Chapter 94 - 'Dramatic' [actual]

第九十四話「劇的」

Chapter 94 - 'Dramatic'

　ラノア王国、魔法都市シャリーア。

　学生の多く住むこの都市の一角に、問題を抱えた一件のお家がありました。
　築１００年。ルーデウス邸。
　この家の抱える問題、それは……。

『幽霊屋敷』

　古びた外見は洋館のようにも見えますが、
　苔むして、枯れた蔦の絡まったその姿は、不気味の一言。

　この家に住もうとしているのが、
　依頼人のルーデウス・グレイラットさん。
　元A級冒険者にして、現在は魔法大学の学生さん。
　結婚するというので家を買ったものの、佇まいに不満が噴出したようです。

　この家には、どんな問題があるのでしょうか。

　一歩敷地内に入れば、
　手入れのされていない庭。
　壊れた入り口。
　所々にシミの残る壁や天井。
　雨漏りのしている屋根。
　使えるかどうかもわからない暖炉……。
　廃墟という単語が思い浮かぶようです。

The Kingdom of Ranoa, Magic City Sha'Riah.

It's a city with many students, and in one of its corners was a house that has a certain problem. Built 100 years ago, the Rudeus Mansion.※ The problem that it had was that it was...

『A haunted mansion』

Though its appearance was simply that of an aged Western-styled mansion※, it was overrun with moss and withered vines, and to describe it in one word, it was 'unsettling'.

[※Note: I think this is because he's already bought it]
[※Note: In case people didn't know, yes Japanese had 'mansions'. And no, I'm not talking about the apartment complexes lol.]

The one who thought to live in this house was a client by the name of Rudeus Greyrat. He was a former A ranked adventurer, and was now a student at the Magic University. Although he bought the house because he was getting married, he was dissatisfied with the appearance.

What kind of problems did this house have?

The moment you took a step into the premises, you'd see a garden that lacked maintainance. An entrance that was broken. A ceiling and walls with various stains left about. A leaking roof. A fireplace whose functionality was questionable... It was something that brought to mind the word 'abandoned'.

「魔力的な要素で長持ちはしているようですが、
　やはり古びてる感じは否めません。
　新婚の新居にしては少々趣深すぎますよね」

　新婚にふさわしい綺麗な家にして欲しい。
　そんな依頼人の願いを受け、一人の男が立ち上がりました。

　リフォームの匠。
　『大空洞のバルダ』。
　バシェラント公国の魔術ギルドに所属する、一流建築士。
　建物の設計から建築までこなす、この道三十年の大ベテラン。

　ミリス神聖国で学んだ建築技術を元に、
　魔法大学の別棟校舎を建築するなど、数々の実績を持ちます。

　少々頑固な所もありますが、気のいい人物で、腕は確か。
　常にハンマーを腰に下げ、他人の家でも気に入らない所があれば叩いて直す職人気質。
　建物も弟子も、ハンマー一つで叩いて直す。
　そんな彼を人は『トンカチのバルダ』と呼ぶのです。

"Because of some magical components it's been aging well, but as expected there's still a feeling of aging to it. As a home for newlyweds, the atmosphere is a bit much, huh?"

He wanted a nice clean home※ suitable for a pair of newlyweds. A single man accepted this client's request.

[※Note: It'd usually be clean/neat here, but given that it's a wedding thing, it unexpectedly might mean 'beautiful'...]

He was a craftsman who did renovations, 『Balda of the Great Cave』. A first class architect belonging to the Basherant Dukedom's Magic Guild. He could take care of things from the planning, all the way to the construction and was a veteran of 30 years.

With the construction techniques he learned in the Holy Kingdom of Miris as a base, he had many accomplishments, such as the Magic University's school buildings.

Though he had a few stubborn parts, he was an agreeable person and his skill was assured. He always had a hammer hanging at his waist, and if strangers had something they didn't like about their houses, he'd fix it for them; he held the spirit of a true artisan. Whether it was his disciples or buildings, he'd fix it with a strike of his hammer. Because of this, he was called 『Balda of the Hammer』.

「おう。きてやったぞ。お前さんが泥沼か！　結婚するんだってな！」

　そんな匠を出迎えるのは、今回の依頼人。
　巷で『泥沼のルーデウス』と呼ばれている彼は、匠からも気さくに泥沼と呼ばれました。

"Yo, you've come. So you're 『Quagmire』, huh, boy?※ I heard you were getting married!"

The person who had come to meet the craftsman was the client this time. He was known as 『Rudeus of the Quagmire』 on the streets, and was received sociably as well by the craftsman.

[※Note: Not supposed to sound condescending, but more friendly. He actually uses 'omae-san' which comes with the connotations of 'omae', but is friendlier/more welcoming, in a sense.]

「はい。バルダさん、よろしくおねがいします」

　バルダはルーデウスという名を知っていました。
　古い友人であるタルハンド。
　彼の仲間であったエリナリーゼから、聞いていたのです。

"Yes. I'll be in your care, Balda-san."

Balda knew of the name 'Rudeus'. He had an old friend named Talhand. He had heard about Rudeus from Talhand's companion, Elinalise.

「結婚するに当たって家を買ったのはいいのですが、ご覧の有様でして」
「とりあえず、ざっと家ン中みさしてもらっていいか？」
「どうぞ」

　家の中に入ろうとして、すぐに匠の眉がひそめられます。

"I was fine with buying a house for marriage, but the state of it is as you see."

"For now, can I have a look around the house and inside it?"

"Please go ahead."

When he made to enter the house, the craftsman immediately frowned.

「おい、なんだこりゃ、入り口がひでぇな。まるで引きちぎられたみてえじゃねえか」
「立て付けが悪かったらしく開かなかったので、仕方なく破壊しました」
「ったくよう、最近の若い奴はなんでもぽんぽん壊しやがる、モノに対する敬意ってもんが足りねえんだよ」
「まったくですね」

　憤りを見せる匠に、依頼人は飄々とした態度で受け流しました。
　まるで、自分は壊していないとでも言わんばかりの態度です。

　匠はその態度が気に食いません。
　ですが、ここは自分を抑えます。
　『泥沼のルーデウス』は怒らせると怖い人間だと聞き及んでいるからです。

"Oi, the hell happened? The door is in horrible shape. It looks like you tried to bloody tear it off."

"Because the door didn't fit well, there was no choice but to break it."

"Honestly, kids these days freaking breaking things without a thought, don't have enough respect for items."

"Yeah, they're horrible, huh?"

The client warded off the indignant craftsman's complaints in an unaffected attitude. His attitude was almost like he wasn't the one who had broken it.

The craftsman couldn't accept this attitude. However, he endured it. After all, he had heard that 『Rudeus of the Quagmire』 was a frightening person when angered.

「扉はどうすんだ？」
「どう、とは？」
「材質とか、意匠とか。特に注文がねえなら、俺が独自の判断で拵える」
「材質などは特にありませんが、頑丈なものを頼みます。あと、一応ドアノッカーもつけておいてください」
「その辺は入り口だから当然だな」

　匠は中に入り、難しい顔をしました。

"What are you gunna do about the door?"

"Um, what do you mean?"

"Like the materials, or the design. If you don't give me any specifics, I'll be going with what I judge best."

"Though I don't really mind about the materials, I'd like for you to make it firm. Also, please leave a doorknocker on it as well."

"Since it's the entrance, that much is obvious."

When the craftsman entered the house, he concealed a difficult expression.

「結構ガタがきてんな」
「そ、そうなんですか？」
「床の方はやけに丁寧に作られてるが、それと比べりゃ壁と天井が適当だ。
　まるで地下室が一番大事で、それ以外がオマケみてえな作りだ」
「そういうの、わかるもんなんですか」
「あたぼうよ」

　匠の目には、どこが良く、どこが悪いかがすぐに解りました。
　床、階段、二階、食堂、厨房、暖炉。
　このあたりは非常によくできているそうです。
　天才的な腕を持つ大工が、１００年前の建築技術と魔法技術を駆使したことが分かります。
　けれど、壁や天井など、一部の箇所は手が加えられ、そこがおかしくなっているのです。

"It's pretty worn out, huh."

"I-, is that so?"

"Though the ground was done very well, compare it to the walls and ceiling. It's almost as if the basement was the most important part, and everything else was just made as a bonus."

"Can you tell such a thing?"

"Obviously."

The craftsman's eyes could immediately tell what parts were good, and what parts were bed. The floor, the stairs, upstairs, the dining room, the kitchen, the fireplace. These places were extremely well done. You could tell that a genius craftsman had spent 100 years using construction and magical techniques to create them. However, the walls and the roof were done by hand, which was strange.

「ま、こんなのはすぐ直る」

　匠の頼もしい言葉。
　それに安心した依頼人は、大きな食堂へと入ります。

"Still, I'll fix something like this in no time."

The craftsman spoke reassuring words. Having been reassured, the client entered the large dining room.

「大部屋か。日当たりは悪くねえな」
「暖炉はどうでしょうか」
「どれ」

　使えるかどうかわからない暖炉。
　匠の目が光ります。

"It's a large room, huh? The lighting isn't bad either, huh."

"How is the fireplace?"

"Show me."

It was a fireplace with questionable functionality. The craftsman's eyes lit up.

「これはいい暖炉だ。ちと古いが、変に手直ししない方がいいな」
「いいんですか？」
「ほれ、ここに刻んであるサインを見てみろ」

　匠の指差す先には、どこかで見たような紋章が。

"This is a good fireplace. It's a tad old, but it'd be better not to mess around with it."

"Is that okay?"

"Look, there's an signature carved here."

The craftsman's finger was pointed towards a crest that seemed familiar.

「これは１００年ぐらいまえにいた、天才魔道具制作師(マジックディレクター)のサインよ。
　名前も残っちゃいねえんだがな。アスラ王国じゃあ、このサインのついた魔道具は極めて高く取引されてる。
　つっても、基本的には小物ばっかりでな。
　まさかこんな家の暖炉まで作ってたとはなぁ……」
「…………」

　依頼人の脳裏に浮かぶのは、先日この家で見つけた、日記に書かれた文様。
　それと、この暖炉に刻まれた文様はよく似ていました。
　どうやら、最初の家主の自作だったようです。

"This is the signature of a genius Magic Director※ that was here until 100 years ago. His name wasn't left behind though. In the Kingdom of Asla, magic tools with this signature fetch a really high price. Even if I say that, they're all just small items. To think that he had created a fireplace like this in this house..."

"..."

What came to the client's mind was a design drawn in the diary that he'd found the other day in this house. It was very similar to the design of this fireplace. It seemed that somehow or other, the first owner of this house had created it.

[※Note: As in, directs the production of things. That's just how it's read. The kanji say 'genius magic tool creation expert'.]

「で、この大部屋はどうすんだ？」
「そうですね。普通はどうするものなんですか？」
「大部屋だからな。でっかいテーブルおいて、パーティする時に使う。
　もう片方は予備だ。何らかの理由で部屋が使えねえって時に、代わりに使う」
「普段は使わないってことですか？」
「普通はな。っても、俺らみたいのが普通に生活する分にゃ、大部屋なんぞ一つありゃ十分だがな」
「ですね……。では、もう片方はくつろげる空間という感じで」
「あいよ」

　くつろげる空間。
　そんなリクエストを受けつつ、匠と依頼人は次の部屋へと移動します。

"So, what are you gunna do about this big room?"

"Let's see. What do people usually do?"

"Since it's a large room, they'd put a large table in it for use during parties. They'd also prepare another one too. That way if for some reason that room couldn't be used, they'd use this one instead."

"In other words, this wouldn't normally be used?"

"Normally, that is. But for people with lifestyles like us, one room is plenty."

"Right? ...In that case, I'll leave the other room as a leisure room."

"Alright."

A leisure room. Since that was requested, the craftsman and client moved to the next room.

「厨房も二つあるんだったな。
　で、片方には、窯はねえと」
「窯が無いってことは、使われてなかったって事ですかね」
「排水口があるってこたぁ、洗濯と風呂に使ってたんだろうよ」
「…………ほう、風呂ですか！」

　匠は厨房と洗濯場を見ていきました。
　排水口のつまりや、劣化などを確認して、頷きます。

"There are two kitchens, huh. But the other one has no furnace."

"If there isn't a furnace, then you can't use it, huh."

"If there's drainage, then you can probably use it for laundry or a bath, you know."

"...Oh, a bath!?"

The craftsman went to look at the kitchen and laundry. He checked for clogging in the drainage pipes or any other such flaws, then nodded.

「ここも特に手直しするこたぁ無いな」
「親方、その事で一つご相談があるんですか……」

　依頼人の口から出た提案。
　それに、匠の目が光ります。

"There's nothing in particular to fix."

"Mister,※ there's one thing I'd like to discuss with you."

The client suggested something, and then the craftsman's eyes lit up.

[※Note: uses oyakata, which like, shows respect. It's also the title used for various things, apparently also for craftsman (though I've never heard this myself).]

「おもしれぇこと考えるじゃねえか。
　でも、材料の方がねえから、高くつくかもしれねえぞ？」
「材料は僕が魔術で作ります」
「なんとかなるってか……ありゃいいもんだからな。
　よし、なんとかしてみよう」

　依頼人の想いが、匠に託されました。

"You've come up with something pretty interesting, haven't you? But we don't have the materials, so it might be expensive you know."

"I'll create the materials with magic."

"So you'll manage it somehow, huh? ...That's pretty good. Alright, I'll make it work somehow."

The client's idea was entrusted to the craftsman.


---


　翌日。
　バルダの部下10人が集まり、リフォームが始まります。

The next day. 10 of Balda's subordinates gathered and began the renovations.


---


　第一章『扉』

　早朝、大きな扉が運び込まれました。
　高級な木材を削りだして作った扉。
　頑丈な板の外側には獅子を象ったドアノッカーが付き、
　防犯対策として、端に小さな魔法陣が組み込まれています。

「大した魔法陣じゃねえ。無理やり開けようとすると、でっかい音が屋敷中に鳴り響くってモンよ」
「目覚まし時計にもなりそうですね」

　匠のアイデアに、依頼人は不敵に笑います。

First Part - 『The Door』

Early in the morning, a large door was brought there. It was a door cut from high grade timber. It was a solid door with a lion styled knocker attached to it, and there was a small magic circle at the end for crime prevention.

"The magic square isn't anything great. If you force the door open, it makes a huge soung ring throughout the house."

"Alarm clocks are the same, aren't they?"

At the craftsman's idea, the client laughed boldly.


---


　第二章『洗濯場』

　ここは、匠の手によって大きな変貌を遂げようとしています。
　部屋を二分するように、敷居が作られます。

　敷居の向こう側。
　石造りだった床にはタイルがしかれ、
　部屋の隅には傾斜のついた溝が掘られました。

　そして、部屋の隅には四角い石の箱が置かれています。
　人が三人は寝ころべそうな、大きな箱です。
　それが、少しばかり凹ませた地面にはめられました。

　さらに天井付近には小さな窓が取り付けられました。
　これは、何になるのでしょうか。

Second Part - 『The Laundry』

This room underwent a huge renovation at the hands of the craftsman. The room was split into two sections.

The section further from the door had tiles laid over its stone floor, and in the corner of the room a slanted ditch was dug.

Then in the corner of the room there was a stone box. It was large enough that three people could lay down in it. There was a slight indent left at the bottom of it.

Moreover, a small window was created near the ceiling. Just what was this supposed to be?


---


　第三章『地下室』

　暗い地下室に、匠と依頼人の姿がありました。

「いい地下室だな。これなら滅多にネズミも入らねえ」
「はい、で、こちらの隠し扉なんですが……この扉の奥にですね、こんなようなものを作って欲しいんですよ」
「なんだってこんな……あー、いや、何も言わねえ。俺はミリス教徒だが、泥沼は違うってこったな」

　依頼人の願いで、地下室に機材が運び込まれ、
　隠し扉の隅のシミは綺麗に洗い流されていきます。

Third Part - 『The Basement』

The craftsman and the client were standing in a dark basement.

"It's a good basement, huh. Like this, there basically won't be mice."

"Yes. So, it's about this concealed door but... inside this room, I want you to make something like this."

"Why something like... Ah, no, I won't say anything. Though I'm of the Miris Faith, you were different huh, Quagmire."※

At the request of the client, equipment was brought into the room, and the stain on the corner of the concealed door was cleaned off.


[※Note: Ohhh shit. Rape dungeon get.]


---


　二週間後。
　リフォーム公開当日。

　依頼人が妻を連れてやってきました。

Two weeks later, the renovations were finished, and it was time to show it off.

The client had brought his bride with him.

「見せたいものって何かなー、すごい楽しみだよー」
「棒読みだなシルフィ。もしかして君、こっそり情報収集とかして、事前に知ってるのではないかね？」
「えー、何のこと、ボク全然わからないよ」

　とても棒読みな少女とイチャつきつつ、雪の中を依頼人が歩いてきます。

"I wonder what it is that you wanted to show me~ I'm really looking forward to it~"

"You're speaking in monotone, Sylphy. Could it be that you've secretly gathered information and already knew in advance?"

"Ehhhh? What are you talking about? I have no idea."

While flirting with the girl who was speaking in extreme monotone, the client walked through the snow.

「俺の知らない間に、あの素直で従順だったシルフィが嘘をつくようになった。そう考えれば喜ばしい事なのかもしれない。けれども、こうして堂々と嘘を付かれると、これから先、また嘘を付かれるんじゃないかと心配になるのです」
「うっ……でも、ルディも悪いんだよ。アリエル様の名前を使うし、最後までボクに何も言ってくれないしさ」
「それは失礼」

　依頼人と妻のイチャつきはとどまる所をしらないようです。

"While we were separated, that meek and obedient Sylphy had turned into a liar. Thinking about it, it might be something to be happy about. But if you can tell such a huge lie like this, I'm worried that you'll lie again in the future."

"Uuu... But it's your fault, Rudy. You used Ariel-sama's name, and even until the end you didn't say anything about it to me."

"Sorry about that."

It seemed that their flirting wasn't going to stop.

「何も言ってくれないから、ボクも不安になるんだよ。その、ルディかっこいいし……」
「浮気をしていると？　心外だな」
「いやほら、ボク、その、あんまりあれが、ほら、小さいし」

　妻の不安げな顔を見た瞬間、依頼人の顔にニチャっとしたものが張り付きました。

"Since you didn't say anything, I got worried you know. I mean, since you're cool, Rudy..."

"You thought I was cheating? I'm surprised."

"No, I mean, look, I'm, you know, I'm not really, look, I'm small so,"

The moment he saw his bride's anxious expression, the client made a weird face and clung to her.

「なんや、胸が気になるんか？　安心せい、おじさんはな、平等主義者やさかい、差別野郎共とは違うんじゃ。うへへ」
「おじさんって……あっ、ちょ、いきなり揉まないで、ダメだって……人が見てるってば！」
「はい。ごめんなさい」

　家の前に来る頃には、叱られて尻尾を丸めた犬のようにしゅんとなった依頼人がいました。
　妻はズレそうになったサングラスを直しながら、「もう」と少々お怒り気味です。

"Whaat, you're worried about your chest? Don't worry, you know, uncle(I) is someone who believes in equality, and I'm different to bastards who discriminate. Uhehe."

"By uncle, you mean... Ah-, wa-, don't suddenly rub me, I said no.... We're in front of people!"

"You're right. I'm sorry."

By the time he arrived in front of the house, the client was downtrodden like a dog who had been scolded until his tail drooped. The bride fixed the position of her sunglasses while saying "Geez." a little angrily.

「時と場合を考えてよ。そういうのは夜、ベッドの中で！　いい？」
「はい、シルフィエットさん。もう二度としません」
「あ、で、でもどうしても我慢できなくなったら……その、ごにょごにょ」
「なんや、聞こえへんで……おじさんは耳が遠いからなぁ」

　そんな二人が家を見ます。

"You need to pay attention to the time and place. That kind of thing is for nighttime, when we're in bed! Okay?"

"Okay, Sylphiette-san. It won't happen again."

"Ah, b-, but if it gets to the point that you can't hold back anymore... ummm, -mumble mumble-"

"Whaat? I can't hear you... Uncle's ears are pretty bad, you see."※

That pair went to look at the house.


[※Note: For some reason when he speaks as 'uncle'/middle-aged-guy in these two lines, he does so in what I think is a Kansai dialect, but honestly speaking I'm only saying this because he uses 'hen' and 'ya'. Lot's of these random dialects have similarities, and honestly I can't even tell Hiroshima-ben and Kansai(specifically Osaka/Kyoto etc.)-ben apart.]

--Before Side--
　石には苔がこびりつき、壁には蔦が絡みつき、
　そこかしこで窓は割れ、入り口には壊れた扉が立てかけてありました。
　そんな、魔女が住むような不気味さを醸し出していたルーデウス邸。
---

--After Side--
　苔むした石は綺麗に磨かれ、壁は新しい塗料で真っ白に塗られています。
　くすんだ色になり元は何色だったかわからない屋根は、明るい緑色に塗りかえられ、
　扉は重厚な焦げ茶色の両開き戸が設置されています。
　金色に輝く蝶番の獅子が、まるで番犬のようです。
---

　妻はそれを見て、口元を抑えました。

--Before--
　The rocks had moss growing on them, and the walls had ivy.
　Here and there the windows would be broken, and a broken door was set against the wall near the entrance.
　The Rudeus Mansion had an atmosphere that seemed like a witch lived there.
---

--After--
　The mossy rocks were cleaned up nicely, and the walls had fresh white paint applied to them.
　The darkened roof whose original colour was unrecognisable was coated with a bright green,
　and at the entrance were double doors that were a dignified dark brown.
　The shining and golden lion at the door was like a guarddog.
---

Seeing this, the bride brought a hand to her mouth.


「どうだ？」
「あの、えっと」
「屋根の色は、シルフィの昔の髪の色に近いものにした。
　シルフィは嫌かもしれないけど、俺は結構好きだったからな」
「え？　あ、そうだね。へぁ～……」

　思っていた以上に、理想に近かったのでしょう。
　妻の方は口元に手を当てたまま、感嘆の声を上げて家を見上げます。

"How is it?"

"Uhm, umm."

"I made the colour of the roof similar to the colour your hair used to be. Though it's something you might hate, it was something I quite liked after all."

"Eh? Ah, okay. Haa~..."

It was probably closer to her ideal than she had imagined. With her hand still at her mouth, the bride let out a voice of wonder and looked at the house.

「ささ、どうぞ中の方も見てください」

　依頼人に促されて、二人は中へと入ります。
　玄関には足拭き用のマットが置かれていました。
　土足文化のこの世界を憂う依頼人の心意気が表れているようです。

"Come now, please have a look inside."

At the client's suggestion, the two of them entered. A mat for drying feet was left at the entrance.※ You could tell from it the client's worry and regret over this world's shoe-wearing culture.


[※Note: No, they didn't just say doormat. I'd just like to let you all know that I know it's called a doormat.]

「右がダイニング、左がリビング。どっちから見る？」
「えっと、じゃあ、ダイニング？　の方を」
「ダイニングがお好き！　結構。ますます気に入りますよ、さあどうぞ」

　どこかの国の車の販売人のような口調に、依頼人の緊張がにじみ出ています。
　入り口から向かって左手の部屋に入ります。

　大部屋は様変わりしていました。
　まず大きな長テーブルがおいてあります。
　装飾はされていませんが、十人は座れそうなテーブルです。
　壁には白い壁紙が張られ、部屋の隅には小さな花の生けられた花瓶が。
　大きな暖炉は修復され、新品のレンガの赤が部屋のアクセントになっています。

"The right is the dining room, and the left is the living room. Which should we look at first?"

"Umm, then, the dining room?"

"The dining room then! Very well. I'm sure you'll be quite pleased with it. Please go ahead and have a look."

In a tone like a certain※ country's car salesman, the client exuded nervousness. They entered the room.

The large room had undergone a complete makeover. First of all, there was a large, long table in there. Though there weren't any ornaments, it was a table large enough to seat 10 people. There was white wallpaper plastered to the walls, and in the corner of the room were flowers growing in a flower vase. The large fireplace was repaired, and the new red bricks were accented.

[※Note: It doesn't say certain. It says 'some country's' but that sounds weird in Eng, so yeah. There's also a mention that this room was on the left, from the perspective of the house's entrance.]

「わー、すごいね」
「食事はこちらか、もしくはリビングで取ります」
「こんなに長いテーブル、どうするの？」
「人を招いた時に使う事もあるでしょう」
「あ、そっか。そうだね。お客さんもくるんだよね」

　サングラスを外し、耳の裏をポリポリと掻く妻の頭を、依頼人は慈愛の表情でなでます。

"Wahhh, it's amazing."

"We can have our meals here, or otherwise in the living room."

"What's such a long table used for?"

"You can probably use it for when you invite people other."

"Ah, I see. That's right. We'll also have guests, huh."

The bride took off her sunglasses and scratched behind her ear. With a loving expression, the client rubbed her head.

「さ、次はこちらです。リビングです」

　依頼人に促され、二人はリビングへと移動します。
　そこには暖かな家庭的空間が広がっていました。

　暖炉を囲むように設置されたソファ。
　ソファの近くに置かれた小さなテーブルには、水差しとコップが置かれています。
　その部屋には、くつろげる家をという依頼人の想いを汲み取った、匠の心憎い工夫が見え隠れしていました。

"Well then, the next room is this way. It's the living room."

At the client's suggestion, the two of them moved to the living room. It was a large, warm, and family-orientated room.

There was a sofa that was place around the fireplace. Near the sofa, on a small table, a water jug and cup were left there. The craftsman understood the client's wish for a 'relaxing home', and you could see glimpses of his artisan's spirit in this room.

「なんかこの部屋、素敵だね。座ってみていい？」
「もちろんですとも。んああ、おっしゃらないで、シートがやや固い。しかし使い込めば柔らかくなっていくそうです」
「まだ座ってないよ……ていうか、なんかルディ。さっきから口調が変だね」
「ちょっと緊張しているもんで」

　ソファに恐る恐る腰掛けた妻。

"This room is kind of, wonderful, isn't it? Can I try sitting down?"

"Of course! Mnn ahh, don't say it, the seat is a little tough. However, it seems that it'll become softer with use."

"I haven't sat down yet, you know... Or more like, Rudy, your tone has been weird for a while now."

"I'm a little nervous, you see."

The bride meekly sat on the sofa.

「別に硬くないよね」
「そうか、そりゃよかった」

　依頼人も妻の隣に腰掛けます。
　そしてそのまま妻の肩を抱いて。
　向き合う顔。絡み合う視線。
　妻がそっと目を閉じて……。

　依頼人は妻を立ち上がらせました。

"It's not really that hard, is it?"

"Really? Thank goodness."

The client sat down near the bride. Like that, he wrapped his arm around her shoulders. Their faces were turned to each other. Their gazes overlapped. The bride gently closed her eyes...

The client stood the bride up.

「つ、次の部屋に行こうか。次は厨房です。
　我がルーデウス邸の誇る調理施設をご覧にいれましょう」
「う、うん！」

　厨房。
　そこには、以前よりあった石窯に加え、最新の調理機器が揃っています。
　巨大なイノシシを仕留めても捌ききれるような大きな作業台。
　どこにでもあるような大きな鍋の乗ったかまど。
　そして、どこにでもある保存用の樽や壺、瓶。

"S-, shall we head to the next room? The next one is the kitchen. Let us have a look at this Rudeus Mansion's prided cooking facilities."

"Mm-, mmm!"

The kitchen. In addition to the furnace that was already there, a set of the newest cooking equipment were sitting in the room. The table was large enough that even if you killed a huge boar and brought it home, you could prepare it on the table. On the furnace was a commonplace, and large pot. There were also commonplace earthenware barrels and jars, for storing things.

「ここは普通だ」
「普通だね」

　急に真顔になった依頼人に、妻も真顔でうなずきました。
　さて、お次は、洗濯場です。
　廊下を歩き、入り口から中へと入ります。
　すると、妻は首を傾げました。

"This place is normal."

"It's pretty normal, huh."

The client had suddenly made a serious face, and the bride nodded with a serious face. After this was the laundry. They headed down the hallway and entered it. When they did, the bride tilted her head.

「あれ、狭いね」

　大きな桶、洗濯板。
　そして一抱えもある籠が幾つかおかれたその部屋。
　洗濯をするにはこれぐらいでも問題がないのですが、少々気になります。
　特に、奥へと続く扉が。

"Huh? It's small, huh."

There was a large bucket, and a washboard. There was also a few baskets left there. Though there would be no problems doing laundry with just this much, they were a bit bothered by it. In particular, the door that was further into the room.

「御覧ください」

　依頼人が奥への扉を開けます。
　すると……。
　なんという事でしょう。
　そこには、大きなお風呂。
　大きなお風呂場が作られていたのです。

"Please have a look."

The client opened that door. When he did, it was shocking. There was a large bath in there. A large bath had been created.

--Before Side--
　石窯もないただの部屋。
　洗濯をするにしては少しばかり広すぎる、殺風景な二番目の厨房。
---

-- After Side --
　床にはタイルがしかれ、部屋の端にはたっぷりとお湯の蓄えられた大きな湯船。
　傾斜の付けられた溝から、サラサラとお湯が流れていく。
　ただの石造りの部屋が、瀟洒なお風呂へと様変わり。
--

--Before--
　An empty room without even a furnace.
　A room a little wide for laundry, and a spartan secondary kitchen.
---

-- After --
　The floor was covered in tiles, and a large bathtub that was filled with a lot of warm water.
　Water flowed along the inclined grooves.
　A plain, stone-built room was transformed into a tasteful bath.
--

「えっと……。これは、もしかして、お風呂？」
「さすがシルフィ。風呂をご存知でしたか」
「あ、うん。王宮にいた時に、ちょっとね……でも、こんなに大きいのは初めて見るよ。
　温泉って言うんだっけ？」
「温泉とはちょっと違うけどな」

　驚きを隠せない妻。
　その顔を慈しむ目で見る依頼人。
　彼の表情から「混浴が楽しみでゲス」という真っ黒な心の声が、聞こえてくるかのようです。

"Umm... Could it be, that this is a bath?"

"As expected of Sylphy. So you knew about baths?"

"Ah, mmn. While I was in the royal palace, you know...? But this is the first time seeing such a big one. Is this what they call a hot spring?"※

"Spas are a little different."

The bride couldn't contain her surprise. The client looked at her expression affectionately. From his expression, you could hear the voice of his pitch black heart; "I'm looking forward to baths -disgusting laugh-".


[※Note: One of the ways of writing 'spa' is written/read the same as hot spring. Well, it IS the same, in a sense. Or more like, the word means both hot spring and spa. I was gunna write hot springs, but then changed my mind. Well, hot spring spas are still spas, so I guess writing 'spa' is more inclusive.]

「今は見せるためにお湯を入れていますが、
　普段は水を抜いておくつもりです」
「うん。えっと……あとで入り方を教えてね。わっ！」

　依頼人が妻を抱きしめました。
　どうやら、妻の唐突な一言に、感極まってしまったようです。

"It's been filled up so that I can show you, but I plan on draining it normally."

"Mn. Umm... Later on, show me how to get in, okay? Wah!"

The client embraced his bride. It seems that somehow or other, at his bride's sudden words he was overcome with emotion.

「もう、なんなの……？」
「いや、どうやって一緒に入ってもらおうかと悩んでたんで、つい」
「どうやってって、お風呂って一人で入るものじゃないでしょ？
　アリエル様はいっつも従者の人と一緒に入ってたもん。
　だからボクも、お風呂の経験はあるんだ。アリエル様を洗ってあげた事あるし」
「……ある部族の流儀だと、夫婦だとお互いの体を洗いあうんですよ。知っていましたか？」
「そうなんだ……それはちょっと恥ずかしいね。でも頑張るよ」

　そんな会話の後、階段をつかって２階へとのぼります。
　雨漏りの心配のあった天井は綺麗に修復され、明るい木材の肌を見せています。
　依頼人はまっすぐに奥の扉へと向かいます。

"Geez, what is it...?"

"No, I was worrying about how to get permission to bathe with you, so I unconsciously..."

"'How'? A bath is something you don't get in alone, right? Ariel-sama would always get in with an attendant, after all. That's why I have bathing experience as well. I washed Ariel-sama after all."

"...According to a certain culture, the husband and wife wash each other's bodies, you know. Did you know this?"※

"So that's how it is... It's a bit embarassing, huh? But, I'll try my best."

After having that conversation, they walked up the stairs to the second floor. The roof that seemed like it would leak had been restored and now displayed it's bright wooden surface. The client immediately headed to the door further in.


[※Note: Genius strategist, Roux'Deus Glaylatt]

「とりあえず二階で用意したのはこの部屋だけだ」
「……あ、すごい」

　一歩入った妻は、驚きで目を見開きました。
　目に飛び込んできたのは、人が三人寝転んでもまだ余裕のあるベッド。
　そこには、依頼人お気に入りの枕が、一つだけおいてありました。

"For now the only room I've prepared on the second floor is this one."

"...Ah, amazing."

After taking a step into the room, the bride widened her eyes in wonder. What her eyes flew to were the bed that was large enough to hold three people. The only thing on it was the client's favourite pillow.

「なんでこんなにおっきなベッドを？」
「そりゃ、もちろんシルフィを美味しく食べるためさー」
「……あ、そっか。そうだよね、えへへ」

　依頼人と、その妻の顔にはにかんだ笑顔が咲きました。

"Why such a huge bed?"

"Well that's so I can eat you right up, Sylphy."

"...Ah, I see. That's right, huh? Ehehe."

Shy smiles blossomed on their faces.


---


　と、某ドキュメンタリー風に新家屋をシルフィに紹介してみた。
　シルフィはベッドに座りつつ、俺に寄り添っている。
　ニヤニヤしていて、上機嫌だ。
　気に入ってもらえて、何よりだと思う。
　このまま押し倒して、夫婦の営みというものに移行したい。
　が、その前に、ちょいとお話する事がある。

And so ends the documentary-like introduction of the house to Sylphy. She's sitting on the bed, and nestled※ against me. She was grinning and in a good mood. I'm glad above anything that she likes it. I want to push her down, and continue doing what husbands and wives do. However, before that, there's a little something I need to discuss with her.


[※Note: I like this word. yorisou. I learned it for the first time when playing Kamidori (one of the tracks on the soundtrack was yorisoiatte and translated as nestled together).]

「シルフィ、結婚すると言ってから約３週間。短いですが、少々時間をおきました」
「は、はい」

　敬語を使ったのは、真面目な話をするからだ。
　シルフィもそれに気づいたらしく、居住まいを正した。

"Sylphy, it's been about three weeks since we decided we'd get married. Though it was short, some time has already passed."※

"Ye-, yes."

Using keigo basically meant that it was an important discussion. Noticing this, Sylphy fixed her posture.

[※Note: Oh yeah. He uses keigo again.]

「結婚と言われても、正直な所、俺はどうすればいいかわかりません。
　こうして家を買ってはみたものの、正直先走った感じがしてなりません」
「そ、そんな事ないよ、ボクは嬉しいし。こんな立派なお屋敷、むしろボクなんかにいいのって感じで……」
「そうですか。問題が無いのならいいのですが、話したいのはつまり、これからの事です」

　これからの事。
　そう言うと、シルフィは顔を赤くして、なにやらもじもじとし始めた。

"Though we're getting married, honestly speaking, I have no idea what to do. Frankly speaking, thought I bought a house, I can't help but feel that doing so was too forward."

"I-, I don't think so. I'm really happy after all. This is such a wonderful place that on the contrary, I'm wondering if someone like me is fine..."

"Is that so? It's alright as long as there are no problems then, but what I wanted to talk about was basically what we'd be doing after this."

What we'd be doing after this. When I said that, Sylphy's face turned red and for some reason started to fidget.

「えっと、ルディが望むんだったら、何人でもいいよ？
　でもボク、長耳族の血が結構濃いから、できにくいかもしれないけど……」
「お、おう」

　非常に興奮するお言葉だ。
　現代日本じゃあるまいし、結婚したのに経済的な理由で子供はお預けとか言われたら嫌だしな。

　うむ。俺は本能には忠実なのだ。
　生物の本能とはすなわち生殖である。
　生殖とはすなわち子作りである。

"Umm, how many do you want, Rudy? But my elf blood runs strong, so it might be difficult to conceive but..."

"Y-, yeah."

Those were some really arousing words. Since this isn't modern Japan, there's no aversion to having children due to economic※ reasons.

Mmn. I'm someone who follows his instincts. The instinct of living beings is, in other words, to reproduce. Reproducing is, in other words, making babies.

[※Note: I think this is economic in the sense of efficiency/household expenses. Not as in, 'oh fuark, GFC'.]

「でも、アリエル王女の護衛はどうするんですか？」

　が、しかし。
　シルフィの仕事に対しても、理解があるつもりだ。
　アリエル王女がどう考えているのかわからないが、
　もし妊娠して身重になれば、護衛の仕事を続けることは出来ないだろう。
　まあ、それだけなら、俺なり何なりが代わればいい。
　俺も戦闘力だけなら、それなりに高いしな。
　しかし、護衛の仕事はそれだけじゃない。

"But what are you going to do about your job as Ariel-sama's guard?"

However, the issue of Sylphy's job should've been easy to understand. Though I don't know what Ariel-sama is thinking, if Sylphy becomes pregnant she won't be able to continue as a guard. Well, if it was just that, I or someone else could replace her. My battle ability is pretty high after all. However, being a guard isn't just about battles.

「どうするって……？」
「両立は難しいのではないですか？」
「そのへんは、アリエル様とも話し合ったんだけどね」

　話し合ったらしい。
　当然か。

"What do you mean by 'what'...?"

"Wouldn't it be difficult to do both?"

"Regarding that, I've discussed it with Ariel-sama."

It seems they've discussed it. I guess it's natural.

「ボクらはまだあと２年はこの国にいるし、卒業した後もすぐにアスラ王国に戻るわけじゃないんだ。大体あと５年ぐらいを目安にしてる。だから、えっと……」

　シルフィは、護衛をやめるつもりはないらしい。
　簡単に護衛をやめるという選択肢が出てこないあたりに、アリエルやルークとの絆の強さを感じる。

　昔の俺に依存していたシルフィだったら、なんと言っただろうか。
　全てをほっぽりだして俺と添い遂げる、とか言い出しただろうか。
　それはそれで嬉しいが……。

"We'll be in this country for another 2 years, and it's not like she'll be returning to the Kingdom of Asla the moment she graduated. She'll probably be here for another 5 years. That's why, umm..."

Sylphy doesn't seem to be planning on quitting her job as a guard. From the fact that she won't simply quit, you can feel the strength of her bonds with Ariel-sama and Luke.

If it were the old Sylphy who just depended on me, what would she have said? Would she have thrown everything else away and remained with me for the rest of her life? That would be nice in it's own way, but...

「ゴメン……よく考えたら、ルディに失礼な話だよね……。
　こんな立派なお家も買ってくれたのに、
　アリエル様の護衛があるから、あんまり居着けないだろうし……。
　これじゃ、妻になる資格なんてないよね」

　シルフィは沈痛な面持ちで、顔を伏せた。
　男は仕事をして、女は家を守る。
　という意識はあまり強く無い。
　男女で強さに大差のない世界だからか。
　とはいえ、一応、男が働き、女が家を守るのが理想とは言われている。

"Sorry... Thinking about it, I'm being rude to you, aren't I...? Even though you've bought us such a wonderful house, I won't really because to settle down because I'll be serving as Ariel-sama's guard... I'm not really qualified to be a bride like this, am I?"

With a melancholy expression, Sylphy lowered her gaze.

'The man goes to work, and the woman looks after the home.'

That kind of idea isn't really strong here. It might be because the men and women in this world don't have a large difference in strength. Even saying that, you could say that it's still an ideal here that the men work and the women stay at home.

「やっぱり、ボクじゃダメかな？」

　シルフィは、目に涙をためてそんな事を聞いてきた。
　なんだか申し訳ない気分になる。

　二年間の禁欲生活。
　それが性欲を取り戻し、二年、いや三年分の白い血潮を吐き出したのだ。
　俺の脳内ではシルフィ＝エロい事をさせてくれる人、というものがインプットされている。

　要するに俺のシルフィに対する好意は大半が性欲なのだ。
　これはもはや刷り込みに近い。

　だが、俺はそれ自体は悪いとは思っていない。
　俺にとって、性欲とは大切なものだ。
　シルフィはそんな大切なものを取り戻させてくれた。
　自分の体を使って。

　俺は獣族にドン引きされるほどの性獣だ。
　その俺に媚薬を飲ませ、襲われる。
　シルフィは初めてだった。
　俺は乱暴だったし、さぞ怖かっただろう。
　だというのに、そうした素振りは全く見せず。
　朝起きたら俺を見て微笑んでくれた。

　そのお陰で、俺は力を取り戻すことができたのだ。
　シルフィがダメなら、誰がいいというのだ。
　もし、ここで適当な理由でシルフィと結婚しなければ、
　そして、シルフィが他の男に取られたら。
　俺は一生後悔するだろう。
　取られたら……。
　そうだ、すでにシルフィは俺のものだ。

"I might, really be no good, huh?"

Said Sylphy, with tears in her eyes. She seemed apologetic for some reason.

2 years of abstinence. Having regained my sexual desires, two, no, three years worth of white stuff erupted from me.※ It's been inputted into my mind that Sylphy = person that allowed me to do erotic stuff.


[※Note: Sorry. Didn't know how to word this well in English. It says 'I let out two, no, three years worth of 'white blood'.
白い血潮 It's 'white' + 'blood (with the connotations of it being raging, or about to burst open, or spill forward). Gives the impression of intense passion or emotion, sometimes. Like 'hot blood of youth' uses this term. Decided to write 'erupt' but I wonder if that's the best way of putting it.]

You could say that most of my good will towards Sylphy is sexual. This is already basically carved into me.

However, I don't think that this is bad in itself. To me, sexual desire is something important. Sylphy was the one who brought this important thing back to me, using her own body.

I'm such a massive sex beast that the Beast Race will draw away from me. If you feed someone like me an aphrodisiac, you'll be attacked. It was Sylphy's first time. Because I was so rough, I'm sure that she was scared. Even though that was the case, she completely hid it. When I woke up in the morning, she even looked at me with a smile.

Because of that, I was able to regain my power. If Sylphy is no good, then who on earth would be? If right now for some reason I didn't marry Sylphy, and then Sylphy was taken by some other guy... I'd probably regret it for the rest of my life. If she were taken from me... Right, Sylphy is already my belonging.

「シルフィは俺の物だ」
「ふえ！？　あ、はい。ルディのです」
「なので結婚してください」

　思えば、こうシルフィに対してハッキリと口にしたのは、初めてだったかもしれない。

"You're mine, Sylphy."

"Fue!? Ah, yes. I'm yours, Rudy."

"So please marry me."

Thinking about it, this is the first time I've said it directly to Sylphy.

「……はい」

　シルフィは、頬を赤らめながら頷いてくれた。
　ほっと一息。

"...Yes."

While her cheeks turned red, Sylphy nodded. I let out a sigh of relief.

「護衛の仕事のことは、気にしないでください。
　家のことは俺も頑張りますから。
　シルフィは、シルフィのやりたいようにやればいいのです」
「うん」
「まあ、出来れば何日かに一度は一緒に寝てほしいなー、ぐらいには思っていますが」
「うん？」

　口から欲望が漏れた。

"I'll try my best with house, so please don't worry about your job as a guard. It's fine just to do as you like, Sylphy."

"Mn."

"Well, if possible, I'd like to sleep with you once every few days though~ That's about all I want."

"Mn?"

My desires leaked out.

「……寝るって、そういう意味だよね？」
「いえいえ、もちろん強要はしません。ダメな時は、ちょっとだけシルフィの貧乳を揉ませてくれれば大丈夫です」
「えっと……ボク、頑張るよ？　ルディに我慢させるつもりはないよ？」
「無理はいけません。一日の疲れはきっちり癒さねば。夜寝る前か、朝起きた時にちょっとだけ揉ませてくれれば、自分で処理しますので」

　どんどん欲望が溢れ出てくる。
　いや、シルフィの前ではあまり格好つけてもしょうがない。
　俺は元々、こういう奴なのだ。

"...By sleeping, you mean 'that kind of sleeping, right?"

"No, no, of course I won't force you. When you don't want to, I'll be happy just being allowed to rub your tiny chest."※

"Umm... I'll give try my best? I don't plan on making you endure, you know?"

"It's not good to force yourself. You have to properly rest up after a tired day at work. I'll take care of things myself as long as you let me touch you a little before bed for example, or in the morning."

My desires are completely overflowing. No, even if I try and put on an act, it's meaningless in front of Sylphy. I was this sort of person from the beginning.


[※Note: The reason it's easier to specify 'tiny chest' is because it's one word in the Japanese.　貧乳(hin'nyuu) It's like, poor + boobies. I guess the opposite of 巨乳(kyo'nyuu) 'huge tits'.]

「ルディってそんなにボクのおっぱいが好きなの？」
「大好きです」
「ルークはボクの胸に魅力なんか無いって言ってたけど……」
「あんな若造の言うことは何一つ信用してはいけません」

　若い奴ほど、デカイだの小さいだのに拘る。
　しかし大切なのはそんな事じゃない。
　ハートだ。
　ですよね、おっぱい仙人。

"Do you really like my boobs that much?"

"I love them."※

"But Luke said that my chest has no charm at all..."

"The words of a whippersnapper like him have zero credibility."

The younger you are, the more you fuss over whether they're large or small. However, what's truly important isn't that. It's heart. Right, Oppai-sennin?


[※Note: srs discussion]

「でも、ほとんどルディと変わらないよ？」
「いいえ、俺の鍛えられた大胸筋と、シルフィの美しい貧乳は違うものです。何なら触ってみますか？」
「あ、うん」

　そう言って胸をつきだしてみると、シルフィの手がそっと触れてきた。

"But you know, it's not really that different to yours, Rudy?"

"No, these huge, forged pecs※ of mine are different to that beautiful flatchest of yours. If you want, how about having a touch?"

"Ah, mn."

Saying that, I push my chest forward and Sylphy softly touches me.


[※Note: LOL. 'forge' is just how they say work out, but I think he sounds like a bigger faggot if I leave it like this. So yeah :D]

「確かに全然違うね……なんか硬い……」
「ふん！」
「……わっ！」

　調子に乗って胸筋を動かしてみると、シルフィは慌てて手を離した。

"It really is completely different, huh... It's hard..."

"Hmph!"

"...Wah-!"

When I got carried away and flexed, Sylphy moved her hand away in a panic.

「この胸筋はシルフィのものなので、何時でも触っていいですからね」
「……ぼ、ボクのはルディのものだけど、触る時は時と場所をわきまえてね」
「今は？」
「い、今は、だ、大事な話をしてるんじゃないの？」

　っと、そうだ。
　話がそれた。

"Since these pecs belong to you, feel free to touch them whenever you want, okay?"

"...A-, although I'm yours, Rudy, keep in mind the time and location, okay?"

"How about now?"

"R-, right now is, um, we're in the middle of an important discussion aren't we?"

Oop, that's right. We got off topic.

「つまり、何が話したいかというとですね。
　これからの結婚生活を円滑にするために、
　お互いに要求するものとか、不満とかがあったら、きちんと話し合いをしていきましょうと。
　そういう事を言いたいわけです」

　そうやって無理やりまとめると、シルフィはうんと頷いた。

"In other words I should get to the point, huh. So that our married life goes smoothly from now on, we should properly discuss what expectations we have of each other, what we're dissatisfied about, and things like that. That's basically what I want to say."

After I tried my best to summarise what I wanted to say, Sylphy nodded.

「うん。そうだね」
「さしあたって、何か俺に言っておくべき事とかありますか？」

　シルフィはちょっと考えてから、目を伏せた。
　そして、寂しそうな顔で笑って、言った。

"Mn, that's right."

"For now, is there anything that you think you should say to me?"

After thinking for a while, Sylphy looks downwards. Then in a melancholy smile, she spoke.

「突然、いなくなったりしないでね？」
「……ああ」

　そうだな。
　突然、どっかに行かれるのは、辛いよな。

"Don't suddenly disappear, okay?"

"...Yeah."

That's right, huh. It'd be rough if I suddenly went away somewhere.

「わかった。突然いなくなったりはしない」

　約束した。
　好きな相手にいなくなられる事の辛さは理解しているつもりだった。

"I've got it. I won't suddenly disappear."

We made a promise. I think I understand the pain of having someone you love disappear on you.

「……」
「……」

　一応、大事な話は終わった。
　まだいくつか話したり相談しなければいけない事もあるだろうが。
　それはおいおいでいいだろう。

"..."

"..."

It seems that the important stuff is over with. There are a number of other things that we have to discuss but, we'll get through those one by one.

「……じゃあ、いいか？」
「ど、どうぞ」

　シルフィは緊張の面持ちで薄い胸を突き出してきた。
　俺はそれをまっすぐに揉もうとして……。
　我慢した。

　前回は野獣のようになってしまった。
　今回は欲望より優しくすることを優先しよう。

　俺はシルフィを優しく抱きしめた。
　そのまま、ゆっくりとベッドに押し倒す。

"...So then, can I?"

"G-, go ahead."

With a nervous expression, Sylphy pushed out her thing chest. I immediately made to rub them but... I endured it.

The same as last time, I was about to turn into a beast. This time let's prioritise treating her gently over lust.

I gently embraced Sylphy. Like that, I slowly pushed her down onto the bed.

「……も、揉むんじゃないの？」
「それは朝と夜の話です」
「う、うん」

　至近距離で見つめ合う。
　シルフィの潤んだ目に、俺の顔が写っている。
　彼女は目をそっと閉じた。
　俺は彼女の頭を撫でながら、ぎこちなくキスをした。

"...A-, aren't you going to rub them?"

"That's for morning and night."

"M-, mn."

We look at each other up close. My face is reflected in Sylphy's moist eyes. She gently closed them. While caressing her head, we clumsily kissed.


---


　その夜。
　俺はけだるい体を引きずりつつ、地下室へと降りた。

　入居間もないこの地下倉庫には、現在なにも置かれていない。
　申し訳程度に棚が幾つか置いてあるだけである。

　俺はその奥へと歩き、匠の手によって直された隠し扉へと手を掛ける。

That night. I raised my sluggish body and descended to the basement.

Since I had just moved in, right now there was nothing in the underground cellar. There were just a small number of shelves left around, and it was a pretty sorry state.

I walked towards the back of the room, and reached out my hand towards the concealed door that the craftsman had fixed.

--Before Side--
　開閉時にキィキィとうるさかった扉。
　隠し扉だというのに端が汚れ、明るくしてみれば一目瞭然。
---

-- After Side --
　開閉部に新しい金属を使用し、たっぷりと油をさした事で、扉は音も無く開くようになった。
　地下室に使われていた壁材料も一新され、そこに扉がある事など、誰もわからない。
--

--Before--
　A door that would creak 'kii kii' when opened.
　Though it was meant to be a concealed door, there were stains around it, and its existence became obvious once there was some light.
---

-- After --
　The metal parts responsible for opening and closing were new and properly oiled, so the door opened without a single sound.
　The cellar walls were also of new material, and noone would be able to tell that there was a door there.
--

　静かに開けられたその空間。
　そこにちょこんと鎮座しているのは、神棚である。
　白木で組まれた小型の神社。
　黒光りする石で作られた祭壇、そこに祀られた御神体。

　あの薄汚い研究室は綺麗に掃除され、神々しい空間へと変化を遂げた。


　全てが寝静まった夜、
　俺は新たなる聖域で神への祈りを捧げるのであった。

The door quietly opened to reveal a space. Quietly sitting inside was a household shrine. It was a small shrine made of unpaitned wood. The altar was made of lustrous, black stone, and a holy relic was enshrined there.

That filthy workshop had been cleaned up, and transformed into a sublime, and divine space.





In the night when everything else had fallen asleep, in this newly consecrated holy ground, I offered my prayers to god.







------------ Chapter End ------------