173MTL Mushoku Tensei

Ariel is currently having a tea party in the gardens of the Sky Castle.
The host is Sylvaril, but Perugius is no where in sight.
Instead, Nanahoshi sits across from Ariel.

What a nice tea party.
That was my initial impression, but wasn't the case.
Ariel wears the looks of a exhausted salaryman.
She looks weary from top to bottom.
On the surface she may appear graceful as always, but the cover up for her eye bags can be seen.
She looks really cornered.
In that condition, her eyes seem to be begging "Well?  Know anything?  Please!" to Nanahoshi.

As for Nanahoshi, she's ignoring Ariel.
Or so it looks like, busying herself with her tea cup.
She didn't refuse the invitation to tea, but she probably wanted to.  She felt bothered to be stuck between Perugius and Ariel, probably.
An unmotivated heroine.
Yet she stayed, maybe because Ariel also lend her a hand during her illness?
Ariel only lend some magic tools, but the intentions were there.

"Ah, Rudeus!"

Perhaps because of the awkwardness, she looked relieved when she finally saw me.

"Come sit for a while with us?"

I follow Nanahoshi's instructions and sit down between Nanahoshi and Ariel.
Sylvaril pours me tear while I find my seat.
She placed my cup rather roughly, quite out of character for the usually graceful Sylvaril.  I can feel her cold glance even behind that mask.
Is she mad about when I summoned Arumanfi?
Sorry....

"... Well, Rudi, please."

Sylphy, who came along as well along, quietly whispers to me before taking her position behind Ariel.
Ariel looks relieved to have Sylphy here.
Talking a sneak peak, I also spot Luke here.
I sent Luke a message before coming here.
He flashed a bright smile when I told him that "I'll help Ariel."

"It has been a while, Rudeus-sama.  Becoming subordinate of Dragon God Orsted, should I offer you my congratulations... or?"

No confidence in Ariel's voice.
Minced words.
Perhaps Sylphy has been talking to Ariel about Orsted behind his back.

"Thank you.  No matter what, it's reassuring to have to the backing of someone that powerful."
"Rudeus-sama is very powerful as well... maybe birds of a feather fly together... Maybe it's impossible for me."

What?  Ariel is deprecating herself?
She really is in a bad place right now.

"Ah."

Tsuntsun Nanahoshi finally chips in.

"Orsted came by yesterday."
"Ah, how was it?"
"Apologies and reconcilation, and some requests."
"Good to hear."

A simple conversation, but looks like a weight came off her shoulders for Nanahoshi.

If everything can be resolved with an apology, we won't need police in the world.
If I was deceived and a victim of attempted murder, an apology won't be enough.
From this I can conclude that Orsted is truly generous.

"I would also like to meet Orsted-sama."

A tinkle in Ariel's voice.
What a comfortable voice to listen to.
The charismatic voice that you want to follow.

She's also beautiful too.
The most beautiful blond hair I ever seen.
She is the embodiment of beauty.
Although I am surrounded by pretty girls and ladies, but from an objective perspective, Ariel is probably number one.
Not a natural beauty, but a pictorial beauty.
like fine art.

But, because she lost her confidence, right now she gives off the charms of a lonely widow.
... This charisma may also be a curse.

"Orsted-sama is a scary person.  Even seeing him from afar gives off a sense of overwhelming danger."
"He didn't attack suddenly, and I don't feel any blood thirst, so it should be fine."

Really?
Has Ariel seen Orsted before?
Maybe we shouldn't decide on anything until I check with Orsted.
But she already knows that I have become Orsted's subordinate...

"Indeed.  He came by yesterday while we're having tea with Nanahoshi-sama.  Syvaril-sama was so nervous that she spilled tea on him."

Sylvaril spilled tea on Orsted?
Well, it wasn't on purpose.
Sylvaril must be terribly frightened.

"I could feel the tension in the air, but Nanahoshi-sama was strangely open and cheerful and helped lighten the mood."

... Huh?
Does that really work?
The curse degraded for Ariel?
Well that's convenient, but.

Maybe this is Hitogami's doing?
If I think about it, for Hitogami, wouldn't manipulating Ariel be the most convenient.
Rather than use Luke to get to Ariel, going for Ariel directly seems more straightforward.
But Orsted didn't warn me of this possibility...
Maybe he has proof that Hitogami isn't controlling Ariel?

"Well, maybe the curse of hate can be controlled."
"Really?  I might sleep soundly if that's the case... He's terrifying just from afar, I think I might leak if I hear him nearby."

I snicker hearing Ariel said leak.
Apologies...

"Well, leaking in front of people isn't bad but..."
"Ah?"
"Ariel-sama!"

Sylphy coughs to air her grievance.
I did hear something about leaking but...
Maybe I shouldn't?
Well, the nobility at Asura Kingdom are full of perverts.
Even so, it feels particularly perverted to hear those words coming out of this art-like person.

"Rudi!  Don't grow your nose in front Ariel-sama!" <ref>Acting perverted</ref>
"Yes, mom."

I touch my nose to check involuntarily.
Is it growing...
I may be a pervert, but I know I know my limits.
Like Sylphy, for example?
But I shouldn't say that, obviously.

"Ugh..."

Nanahoshi doesn't enjoy the topic, but she's putting up with it for now.

"Regardless, I can understand why Orsted-sama took Rudeus-sama under his wings."
"Eh, how so?"
"Rudeus-sama is very capable after all."

Is that it?
Am I that easy?
If Sylphy crawl into bed at night and ask "Rudi, I want..." I'd do everything that she asks.
Of course, Ariel will never come begging that way.
She only asks for minor things.
I'm a man happy to open my wallet for my women.

Anyways, back to the main topic.
Give Ariel a hand.

"Capable, like Ariel-sama?"

Ariel covers her mouth and frown after hearing my feeler.

"Rudeus-sama sure knows how to flatter a girl..."

It's not just flattery.
She might be cornered, but Ariel is still a princess of Asura Kingdom.
Her stature can be compared to the Crown Prince of England in the past world.
From her etiquette, language, or how we're seated togethered, she might not look it.
But that's because we know each other well.
Only because we know each other well.

Everywhere else, she has worked diligently.
Right now, no one of positions in Magic City Sharia have not been touched by Ariel.
Principal and Vice-Princiapl of the Magic University.
Notables of the Magic Guild.
Head of the Magic Tool Workshop.
President of the Merchant Association.
Branch Manager of the Adventurer's Guild.
Everywhere I go, all I need to mention is Ariel's name and I'm set.
Well, all I been doing was taking discounts from Magic City Sharia businesses by name dropping Ariel.

Basically, it's really convenient.
She is really capable when it comes to networking.
Ariel is very capable too.

"Once, I also considered asking Rudeus-sama to work for me, but..."
"Really?"
"I gave up right away.  There're plenty of reasons, but the greatest was..."

Ariel looks straight ahead.
Forward, across the cloud cover sky on the other side of the beautiful garden.
Even further away, towards the edge of the blue sky.
As she stares, she murmurs.

"'Desire for undeserved power and face ruin.'"

For an instant, I thought that was meant for me.
But, no.
Ariel follows up that line.

"A line from my younger days, from a play I watched at Asura palace, Great Demon Empress Kishirika Kishirisu said that."

That's definitely a lie.
Who came up with this bullshit history.
Kishirika could never come up with a line that cool.

"It was the curse Kishirika placed on Golden Knight Aldebaran before her death."
"... Oh."
"Afterward, Aldebaran became the King.  He was feared by all, and ultimately rebelled against and killed."

How dramatic.
Wait, this sounds completely different from the history I knew.

"That play was a required watch by Asura royalty for our coming of age."

Coming of age?  So their 5th, 10th, and 15th birthdays.
In Asura Kingdom, these must be major events.
For royalties, plays are probably a must.

"Of course the truth differs, but apparantly it was to crammed with all the ideologies of the Asura line."

So the truth is different?
What's different?
It's different from what I knew as well.
The Golden Knight Aldebaran and Kishirika Kishirisu fought to a stalemate.
But wasn't it really the battle between Demon Dragon King Laplace and Fight God?
Well, it doesn't matter, but still.

"All of ideologies?"
"Yes.  Like war, victory, governance, kingship."
"..."
"Even so, why was Aldebaran betrayed and murdered?  Did a king in the place write this play to warn his descendent of our ruin?  I wondered when I was young.  I was 15 when I finally realized this.  The line 'Desire for undeserved power and face ruin.' covers everything."

With that said, Ariel looks back again towards the far sky.

"Undesired power can only bring destruction.  Thus, only handle what you can control, what you can master.  The power to manipulate all is way of the king.  Right now, I still think so."


... Ariel lows downcast.
Her long eyelashes cast a shadow.

"I understand.  Perugius-sama and Rudeus-sama, both are more powerful than I."

A gentle smile reappears on Ariel, her usual one.
But she looks like she's about to cry.

"One more time, and if Perugius-sama refuses, I'll give up."
"Give up?'
"Yes. Of course, I won't give up on becoming king even if I don't have Perugius-sama's backing.  Because at least Asura's throne is not too much for me, I think."
"..."

I can feel it.
The sigh.
But it did not came.

"Ariel-sama."
"Yes, Rudeus-sama?"
"How am I powerful?"

Powerful, being special.
Indeed, I once dreamed of being such.
In my past life, I thought so, and that's why I failed.
That's why in this world, I try to avoid thinking that I"m special.
I haven't forgotten that.

"Rudeus-sama excell in many area, but...  more than anything else, your magic power."
"Magic power."

Indeed, in that area, I might special.
All thanks to my Laplace Factor, my magic potential are higher than most.
Of course, that's also because of what I done with my life.
But that alone can't solve everything.
It's just one way to solve my problems.

"Indeed, if all my worries can be solved with magic power, I might have thought of myself as powerful as well."
"Your worries?"
"I worry daily.  Particular of 'how do I explain to my family...' so much that it's suffocating."

Fear of Hitogami.
As Orsted's fish lure.
I can tell my family nothing but lies and deceit.
I'm powerful?
Quit joking around.

"Perugius-sama may be different but... at least, I am not powerful.  Your best friend Sylphy's husband might have a bit more magic power than usual, a bit more esoteric knowledge than usual, but he's just another average magician with his own personal worries."

Even I feel embarrassed for saying this.
But that was my honest thoughts.

I grab Ariel's hand from the table.
A soft hand.
So small, her fingers feel like they would snap at any moment.

From the corner of my eyes, I can see Sylphy burning up.

"Ariel-sama, actually today, I came not to chit-chat."
"Oh, have you came to court me?"

Ariel's mood didn't change when I suddenly grabbed her.
A gentle smile.
A weary smile, but.
This is her neutral face.

"Court... it's an interesting proposition, but no.  The ones who asked me were Sylphy and Luke."

Ariel look around behind her in rare panic.
Sylphy looks calm, Luke slightly droops his head.

"To help Ariel-sama."

When I said that, I feel a great strength from her hand.
A strength unbelievable out of those delicate fingers.  It almost hurt.

"Why, you two?"
"Asking help from this Rudeus Greyrat?  I do not intend to look down on you.  What I want to do is different."

Suddenly grabbing her hand, talking about that.
How would the normal Ariel react?

"Can I be your support?"

Honest tears flow from Ariel's eyes when she hears those words, moved.
A beautiful tear.
That surprised me, that it would make Ariel cry.
Why?

Ariel, with her open hand, wipes away her tears and forced a smile.

"Getting a confession like that, is a first even for me."

She jokes, but her face is honest.
She isn't blushing, nor crying.
The face of a princess.


"Indeed, that's a incredible proposition... but."

Ariel did not agree right away.
Holding her chin, looking towards me with slightly upturn eyes, her eyes narrow.
As if searching my true feelings.

"I heard that Rudeus-sama became Orsted-sama's subordinate, would he allow it?"
"I already informed Orsted-sama my intentions."
"Perhaps Orsted-sama ordered Rudeus-sama to do this?"

It's possible that Orsted's curse is less effective against Ariel, and she herself said that it doesn't bother her.
But this is about Orsted's motives.

"That's not the case.  He simply gave me free rein when I asked if I can help Ariel-sama."
"Really... Well then, I understand.  I offer Orsted-sama my gratitude."

I can see Sylphy pouting from the corner of my eyes, but it can't be helped.

"Well, I'm in your care, Rudeus-sama."
"Likewise."

I hold Ariel's hand once more, but different than before.
A handshake.

---

Well then.
Our area of cooperation, let's begin.

"Getting Orsted-sama's help to Ariel-sama win the throne is possible, but...  He doesn't have much influence inside Asura Kingdom, so there's little that he can do."

After that brazen talk, I start off this time with a preface.

"That's why, I think gaining Perugius-sama's support is still vital."
"Indeed."

Ariel with a serious expression, reseat herself.
Maybe it's just me, but Sylphy and Luke look more serious as well.

Convince Perugius.
Orsted also mentioned how important that was.
Because Perugius wield enormous influence inside Asura Kingdom.
But, how?

Probably it comes down to what Perugius said.
Let me try bringing that topic up again.

"'What is the most important factor of a king, Ariel-sama.  If you know, you'll have my support.'"

Ariel's eyes twitched.
It's the question she worries over the most, but no answer.

"Is there really only one most important factor for a king?"

I was asked as well, and my answer wasn't good enough.
Anyways, I don't think I have the right answer either.

If what Orsted said was the truth, then it was an individual called Derrick Redbat that helped her find her answer.
But history has changed, so the question might have been different.
Asking about this Derrick person might be a good idea.
But, how do I approach this?
It would be strange if I suddenly bring Derrick up.

"Ah, well, before we discuss this topic..."

Ariel bends over and glances at Sylvaril.

"Perugius-sama will hear everything, is that okay?"
"... Wasn't this be for Perugius-sama to begin with?"
"But that kingship question, is it alright to discuss it with others..."

Ah, of course.
Since it's about becoming king, maybe only that person can think it over?
Then what?
Taking a glance at Sylvaril, she gently shakes the wings at her back.

"Perugius-sama has said to Ariel-sama, that if her answer was correct, he'll lend you his strength."

Because he is generous.
I almost expect her to say.

"So I could have consulted others from the start?"
"Rather, Perugius-sama has been wondering why you haven't."

Ariel can only cast a wry smile to that response.

"I was too narrow minded."

Ariel murmurs, but she looks suddenly refreshed.
With her hands she begins to comb her blond hair, after it's straightened, she stretches out her hand.
She then turns her head left and right until it crackles and slaps her cheek.
Very un-princess like behavior.

"Got it.  Then, Sylphy, Luke, sit down."
"Yes!"
"Understood."

Happily those two sat down, Nanahoshi's uncomfortableness doubles.

"Well, let's begin the meeting."

A voice of confidence from Ariel, like in our first meeting.
Should I be clapping?
No, never mind.
But I probably should raise my hand to speak.

"Before we begin, let's reach a common understanding?"
"Understanding?"
"What I mean is, I don't know anything about Ariel-sama."
"Eh... What do you want to know?"

Ariel blushing, and I can feel Sylphy glaring.
Also, what's your three sizes?
No, stay serious.

"First, I want to know why Ariel-sama wants to be king, if you please."

Why Ariel wants to be king.
I might have heard of that before.
Probably have to due with those that died for her sake.
Along the way, maybe the name Derrick will pop up.

"Haven't I mentioned this to you before?"
"Really?  Please remind me."
"Yes, at Rudeus-sama's and Sylphy's wedding."
"If possible, please tell me again."

Hearing that, Ariel says nonchalantly.

"If I failed to be king, I won't able to face those that died placing their trust in me."
"So trust, from those that died... Can you tell me the details about them?"

Ariel smiles slightly hearing that, but I also feel some concern.

"Does this have to do with our topic at hand?"

Ah, that's a rejection.
She doesn't want to talk about it?

"I don't know if it will, but I think Perugius-sama is giving Ariel-sama a test.  If we look into Ariel-sama's personal relationships, maybe we can find a clue."
"I see."

Good enough, actually, that actually sound plausible.
But, I was honest too.
I really have no clue what a true king is about.
I remember reading in a light novel from my past life,
"King lives for his people, no, to lead his people" and junk like that before.
But as much as I try, I can't find a serious answer.

"Well then.  Still, many died.  Especially during my escape from Asura Kingdom, 13 died then... Four knights: Alistar, Callum, Cedric, Dominic.  Three magicians: Calvin, Johann, Babette.  Six chamberlains: Viktor, Marcelin, Bernadette, Edwina, Florence, Corinne. These thirteen names, I'll never forget them.  We struggled on that difficult journey together, fought together, and overcame it together.  For me to be king, they died"

Huh?
Where did Derrick go?
Strange...

According to Orsted, he died too, but.
Perhaps he wasn't anyone important to Ariel?
Oh, I might find a hint that Derrick survived from these thirteen.

"Do you mind talking about each of them in details?"
"Understood.  But it'll be a little long.  Is that okay?"
"That's fine, no one will begrudge you."

With that said, somehow the mood became more relaxed.
Ariel smiles;  Luke looks somewhat surprised.
Sylphy glows with a sense of pride.
Only Nanahoshi looks somewhat peeved.

"Well then.."

Ariel, slowly but surely, talks about those thirteen.
Their origins, where they grew up, the circumstances of how Ariel met them.
Their personalities, their likes, their dislikes.
What they took pride in.
The way they talk, what made them smile, what made them angry, what made them cry.
Who got along with who, who liked who, who hated who.
And how they met their ends.

Each of their lives worthy of a drama.
Ariel's narration alone was more than sufficient to convey their persons.
Luke and Sylphy chip in here and there.
Certainly, those thirteen live on within those three.
Of course, if those two have came, Ariel's other followers would remember them as well...

Sylphy in my future diary, because of my incompetence, left with Ariel.
But maybe she would follow Ariel regardless?
Thinking that, I realized how strong is their bond.
But now is not the time to be jealous.

They died for her sake.
They died to protect her.
That burden I can sympathize with.
Sylphy knows the weight she carries.

"That's about it."
"I see..."

But, unfortunately, I wasn't able to discern the most important factor of a king from those thirteen's stories.
Maybe their bond in of itself is proof of a king?
Say, The Round Table in King Author has thirteen seats.
Well, that numbers don't match if you include Ariel as well.

"Rudeus-sama, did you figure out something?"
"Well... Sorry."
"Is that so..."

Ariel sighs in response.
Right away Sylvaril pour her another cup of tea.
During the conversation, I also drank a cup.  Its aroma was pungent, bitter-tasting, with a dash of sweet, a tea that taste like coffee.

By the way, Nanahoshi excused herself for toilet and ran away.
Maybe talking about the dead was too much for her.

"What should we talk about next?"
"Well..."

I want to hear about Derrick Redbat.
Very much.
But that name never popped up, so I couldn't.
Maybe I should just drop the name and pretend that Sylphy mentioned him before?
I can just suck it up.
During my hesitation, Ariel suddenly put a hand on her chin.

"Ah, it's unrelated, but, I just remember something."
"... Oh?"
"Luke, do you remember?  Back when I was 10, in the palace gardens, I always have tea on days like this."

Sylphy looks doubtful, but Luke narrows his eyes from nostalgia.

"Ah, that's right.  Not every day, more like once every three days or so?"
"That's right, back then, I was always rushed to this lesson or that.  So during lunch breaks, I liked to have tea by the garden under the sun.  It became a habit.  Just me, Luke, and Derrick."

I can't let that keyword pass.

"Derrick?  Who is that?"
"Ah yes, my guardian magician before Sylphy, from the Redbat house.  An excellent magician, but he died protecting me during the Metastasis Event."
"Ah... Can you tell me about him in details?"

Finally, This Derrick person appears.
So he died during the Metastasis Event.
Was he involved with Fittoa Region?
Maybe I can find the clue through his story.

"..."

But Ariel remains silent, looking shocked.

"Something wrong?"
"... No, now I think about it, it was Derrick's death that caused me to want to be king."

Ariel seems to realized something, placing a hand by her mouth.

"Then, can you discuss that in details?"
"Details, but it was almost 10 years ago.  I might forgot a lot about Derrick..."
"Please try."