didn't have to undress.
- Cliff didn't say anything, probably because he trusts me.
- In good faith, I also deposited my left gauntlet with the mana absorbing stone and my right gauntlet equipped with the shotgun.
- The center of the building was like a labyrinth.
- There weren't any straight passageways, every passage was curved.
- Moreover, because the passages are all painted white, it's hard to discern what's ahead.
- Naturally, this is the heart of the Milis religious community.
- Just like a fortress, it was probably designed to withstand enemy attacks.
- Following Cliff's swift pace, we quickly arrived at the Pope's office.
- The office was guarded by two knights and protected by a barrier.
- "I'll tell you now, you won't be able to use magic past this barrier."
- "Yes."
- The barrier must be at least saint or king ranked.
- I wonder if these knights can match saint or king ranked skills.
- I'm not sure, they might just be here to buy time in the event of a battle.
- "Your eminence, greetings."
- Cliff's grandfather Harry Grimoire, on the other side of the transparent barrier.
- He looked like the good-natured old man I imagined from the letter.
- He had a long white beard, and wore bishop-like robes with gold embroidery.
- "Yes, thank you."
- His voice was powerful like Sauros, but not sharp like Reida.<!--I have no idea if this is the deceased Water God Reida or someone else.-->
- He had the aura of an exceptional person.
- But, he seemed to be conscientious of his own power.
- I see, so this is the Pope, I understand, something...
- It wasn't his aura, it was his hat.<Ref>Original: オーラを感じない代わりに、大らかさを感じ取ったってわけだ。I have no idea what the joke is here. Please fix.</Ref>
- Just kidding.
- "Allow me to introduce Rudeus Greyrat.
- We studied together at the Ranoa magic university, he was my kouhai.<!--Opposite of senpai, means junior-->
- His talent for magic surpasses my own, he is an extremely skilled person.
- Because of our longstanding association, I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce him to your eminence."
- As Cliff made my introductions, the Pope slowly nodded with a gentle expression.
- I should probably handle any further explanations.
- Cliff introduced me as a friend, the rest is up to me.
- We discussed this last night.
- "I see, so...
- Rudeus-dono, for what reason have you come to me?
- Permissions for your mercenary company?
- Or, is it for permission to sell your Supard race dolls?
- Or perhaps for counsel on behalf of Dragon God Orsted?"
- It's different.
- Cliff, well it's already too late.
- My purpose, the reason I came to this country...
- It's fine, it would have come up sooner or later.
- Well, it would have been better to end this without an outright explanation.
- ...Huh?
- Cliff was looking between us with a surprised face.
- "As one would expect from someone called the Dragon God's right arm.
- Without even shifting an eyebrow... So it's like this Cliff?"
- I was too slow to notice.
- The Pope concluded his misunderstanding in an instant.
- "I'm sorry, but I investigated a bit in advance."
- He started to read a document with a smile.
- "Rudeus Greyrat.
- Of the distinguished Notus Greyrat family.
- Son of Paul Greyrat, disciple of Sword King Ghyslaine Dedorudia.
- After being involved in the Metastasis Event, returned on his own after three years.
- Attended the magic university, became acquaintances with Princess Ariel.
- Several years later, fought Dragon God Orsted and lost, then joined his camp.
- Behind the scenes in Asura Kingdom, orchestrated the defeat of Water God Reida and North Emperor Auber.
- Propelled Queen Ariel Anemoi Asura to her current position.
- Then, while organizing his own private army in various places, appealed for various influential people to cooperate with Dragon God Orsted...
- Have I missed anything?"
- That was pretty thorough.
- But, that wasn't exactly private information.
- You could get that sort of information by just asking around.
- The person before my eyes is obviously trying to discern what kind of person I am,
- It's essential that I'm forthright.
- It's not surprising.
- There are mistakes.
- "There are three mistakes.
- From the Demon continent, I did not return on my own.
- I borrowed the power of a warrior from the Supard race, Ruijerd.
- Furthermore I did not defeat the Water God Reida or Auber alone, Sword King Ghyslaine and Sword King Eris aided me.
- And, most importantly, I am the disciple of water king-ranked Roxy Migurdia."
- "Hou, this is an honest one."
- The Pope nodded with a [Fumufumu], and jotted something down on the paper in his hand.
- I don't know what you're writing, but at the very least add that I'm Roxy's disciple.
- "So when it comes to your reason for selling the Supard race dolls, it's to repay that debt?
- It's not a scheme to overthrow the government by increasing the literacy rate?"
- "Correct."
- "Hou"
- Even if the literacy rate rose, why would the government be overthrown...
- I guess that's the same theory as a cooper putting holes in his barrels, so he can repair them later for a profit.<Ref>Literal comparison. The Pope was suggesting Rudy would increase the literacy rate -> cause a rebellion -> fix the rebellion to sell Orsted's name/his own agenda. As for why literacy => revolution, I imagine it's because the government (church) is corrupt or inefficient. Rudy doesn't get it either.</Ref>
- "Then, appealing for cooperation with Orsted-sama, is there a reason?"
- "Around 80 years from now, the Demon God Laplace will be revived, it is to ready the world for that time."
- Even at that, the Pope didn't change his expression in the slightest.
- He just nodded in consent.
- "I see. So, by using Cliff as a connection, you have come to request my cooperation. In other words you want me to join the Dragon God's camp, is that it..."
- "No, it's different."
- Somehow, talking with this Ojiichan, I already feel like I'm in negotiation mode.
- Well that's fine.
- Negotiations are necessary.
- I guess I'll start.
- "I am here to support my ally, Cliff."
- "Hou. Supporting Cliff from behind, is that it?"
- "No... certainly that was my intent at first, but Cliff said [I want to see how far I can climb with my own power.]
- At least, until he is known as Cliff-dono here, I will not be participating."
- The Pope's lips curled into a smile as I said that.
- He had the face of a grandpa whose grandchild scored 100 on a test.
- "Is that so, Cliff said such a thing..."
- "Yes. So, today, Rudeus is here as a subordinate of the Dragon God."
- He said it honestly.
- The other side seems to be studying us.
- We may have glazed over some information, but our responses were generally correct.
- Well, he might think differently, I don't know yet.
- We haven't told any lies.
- An honest person may be a fool, but people don't hate honesty.
- "I have two requests, your backing for my mercenary company, and permission to sell the Supard dolls."
- As for the matter of the Latreia house, I'll leave that aside for the time being.
- That's a personal matter, I'll show restraint, it should be possible to form a connection.
- "Hmm"
- The Pope watched me with a soft smile,
- I guess that's his poker face.
- Even if he's laughing, his expression won't change.
- "I don't think the relationships between people are something easily broken."
- The Pope said that as if stating a fact.
- Perhaps that's a warning.
- I don't plan to abandon Cliff.
- I don't think Cliff would abandon me either.
- "So, in deference to your ties with Cliff... I will support your mercenary company."
- He said that readily.
- I expected some kind of quid-pro-quo, but I guess not.
- This is probably out of consideration for my friendship with Cliff.
- At any rate if Cliff plays his part, it will bring great benefits to the Pope's faction.
- For the Pope, this might be a downpayment.
- "However, permission for the Supard dolls is difficult."
- "Why?"
- "I am in the pro-demon race faction, and the pope.
- However, recently the anti-demon race faction has grown powerful within the church.
- In the present situation, I do not have enough clout to permit the sale of the Supard dolls as an arbitrary decision.
- The next pope, surely, will be selected from the anti-demon race faction... or?
- The Pope said so, while watching me.
- I wonder if he's trying to imply I should say something like [Then I will crush the anti-faction forthwith!]
- I wonder.
- I could move easily as the Pope's subordinate.
- I've already cut ties with the Latreia house, and with the current flow they'll probably be openly hostile towards me.
- If that's the case, it would be unfortunate if I had to crush Therese along with the rest of the anti-demon race faction.<!--DO IT-->
- But, that would probably count as helping Cliff.
- It's a little ambiguous.
- If Cliff were to take over as Pope, they would be his opponent.
- I guess I'd be clearing his path if I crushed them.
- No, in the first place, if I even cooperate with the religious organization, it's because of Cliff.
- I wonder if that's OK.
- Hmm...
- "... For the time being, I take it that I have your support regarding my mercenary company?"
- "Yes."
- "Then, for today, with your support for the mercenary company, I am satisfied."
- I'll keep you on hold regarding the other matter.
- It shouldn't be a problem that requires an immediate response.
- Originally, I planned to leave the Supard doll sales off the table.
- I only came here with the intention to get permission to launch the mercenary branch.
- I won't act greedily here.
- "Is that so, it's a shame."
- The Pope said so with a smile and a laugh.
- ----
- Cliff still had things to do, so I left the headquarters alone.
- "Phew..."
- The moment I was out, I let out a big sigh.
- That was tiring...
- The Shrine Maiden and the Pope.
- I met two interesting people today.
- Both of them left interesting impressions.
- Nevertheless, they each lead different factions.
- The pro-demon race faction led by the Pope.
- And the anti-demon race faction led by the Shrine Maiden.
- The Temple Knights are part of the anti-faction.
- The Latreia house as well.
- Even good-natured people like Therese,
- I would have expected them all to be fanatics.
- If I'm asked who I support, needless to say it's the pro-faction, the Pope's faction.
- Be that as it may, Therese has helped me twice.<!--This time (probably 219) and last time (with Ruijerd and Eris)-->
- Even though I hate the Latreia house, I'm not ungrateful towards her.
- Apart from her followers, the Shrine Maiden herself doesn't seem detestable.
- So, being reserved isn't wrong... I think.
- As I originally planned, if possible, I want to maintain a neutral position.
- A lofty ideal.
- Anyway, I should probably plan for more contact with that shrine maiden.
- I'm curious about her ability.
- Whether or not she's one of Hitogami's apostles... that possibility still exists.
- It's difficult as always to discern apostles.
- At least, I didn't run into Hitogami's interference setting up the mercenary branch in Asura Kingdom.
- Are my actions harmful to Hitogami or not...
- At the present, I don't know. It's useless to think about.
- So, for the time being, I'll be grateful that I haven't run into any obstacles and act as I always have.
- The moment there's a disturbance, when you feel something out of place, is the moment to look for an apostle.
- I have to keep my eyes open for suspicious people.
- The Shrine Maiden, or Claire.
- But, if I'm too focused on them, I'm bound to make a mistake.
- For the sake of establishing a mercenary branch as soon as possible, it would be nice to get in touch with Orsted by installing a communication lithograph.
- Yeah.
- For the time being, I have the Pope's cooperation in this matter.
- So, I should get started.
- First, to purchase a suitable building for the mercenary branch.
- Then set up a communication lithograph, and a magic teleportation circle in case of emergency.
- And, report to Orsted.
- "Okay. The first step is to select a building."
- The next step has been decided.
- It would be good to leave selecting the building up to Aisha.
- Whether we set up in the adventurer district or the commercial district, she'll know what's best.
- Aisha should have a good understanding of the area by now.
- Having a trusted business partner, it's really reliable.
- The problem is Zenith.
- With Aisha out, we won't have anyone to look after her.
- Perhaps Wendy could be taught to care for her...<!--Wendy is the replacement maid Cliff hired.-->
- Well, at this point such a thing can't be helped.
- Let's have a discussion about it back at home.
- ---
- I left through town on the carriage and returned to Cliff's house in the religious district.
- It's dusk.
- My stomach is empty, I'm looking forward to dinner.
- I hope there are fresh eggs around here.
- Boiled eggs, fried eggs, omelette...
- There's bread too, so fried pork cutlets are also possible.
- With just an egg, a whole new realm of foods open up, to increase my enjoyment.
- Our cook (Aisha) is really skilled.
- "Here I am. With an empty stomach--"
- "Not coming back until now, what's with that!?"
- The second I returned, I heard Aisha's shout.
- I hurried inside the house.
- There, was the figure of my sister next to Wendy.
- "Why did you go out!"
- "I-, I mean, isn't it OK."
- "Why is the person who went out to be believed!?
- Yesterday, you heard it too right!?
- Why didn't you explain the circumstances!?
- Yet you went out the next day like nothing happened!?
- We were waiting, you should have come back sooner!
- I needed to talk to you Oniichan!"
- "Eh, even so, then, I, after what happened yesterday, didn't understand it well, but it's all right--"
- "I just said it! It's not 'all right'! You, you should have taken us with you!?"
- Aisha went to throw a punch, but Wendy held her back...
- Aisha is enraged, this is rare.
- While thinking that, I caught Aisha's next punch.
- "Aisha, calm down a little."
- "Fine!"
- She shook me off.
- But, Aisha seems to have become a bit more aware of herself.
- "Ah, Oniichan... I'm sorry..."
- She clasped her hands and looked down.
- "What happened?"
- For the time being I'll ask that.
- If I raise my voice now, then I'm just as at fault.
- However, Aisha looks down with a blue face, and doesn't answer.
- She's normally a child who answers quickly.
- "Well..."
- As if she couldn't stand it any longer, Wendy answered.
- "During the day, Gisu appeared..."
- "Gisu...?"
- "He came to see Zenith-san, and said it was unfortunate she was cooped up even after her long-awaited return home--"
- Aisha answered this time.
- "--didn't come back."
- Those words were dripping with animosity.
- What?
- This feeling...
- "Aisha, calm down, from the start, explain it to me. You can do that right?"
- "Yeah..."
- Aisha began to speak.
- During the day, Gisu seems to have come over to visit.
- He's Zenith's friend, he's allowed to visit.
- Aisha didn't see his face, but from his speech, the contents of the story, and his clothes, the description matches Gisu.
- At that time, Aisha and I were absent.
- "Why was Aisha out...?"
- "I thought we would need various things if we were going to stay here, so I went out to purchase everything... Wendy, she seemed able to handle things, I'm sorry..."
- "Ah, no, it's okay."
- Aisha made a mistake in judgment.
- It's unusual, but I guess it's possible.
- Anyway.
- For a while, Gisu chatted with Wendy and Zenith, it was something like a conversation between three people.
- But, then, Gisu made a suggestion.
- [Isn't holing Zenith up here after her long awaited return to her hometown unfortunate. I'll take Zenith outside and show her the town.]
- Wendy consented.
- As for her consent, Wendy seemed to be a bit worried about it.
- I haven't heard anything about yesterday, either.
- Regardless, it's not just Wendy's fault.
- She wasn't informed about the unpleasantness of the Latreia house.
- I feel like there's something more.
- After all, that really is Gisu's wild horse way of speaking.
- Somehow, that guy is really good at persuading others.
- I wanted to take Zenith to see the town too.
- They were supposed to come back within an hour, even if they were careless, it can't be helped.
- "I, I immediately went out to look, but I couldn't find them..."
- Aisha immediately went out looking for them, but no luck.
- She couldn't find them.
- The day passed, and they were nowhere to be found even after dusk.
- Perhaps they were delayed, but they still haven't turned up.
- Aisha was at the end of her rope and couldn't really blame Wendy, then I returned... That's why.
- "What should I do Oniichan, because I thought it was all right... This, it's my fault right...? What should I do... What do I do!"
- Aisha is unusually upset, she's on the brink of tears.
- For now, calming her down is top priority.
- "Try to calm down. It's Gisu's usual carelessness, perhaps everything is fine."
- "But, now, Zenith-okaasan is missing!?"
- "Please be calm."
- I'm starting to feel impatient too.
- But, Gisu took her out.
- That guy has no fighting ability, but he's a competent man to rely on.
- That provides a sense of security.
- Well, thinking of Gisu...
- He might have done something unnecessary, like taking her out for dinner.
- He's the kind of guy who returns unexpectedly, saying something like [Sorry sorry, I ran into an old acquaintance and hit it off] while laughing.<!--悪ぃ悪ぃ might be a SFX for laughter.-->
- "For the time being, let's wait a little longer."
- I decided.
- ---
- The sun has completely set.
- Cliff returned with a tired expression.
- Zenith and Gisu have not returned.
- But, during this time, Aisha and I have regained our composure.
- "I'm sorry... but, please don't blame Wendy too much, it's my fault..."
- Cliff also went to rebuke Wendy, but Aisha came to her defense.<!--Fudged-->
- He probably didn't expect this kind of situation.
- Originally, he called for the maid.
- Moreover, because he called for a maid at the last minute, he should understand that it wouldn't be a professional.
- You can't blame someone's lack of ability.
- But blame follows failure.
- "I will go out to search. Cliff-senpai, please wait on standby."
- "Ah, right..."
- Even though I made that decision, it's already dinner time.
- Waiting until now to start searching, it might be too late.
- But, allow me to make an excuse,
- If Zenith were out alone, I would have started searching immediately.
- Gisu took her out.
- If Wendy's story is true, she should be with Gisu.
- That monkey bastard may not be able to fight, but he can do anything else.
- From information collection, mapping, shopping, cooking, equipment maintenance, to managing the party's health.
- His only fatal flaw as an adventurer is that he's useless in combat.
- So, I felt a sense of confidence since Zenith was with Gisu.
- But, if I think about it, being useless in combat can be fatal.
- If he were caught up in some kind of incident, he might not have the power to protect Zenith,
- Gisu should have a high ability to avoid being caught up in those types of incidents though.
- But, his skill might not be perfect.
- Zenith stepping on some belligerent old man's foot or something, that kind of scenario is possible too.
- Passing each other, they make eye contact, and then he socks her in the face.
- She's also with a demon race.
- If someone from the Latreia house saw them, what would they think seeing Gisu and Zenith together.
- They would probably try to bring her back home.
- In a quick attack, they might try to take Zenith back.
- After all, she's still a member of the Latreia house.
- If it's the Latreia house, it's also possible that that Gisu was a fake.
- Similar looks and a similar height, teaching him how to talk like Gisu, then pretending to be Gisu to convince Wendy... or something like that.
- Although you don't really see those types of guys around.
- Also, I don't want to think this, but it's possible that Gisu is one of Hitogami's apostles.
- Gisu had been reluctant to enter the religious district, why would he come back here.
- That's something to consider, he could be acting on Hitogami's advice...
- Worrying won't do anything.
- There's no use hesitating.
- Regret won't help either.
- We've already lost a lot of time.
- I have to make a move.
- I put on the MK-II and left the house.
- "First of all, where should we search? Should we divide the work?"
- Aisha followed as a matter of course.
- Zenith is still missing... We're both becoming impatient.
- If she starts becoming flustered, I have to calm her down.
- "No, if you were kidnapped it would just add to the trouble. Let's search together."
- "Y-, yeah. Understood..."
- Hearing the word kidnapped, Aisha held her breath.
- She was probably considering the possibility of Zenith being kidnapped.
- Kidnapping in this world, is commonplace...
- But it's unlikely.
- To kidnap Zenith they would have to go through Gisu, an S-class adventurer, it wouldn't be easy.
- If it were me, I would look for a more defenseless target.
- "..."
- I took a few more steps, then suddenly stopped.
- First of all, where should we start looking?
- That's not good, I need to compose myself.
- Calm down, everything's fine, I need to calm down.
- Deep breaths.
- "Suu... Haa..."
- I have someone smarter than me at my side.
- I should consult with her.
- "Aisha... Where do you think Gisu would be?"
- "Err... the adventurer district?"
- "Why's that?"
- "Gisu doesn't like being around St. Milis followers, and they tend to stay around the religious district.
- That leaves the commercial district and the adventurer district, and since Gisu is an adventurer, it seems likely he'd be in the adventurer district."
- "Okay, lets start by searching the adventurer district."
- As expected of Aisha, thinking carefully in this kind of situation.
- We have to strike while the iron is hot.
- "Let's hurry."
- "Yeah, oh, that's right. Should we take horses? Or use the carriage?
- "Hmm?"
- Horses...
- I still can't ride a horse.
- Though that doesn't mean I'm incapable of riding a horse.
- I've had a little practice, I also know how to drive the horse-drawn carriage.
- But we won't be able to move as freely with a carriage in an emergency situation.
- But that's no problem.
- If I'm serious, I can run as fast as a horse.
- "I don't need a horse."
- "Eh?"
- I picked Aisha up in a princess carry.
- Then fed mana to the MK-II.
- And bent my legs.
- I've practiced softening the impact.
- "Aisha, please hold on tight."
- "Eh...? Ah!"
- Aisha stiffened and tightly gripped my robe.
- I held Aisha firmly in place.
- "... Ah, ah! That's no good! Stop!"
- I almost thought I heard something as I leapt into the night sky.
- > MT 221: http://pastebin.com/kcDaihCT
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