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- TL Schedule: http://pastebin.com/hXyDtpNB
- JA + EN: http://pastebin.com/dTu4EHD1
- Chapter 227 - Results of Obligation
- Afterwards, a contract was written.
- Let's take a moment to summarize it.
- The full picture.
- The Miko was safe thanks to Rudeus.
- The Milis religious community was held responsible for the incident.
- The church shouldered the responsibility, and proclaimed that they would fully cooperate with Dragon God Orsted and Rudeus Greyrat, and, moreover, support them.
- There was no formal decision regarding the treatment of the demon race, that was left as a legal question to be settled at a later time.
- It was that kind of thing.
- The two principal offenders, the Pope and the Cardinal, naturally signed the contract.
- The cold sweat running down the Cardinal's forehead was really cute.<!--Literal TL, "cute" is in Engrish.-->
- The Miko was returned in exchange for the contract.
- As for the parties responsible, it was decided that a trial would be held at a later date in order to have them take full responsibility for this incident.
- I don't know how that will turn out, the Cardinal might flee before receiving his sentence.
- Well, tracking people down is part of my job description.
- If they're not one of Hitogami's lackeys, then they're just a minor nuisance.
- Even if the Cardinal was taken out of the picture, the Expulsion Faction wouldn't disappear.
- For the time being, everything has worked out.
- The incident has been resolved.
- ---
- Afterwards, Zenith, Cliff, and I returned to the house.
- On the way back, Cliff sighed and apologized.
- "Sorry."
- I looked back at him, puzzled.
- "What's this, suddenly?"
- "If you think about it, this kidnapping incident originated from my careless remarks.
- Even though we reached a good resolution,
- Taking credit for that would just be self-important lip service, I felt like I was just blundering about."
- "I suppose."
- It wasn't really like that though.
- You acted following your beliefs, argued without reserve, and led us to that good resolution.
- It's the usual Cliff-senpai.
- "I'm not worried about it, we can reflect on this matter and make use of it next time."
- "Ah, yes."
- Cliff shrugged... Normally, in Cliff's position, someone would be more worried about their own situation.
- Wendy was waiting for us when we arrived home.
- Only Wendy.
- "Ah, welcome back."
- I suddenly started to worry about Aisha and Gisu, they're safe right?
- While we were drawing up the contract, I asked the Cardinal and the Temple Knights but they just responded with [We don't know.]
- Are they busy preparing some sort of trump card, or...
- "Aisha-san, Gisu-san, it's safe!"
- My worries were groundless.
- Two people came out from under the floor.
- "Phew, welcome home, Oniichan... and Zenith-okaasan."
- The two of them let out a sigh of relief.
- Hearing their circumstances,
- Apparently Claire and Carlyle left for the religious headquarters early this morning, and after learning that, they immediately set out to inform me.
- But, it was already too late.
- By the time they arrived at the headquarters, the Temple Knights had already begun to move.
- I had already moved to make contact with Therese, and Claire was already inside the headquarters.
- With all these pieces moving, they knew something must have happened.
- Thinking that, they remembered my instructions, and returned to Cliff's house.
- They planned to wait until night, and then make their escape from the town.
- "The Temple Knights came looking here several times, and I properly turned them away!"
- Wendy seems to have done her job correctly this time.
- However, the Cardinal was targeting Aisha and Gisu as I suspected.
- Dangerous.
- "Oniichan, since Okaasan has come home, that means...?"
- "Ah, yes, it's over."
- I explained the details to Aisha and Gisu.
- After I'd finished explaining, Aisha's eyes were twinkling, and she started talking in a voice of admiration.
- "Something like that, Oniichan, you're a hero!
- Even with your back up against a wall,
- You wrapped everything up in just a day!"
- Saying something so absurd...
- What kind of unsightly hero would I make.
- ---
- The next day.
- I took Zenith to the religious headquarters for the Miko to give her a neurological exam.
- Two people, Carlyle and Claire, came to pick us up at Cliff's house in a horse-drawn carriage.
- While we were riding in the carriage, I was chatting with Carlyle.
- He seems to deeply regret what had happened, and apologized profusely.
- I don't intend to keep blaming him for that.
- Even if he was a little at fault...
- People make mistakes.
- What's important is to reflect on it, learn from it, and move on.
- Just overcoming a failure like that is difficult, anyone else would have given up.<Ref>そこらへん、うまいことできているとは言いがたい俺が、他人の失敗にギャーギャー文句をつける事は出来ない。 Bad TL</Ref>
- You can't keep moving forward without overcoming failures.
- He shouldn't be beholden to me to move on.
- Although Carlyle was talkative, Claire hadn't spoken a word.
- Out of the five people riding in the carriage, only she was silent.
- I wonder what she's thinking about.
- Should I ask her?
- While I was procrastinating, we arrived at the headquarters.
- I went through the normal formalities, and was granted an audience in the center of the headquarters.
- We were brought to a room, this is probably the room the Miko normally uses.
- Just like when I met with the Pope, it was a room divided by a transparent barrier with two chairs and a window.
- It was a little dim, six escorts stood guard.
- Therese wasn't among them.
- I wonder if she was replaced...
- Anyway, it looks like the escorts are going to stay for the examination.
- Well, I shouldn't need to be particularly cautious of them this time.
- All of them had embarrassed expressions and avoided looking in my direction.
- I don't need an apology.
- You guys were just doing your jobs.
- And I was just doing my job when I knocked you guys out, so we're even.
- We were both just doing our jobs, so it's all good.<Ref>This may be referencing them being punished, but 226 isn't out so idk. Potential bad TL. 仕事に関する罰はまた別に受けるのだから、それで良しとしようじゃないか。</Ref>
- In any case, we should all try to get along.
- If these guys hold a grudge, I'll have to watch my back.
- So we should try to get along as well as we can.
- "Then, I'll start."
- Miko and Zenith were sitting in the two chairs, facing each other.
- Dust held Zenith's head, and had her meet the Miko's eyes.
- Then, the Miko brought her face closer and had a look.
- It almost seems like an eye exam.
- "...Oh."
- Looking at the Miko, Zenith's eyes glistened.
- Her eyes seemed brighter.
- ... Still no expression though.
- As they were staring into each others eyes, it looked as if faint streaks of light were darting between them.<!--Literal.-->
- Until now, I'd never seen such a light.
- "As one would expect of Miko-sama..."
- "As divine as ever..."
- Her lackeys were gushing under their breath.
- Until now, such a light did not come out.
- I wonder...
- No, that light might only appear when she gets serious.
- Like fire magic becoming hotter and brighter as more mana is used,
- This kind of phenomenon might just be visible when the Miko seriously uses her abilities.
- It really looks like a line of light...<!--Fiber optics, but not literally(?) 光回線だ.-->
- "...."
- Claire was tightly grasping her hands in front of her chest as she watched.
- She had a pose like she was in prayer, I braced myself as well.
- Right now, the Miko is looking into Zenith's memories.
- The depths of the labyrinth...
- Maybe a memory of being trapped in the magic crystal...
- If she can find whatever caused this in Zenith's memories, then we might be able to figure out a cure.
- Just give me a hint...
- If we can just get a hint, maybe one of my knowledgeable acquaintances can figure something out.
- Orsted, or Kishirika...
- "... Ah."
- The Miko raised a small voice, and trembled with a start.
- Dust immediately let go of Zenith and put his hand on the Miko's shoulder to comfort her.
- Download complete?
- "...."
- The Miko stood up, wide eyed.
- Looking directly at me.
- "Rudeus Greyrat."
- "Yes."
- I straightened myself up after hearing my full name being called.
- "I have seen the memories of Zenith Greyrat."
- "How is she?"
- "Before the Metastasis Event, she lived in Buena village, part of the Fedoa Territory, raising Norn and Aisha while working in the village's clinic."
- You're starting from there?
- No, no. There's no need to rush, it's better to be thorough.<Ref>いや、うん。ちゃんと見たって事を言わないと、適当言ってると思われるからな。Horrible TL</Ref>
- "After she was separated from you, Zenith thought about you every day. Did Rudy eat properly, is he properly changing his clothes, how many girls has he called out to..."
- Oi.
- I'm sorry.
- Well, it's not like I was really fooling around back then.
- That was back when the government of the Rudeus Lower Continent was at peace.<!--The start of a three-line dick metaphor...-->
- That was still several years before the invasion of the defenseless Sylphy Country.
- I can hardly remember a time before Sylphy.
- "Her memory was dyed pure white in worry about you, and then it's temporarily interrupted."
- The Metastasis Event.
- I was an eye-witness to that moment.
- But, most people didn't even survive long enough to comprehend what had happened, being teleported before they noticed...
- Back then Paul was still in his prime, and so was Lilia.
- "Afterwards, her memory becomes pitch black for a while."
- "... For a while, what?"
- "That's right. For a long time, like time passing by in a dream."
- So there's no memory of becoming trapped.
- That means she must have been teleported directly into the crystal in the labyrinth.
- But something like that should be really unlikely...
- However, it's still possible even if it's unlikely.
- After a teleport, there's always the possibility of ending up buried in a wall somewhere.
- Well that shouldn't happen if the magic circles are properly linked, but that's not the case for random teleportation circles...
- That Metastasis Event really was a surprise attack.
- If I remember correctly, it was caused because Nanahoshi was teleported to this world...
- Well, that's already in the past.
- Even as a person who was wrapped up in that incident, I don't think teleportation magic should be treated as a taboo, as long as it's properly managed.
- If it were properly studied and implemented, then it would have been possible to deal with a disaster like the Metastasis Event more quickly.
- Yeah.
- I should advise Ariel about that.
- If I submit a research report on teleportation, Ariel could probably figure something out.
- ... Ara?
- But, then, how did Gisu find out about Zenith...
- He's certainly good at collecting information, but how did he know about the Teleport Labyrinth...
- ...?
- "Then, she had a dream."
- I returned from my thoughts at the Miko's words.
- For the time being, let's postpone Gisu's cross-examination.
- "A dream?"
- "Yes. A dream. In it, she had the sensation of being carried like a stuffed toy."
- "... A stuffed toy."<Ref>Talhand carrying her out of the labyrinth for those that don't remember.</Ref>
- "Yes, it was a pleasant dream."
- Then, the Miko closed her eyes.
- As if she were describing images on the backs of her eyelids, she began to speak fluidly.
- "She had a dream of living comfortably in a strange house.
- Spending time with Lilia, basking in the sun, caring for the garden..."
- Then, the Miko's tone changed.
- She began speaking from Zenith's perspective.
- "Paul died, Rudy married Sylphy-chan and had a daughter.
- But as I thought, Rudy brought home more women. First Roxy-chan, then Eris-chan... however, everyone, even Sylphy-chan, was happy.
- Although Norn complained, she properly went to school and made friends, and she would never forget to say [Okaasan, see you later!].
- In the meantime I got along well with Aisha. She really seems to like flowers. She would casually chat with me about things like [So does Zenith-sama like apples and daffodils too?]
- I think it would be fine if she called me Okaasan too, but then Lilia would make a troubled face. Aisha is still sensitive about that topic.
- Roxy-chan has started teaching at a school near the house.
- According to Norn, she's a very popular teacher.
- Even though she still looks like a child, she's from a demon race that doesn't age quickly and has already lived for many years... But, Rudy loves Roxy-chan very much, so age doesn't matter.
- Then I met Eris-chan for the first time, she really loves Rudy as well.
- When no one was looking, she came to me with a bright red face and said [I am still inexperienced, please treat me well!]
- I couldn't help letting a smile out. I see why she didn't want to say that in front of Rudy; but being humble is good too.
- Then, Eris-chan's face turned a deep red and she squeezed her arms.
- She usually puts on such a brave face, so cute!"<!--Literally describes Eris as kawaii.-->
- Those were her memories from the past several years.
- But, I remember it slightly differently...
- Norn rarely called out to Zenith.
- And even when Aisha talked with Zenith gardening, Zenith never reacted.
- But, perhaps, from Zenith's perspective...
- She seemed to be engaged in everyone's conversations.
- "And then, Rudy's children.
- Lucy is a precocious child. Though she's still small, she has to grow up to be a good Oneechan.
- Sylphy-chan has been working hard to teach her, practicing magic with her every day on Rudy's behalf.
- I used to be so exhausted raising my own children. I can't help but feel that I've lost, being surrounded by so many good mothers.
- I'll be all right, even if my kids have all grown up, I can still try my best at other things.
- Everyone doing their best is too adorable.<Ref> そしたら、もうちょっと頑張るって言うのよ、すごく可愛いの。Horrible TL</Ref>
- Lara really took a liking to me. From the moment she was born, she was able to talk. She would always call out to me.
- [Obaachan, Obaachan!]... Then Leo would call out to me [It's serious! It's serious! Lara-sama has wet herself!]<!--Lara and the dog are talking to Zenith apparently.-->
- These days, she enjoys sitting in my lap with Leo and basking in the sun. We would talk about things like my home town, or where her Papa grew up.
- Arus loves breasts. He seems like Rudy when he was younger.
- When I hold him, he really likes clinging to my chest.
- I guess he's fine even with grandma's breasts.
- It looks like he inherited something bad from Paul and Rudy.
- Like Rudy, I'm worried might make a lot of good girls cry, but you'll make them happy in the end, right?"
- Before I'd noticed, my eyes were starting to get hot.
- Tears were falling like raindrops.
- Lucy isn't really around Zenith much, and Lara doesn't speak.
- More than half seems to be Zenith's own delusions.
- Looking out through those vacant eyes...
- At least the world Zenith sees is affectionate.
- "Oh that's right, and speaking of Rudy, that child became the subordinate of an amazing person.
- Dragon God Orsted.
- A distant disciple of the Dragon God Urupen, one of the [Three Heroes who Vanquished the Demon God].<Ref>魔神殺しの三英雄 is the title, I don't remember how it was referred to in previous chapters. TLC.</Ref>
- Apparently he's incredibly strong, and everyone is frightened of him, but he doesn't seem that scary to me.
- He really just wants to get along with everyone, especially Rudy.
- He often comes to check on the house.
- Once in a while I try to talk to him but I'm not that good with talking to strangers. I become completely flustered.
- But he's a kind person. Whenever Lucy is troubled in magic he teaches her some tricks... since they are difficult tricks Lucy generally isn't able to understand them.
- When I let him try to hold Lara, though he nervously holds her in his arms, the way he does it looks very kind.
- But, Leo and Arus aren't very good with him.
- The other day, when Arus started crying very loudly, he ran away when he saw Eris-chan was coming.
- Such a strong and gentle person. Becoming the subordinate of such an amazing person, I don't really understand it but I'm proud of it.
- Even Paul would surely think so."<!--I guess Orsted really is a creeper, my bad Anon, ty Kaezar for fixing.-->
- I wonder if any of this is true...
- Something like Orsted visiting the house never happened...
- Has he been checking on the house without me knowing...?
- "Rudy has grown up splendidly.
- Norn and Aisha have come of age, and Sylphy-chan is about to have another child.
- Lilia becoming flustered not being able to look after me, foolishness.<!--Baka, but idiot seems harsh.-->
- Between caring for me and the children, shouldn't caring for the children be given priority?
- I'll leave Lilia to care for Sylphy-chan, I'll be fine going to Okaasama's place.
- You don't have to worry so much, I used to be an adventurer back in the old days after all.
- I'll be with Rudy, Aisha, and Rudy's friend Cliff-kimi...
- Ufufu, going on a journey with Rudy, how exciting!"
- Those seemed to be Zenith's more recent memories.
- "Okaasama looks like such a granny now.
- She's completely different from the old days. Rather than scold me, she just sobbed [Zenith, Zenith].
- She was worried if I was hurt, or fell ill, and showed me to a doctor.
- As you can see, I am very much alive.
- She's so prone to worrying, showing me to the doctor almost every day.
- That tough Okaasan, with a crying face, didn't scold me at all.
- Every day she would come to see me with a worried face.
- Ah yes, father came too.
- Otousan seems to have grown a beard.
- In the old days he never would have done such a thing, he seems to have had a long, successful career.
- He said my condition didn't look good with a wry smile."
- Claire suddenly buried her face in Carlyle's chest.
- Carlyle was stroking his beard, also with tears in his eyes.
- "It's just that, Okaasama and Rudy developed a bad relationship.
- Rudy snapped and got into a fight with Okaasama.
- I wish you would just reconcile...
- Then, sure enough, Rudy managed to corner Okaasama.
- He's just like Paul at that age, Rudy is really strong, he's not going to go easy on her...
- So I had to properly mediate the situation!"
- Then, the Miko opened her eyes.
- That's it?
- "Fuu..."
- The Miko rubbed her eyes and sighed.
- Then collapsed back into her seat.
- Her lackeys immediately went to her side.
- They gave her a cup of water and a hot towel, they must have prepared it beforehand.
- Then massaged her shoulders and arms.
- They're treating her just like an idol.
- "I'm sorry, that was everything. Was it of any help?"
- The Miko looked dead tired.
- Using her ability must be really exhausting.
- I'm worn out just from watching her.
- Reading all of Zenith's memories, and downloading them into her brain.
- Then watching an entire impromptu play of Zenith's life.
- With that much information being processed in an instant, of course it's tiring.
- I could also use a shoulder massage.<!--Either that or he'd give her a shoulder massage, can't tell.-->
- "No, but thank you very much."
- I still don't know a method to treat Zenith.
- But, I was able to understand Zenith's feelings.
- That alone makes my trip to Milis worthwhile.
- "At least I know that she's happy.
- And that she remembers Paul, and that he has passed away.
- I understand her present condition now."
- Zenith understands what's happening around her.
- She has thoughts.
- Although the Miko's tone made it seem as though she was in a dream-like state, there were no contradictions in facts like the number of children.
- Or their personalities... But Lara was slightly different.
- Lara is certainly attached to Zenith.
- In Zenith's eyes, Lara might be trying to convey something with all her might... possibly.
- "I was also able to learn something else."
- "...?"
- "She... I don't know how, but she seems to be able to read peoples thoughts."
- Read thoughts?
- "Because she's in such a state I may not be reading her memories correctly, but there's something I have to tell you..."
- The Miko said so in a hushed voice.
- Then gestured to me to lend her my ear.
- Her lackeys behind her immediately covered their ears.
- I brought my ear close to the Miko.
- Then, she spoke in a very quiet voice.
- "Zenith is a [Miko]."
- At those words, I nodded slowly.
- I suspected as much.
- It was very likely she had some sort of curse.
- "If this becomes known, it will cause an uproar, so I recommend you keep this hidden."
- "Of course. I swear, as Orsted's subordinate, I will defend her."
- "Truly, as one would expect."
- Well, after letting her get kidnapped, I might be a hypocrite for saying that.
- But I intend to live on such a feeling.
- However, I have learned two things.
- One, Zenith's ability.
- The ability to read thoughts.
- It's still not clear, but at least it doesn't seem like an ability that could lead directly to her death.<Ref>Referring to Elinalise dying if she doesn't get laid.</Ref>
- That gives me a sense of relief.
- The other thing, Gisu.
- There's a discrepancy in something he said.
- Come to think of it, that guy's movements have been strange throughout this entire mess.
- Despite knowing the Latreia house is part of the Expulsion Faction, he approached them, then took Zenith out.
- I'll have to question him thoroughly.
- "Miko-sama, I am very glad that we were able to meet. There must be something I can do as thanks."
- I still don't know how to cure Zenith.
- But, she seems to be in a better state than I thought.
- She is conscious.
- Even if it's a feeling like watching a dream.
- Perhaps she might suddenly wake up.
- "Thank you. Then there are two things, is that okay?"
- "What can I do for you?"
- "Could I have that bracelet?"
- "Bracelet?"
- I looked down at my arm.
- There, Orsted's bracelet was shining.
- "Yes."
- "... But, this bracelet is not something I can remove, and it wouldn't have any use to you?"
- "It won't matter. People already know you are working for Orsted-sama at a glance."
- I'm already identified as Orsted's subordinate pretty much everywhere.
- So, in other words...
- "Miko-sama, do you also want to join Orsted Co.?"
- "Yes. If I die before I become 30, it will be unpleasant."
- "I see."
- Come to think of it, her fate was described as weak.
- In that case, she's destined to die.
- She could die of an illness, but she doesn't really have bad health, so she'll probably end up being assassinated.
- But, under Orsted's protection,
- Now that the Cardinal's position has been weakened,
- And with the Pope as my ally, it would become difficult to interfere.
- Though it's not absolute.
- Hmm...
- Well, that should work.
- "Then, I'll make arrangements to provide a symbol of the Dragon God within a few days."
- "Thank you! With this I'll make it past 50!"
- I need to repay her for her help properly.
- I'll get her something with the Dragon God's crest, I'll even throw in a free guardian beast summoning.
- "And your other request?"
- "Please commute Therese's sentence. As it is, she'll be demoted and sent far away."
- "But, that can't be helped?"
- Although she was just carrying out her orders, she failed to protect you.
- "Eh, well... Because she was defeated by Rudeus, the Cardinal suffered a serious blow. If she's sent away, she may end up being killed. And she was always a kind-hearted guard."
- She's already served her purpose.
- If the Cardinal's faction killed Therese as revenge, that wouldn't be funny.
- Even though it turned out like this...
- She's still someone I'm indebted to.
- She was used too, she had to follow her orders, being killed for something like that is too much.
- "Okay."
- "Thank you. Then please sign our petition."
- One of her lackeys immediately produced official-looking documents.
- Preparation is good.
- I wonder if this was their intention from the beginning.
- "Well then, Rudeus-sama. I look forward to working with you?"
- Thus, the Miko became one of Orsted's subordinates.
- ---
- "Rudeus-sama."
- Afterwards, while we were waiting in the carriage, Claire spoke.
- She no longer wore that cold, stubborn expression.
- This must be her nervous face.
- "Although this may not be an appropriate place to hold such a conversation, when I calmed down, I realized we would likely be too busy to speak after this, so let's talk now. Will that be all right?"
- I nodded in silence.
- Did she find out... Is she angry that I have three wives?<!--I'm assuming she doesn't know, but I'm not sure.-->
- Even if it's all right with two people, three people might be...
- It's not something that would be permitted in the Milis religion.
- "It's about what I did."
- "Okay."
- It was different.
- It seems to be something about herself.
- Yeah.
- She's not trying to denounce me, or blame me.
- No, she might still be difficult.
- Without changing her expression, she started speaking.
- "What I was attempting to do... was not something permissible as a human being."
- "Yeah..."
- Even if it was to help Zenith, that was going to far.
- After all this, I don't want to have a carefree chat about it in a place like this.
- "So, please give me penance."
- "Penance...?"
- "Yes, penance. I took Zenith away from you, and tried to do something awful, such a crime requires a suitable punishment."
- "I think your apology was enough?"
- "Such a thing is not enough. The punishment must fit the crime."
- I can understand that.
- If everything could be settled with an apology, the police would be unnecessary.
- In an incident like this, the perpetrator would normally receive severe corporal punishment.
- But, I don't blame Claire.
- Even though Claire might not be satisfied with that.
- "... What kind of punishment would be fitting?"
- "To be whipped, or to have both arms cut off... Even death would not be an unfitting punishment."
- Err...
- That seems like overkill.
- "After listening to Zenith's story, how could I act so selfishly? Even considering doing something like that to my own daughter, I deserve to burn in hell. Such a stupid person only deserves the hammer of judgment."
- Her fist was trembling.
- Were we listening to the same story?
- I never heard such a thing.
- I heard something else.
- Zenith forgave her.
- I didn't understand it at the time.
- But, she could sense Claire's anguish.
- Now I properly understood.
- Claire, at that trial, without a single ally, when you were trying to bear the brunt of the blame yourself, you were forgiven.
- That's why Zenith slapped Carlyle and I, but didn't slap Claire.
- Although I thought something like that was too far-fetched at the time...
- It wasn't.
- Well, Claire still needs a reasonable punishment.
- Claire herself, rather than forgiveness, wants a punishment.
- Until she receives one, she won't budge an inch.
- Hmm.
- I mean, I wonder what I should do with someone so stubborn.
- Alright.
- "I understand... well then..."
- "...."
- Claire looked tense.
- I'm bad, let's go in a selfish direction.
- "Please convert."
- "You mean, to your religion? A faith of the demon race?"
- That's not it.
- I didn't mean a religious conversion.
- I'd be too embarrassed if you converted to Roxyism.
- In this case, what should I say?
- Well, the phrasing isn't worth worrying about.
- "No, I don't mean stop being a Milis believer. I'd just be thankful if you left the Demon Race Expulsion faction."
- "You mean, the Latreia house as a whole?"
- "Only Claire-san is fine. My wife is actually a demon race, so describing them as [filthy] is no good. And I'd like you to accept the differences in our beliefs and education policies."
- "...."
- "Ah, and next time, if something happens please consult me. I should be able to find a solution... I think."
- Claire watched me with a blank look of amazement.
- Then nodded immediately.
- "Yes, of course."
- Claire didn't look like she needed anymore convincing.
- Does she understand that's the punishment?
- I can't tell.
- But, she seems to have given it some thought, and nodded again.
- "Henceforth, Claire Latreia is of the Demon Race Acceptance faction, and will act as such. I will trust you, and won't interfere in your religion or educational policies."
- "Thank you in advance... But, don't overdo it. Forcing yourself too much is bad."
- "... Of course."
- For the time being, if this Baachan becomes a little more lenient, she shouldn't cause any trouble with my wives and daughters.
- Right now she seems fine, but she might just be restraining herself.
- The next time we meet... Well, if we quarrel, then I apologize in advance.
- "Then it's settled."
- "... For your kindness, thank you."
- Claire was silent at first, but nodded with a serious face.
- That's an awkward way to apologize.
- ---
- After that, I returned to Cliff's house.
- I've arranged to stop by the Latreia house some other time, my first priority is Gisu.
- There's a lot I need to hear.
- Regarding this matter, and others.
- Thinking back, that guy's timing was always too good.
- It's about time I heard everything in detail.
- "Well then, I'm going to go look for Gisu."
- I left Aisha and Zenith in the house.
- Then immediately left to find Gisu.
- "Oniichan, wait for a moment!"
- I was stopped by Aisha.
- She sounded urgent, and held something out to me in her hand.
- "This!"
- In her hand, she was holding a letter.
- A letter with a wax seal.
- On the front was written [To Rudeus].
- "As soon as Oniichan departed, Gisu-san came and left this letter with Wendy!"
- I silently received it.
- Leaving it with that timing...
- I have a bad feeling.
- I tore off the seal and immediately began reading its contents.
- "To Rudeus.<Ref>I had trouble translating Gisu's inflection in this letter, while the general TL is shouldn't be incorrect, it may be missing some nuance. If you're skilled with Japanese, I ask that you check this section carefully.</Ref>
- Yo, Senpai.
- After returning from listening to the Miko, now that you're reading this letter, you've probably figured it out.
- Did you figure it out?
- Hey, you figured it out, right?
- If you still haven't figured it out, then this letter is my mistake... Oh well.
- Now, Senpai probably has doubts.
- About how I found Zenith's location.
- About why I took Zenith out at such a convenient time.
- About way back when I first met with Senpai.
- About how I coincidentally met Senpai in the Dorudia tribe's village.
- You're probably wondering about that.
- However, that much could only be expected from the S-class adventurer Gisu-sama.
- Let me explain.
- Everything, all of it, was on Hitogami-sama's instructions.
- Hitogami-sama gives me advice, and I follow it.
- In short, I guess that makes me one of [Hitogami's Apostles].
- So I deceived Senpai.
- Are you surprised?
- After all this, what do you think?
- Or, are you mad?
- You're probably mad.
- Ha, that's natural.
- But, ever since I was a child, I've only been able to survive thanks to God-sama's advice.
- When I was half-dead, whenever I was in a pinch, I would be saved if I could just hear His voice.<!--So Gisu has gone full-on bat-shit crazy, I'm capitalizing He/His when Gisu refers to Hitogami like they do in the Bible.-->
- For someone like me, who doesn't have the power to fight, that voice was salvation.
- It was like that for Senpai too, right?
- You were able to return from the Demon Continent because of Hitogami-sama's help.
- You were able to meet Ruijerd-danna, obtain a demon eye,
- Have me sent to get you out of jail, and rescue your younger sister.
- Hitogami-sama even helped find Zenith.
- After all that, Senpai.
- You betrayed Hitogami-sama.
- Why would you do something like that?
- Hitogami-sama is a good God.
- He gives us advice for our own sake.
- Senpai brought God's wrath down upon himself.
- Senpai betrayed God.<Ref>でも、全てひっくり返して裏切るこたあねえだろ。Possible bad TL, inflection.</Ref>
- Even though we are in His debt.<Ref>利用されてたって、俺らが受けた恩は、まんま残ってんだから。 Bad TL</Ref>
- Well, I'm not good with letters.
- At least, before my hometown was destroyed I never thought so.
- Hitogami-sama used me to destroyed my hometown.
- Hitogami-sama just laughed in the end. He used me.<Ref>Bad TL second sentence = 君は僕に利用されていたんだよってな。</Ref>
- Of course I was angry?
- I was deceived, I was taken advantage of, stop screwing around.
- Nevertheless, at that moment, Hitogami-sama called out to me.
- [So far I've only helped you, but that's enough now.]<Ref>「今まで助けてあげたんだから、これぐらいしてもいいだろう」ってな。 Bad TL</Ref>
- Maybe he was just trying to stir me up.
- It was like pouring oil on a fire, I wonder if he felt good sneering at me.
- But, I thought, it was already a sunk cost.
- That's right.
- If I thought about it, this was just a trade for all the help I'd been given until now.
- Honestly, even I bear a grudge with every fiber of my being... But that doesn't matter.
- I guess Senpai doesn't think the same way.
- While reading, you're probably thinking something like [Oi newbie, what are you thinking?]
- However, even if Senpai disagrees, it was different for me.
- From my perspective, Senpai is ungrateful.
- Turning fangs towards your benefactor.
- So Senpai, you might hate me, but I've chosen my side.<Ref>だからセンパイ、悪いが俺はこっち側につかせてもらう。Bad TL, inflection.</Ref>
- This time, I played wait-and-see.
- In order to measure Senpai's ability, I set a trap using the Temple Knights.
- Although you easily cut your way through...
- Anyway, that's just like Senpai.
- But, it was a failure that you had to show your trump card.<Ref>MK-I summoning technique, probably.</Ref>
- I'll gather more war potential for next time, face you magnificently from the front, and make a declaration of war.
- Then take your head.
- I resent you Senpai.
- We had fun in jail, and I won't forget traveling together on the Holy Sword Highway.
- Exploring the labyrinth as well, I hadn't been that excited in a long time.
- That's just an indiscretion.
- That's all.
- There are grudges and there are debts.
- Even if I resent Hitogami-sama, I'm still in His debt.
- Even if there's a grudge, I return favors.
- It's my jinx.
- From Gisu Nukadia]
- I immediately rushed out of the house.
- "Gisu!"
- Gisu was an enemy the entire time.
- He even saw me fight using the MK-I.
- He said he's gathering war potential.
- That guy, what does he mean?
- He said that the next time will come from the front.
- Believing that is difficult.
- I don't know.
- If that's true, I have to stop him.
- No, not stop him, I have to kill Gisu.
- First of all, I have to go to the commercial district.
- I leapt over to the mercenary branch office.
- I immediately sent Orsted a summary of the letter, Gisu is Hitogami's Apostle.
- Then, without waiting for a reply, went to chase after Gisu.
- But I have no idea where to start looking.
- I won't even be fucking efficient searching alone.<!--Yeah, Rudy's cursing.-->
- Thinking so, I leapt to the religious headquarters, and put Gisu on the wanted list.
- Furthermore, I asked to mobilize the Temple Knights to search Milishion and its periphery.
- That bastard is an Apostle of Hitogami.
- Gisu knows the future.
- He's a man who became an S-class adventurer with no combat capability.
- There's no way I can catch him.
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